Las Vegas thread and MSE guide 2010

Zazie

April

A few more bits about our trip - April 18th - 26th

On our first morning, we stopped off at the outlet shops south of the Strip. Not a bad selection of shops but for some reason we didn't buy much (and preferred the Premium Outlet at the north end of the Strip better when we went later in the week) .
We went on and self-parked (OH was worried about leaving a hire-car to a valet in case insurance doesn't cover it, though I'm sure it must, no???) behind Excaliber (or maybe it was Luxor).
It was really, really hot and we still didn't have our act together. Wandered into a couple of the hotels, but we had not really planned what to do/see. Everywhere seemed so vast that we wandered about a bit aimlessly. Could not believe how big each one was. Decided to go and see the lion cubs at MGM as I remember reading about that.
They were cute but in quite a small glass room. There was a queue to hold one and get a photo with it, but we didn't wait.
Walked up past Paris and Bellaggio and had lunch at Hard Rock Cafe (used a discount voucher from a brochure we had picked up and got 10% off). These brochures seem to be in lots of places and are quite useful for the little street maps as well as the vouchers - worth picking up a few different ones as they often have different offers.
Went into Bill's Gambling Hall after lunch to see the Big Elvis show but we were a bit late and all the seats had gone, had to stand at the back.
Tip if you want to see it (it's free and he's not bad): get there a bit early and get a seat and a cold drink. It's on 3 times in the afternoon/early evening, check the times first.
We walked up as far as the Flamingo /Caesar's Palace. By this time, it's even hotter and my feet really ache (yes - even with comfortable trainers - don't even think about shoes you have not broken in). I knew I'd be doing a lot of walking (and am comfortable with that) but no-one had mentioned that to cross a road you more often than not have to go up a flight or two of stairs, cross a bridge and come down the other side.
Anyway...
Headed back to the car, stopping at the Bellaggio dancing fountains - enjoyed that - and a much-needed long drink at New York, New York. It was so hot my tongue was literally parched.
By evening we were exhausted - only fit for the South Point casino (cos it was next door to where we were staying.
Moral: if you have never been before, maybe be a bit more realistic about how much ground you can cover on a hot day!
and
Have some idea of what attractions you want to see in each hotel so you don't just float in and out missing the key 'sights'.

ferf1223

April

duchy wrote: »

Well if it was me I'd go see Donny and Marie at the Flamingo-loads of dancing , broadway numbers (my favourite parts are the dance off and the Stevie Wonder segments

Stevie Wonder segments?!

Oh, I am totally going to see this show next trip - I have tried and tried to convince my husband but he's not having any of it. I will go on my own if I have to.

ferf1223

April

silentstorm wrote: »

I'm about to book 2 domestic flights in and out of LV. Southwest do non-stop flights from S.Fran - Vegas and also from Vegas - S.Deigo , and the rates are good too.
I've seen them mentioned on this thread and wondered if anyone can advise if they've used Southwest and if they're generally good? We'll be checking in 1 suitcase p/person that will be under the 20kg allowance so I believe there will be no extra charge than the 1 single amount shown on the main search page-is this right or are there any hidden extras? Thank you in advance

There aren't any hidden extras with Southwest - it is or was one of their advertising campaigns. As for checked baggage, they allow 2 per person, 50lbs each bag....plus carry on, plus personal item carried on. It's basic. No assigned seating, best to check in online as early as possible to get an 'A' boarding pass - but your flights won't be that long so maybe it doesn't matter too much to get on as early as possible. If you've flown budget UK airlines that operate an open seating policy, it's not that different in terms of the flights themselves, but on the baggage and overall customer service Southwest will be a lot nicer.

Zazie

April

Restaurant.com voucher

I have an unused $50 restaurant.com certificate for Shanghai Lily, the Chinese restaurant at Mandalay Bay. It's valid until 25th August. Going free to first person who thinks they'd use it.

Valid with a minimum purchase of 2 entrees or 2 Prix Fixe dinners. Excludes tax & gratuity. 18% gratuity added to pre-discounted check amount. (Not Tues / Wed. )

I'll PM you the details so you can print it out. (Bear in mind that by the time you add tax and gratuity it might still be pricey even with the $50 off. Check the restaurant website for menu details.)

duchy

March

ferf1223 wrote: »

Stevie Wonder segments?!

Oh, I am totally going to see this show next trip - I have tried and tried to convince my husband but he's not having any of it. I will go on my own if I have to.

Go for it Ferf-You'll love it.

ferf1223

April

Zazie's post reminded me that I also have 2 restaurant.com vouchers if anyone is interested.

Both expire on 8th June 2010.

McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon at Rio - $25 - Valid for Dinner only with a minimum purchase of $35. Excludes tax, alcohol & carry out. 18% gratuity added before discount. 1 certificate per party.

http://www.mcfaddensvegas.com/menus.php

Origin India - $25 - VALID WITH A MINIMUM FOOD PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE. EXCLUDES TAX/ALCOHOL/GRATUITY/HOLIDAYS. 20% gratuity added PRIOR to discount. Please present prior.

http://www.originindiarestaurant.com/menus.html

PM me if you are interested in either or both. We have never tried McFadden's but suspect it will be one of those places that with the voucher it's good value for bar-type food. We have eaten at Origin India and it was wonderful.

mattyv_2

wynnvegas wrote: »

Thanks Luci,

Just saved me $100 on the existing booking at the Bellagio.

Cheers,

Billy

Hi all my first post and I need your help I have booked the bellagio online via the reservationsmgm site yesterday but have yet to receive a email confirming everything do I get anything in the post? I stupidly didn't take down the confirmation number. HELP

easymaths

April

photome wrote: »

Lots of talk about shows again ( We dont usually do them). Was thinking maybe the Lion king this time tho do they usually have them at Tix tonite?

They didn't have them for the first 2 weeks in April when we were there, I wasnt that impressed with Lion King at all, expensive for not a lot! Obviously just an opinion, over-rated though!

Boa21

January , February

duchy wrote: »

I suppose you COULD -but if the flight is full -when they don't show up at the gate they'll use the seats. No guarantees it'd work.

Actually thinking about it Delta don't do on-line check in for international at Heathrow or Gatwick-at least they haven't the last three times I flew with them in the last year. It shows as an option on the website but when you try to do it-it tells you to check in at the airport. So unless anything has changed in the last month.....go get that refund and check in really early to try and get emergency row seats (or pray for an empty flight)

I checked-in online for my trip in February, four of us pitched-up at the airport with our boarding cards - but no flight due to snow in Atlanta!

Not sure if you have to be a member of skymiles for it to work!

ferf1223

April

mattyv wrote: »

Hi all my first post and I need your help I have booked the bellagio online via the reservationsmgm site yesterday but have yet to receive a email confirming everything do I get anything in the post? I stupidly didn't take down the confirmation number. HELP

You won't get anything in the post. Check your spam filter to make sure that nothing's gotten stuck there and if not, then give them a call - if you use the international call checker on this site it's easy to get calls for 1/2p per minute.