Posted on 10/24/2005 2:00:21 PM PDT by martin_fierro
Hi all;
Mrs. F & I are gonna be in Vegas in the week before this Christmas and wanted to tap into FReepers' recent experiences there.
We're consulting all the travel guides, but also wanted to get some FReepers' feedback as to what they thought was fun/not.
Here's a partial list of stuff we're considering doing:
ON THE STRIP
DOWNTOWN
SOUTHEAST
NORTH
WEST
Are any of these things especially worth doing/avoiding? What have we missed?
One of my favorite things is to sit in the lobby of one of the bigger hotels drinking a coffee and watching people from the heartland come through. You'll see some guy in his 200 off the rack suit and his girlfriend/wife walking unsteadily in high heels...and you can tell by the way they're walking, the guy thinks his James Bond with Pussy Galore. There's something touching in that -- as opposed to, say, the Japanese industrialist decked out in Brioni with three tall blondes and a red head.
Definitely go to the New York, New York hotel (http://www.nynyhotelcasino.com/pages/index_noflash.asp)! They have great food throughout the main floor, which is set up like the streets of Manhattan. Also, if you have kids, take them to the Excalibur. It has a cool carnival type third floor that you can win prizes and enjoy yourself with them. The Excalibur also has a great buffet for all three meals (http://www.excalibur.com/dining/buffet.php). The Treasure Island had great dinners, but get there early or you will wait on a long line. They also have a cool show (http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/hotels/strip/treasure.html). I think they changed it since I was there (a few years) but then it was called Pirates Of The Caribbean and was awesome. Not a good show to try to get out of though, as it packs you into an area that can be quite uncomfortable once the show ends...
I'm a peoplewatcher myself, so I am with you on that.
There is something genuine and touching about that type of couple, you are right. I like that kind of stuff.
As for the Japanese industralist, he has his own act going on. A man, 3 tall blondes, & a redhead - that's another definition for a 'Full House' in this town, I think. :-)
I've advised numerous people from the rag trade to go out to Vegas and watch those couples. Not a few have followed my advice and come back amazed at what they saw.
The forum shops are a must, and make sure you see the fountain show there. The list you have pretty much is full of fun things. I love Fremont street, especially at Christmas as the ceiling show is fabulous to see. I love New York, New York it is almost like walking the streets there. The Hoover damn bored me, but I suppose that is a matter of opinion. There is so much to see in Vegas that you can't do it all in one week, but have lots of fun!
stratosphere is fun, I ate there about 2 months ago. It is very very high up and the floor rotates so you get a view of vegas from all angles. I think it rotates every hour.
It is a VERY fancy place w/ great food. The waitress told us that they have couples proposing there all the time. Dress nice and prepare to spend a good bit.
Other than that, I dunno, unfortunately, I don't get out all that much here, it's probably all what you make of it.
If you all need a place to stay let me know, I got a futon pull out bed. :)
ping
in case you have any suggestions
Banana Cream Pie at Emeril's New Orleans Fish House in the MGM Grand.
Aladdin, Venetian and Belaggio buffets.
Huevos Rancheros at the Palace Station coffee shop.
Chicago Dog at the Gold Coast sports book (Vienna Sausage co. dogs)
Rent a car and go to Furnace Creek (Death Valley)
While you have the car, ride out to valley of fire or red rock.
Check out some of the other off strip casinos:
The Palms
The Orleans
Green Valley Ranch
To name a few... Have Fun!
It looks like a loooong-a$$ drive to get there, so it's gonna take more than just a visit to some cheesy tourist trap to make it worthwhile.
I've been there. Yes, it is a looong drive, and yes, it is a tourist trap.
Your fears are correct in the main casino (Harrah's: ugliest cocktail waitresses in town - Rio isn't that bad, yet), although there is a bar in the middle of Rio with extraordinary waitresses dressed all in white, like angels.
But first class eye candy can still be found at the Wynn (#1 by far), the Palms, and the Hard Rock Hotel. ;)
Gambling? LOL
Seriously though.. looks like most things have been covered. I might suggest the Mon Gabi restaurant at Paris. It is nice to sit outside and have dinner if the weather isn't to cold.
Also, on Sunday, Bally's has their Sterling brunch buffet. ($62 per person) Caviar, Maine lobster,lobster stuffed ravioli, felt mignon,lamb,sushi,lobster gazpacho, veal, filets, duck, seafood galore,and Perrier Jouet champagne!
Reservations a must!
here is the menu...YUMMY!!!
D'ohh! RIGHT!
< |:)~
That shmaltzy Bally's buffet sounds pretty dang good.
You need reservations weeks in advance. The key is to get an early seating. Food is hotter/colder which ever it is supposed to be when you get there early.
Don't get me wrong, it is fine at later seatings, but an early seating is also less crowded.
If you decide, you should ask about the dress code, it changes at different times of the year.
BTW, We will be there the week before Christmas too!
Sorry if someone already told you this (I don't have time to read the whole thread), but there are a couple of booths on the strip that sell half price show tickets. They are usually for the day of the show, and the resorts apparently dump unsold tickets at these locations. Check with your hotel concierge for the locations. The shows on the strip are good, but not worth the $100+ per seat that they charge. At half price, though, they are worth it.
Avenue Q is good if you can stand the occasional Bush/Republican bashing.
Have fun, and please gamble a lot to keep my taxes down! ;)
A lot of good advise here...but, after all the normal ideas, take W. Charleston Blvd. to Red Rock. Spend an hour or two at the park. It's pretty impressive. Continue on Rte. 159 towards Blue Diamond. There is a neat little "wild west town", a little campy, but fun. Continue to Rte. 160 and stop at the bar in Spring Mountain, on the way to Pahrump. Not one's normal idea of Vegas, but a good view of the desert. Have fun.
Never been to Area 51, just 12 and 25 (No kidding... Yucca Mountain is at one and the other was ... well... other stuff.)
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