I am taking my nephews to Las Vegas this summer. We plan on going at the end of July or early August and staying for 4-5 days. We live in the dessert, so the weather isn't really an issue for us. They are 13 and 17 years old, and are very well behaved.


Right now, we are planning on seeing Mystere, the Improv show at 2nd City, and possibly O. They want to go to the water park also. The older one likes to shop and doesn't like amusement park type stuff very much. The younger one likes amusement park stuff and likes to shop. They both like to eat and sight-see, but in bits and pieces.

I'm trying to decide on a hotel. My first instinct was Treasure Island or Caesar's Palace. I know they'd love the Forum shops at Caesar's, but I've heard the rooms are nicer and they are a bit more kid friendly at Treasure Island.

They have a pool at home so the pool isn?t that big of a deal to them. But, now I?m wondering about Mandalay Bay (lazy river) or the Venetian. We are thinking about going to the Guggenheim, and I think that's at the Venetian.

I don't mind splurging a bit, if it makes the trip nicer. I don't want to stay anywhere that they are greeted with dirty looks, just because of their age.

Any advice?

No one in any hotel in LV is going to give you dirty looks for bringing teens with you. Take a look around. They're everywhere in LV. You'll hear about Bellagio's policies which discourage kids, but there are still plenty of parents who like the hotel, bring their kids along and they're treated just fine.
Certainly places like Venetian, CP, etc won't even notice.
Venetian's pool is just so-so, and the Guggenheim exhibit is not worth selecting the hotel just for that reason.
CP's rooms in the new tower are nice, and the pools there are among the best in LV. Location is a plus.
Rooms at TI are not better than the tower rooms at CP.
One advantage of TI (if you want shopping) is that it is next door to the Fashion Show mall, which is now pretty nice with the addition of Nordstrom to the Saks, Neiman's, Macy's, Dillard's, Robinson's etc.
Most kids love MB. Great all around property, but limited shopping options at the very south end of the strip.

Since they are too young to go to the casino, I would consider a hotel like Excalibur which has a floor aimed just for the kids.

Do not stay at Excalibur -- it is not nearly as nice as any of the others you've mentioned. Our son is 16 and we have stayed at Treasure Island, Paris and Mandalay Bay since he was 12 years old. Mandalay Bay is a beautiful hotel and I'm sure your nephews would enjoy it very much - the pool area is great -- however, the location is not as ideal as Caesar's or Treasure Island. I think I would choose Caesar's (Tower Room), Treasure Island or Bellagio, if money isn't an issue. My son wants to stay at Bellagio the next time we travel to Vegas - he thinks it's "awesome".

Again, no Excalibur. Trust me.

Your nephews will enjoy Mystere and "O" - my son has seen Mystere twice and "O" once - LOVED BOTH!!!

Have fun!

I have to agree with the "no Excalibur" recommendations.
That place is just plain dumpy. And your 17 year old will get nothing out of it. The Excalibur features which appeal to kids are mostly for kids 14 and under. For parents, it's just an oversized Motel 6 with a big casino and tons of kids.

Thanks for the tips. I'm leaning towards Caesar's Palace. I think the shops will be a big hit with both of my nephews.

Don't worry about people giving you "dirty looks". We always bring our 11-year-old with us when we go to Vegas. Food, shows(PG-rated, obviously), hotels themselves make Vegas a unique destination. BTW, my entire family loved Vegas more than San Diego or LA on our recent trip to the West Coast.

We do not stay on the "strip", but rather in one of the "suite" hotels of the "strip", such as Residence Inn or Candlewood Suites. We always rent a car, so getting around is not issue.

Most definitely see "O". Show is unbelievable.

Both Guggenheim museums are in Venetian. Steve Wynn Collection, though small, is also very impressive. Bellagio has an art gallery (they have Warhal exhibition back in April).

Bob.