156 replies to this topic

[NicoNV]

Hello everyone!

This thread is for information regarding traveling to and staying in Las Vegas to see Celine Dion’s show,“Celine,” at Caesar’s Palace. I mentioned this thread idea to Koolan, and Koolan agreed about starting this thread, and I believe the plan is to pin it to the top of the board. The idea being this could be like a "random thoughts" thread, but focused on travel questions and information about visiting Vegas to see Celine Dion's show.

If you have any questions about visiting Vegas, please post them here. This will prevent the threads regarding concert tickets and specific show dates and show information from getting lost in questions about Vegas. Ideally, this will make it easier for more people to get information about visiting Vegas.  Also, please post any tips or advice you may have about visiting Vegas as well. For example, favorite hotels or restaurants recommendations.

Please note travelers are ultimately responsible for their own trip choices (from hotels to modes of transportation).  Neither this site nor anyone providing any information takes on any responsibility, or assumes any risk, for the personal choices and conduct of any individual and/or any individual’s trip to Vegas. Always remember to travel smart!

The following information is keeping in mind that this is not a general travel to Vegas board, but instead a thread to provide information to people who want to see Celine Dion’s show in Vegas. Accordingly, location and proximity to Caesar’s Palace were considered.  

Also, the following is not about saying one place is the best or trying to knock hotels or be negative (reviews are often subjective anyway, one person’s favorite resort maybe be another least favorite). The following is just general information about hotels near the Colosseum, and a nice place to start this discussion!

Note: If you plan on providing information about places off the strip, please try to determine how far away it is from the Colosseum at Caesars Palace (Google maps should work for this).  This is because people travel from all over to see the show, and so knowing if a car would be needed (either rental or taxi) to get to and from the Colosseum may be helpful.


I selected the following information to get this thread started based on questions I have recently received.


HOTELS:


Caesars Palace: Of course, this has to be the first place mentioned! Not only is it the home of the show, but it is an amazing hotel.  Inside Caesars Palace is the Forum Shops, which has some of the best shopping around, as well as numerous excellent restaurants.  The location is great, not only for seeing a show at the Colosseum, but for seeing most of the strip. Caesars Palace is located near several Cirque shows (with “O” just being just next door at Bellagio).

If you plan on staying at Caesars Palace, know that the hotel is divided into towers, and that there is also a hotel within Caesars Palace. The newest towers are Augustus and Octavius, and are often the most recommended. Roman tower, the oldest tower, was completely renovated in January of 2016 (opened in Jan. of 2016) and became the Julius Tower. The rooms in the Julius tower are a little smaller, but nice, clean, and basically like new. So, if you stayed in the older tower before and it made you hesitate, the renovation turned out quite nice (so, technically, Augustus and Octavius are still the newest towers in terms of when they were constructed, but Julius is the newest in terms of most recently updated).  Nobu is the hotel within the hotel.

For information about selecting towers at Caesars Palace, please see: http://www.vegaschat... Caesars Palace


Bellagio: Located right next door to Caesars Palace. Bellagio is a beautiful hotel. The rooms are updated, and the gardens inside the Bellagio are a nice break from the Vegas strip, and there are some amazing shops in Bellagio.  Also, Bellagio is home to the Cirque show “O.”  Warning: as of June 6, 2016, Bellagio will charge for parking.  The company that owns Bellagio also owns Aria, Luxor, and the Mirage, as well as a few other properties in Vegas. Each of the company's locations will now charge about 18 dollars per day to park.  Frankly, in a city of free parking, in light of the resort fees at these places, I would suggest looking elsewhere if you have a car.   Caesar's Palace, Venetian, the Wynn/Wynn Encore, Paris, the list goes on, all provide free parking.

The Mirage: It is located near Caesars Palace, just a short walk away (it’s located just up the street, on the same side of the strip). The Mirage is the home of the Siegfried and Roy Habitat. The hotel is older, but I do not think it is bad.  I looked over a few reviews, and it seems the rooms are clean, just older. It's a great location. You could walk to any of the main parts of the strip most visitors want to see (Celine's show, The Venetian, several of the Cirque shows).  It is also home to Cirque's "Love" show (Beatles music Cirque) and the Boys II Men residency. See note about: as of June 6, 2016, this property will charge for parking, and so if you are bringing a car I would highly suggest you look around before choosing to stay here.

Paris: The Paris hotel is directly across the street from the Bellagio. It's within walking distance to Caesars Palace, and it is a beautiful hotel.

The Venetian: Great hotel, nice location. This is a cheaper option that lets you walk to Caesars Palace, but still gives you a newer resort. The Venetian has some amazing shopping, and also some great shows.  Keep in mind cheaper is in context of the above rooms. This is within walking distance to Caesars Palace; it is almost directly across from the Mirage.

Wynn/Wynn Encore:  Right next to the Venetian.  Beautiful rooms. The Encore tends to have a younger, and a bit louder, crowd.  Wynn has a bit older crowd.  Wynn has La Reve (a Cirque type show directed by Franco Dragone, who created "O"), and a show called Show Stoppers.  It's a walk to Caesars Palace, but completely doable (and on a hot day, you can manage to stay in doors most of the way if you go through the Venetian). If you are worried about distance, check it on on googlemaps.  Rooms are great, parking is free, and it is also home to the only golf course on the strip.

Flamingo: Reasonably priced, and right across the street from Caesars Palace. People on CDF have recommended Flamingo (at least the 18^th floor, haha). I am hoping someone who has recently stayed there can reply to this thread and provide some information/a review.

Excalibur: This is a lower cost hotel on the opposite end of the strip.  It is not within walking distance to Caesars Palace, if only because of certain parts of the strip/Vegas you would have to pass through to get to Caesars Palace.  This tends to be a more family friendly hotel, and it does have the Tournament of King dinner show.

The Luxor: Near Excalibur, this is another lower cost hotel. But, again, not within walking distance of Caesars Palace.  It is an older hotel, so I would check out some reviews before booking. The Luxor has the Titanic Exhibit, which is an amazing exhibit. It’s also home to the Criss Angel show. See notes above, hotel will have a parking charge for parking as of June 6, 2016.  This hotel is not too far from the New York Hotel in Vegas (which is arguably kid friendlier given the amusement park) anyway.

Red Rock Casino Resort.  My Red Rock information is limited, it has great reviews, and I would recommend it for a spa weekend. However, it is almost 30 minutes away from Caesar's palace (not accounting for traffic). You would need a taxi to get to and from Caesar's Palace (unless you rent a car).  Check out Trip Advisor for detailed reviews.  

Circus Circus: I will keep this short, most people recommend avoiding this place. It’s outdated and it is in a less than ideal location (both in terms of distance to the Colosseum, and it is in a not so great part of the strip).  Also, online reviews often highlight the general condition of the hotel.  It’s one of the cheapest options in Vegas. However, not all reviews are 100% bad. So, if anything, consider this as general information that should at least lead you to looking into Circus Circus a bit before booking it.


TRANSIT:

Skyrail/Monorail: Vegas has a monorail system that connects certain hotels. When booking a hotel, if you do not want to use taxis, ask if there is a monorail station nearby.

Free shuttles: Vegas has free shuttles that go up and down the strip, and there are several different stops—including  not that far from Caesars Palace (I believe there is one right in front of the Mirage, I also think there is a monorail stop at the Mirage).

Taxis: Of course, taxis are available as well.  Las Vegas taxi information.

Depending on the hotel you select, you may just be able to walk to the Colosseum.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Wi-Fi:  This is a topic that people keep asking about. Generally, each hotel offers wi-fi, as part of the "resort fee," that allows you to connect like two devices (depending on the hotel you choose, you may not have a resort fee at all.  If you do, how much it is will depend on the hotel). If you want free wi-fi, there are Starbucks throughout the strip, and also the Apple Store in the Caesar Palace mall has free wi-fi.

Weather:  Someone asked about Vegas weather in the fall.  Please see: http://www.intellica...cation=USNV0049
The site gives you the average temperature in Vegas for each month, and if you click on a month it also brings it down by a particular dates average temperature.  Hopefully it helps with your plans!

Please feel free to add information based on your experiences in Vegas!

Edited by NicoNV, 28 January 2017 - 08:47 AM.
Updating information

[QueenCeline87]

This is an awesome idea for a thread!! Will definitely keep some of this info in mind for my trip in August!!

[TiagoFragoso05]

Thank you so much for the topic !!

Im wondering has anyone stayed at  "Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino" ,  ""Signature at MGM Grand"" or  "Palms Place Hotel "

They aren't  that close to the Colosseum but deff cheaper

[flutefreak]

TiagoFragoso05, on 10 July 2014 - 04:57 AM, said:

Thank you so much for the topic !!

Im wondering has anyone stayed at  "Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino" ,  ""Signature at MGM Grand"" or  

"Palms Place Hotel

Just stayed at Mandalay bay in June really nice hotel.  They have a beach with wave pool and lazy river if you like swimming rooms were large and very clean.  Its quite a ways from Caesars but there is a free tram you can take to Excalibur then walk a short ways to monte Carlo then there is another free tram to Bellagio and Caesars is right next door.  Could always take taxi or bus too.  

They aren't  that close to the Colosseum but deff cheaper

Edited by flutefreak, 10 July 2014 - 05:57 AM.

[Jessyka]

That's a great thread. I'll be coming here to see all the tips before my trip.

[Mattie]

Thanks for the advice!  Much appreciated.

[EmmaCeline]

I stayed in the Excalibur and i would say it is within walking distance- we regularly walked down the caesars during our 10 night stay, yes it is a little further than others and probably a good 20-30minute walk but as theres so much to see down the strip i never even noticed the walk to be honest. I did get a taxi to caesars for the show though as i wore heels and it's a little too far in such good footwear!

The taxi only cost around 10 dollars but that's because they were doing roadworks on the strip so we were sat in traffic for around 5 minutes or so not moving, i expect it's normally cheaper than that. The excalibur is further away but if you're looking for a cheaper alternative then i'd say it's a great option. A 10 minute walk to the nearest monorail station (inside the MGM) with good restaurants and an extensive food court. I stayed in a contemporary tower queen room which had two beds, a large flat screen tv and modern decor. Very nice and very reasonably priced with excellent views of New york New york and the MGM. I also went to serendipity outside Caesars and i have to say it was the best dessert i have ever had anywhere! i think the frozen hot chocolate i had was around $15 but well worth it! I also went shopping in the forum shops which has excellent choice and variation, the restaurants are outstanding too! Obviously i spent the most money in the Celine boutique, it can seem a little expensive to most people but you've got to keep in mind that most items in the store cannot be bought anywhere else and if you're anything like me then you'll probably be so excited that you're in there at all you'll buy half of the store without even looking at the price tags!

One of my tips for Vegas is to buy an all day monorail pass- it costs $12 for 24 hours and is brilliant if you're wanting to explore multiple areas of the strip in one day, the monorail runs roughly every 7 minutes or so and you can hop on and off as many times as you like. Mostly we just walked down the strip taking in the sights as we went, we only got a taxi to Freemont street as it is way way too far to walk and you would have to walk through quite a dangerous neighborhood which is not reccommended for tourists at all!

Another tip for travellers especially from the UK! do not be tempted into booking airport transfers!!!! If you book through a travel agents they will insist transfers are cheaper but they are not! a typical transfer charge is around £40 per person whereas we got a taxi straight outside the airport with no waiting and only paid $15 to the Excalibur. Much much cheaper to get a taxi!

If you're going to see the Celine show i would reccomend getting there a little early, we arrived around 6:30pm and the doors were already open, as we got sat in our seats a lovely friendly photographer came around a took our picture, when we left the show they had made up a gorgeous photo album with the official celine and caesars logo on and the date of the concert printed on the pictures. The album cost $39 and a lot of people did not bother to buy them because of that but it is a brilliant keepsake especially since it was my first ever celine concert! Outside of the show was another mini boutique selling some different items after the show- it is worth taking cash or a card to the show as you will most probably want to buy something from here! i managed to spend over another $150 after the concert alone on some amazing items!

If anyone has any questions about travelling to Vegas (especially from the UK) feel free to ask! my family have been 11 times in total so they pretty much know everything there is to know about Vegas!

[TiagoFragoso05]

anyone has information about "Bally's Las Vegas"  i think i'll stay there, i took a look at some reviews and it does not seam that bad..

[Mattie]

My mom and I stayed at Venetian.  Nicest hotel rooms ever!  But we were somewhat out of the way in walking distance.  The monorail was a complete waste of our money.  We got the 3 day pass for 60 dollars, I can't remember.   But it took forever to walk there, and to get to our destination.  Sigh.

I forgot which restaurant we ate at but it's across from the games and slot machines.  OMG, best caesar salad and blueberry pancakes ever!!! Crazzzy delicious!!

Edited by Mattie, 11 July 2014 - 05:53 PM.

[CelineDionForeverNY]

When my family and I went to Vegas last July, we stayed at the Palazzo, which is pretty much the same as the Venetian. We stayed in a suite and it was completely worth the money. Very beautiful rooms, great selection for shopping, friendly service, and we went during the Carnevale celebration, which included several interesting mini-shows throughout the hotel (plus a lot of coupons for the shops). Lots of restaurants and other food areas (ice cream, gelato, fast food). It is a little farther away from Caesar's, but it's not dreadfully too far. On our way to Caesar's, we just took short little breaks by walking into other hotels and walking around in there. Hope whoever goes to Vegas has fun and enjoys the show.

[chocolatechip15]

Great idea, Nico! Thanks for starting this thread.

I stayed at Caesar's Palace when I went to Vegas -- I haven't stayed anywhere else in Vegas so I don't know how it compares, but this was my experience:

The good: obviously it's extremely convenient for seeing Celine's show and hanging out at the Celine store. Also, they tend to pump in Celine's music in the public spaces quite often (it always gives me a happy little jolt to hear Celine's music played in public), and there are signs for Celine's show everywhere. And if you get the fresh-squeezed orange juice from Payard Patisserie in Caesar's Palace-- I know it's a weird thing to rave about, but it is the most amazing orange juice I've ever had - like drinking a perfectly ripe, sweet orange. And, like Nico mentioned, the Forum shops are awesome (and also beautiful. . .they have a ceiling painted to look like the sky . .it reminded me of the enchanted sky in the Great Hall in the Harry Potter books.).  I stayed in the Palace Tower, which I think is pretty much in the middle of Caesar's Palace towers in terms of level of luxury.  I had no complaints about the room itself . clean and nice.

The not-so-good: It is a HUGE hotel . .very easy to get lost, and it's set up so you can't walk anywhere without walking through a casino.  This wouldn't be so bad if there weren't tons of smoking in the casinos. . if you're like me, and you start choking at a little bit of smoke, it's pretty unpleasant. (I don't know if all the hotels are like this, but I did spend a little time in Bellagio, and it seemed less prevalent.  Bellagio also seemed more tasteful. . but that's just my taste. Caesar's is very, very over-the-top. Think big marble columns everywhere).  Also, everything in Caesar's is INSANELY expensive, and all the little charges add up.  Again, I don't know if all the Vegas hotels are like this, but we're talking $3.25 bottles of water; $ 3.50 bagels with nothing on them . . . (And I'm a New Yorker.  I'm used to absurd prices.  But Caesar's was crazy). They charge you for EVERYTHING . . things like checking in an hour or two early. Honestly, I felt ripped off by almost everything in Vegas except (1) Celine's show; and (2) the amazing orange juice (which was about $ 6.00 a glass and totally worth it).  

Edited by chocolatechip15, 11 July 2014 - 07:41 PM.

[chocolatechip15]

EmmaCeline, on 11 July 2014 - 06:55 AM, said:

If you're going to see the Celine show i would reccomend getting there a little early, we arrived around 6:30pm and the doors were already open, as we got sat in our seats a lovely friendly photographer came around a took our picture, when we left the show they had made up a gorgeous photo album with the official celine and caesars logo on and the date of the concert printed on the pictures. The album cost $39 and a lot of people did not bother to buy them because of that but it is a brilliant keepsake especially since it was my first ever celine concert! Outside of the show was another mini boutique selling some different items after the show- it is worth taking cash or a card to the show as you will most probably want to buy something from here! i managed to spend over another $150 after the concert alone on some amazing items!

Yes, I did this too! When I went there was a wax figure of Celine in the MHWGO Oscars-night dress, and you could get your picture taken with her, and buy it at the end of the show in the beautiful album. The proceeds supposedly went at least in part to a charity, so I didn't feel quite so bad about the $ 45.00 (!!) I spent to get two pictures.  (Two pictures that, btw, didn't even include digital copies, which I believe had to be bought separately.  I scanned my paper one, but it didn't come out so great).  But I love my picture with "Celine"  

Edited by chocolatechip15, 11 July 2014 - 07:43 PM.

[Mattie]

chocolatechip15, on 11 July 2014 - 07:22 PM, said:

They charge you for EVERYTHING . . things like checking in an hour or two early.

What? OMG, that's insane!! I hate the hotels that have check-in obnoxiously late and obnoxiously early.  Like, hey, by the time I check-in at 4 pm and situate my bags in the room and whatnot, the day's wasted.  Why pay for a whole day and do nothing?  Then, I get ripped off again by having to leave the last day at say, 8am.. I'm super particular in check-in and check-out times.  I don't like money to go to waste

[NicoNV]

chocolatechip15, on 11 July 2014 - 07:22 PM, said:

Great idea, Nico! Thanks for starting this thread.

I stayed at Caesar's Palace when I went to Vegas -- I haven't stayed anywhere else in Vegas so I don't know how it compares, but this was my experience:

The good: obviously it's extremely convenient for seeing Celine's show and hanging out at the Celine store. Also, they tend to pump in Celine's music in the public spaces quite often (it always gives me a happy little jolt to hear Celine's music played in public), and there are signs for Celine's show everywhere. And if you get the fresh-squeezed orange juice from Payard Patisserie in Caesar's Palace-- I know it's a weird thing to rave about, but it is the most amazing orange juice I've ever had - like drinking a perfectly ripe, sweet orange. And, like Nico mentioned, the Forum shops are awesome (and also beautiful. . .they have a ceiling painted to look like the sky . .it reminded me of the enchanted sky in the Great Hall in the Harry Potter books.).  I stayed in the Palace Tower, which I think is pretty much in the middle of Caesar's Palace towers in terms of level of luxury.  I had no complaints about the room itself . clean and nice.

The not-so-good: It is a HUGE hotel . .very easy to get lost, and it's set up so you can't walk anywhere without walking through a casino.  This wouldn't be so bad if there weren't tons of smoking in the casinos. . if you're like me, and you start choking at a little bit of smoke, it's pretty unpleasant. (I don't know if all the hotels are like this, but I did spend a little time in Bellagio, and it seemed less prevalent.  Bellagio also seemed more tasteful. . but that's just my taste. Caesar's is very, very over-the-top. Think big marble columns everywhere).  Also, everything in Caesar's is INSANELY expensive, and all the little charges add up.  Again, I don't know if all the Vegas hotels are like this, but we're talking $3.25 bottles of water; $ 3.50 bagels with nothing on them . . . (And I'm a New Yorker.  I'm used to absurd prices.  But Caesar's was crazy). They charge you for EVERYTHING . . things like checking in an hour or two early. Honestly, I felt ripped off by almost everything in Vegas except (1) Celine's show; and (2) the amazing orange juice

  I love that the orange juice was one of your only two non-rips off.  But, thanks for the tip! I have seen that place, but I haven't gotten anything there before. I will try it next time I head out to Caesars!

But, I am glad you brought this point up: things do add up quickly at all resorts in Vegas (at least, the major resorts). So, people may want to keep that in mind when planning the cost of their trip.  For example,  keep in mind when you book your hotel, there is also charge for a resort fee, typically not included in the cost of your room when you are booking online. I am not talking about the 100 or more dollars they hold when you check-in, you get that back and all hotels do that everywhere. I mean the "resort fee."  I have spent like 60.00 dollars (or more) in resort fees alone for a room. What does the resort fee get you? I don't even know for sure, frankly. I know that one part of the resort fee gives you free internet for one device (internet is an additional charge if you add other devices, and this additional cost depends on the resort. I believe at Caesars it's an additional 14.95 per device you add. So, first device is free, after that 14.95 per device).


The only cost that made go really!?" at Caesars was if you want one single cup of Keurig coffee, it's 11.00 dollars. For a Keurig cup of coffee.  I was happy they have the machine in the room, and it would be convenient, but the idea that 1 pod of coffee costs the same as 18 pods of coffee at a grocery store kind of gets on my nerves. But, I do understand the convenience of it. So, I mean I guess it is just placing the cost in context.

I did not notice the smoke as much at Bellagio. I do agree, the smoke at Caesars is strong (not in the rooms, just when you cross onto the casino floor). I never thought smoked bothered me, and I do get accustomed to it within a day or so there, but the first few times I walk on Caesars' casino floor the smoke is horrible (eyes burning, etc).  But, whatever ventilation system they have clearly works amazingly well, because I have never noticed smoke in the Forum shops, and certainly no smoke inside the Colosseum, and like I said, I haven't noticed it in any of the rooms i have stayed in there either.


"Celine show" & "Celine" store:

I  agree, arrive early! (I am glad others brought this point up!)

When I have gone, the doors have not opened until 7:00. But, a line is already formed or is forming quickly by 7:00. The line can get so long you are waiting out by the slot machines.  The show doesn't start when people are still in line, so do not worry about that part. However, if you wanted a bottle of water or something before the show, depending on the line, you may not have time. So, I agree about going early. At least, you can be in the front of the line and have more time to take photos.

Someone who works at the "Celine" merchandise shop also passed on a tip: it's best to avoid going to the shop directly after the show. The place can be a crazy busy.  So, if you want a t-shirt or something, go before the show.

Show programs are sold in the shop, plus someone will come out and sell them while you are standing in line for the show, and then once you get inside the show, before the show starts people go around selling the program as well.  They also sell some show merchandise inside, but it isn't different than the merchandise you can buy at the store (but, if you want to avoid the post-show rush, and do not have time to go to the store before the show or the next day, then this might be an option for you. However, the store has more items for sale. Inside the Colosseum, the merchandise is sold at more like a little booth/bar place).

Parking
If you are driving, one great thing to know is that parking at the resorts in Vegas is free, even for non-guests. I think there is only one public ramp that costs money, and there are a few meters downtown (but, people are trying to get rid of those too). I think the idea is that each resort would prefer you spend your time inside, so they provide free valet parking.  There are free self-parking options too at most resorts.  This is no longer true for Bellagio and other resorts owned by the same company. As of June 6, 2016, Bellagio will charge for parking.  Given the free parking everywhere else (but for resorts owned by the same company), personally it will really cut down the time I spend at Bellagio (if any now) because everything at Bellagio is everywhere else on the strip (same stores in the Forum Shops, Venetian, Wynn), Cirque shows are all over town--but if you stay elsewhere you could just walk to "O" at Bellagio), but everywhere else parking is free even for non-resort guests.

Edited by NicoNV, 18 May 2016 - 07:22 AM.
Updating parking information

[NicoNV]

Mattie, on 11 July 2014 - 07:54 PM, said:

What? OMG, that's insane!! I hate the hotels that have check-in obnoxiously late and obnoxiously early.  Like, hey, by the time I check-in at 4 pm and situate my bags in the room and whatnot, the day's wasted.  Why pay for a whole day and do nothing?  Then, I get ripped off again by having to leave the last day at say, 8am.. I'm super particular in check-in and check-out times.  I don't like money to go to waste

But, one upside of early check-in is that you can sometimes get a better room.  People also say there is a "20 dollar trick," you know offer the person checking you in 20 bucks, and a room upgrade suddenly becomes available. But, I have found that just by checking early, I have been upgraded (not saying this is a guarantee. But, in a way it makes sense. If you check in when everyone else is there checking-in, there are less options for moving you around in the hotel. But, by getting there early, they have more room options--meaning bigger or rooms or rooms with better views--to place you in).

If you arrive early, and do not want to check-in early, the resorts will hold your bags for free until you are ready to check-into your room.

Edited by NicoNV, 11 July 2014 - 08:10 PM.

[Mattie]

Oh.. huge thing is the airfare prices.  Depending where you live, costs are wild.  I live right outside Richmond, and here we have Richmond Int'l.  We had to fly to Atlanta (90 minutes, not bad at all), then fly to Vegas (about 3 hours.. I was so tired!).  It's probably easier if you live in Texas or Atlanta; chances are you could get a direct flight.  (Sherri, lucky you!)  
But if you're like me, you tire out easily.. flights especially.  I think the hotel and air bundles can get expensive, so my mom and I went on another website and got pretty cheap airfare.  I can't remember the site as of right now..

One thing once you arrive in Vegas... watch out for reckless, impatient drivers!! I no sooner walked out of McCarran to catch a shuttle to the hotel, and I almost got hit by a taxi driver!  My suitcase got stuck in the crack of the sidewalk, and as I was crossing the road, this driver just swoops in out of nowhere and his car nicked the back of my suitcase.  Just a warning!  

Edited by Mattie, 11 July 2014 - 08:14 PM.

[Mattie]

NicoNV, on 11 July 2014 - 08:09 PM, said:

But, one upside of early check-in is that you can sometimes get a better room.  People also say there is a "20 dollar trick," you know offer the person checking you in 20 bucks, and a room upgrade suddenly becomes available. But, I have found that just by checking early, I have been upgraded (not saying this is a guarantee. But, in a way it makes sense. If you check in when everyone else is there checking-in, there are less options for moving you around in the hotel. But, by getting there early, they have more room options--meaning bigger or rooms or rooms with better views--to place you in).

If you arrive early, and do not want to check-in early, the resorts will hold your bags for free until you are ready to check-into your room.

If I remember when I checked in at Venetian, the concierge offered us an upgrade for no additional cost.  I mean, that's pretty good.  We accepted; it turns out after an hour and a half of waiting it was never an upgrade.  They were still just setting up the room we originally purchased.  That left me confused.  But maybe it's different in other places, or it was just a coincidence.  Who knows

BTW.  If you want some really amazing pizza - Venetian is the place to be.  I've gone out in the middle of the night to get pizza! It's crazy delicious!

Edited by Mattie, 11 July 2014 - 08:23 PM.

[NicoNV]

Mattie, on 11 July 2014 - 08:12 PM, said:

Oh.. huge thing is the airfare prices.  Depending where you live, costs are wild.  I live right outside Richmond, and here we have Richmond Int'l.  We had to fly to Atlanta (90 minutes, not bad at all), then fly to Vegas (about 3 hours.. I was so tired!).  It's probably easier if you live in Texas or Atlanta; chances are you could get a direct flight.  (Sherri, lucky you!)  
But if you're like me, you tire out easily.. flights especially.  I think the hotel and air bundles can get expensive, so my mom and I went on another website and got pretty cheap airfare.  I can't remember the site as of right now..

One thing once you arrive in Vegas... watch out for reckless, impatient drivers!! I no sooner walked out of McCarran to catch a shuttle to the hotel, and I almost got hit by a taxi driver!  My suitcase got stuck in the crack of the sidewalk, and as I was crossing the road, this driver just swoops in out of nowhere and his car nicked the back of my suitcase.  Just a warning!  

Sorry about your crazy driver experience!

But, since we offering warnings, be warned a lot of people dress an an "interesting" fashion in Vegas (read: very little material involved), so if you have little kids, be prepared for questions . I think Rita Rudner put it best when she said there are some people she just wants to stop and demand an explanation from, haha.  I have even seem some interesting choices at Celine Dion concerts, and I always think to myself, "do they know where they are?" Sort of like when people get crazy drunk at her shows, to the point their friends have to assist them out (seen this happen more than once), I often wonder if they were forced to attend....


Another warning: do not get me started on those men who stand on the street and hand out call-girl/stripper/strip-club cards to every man that walks by. Yuck. I mean, I know it isn't the guys fault, they need a job. But, I hate how many there are, and the entire thing is just yucky.


But, before I take this thread off-topic, other advice I guess would be that there are several Walgreens near by, one right by the Venetian actually. So, if you want bottled water to bring back to your room, you can actually buy some there without being charged mini-bar prices.

Also, certain resorts offer different discounts elsewhere, so when booking ask if there are any connected deals. For example, Venetian often gives out coupons to the wax museum, as well as coupons to various restaurants.

[chocolatechip15]

NicoNV, on 11 July 2014 - 08:06 PM, said:

I know that one part of the resort fee gives you free internet for one device (internet is an additional charge if you add other devices, and this additional cost depends on the resort. I believe at Caesars it's an additional 14.95 per device you add. So, first device is free, after that 14.95 per device).

I'm glad you mentioned this - it reminds me of one other tip.  It might be different now (I went January 2013) - but when I went there wasn't free internet for any of the devices, not even the first one (maybe it depends which tower you stay in).  But there is an Apple store in the Forum shops, and they have free wi-fi there. So if you just need to check email occasionally on an ipod or ipad or something similar, you can pop over to the Apple store and do it for free.

[Mattie]

chocolatechip15, on 11 July 2014 - 08:22 PM, said:

I'm glad you mentioned this - it reminds me of one other tip.  It might be different now (I went January 2013) - but when I went there wasn't free internet for any of the devices, not even the first one (maybe it depends which tower you stay in).  But there is an Apple store in the Forum shops, and they have free wi-fi there. So if you just need to check email occasionally on an ipod or ipad or something similar, you can pop over to the Apple store and do it for free.

Yes, that does bring up a great point.  I think I chose to go with the wifi at Venetian.  While I wasn't in the hotel, I did pop into the Apple store and sneak in some wifi.  

[Mattie]

NicoNV, on 11 July 2014 - 08:22 PM, said:

Sorry about your crazy driver experience!

But, since we offering warnings, be warned a lot of people dress an an "interesting" fashion in Vegas (read: very little material involved), so if you have little kids, be prepared for questions . I think Rita Rudner put it best when she said there are some people she just wants to stop and demand an explanation from, haha.  I have even seem some interesting choices at Celine Dion concerts, and I always think to myself, "do they know where they are?" Sort of like when people get crazy drunk at her shows, to the point their friends have to assist them out (seen this happen more than once), I often wonder if they were forced to attend....


Another warning: do not get me started on those men who stand on the street and hand out call-girl/stripper/strip-club cards to every man that walks by. Yuck. I mean, I know it isn't the guys fault, they need a job. But, I hate how many there are, and the entire thing is just yucky.


But, before I take this thread off-topic, other advice I guess would be that there are several Walgreens near by, one right by the Venetian actually. So, if you want bottled water to bring back to your room, you can actually buy some there without being charged mini-bar prices.

Also, certain resorts offer different discounts elsewhere, so when booking ask if there are any connected deals. For example, Venetian often gives out coupons to the wax museum, as well as coupons to various restaurants.

It's unfortunate that some streets and clubs allow strippers, etc.  I was lucky enough to not be bugged by those creepy men!  I bet my mom and her motherly authority helped with that

Oh, all these memories bring back such joy!!  My mom and I walked along the strip (not too far) and there were some excellent entertainers out playing on the streets!  I'm generous; I'll give money to those who appear helpless on the streets.. but then there's those advertisers who just can't let stuff go!  Anyway, hats off to the musicians who play for the fun and excitement of it all.  Vegas gets hot, people can be rude.. takes a lot of guts to play in the blasting heat

Edited by Mattie, 11 July 2014 - 08:34 PM.

[PC_59]

You should definitely sleep at the Venetian. Amazing place. Suites are awesome, food is great. Ceasar's Palace is overrated IMO. Venetian is a real 4 star hotel. I also slept in the Paris Hotel. Very cheap, bad odors in the room. There is a lot of signs in French, but all translated bad with major mistakes.

[NicoNV]

Mattie, on 11 July 2014 - 08:31 PM, said:

It's unfortunate that some streets and clubs allow strippers, etc.  I was lucky enough to not be bugged by those creepy men!  I bet my mom and her motherly authority helped with that

Oh, all these memories bring back such joy!!  My mom and I walked along the strip (not too far) and there were some excellent entertainers out playing on the streets!  I'm generous; I'll give money to those who appear helpless on the streets.. but then there's those advertisers who just can't let stuff go!  Anyway, hats off to the musicians who play for the fun and excitement of it all.  Vegas gets hot, people can be rude.. takes a lot of guts to play in the blasting heat

Yeah, those guys do not hassle me either (because I am a girl). But, it's just a sad sight.


Yes, how could we have a Vegas thread and not mention the heat!  It's horrendous at certain times of the year.  I suggest passing through as many hotel as possible to get to your destination, basically stay inside as much as you can--depending on the time of the year.

Also, keep an eye out for shops that are kind of tucked out of the way. For example, a Kitson opened not long ago, but you cannot see it very well from the strip. It's by the Linq's entrance at the Flamingo. If you have a place in mind, but are not sure how to get there, talk to the concierge, but also try asking the hotel security people as well. Some of the best Vegas advice I have been given is from the security people. For example, I had mentioned earlier that Excalibur was not within walking distance. As I said, this isn't so much because of the distance, but because of areas you have to walk past at certain points. I do not walk to that part of town because of advice and information I had received from one of the security guards at the Venetian.

Edited by NicoNV, 11 July 2014 - 09:16 PM.

[Mattie]

NicoNV, on 11 July 2014 - 09:05 PM, said:

Yeah, those guys do not hassle me either (because I am a girl). But, it's just a sad sight.


Yes, how could we have a Vegas thread and not mention the heat!  It's horrendous at certain times of the year.  I suggest passing through as many hotel as possible to get to your destination, basically stay inside as much as you can--depending on the time of the year.

Also, keep an eye out for shops that are kind of tucked out of the way. For example, a Kitson opened not long ago, but you cannot see it very well from the strip. It's by the Linq's entrance at the Flamingo. If you have a place in mind, but are not sure how to get there, talk to the concierge, but also try asking the hotel security people as well. Some of the best Vegas advice I have been given is from the security people. For example, I had mentioned earlier that Excalibur was not within walking distance. As I said, this isn't so much because of the distance, but because of areas you have to walk past at certain points. I do not walk to that part of town because of advice and information I had received from one of the security guards at the Venetian.

Yes, exactly!  The hotels and malls and shops are smart.. they entice us heat-stricken-ers with their alluring 5 star AC systems

Have you tried the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?  I think they're located in the Venetian.  Such amazing drinks they make!

[flutefreak]

No one has mentioned planet Hollywood or treasure island.   Have stayed at both and they are nice and clean generally a little more affordable at least when I stayed there.  Within walking distance to caesars.  Also I have stayed at mirage and it is right next to caesars.  Great pool area there if you go when it is 112 like I did!  Warning- when pool waitress asks if you want a small or large drink,  get the small unless you are ok with paying $32!  I kid you not extremely expensive pool drinks at mirage.  Nice hotel and lots of good food.

[Mattie]

^ Thank you for mentioning the pool!  That reminds me, does anyone know if you're able to purchase a pool pass at one specific hotel for a day, week, etc. without staying at that specific hotel?  Like, say I wanted to hang out at the Venetian's pool all day, but I'm staying at Caesars.

Edited by Mattie, 11 July 2014 - 10:07 PM.

[EmmaCeline]

chocolatechip15, on 11 July 2014 - 07:33 PM, said:

Yes, I did this too! When I went there was a wax figure of Celine in the MHWGO Oscars-night dress, and you could get your picture taken with her, and buy it at the end of the show in the beautiful album. The proceeds supposedly went at least in part to a charity, so I didn't feel quite so bad about the $ 45.00 (!!) I spent to get two pictures.  (Two pictures that, btw, didn't even include digital copies, which I believe had to be bought separately.  I scanned my paper one, but it didn't come out so great).  But I love my picture with "Celine"  

Yes i forgot about the wax statue- i saw it as i was walking in but i'd been to madame tussauds the day before the show and taken pictures with the statue in there so i didn't bother queueing for the one in the colleseum. It looked really good though!

[QueenCeline87]

Any tips on where to get free wifi while there as in cafes restaurants.
And any tips on how to beat the Vegas heat lol , coming from Ireland I'm not used to sun or heat lol

[flutefreak]

Mattie, on 11 July 2014 - 10:07 PM, said:

^ Thank you for mentioning the pool!  That reminds me, does anyone know if you're able to purchase a pool pass at one specific hotel for a day, week, etc. without staying at that specific hotel?  Like, say I wanted to hang out at the Venetian's pool all day, but I'm staying at Caesars.

I believe I saw somewhere while I was staying at Mandalay bay that you can get day passes for the beach/pool area.  It might say online.  That's great idea though I love swimming so I always take the pool into account when booking my hotel.

[flutefreak]

QueenCeline87, on 12 July 2014 - 04:33 AM, said:

Any tips on where to get free wifi while there as in cafes restaurants.
And any tips on how to beat the Vegas heat lol , coming from Ireland I'm not used to sun or heat lol

Take as little clothes as possible!  Think short shorts and tank tops.  Lol!  You can try to walk inside mostly so you don't have to go outside.   Also buy your water from people on the street with coolers they usually charge $1 or a donations vs $3-4 in stores or vending machines.

Edited by flutefreak, 12 July 2014 - 05:57 AM.