Posts Tagged ‘Vegas Strip’

Las Vegas, Nevada really is a remarkable accomplishment if you think about it. This fabulous vacation location was literally created from nothing right out of the middle of the desert. But it has become such a notorious place whose reputation for fun and excitement is legendary.

To say it isnt a historic site would be a mistake. Many of our great cultural icons had important times in Las Vegas. And some really great movies were filmed with Las Vegas as their backdrop. Consider the exciting song we used for the title of this article, Viva Las Vegas. Elvis Presley, one of the great figures of pop culture, loved this town and extolled the excitement that could be found there in song. Many other great movie and music stars made Las Vegas the site of some of their greatest performances. One such striking entertainment moment was when Frank Sinatra and hit rat pack made the wonderful movie Oceans Eleven in Last Vegas, a movie that has spawned a whole series of movies in modern times staring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and a host of other big stars.

To say that big stars are commonplace in Las Vegas would be an understatement. And if we are looking for great sites to see, the availability of shows by some of the brightest and the best of Hollywood, Rock and Roll and Broadway are all available in Las Vegas. For very reasonable prices, you can take time away from your whirlwind schedule of fun and excitement to see some of the best performances you will ever see right there in the casinos along the Las Vegas strip.

Las Vegas has also become synonymous with fast living and adult type entertainment. Its an outstanding location for a honeymoon or that little get away with your spouse where you might want to enjoy some grown up entertainment without the little ones along. Dont feel guilty as you pack the kids off to grandmas house and you treat you and your wife to a few fun filled days of casino action, luxurious rooms, great food and a nightlife that cannot be beat. This is the kind of grown up excitement that Las Vegas is known for and you deserve the fun you will have in this town that some have called in jest, Sin City.

This is not to say that your stay in Las Vegas wont be fun or that you have to leave the kids home. There is plenty to do even if it is just lounging around the pool and relaxing in the Jacuzzi. The casinos know that many of us want our families to enjoy vacation as much as we do so there is plenty for the kids to do and things you can do as a family together. Some of the shows like the amazing animal and circus acts can amaze and entertain young and old alike.

You can also take a day and get a tour of this wonderful town and some of the surrounding attractions. The desert itself can be of great interest to the kids and maybe mom and dad too if you have never visited this kind of natural setting. There are plenty of tours to surrounding sites but one of the most enjoyable is a tour of the Hoover Dam not far from town. You can see one of the wonders of modern engineering in how this dam is used to create energy and control the mighty Colorado River.

Las Vegas is just one of so many great sightseeing and vacation sites that are available in this country of such rich diversity. If the adults enjoy some gambling, the casinos offer many games and entertaining diversions to give you that fun. And it isnt true that you will always lose or come out of there a pauper. It is entirely possible to have great fun at the tables of Las Vegas and still have your vacation travel budget in good shape. And who knows, you might win a round of Black Jack and be able to treat the family to a steak dinner from your winnings.

So far there's (just?) 0 comments on this post - join in and add one »

The Las Vegas Hilton is one of the more luxurious offerings on the Vegas Strip. This hotel has a lot to offer its guests by way of luxury and amenities including several packages that are amazingly generous by comparison to most other hotels along the strip. If you aren’t seeing a package that is appealing to you be sure to call and see if you might be able to negotiate a more suitable package.

In addition to world class accommodations and a fully functional casino the Las Vegas Hilton also has some of the best shows running along the strip. Current acts include the likes of Barry Manilow and Menopause the Musical. Future acts include big names such as Johnny Mathis and the Asian Fusion concert series.

Perhaps the most famous attraction at the Las Vegas Hilton however is the Star Trek Experience. The experience is completely out of this world and will have you flying through space in a completely immersive experience that even those who weren’t serious fans of the show can appreciate. This is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before or are likely to enjoy again. There is also a museum that is home to many items from the television series as well as the movies. This is a great addition to your vacation experience even at the rather hefty price tag it commands ($34.99 for adults and $31.99 for children as of this writing and subject to change). If you’re going to splurge on one thing during your stay at the Las Vegas Hilton I highly recommend that this be that one thing. There is also the Nemesis Package, which will allow for a reduced rate when purchasing tickets for the Star Trek Experience along with a two-night hotel stay.

Keep in mind if you’re actually coming to Las Vegas for the gambling and not to go Trekking through the galaxy, the casino offers tournaments rather regularly and you should really check to be sure there isn’t a tournament that interests you during your stay or around the times you are considering your stay.

It is fairly safe to say that while there are many fun things to do in Vegas these hotels and casinos would really appreciate your business in the casino seats rather than watching the shows, riding the rides, and playing the games.

The Las Vegas Hilton also has a full service spa and offers some attractive spa packages to its guests. You’d be doing your body a favor to check out the many packages that are available and combining them in order to get the maximum value for your spa dollar along with your spa visit. You might also consider trying to work a spa comp into your package when booking your room. You’ll never know unless you ask.

There is all manner of shopping at the Las Vegas Hilton and you should be able to find nice gifts for others as well as a few nice gifts for yourself. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here you are close enough to other shopping opportunities, if you drag yourself away from the spa that is that it’s no serious problem to go out and find those perfect gifts, trinkets, and tokens of your good time while visiting Las Vegas. Of course, you simply must visit the Barry Manilow store while you’re here and have fun playing with all the nifty toys inside. You also never know when you’ll find that perfect gift for friends and family and this store may be the ideal place to look.

If you’re looking for a completely luxurious experience for you stay in Las Vegas there are few places that will suit you better than the Las Vegas Hilton. The good news is that you can arrange for your luxurious treatment to be had at a fraction of the price it would cost elsewhere if you pay careful attention to the specials that are available and book accordingly.

So far there's (just?) 0 comments on this post - join in and add one »

I have visited Las Vegas quite a few times over the last several years, and one of the most asked questions I received is whether people should stay on the Strip or Downtown. After I tell them they will enjoy their vacation in Las Vegas no matter where they stay, I tell them the differences between Downtown and the Strip.

Downtown (Old School Vegas)

Downtown is for the budget minded and the serious gambler who do not like all the glitz, glamour, of the strip. All of the casinos downtown are close together and you can easily walk to all of them. Table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and others also have lower bet minimums than the Strip. Slot machines, and video poker are everywhere and you can always find nickel machines. Free cocktails are always available when you gambling downtown.

The rooms downtown are comfortable, clean, and less expensive than their Strip counterparts. The Golden Nugget is the most opulent casino downtown. Outside of the Downtown casinos step outside at night and look up and see a light show called the Freemont Street experience, which connects most of the casinos. If you like a laid back, block party atmosphere then downtown may be the place for you. If you do want to see the casinos, or catch a show on the strip it’s only a cab ride away.

The Strip

Las Vegas Boulevard is the actual street name of the Las Vegas Strip and it is one of the most famous streets in the world. If you drive down the strip starting at the airport the first casino you will see is Mandalay Bay and thirty casinos or so, later you will see the Stratosphere, which has a roller coaster on top. The Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, and Mandalay Bay set the standard for luxury in Las Vegas.

If you are a sightseer then you might prefer to stay on the strip, there are hotels for every budget and you will be close to all the new casinos, which are an attraction themselves. The table limits on the Strip can be higher, but you can look around and find lower limits, especially during the week. Of course the cocktails service is always free for gamblers.

Off Strip Properties

We should not forget the off strip properties that range from the budget minded to luxury, and specialty hotel casinos. You can have luxury at places like Green Valley Ranch, which was also the subject of a television show. The Rio Suites are also off strip and where the world series of poker is played. Another favorite is Sams Town, which offers a large RV park and comfortable rooms at very good prices, you can even go bowling at their fifty six alley bowling lane.

In summary whether you prefer the mega resort casinos on the strip or the smaller budget minded casinos of downtown you should have a great time. Always check the web for Las Vegas vacation packages. Good deals are always available in Las Vegas, so enjoy your vacation.

So far there's (just?) 0 comments on this post - join in and add one »

For The Value Conscious Las Vegas Traveler, The Medieval Excalibur Hotel & Casino Offers Everything Under One Castle

The Excalibur Hotel & Casino opened in 1990 with 4,008 rooms and was one of the original themed resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The medieval theme can not be denied with the white castle jetting up into the sky surround by the two room towers on either side, Camelot roaming the resort and a live medieval dinner show. And don’t let the fact that Excalibur is nearly 20 years old concern you, the resort has recently undergone an extensive renovation.

Conveniently located at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue, you will find yourself next door to the Luxor, and across the street from New York-New York Hotel & Casino, the Tropicana and MGM Grand. And visiting Mandalay Bay or the Luxor couldn’t be any easier. You can either take the monorail that connects the three hotels or you can beat the heat and walk from one hotel to the other without ever stepping outdoors.

Room rates are certainly a value at Excalibur. Depending on what time of year you visit Las Vegas and what events are taking place in the city you can get rooms for as little as 70 per night. You will pay at least three times that amount at some of the newer resorts on the Strip. In addition, a number of their rooms have been refurbished to include pillow top mattresses and widescreen televisions. Of course, these rooms will have a slighter higher nightly rate than the standard rooms, but they can still be considered a good value.

Although most resorts in Las Vegas no longer cater to families, as most resorts did back in the early 1990′s, Excalibur still welcomes vacationing families. The entire family will enjoy the Tournament of Kings dinner Show. Jousting, fireworks, horses, dancing and singing, what more could one ask for? Maybe eating dinner with your fingers? Other attractions include the newly-renovated pool area and the Fantasy Faire midway where you and the kids can test your skills at arcade and carnival style games.

The casino isn’t for the kids but it does cover over 100,000 square feet. The Excalibur casino floor features hundreds of the latest slot machines with denominations from .01 to 100, for those of you who like to think of yourself as high rollers. You can also spend time wagering on your favorite sports teams or the horse races in the full-service Race and Sports Book. And if poker is your game you won’t be disappointed by the Poker Room.

In the dining category, Excalibur offers something for every taste. Try the RoundTable Buffet or the 24-hour Sherwood Forest Cafe. A recent addition is Dick’s Las Resort, very casual and very fun, the menu includes Macho Nachos, Ridem Cowboy Rib Eye and a Case O King Crabs. For a dining experience that is more high-end you can tempt yourself at Sir Galahad’s, a pub and prime-rib house, or The Steakhouse at Camelot.

Coming to Las Vegas to get married? How about getting married as the king and queen of Camelot? The Canterbury Wedding Chapel has period costumes based on the Renaissance period. If you prefer something a little more on the traditional side you should explore the many wedding packages that are available.

The best values at Excalibur start with the room rates. But those values also extend to all the other amenities the resort offers. And the best part? Being located on the south Strip allows you to step out from under the castle and explore the five other resorts that are literally located next door. Plan your Las Vegas vacation at Excalibur and live like a king or a queen for a few days!

So far there's (just?) 0 comments on this post - join in and add one »

Circus Circus Las Vegas boasts of being the most kid friendly hotel in Las Vegas. With its big top attitude and its indoor amusement park it very well may be. In addition to being the most kid friendly hotel on the Las Vegas strip Circus Circus Hotel is also the fifth largest hotel in the world. Of course this is at the moment and that is subject to change at any time.

The beauty of this particular hotel doesn’t lie so much in its size or even the circus like atmosphere. The charm lies in the fact that it was something new and relatively untried along the Vegas strip. Rather than build to suit the gamblers they were hoping to attract, this particular hotel was wise enough to offer something new and untried by appealing to families with children rather than solely to gamblers.

The gamble seems to be paying off in a city that is known for both its hits and its misses. Other hotels and casinos are also working to cultivate the family friendly image that Circus Circus has basically proven. Not only did this hotel build The Adventuredome Theme Park they also decided to make accommodations even more family friendly by accommodating RVs at the Circusland RV Park. This offers a great place for families to stay that might not otherwise grace the theme park, hotel, or the casino.

Don’t forget that there is a casino involved and that is the primary purpose of this gigantic hotel, resort, and theme park. The casino makes the expense of building it all very much worthwhile and brings in big business of its own each and every day. In grand Vegas style there is also the requisite onsite shopping and of course full service of wedding options in addition to a wedding chapel and banquet facilities in which to hold the reception of your dreams. The shopping at Circus Circus offers everything from ultra exclusive boutique shops and salons to stores such as Under $10 and the trading Post, which offers fad jewelry and other kid friendly gifts.

This hotel has a somewhat unique concept that sets it apart from the many others along Vegas’ strip. If you are traveling to Vegas with the family I very much recommend at least checking them out and comparing prices and packages with the other hotels and resorts in the area. Keep in mind that comps are like money in the bank particularly when they involve food or activities that you were planning to do even without the comps. So you may be able to negotiate a much better deal even if you’re paying a couple more dollars a night by having free parking, complimentary meals, or tickets to events, shows, or attractions.

Now we’re on to my favorite part of the discussion. Dining options. Circus Circus does not disappoint when it comes to offering variety to its guests. In addition to The Steakhouse, there is The Garden Grill, Mexitallia, Pink Pony, Circus Buffet, Pizzeria, Westside Deli, and Barista Caf. The food offerings accommodate varying budgets and familial needs by offering some kid friendly dining choices to visitors and guests as well. The good news however is that if these restaurants aren’t appealing to you there is another hotel, casino, or restaurant next door that has different fare to offer.

If you are looking for a great place to stay in Las Vegas along with the family there are very few hotels that will offer the overall environment of fun and wonder that you will find at Circus Circus. In addition to the wonderful rooms, the great food, the casino, and The Adventuredome Theme Park you will find that the shows here are as kid friendly and entertaining for the entire family as the atmosphere in general. This is a great vacation destination anywhere. Considering the fact that it is in Las Vegas and it is very nearly the perfect vacation retreat for those with children.

So far there's (just?) 0 comments on this post - join in and add one »

The Bellagio is one of the more luxurious offerings on the Vegas Strip. This hotel has a lot to offer its guests by way of luxury and amenities including several packages that are amazingly generous by comparison to most other hotels along the strip. If you aren’t seeing a package that is appealing to you be sure to call and see if you might be able to negotiate a more suitable package.

In addition to world class accommodations and a fully functional casino the Bellagio has great attractions on site including the Fountains of Bellagio, the Botanical Garden and the Gallery of Fine Art.one of the best shows running along the strip.

Perhaps the most famous attraction at the Las Vegas Hilton however the O experience is most famous attraction at the Bellagio. O, which his how Eau (water in French) is pronounced, is an aquatic show by the world-famous Cirque du Soleil. World-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, divers and characters perform in, on, and above water to create a breathtaking experience. The experience is completely out of this world and will have you flying through space in a completely immersive experience that even those who weren’t serious fans of circus shows can appreciate. This is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before or are likely to enjoy again. This is a great addition to your vacation experience even at the rather hefty price tag it commands (ranging from 102.85 to 165 based on location as of this writing and subject to change). If you’re going to splurge on one thing during your stay at the Bellagio I highly recommend that this be that one thing. Good seats are a limited commodity, but if you are staying at the Bellagio, you can ask for better seating when you buy your tickets.

Keep in mind if you’re actually coming to Las Vegas for the gambling and not to immerse in O, the casino offers tournaments rather regularly and you should really check to be sure there isn’t a tournament that interests you during your stay or around the times you are considering your stay.

It is fairly safe to say that while there are many fun things to do in Vegas these hotels and casinos would really appreciate your business in the casino seats rather than watching the shows, riding the rides, and playing the games.

The Bellagio also has a full service spa and offers some attractive spa packages to its guests. You’d be doing your body a favor to check out the many packages that are available and combining them in order to get the maximum value for your spa pound along with your spa visit. You might also consider trying to work a spa comp into your package when booking your room. You’ll never know unless you ask.

There is all manner of shopping at the Bellagio. In the shops at Via Bellagio, Via Fiore and other locations in the hotel, you should be able to find nice gifts for others as well as a few nice gifts for yourself, ranging from brand-name apparel to souvenirs. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here you are close enough to other shopping opportunities, if you drag yourself away from the spa that is that it’s no serious problem to go out and find those perfect gifts, trinkets, and tokens of your good time while visiting Las Vegas. Of course, you simply must visit Cirque du Soleil store located outside of the “O” Theatre entrance while you’re here. You also never know when you’ll find that perfect gift for friends and family and this store may be the ideal place to look.

If you’re looking for a completely luxurious experience for you stay in Las Vegas there are few places that will suit you better than the Bellagio. The good news is that you can arrange for your luxurious treatment to be had at a fraction of the price it would cost elsewhere if you pay careful attention to the specials (for example, airlines) that are available and book accordingly.

So far there's (just?) 0 comments on this post - join in and add one »