Debbie

We're planning a trip out west and are making a stop in Las Vegas. We are spending 3 days. We will have our 3 kids with us ages 6, 8, & 12. We are considering 3 hotels the MGM, Mirage and Treasure Island. Which one would the kids most enjoy? We're not really big on gambling so we're interested in the other things that Las Vegas has to offer.

We're planning on visiting the Grand Canyon. I heard there was a tour with Hummer vehicles. They pick you up at the hotel and take you out there to have lunch with the indians. Does anyone know the name & reputation of the company?

Any info. will be greatly appreciated!

Thank You

Laura Kemberling

With kids in tow you should definitely check out Excaliber and Circus Circus both cater to families with lots to do. The MGM is rather expensive and I think overrated plus self parking is unbelievable just getting to your car is a trip.

LCF

MGM is good, rooms are larger than most. The have a good food court for kids. They also have onsite babysitting. We have stayed there, but I'm told the theme park is now closed. We are going again and staying at Treasure Island with our kids. Check out their website for specials. we got $60 a nite for mid week. Mirage is just as good, but I feel the kids would enjoy TI better. I am not fond of Circus Circus, too old. Good Luck, any other questions, I have been there 5 times in 2years and once with kids.

Karl

I would pick the Mirage because of their pools. They also have a dolphin display that my 10 year old daughter loved.

amy

we just got back and stayed at the MGM Grand and liked it. I can only compare Monte Carlo and Tropicana but I really liked the MGM for kids. My daughter is 7 and loved the Rainforest Cafe and the pool area. She insists on a pool with a lazy river and I agree - not sure if Mirage has a lazy river. Treasure Island is awfully far down on the strip but definitely check out the pirate show. MGM is in a good location.
Keep checking rates - we got a last minute rate for a standard room of 49.95.
Food court in MGM is good, arcade is one of the best and they have a childrens activity center. Krispy creme donuts as well.
I would not stay at Excalibur or NYNY - a little too obnoxious for my taste.

Tom

ANy of the three you mentioned would be good picks for those traveling with children. I would avoid Circus Circus or the Excalibur, unless you are on a very tight budget.

lisa

Just got back from Treasure Island. Its a wonderful hotel, but not much for kids to do & the pool is kind of small with a very small slide. The arcade at TI was also closed, but for how long, I don't know. MGM seems like a nice place for kids--lots to do/nice pool.

We took a tour to the Grand Canyon by 4X4--it was excellent. We first stopped at the Hoover Dam, then went down into the Canyon to the Colorado River where we had lunch. We then went to the West Rim and on the way out through the Joshua Tree Forest. Everything was breathtaking!! The tour was all day (13 hours) but well worth it. The tour was through Adventure Photo Tours and their web site is www.adventurephototours.com

x

try mandalaybay.com ~ I think they have what your looking for..lazy river etc. ~ if I had kids to take along to Vegas that`s where I`d go..see the volcano at Mirage~ the pirate fight at T.I.~ the canals of Venice(Venetian)..New York,NY...Hoover Dam...if you could swing the price of Mystere ($$)that would be awesome too...eiffel tower..Red Rock (if you have a car)..scenic rim tour or drive is nice in the G.canyon..ck. out www. the canyon.com ~ I think the tours you can take are listed there(hummer)..also look at www.amfac ~ hope you have your G.Canyon reservations..ranger talks are nice too..

Robin Kropff

We've been several times. If your children are real water babies you can't beat the MGM Grand pool complex. Be prepared for a long trek through the hotel to the pool.

annemarie

If you are only there for 3 days, the MGM is just too huge to navigate and it is equally way down the strip as Treasure Island is the other way. The TI's pool is quite basic and small compared to the Mirage's. Now, we had excellent rates...don't know when you will be going but last summer TI had a midweek special of $50.00...getting an adjoining room would be a bonus for all of you. We never stayed at the Monte Carlo but its location is excellent...their pool area is small but it does boast a little surfing type lagoon, little river ride, etc....not to teen standards but your younger ones might be impressed. I would definitely recommend Lance Burton's family magic show at the Monte Carlo...it is excellent and only 45.00 a person...be sure to book in advance. You're kids would love it. Mystere is fabulous but very costly for the 5 of you. Monte Carlo does have a food court on the main floor. Again we decided against the place but it may work in your favour. We stayed at both TI and Paris...rooms at Paris are beautiful...queen beds which a lot of the hotels do not have...Triple A rate...you could get a room there for under 100.00 I think...we paid 39.00 last summer(midweek) Luxor has an interesting second floor with arcade and NY NY has a good arcade as well. Excalibur is the Walmart on the strip.

KLM

Robin, the kids are hardly "water babies"...they're 12 and 8 and 6.
The pools at Mandalay and Mirage are much better than those at MGM.
Mirage wins on location over Mandalay.
MGM is too hard to get around and is getting crustier with each year it seems.

Jill

The website lvol.com has a listing of tour companies in Vegas. It gives their web site addresses. I've checked out several and did notice hummv trips. Go the lvol.com and then scroll down to the section "other side of las vegas" "sightseeing & tour companies". I'm sure your hotel will also have brochures on several tour companies.

Can't comment on Mirage or treasure Island since I've never stayed at either nor seen their pools. The MGM does have a great pool area. They have several pools (including one that's for lap swimmers). They also have the lazy river which I'm sure kids would love. The MGM also has a lion habitat(?). When I was there last October there were 2 lion cubs which you could pet and get your picture taken with (they were about 6 months old and the size of small lab or retriever).

Dart

If your on a budget try the Excalibur. It has a great location and a midway for the kids. It has one of the few shows that kids of all ages can attend. Next door is Luxor. Its more upscale, but an incredible value.

Monique

Hi I go to Vegas a lot, sometimes with the kids sometimes without. My kids are a little younger than yours 8,4 and 3. My favorite hotel for the kids is Monte Carlo. My kids love the lazy river and the wave pool. It is smaller than Mandalays but that just means it is much easier to keep an eye on them. We sit in the middle of the lazy river and watch them go around and around. There is almost no children in the big pool so I feel like I am being considerate of others with out kids. There is no long walk through the casino to get to the pool just down the elevator through a lobby out a door and theres the pool. I love that. I also like the food court. They have Mcdonalds and I can go down and get them food and bring it up to the room if they are to tired and cranky to wait at a regular retaurant. I also love the big dring footballs for 8 bucks on the street of dreams. THese are adult drinks not for the kids. I like the location it is easy to walk to treasure island at night to see the show. I have to say I hate MGM. The lines for every restaurant are always long. YOu need a golf cart to get around. I just hate the place. I have stayed at Mandalay, Mirage and Monte carlo is my favorite place withthe kids hands down.