Vegas: Where to stay?
 

My wife and I are planning a trip to Vegas this Dec/Jan. We are looking at a few hotels ( Luxor, Excalibur, Bally's). All of these are based off of price. Would like any suggestions about these hotels. Also, we want to see both Celine Dion and "O", but if we have to choose, which should we, and can we find tickets cheaper than through ticketmaster?

Of those three hotels, Bally's is the best. Luxor is too far south on the strip and Exaclibur is loaded with kids and inferior to the other 2.

You won't find discounted tix to "O" or Celine Dion, but you can probably get tix cheaper by calling the hotel box office and giving them your credit card over the phone, as you would be avoiding ticketmaster service charge (which become excessive, IMO).

I agree with Bo; Bally's is the best and best location.

There are no discounted tickets for "O", and you'll pay a service charge to Ticketmaster, but not if you call the hotel direct.
As noted, avoid Excalibur at all costs.
Bally's is well located but the standard rooms in the non-pyramid tower at Luxor are nicer than the standard rooms at Bally's.
Have you checked rates at Aladdin (if it hasn't closed down by then) and Paris? Better hotels than those you listed for not much more money.

I'm scheduled to stay at the Aladdin at this time........so i count on it being open

Luxor is south on the strip, next to MGM and Mandalay Bay, but of the places you mentioned, it's the best. Its rooms are large and tastefully decorated (somehow the Egyptian theme works well, unlike some of the other schlocky Vegas themes). It's a huge and busy hotel casino maze with some cool attractions, like the Search for the Obelisk. It also has some more than decent restaurants and a great deli.
With the monorail links to center strip (from Monte Carlo to Bellagio or MGM to Bally's), the location thing isn't as big a deal as it used to be.

Just a thought about getting tickets to "O" and/or Celine...when I bought tickets to "O", I had to call ahead three months in advance to get the date and the seat selection I wanted. "O" has been around for a while now, but I'm sure it still sells out. I'm would imagine this is true for Celine Dion as well.

I HIGHLY recommend that you see "O", if possible. It is an amazing show. If you are not able to get the tickets you want for "O", I would also suggest Cirque du Soleil's other show, "Mystere", at Treasure Island. The tickets to Mystere are easier to come by and less costly (because it's been playing a lot longer)...but it is still an awesome show. As a matter of fact, some people prefer Mystere over "O". It is hard for me to decide which I liked better.

I have not seen Celine in Vegas. Her show is directed by Dragonne (of Cirque fame)...which is a big plus. And I know that her voice is incredible...but just thinking about having to watch her move (or try to move) onstage gives me the willies.

I vote for Bally's due the location.

I also vote for "O", especially if you haven't seen a Cirque show. Being a water show, "O" is unique, even for a Cirque du Soleil, and was great fun to watch.

The monorail is closed at he Monte-Carlo for now. Bellagio is doing some construction work and they had to shut it dowm.

Have you considered Monte Carlo? Should be in the same price range and IMO is nicer than any of the other 3 you mentioned.

dbro, check cheapovegas.com for good reviews of all the strip properties. I personally think that if price is your main consideration, Luxor is very much underrated. the rooms, pool and casino are very nice. Yes, it's south strip but you can get around from there. IMHO Bally's is a good second choice. It too is a very under-the-radar property, and it might be a few dollars more than Luxor but the location is smack in the middle of the strip. I'd avoid excalibur as there are other hotels on the strip that will be the same price. As far as your dates, there really isnt a high season in Vegas, but be careful because Jan 1 and on the rates go way up. If we go in Dec we go christmas week as the rates are usually pretty cheap. Have fun. Celine over O any day.

I second seeing O. I also agree that Ballys or Monte Carlo would be nice, but, also check out Paris.

Of the three, Bally's is the best bet. Center Strip, fairly good prices. You might try The Imperial Palace, close to Bally's. I stay there every December (usually around Christmas), and room prices are great. Holiday Inn quality, clean rooms. The previous reply about cheapovegas.com is on the money. A great site.