[aggie4ever]

On the package deals, I've noticed lately that you don't really save much on trips to Vegas anymore. Maybe a couple of years ago, but now the hotels' own websites usually give the best rates available, so I prefer booking through them. One, you can cancel within 72 hours with no penalty, and two, you don't get charged for the whole stay until after you are there. Also, try signing up with the hotels to get specials by e-mail, you might get a discount rate that way. They usually send out specials for the next month, sometimes for the next two months. So maybe book a hotel room now to make sure you have one, then keep checking for specials that you can book closer to your stay and cancel the old reservation. On the plane tickets, if Southwest flies from your airport, they are always having decent rates to Vegas. The downside with package deals is that usually you are stuck with a mediocre flight time or you don't get a non-stop flight. If you are only going for a couple of days, you don't want the first day to be shot by getting into Vegas after dinner probably.

On the Cirque shows, I agree that O is the best, but it will cost more, and since it is such a large showroom, it might be tough to get close seats. Mystere is a decent sized showroom, where most of the tickets are good. And since it isn't quite as popular, you can probably get tickets in the first 5 rows buying them a month or two in advance. On the topless showgirl shows, Crazy Horse Paris is one of the best. It is definately a lot more classy than some of the other ones, which are pretty much just up in your face with loud music and large you-knows. Plus, you can get half price tickets to it and the Mac King show the day of the show at Tix 4 Tonight (see http://www.tix4tonight.com for details)... they have like 4 places on the strip to buy tickets, pretty much all of the smaller shows are available. The big shows like all of the Cirque shows won't be available there, but most everything else is. Also, check the magazine that is in your room, I think it's called What's On. There will be some coupons for buy-1-get-1-free tickets for some shows.

Pretty much all of the hotels are decent on the strip. And since you won't be in the room too much, as long as it's clean, it's all good. Like someone else said, even a couple of blocks off the strip is fine if they have a shuttle. Just read some reviews on trip advisor or hotels.com. Although on the stip might be more convenient. Just be aware that the strip is deceptively long. From the south end (MGM Grand) to mid strip (Bally's or Flamingo) is probably a mile or mile and a half. So it can be walked, but be sure to plan enough time to get places, especially if you need to get there in time for a show.

[gamebreaker]

Weimer Wrote:I just realized I should probably clarify a little. We'd like the trip to be on the cheap side ($1000-1500 each at most) because we're both poor college kids. So places like the Wynn, Bellagio, and Venetian are out of the running for places to stay.

Go check out online, type in the hotel you want, and sign up for e-mails, they will send you rates of the rooms they have specials every month. They send it to me weekly, some pretty nice deals. You can get some amazing rates and free stuff. Paris is nice, NYNY - both are on the strip. You want to be on the strip vs Hard Rock which isn't. Ceasars looks cool walking to Pure club. I wasn't impressed with Ventian, partly b/c I lost $300.00 at craps table..lol! I wouldn't do Excalibur imo, just not as nice imo, it isn't bad, but there are better ones to stay at well within your budget. Nothing like getting good deals so you can spend your $$ elsewhere. You and your gf will have a blast. We (coworkers I gamble with) stayed for 3 days and it wasn't enough time imo. :lol: Be sure to bring appr dress attire if you want to hit the clubs, very strict in dress wear. Vegas is like sensory overload. I know you are with your gf. For me being single, it was like hotties heaven!! Mardi Gras was good, but Vegas was fantastic.

[All Time Giants]

go on the website VISITICKET.com and purchase a 2 day Las Vegas power pass...

with it you can visit hoover dam, the wax museum at venetian, ride the New York Coaster and many various attractions...its a great deal and if you plan out your daily schedule just right you can really hit up a bunch of fun things...

the two day pass gives you 48 hours to do as many things on the list as you can...its only like 90 bucks per 2 day pass per person and the hoover dam tour is like 65 bucks by itself...

[Weimer]

I love all the information you guys are giving me. This is the kind of thread I was hoping for. Thanks everyone. Anyone else with thoughts or opinions feel free to pipe in.

[Artist formerly known as Mofo88]

I just got back from Vegas last Wednesday, it's already super hot there it hit 105 last Tuesday. Like most guys here say staying at hotels aren't really an issue you only sleep there briefly. One trick I can tell you is that when you check into the hotel you stay at slide them a $20 bill with your id and ask for an upgrade. We stayed at TI and i slipped the girl a $50 for three room upgrades and we got free champange as well. Try the buffett once unless your huge into eating alot everyday once is plenty they all have the same types of food and at $20 to $30 a poop it's just not worth it.

Check out the hotel websites everywhere I know right now the have poker player rates at some places such as the Wynn for $99 a night since the world series is going on. I am not sure if your a poker player or not. The Rio isnt that great and out of the way the only reason I went to the Rio was to player poker at the WSOP. Downtown is kinda cool I guess if your into the party atmosphere. One thing you gotta check out for sure is a kiosk either he sets up on Freemont street or on the strip sidewalk besides Harrahs is a guy named TONY VEGAS who uses sprya paint cans to make pictures it's absolutely amazing how he does it and you'll wanna buy one for $35. Anyhow have fun avoid being in the sun too long it's killer I ended up with hives from it. Your right about the pool unless you like wading in a pool 3 ft high the only reasons to sit near a pool is to check out eye candy but you can go to planet hollywood and go eat at hawaiian tropics and see the waitresses there all 10's in bikinins.

Some websites you can check out are vegas.com, lasvegasadvisor.com

COnsider renting a car it's cheap and makes life easier when you wanna go from one end of the strip to the other or downtown.

[SDMF]

Weimer Wrote:Here's a random question for you guys that have been to Vegas. Am I better off going through one of the travel sites like Orbitz, Expedia, Priceline to get my tickets and hotel together? Or should I make the hotel reservation on the hotels site and buy the tickets separate?

I am leaving for Vegas on July 8th coming back to Indy on July 11th. I booked on lasvegas.com They have the best combined rates for flight/hotel. The wife and I are flying from Indianapolis roundtrip/nonstop flights and we are staying at the Flamingo for $712 for the total package. This is my 3rd time going to Vegas and I can't wait.

[Joseph Blue Palasky (Musial Collector)]

I only stay at the Flamingo, after stints at the Ex, NY NY, Tropicana, Monte Carlo and Ballys. Center strip, IMO a must if you are going to walk anywhere. No point being at the south end of the strip and wanting to go to the Venetian, Ceasars, TI, etc. to check them out. 1) taxi dollars back and forth will kill you, the strip is always packed, 2) the walk in the heat will kill you, 3) I know there is the rail, but that thing is always packed too. So staying center strip IMO is a MUST.

As for clubs, I have to suggest the Ghost Bar at the Palms or VooDoo Lounge at the Rio just for the fact that they are on the top of the hotel and provide you with a nice view of the strip. Even on a hot summer night, you still get a good breeze up there. Can hang out outside and enjoy the night. If you are into dance clubs, there is at least one in all of the big casinos, to me, they are all the same.

I highly suggest heading downtown for at least one night. It is safe and fun. The Freemont Experience is pretty cool. There is cheap slots, craps, bj (wow, all of that sounded dirty, LOL), beverages, food (you can still get a $.99 shrimp cocktail downtown). Well worth it.

Hit up at least one buffet, suggestion, the one that the Rio, World Canival is the name if it IIRC. Wonderful for a buffet!!!

As for higher end restaurants, have eaten at Rum Jungle the last two times we have been there. They have an all you can eat meat course (think Fogo De Chao, but not as many courses). Very Very Good. Also have eaten at the Paris, pretty good food for the price, good views of the strip.

Have fun!!!

[davcoop]

My wife and I actually eloped to Vegas. We got married at the Excalibur (her choice). We also stayed at the Luxor. It's cheap, and you can usually find deals online. Another good thing about the Luxor is that it has a train stop in front of it that will take you down the strip to Ballys i think. Anyway, while you're there if you have wheels and your into sight seeing, there is a place about an hour north of Vegas called "The Valley Of Fire" which has bright red rocks and petroglyphs and stuff like that.

We saw Blue Man Group at the Luxor and they were definently worth the money. I think they are at the Venetian now. The fountains in front of the Bellagio are really cool too.

The Luxor is also walking distance to the MGM Grand, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, and a few others I can't think of.

The New York New York has a roller coaster on the roof for a couple bucks I think and so does the Stratosphere at the opposite end of the strip.

And....

You can go see Pete Rose at the "Field of Dreams" store in Vegas. Wherever that is. I just read the Story about him and A-Rod on ESPN.com.

[Huffamaniac]

I go to Vegas at least twice a year. I go once wife my wife, and once with my friends.

The biggest suggestion I have is when you feel you are done gambling, and you have just ordered a drink, DO NOT continue gambling while you wait for the cocktail waitress to return with your drink. That "free" drink could cost you in gambling losses a real lot.

When you are not doing well gambling, it can be cheaper to just buy a drink at a bar then to risk gambling just to get a drink. Plus the Casino Royale has $1 Michelobs.

Stick to your budget, do not try to chase your losses, and have a good time!!

[Weimer]

Again, thanks for all the information everyone. Feel free to keep posting your advice and opinions. We haven't booked anything yet and are still in the planning stages of the trip. So all of this advice is useful in helping us make decisions.