John

My wife and I and another couple would like to go to Las Vegas for the 1st time. We are in our late 50s, would like to stay on the Strip where we can see everything, but are very confused by the multiple packages being offered as well as which hotel(s) we might enjoy the most. We would prefer smaller, few children, and quality.

HELP - HELP - HELP

Terri

We always enjoy staying at Bellagio. It's not small, but it has a cozier (if you can use this word) feel than places like the MGM Grand or the Venetian -- not nearly as gaudy, and the restaurants are great. It also has a terrific poker room, if you play. The rooms are nothing too outrageous, but nice, even the standard rooms. If you stay there, ask for an upper floor with a view of the pools. I didn't care for Mandalay Bay at all --- tacky and loud. Same goes for the "new" Aladdin. Paris might be nice -- it can be a little quieter than some of the others. New York New York might be the noisiest. You might also try the Four Seasons -- it's located inside the Mandalay Bay, (a hotel within a hotel), but it's not a casino, just a nice hotel. Bellagio and Four Seasons never seem to have too many children as they're pricier than many other hotels. The older hotels like Tropicana can be a little run-down and smokier.

Frank

The Monte Carlo is centrally located and a little smaller than other Strip hotels. I would suggest your post your question there at the LVOL.com discussion board. The participants are very helpful.

Lori

Since this is your first visit to Las Vegas, I recommend that you stay center strip. The hotels in this area are Paris, Bellagio, Ballys, and Ceazars. This way you are right in the center and can head in either direction to see the sights. There is a monorail between Ballys and the MGM Grand, which is about a 2 mile walk, so this cuts down on the walking. By the MGM Grand is the Excalibur, NYNY, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, and Monte Carlo. Bellagio has a no children under 18 policy, but it is still one of the to be seen places, so it can get really crowded during the day. I absolutely love the Bellagio, but you may want to consider Ballys instead - less crowded, nice rooms, quieter atmosphere.

annemarie

It kind of depends on your budget. If you go when the pools are open, the Monte Carlo's may be crowded with kids as they have a little "wave" pool. The Bellagio is really quite classy as is the pool area but I have heard that the rooms are not as nice as the general public areas(more was expected) I find Bally's a bit old fashioned looking...no real pizzazz. We loved the rooms at Paris and there would be less children there. The rooms are quite nice...nicer than at Treasure Island and at Monte Carlo...good quality furnishings and a very nice bathroom. On top of this, they usually have good rates and offer Triple A discount if you have it. Four Seasons would be the ultimate in class and small scale(400 rooms or so) but it is at the end of the strip. I would prefer you are more central.

mike

Check out www.viped.com
This site will hook you up
in LV NV.

harvey

viped.com? Hook you up? With what? The urge to exit?

Anyway, you're not gonna get "small" and "quality" at the same time. Want center strip and small - go to Imperial Palace. Want center strip and quality -I'd vote for Flamingo Hilton, or Bellagio. Have fun. And yes, www.lvol.com is a good place to check things out.

Jen

I have been to Vegas several times. Try the www.lasvegas.com you can find pretty decent price and lots of info there, you can even book a package deal that includes air/hotl/car. I prefer to stay in the center of the strip for easier access (less walking)i.e. Bellagio, Bally's, Paris, Ceasar's Palace; it all depends on what you want to pay. Although, Bally's is more suitable for mature adults with no children, and it's less expensive than Paris or Bellagio on the average.

Aimee

I have to agree with Jen. My husband and I have stayed at Bally's and though it doesn't have any special gimics, the rooms are nice and the hotel is well situated. Anyway, there is so much do do, how much time do you want to spend in your room anyway? We used the monorail to get to the other end of the strip several times - a big time saver. The only problem was that we didn't make it to the hotels in the middle. Have fun!

Helpful

John, much has been written about Las Vegas, where to stay and eat, and other things to do, so be sure to use the SEARCH function. Type LAS VEGAS, and highlight Nevada. Many useful tips are contained in previous responses -- such as where you can still get a shrimp cocktail for 99 cents!
Lastly, what most people know by now, the best rates for any hotel can be had by staying Sunday through Thursday nights. Prices are raised for Fri and Sat stays -- some very significantly.

P.S. A couple we know got a wonderfully inexpensive package deal in mid-December (an excellent time to visit at bargain prices and stayed at the Aladdin and thought it was very nice. We're staying at the Paris next time based on their description. We also want to avoid the kiddie scene but don't want to pay the $200/night at the Bellagio.

Helpful

John, back again with a website you should visit:

http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/

There's lots of information. Be sure to click on the area that contains the "ratings" and "reviews" by people who have stayed at the various hotel/casinos.
Paris looks like a good bet as it did NOT get a high percentage rating as being "family friendly."
Good luck and have a great time in "Lost Wages."

My-Thoughts

The word "smaller" and "The Strip" are mutually exclusive.
Fewer kids? The Paris - which does not have an arcade or a food court, etc. and is considerably less expensive than the Bellagio which also does not "cater" to families.
Quality? Then, it sounds like Bellagio fits your requirements except for the "smaller." Cost of rooms is high end.