Please help me decide on a Las Vegas hotel room!

[ScrimpAndSave]

All of these include nonstop airfare from Newark, NJ. Monday March 29th to Thursday April 1st (three nights stay) for two people.

Bellagio $895

MGM Grand $785

Mirage $835

Treasure Island $755

Aria $795

I don't need the most upscale room ever...I am more into better location. Never been to Vegas! What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

[disneysteve]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those.

TI is the farthest north on the strip.
MGM is the farthest south.
Bellagio is the most centrally located, followed by Mirage.

I like to be in the center of things. Last trip, we stayed at Excalibur and it was too far south, too long of a hike to get to the other end. Assuming price isn't an issue for you, I'd choose Bellagio.

Las Vegas Strip Map | VEGAS.com

[gamecock43]

I am going in May. I booked at the MGM Gand.

I stayed at Ballys a few years ago and was very happy. It wasnt luxurious but it was very nice and had a great location.

[disneysteve]

Having never been to Vegas, you are going to be overwhelmed with all there is to see and do. Since you'll only be there for 3 nights, you can't possibly see it all, so ultimately, it doesn't really matter which of these places you choose. If you stay at MGM, you'll spend time exploring the south end of the strip: MGM, Tropicana, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, etc. If you stay at TI, you'll get a better view of the northern properties: TI, Mirage, Wynn, Venetian, etc.

Really, there is no bad option here.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Thanks everyone. I think we are going to do the Bellagio...it seems that the extra money is worth it if the rooms and hotel are nicer in general. I also like the centralized location.

[disneysteve]

My wife's favorite thing in Vegas is the fountain show at Bellagio. She could stand there all night watching that.

[MonkeyMama]

All nice hotels. Have stayed at MGM before - was nice but HUGE. Lots of walking. Bellagio might be nice and central - I Agree.

We usually stay on the north end because it is cheap (Hilton - a bit out of the way), but they have plenty of public transport. We usually spend most of our time by all the hotels you mentioned (more on the south end). So any of those would really be a good spot.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Thanks Monkeymama....I was really surprised by how decent the prices were for nonstop airfare and hotel stay. I will be going over spring break...guess it is a good time. Yay!

[elessar78]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is there to do aside from gambling and shows to do in Vegas?

[guppy]

I was just in Vegas 1/24 - 1/29 and stayed at the Luxor for 5 nights. For 2 people, flying from ABE (Lehigh Valley Airport in PA) to Vegas w/ 1 stop over each way, and a 3 day powerpass (free admission to hoover dam tour, madame tussauds and a bunch of other places) it came out to $940. Without the 3-day powerpass I think it was around $750 or 800. I used kayak.com which directed me to orbitz.com for the best deal. I would see if you could find any coupon codes. Orbitz gave me an extra $50 dollars off since I spent over a certain amount. The Luxor gave me 2 nights for free since I travelled at a specific time they were offering deals. The Luxor looked very cool from the outside, but the rooms were dated. I didnt mind since I got a great deal, but I don't think I'd stay there in the future. The Bellagio looked absolutely beautiful though, and I think my next stay I'll be going there.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Awh, guppy...you are from my area!
Don't you just love that little airport?! I am going to go from Newark though so I have a direct flight.

[disneysteve]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is there to do aside from gambling and shows to do in Vegas?

Tons of stuff. Here are some suggestions, in no particular order:

Visit all of the resorts. Check out each of the major properties like Venetian, Bellagio, New York New York, etc. Between the architecture and decor, shops, dining and art exhibits, you could easily spend a couple of hours at each of them.

Madame Tussaud's wax museum

Free shows at many of the hotels

The Fremont Street experience - a free high-tech light show on a canopy that extends a couple of blocks over Fremont Street. Also, lots of free outdoor entertainment along the street.

Imax theater at Luxor

Liberace Museum

Hoover Dam

Helicopter tours

Ethel M chocolate factory tour (and cactus gardens)

Titanic exhibit at Luxor

Ride the roller coaster at New York New York

See the pirate boat show at TI

Go up in the Eiffel Tower at Paris

Go up the Stratosphere Tower. More rides when you get to the top.

See the parade in the sky at the Rio.

See the lions at MGM.

See the birds at The Flamingo.

That's just a quick list. There are tons more things to do. On our last trip, we were there for 5 days with our daughter who was 9 at the time. My wife didn't gamble at all. I only gambled at night after our daughter was in bed. The rest of the time, we were out and about, seeing the sights and having a great time. My daughter would love to go back as we only scratched the surface of all there is to do out there.

[MonkeyMama]

Agreed.

& EAT. I think we go to Vegas primarily to eat. I highly recommend the Aladdin's Spice Buffet (though pricey). My spouse likes to gamble, but not me. Though I don't mind playing slots for a while. We mostly walk around to see all the hotels. They all have something flashy to draw people in. & we love Fremont Street as well (at night).

We live close enough that either flying or driving, we can always do a weekend for under $500. So we tend to go at least every other year.

[snafu]

We go to escape winter's snow, ice, ghastly driving conditions etc. Don't need to rent a car, just took shuttle between venues. Loved all already mentioned + enjoyed lounge acts, cheap cocktails, lounging at the pool and the interesting people we met from all over the world! Everyone wants to tell you about their unique experience. L-o-v-e-d the sight of seriously old seniors walking outside holding their cup of coins for balance...no fear, no clutching handbags etc.

Someone encouraged us to take the regular transit bus down the strip to downtown, that was a hoot!

[Mike75]

I love Vegas

I have some of the wildest times of my life in Vegas. I simply love this city. It makes even the most boring people feel alive.