Going to Nevada & Las Vegas for first time
Apr 16th, 2002 | 02:07 PM
#1
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Going to Nevada & Las Vegas for first time
And I would appreciate input from people on what to do there. I am not into gambling, but the wife is dragging me there while we are in southern California for a wedding in July. We are flying into LAX renting a car and going to las Vegas until the day before the wedding - which gives us two or three days.
I am sure I will go to shows at these damn hotels or casinos. What are the things that will not drive me batty? What side trips can we take to see other things in Nevada?
And what are good hotels to stay at that in the moderate range (what is considered moderate in Vegas? I come from NYC where $1600 for a 1 bedroom apt is considered cheap) where things like complimentary breakfasts are included?
Any and all information would be appreciated.
grassy ass
I am sure I will go to shows at these damn hotels or casinos. What are the things that will not drive me batty? What side trips can we take to see other things in Nevada?
And what are good hotels to stay at that in the moderate range (what is considered moderate in Vegas? I come from NYC where $1600 for a 1 bedroom apt is considered cheap) where things like complimentary breakfasts are included?
Any and all information would be appreciated.
grassy ass
Apr 16th, 2002 | 05:04 PM
#3
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Gary, there's plenty to do in Vegas for those who don't enjoy gambling. Many of the hotels are architecturally stunning and definitely worth a visit on those grounds alone. I'm an architecture buff (and am particularly fond of "entertainment architecture"), and as far as I'm concerned there's nowhere on earth that compares with Vegas on those grounds. The nice thing is that you can wander around and gawk at the buildings for free. The exteriors of many of the big hotels are extraordinary, but many of them are also worth a trip inside. Some that I'd recommend in particular are Bellagio, Luxor, New York New York, Aladdin (particularly the Desert Passage shops area), Caesar's Palace (esp. the Forum Shops area), Venetian, and Paris.
The pirate ship battle in front of Treasure Island is also worth seeing, as are the volcano eruption at Mirage and the fountain show at Bellagio. Again, all these things are free.
If you like natural scenery, there are also some good half-day and day trips from Vegas. I like Red Rock Canyon very, very much -- some pretty spectacular landscapes, and it's hard to believe you're only 10-15 minutes from the Strip because it feels like you're on another planet. That's an easy half-day trip. I've heard Valley of Fire is even better, but it's farther away and would take the better part of the day.
The only problem with these activities is that it will be very, very hot in July. Try to do sightseeing like Red Rock Canyon very early in the morning or just before sunset. It'll still be really hot, though, so take lots of water, sunscreen, etc. There are lots of bus tours to these areas and you might want to consider those even though you'll have a car so you can enjoy the scenery rather than driving yourself (and won't have to worry about the car overheating, etc).
I think if you go into it with an open mind you will really enjoy your trip. A coworker of mine just went to Vegas for the first time, didn't put a single nickel in a slot machine or bet a dollar at a table, and he still had a terrific time and is already planning his next trip there. And if nothing else, it's such a slice of Americana that I think everybody ought to go at least once.
The pirate ship battle in front of Treasure Island is also worth seeing, as are the volcano eruption at Mirage and the fountain show at Bellagio. Again, all these things are free.
If you like natural scenery, there are also some good half-day and day trips from Vegas. I like Red Rock Canyon very, very much -- some pretty spectacular landscapes, and it's hard to believe you're only 10-15 minutes from the Strip because it feels like you're on another planet. That's an easy half-day trip. I've heard Valley of Fire is even better, but it's farther away and would take the better part of the day.
The only problem with these activities is that it will be very, very hot in July. Try to do sightseeing like Red Rock Canyon very early in the morning or just before sunset. It'll still be really hot, though, so take lots of water, sunscreen, etc. There are lots of bus tours to these areas and you might want to consider those even though you'll have a car so you can enjoy the scenery rather than driving yourself (and won't have to worry about the car overheating, etc).
I think if you go into it with an open mind you will really enjoy your trip. A coworker of mine just went to Vegas for the first time, didn't put a single nickel in a slot machine or bet a dollar at a table, and he still had a terrific time and is already planning his next trip there. And if nothing else, it's such a slice of Americana that I think everybody ought to go at least once.
Apr 16th, 2002 | 05:10 PM
#4
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The Mirage is quite nice, especially if you can get into one of the newly remodeled rooms. We stayed in a "volcano view" room last time we were there. I don't know that it's that much better than the TI, especially if you can book a room for $65.00. You can always ride the tram between the two.
Apr 19th, 2002 | 04:48 AM
#5
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If you want to get a real feel for what is a good deal and also what is fun, visit www.cheapovegas.com. I found it very useful and also quite funny! I didn't gamble when I went a few months ago, and I found a LOT of things to do and to look at.
I recommend the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay hotel, and everything in the Bellagio hotel!
I recommend the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay hotel, and everything in the Bellagio hotel!
Apr 30th, 2002 | 06:43 AM
#6
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My husband and I went to Las Vegas in July 2001, were there for 9 days, and are not really into gambling that much either. It was one of the best vacations we had! The casinos are just awesome and each one has different things to see and do! The buffets at the casinos are absolutely wonderful! Several side trips we took were to HOOVER DAM AND LAKE MEAD: very neat and interesting. VALLEY OF FIRE: Amazing, beautiful, and unbelievable. RHYOLITE GHOSE TOWN: One of the best preserved ghost towns in Nevada. It's hard to believe this was once a busy, thriving town. Very, very, very interesting. And last but certainly not least: DEATH VALLEY, CA (right next door to Rhyolite, NV): You've got to see this place to believe it but you'll need more than 1 day to see it all. BEYOND BEAUTIFUL!!!
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Apr 30th, 2002 | 07:06 AM
#8
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Gary,
Don't sweat Vegas- if you go with an open mind you'll find plenty to enjoy. Downstairs at Caesars has great shopping, watching the statues turn alive is funny! Surprise your wife and renew your vows in a really tacky chapel!Elvis theme, ya know. Vegas is great for people-watching alone! Plus, you can find excellent food reasonably priced. In July, you might pick a hotel with an awesome pool for relaxation. Now you be sure to post your trip report!
Don't sweat Vegas- if you go with an open mind you'll find plenty to enjoy. Downstairs at Caesars has great shopping, watching the statues turn alive is funny! Surprise your wife and renew your vows in a really tacky chapel!Elvis theme, ya know. Vegas is great for people-watching alone! Plus, you can find excellent food reasonably priced. In July, you might pick a hotel with an awesome pool for relaxation. Now you be sure to post your trip report!
Apr 30th, 2002 | 10:55 AM
#9
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Gary, Forgot to mention, check out the car collection at the Imperial Palace. You'll love it! There's an admission charge but every so often there's a guy right out in front of the hotel handing out FREE tickets. Or you can look through those free booklets that you can find in hotels or some shops and there's coupons in those for free admission to the see the car collection.
Apr 30th, 2002 | 02:02 PM
#10
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Gary, here's a list of non-gambling things to do in LV (most of which are free):
Part 1
Frozen Drink (Casino Royale): time to start your vacation off right, at the bar (area that faces the street) they have a free drink for showing your out of state driver’s license (you CAN walk around with liquor, so get the drink and enjoy while walking to and in the Venetian)
Lobby (Venetian): be sure to go to the lobby and look up (then walk to the left if you’re facing the check-in desk) and see more of the ceiling
St. Marks Square (Venetian): see the canal and gondolas, as well as the painted sky
Parade in the Sky (Rio): The show is free to the public and is performed every 2 hours from 2:00pm to midnight daily EXCEPT Wednesdays (you’ll need to take a cab or shuttle bus there)
Rio to Harrah's (shuttle bus, to get to/from Rio for masquerade ball)
Runs every half hour from 9:00am to 1:00am (BUT I HEARD THIS IS NOT A RELIABLE SCHEDULE!!) may just want to take a cab to save the hassle (or go to the shuttle bus area at Harrah’s and if people are there and waiting a while, wait with them as one is likely to come soon, if not many people there, then you may have just missed the shuttle and take a cab from Harrah’s)
Pirate Show (Treasure Island): every hour on the hour from 4:00pm to 10:00pm weather permitting (also read it could be every 1 ½ hours) (HIGH PICK POCKET AREA DURING THE SHOW), get there AT LEAST 20 minutes before the show to get a space that the kids can see!!
White Tigers (Mirage): 24/7
HUGE Aquarium/Fish Tank (Mirage): 24/7 located behind the check-in desk
Volcano (Mirage): 6pm-midnite??, but great at night, so maybe do on the way back to hotel (it’s almost directly across from your hotel)
Statue Show (Caesars): every hour on the hour in the shopping mall attached to Caesars starting at 10am (not great, but kids MAY REALLY enjoy it)… be sure to look at the fountains/driveway on your way in (filmed Rain Man there when he was “driving” in the parking lot)
Fountains (Bellagio): make sure it’s dark/dusk when you go (every 30 minutes from 3pm-8pm, every 15 minutes >8:00pm, stay for a few songs as they’re different songs and fountain movements)
Flower Garden (Bellagio): walk in the main doors and go straight to the back to see (and notice the smell when you walk in) the most beautiful arrangement (better than it sounds)
Eiffel Tower (Paris): while at Bellagio turn around and see a “built to scale” version
Rain Inside (Alladin): by the shops there is some sort of rain contraption that makes it rain from the ceiling into a reflecting pond below (I don’t know much about this other than it exists)
Lion Habitat (MGM): 11:00am to 11:00pm daily
Skyline (NYNY): 24/7 not much inside, but great skyline outside
Pyramid (Luxor): no need to get too close, but cool pyramid building
Part 1
Frozen Drink (Casino Royale): time to start your vacation off right, at the bar (area that faces the street) they have a free drink for showing your out of state driver’s license (you CAN walk around with liquor, so get the drink and enjoy while walking to and in the Venetian)
Lobby (Venetian): be sure to go to the lobby and look up (then walk to the left if you’re facing the check-in desk) and see more of the ceiling
St. Marks Square (Venetian): see the canal and gondolas, as well as the painted sky
Parade in the Sky (Rio): The show is free to the public and is performed every 2 hours from 2:00pm to midnight daily EXCEPT Wednesdays (you’ll need to take a cab or shuttle bus there)
Rio to Harrah's (shuttle bus, to get to/from Rio for masquerade ball)
Runs every half hour from 9:00am to 1:00am (BUT I HEARD THIS IS NOT A RELIABLE SCHEDULE!!) may just want to take a cab to save the hassle (or go to the shuttle bus area at Harrah’s and if people are there and waiting a while, wait with them as one is likely to come soon, if not many people there, then you may have just missed the shuttle and take a cab from Harrah’s)
Pirate Show (Treasure Island): every hour on the hour from 4:00pm to 10:00pm weather permitting (also read it could be every 1 ½ hours) (HIGH PICK POCKET AREA DURING THE SHOW), get there AT LEAST 20 minutes before the show to get a space that the kids can see!!
White Tigers (Mirage): 24/7
HUGE Aquarium/Fish Tank (Mirage): 24/7 located behind the check-in desk
Volcano (Mirage): 6pm-midnite??, but great at night, so maybe do on the way back to hotel (it’s almost directly across from your hotel)
Statue Show (Caesars): every hour on the hour in the shopping mall attached to Caesars starting at 10am (not great, but kids MAY REALLY enjoy it)… be sure to look at the fountains/driveway on your way in (filmed Rain Man there when he was “driving” in the parking lot)
Fountains (Bellagio): make sure it’s dark/dusk when you go (every 30 minutes from 3pm-8pm, every 15 minutes >8:00pm, stay for a few songs as they’re different songs and fountain movements)
Flower Garden (Bellagio): walk in the main doors and go straight to the back to see (and notice the smell when you walk in) the most beautiful arrangement (better than it sounds)
Eiffel Tower (Paris): while at Bellagio turn around and see a “built to scale” version
Rain Inside (Alladin): by the shops there is some sort of rain contraption that makes it rain from the ceiling into a reflecting pond below (I don’t know much about this other than it exists)
Lion Habitat (MGM): 11:00am to 11:00pm daily
Skyline (NYNY): 24/7 not much inside, but great skyline outside
Pyramid (Luxor): no need to get too close, but cool pyramid building
Apr 30th, 2002 | 02:03 PM
#11
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Part 2:
Fremont Street Experience (Downtown): Hourly show from dusk to midnight. Free
Golden Nugget (Downtown): display of the world’s largest gold nugget
General (Downtown): see the lights and glitter; this is “old Vegas”
99cent Shrimp Cocktail (Golden Gate): may have to splurge $1.49 for medium size shrimp, but this is a Vegas Classic (if it’s not the Golden Gate, it’s a place next door, but I’m sure it’s advertised on the side of the bldg)
Aerial View of Vegas (Stratosphere): take the elevator to the top for an aerial view of Vegas (costs to go up, you can decide if you want to do it when you’re there)- : 9am - 1am Sunday through Thursday
Circus Events (Circus Circus): Free circus acts (on the ceiling above the casino), 11:00 am thru midnight daily (not worth a special trip, but "ok" to see if you're walking by)
.99 Margarita (next to Circus Circus): decent drink for the price (the place MAY be the Westward Ho)
Coffee Mug/Deck of Cards (Riviera): time to cash in the coupon you printed (DON”T do their $40 credit for $20 buy-in, although you may have to wait in that line for your mug/cards)
CAESARS MAGICAL EMPIRE (Caesars) Caesars Magical Empire at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South, offers free tours 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Guests can explore the catacombs en route to a 70-foot-tall central rotunda, where high-tech special effects are featured (I’ve never done this, but heard it’s decent)
Music Memorabilia (Hard Rock Café
: guitars, pictures, clothing, autographs, etc. (also note the giant guitar sign out front!)…. Stop by the concierge desk and ask for a "Rock Tour" map and you can take a self-guided tour of the hotel and all the rock'n'roll artifacts
MISCELLANEOUS:
Antique Car Show (Imperial Palace): free with coupons they “hock” in front of the casino
Star Trek Experience (LV Hilton)
Dolphin Habitat (Mirage)
Magic and Movie Hall of Fame (O’Shea’s, next to Flamingo)
Leid Discovery Children's Museum, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas NV, (702)382-KIDS(5437) or (702)382-3445 (1 mile north of Fremont St)
Ethel M tour – free chocolates at the end
Gameworks- NICE!! arcade with rock climbing wall (next to MGM). If you go, be sure to get coupon in “What’s On” (local LV advertisement magazine) for $10 Free with $10 Purchase (gets put on a card)
Rollercoasters- NYNY’s is good
Breakfast Buffet (Paris): Rumored to be SUPERB! with great crepes, omelets to order, and pastries (~$13 adults, kids ?? ½ price ??)
I HIGHLY recommend the show "Mystere." Expensive, but worth it!
Fremont Street Experience (Downtown): Hourly show from dusk to midnight. Free
Golden Nugget (Downtown): display of the world’s largest gold nugget
General (Downtown): see the lights and glitter; this is “old Vegas”
99cent Shrimp Cocktail (Golden Gate): may have to splurge $1.49 for medium size shrimp, but this is a Vegas Classic (if it’s not the Golden Gate, it’s a place next door, but I’m sure it’s advertised on the side of the bldg)
Aerial View of Vegas (Stratosphere): take the elevator to the top for an aerial view of Vegas (costs to go up, you can decide if you want to do it when you’re there)- : 9am - 1am Sunday through Thursday
Circus Events (Circus Circus): Free circus acts (on the ceiling above the casino), 11:00 am thru midnight daily (not worth a special trip, but "ok" to see if you're walking by)
.99 Margarita (next to Circus Circus): decent drink for the price (the place MAY be the Westward Ho)
Coffee Mug/Deck of Cards (Riviera): time to cash in the coupon you printed (DON”T do their $40 credit for $20 buy-in, although you may have to wait in that line for your mug/cards)
CAESARS MAGICAL EMPIRE (Caesars) Caesars Magical Empire at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South, offers free tours 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Guests can explore the catacombs en route to a 70-foot-tall central rotunda, where high-tech special effects are featured (I’ve never done this, but heard it’s decent)
Music Memorabilia (Hard Rock Café
: guitars, pictures, clothing, autographs, etc. (also note the giant guitar sign out front!)…. Stop by the concierge desk and ask for a "Rock Tour" map and you can take a self-guided tour of the hotel and all the rock'n'roll artifacts MISCELLANEOUS:
Antique Car Show (Imperial Palace): free with coupons they “hock” in front of the casino
Star Trek Experience (LV Hilton)
Dolphin Habitat (Mirage)
Magic and Movie Hall of Fame (O’Shea’s, next to Flamingo)
Leid Discovery Children's Museum, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas NV, (702)382-KIDS(5437) or (702)382-3445 (1 mile north of Fremont St)
Ethel M tour – free chocolates at the end
Gameworks- NICE!! arcade with rock climbing wall (next to MGM). If you go, be sure to get coupon in “What’s On” (local LV advertisement magazine) for $10 Free with $10 Purchase (gets put on a card)
Rollercoasters- NYNY’s is good
Breakfast Buffet (Paris): Rumored to be SUPERB! with great crepes, omelets to order, and pastries (~$13 adults, kids ?? ½ price ??)
I HIGHLY recommend the show "Mystere." Expensive, but worth it!
Apr 30th, 2002 | 08:57 PM
#13
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hello Gary,
All very good suggestions here. if you can get tickets to see "O" at the Bellegio, I highly recommend it. It is just awesome. Expensive, but worth it. Also sigfried and Roy. Another great show. I have heard Danny Ganz is very good. I saw an interview with him on TV just this week. I have not seen it myself. Go to Roman Times, a jewelry store in the Forum Shops at Caesars. My friends own it. Quite the place to LOOK! So much to do and see in LV. Drink lots of water. Don't get dehydrated and pass out like I did. Have fun. I know it won't be as bad as you think. You can enjoy yourself without gambling. I usually say to myself I am going to loose say $X or so in the slot machines. I am prepared to use X amount of money each time. When that's gone I am outta there. Sometimes you win. And then you end up putting it all back in. Fun and something different once in a while. The quarter machines are my speed. Last time my Mom actually came out ahead and that is the time to walk away. But as everyone has been quick to point out there are a lot of other things to do. Most of all, have fun.
All very good suggestions here. if you can get tickets to see "O" at the Bellegio, I highly recommend it. It is just awesome. Expensive, but worth it. Also sigfried and Roy. Another great show. I have heard Danny Ganz is very good. I saw an interview with him on TV just this week. I have not seen it myself. Go to Roman Times, a jewelry store in the Forum Shops at Caesars. My friends own it. Quite the place to LOOK! So much to do and see in LV. Drink lots of water. Don't get dehydrated and pass out like I did. Have fun. I know it won't be as bad as you think. You can enjoy yourself without gambling. I usually say to myself I am going to loose say $X or so in the slot machines. I am prepared to use X amount of money each time. When that's gone I am outta there. Sometimes you win. And then you end up putting it all back in. Fun and something different once in a while. The quarter machines are my speed. Last time my Mom actually came out ahead and that is the time to walk away. But as everyone has been quick to point out there are a lot of other things to do. Most of all, have fun.
Apr 30th, 2002 | 09:19 PM
#14
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The Venetian would be a fun place for you to walk around. Lots of shops and even gondola rides. A favorite though to enjoy is still the Paris hotel. They even have little French dressed guys riding their bikes delivering fresh bread (made on the premises) to all the restaurants at Paris. It's a fun place to walk and lots of shopping. Ceasars Palace is also a favorite for great shopping. The Aladin Hotel has a HUGE mall inside with every imaginable shop. Shopping wise, the Aladin is probably the best selection. I live here and am familiar with all of the hotels. I hope you enjoy my city!
Apr 30th, 2002 | 09:29 PM
#15
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Gary,
I can empathize. I spent 41 years in California perfectly content in never having seen Vegas since I am more of an "outdoorsy person". I also got dragged there for a family wedding. I did, however, find things to enjoy there. The things that bothered me the most was the smoke (smokers are free to smoke virtually anywhere) and the people handing out porno flyers everywhere you go and the heat, the terrible heat (line from Seinfeld). So what is fun? The posters above have given a comprehensive list. The things I enjoyed the most are:
1.Red Rock Canyon- go early or late in the day
2.The fountains at the Bellagio. We stand there for hours. Just remember to take bottled water as its hard to find a drinking fountain
3.The pool at the Mirage (feels like a cheap trip to Hawaii when you are lying there drinking a pina colada and looking at the palms and fountains
4. The Venetian is a trip to walk around
5. Check out the 911 memorial in front of NYNY hotel
6. Shows we have enjoyed are "O", Danny Gans and the Legends in Concert show at the Imperial Palace (impersonators of entertainers, including Elvis, pure Vegas)
7. Enjoy the fact that this place is unique and truly American and EVERYONE can have a good time there.
We stay at the Mirage, great service, good rates, fabulous pool and not snooty. Have fun, Chris
I can empathize. I spent 41 years in California perfectly content in never having seen Vegas since I am more of an "outdoorsy person". I also got dragged there for a family wedding. I did, however, find things to enjoy there. The things that bothered me the most was the smoke (smokers are free to smoke virtually anywhere) and the people handing out porno flyers everywhere you go and the heat, the terrible heat (line from Seinfeld). So what is fun? The posters above have given a comprehensive list. The things I enjoyed the most are:
1.Red Rock Canyon- go early or late in the day
2.The fountains at the Bellagio. We stand there for hours. Just remember to take bottled water as its hard to find a drinking fountain
3.The pool at the Mirage (feels like a cheap trip to Hawaii when you are lying there drinking a pina colada and looking at the palms and fountains
4. The Venetian is a trip to walk around
5. Check out the 911 memorial in front of NYNY hotel
6. Shows we have enjoyed are "O", Danny Gans and the Legends in Concert show at the Imperial Palace (impersonators of entertainers, including Elvis, pure Vegas)
7. Enjoy the fact that this place is unique and truly American and EVERYONE can have a good time there.
We stay at the Mirage, great service, good rates, fabulous pool and not snooty. Have fun, Chris
