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Have you been to Las Vegas? What is your favorite hotel or attraction?

Posted by joeduck • 8/07/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: Casinos, Gambling, las vegas, nevada, tourism, travel

Las Vegas remains one of the world's top travel destinations. Have you been to Las Vegas?
What is your favorite hotel or attraction?

Las Vegas Blog: blog.LasVegas1.net

User Comments

8/07/08

drjay1966

I tend to think of Vegas as a turd covered in glitter. Lots of cheesy plastic bells and whistles on the surface, and an endless well of sleaze underneath.

But, that's just me.

And, if you're planning a trip to the Southwest, Vegas is generally the cheapest airport to fly into, and as accessible to get to the Grand Canyon, Zion, etc. as Phoenix.

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1. 8/07/08
  
  primaterial
  
  I love cheesy plastic bells and whistles, and an endless well of sleaze underneath... actually Vegas now has become quite corporate. I think counterculture wise, it was probably more interesting in the 50s-70s.
  
  Favorite hotel: Four Seasons. Good service, quiet and relaxing.
8/07/08

DOUGGOFFdotCOM

I freaking love Vegas! It's like adult Disney World. The best hotel thus far is the Wynn in my opinion.

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8/07/08

jackpayne

In the 1980s I spent a lot of time in Las Vegas--in the days when I was a Blackjack plalying fanatiac. Now, different picture. Haven't been there in 15 years.

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8/07/08

kirs10dee

I love Vegas too and I agree with DOUGOFF, the Wynn is the best! It also has a "European pool" where you can take your top off like those crazy Euros! : )

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8/07/08

JanelleV

I haven't made it there yet -- but I'm hoping to some day!

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8/07/08

AmyOops

was close went to reno

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8/07/08

SweetViolet

I used to live in the Bay Area, so Vegas (and Reno and Tahoe) were only a few hours away. I didn't stay in any of the strip hotels, but at a Marriott spa a few miles out of town. For gambling, I liked the NY hotel (Hubby liked the roller coaster).

In South Africa, every major city has at least one casino, and there are numerous "destination" casinos in more remote and vacation areas. They aren't as over-the-top as the Vegas casinos...well, Monte Casino in Johannesburg reminds me of the NY casino in Vegas but on a smaller scale...but there are shows, restaurants, gift shops and, of course, gambling. Oddly, none of the casinos I've been in here have crap tables!

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8/07/08

jafabrit

Twice and both times just because my husband was attending a conference there. First time was in 78 and then just last year. I find it culturally intriguing bit of americana but I would never go there for a holiday. Last time we spent 3 days out of the 5 in Vegas hiking in Mount Zion National Park. If I had to pick my fave hotel it would be New York New York
I took a nice little video of the light show at freemont street which I loved. Very smart move to put it in and get tourists back to that part of the strip.
jafagirlart.blogspot.com/2008/03/freemont-street-las-vegas.html

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8/07/08

CreativeJunkie

I've been to Vegas twice, the last time just recently to visit my brother - he's lived there for 10+ years and he bartends at Playboy Club and Ghost Bar, so he took us up to both clubs to show us around. I was your typical tourist with my mouth hanging open ... we just don't have clubs/bars like that around here. The outside deck on Ghost Bar is amazing at night. In the back room of Ghost Bar, a lot of celebrities autographed the walls and freezer - very cool.

This time we stayed at the Venetian and it was total luxury. Loved it. The last time we went (11 years ago), we stayed at The Flamingo and that was nice too, but I don't know how it is now, especially with so many newer hotels on the strip.

I also loved the Wynn hotel and the fountains at the Bellagio are beautiful, especially at night.

We've seen Mystere and O by Cirque du Soleil and I liked Mystere better.

I like window shopping at the forum shops at Ceasars but holy heck, their casino is just filled with cigarette smoke and completely grossed me out - had to leave.

We splurged and ate dinner at Emeril's Domenico Steakhouse and that was a TOTAL waste of money. I mean, the food was good but not outstanding and I about choked at the cost - totally not worth it.

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8/07/08

chatblanc

I haven't had the pleasure to stay at the Wynn yet but otherwise my favs are the Venetian and Bellagio. My favorite show I think is Zumanity, because it is soooooo HOT! And too many fabulous meals to even mention, but I think the absolute best was at Renior in the Mirage a few years back.

[reply]
1. 8/07/08
  
  jafabrit
  
  I thought the Zumanity was okay, but carrot top was hilarious.
2. 8/07/08
  
  CreativeJunkie
  
  My parents saw Carrot Top a year ago in Vegas and they thought he was hysterical. I've never seen his act, although I've seen some pretty scary pictures of him on the web.
3. 8/08/08
  
  jafabrit
  
  I was never a big fan of him creative, so we took a risk going to his show. I had jaw and belly ache after the show from laughing so hard.
8/07/08

JoshScanlan

I've only been to Vegas once and it was earlier this year. As a guy who loves to play poker Vegas was more than amazing to me. I think I'd actually like to live there if I could find the right job opportunity.

I stayed at the Excalibur. Obviously not the greatest hotel, not to mention it was on the 1st floor across from a wall... But how much time do you spend in your room anyways?

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8/07/08

kdawg68

huh-vah-eee

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8/07/08

howisbradley

I use to live in Vegas. I wouldn't stay at any Wynn hotel if you put a gun to my head. The man is an ass.

There are many hotels that are more spectacular, however, if you want great customer service then stay at the Rio.

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8/07/08

BacoreBusiness

Vegas has something for everyone!

RIO is solid off the strip.

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8/08/08

AngieA

Been to Las Vegas a few times and love it there.
Each time I go I think its prettier with more lights to light up the strip.
Favorite hotels I have stayed at is at The Four Seasons, & Bellagio.
Though, I am thinking of staying at the Wynn this time around.
But it doesn’t really have to be a 5 star hotel as you will find that even the 3 star hotels are still very nice and clean and just not as luxurious.
Then again, when you start staying at the nicer hotels you don’t want to go back to the 3 stars. LoL Guess depends on what you like.
BUT, I will tell you this. You MUST take in a few shows because if you don’t, you can not really say you have been to Las Vegas. The shows are what makes the town amazing. Gambling is fun and sites are great, but the SHOWS is what Las Vegas is really all about. And I have found that most people miss that part as they don’t want to spend the money to view the shows. But once you do, you look forward to going each time more and more.

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8/08/08

joeduck

Thanks for a lot of great answers! It's always funny how people don't agree on the basics though. I usually try to find relatively inexpensive places and have had good luck over the years at Hilton, Imperial Palace, Downtown, etc. I've heard more nice things about the Bellagio than the Wynn though it seems most people consider those and the Venetian as the nicest big places on the strip.

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8/08/08

nctrower

I went to high school in Las Vegas and boy has it changed since then! I've gone back several times as I live in California now. I've gone back and seen Cirque D Soleil shows which are FABULOUS! I've also gone back as a family trip and had a blast. I couldn't believe all the new places for kids there.

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8/09/08

Bayho

WEll i dont think las vegas is full of sleaze well i guess if you think about all of the gambling and stuff. its not a place to live i dont think i think its more of a place to visit. mm my favorite hotel would have to be treasure island and my favorite attraction would be the forum shops at the Caesar's palace.

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8/09/08

MadameX

I've been to Vegas several times, but always on business, and so I didn't do or see much outside of the hotel where I stayed (always the MGM Grand). I liked the MGM quite a bit, but I don't really have any basis for comparison.

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8/12/08

joeduck

MadameX - MGM is a great venue but you should check out the Bellagio, Venetian, and Wynn for even more splendor. Those are my favorites in terms of the "WOW" factor:
flickr.com/search/?ss=2&w=53175402%40N00&q=las+vegas&m=text

[reply]
1. 8/12/08
  
  MadameX
  
  I doubt that I'll ever go back, Joe. I had business there several years ago and had to make several trips over the course of a year or a year and a half. Although I'll admit that I didn't see much of the city, it didn't seem like a place I'd go if I didn't have a business purpose.
8/12/08

mariamichelle

I like the Venetian because it is so beautiful and I like the Rio because there is so much to do there.

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8/12/08

joeduck

Mariamichelle I haven't been to the RIO but it sure gets a lot of positive buzz.

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8/12/08

cruzr

Stayed at the Bellagio and wouldn't stay there again. The fountains are the highlight and anyone can get that for free. We liked Paris and Caesars. I will say though that "O" at Bellagio is worth every penny and I would go again in a heartbeat.

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8/26/08

joeduck

Thanks to everybody who put in their travel tips. I'm starting to notice that a great introduction to a travel region is to find collections short personal notes from many people, like this has become.

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8/26/08

myriadlife

I've never been to Vegas but I know lots of people who have and it sounds like the last place on earth I would want to visit.

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8/26/08

kdawg68

Well apparently I'm headed there in a few weeks. Staying at the Red Rock - which I hear is fantastic. Just wish I could bring the wife along.

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8/26/08

gosmelltheflowers

Its been a while now but luxor was great and the stratosphere ride was a blast!

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8/26/08

PotatoChef

I live in Las Vegas and have stayed at just about every hotel on the strip.

If money is no object:

1. Four Seasons
2. Bellagio
3. Wynn
4. Venetian

Now a days Las Vegas really should not be judged by the "Strip". There is so much more to the city.

Not to long ago we opened up a new law school.
And if our mayor, Oscar Goodman, gets his way, there will be a new medical school in downtown Las Vegas before too long.

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8/26/08

kikolani

I would have said the Luxor, except that I haven't been there since they have updated their look. But the suite with the jacuzzi by the window overlooking the strip sold me!

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8/27/08

Emergiblog

Geek alert: I loved the Star Trek Experience at the Hilton. Even though I have horrible motion sickness I actually survived it.

Then I stopped in Quark's Bar for a fluorescent green margarita! : D

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8/27/08

SamGrace

I loved Sigfried and Roy's Animal Sanctuary at the Mirage...well worth it.

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9/16/08

KtotheIMMY

The Wynn is awesome

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11/02/08

ccroyal

Favorite hotels: Mandalay Bay, Wynn, the new Palazzo and The Bellagio
Favorite casinos: Planet Hollywood, The Venetian, Green Valley Ranch (off-Strip)
Best spot to people watch: The patio at Mon Ami Gabi Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas
Fav free attraction: The Conservatory & Botanical Garden at The Bellagio

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11/02/08

ModelElaine

I go to Vegas about once a month or once in two months

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11/04/08

kikolani

I've been several times. I enjoyed staying at a suite in the Luxor with a hot tub right by the window overlooking the strip.

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11/17/08

DesertMama

I've been to Vegas more times than I can count. My favorite hotel was MGM Signature. Nice place.

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11/17/08

reasonablerobinson

Been loads of times - favourite was MGM. Stopped in camelot, but coming from Nottingham UK couldn't see the novelty in eating in the Maid Marion cafe!

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12/18/08

KittyKat53

My favorite hotel is the Venetian. Not only are the rooms very large. Bedroom area and a living room area. You don't have to play a lot to get comps for free rooms and meals. But, my favorite show is Anthony Cools. He is a dirty hypnotist known for his raw and uninhibited attitude. I've seen him 5-6 times and all of the shows are different because it totally depends on the audience. Since the audience is the show. One time there was a bachelor party and 1/2 of the guys went on stage. Well it appeared that one of the guys was in the closet (so to speak) and no one knew it. (not knowing it was a suggestion from Cools) It was so funny my stomach hurt! You just have to see him at least once.

vegasforblondes.blogspot.com

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12/18/08

ModelElaine

lots of Las Vegas tips here everything-las-vegas.blogspot.com/

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12/18/08

marlyms

I like playing in the casino

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12/18/08

MrCheeseburger

I might get eaten there. Its much too scary. I would never go. Looking at pictures is enough.

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12/19/08

ceo08

I loooooooove Vegas! I get to go there a lot for work and definitely live it up. In the last couple of years I've also gone several times just for fun with my friends.

It's a really fun place. It's like a huge Chuck E. Cheese for grownups. Everyone seems happy b/c they're all there to have a good time just like you.

I've stayed at half the hotels on the strip - and I'd say, if you can afford it, stay at the Bellagio. It's first rate all the way.

If it's a little out of your price range, TI, Caesar's, and Paris are all good.

If I could only give you one piece of advice it would be: PICK A HOTEL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STRIP. It will save your feet from a lot of heartache

Good luck! Message me if you need any more pointers. In the last 2 years I've been there a little over a dozen times.

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5/08/09

hotel2009

Wow! I love The lasvegas hotel
oh-hotel.blogspot.com/2009/04/trump-hotel-las-vegas-hotel.html

[reply]
1. 5/08/09
  
  cookingasshole
  
  me too!
5/08/09

rcal4848

Forget about going to Vegas, just rent Fear and Lothing in Los Vegas. Oh I'd probably agree with the turd covered in glitter remark, but I do remember thinking the Bellagio was pretty classy.

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7/10/09

zyke

comment removed by the community.

[reply]
1. 7/10/09
  
  wagerwitch
  
  wagerwitch
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  WagerWitch.