Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2013

ferf1223

martmonk wrote: »

This week's travelzoo US email includes the following which may spark further debate on the merits of Pampas Brazillian Grille at PH. At this price I would go back.

This offer is 50% off an all-you can-eat steakhouse dinner for 2.
Valid now until November 2nd.

http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/Las-Vegas/Restaurant/66536?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us_top20_2013_33_deal%3a1547332&utm_content=1547332&tz_adid=1547332

See now we are considering it...it's a bit better than the Tix4Dinner deal...and better than restaurant.com for which we've had a voucher for years...we would like to try it but I'm skittish after reports of them pulling a bit of a fast one on some of the vouchers...but this seems OK...and I quite like the pre-paid dinner options on occasions when we're having a bad day gambling. We would like to try it.

Mich81

Jude1964 wrote: »

Hi Guys, it's my first time posting. I am so glad I found this forum. Your knowledge is incredible and I know it will help me plan a trip of a lifetime!
Basically, 4 of us are travelling next June 18 2014, to celebrate my 50th, my partner and I are also celebrating 25 years together, and best of all, i am hoping to get married in Vegas ( he doesn't know this yet!) so I need to do lots of planning and prep. Anyway so far I have booked with Delta.com......
18 June..... Manchester via Amsterdam to New York (Newark)
22 June ..... JFK to San Francisco (via Atlanta)
3 July .... Las Vegas via Atlanta to Manchester
Total = £1386.20 for 2 people! I think that's good!

I've got to sort out Car hire in San Francisco and intend spending a couple of nights there, and then travelling over 2 days or so via Yosemite to Vegas! I'm just so so excited.
Could I just ask anyone, if you were me, what would you do next regards planning? Should I wait til next year etc to look for hotels?
Thanks for any advice ( I will read as much as I can too!)
Jude x

There's a thread just for california area road trips somewhere, its definitely worth a read.

New York hotels are mega expensive, I'd keep an eye out for good deals, but also read up on what kind of area you'd like to stay in. Most people seem to head to Times Square, but I hated it there and its just full of tourist traps.

As said, with Yosemite you need to be booking now - such a stunning place though - I preferred it to the Grand Canyon, although I was a bit disappointed I didn't get to see a bear.

In San Fran you don't need a car, so I'd only arrange to pick it up on the morning you're leaving. I'd go Union Square area if I was heading there personally, then most things are in walking distance (assuming you don't mind a good walk of course)

It sounds an awesome trip, some of my favourite places to visit in the US.

Jude1964

Mich81 wrote: »

There's a thread just for california area road trips somewhere, its definitely worth a read.

New York hotels are mega expensive, I'd keep an eye out for good deals, but also read up on what kind of area you'd like to stay in. Most people seem to head to Times Square, but I hated it there and its just full of tourist traps.

As said, with Yosemite you need to be booking now - such a stunning place though - I preferred it to the Grand Canyon, although I was a bit disappointed I didn't get to see a bear.

In San Fran you don't need a car, so I'd only arrange to pick it up on the morning you're leaving. I'd go Union Square area if I was heading there personally, then most things are in walking distance (assuming you don't mind a good walk of course)

It sounds an awesome trip, some of my favourite places to visit in the US.

Thanks so much:j.. Will def look at booking Yosemite ASAP... Thanks for the tip on getting the car on the last day in SF... Def won't be staying in the massive touristy bits in New York!

Mich81

Oh yeah, one more thing - if you want to do the night tour at Alcatraz, then that will also need to be booked in advance.

Jude1964

ferf1223 wrote: »

congrats on the impending landmarks - what a nice trip to be planning for such nice reasons.

I personally like research and would be looking if for no other reason to start to get an idea where we might like to stay and start getting an idea of prices so you'll know a good deal when you see one crop up...and if you see something that seems a good deal you can always consider booking it (assuming it's cancellable) as a back-up while you keep your eyes open.

I'd also start making lists of things I read about to look into more, must do lists...but I'm a big lists person (and spreadsheets, there are several of us spreadsheet people here I think ) I've learned so much from all the folks here - so many things I would likely never have known about otherwise.

You will hear it many times I'm sure , but it's probably best not to over-plan Vegas...there is so much to see and do...and plans will go out the window for most people...so good to have some must-dos planned and plenty of could-dos in mind but plenty of flexibility for things to change.

Thanks Ferf, I'll start doings lists and I'll find out how to do a spread sheet:eek: What do I put in the spreadsheet? Is it just for money?

ILOVEHOLIDAYS

Jude1964 wrote: »

Thanks so much:j.. Will def look at booking Yosemite ASAP... Thanks for the tip on getting the car on the last day in SF... Def won't be staying in the massive touristy bits in New York!

there is a forum on new York as well, we loved NYC. we stayed near strawberry fields which was about 25 min walk from times square.

you can always book hotels now if your dates are available and cancel them nearer the time if you prices are cheaper or your plans change. we have only just started booking our accommodation and we go in 4 weeks on a road trip.

ILOVEHOLIDAYS

ruthybaby wrote: »

well our trip is nearly here we go on Friday, think I have done a great MSE job on this trip ...here goes :

2 flights to LA...............................................................£874
3 Weeks car hire....convertable(thanks to stuieuk34)...........£398
3 nights Radisson LA ...hotwire secret hotel........................£138
4 nights Mirage....thanks MYVEGAS....................................£000
5 nights RIO...................................................................£150
2 nights harrahs laughlin....................................................£22
1 night grand canyon........................................................£90
3 nights The D.................................................................£140
2 nights ARIA....thanks MYVEGAS........................................£000

2 tkts SUMMERSLAM and parking ........................................£102
2 tkts KA.....thanks MYVEGAS.............................................£000
2 tks BEE GEES....thanks MYVEGAS......................................£000
2 tkts TOURN.OF KINGS.....thanks MYVEGAS..........................£000

ROLL ON FRIDAY....VEGAS HERE WE COME !!!!

can I ask where you have booked for the grand canyon??

ILOVEHOLIDAYS

martmonk wrote: »

This week's travelzoo US email includes the following which may spark further debate on the merits of Pampas Brazillian Grille at PH. At this price I would go back.

This offer is 50% off an all-you can-eat steakhouse dinner for 2.
Valid now until November 2nd.

http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/Las-Vegas/Restaurant/66536?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us_top20_2013_33_deal%3a1547332&utm_content=1547332&tz_adid=1547332

thanks for this :j

ILOVEHOLIDAYS

can you help me please just about to book the MGM grand 16th sep to 20th sep 4 nights. the best price I can find on all websites in £261.07 and it says its including all taxes and fees, so 1 im not sure this is correct and 2 if it is..is it still a good price? I have looked on mgm website and theres nothing near the price I can get its only for a petite king which is ample for us. I know people have mentioned they do a deal with buffet passes aswell but I cant find any website which includes these.

martmonk

ILOVEHOLIDAYS wrote: »

can you help me please just about to book the MGM grand 16th sep to 20th sep 4 nights. the best price I can find on all websites in £261.07 and it says its including all taxes and fees, so 1 im not sure this is correct and 2 if it is..is it still a good price? I have looked on mgm website and theres nothing near the price I can get its only for a petite king which is ample for us. I know people have mentioned they do a deal with buffet passes aswell but I cant find any website which includes these.

Sounds good to me, great if it includes resort fees.