We're heading to Vegas (first trip) in late-August and probably staying at Planet Hollywood on the strip for free due to mucho Starwood points. The question(s) that I have: Is it OK to visit and enjoy the great hotels like Venetian and Bellagio and experience all the things they have to do there or is this not kosher? Also, if we do visit these other hotels, what should be do besides just enjoy the ambience? (Of course, I imagine that we will be going to various shows at these other hotels.) Thanks!

Venetian and Bellagio have fine restaurants, shopping arcades, shows, as well as their casinos. At Bellagio you can watch the fountain show or catch O, Cique's water show. At Venetian the Blue Man Review is the headline attraction. You are also nearby MGM and NYNY, fine destinations with good entertainment and food. MGM has a lion exhibit that is entertaining and free.

Planet Hollywood is awful. My colleague and I were supposed to stay there last month for a conference. We each walked into our respective rooms, took one look around, and immediately called each other in disgust. We ended up sharing a room at the Bellagio instead. I think Starwood has had this experience many times since they took over the property a few months ago, because my coworker told the front desk, "I just can't," and he immediately released us from our reservations without penalty. Apparently, people make reservations assuming the hotel is renovated, but interior renovations (besides the lobby) have not begun. Try to use your points at the Westin instead.

Btw, they haven't even changed the beds or bedding to the Sheraton standard.

The hotels definately want you roaming around their properties, and you should certainly check out the top places like Bellagio, Venetian, and Wynn, etc. Plenty to see, eat and gamble on. And lots of shopping. You won't be able to use the pools or go up in the guest elevators, but I can't think of anything else you couldn't do. Maybe others can chime in.

They make the hotels so over the top to get you to come in even if you are staying somewhere else. They want you to drop your cash in their casinos after all!!!

Las Vegas has lots of fun stuff to see but keep in mind that these are huge hotel complexes and walking between them takes a lot longer than you would guess. (They always look so close!)

Here is an article you might read for some free stuff:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tr...vegas0704.html

The Fountains of Bellagio are my favorite. They remind me more of a fireworks show than a water show. Also, take in a show or two because the Vegas shows always seem as over the top as everything else there.

Have fun.

I enjoy roaming the Wynn, Bellagio, Venetian, Caesars and the Mirage. I hear that Planet Hollywood is getting their act together, so I'm hoping it will be okay for you in August.

Sure, this is the main pasttime in Vegas, go to different hotels/casinos, except that some don't allow visitors in the pool area. Other then that, go to any casino, restaurant, shop, spa, show, museum, watch the freebies like volcano, fountains, lions...

Hmmm...a giant hotel renovating in less than 90 days...impossible.

Well, I thought some of the rooms have been rennovated in late 2006/ early 2007. Tampatiger should call the hotel asking for a rennovated room. If none of them have been rennovated yet, then I apologize for giving mis information.

We talked to the maids about renovated rooms. They rolled their eyes. We asked the front desk. They rolled their eyes. Something's up.

Hmmmmmm. Thanks for sharing that hills. I'll check around and see if I can find out something.

I saw on trip advisor that some of the rooms have PH decor. Though it doesn't look like many rooms (if any) have been converted to Sheraton standards yet. See also this article: http://www.vegas4visitors.com/hotels.../planethwd.htm
The Westin Casuarina may be a better plan, as hills mentioned.

It's going to take a long time to convert the rooms. They can't take too many offline at a time, given that a ton of rooms are sold way in advance for conventions.