Need Las Vegas Tips from Experts!....
 

I am taking DD for a trip in Sept to Las Vegas with her best friend and DH (3 nights/4days). We have a room booked at TI.

My questions are:

1. Where is a good place to go on her 21st birthday night (the day we arrive) to celebrate? She and her friend will do the Christian Audiger at TI at some point that night - but I'm looking for a place where we can have a few drinks early evening and not need to mortgage the house - or feel like her dad and I are ancient in a sea of clubbers. Ideas?

2. We have a dinner planned for Sunday night at Casa Di Amore. Anyone been there? Your thoughts?

3. This is our first time (and probably honestly only time) to go to Vegas - would you do Freemont Street? Is it worth the time/effort to get there?

4. Any coupon ideas for the Stratosphere rides? Anyone know where to get any?

5. Can you go to other hotel's pools freely? Or, do they not allow that - or charge you? I was thinking of the Mirage (next door) because I heard good reviews on it.

6. Is there any stores close to TI (like a drug store, Walgreens, etc. to buy some sodas for the room)? Are there McDonald's and/or Subway on the strip?

Thanks for you expert Las Vegas travelers out there for your help! I appreciate it.

www.cheapovegas.com 1. Are you thinking a nice dinner, or what ? 3. Freemont St. is interesting & fun + you'll have ample time to fit that in. 5. Some places do 'share' amenities, I can not speak to the Mirage or TI. 6. As far as food goes, there is pretty much anything you want somewhere on the Strip. We like to take advantage of the breakfast buffets & kind of skim over lunch. A great idea if you are trying to be frugal. The website will answer many questions.

In general, you will not be allowed into other hotels' pools. I've stayed at the Mirage, and I'm pretty sure only hotel guests are allowed into the main pool. However, there are exceptions at some hotels:
(1) The Flamingo allows everyone to enter after around 1 pm (I forget the exact time).
(2) Many hotels have auxiliary pools, typically European style (i.e., topless). Most of these pools allow non-hotel guests to enter. A fee is charged to get into these pools; the amount may vary by day, gender, whether one is staying at that hotel, and according to any special event that may occur.

A number of years ago, Mirage and TI shared pool facilities (TI guests could use the Mirage pool). I am not sure if that is still the case. Generally speaking, don't expect to be able to use pools at other resorts. You will likely be asked to show your room key.

which hotel is TI?

Thanks for the replies so far. We want to go to a "pub" like atmosphere for her birthday night. Somewhere where we can have a few drinks and a good time without spending an arm and a leg. Any ideas? Is the Cuyote Ugly an ok place?

Any response to the Stratosphere ride ticket/coupons?

Thanks - keep em coming. Anything will be useful to me!

shoptgirlmn - TI is "Treasure Island" :)

Coyote Ugly will not have the crowd that you as a Mother would enjoy unless you tend to favor scantily clad girls in Daisy Dukes dancing on the bar - What about Margaritaville (on the Strip), 9 Fine Irishmen (in NYNY & the only 'pub' I can think of) or I like Red Square (in MB) for that kind of stuff. Very interesting place, good bar & food, & next door to rumjungle which the girls would like.

For dinner there are two options I'd consider. The first is Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris hotel. Sit on their outdoor area and watch the Bellagio Fountains. Food is good, not the best, not the worst, but generally good.

Other option is one of the restaurants in the "Piazza San Marco" section of the Canal Shops at the Venetian. Transporting - in a Vegas kid of way.

Don't waste your time on Fremont Street. If you've been to a sports stadium you've seen the same show on their scoreboard.

If you want something a bit more well known, then maybe consider an outdoor table at Olives in the Bellagio.

You generally cannot go to another hotes pool, even if owned by the same company. (TI is now no longer owned by MGM.)

There is a Walgreens across from the Monte Carlo (or at least near it.)

There is a McDonald's next to the Flamingo and a Denny's next to the Venetian.

Fremont is the old original Vegas casinos. I think that laser show is stupid, and takes away from the old charm of the place. However, Downtown was going down, so I guess they needed to inject some modern juice into it.

1) Margaritaville near the Flamingo, KahunaVille at TI, or Grand Luxe Cafe in the Venetian.

Thanks Ryan and POMAH for info on Freemont Street. I've heard that from others too - but didn't know if it was worth the time to get up there or not. I think we'll pass on that venue.

SAnParis2 - thanks for the idea of the place next to Rumjungle. I'll check that one out.

I don't care about the pool as much as the girls will. I'm sure any one will do just fine, so ours at TI should be ok. Has anyone ever done the Rehab at Hardrock? Not my cup of tea, but the girls may like that.

Thanks again for your advice and suggestons!

There's a brand new Walgreens directly across from TI right on the strip, in the Palazzo. Fremont street skippable in my opinion.

There is a Walgreens across the street between the Palazzo and the Venetian. The Fashion Show Mall is next door and has an ABC store that has all your needs as well - beside shopping.

If you love authentic Italian food, Enoteca San Marcos is across the street at the Venetian. It's a Mario Batali restaurant. You don't have to dress up and it won't break the bank. Probably my new favorite place to eat.

I also love Mon Ami Gabi at Paris. Make reservations. When you get there, ask to be seated on the patio so you can watch and listen to the fountains at the Bellagio. My 2nd favorite place to eat.

There is a Subway, McDonald, Chipotle close by and typically food courts in the hotels. There are several Denny's on The Strip as well.

If you have a rental car and like nature, take the short ride to Red Rocks - beautiful even if you don't hike and inexpensive.

Enjoy the trip!

21 year olds need to go the Palms Casino a block or two off the strip..best place for the hip young crowd..Playboy Club is there along with some other great clubs.
I always stop and get water, gatorade..for hangover remedy and some snacks and beer.
It will be very hot.
Should be fun..
I am a big Wynn hotel fan and the food at Daniel Boulud's brassiere is excellent and they have a 3 course meal for around $40 with a light show that is wild.
Fremont Street is an interesting experience
Voodoo Lounge at the Rio across from the Palms has a great rooftop bar that is awesome for drinks at night and take the kids for breakfast at Binions Horsheshoe for the best $5 ham and eggs with hash browns and toast and will last you all day long...ham takes up the whole plate..ask for Moneta..she is the best!

wynnlasvegas.com
palms.com

Thank you!

One other question (forgive me, I've never been there so this may sound dumb)... Can you drink anywhere in Vegas (i.e. side walks, etc?) Can you take your drinks to go? What's the laws, etc. on that (no jail time wanted on the trip either!) Are there also liquor stores close to the strip to go buy your own for your hotel room? Not trying to be super cheap here (believe me, married to an Irishman!) but, just want to know what other options there are.

Thanks again all!

Not only is drinking okay outside, in many places you can get your drinks in funny "go glasses".

Drinks are very cheap on the floor of any casino. Just stand by a table or machine and hail the cocktail waitress. she'll bring cocktails, wine or soda for free. I usually tip a dollar or so. there are lots of places to buy bottled liquor as well.

I actually like the Downtown area for people watching, seeing the old casinos, lower stakes gambling, the shrimp cocktails at Golden Gate, and the Freemont St show is fun to watch for a little while too.

If you want a little taste of Hawaii, there is an ABC store down there, and Hawaiian food and snacks at the California hotel.

Bookmarking. :)

Lcuy - thanks for the 411 on the drinks. I thought you had to bet or play so much $$ for anyone to offer you a free drink in the casino (I will be gambling on the slots - for fun, obviously not profit!) But, thanks for the tip!

Are there any other casino advice/tips out there? I've only been in them on cruise ships and they don't compare by any stretch of the imagination to Vegas!

Keep them coming - I appreciate your replies!

You can take the Deuce up and down the Strip--very cheap.Get off and on where ever you want and get back on with a day pass. This is a good first day overview. Also, you can pick up the magazines that list with good descriptions anything your hearts desire. Lots of things are free, also listed as such. You just have to be there at the right time. I played one slot for free--never gambled before--and won $100 and didn't know it until someone said that was my bell ringing.