... in response to Las Vegas recommendation, posted by Stevo on Aug 13, 2002My favorite get-away spot...
OK... for impressing, all things being equal, you can't go wrong with the Bellagio.
No kids? The reason I ask is that Bellagio really doesn't want kids. If you have a room there, you can get a pass for your kids. But if you are visiting (like walking through to another Casino, or taking the Tram from Monte Carlo) they won't let kids in!
A reason to stay at the Bellagio is that by staying there, you can buy advance tickets to "O" which is the Cirque Du Soliel show there. You are allowed to book the tickets earlier there than if you stayed somewhere else.
If you want to impress DEFINITELY take your wife to see "O". It is the most stunning show in Vegas. It is just a visual feast. Tickets are about $100 apiece, but worth it!
I have never stayed at the Luxor. It is older than the other casinos you mentioned, but I have heard it's not bad. (The nightclub there, RA, is supposed to be highly "sexy: at night.. never been... yet...)
Paris is OK. I have never stayed there, but I have been there. However, the little French Resturaunt there is GREAT! You can go in the evening, and get a nice romantic table outside, and have the best seat in Vegas to watch the Bellagio fountain show (which is across the street.)
Mandalay Bay has the best pool in town. And if you can afford it, there is a Four Seasons IN the Mandalay Bay (a hotel within a hotel.) It doesn't seem as convenient as the other ones... but still more convenient than the Rio which is way off strip.
I love the Monte Carlo, mainly because the show there (Lance Burton) is a great show. (I love Magic shows -- one of the reasons I love Vegas...) And I have some fond memories there.
You really can't go wrong with any of the places you mentioned. Once you get out of the casinos, and into the rooms, all Vegas rooms look pretty much alike (unless you get the suites.) But that's not a bad thing... they have nice carpet, marble in the bathrooms... it's usually very nice.
The Bellagio is probably the nicest room I had, but it is a marginal thing.
Do you want advice on shows?
Ceasar's Magical Empire is kinda neat... if you like Magic, of course. It is a dinner theater. The food is pretty good. The magic varies. (It is mostly close up magic...)
Danny Gans is considered the hot ticket in town. He sells out every night so book in advance. He is a singer impersonator, and puts on a very good show. And VERY clean. (He's actually a fine upstanding Christian who has put out a Christian CD... though he doesn't do any of it in his act.) He is at the Mirage.
Also at the Mirage are Siegfried and Roy... $100 a ticket. It is a dazzling show, but I didn't like it as much as I like Lance Burton.
If you like Comedy Magic, check out Mac King's matinee at Harrah's. He's hysterical (zany but FUNNY!).
Another good matinee is Rick Thomas. I'm drawing a blank on where he is... an older Casino -- I want to say the Tropicana... He has a pretty good show (though the theater is showing its age) and he even has white tigers -- so some of S&R at a fraction of the price. I think I paid $20 a ticket to see him.
I already mentioned that "O" is fantastic. If you can't get tickets (they sell out constantly) then you can try Mystere at Treasure Island. It's also Cirque Du Soliel... but not quite as amazing as "O".
Other random Advice:
Take her to the M&M Factory. It's cute, and on the first floor they have that sinfully rich and expensive chocolate. Women seem to love it. (Though I have always taken AWs there... maybe M&Ms don't have the same effect for an RW) It's free and includes a funny 4-D show.
The lions at the MGM are worth a walk. (It's free).
S&R's "Secret Garden" at the Mirage is not worth the price (IMHO).
The Gondola Ride at the Venetian is not as romantic as you would think (you go through a mall and everyone is staring at you).
A better cool and romantic thing is to take a bicycle rickshaw through the Alladdin shops. It is surprisingly romantic.
There is a palce called: "Red Square" which features somthing like 120 different brands of Vodka. I've never been there, but KenC has, and can tell you more...
Stay off of the roller-coaster on top of New York, New York -- It really jerks you around. I like coasters, but it is really expensive, and you come off hurting.
Treasure Island's show is a BIG attraction (where the ship gets sunk). Best bet if you want to see it is to book a reservation at the restaraunt there, and schedule it so you can see trhe show from there. The sidewalk gets REALLY crowded.
DON'T get a rental car. Not worth it. By the time you fight traffic, and park -- a half a block from the Casino -- you will discover its just a pain.
DO take taxis. The desert has deceptive distances. EVERYTHING looks close ... NOTHING is. Yeah, I know... the RWs like to walk... but its a frigging desert! And NO ONE likes to walk in 110 degree heat!
BTW, Just heard this: National Airline (based in Vegas) is offering tickets for $1 to Vegas on 9/11. (one way). Such a deal, huh?
If you need a blackjack system, let me know! I have one of those too!
Did I mention that I love Vegas???
