Las Vegas thread and MSE guide 2010

ferf1223

April

Stew68 wrote: »

My personal reccomendation for a magician is Lance Burton at The Monte Carlo, saw him a couple of years ago and was really impressed with the show he put on. His run finishes in September.

Also Mac King does an afternoon comedy magic show which I found very funny indeed.

We liked Lance Burton - though we did think the big illusions were a bit expected....the more close-up magic was great. We've seen Mac King twice and love him. Only thing is I wouldn't suggest seeing both - since they grew up in the same area and worked together many years ago, they have a bit of the same way about them. We saw Lance Burton long after we first saw Mac King and the first thing I thought was 'gosh he talks just like Mac King'.

Since you can easily get vouchers for Mac King for a free ticket with drink purchase (I think $10-$14 or so, the LVA is $9.95 but not sure if the ones they had out near Carnaval Court are the same) and since it's a short show in the afternoon, it's a nice diversion we think.

nvh

One for the parents that take their kids to Vegas - have you been to "The District @ Green Valley Ranch" not sure if you know but they do free films there 'outdoors under the stars' - just take a blanket and a picnic
http://www.thedistrictatgvr.com/outdoorPicShow.php
(not sure whether its worth going but sure someone will know!) - we're quite tempted to go for a cheap / chill out night but no idea if that's what we'd get! (millions of screaming kids running around!?)



On a different note ( ), there is a $40 discount here for PeepShow @ Planet Hollywood... doesn't get the best reviews but think we're going to give it a try next time! -- not sure how the discount compares to discounts available elsewhere! valid till September 6th
http://lasvegaspeepshow.com/app/webroot/templand/lvol40VIP/?utm_source=LVOL&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=Peepshow

nvh

is anyone likely to give El Segundo Sol ( http://www.elsegundosol.com/ ) a go any time soon? --> it's the mexican that replaced Cafe Ba Ba Reeba @ Fashion Show Mall... has the same owners as Mon Ami Gabi, Eifel Tower Restaurant, StripBurger etc etc

be interested what you think of it as have read some pretty negative reviews (though comments after the article differ but it is all about opinion!) - plus if they weren't up to scratch, maybe they will be bucking their ideas up!

Reviews i've found are here:
http://www.eatinglv.com/2010/04/el-segundo-sol-sucks/
http://foodwinekitchen.com/?p=538
http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2010/04/01/eat_and_drink/dining/iq_35057810.txt

If anyone fancies being a guinea pig, I notice they are on Restaurant.com - http://www.restaurant.com/microsite.asp?rid=380182&mcn=00084111
80% off code is ZOO or ENJOY (expires 13/5)

luci

May

realised wrote: »

Finally read through the whole thread (pretty much!) and now my eyes have gone square.

I tried to sign up for one of these players cards but it would'nt let me because I'm under 21 Can I pick one up when I get there? Either that or i'll get my OH to sign up

And also, does anyone know of any good Magic shows? OH really wants to go and see one but I would like it to be good because I'm less impressed.

Lastly, slightly off topic here but we're also thinking of going to San Diego for a night because theres a show we'd like to see at the Humphreys Concerts by the bay. Has anyone ever been there? Does anyone know of any hotels nearby? I can't seem to distinguish the name of the area

Thanks!

Mac King is a good and funny show so may suit you. We picked up free tickets being handed out at Carnaval Court. You have to buy a drink each at $9.95.

Tingtong is in Vegas at the moment, but was in San Diego the first few days and loved it. I'm sure he will be able to help when he gets back.

luci

May

Boa21 wrote: »

Hi Peeps

Thinking it's about time to make the hotel booking for our family trip at the end of August (25th for 7 nights) and would appreciate the thoughts of the Vegas experts, based upon the following 'loose' criteria


We are a family of 4, two boys 18 and 14 - I have been to Vegas, but this'll be the others 1st trip to America

• Location - would quite like centre strip, for easy walking to the main views (the fountains, volcano, Forum shops etc.)
• Room - wife would like something fairly spacious - 2 queens I would think, most suites seem to only offer 1 king bed
• Ameneties - no interest in the casino (I know, why Vegas then!). Reasonable pool would be good for a lazy day or two

I have a car booked for the entire week, so will be doing some driving around - mount Henderson, Death Valley etc. and we will certainly do a helicopter trip to the Canyon and probably take in a Cirque show.

So far I am considering Ballys (central, OK pool as I remember), MGM, bit further out - but excellent pool and larger rooms, maybe Paris - poor pool, but looks nice.

I would really appreciate a few suggestions

Thanks:)

Have you considered the Carriage House? It's on Harmon, 5 mins from the Miracle Mile. No casino and the one bedroomed suite is $79 at the moment. Separate bedroom and sofa converts to a queen bed. Full kitchen. Free internet. Laundry facilities.

Might as well post my hotel review here as repeat it!

Nice, spacious 1 bedroom suite. There are new flat screen TVs in the lounge and bedroom. The separate bedroom had a king bed, double mirrored wardrobe with plenty hangers which housed the safe, 6 good sized drawers and a drawer in each nightstand. Large mirror on the wall.

In the lounge/dining room there was a 3 seater sofa which converts into a queen bed, 2 large armchairs, glass coffee table, 2 occasional tables and a dresser with TV above, 37" I think. Dining table with 4 chairs and 2 additional chairs in the walk in cupboard. The cupboard also had a full length hanging rail with lots more hangers, a laundry basket, vacuum cleaner and iron and ironing board.

It had a full size kitchen with oven/4 ring hob, cooker hood, full size fridge freezer, dishwasher, coffee maker, kettle, toaster, microwave and sink. There was lots of cupboard space and enought crockery, cutlery and glassware for 6 people.

There is a cupboard between the bedroom and bathroom with bedding for the sofa bed.

The bathroom is small with just a shower and no bath. Single sink with a large countertop and plenty storage cupboards below and a toilet. Bath and Bodyworks toiletries.

There are only 9 floors with laundry facillities on all but the 9th floor. There is also free wired internet access, but we had to move the modem from the lounge area to the dining table as it's a better height for me to work at.

There are 2 computer terminals in the lobby with printing facilities and a small gym. There is also a small shop with the essentials. There is a small pool, a hot tub and a tennis court.

The Carriage House is on Harmon, a 5 min walk to the Miracle Mile and less than 10 mins to the strip. It doesn't have a casino so is suitable for families. It has easy access to south strip past the Marriott Grand Chateau.

If that doesn't appeal, I would second Bally's are the rooms are huge and it would be cheaper if you are all going to be in one room.

On second thoughts, it might not be cheaper if you have to pay the 3rd and 4th person supplement of $30pppn.

luci

May

Just to add, the pool at the CH is small and boring. However you can use the pool at the Flamingo after 1pm when it opens to non-guests.

luci

May

ferf1223 wrote: »

I will let Jaymjay tell you more about it - but have to mention the reflexology place there (it's down toward MGM, between the M&M store and MGM)...I go at least once a trip for a foot rub at least...sometimes combination foot and back rub. I love it. We're thinking about staying at PH next trip and one of the things that immediately occurred to me was 'heeey, we'll be closer to the foot rub place!'

I haven't used the reflexology place yet this trip. However I spotted another one not far away. It is just round the corner from Fatburger at the Hawaiian Marketplace. I think it was a bit cheaper at $20 for 25 mins. Intending trying that one if I remember before we come home.

luci

May

ferf1223 wrote: »

Can anyone tell us what they thought of the Hollywood Hip rooms? Sorry if they have been mentioned before, I have never really thought about staying at PH before now so may have not paid close enough attention.

And if anyone happens to have stayed in a combination of the Hollywood Hip room/Paris standard room/Bally's North Tower room and could give any noteworthy points of comparison it would be especially great.

We have stayed in Bally's North Tower and South Tower junior suite; Paris Red Room and P Room and PH both when it was Aladdin and PH.

The room wasn't called Hollywood Hip at the time, but it was the basic room. We have always had a fountain view for a $20 tip in 4 stays.

The last room when it was PH was average size and very modern and new. One thing that let it down big time for me was that there was next to no storage. IIRC there was one small wardrobe which housed the ironing board and either 2 or 3 small drawers. Not enough for those travelling from the UK with several days clothes.

On the plus side, the bathroom was huge with twin sinks on opposite walls and a very deep bath.

You can read my reviews HERE

photome

Boa21 wrote: »

The other half was looking at the bungalows (I assume these are not actually 'bungalows'?)

I may wait another week as the pund is on the rise a bit and it'll be a bit less on the credit card - even if just the deposit

Cheers

No they are not bungalows they are just bigger rooms (suites) I think Luci is in one at the moment (at least i think someone is).

I notice Luci recomends Carriage house, Looks like that could be good for you.

Although if you want to be on the strip it wont suit and it hasnt got a casino so to me doesnt give you the vegas "feel"

Edit I forgot you are not bothered about the casino but as Luci says the pool isnt very good

As for the pound being on the rise....will it keep going up? who knows, it went down again to 1.47 before close yesterday it did hit 1.5 during the day

photome

realised wrote: »

Finally read through the whole thread (pretty much!) and now my eyes have gone square.

I tried to sign up for one of these players cards but it would'nt let me because I'm under 21 Can I pick one up when I get there? Either that or i'll get my OH to sign up

And also, does anyone know of any good Magic shows? OH really wants to go and see one but I would like it to be good because I'm less impressed.

Lastly, slightly off topic here but we're also thinking of going to San Diego for a night because theres a show we'd like to see at the Humphreys Concerts by the bay. Has anyone ever been there? Does anyone know of any hotels nearby? I can't seem to distinguish the name of the area

Thanks!

I assume you will be 21 when you get to Vegas? If you arnet you wont get one and you wont be able to do any gambling. If you are just go to the reward booths and get one with your photo ID (passport).

I agree with Ferf I wouldnt go to San diego for one night...way to much to do in Vegas. If you do go we have stayed in the Old town inn which was very good, no idea if that is near where you want to go though

My wife has seen Mac King and loves it. We have also seen Steve Wyrick its ok he makes a jet airplane appear on stage....mmmmmmm