Las Vegas thread and MSE guide 2009 part 2

ferf1223

October , November

ajmoney wrote: »

What are peoples main tips for Vegas, we have booked one show for our last night (Beatles Love) but haven't booked anything else so we are up for any suggestions for anything. We have a car so are able to take advantage of things that are further away. Obviously we are not planning our itinerary before we go but would like an idea of what to consider. I will of course add some kind of trip report when we get back.

In addition to Trets' list, since you will have a car, go to a supermarket/WalMart and buy a case (24) bottles of water (usually less than $5)...plus any other soft drinks, snacks, etc. you would like to have as it will be way cheaper than buying on strip. The water especially this time of year is important and will cost quite a lot buying one at a time. Depending on how long you will be there maybe 2 cases would be a good idea. We normally leave the bulk of it in the trunk (er, boot!) and pick some up each time we're heading back to the room.

If you don't have a dual voltage travel kettle you can pick up a Hot Pot at most WalMarts and similar...and you may want to bring your own tea bags - some larger stores will stock Twinings, but mostly you'll find brands you don't know and probably won't like. If coffee drinkers you can usually get a coffee maker at WalMart for less than $10...we do every trip.

If you let us know where you're staying we might have hotel-specific tips.

Wait - I think you're changing hotels a few times but starting with Ballys? Will you be picking up your rental car when you arrive? If so, there's a back way to get into Ballys that will mean a lot less traffic..

davidmcg2u

September

ferf1223 wrote: »

It gets consistently horrible reviews...I really wanted to see it when it was first announced...have now decided that I can't justify it unless it's very cheap or free.

http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1174403-Reviews-Criss_Angel_Believe-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html

We really liked O (for us more than Ka, and either slightly less or slightly more than Love - still haven't decided) but opinions on Cirque shows vary dramatically.

I do recall folk saying on here that the reviews weren't that great but the headings in the link say it all - thanks for that.

We are also looking at Carrot Top as he was on holiday during our last visit.

Something I forgot to ask when I booked my trip - we're staying at the Venetian for 7 nights - has anyone managed to get upgraded there using the $20 trick. I know it's unlikely to get upgraded for full 7 nights with $20 but just wanted to know if it's possible & if so how much would you recommend.

muzzer_mc

August

Quick question about the Heathrow to Vegas British Airways flight that starts in October. Does anyone know if this is schedule service and not a charter flight?

I'm planning my third trip back to sin city though it won't be till August 2010 due to people wanting to extra time to save up rather than go in April. Was wondering if this route will still be in service by then?

pebblesmax

October , November

I expect it will be. Who knows for certain though?

ferf1223

October , November

davidmcg2u wrote: »

We are also looking at Carrot Top as he was on holiday during our last visit.

We thought Carrot Top was hilarious - though others on here didn't care for him. I know that some of his stuff would be more appreciated by American audiences, but my English husband thought he was extremely funny. He's normally available at Tix4Tonight in the morning, though we were told he normally sells out there relatively quickly.

ferf1223

October , November

muzzer_mc wrote: »

Quick question about the Heathrow to Vegas British Airways flight that starts in October. Does anyone know if this is schedule service and not a charter flight?

I'm planning my third trip back to sin city though it won't be till August 2010 due to people wanting to extra time to save up rather than go in April. Was wondering if this route will still be in service by then?

Agree with pebbles...it's a scheduled service - but so was Virgin's direct service to Chicago which they recently cancelled from mid-September after adding it a few years ago...so just because it's a scheduled service doesn't mean that it's untouchable.

nw_man

Was thinking the same myself, £13000 :eek:

Personally, I reckon its too early to be thinking of sorting stuff for next June.

Keep an eye out for flights and look at places like smartervegas.com for hotel deals 3 months or so before going.

stoneman

September

OK, new plan comming up. we are thinking that because we have so much luggage it would be nice to be met at the airport carousel by a limo driver who will wisk our bags off the belt for us, throw them in the trunk, drop us off at our hotel, we can then go back to get the car next day, and do same on return. the car being taken for 2 days less might offset the cost of the limo a bit, what's anyones thoughts.

Froggitt

December ( including Xmas and New Year )

Take less luggage

Why "go back" to hire the car, why not hire it at the hotel?

ferf1223

October , November

stoneman wrote: »

OK, new plan comming up. we are thinking that because we have so much luggage it would be nice to be met at the airport carousel by a limo driver who will wisk our bags off the belt for us, throw them in the trunk, drop us off at our hotel, we can then go back to get the car next day, and do same on return. the car being taken for 2 days less might offset the cost of the limo a bit, what's anyones thoughts.

Sounds like an idea - perhaps price up the savings on the rental car to see...then of course there's the convenience factor which could be quite valuable.

We picked up at Bellagio instead of the airport when we went with my in-laws due to having 4 adults and luggage and that wouldn't fit in a mid-size car...in the end, we saved enough to cover the cost of the taxi and then some by picking up at Bellagio the day after we arrived...though because base rates are cheaper picking up at the airport/consolidated facility and taxes and fees are cheaper renting from hotels - may be worth checking both options and considering cost (and faffing factor) of going back to the consolidated facility to determine which makes more sense.