Las Vegas holiday

[Matchworn Shirts]

Thinking of going to Vegas next year. Sounds stupid but no interest in gambling - is there still plenty to do? And what is the perfect amount of time to spend there

Alternative US destinations would be New York, San Francisco or at a push Route 66

[Coca Fola]

Is the wife going?

[Matchworn Shirts]

Is the wife going?

yep with her boss



Seriously though, yes

[Bob's Orange]

Grand canyon is stunning. Did the helicopter over it, would recommend.

If you aren't interested in gambling I would suggest San fran or new York.
Loved both.

[Batch]

How apt, I'm going on a lads few days break for my 40th next year. So keep the Vaga suggetions coming - accomodation, shows and the like.

[slinky]

I'm going again over Christmas.  There's loads to do, I'm not into gambling that much either.  As mentioned Grand Canyon is good as is the Valley of Fire and Hoover Damn.  Area 51 is interesting.  All of the casino's have features to draw you in other than gambling such as the MGM lions, the Bellagio fountains or Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage.

Loads of shopping can be done with designer outlets both at the north and south end of the strip and various shops on the strip itself including the miracle mile and the fashion show mall.  

In the evenings pretty much all casino's have a theater so you can see a show, concert, comedian or a magic show.  Freemont Street with the light show and often gig's is also worth a look.

No need to go hungry either.  Most Casino's have a buffett where you can eat all you want places such as the Wynn offer a fantastic quality buffet.  Found a great micro-brewery casino which is just off strip called Ellis Island.  The beer is excellent and cheap along with the food highly recommend a visit there.  The $5 steak and eggs for breakfast is also recommended!

First time there I would recommend a week. I've tagged a few days in San Fransico onto a Vegas trip before which is a completely different experience.

If you want any more info just ask.

[slinky]

How apt, I'm going on a lads few days break for my 40th next year. So keep the Vaga suggetions coming - accomodation, shows and the like.

You will have a great time.  Been both with the missus and with the lads which are certainly different experiences 

Accommodation wise select something centre strip saves a lot of walking and means you can take in both ends.  Which casino you stay at depends on your budget really.  Have stayed at Imperial Palace and Casion Royale before both came in at around $20 per night but aren't anything special.  Christmas we are staying in Aria which is the dogs.

Worth trying the $20 trick when you check in.  Doesn't work every time but have got some pretty nice room upgrades as a result.

[RobertT]

Batch, if you are happy with the usual 3-4 star syle hotel, the Tropicana was brilliant.  It's smaller and far less busy than the main ones on the strip and recently refurbed with a Club nikki Beach as well - way too posh mind!  Cost me about £25 per room per night.

The other main hotels are simply massive with loads to do in them as mentioned by Slinky. Plenty of shows, restaurants etc.  Night life is odd.  the clubs are relatively small as far as I could make out and you have to pay to get a table to sit at with very little other seating options, so expect to stand.  Also, hover by the slots and you'll get free drinks, just tip.  They are trying to get you to hang around and empty your wallet into the slots where they usually make much more money than charging for drink.  Clubs are very expensive for drink - up to £10 per bottle.

I combined Vegas with San Fran (less impressed than many people seem to be, way too many aggressive beggars) and a stay in Napa area which was well worth it, best part of the holiday in fact.  Small towns with vineyards everywhere - the road from Napa to St Helena is a perfect example and they all have wine tastings for a few quid which is waved if yopu then buy a bottle.

I would suggest flying between the two if you combined it though.  I went on Virgin America first class for £120 one way.  My wife drove with her friends and it took ages.

[monkey]

Vegas is amazing, even if you don't do a lot of gambling. Best place to stay if you want a good location right on the strip at a cheap price is bills casino!

[Batch]

Thanks all, appreciate the tips.

[Bob's Orange]

Thanks all, appreciate the tips.

Which you'll need in the states!

[pumbaa]

Despite living in the US for 3 years, never went near Vegas. Just not my kind of thing. Didn't go to New York. Didn't go to SanFran. Didn't go to LA.

Would thoroughly recommend Indianapolis, San Diego, Boston and Tampa as four alternative city destinations. All totally different with loads to do. If you want a bit more scenery, Jackson Hole/Yellowstone/Grand Tetons was the best week's holiday we have ever had. That or drive down the East Coast from Maine to Florida (make sure you go via Chesapeake Bay for Blue Crab and North Carolina for Oysters though).

[Bob's Orange]

I liked Boston

[Abrahammer]

Boston is a beautiful city.

San Diego is an underrated gem but then again I went there straight after LA so any city would have looked good in comparison

[Iffy's Onion Bhaji]

Part of me actually wants to go to LA just to experience how shit it really is. Everyone I know who has been there has said it's awful.