A bunch of gals I know here in NY are going this year. Since most of them are planning to stay at the Imperial Palace, that's where I plan to reserve my room as well. Plus it's right on the strip where all the action is!
In all honesty I don't intend to gamble (too many horror stories from Atlantic City) besides, I hear there is PLENTY to do out there without gambling!
To those of you who have been in the past, feel free to share any advice of words of wisdom you might have. And to those of you who are going this year, I hope to see you there!
We've been there three times, and I love being in vegas each and every one of those times. We just been to vegas this christmas (2004).
We've also stayed at the imperial. Not the greatest accomodations but it is functional. The rooms are very basic, bed, tv, washroom, and that is about it. One good thing is the imperial is centrally located, and there is a burger king right beside the hotel.
On our last trip, we chose the Embassy Suites. At the hotel casinos, one thing we didn't like was getting to our rooms you had to walk thru the smoky casino, and while we don't mind the casino walking thru the cigarette smoke was another issue. The embassy is a non casino hotel, so no cigarette smoke.
Besides, Embassy has free cooked breakfasts in the morning.
We don't gamble either, only nickel slots. Like you said, there are plenty of free attractions.
My advice is pick a time period when all the kids are in school. We went over the christmas holidays and there were kids everywhere. We've been in vegas in april and while it was busy, the people are mostly adults.
When walking up and down the strip, you'll be bombarded by people handing out pamphlets to adult entertainment. Just ignore these people by walking past. Don't feel compelled to grab a pamphlet.
Food is aplenty. There are good buffets that range around $15. I don't know about you, but after a few days I found the buffet food to be quiet heavy and rich, but unfortunately buffets also offer the best value. I've heard the Bellagio has a wicked breakfast buffet, I think they charge $16 on weekdays (weekends is more expensive). One night we wound up going to jack in the box because it was actually 'lighter' than going to a buffet.
They built a new shopping mall there, that had nordstroms and other big department stores. There is even a fashion show in the mall.
There is just simply too much stuff to do in vegas to list, but I am sure you'll have an awesome time there !
I have been to Vegas several times - the stories I could tell. Anyway, I saw a deal on the net (sorry, can't remember where) but Circus Circus had rooms for $39.00 a night Monday - Thursday and on Friday- Sunday they went to $49.00 a night. It pays to shop around. I have stayed at the Imperial and like it was pointed out - rather Spartan, but then again, you don't go there to stay in your room. I highly recommend the Hover Dam tour too, and to think they built that dam with out the first computer or (I date myself) a slide rule! Awesome!
Hope you have a ball it is a great city. Son't miss the Reo either. It is off the strip, but worth a look.
Virginia
First star to the right, then straight on 'till mornin!
Well I am the oldey I guess. As I mentioned in other post I have been going to the city since I was 9 years old it where I spent my 21st birthday and I happen to be in vegas at the same time (or at least the begging I may be able to take some more time off).
Oh yea if you wondering and this may not matter because I to have stayed at the Imperial Palace, the owner is neo-Nazai thoe it does not seam that widely known. Also they got a monorail system running now that runns the length of the strip. If you stay off the strip you can also save some money.
You can also download this free software from http://www.travelaxe.com that searches out the net for hotel prices. I use it all the time when price comparsing.
Well I hope some of this will help out. If you need more advice (or heack even a ride while your there, I will be driving to Vegas) either PM me or e-mail me and I will see what I can do to help out in any way.
Virginia, I agree, Hoover Dam was an awesome site to take in. We went there before 9/11. I understand now that they only allow cars on there, no buses or semis ?
Jessie, the monorail is very handy, but also expensive. I believe one way is $3. When we went, they had just finished fixing it and was testing it, so they offered free fares for one day.
Yes I heard it can be pricey also but I think it is a lot cheaper than taking a cab that may be stuck in trafic for several hours if you kbnow how it is on those nights on the strip.
Jessie wrote:Yes I heard it can be pricey also but I think it is a lot cheaper than taking a cab that may be stuck in trafic for several hours if you kbnow how it is on those nights on the strip.
I couldn't agree more. If feasible, I found the best way to travel on the strip is by foot. You see alot more and you don't have to worry about traffic or parking.
There is also a trolley/bus that goes up and down the strip, and at a very reasonable price, just finding the trolley/bus stop maybe a challenge.
