I'm taking a vacation to Las Vegas, need recommnedations. (1 Viewer)

[Dome Vongvises]

I stressed out like I've never been, and I'm out of school to boot!!! Anyways, I'm taking a vacation to Las Vegas shortly. I'll more than likely be staying at the Bellagio. Anybody got recommendations for the 3-4 some days I'll be there? I'd appreciate the restaurant recommendations. I love my steak cooked raw, and I love sushi. But I'll basically eat anything.

 

[Michael*K]

Ah yes...I'm making my first foray to Vegas at the end of October, also at Bellagio. I'll be watching this thread with keen interest. Also, need some recommendations on non-gambling activities.

 

[Matt Stryker]

If you're into this kind thing, you can rent & shoot machine guns (I shot a Thompson and an M16) at a place off the strip on Tropicana.
http://www.thegunstorelasvegas.com/
Red Rock Canyon is really neat too, well worth the $2 fee per car to drive through. If you decide to go to the Hoover Dam, I'd pass on the paid tour. In years past, they offered an extensive "hard hat" tour of the dam which was supposedly really cool, but now the tour is pretty much just a quick elevator ride to a gallery overlooking the generator room. Then you get back on the elevator and its over. NOT worth $10.
This is another good page of ideas:
http://www.sportsbook.com/casino/top21.html

 

[Jay H]

Cirque du Soleil has a show there called "O". Super expensive, but supposedly worth it. I've seen Mystere over in Treasure Island (Just before the Bellagio was finished being built) and it was cool, but similar to other Cirque shows. However, O is supposedly a bit different as it's very water orientated.
Red Rocks is supposedly nice, good biking (the annual MTB show in LV holds their demo rides in Red Rocks) and also good bouldering and rock climbing.
For a long day trip, you can go up to Zion, there might even be shuttles you can take without renting.
Can't help you out on the food though, when I was there we ate at the cheapest buffets that you could find. We also stayed at the (almost) cheapest places you could stay without getting arrested too.
Jay

 

[ChrisMatson]

I was in Vegas in July. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND seeing Cirque du Soloeil: 0 at the Bellagio. It is unbelievable and well worth the $125 tickets. This was the highlight of my trip.
For food, I can personally recommend SPAGO (American) at Caesar's and IL FORNAIO (Italian) at New York New York.
We took a trip out to Red Rock Canyon (only about 20-30 minutes from the strip) and we were quite impressed. I wish we could have hiked some, but the 110 degree heat in July was too much for me and my fiancee. Maybe you will have more agreeable weather.

 

[Andrew Chong]

Be sure not to miss the Freemont Street Experience Light and Sound show, a free lightshow featuring 2.1 million lights, strobe lights, and 218 speakers.
See a Show Preview

 

[KyleS]

BIG NOTE: If you are planning ANY of the shows buy your tickets NOW. Do not wait till you get to Vegas and then try and buy tickets because you either wont get them or your going to get crappy seats at near the same price.

I used to live in Henderson/Las Vegas and you learn quickly from doing things yourself and with friends that come to town what is good and what isnt. Here is my list of what to do while in Vegas.

1. Fountains at Bellagio.
An absolute must see. They are good during the day but if you can go after dark, but before they close at midnight, is best since the lights under the fountains are pretty damn cool.

2. "O" at Bellagio. Awesome, and yes, worth every penny.
Although this is probably one of the top 3 shows on the strip it is a bit pricey at over $100 per ticket (still worth every damn Penny. If you want something just as good IMO but less money check out "M" at Treasure Island which is Mystere ($85 or so per ticket) and is like the sister show to "O". Both shows will take your breath away and leave you stunned.

3. Blue Man Group (Luxor). What a fun show with Audience involvment. I would recommend getting your tickets close down front but if possible about the 3rd or 4th row up if your short so you can see over the stage.

4. Lance Burton Magician (tickets $55 or so)
Out of all the Magic shows on the strip he is the best and also the best priced which makes the show more enjoyeable
At all costs, unless you just want to see a lot of dancing and donate money, DONT go to see Sigfreed and Roy sp?. Tickets to this show run 110+ and are not worth it IMO.

5. Pirates at the Treasure Island (Out Front of the Hotel on the Street) You will need to plan for this since the shows are spread out throughout the day. Very good show but hard to catch. I would recommend coming early if you want a good view since everyone piles in (and the best part its FREE).

ROLLERCOASTERS

1. Stratosphere Big shot (just make sure to bring a change of shorts with you)

2. Speed the ride (Sahara hotel) terrible hotel with $1 black jack but a great rollercoaster near the back of the hotel. Short but fun.

3. MGM EDIT: Damn must have closed since I lived in Vegas a year ago. DOH.

4. New York New York Coaster. Great coaster But and its a BIG but its really, really rough so hold on tight (Whiplash is the word that comes to mind)

5. Circus Circus Asventure dome. There is 1 decent coaster here but stay away from this hotel its garbage. Note that they also have Bungee jumping in the front of the Hotel which would be the biggest rush if you trust the hotel.

Buffet Food

1. Bellagio buffet: Were talking King crab legs (pre-cut) Huge Prawns, steak, Lamb, etc. A bit spendy at $25 per plate but if you want great stuff its all there.

2. Paris buffet: Almost all the same items as the Bellagio buffet but not quite as nice. Little price drop at around $23 per plate.

3. Luxor buffet ($12 bucks) but not half bad.

Fine Dining:

Almost all the hotels have 2 or 3 really good restaraunt. There is an especially good selection at the MGM and Mandalay Bay (great restaraunt Areole which has the huge wine Rack in the middle).

SUSHI-If you like Sushi (which you said you do) then go off of the strip there is a Sushi restaraunt called Kyoto on Sahara & ??? Cant remember damnit. about 4-6 blocks off of the strip heading East. ALL YOU CAN EAT BABY and at $20 for any kind of Sushi you want its a great deal. They will fix you Rolls, Cut, and even have side dishes like T chicken.

Don'ts:

1. Circus Circus. Stay away at all costs.
Unless you want to do the Adventure Dome (more for kids) or bunjee jumping.

2. Excalibur. Yeah, it looks neat from the outside but it's pretty cheesy inside.
What a dump and Damn you can easily get turned around inside.


OUTSIDE OF the STRIP

If you want to Gamble the local casinos are much better and kinder then the strip casinos. Of the Station Casinos especially the Sunset Station, as your heading south of the strip towards the Hoover Damn.

The Hoover damn if you have never been there before is a must see. They have 2 tours the regular and the hard hat tour. First tour is like $8 and the hard hat is $25. The hard hat tour is a lot better but more expensive and you get to keep the Hard Hat.

Grand Canyon: Its farther away from Vegas then it looks because most people go to the South Rim. But its also really a site to see. If you are planning to Hike to the bottom you either need to stay the night OR be in damn good shape and take off down the Canyon BUT ASS EARLY. Remember it may only be in the 80's when you start hiking but it could reach well into the 100's by mid day.

Red Rock Canyon North of the Strip: very cool rock formation and not far away from the strip.

KyleS

 

[Bob Movies]

Blue Man Group at Luxor - this was the most incredible theatrical experience I've ever had! Don't miss this at any cost!

Speed the ride - Amazing!

If you're downtown (Freemont St., Golden Nugget, etc.) you should go at night, so you see all the lights and the "Freemont St. Experience" an indoor/outdoor city block that's bascally underneath a gigantic video screen. Very cool.

See Blue Man Group!

Bob

 

[LewB]

Three words: BLUE MAN GROUP saw them my last trip out there and it was a terrific show, a must see. Penn and Teller are also incredible. You can't go wrong with either.
The fun park at the MGM is closed. They are changing it into something else.
Food:
I was impressed with the Cajun style food at House of Blues in the Mandalay Bay Hotel, very good and just spicy enough without burning up your mouth.
I had what was possibly one of the best meals EVER at a place called Ferrara's on 5900 W Flamingo. It's a white tablecloth Italian place. Their signature dish is Osso Bucco (braised veal shanks). The waiter claimed it cooked for 5 hours ! The knife never left the table, I still salivate when I think of the meal. We asked for a moderately priced red wine and the waiter suggested a $100 number ! I realized that I would easily lose that much in 15 minutes at the tables or 4 songs in the champagne room :b :b so we agreed to have that with dinner (a Chianti Classico), it was great ! Make it a special nite, go to the restaurant, then see a show (or vice versa), a great finale to the trip.
You didn't say if you were going with wife/gf or buddy(s) or solo. I've only been there with buds, and we have a great time whenever we go. If it's a stag trip, check out studio 54 at the MGM, I've also heard that the Palms is hopping. If you're into rock music check out the Hard Rock Hotel( or if you are interested in looking at gorgeous women), the hard rock cafe in front of the hotel is not owned by the same people (Peter Morton) and for me is kind of played out.
If you are looking for "gentleman's" clubs, Olympic Gardens and The Cheetah club rate high in my book.
Don't stress out about Vegas, there is so much to do and see, it's amazing. Just remember that the gambling is available 24x7, so make it your business to do things other than gamble when the sun is up (like sleep off last night's adventures )
P.S. Let us know how the trip went and what you did !

 

[Dome Vongvises]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. Oh, I meant to say I like my steak rare, not raw (but I'm curious how that would taste now). So far, the Cirque de Soloeil has been recommended by everybody, even folks from where I used to work.
No t**ty bars for me. I'm trying to save money for gambling.
I've always wanted to see Blue Man group.
Anymore restaurant recommendations? Thanks for all your help. I love you HTF citizens.

 

[Joel Mack]

No t**ty bars for me. I'm trying to save money for gambling.

Tsk. At least at the strip clubs, you know you'll get SOMETHING for your money.
The Olympic Garden is quite nice...

 

[Michael*K]

Thanks for the tips. As far as Blue Man Group goes, I can see that any night of the week here and often for half-price on weeknights.

 

[Art Martinez]

I really like Tony Romas. I have never eaten a steak there, but the baby back ribs are great. The only one I know of is down by the Golden Nugget on the old strip. It's not really sushi, but the Rio has a great all you can eat sea food buffet. I think that it costs about $25 but man I have never eaten soooo many crab legs at one time.

 

[Matt Gordon]

Try The Amazing Johnathan at Golden Nugget.

Vegas is a great place to people-watch. (And I don't mean the t**ty bars!)

Put my vote in for BMG too!

 

[Patrick Sun]

Here are a bunch of photos that I took when I was in Vegas last July.

 

[Don_Houle]

My wife and I went on our honeymoon in Vegas in March. We had the best time! The greatest thing about Vegas is that you can be completely entertained 24 hours a day. Or you can lay back and take it easy - it's completely up to you.

We stayed at the Bellagio as well. I'm usually a cheap hotel kind of guy, but this hotel has completely changed my preference in hotels! They will do ANYTHING to satisfy you - just make sure you tip well!

ALSO, we found that a $20 bill slipped to the check-in agent behind the desk WILL get you a better room. We had reserved a standard room, but $20 and a "Is there anything you can do to upgrade us?" got us an upgraded corner room overlooking the fountains. The bathroom had a marble jacuzzi tub with a view of the south end of the strip and the mountains. VERY nice for a honeymooning couple! Spend some time lounging at the Bellagio's pools, too!

Anyway, as far as food goes, I would recommend Onda at the Mirage for Italian food. It was great. But don't discount the buffets either. Especially the Bellagio.

If you're going to be in LV on a Sunday, make a reservation for Bally's Stirling Sunday Brunch buffet. They have a great selection of high quality foods. I got a little buzzed on the all-you-can drink champagne.

Check out Cirque du Soleil's Mystere, or O if you are willing to spend a little more.

By the way, we were in Vegas for 10 days and didn't gamble at all until our last day there.

 

[Bob Movies]

Michael*K

The Luxor's Blue Man Group show is completely different than the shows in Chicago, Boston, and New York.

It's way bigger, and much more spectacular!

See the blue man group! They don't pay me to say it, I'm just one very satisfied customer!

Bob

 

[LewB]

You might also want to check out the usenet newsgroup/forum at alt.vacation.las-vegas. Folks put in 'trip reports' and ask questions about vegas there.
Just use a 'num de plume' or is it 'num de web' ? Else you will be swamped with spam.

 

[jeff morris]

Great Sushi at the Flamingo. I can't remember the name of the resturant, but it's downstairs from the casino. Excellent!!
My other favorite resturant is Hugo's. Go to the Four Queens casino on Freemont. It's in the back, downstairs. Excellent, again!!

 

[Micah Cohen]

KyleS's post is great, he hits all the hot spots that I was gonna mention.
I can't impress upon you enough how FREAKING COOL the Pirate Show at Treasure Island is. It happens every 90 minutes thruout the evening till about 11pm. (I know that because every 90 minutes I'd run past the Polk execs drinking at the TI bar to make the next show.) Get the ropebridge early to see the very beginnings of the show, when the pirate scouts row back to their brig with news of the coming attack. Most people don't even notice this (they just row right under the walkway).
Nothing is cooler than a full scale pirate battle "to the death" between two "full sized" three masted ships right on LV Blvd.
ARG, MATEY!
MC