My wife really wants to go to Vegas this spring, she wants to see Celine Dion. Originally she was going with her sister but she has since backed out so it looks like I might be the one who has to go. I've never been to Vegas, and I am going to be going through this thread. But I just thought I'd ask a couple questions up front. As of today, what is considered a 'good' price for flight/hotel? Best newb friendly hotel recommendations? Expected daily meal/drink allowance for a couple, she doesn't drink really just the odd one, I love craft beer.
Stay central on the strip!
Planet Hollywood and Flamingo are decent and budget friendly. Flamingo has a great pool, Planet Hollywood does not.
Bellagio, Caesar's, Cosmo are also all central and very nice but more expensive.
Avoid the other cheaper hotels unless you're looking to save a few bucks.
Cost including flights from Calgary can vary hugely based on what days you fly in/out. Thursday or Friday to Sunday or any long weekend being the most expensive, sometime by a long shot.
Last trip in January 2016 its was the cheapest I've seen it in a long time for a weekend trip. $820 for 2 people from Friday morning (9am flight) to Sunday night (7:30pm flight) at Monte Carlo.
In 2015 I did Tuesday night to Saturday night at Planet Hollywood for 2 people and it was $1200.
The Following User Says Thank You to rohara66 For This Useful Post:
My wife really wants to go to Vegas this spring, she wants to see Celine Dion. Originally she was going with her sister but she has since backed out so it looks like I might be the one who has to go. I've never been to Vegas, and I am going to be going through this thread. But I just thought I'd ask a couple questions up front. As of today, what is considered a 'good' price for flight/hotel? Best newb friendly hotel recommendations? Expected daily meal/drink allowance for a couple, she doesn't drink really just the odd one, I love craft beer.
I just got back from Vegas a couple of weeks ago (Thursday to Sunday). My wife and I are not fancy eaters in Vegas and I estimate we spent around $1,750 USD in that time. That was pure booze/entertainment (excludes cost of hotel and flight) and no shopping. On the strip, drinks range anywhere from 15-30 dollars (really boozy though) and beers range anywhere from 5-15 dollars. You can dash into a convenience store/drugstore while walking on the strip and get yourself a tall boy for $3.50 to tide you over until you get to your destination.
The Following User Says Thank You to TheAlpineOracle For This Useful Post:
I've been going back through the thread, lots of good info in here but I find a lot of the links are out dated. There seems to be a million different ways to do one thing, my OCD is twitching.
We are looking to go in late May or early June preferably. Originally we had budgeted the trip in as her going on her own but now with me it doubles (or triples based on my booze consumption habits) so I will definitely look to save a few bucks where I can. However I always refuse to go on a trip if I have to watch my wallet to closely, so I am not worried about spending for things that are worth it. We aren't interested in any shopping we got our fill in California on our honeymoon and still haven't worn all the clothes.
The trip is about Celine (I just can't say it without crying a little bit) any other activities are a bonus. Mainly we want to stay on the strip, walk around and see what all the buzz has been about and eat some good food. Neither of us likes to gamble, so that is out. So I am thinking another show is a good idea. Cirque seems to be the most popular and kootaneyguy posted a good link to buy passes from Costco. So that helps. Any other suggestions for a couple? A pool cabana day seems like a good fit as well.
__________________ "In brightest day, in blackest night / No evil shall escape my sight / Let those who worship evil's might / Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
I've been going back through the thread, lots of good info in here but I find a lot of the links are out dated. There seems to be a million different ways to do one thing, my OCD is twitching.
We are looking to go in late May or early June preferably. Originally we had budgeted the trip in as her going on her own but now with me it doubles (or triples based on my booze consumption habits) so I will definitely look to save a few bucks where I can. However I always refuse to go on a trip if I have to watch my wallet to closely, so I am not worried about spending for things that are worth it. We aren't interested in any shopping we got our fill in California on our honeymoon and still haven't worn all the clothes.
The trip is about Celine (I just can't say it without crying a little bit) any other activities are a bonus. Mainly we want to stay on the strip, walk around and see what all the buzz has been about and eat some good food. Neither of us likes to gamble, so that is out. So I am thinking another show is a good idea. Cirque seems to be the most popular and kootaneyguy posted a good link to buy passes from Costco. So that helps. Any other suggestions for a couple? A pool cabana day seems like a good fit as well.
Michael Jackson at Mandalay Bay is amazing. Highly recommended. Or Absinthe at Cesars Palace was awesome (but it is extremely crude if that bothers you or the wife).
Food can get pricy but I've always had quick/cheap eats for breakfast and lunch and then nicer meals for dinner to save a few bucks. We always grab a sandwich at The Earl of Sandwich (I've ranted about it on here before) which is a sub $10 meal for lunch and is delicious. Get up, grab a sandwich downstairs (which is why PH is convenient to stay at), back to room to get cleaned up, grab a tall boy and then out onto the strip.
Edit: Last stay was at Monte Carlo which had a food court at the base of the hotel elevators which was a huge plus in the mornings (or even late at night) for quick/cheap snacks.
Drinking isn't that expensive down there. There are a couple pharmacy/grocery stores on the strip where I usually grab a case of beer when I arrive, which will be dirt cheap. Throw some beer on ice in the room and take one with you when you leave to walk the strip. Also all those same strip pharmacy's sell individual tall boys for $2-$3 so you can always grab one while walking the strip as well for a cheap drink. Casino bars for a bottle of beer should only be $5-$8 depending on what you drink so not a huge difference than Calgary. And some/most bars will have specials like Casino Royal which has $1 Michelobs or $2 Coors. Fancier restaurants get into the real pricy drinks but you wont spend over $10 for a normal beer unless you're going to the clubs.
Pool cabanas will not be free, you'll have to pay extra to sit in the cabana. Totally ridiculous but they'll probably want to you to buy a bottle of booze to 'book' the cabana all day. With that said you should be able to grab some loungers by the pool, if you go early enough.
OCB aside, book your hotel first then you can start to plan meals/events a little easier.
Last edited by rohara66; 04-11-2016 at 01:26 PM.
The Following User Says Thank You to rohara66 For This Useful Post:
I should add last time I went a couple years we stayed at NYNY and really liked it. Not super expensive, lots of restaurants, and the piano bar! And it's not right in the middle of the strip but it's in a pretty decent spot, right across from MGM and not that far of a walk to a bunch of other hotels. Not sure you can really go wrong with many hotels, all have pros and cons and most are close to each other.
The Following User Says Thank You to KootenayFlamesFan For This Useful Post:
I should have added that we both really love live music, despite me dragging my feet to Celine I know it will be a great show. Piano bar and and old fashioned is a great way to spend an evening. Thanks for the suggestions.
__________________ "In brightest day, in blackest night / No evil shall escape my sight / Let those who worship evil's might / Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
The wife and I were just there during the last week of March. The Bachanal buffet at Caesar's Palace is expensive, but is probably the best IMO. Also, if you like authentic Thai food, Lotus of Siam is worth checking out. It's off the strip, but pretty cheap if you compare it to the celebrity-chef type restaurants on the strip. It's probably a good idea to make reservations at least a couple of weeks in advance.
The Following User Says Thank You to wontondestruction For This Useful Post:
We also went to the the wacko jacko cirque show and it was very enjoyable - we opted to spend money on tickets and sat in the first row.
We stayed at Monte Carlo and it is good because of the food court - only crummy thing is that for health reasons you are apparently not allowed to take food court food into the pool area. I found drinks at the poolside bar to be expensive.
__________________
If I do not come back avenge my death
The Following User Says Thank You to Northendzone For This Useful Post:
Did you guys generally book through expedia or one of the other travel websites? Or is it advantageous to pick a hotel and call them to see what they can do?
__________________ "In brightest day, in blackest night / No evil shall escape my sight / Let those who worship evil's might / Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
I should have added that we both really love live music, despite me dragging my feet to Celine I know it will be a great show. Piano bar and and old fashioned is a great way to spend an evening. Thanks for the suggestions.
If you like piano bars you absolutely have to go to the one in NYNY. We actually go to Vegas just to go there. Do yourself a favour though, and pay for a seat rather than going in the general admission side.
Last edited by TheAlpineOracle; 04-11-2016 at 02:18 PM.
The Following User Says Thank You to TheAlpineOracle For This Useful Post:
if you are looking to see a Cirque show cheaper, go to the day sales kiosks on the strip. You won't get a ticket to the newere ones (O, Zarkana, etc.), but will get one to the ones like KA, Mystere, or Zumanti for a big discount. Still very entertaining shows, just have been there a while.
The Following User Says Thank You to TheAlpineOracle For This Useful Post:
Did you guys generally book through expedia or one of the other travel websites? Or is it advantageous to pick a hotel and call them to see what they can do?
I always book through westjet vacations. You end up paying whatever for the flights and then they discount the hotel package quiet a bit. Air Canada flights will be similar to WestJet but their 'vacation packages' suck for pricing IMO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheAlpineOracle
If you like piano bar's you absolutely have to go to the one in NYNY. We actually go to Vegas just to go there. Do yourself a favour though, and pay for a seat rather than going in the general admission side.
Missed this every time I've gone. I recall reading that the one on the other side of the strip (I think in Harrahs) is really fun as well.
The Following User Says Thank You to rohara66 For This Useful Post:
I always book through westjet vacations. You end up paying whatever for the flights and then they discount the hotel package quiet a bit. Air Canada flights will be similar to WestJet but their 'vacation packages' suck for pricing IMO.
Missed this every time I've gone. I recall reading that the one on the other side of the strip (I think in Harrahs) is really fun as well.
Westjet vacations are always 200-300 more booking directly through Westjet than booking through expedia. Not sure why, but it is almost always the case.
The Following User Says Thank You to TheAlpineOracle For This Useful Post:
Did you guys generally book through expedia or one of the other travel websites? Or is it advantageous to pick a hotel and call them to see what they can do?
I usually book through either WestJet or Air Canada Vacations and find a package deal. That's always been the best deal whenever I've looked.
If there's a specific show you want, check out the hotel's website, sometimes they offer a package deal where you can a good discount on the room and/or show tickets if you stay at the same hotel as the show.
__________________
Turn up the good, turn down the suck!
The Following User Says Thank You to getbak For This Useful Post:
Westjet vacations are always 200-300 more booking directly through Westjet than booking through expedia. Not sure why, but it is almost always the case.
Really?
I also have a westjet reward mastercard so I'm always going on westjet dollars but damn, never realized its that much of a difference.
Also all this Vegas talk is giving me the itch again haha.
The Following User Says Thank You to rohara66 For This Useful Post:
I've been going back through the thread, lots of good info in here but I find a lot of the links are out dated. There seems to be a million different ways to do one thing, my OCD is twitching.
We are looking to go in late May or early June preferably. Originally we had budgeted the trip in as her going on her own but now with me it doubles (or triples based on my booze consumption habits) so I will definitely look to save a few bucks where I can. However I always refuse to go on a trip if I have to watch my wallet to closely, so I am not worried about spending for things that are worth it. We aren't interested in any shopping we got our fill in California on our honeymoon and still haven't worn all the clothes.
The trip is about Celine (I just can't say it without crying a little bit) any other activities are a bonus. Mainly we want to stay on the strip, walk around and see what all the buzz has been about and eat some good food. Neither of us likes to gamble, so that is out. So I am thinking another show is a good idea. Cirque seems to be the most popular and kootaneyguy posted a good link to buy passes from Costco. So that helps. Any other suggestions for a couple? A pool cabana day seems like a good fit as well.
We are going last week of May flights were only $328 when booked on Expedia a month or so ago. There's a thousand different ways to do Vegas, and I like to think I've done them all and consider myself a pro. The biggest cost difference is going on a week end vs going during the week, rooms will likely be at least double on a week end. Staying on the strip means eating out every meal, no fridge or coffee pot in your room. Everything will cost more then you expect, it doesn't matter if you want to go fancy or cheap. I would say $150 a day for breakfast, lunch/ snack and incidentals for two people to be realistic, Dinners and drinks will cost you as much as you want to spend, maybe budget $300/ day? It really depends your tastes and how you plan to eat and drink. The drinks just add up so darn fast,especially with meals or sitting in a bar, it is really hard to give advice on a per diem. My best advice is that you will spend more then you expect.
As for the shows I'd recommend any Cirque show except Zumanity, you don't have to splurge for O either as Ka and Mystere are both very good, La Reve as an alternative is highly recommended to although I haven't been to it yet. Jersey Boys is good, and if you don't mind something a little crude check out Absynthe, very good.
__________________
The only thing better then a glass of beer is tea with Ms McGill
Last edited by Derek Sutton; 04-11-2016 at 02:38 PM.
The Following User Says Thank You to Derek Sutton For This Useful Post:
Just checked westjet vacations and expedia for May 26-May 29th and prices are $1651 on WJ and $1687 on Expedia for planet Hollywood.
Thats after selecting the same flights on both.
Expedia always sneak in 'lower prices' but when you get to the select flight page they default you to layover flights sometimes. Which on a Vegas trip is stupid.
The Following User Says Thank You to rohara66 For This Useful Post:
Does it matter which exact days you go? Like will there be that big of a difference over Sunday to Thursday or Monday to Friday? Or is it just that Friday/Saturday that jack up the price? I was thinking Sunday to Wed or Thurs depending how many nights we want to spend, I feel like 3 will be enough especially if we are looking to keep costs down.
Well for us we are coming from Saskatoon and even though they are always advertising direct flights!!! There are zero available for like the entire month of May. Maybe booked up already? We are debating driving up to Calgary on the Friday as we have a ton of friends and family to visit in the area, and then flying out on the Sunday from there.
I just hate that 6 hour drive home after we land.. although whats worse 6 hours of pod casts in my car or 6 hours in a air port somewhere with a layover.
__________________ "In brightest day, in blackest night / No evil shall escape my sight / Let those who worship evil's might / Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
Does it matter which exact days you go? Like will there be that big of a difference over Sunday to Thursday or Monday to Friday? Or is it just that Friday/Saturday that jack up the price? I was thinking Sunday to Wed or Thurs depending how many nights we want to spend, I feel like 3 will be enough especially if we are looking to keep costs down.
We went early Sunday morning to late Friday evening and it was $530/person at The Mirage. We booked through expedia. We found going during the work week to be about 20% cheaper.
The Following User Says Thank You to wontondestruction For This Useful Post:
