First timers advice - 10 year anniversary

Hi all,

First off, I apologize if this same/similar question has been asked hundreds of times. I looked through the first 5 pages of topics and couldn't find anything similar.

My wife and I are looking to spend 3 nights on a Mon-Thur either the last week of July or one of the first two weeks of Aug to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. We have never been to Vegas before, as we don't care for gambling, but want to experience the nightlife and have some luxury. We chose these days because it seems like weekdays are much cheaper in Vegas. However, I am overwhelmed by the amount of hotels on the strip as well as the different room types; there's just no way I could check out all of them. On top of that, I know the room is just one aspect of a hotel, and the restaurants/buffets/clubs/events are another thing I have to evaluate.

I'm looking to spend around $250-350 per night after taxes and resort fees. I'm hoping that opens up some options for some decent suites. Most of what I'm looking for is fantastic views, comfortable bedding, and a great shower and tub possibly with a view as well. It doesn't have to be huge, but modern and classy. The Panorama Suite at Vdara looks nice, but I heard it is kind of far away from the rest of the strip? I'd like to stay somewhere that is close by to everything we need, I'm sure it's going to be really hot in August so we won't be walking down the strip in the daytime.

To get the best price, should I book with the hotel directly online or call their reservationist? I couldn't find too many discount codes on sites like retailmenot to book online, and Kayak didn't seem to give much discounts on suites only the basic class rooms. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

I would recommend the cosmopolitan. It is pretty much dead center of the strip, about as upscale as it gets, has great restaurants, and has the best views of the Belagio fountains as well as the strip. Get the 1 bed room terrace suite!

Youtube those views and you will want to book it!

 

Thanks for the response! The room does look very nice, especially the Japanese soaking tub. Would you suggest booking through the website, call in to their operator, or another method?

 

With hotels there is no one way that's always the cheapest. Check through their website and the usual travel sites. Doesn't hurt to call either, you never know, they may find you a better rate. But call last, after you have the other rates.

 

I would book directly with the hotel.

Vdara would be a good value choice since you don't gamble, it has nice rooms comparable to Aria, but less expensive since there's no casino and the on-property amenities are more limited. It's not really that far from the Strip.

A Cosmo One Bedroom Terrace with a Fountain View would be a good option also. I like the layout of the Terrace Studio fountain View better myself. The One Bedroom has the deep tub though, and is usually only priced about $10 more a night.

If you want to book Cosmo, don't wait long, they have advanced booking specials (usually 20% discount) that sometimes require 60 days advance booking. Their online reservations system will usually apply the best available discount for your dates by default, but there is a dropdown list (see below) that shows all available rates. Make sure you book a "Fountain View" room.

 

I'd also suggest C osmo ...the terraces are wonderful, beds are great, and bathrooms are luxurious, and I adore the hotel. Any terrace room is lovely, and the balcony makes it one of a kind. We love Cosmo, as do many others on this site...it's an ace. (Totally agree with Chuck though, it is a hot property...book soon, or forever hold your peace!)

BUT, as a woman, the one hotel I find breathtaking, but have never stayed, is Venetian/Palazzo. The hotel is gorgeous, it's not as crazy on a party/gambling scene (non-gamblers will be happy), and the rooms have that WOW factor, despite a price tag that is well under your ceiling.

I would book on their site, but sign up for their players card online first (also on website). Even if you don't gamble, the card can open up some room discounts. You can often get a room similar to the below for under $200 on a weeknight...even with resort fees. It's my "hotel crush" of Vegas!

For the last week of July, M-TR, I also attached sample prices, as they're running 33% off 3 nights. .. (price quoted does not include tax or RF, but even with those, you'd be well under your price target....)




Both hotels are lovely....probably depends on if you want more tailored/modern luxury (Cosm o) or old-world, "I'm in Europe, almost Baroque-style (but not gilded/gaudy) luxury". Either is a total win in my book!

****added later: Chuck mentioned a VERY important caveat I left off, 33% off at V/P is non-refundable. I just wanted to add it to this post as well as that is just an important "but"

 

It is going to be hard for you as you will be inundated with so many different peoples views. For what its worth here is mine.
Firstly I know you advised of a top end budget of $350 per night but if you want luxury the "Sky View suites" @ Mandalay Bay were outstanding. But this suite will cost around $450. I appreciate the Mandalay Bay is at the top of the strip and there will be some walking but there is the tram between Mandalay Bay and Excalibur. The hotel is and casino is outstanding. Or to keep within your budget you can have a standard suite at the Palazzo. The suite is open planned and comes with a sunken living room.
The strip view is not always what it is cracked up to be. The Palazzo rooms at the back of the hotel over look the tram but does have a view of the Wynn golf course. The front of the hotel looks on to the strip and directly to Treasure Island. Just ask for a high floor. The Palazzo is romantic with easy access to walk to the Wynn / Encore for a beautiful romantic meal at Sinatra's. If you contact them in advance you can request an anniversary card for your...and its free.
Your wife would love the ambiance , romance of the Palazzo. Its a great casino and I find it a little more quiet here. Fantastic pools and it has the added advantage of being joined to the Venetian casino.
Just as a snack "Grimaldis" pizza is on the shoppe levels and for a 18" pizza, glass of wine for the lady and a beer for yourself is about $30. "OTTO" was also another good restaurant within the Grand canal Shoppe area of the Venetian. Human Nature is an excellent music show covering songs from the Motown and 50s/60s era. You can check them out on youtube. They are at the Palazzo / Venetian theater. With the Palazzo you have all the casinos around you all within easy walking distance. I have stayed here 3 times and we love it. Book direct with the hotel.
Happy anniversary and take care.

 

if you are into shows or concerts, don't forget to check and see what's on during those 3 weeks.

 

Cosmo fountain view terrace hands down

 

I would agree with adding Venetian/Palazzo as an option. I prefer Palazzo; the rooms at both are identical except where Venetian has a wrought iron rail separating the bedroom and living area in @Multifarious5 's pic above, Palazzo has a low wall with a countertop, which is handy for tossing stuff on.

V/P has the best standard room on the Strip, the only thing that's really lacking is Palazzo doesn't really have any killer view because it how its footprint is situated. Venetian gives you a better shot at a view. V/P is self contained; with a Walgreens just outside Palazzo, you barely need to leave.

One note about V/P - their best discount offers (20% discount 60 days in advance or 33% discount w/3 night min) are non-cancelable and non-refundable.

 

I say book direct.

The Venetian/ Palazzo has that 33% off 3 nights deal going on for people who sign up. Think of it as paying for 2 nights and get the 3rd night free. The pool area is beautiful and doesn't get the credit it deserves, with up to 5-6 pools I think. Venetian and Palazzo share the area on the same floor and combine their pools. You can probably see a pool map on their website to see how sprawled it is.

Inside the hotel is pretty cool. They make the inside feel like out side if that makes any sense. Youtube videos don't even do it justice. it really feels like you're in Italy. they have a square area with restaurants with an "al fresco" feel to it. Even street performers that you would see in Italy.

And they have one of the best studio suites I've seen. Granted I haven't seen many. But that separation between the bed area and the living room really adds a nice touch and separates the two areas perfectly. Plus the bathroom is amazing.

The in house show is a Baz Lurman musical. he's the guy that did Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge, and Great Gatsby. Your wife will probably love it. But across the street is the Mirage and they have a Cirque du Soliel show centered around Beatles music. That's probably a safer bet.

the Gondola rides are

Mlife properties are having a great resort credit offer until the end of June. Check out the discount area of this thread, it's called MLife Royal offer. I think Aria and Vdara (both 5 star hotels) will have discounted room rates plus $200 in resort credit which you can use on restaurants, spa, or in room dining. Basically whatever you can charge to your room.

Aria and Vdara have free trams that take you to other resorts.

Yelp pictures and youtube room walkthroughs will be very helpful in choosing the hotel and room type you want. Also see what restaurant options each hotel has to see if it's to your liking.

I like to stay in the hotel or in that general area during my trips. I hate to take a taxi or Uber it somewhere just to see a show or have restaurant reservations. I'll just make it a point to try a new area next time. This way I'm not being stressed out going up and down vegas trying to see and do everything in one trip. I've seen people create a packed stressful agenda on their vacations. That's no way to live life.

The only exception is having a hotel that's linked to the Monorail system. Then it's pretty easy bouncing from place to place. the monorail connects to the LINQ hotel which has one of the best attractions for first timers. The High Roller observation wheel. But if you get a Center Strip hotel with a high view of the strip then you probably can skip that attraction