hedgehog

I am sure this will be the first of many posts/questions in the next few days so please don't get fed up with me!

My husband and I will be travelling from London on Thursday 28th September staying 4 nights at The Bellagio to celebrate his 40th. We have been once before with our children in 2003 when we were touring California (SF, LA and San Diego) and said we would love to return one day with out the kids ...

We land at 1.30pm (9.30pm in the UK) and I am looking for suggestions of where we can eat (casually, inexpensively and locally) that first evening. Perhaps a dinner buffet might suit us (and our jet lag) as we can be flexible about time - but any suggestions welcome.

Please can I also have recommendations for lounge bars with live jazz or piano - somewhere casual and atmospheric/romantic would be lovely. The Voodoo lounge and Fontana Bar seem popular - am I on the right track there? Anywhere better?

I plan to book either Mystere or O but am undecided. I have used the search to pick up old posts on this subject but I wonder if anyone could tell me how the style of music differs between the shows and what (briefly) each underlying 'story' (if there is one) is about. Given the choice of Friday, Saturday, Sunday evening: 7.30 or 10.30 performance would it make much difference which I choose?

Lastly (for the moment) which shopping mall (off strip - we have a car) is best for a bargain-hunting clothes/shoes shopper like myself?

Thanks for all your help.

ChristieP

www.cheapovegas.com will give you great advice on things to do, restaurants, shows, etc.

Have a great trip!!

Pumpy

Definitely see Mystere!

Lori

Are you going to be driving when you get off the plane ? Jetlag and the Strip traffic may not make for a fun beginning. (We've driven in the UK but never rented a car the first day because of jetlag). At least the Bellagio is pretty close to the airport if you are driving Just be careful !!!

Aside from that I rather doubt if you will have a problem finding a place to eat, however, if jetlag is a factor and since you are staying at the Bellagio I'd just eat there. You will probably be tired by meal time anyway so sticking close to the hotel is probably a good idea and the Bellagio has a variety of places to eat.

Either O or Mystere would be good choices, altho the new Cirque de Soliel show, "Love", (based on the Beatles music) at the Mirage may be a better choice if you are into that sort of thing. Mystere gets very good reviews, even after all this time (it was the first such show in Vegas). O is more of a "spectacular" I think, however neither have much of a "storyline". I am not a Cirque fan but I will be seeing Love in Oct. on my next trip up.

If you want a real theatrical experience the new production of Phantom of the Opera just opened at the Venetian and is supposed to be fantastic. Even if you have seen Phantom (I have several times, but I am seeing this production in Oct.
also) I understand it is well worth it.

The time/day of the show is really up to you, there is no "better" or "worse" time. Personally we prefer the earlier (7:30) show and like to eat afterward, but it's a personal decision. If you are only going to see one show it might be better to book it for the 3rd night you are in Vegas. You should be over jetlag (somewhat anyway !!) and be able to enjoy the show more. I've actually seen tourists at the theater in London fall asleep during a show because they booked for the first night they were there

I don't do the outlet malls in Vegas but there are several of them, just do a search and you will get info on them all. The Fashion Show Mall (not an outlet mall) is right on the Strip at Spring Mountain Rd. and they have a nice selection of stores should you want to check it out.

After you return to the UK please do a trip report, it is always great fun to read other people's views on places in the US. I am also interested in what they will be letting you carryon the plane coming and going. (We are going to London next Spring and I only hope some of the carryon restrictions have eased).

Enjoy the planning.

sylvia3

Check in, go to a late lunch buffet, sit by the pool, have a drink,recover from the trip. Then go out and have fun! (But bring your own beer/bevvie to the pool, unless you want to pay $8 for what costs $4 for a 6-pack in the stores...)
I recommend the food courts across the street (Paris, Venetian) for casual and inexpensive meals, if you just want a quick bite. The Aladdin (just south of Paris, soon to be Planet Hollywood?) food/shopping loop has a couple of restaurants offering great breakfast bargains (not so easy to find in Vegas these days). There's a great outlet mall that has a shuttle service, and the mall just north of TI is very nice (across the street from Wynn--can't miss it).

hedgehog

Your replies so far are much appreciated. Thanks. I have already checked out the cheapovegas website and have found it very helpful. Pumpy, I think I am leaning towards Mystere without really knowing why! Any tips on seating - is it worth paying for the better tickets or are the restricted view seats good enough? I think we will probably chose the 7.30 performance on sunday as you suggest Lori as we are contemplating going to Ballys for their Sterling Brunch and that may well keep our tummies satisfied for some hours!

I didn't know about the new Phantom production but, on consideration, I don't think it's my cup of tea and neither are the Beatles! Shocking for a Londoner I know! We'll stick with either Mystere or O as both seem to be so popular and neither my husband nor I have seen a CdS show.

Thanks for the shopping mall tips - perhaps we better just try them all ...

Sylvia is it really 'acceptable' to take your own drinks to the pool or does one need to be somewhat, ahem, surrepticious? It wouldn't have occured to me if you hadn't suggested it and I'm with you when it comes to drink prices.

Any lounge suggestions with live jazz or piano (no dancing though) anyone- somewhere quiet and subdued (if such a place exists in Vegas).

Lastly one more question. What is the smoking policy in bars and casinos? Both my husband and I are non smokers and intolerant of smoky atmospheres (but not of smokers ;-) )I am anticipating that smoking is permitted everywhere except in the restaurants - is that true?

Thanks again.

Lori

You will find smokers in the casinos (unfortunately). We are non-smokers but generally manage to survive in 'Vegas Most of the newer hotels/casinos have good ventilation systems so that helps. Of course getting up and moving if a smoker comes close is another stragegy and one we do often !! Also if you find slots/tables near a door that leads to the outdoors you will generally have "better air" since the door opens and closes alot.

We don't do the bar/club scene so I cannot comment on smoking there but we have had no problems in restaurants at all.

Sounds like Mystere will work for you, I hope you enjoy your visit and a shopping trip!

sylvia3

Good question about the drinks! We always bring our beach tote that includes bottles of water and includes zip bags of ice containing other bevs--no one has ever questioned us, but we don't bring glass, use the plastic glasses from the room (usually the same as the pool bar),and are pretty quiet (subtle?) about consuming our drinks. As long as you aren't swilling from a fifth of whiskey or a liter of wine, don't see why there would be a problem? Anyhoo, that's been our modus operandi for years, ever since that first $8 (domestic in a can!) beer.

hedgehog

Thank you again ladies

vegaslocal

You will find that smoking is allowed in most public places in Las Vegas. The only exception I can think of is showrooms and indoor shopping venues. Most restaurants offer a smoking section. All restaurants are either non-smoking (rare) or offer non-smoking sections.

I think the atmosphere is changing here due to the influx of residents from California. I believe the local television news mentioned that there will be a ballot initiative this fall where it will be decided by the local residents if smoking will be banned in all hotel rooms. I may be wrong. I don't have the details. The point is that smoking restrictions are beginning to appear here. I believe they will be in place within the next couple of years, although I doubt bars and casinos will ever be off limits.

Just a note about Phantom. I have seen the London production. If you are even slightly interested in seeing it, you absolutely must see it here. The special effects were absolutely jaw dropping. It's amazing what you can do with 40-million dollars.

As for CdS shows, people seem to love them, but I just don't get it. I've seen Mystere - almost fell asleep. It's all acrobatics of one sort or another. They change the costumes, the music, and the name and bingo! - another CdS show is born. But, I know I'm in the minority here - just my 2 cents.

Have a wonderful time!

CDJD

In regards to nightlife, the Voodoo lounge is a popular choice given the spectacular views and the famous "witch doctor" drink. Check the Rio website as they offer free passes for entry (not on Friday & Saturday though).

We also enjoy hanging out at the Time Square bar in the middle of NYNY. There was not a cover last time we were there but the musicians were top notch (top 40 music).

The Brew Pub at the Monte Carlo is also a fun yet somewhat low key venue that has live bands.

If you are looking for something a little more provocative check out the Shadow Bar at Caesar's.

Carrabella

Seeing as you will have a car,the drive into the Red Rock Canyon and short walks in the area are really not to be missed, especially coming from Europe.
The colours are amazing, as are the rock formations. Only takes a few hours.

westie

The Bellagio's Fontana lounge sounds like what you may be looking for in the way of music. It offers the side benefit of overlooking the fountains should you decide to be seated outside.

Cirque shows in general, the exception being Ka, do not offer a story line. I would recommend Mystere as well. Tickets should be purhased immediately as they sell out early for weekend performances. I would avoid both the partial obstructed view as well as the orchestra seating since you want the largest view of the stage. Arrive a little early to catch the pre show show.

For a fantastic dining experience I would recommend going to Commander's Palace's on Friday for the 3-course, $18.80 lunch. Up to 4 martinis may be purchased at 25 cents each. The menu is changed each week so you can check the Commander's website before departing from home. For example, here is this week's menu (try not to drool):

Appetizers

Crispy Louisiana “Buster” Blue Crab
Corn fried soft shell “buster” crab served with an heirloom tomato-jicama “pico de gallo”, shaved
sweet onions and our own rémoulade sauce

Sesame Crusted Jumbo Gulf Shrimp
Sugarcane skewered and griddle seared shrimp served with wasabi-toasted sesame oil marinated pickled vegetable
salad, soy ginger demi-glace and kaffir lime oil

Entrées

Hawaiian Opah with Louisiana Crabmeat
Smoked sweet paprika rubbed moonfish fillet sautéed and served with a fricassee of wild foraged lobster mushrooms, chanterelles and asparagus ~ finished with butter warmed jumbo lump crabmeat and red & yellow pepper coulis

Grilled Wild Boar Rack with Andouille Sausage Creole seasoned and grilled Texas wild boar and house-smoked
andouille sausage ~ served with celeriac-yukon gold whipped
potatoes, glazed green apples with pink peppercorns and
applejack brandy spiked reduced pork jus

Dessert

Chocolate Truffle and Flathead Cherry Torte Swiss dark chocolate and Lambert cherry truffle filling layered over graham cracker-cocoa nib crust and topped with milk chocolate chantilly cream ~ finished with port macerated cherry syrup and shaved chocolate

I highly recommend both the lemon drop and Commander Palace martinis.

Your best bet for discounted shopping is the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Check out the homepage for a list of stores as well directions.

westie

Oops - the Commander's Palace specials I listed are for this week's dinner. Here is the most recent 3-course luncheon menu from their website:

Monday, Aug 21, 2006 - Friday, Aug 25, 2006

Appetizers

Caesar Salad Romaine lettuce tossed with anchovy-garlic emulsion, garlic
roasted French bread croutons, marinated white Belgian
anchovies and shaved Farmstead Serena cheese

~ or ~

Shrimp and Grits
Buttermilk marinated and cornmeal fried Gulf shrimp served with jalapeño grits and charred green onion coulis

Entrées

Andouille Posolé Stew
A hearty stew of roasted andouille sausage, hominy and tomatoes in a thick chicken, chipotle & honey sauce
~ served tableside with Louisiana popcorn rice

~ or ~

Ling Cod “a la Plancha”
Griddle seared Ling Cod with our housemade rémoulade and a jicama, green apple and jalapeño slaw



Desserts

Banana Nut Slice
A light banana nut slice with graham cracker crust and cream cheese frosting ~ served with caramel
sauce and vanilla bean chantilly

~ or ~

French Quarter Beignets
Traditional New Orleans bite size beignets dusted with powdered sugar ~ accompanied by warm café au lait sauce

hedgehog

Thanks for all the info VegasLocal, much appreciated. I'm sure we will find some places less smoky than others and we'll be fine. I might consider seeing Phantom in addition to Mystere but not instead of - I'll have to run that past my husband I wish we were staying longer ...
CDJD and Carrabella, I've made a note of all of your suggestions, thank you. The Shadow Bar sounds intriguing.
Westie the menu at the CP sounds delicious although I suspect that there are more grams of fat in one meal there than I would normally eat in a month! Won't stop me going though Great tips about Mystere. Thanks.

Armani_Rugpilot

Can say only now not read all this posts So we buy tix at Vegas most last trip at this Tix4Tonight half price show tickets. Near Stardust and near car seller other side of St. Maybe it moves? It has weheels. Maybe not all half price but all have discount. service fee. For sure we pay cheaper tix on show there. $17 after fees one time. $26 one time. Some show release to tickets broker and some free tix no person takes so they selling.

AR

Braunsky

Hedghog - Hope you have a fantastic time visiting Lost Wages, the capital of unreality. We go 2-3 times a year just to get away. If you are staying at Bellagio, I'd recommend "O" just because I believe they reserve the best seats for guests. We've seen "O" most recently, but went to Mystere three times before Cirque took over Vegas. They are both good. The Mystere theater is smaller, and the show is more intimate, although still wonderous. "O" is, however, in a class by itself for spectacle. The "O" stage itself is a miracle of engineering, flooding to a depth sufficient for high diving in a matter of seconds. I'd make reservations asap for either one, however. Do not wait until you arrive. As for eating when you arrive, unless you are famished and want to do an expensive blow-out buffet right off the bat, I would not do the Bellagio buffet. The Bellagio buffet is great, but expensive and with all the hard surfaces (floor, walls and ceiling) quite noisy. A great deal of competitive, compensatory eating goes on there. The Big Kitchen Buffet at Bally's right across the street is smaller, much quieter, less expensive, and the food is very good. Our only disappointing meal at Bally's was their Sunday champage brunch - almost the same food as weekdays & not worth the extra money. The restaurant in Bellagio off the Conservatory is casual and very nice. The Conservatory is a relaxing must-see by itself. The best buffet in town by our standards (and we have eaten at almost all of the Vegas buffets) is at the Wynn Resort, a bit of a distance down the strip. The have the highest quality food, beautiful surroundings, and a moderate price. BTW - for $5 you can get a 24 hour pass on the new double decker buses that go all the way up and down the strip, from the airport end to downtown. We use taxis and the buses while we're there. We've never used the monorail because its more expensive, harder to get to (you have to walk through or around the casino/hotels) and you cannot see much because it runs behind the casinos on the Ballys/Flamino side of the strip. I recommend http://www.visitlasvegas.com for info on what will be happening while you are there. It's the official web site of the Vegas Visitors and Convention Bureau. Cannot comment on the lounge scene or off-stip malls. You might try the Fashion something mall across the strip from Wynns.

Braunsky

Braunsky

Forgot to mention - the Paris buffet across the street is also very good and moderate in price. It's a larger setting than Ballys, and the lines can be a bit longer at times. Bally's Big Kitchen is usually not as busy, even when they have conventions there, because so many of the conventioneers eat at events in the meeting rooms. Ballys and Paris are connected by a "tunnel" lined with shops and restaurants. The Paris buffet is actually in this "tunnel" and can be hard to spot. The entry is a small door.

hedgehog

Braunsky, you are a veritable mine of information! Thank you. I have, in fact just booked tickets for Mystere for the 7.30 performance on Saturday night - I've got decent seats (I hope) in section 203 and I'm sure, as this is our first Cirque experience, we'll be suitably 'wowed'. Do you have any recommendations of where we could eat after the show, nearish to TI?

I was not planning to include the Bellagio buffet in our eating itinerary but have already made a note of the Wynn lunch or dinner buffet, Paris breakfast buffet, Mon Ami Gabi, Olives, the Brew Pub, Times Square Bar, Shadow Bar, the Peppermill Fireside Lounge, Voodoo Lounge and the Bally's Sterling sunday brunch as possible eating/drinking venues. It's interesting that you weren't overly impressed with the latter as I've read a number of other recommendations - I guess the quantity of champagne taken to accompany the food might determine one's overall enjoyment ;-) . Being a little partial to champagne myself we might just try it anyway, if we don't end up there on thursday evening after we land.

Your comments about transport are very helpful. I recall the level of both road and pavement congestion along the Strip from our last visit, so all tips on how to get about are very welcome. Would you be able to give me any idea if it is possible to walk to the Rio by leaving from a rear exit at Bellagios or is that completely out of the question? We plan to try the much hyped Voodoo bar at some point and I was wondering how to get there and back as I do not know how far off Strip the Rio is sited.

Thanks again for your insight.

Sandiemac

I would not recommend trying to walk to the Rio - we tried this on our last visit to Vegas and had to give up and flag a taxi down as we were walking along a main road with no pavements and felt very unsafe. Plus, it is further than it looks!