Vegas!!

[C_Dave45]

Just pulled the trigger....Vegas for our 30th!!! And the whole fam damily is coming along. Got 5 direct, return flights plus 2 rooms at MGM. 9:00 am departure, 9:00 pm return...5 full days.
Woohoo!! Haven't been since '09. The Hoover dam bridge was just under construction then.


*EDIT*

Trip report at post #12

[ExtraSlow]

I'm headed down for my annual trip on Friday. If anyone sees a drunk white guy, it wuzn me.

[AudiPWR]

Enjoy. If you like crude humor and cirq du soleil, check our absinthe outside Caesars palace. It's a blast.

[AudiPWR]

Enjoy. If you like crude humor and cirq du soleil, check our absinthe outside Caesars palace. It's a blast.

[88CRX]

Was just there last weekend. Love that town!

Already wanting to plan my next trip there.

[C_Dave45]

Yeah we'll take in one show at least. Either a Cirque or Blue Man.
What is everyone finding for packages now? When we first started going, it was easy to find packages for $500-600...now it seems they're all $800-1200 (4 night stays).
I ended up booking through 3 different agencies. Expedia, RBC Rewards, and then Westjet directly for the 5th flight. But I managed to get all 5 on the same flight thank God.
Ended up being $880 pp everything in, including trip cancellation insurance.

[LadyLuck]

Was just there last week for 5 nights.

Paris breakfast buffet - one of my favorites.
Tried the Bacchanal buffet at Ceasars, $50.00/person but so worth it.

Did some shopping at the south outlets, lots of goodies.

Booked through Vegas.com (second time booking) for $500.00/person (two of us) for flights/taxes/fees and hotel for 6 days/5nights at Monte Carlo.

Flew with westjet, got great flights on the way there we had one hour layover in Vancouver and flew direct home. no baggage fees either!

[88CRX]

We paid $560 for flights and hotel at planet Hollywood, 2 per room, for 3 nights, Wednesday to Saturday. Booked back in November. And it was thru west jet vacations.

[RX_EVOLV]

Good stuff! Just booked my flight last week for April 9-13. Probably my 20th trip there now. I can't go 6 months without going to Vegas once.

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by LadyLuck
Was just there last week for 5 nights.

Paris breakfast buffet - one of my favorites.
Tried the Bacchanal buffet at Ceasars, $50.00/person but so worth it.

Did some shopping at the south outlets, lots of goodies.

Booked through Vegas.com (second time booking) for $500.00/person (two of us) for flights/taxes/fees and hotel for 6 days/5nights at Monte Carlo.

Flew with westjet, got great flights on the way there we had one hour layover in Vancouver and flew direct home. no baggage fees either!
I heard that Paris buffet is good!! We'll have to check that out. Wow, $500, that's a great price. I could have dropped my price a bit by taking the 1 stop flights...but that put us into Vegas Friday night, instead of 10:00 am, so we'd lose a whole day. The early morning/late night flights added a couple hundred to the total. I tried the same hotel/flights through vegas.com and it came out to almost $1,000 pp.



Originally posted by 88CRX
We paid $560 for flights and hotel at planet Hollywood, 2 per room, for 3 nights, Wednesday to Saturday. Booked back in November. And it was thru west jet vacations.

That's a good price too. I like planet Hollywood. I love the Salsa Cantina for breakfast!!!

[LadyLuck]

Originally posted by C_Dave45

I heard that Paris buffet is good!! We'll have to check that out. Wow, $500, that's a great price. I could have dropped my price a bit by taking the 1 stop flights...but that put us into Vegas Friday night, instead of 10:00 am, so we'd lose a whole day. The early morning/late night flights added a couple hundred to the total. I tried the same hotel/flights through vegas.com and it came out to almost $1,000 pp.


Yeh, Vegas.com usually has pretty good deals depending on when you're booking...maybe with you it was a little close to the travel time. Definitely check out Paris for the breakfasts, second time there...variety is great and it'll cost you $20.00/person which is a greatl deal. Its in the lobby at Le Village.

Also, there is a free Tram from Monte Carlo to Bellagio if you get tired of walking.

Weather was nice while we were there, bring a sweater or something to wear in the evenings as it'll get a bit chilly. Sun goes down around 3:30-4:00 there as well.

[C_Dave45]

Well we had our Vegas Anniversary trip. Had a great time!!

Rented a big stretch Limo for our hotel/airport shuttle. That was fun! Free Champagne and roses for the ladies. One thing we learned too late, (it was our return trip driver who informed us) they can tell you where to score some weed (or more) when in Vegas. Unfortunately I didn't know this on the arrival trip, and so didn't get any down there. bummer.

Also did the last day at pool side and "rented" a private cabana. These things are sweet!!! TV, fridge, safe, couches, your own private server. Minimum $400 food and beverage charge, but for 5 people all day, that's an easy one to fill. Our bill came to $580 for everything, including 18% tip (plus another $40 in cash to our server alone...we wanted her to get it in full)

I'm embarrassed to say one thing I did NOT know in all my previous trips to Vegas: I've always grumbled about when renting a car, that finding the self-parking lots for every casino was a pain, far away to get to, and a long walk back to into the Hotel, so I never felt it worth a rental car.
Yeah....Valet parking is free in Vegas!!!! :eek: call me a small town Hick, but I always just assumed it would be super expensive. So I never bothered. We were running late for the Cirque show at Bellagio, so I just said "fuck it...I'm Valet'ing this time". MAN, is that ever great!! Pull up to main entrance, doors opened for you, welcomed, greeted and 5 minutes we're at the show's entrance. Lesson learned. So for two days I valet'd everywhere, even home base (MGM Grand).

Went out to the dam as well as Red Rock Canyon.

Had a bit of an issue with our room at MGM. Accidentally booked a King room when we first booked. So I emailed to ask if I could change to a one bedroom suite. They replied that had to be done at check-in. Okay, no problem. So at check-in I jokingly mentioned the "20 dollar sandwich trick" and said "but instead of $20 I'm doing the 30th anniversary trick" and showed him our wedding certificate. He didn't smile, didn't say congratulations, nothing...just took it and laid it down like I.D. then said "problem is, we're over booked and there's nothing available except a two-queen room for an extra $100"
"Fine, I don't care about the money, but we need an extra bed". But then he still sent us to a single King room. I phoned down to complain and they put us into an awesome view room with two queens including a $100 room credit. The problem was, for each room change they hit my Visa with a room deposit....FOUR different deposits totalling close to $2,000 on my Visa right away, which of course can't be taken off and limited my overall available credit. Solved that by charging most of our meals and shopping to the room.

But all in all a fantastic trip!!

[BlueHaloGirl]

What 4 room deposits for room changes...not cool I hope you raised a stink!! Room changes are easily done without making a new reservations...trust me I'm in the hotel business. That's crap, sounds like the desk staff were incompetent.

I'm headed down to Vegas end of May for 6 days and can't wait!!! Staying at Bally's and going to do some shopping, checking out the restaurants, some shows and lots of pool time.

Any suggestions for great food? I know about Paris and I'm already planning on Ramseys Steak in Paris!

[403ep3]

Originally posted by BlueHaloGirl
What 4 room deposits for room changes...not cool I hope you raised a stink!! Room changes are easily done without making a new reservations...trust me I'm in the hotel business. That's crap, sounds like the desk staff were incompetent.

I'm headed down to Vegas end of May for 6 days and can't wait!!! Staying at Bally's and going to do some shopping, checking out the restaurants, some shows and lots of pool time.

Any suggestions for great food? I know about Paris and I'm already planning on Ramseys Steak in Paris!

Steak in Paris is so good.. I went there last year and it's probably some of the best food I have ever had.

[colsankey]

wife wants a last minute trip to vegas next weekend.

west jet flights are reasonable at 750 or so each, but any ideas on where to find the best hotel deals? been at the mgm grand. few times but im open to other hotels on the strip.

[ExtraSlow]

package vacation is your best bet. expedia or westjet vacations.
Buying flight and hotel separate is more expensive.

My favorite hotel on the strip for decent value and reasonable classiness is the Mirage.
Great location too.

[ExtraSlow]

Just had a look, and departing friday and returning monday, staying at the Monte Carlo, you can do it for both of you under $2500.

The combined vacations are tough to get great deals on last minute. Good luck!

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
package vacation is your best bet. expedia or westjet vacations.
Buying flight and hotel separate is more expensive.

My favorite hotel on the strip for decent value and reasonable classiness is the Mirage.
Great location too.

^ This man speaks da troof. We got our package, direct flight each way, plus 4 nights at MGM for $875pp...all taxes in.

Don't know what's going on May 3rd weekend, but the prices are sky high. The following weekend you can get flight and 4 nights at Mandalay Bay for $740pp.

Make sure you look for non-stop flights in the morning and non-stop evening for your return flight. Otherwise you can waste up to two full days. Some 1 and 2 stop flights arriving in Vegas as late as 11:00 pm...and then you have to leave early morning on your way home. We got a 9:00 am departure from Calgary with a 9:00 PM departure from Vegas for the trip home. Giving you full days of "Vegas'ing"!!

[RSB14]

The prices are high because the Mayweather vs Maidana fight is on may 3 at the MGM.

[rx7boi]

I just got back from Vegas this past weekend.

Paid ~620/person for 4 nights at the Mirage. Booked through Westjet back in mid-Feb. And that was after I paid all my extra $$ to get direct flights!

It was FUN! Saw "O" and David Copperfield. Last time I went to sin city was back in '05 lol.

[Feruk]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
package vacation is your best bet. expedia or westjet vacations.
Buying flight and hotel separate is more expensive.
Not always. I just booked a trip in June. Booked flights and hotel separate. Price was pretty much the same but flight options were better than package.

[16hypen3sp]

Heading to Vegas on Thursday with the guys. It's going to be pretty out of control.

Main reason is for the supercross races/drinking.

Cost was around $1200 plus taxes. (They got me this time.)

Last time was for 6 nights in the towers at Luxor with non stop round trip flights. $620 all in including medical and cancellation... That maybe the cheapest I'll ever see it.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I'm heading there in July again $800 per person for direct mid day Westjet flights, 5 nights with two rooms in the Aria.

Should be a good time.

[Manhattan]

Haven't partied at a day club/pool yet. But this doesn't look like fun to me. Too many dudes standing around in a disgusting wading pool. :barf: Is this the only way to experience a day club or are there other options? I know renting a cabana is super expensive.

http://www.fashionsonvacation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CIMG3840.jpg

[LadyLuck]

vegas.com for great hotel+air deals.

[lilmira]

Yeah that's a typical day at Wet. Not all dudes, there are a lot of girls too. Disgusting pool? Well yes lol. That's why you need a cabana so that you don't have to stand around guys in the pool.

Don't remember how much we paid for the cabana, 2500-3000? All I remembered was that the bill at the end was enough to get the party cabana, good times lol. Haven't been to rehab but I heard that's even nastier.

Or you can just go straight to the strippers during the day. I'm sure they are just as clean.

One time we saw code red at the pool. :barf:

[georgemagana]

Originally posted by LadyLuck
vegas.com for great hotel+air deals.

This!


Just got back from a 5 day trip. Never going there on an american long weekend again lol

[RX_EVOLV]

Originally posted by georgemagana


This!


Just got back from a 5 day trip. Never going there on an american long weekend again lol

It was crazy busy eh! I was there too and it's just too many people.. and some VERY rude main lander. One lady at the outlet mall just random grabbed my arm so she could see what time it is from my watch. :thumbsdow :thumbsdow

With that said.. just booked for July 4th. Going to be a pool party trip so it should be fun. :clap: :clap:

[georgemagana]

Originally posted by RX_EVOLV


It was crazy busy eh! I was there too and it's just too many people.. and some VERY rude main lander. One lady at the outlet mall just random grabbed my arm so she could see what time it is from my watch. :thumbsdow :thumbsdow

With that said.. just booked for July 4th. Going to be a pool party trip so it should be fun. :clap: :clap:

It was crazy man! Plus the hotels raised their buffet prices just because it was the long weekend! such BS lol

It was 40c on monday and tuesday and I was done haha! July will be like 45c !!! Where you gonna stay?

[eiysa101]

What's the cheapest air fare you guys have found for a one day trip? Guessing middle of the week would be cheapest but this is just for a day shopping trip.

[RX_EVOLV]

Originally posted by georgemagana


It was crazy man! Plus the hotels raised their buffet prices just because it was the long weekend! such BS lol

It was 40c on monday and tuesday and I was done haha! July will be like 45c !!! Where you gonna stay?

Yeh no kidding eh. The $40 memorial day brunch at the Cosmo was disappointing.

It was so damn hot, but walking the strip with a Fat Tuesday (190 Octane) when it's 40C out wasn't too bad. We are going to be staying at the Mirage for Independence day. Definitly going to be hot as hell so either pool party or staying indoor.

[RX_EVOLV]

Originally posted by eiysa101
What's the cheapest air fare you guys have found for a one day trip? Guessing middle of the week would be cheapest but this is just for a day shopping trip.

the lowest flight I've seen recently are $320 round trip (not day trip though)

[wintonyk]

Originally posted by georgemagana


This!


Just got back from a 5 day trip. Never going there on an american long weekend again lol

I was there thursday to sunday. pure mayhem on the strip. Although gf and i hit up the outlet on saturday morning and it wasn't too busy and insane deals.

[403ep3]

Originally posted by eiysa101
What's the cheapest air fare you guys have found for a one day trip? Guessing middle of the week would be cheapest but this is just for a day shopping trip.

Here's one on June 10th for 323$. Get there at 10am and leave at 9pm.

Total price


1 Adult: 187.99 + Taxes and fees: 135.94 = 323.93 CAD



view fare rules




Departure Information





Depart:

08:50 AM

Arrive:

10:34 AM


Tuesday, 10 June

Calgary , AB , CA (YYC)

Tuesday, 10 June

Las Vegas , NV , US (LAS)


WestJet

Non-Stop / WS 1460



flight info


Return Information





Depart:

09:03 PM

Arrive:

12:44 AM


Tuesday, 10 June

Las Vegas , NV , US (LAS)

Wednesday, 11 June

Calgary , AB , CA (YYC)


WestJet

Non-Stop / WS 1401



flight info

[ee2k]

Originally posted by 403ep3


Here's one on June 10th for 323$. Get there at 10am and leave at 9pm.

Total price


1 Adult: 187.99 + Taxes and fees: 135.94 = 323.93 CAD



view fare rules




Departure Information





Depart:

08:50 AM

Arrive:

10:34 AM


Tuesday, 10 June

Calgary , AB , CA (YYC)

Tuesday, 10 June

Las Vegas , NV , US (LAS)


WestJet

Non-Stop / WS 1460



flight info


Return Information





Depart:

09:03 PM

Arrive:

12:44 AM


Tuesday, 10 June

Las Vegas , NV , US (LAS)

Wednesday, 11 June

Calgary , AB , CA (YYC)


WestJet

Non-Stop / WS 1401



flight info

Is shopping in Vegas all that to warrant a day trip? I didn't think so; and if you're paying that much and returning with bags and paying duties, wouldn't one be better off just going out and splurging in town? I find shopping at Vegas to be overrated (unless you have specific stores in mind.)

[eiysa101]

That's exactly it. Vegas is the closest location(and I'm guessing cheapest round trip rather than LA or NYC) for a particular store and don't really trust buying a expensive item online without handling it in person.

[ee2k]

Originally posted by eiysa101
That's exactly it. Vegas is the closest location(and I'm guessing cheapest round trip rather than LA or NYC) for a particular store and don't really trust buying a expensive item online without handling it in person.

I guess if the item is that important and valuable to you.

I am sure however that a return policy (unless restricted to Canada) will have you save a bunch of the airfare and have the product delivered to you for you to evaluate.

[chathamf]

Landed a sick deal on a Vegas trip and now looking for hotels. prices seem a little high..which makes sense as its July 4 weekend. Anyone have any experience booking hotels there last minute? Wondering if we would be better off waiting.

[RX_EVOLV]

Originally posted by chathamf
Landed a sick deal on a Vegas trip and now looking for hotels. prices seem a little high..which makes sense as its July 4 weekend. Anyone have any experience booking hotels there last minute? Wondering if we would be better off waiting.

That was my situation for last month memorial long weekend. Hotel was crazy expensive. For example, my usual mlife mirage rate was free to $42/night.. that weekend it was $316USD/night. Aria was >$450USD and even the luxor was $200USD.

I waited to see if it gets cheaper and it never did. If anything it got even more expensive (NYNY for >$240). I ended up booking through hotwire about 10 days before departure and got Treasure Island for $180CAD. Also had the option to opt out of the $25 resort fee so I don't think I could've done better.

So i say either book via priceline/hotwire OR book now. You can always cancel your room 24 hours before if you are booking through the hotel or hotel.com so you might as well secure something now.

[leftwing]

Originally posted by Feruk

Not always. I just booked a trip in June. Booked flights and hotel separate. Price was pretty much the same but flight options were better than package.

I agree, usually when you book a package the flights you get are garbage and have long layovers.

I usually wait for seat sales at Westjet then book my flights. Just booked from sept 5-9 for 351/pp round trip with direct flights both ways.

I should be able to find a hotel deal for around $100 a night which would put my total at around $550 all in which is pretty good these days.

[403ep3]

If anyone wants to hit vegas soon

http://www.hopper.com/flights/feed?utf8=%E2%9C%93&origin=airport%2FYYC&destination=airport%2FLAS&departure_day=&departure_flex=3%3A3&return_day=&return_flex=3%3A3&departure_month=2&stay=1-30&commit=Find+Flights

[Manhattan]

Wow that is cheap!

[88CRX]

$180 return flights if you fly out on March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15 or 16 on westjet.

Makes for a $400-$450 per person Tuesday-Saturday trip :thumbsup:

edit: $300-$350 per person Monday-Friday trip.... wonder if I could call in sick for an entire week from Vegas haha.

Too bad there's nothing further out that cheap.

[ExtraSlow]

I'll be in vegas again next weekend. You'll find me slumped over a gin and tonic at the Las Vegas Club blackjack tables, letting the dealer play my cards for me, and mumbling about "those filthy bastages".

[Kijho]

I'm looking at Vegas for end of June to the 1st July weekend. Aria or Venetian + flights = $1570 I think .. 2 people 5 nights? Somethin like that.. :dunno: :dunno:

[Kobe]

Originally posted by Kijho
I'm looking at Vegas for end of June to the 1st July weekend. Aria or Venetian + flights = $1570 I think .. 2 people 5 nights? Somethin like that.. :dunno: :dunno:

It's because WSOP main is on around there and will be really busy....

[88CRX]

2 people Tuesday night (or Wednesday morning) till Saturday night anytime from mid-March to June is basically $1300-$2000+ at various midlevel hotels (PH, Cesars, etc).

Seems as though the discounts are always short notice which sucks.

[DENZILDON]

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2009/11/26/1259272973514/Manny-Pacquiao-001.jpg



Booked!!!! May 1 to May 5!!!

[Xtrema]

Was there in Nov. No need to go again so soon. But if this applies for thur - Sun, I will not mind to blow a weekend down there.