cathycon

Hello, I know from reading posts on this forum that Vegas is not the place to bring kids but we are on route from GC to Yosemite and maybe never passing this way again, would like to stay for 2 nights and experience it. We are from Ireland and want this to be a holiday to remember (for all the right reasons!) 4 kids ranging 10 to 15. I'm confident of finding plenty of suitable activities however am not at all sure of where to stay. Will have a car but not interested really in driving so would like a hotel which is central, medium+ price (after roughing it in a tent in GC would like a bit of luxury but not break the bank ), gambling is not important but it doesn't matter if there is a casino in the hotel. I don't want anything sleazy and no "adult " entertainment but would like fun and plenty of life. Can anybody offer suggestions please?

sf7307

If this will be this summer, all the hotels in Vegas will be relatively inexpensive, because of the heat and the economy. Although I agree that Vegas is not a kids' town, I would still stay on the Strip (to me, what's the point of going to Vegas and NOT stay on the strip, with kids or otherwise). I believe the MGM Grand has a nice pool area with a lazy river; there may be others as well. I think you'll be spending your days at the pool, so I would pay a lot of attention to that feature, it's just too hot to do anything else except early and late.

nytraveler

You need to realize that Vegas IS sleazy and full of adult entertainment (most hotels have some). Also there are touts handing out flyers for explicit shows and "escort" services in the street and they will give them to anyone - including kids - willing to take them.

Vegas fun is aimed at adults - and several hotels have adult pool areas - and in others the general pool areas can be quite adult.

Sugget you look for a non-casino resort off the strip if you don;t planon gambling. (And do be aware that if you do gamble the kids have to wait elsewhere - they're not allowed in casinos.)

AAFrequentFlyer

With all due respect to the above post, pleeeeaaase???

It is an adult playground, but sleazy?


Back to the regular programming.

Try www.circuscircus.com

Not a luxury hotel but geared towards families. It is a large property and it does have a casino. It's centrally located and it is very reasonable.

The hotel houses the biggest indoor theme park with thrilling rides. Many fun games with prizes. Circus acts and if you really want to impress the kids, get tickets to "Mindfreak" show with Criss Angel. IMHO, the hottest and best magician working today, and I'm not even a big magic show fan.

For the thrill of their lifetime, take the kids to the top of Stratosphere Hotel where the highest roller coaster in the world is located. You literally hang to the side of the building at ~1000 ft up while going around and around.

The New York, New York hotel also has a very wicked roller coaster that snakes through the inside and outside of the hotel.

Plenty to do with kids and none of it has to be "sleazy" if that's not what you're looking for.

In the evenings catch the free shows in front of the hotels. Pirates, dancing fountains, etc. etc.

Have a wonderful trip!

cheryllj

You don't say when you are going, but as sf7307 says, there are LOTS of bargains to be had in Vegas this summer, even at the big strip hotels. I'm going in August and staying at the Paris for free, but even if I had to pay, there were very many amazing deals to be had, so shop around.

If you want to stay in a hotel that is central on the strip, look at the Paris/Bellagio part of the stip, where Bally's, the Flamingo, Harrah's and Planet Hollywood are the good budget options. If you want to stay off strip, the Hilton is linked via monorail.

Avoid Circus Circus at all costs.

sf7307

Avoid Circus Circus at all costs

speaking for cheryl (LOL!), I would agree with this. It's big, unattractive, ridiculously crowded and smoky, loud, just unappealing to me, even with kids. I personally would go for a more upscale place and if you must venture into Circus Circus, do so without staying there!

Dayenu

Children may be not allowed in Bellagio, yes, even to stay in the hotel. Avoid Circus Circus.

Check on the map where Caesar hotel is. This is the center, this is the best area to stay for the first-time visitor. Now make reservation in that area according to how much you want to spend.

MikeT

Bellagio's Under 18 policy

http://www.bellagio.com/under18policy/

cheryllj

FYI: Kids aren't generally allowed in casinos anywhere, not just the Bellagio casino (with exceptions if they are hotel guests who have to walk through to their rooms, or attending dinner, etc. as outlined in that policy linked above). But the OP says she isn't planning on gambling or trying to take kids into the casinos.

nytraveler

It's not that kids aren't "generally" allowed in casinos. It's against the law for anyone under 18 to gamble and casinos will only let kids walk through on the way to rooms if necesary - no stoping.

SAnParis2

Circus2 is a dump steer clear. I would opt for something like Paris due to the fact that it is mid-range price-wise & well situated on the Strip location-wise.

ksucat

Mandalay Bay Hotel has a great wave pool that your kids would enjoy..
NY NY Hotel has the roller coaster.
Love the Wynn hotel!
Do NOT stay at Circus Circus..go and have fun with the kids while you gamble.
Great deals all over Vegas for 4-5* hotels..
Check expedia.com
Great food too.
Have fun!

cheryllj

nytraveler:

I thought the legal age for gambling in NV was 21, not 18. Have they lowered the age? I heard they were considering it, but not that the law had actually changed.

Of course kids can't go into the casinos (duh!), but the Bellagio policy seems pretty standard to me. I've seen plenty of kids in the conservatory and gardens, so it's not like they are barred from the whole property.

GoTravel

When the Bellagio first opened, no one under 18 was allowed in the hotel unless they were a guest. They also banned strollers from the restaurants.

kelliebellie

There was just a topic on this somewhere. Anyway a great place for families to stay is the Desert Rose. The pool is just plain and small, but the rooms are suites with kitchens and a good central location.

http://www.shellhospitality.com/hote...ose/index.html

Definitely, definitely check out the aquarium at Mandalay Bay. It is the best.

I wouldn't call Vegas sleazy at all. There is a lot for families to do. The only thing you might want to watch out for are the guys on the streets handing out prostitute and stripper flyers. Even if they don't hand them to you, the streets will be littered with them. Although coming from Europe you are probably more open about nudity than us here in the US!

cathycon

Thank you everybody for the options you have all suggested. I think I will give Circus Circus a skip by all accounts and check out the others for the best deal. And Kellie bellie, coming from "Catholic" Ireland (like it or dislike it!) I guess there's plenty I'll be steering the kids away from!

mikesmom

Avoid Circus Circus. I would recommend Bellagio, Paris (nice hotel, great location, pool area is not great), Planet Hollywood, Mandalay Bay (not the best location on the Strip, but the hotel is very nice and the kids will love the pool area), The Wynn, The Venetian, Flamingo (not luxurious, but the pool area is nice and the location can't be beat). Your kids would probably enjoy one of the Cirque du Soleil shows. Our son has seen and loved Mystere, "O" and Ka!. If you are Beatles fans, LOVE at the Mirage is fantastic.

Good luck and have fun!

DebitNM

Because this will come up as a cheap hotel on a search, AVOID Imperial Palace. ick...

Deb

cathycon

There seems to be so much to see and do that we may just have to return sometime - without the children!

MichelleY

Cathy: try this link for discount codes:

smartervegas.com

Mirage, MGM and Wynne have many deals this summer.

Good luck,

MY