Las Vegas for my Birthday! Best places?
November 11th, 2008
My boyfriend and I are going to Vegas for my 23rd birthday in August. What are the best hotels that are still reasonably priced and on the strip? We were thinking Luxor.
Also, what are some must-sees since this is my first time there(clubs, restaurants, shows…)?
Any other tips would be appreciated too…good deals, how to get free drinks, VIP access…
Sandy’s Vegas Guide
Things to remember:
1.Drinks are free when you’re gambling. Sitting at a bar and playing a few dollars in a poker machine will get you a free drink. Sitting at a machine in the casino will get you the same. Tipping the waitress or bartender a dollar or two will keep her coming back. If you walk up to the bar and order drinks, you’re going to pay lots more, even for soda or bottled water.
2.Player’s Cards: Before you begin gambling, get a player’s card. Most places offer sign up deals (a coffee cup, a free meal, assorted coupons). If you get a card where you’re staying and you use it while you’re gambling, you can “save” the points and use then toward your room when you check out. Some casinos will combine accounts for married couples, some don’t. I always get a card in my name and ask for a second card. I play with one and my husband plays with the other. That way all the points are going to one card, and accumulate faster. Plus … you’ll get offers in the mail for your next trip!
3.Beware of time-share people! As you walk through the hotels and along the strip, you’ll be approached by people who want to give you free show tickets, free tours, free meals, etc. These are time-share sales people. They promise freebies in exchange for an hour of your time. I warn everyone about this but some people just don’t listen. A friend of mine decided an hour of her time was worth giving up in exchange for a show. So her and her husband accepted, were put on a bus and taken to a “presentation” and weren’t bought back for SIX hours. Their only escape would have been to take a cab back to the strip but that would have been expensive and they wouldn’t have gotten their “free” show tickets. The best way to get these people to lose interest in you and move on to the next person is to say, “Thanks, but we’re leaving tonight.”
4.Free Pulls: Some of the casinos offer “free pulls” on a special slot machine as you walk in the door. There are usually no strings attached, you pull the lever and win something. Usually it’s a key ring or a hat; sometimes it’s a free buffet. Sometimes it’s a coupon for a “fun book” (a book of coupons for that casino). To get the fun book, you can be sure you’re going to have to walk to a far, far corner in the casino. They want to get you WAY inside.
5.$40 for $20: Some casinos offer $40 in slot play for $20. What they don’t tell you is that it’s on a bank of “special” machines, and you can’t cash out for cash. Instead, you play the $40 and then choose a prize based on the credits. So before you hand over your $20, take a look at the prizes being offered. If there’s something in there that’s worth paying $20 for – have fun. If not, keep walking.
6.Valet: If you’re going to be renting a car while you’re there, valet parking is the way to go. For a $2 tip, you can park at a hotel or casino and visit the nearby hotels and casinos.
7.Bus: If you use the busses that run up and down the strip, put your wallet in your front pocket. Vegas is the favorite vacation spot for pick-pocketers, too.
8.Cabs: Cabs are more expensive than a bus, but faster and less waiting. Almost all hotels have a cab line outside one of their doors, a line of cabs waiting for the next fare. A hotel employee will whistle for the next cab in line when you ask for a cab.
Things to see (and most are FREE!):
1.The Freemont Street Experience: Every night there is a light and music show that stretches for blocks. It’s an amazing thing to see … and it’s FREE. Freemont Street is in downtown Vegas, you’ll need to take a cab if you don’t have a car. The street is blocked off from traffic and you can stand in the street and look up and watch the show. (Another place to keep a close check on your wallet.) There’s a different show every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:00 or 8:30 PM. Show times and pictures can be seen at: http://www.vegasexperience.com/ Be sure to check out the video! Freemont Street also has performers and kiosks all along it. Lots to see and worth a trip. Downtown used to be nasty and scary, but they’ve cleaned it up and it’s clean and safe now. Just don’t wander too far off Freemont on any of the side streets. You probably wouldn’t want to anyway, most of the action is right on Freemont.
2.The Fountains at Bellagio: Don’t miss this! It’s a 900-foot long row of fountains that “dance” to music. The songs change, and it’s awesome to see. More info at: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/bellagiofountains.html While you’re there, go inside and check out the conservatory. Very impressive!
3.Caesars Forum Shops: If you feel like strolling through Rome, check out the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This is also where the talking statues live. More info on the shops and a link to info on the talking statues at: http://www.vegas.com/shopping/forumshops.html
4.The Canal at the Venetian: This is pretty amazing and a MUST see. You feel like you’re in Italy as you stroll along the canal and visit the shops. You can even take a gondola ride. Check out the Canal Shoppes at: http://www.venetian.com/shoppe/index.cfm and get information on the gondolas at: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/gondola.html?f=m0at&t=stripat
5.The Volcano, The Tigers and The Aquarium at The Mirage: If you go up the moving walkway and through the front door at the Mirage, you’ll see the white tiger. Pretty cool to see. Head through the foliage to the front lobby and check out the wall behind the check-in desk. It’s a HUGE salt-water aquarium. In front of the hotel there is a huge waterfall that turns into an erupting volcano (loud, bright, and hot!) at night. A trip to Vegas without seeing the volcano erupt just wouldn’t be a trip to Vegas. http://www.themirage.com/
6.The Wildlife Habitat at The Flamingo: An outdoor habitat located within the Flamingo. You can see the live flamingos (still haven’t figured out how to kidnap one) plus lots of other birds, fish, and turtles. http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/wildlifehabitat.html
7.Masquerade Village at The Rio: Masquerade Village is inside the casino at the Mirage. There is a parade in the sky with music and dancing and lights that’s pretty cool to see. This is located off the strip, too far to walk, but there is a free shuttle that goes from Harrah’s to Rio and back. More info and a video at: http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_07.html
8.The Eiffel Tower at Paris: You can take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/eiffeltower.html?f=m0at&t=stripat
Other Info:
You can find a map of the strip and downtown Las Vegas here: http://www.vegas.com/map.html
You can find a show guide here: http://www.vegas.com/shows/index1.html?key=show01 This site has a search engine that allows you to enter the dates you’ll be in town.
More GOOD Las Vegas info:
http://www.visitlasvegas.com
May 16th, 2007 at 7:37 am
the Paris Hotel, we spent the best of time there. and u can from there visit all the other land marks
References :
personal experience!
May 16th, 2007 at 7:49 am
I'm going for my 22nd in August, we're staying @ the Mirage, not sure of what else to do there though besides the usual….any ideas?
References :
May 16th, 2007 at 8:19 am
check out the hotels. Vegas is amazing you can go from Paris to Egypt to Hollywood to new york to Venice all in the matter of blocks. a really awesome place to eat is called the buccaneer bay(make sure u call of a reservation) in the ti its cool because you can watch the pirate show from the restaurant. join players club they give you coupon books that can come in real handy and they dont cost anything. websites to check out are vegas.com visitlasvegas.com and google las vegas hotel reviews to see if anything peaks your interest.
References :
May 16th, 2007 at 8:19 am
I am going this weekend. We will be at Tao. I will let you know all details when I return. Send me your email address.
References :
May 16th, 2007 at 11:40 am
Sandy’s Vegas Guide
Things to remember:
1.Drinks are free when you’re gambling. Sitting at a bar and playing a few dollars in a poker machine will get you a free drink. Sitting at a machine in the casino will get you the same. Tipping the waitress or bartender a dollar or two will keep her coming back. If you walk up to the bar and order drinks, you’re going to pay lots more, even for soda or bottled water.
2.Player’s Cards: Before you begin gambling, get a player’s card. Most places offer sign up deals (a coffee cup, a free meal, assorted coupons). If you get a card where you’re staying and you use it while you’re gambling, you can “save” the points and use then toward your room when you check out. Some casinos will combine accounts for married couples, some don’t. I always get a card in my name and ask for a second card. I play with one and my husband plays with the other. That way all the points are going to one card, and accumulate faster. Plus … you’ll get offers in the mail for your next trip!
3.Beware of time-share people! As you walk through the hotels and along the strip, you’ll be approached by people who want to give you free show tickets, free tours, free meals, etc. These are time-share sales people. They promise freebies in exchange for an hour of your time. I warn everyone about this but some people just don’t listen. A friend of mine decided an hour of her time was worth giving up in exchange for a show. So her and her husband accepted, were put on a bus and taken to a “presentation” and weren’t bought back for SIX hours. Their only escape would have been to take a cab back to the strip but that would have been expensive and they wouldn’t have gotten their “free” show tickets. The best way to get these people to lose interest in you and move on to the next person is to say, “Thanks, but we’re leaving tonight.”
4.Free Pulls: Some of the casinos offer “free pulls” on a special slot machine as you walk in the door. There are usually no strings attached, you pull the lever and win something. Usually it’s a key ring or a hat; sometimes it’s a free buffet. Sometimes it’s a coupon for a “fun book” (a book of coupons for that casino). To get the fun book, you can be sure you’re going to have to walk to a far, far corner in the casino. They want to get you WAY inside.
5.$40 for $20: Some casinos offer $40 in slot play for $20. What they don’t tell you is that it’s on a bank of “special” machines, and you can’t cash out for cash. Instead, you play the $40 and then choose a prize based on the credits. So before you hand over your $20, take a look at the prizes being offered. If there’s something in there that’s worth paying $20 for – have fun. If not, keep walking.
6.Valet: If you’re going to be renting a car while you’re there, valet parking is the way to go. For a $2 tip, you can park at a hotel or casino and visit the nearby hotels and casinos.
7.Bus: If you use the busses that run up and down the strip, put your wallet in your front pocket. Vegas is the favorite vacation spot for pick-pocketers, too.
8.Cabs: Cabs are more expensive than a bus, but faster and less waiting. Almost all hotels have a cab line outside one of their doors, a line of cabs waiting for the next fare. A hotel employee will whistle for the next cab in line when you ask for a cab.
Things to see (and most are FREE!):
1.The Freemont Street Experience: Every night there is a light and music show that stretches for blocks. It’s an amazing thing to see … and it’s FREE. Freemont Street is in downtown Vegas, you’ll need to take a cab if you don’t have a car. The street is blocked off from traffic and you can stand in the street and look up and watch the show. (Another place to keep a close check on your wallet.) There’s a different show every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:00 or 8:30 PM. Show times and pictures can be seen at: http://www.vegasexperience.com/ Be sure to check out the video! Freemont Street also has performers and kiosks all along it. Lots to see and worth a trip. Downtown used to be nasty and scary, but they’ve cleaned it up and it’s clean and safe now. Just don’t wander too far off Freemont on any of the side streets. You probably wouldn’t want to anyway, most of the action is right on Freemont.
2.The Fountains at Bellagio: Don’t miss this! It’s a 900-foot long row of fountains that “dance” to music. The songs change, and it’s awesome to see. More info at: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/bellagiofountains.html While you’re there, go inside and check out the conservatory. Very impressive!
3.Caesars Forum Shops: If you feel like strolling through Rome, check out the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This is also where the talking statues live. More info on the shops and a link to info on the talking statues at: http://www.vegas.com/shopping/forumshops.html
4.The Canal at the Venetian: This is pretty amazing and a MUST see. You feel like you’re in Italy as you stroll along the canal and visit the shops. You can even take a gondola ride. Check out the Canal Shoppes at: http://www.venetian.com/shoppe/index.cfm and get information on the gondolas at: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/gondola.html?f=m0at&t=stripat
5.The Volcano, The Tigers and The Aquarium at The Mirage: If you go up the moving walkway and through the front door at the Mirage, you’ll see the white tiger. Pretty cool to see. Head through the foliage to the front lobby and check out the wall behind the check-in desk. It’s a HUGE salt-water aquarium. In front of the hotel there is a huge waterfall that turns into an erupting volcano (loud, bright, and hot!) at night. A trip to Vegas without seeing the volcano erupt just wouldn’t be a trip to Vegas. http://www.themirage.com/
6.The Wildlife Habitat at The Flamingo: An outdoor habitat located within the Flamingo. You can see the live flamingos (still haven’t figured out how to kidnap one) plus lots of other birds, fish, and turtles. http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/wildlifehabitat.html
7.Masquerade Village at The Rio: Masquerade Village is inside the casino at the Mirage. There is a parade in the sky with music and dancing and lights that’s pretty cool to see. This is located off the strip, too far to walk, but there is a free shuttle that goes from Harrah’s to Rio and back. More info and a video at: http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_07.html
8.The Eiffel Tower at Paris: You can take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/eiffeltower.html?f=m0at&t=stripat
Other Info:
You can find a map of the strip and downtown Las Vegas here: http://www.vegas.com/map.html
You can find a show guide here: http://www.vegas.com/shows/index1.html?key=show01 This site has a search engine that allows you to enter the dates you’ll be in town.
More GOOD Las Vegas info:
http://www.visitlasvegas.com
References :
May 16th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
I went for my 25th in March. I stayed at Treasure Island. The hotel was really nice. There is a club in it called Tangerine that you get in free as a guest. You should visit a lot of the other hotels such as the Venetian which has a wax museum and Club Tao. Caesar's has a mall and clubs in it. New York New York has a roller coaster and the ESPN center where you and your boyfriend can play games. Mandalay Bay has a nice aquarium and club Rum Jungle was is really fun. A lot of people pass out club passes along the strip. You will always find something to do in Vegas. Look on the internet and there might be a celebrity having a concert at the time you are down there. There are plenty of different shows to see. I hope you guys have fun!
References :
Personal experience
vegas.com
May 17th, 2007 at 1:02 am
AS FAR AS HOTEL… ALL THE MAJOR CASINOS ARE ALL NICE.
JUST PICK A THEME AND PRICE YOU LIKE.
LUXOR IS A COOL PLACE.
TRY THESE WEBSITE LINKS BELOW AS THEY SEARCH NUMEROUS TRAVEL WEBSITES AT THE SAME TIME. SUCH AS EXPEDIA, ORBITS, CHEAPTIX, ETC.
http://www.kayak.com
http://www.travelaxe.com
THESE WILL SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY!
————————————————————————————
AS FAR AS WHAT TO SEE & DO…
MOST OF THESE ARE MUST SEES…(pick what you think is cool)
The Welcome to Vegas Sign
See Some VEGAS Shows; commedians, musicians, & theater productions (any cirque show is awesome)
Go Clubbin at some of the Best Clubs in the World
PURE, TAO, TRYST, LIGHT, TANGERINE, MOON, RAIN, GHOSTBAR, VOODOO, RUMJUNGLE, STUDIO 54, TABU, BODY ENGLISH, TO NAME A FEW.
Go to some of the Best Pools in the World;
caesars, bellagio, rio, mandalay bay, palms, hard rock, flamingo, golden nugget, reviera (are must sees)
Bellagio; Fountains, Lobby, Gardens, Architechture, the Chocolate Fountain
Caesars; Fountains,Lobby, Architechure, Atlantis, Pool
Venetian; Gondolas, Architechure, Shoppes
Treasure Island; Sirens Show
Mirage; Volcano, Rain Forrest, Tiger Habitat, Dolphin Habitat
Paris; Eiffel Tower, Architechture
NY,NY; Architechure, Rollorcoaster, Coney Island (Carnival)
Excalibur; Castle, Med-Evil Shows
Bally's; Lobby, Light Show
MGM, the Huge Lion Statue, Lobby, Lion Habitat
Luxor; Lobby, Architechture, Light Beam, King Tuts Tomb, IMAX, In Search of Oblesk Ride
Mandalay Bay; Lobby, Aquarium, Pool / Beach, Shark Reef, Treasure Show Case
Flamingo; Wildlife Exhibit, Pool
Circus-Circus; Circus Shows, Thrill Rides, & Carnival
Stratosphere, Thrill Rides @ the Top, the Observation Deck
Fremont Street Experience
Golden Nugget; Largest Gold Nugget in the World
Sam's Town Hotel; Mystic Falls Park
The Orleans; Bowling, Movies, good food cheap.
Gameworks; tons of games, CocaCola & M&M Store
Go on a Helicopter Tour
Lake Meade
Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk
Valley of Fire
Area 51
Red Rock
Death Valley
Lake Havasu
————————————————————————————
AS FAR AS DISCOUNT AND ETC.
SIGN UP FOR CASINO PLAYERS CARDS, THESE WILL GET YOU DISCOUNTS, AND COMPS.
GO ON eBay!
-M
References :