dwoodliff

I was thinking recently about how many threads I have followed, where the OP asks for suggestions, but -- when their trip report is posted -- they have not taken ANY of the suggestions. In light of this, since a friend and I will be in Vegas this coming week (her first time), is there anywhere we should avoid? Anything that was a big disappointment, or a total waste of time?

We have our hotel reservations, show tickets, and a tour reserved (major sights plus one hour downtown). Except for that one hour, we will spend all of our time in the Strip area. We'll be looking for moderately priced dining choices, attractions and shopping.

So, tell us, where would you recommend that we NOT eat? What was less exciting than you expected it to be? What should we skip?

Donna

diddl_maus

Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT waste your time standing around Treasure Island to see the Sirens of T. I. I saw it a few years ago when it was the British agains the Pirates and it was enjoyable even though it was a little hokey. Even our two teenage sons, who we thought would enjoy seeing scantilly clad women, said it was "lame" The crowds are thick and the sound system is lousy. Don't waste your time. The light and laser show where the statues come to life below Caesar's Palace is not much better.

ChristieP

www.cheapovegas gives VERY truthful reviews of the city's attractions, hotels, etc.

I totally agree about the "Sirens" pirate show at TI.

Loki

I agree with the Caesars thing, animatronics are so 1976.

E

We stumbled upon the Ceasar's thing in progress, laughed at how silly it was, and overheard one guy say, after it was over, "I can't believe I waited almost an hour to see that." It's so not worth waiting/planning for!

Circo isn't a moderately priced restaurant, but should you feel tempted, don't--the food isn't as good as at other similarly-priced places.

Lastly, I wouldn't take the new monorail unless it's really convenient to where you're going, or you really, really want to save some cab money--it's slow, it runs around the BACK of all the hotels, so there's no view of the Strip, only parking lots, and you still have to walk long distances from the staions through the lobbies of the hotels.

I have to say, though, we loved Vegas--nearly everything we saw/ate/did met or exceeded our expectations. Enjoy!

tracys2cents

Where are you staying? Would like to mention the good, moderate restaurants nearby since there are so many in Las Vegas

John

Last I heard the monorail isn't running. Lots of problems including safety questions!

Carp

Do not go off "the beaten path" downtown...stay on Fremont Street. We quickly figured out the area surrounding downtown was not good. Just my opinion....

dwoodliff

Thanks so much for the suggestions and advice. We are staying at Aladdin; going to Elton John concert at Caesars. We are not interested in fine dining, just good casual food. Have considered Spice Market Buffet, P F Changs, Cheesecake Factory, and either one of the buffets Downtown or something else quick, since we will be on Fremont Street as part of our tour. (I looked back at the tour info, and it said 2 hours downtown, not one.) I do appreciate the heads up about the monorail; I think we can skip seeing the back of the hotels. Please keep the suggestions coming.

Donna

lvk

That whole desert thunderstorm thing at the Aladdin Desert Passage Shops was quite a waste of time. I agree about the statues at Caesar's, although I like the Forum Shops. I didn't think the boat ride on the canal at Luxor was anything special either (it cost $$ too, don't know if they still have it).

We enjoyed the view from the top of the Stratosphere. There's also a revolving restaurant and bar up there.

We saw Elton John at Caesars in August. We really enjoyed the show, but here's a tip: Don't go in there thirsty. A glass of wine in a little plastic cup was $15, a bottle of water $8.

Have fun.

diddl_maus

Alsoi avoid the larges souveneir shop in the world near Circus Circus. I believe it is called the Bonanza(?) I could be wrong about the name.
If you only go to one buffet make it the Spice Market Buffet at Aladdin. The food is fresh there is a HUGE variety. Beautiful seafood and deserts.
Freemont St. Experience worth the trip. If you take a bus be sure to catch the express one which stops just outside the Flamingo Hilton. Much faster than the regular bus. The last bus leaves Freemont St. around midnight. You don't want to be stuck there.

clarkgriswold

I wouldn't recommend the Aladdin for breakfast, Paris next door is better, or walk over to the Stage Deli in the Caesar's Forum. Lunch at Aladdin is okay, dinner and Sunday brunch are excellent.

Monte Carlo across the street has a decent brew-pub, and the Market City Caffe is good. I like Chin-Chin chinese at NYNY just as well as PF Changs. The coffee shop in Bally's is good, and the Caesar's Forum would be a convenient place for you to eat before your concert. Bertolini's there has great gourmet pizza, the Cheesecake Factory usually has quite a wait. Great place for just appetizers or maybe a salad so that you save room for Cheesecake. At the Mirage, California Pizza Kitchen is casual and pretty good, and the coffee shop is good, too.

Downtown, if you're there at night, is notable for the light show....but if your tour takes you there during the day you'll probably just want to spend the time enjoying a meal. The coffee shops at Four Queens and Golden Gate are okay, the buffet at Golden Nugget is quite good. Evenings downtown, Pasta Pirate is the place to eat, it's in the California hotel.

If you like classic cars, print out the free pass at imperialpalace.com, the auto collection often has some neat cars on display, we've seen a JFK car and the Popemobile in the past.

TripleSecDelay

Clark - too many trips to wallyworld, eh?

"Tell me where NOT to go in Vegas".

fdecarlo

One word: Excalibur. Rampant cheese.