where to stay in vegas for a couple from England
 

Hi,

We're from london, England, age (young) 37 year olds.

Next year we're celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary so decided to leave the kids at home with the grandparents and enjoy some 'us' time.

We are stuck between the Bellagio, Caesers palace and the cosmopolitan. Have read mixed reviews on all three (especially cosmopolitan) on trip advisor.

Obviously we don't get away too often without the kids, and to go to vegas for us is not as cheap as people living in the USA, so we need to know we are staying at the right place for us.

We want opulence, glitzy in your face vegas, but also don't want the hotel running alive with 20-30 year olds hell bent on drinking as much as they can, although we both love a drink and the occasional dance in a club.

I also want a hotel that has tea and coffee making facilities in the room (you know what us English are like about our morning tea...lol) and a refrigerator to store milk in would be nice.

I would also like umbrellas around the pool area as temperatures are very high in may/june.

If any of you could help with my decision it would be much appreciated.

Bellagio...

I would pick Bellagio . Dont really remember if my room had tea and coffee making facilities in the room.

I have good friends who have stayed at Caesars in the past, and switched to Cosmo on their last trip a few weeks ago. They LOVED Cosmo and will plan on staying there again. They have not stayed at Bellagio.

We go to Vegas every year in January for a week or so, but we usually stay at Orleans. You would probably not like that location, off strip. We always have a car.

Bellagio. You will find complaints about every hotel on the face of the earth. Look at the majority of comments - and see what the complaints are really about (often it seems to be people who make themselves more important by complaining.)

But I don't know any hotel in the US that has tea making facilities in the room. Almost all let you make coffee (if you can call it that) but tea is not something most of us do - except iced in the summer.

And whatever you do never drink "sweet tea" - this is cold sugar water that someone has waved a tea bag through for about 10 seconds) - and is really sickeningly sweet.

(I do drink tea - for other than illness - since one of my grandmothers cam from an Irish family. I always travel with my own stock of tea bags and insist on making it myself so it steeps long enough to actually have some taste. You should be able to get Twinings of practically any variety in any supermarket.)

Very few of the hotels have in room tea/coffee (like almost none of the on-Strip properties). They want you paying for room service or down in the casino - not in your room drinking free coffee/tea :)

Many have refrigerators - but most are fully stocked w/ for-pay products and you are sometimes charged if an item is moved let alone opened. So no real space to store milk.

But you can stop at any Walgreens/Walmart/Target/etc and buy an inexpensive coffeemaker to use during your stay.

The Mandarin Oriental has a lovely high tea service. ~o)

You can get free coffee and tea (or booze) on the casino floors.
I seem to remember that the Venetian had a coffee maker (which means hot water and tea bags) in the room; seems like Bellagio would, too.
Call their toll-free number and ask.

I have stayed at all three recently and over the years. All three are beautiful in their own ways (and I'd suggest walking through them all), and have good locations, so I can understand why you're having a difficult time deciding. Here's just my thoughts:

1. I love the Bellagio. I love the fountains, the bedding in the rooms, glass flowers, and garden of Bellagio and the look overall is more elegant than the other two. However, for me the casino skews a little older (I'm your age), so I don't actually spend much time gambling or hanging out there. Or maybe not so much the age, but the table limits are what skew older lol. It's a great hotel, just not as glitzy or fun from a younger standpoint. But it's definitely a nice hotel for having a lovely dinner and for when you're ready to turn in (used to love brunch at Olives, but the quality has lessened recently. Still great service though.) Oh, and I know opinions differ, but I actually do enjoy the fountain rooms, although in general I find Bellagio's basic rooms to be on the smaller side.

2. The Cosmopolitan is definitely gliltzy in a trendy way. I loved the suite we had and the multi-level chandelier inside the hotel is definitely over the top and opulent. Some very great restaurants as well (as does Bellagio, but the ones at Cosmopolitan are a bit more fun - less sedate.) The tapas restaurant is yummy and lively. However, this is not the place to avoid 20-30yr old club goers, especially on the weekends. It's not as bad as Hard Rock, but you will notice the difference from Bellagio. The Cosmo is the newest of the three, and definitely targets itself to a young, hip crowd. Which could work for you, but could also be annoying. The Cosmo also has the fewest non-gambling diversions of the three hotels.

3. Caesars is the oldest of the three, but it's also a classic. The Forum Shops are still one of my favorites to walk through (and the cheesy, but surprisingly fun statues show are a must to see at least once.) It's a bit more old-school in its grandness compared to some of the newer casinos. Not as sparkly new. However, it offers a lot of different priced options for food, and is one of best locations on the Strip. But I'd also suggest you spring for a newer suite if you do choose Caesars as the classic rooms are a bit worn looking now.

I've had coffee makers in all three hotels, though I don't remember about tea bags (and I'm a tea, not coffee, drinker.) But as janisj pointed out, the in room fridges tend to only be there to stock expensive snacks and drinks. Most have motion sensors and they will bill you if items are moved. Having said that, I have been able to request an empty fridge occasionally, but it's not a common accommodation (and really not worth it for just a bit of milk.) That's why so many young kids partying end up chilling beer in the bathroom sink. :)

I honestly can't remember about umbrellas at the pools. They do exist, I just don't remember which hotel offers more options for shade. It will be nice, but temps aren't usually all that high in May/June compared to the hotter summer months.

No matter which hotel you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Whether you love it or hate it, most would agree Vegas is definitely an experience!

nytraveler: "<i>But I don't know any hotel in the US that has tea making facilities in the room. Almost all let you make coffee (if you can call it that) but tea is not something most of us do - except iced in the summer.</i>"

I honestly don't know what you are talking about. I seldom drink coffee (except occasional iced or w/ booze/whipped cream :) ) and drink tea every single day. Millions of Americans drink tea - though more do drink coffee. IME, most hotels that have coffeemakers also provide teabags. Once in a blue moon I have to ask for them from the front desk or houskeeping, but usually they are in the same little basket that holds the sugar/sweetener/creamer.

Not in casino hotels though . . . .

Thank you all for your replies, I think we'll bring a travel kettle and our own teabags just to be on the safe side and keep the milk in the sink (fab idea...thanks). Still not sure what hotel is best suited to us (although am thinking the cosmo is out of the equation) I love bellagio and Caesars so may have to persude hubby that we'll go again in 3 years for our 40th birthdays  that way we get to stay at both 

I would recommend Caesar's simply because of its location at center strip. The convenience of being able to walk through the Forum Shoppes to Mirage, or to go across the street to Harrah's and the Venetian. Yes, some of the less expensive rooms are getting a bit dated, but the newer towers are are really nice. There are also lots of dining options in the hotel and in the Forum Shoppes.

If you haven't already been given a link to this Vegas site, here it is: www.cheapovegas.com This site has all sorts of hotel and restaurant recommendations, and it's funny, too!

The hotels I've stayed at on the Las Vegas Strip have not had coffee makers. Once I called and asked why, and I was told because of fire danger--a concern hotels outside of Las Vegas don't have.

If a room has a refrigerator or coffee maker, it will say so on its internet site. For instance, rooms at the Bellagio have a "mini-bar," which usually means a small refrigerator with no freezing compartment that is crammed full of stuff the hotel wants you to purchase at exorbitant prices. You can remove some of the items and store your milk there.

If there is no pot for heating tea water, you should be able to purchase one at Walgreens (3765 Las Vegas Boulevard)--an interesting walk. At $20 or less the hot pot should pay for itself after two or three uses. If the Walgreens doesn't have what you want, try the CVS store across the boulevard.

Walgreens and CVS are also good places to buy milk and snacks at sensible prices. Another good option for groceries is the ABC store in Planet Hollywood. The ABC is a branch of the convenience stores from Hawaii.

In case you don't know, the apartments at MGM Signature have full kitchens and two spacious bathrooms. It isn't right on the Strip, but the accommodations are a treat: http://www.signaturemgmgrand.com/ At certain times the room rates are so low it is hard to believe they are luxurious--but they are.

HTTY

Actually, you probably can't remove stuff from the mini-bar -- current versions of mini-bars tend to have motion sensors - the minute you remove something, you are charged for it.

<i> the minute you remove something, you are charged for it</i>

Yikes! Big Brother at work

In any event, in the rare instance I have been charged for something I didn't use, the charge has been reversed when I pointed out the error.

HTTY

I'm sure that's true, but better to be forewarned!

While I suppose "creamer" can be put in coffee - I would never drink it (but I only like strong coffee black and you can't get that in a hotel room). "Creamer" in tea is like drinking paste it need either real milk or lemon - and the water to make it has to be a rolling boil to make decent tea - just just pretty hot.

I can't drink anything from those in-room set-ups. Just use the cubes and water.

nyt: OK -- I don't put creamer in my tea -- I just said the tea bags are in the <i>same basket</i> as the creamer packets and sugar.

Therazors7: "<i>I think we'll bring a travel kettle and our own teabags </i>"

Your UK kettle likely won't work well - even if it is dual voltage. I'd pickup a heating coil or small electric kettle after you are in the States.

Thanks again for all your helpful replies, have been on walgreens website and i can pick up a kettle for $15. Also, if I'm not told that i can't remove items from the fridge to make room for my milk then surely i can??!! as i won't be eating/drinking them i will only be moving them therefore what can i be charged for??
ChrisitieP loved the cheapovegas site, it made for great reading...thanks

<i>as i won't be eating/drinking them i will only be moving them therefore what can i be charged for??</i>

After doing a little research on this topic, I have concluded that you should pose your question to the hotel you book: http://www.hotelinteractive.com/arti...rticleid=13370

Another alternative is to request a refrigerator, which hotels often furnish (often with an additional charge). I often say, "I need a refrigerator. Is there one in the room?" A clerk has never asked why I need a refrigerator, but if one does I am prepared to say "For my medications."

HTTY

If I don't have a fridge in the room I usually just use the ice bucket, which works for a small bottle.

"<i>Also, if I'm not told that i can't remove items from the fridge to make room for my milk then surely i can??!!</i>"

There would be a notice on or inside inside the fridge. Often just a card sitting on top of it. The card will list the prices and, if applicable, will explain that moving items will result in charges on your bill.

The Bellagio is really amazing. I stayed there and the hotel is just beautiful, I loved looking outside my window at the fountains when they would go off. The pool was amazing as well with beautiful gardens, and many great restaurants and foods to try on the inside.

I just stayed at the Aria and the guy did say that if you move their stuff out of the fridge and store your stuff they will charge you.

Ahhh a sensor.

I think that there is a need to put anything in their fridge anyways. Once I wake up and go out I usually don't get back to the hotel until later in the evening...everything is so far away...believe me you don't want to go back to the hotel once you start wondering around.

I know that making your own tea is best! I love making my own tea!

But now I learned to drink coffee if I can't make it myself. They can't make good tea anywhere! The water is never hot enuf to make a good brew.

Just enjoy your brew of any sort at the restaurants. Forget about making tea on vacation. It will be hot, maybe you will convert and drink ice coffee! :D Just a thought.

Often they don;t tell you and moving the contents of the fridge at all will result in charges - which they will eventually remove - but is a PIA.

If you really want this I would contact the hotel in advance and say you need a fridge you can use for your own things and won;t have room for their drinks and snacks. They may remove theirs or may just give you another - but may well charge for it. (They really want you to go downstairs for their breakfast.)

The Bellagio should provide a fridge upon request. I haven't stayed there in a while, so it would be best to confirm with them.

I would suggest you stay at the Bellagio, unless you're willing to spend up for a wraparound terrace suite at the Cosmo. Otherwise, I'd go for the Bellagio. It's right next door to the Cosmo, so you are only minutes away from enjoying the restaurants and public areas of that hotel. If you can, splurge on a fountain view room at the Bellagio.

At this point, I think Bellagio/Cosmo/Aria are where the action is on the strip. Caesars tends to be a bit further away from the places and restaurants I want to visit. Of course, if you have plans that center around Caesars, then that would be a better choice.

Regardless of where you stay, check out the Bellagio -- especially the conservatory garden (or whatever it is called)-- totally amazing.

Bellagio really is a great hotel but have you thought about The Wynn, fabulous upscale hotel (well it was last time i was there) and good location too.

I haven't stayed in a Vegas in a number of years, but in all the trips I've taken around the country (granted in mid-level business hotels like the Marriott, Hyatt or large boutiques like Kimpton hotels) I've never been in a room that had a coffee maker that didn't also have one or two bagged tea bags. They just assumed you'd use the coffee maker to make hot water.

I'd definitely suggest you bring your own tea, but wait to go out and buy a tea kettle until you can investigate if there's a coffee maker in the room.

Consider the Wynn/Encore. Terrific pools, great clubs, very few crazy 20 year olds. Most guests are in 30's and 40's, After having stayed at nearly all of the other hotels in Vegas including Bellagio and Caesar's we will never stay anywhere but Wynn again.

I read on the forum a few days ago that the Wynn is noisey from their club, and it doesn't matter what floor you are on because noise rises. I should know I live on a high rise in a busy city!

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...l-203430-2.cfm

found link

We are staying at the Bellagio right now. There is no coffee/tea maker in the room. We came from the Aria, another very nice hotel, and it had no coffee maker in the room either. In the many times I have come to Las Vegas, I can't remember any of the nicer hotels (Venetian, Bally's, Hilton, etc.) having them.

From our last room at the Aria I noticed that both the Vdara and Cosmopolitan had very nice pool areas with umbrellas. Bellagio goes them one better with little "cabanas".

We thought our room at the Aria (in City Center, as is the Cosmopolitan) was the loveliest we have been in, and the food in the restaurants is excellent (Julian Serrano for tapas is our favorite). Service was the best we've had anywhere. However, the distances between things is quite a walk. The casino is huge, the parking lot is huge, and the hotel is huge. Certainly the longest hallways I've ever experienced, and they break into several wings.

The Bellagio is more central to the action on the strip. The rooms are large, if a tad dated (television, for example, is the old type, rather than the huge wall mounted flat screen we had at the Aria). Food is excellent, and the place is quite lively.

Enjoy your trip to Las Vegas!

We went to Vegas for the first time this May for a wedding at the Bellagio. It was terrific, we thought it might have been bad taste but we were wrong and enjoyed every moment of Vegas. The hotel is very well located and is so big we had to have a map to navigate it. I think this is a great hotel for a first time visit, although no matter where you stay, you'll find you spend time going from one hotel to another. Chandelier bar in the Cosmopolitan is fun & is impressive. Wynn/Encore are amazing though, not in such a fab location but really it's not far to walk down the strip and is half the fun. They do a great buffet breakfast and brunch on Sundays & with a proper cuppa if you want it(think Teapigs). We also had a car which was great as we could see what is was like off strip and see Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam etc and the parking was included in the resort fee (although we didnt stay at the Bellagio).

Didn't hear any noise re the club when we stayed at the Wynn!

Definitely recommend the Bellagio.

We stayed at the Cosmopolitan last spring and hated it. Really hideous decor IMHO.

Whereas the Bellagio had a very nice Monet exhibit. Much classier.

But then, we don't care for LV in general.

Hi, I would recommend Bellagio. They have a nice and romantic atmosphere. If you're interested, here's some more detailed info http://www.nitexcite.com/destination...-in-las-vegas/ Hope this helps!

I racked up a $72.00 bill at the Nikko in San Fransisco a few years ago by moving items in the mini fridge to store some wine!!!! Ouch...
PS....had to pay and recommend the Bellagio for glitz and location.

You can request to have the mini fridge contents removed. Very easy to do.

You will not find a coffee maker at the Cosmo.

The Bellagio is dated.

Hail Caesar! I've been staying there since I was a teen. My sister took me with her to see Tom Jones. We had a family group of inlaws and outlaws, parents, and aunts & uncles. I was entertained at the pool with my cousins while the adults did Vegas. It was a three car caravan from Orange County. The road trip was a lot of fun. The cousins all ran to a different car when we stopped for gas.

Caesars has only improved over the years. It's a true Fantasyland. You won't find coffee or tea making facilities in the hotel rooms as one is expected to order room service.
Purchase a kettle and the accoutrements at Walgreens. It is a good store for souvenirs, bottled water, and snacks for your room. Expect to pay 15 to 20 USD for a kettle. Twinings is readily available. Most hotel rooms have double vanities. Place your goods in a spare sink, cover with ice then a damp towel and it should be good for 10-12 hours. You may have to order ice from room service but the fee will be worth it. Order lots of ice!

Caesars has lovely dining and just opened a new buffet. Go to the buffet for lunch and save a bit from the dinner price for essentially the same food.

Enjoy afternoon tea at the Bellagio. The tea service is divine with a lovely assortment of sweets and savouries. Stroll the Botanical Garden in the Conservatory before tea for a charming afternoon respite from the Las Vegas heat and zany excitement of The Strip.

Do not touch the minibar! All contents are on sensors with a direct charge to your hotel bill. It is not a fridge. You may ask housekeeping to empty the minibar when you arrive in your room. If they will do it you can avoid the ice-in-the-sink routine.

Bring sturdy walking shoes as the distances between hotels is deceiving. One may think they are close but remember, this is a desert and it is full of mirages. City buses, monorails, and taxi's are always available. Walking the strip is a right of passage but be prepared to return to your hotel in a taxi or by bus.

Enjoy Vegas! It's like no other place on Earth.