We will be going to Las Vegas In Dec. 2005 with teens 16 & 17 (boys and girls). Which hotel is the best for teens, what type of entertainment (concert halls, etc. not little kid stuff). We will be there with family and want a place that is safe for the teens to explore.

We took our teens there last April, (17, and 15 year olds). It was really kind of a difficult trip for us as the teens are not allowed alone in the public areas of the hotels because of the gambling...
Our teens got bored and grumpy in a short time, not a great town for them to explore on their own...
We stayed at the Hotel at Mandalay Bay because of the pool, which was packed. The teens were not impressed, in the way that only teens can not be impressed!
This is not to say you guys can't have a great time, but it would never again be a choice for me with anyone under 21...

I agree with frankie's assessment. 'Vegas is not a place that teens will enjoy, particularly in Dec. when it is rather cold for the pools. We just came back yesterday from our umpteenth visit to 'Vegas, lots of bored looking kids of all ages being dragged around with parents. Not my idea of fun for anyone.

Since they can't gamble or hit the clubs, and Dec. is too cold for swimming (temps in high 50's when we were there, low 40's-high 30's at nite) that leaves shopping. Unless they love shopping I cannot imagine what else teens could do (legally). There are lots of shopping opportunities but that can get old fast too (saw enough bored looking kids at various malls/hotels to last a lifetime).

Vegas tried the family theme a few years ago and it was a big flop. They are definitely discouraging you from bringing them now. If you have a choice, I'd leave them at home or go somewhere else.

Just got back from LV with two teenagers (17, 18-- girls). They were allowed in all public areas of all hotels, EXCEPT for in the casinos. As others have said, considering the time of year (too cold for pools) that left shopping and eating for them.
In the past, we've stayed at MGM Grand, which I would defintely recommend over where I stayed this time, Venezia Tower at the Venetian. Waaaayyyy too long a trek to the food court areas, for us adults or the teens. MGM has a more casual atmosphere that seems preferable for teens. Their pool area's great Too bad it's not warm in Vegas in December!

Have to agree with majority above - we were in Las Vegas in summer for one night with teens ages 17 and 13 (on way to some National Parks). One night was enough. Stayed at Flamingo for pool - walked Strip in evening. No problem with walking thru public areas - but no real reason to since there was no where of real interest for them to go.

We took our two teens and one pre-teen and had a great time. We stayed at Excalibur which gave us easy access to the entertainment at both Excalibur/The Luxor. We hit every gimmicky thing Luxor/Excalibur had to offer. After a week sight seeing -Grand Canyon/Southern California-our kids were eager to get back to Vegas! I had purchased a Las Vegas for Dummies book to take along. We hit every gimmicky thing at every major hotel. Do not miss the Star Trek experience at The Hilton. As well as the Bellagio fountains, Mirage volcano and animal exhibits, Venetian gondola rides,Caesar's Palace statues, Treasure Island pirate show-(although they've ruined it by making the pirates sexy show girls),New York, New York's roller coaster, CircusCircus' amusement rides, Rio's flying/floating Mardi Gras show-yes kids are allowed along the upper walkway, the Stratosphere, the light/laser show at old Las Vegas on Fremont Street. MGM did not have much to offer a family. The only thing I would agree with the previous posters is that Vegas is not a town where teens can explore on their own. If you are willing to stick together as a family/group, you can have a great time.