Las Vegas

[William33 110]

Well, we just did our booking.

3 nights at NY/NY for $270.45, taxes included.

Roundtrip airfare from Chicago was $782.40 for two.

Grand total (so far!) $1052.85

Still to come: shows, restaurants, gambling....

Wait!! Gambling is gonna pay for this whole extravaganza!! :dance:

I was with you until the bolded text....In reality, expect to lose money....That is the reality in Vegas.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I would personally go for the Mandalay Bay. Even though, as Scandal says, it's on the southern end of the strip it's closer to other casinos (Luxor, Excalibur) than the Trump which is not walking distance from anywhere you want to be. I consider Mandalay Bay walking distance to MGM, New York, New York, Tropicana though other people may not.

Trump is supposed to be very nice though, from what I've heard. I haven't stayed there myself.

I personally wouldn't want to rely on driving to place along the strip - parking can be problematic and strip traffic is horrible. I'd take taxis, the bus that goes along the strip or the monorail. Also, you might want to have a few drinks.

[The_Dude 1,142]

I've stayed at all the hotels there and there is no comparison... Caesars Palace all the way. It's worth the extra money.

I always find it funny when people think "Hey, lets go to Vegas over Thanksgiving or X-mas, everybody will be celebrating with their families and nobody will be there". Wrong. It is always EXTRA crowded during Thanksgiving and Dec. 20-January 3. IF you make the extra mistake of trying to leave to go on Dec. 23 or 29, expect a 9-12 hour drive from L.A. to Vegas.

As has been said, you DON'T want to really drive much once you get there. Finding a spot can be problematic at some hotels and traffic on the strip is horrendous. If you get to the southern part of the strip on a Friday at 4 p.m. you'll be going at a rate of 1 block per hour down the strip.

Edited October 14, 2009 by Rob and Mel

[Marilyn. 340]

there is also a tram that runs down the strip...

and I found a deal at the Mandalay... reserve 2 nights and get the 3rd free... total cost would be about $208 for the 3 nights

if we go we would be going in between Christmas and New Years like from the 27th to the 30 or something like that

Edited October 14, 2009 by Marilyn.

[Marilyn. 340]

I just found out this stuff...

List of Free Shows, Attractions and Other Activities

Free Attractions in Las Vegas

Eat Cheap but good in Vegas

25 Places to Eat for Under Twenty-five in Las Vegas

Tips on attractions, activities, shows, buffets, souvenirs, and things to do in and around Las Vegas

thought it might be helpful for those other people who are gong to Vegas...

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I vote for Mandalay Bay. I haven't stayed there, but I enjoyed checking out the casino, and we spent some time in the sports book--the best one we encountered, in my estimation (incidentally, if you're looking for a very weird sports book experience, check out the Imperial Palace). As Robin mentioned, although Mandalay Bay is at the end of The Strip, it's not exactly isolated. Plus, there's a free tram that connects it to Luxor and Excalibur. From the Excalibur stop, several more places are within walking distance.

I admit a weakness for the Luxor--it's so cheezy.

You guys will have a great time. Vegas is a truly bizarre place.

Check out this site--it's quite funny and has a lot of useful information: http://www.cheapovegas.com/index.php

[Kang Lang 7]

the mandalay bay is built on a faulty landfill and sunk about 18inches the first year!!! so for me that's a no way no how.

my husband and i just came back from vegas for our 2nd anniversary and we stayed at the mgm, (the world's larget hotel according to the travel channel yep i'm that nerdy) but they were so nice we told them it was our anniversary and they upgraded us to a suite. our trip was 440 for both including airfare.

vegas hotels have a low occupancy rate right now so you can definitely finagle some upgrades with kindness!

good luck and enjoy lost wages!

[Marilyn. 340]

how were the rooms at the MGM?

[Marilyn. 340]

it might sound crazy but I want a room that has a nice tub where i can have a relaxing bath if I want..

I can't really have a bubble bath in my tub at home.. it is too darn small

[Marilyn. 340]

the buffet at the Mandaly is supposed to be good and you can pay about 35 buck a person and you can eat there for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for one day...

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I've stayed twice and both rooms have big bathtubs...pretty standard in the newer Vegas casino hotels

[Marilyn. 340]

I've stayed twice and both rooms have big bathtubs...pretty standard in the newer Vegas casino hotels

the MGM?

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

sorry - I meant the mandalay bay

[The_Dude 1,142]

the buffet at the Mandaly is supposed to be good and you can pay about 35 buck a person and you can eat there for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for one day...

The best buffet by far is the sunday brunch buffet at the MGM.

[Marilyn. 340]

sorry - I meant the mandalay bay

ok thought that was what you meant.. yeah I think they have soaker tubs.. which is one of the reason I am leaning towards that one...

I was reading a review on the MGM and it implied that the bathroom wasn't' that great

the buffet at the Mandaly is supposed to be good and you can pay about 35 buck a person and you can eat there for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for one day...

The best buffet by far is the sunday brunch buffet at the MGM.

ok...

hubby said the best brunch is at the Flamingo but he hasn't been to Vegas in ages...