Las Vegas hotels for 2 couples - HELP!
 

Hi - <BR>My boyfriend and I, and another couple, are planning on going to Las Vegas in February for 5 nights. <BR>None of us have ever been, so we are pretty much clueless as to where to stay. <BR>From doing some research, we have determined that we would like to stay at a hotel right on the Strip (since it's our first time, we want to experience Las Vegas to the fullest!!) <BR>We will probably gamble a little, but are definitely interested in taking in all the sights, the water parks, the amusement parks, a show or two (O or Mystere,)etc . . . <BR> <BR>So our dilemma is where to stay: <BR>We are all in our early twenties, so we would like to stay in a fun, "happening" hotel - - doesn't have to the most expensive, but clean, friendly, and maybe "couply" (if there is such a thing in LV!!) <BR>As far as price range, we are looking to not go above $125 or so a night . . . <BR>Could you LV experts offer us your much-appreciated input on where the best places for us to stay would be?? Thank you so much for your help!!!!!!! <BR>Brooke <BR>

Just returned from a first trip to Las Vegas on Saturday. We stayed at Bally's and were able to renegotiate our rooms to $79 weeknight and $119 week-end. It was clean, but nothing fancy. It's right on the main strip, Paris next store and Ballagio across the street. We have children your age, but did see younger couples there. If my kids were asking I would send them to New York New York. Is if further down on the strip next to MGM, Excalibar, Mandalay Bay and the Luxor. Most hotels have trams to hotels further down on the strip and it is a douable walk. The casino and shops all seemed geared to the younger crowd and in the evening was very crowded, wheresas Ballagio, Paris, Bally's, Venetian and Caesars cleared out quite early and were fairly empty after 1:00 a.m. Right now you would do best to call the hotels directly as they are willing to negotiate prices and theatre tickets. Hope this helps.

I agree with the earlier response as far as the hotel recommendation, but not pricing. <BR> <BR>You should book through your travel agent (I know -- I am one) as he/she has access to "wholesalers". <BR>i.e. I just priced NY/NY in Feb. for 5nts including taxes and transfers from airport to hotel and back --- $358 per couple. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. <BR>

I've only been once, but work with people from LA who go more often. They currently like Bellagio the best. I thought it was one of the most beautiful of the Vegas hotels I saw. (We were there for a week-long sales meeting. Stayed at a non-gambling place that was across from Hard Rock and had to take taxis just about everywhere. ) Some folks had gotten deals at Luxor before or after. Liked it too.

I've been to Vegas a few times and keep up daily with the "happenings" there via the 'net. My favorite area of the strip (to stay) is the area by Flamingo, Bally's, Paris, Mirage, Treasure Island (rather than the NYNY/MGM area). Most would probably rank them in this order (high to low): <BR> <BR>Mirage <BR>Treasure Island <BR>Paris <BR>Bally's <BR>Flamingo <BR> <BR>I would choose any of the above based upon price... the Flamingo is usually the least expensive of the list, but sometimes substantially cheaper, so i always recommend people check it out as it can often be a GREAT value for your money. Also, staying at Mirage or Treasure Island will also (i believe) give you an earlier opportunity to get show tix to "O" or Mystere, as they are first available to hotel guests (and Treasure Island, Bellagio, and Mirage are all owned by same company) <BR> <BR>February may be too cold for water parks, and if swimming is important to you, i would call the hotel directly to make sure their pool is open in February. I recently posted on this board a very extensive list of things to do in Vegas (it was geared towards families but applies to all the "free" stuff to do). Do a search within the titles for "vegas" and "family" and i'm sure you'll find it, if not, let me know and i'll repost. <BR> <BR>As for cost, February is still a fairly inexpensive time of year to visit. Do keep in mind that room rates for Fri/Sat can often be triple the rates of Sun/Thur. <BR> <BR>Right now it seems that the best rates are available at the hotel's websites, and not thru the consolidators.

I agree with everything thereunder said. <BR>Go to the hotel websites for the best rates. You can get weekday rates at great hotels for bargain prices. Save the lower rated properties for weekends when prices are high. Remember that there is nothing wrong with switching hotels to take advantage of bargains and to increase your experience by trying different properties. <BR>Have fun.

Brooke-Mandalay Bay-hands down! They cater to the younger crowd-there are several dance/music places inside-one being The House of Blues. There is another (can't remember the name) that had a line of young people waiting to get in-all funkily dressed-in my opinion-I am in my 40's and I felt out of place at the Mandalay Bay! (and I am a "young 40 something"). I think you would love it there-plus they have the coolest pool area as well and some great restaurants. I think its pricey to stay there though. Check it out-really, it does have a young crowd there. <BR>Shadow

Mandalay Bay does cater to a young crowd (event though i'm young, i don't consider it 'my' crowd)... as does the Hard Rock. However, i wouldn't recommend these for your first trip to Vegas as Hard Rock is not on the strip, and Mandalay Bay is all the way at the "far" end of the strip and therefore not a prime location. (IMO) <BR> <BR>I WOULD recommend you stop by the Mandalay Bay while in Vegas (as well as the Hard Rock AND "downtown"... you're there long enough to be able to see it all), but it's not the most centrally located place. As well, weekend nites at Mandalay Bay can often be in the mid-$200's. (don't know about your exact dates though).

Mandalay Bay is a tthe far end of the strip, I prefer center of the strip myself to walk or take a short cab ride most places. Also, becaus eMandalay Bay has the fab pool with lazy river and water slides, it attracts tons of families with small children! However, the bars and casino there do cater to the under 35 set. Bellagio is most luxurios but very stuffy adn "old" feeling. I say go for Bally's, the location is prime.

Forgot to mention try www.cheapovegas.com for some really good deals.

Hope your not planning on Vegas during Presidents Week. Hotel rates skyrocket for that week. Also keep in mind not that warm here then(for us that is) so check with hotels to make sure pools are open or at least heated.

I like the Mandalay Bay the best but the location isn`t very convenient. It it too far down on the strip. My favorite area is around the Mirage, and my favorite hotel is the Mirage. You would be right in the center of the action. We did quite a bit of walking. All those hotels look so close together, but don`t be fooled! They are not. It is deceiving. We did take the bus up and down the strip. Have fun!

My husband and I went to Las Vegas last June for the first time and we had a blast! <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Luxor Hotel. It was really nice and what I liked most was the fact that this hotel wasn't a party place. If you are looking for a lot of action and partying, I believe Mandalay Bay is the spot. My husband and I walked through this hotel at night it was too lively for us, but if you are a party animal, this is the place. <BR> <BR>We didn't do any gambling at all. We went to the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, tour of Las Vegas, we took in a show (Hypnosis), it was funny! We did so many things. We would leave the hotel at 9am and didn't return until 12midnight. <BR> <BR>Whatever you decide to stay, have a wonderful time!

Harrah's! <BR> <BR>I didn't stay there last time we went (two couples in late 20's who stayed at the Stratosphere because we got a good rate), but we hung out there alot--comedy club, lots of live bands, happy, party-ish people milling around and it is right in the middle of everything! I vowed that if we go back I will definitely stay there because it was a fun place(can't comment on the rooms or rates.)

Brooke, my boyfriend and I just got back from Vegas, we stayed at Bally's and LOVED it. The best location on the Strip (connected to Paris, walkway to Bellagio, monorail to the MGM). The Bellagio is my favorite, but you don't have to stay at a hotel to fully enjoy it! We ate at Circo, which was fabulous, and loved the casino there. Other hotels which would be good for you: <BR> <BR>Mirage <BR>Venetian (great rooms!) <BR>Paris <BR>Caesar's Palace (BF's favorite) <BR> <BR>We got our room at Bally's for $69 a night (on a weekend), including 2 tickets to Paris' Eiffel Tower, $10 dining credit, and other bonuses. <BR>Try lvol.com and the message board there for more ideas. <BR> <BR>Have a great time...we can't wait to go back.

Two quick tips---have been to Vegas many times. Stayed at the new Alladin in June--a very nice hotel even though the casino is a hike from most of the rooms. Rooms are very well appointed and quiet. Have stayed at Paris, MGM, Luxor, Bally's, Circus/Circus(what a huge mistake!), Monte Carlo and NYNY. Like the Alladin best of all of these. <BR> <BR>Tip #2-go to hoteldiscounters.com. I got Bally's for $59 when rack rate was $99. Got Alladin for $59 when rack rate was $129.

The Aladdin recently filed for bakruptcy and will be closing soon. I wouldn't be booking reservations there for February!

Alladin filed Chapter 11, and will be restructuring. You don't open up a (nearly?) $1 Billion hotel and close it after one year. I doubt VERY much they will be closing their doors anytime soon.

You may doubt they will be closing soon, but my bet is that they will. In case you didn't know the hotel now known as the Aladdin was formerly another hotel which did go bankrupt in the exact same location, it happens all the time. Yes, Aladdin is in reorganiztion, however since the terrible attacks of Sept. 11 they have been having trouble staying afloat period. All business magazines forecast a complete shutdown in the near future unless they are bought out!

Duh needs to get a hobby. The Alladin was built as the Alladin and opened just over a year ago. Further, if every hotel the filed Chapter 11 in Vegas disappeared there would be no where to stay---see Stratosphere, NYNY, Luxor and MGM for examples here.