Las Vegas Birthday
 

I will be in Las Vegas (from England) for my Birthday on 27 March 2000 can anyone suggest something memorable to do? <BR> <BR>Also, <BR>1. We are staying at Sahara, anyone know what it is like? <BR>2. We want to hire a car but are a bit worried about driving in Las Vegas, can anyone reassure us? <BR> <BR>All The Best <BR> <BR>Martin Smith

The Sahara is one of the "older" Hotels on the strip,,its on the far north end. We stayed there several years ago,,and it was OK but cant compare to the new "Mega" resorts south..Ventian, Paris, Bellagio, Monti carlo. New york New York,,,to name a few...If your not already locked into the sahara, I'd suggest looking into one of the new hotels..dont get me wrong,, the Sahara is fine, but if your coming all the way from England,,the price differance isnt much...well, all except the bellagio, which is one of the more spendy properties..the others have great rates... <BR> As for driving, if your not planning to go anywhere outside the LV area..you dont need a car. everything is pretty close.taxi's or buses run the strip.. <BR> For things to do..if your planning on taking in a show,,IMO the best in town is Mystr'e at Treasure Island. If you like magic Lance Burton at Monti carlo is great..Have fun and happy B day..if you have any other questiond feel free to e mail..LOVE that town!!!!

Rick gave you good advice. You might be interested, too, in checking out www.lvol.com lots of Las Vegas info plus a great discussion board/forum. You'll love LV...Have a good time; don't lose everything the first day!

I agree with the above response. I would try to stay more in the center of the strip. If cost is a factor, try the Flamingo Hilton. I would do Mystere at the Treasure Island for a birthday show. Would not want to drive in Vegas. Big groups of people walking in the street and bumper to bumper...Hey like driving in London!!! Really though the taxi service is so easy that a rent a car is not worth the money unless you are doing some long distance driving. I would stay at the Mirage for a middle of the road experience. Bellagio is wonderful but prices are high. Go to www.lvol.com for great info.

Mr. Smith: <BR>If you've not visited Las Vegas and you're travelling from the UK, do try to book a room at one of LV's better hotels. The Sahara's not in a convenient location, has seen better days and I think these factors will have an adverse effect on your overall trip. Staying near the southern or central parts of the strip will nearly eliminate your need for a car. The previous comments are right on target. <BR>I would contest one point from above, though. If you do rent a car, I don't find driving in LV to be a problem. Just don't drive on the strip and you're fine. Use Industrial Lane, Koval, Paradise, etc. and you'll get around without much trouble at all.

Martin- if you are coming all the way from the UK, you really must see the Grand Canyon somehow. The easy way would be to fly over it. Light plane charters can be hired from Las Vegas. You could drive, but it's a long drive, about 5 hours one way. Really, it would be a shame to come all that way, get so close, and not see one of the world's great jaw-droppers. You should also visit and tour Hoover Dam. It's less than an hour from LV toward the Canyon. Happy Birthday!

You have received excellent advice. I would cancel the Sahara and move to one the hotels at mid strip ( i.e. Flamingo Hilton, Mirage, Ballys, Paris, etc. ) The north end of the strip is not a very desireable area. <BR> <BR>You definitely are better off without the car unless you intend to visit the surrounding countryside.

Martin - <BR> <BR>Ditto. Try to get out of Sahara if you can. It is just way far north of all the major "stuff" happening in Vegas. <BR> <BR>If you stay in the more southern part of the strip, you will eliminate a need for a car. Whatever traveling you would need to do can be done on foot or with a short taxi ride. <BR> <BR>:-)

Thank you for all your kind advice and taking the trouble to reply. <BR> <BR>All The Best <BR> <BR>Martin Smith

Almost forgot to put in my vote for your birthday event. <BR> <BR>You might try Caesar's Magical Empire if you enjoy tableside magic. We went there for a friend's birthday and enjoyed it much more than Mystere. (I've had Cirque du Soleil up to my ears.) It costs around $75US and includes a three-course meal with wine, three different magic shows, which you can choose to see or not, tax, and tip. Caesar's spent millions of dollars building this underground world with dining chambers and magic theaters. Give it a shot. <BR> <BR>Coincedentally, I will be flying from Las Vegas to London for vacation during the very same week. I'll bet the weather will be better here! Have a great time in Las Vegas!

I celebrated my birthday in Vegas over Superbowl weekend and had a great time! This was one birthday I'll never forget! We stayed at the Bellagio, had an unforgettable meal at Picasso and then went to see "O". <BR> <BR>I would definitely suggest doing this for your birthday--you'll never forget it! Happy Birthday!

I'd also agree that staying mid-strip is a better choice. You can walk to most all the hotels from there. <BR>If you haven't been to this area before I would suggest renting a car and driving outside of Vegas. Red Rocks Canyon is only a half hour away. The Valley of the Fire state park is less than an hour. Or Death Valley is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours away. As someone else said stay off "the strip" and driving isn't difficult. I rented a car there in December and stayed at the Flamingo Hilton. You can go and go via the back streets so you don't have to drive on the strip. Also, the parking is free there whether you park yourself or use the valet. Depending on how long you're staying you may want to only rent a car for part of the trip. That's what I did. I rented it at the airport and then returned it at the hotel next door to the Flamingo.