Caesar's or the Bellagio with my 80 year-"g"old Mom?
Aug 12th, 2006, 10:50 AM
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Caesar's or the Bellagio with my 80 year-"g"old Mom?
I'm in the process of booking a "vacation package" on Southwest - (can't believe how inexpensive!!) - and have now gotten it down to the two above referenced hotels (or the Mirage?)
Which do you think an 80 year old would enjoy more? She's very sharp, in fairly good health, and has never been to Vegas. We'll be more interested in sightseeing and shows than gambling.
Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated!
Cyn
Which do you think an 80 year old would enjoy more? She's very sharp, in fairly good health, and has never been to Vegas. We'll be more interested in sightseeing and shows than gambling.
Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated!
Cyn
Aug 12th, 2006, 10:59 AM
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They are all fine choices. There is a tremendous amount of walking in any of these hotels since they are so huge. Can she do that comfortably? I think the Bellagio is nicer then Caesar's but that is just my opinion.
Aug 12th, 2006, 11:23 AM
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Lori:
The walking may be a small issue - I'm now wondering about hiring a car and driver for the duration of the trip to lug us around. Anyone have any experience doing something like that?
I am leaning towards the Bellagio, but was thinking I had heard that Caesar's had recently renovated?
Also - (I'm on a roll) - do any of the "big-name" shows do matinees(sp)?
Cyn
The walking may be a small issue - I'm now wondering about hiring a car and driver for the duration of the trip to lug us around. Anyone have any experience doing something like that?
I am leaning towards the Bellagio, but was thinking I had heard that Caesar's had recently renovated?
Also - (I'm on a roll) - do any of the "big-name" shows do matinees(sp)?
Cyn
Aug 12th, 2006, 12:05 PM
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Cyn, there are no "big name" matinee shows.
You can hire a car/driver by the hour (check limo companies, Ambassador & Bell are two) but you might want to just use cabs to get around and be "more free" (not locked into time constraints with a car service). Cabs can be had at every hotel front entrance, you will see a taxi line. Even short distances can get expensive, but it's better then walking if your mother would find that difficult.
Of course, you can always rent a car, every hotel has a self-park (free). Some are a bit of a walk, but you could get the car and swing to the front entrance and pick up your mother. Or .. you can valet park. It can take a long time for them to go get your car tho so factor that in.
Of Bellagio & Caeser's I go with Bellagio. Request to be put in the main bldg., less walking (call and tell the reservationist you are bringing your mother and she cannot walk long distances and ask them to note that on your reservation - you can also ask for "close to elevators"). Booking through SW won't allow you to do that, but call the hotel and talk directly to them. Nothing is ever guaranteed with rooms but it is always good to ask.
As for shows -- "O" at the Bellagio is good. The new "Love" at the Mirage is supposed to be fantastic (I will see it in Oct.), the new production of Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian is also fabulous. Mamma Mia at Mandalay Bay is alot of fun, Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo is a wonderful magician ... it really depends on what you and your mother like. As for big name stars, check this site: http://www.lvol.com/lvoleg/lvshows.html
I always call the hotel directly for show tickets or use the web, but that site tells you what's on all over town.
There is a bus that runs on the strip, it's called "Duece" and costs $2/ride (or $5/day). My mother is 80 and in good health but I doubt if she would enjoy the bus if it were crowded (and they can be). The monorail runs too far back from the STrip to be very useful for you. There is a free tram between the Mirage and Treasure Island in case you are over there and want to go between the two.
Have fun !!!
You can hire a car/driver by the hour (check limo companies, Ambassador & Bell are two) but you might want to just use cabs to get around and be "more free" (not locked into time constraints with a car service). Cabs can be had at every hotel front entrance, you will see a taxi line. Even short distances can get expensive, but it's better then walking if your mother would find that difficult.
Of course, you can always rent a car, every hotel has a self-park (free). Some are a bit of a walk, but you could get the car and swing to the front entrance and pick up your mother. Or .. you can valet park. It can take a long time for them to go get your car tho so factor that in.
Of Bellagio & Caeser's I go with Bellagio. Request to be put in the main bldg., less walking (call and tell the reservationist you are bringing your mother and she cannot walk long distances and ask them to note that on your reservation - you can also ask for "close to elevators"). Booking through SW won't allow you to do that, but call the hotel and talk directly to them. Nothing is ever guaranteed with rooms but it is always good to ask.
As for shows -- "O" at the Bellagio is good. The new "Love" at the Mirage is supposed to be fantastic (I will see it in Oct.), the new production of Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian is also fabulous. Mamma Mia at Mandalay Bay is alot of fun, Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo is a wonderful magician ... it really depends on what you and your mother like. As for big name stars, check this site: http://www.lvol.com/lvoleg/lvshows.html
I always call the hotel directly for show tickets or use the web, but that site tells you what's on all over town.
There is a bus that runs on the strip, it's called "Duece" and costs $2/ride (or $5/day). My mother is 80 and in good health but I doubt if she would enjoy the bus if it were crowded (and they can be). The monorail runs too far back from the STrip to be very useful for you. There is a free tram between the Mirage and Treasure Island in case you are over there and want to go between the two.
Have fun !!!
Aug 12th, 2006, 12:12 PM
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I may be mistaken, but I think that in Vegas the shows that start at 7/7:30 are considered the 'matinees'. I guess that's because they start during the daylight hours
.... While the 10/10:30 shows are the evening shows.
In doing my vegas research, I looked for afternoon shows for any cirque show and for Phantom, and there were none. I did find things in the afternoon like magic shows, etc., but no "big" shows.
.... While the 10/10:30 shows are the evening shows. In doing my vegas research, I looked for afternoon shows for any cirque show and for Phantom, and there were none. I did find things in the afternoon like magic shows, etc., but no "big" shows.
Aug 12th, 2006, 01:06 PM
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hunterblu, I guess I phrased my post wrong, I will also see Phantom in Oct. (I can't wait, I've seen it in London, NY, LA, Phoenix 
I do have friends who saw it in Vegas and they said it was really fantastic. I think you are fine with P, we got Row E in what they call the "Golden Circle". The women I spoke with in reservations said all the seats had really good sight-lines .. let's hope so !!
I do have friends who saw it in Vegas and they said it was really fantastic. I think you are fine with P, we got Row E in what they call the "Golden Circle". The women I spoke with in reservations said all the seats had really good sight-lines .. let's hope so !!
Aug 12th, 2006, 01:29 PM
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I would choose Bellagio for you and your mother. Beautiful hotel and great location. Your mother will love the conservatory - gorgeous. You may enjoy having breakfast or lunch at the Cafe Bellagio which overlooks the conservatory. Very enjoyable.
If you stay at Bellagio, it would easiest to see "O". I'm sure she would love it.
Have fun!
If you stay at Bellagio, it would easiest to see "O". I'm sure she would love it.
Have fun!
Aug 12th, 2006, 10:34 PM
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Bellagio, the fountains, conservatory, buffet, and O, and the Chihuly glass ceiling are just some of the great things about this place. Also, the pools are great and I would think, easy to get into for your Mom.
2 thoughts. When you check in, mention you're celebrating your mother's 80th with her first trip to Vegas, and they just might at least give you a room facing the fountains. And also, if your mom finds the walking too much, I wonder if the Bellagio would have a wheelchair to borrow. There can be alot of walking involved. They could probably arrange for one to be rented. I know my own dad resisited this in his old age, but the few times he consented, he had so much more energy to do things.
2 thoughts. When you check in, mention you're celebrating your mother's 80th with her first trip to Vegas, and they just might at least give you a room facing the fountains. And also, if your mom finds the walking too much, I wonder if the Bellagio would have a wheelchair to borrow. There can be alot of walking involved. They could probably arrange for one to be rented. I know my own dad resisited this in his old age, but the few times he consented, he had so much more energy to do things.
Aug 14th, 2006, 05:20 AM
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Wow –thanks for all the valuable input! Bellagio it is! And I was hoping that would be the consensus – last time we were in Vegas (hmmm, quite a few years ago now!) we went to the conservatory, and I was thinking how nice the hotel seemed!
Lori: Thanks for all the info – why do you call the hotels directly to book shows as opposed to ticketmaster or the website you mentioned? You’re right about the bus – not a good idea with Mom. I’ll check into the limo services you mentioned, or just take cabs.
hunterblu:I got a chuckle out of the 7:30 shows being the matinees! Guess I’m gettin’ on in years! I won’t spend more time looking for earlier shows then!
mikesmom and chicgeek: Good thought on seeing “O” – we’ll try to do dinner in one of their 5-diamond restaurants and then head to the 7:30 show! Café Bellagio sounds perfect for breakfast!
Bikom and vegasnative: The wheelchair is a good thought, and I think she may like it. She had a health issue earlier this year, and we requested wheelchairs to get her through the airports when she was traveling north and then back south, and I think she actually liked getting the special attention. I’ll contact the hotel to see what they may be able to do. I will mention her birthday - you never know!
Onto some new questions/thoughts:
1.) Is the Pirate show at Treasure Island gone? I read something about “Siren show”?
2.) Can you still see the white tigers at the Mirage?
3.) Are there other quick, free things that we should not miss?
4.) Mom is interested in seeing Hoover Dam. I saw there is a “mini-trip” that lasts only the morning, but spends 2 hours at the dam. I was there pre-9/11, and we were allowed down into the inner parts of the dam – has that changed? Is there a lot of walking involved in the tour?
5.) How’s the art museum at the Bellagio?
6.) When looking to book seats for “O”, the best available looked quite good - BUT they said “wet seats”. Can anyone enlighten me as to what this means? For sure, Mom will not want her perm to get wet!!!
7.) I like the idea of doing dinner at the same hotel as the show we go to see. For our second show, I’m thinking about either Lance Burton’s magic show or Mamma Mia. When considering both dinner and the show, which would you choose, and which restaurant?
Thanks so much for all the help!
Cyn
Lori: Thanks for all the info – why do you call the hotels directly to book shows as opposed to ticketmaster or the website you mentioned? You’re right about the bus – not a good idea with Mom. I’ll check into the limo services you mentioned, or just take cabs.
hunterblu:I got a chuckle out of the 7:30 shows being the matinees! Guess I’m gettin’ on in years! I won’t spend more time looking for earlier shows then!
mikesmom and chicgeek: Good thought on seeing “O” – we’ll try to do dinner in one of their 5-diamond restaurants and then head to the 7:30 show! Café Bellagio sounds perfect for breakfast!
Bikom and vegasnative: The wheelchair is a good thought, and I think she may like it. She had a health issue earlier this year, and we requested wheelchairs to get her through the airports when she was traveling north and then back south, and I think she actually liked getting the special attention. I’ll contact the hotel to see what they may be able to do. I will mention her birthday - you never know!
Onto some new questions/thoughts:
1.) Is the Pirate show at Treasure Island gone? I read something about “Siren show”?
2.) Can you still see the white tigers at the Mirage?
3.) Are there other quick, free things that we should not miss?
4.) Mom is interested in seeing Hoover Dam. I saw there is a “mini-trip” that lasts only the morning, but spends 2 hours at the dam. I was there pre-9/11, and we were allowed down into the inner parts of the dam – has that changed? Is there a lot of walking involved in the tour?
5.) How’s the art museum at the Bellagio?
6.) When looking to book seats for “O”, the best available looked quite good - BUT they said “wet seats”. Can anyone enlighten me as to what this means? For sure, Mom will not want her perm to get wet!!!
7.) I like the idea of doing dinner at the same hotel as the show we go to see. For our second show, I’m thinking about either Lance Burton’s magic show or Mamma Mia. When considering both dinner and the show, which would you choose, and which restaurant?
Thanks so much for all the help!
Cyn
Aug 14th, 2006, 07:50 AM
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The "wet seats" for "O" are fantastic. My husband and I sat in those seats and just LOVED seeing the performers from that vantage point. We did not get wet at all.
If you can get them, I say go for it!
Have fun!
I'm glad you decided on Bellagio. I don't think you will be disappointed.
If you can get them, I say go for it!
Have fun!
I'm glad you decided on Bellagio. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Aug 14th, 2006, 08:46 AM
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cyn,
I will help with a few of your questions.
Hoover Dam: First of all, it's dam impressive ;-). I have done the tour pre and post 9/11. Both involved reasonable walking. Today you do not go as far "deep" into the dam. They then turn you loose to self guide to "talk areas". There are several of these, for example they have a guide on the edge of the Lake Meade side that will tell a story about the water intakes, state line, bunkers, etc. as a crowd gathers. He will answer questions. You then move on at your liesure to the next "guide". You can choose to do this or not.
I would still take Mom. The inside historical area and films are worth it IMHO.
Show and dinner: I vote for Mama Mia. Great show and much better restaurants at Mandalay Bay vs. Monte Carlo.
Yes the pirate show is gone. I have not seen the Siren show but it gets marginal reviews. Also not a place for an 80 year old....or children. Too much standing and crowds.
I agree Bellagio is a great choice!
Show her the fountains at Caesars that Evil Knevel busted himself up at, she may remember that.
How about the Liberace museum? I have never been there but perhaps Mom was a fan?
Have a great trip!
I will help with a few of your questions.
Hoover Dam: First of all, it's dam impressive ;-). I have done the tour pre and post 9/11. Both involved reasonable walking. Today you do not go as far "deep" into the dam. They then turn you loose to self guide to "talk areas". There are several of these, for example they have a guide on the edge of the Lake Meade side that will tell a story about the water intakes, state line, bunkers, etc. as a crowd gathers. He will answer questions. You then move on at your liesure to the next "guide". You can choose to do this or not.
I would still take Mom. The inside historical area and films are worth it IMHO.
Show and dinner: I vote for Mama Mia. Great show and much better restaurants at Mandalay Bay vs. Monte Carlo.
Yes the pirate show is gone. I have not seen the Siren show but it gets marginal reviews. Also not a place for an 80 year old....or children. Too much standing and crowds.
I agree Bellagio is a great choice!
Show her the fountains at Caesars that Evil Knevel busted himself up at, she may remember that.
How about the Liberace museum? I have never been there but perhaps Mom was a fan?
Have a great trip!
Aug 14th, 2006, 09:00 AM
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cyn, the reason I call the hotel box office directly for tickets is that they frequently can over-ride the website selection. For instance, the web will say Row B, Seats 22 & 23 but I know that Row B is too close. I then ask them for Row F for example. They can usually accommodate !! It's always good to have the theater seat map in front of you when you call tho.
Pirate show is gone .. Sirens have replaced it. It's kind of hokey but draws big crowds.
There is still a white tiger habitat up front at the Mirage but it is slated to be closed in Dec. Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden at the Mirage is still open ($15) and has the beautiful white tigers, lions, leopards, some llamas, etc. The Dolphins are included in the SG admission.
Mamma Mia is alot of fun and the Mandalay Bay is quite an impessive hotel. Lots and lots of places to eat there so you can't go wrong choosing to eat there before the show. Actually they have a very good "upscale coffee shop", I believe it is called Raffles, that is very nice and portions are huge. It's sort of a plantation/tropical decor.
Lance Burton is very enjoyable, the Monte Carlo is not as deluxe as Mandalay Bay tho, but there are plenty of places to eat.
You might also check into a trip over to the Ethel M candy factory, it's about 8-9 miles off strip (check the website for actual info) and your Mom might enjoy that too.
Pirate show is gone .. Sirens have replaced it. It's kind of hokey but draws big crowds.
There is still a white tiger habitat up front at the Mirage but it is slated to be closed in Dec. Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden at the Mirage is still open ($15) and has the beautiful white tigers, lions, leopards, some llamas, etc. The Dolphins are included in the SG admission.
Mamma Mia is alot of fun and the Mandalay Bay is quite an impessive hotel. Lots and lots of places to eat there so you can't go wrong choosing to eat there before the show. Actually they have a very good "upscale coffee shop", I believe it is called Raffles, that is very nice and portions are huge. It's sort of a plantation/tropical decor.
Lance Burton is very enjoyable, the Monte Carlo is not as deluxe as Mandalay Bay tho, but there are plenty of places to eat.
You might also check into a trip over to the Ethel M candy factory, it's about 8-9 miles off strip (check the website for actual info) and your Mom might enjoy that too.
Aug 14th, 2006, 10:01 AM
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I highly suggest Mamma Mia over Lance Burton. I liked them both, but Mamma Mia was beyond fantastic! Mom may also really enjoy Danny Gans (another pf my favorites). He does a lot with George Burns, Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr., so I think mom would like this as well. I have to say that Danny Gans is also fantastic! We have seen him about 5 times and would still go again and again. Lots of places to eat at Mandalay Bay, just check out their website, the Italian restaurant is great. I second Lori's suggestion to Ethel M's, they have a very nice cactus garden outside to stroll through as well as the chocolate factory inside.
Aug 15th, 2006, 05:43 AM
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SUCH great advice! OK: Here's the Itinerary:
Day 1: BDL to LAS flying Southwest, direct flight(Yahoo!)leaves 3: oopm, arrives 5:30pm. Dinner at Olives at 7:30.
Day 2: Mini Hoover Dam tour. Upon return, perhaps a nap for Mom? or a tour of the casinos? Play the afternoon by ear. Dinner at Del Lupo at 5:30, Mamma Mia (thanks for the candid input vegasnative and place2u )at 7:30, seats are in Section B, row J.
Day 3: Day for museums (I know I know - who goes to Vegas for museums!!) - Bellagio's, Liberace's (what a great suggestion placeu2- I remember as a child watching him on some show - Lawrence Welk perhaps? and my Mom just loved his playing. I think we'll both get a kick out of the museum!)- Madame Tussaud's. See how time goes to see what more we can do. 5:30 dinner at Le Cirque, 7:30 show at "O", section 102 row H. (I chickened out on the "Wet Seats" mikesmom - my mom would just be so unhappy if she got sprinkled on!)
Day 4: Pack and head to airport for 10:00am direct flight back to BDL. Arrive at 6:00.
Lori - it was great advice to contact the hotel directly - the concierge (Rosalie) was extremely helpful! She booked all tickets and dinner reservations (even those that the website said were unavailable!), and gave me some very good info - including the fact that the hotel has free wheelchairs readily available for hotel guests - and we can take it off hotel property if we choose.
I'm really looking forward to our mini-vacation. I started traveling with my Mom when my Dad died back in 1997. We've done at least a mini-trip every year since, and it has really given me such a nice relationship with my Mom. One of my favorite memories of Mom is a night we sat in an English Pub, drinking a beer and eating fish and chips, and her telling me her "stories". I think it was special for both of us! At any rate, I'm hoping to create some more wonderful memories with her!
Thank you all for your assistance, and I'll post a trip report at some point when we return. Any further words of advice or suggestions would be gratefully appreciated!
Cyn
Day 1: BDL to LAS flying Southwest, direct flight(Yahoo!)leaves 3: oopm, arrives 5:30pm. Dinner at Olives at 7:30.
Day 2: Mini Hoover Dam tour. Upon return, perhaps a nap for Mom? or a tour of the casinos? Play the afternoon by ear. Dinner at Del Lupo at 5:30, Mamma Mia (thanks for the candid input vegasnative and place2u )at 7:30, seats are in Section B, row J.
Day 3: Day for museums (I know I know - who goes to Vegas for museums!!) - Bellagio's, Liberace's (what a great suggestion placeu2- I remember as a child watching him on some show - Lawrence Welk perhaps? and my Mom just loved his playing. I think we'll both get a kick out of the museum!)- Madame Tussaud's. See how time goes to see what more we can do. 5:30 dinner at Le Cirque, 7:30 show at "O", section 102 row H. (I chickened out on the "Wet Seats" mikesmom - my mom would just be so unhappy if she got sprinkled on!)
Day 4: Pack and head to airport for 10:00am direct flight back to BDL. Arrive at 6:00.
Lori - it was great advice to contact the hotel directly - the concierge (Rosalie) was extremely helpful! She booked all tickets and dinner reservations (even those that the website said were unavailable!), and gave me some very good info - including the fact that the hotel has free wheelchairs readily available for hotel guests - and we can take it off hotel property if we choose.
I'm really looking forward to our mini-vacation. I started traveling with my Mom when my Dad died back in 1997. We've done at least a mini-trip every year since, and it has really given me such a nice relationship with my Mom. One of my favorite memories of Mom is a night we sat in an English Pub, drinking a beer and eating fish and chips, and her telling me her "stories". I think it was special for both of us! At any rate, I'm hoping to create some more wonderful memories with her!
Thank you all for your assistance, and I'll post a trip report at some point when we return. Any further words of advice or suggestions would be gratefully appreciated!
Cyn
