Have a question about Las Vegas? Planning a trip and not sure about a specific aspect of your hotel choice, restaurant idea or evening plans? Not sure how to get into a nightclub? Wondering what the '$20 trick' is? We answer all these questions and much more.

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On March 04 2010 Simone wrote:

Hi, we are a family of 4 (kids 16 & 13) from Australia visiting Vegas from March 20 to March 23 and are not sure where to stay. What we know is we’d really like to stay on the strip amongst the action and would like to experience the whole casino glitzy atmosphere. We dont need a big fancy room – just somewhere to sleep & shower. Based on our research so far, we have found that Luxor, Ballys, NYNY & Monte Carlo (plus others) are in our price range. What do you recommend? Should we book or just wing it when we get there (we arrive on a Saturday)?

Also, I’ve noticed some posts mention the $20 trick, and some later ones refer to it as a $50 trick – what’s the going rate?

We plan to take a Sunset Helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon – it returns to Vegas after sunset via the strip. Do you know if this is the best option?

Love your site. The qu’s & a’s are addictive!!!!!!

Thanks

Simone.

Based on your requirements, any of the hotels you mentioned should be fine. I’d personally rank them as follows, based on overall criteria: Monte Carlo, Bally’s, NYNY, and Luxor.

I would NOT recommend winging it, especially for a Sat. arrival – many hotels don’t allow them. You need to get this setup in advance.

re: $20 trick – it really depends. Many people get the same preference with a smile and nice attitude. It honestly comes down to the clerk and what’s available, plus how close the boss is watching. It’s an art, not a science.

As far as the Grand Canyon, any reputable operator is fine. I typically recommend Maverick but other operators do a good job as well. I’ve not heard of Sunset… do you mean Sundance?

On March 03 2010 Jill wrote:

If I fly to Vegas without a hotel reservation, will it be difficult to get one?

This depends completely on the dates you have in mind. These days, occupancy is around ~80% average, so typically, no. You might not get your first choice of hotels but you can find a room.

Now, for a big weekend, all bets are off. Those are still selling out.

On February 24 2010 Ann wrote:

My husband and i are traveling to Vegas the last week of March.. with our two kids (8,16).. We would like a hotel that has some amenities for the kids & with a pool that is open.. also, a nicer hotel with a great room & vu of the strip. We are driving so ideas off the strip are welcome as well as on the strip.

Excalibur is the go-to recommendation for traveling with children and you’ll find other families there as well. The rooms were recently remodeled but I wouldn’t call it a ‘nicer hotel’. It’s typically considered mid-level at best.

The brand new Aria hotel at CityCenter has an arcade nestled upstairs as well as a very nice new pool area.

The Mirage has the Secret Garden where you can view tigers and an elephant.

Circus Circus has the Adventuredome, an indoor theme park complete with roller coaster.

Helpful Links for More Info: Circus Circus, Excalibur, ARIA (City Center)

On February 24 2010 Steve wrote:

Quick question: Plain and simple, Wynn, Encore, Bellagio, Trump. Young couple first trip together to Vegas. Where to fellas? Thanks.

Encore, Wynn, Bellagio, in that order. Don’t bother with Trump at all.

On February 24 2010 Tammy W wrote:

My husband and I are returning to Vegas for our 27th anniversary Mother’s Day weekend. Vegas Uncorked is that weekend, and I’m really excited. Have you attended this event? Specifically, I’m wondering if the Grand Tasting is worth the price of admission. We have purchased tickets to one event so far…are there discounts for multiple events?
We are in our late 40’s, and would like to find a nice blues or jazz club too. We have offers from Mandalay Bay, NYNY, and Mirage…your preference? We’ve stayed at the Mirage a few times, and enjoy the location more than anything. I’m curious about MB. Thanks for the terrific site, I look forward to your response!

I’ve never been to Uncorked, no. I’m sending someone this year to write a story about it for this Web site and it sounds awesome but I’ve not personally attended.

Those I have spoken to really enjoyed it though, despite some of the events being pretty pricey. It’s a unique event so if you love food, it could be a night to remember.

Mandalay Bay is a fine hotel that recently remodeled their rooms. It’s comfortable and has a fantastic pool. The downside is the location, which you noted. If you don’t mind doing more walking or taking more taxis, that may not be a problem. There is a monorail that connects to Excalibur.

Helpful Links for More Info: Mandalay Bay

On February 23 2010 Lenny wrote:

We are going out to Caesars Palace for our Seven Stars trip in March and they are giving us a Augustus tower two bedroom suite.Have you ever stayed in one of these suites or know anything about them?

The Augustus Tower is the newest at Caesars and compares against the nicest stuff at Wynn Las Vegas, Bellagio or The Venetian. The room is very nicely appointed – you should be thrilled.

Helpful Links for More Info: Caesars Palace

On February 23 2010 Carol wrote:

Have you had any feedback on the Elvis show at Aria. So far it hasn’t been rated so good.

Thanks

I’ve only seen bits of it so far, not the entire show. In talking to colleagues, it sounds like it’s maybe a B-/C+ show at this point.

Helpful Links for More Info: ARIA (City Center)

On February 20 2010 Kristin wrote:

Hello,

I am going to Vegas April 8th. Not sure how long I am staying. I am 27. I am flying down with my boyfriend but then he is going to be with his friends for a bachelor party until April 11th. He will be staying at a differnt hotel then me so I will be by myself for 3 days. He will then pick me up at my hotel and we are going to start ou vacation in Vegas.

My questions are what is the best and safest hotel to stay at by yourself in Vegas?

What is the best value for spa treatments, thinking of just pampering myself.

What can you recommend that I do by myself for those days?

What are some good tips or advice you can give me for being alone down there?

And then what hotels are the most romantic because we will probably be down there for at least a week after the other guys leave so what are the best things to see and do couple related?

Thanks, love this site think it is great, very helpful!!!

Kristin

Hey There,

Generally speaking, any Strip hotel is going to be safe, though for a single female staying alone, I’d probably recommend something between Mandalay Bay and Wynn Las Vegas, which is most of The Strip. Some examples: The Mirage, Bellagio, Aria, Monte Carlo, Planet Hollywood, Paris Las Vegas, Wynn Las Vegas and MGM Grand.

As far as spas, by far my favorite in Las Vegas is at Encore, which is part of Wynn Las Vegas. It’s not cheap but it is amazing. You have to be a hotel guest to be able to use the spa, a policy in place at many of the nicer spas.

In addition to Encore, the spa at Mandarin Oriental is very beautiful. The new spa at Aria is nice, though a bit sterile feeling.

Generally speaking, I don’t think you need to worry much about being alone – just keep your wits about you as you would anywhere. Since Las Vegas always has crowds of at least some size and since the casinos have very large security forces, you should feel safe to roam about The Strip without worry. I wouldn’t venture off unless you know where you’re going though.

If you like art, there is a gallery at Bellagio that can be fun to tour. The hotel pool will be up and running in April which can always be a good way to kill a few hours here and there.

Hotels for romance… Bellagio with the dancing fountains are always a hit. Wynn and Encore in general work hard to be romantic destinations. At many hotels there are opportunities for meals together, shows, etc…

Hope that helps.

On February 20 2010 Andy wrote:

I’m a big three card poker fan but I know many of the LV casinos pay only 3-1 on a flush (instead of 4-1 like most online or non-LV casinos) tilting the house advantage to +7%. My question is are there any casions in Vegas that pay 4-1 on the flush.

Thanks.
Andy

Unfortunately, not really. Sorry.

On February 18 2010 John and Janine wrote:

As a middle aged couple travelling to Vegas for the first time for 5 nights in mid April, we are looking at staying in the middle of the strip. Which resort do you recommend for mid range price and value with a bit of luxury. What would be the best attractions or most popular events for our short stay to make it a memorable trip.

I’d take a look at The Mirage, Monte Carlo and perhaps even Aria, part of the new CityCenter complex.

As far as activities, be sure to see the Fountains of Bellagio, the volcano at The Mirage and pick a show to see – Cirque du Soleil is very popular (perhaps look at Mystere at Treasure Island, O at Bellagio or LOVE at The Mirage).

Helpful Links for More Info: Monte Carlo, ARIA (City Center), The Mirage

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