boysy

I have covered this subject on the Europe forum, and am now going to have a stab at the US!! My husband is going to be forty next year, and I want to take him somewhere really special as a surprise. I was thinking of Las Vegas for 2 nights (or three?) and Chicago for 4 nights. What does that sound like? Is that totally nuts, or is there a better idea? He is one hell of a gambler, and not much of one for lying on beaches and doing nothing! He hasn't been to anywhere in the States except for NY. I would quite like to go somewhere that I haven't been to either (I've been to NY, California - San Francisco, Washington, Florida and Alaska). Any suggestions? I want it to be really special and cost is not really an issue. HELP!!!!!

Diane

Las Vegas and...Grand Canyon? ...New Mexico?

bross

Go to Vegas. Lots to see and do there. Gambling, glizty night life, great weather usually. Spend the entire 5 or 6 days. If he likes to gamble and you don't or you get tired of gambling. Shop till you drop. There is a great outlet mall about 15 minutes by cab. Or you can shop on the strip next to Caesars. or walk from hotel to hotel and see the sights. What about going to the hotel New York New York, or the new Bellagio? or more reasonably price Flamingo with a great pool beach atsmosphere. Stay at the hotel that looks like a Pyramid. Lots of great new Theme Hotels so many to pick from. All the hotels have tried to "one up" each other. The hotels and casinos have lots of big name entertainment. Just search on the net or call the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for "What's Playing"
I could go on and tell you more but I'm not really sure what you might want to do.

susan

Oh, gosh...5 or 6 nights in Las Vegas!!! I can't think of anything worse! My husband, too, loves to gamble but after 3 nights in Las Vegas he was dying to leave and I was practically in tears. Plan for 3 nights - and make sure to see the shows and some of the non-gambling sights - then go anywhere! Or maybe do the trip in reverse and save the gambling as a treat to anticipate. There's no place in the world like Las Vegas, but it's best in moderation. Good luck!

Val

Well...what a coincidence! My husband just turned 40 last week, and as a surprise, I took him to .... VEGAS! We had a fantastic time. Stayed at New York, New York (I don't recommend it for accommodations), lost a bunch of money, but had a really nice time. Weather was perfect, people watching was at a premium, etc. But I agree that three nights/four days is tops. (We lost a bunch of money; I was depressed all Saturday night.) If you go to Vegas, check on Bellagio rates. It's a beautiful hotel, but people are shying away from it due to advertised top dollar rates. It's been having specials lately that are comparable to many nearby hotels, but you get much better accommodations. Chicago is also a beautiful city. If you can fit them both in, go for it!

LVLarry

Las Vegas by all means. Forget Chicago. We visit Las Vegas several times a year and always stay 5-8 days each time. There is plenty to do even if you don't gamble. If you gamble then there is no other place like it. I would stay at one of the mid-strip hotel/casinos such as Flamingo Hilton, Ballys, Caesars' Palace, The Mirage, The Bellagio. I definitely would NOT stay at the Imperial Palace. If your budget is a little tight then try the Barbary Coast. All of these places are well located. Make a trip downtown to see the "Freemont Experience". Sam's Town though not well located is good for gambling if you are a Video Poker player. Make sure that you join the slot clubs ( no charge ) so you can get comped for your gaming.

You should visit the web site www.lvol.com for a great Las Vegas site. They have a great forum where your will be able to get all of your questions answered.

Joanne

If money isn't an issue, check into that resort (I just saw it on Oprah)! The Atlantis in the Bahamas. I really don't know much about it but it has gambling and beaches, pools, etc. Looks like a place I would want to go!

Tricia

My interest was piqued about the Atantis Resort in the Bahamas so did an internet search- WOW! Is it neat. I found a website that gives you LIVE audio/video on your destination. This resort is the only amphibious resort in the world. Its a 14 acres waterscape complete with Casino's, open air aquariums, championship golf courses etc. It had pictures of the rooms and very nice. Has prices for vacation packages- 3 nights w/airfare from JFK was around $680 in low season. Go to www.travelnavigator.com- Vegas would be my second choice after seeing this one!

Rob

New Orleans is the most European city in America. Great food, great music, wonderful people, architecture, history etc. New Orleans is one of the world's most favored destinations.What about jazzfest or Mardi Gras next year? Check out this site www.bandwcourtyards.com

susan

I, too, was really interested in trying out Atlantis, but after having seen lots and lots of bad experiences detailed on message boards I changed my mind. Last year there were several female tourists murdered near Atlantis. I'm not sure if the culprit has been caught. There were also an enormous amount of complaints regarding faulty hotel charges. Apparently it's necessary to check your current bill daily in order to clear up any padded charges (and the general concensus was there were ALWAYS erroneous fees). A final caution: since the bahamas aren't covered by gaming regulations like Las Vegas is, many people complained they didn't receive complete payoffs for wins. The general message was to go to Las Vegas if gambling was your aim.

steve

One other suggetion would be Lake Tahoe. Your husband could gamble plus if it's winter you can ski, snowmobile etc and in summer there are lots of lake activies. It is a beautiful area.