LaurieW's Reviews

All Glitz

For gamblers and night owls, this place is perfect, but there are other attractions and ways to enjoy Vegas without gambling or spending any time on the Strip if you prefer. Most of the best places to stay are on Las Vegas Blvd....Bellagio, Paris, MGM Grand, Venetian, Aladdin, Caesars, and so on. However, there is an off-shoot of the strip now where other resorts are being built like the Rio. You can't really lose if you choose a big resort to stay in because each resort has shopping, shows, restaurants and some free attractions too. To do it more cheaply, stay off the strip and cab it or take a shuttle to the strip. Also to save money, you can rent a condo or stay at an extended stay such as Emerald Suites with kitchens so you can eat some meals in. The resorts have a variety of restaurants with different price levels to choose from. Also, if you have the flexibility, stay during the week and skip the weekend as rooms are almost twice as much on the weekends. To get away from the Strip and see some sites, head to Red Rocks Canyon on the extreme west side of Las Vegas in the foothills. This area provides a very easy hike and some beautiful natural views. It's free. Also, if you rent a car or take a tour, head to the Hoover Dam. Guided tours are available to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon also. If driving from resort to resort stresses you out, use the valet parking. For a nominal tip, you can avoid the hassle of parking your car. During busy times, give yourself enough time to get the car back if you've got plans and have to be somewhere quickly. It does not usually take more than 15 minutes and usually is much less. Some shows to consider are any of the Cirque Du Soleil shows or Blue Man Group. Of course there is always Wayne Newton and some quintessential Las Vegas shows at Ballys, Flamingo, etc., and perhaps you might look into the Fremont Street Experience (free I think). Take a ride to the top of the Stratosphere for phenomenal views of the city and beyond (fee involved.) Most hotel rooms come with an entertainment magazine that lists all current shows at all of the resorts as well as info on numerous other attractions, restaurants, clubs, etc. Other items of interest could be Madam Tousseault's Wax Museum, Liberace Museum, Guggenheim-Hermitage Art Museum....so much to do, so little time!

Reviewed on: September 11, 2007