Las Vegas trip report
Oct 21st, 2010, 06:40 PM
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Las Vegas trip report
My 56 year old husband and I just got back from Las Vegas yesterday. We left from Minneapolis on Saturday, 10/16. Upon arrival at the Vegas airport we were immediately aware of people and noise! There were people everywhere! We had to wait approx. 45 minutes for our luggage. Then we headed to the rental car terminal and got our car without problems. Except I was getting hungry. The cookies you get on the airplane don't last long!
We headed toward the strip and were surprised to see how close the airport is to the strip. We stayed at the Platinum Hotel just off the strip behind Bally's. It was wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about this hotel. They greeted us warmly and stored out luggage as our room was not quite ready. They had valet parking and the attendants were always smiling and ready to get the car for us, or to get us a taxi. I never saw one person that did not have a smile on their face and never heard one word of discontent. They went out of their way to make our stay very pleasurable.
We walked next door to a convenience store and picked up a couple of sandwiches to tide us over! They actually were good. By the time we ate the sandwiches our room was ready for us. I was not prepared for the space! We had a gourmet kitchen with black countertops, stainless steel appliances - including a dishwasher and washer and dryer. There was a living room with a huge plasma screen television and two queen beds in the separate bedroom. In the bathroom there was a large closet, two sinks, a shower and jacuzzi tub. There was also a large balcony with a table and chairs. We also had free internet. I swear, my husband and I could live there.
Hubby and I decided to walk down to the strip which was about a 10 minute walk. I always felt very safe, but there is an area between the Platinum and Bally's that is an empty lot and it had a lot of broken beer bottles and glass scattered everywhere.
Our first stop was to see the Bellagio Fountains. They were beautiful. We saw the show in the day time and night time. Both were wonderful. Since it was Saturday night - it was crowded. Since I am a geriatric social worker I notice elderly people and was quite surprised to see so many older people in wheelchairs, walkers, canes everyplace! We went into our first casino at Bellagio and played some penny slots. Neither my husband nor I are gamblers and we didn't have a clue what we were doing, but it was fun.
We walked around the area by the Flamingo and Ballagio, Caesers Palace. We ended up just getting a hot sandwich for the evening meal in a mall area. We headed back to the room and spent a couple of hours swimming at the pool.
Sunday morning we slept in. I love that about vacations. No work - just relaxation. We decided to visit the Valley of Fire and headed out about 11:00. It took approx. an hour or so to arrive. The drive up there was very boring. I don't find the desert beautiful or entertaining - but once we got to the Valley of Fire that all changed. It was fantastic!
The red rocks were beautiful and the formations were interesting. It was nice to get out and walk around and we took a lot of photos! The ancient Indian petroglyphs were awe inspiring. When I noticed some grafitti around some of these ancient symbols, it made me so upset. I don't understand people sometimes, I really don't.
But most of the petroglyphs were in good shape and had been left alone. We drove to the different areas where you can walk and hiked down to see some petrified logs and also went on the Mouse Trail where there were more petroglyphs. It was hot, but not unbearable so. I can imagine in the summer how intense the heat must be in those canyons. This trip was very worthwhile. I would recommend it to anybody traveling to Las Vegas. We headed to a small town nearby and ate lunch at a McDonalds. Can you see a pattern here? So far a day and a half in Las Vegas and not one good meal yet!
Sunday evening we spent the evening going in and out of different casinos. We spent some time in the Flamingo and Bally's. We also went into the Venetian. This was my favorite casino out of all of them. It was beautiful! There is an area by the gondola rides where the sky is painted blue with clouds. It looks just like you are in an Italian city. Finally, a good meal. We ate at an Italian restaurant by the gondola rides. Hubby had wonderful salmon and I had the cannelonni. It was great to have a good meal finally.
After another restful night, Monday morning hubby had to go to his conference. I stayed in the room and slept in. Took a leisurely jacuzzi and got breakfast through room service. At noon hubby arrived back and we headed out to Hoover Dam.
This was an easy drive, although the last 6 miles or so were stop and go traffic. The new bridge is complete, but was not yet open, although it looked ready to open any time. The dam was amazing. To think that this kind of engineering marvel was constructed so many years ago was hard to imagine. We did not take the tour, but we walked all over and took a lot of photos.
Monday evening we went to the Luxor Hotel, Mandalay Bay and Excalibur. We had another good meal that evening. We never did go to a buffet as the lines were always extremely long. We spent some time in all of the casinos - but were not very successful. We went to the wax museum at Paris and I thought Johnny Depp was especially lifelike. We even went into the scream exhibit and I did scream!
Tuesday hubby had to go to the conference again so I went with him to Circus Circus. I spent a lovely few hours playing slot machines and watching circus acts and going to the midway. I even won a stuffed bear at the camel race!
Tuesday evening we went to the Fremont Street Experience. It was o.k. It was nice to see - but we didn't stay too long. It was loud - very loud! I was getting a little bit tired of all of the people and all of the noise and all of the stimulation. We did eat supper there at an Irish Pub and once again had an excellent meal. On the way back to stopped at Treasure Island and hit up a few more slot machines.
Wednesday we slept in. Had another good breakfast at the Platinum and said our goodbyes to the lovely people there. They told us they would keep the lights on for us for our next trip. It was so nice to have a quiet, smoke free environment to come back to for a break from all the chaos.
Our return to the airport was easy. Other than our luggage was 4 pounds overweight and they wanted to charge $90 for the 4 pounds. So I did transfer some stuff from the luggage to carry on. I had bought a wooden cactus for my daughter and that stopped me in security for some time since it had a solid wooden base. Finally they decided that I was not smuggling illegal drugs or explosives in the cactus and let me through! The flight home was fine, but upon landing in Minneapolis and walking outside - was a shock to the system as it was approx. 30 degrees cooler!
Overall my impression of Las Vegas - I did not appreciate all of the people trying to give out cards for "young sexy girls" and having to see all of these cards scattered on the ground everyplace. I would not ever consider bringing a young child to the strip area. I am glad that we never had a desire to visit Las Vegas while our kids were young. I did not enjoy the smoke. I live in a smoke free state and can't remember the last time that I had to shower upon coming home because of smelling like smoke. I am content that I have seen Las Vegas but really do not have much desire to ever return. There are a lot of other places in the world I need to see yet and so little time!
We headed toward the strip and were surprised to see how close the airport is to the strip. We stayed at the Platinum Hotel just off the strip behind Bally's. It was wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about this hotel. They greeted us warmly and stored out luggage as our room was not quite ready. They had valet parking and the attendants were always smiling and ready to get the car for us, or to get us a taxi. I never saw one person that did not have a smile on their face and never heard one word of discontent. They went out of their way to make our stay very pleasurable.
We walked next door to a convenience store and picked up a couple of sandwiches to tide us over! They actually were good. By the time we ate the sandwiches our room was ready for us. I was not prepared for the space! We had a gourmet kitchen with black countertops, stainless steel appliances - including a dishwasher and washer and dryer. There was a living room with a huge plasma screen television and two queen beds in the separate bedroom. In the bathroom there was a large closet, two sinks, a shower and jacuzzi tub. There was also a large balcony with a table and chairs. We also had free internet. I swear, my husband and I could live there.
Hubby and I decided to walk down to the strip which was about a 10 minute walk. I always felt very safe, but there is an area between the Platinum and Bally's that is an empty lot and it had a lot of broken beer bottles and glass scattered everywhere.
Our first stop was to see the Bellagio Fountains. They were beautiful. We saw the show in the day time and night time. Both were wonderful. Since it was Saturday night - it was crowded. Since I am a geriatric social worker I notice elderly people and was quite surprised to see so many older people in wheelchairs, walkers, canes everyplace! We went into our first casino at Bellagio and played some penny slots. Neither my husband nor I are gamblers and we didn't have a clue what we were doing, but it was fun.
We walked around the area by the Flamingo and Ballagio, Caesers Palace. We ended up just getting a hot sandwich for the evening meal in a mall area. We headed back to the room and spent a couple of hours swimming at the pool.
Sunday morning we slept in. I love that about vacations. No work - just relaxation. We decided to visit the Valley of Fire and headed out about 11:00. It took approx. an hour or so to arrive. The drive up there was very boring. I don't find the desert beautiful or entertaining - but once we got to the Valley of Fire that all changed. It was fantastic!
The red rocks were beautiful and the formations were interesting. It was nice to get out and walk around and we took a lot of photos! The ancient Indian petroglyphs were awe inspiring. When I noticed some grafitti around some of these ancient symbols, it made me so upset. I don't understand people sometimes, I really don't.
But most of the petroglyphs were in good shape and had been left alone. We drove to the different areas where you can walk and hiked down to see some petrified logs and also went on the Mouse Trail where there were more petroglyphs. It was hot, but not unbearable so. I can imagine in the summer how intense the heat must be in those canyons. This trip was very worthwhile. I would recommend it to anybody traveling to Las Vegas. We headed to a small town nearby and ate lunch at a McDonalds. Can you see a pattern here? So far a day and a half in Las Vegas and not one good meal yet!
Sunday evening we spent the evening going in and out of different casinos. We spent some time in the Flamingo and Bally's. We also went into the Venetian. This was my favorite casino out of all of them. It was beautiful! There is an area by the gondola rides where the sky is painted blue with clouds. It looks just like you are in an Italian city. Finally, a good meal. We ate at an Italian restaurant by the gondola rides. Hubby had wonderful salmon and I had the cannelonni. It was great to have a good meal finally.
After another restful night, Monday morning hubby had to go to his conference. I stayed in the room and slept in. Took a leisurely jacuzzi and got breakfast through room service. At noon hubby arrived back and we headed out to Hoover Dam.
This was an easy drive, although the last 6 miles or so were stop and go traffic. The new bridge is complete, but was not yet open, although it looked ready to open any time. The dam was amazing. To think that this kind of engineering marvel was constructed so many years ago was hard to imagine. We did not take the tour, but we walked all over and took a lot of photos.
Monday evening we went to the Luxor Hotel, Mandalay Bay and Excalibur. We had another good meal that evening. We never did go to a buffet as the lines were always extremely long. We spent some time in all of the casinos - but were not very successful. We went to the wax museum at Paris and I thought Johnny Depp was especially lifelike. We even went into the scream exhibit and I did scream!
Tuesday hubby had to go to the conference again so I went with him to Circus Circus. I spent a lovely few hours playing slot machines and watching circus acts and going to the midway. I even won a stuffed bear at the camel race!
Tuesday evening we went to the Fremont Street Experience. It was o.k. It was nice to see - but we didn't stay too long. It was loud - very loud! I was getting a little bit tired of all of the people and all of the noise and all of the stimulation. We did eat supper there at an Irish Pub and once again had an excellent meal. On the way back to stopped at Treasure Island and hit up a few more slot machines.
Wednesday we slept in. Had another good breakfast at the Platinum and said our goodbyes to the lovely people there. They told us they would keep the lights on for us for our next trip. It was so nice to have a quiet, smoke free environment to come back to for a break from all the chaos.
Our return to the airport was easy. Other than our luggage was 4 pounds overweight and they wanted to charge $90 for the 4 pounds. So I did transfer some stuff from the luggage to carry on. I had bought a wooden cactus for my daughter and that stopped me in security for some time since it had a solid wooden base. Finally they decided that I was not smuggling illegal drugs or explosives in the cactus and let me through! The flight home was fine, but upon landing in Minneapolis and walking outside - was a shock to the system as it was approx. 30 degrees cooler!
Overall my impression of Las Vegas - I did not appreciate all of the people trying to give out cards for "young sexy girls" and having to see all of these cards scattered on the ground everyplace. I would not ever consider bringing a young child to the strip area. I am glad that we never had a desire to visit Las Vegas while our kids were young. I did not enjoy the smoke. I live in a smoke free state and can't remember the last time that I had to shower upon coming home because of smelling like smoke. I am content that I have seen Las Vegas but really do not have much desire to ever return. There are a lot of other places in the world I need to see yet and so little time!
Oct 22nd, 2010, 06:05 AM
#3
Yellowrose, I have the same dislikes about vegas as you also. Vegas will never be the 'family' destination it has tried to achieve as long as there are the porn peddelers everywhere the tourists are congragating. Another thing I dislike is the people buttonholing you as you walk down the strip who are trying to sell you timeshares and tickets. I have vacationed in vegas many times as its only a 3 hour flight from minneapolis, I like to play cards, see shows and eat at fancy restaurants, which vegas has lots of. If you don't lose a lot of money gambling vegas is a pretty cheap get a way. That is a great trip report and would have taken me 2 days to type! Just thiink, the drop in temperture could have been 50 degrees!!!
Oct 23rd, 2010, 11:34 AM
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Hello,
Your report is very helpful. We are trying to decide if going to Las Vegas is a good idea. We are from New Zealand and have a week to spare after visiting LA, San Fransisco, Big Sur area, etc. (three weeks). We can't decide between three options - 1. to add time to California area such as Anaheim area and see Disneyland 2. to take a flight and spend a week in New York City or 3. Do Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. I would love some advice. Thank you.
Your report is very helpful. We are trying to decide if going to Las Vegas is a good idea. We are from New Zealand and have a week to spare after visiting LA, San Fransisco, Big Sur area, etc. (three weeks). We can't decide between three options - 1. to add time to California area such as Anaheim area and see Disneyland 2. to take a flight and spend a week in New York City or 3. Do Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. I would love some advice. Thank you.
Oct 23rd, 2010, 12:03 PM
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If you are not interested in gambling, then I would suggest New York, not that you can't go to LV and not gamble but what's the point! Your other suggestion you mentioned Disneyland, unless you are taking kids the that is a no no, it's for KIDS right.
Oct 23rd, 2010, 07:30 PM
#6
jinz..I think it would depend on the time of year that you are traveling. Las Vegas is a great centerpoint for trips to Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Lake Mead and the amazing Zion National Park. But from June through September it can be way too hot to be able to enjoy a lot of what the area has to offer.
Oct 23rd, 2010, 09:12 PM
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Having been to all 3 places it is an interesting question. The grand canyon is an amazing place to see as is the Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, etc. A couple of days in Las Vegas is enough in my opinion to get the idea of what it is all about, unless you are a big gambler and like to sit in casinos. There are some good shows there - but they can be rather expensive. As the previous poster mentioned, the time of year could be a factor. New York city is a great place to visit any time of year- there are so many things to see and do there along with great shows, which can be rather expensive too! (Both New York and Las Vegas have places where you can get reduced prices on tickets.) We went to New York two years ago this time of year and had a wonderful time. Anaheim is not much to see unless you go to Disneyland, but unless you have kids - one day there would be enough. I think after thinking this all through - my vote would be for New York. Happy traveling!
Oct 27th, 2010, 03:34 AM
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Well Las Vegas is adventurous and an expensive place too. Traveling with family wouldn’t be that good an idea, preferably go with friends. Apart from casinos it includes Mojave Desert, Lake Mead, The Las Vegas Strip, Downtown/Fremont Street, to Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Lake Mead and the amazing Zion National Park. But make sure that you check weather as it is really hot in summers out there.
May 26th, 2011, 05:38 PM
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"I have seen Las Vegas but really do not have much desire to ever return. There are a lot of other places in the world I need to see yet and so little time!"
I get the feeling you dont travel often, or too far. If you are from Minnesota, you need to adjust to crowds, and the heat, and the long lines. Same for NYC, especially June-Sept20. That's why I do not recommend anyone come to neither Vegas, NYC, LA, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, June-Aug. Wait for school to be in after Sept15, or go March-May.
I suggest next Italy, Spain/Portugal, France(but not Paris). Too bad middle east is going berzerk as I cant recommend Egypt now.
PS: there is a reason why Vegas is called Sin City.
I get the feeling you dont travel often, or too far. If you are from Minnesota, you need to adjust to crowds, and the heat, and the long lines. Same for NYC, especially June-Sept20. That's why I do not recommend anyone come to neither Vegas, NYC, LA, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, June-Aug. Wait for school to be in after Sept15, or go March-May.
I suggest next Italy, Spain/Portugal, France(but not Paris). Too bad middle east is going berzerk as I cant recommend Egypt now.
PS: there is a reason why Vegas is called Sin City.
May 26th, 2011, 05:46 PM
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To the person from New Zealand. As long as you are on the west coast, stay there, see Hearst Castle, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, and other canyons, Las Vegas, LA, atomic museum, a show, ...and leave the East Coast for another trip.
When in NYC, check out Atlantic City. Write up how you compare it to Vegas. Ifcourse it's on the ocean, so it's cooler. Also, check out the people in AC having sex on the beach on the other side of the water levees/barriers.
When in NYC, check out Atlantic City. Write up how you compare it to Vegas. Ifcourse it's on the ocean, so it's cooler. Also, check out the people in AC having sex on the beach on the other side of the water levees/barriers.
Jun 5th, 2011, 09:24 AM
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POMAH -You may have the feeling that I don't travel often - but I do. I have been all over the world, many places in Europe, Asia, etc. I just didn't like Las Vegas that much. (I don't drink or gamble) Like I said, I am happy that I saw it - but there are a lot of other place that I want to see and since I am getting older - don't want to return someplace that I didn't really care for. I have lived in 5 different states as well so don't really need to adjust to crowds, temps, etc. We all have our likes and dislikes. Heading to San Francisco next! Want to see the redwoods and the Golden Gate Bridge. I have a lot of things left to see on my bucket list.
Jun 5th, 2011, 11:55 AM
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Ive been all over too but never to Las Vegas but it is somewhere I would like to go. If you havent been to The Great Smoky Mountains or Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge then I would reccommend going.It is beautiful there and lots to do.
Jun 5th, 2011, 07:00 PM
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I have been to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and you are correct. It is beautiful!! I enjoyed that trip very much. My brother lives in South Carolina and I want to go and visit him and while there I want to go and see Savannah as I have not been there before. I have seen pictures he has taken and it too looks beautiful.
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