Have arranged to stay at the Aladdin, Any views? Can I use other hotel facilities like the Mirage Pool for example? Like the look of Caesars Magical Empire, any good? Want to go to Grand Canyon for One Day and return to hotel. How much? What Companies? Anyone got any other opinions of must see and do's in SIN CITY. x

This is probably the most commonly asked set of questions on this forum. If you read thru some of the archives you'll find more answers in more detail than you'll get during the next couple days.
No, you can't use the Mirage pool if you stay at Aladdin.
CME is great for kids.
Aladdin is fine. It's not LV's best, but if you got a good rate it's a great place from which to get to know LV. Location is very central.
The list of things to see and do is extensive.

You are right Andy. I have started looking at some of the archive stuff and printed off lots of useful information. Lots of opinions and views.
Cheers

My husband and I (no kids) also enjoyed Caesars Magical Empire. The food was good and we thought the magicians were great. My husband is an amateur magician so he really enjoys the close up "sleight of hand" stuff.

Go on the vegaswatch forum online -- it's great for first timers and Vegas addicts!

We stayed at the Aladdin last year. We read here that we should ask for an upgrade which we did and we got it. I thought the rooms were nice. We had a big bathroom if that matters. We also had a view of the fountains at Bellagio and a view of Paris. There are two pools at the Aladdin which were fine but not anything great. I like PF Changs restaurant but it is a chain. We ate there the night we arrived because it was late and convenient otherwise I don't usually like going to restaurants I can go to at home.

Just how do you go about "asking for an upgrade"?

I read about it frequently for both hotels and airline classes. I have been upgraded to 1st. Class and Business Class on airlines without asking (there were unusual circumstances and very rare). Sorry, I just don't know how to ask I guess.

After thinking about my question, I should have upgraded it to it's own topic. Let's see what ideas I receive here.

Serious

I find requesting an upgrade doesn't typically work. I usually chat a bit and when they are registering you request a "large room, nicely located and away from the elevator"

It won't typically get you a suite, but it may help you get a nice sized quiet room.

the tram up mt charleston was something different.(if its still there).people have said that the water park was fun as well.

For 'fingers': many factors determine upgrade potential.
I'll refer specifically to LV since it is unique compared to other cities in this regard.
Staff get requests for upgrades constantly in LV so they get rather immune to it.
Staff often feel like they're doing you a favor (which they are) if they upgrade you, so what's the incentive for them to do so, knowing that they can't upgrade EVERYBODY who asks? Well, that's where the personal angle comes into play. It helps to be a smooth but non-patronizing conversationalist. it helps if you can 'read' the clerk well...even before you get to the desk, if you know you'll be asking for an upgrade, don't select the cranky/hassled looking person of the same sex as you. It helps to have an angle (anniversary, very frequent guest at the hotel, first time ever in LV, celebrating a birthday, whatever).

Whether you get the upgrade or not may depend on your willingness to pay $20 to the clerk as well. This must be done discreetly.

Many times they simply CAN'T upgrade you.
But getting a same class room away from elevators etc is not usually an ignored request.

Message - Laurie ([email protected])

Whilst you were staying at the Aladdin, did you dine at the Spice Market Buffet. I have heard, as B's goes it is v. reasonable.

Other opinions for dining from various indivduals on this site seem to beBR>1) Spago
2) Aureole
3) Mon ami Gabi
4) Gatsbys

There is so much choice, as always with the States.