Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2012

ferf1223

VALUE FOR MONEY

Rednipkin wrote: »

Think I am trying to get too organised, maybe its best to plan just a couple and see where you end up for the remainder.

Probably a good approach...most likely you'll end up chucking a detailed itinerary when you arrive anyway...we always did. Now we block out a few things and have a list of things we might like to do and see what fits in as we go, and many times we go a different way completely..I think especially when someone is new to Vegas or only been a few times overplanning isn't helpful...once you've been several and have a lot of favorites to try to fit in, then maybe being more structured makes sense.

photome

VALUE FOR MONEY

josha007 wrote: »

I've been looking at hotels pretty much in the centre of the strip, including The Mirage and The Bellagio. But you guys have mentioned that there could be better deals out there at better prices. What hotels do you guys recommend?

As you all said, there are plenty of restaurants everywhere so that doesn't matter too much. There are just so many choices that I'm not sure which one to go for. Tripadvisor seems all over the place with regards to Vegas. Thanks.

Ignore tripadvisor and ask on here or http://www.vegasmessageboard.com/

The first page of this thread has lots of useful links to hotel booking.

Bellagio is at the top end of prices in Vegas but you wouldnt be disappointed especially if you were to get a lakeview room.

Mirage is great and much cheaper than Bellagio

As for recomendations there isnt really a bad hotel in the centre of the strip although Imperial Palace, Harrahs and even Flamingo wouldnt be recomended by some but they are very cheap especially IP which is often around $30 a night

Froggitt

And Paris and PH are both cheaper than Bellagio, and also have Lakeview rooms!!!

Gill247

WEATHER

luci wrote: »

Yes I had read that on here and signed the petition for both of us. It's a huge time saver. I guess the next best would be the E-gates although I have never used them.
QUOTE]

IRIS is definately going, it was only ever a project and UK Border Force no longer have the money to support it continuing.

E-gates are very quick. You need a newer 'chipped' passport to use them, and even if the machine doesnt like your passport, your then put in the 'rejections' queue which moves much faster than the normal lines.

ferf1223

VALUE FOR MONEY

Gill247 wrote: »

E-gates are very quick. You need a newer 'chipped' passport to use them, and even if the machine doesnt like your passport, your then put in the 'rejections' queue which moves much faster than the normal lines.

Unless you are travelling on an American passport in which case you are hosed and have to stand in the horrid queues.

Seriously, it makes me nearly tearful to think about...I've been using IRIS for several years now...the thought of having to go back to the queues is really upsetting...now I almost wish I'd never joined IRIS as I wouldn't know what I was losing.

luci

lesley74 wrote: »

Welcome back Luci hope you had a great time.

I'm curious if there's any new outdoor bars on/near the strip. I quite like a drink outdoors on a warm evening. :beer:

Well if I had come home last Tuesday I would have been telling you there was a Corona Extra bar complete with beach and sand outside Bally's. However 2 days after we saw it, it was gone! Might have just been there for Cinco de Mayo.

One new bar I haven't seen mentioned is at the front of Fatburger which is an extension of the restaurant and they were handing out coupons for free drinks.

josha007

Froggitt wrote: »

And Paris and PH are both cheaper than Bellagio, and also have Lakeview rooms!!!

I've looked at Paris but it looks a bit dated and a lot of reviews I've read don't put it in a good light. The Golden Nugget looks a good option, it's fairly cheap, not too far from the centre of the strip and has a good feel for some old school Vegas as well. I'd be saving about $300-$500 compared to the Bellagio and The Mirage.

What do people think?

Froggitt

I dont think anyone here would choose Golden Nugget over Paris or PH. Its also nowhere near centre strip.

ferf1223

VALUE FOR MONEY

josha007 wrote: »

I've looked at Paris but it looks a bit dated and a lot of reviews I've read don't put it in a good light. The Golden Nugget looks a good option, it's fairly cheap, not too far from the centre of the strip and has a good feel for some old school Vegas as well. I'd be saving about $300-$500 compared to the Bellagio and The Mirage.

What do people think?

Golden Nugget is downtown...it's quite a distance from the centre of the Strip.

Bellagio is nice, I know some of the rooms have been updated but some were getting pretty worn...we had a fountain view room and it was very nice, but I personally think it is overpriced, not worth the money to us and we felt a bit out of place there (we don't feel out of place at Wynn/Encore...but something about Bellagio felt a bit...maybe a bit snooty for us)...if you want mid-strip, consider PH Resort room - that was great room, we had a fantastic fountain view...Hollywood Hip room was awful (we thought).

davetrousers

josha007 wrote: »

The Golden Nugget looks a good option, it's fairly cheap, not too far from the centre of the strip

It's in the middle of Fremont Street Downtown, not the strip. Downtown Las Vegas is definitely worth visiting for the old school feel and the Fremont Street Experience. I have stayed there and will be staying there again. this summer. If you're in Vegas for more than a few days why not stay at a couple of different hotels?

Golden Nugget has a pretty cool swimming pool