VEGAS HOTELS
 

I am planning my first trip to Vegas with my wife. I was going to make it a suprise for her. I wanted to stay someplace special, that she will be able to remember. Does it have to be Bellagio or the Venetian? I hear that they are the nicest on the Strip. Would one of them be my best choice or might I do better getting a suite in a less expensive hotel?

No, it does not have to be one of those. I have stayed at Venetian and frankly, I don't think it's all that it's cracked up to be with the exception of the canal area and the spa. It kind of depends on what your goals for Vegas are. I would have to say that my favorite overall is the Mirage. It's well located, the gambling's excellent, the rooms are nice, the people friendly and their spa is pretty good as well. The Venetian does have a top notch spa if your wife is interested in that (and it's open to non-hotel guests as well). The Bellagio seems like a great hotel, though I've never stayed there. The restuarants and shows are great, but the gambling is terrible.

A lot of information already exists for your reading pleasure (questions and answers), and you can access them easily if you use the SEARCH TEXT box. <BR>Type: Las Vegas, hit the FIND button, there will be a waiting period and then all the previous messages on Las Vegas will appear for you to read. <BR>Previous answers to questions will also include several helpful and informative websites dealing strictly with Las Vegas.

What are you looking for in particular, Mike? <BR>Give us specifics and we can help you narrow things down. Need to know your tastes and what you'll be comparing the hotel to (past trips to nicer places). <BR>Conde Nast just published their new Top 100 list. The Bellagio is again LV's top hotel, followed by the Four Seasons, then Venetian. <BR>Through February you can find outstanding weekday rates at all the hotels (some blackout dates exist). <BR>Bellagio is only $99 most days.

While there I would take her to see "O." We have seen all the big name shows in Vegas and Mystere and "O" are really wonderful and something she will remember. I have never heard of anyone balking at the steep price of the tickets. I would stay someplace cheap and do this any day. By the way, we stayed at the Bellagio for 119 a night recently on a weekend. Try Treasure Island for deals and it is in a good location.

You can also frequently get excellent deals at the Monte Carlo, which I think is one of the best locations on the Strip (next door to NYNY, across the street from MGM, and free and convenient monorail service to Bellagio). It's pretty romantic and has a great pool area. Rooms on higher floors on the Strip side have terrific views. We always stay at the Monte Carlo when we're in Vegas and have never been disappointed.

I like the Mirage best. It is in a great location, where a lot is going on, plus it is beautiful. It is close to the Venetian, Ceasars, and the Bellagio. I like the Mandalay Bay, too, but it is too far down the strip, even if there is a tram.

The Paris. The rooms are very warm and are done up with beautiful colors, florals, and textures. The bathrooms are gorgeous (mosaic tiles, painted sinks). I loved it. To add to the romance the fountains of the Bellagio are right across the street, so you can view them everytime you walk out the door. The Venetian seemed cold and impersonal to me, and the Bellagio is too large for my taste. Took forever to get to the room. The Paris buffet is great, and the mall with its cobblestone streets and street performers is great.

Interesting that Ellen felt Bellagio was "too big" compared to Paris. <BR>They have virtually identical numbers of rooms. <BR> <BR>

Bellagio, as stated above, is the premier hotel on the strip. From there, I think the others mentioned, Paris (I prefer), Venetian, Mirage, etc. are all pretty comparable. Just an FYI- my wife and I spent apprximately 12 hrs in our hotel room (2 nt, 3 day trip)for our first trip. My point is, there's a lot to see and do and the hotels are all pretty comparable. I'd highly recommend that you call ahead go on-line and get your tickets to Mystere in advance! I believe you can do so 90 days ahead of time. FYI- Do this as soon as possible!

Mike, <BR> I just returned from Vegas last week(also a surprise trip for my husband).I just wanted to mention that the Aladdin has the best shopping in their mall. I went shopping everyday and still didn't hit all the shops.Aladdin is right across the street from Bellagio, and next to Paris. This is the best area to stay in I think.Good luck! <BR>

Vic - I wasn't basing my opinion on the size of the Bellagio vs Paris on the number of rooms. I should have been more specific. I found that the distance to my room from the lobby was much farther. At the end of the day, carrying bags, it made a difference. The casino in the Bellagio is at least twice the size of the one in the Paris. I found the Paris to be easier to navigate. Just an opinion.