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Upcoming Trip... Need Advice! 5 Couples, Some Vegas Newbies, Birthdays!

Discussion in 'LV Strip Hotels' started by MrsFuri, Jul 8, 2015.

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  1. MrsFuri

    MrsFuri Low-Roller

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    Good Day VMB Friends-

    I am planning a trip for five couples in September and as I've already mentioned, I want to take a break from Palazzo. MrFuri and I may come at the end of the month (July 28th to July 31st) and if we do, we'll try out the Wynn and for my birthday (our December trip) we are thinking SkyLofts. However, I am stumped to where to stay for our group trip.

    As I mentioned, there will be five couples... two of which have never been to Vegas and one who's only been once (she stayed at Palazzo, we got her and her husband hooked up). No one is as much of a gambler as we are and the other couples have less disposable income than we do. What I don't want to do is stay somewhere that my friends feel uncomfortable or like they can't do anything, because it's cost prohibitive.

    I should mention, we are footing nearly the entire bill (apart from their play, shopping and/or free time stuff they may want to do).

    It's preferable to stay at one of the 5*'s, I know that P/V isn't all that intimidating (or maybe I am just jaded, because it's been our home-base)... but what are your thoughts? Where would you stay? We are all in our 30's and early 40's... everyone makes "decent" money and wouldn't feel "out of place" at a 5*, I just worry that they'll be bored or won't have as good of a time because the gaming appears so expensive. Does that make sense?

    I had actually thought about staying at SkyLofts this trip... because the MGM casino, at least from what I remember... haven't been in probably a decade... seems a little more "approachable" for the everyday person. Ohhhh I wonder if Four Seasons or Delano would be good, MB has an "approachable" casino too...

    Also, anything we should absolutely do?

    I've already planned:

    - Strip Club Visit (we are all into that and maybe do OG or back to Spearmint, as it was a good visit the last time)
    - Club w/ Bottle (thinking Hyde or Drai's? The views at Hyde are just fabulous... open to suggestions)
    - Dinners at Carnevino, Mizumi, TBD Bellagio Restaurant (Prime? Le Cirque?), and I need one more!
    - Brunch at Border Grill at MB (open to alternative suggestion)
    - Karaoke at Harrah's Piano Bar
    - Some Show (haven't decided which, any ideas?)
    - Spa Day
    - Pool Time w/ Cabana

    We arrive pretty early on Friday (9/18 and leave in the evening on 9/22).

    Thanks in advance for your help!

    -MrsFuri
     
  2. BlacklabberMike

    BlacklabberMike MIA

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    for my 50th, the gang had the Twinkeys sing Happy Birthday on the piano at Harrahs.
    piano bar.jpg

    maybe you could stay after the Karaoke and do that


    take a ride on the Big Wheel in a bar car.
     
  3. MrsFuri

    MrsFuri Low-Roller

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    I love it! The piano bar IS fun!

    I had forgotten about the big wheel! Thanks :)
     
  4. kittyglitter_mm

    kittyglitter_mm Low-Roller

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    My first thought would be Aria. Food choices are fairly middle of the road but close to lots of options at different price points. For first timers, you want to be center strip and close to the action. Downside for me would be pools and cabanas. Imo, just ok at Aria, not great. Another option is Caesars Palace in Augustus or Octavious tower rooms. Pools are fabulous and it is quintessential Vegas for first timers. Blackjack and VP rules are bad apparently, but since I don't really play those, it doesn't bother me.
     
  5. vegasboundsoon

    vegasboundsoon Tourist

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    I, too, always stay at the Palazzo. Mrs. Vegasboundsoon, a direct descendant of Swedish royalty (no money involved), has particular requirements in terms of the walk from the room to the pool. We'd stayed at the Monte Carlo, Mandalay Bay, TheHotel,and the Venetian. Apparently, the Palazzo walk from room to the pool meets her requirements. So, we've been there a lot. In terms of restaurants, I always enjoy Aquaknox, so I'd recommend adding it to your list.
     
  6. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

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    Delano or MGM would make sense in terms of more budget gambling options, especially because they are also both quick trips to even lower roller casinos. But I don't know how much I'd sweat that aspect of it. First, they may be more adventurous than you think on a trip where so much of the expense is already covered (PS> wanna be friends? lol).

    More importantly, if gambling isn't their cup of tea, it won't matter how approachable it is, they may not do it much. So you wouldn't want to pick a hotel you won't like to accomodate something they wont do
     
  7. MrsFuri

    MrsFuri Low-Roller

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    That's a good point... I think I may do Bellagio because of its central location, it's super nice, there are some lower/medium play options nearby (across the street) and of course, it's the Bellagio (and that's impressive, I think, to first timers, especially... I mean who hasn't seen Oceans 11?) :)

    Thanks for you input... it makes a lot of sense to not pick a place based on what I think they'll do or not do.

    Does anyone know if the Bellagio has a VIP Lounge (like Prestige at P/V)?
     
  8. Hobofrank

    Hobofrank Prime Minister of Idiocracy

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    I vote Vdara, close to both Aria and Bellagio, but really quiet and low key
    no casino or smoking, but both are 500ft away if they want
    also a full kitchen and washer/dryer makes it feel more "homey" to me

    another similar option would be Mandarin Oriental
     
  9. MrsFuri

    MrsFuri Low-Roller

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    Definitely want a casino... even if one is nearby and two of the couples are smokers (so no dice). I want it to "feel" like Vegas!
     
  10. Geogran

    Geogran VIP Whale

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    Hey MrsFuri! Just got back from 5 night stay, 2 @ Wynn and 3@ Mirage.

    I think your reasoning on Bellagio is sound - not as in vogue as Aria seems to be, but a solid all around good choice for a large group.

    Bellagio has a VIP lounge, of sorts, it's used for VIP checkin, light snacks, soda, water, wine and seating. 2 entrances - one across from invited check-in before the conservatory, and another door entrance behind one of the table game areas.

    We always stay and play at either Mirage (suite), our home away from home, Bellagio (suite), Venetian (not Palazzo - too much walking to get out onto the strip for us), and Wynn (non-suite) only stay here once/twice a year as a second spot on longer stays (sadly, we cannot win on slots at Wynn-ever-or we would stay there more often; have stayed at Encore but prefer Wynn. Have booked Aria 5 times and cancelled (comp'd rooms plus RFB) every single time with better offers at above mentioned places. So we can't speak to anything at Aria other than decent slot play there. We are slot and VP players and like Mirage because we win, and win big there more often than any other place plus we have a great host who gives us plenty of extra perks even though we are not high rollers but manage a penthouse suite which is actually quite nice, updated and spacious and better than portrayed by some on the board, although the bathrooms in their standard rooms are quite small (King Tower rooms have slightly larger bathroom with walk-in shower) The Mirage casino will always look dated with its low ceilings but the casino floor is undergoing major renovations that so far have been successful, and still ongoing - they are adding a piano bar where the old high limit slot room was located plus spreading out and updating the slot area.

    With Bellagio your group is steps away (Vegas big steps) from many great places to play and eat at any time they choose - Bellagio, Aria, Caesars, Planet Hollywood, Cosmopolitan, Monte Carlo, and Paris - a real plus for spur of the moment changes.

    Not foodies but,
    Our personal favorites to eat at Bellagio are Le Cirque (every trip - creatures of habit :) And Prime on occasion.
    Le Cirque has several price fixe menus sure to please most palates, excellent experienced staff, innovative chef, quiet, intimate, and you can dress up in your gorgeous, girlie girl outfits! Nice little parting gift for the ladies adds a nice touch! The risotto with beets will knock your socks off. Other times, risotto with lobster is offered and also great. Sea bass is my favorite entree.
    Secret Pizza is a quick fun stop.
    At Wynn, we like SW.
    At V/P Delmonico's, Bouchon, and for late night or breakfast we like the Luxe.
    Mirage has ok, not awesome, restaurants - Tom Collechio's Heritage steakhouse (adequate), Stack, Fins, Potofino's (hit or miss), but easy walk to Vevetian or Bellagio for other choices.

    Can't wait to read another fun TR for your next upcoming!!!
     
  11. Aces and Eights

    Aces and Eights VIP Whale

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    One of the things I do with people that I go with in late October, is people watch at the Petrossian Bar in Bellagio. It's right at the casino entrance from the registration lobby. We have caviar, Champagne (or sparkling wine), and a cheese plate. And there's also a pianist. Have him play Clair de Lune to get a real Ocean's Eleven vibe.

    We also go to Palio (not the kiosk downstairs closest to the street corner) and have our morning coffee/latte/mocha along with a pastry.

    Across the street at Paris, Mon Ami Gabi is great to have brunch on the patio. Once I was there in the summer and had a great table right next to the indoor opening and felt the cool air conditioning.

    But being in the central location, Bellagio seems like the best for your style. The Cosmopolitan suites are nice because I think they were meant to be condos, but the downturn in the economy made them change to a hotel. Aria is the newest in that area. I like their casino floor, but have never stayed there. Some people think it's a bit dark.

    What's nice about V/P is their rooms. You never get anything smaller than their mini-suite. All of the other places have regular rooms along with mini-suites, so to get what you get at V/P, you have to make sure you get an upgrade.
     
  12. spicole

    spicole No shirt, no shoes... NO DICE!

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    For some first time visitors, I recommend that you stay near the center of the strip.

    I was going to suggest Aria (I took some first timers there last year) but I believe the tower is entirely non-smoking now. If you have some smokers in your party they may prefer somewhere else.

    The Bellagio may fit the bill. You'll get the quality and location you are looking for. My wife and I (early 40s) found the pool to be very relaxing. The elevators in the main tower drop you off very close to both the casino and the pool.

    I have not stayed in V/P so I cannot comment how that may compare to other properties.
     
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