Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2016

pebblesmax

Sam_Marques1 wrote: »

After years of lurking, I've finally decided to join this forum, I read it daily and recognise a few names from other Vegas boards.
So excited for my trip in July, staying at Mirage 4 nts , Palazzo 3 nts and Wynn 2 nts.
This will be my 12 th trip , 2nd family trip and I'm just as excited as if it was my first!!!

I look forward to contributing here,

Hello Sam, how are you?

Enjoy your next trip to Las Vegas.

Winter_Jasmine

photome wrote: »

Worth moving IMO, although of course it's not walkable from the strip

It is if you're a pair of idiots. On our second trip (in August) we fell into the rookie trap of thinking 'oh, it's only over there, doesn't look far'. Ended up being a very long, very sketchy journey to see Penn & Teller and needless to say we didn't walk back!

pebblesmax

Winter_Jasmine wrote: »

It is if you're a pair of idiots. On our second trip (in August) we fell into the rookie trap of thinking 'oh, it's only over there, doesn't look far'. Ended up being a very long, very sketchy journey to see Penn & Teller and needless to say we didn't walk back!

Haha, we've done it in early April and late October in the daytime with no problems. Different trips of course. Even we don't stay that long. I wouldn't recommend it for most, but it is doable.

It's about a mile Rio to Bally's, but it doesn't look that far.

Vegasbound

I am just planning a trip for later this year and am considering staying in a cheapish hotel for the first part of the trip and then as I haven’t stayed in a 5 star before, moving to either Caesars Palace or the Vdara (cheapest room and both have a similar cost) for the last two or three days. Which hotel would you choose and why, do you think that two nights would be too short?

Froggitt

I would stay Vdara cheapest room. New hotel. Caesars cheapest room could be 50 years old and totally uncared for.

bobbyhibs

bubble113 wrote: »

Bobbyhibs- Thought I would share my resort fee/comp experience from this trip, I know you're interested (nosey :)).


Got resort fees removed for 7 nights. I had booked through a third party so that's all they could offer (which I was happy with)
I never play for comps and wouldn't advise it either but in my case was definitely worth asking if they could do anything. Factor in the resort fees as part of your costs and if you get them removed it's a bonus but don't spend your time whilst gambling etc worrying about getting resort fees removed just have fun!:)

hi
and thanks for the feeback I always enjoy readings about peoples stays in vegas intreting and find it intresting what people do food wise/show wise and sometiems i go bingo thats intresting we are gonna do this!

I like you dont play for comps i have budgets for food, shows, and gambiling but would always welcome a comp or 2, even if its just a buffet, every penny (or dollar) is a prisoner with me.
It seems you got your reosrt fees waived at the end of your stay, if this the norm?
If so should i speak to the Mlife desk before i leave?i was under the inpression you paid up front at check in, though im hoping to use our express comps or trying to be cheeky!
thanks again for the feedback and kind regards

vegasvisitor

CarefreeGuy wrote: »

Hi Lesley

I had a comped night at the Rio a couple of years back so gave it a try ( we were also booked in at the Orleans at the time so only a light carry bag ) and I was impressed.

The room was very spacious, the pool very nice and the strip courtesy shuttle from both the Rio and the Gold Coast next door makes it easy to get back in the action.

Having stayed at the Platinum also which is lovely my Vegas experiences have altered somewhat. I have had the fortune of staying at the very best but now it is bang for the buck so to speak. Of course the room has to be decent ( the Rio certainly is ) but after that saving a few quid to spend in Vegas is priority so that is my advice on your predicament.

Having said that, staying at the Platinum and then having eats next door at Ellis Island evens things up price was considerably. Remember to add the Rio resort fee which is $32.48 per night ...... ouch!

Whatever you choose, have a fantastic trip.

I've also stayed at both. Firstly, I didn't realise the resort fee would be quite so high?

Ellis Island doesn't swing it for us, possibly because we're vegetarian but we haven't eaten there for years. Last few times we have gone in was for LVA free drinks, but we won't have that this year.

What saves us money at Platinum is breakfast. We would otherwise perhaps have a buffet breakfast, but that would add to the cost. That said we will go out for breakfast some mornings at Platinum, but other mornings we'll make toast or whatever. At Platinum we'll also have a fridge stocked with juices etc. Then there's the extra space in the room. And not having to move. And the happy hour.

That said, the Rio is fun, and cheaper, the pool is nice. Choice of 2 shuttles (we don't mind the walk to Platinum in September as we can cut in the back of Bally's to get out the heat. Not sure we'd manage the walk to/from Rio in the heat.

We have a load of Total Rewards (Social Rewards) points, but Rio buffet isn't the 'cheapest' place to spend them. I do like their buffet, but it's fairly pricey.

vegasvisitor

Also forgot to say...Rio doesn't have a washing machine...

Winter_Jasmine

Froggitt wrote: »

I would stay Vdara cheapest room. New hotel. Caesars cheapest room could be 50 years old and totally uncared for.

I second that! There are a large number of different room types at Caesars and a big difference between the best and the most basic. Vdara only have 4-5 different room types, I've stayed in their 'basic' and it's anything but. Beautiful, well maintained and modern and it comes with a kitchenette. The only reasons for choosing Caesars are if you want a more 'Vegas' experience given that Vdara is non-gaming and nonsmoking or if you want a big pool area (Vdara's, though nice, is tiny)

gallygirl

pebblesmax wrote: »

I agree with this. Trump would be my last choice from that list.

photome wrote: »

Would also been my last choice as apart from the reasons you mention, I don't really see it as a "Vegas" hotel

We're not 'Vegas-type people' to be honest so maybe that's the right choice for us! Don't like all the noise and bustle but do feel we should experience it (to be fair we will enjoy it but a few days will be enough for us). The distance looks nothing - we're not there till the end of October and will walk for hours if there's a nice meal at the end of it :rotfl:.

Loving reading about everyone's adventures .