I’m going to Vegas. I need help with the details!

[hypno02]

Fellas,

My wife and I are going to Vegas this spring sometime. It’ll be our first vacation since 2016 as we’ve had 3 kids in 5 years. Love them to death but it’s time.

I’d like some input from you guys who have Vegas a bit more figured out than I.

The rundown:
1. No we will not change the destination
2. I’ve never been to Vegas
3. My wife went once in college (we’re both 30)
4. I know Vegas has the sweetest ranges with the coolest weapons in the world but we won’t be partaking
5. We’re thinking two days of somewhat relaxation (pool/spa/etc) and two days of the Vegas experience. Whatever that happens to be.
6. We do drink
7. A cool pool at the hotel would be a huge plus
8. We’re not rich. Nor are we poor.
9. We don’t gamble
10. We aren’t food snobs but will not be eating McDonald’s

Did I miss anything? I appreciate any and all input!

 

[UKDslayer]

Been partial to the Venetian/Palazzo as for as best suites for the money; concierge level wasn't worth it. Definitely take the wife to see "O" (Cirque de Soleil)- because its Vegas. Bellagio water fountains. Top of Stratosphere tower. Great steakhouses abound.

 

[Landon4]

The buffet at Caesar’s palace is good especially if you like seafood while not cheap I believe it was $80 per person. My wife and I just returned from Vegas this last Tuesday for her 40th bday. We didn’t gamble any walked thru some casinos just killing time, we hadn’t been since we were both 21, we went to the new raider stadium for the Metallica concert. It was a decent getaway, it’s legal to smoke weed there if your into that while I’m really not nor am I against it but people walking the strip will blow the smoke out everywhere and it seems that’s all you can smell sometimes. As far as place to stay we were at Tahiti village it was nice pretty quiet as it’s not right on the strip it’s just a few blocks down with shuttles buses that can take you to several other hotels. There was a nice pool and lazy river there that is heated but we didn’t get in as it was a little cool for our stay around 50 for the highs.

 

[dustingaunder]

I’ve been 8 or 10 times. If you’re staying on the strip I’d choose Encore, Wynn, Palazzo, Venetian. Encore is the most walking to the rest of the strip and Venetian is the least. All 4 have nice rooms. We’ve gotten a petite suite at TI before and it was also really nice. We’ve stayed somewhere different every time and normally nicer places than our friends so I’ve seen and spent time in most of the hotels on the strip. We are not poor but are cheap. There’s lots of stuff to walk around and see for free. If you like cigars, casa fuente in Caesar’s forum shops is a must see. If you only have two days dedicated to seeing Vegas, spend one evening down town at least. It’s fun and a different vibe.

We’ve never done the pool and spa stuff so usually 4 nights and days drinking, getting into Vegas shenanigans, and playing craps. We went to Penn & Teller one year. I think the shows are a waste of money. Just not our deal. There is a lot of stuff to see just walking around.

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

Freemont. Do the zip line under the canopy. Spend some time watching the street performers and have a few drinks and some food in the old Vegas.
"O" is a good show and worth the price.
If you have time. Road trip to the Grand Canyon.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

Play the machines at the airport. Those folks on lay overs do so well they want to go back again... Setting the hook on those passing through.

 

[kriller134]

Are hookers and blow out of the question?

 

[hypno02]

Are hookers and blow out of the question?

until further notice yes lol

 

[Bacarrat]

Been to Vegas many many times, have stayed at budget to high end. Now I just pretty much stay at the Aria or Cosmo. Super clean, modern, doesn't smell like smoke and it's about in the middle of the strip and it's not that expensive to stay at. I would recommend Gordon Ramsay's Burger. They change the menu all the time, and every single time I have been there the burgers are always top notch. Hash House a Go Go is pretty good too. Possibly the best chicken and waffles I have ever had. Then you have fancy AF steak houses and sushi restaraunts or you can hit up any of the major buffets if that is your thing. I always like to chill out at one of the lounges or at the sportsbook during the day. Most of the times, it's really easy to spot the "working girls". If you want to walk the strip, bring good shoes. Everything looks so close but I promise you they are not. Don't expect to walk from the Mandalay Bay to Wynn in a couple of hours.

 

[GTOJOSH]

Lucielles smokehouse in greenvalley (henderson) a few minutes south of "vegas" to eat. Despite having lived in Texas growing up, I'll tell you Lucielles has some of the best ribs I've ever had. Sacrilege I know, But true. My wife also likes their other food, but get the ribs and man up.
I'd stay in the Vadara again if I were to go back. I've stayed in the venition, excalibur, luxor, rio, etc. But Vadara was the most relaxed, and tone down feeling after a night of fighting vegas traffic.
Blue Man Group is always a nice show for you and the wife. The big shot at the stratosphere, and Most of the rest of why I'd go is no longer there. The car collection in the imperial palace is cool if you're into vintage, and free admission if you're a AAA member. Hash house a go go there is also a cool place to eat with alot of food- pretty good too, but some of the worst customer service and waitressing I've ever had anywhere.

 

[mrdrar]

Is the UNLV Capstone Cafe still a thing?

 

[clcustom1911]

Fellas,

My wife and I are going to Vegas this spring sometime. It’ll be our first vacation since 2016 as we’ve had 3 kids in 5 years. Love them to death but it’s time.

I’d like some input from you guys who have Vegas a bit more figured out than I.

The rundown:
1. No we will not change the destination
2. I’ve never been to Vegas
3. My wife went once in college (we’re both 30)
4. I know Vegas has the sweetest ranges with the coolest weapons in the world but we won’t be partaking
5. We’re thinking two days of somewhat relaxation (pool/spa/etc) and two days of the Vegas experience. Whatever that happens to be.
6. We do drink
7. A cool pool at the hotel would be a huge plus
8. We’re not rich. Nor are we poor.
9. We don’t gamble
10. We aren’t food snobs but will not be eating McDonald’s

Did I miss anything? I appreciate any and all input!

Hard Rock Hotel is my #1 for your list. Just off the strip, really cool room decor, really fantastic pool... like fo-reels.

If you're into real people watching, and dive bars, as @DarnYankeeUSMC said Fremont Street and the zip line is where you need to be.

 

[kriller134]

until further notice yes lol

Haha just joking man. The golden nugget has a pretty awesome pool with a separate adult pool. If you want a nice view of the strip go to the Waldorf Astoria and get a drink at their bar preferably at night. Gordon Ramsay steak is one of my favorites, but there are too many to choose from. If you want casual dining, yard birds at the Venetian is great food. The mob museum is super cool too if you’re interested in that type of history. They also have a speak easy there too. Lots of stuff to do in Vegas besides gambling and hookers and blow. If there’s a golden knights game I’d highly recommend that too.

 

[Matches Malone]

Consider booking zoomanity. There’s other theater shows if you don’t like that one, but it’s pretty funny.

I shouldn’t recommend food, as I don’t really do dine outs much, I stay clean on my calories.

Club LAX was ok. Coyote ugly too. I prefer non vegas, to vegas, and prefer neither to them myself, but I went a decent amount I was younger. Look into tickets for the Vegas crawl. You’ll end up at all bars and it’ll probably be a wild night.

 

[Sandhog308]

Fellas,

My wife and I are going to Vegas this spring sometime. It’ll be our first vacation since 2016 as we’ve had 3 kids in 5 years. Love them to death but it’s time.

I’d like some input from you guys who have Vegas a bit more figured out than I.

The rundown:
1. No we will not change the destination
2. I’ve never been to Vegas
3. My wife went once in college (we’re both 30)
4. I know Vegas has the sweetest ranges with the coolest weapons in the world but we won’t be partaking
5. We’re thinking two days of somewhat relaxation (pool/spa/etc) and two days of the Vegas experience. Whatever that happens to be.
6. We do drink
7. A cool pool at the hotel would be a huge plus
8. We’re not rich. Nor are we poor.
9. We don’t gamble
10. We aren’t food snobs but will not be eating McDonald’s

Did I miss anything? I appreciate any and all input!

Fatburger

 

[Bigfatcock]

Are hookers and blow out of the question?

That was going to be my suggestion.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Hoover dam and the Atomic Energy Museum. Buy the “expensive”’ticket at the dam and get the deep under ground tour. Worth it. AEM is awesome! Test site museum.

There are some really excellent breakfast places outside the hotels. Diners and family restaurants.

Avoid buffets. Avoid Binions Horshehoe lounge. They turned it into a crap steakhouse. Use to be the best steak in Vegas. Avoid gold and silver pawn.

Play the Change Machine. A winner every time.

Hope that helps!

 

[Oryx]

#9 and #5 (part B) seem to conflict somewhat. Part of the experience is the gambling. Just set some cash aside that you can blow without worrying about it. Maybe start with some low limit tables and try some roulette, craps .... people at the table will help you along if you're not familiar. Ive seen lots of beginner luck!

Freemont street has really changed over the past decade or so and is worth checking out for the experience.
One of my favorite views of the strip at night is from the bar at the top of the Rio .. slightly off the strip but the perspective is fantastic.

Favorite hotel is Ceasars... a classic that has been able to keep up. Some of the newer hotels are nice though. Aria is nice as mentioned and gives decent central access.

The biggest lesson to learn is that things look close, but it's a hike sometimes... be prepared for some walking. The monorail however has great access and convenient

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

Following the signs through any hotel will get you a free tour of the entire casino.

 

[Srgt. Hulka]

 

[Maggot]

Just a question, no insult intended.

If you dont gamble, why are you going to Las Vegas?

Ive been twice and wouldnt go back. Some nice people but Its about the most plastic place Ive been. but them I hate cities in general.

 

[db2000]

Splurge a little for a corner bedroom with a wrap around balcony at the Cosmo and you’ll watch the fountains at the Bellagio as well as one of the best views in Vegas. It’s cheaper than you’d think. Momofuko is a killer restaurant by David Change in the Cosmo but they have several other top end spots too if you want something other than a steakhouse. Vegas is where many Michelin chefs drop a “sister” restaurant to their flagships in NYC or other hotspots. Agree with Freemont and Downtown. Gotta see that. Rent a car and see or eat some places off the strip. Grand Canyon will take a whole day so plan for 4 days there if you’re trying to do that. 2 days won’t be enough. Stay 3 nights if possible.

 

[Northfl]

Wife and i did the grand canyon. Well worth the day trip for that.
Also did the valley of fire state park north of vegas. Think thats the name of it. That was some coyote/road runner shit there is the first thing i thought. Went one night to see the bellagio fountains and the freaks around there. Would i go back, probably but i gamble a little and got lucky enough to almost pay for the trip

 

[Nik H]

Fellas,

My wife and I are going to Vegas this spring sometime. It’ll be our first vacation since 2016 as we’ve had 3 kids in 5 years. Love them to death but it’s time.

I’d like some input from you guys who have Vegas a bit more figured out than I.

The rundown:
1. No we will not change the destination
2. I’ve never been to Vegas
3. My wife went once in college (we’re both 30)
4. I know Vegas has the sweetest ranges with the coolest weapons in the world but we won’t be partaking
5. We’re thinking two days of somewhat relaxation (pool/spa/etc) and two days of the Vegas experience. Whatever that happens to be.
6. We do drink
7. A cool pool at the hotel would be a huge plus
8. We’re not rich. Nor are we poor.
9. We don’t gamble
10. We aren’t food snobs but will not be eating McDonald’s

Did I miss anything? I appreciate any and all input!

Stay at the the Wynn or at the Encore...thank me later

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

Four Kegs
Best pizza in town
Shiner Bock on tap.
Yum Yum
Square pizza and Jewish German beer.

 

[TurboTrout]

if you arnt going to blow $1k a day, don’t go.
And I’m not saying that to be rude

The ranges were more “experience a machine gun” type deals and geared as more of a tourist experience than a place for experienced shooters, especially for the price tag.

It’s a eat lavish food, gamble, go to shows, type place. And unless you’re cool spending 1k a day it is going to have more of a window shopping feel to it.

I’ve been a few times, it’s cool once or twice, like Disney land, it’s a cool experience but once you’ve been it’s not like a seasons pass type deal.

 

[Drew890]

Hard Rock Hotel is my #1 for your list. Just off the strip, really cool room decor, really fantastic pool... like fo-reels.

If you're into real people watching, and dive bars, as @DarnYankeeUSMC said Fremont Street and the zip line is where you need to be.

The Hard Rock hotel and casino closed several years ago.
It is now the Virgin hotel and casino.

 

[Drew890]

Consider booking zoomanity. There’s other theater shows if you don’t like that one, but it’s pretty funny.

I shouldn’t recommend food, as I don’t really do dine outs much, I stay clean on my calories.

Club LAX was ok. Coyote ugly too. I prefer non vegas, to vegas, and prefer neither to them myself, but I went a decent amount I was younger. Look into tickets for the Vegas crawl. You’ll end up at all bars and it’ll probably be a wild night.

They ended the Zoomanity show at New York New York.
They are starting a new show at the theater which is much different than Zoomanity.

 

[TurboTrout]

Show wise, Cirque Du Soleil was pretty good.

 

[7.62willdo]

A prophylactic course of antibiotics and bail money……..thank me later.

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

Before the crash of '08 there were a crap ton of free shows. The pirate show was pretty good.
On one trip before 08 there were tons of seminars for time shares and home buying. Many offered tickets to the big shows and money to sit for an hour or two. I went to a couple and collected the $300 and some show tickets. $300 for seed money for gambling and a couple good shows was worth while for a couple hours in the morning.

But back on topic.
Two days isn't a lot of time considering that it's a night life place.
A traditional show girl act (topless or not) is worth the experience.
Put your $5 (or whatever it is now) into one of the progressive one arm bandits. You may just be the lucky one.

 

[Trailgomer]

Drive to Mt. Charleston and have lunch…a beautiful place!

 

[Expert684]

Pink bus tour to the desert or Hover dam are fun.
For sure take in any of the Cirque De Soliel shows.
I went i November on business, Vegas has gotten a bit “dirtier” in the last 10 years.

 

[TurboTrout]

Pink bus tour to the desert or Hover dam are fun.
For sure take in any of the Cirque De Soliel shows.
I went i November on business, Vegas has gotten a bit “dirtier” in the last 10 years.

Like the sexy kind of dirty, or the yute kind of dirty?

 

[zeroz]

If you like crude humor Absinthe is funny as shit. The 1k a day minimum is no shit if you want to see shows, eat good food and stay somewhere decent. Notice I didn't include gambling money in that. Somebody mentioned Gordon Ramseys for instance. Seemed like its kind of a middle of the road place price wise on the strip. $40 fish and chips, $70 beef Wellington and $25 cocktails. $3 if you want BBQ sauce. Its definitely a place you go to purge money. That said, looking at the place, it didn't get built for free.

 

[Expert684]

Like the sexy kind of dirty, or the yute kind of dirty?

I’ve noticed more homeless, some dude who looked like Slash from GnR was tweaking in front of Target, jumping around and flipping out. People just walked by like it’s normal. A lot more vagrancy than what I’ve seen on previous trips.

 

[Enthusiast80]

Vegas is great even if you don't gamble!! If one or both of you likes to golf, I recommend taking an afternoon, booking a tee time and taking an uber to the Arroyo Club. I golfed 18, rented clubs, and my girlfreind was a guest/rider/cigar holder for $130. Rental clubs were brand new Taylormade sticks. Mandalay bay has a great pool. Bally's has a cool lounge to get a drink. The flower atrium at the bellagio is not to be missed. The restaurant in the Eiffel Tower is a great place for a nice dinner out. (Food is good but you are paying for the experience)

If you are a drinker, grab a tall boy and walk the strip......some of the best people watching ever!!!

I do agree with the comments above about expense though....Vegas can be done on a budget but it was not designed to be cheap.........spend the cash and have a blast!

 

[n0glock]

Only been once, stayed at the Venetian, had a standard room right across from the the fountains, fantastic big rooms, great view, good location, I highly recommend it, Southwest was running a deal on room and airfare.

 

[impactaddict]

The rides at the top of the stratosphere are legit. Riding the BigShot when you're already on top of a skyscraper is quite the experience.. This is best at night.

 

[Halfnutz]

Car guy or not, the Shelby Museum is just cool.
The historian, if still there, had stories about all the cars and Mr Shelby. It was entertaining for my girlfriend at the time as well.

 

[leftyk82]

My recent experience in January, took my wife. No kids, not big gamblers, not smokers.

Stayed at the Trump, one of the only hotels without a casino; non-smoking, too. It's at the north end of the strip, seemingly 'away' from everything, but nothing is too far. They have a pretty good pool, heated in winter. Only one restaurant at that property and we only ate breakfast there.

Get outside Vegas. We went to Red Rock State Park courtesy of Pink Jeep Tours; don't let the name fool you. Most of these guides are older Vegas residents who know the area, love people and have a ton of knowledge. Red Rock Loop was beautiful and we went off-road for some great scenery and pictures.

We checked out Hoover Dam with another tour, but didn't do the actual Dam Tour; ours was just driving through Boulder City and going to the Dam. Lots of history there and a good non-strip outing.

Food in Vegas - three places I'd recommend - Golden Steer Steakhouse, Battista's Hole in the Wall (Italian) and Eataly (also Italian). GSS dates back to the fifties and looks like a strip mall from the outside but don't let that fool ya. Battista's is also quite old and the food is incredible; tons of vintage stuff in that place; think Italian Celebrity Cracker Barrel. Eataly is modern and is a huge food court (don't think low-end though) with pastries, pizzas, pastas, espresso. It sits within the Park MGM which is also a non smoking facility.

Skip the Mob Museum, it was okay but it's $30 a person I think to walk around.

 

[Halfnutz]

My recent experience in January, took my wife. No kids, not big gamblers, not smokers.

Stayed at the Trump, one of the only hotels without a casino; non-smoking, too. It's at the north end of the strip, seemingly 'away' from everything, but nothing is too far. They have a pretty good pool, heated in winter. Only one restaurant at that property and we only ate breakfast there.

Get outside Vegas. We went to Red Rock State Park courtesy of Pink Jeep Tours; don't let the name fool you. Most of these guides are older Vegas residents who know the area, love people and have a ton of knowledge. Red Rock Loop was beautiful and we went off-road for some great scenery and pictures.

We checked out Hoover Dam with another tour, but didn't do the actual Dam Tour; ours was just driving through Boulder City and going to the Dam. Lots of history there and a good non-strip outing.

Food in Vegas - three places I'd recommend - Golden Steer Steakhouse, Battista's Hole in the Wall (Italian) and Eataly (also Italian). GSS dates back to the fifties and looks like a strip mall from the outside but don't let that fool ya. Battista's is also quite old and the food is incredible; tons of vintage stuff in that place; think Italian Celebrity Cracker Barrel. Eataly is modern and is a huge food court (don't think low-end though) with pastries, pizzas, pastas, espresso. It sits within the Park MGM which is also a non smoking facility.

Skip the Mob Museum, it was okay but it's $30 a person I think to walk around.

A friend was there recently and did the mob museum. He is a firearms & CCW instructor.
They had a "shoot/dont shoot" simulator. In his opinion It's geared towards the average to below average person, he had fun with it.

I'd spend $30 there before gambling.

 

[myronman3]

been there twice. first time stayed at the belagio; it was great. second time was at excalibur (went with friends). DONT stay at excalibur.

other than that, i would say plan on arriving on a monday or tuesday, and getting the fuck out in 3 or 4 days. after day 2, i had enough. day 3 we left. i felt like that was about right. i wouldnt want to spend more than 4 days there.....unless i was stupid rich.

 

[myronman3]

oh, and see what the over/under is on russia vrs ukraine.

 

[Longshot231]

I've had a lot of trip to Lost Wages in the past but wasn't content to stay in town when off. So I would wonder out in the desert.

Check these places out. IMHO, these are great places to take the kids. Even if you don't take the kids with you, it's worth the experience.

Red Rock Canyon | Las Vegas, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive, a Visitor Center offering information and interpretation about recreation opportunities, hiking and trails, wildlife, vegetation, geology, cultural resources and much more.

www.redrockcanyonlv.org

Valley of Fire State Park | State Parks

A geologic wonderland, world-renowned Valley of Fire has 2,000 year old petroglyphs carved into massive red sandstone formations in the Mohave Desert. These stunning and unique sandstone formations were formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago.

parks.nv.gov

 

[LuvDog]

For the money for a room it's hard to beat the Palazzo/Venetian. You get a huge room and it's very nicely appointed.

The downside for me was that we liked to walk the strip and run in and out of a lot of casinos. It's on the north end of center strip, so it can get to be a long walk to the place further down. It's funny because we'd always end up at the cheapest places - VIP and Casino Royale - LOL.

For me Wynn, Encore are too far north the be able to walk to the rest of the strip.
Although the buffet at Encore is excellent

 

[hankpac]

Take half the clothes and twice the money.

 

[hypno02]

Haha just joking man. The golden nugget has a pretty awesome pool with a separate adult pool. If you want a nice view of the strip go to the Waldorf Astoria and get a drink at their bar preferably at night. Gordon Ramsay steak is one of my favorites, but there are too many to choose from. If you want casual dining, yard birds at the Venetian is great food. The mob museum is super cool too if you’re interested in that type of history. They also have a speak easy there too. Lots of stuff to do in Vegas besides gambling and hookers and blow. If there’s a golden knights game I’d highly recommend that too.

Thanks man. I do like live hockey. I can’t watch it on tv but in person it’s great.

 

[hypno02]

#9 and #5 (part B) seem to conflict somewhat. Part of the experience is the gambling. Just set some cash aside that you can blow without worrying about it. Maybe start with some low limit tables and try some roulette, craps .... people at the table will help you along if you're not familiar. Ive seen lots of beginner luck!

Freemont street has really changed over the past decade or so and is worth checking out for the experience.
One of my favorite views of the strip at night is from the bar at the top of the Rio .. slightly off the strip but the perspective is fantastic.

Favorite hotel is Ceasars... a classic that has been able to keep up. Some of the newer hotels are nice though. Aria is nice as mentioned and gives decent central access.

The biggest lesson to learn is that things look close, but it's a hike sometimes... be prepared for some walking. The monorail however has great access and convenient

Thanks man. With us wanting relaxation we’re potentially re-routing to Cancun but we don’t know as of now.

With that being said I‘m def saving all of this because Vegas sounds fun.

 

[Aqua Mark]

Honestly, I would recommend San Diego or Hawaii for relaxation, pool time, weather, and good food for a non-gambling couple.

I concur with hash house for good food portions. The buffets have gotten stupid expensive except for the station casino chain. Read Trip Advisor for thousands of recommendations of hotels and things to do. Avoid staying at circus circus, balleys, wild wild west, Arizona Charlie's and the like. Ceasars, NY NY, Planet Hollywood (good center strip locations), or Mandalay (south) is as cheap as you should go with wife on vacation.