My husband and I are planning our first trip to Las Vegas. We are confused to where we need to stay to experience Las Vegas ( the strip,North vs South, Downtown or Freemont). We are presently looking at the Strasphere because of the view but is there a better location? We will be gambling, would like to see the fountains at the Bellagio for sure. The Hoover dam would be nice but we are looking at a Monday through Thursday visit, so that might not be possible. Would appreciate any advice.

www.cheapovegas.com has great hotel reviews and things to do.

DO NOT stay at the Strat, especially for your first trip. The view there is no better/worse than anywhere else on the Strip, and it is so far off the beaten path that you'll spend a lot more time and money getting back and forth to the Strip than you'd spend staying somewhere more centrally-located. It is NOT safe to walk from the Strat to the Strip!

Honestly, for a Vegas first-timer, you can't beat somewhere near Center Strip (LV Blvd and Flamingo). Bally's, Caesar's, Mirage, Harrah's, Flamingo, etc. are all better located and will be much better for you. The new Planet Hollywood/Aladdin has rooms with a view of the Bellagio fountains, too!

For getting downtown quickly and inexpensively, try the CAT bus called the "Deuce". It is under $5 per person round trip from the Strip to downtown, and it runs 24 hours a day. MUCH cheaper than a cab!

ChristieP has great advice. I love the cheapovegas.com website also. I'll be staying downtown with a reunion group this June, but it's my seventh trip to Las Vegas. I stayed at Bally's almost 3 years ago, and loved the location. It's connected to Paris, with it's great dining options.

I agree; but I'd add Venetian, Bellagio, and Monte Carlo for pretty good locations (tho I like to stay on the Mandalay Bay/Luxor end and walk my way down).

Thank you, ChristieP...That helps a lot. Do we look up Aladdin or Planet Hollywood for price quotes ? I have seen the Flamingo on some websites, but I will go to your suggested site. Thanks again.

I think Terrisue is looking more at a moderate property on center strip than Bellagio or Venetian, since to Strat is a budget one. The Monte Carlo may be okay depending on the construction situation there.