Las Vegas Review

I have lived in Las Vegas for about two years so here is my guide for my favorite things to do while you are in Las Vegas.  Las Vegas is such a great destination for everyone because there is so much to do and such a wide variety of places to visit.  If you are traveling on a budget, I have some options to save money and still have fun.  If you are going for a luxurious vacation, you can find that in Vegas too. 

1. Getting there is easy

Vegas is such an easy drive from California (I did it in about 4 hours), but many airlines also offer great deals on quick flights.  Fly during the week to get the best deals, and avoid arriving on a Friday or leaving on a Sunday because those are when the prices are higher.  Also, make sure you get to the airport on time.  Partying all night is no excuse for missing a flight.  Besides, if you get there early you can always play the slots in the airport lobby.

2. Get a hotel off the Strip

The first thing to think about is where to stay.  My feelings are that there are so many fun things to do, you don't need to fork over half your budget on a nice hotel room.  But if you want something comfortable, you can't go wrong at the Mirage that just remodeled their rooms and you can relax in a desert oasis.  For great sleeping quarters that are very comfortable and large in size, enjoy the radiance of the Bellagio.  Each of the main hotels have their own theme, so you can escape to anywhere you wish.  There is The Mirage which is a desert paradise, the Bellagio which is a European dream, escape to Venice at the Venetian, enjoy French fare at the Paris and you can delight in all things modern at the newly redesigned Planet Hollywood.  Each of these hotels have deals throughout the year, so you just want to decide what time of year and week you want to go.  Prices are definitetly cheaper midweek, and during the hot hot summer.  My real advice on hotel stays is stay off the Strip.  You can find reasonable prices at the older downtown hotels or the smaller Strip hotels.  I also recommend the Hard Rock Casino which has a Strip feel, but is far enough away that you get a good price for your room.

 3.  Dine at a celebrity chef restaurant

After you decide where to stay you need to eat and there are so many options in Las Vegas.  From world renowned chefs, to simple comfort food, you can find it all in Las Vegas.  If you are looking to save money, dine away from their strip.  Breakfast places like Hash House A-Go-Go or Firefly are great places that serve up great food at great prices.  The Hash House serves up large portioned breakfasts and Dragonfly serves amazing tapas and great dishes and good prices.  If you are looking for upscale dining try Kokomo's for high quality steaks at The Mirage or Le Cirque at the Bellagio.  My favorite dining destination is the Cheesecake Factory at the Forum Shops because they have a wide variety of soups, salads and sandwiches and of course the cheesecake is amazing.  If you are looking for fun family fare, try a dining destination at the Rainforest Cafe at the MGM Grand where you can dine tableside with animated animals and experience a rainstorm every half hour.  For a truly decadent dessert, order up the chocolate volcano.  If you are looking for celebrities, try Spago at the Forum Shops and indulge in a menu by Wolfgang Puck or go out for upscale sushi at Social House at Treasure Island.  Treasure Island also holds Kahunaville which is lots of fun and if you eat at the bar you can save a pretty penny and still experience the great food.  There are also Planet Hollywood at the Forum Shops and the Hard Rock Cafe at the Hard Rock where you can dine among celebrity relics.  I like Toby Keith's at Harrahs for fun bar food and a lively atmosphere.  The seafood at Joe's Seafood at Caesar's is amazing and if you just have to have a burger, they will make it your way at the Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay.  Of course there are the buffets which to me seem pretty much all the same, but I do highly recommend the Wynn Sunday brunch, it is fantastic.  In Las Vegas you can travel to tastes cuisines Paris and Venice without even leaving the city.

4. Enjoy the free activities of Vegas

After you have conquered getting to Las Vegas, you need to decide what you want to do.  I am all about saving money and my favorite frtee activity is people watching.  Just hang out on the Strip and you can see all kinds of funny characters.  You can't miss the dancing water fountains at the Bellagio where water dances to operatic music every half hour.  The Mirage is remodeling their classic volcano which will be bigger, louder and brighter than ever.  TI has their free Sirens of TI show at night which is all about pirates.  If you absolutely must bring the kids with you on your journey (which I don't recommend) there are a few family fare options.  The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage will immerse you in an experience at the Mirage where you can come up close to Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and the magical White Tigers and White Lions and learn a lot too.  I also love the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay to see not only sharks but an amazing Golden Crocodile.  To keep the kids occupied you can visit the midway games and circus performers at Circus Circus along with the amusement park rides at the Adventuredome.  For thrill seekers, try the roller coaster at New York New York or brave the heights of the Stratosphere.  For the sightseers, travel to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris or have your picture taken with wax celebrities at Madame Tassauds at the Venetian.  Those with money to spend can experience a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian or take in a show.  Some places offer discount show tickets that are worth the long wait in line.  I love the Cirque presentation of "O" at the Bellagio which is drama in a water setting and then there is the Beatles themed "Love" at The Mirage.  For a great performer check out Wayne Brady at the Venetian which is improv at its finest.  For a magic act there is Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo and hear the amazing sounds of Bette Midler and Cher at Caesar's.  I have been to a few concerts in Vegas, and I love the venue at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  For those that love sports, check out the local Wranglers, ice hockey at its finest or bowl at the Orleans.  Of course where there are tourists there is lots of shopping.  I love the outlet malls for cheap discounts on your favorite brands, but there is also the Fashion Show Mall and the Forum Shops at Caesar's, which have a little bit of everything and all your favorite brands.  For upscale shops like Prada and Dior, visit the shops at the Wynn or the Bellagio.  People of all ages will love the M&Ms store located near the MGM Grand.  The big draw to Vegas is the nightlife and there are clubs everywhere.  I recommend Pure at Caesars and LAX at the Luxor where you just might run into your favorite celebrity.  Finally my recommendation for things to do is to get off the Strip.  Experience nature at Red Rock Canyon or the Springs Preserve and learn about wildlife at the Natural History Museum.  Party where the locals go at the Red Rock Casino or go on a hike at the Wetlands Park.  For daytime fun with a club setting, check out the Bare pool at The Mirage or the new adult pool Wet Republic at MGM Grand.  My favorite hotel pool is at Mandalay Bay because you can surf waves in the desert.  For a little relaxation, pamper yourself at WET the spa at TI or get a style makeover at Kim Vo salon at the Mirage.

5. Getting around without driving

If you are flying to Vegas my best advice is to take a taxi everywhere and not rent a car because driving on the Strip is a nightmare.  For locals and visitors the off strip Monorail is a great deal and will get you to every hotel on the strip if you don't mind walking a little.  Each casino is a city in itself so be prepared to walk a lot, especially in the summer in the desert heat. 

I love living in Vegas, but I also love seeing people experience Vegas because there is so much to do and see.  This is the place with something for everyone and it is an adult paradise where you can experience anything.  Of course there is the gambling, but try your luck at other things too.