Vegas on New Year's Eve
 

Quick question about Las Vegas on New Year's Eve. We are going to be staying at Mandalay Bay but wanted to have dinner at Delmonico's at the Venetian. I understand the strip is closed off for at least part of the night. Is it difficult to get a cab on New Year's Eve to go to one part of the strip to the other? That's sort of a long walk, and if it is hard, we may need to choose a restaurant in Mandalay or closer by (like in MGM).

I was there last year over New Year's Eve and the strip was closed to traffic from about 8:00 pm through midnight. There are other ways for taxis to get from hotel to hotel than via the strip but it is a very crowded time. If it was me, I would have dinner at Mandalay Bay. Delmonico's is excellent but you may want to try it another night. Take a look at 3950 in the Mandalay Bay - it's very cool, excellent food and service. Keep in mind, though, that some of the good restaurants will be closed to the public and others will book up early. For example, last year I stayed at Caesar's and none of its gourmet restaurants were taking reservations (all had private functions).

On New Year's eve the commute down the strip during the day is 6 hours long sitting in traffic. Every year there are news updates regarding travel times. I wouldn't even consider it unfortunately. There are many terrific dining options in the MB. Have a great time.

No cab driver worth his or her salt would drive down the Strip to get to Venetian from MB regardless of the day of the year.
They all use I-15 (or Paradise/Koval).
So this issue shouldn't really affect your dinner decision.

Using I-15 to get to the Venetian would do no good. Cars are not allowed to exit from I-15 toward the strip when the strip is completely closed to traffic for New Year's Eve. There are barriers put up to stop this.

One alternative would be to walk to the Tropicana and catch a taxi there. The driver would be able to exit eastbound out of the Tropicana and then travel northbound behind the hotels to get to the Venetian.

The strip does not normally get closed down until the evening hours on New Year's. I'm thinking 5pm or 6pm. If that's the case, you could go to the Venetian before the strip gets closed down. You'll still have a heck of a time getting back to Mandalay Bay after dinner though.

You might want to check on the Venetian's entrance policy though. If I'm not mistaken, they won't let you in on New Year's Eve unless you are a hotel guest. Although there must be some way for folks with dinner reservations to gain entry, even if they are not a guest of the hotel. I'm sure Delmonico's could explain the procedure.

I would recommend eating at the Venetian on another night.