Pre-trip report: Vegas
I've decided to pack the family onto a 14 hour flight across the pond and spend some time in Vegas (among other places) in March.
We're staying on the strip but I'd be interested on the best things to see / places to visit off the strip. E.g. smaller casino with a nice atmosphere, best burger in town etc.
Thanks folks
You might enjoy visting M casino, also Green Valley.
Avoid Railroad Pass casino at all costs.
The speedway has people that let you rent and drive exotic cars on the track, if that's your cuppa.
You could be busy most of every day and never even gamble if you so choose.
ZCore13
The family does indeed include a one year old. Yes the flight is going to be horrific and yes the grandparents are coming along to help babysit.
Great idea on the Excalibur show. We've been to Vegas before but didn't attend many shows. Sad but true. Thinking of going to Penn and Teller.
What about the best place for a pizza and red wine? Disclaimer: for us - not for the toddler!
Downtown, there's the Mob Museum that you might find interesting. From there, walk over to Binion's, sign up for their player's club, and take a free picture with a Million Dollars (no kids allowed here). Cross the street to the Golden Nugget, and see... a honkin' big gold nugget that an Aussie dug out of their backyard, and a tank full of sharks in their swimming pool.
Stroll over to the Four Queens for a pretty good pizza.
On the Strip, I hear the Cosmopolitan has good pizza too, but the place is hard to find.
Personally, I enjoyed the stromboli at the Four Kegs. It is basically a pizza folded in half.
Have a blast!
Quote: AyecarumbaWith a child that young, you should look into the show offerings at your hotel first. Going between hotels in the evenings on the Strip can be a real hassle. As for off-strip activities, if you haven't taken the Dam tour, I would recommend it.
Downtown, there's the Mob Museum that you might find interesting. From there, walk over to Binion's, sign up for their player's club, and take a free picture with a Million Dollars (no kids allowed here). Cross the street to the Golden Nugget, and see... a honkin' big gold nugget that an Aussie dug out of their backyard, and a tank full of sharks in their swimming pool.
Stroll over to the Four Queens for a pretty good pizza.
On the Strip, I hear the Cosmopolitan has good pizza too, but the place is hard to find.
Personally, I enjoyed the stromboli at the Four Kegs. It is basically a pizza folded in half.
Have a blast!
Thanks a lot. I saw that Cosmo pizza place on Man Finds Food so I'll try to check it out.
1.) If you are downtown and looking for pizza, Pop up Pizza in the Plaza gets my vote. Their pizza is my favorite in Vegas, maybe even my favorite of all places. Rather than entering the Plaza at the main entrance across from Fremont, if you enter at the entrance north of that (closest to the greyhound bus terminal), you will be right at Pop up Pizza.
2.) March is a tricky month with lots going on in Vegas, which can effect crowds as well as prices. First weekend in March is Nascar weekend, middle of March is St Patrick's day, which in Vegas usually lasts several days through a weekend. Also about that same time in the middle of the month, March Madness college basketball starts on a Thursday and that first 4 day weekend (thurs-Sun) is huge in Vegas.
Quote: kewlj1.) If you are downtown and looking for pizza, Pop up Pizza in the Plaza gets my vote. Their pizza is my favorite in Vegas, maybe even my favorite of all places. Rather than entering the Plaza at the main entrance across from Fremont, if you enter at the entrance north of that (closest to the greyhound bus terminal), you will be right at Pop up Pizza.
You sold me. I've walked by there many times. Helped a tourist take a picture by that horse statue last time walking by there.
Plaza is kind of dead but I noticed the Pizza place always had customers so that's a good sign.
I'm gonna check this out, will be in town in 1 1/2 weeks(Dec 23-30) :-)
Quote: terapinedYou sold me. I've walked by there many times. Helped a tourist take a picture by that horse statue last time walking by there.
Plaza is kind of dead but I noticed the Pizza place always had customers so that's a good sign.
I'm gonna check this out, will be in town in 1 1/2 weeks(Dec 23-30) :-)
The only thing I don't like about it is the Plaza stinks.....literally. The whole place has a very pungent cheap perfume smell.
Quote: terapinedYou sold me. I've walked by there many times. Helped a tourist take a picture by that horse statue last time walking by there.
Plaza is kind of dead but I noticed the Pizza place always had customers so that's a good sign.
I'm gonna check this out, will be in town in 1 1/2 weeks(Dec 23-30) :-)
I'll try to take the bad weather back to Canada with me on Tuesday ...oh add all these cowboys and girls should be long gone too
as i type this i am looking at the snow on the mountain tops in Pahrump from the parking lot across the street from the NUGGET ;( actually drove thru some snow getting here today..... 34*F in the mountains
Quote: kewljThe only thing I don't like about it is the Plaza stinks.....literally. The whole place has a very pungent cheap perfume smell.
I know it used to; but it's been remodeled.
Does it still stink?
Quote: Uranium235Thanks a lot. I saw that Cosmo pizza place on Man Finds Food so I'll try to check it out.
If I remember correctly, it's on the third floor of the shops (use the escalators); I think it's between the Sushi restaurant and Jaleo. You can see an opening with some record album covers on one wall; that's the walkway into the pizza restaurant. Other than that, there's no identification; it's not even listed on the site maps except as a blank area.
I also recommend Pizza Rock if you are downtown, although it's one block north (technically, NE) of Fremont Street (corner of Third and Ogden).
Another show I enjoyed a lot is Absinthe in front of Caesar's Palace. It has good circus acts, very close to you, and also some extremely raunchy comedy. I can't remember another time I laughed that hard.
A couple years ago when the Brooklyn pizza joint Grimaldi's branched into a chain and opened in Vegas we tried it out. I was worried it would be ruined but the pizza tastes EXACTLY like it does at the original. I know NY pizza is not for everyone but I think Grimaldi's is some of the best pizza around and we make a point of stopping in now on every Vegas trip.
I agree with the suggestion of In and Out for the best drive-in style burger. For more gourmet burgers, Gordon Ramsay is a pompous ass on TV but his burger place impressed me. Burgr at the Planet Hollywood. I also like BLT burger at Mirage.
Some people will tell you that the Penn and teller show is bad but I loved it.
Quote: jml24I agree with the suggestion of In and Out for the best drive-in style burger. For more gourmet burgers, Gordon Ramsay is a pompous ass on TV but his burger place impressed me. Burgr at the Planet Hollywood. I also like BLT burger at Mirage.
There is an In & Out near where I work; I am not particularly impressed by the burger (the fries, on the other hand...).
The best "gourmet burger" place in Vegas, in my opinion, is Burger Bar in the walkway between Luxor and Mandalay Bay. If you're looking for one that's not particularly expensive, you might want to try Cheeseburger Las Vegas in the Miracle Mile Shops that surround Planet Hollywood.
Also, you might want to consider one of the Brazilian steakhouses in the area, especially for their "rodizio" (which, if it isn't Portugese for "all you can meat", should be). However, you can do better than Samba (the one inside the Mirage) or Pampas (the one at Miracle Mile Shops); my recommendation is Fogo de Chao, located on Flamingo a couple of blocks east of the Strip.
NO I like it. We Don't get enough of it. Summer sucks here cant stand it.Quote: coilmanI'll try to take the bad weather back to Canada with me on Tuesday
I know it sounds illogical bringing a toddler to Vegas but we love the place and not just for the gambling. Palm Springs is also on the list for a relax/golf session. We've also strategically invited the grandparents so we will probably see a few shows when they volunteer to babysit.
Cheers
Quote: MrVI know it used to; but it's been remodeled.
Does it still stink?
Yes, it stinks even more if possible. Lol.
Absinthe is a great, raunchy show. Highly recommend.
I haven't been to SLS since it just opened, but it might be a good choice for you as a smaller casino hotel of good quality on the Strip. You might also really enjoy Paris Las Vegas; very nice rooms, a European sensibility, medium sized but really well laid out, in the middle of the Strip. Close to the street, room lobby is just off the casino, elevators assigned different banks of floors, about 8 really good restaurants. If you're active at the London Total Rewards casinos, you might be able to negotiate a very nice rate for Paris, even comps if you give their cust svc a call. Empire is one of theirs, can't think of the other 2; former London Clubs International, it just changed hands maybe 2 years ago.
My in-laws are looking to take a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon and we're not sure whether to book through the hotel (probably a steep margin); or book through the guys lined up along the strip advertising the tours (some seem a bit dodgy).
Does anyone know a reputable but reasonably-priced company? And yes - I do want them to come back safely!
Thanks
U235
Quote: kewlj
1.) If you are downtown and looking for pizza, Pop up Pizza in the Plaza gets my vote. Their pizza is my favorite in Vegas, maybe even my favorite of all places. Rather than entering the Plaza at the main entrance across from Fremont, if you enter at the entrance north of that (closest to the greyhound bus terminal), you will be right at Pop up Pizza.
.
Just ordered a slice with peperoni. They have a free wifi signal. Using it to post here. Not bad. Thin style with a good crust.
Satisfied , good slice.
My favorite from home is Mellow Mushroom.
Not sure where. But all the local magazines(find them at t have discounts he casinos) have discounts. I find them to be reasonable.Quote: Uranium235One more request for info from the Vegas locals and in-the-knows:
My in-laws are looking to take a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon and we're not sure whether to book through the hotel (probably a steep margin); or book through the guys lined up along the strip advertising the tours (some seem a bit dodgy).
Does anyone know a reputable but reasonably-priced company? And yes - I do want them to come back safely!
Thanks
U235
I did the vegas flight once for about $50 a person.
I would think they'd be boring to watch if I was a kid but as an adult I enjoyed them quite a lot....and normally I like watching action movies where everything is getting blown up constantly, so if a show catches my simple interests that's impressive. :)
Get extra sauce - it is amazing
Quote: terapinedJust ordered a slice with peperoni. They have a free wifi signal. Using it to post here. Not bad. Thin style with a good crust.
Satisfied , good slice.
My favorite from home is Mellow Mushroom.
I should have advised you to try a couple of those garlic knots they sell for like 50 cents each. They are warm, just out of the oven and practically melt in your mouth. :)
NVMQuote: kewljI should have advised you to try a couple of those garlic knots they sell for like 50 cents each. They are warm, just out of the oven and practically melt in your mouth. :)
Quote: Uranium235One more request for info from the Vegas locals and in-the-knows:
My in-laws are looking to take a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon and we're not sure whether to book through the hotel (probably a steep margin); or book through the guys lined up along the strip advertising the tours (some seem a bit dodgy).
Does anyone know a reputable but reasonably-priced company? And yes - I do want them to come back safely!
Thanks
U235
There used to be Grand Canyon flights out of the North Las Vegas airport. Can't remember the name of the company. I'll see what I can find.
Quote: mickeycrimmThere used to be Grand Canyon flights out of the North Las Vegas airport. Can't remember the name of the company. I'll see what I can find.
Google "grand canyon flights from Las Vegas."
Quote: beachbumbabsI like the burgers and shakes at KGB in Harrah's very much. Very good quality ingredients, and their sliders (small hamburgers) won Iron Chef (a tv cooking competition here) a couple of years back.
Absinthe is a great, raunchy show. Highly recommend.
I haven't been to SLS since it just opened, but it might be a good choice for you as a smaller casino hotel of good quality on the Strip. You might also really enjoy Paris Las Vegas; very nice rooms, a European sensibility, medium sized but really well laid out, in the middle of the Strip. Close to the street, room lobby is just off the casino, elevators assigned different banks of floors, about 8 really good restaurants. If you're active at the London Total Rewards casinos, you might be able to negotiate a very nice rate for Paris, even comps if you give their cust svc a call. Empire is one of theirs, can't think of the other 2; former London Clubs International, it just changed hands maybe 2 years ago.
Oooo, you even gave me a new thing to check out lol. I was at the SLS back in October with the Wizard actually... It was a smaller casino, and definitely off the main part of the strip =/, but maybe a bit closer to downtown (do not walk there - this is if you're renting a car).
SLS didn't have very many good games from what I remember. I think they did have $10 limits but all 8D H17.
Free stuff to check out if you haven't already:
1) Belagio Water Show (of course).. AT NIGHT though! I literally hid my eyes from it during my first day in Vegas ever and feel it was worth it =p.
2) Top of the Stratosphere. Great view, "thrill" rides (not that they do too much, but if you're afraid of heights at all they will get your heart going).
3) Downtown is a much more family fun relaxed atmosphere with the overhead light shows and just overall general attitudes of people. It also has some good blackjack, if you know where to look (or just consult the Wizards Vegas Survey lol). Depends what you're in to (poker, bj, craps, etc) there's a LOT downtown has to offer in the way of a tourist, in my opinion.
4) Sams Town / Longhorn / Canary - If you're in to checking out new places off the strip. There's actually a free shuttle that goes from Harrah's to Sams Town, and one from Sams Town to the airport (free as well). So that's always a penny saver getting back to the airport!
As I mentioned earlier, I'll have the 'pleasure' of taking our 15 month old this time and I was wondering if the lions are still at MGM Grand and the Mirage? No, she hasn't been naughty; I just want to show her the enclosure!
Yes, I know I could Google but you folks have been so helpful thus far...
Thanks a lot
Quote: aceofspadesDeleted (realized I already posted about Grimaldi's)
You can never post about Grimaldi's enough IMO. I love it and whenever I go it is not at all busy (Palazzo location.) I am afraid it is going to go under. Maybe the mall location is more busy. I should probably go there anyway because I don't like giving any money to Sheldon Adelson to devote to his anti internet gambling campaign.
Quote: Uranium235I'm now counting down the microseconds until I'm relaxing in San Diego, Palm Springs and Vegas.
As I mentioned earlier, I'll have the 'pleasure' of taking our 15 month old this time and I was wondering if the lions are still at MGM Grand and the Mirage? No, she hasn't been naughty; I just want to show her the enclosure!
Yes, I know I could Google but you folks have been so helpful thus far...
Thanks a lot
There is the secret garden at the mirage still. dolphins, lions, tigers, leopards, etc. about $20 general admission. $200.00 if you want the vip experience which is a private tour guide, child gets to feed the dolphin, pet the dolphin and 8x 10 numerous professional photos and behind the scenes tour. or if you have a host they can arrange it if your play warrants with mgm, etc. we just did that for our 2 year old on Friday. he loved it. mgm has the baby lions gone I was told.
