Hi, I'm considering a first time visit to Vegas. As I don't gamble nor smoke, I've several questions and would appreciate any input.

1. Any good family resorts anyone recommends? I am not going in for the casinos, Can i still stay at Mirage, or Treasure Island and like it? What is
the atmosphere for non-gamblers?

2. What's the best way to visit all the hotels to look at the free stuff, the architectures, etc. By foot? Is there a shuttle from hotel to hotel?

3. Is there a recommended tour company to go to Red Rock Canyon?

4. Are there any specific areas in the strip or elsewhere that are not safe, i.e I don't want to bump into drugs, bandits, and the like?

5. Do any resorts offer complimentary breakfasts? Are there good grocery stores on the strip if one intends on not eating out?

6. Is there a vacation package that you'd recommend out of Orlando that includes air/hotel?

7. How good is April of a timeframe to visit? is it crowded? When should I start making reservations?


8. How long does it take to go around
and see all the resorts, free stuff and
shows? Should I plan a 2 day vacation?

Thanks a bunch!

You've got to be kidding! Sorry fella/gal, no one's taking the bait!

Lo-I'm sure there are deals out of Orlando to Vegas--but they are probably a 3 or 4 night deals at various prices in the hotels. Check your local paper/travel agent. Try a condo (Jockey Club, Polo Towers, are ON the Strip) no casinos, lots of room. There are tours available to many places, there are buses. I don't think you can see ALL the hotels/casinos in 2 days, unless you never sleep, and like to walk A LOT!

uh, want us to do your taxes fer you also? clean your stove? babysit yer kids?

This is not a wisecrack, so please don't think I'm being insulting, but the best guidebook that I can suggest for answering all your questions is "The Cheapskate's Guide to Las Vegas." It's fun to read and offers a lot of good ideas for having a wonderful time.

Well, I AM a gambler, and I can't imagine why anyone would go there who doesn't. This is a town that was built around one thing: casinos. And free stuff?? What free stuff? You can watch the volcano erupt and the treasure island pirate act...they take about 5 minutes. I would sure encourage you to spend your money someplace else.

Susan, it's a great home base if you want to explore the area around there. Our son lived there for 8 yrs. and we went at least twice a year, and took off for the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, driving around Lake Mead, to Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Zion NP, Hoover Dam tours, drove down to Laughlin, and just around Las Vegas/Henderson to see what the "real" town looked like. I opted for the shows, over gambling--I can remember all the shows I saw, but I can't remember all the slots I played. We people watched, looked around the casinos on the Strip & Downtown, and considered retiring out there until our son moved back to our area. Get the local newspaper and look for coupons. There is a lot to do out there besides sit inside and never know whether its morning or night.

I haven't the time to answer all your questions but as the non-gambling wife of a a gambler I assure you there is plenty to do. Go to www.lvol.com to get all your questions answered. If smoke bothers you be prepared. Lots of smoke in Vegas. You could see it all in 2 days if you have the stamina. Mirage is a good central spot. Just stay on the main strip and it is as safe as any city. It is ALWAYS crowded in Vegas. Lots of lines for everything. The resorts are wonderful to walk. There is a shuttle and easy to hail taxi's and busses everywhere. Lots of shopping and the Museum at Bellagio and their fountain show is wonderful not to mention the million dollars worth of flowers that are always out. Enjoy.

I don't gamble but find LV entertaining. The Cirque du Soleil shows are amazing. There are some great pools. Hotels are interesting just to walk through. The smoke is by far the worst thing about LV, to me.
I would never consider staying at the Polo Towers or Jockey Club. THe better hotels are among the best values in the US.
You need to plan to do your touring on foot for the most part. There are trolleys, etc, but you won't see much that way. It's a LOT of walking, though. As for 'bad spots', the farther north on the strip you go, the seedier it gets. No real danger during daytime (and minimal risk at night in the well travelled areas).
2-3 days in Vegas is plenty for most people. More if you're taking a lot of side trips.

Lo--Neither my husband or I gamble, but we LOVE Vegas. There is so much energy there----lots of people having a great time. Stay at a hotel on the Strip, Bellagio, Mirage, Flamingo Hilton--all right in the center of it all. People-watching is great. Haven't yet found a FANTASTIC place to eat, but when I eat out, I'm so glad someone else is cooking for me, I'm not too picky. I'm not a smoker, but I guess I haven't found the smoke too overbearing. Have a great time touring the hotels, walking the strip, (I'd recommend staying on the strip and not venturing too far away). Go to a show--Mystere was good---really artsy and different, but fun. Go and Enjoy!!