Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2011

baza52

September

Got back from Vegas today. Flew VA unfortunately.
Ill do a mini trip report when im less tired.

Porthorg

May

whittboy wrote: »

Thanks for the replies,

I've had a look at Mix, Alize and Nove and it looks like the $200-$250 mark is fairly standard so I'll read a few restaurant reviews and go for the best.

I really like the idea of the one at the top of stratosphere because of the view.

Were staying at the Venetian but I haven't read anything about the restaurants there.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions

It's not an Italian but we absolutely loved Envy which I think isn't too far from the Venetian. Not sure how directly you can get there as it's on the road behind. The best steak and service I've ever experienced and the cocktails were too die. Wasn't cheap even with a voucher but will 100% be returning on our next visit.

stoneman

October

adamg wrote: »

Go to Mix at The Hotel Mandalay Bay. 64 floors up over looking vegas cost me $200 with a resturant.com voucher
Views amazing and food amazing.

Or go to mon ami gabi, $17.95 for roast chicken, $36 for the best filet mignon I have ever had, and right in the middle of the action with the best seats you can get on the strip for people watching.
Just saying;)

photome

August

whittboy wrote: »

Thanks for your reply

6th - 10th of October, We'll eat pretty much anything, although a good Italian would be nice.

It has to be an evening meal really, I will pay big money if I have to, was just wondering if there was a decent alternative.

Mon ami gabi, great view if sitting outside and reasonable prices for good food

nvh

... Tho possibly worth pointing out that you can't book / reserve the patio at Mon Ami. You have to turn up and wait.

I will get around to doing a mini TR I promise, but we got messed around by Absinthe and so turned up there at around 8 and it was a 90minute wait. Chewed my arm off! Ended up going cosmo and paying around the same prices to eat at 'the Henry'. Same prices as Mon Ami but seemed a lot more relaxed and more spacious, tho obviously no view.

For good steak, I'll also throw in a suggestion of Switch @ Encore.... Great food and an interesting environment to eat in. Youtube it

bubble113

August

MAG do give you a buzzer for when your table is ready so you can go into the casino and have a drink and gamble. We went in August around 7 ish, got the buzzer sat down at first machine and off it went so not even a 5 min wait. We were seated at the front on patio great view of Bellagio fountains.

Triker

March

For info, the show Absinthe has a new run starting so happily we'll be able to see it when we go in November. It was due to close but gets rave reviews so the powers that be have extended it ....http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2011/sep/21/absinthe-keeps-flowing-caesars-palace-new-run-begi/


The best tip I've read about is that 'Go to the box office located behind Serendipity and look for a guy passing out $20 off coupons. (That is $20 off each ticket).
*The tickets without the discount are only $69, so at $49 per ticket.'

pebblesmax

November / December

We really enjoyed Absinthe. We'll probably see it again next trip if they are still giving out the $20 off coupons.

luci

May

Casa di Amore is the Italian with the free limo pickup. No view and not romantic, but a nice place for a meal.

We like Mon Ami Gabi, but don't consider it romantic as it's not quiet on the patio and the tables are too close together. Food, view and atmosphere are good though.

Been a few times to Alize and love it. It ticks all the boxes - romantic, great view from the 56th floor, fantastic service, great food. However it is expensive. They have a 5 course tasting menu around $105pp. Steaks around $50pp which come with a small amount of accompaniements so no need for extra sides. Wine very expensive. I think bottles start around $60-70 and a small glass, about 150ml, starts at $18. You could always have a Coke to keep costs down! Menus on their website www.andrelv.com/alize

View from the Eiffel Tower restaurant is great overlooking the Bellagio fountains, but ask for a table by the window.

cp33_2

September

Flew out to LA on the 7th September with Virgin. Used miles for free Premium Economy upgrade return (excludes taxes). Arranged car hire through Carhire3000 and registered with Dollar Express so jumped the queue at the pickup point. By the time we got our car it was dark and we had a 98 mile drive to Victorville which after a long flight was not the best idea.:o

First night - Extended Studio Hotel in Victorville. Great suite, free breakfast and Wifi just off the I-15 opposite Victor Valley Mall.

Drove to Peggy Sue's diner after reading reviews on this forum. Good food, recommended. :T

First two nights in Vegas we stayed at the Imperial Palace. Sorted out our paper work for our marriage at the Court House. A big thank you to Lesley and her husband who agreed to be our witnesses for the 9th. Was expecting a simple ceremony but was pleasantly surprised it was more involved, held in a small separate room with a little flower covered arch and some seating at the office of civil marriages. Wedding meal at the Cheescake Factory followed by a bottle of champagne in our room organised by friends back home. Met up with Lesley again in the evening at the dueling pianos at Harrahs, great fun although it was very loud.

On Saturday we drove to the Grand Canyon for a two night stay at the Maswik Lodge. Saturday night they had a large storm that created rivers around the lodge. Spent most of Sunday walking the trails and just making into Yavapai Point when the heavens opened. This created a great view of half the canyon in sunlight whilst the other in mist and rain. The staff at the point got excited and brought out a telescope which showed a massive waterfall created by the rain which apparently is a very rare occurrence.

On Monday we drove back to the strip for a 4 nights in Planet Hollywood. Already booked a non-smoking strip view room through a deal. Great room with a slight view of the fountains but right next to the lifts which made a terrible noise going up and down so no chance for a good nights sleep. Called down and asked to change but apparently they were fully booked and could only offer a smoking room with a strip view or a non-smoking mountain view. We took the smoking room which thankfully did not smell of smoke but no view of the fountains. Had a helicopter flight deal through Groupon but due to the weather could not have the doors off but still great fun. Took my wife to see Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian.

We had already decided to avoid the strip at the weekend before the big fight was announced so we checked out on Thursday and drove to Boulder City to stay in the Boulder Dam Hotel. Took time out to go to the Hoover Dam and spent another day horseback riding along the Eldorado trail.

For our last two nights we had booked a Pyramid Spa Suite at the Luxor. We had a suite on the 30th top floor but when we arrived was really disappointed with the setup of the room, especially the living area which consisted of a fridge! The new wife phoned to complain and we moved to a Tower Suite which was double the size and 100 times better.

During the stay we ate at the Cheesecake Factory twice and the Strip Burger twice (thanks for those who recommended this). Didn’t make Texas D’Brazil but had a similar experience at the Miracle Mile called Pampas and although we had a BOGOF voucher it was still expensive, go hungry to get your money’s worth. Also if you want a massive breakfast we recommend Hash & Go at Imperial Palace, never seen so much food on one plate.

Disappointed with the lack of Wifi in the hotels, especially in the Luxor which only has wired included in the resort fee. :mad:

Overall had a great time and not looking forward to going back to work on Monday.