Vegas trip ?'s

[cop414]

Folks,
After hours of checking reviews I booked a week's stay at the Vdara in Vegas this summer, I'm starting to cross off the items on my "bucket list", anyone ever stayed at this place before and if so how was it? We're going to take a day and do the Hoover Dam thing and I bought tickets to Penn and Teller. Hopefully a lot of good food and maybe some Rolex window shopping. The Clark County Museum is also on the list. I have to add that neither of us gamble so no casinos for us.
I'll be renting a car too. Vegas tips please to a couple first timers there.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Dam is a great thing trip. I think Vdara charges 30.00 per day resort fee, double check. Newer Hotel, should be clean and it's in a great location. I've seen Penn and Teller, different kinda humor. Rent a car is a good idea. Tons of places to look at watches.
Have a great time. Go by the Bellaigo and check out the Atrium and water fountain show, very nice. Tons of great resturants all around City Center.

[donas]

If you're into mob history, there's a good interactive exhibit at the Tropicana as well as a newer mob museum that opened last year.

Since you haven't been before, be prepared for nothing to be cheap. The days of cheap buffets to lure people in are over.

On my last visit, I did a helicopter tour of the dam, Vegas, and landed in the Grand Canyon for lunch.....it was allot of fun and worth the price.

I love that place, we head out there about every two years.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by donas

If you're into mob history, there's a good interactive exhibit at the Tropicana as well as a newer mob museum that opened last year.

Since you haven't been before, be prepared for nothing to be cheap. The days of cheap buffets to lure people in are over.

On my last visit, I did a helicopter tour of the dam, Vegas, and landed in the Grand Canyon for lunch.....it was allot of fun and worth the price.

I love that place, we head out there about every two years.

The mob museum is already on the list, as a career police officer I think it will be interesting. I know that there is also some kind of interactive CSI program, might check that out too.
Already counting on nothing being cheap. That's a general mindset for me though, when on vacation I try not to be a penny pincher.

[SUBversive]

Lots to do and lots to fill your unstructured time walking people watching and gaming. I like the treasure island seemed small and cozy. They have a boat pirate show. Also worth checking the concert schedules for the summer. Worth checking out the other hotels too.

[Thatguy]

Spend an evening walking the strip to see the outdoor free events and people watch. Should do the same on Fremont st. as well if first time. The dam is very cool!

[DoxaDavid]

Caesars Forum has some of the best shops in town and a great place to walk around. Lots of watch shops and you can check out the two animatronic shows at each end.

For a special dinner, Il Mulino has fabulous Italian food. Not cheap but very good!

Have fun.

[seand442]

The mob attraction at the Tropicana is interesting but get your tickets at one of the kiosks on the strip. It's not worth the full price. The actual mob museum is worth it. Also, the Ferrari collection at Wynn is good. If you are looking for another show, I'll recommend Absinthe at Caesars. Absolutely hilarious. Have fun.

[Angrypuppy]

Originally Posted by seand442

The mob attraction at the Tropicana is interesting but get your tickets at one of the kiosks on the strip. It's not worth the full price. The actual mob museum is worth it. Also, the Ferrari collection at Wynn is good. If you are looking for another show, I'll recommend Absinthe at Caesars. Absolutely hilarious. Have fun.

The Ferrari dealership is cool, but you have to pay to get in.

Of course the Ferrari gift shop is free to enter.

You can though try on Rolexes for free at the Wynn.

[figbo]

Do the Grand Canyon tour,you wont regret it.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by figbo

Do the Grand Canyon tour,you wont regret it.

I have to disagree. I've flown over the GC countless times and each time it goes like this: lean out the window, look for a few seconds, say "eh, cool" and go back to my margarita.

Don't get me wrong, it's a natural wonder but you have to travel for eons to get there and then all you do is look for a few minutes than travel eons back to civilization.

[cop414]

Great tips guys, keep em coming!

[figbo]

Originally Posted by joe100

I have to disagree. I've flown over the GC countless times and each time it goes like this: lean out the window, look for a few seconds, say "eh, cool" and go back to my margarita.

Don't get me wrong, it's a natural wonder but you have to travel for eons to get there and then all you do is look for a few minutes than travel eons back to civilization.

No problem,it was on my bucket list,done.

[Maxtor]

I usually stay next door at the Aria... I remember we passed on Vdara as it was missing something (casino, big pool area?) anyways... check it out. Aria is a great alternative.

Coolest new resort is the Cosmopolitan (next door). Great casino for people watching.

For watch shopping I would go to Wynn or the Forum Shoppes at Caesars. No discounting though so good for window shopping only (unless you hit it big at the slots) and then get on to the TRF Trusted Sellers if you want to pick something up.

Great breakfast spot just past Wynn called The Fireplace (or something like that). Huge portions plan to share.

The Bellagio buffet breakfast is legendary (and not too expensive)... check it out.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Maxtor

I usually stay next door at the Aria... I remember we passed on Vdara as it was missing something (casino, big pool area?) anyways... check it out. Aria is a great alternative.

Coolest new resort is the Cosmopolitan (next door). Great casino for people watching.

For watch shopping I would go to Wynn or the Forum Shoppes at Caesars. No discounting though so good for window shopping only (unless you hit it big at the slots) and then get on to the TRF Trusted Sellers if you want to pick something up.

Great breakfast spot just past Wynn called The Fireplace (or something like that). Huge portions plan to share.

The Bellagio buffet breakfast is legendary (and not too expensive)... check it out.

Thanks Max, will do.

[Angrypuppy]

Originally Posted by Maxtor

Great breakfast spot just past Wynn called The Fireplace (or something like that). Huge portions plan to share.

The Bellagio buffet breakfast is legendary (and not too expensive)... check it out.

Peppermill? Just north of the Wynn. I eat there every time I have a Vegas layover. Also between there and the Wynn is an amazing Mexican reastraunt. It is at the end of a strip mall and has outside seating on the strip. I forget the name but its cheap and good food. It's easy to find on yelp.

[bayerische]

I'm envy! Penn & Teller tickets!!! Have a blast! Next time I'm in Vegas, P&T is definitely on my agenda!

[s2kev]

A trip to downtown Las Vegas might be worth it. You can see the older side of Vegas. The Cirque de Soleil shows at various casinos are pretty cool too. My favorite buffets are at Wynn, Bellagio, and M-Resort. Vdara is a nice hotel with no casino and their rooms have little kitchenettes. Hope you have a great time.

[shnxx]

Watch shops in Vegas are fun but they're a bit reluctant to give any discount from MSRP

[Tri-Tip]

I've never been in the Vdara, but I'm sure it's very nice. Day at the Dam is a good trip, on the way back, you can stop at Lake Las Vegas, it's right off the highway. They have a nice hotel and a good place to spend an hour or two.

You can also take a drive to Red Rock Canyon, you can do it round trip from the hotel in about 3 hours, if you like the scenery and want to spend a full day, get directions to Valley of Fire.

If you get tired of eating in hotels, try Del Friscos on Paradise Road, not far from your hotel, it's a fantastic steakhouse.

[rodrob59]

The Country Club at Wynn is my favorite steak restaurant and Sinatra at Encore has great Italian. Plenty of free stuff to see, the pirate show at Treasure Island, although much different than in the past, the volcano at Mirage, the conservatory at Bellaigo, and the Fremont Street Experience downtown.

Jubilee is a great show, very old Vegas, and reasonable. I've also been to Penn and Teller which is very funny.

Good day trips are Red Rock, Valley of Fire and the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon. And of course the Dam. I always rent with Enterprise.

And there are Rolexes, Rolexes and more Rolexes. The boutique at Wynn will make your jaw drop. Just don't expect a discount except for the sales tax break if you ship it home.

Have a great time. I haven't been since October but returning in June. I usually stay at the Mirage or MGM Grand but my wife has stayed at Videra on business and was very impressed.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by rodrob59

The Country Club at Wynn is my favorite steak restaurant and Sinatra at Encore has great Italian. Plenty of free stuff to see, the pirate show at Treasure Island, although much different than in the past, the volcano at Mirage, the conservatory at Bellaigo, and the Fremont Street Experience downtown.

Jubilee is a great show, very old Vegas, and reasonable. I've also been to Penn and Teller which is very funny.

Good day trips are Red Rock, Valley of Fire and the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon. And of course the Dam. I always rent with Enterprise.

And there are Rolexes, Rolexes and more Rolexes. The boutique at Wynn will make your jaw drop. Just don't expect a discount except for the sales tax break if you ship it home.

Have a great time. I haven't been since October but returning in June. I usually stay at the Mirage or MGM Grand but my wife has stayed at Videra on business and was very impressed.

Rod,
Thanks for the tips, I'm putting together a loose day by day plan and this helps a lot. We're not going until June and I haven't done the car rental yet. I'll look into Enterprise, I assume I can pick the car up at the airport. Thanks again.

[Gaijin]

At the Penn and Teller show they will ask for two volunteers who are either military or police officers. I volunteered and went on stage for their pistol shot bullet caught in the mouth trick. Was pretty awesome. I highly recommend that you volunteer when they ask Sarge.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Don't forget the WSOP at the Rio while your here. And get to the top of the Voodoo lounge around sunset.

[Pix]

Great thread, going at the end of the month for the first time also.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Pix

Great thread, going at the end of the month for the first time also.

Ahhh, great you can be our beta tester!! Let me know how you make out.

[No Quarter]

If you want to enjoy a superb meal at a place that represents old school Vegas charm and panache, you must go to Piero's.

Look it up, make reservations, dress nicely and go enjoy a several course meal over a couple of hours. They have a fantastic wine list (you can't go wrong with any of the Chiantis on the list). It is not unusual to see some real heavy hitters enjoying a dinner there. The bartender makes one of the best Manhattans the world has ever seen.

I was introduced to the place by a business associate of mine. I make it a point to dine there every time I am in LV, which is several times a year due to business.

If you have seen "Casino" you will recognize the restaurant from several scenes in that movie. A true Vegas treasure far away from the corporate famous-chef McRestaurants that pepper the usual places.

NQ

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by No Quarter

If you want to enjoy a superb meal at a place that represents old school Vegas charm and panache, you must go to Piero's.

Look it up, make reservations, dress nicely and go enjoy a several course meal over a couple of hours. They have a fantastic wine list (you can't go wrong with any of the Chiantis on the list). It is not unusual to see some real heavy hitters enjoying a dinner there. The bartender makes one of the best Manhattans the world has ever seen.

I was introduced to the place by a business associate of mine. I make it a point to dine there every time I am in LV, which is several times a year due to business.

If you have seen "Casino" you will recognize the restaurant from several scenes in that movie. A true Vegas treasure far away from the corporate famous-chef McRestaurants that pepper the usual places.

NQ

Yes, I agree 100% with Pieros, great old-Vegas restaurant. Used to be one of Sinatra's hangouts.

[Sub4Life]

I was there last week on business and IMHO the Wynn Rolex Boutique has the largest selection of Rolexes. They pretty much had every reference except for the PT Masterpiece. They will not discount, but they are willing to ship out of state to avoid LV 8.1% sales tax.

Enjoy and have a great time. Hoover Dam is amazing and I suggest taking the tour for $30.

[Speed]

My wife and I stayed at the Vdara.

Very nice / clean. More condo-like Vs. Hotel. Clearly you know they do not have a Casino. Great place to sleep - all the typical Vegas fare just steps away.

If you like French food, I recommend the Atelier by Joel Robuchon. Great, casual French fare.

Sound like you have got the scoop on ADs et al. Enjoy.