Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2013

vegasvisitor

Holiday pirates has a facebook message for flights from Amsterdam to Vegas for €549 Aug/Sept. Here's the link in case it is of any use to anyone.

http://www.holidaypirates.com/flights/flights-from-amsterdam-to-san-francisco-las-vegas-or-los-angeles-for-eur549-round-trip-incl-taxes

danm1979

Hello Vegas folk.

I have booked to go to Mexico and thought a nice little trip to Vegas for 4 days would be worth doing so myself and my girlfriend are heading over on Aug 20th (arrive mid afternoon)
There is too much to go through on this thread in the little time I have available in my work schedule so I am asking a few of you more frequent visitors for a few tips and advice. I have visited once before way back in 2001 so a lot has changed and happened since then.

We are looking at doing the grand canyon helicopter trip one of the days and taking in a couple shows, looking at eating out every night and the usual spot of blackjack/roulette. during the day will be lazy pool/sunbathing time.

We are staying at the MGM in a petite king double.

We would appreciate any tips from you on the current best deals for eating, shows, tours, upgrades ect. thanks in advance for your time in reading this.

frankfellover

Going next month but not with the biggest budget. OH would like to do the Grand Canyon which i've not done on the previous 3 visits but the helicopter trip looks a little rich for us this time around.

Has anybody driven to the GC? Is it worth it or do you have to fly over the GC to take it in? How long is the drive? I've seen mention of the dirt track roads for the last stage of the drive, would it trash a rental car?

Sorry for the list of questions.

Froggitt

From memory, helicopters and the dirt track are both West Rim. Real Grand Canyon is South Rim, which is further away, but proper roads in the national park.

mat5664

frankfellover wrote: »

Going next month but not with the biggest budget. OH would like to do the Grand Canyon which i've not done on the previous 3 visits but the helicopter trip looks a little rich for us this time around.

Has anybody driven to the GC? Is it worth it or do you have to fly over the GC to take it in? How long is the drive? I've seen mention of the dirt track roads for the last stage of the drive, would it trash a rental car?

Sorry for the list of questions.

I've driven it. South Rim - took 5 hours each way and mostly single carriageway roads, so slow. Personally, I didn't think it was worth it. By the time we got there, it was nearly time to come back - and as i was the only driver I was knackered! I'd do a tour next time.

I much prefer Death Valley which is nearer to drive and if you plan the day properly, loads to see and do.

Froggitt

We took Scenic Airlines to the South Rim.

photome

danm1979 wrote: »

Hello Vegas folk.

I have booked to go to Mexico and thought a nice little trip to Vegas for 4 days would be worth doing so myself and my girlfriend are heading over on Aug 20th (arrive mid afternoon)
There is too much to go through on this thread in the little time I have available in my work schedule so I am asking a few of you more frequent visitors for a few tips and advice. I have visited once before way back in 2001 so a lot has changed and happened since then.

We are looking at doing the grand canyon helicopter trip one of the days and taking in a couple shows, looking at eating out every night and the usual spot of blackjack/roulette. during the day will be lazy pool/sunbathing time.

We are staying at the MGM in a petite king double.

We would appreciate any tips from you on the current best deals for eating, shows, tours, upgrades ect. thanks in advance for your time in reading this.

have you read the first few pages

jadamcp

lesley74 wrote: »

I got an email from groupon about 430pm today stating $10 off any groupon deal (over $30).

Bought another Harrah's buffet dinner with drinks groupon deal $36.98 less $10 discount $26.98. $13.49 each for dinner with soft drinks, beer or wine is pretty good I think!!

Thought I'd share in case anyone else might have the $10 off email and hasn't noticed. There might be other deals you prefer to use it on of course. :beer:

Thanks for posting Lesley, had a wee look there but they are only valid for 90 days and we're not there until 23rd November but who's counting

Dilemma on the 23rd though - Should i book a headliner show as we arrive that day at 13:30 ? It's between Ringo Starr (Palms) and Michael Buble (MGM) I worry a bit about delays so I'm unsure , also tiredness but Mrs mcP usually sleeps through every show we've went to so why not.

Ringo for me I think but what would you do ?

PS Sorry to move away from the car hire topic !

ferf1223

jadamcp wrote: »

Dilemma on the 23rd though - Should i book a headliner show as we arrive that day at 13:30 ? It's between Ringo Starr (Palms) and Michael Buble (MGM) I worry a bit about delays so I'm unsure , also tiredness but Mrs mcP usually sleeps through every show we've went to so why not.

We only booked a show once on our first night and wouldn't again - we were on the Virgin flight so got in about that time but it seemed a bit rushy-rushy...and I think knowing we had somewhere to be that night put a bit of added stress on the outbound journey...and I dozed off a few times during the show...it was Bette Midler and really for my MIL and was the only night she was performing during our dates. If it's something you really want to see and the only night that works then maybe but otherwise we like having our first night free to explore.

vegasvisitor

I'd say maybe best not book a show on the first night too. We usually arrive at 630pm or so, and although we manage to go for something to eat, a shot of the slots and a few drinks, I doubt we'd be able to go see a show. I find that when I sit down when I'm tired like that I end up either nodding off or just having that uncomfortable feeling I'm going to, and would end up not enjoying it.