Vegas ?
03 May 2012, 09:01 AM
#1
Vegas ?
Just booked some flights for July, plan is to arrive in Vegas and then spend a couple of nights there, go down through Death Valley to San Francisco and then up the coast to Santa Cruz (Big Lost Boys fan, want to see the locations), perhaps go somewhere else for a couple of days and then back to Vegas so after tips on where to stay for say four nights at the end and the two at the beginning.
So, where to stay and stuff we have to see whilst there, going to go to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, obviously mooch round Vegas (never been before), it is me the wife and our three boys, aged 13, 15 and 16.
Not after the ultimate in luxury as have already laid out five grand for the flights (still cant get my head round that, dont know how some people seem to have holidays like this every year), I get the impression accomodation isnt that ridiculous in Vegas due to competition and that it is cheap to eat.
Any suggestions as to routes, places to see in the area or whatever, never been to the West coast before.
Oh, and car hire, guess we will need an MPV/SUV or big saloon, any suggestions as to when and where to book to get a decent price, Virgin wanted an extra £1700 on top of the flights for a fly/drive, I politely declined and said I only wanted to rent a car for two weeks, not buy it, am thinking half that should do it.
So, where to stay and stuff we have to see whilst there, going to go to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, obviously mooch round Vegas (never been before), it is me the wife and our three boys, aged 13, 15 and 16.
Not after the ultimate in luxury as have already laid out five grand for the flights (still cant get my head round that, dont know how some people seem to have holidays like this every year), I get the impression accomodation isnt that ridiculous in Vegas due to competition and that it is cheap to eat.
Any suggestions as to routes, places to see in the area or whatever, never been to the West coast before.
Oh, and car hire, guess we will need an MPV/SUV or big saloon, any suggestions as to when and where to book to get a decent price, Virgin wanted an extra £1700 on top of the flights for a fly/drive, I politely declined and said I only wanted to rent a car for two weeks, not buy it, am thinking half that should do it.
03 May 2012, 09:02 AM
#2
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Just booked some flights for July, plan is to arrive in Vegas and then spend a couple of nights there, go down through Death Valley to San Francisco and then up the coast to Santa Cruz (Big Lost Boys fan, want to see the locations), perhaps go somewhere else for a couple of days and then back to Vegas so after tips on where to stay for say four nights at the end and the two at the beginning.
So, where to stay and stuff we have to see whilst there, going to go to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, obviously mooch round Vegas (never been before), it is me the wife and our three boys, aged 13, 15 and 16.
Not after the ultimate in luxury as have already laid out five grand for the flights (still cant get my head round that, dont know how some people seem to have holidays like this every year), I get the impression accomodation isnt that ridiculous in Vegas due to competition and that it is cheap to eat.
Any suggestions as to routes, places to see in the area or whatever, never been to the West coast before.
Oh, and car hire, guess we will need an MPV/SUV or big saloon, any suggestions as to when and where to book to get a decent price, Virgin wanted an extra £1700 on top of the flights for a fly/drive, I politely declined and said I only wanted to rent a car for two weeks, not buy it, am thinking half that should do it.
So, where to stay and stuff we have to see whilst there, going to go to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, obviously mooch round Vegas (never been before), it is me the wife and our three boys, aged 13, 15 and 16.
Not after the ultimate in luxury as have already laid out five grand for the flights (still cant get my head round that, dont know how some people seem to have holidays like this every year), I get the impression accomodation isnt that ridiculous in Vegas due to competition and that it is cheap to eat.
Any suggestions as to routes, places to see in the area or whatever, never been to the West coast before.
Oh, and car hire, guess we will need an MPV/SUV or big saloon, any suggestions as to when and where to book to get a decent price, Virgin wanted an extra £1700 on top of the flights for a fly/drive, I politely declined and said I only wanted to rent a car for two weeks, not buy it, am thinking half that should do it.
You need to speak to Trout. He was just there, a matter of days ago
03 May 2012, 09:41 AM
#5
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I think there is a Vegas thread on here somewhere, with a few hints on.
My brother goes every year, and has stayed all over the place, Mandalay Bay, the Venetian and a few others. In all honesty, the first time he went he spent out on accommodation. And slowly worked out his best place to stay over his return visits.
First trip, champagne in a marble sink full of ice, last stay was the local apartments drinking $2 beers by the shared pool
He was happiest in the apartments as it meant he had more money to spend elsewhere. But it depends on what you want from the visit. The apartments vary of course like the hotels, but are a great option if you don't need all that a hotel offers. My brother knows the area well now, so it's no bother to him, but you might want to stay in the thick of it the first time around, so I imagine a hotel on or near the strip would be great for a first visit.
03 May 2012, 09:57 AM
#6
Nope, plain old Cattle !
The joy of there being five of us and the double whammy of the kids needing a full price seat and it being the school holidays, was £4796 to be exact, then they tried to stiff me for £80 credit card fee so I stuck it on my debit card, the wife has been saving her wages but getting her to transfer the money to the joint account will be at least as challenging as wresling the dead Wood Pigeon off the dog yesterday morning.
03 May 2012, 10:00 AM
#7
Will look at the apartment option, idea being that you dotn spend any time in the hotel room anyway, just somewhere to kip, the more I spend when away with work the less time I seem to spend in the room, go in a cheap travel lodge and I end up there for 13 hours, quite happy.
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03 May 2012, 10:44 AM
#10
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Just booked some flights for July, plan is to arrive in Vegas and then spend a couple of nights there, go down through Death Valley to San Francisco and then up the coast to Santa Cruz (Big Lost Boys fan, want to see the locations), perhaps go somewhere else for a couple of days and then back to Vegas so after tips on where to stay for say four nights at the end and the two at the beginning.
So, where to stay and stuff we have to see whilst there, going to go to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, obviously mooch round Vegas (never been before), it is me the wife and our three boys, aged 13, 15 and 16.
Not after the ultimate in luxury as have already laid out five grand for the flights (still cant get my head round that, dont know how some people seem to have holidays like this every year), I get the impression accomodation isnt that ridiculous in Vegas due to competition and that it is cheap to eat.
Any suggestions as to routes, places to see in the area or whatever, never been to the West coast before.
Oh, and car hire, guess we will need an MPV/SUV or big saloon, any suggestions as to when and where to book to get a decent price, Virgin wanted an extra £1700 on top of the flights for a fly/drive, I politely declined and said I only wanted to rent a car for two weeks, not buy it, am thinking half that should do it.
So, where to stay and stuff we have to see whilst there, going to go to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, obviously mooch round Vegas (never been before), it is me the wife and our three boys, aged 13, 15 and 16.
Not after the ultimate in luxury as have already laid out five grand for the flights (still cant get my head round that, dont know how some people seem to have holidays like this every year), I get the impression accomodation isnt that ridiculous in Vegas due to competition and that it is cheap to eat.
Any suggestions as to routes, places to see in the area or whatever, never been to the West coast before.
Oh, and car hire, guess we will need an MPV/SUV or big saloon, any suggestions as to when and where to book to get a decent price, Virgin wanted an extra £1700 on top of the flights for a fly/drive, I politely declined and said I only wanted to rent a car for two weeks, not buy it, am thinking half that should do it.
One worthwhile tip is that the cheapest and best places to eat in Vegas are the casino restaurants. They are subsidised to attract the customers and when we were out there it was cheaper to eat there than on the USAF airbase at Nellis.
Les
03 May 2012, 11:13 AM
#11
A lot of the guide books recommend Fremont Street, personally I would not bother, especially with kids in tow, it's just 'old vegas' full of weirdos and seedy joints, the Strip makes it redundant! The casinos there are low-end, so they attract low-end types.
Bellagio's 'O' show is excellent, though expensive.
MGM Grand has a fantastic pool area.
The drive to Death Valley is exactly like being in the movies, driving through the desert all alone, in stupid-degree heat, fantastic
Don't get a taxi from the airport to the hotel - even though it's only a couple of miles they'll try and charge $15-25, stick to the airport shuttles!
When thinking who to rent a car from, think about how close your hotel will be to them. I booked from Hertz, our nearest was Bally's Casino (which was miles away from where we stayed), and was a bit of a pain. Definitely book before flying out, the earlier the better.
As for where to eat, Man v Food went to Vegas, and Nascar Cafe at the Sahara looked good
Bellagio's 'O' show is excellent, though expensive.
MGM Grand has a fantastic pool area.
The drive to Death Valley is exactly like being in the movies, driving through the desert all alone, in stupid-degree heat, fantastic
Don't get a taxi from the airport to the hotel - even though it's only a couple of miles they'll try and charge $15-25, stick to the airport shuttles!
When thinking who to rent a car from, think about how close your hotel will be to them. I booked from Hertz, our nearest was Bally's Casino (which was miles away from where we stayed), and was a bit of a pain. Definitely book before flying out, the earlier the better.
As for where to eat, Man v Food went to Vegas, and Nascar Cafe at the Sahara looked good
Last edited by ReallyReallyGoodMeat; 03 May 2012 at 11:18 AM.
03 May 2012, 11:23 AM
#12
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I'm doing this in september but the other way round.
Flying to san fran, few days there including tour of alcatraz, make sure you book this online in advance as it can be difficult to get tickets. Then driving across Yosemite National Park stopping in a heated cabin in Yosemite Village and doing some walking around Glacier Point. Then drive up route 120, onto the 395 down past Mamouth Lakes and into Death Valley. Few nights in Vegas staying at the Flamingo which is very central but much cheaper than the well known hotels but still has good reviews.
Then drive back and have a couple of days around LA.
Chop
Flying to san fran, few days there including tour of alcatraz, make sure you book this online in advance as it can be difficult to get tickets. Then driving across Yosemite National Park stopping in a heated cabin in Yosemite Village and doing some walking around Glacier Point. Then drive up route 120, onto the 395 down past Mamouth Lakes and into Death Valley. Few nights in Vegas staying at the Flamingo which is very central but much cheaper than the well known hotels but still has good reviews.
Then drive back and have a couple of days around LA.
Chop
03 May 2012, 11:38 AM
#14
Chop, that sounds nearly identical to my trip - Yosemite is such an amazing place to see. We stayed in the Housekeeping Camp site though, sleeping in our bunks with the threat of bear attacks never far away
03 May 2012, 11:40 AM
#15
Direct on Virgin from Manchester, coudlnt find anythign cheaper, US Air did a flight to Philadelphia with a layover but to be honest it didnt save much and you lose time and there is more ptential for lost bags, missed connections or whatever, direct is always best, think our problem is that we didnt book months ago, selected the seats and there wasnt much available, perhaps 30 seats ont he whole plane still open to select.
03 May 2012, 12:05 PM
#17
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In Vegas I suggest The Gun Store. I had 50 rounds with a Heckler & Goch MP5 and 20 rounds with a Glock 17, but there's a huge choice in hardware and some funny targets. Fantastic fun and a bargain for about £50. Special selection for the under 12 years old. lol Only in America.
http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/
In San Francisco, I visted Alcatraz. Great now there's a new tv series on at present.
I went with these people and pre-booked.
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
Also, I booked a shuttle bus for San Francisco (and Hawaii) after being ripped off by the taxi drivers in Vegas.
http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/
In San Francisco, I visted Alcatraz. Great now there's a new tv series on at present.
I went with these people and pre-booked.
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
Also, I booked a shuttle bus for San Francisco (and Hawaii) after being ripped off by the taxi drivers in Vegas.
Last edited by Robocop; 03 May 2012 at 12:06 PM.
03 May 2012, 12:13 PM
#18
In Vegas I suggest The Gun Store. I had 50 rounds with a Heckler & Goch MP5 and 20 rounds with a Glock 17, but there's a huge choice in hardware and some funny targets. Fantastic fun and a bargain for about £50. Special selection for the under 12 years old. lol Only in America.
http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/
In San Francisco, I visted Alcatraz. Great now there's a new tv series on at present.
I went with these people and pre-booked.
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
Also, I booked a shuttle bus for San Francisco (and Hawaii) after being ripped off by the taxi drivers in Vegas.
http://thegunstorelasvegas.com/
In San Francisco, I visted Alcatraz. Great now there's a new tv series on at present.
I went with these people and pre-booked.
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
Also, I booked a shuttle bus for San Francisco (and Hawaii) after being ripped off by the taxi drivers in Vegas.
03 May 2012, 12:27 PM
#20
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Las Vegas is amazing I was there in 2003
there is loads to do other than gambling.
ceasers palace is a casino worth checking out as it is really nice and even has a shopping centre inside.
The casino's are massive and don't have any exit signs or clocks to try and keep you inside and gambling it is easy to get lost in them LOL
Grand Canyon is a good day out and the view is spectacular.
When walking down the strip there is hot dog stands and the hot dogs are the best I have tasted and I loved the Florida oranges mmmm lovely.
The food portions are big and there are loads of all you can eat restaurants.
The weather is amazing aswell as it is in the middle of the desert.
I am sure you will love it in Vegas
there is loads to do other than gambling.
ceasers palace is a casino worth checking out as it is really nice and even has a shopping centre inside.
The casino's are massive and don't have any exit signs or clocks to try and keep you inside and gambling it is easy to get lost in them LOL
Grand Canyon is a good day out and the view is spectacular.
When walking down the strip there is hot dog stands and the hot dogs are the best I have tasted and I loved the Florida oranges mmmm lovely.
The food portions are big and there are loads of all you can eat restaurants.
The weather is amazing aswell as it is in the middle of the desert.
I am sure you will love it in Vegas
03 May 2012, 01:01 PM
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03 May 2012, 01:14 PM
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26th !
Direct on Virgin from Manchester, coudlnt find anythign cheaper, US Air did a flight to Philadelphia with a layover but to be honest it didnt save much and you lose time and there is more ptential for lost bags, missed connections or whatever, direct is always best, think our problem is that we didnt book months ago, selected the seats and there wasnt much available, perhaps 30 seats ont he whole plane still open to select.
Direct on Virgin from Manchester, coudlnt find anythign cheaper, US Air did a flight to Philadelphia with a layover but to be honest it didnt save much and you lose time and there is more ptential for lost bags, missed connections or whatever, direct is always best, think our problem is that we didnt book months ago, selected the seats and there wasnt much available, perhaps 30 seats ont he whole plane still open to select.
03 May 2012, 04:27 PM
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03 May 2012, 04:49 PM
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i stayed at the Wynn in vegas a couple years ago when i got married, tbh the price was fairly reasonable for the suite we got
extreme luxury may well cost a whack, but ours was very nice and didnt cost the earth, although vegas can rob you of your money very quickly lol
extreme luxury may well cost a whack, but ours was very nice and didnt cost the earth, although vegas can rob you of your money very quickly lol
03 May 2012, 06:21 PM
#28
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I'm off there on business on Saturday for a week, still going to have a bit of time to have a nosey round, not a place I've ever really wanted to go but as its free why not. Planning on hiring a camero Ss for the day and driving to hover dam and the grand canyon
04 May 2012, 07:48 PM
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I go every year, book tickets on the strip and save a fortune. Pick a casino that is central on the strip, the Mirage is ideal. I love curry and I swear to god the best curry you will ever experience is at ******** (LOL) in the Rio casino. Make sure you try it.
04 May 2012, 09:30 PM
#30
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I went in November for my 40th, make sure you jump off the stratosphere twice, once in the day, and once at night, and buy a monorail ticket, saves HOURS of walking about!