To Vegas or Not?

[bakerhillpins]

All

So the opportunity has come up for the wife and I to get away for a long weekend (Fri - Mon) and head out to Las Vegas with a few friends and no kids. We haven't gone anywhere without kids for several years. Come to think of it the last time might be right before my daughter was born 11 yrs ago. We have had a weekend with out kids but it's because they were visiting with their cousins so the house was just empty. Now, I have always heard from folks that Vegas is a blast and there is ton's to do but the money to do this didn't grow on a tree and it's not going to be super cheap. (frankly I should be spending the money on a HRV system for the house) The other catch is that I am NOT a gambler and I can't spend close to 3 days shopping.  Plus there was the trip to Atlantic City which was supposed to be soooooo much fun and was probably the single worst trip I ever went on in my life period. Yes, I hear they are too different places. 

So what's up? Is it worth spending the money? Are the shows worth it? It would be over Superbowl weekend if that matters.

Thanks!

[Richard Cranium]

My wife & I went to Vegas last February. We do not gamble at all & didn't spend a dime in the casino. We stayed at the Mirage & saw the Beatles "Love" show & took the wife to see Bette Midler. I could have giiven 2 craps about Bette, but it made her happy. Honestly, her act was funny, but with every song she sang, I fell asleep. Took a chopper ride over Lake Meade & landed in the Grand Canyon. At $450.00 per person, it was EXTREMELY expensive, but as a once in a lifetime event, it was well worth it to us. Went on a tour inside the Hoover Dam & we both enjoyed that. Looked around at the different hotels up & dowen the strip. We drove to the CA border, just to say we were in CA; took a couple of pictures, then turned around and came back. 

We spent 4 days there & that was enough. Having been to Vegas there's no need for me to go back again.

[PocketThunder]

All

So what's up? Is it worth spending the money? Are the shows worth it? It would be over Superbowl weekend if that matters.

Thanks!

Its worth it if you go on the weekend of March 18th and meet up with me and my spouse because we'll be there with NO KIDS..!!   

Paul

[Shakey]

It sounds as though you're trying to talk yourself out of it.

It won't be a cheap weekend if it is the same weekend the Super Bowl is as the hotels will be packed.  The room rates will probably be higher than normal.

It's a really neat city with lots to offer.  Some amazing sights to see and lots to do for free that will keep you occupied.  Unfortunately at that time of year the pools will most likely not be open.

I've been many times so personally, I'd find something else.  If you've never been, maybe you should go and take a look around and then you can cross it off of your list of things to do.

[Shakey]

All

So what's up? Is it worth spending the money? Are the shows worth it? It would be over Superbowl weekend if that matters.

Thanks!

Its worth it if you go on the weekend of March 18th and meet up with me and my spouse because we'll be there with NO KIDS..!!   

Paul

I might be there (on business = solo) that weekend as well.  If I am, I will send you a note prior to that to see if you are interested in meeting for a   

[skip68]

If you were planning on seeing a show you may want to know that this is the last year for "the Lion King" and also "Phantom of the Opera". I know I want to see both shows before they close. Oh, they have a new zip line ride that goes above Fremont St through the digital tunnel. Shelby museum and the speedway are always cool too! Mrs.skip68

[PocketThunder]

All

So what's up? Is it worth spending the money? Are the shows worth it? It would be over Superbowl weekend if that matters.

Thanks!

Its worth it if you go on the weekend of March 18th and meet up with me and my spouse because we'll be there with NO KIDS..!!   

Paul

I might be there (on business = solo) that weekend as well.  If I am, I will send you a note prior to that to see if you are interested in meeting for a   

Ya buddy !  Let me know, we'll be there Friday night till Sunday night then we're taking the red eye home.   

[chargerboy69]

I have a been there a couple times, even married the first wife there  .  Stayed at the Excalibur once and at Ceasers Palace.  If you have never been, I would recommend going.  David Copperfield puts on a great show, at I believe, MGM Grand.  The Excalibur puts on a great dinner and jousting show in their large arena. I am not a gambler either, but there is a lot to do and see.

[skip68]

It's the playground for adults...   Lots to see and do that won't cost a ton of money.  Do a search on youtube of Vegas strip.  This will give you ideas of things and places you will want to do and see and make a list.  Belagio fountian water show is cool.   Check out youtube like I said and you will want to go for sure.   Chuck.....

[PocketThunder]

what hotels are adult only?  meaning no kids under 18?  The last time we stayed at Excalibur the place was full of baby strollers.

[Vainglory, Esq.]

what hotels are adult only?  meaning no kids under 18?  The last time we stayed at Excalibur the place was full of baby strollers.

In my experience, Mandalay Bay and the Venetian.  I would think Bellagio, Wynn, and Encore would be very nice for adults too, since people with kids tend not waste luxury on them (they wouldn't know the difference anyway and would probably prefer Circus Circus).

I've never been to Excalibur or Circus Circus, but they and the New York New York are among the most "cartoonish" of the hotels and should be avoided.  I stayed in the Monte Carlo, and I wouldn't characterize it as adults-only, probably because it's relatively inexpensive.  I've stayed at the Luxor too, but I don't remember much of it since I went with Ponch and we ended up drinking beer until I got the courage to ask the waitress for her digits (i.e. most of the night). 

I've also stayed off the strip, which is fine for its purposes, but if you're doing things in Vegas other than gambling, you won't want to pay for cab rides to and from.  It gets really expensive.

[skip68]

They are pretty much all family friendly.  I do know of a few "adult only" mens hotels if you know what I mean.... Hahaha.  And they are legal.  Any place that's aimed at adults only is more of a single/younger/college 20 something MTV type.  Not for me or you most likely.   The Venetian is a romantic type place with gondola rides and nice waterfront restaurant.  Ask for package deals on rooms any comps and discounts.     Chuck....

[Ponch ®]

I've never been to Excalibur or Circus Circus, but they and the New York New York are among the most "cartoonish" of the hotels and should be avoided.  I stayed in the Monte Carlo, and I wouldn't characterize it as adults-only, probably because it's relatively inexpensive.  I've stayed at the Luxor too, but I don't remember much of it since I went with Ponch and we ended up drinking beer until I got the courage to ask the waitress for her digits (i.e. most of the night). 

...good times, good times.

I'd definitely stay away from Circus Circus and Excalibur. One time I was at CC and I saw a lady changing a diaper practically on the casino floor. 

Try the Wynn, Mandalay, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock (though it's off the strip) or any of the new ones at City Center (the Aria is pretty nice from what I'm told).

[Richard Cranium]

The only thing that isn't kid friendly are the rolling billboards going up & down the strip all day & night showing hookers & a phone number to reach them. Also, the paid creeps standing on the street corners handing out cards (practically forcing them into your hand) with pictures of hookers & phone numbers. They pass them out to both men & women.

[Ponch ®]

The only thing that isn't kid friendly are the rolling billboards going up & down the strip all day & night showing hookers & a phone number to reach them. Also, the paid creeps standing on the street corners handing out cards (practically forcing them into your hand) with pictures of hookers & phone numbers. They pass them out to both men & women.

Don't forget the guys offering you a free limo ride to the strip club. 

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I've never been to Excalibur or Circus Circus, but they and the New York New York are among the most "cartoonish" of the hotels and should be avoided.  I stayed in the Monte Carlo, and I wouldn't characterize it as adults-only, probably because it's relatively inexpensive.  I've stayed at the Luxor too, but I don't remember much of it since I went with Ponch and we ended up drinking beer until I got the courage to ask the waitress for her digits (i.e. most of the night). 

...good times, good times.

I'd definitely stay away from Circus Circus and Excalibur. One time I was at CC and I saw a lady changing a diaper practically on the casino floor. 

Try the Wynn, Mandalay, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock (though it's off the strip) or any of the new ones at City Center (the Aria is pretty nice from what I'm told).

You doing anything for MATS this year?

[Ponch ®]

I've never been to Excalibur or Circus Circus, but they and the New York New York are among the most "cartoonish" of the hotels and should be avoided.  I stayed in the Monte Carlo, and I wouldn't characterize it as adults-only, probably because it's relatively inexpensive.  I've stayed at the Luxor too, but I don't remember much of it since I went with Ponch and we ended up drinking beer until I got the courage to ask the waitress for her digits (i.e. most of the night).  

...good times, good times.

I'd definitely stay away from Circus Circus and Excalibur. One time I was at CC and I saw a lady changing a diaper practically on the casino floor.  

Try the Wynn, Mandalay, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock (though it's off the strip) or any of the new ones at City Center (the Aria is pretty nice from what I'm told).

You doing anything for MATS this year?

Thinking about going, but nothing's set in stone yet. It's the weekend before Spring Fling too.

Why...thinking about making the trek?

[bakerhillpins]

Its worth it if you go on the weekend of March 18th and meet up with me and my spouse because we'll be there with NO KIDS..!!   

Paul

Appreciate the offer and would Love to but it's with a group of friends that has been doing it for the last 5 yrs for the SB. So the weekend is predetermined. They have been trying to get us to go for years but we could never find someone to watch the kids... My mom retired last year and said she would watch the kids for us this year.

It sounds as though you're trying to talk yourself out of it.

It won't be a cheap weekend if it is the same weekend the Super Bowl is as the hotels will be packed.  The room rates will probably be higher than normal.

It's a really neat city with lots to offer.  Some amazing sights to see and lots to do for free that will keep you occupied.  Unfortunately at that time of year the pools will most likely not be open.

I've been many times so personally, I'd find something else.  If you've never been, maybe you should go and take a look around and then you can cross it off of your list of things to do.

It's kinda like the perfect storm. We were in for going in previous years but could never make the stuff on the home front all come together. This year all the home front works but I have several big ticket items (HRV / Wife's parents 50th anniversary week in Maine / Carlisle /...) that are already scheduled into the years budget. So I am just being extra sensitive about overspending. I'm trying to buy a Charger too and I really want to avoid getting into a situation where I am taking money out of that fund.     I equate Vegas with Gambling but I know there is more there. Just trying to get an idea of what others found great about the place, see if that matches with what we enjoy and the decision should be easy.

Presently we are planning on going, just haven't bought the tickets yet, and all the comments are certainly helpful in alleviating concerns about spending money and being disappointed.

Rooms are booked at the Imperial Palace which is where they have been staying every year and have been told they are getting a better rate as a result. 

[bakerhillpins]

If you were planning on seeing a show you may want to know that this is the last year for "the Lion King" and also "Phantom of the Opera". I know I want to see both shows before they close. Oh, they have a new zip line ride that goes above Fremont St through the digital tunnel. Shelby museum and the speedway are always cool too! Mrs.skip68

The wife is big into Broadway type shows... me not so much but I go and enjoy the time with her and the fact that she is having fun. The Zip line sounds cool!

Not too worried about kid friendly as no kids!

[jar1292]

im in the car right now with the girl friend driving we got rooms at circus circus for 24 dollers tonight and 51 dollers for friday and saterday! i used to live down there for work so its kinda lost its shine to me but my best gal has only been there once, her bff is getting married at 1 AM tamarrow so i figured i had better go. worked out for me though i was already a few hours closer.... fuck getting pulled over gotta go ill be back

[bull]

The only thing that isn't kid friendly are the rolling billboards going up & down the strip all day & night showing hookers & a phone number to reach them. Also, the paid creeps standing on the street corners handing out cards (practically forcing them into your hand) with pictures of hookers & phone numbers. They pass them out to both men & women.

If you want to avoid that annoyance go down to the nearest thrift store and buy a stroller. Those people leave you alone if you have kids, or think you do, and the stroller is nice to carry all your crap around in. Just throw a little blanket over all your stuff and they won't know the difference.

[Ponch ®]

kids, strollers, old people....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=DW7uQYpU9xM

[bakerhillpins]

im in the car right now with the girl friend driving we got rooms at circus circus for 24 dollers tonight and 51 dollers for friday and saterday! i used to live down there for work so its kinda lost its shine to me but my best gal has only been there once, her bff is getting married at 1 AM tamarrow so i figured i had better go. worked out for me though i was already a few hours closer.... fuck getting pulled over gotta go ill be back

Dude, are you getting pulled over for texting while driving?   I can't figure out how you guys can put up with the tapping on those "keyboards". I remember when I got yelled at for hunting and pecking....  

If you want to avoid that annoyance go down to the nearest thrift store and buy a stoller. Those people leave you alone if you have kids, or think you do, and the stroller is nice to carry all your crap around in. Just throw a little blanket over all your stuff and they won't know the difference.

Hey, that's not a bad idea.   Problem is I want to leave the kids stuff at home.

Mentioned the Hookers to the wife and she wasn't too keen on the idea.    

[jar1292]

well folks the UHP just recieved another dollers to the highway fund. she had the speedo set at 83 cuz we were in a test section of 8 mph. coming down hill his buddy clocked us at 90 and when we passed him he said we were at 87. i politly said we had the cruz at 83 he mentioned the over sized tires i said there stock its a 07 crysler 300 there stock that big. he checked the sticker on my door and sure as shit they were stock size! wow. i understand that we might have been 90 down the hill but shit our fault i guess. when we got back on the road i tested the cruze and mathmaticly it came to 1.9 mph over to close considering the stop watch is by the eye.... o well.

[Montreal Wing Car]

I thought I'd give a look at the forum before going to bed, cause we're going to Vegas tomorrow morning, and I found this thread!
We'll be staying at the new Hotel, The Cosmopolitan. I have to be there for business Wed-Thurs, so I'm leaving early with the wife and daughters (18-20), to go see a couple of shows and the Grand Canyon. I've been a couple of times before, saw Love every time, big Beatles fan! But I wanted them to see it too, while the girls still tag along.
They go back home on Tuesday... and on Friday, I rented a car to drive down to Scottsdale for the auctions!
So here's a question to locals: which is the best route from Vegas to Scottsdale, the 40, then 17, or 40, then rte 93?
Anything to see on the way (I do not have time for the detour to go standing in a corner, in Winslow, Arizona, unfortunately...)
Thanks!
Ben