Las Vegas - Love it or Leave it?

[thepiranha]

I just returned from a four day trip to Vegas this week to meet up with some old friends. While Vegas isn't my top choice of destinations, there's no place I've ever been that's remotely like it.

My question is this: Do you love Vegas, hate Vegas, or are you indifferent to Vegas?

[copahc]

I love it. But only for a long weekend. I think I just love the insanity and the opulence of it. I love how you can get a huge suite at a resort hotel for like $100 a night. Once I got the pleasure of staying at the Sky Lofts at MGM. OMG! I wish LL would offer that one (hint hint). It was the most amazing hotel I've ever stayed at. There we 2 TVs in my bathroom. One inside the bathroom mirror and one huge flat screen over the giant bathtub. The shower alone was about as big as a normal bathroom. It has 2 rain showers in it and it turned into a steam room. The "Butler" was awesome. She would come leave sweets in our living room while we were upstairs in the bedroom, lol.

[danielboldea]

A few of the reasons I love Las Vegas are:
There is always something to do in Vegas and I don't even gamble (other than the occasional poker tournament)!
The competition that is clearly seen between hotel industry giants, every year offering bigger, better and more luxurious hotel rooms.
The capital of all comps and upgrades.
The shows! My favorite being O at Bellagio; La Reve and Danny Gans (RIP) at the Wynn and Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian (I believe the final curtain is scheduled for 9-2-12).
Last but not least, Jean Phillipe Patisserie located in the Bellagio and just recently in the Aria.

I prefer weekdays in Vegas. I have found that you are much more likely to be upgraded to a room out of your price range when you avoid the weekend crowds for the entire duration of your stay and of course tip the receptionist for services rendered.

[LL_Travelfan]

A few years ago, on a trip out West we had the pleasure of staying a few nights at the Bellagio Hotel. We were upgraded and had a suite on the upper floors with the water fountain playing music down below. It was quite a site to behold. I also loved the pool area and spa. We took in a few shows and some I-MAX films. As for gambling, I have lost more than I have won. I usually give myself a set amount as "fun money" but beyond that, I rather take my money and use it for something more appealing than loosing it. We took a helicopter sunset/champagne flight over the Grand Canyon which was breathtaking, and, especially on the way back, seeing the Strip all light up was wonderful. I wouldn't mind going back, but there are so many other new things to see.

[exflygirl]

Las Vegas, like Orlando, is not on our list. For relatives and friends (or work), it is a major destination. We can't really say "hate it" or "indifferent" because if we did, we would never go; and that's too many birthdays, weddings, celebrations, etc. we'd miss. Our stays are short. Once, we rented a car and spent the bulk of our time at Zion and Bryce National Parks.

We are going again soon--our second time this year. We're staying at the Bellagio. Any tips for making the most of our time at this property would be appreciated.

danielboldea...thanks for the shows recommendations. thepiranha...where did you go for good eats?

efg

[thepiranha]

Daniel, how was Phantom in Vegas? I had one free night and it wasn't showing that night. Phantom is my all-time favorite musical and I would have loved to have seen it. Definitely agree with you about Jean Phillippe Patisserie! Chocolate decadence.

A few of the reasons I love Las Vegas are:
There is always something to do in Vegas and I don't even gamble (other than the occasional poker tournament)!
The competition that is clearly seen between hotel industry giants, every year offering bigger, better and more luxurious hotel rooms.
The capital of all comps and upgrades.
The shows! My favorite being O at Bellagio; La Reve and Danny Gans (RIP) at the Wynn and Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian (I believe the final curtain is scheduled for 9-2-12).
Last but not least, Jean Phillipe Patisserie located in the Bellagio and just recently in the Aria.

I prefer weekdays in Vegas. I have found that you are much more likely to be upgraded to a room out of your price range when you avoid the weekend crowds for the entire duration of your stay and of course tip the receptionist for services rendered.

[thepiranha]

I know what you mean, exflygirl. I hadn't been to Vegas in many years, but I've been there twice in the last two years for events. One was a reunion of my wife's high school friends to celebrate a birthday that ends with '0' that all of them were having, and the other was my recent fantasy football draft. Other than going to Vegas for gatherings, I may never go there again.

I highly recommend Bobby' Flay's Mesa Grill. I've eaten lunch there the last two times I was in Vegas. The aforementioned Jean Phillippe Patisserie is exceptional. Michael Mina's restaurant in The Bellagio is exceptional. I had a very good and reasonably priced bouillabaisse at Le Provencal in the Paris Hotel. For breakfast, I highly recommend Bouchon, Thomas Keller's bakery, in The Venetian. Oddly enough, I had been to Bouchon in Napa just a week before on a totally unrelated trip. The chocolate almond croissants are heavenly.

Las Vegas, like Orlando, is not on our list. For relatives and friends (or work), it is a major destination. We can't really say "hate it" or "indifferent" because if we did, we would never go; and that's too many birthdays, weddings, celebrations, etc. we'd miss. Our stays are short. Once, we rented a car and spent the bulk of our time at Zion and Bryce National Parks.

We are going again soon--our second time this year. We're staying at the Bellagio. Any tips for making the most of our time at this property would be appreciated.

danielboldea...thanks for the shows recommendations. thepiranha...where did you go for good eats?

efg

[danielboldea]

Daniel, how was Phantom in Vegas? I had one free night and it wasn't showing that night. Phantom is my all-time favorite musical and I would have loved to have seen it. Definitely agree with you about Jean Phillippe Patisserie! Chocolate decadence.

Hello thepiranha,
The Phantom in Vegas was truly a must do attraction in Vegas. Many critics who have seen both NY and LV presentations say that they enjoyed LV more. The Las Vegas Phantom of the Opera is a shorter version that the NY presentation.

The theater was built specifically for the show, mirroring the beauty of the Paris Opera House. The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber was executed flawlessly. Very engaging and captivating.

It is a true disappointment that they drew the final curtain. Both my wife and I agreed that it was one show we would have returned to during future visits to the area.

The O show, that will probably be running for many years to come, should be on everyone's bucket list if they haven't had the pleasure of experiencing it. Tickets are pricey but worth every penny!

Safe travels!

[danielboldea]

A few more good eats:

Wing Lei at the Wynn - the only Asian restaurant in North America to receive a Michelin Star.
On one occasion we enjoyed a wonderful steak at FIX (Bellagio). It is located very close to the O Theater and offers a special "Pre-O Fix" menu before the show to ticket holders. If you are interested in the best possible seats for the O show, I would suggest purchasing a package including:

• A 3-course dinner at choice of FIX Restaurant & Bar or Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge
• Preferred seating to "O" by Cirque du Soleil
• VIP admission to The Bank nightclub
• $214.88 per person, that is of good value and available through the hotel concierge.

If you go over budget and would like quality, affordable dining options, there is a Maggiano's located across the street from the Wynn and a Cheesecake Factory at the Forum Shops at Ceasar's Palace.

Safe travels!

[bonniejoy03]

Spent time there in the 70s, 80s, 90s. What a change. We also have old films from the 50s that are amazing.

Vegas is nice but too big for me!