My husband and I are trying to plan our first trip to Las Vegas. Hotel suggestions? Activity suggestions? Restaurant suggestions? Neither of us know much about the area.

Hi Kelly,
Check out www.lvol.com - this site has a ton of info on Vegas. It has reviews of all the hotels and a great discussion board when you can post your question and get input from all the Vegas experts. We are going in June and staying at the MGM Grand. Have fun planning.

I recommend a book titled the Unoffical Guide to Las Vegas. It contains down to earth, plain talking ratings of hotels, attractions, shows and sightseeing. Stay at a hotel on the strip. That is where all the action and excitement is. Gambling is the main activity but you don't have to gamble to enjoy Vegas. There is a lot to do in and around the city that doesn't involve gambling.

Hi, Kelly: My husband and I are heading to LV in June for the 4th time. We have always stayed at the Luxor, mostly because it is a little smaller and not so overwhelming. Many of the other hotels think "bigger is better" and it takes forever to get to your room, or the casinos are way too crowded. We get our fill of the other hotels just by walking through and doing a little gambling. We have also heard good things about Treasure Island. If money is no object, I have heard the Bellagio or the Venetian are beautiful. The best activity we do is just walking around and checking out the sites -- the hotels are amazing. One restaurant we really enjoy is the Rainforest Cafe in the MGM -- very busy, though, recommend reservations. You should also take a cab to Fremont Street and the older hotels. They have banned cars from Fremont for about three or four blocks and covered the street with a canopy of lights. Each night (every half hour or hour, I don't remember which), they have a ten minute light and music show that you can't miss. Finally, for the most spectacular view of the strip at night (way better than the top of the Strasosphere) you should go to the Rio Suites and take the elevator to the VooDoo Lounge. It is a two story lounge with an outdoor deck. Definitely a must-see. However, they have a strict dress code -- men must be in long sleeve shirts and ties, women in nice dresses. There is so much to do in LV, I could go on and on. Feel free to e-mail me if you want more information. Enjoy yourselves -- we always do!

Hi Kelly-
I think it's kinda funny that the previous writer said they stay at the Luxor because it "is a little smaller"--the Luxor is the second largest hotel in Las Vegas after the MGM!! Anyway, there is a good source for any and all L.V. information...me. email me at the above address and read my articles at: www.e-vegas.net/exchange Click on THE VEGAS VISITOR or G.S.WOODLOW