Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2017

secretmachines

Smudger78 wrote: »

Hi,

A group (10-15) of us are looking to go to Vegas for an adults only holiday to celebrate a special birthday in October 18. I know it's very early but we need to plan ahead for childcare etc so I'm starting to look at options and get a feel for likely costs. We'll be wanting to stay somewhere nice (4 star min) in the strip and ideally fly from Manchester. Sure these are the kind of questions that are asked on here a lot but could some of the experts help us with these:

When will be the best time to book?
Which sites offer the best deals?
Given the number of us would there be any discounts available for group bookings?
Should we look at flights and hotels separately or packages?
Are there any good vouchers sites for things to do when you get there?
Any tips on place to stay/things to do (we already have a short list which includes a pool party and a boxing match if there's one on).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!


Smudger

hi, a number of these things are covered on the first page of this thread (first 15 or so posts), so check that out for starters

Misty_Blue

Smudger78 wrote: »

(we already have a short list which includes a pool party and a boxing match if there's one on).

You might be unlucky with the pool parties if you're going in October. In fact, many of the hotels close their pools completely about then. From memory, the MGM Grand and the Bellagio have pools that stay open year-round, and both hotels are nicely located.

The big boxing matches take place at the MGM but the tickets are $$$$!

Winter_Jasmine

Has anyone used the Cityzen app? I hadn't heard of it until today, you download the app, enter the promo code 'NOCOVER' and can get free drinks at various bars around mid-strip (PBR and Chayo) are two. Sounds interesting, I do love a freebie!

stevie11

Smudger78 wrote: »

Hi,

snip
When will be the best time to book?
For that size group I would be looking as soon as the fares are published usually 11 months before departure. I usually start by booking flights then accommodation. The thing with Vegas there is so much room space that prices can fluctuate. I will book a hotel deal and as long as it is fully refundable I have cancelled two or three booking by the time I travel when better deals are found. Remember prices can fluctuate not just by the time of year but if there any major conventions on so check out the convention lists to try to avoid higher accommodation costs.

Which sites offer the best deals?
OTA's often come up cheaper than direct with the airline but be careful, there are a lot of negative stories around about OTA's

Given the number of us would there be any discounts available for group bookings?
I am more likely to say it will be more expensive only because the booking agents/airlines limit how many you can book online so you may have to call an airline or travel agent. Or make separate bookings.

Should we look at flights and hotels separately or packages?
I usually DIY but only up to four travel. I know BA holidays and Expedia for example offer discount when booked together.

Are there any good vouchers sites for things to do when you get there?
Groupon, Living Social, Travelzoo, Vegas.com, Smarter Vegas.com to name a few

Any tips on place to stay/things to do (we already have a short list which includes a pool party and a boxing match if there's one on).
On each visit I always try to get to Fremont St at least once.
If you want a break from the Vegas glitz a visit to the nearby Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire are well worth it, timewise half a day each with own transport.
Loads of good info on this website and the web.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!


Smudger

Good luck with your planning.

martmonk

Winter_Jasmine wrote: »

Has anyone used the Cityzen app? I hadn't heard of it until today, you download the app, enter the promo code 'NOCOVER' and can get free drinks at various bars around mid-strip (PBR and Chayo) are two. Sounds interesting, I do love a freebie!

Not yet but I will have by the end of this week.

Pretty sure I became aware of it through a post on 2016 thread.

vegasvisitor

Winter_Jasmine wrote: »

Has anyone used the Cityzen app? I hadn't heard of it until today, you download the app, enter the promo code 'NOCOVER' and can get free drinks at various bars around mid-strip (PBR and Chayo) are two. Sounds interesting, I do love a freebie!

Yes, we used it last year. I think there were 4 bars on it and you could get a free drink at each of them daily. Glad to hear it's still going. I wondered if they would stop it as I can't see how they make money from it.

pebblesmax

Winter_Jasmine wrote: »

Has anyone used the Cityzen app? I hadn't heard of it until today, you download the app, enter the promo code 'NOCOVER' and can get free drinks at various bars around mid-strip (PBR and Chayo) are two. Sounds interesting, I do love a freebie!

We have used it before. Worked well for our last trip. The bars are Rockhouse at Venetian, Chayo and AmeriCAN at Linq, and PBR at Miracle Mile/PH. There is another bar too, but it's off strip so we didn't check it out.

Winter_Jasmine

Thanks all - looking forward to giving Cityzen a try! Does sound a bit too good to be true so hope it's still going in June!

secretmachines

My Vegas rewards... 37,500 LPs for £50 of super odds chips at Hippodrome Casino London seems very generous?

Is there a catch? So if you were lucky and put your chips on winning red on roulette, you could go and cash out your £100 on chips for cash?

dontone

lesley74 wrote: »

I would suggest:-

Gold Coast Buffet (low cost option)
Rio Buffet

I believe the Chinese in the Gold Coast is good if you like Chinese food, and if it's still there. I wouldn't know personally as I don't really eat that type of food.

It was still there when we went last year, and the website is advertising it. It looked very busy when we visited.
It also has a great, catchy name - 'Ping, Pang, Pong'
The Gold Coast used to do an amazing cheese hot dog at one point as well. Sadly, the place that did them has now gone. We were a bit crushed when we found that out. Never mind.