Tanya

Was in Vegas for a business trip June 19-23. Stayed at THE Hotel, Mandalay Bay. Had an excellent rate on a suite ($159 + $10 resort fee). The suite was well appointed with a large living room and ample working space, large bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms. The resort itself is very large (approx 60 acres), and at first it was daunting trying to find my way around. Lots of signage to help though. The only complaint would be that smoking is allowed in the casino. The complex has several excellent restaurants to choose from, none that are inexpensive. House of Blues always had music - which was great. When there is entertainment on the stage they automatically charge your bill a 10% entertainment tax - so total tax before tip is 18.1%. I didn't use the pool area (100F and above every day), but my room overlooked the beach and it was a well used area! Lazy river, wave pool, etc.

It was easy to walk up the strip, with lots of overpasses and trams to take you from hotel to hotel. One morning I walked from Mandalay Bay (at the end of the strip) to Caesars Palace - took me about an hour at a leisurely pace. The hotels are corny, but at the same time, very entertaining. Only in Vegas can you walk through Egypt, New York, Paris and Rome all in one day!

Vegas isn't "cheap" to visit. Cab drivers told me the prices have risen dramatically over the last 10 years. Most cocktails will cost you over $15, you have to search for the happy hour specials. There is a CVS and Walgreen's on the strip (just past MGM grand) and water is significantly cheaper there than in the hotel rooms ($8 and up).

Taxis are plenty, but make sure they don't take you for a ride. Ask you conceirge approx how much the ride will cost and you can gauge it. One taxi driver got lost and I had to navigate him to my destination. At least he turned off the meter!

If you get a chance to see Celine Dion while in Vegas, I would highly recommend it. Although I didn't, several of my colleagues said it was the best - beware of the $20 drinks though!

If you are flying from Vegas direct to Canada, the old terminal you fly out of must have been the original air terminal and is ancient! Not a lot there, so don't expect to be able to enjoy a nice meal waiting for your flight.

gatlinburglover

Thanks for the trip report. My husband and I are thinking about taking a Vegas trip and some of your info will help us out and know what to do and not to do. Ive heard the Taxi's will take you the long way route so the fare is more.Thanks and glad you had a good time.

Tanya

I would recommend staying away from the months that are screaming hot! June, July, Aug (according to one taxi driver) can get quite unbearable. Walking at 5:30 in the morning, it was 81F, by the time noon rolled around, you didn't want to stay in the sun too long. Although you can literally go from hotel to hotel (or almost), there is something to be said for enjoying the outside! I also asked taxi drivers which spot on the strip was best to stay - some said the Cosmopolitan, although I think whereever you are, you will enjoy it.

dasilvabrasil

Very Nice. I stayed at MGM and thought it was great hotel. good locaton.

Tanya

MGM is a good location! Across the street is New York! We browsed through the hotel and stopped to look at the two live lions! Amazing what you will see in different hotels!

Suzyque

I would like to know where is the best place to stay with a small van RV for a few days at the end of Dec. - Jan. 1.
Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Suzyque

Thomas_Bannan

I stayed at the Luxor and had a blast. It was very clean with great customer service and very affordable prices. A friend of mine has his honeymoon there a few weeks ago. He had he had the time of his life. While I was there, I went to the Titanic and Bodies exhibits. Both are amazing! The food was fantastic. We went to Tacos and Tequilas for lunch and Rice and Co. for dinner. Both of which I highly recommend to anyone. We also went to the Chris Angel show, that was amazing. I'm still wondering how he cut that girl in half. Overall great experience and I highly recommend the Luxor to anyone traveling to Las Vegas.