I'm sorry for sounding so dim, but, I keep reading about these buffets and, although I've figured out what they are, could some kind soul please explain them to me in a little detail? For instance, do you just turn up, at any hotel, pay your money and help yourself to whatever you want? Or should you book ahead? Is it easy to get tables, or do you have to stand? Thanks in advance for any advice! (The Paris buffet looks wonderful - but we're not going to be staying there!)

You can go to any buffet in any hotel. If there is a line, stand in line. If not, you'll be seated by a maitre'd.

In most buffets, you can't get your own drinks. Somebody will be there to take your order. Non-alcohol drinks are included.

You get as much food as you like on your plate and go back to your table to eat. When finished, leave your plate on the table, go take another clean plate, fill it, back to your table. Repeat as many times as you can.

I've never heard of buffet reservations, are they accepted?

One more thing: while the maitre'd walks you to your smoking or non-smoking table, tell her it's your first time in this buffet, so she'll explain where which type of food is, and where your omelette is made to order, etc...

Faina makes good points on the buffet and even though I am not a buffet person, the Wynn has one of the best on the strip..imo

Thanks very much, Faina - I'm a lot clearer now - thanks!

I second the Wynn Buffet - the deserts are to die for!!!

We also liked the Mandalay Bay and the Bellagio for Lunch / Dinner and the Luxor had the best Breakfast IMO. We DIDN't like the MGM or Aladdin.

The Hilton has a wonderful buffet.
Go early--it's very popular.

I loved the Wynn as well but dessets at Belagio buffet were a tad bit better than the Wynn. We there on a Sat. night and they did call it there "gourmet" night so perhaps the desserts were better. They were totally awesome as was the food. Both places win hands down. I am not a buffet person but after the Wynn and Bellagio I was impressed.

We had buffet at Paris for Breakfast. It was good. Had Buffet for dinner at Luxor. Food was really good, but dessert just fair. Best brunch (which you will pay dearly for) is Sterling Sunday Brunch at Ballys.

No reservations for buffet. If you see a line, they usually move pretty steadily. I've eaten (more than) my share of buffets in Vegas, and my vote goes to the Bellagio! I was pretty skeptical of its bill as "the best," noting that the line was probably not worth the wait. Last Christmas, I went with my cousin and her family, braved the line for about an hour and a half, and was in buffet heaven. We agreed that Bellagio lived up to its billing. I'm going to Vegas again this Christmas, and am prepared to stand in that line!

Just a side note, we got there at 12 or 12:30 and didn't get in till about 2. Therefore, the buffet line was transitioning from brunch to dinner options, but we were only charged the brunch price. This meant we got to taste the best of both worlds at a better price!

I've tried a few, and the Bellagio is by far my favorite. The Wynn is very good, also. I have not been to Paris, but it probably is very good.

These are higher priced than other buffets, but well worth the price.

I would tip the server who brings you drinks at the end of the meal. I think a "Vegas buffet" is a must, have fun.

Thanks guys! We're not actually very big eaters, and the full plates in most US restaurants have really amazed us (and we've generally left some) - so, although we'd love to experience one of these buffets (and probably will!) we wonder if we'll actually get value for money if we don't eat much! (I guess we could always take some with us in a bag ...

Wild, taking food out of a buffet is called "stealing". Sorry to be so harsh, they have notes posted about it.

Hopefully wildblueyonder was kidding!

If you're not a big eater, I'd suggest waking up early and taking a looooong walk till you are famished. By then, you may have to wait in line a bit, which will get you hungrier. then you will be prepped & ready for a buffet.

Well, I was thinking we could stock up for the week! (of course I was joking!)

We're actually only going to be there overnight, as a stop between Zion and Death Valley. We've been to Vegas before, but never experienced a buffet, so I think we certainly will try one this time!

Ta folks (I think it's between the Wynne and the Paris!)

If not a big eater, I would go to the Venetian and have a fantastic breakfast at Bouchon...owned by the French Laundry/Thomas Keller and it is out of this world good and reasonable too!

frenchlaundry.com

There are two lines at most every buffet. My favorite is Bellagio.

If you enter to the right, you can avoid any waiting by taking the short line and asking to eat at the bar. Instant seating- and plenty of it.

If there are two of you, just give it a minute or two apart and you can join each other for a savings of as much as an hour or more.

Hi JRP
Actually, there are 3 of us, but this is a good tip, which I'll bear in mind - thanks. All this talk of waiting in line is putting me off - no way would I wait in line for an hour - would rather go to the McD!!

Spice Market at Planet Hollywood is absolutely awful. It's supposedly voted #1 for value but the food was really terrible.

For breakfast my favorite is in Sahara, inexpensive, and I love smoked salmon and croissants! And their coffee is good!