Vegas

Where to go, where to stay and why you should reconsider!

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Kooky
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Vegas

Post by Kooky » 26th Jan, '10, 10:59

Knowing me as most of you do, would I really, really hate Las Vegas?

If I went for a week, to join Neo at the end of a conference, what would we do? Is there enough going on outside of Vegas (visit Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, etc.) to make it worth the trip?

An alternative could be to meet him in LA or San Fran. Or save my money and annual leave for another trip and stay at home.

Answers on a postcard...

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Scrummy Mummy
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Re: Vegas

Post by Scrummy Mummy » 26th Jan, '10, 11:32

I went to Vegas for one night years ago (1994). It was fun for one night but I'm not really into gambling so wouldn't want longer. Hoover Dam: Ok, but you just look and go. Grand Canyon: Cool (but about 4 hours away?).

San Fran is nice, and you could do side trips to Yosemite (awe inspiring) and Napa Valley. LA we just drove through with short stop on Rodeo DRive. Liked San Diego too.

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Re: Vegas

Post by nev » 26th Jan, '10, 11:38

I know you like good food, and a lot of the famous American chefs have restaurants in Vegas. That's the only reason I would go.

I've never been to Vegas, but have been to Atlantic City and every major casino in Australia. I have nothing against casinos in particular, but I never really enjoyed gambling, the staff's plastic smiles, or the stay-in-the-hotel-and-do-nothing concept. I particularly dislike the slightly crazed look gamblers have; very disturbing.

LA or SanFran would be more enjoyable - not that I've been, but I would imagine the people will be less fake than in Vegas.

(Oh, and if you have to fly cattle class, forget it. Save your annual leave for a trip home ;))
Last edited by nev on 26th Jan, '10, 11:40, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Vegas

Post by baloo » 26th Jan, '10, 11:48

Las Vegas, Disneyland for Adults.
So…if you wish to wish a wish, you may swish for fish with my Ish wish dish.

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Kooky
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Re: Vegas

Post by Kooky » 26th Jan, '10, 11:48

Neo just flew Premium Economy, thought it was pretty good for the extra dosh, and has enough points to upgrade me, Nev :)

Seriously thinking we might just have a different holiday altogether before his trip (not least because this would be end of May and we go to UK in July too), but please keep opinions and info coming.

This working lark plays havoc with your ability to take off whenever you want, doesn't it? :(

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Re: Vegas

Post by Jedi » 26th Jan, '10, 11:49

This would be on top of my list:

http://www.perfectovegas.com/

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Kooky
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Re: Vegas

Post by Kooky » 26th Jan, '10, 11:49

baloo wrote:Las Vegas, Disneyland for Adults.
You're not really selling to me, baloo.

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Re: Vegas

Post by nev » 26th Jan, '10, 12:02

Kooky wrote:Neo just flew Premium Economy, thought it was pretty good for the extra dosh, and has enough points to upgrade me, Nev :)
That's one down, and about 10 more reasons why you should NOT choose Vegas as a holiday destination ;) Did I mention the Elvis impersonators? Smelly people who have not left the slot machines for days and decided to sit next to your table at the restaurant? Barry Manilow *shudder*?
Kooky wrote:Seriously thinking we might just have a different holiday altogether before his trip (not least because this would be end of May and we go to UK in July too), but please keep opinions and info coming.
Japan? :) Things are cheaper now because of the recession, so it's a good time to go.
Kooky wrote:This working lark plays havoc with your ability to take off whenever you want, doesn't it? :(
I'm supposed to be in Phuket right now. Guess what? I'm not. :(

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Kooky
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Re: Vegas

Post by Kooky » 26th Jan, '10, 12:12

Japan would be a very expensive trip for us, nev. Neo is still sore that, the only time he went there on business, he didn't get to shop due to a pesky typhoon :lol:

(He's currently smarting that the Apple tablet was not released in time for the US trip he's just done. It's still on his shopping list though.)

I've just been reminded that we also have to fit a trip in between school terms. Shit, life is complicated.

Jedi - I think my clubbing days are over, even for Oakenfold. :(

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Re: Vegas

Post by daffodil » 26th Jan, '10, 12:20

I'd like to do Vegas - reckon it would be totally OTT Fun
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Re: Vegas

Post by Morrolan » 26th Jan, '10, 12:27

went to Vegas once back in '95, one night was more than enough. totally OTT gambling. if gambling is your thing then by all means go, if not, there's nothing really that will interest you, IMO. attractions 'nearby' are still so far away as to make it nearly impossible to do more than one in a day (if you can reach it in a day).

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Re: Vegas

Post by slinky » 26th Jan, '10, 12:43

Lots of good shows and good food in Vegas. Plenty of shopping too - most, if not all, of the big hotels have swanky shopping. I've never cared much for the gambling. Hoover Dam is nearby as is Death Valley and Lake Mead. SM is probably right about the Grand Canyon -- easily 4 hours or so away by car, but, who knows, it might be a nice drive for the day. If you can go for free, I'm sure you can find enough fun and interesting things to do given that it isn't costing you anything to get there.


Edit: Hmmm, now that I re-read your original post, I may have mis-read the going for free bit. Can you meet in Vegas for a couple of days and then spend the rest of the week in San Francisco/Napa Valley?? That would be good :D
Last edited by slinky on 26th Jan, '10, 12:45, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Vegas

Post by Kooky » 26th Jan, '10, 13:16

Yeah, the only thing free would be Neo's flights, so it would cost my flights (exc. upgrade on points), hotels for a week and possibly a car. * We wouldn't go unless he was going, so onto Plan B and spend the money doing something we WANT to do, I think.

San Fran, I could quite fancy, and we have rellies in San Jose we could meet up with too. Will look further into that one.


* I've just been reading something on TripAdvisor about how far everything is in LV - somebody was saying they had to walk A WHOLE MILE! Oh, you Americans [smilie=kiss.gif]

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Re: Vegas

Post by slinky » 26th Jan, '10, 13:37

Mr. S has rellies in the SF area too -- we're spending a long weekend there in mid-July -- come on along & we'll meet for lunch on a different continent :lol: Edit: They're pretty well guaranteed to have some dim sum in SF :mrgreen: ;)
Last edited by slinky on 26th Jan, '10, 13:38, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Vegas

Post by FurBaby » 26th Jan, '10, 13:51

Kooky, you must go if only to take a road trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary http://www.bestfriends.org/atthesanctuary/

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Re: Vegas

Post by Scrummy Mummy » 26th Jan, '10, 14:18

Kooky wrote:Yeah, the only thing free would be Neo's flights, so it would cost my flights (exc. upgrade on points), hotels for a week and possibly a car. * We wouldn't go unless he was going, so onto Plan B and spend the money doing something we WANT to do, I think.

San Fran, I could quite fancy, and we have rellies in San Jose we could meet up with too. Will look further into that one.


* I've just been reading something on TripAdvisor about how far everything is in LV - somebody was saying they had to walk A WHOLE MILE! Oh, you Americans [smilie=kiss.gif]
The time we were there we saw a poster that said Tom Jones was in concert at the other end of the strip. We couldn't get through on the phone so decided we'd walk up as it didn't look far on the map. It was bloody miles and we eventually turned up. about 3 hours later, dripping in sweat (this was July) just as the concert had finished (doubt we'd have afforded it anyway.)

On the same trip we also drove through Death Valley (in July remember). It was seriously hot and Lonely Planet recommended that you wear long sleeves and long trousers in white (to reflect heat and trap coolness) and turn th air con off every so often to stop the engine overheating. We did this, and rolled into the refreshment stop absolutely boiling. Walked into the bar to find a waitress serving in a string bikini. She took one look at us and said "You've been reading Lonely PLanet haven't you."

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Re: Vegas

Post by Snaffled » 26th Jan, '10, 17:14

Vegas has seriously changed since the 90s. 75% of the visitors to Vegas don't go to a casino, it has heaps to do outside casinos and many say it has the best shopping & restaurants in the US. I'd say go, but probably only once.
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Re: Vegas

Post by Fat Bob » 26th Jan, '10, 18:47

Might go next year near my 40th Birthday. They won the rights to the US 7s circuit.
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Re: Vegas

Post by chocolate » 26th Jan, '10, 21:00

Hey
i was there 2 years ago. Just for a weekend, my brain almost exploded by the end of it with over stimulation. I think if you were there and got out to see the Grand Canyon etc etc, then do it. As an "attraction" it's surreal, as mentioned, Disneyland for Paris. You can get to see amazing shows, Cirque de Soleil and any number of artists (theoretically). There are some great restaurants and i'm glad i went, would I go back, probably not....(I didn't get outside Vegas so maybe for the other stuff). I did also get to go to a Vegas Elvis wedding, so that was amazing!

Canada Mike has been back and done a Death Valley tour around there so I can ask him to give you suggestions if you want?
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Re: Vegas

Post by sluggo » 27th Jan, '10, 01:40

Vegas is not for everyone but a chance to see the Grand Cannon is hard to pass up. It is spectacular. If you are up to it, a hike down to the river is quite an experience. The hike back out is tough though. Vegas can be fun if you go with the right attitude. It is tacky no doubt but the people watching is fun and there is the drinking and eating.
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Re: Vegas

Post by skank-la » 27th Jan, '10, 01:56

Vegas is worth seeing. We dont gamble at all but still dont mind to go

The shows & food are worth it The free shows like the Pirate Show at Treasure Island, the Volcano at the Mirage, The Water Ballet at the Bellagio are worth it alone. Rent a convertible &drive down the stip with the top down. Lots of good for pay shows too.

Incredible food. Ferraro's one of the best Italian restaurants anywhere is there. Carnagie Deli from NY has a branch , The Golden Corral steak house still reeks of Sinatra, martin & Sammy Davis great steaks & atmosphere up the wazoo. The Pepper Mill at 3AM for breakfast w/all the casino managers is also a memorable experience etc etc etc

The incredible over the top glitz/kitsch should be seen at least once in a lifetime. There is only 1 Vegas

Not to be missed is one of most hauntingly beautiful places I have ever been. The Valley of Fire National Park w/i an hour of Vegas.

do 2 days/night Vegas then San Fran or LA on the way out.

PS: Hoover Dam is not worth the drive unless your're a civil engineer
Last edited by skank-la on 27th Jan, '10, 02:04, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Vegas

Post by Kooky » 27th Jan, '10, 03:53

All great info, thanks. Still not 100% one way or another, then. :)

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Re: Vegas

Post by Tas » 27th Jan, '10, 05:55

I'll have to scan some pages from my "Smile when you're lying" book to give a travel writers perspective on Lonely Planet, section I only read last night, that snippet from SM was perfectly timed, and on the money.

Kooky, my sister has been to Vegas couple times and loved it - but think they've got a thing for black jack - but pretty sure they didn't spend that much time in gambling aspect of the casinos, I know they did flights and day tours as well on the second trip (plus a baseball game on the east coast later on). But they basically go with the precept that they love visiting the US, and embrace it. A friend of mine you know, J, has been at least a couple of times because she loves it too for the hotels and colour and mad buildings, but isn't into the gambling thing. I get the distinct feeling that Vegas is a place that once you decide to go jump feet first into the kitschness of it - if can't get excited by that I'd be inclined to save pennies for something else.

I admit, I think it's a place I'd like to visit once in my life with the right mindset.
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Re: Vegas

Post by Morrolan » 27th Jan, '10, 06:48

Scummy Mummy wrote:drove through Death Valley (in July remember). It was seriously hot and Lonely Planet recommended that you wear long sleeves and long trousers in white (to reflect heat and trap coolness) and turn th air con off every so often to stop the engine overheating. We did this, and rolled into the refreshment stop absolutely boiling. Walked into the bar to find a waitress serving in a string bikini. She took one look at us and said "You've been reading Lonely PLanet haven't you."
[smilie=rotflmao.gif]

when i did Death Valley I rented a V8 Thunderbird specifically so i'd be able to keep the aircon running all the time without it overheating. worked like a charm. came across two cars with boiling engines. DV is really spectacular. especially the Devil's Golf Course and the area where the old mines are. makes you wonder how these people managed to work there in those temperatures.

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