Best Hotel for Newbies?

My aunt, sister, and I are considering a trip to Vegas together. My sister and I are both in our 20s and my aunt is 54. A few years ago, my aunt and I went to Vegas for my 21st birthday with a coworker of hers; we stayed at the Excalibur. We were only there a couple of days, and only visited NY-NY and the Luxor outside our hotel. Excalibur was fine, but I know it's on the 'less glamourous' side, and I remember it seeming really dark in the room and hallways (I could be wrong).

Anyways, I'm trying to figure out what hotel to look at for the next trip. We're not huge gamblers, so the actual casino part matters less (I think we spent more time at the arcade than casino at Excalibur). We're also all really, really tourist-y. By that I mean the stuff that locals call tourist traps and cheesy are right up our alley. We're also huge Disney fans, if that gives you any idea of our aesthetic preferences (that also means any room over 320 ft will seem large for us lol).

I've been playing the MLife slots games and earning loyalty points, so if any of the MGM resorts sounds right, that'd be great, but it's not a requirement. Cost is a factor, but we're not cheap, so mid-range would be good.

Any advice or suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks.

 

Maybe Mirage? If all you've seen is the Luxor-Excalibur-NYNY corridor, then there's a lot you have to see! Mirage would put you in easy-ish walking distance to the major properties, which are fun to walk through (Wynn, Venetian, Bellagio, Caesars, etc.). Disclaimer: I've never stayed at Mirage.

Another possibility: Vdara. I've not stayed there, but my wife has. Very large rooms, cheaper than Aria and Bellagio, close to the major mid-strip sites. No on-site casino, but it doesn't seem like that'd be a major issue for you.

 

agree on the mirage... it was good for the griswolds.....

here's a shout out for harrahs. right across the street.

both mirage and harrahs are mid strip, and as in real estate... location,location,location

 

Mirage is a great casino and smack dab in the middle of everything

 

I always thought Flamingo was a good place to "start" Vegas. It's location and price can't be beat, and it's a stones throw from a bunch of properties. Spring for a Go Room, but don't spend too much on a room. You won't spend much time there, especially on a first trip

 

+1 Mirage

Since you are MLife, maximize the rewards potential and go Mirage. Good hotel, good location.

Since you did South Strip last time, stay Center Strip. If Mirage doesn't work out and you want a newly redone room on the central strip check out non-MLife Paris Burgundy rooms or Harrahs Valley rooms. Since you are Disney fans you may like Paris because it's themed. (The rooms at the Linq remind me of Disney's All Star resorts!) Heck, you could even get a monorail pass from MyVegas and really WDW it up if you stay on the east (Harrahs/Paris) side.

Be sure to book the type of beds you want. LV is not like most of US where 2 bedded rooms are the norm.

 

the last time i did that it almost killed me...

 

Quick with the wit and the keyboard. Too bad I was editing while you posted because I rephrased that!

 

For a Strip property I really like the Mirage. Nice rooms, easy to get down to the Strip, and a good location.

 

I usually recommend Harrah's for location on the Strip, but if your Mlife (why does my autocorrect always change that?) account matters, Mirage is the same location. Spend half a day at Caesars Shopping mall, get a taste of old school at Casino Royale. Walk to Bellagio fountains. More touristy? Pinball Hall of Fame. Peppermill for breakfast or any meal.

 

Mirage

 

Paris is probably the most Disney-like property (okay, Epcot-like....) plus if you get a tower-view room you'll have a windowside seat for the Bellagio fountains. Planet Hollywood also has fountain-view rooms for a decent price, though the vibe is a little more hip, especially on weekends or concert nights.

You're still just across the street from being able to use your MyVegas rewards at Bellagio and Aria. (assuming that's what you meant the MLife loyalty points.)

 

I love the Mirage but would suggest NYNY. Quickish access to T Mobile Arena, Tropicana, Monte Carlo/Crystals/Bellagio tram, direct bridge to MGM Grand, bridge to the Excalibur and south strip monorail for Luxor/Mandalay. Across the street from the Ross/Coke/M&M store and the SDX stop for further north or south for the outlet malls/Town Center. Easy walk up to Paris/Planet Hollywood etc. Most of the Cirque shows/larger venues are down that end if that is a consideration.

 

Another vote for Mirage. I honestly think it's one of the best values on the Strip on prices, but still giving a nicer feel. The atrium is gorgeous, great pool, new location for you, still mlife, lots of "vegas-affordable" food options, and plenty do do for 20''s and 50''s alike. You also are a skip away from Venetian....what woman doesn't like Venetian? (Ok, probably some, but it's gorgeous...one of my favorites and many other ladies!)

Just pay a little more ($10-15 a night?) And get a tower room...WAY better/bigger bathroom with separate shower and tub. The base room bathroom is TINY, and has a tower/tub combo.

I'd also agree Paris might be a great option, I've just never stayed there. (Edited to remove content, no need to mention past gaming tips, Newbies---"duh" on my end!).

Have a blast, where ever you stay!

 

Normally, I'd say the Mirage too but since you enjoyed the arcade at Excalibur and you like Disney stuff, it sounds like you kind of enjoyed the south end of the strip w/ NYNY, M&M's store, etc... Might want to take a look at Mandalay Bay. Really nice pool area if you're pool people at all.

 

Mirage would be fine. Paris would be a good choice as well.


Side note - tongue in cheek - shame on you for only visiting three hotels when in Vegas. LOL!

 

I would go with Flamingo if gaming isn't your thing. Good prices, great pool. If you want to go a little higher in pricing, you can't go wrong with Paris - great environment, shops, and food. Both hotels have a great location for touristy things - you will be right in the middle (or close to the middle with Paris), so you could either go "up" or "down" on the strip and do a lot of things.

 

Paris and Ballys work too

 

I would avoid Bally's. The new set-up makes it take FOREVER to get to the strip from the hotel. In my opinion, it's more off-strip than on-strip. Unless things changed since my January visit.

 

I'd argue it's faster than the old setup since the moving walkways and escalators were almost always broken. It's the same as it has always been.