Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2014

ferf1223

pebblesmax wrote: »

Twice when picking up from TI we had issues with the cleanliness of the car we were allocated. Tony thinks that the creepy man (he really is, he used to work at Excalibur before all the changes.) had it in for us.

I always get the lady with all the hair at TI and she is really nice...but for the first time in ages we're picking up at LAS instead of TI.

It is interesting that with Alamo you can use the kiosks too...the only time I have gone with anyone other than Dollar via CH3000 I couldn't use the kiosk as I had a voucher and they couldn't deal with it and I had to stand in a really long queue and was most annoyed...I cannot remember which agency, maybe Avis.

Decisions, decisions.

burnoutbabe

I is booked for Vegas in Feb - Hopefully a good deal.

Booked Air Newzealand to LA for £480pp. Staying in LA for a few days, then Vegas for 3 then back to LA for Disney then home.

Found a deal for Vdara for $640 for 3 nights inc flights from Vegas for 2. Which seems pretty decent as the normal rate is $179 per night. Booking direct meant they also offered 2 free show tickets, and was $150 less than the price expedia offered for same package.

I doubt it counts for mlife points/spend as its via MGMvacations but am happy about free show. just need to decide which I fancy - most seem to be cirque de Soleil based.

malamay

For our December trip, I was hoping not to use a hire car while in Vegas. We are road tripping for the week after Vegas, and I was hoping to make do with public transport and our own feet. It's our first visit, and I'm hoping to use our days exploring the strip.

On our last day, I am hoping to pick up a rental from the airport (or nearer, depending on who our rental is with), then head to the outlet malls before our first road trip stop.

Is it advisable to use a hire car while exploring Vegas? We are quite happy walking 5 miles+ a day, and I'm thinking we'll need the exercise after a buffet trip We only have 3 days, so I can't see us having time to do much more than the strip.

I've read that not all car hire companies do not charge extra for hiring in Vegas and returning in California. I believe Alamo and one other company don't charge the one way fee; does anyone have experience with this? From what I'm reading here, it might be beneficial not to hire from the airport?

ferf1223

malamay wrote: »

I've read that not all car hire companies do not charge extra for hiring in Vegas and returning in California. I believe Alamo and one other company don't charge the one way fee; does anyone have experience with this? From what I'm reading here, it might be beneficial not to hire from the airport?

Most don't charge a one-way fee - I think Avis did last time we used them but we were able to swap our reservation over to Dollar and avoid the fee and pay only a small amount more...it used to be with CH3000/rentalcars.com that the one-way fee was confirmed after you booked and if you weren't happy they would look for other alternatives or you could cancel.

I am a firm believer in a hire car in Vegas - we would not go without one - but for 3 days on a first trip I am not sure I would bother...there will be plenty to see and do for that period without a car...some days we don't get our car out of the garage/valet. I guess it depends if there's anything you would particularly like to do that would be easier with a car...but if you plan to pick it up on your last day anyway maybe you could build in any quick side-trips then.

Depending on how long you are keeping the car after Vegas the cost may be minimal to keep it longer...you do say you are roadtripping for a week after Vegas so maybe not. It would be worth checking prices to add on a day or two just to see, just in case it is not much.

We like picking up from TI as it's convenient but you are assigned a vehicle rather than picking one that appeals to you.

pebblesmax

ferf1223 wrote: »

I always get the lady with all the hair at TI and she is really nice...but for the first time in ages we're picking up at LAS instead of TI.

The big hair lady is lovely! She used to be at Bellagio. She always remembers Tony, and she was the one who told us about requesting a half full car if you have to pre pay for fuel.

photome

ferf re Alamo, like pebbles we found all the cars to be nearly new. Unlike the last few times with dollar.

photome

,MJ ONE.. we enjoyed it, loved thriller and the pole dancer. We sat next the ailse so I had a zombie dancing next to me and got to high 5 a few of the dancers at the end.

Still prefer something with a story tho like Jersey boys or mama mia, we have now seen 3 cirque shows and think that will be it

photome

pink box donuts are no longer at town square, went this morning and then ended up driving a further 8 miles ish out to Henderson, to get the maple and bacon donut.

pebblesmax

27 days and counting. Waiting at Manchester airport for a quick visit to Spain. Taking my dad to warm his bones before I leave him and swan off to The Vegas.

nykied

We've booked! Well, flights anyway, going to book the hotel tonight. Yay! We go on September 12th, so not long to wait.

The GC helicopter rides, do they all do the same thing? We want to see the GC and it will obviously be the West Rim as it's a helicopter. I've been to Vegas before and it's one thing I regret not doing.