Las Vegas thread and MSE guide 2009

luci

The Bellagio Fountains

Room tax in Nevada is to rise by 3% bringing it to 13%. I read it was from Jan 1, but I'm not sure if that's next January.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/mar/11/room-tax-hike-suns-winners-and-losers/

I must have missed a previous increase as I thought the current rates was 9%.

nvh

The Bellagio Fountains

it's variable depending on area Luci

as far as i'm aware, the strip is 9%, other areas can be 10% (or more according to the second link!)

see here :
http://www.lvrj.com/news/41012327.html

Since rooms in most of Clark County are now taxed at 9 percent or 10 percent, depending on the area, patrons at hotels and motels would be assessed an additional 3 percentage points.

http://www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/stay/planning-information/basics.jsp

Tax: There is a 7.75 percent sales tax on purchases and a 9 percent tax on hotel rooms in Las Vegas. (An additional 2% is added to the room tax for certain Downtown properties adjacent to and near the Fremont Street Experience.)

milestone_3

ferf1223 wrote: »

I assume you're a bit on the young side (younger than me at 39, at least!)? I personally don't think based on what you've said Bellagio would be worth the extra cost...I think that Bally's might be too old and boring for you...so Flamingo seems the best of the options you've given. Flamingo is a hop, skip and a jump from Harrah's and their Carnaval Court is a pretty lively place in the evenings - loads of people, bands, flair bartenders, etc. Flamingo and Harrah's casinos are a lot more vibey than some of the others as well...and you also have O'Shea's right there which always seems to draw a younger crowd and looks like they're having fun.

I'm not sure that Flamingo has a high class factor though (nothing against it at all, but it doesn't immediately spring to mind as one of the classier places in town)...some here have stayed there and enjoyed the newer GO rooms (I think the pink would give me a headache ).

Maybe also consider Planet Hollywood?

LOL.. Well I've just turned 30 so I guess any terms of young might be pushing it! I might try and go for Flamingo first as the rooms seem to be slightly cheaper.
I didn't mind spending more for Bellagio but if it's going to be a place where you're better off staying at as a couple, I'll leave it for another lifetime.

I checked out planet hollywood and it seems about $150 more in total than Flamingo's. Is it worth paying more to stay there?

ferf1223

The Bellagio Fountains

luci wrote: »

I'm sure you can get it without a bribe, ie showing the money first, but you might as well get used to the tipping culture in Vegas from the start. :rotfl:

I think the other thing is once you ask for one nicely without an obvious tip on the line, if they say no...then it's going to be awkward to whip out $20 and ask again...then again, we never do the 'sandwich'...I just usually hold the note in my hand where it's visible and implied so possible that sometimes the clerk didn't even see it before giving the upgrade. We always look at it as the first gamble of the trip (except where we land in T1 and have to play a slot there before collecting our bags).

red_pad

Hey guys,

Just seen this on Travelzoo. Wish I could afford it but I'm off to New York in November.

http://uk.holidays.travelzoo.com/international/551196?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email_top20

Grrrrrr:mad:

ferf1223

The Bellagio Fountains

red_pad wrote: »

Hey guys,

Just seen this on Travelzoo. Wish I could afford it but I'm off to New York in November.

http://uk.holidays.travelzoo.com/international/551196?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email_top20

Grrrrrr:mad:

Looks like there's a London departure version as well.

http://uk.holidays.travelzoo.com/international/551795

Haven't researched what the flights and hotel would cost on their own, but for June doesn't seem atrocious at least.

OK, now I've checked flights on those dates with Virgin direct to Vegas (not what the package offers, but what some would prefer) and those departure and return dates Virgin flights on their own are £554 and £1047 (no typo)...so £530 pp for flights and 5 nights at Bellagio might be a good one.

ferf1223

The Bellagio Fountains

milestone wrote: »

LOL.. Well I've just turned 30 so I guess any terms of young might be pushing it! I might try and go for Flamingo first as the rooms seem to be slightly cheaper.
I didn't mind spending more for Bellagio but if it's going to be a place where you're better off staying at as a couple, I'll leave it for another lifetime.

I checked out planet hollywood and it seems about $150 more in total than Flamingo's. Is it worth paying more to stay there?

30 is young enough to me. Personally, I would skip Bellagio if I were you - others may disagree.

I wouldn't think PH was worth $150 more than Flamingo myself, but again, others may disagree.

milestone_3

ferf1223 wrote: »

30 is young enough to me. Personally, I would skip Bellagio if I were you - others may disagree.

I wouldn't think PH was worth $150 more than Flamingo myself, but again, others may disagree.

Well PH do some special rate offers which I guess might even it out with the difference in price?

First one offers 2 Spice Market Breakfast Buffets and 2for1 admission to PH Spa along with the room- Not sure what's involved in the buffet and how much it's worth. The 2 for 1 spa offer won't do me any good.

The other offer is room with a $40 Hotel Credit (not sure what you can use that for?) and $40 gaming bonus?

Compared to Flamingo's they are approx $40 more per night.

Steff

The Bellagio Fountains

ferf1223 wrote: »

Sure, I agree, it was more the part about not knowing what else there was to do during the day in Vegas that startled me...

Wynn or Bellagio room tours – used to be at 2pm meet at concierge desk (but that may have changed) and they would tour the regular rooms and the high roller suites that were not occupied

Bird show at Hawaiian Marketplace near MGM

Wander through Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian, watch gondolas and check out the ceilings
/quote]

Just wanted to second ferfs comments - there are SO MANY things to do. I have been to vegas (on a relatively short budget) three times for 14 nights (x2) and 7 nights and we still have LOADS on our free or cheap things to do through day list!! The stroll through the Venetian can easily take you nearly all day - especially if you stop for lunch/icecream etc.

I didnt even know the Wynn/Bellagio did room tours - THANKS FERF! That is definately going on my list for my next visit (if there is one) I have stayed in a Resort Room at the Wynn, but would love to see firsthand the posh suites - that would also be a great way to see if I fancied staying at the Bellagio over Wynn/ Encore for future.

As for the bird show - again, I didnt know that existed either and I adore birds - another thing on our list - thanks again! I will have already filled our next 14 dayer before we have even decided when/if we are returning!!

My personal tip for those on a budget would be Bills Gambling Hall - check out the 99c margheritas (mmmmmmm) and their steak special in the restuarant - NOT advertised on menu - you have to ask for it (cheap for what you get - its very nice) and I am also a big lover of the Ellis Island BBQ - using the American Casino Guide voucher of course! (Do a search if you dont know what Im on about!) I posted a piccie of that meal last year - its HUGE!

ALSO - check out the voucher books in backs of taxis etc - there are usually lots of 241 entrys etc. Eiffel Tower we got 241 etc - keeps costs down a bit.
Steff;)

Steff

The Bellagio Fountains

Hello all,

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/las-vegas-hotels/549825?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email_top20

Just received the following deal. Havent personally stayed at the Gold Coast, but have been there a few times and have friends who have. All thier rooms were remodelled in late 08/early 09 I think. I have stayed at The Orleans (their sister hotel) and loved it. Very good deal in my opinion. Click on following link for mor info.

"The AAA 3-Diamond Gold Coast Hotel & Casino is offering a 60% OFF special on its newly renovated Premium Rooms. This special includes 2 complimentary buffet breakfasts per stay and is valid April 19 - Aug. 31 at the following nightly rates:

• $34 ... Sunday-Thursday
• $54 ... Friday-Saturday

Located across from The Palms just minutes from The Strip, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus to The Strip and The Orleans.
Blackout Dates: May 17-20; June 12-18, 26-27; July 17-18
Click here for more information and to book directly with Gold Coast. Or call 888-402-6278 and mention promo code TRD2009. You must book by March 20."

Hope this helps someone!
Steff;)