Vanilla Vegas
Calio
Spent part of our honeymoon in Las Vegas last September and we've already planned our trip back there this year.
May 29, 2006
based on 13 votes
The lighter side of Vegas for a young, fun, but distinctly Britsih, couple.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Las Vegas
- Category: Perfect weekend
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Traveler type: Sightseeing, Shopping, Never been before, Repeat visitors, Theater
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Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Large groups, Budget travelers, Tourists
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: Casino, Entertainment, Fun, Sunshine, Thrill rides
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1. Stratosphere Hotel, Casino and Tower
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Ave price:
$78
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It may be a bit further up the strip but at the Stratosphere we had an beautiful and enormous suite for the price of a basic room at any of the theme hotels. It came complete with a huge marble bath for relaxing in after a long day of exploring. If you check you can get rooms for as little as $30 a night, plus if you join their free rewards card scheme you can get a discount off the usual rates. Join on-line or in the casino.
Walking down to the main part of the strip from here was very pleasant in the early morning sun, and later, when we were heading back and exhausted, we hopped on the monorail which drops you at the Sahara Casino, a short stroll from Stratosphere. The monorail is particularly good value if you are in town for a few days but it can be a bit of a task trying to find the monorail stations as you have to go through the casinos and they are notorious for not having great signposting. |
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What visit to Las Vegas would be complete without a trip down the strip?
Well, actually we did it 3 ways:
(1) we drove down it in our convertible, with the top down of course and looking very cool
(2) we enjoyed it in the sun in between dipping in and out of casinos
(3) at night...wow! |
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Of all the free entertainment in this amazing city we loved this the most. See it during the day, but make sure you go back to see it with the lights at night.
While you're by the Bellagio don't forget to have a look around inside at the 'interesting' displays of opulence, and just plain weird giant eagle chicks. |
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Amazing views from the top of this, actually very high, (aarrgghh) coaster!
Like many of the thrill rides the Manhattan Express is a bit pricey, it was about $10 each when we were there I think. After you have done a few of them you have spent (almost) enough to have had a fancy dinner somewhere. If you just do one this is a good one but the ones on the Stratosphere Tower are definately the best, if just for the incredible views.
Having been to New York before we had great fun looking around the Brooklyn Bridge and 'Coney Island'. |
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Over 100 stories up...hanging out over thin air...Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream...all such appropriate names. My husband and I love thrill rides, but even we were seriously nervous on these ones.
I can't wait to do them again!!!
Going up the Tower be prepared to go through metal detectors and to have your bags checked. This seems to be the norm in so many places now that we expected it. The best times to do the Tower, in our opinion, are either early morning before the crowds, or the absolute best time is just before sunset. Get up there in time to see the Strip in daylight but stay for the sunset and to see the lights of the Strip at night.
Also, bear in mind that it can get very breezy at the top and if you are going to do the rides make sure that you don't have ANYTHING lose on you or in your pockets. |
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The most perfect, romantic dinner. A superb way to celebrate our honeymoon. We arrived just as it was getting dark and the view from the restaurant at the top of the Startosphere Tower is sublime. We watched the sun set as we ate beautiful food sitting on a table for two and really did feel like we were at the top of the world. You have to try it. Even if a revolving restaurant strikes you as a bit 80s kitch.
When we ate there we found that the wine was quite expensive but the food was pretty reasonable. I think it came to just over $120 for both of us, for 3 courses each. We had the lamb and steak and both were excellent, plus the deserts are to die for. You definatley need reservations to eat here so arrange them as soon as you get to Vegas if not a few days before. When we arrived we were asked if we wanted to wait for one of the window tables, which we did, but we weren't waiting very long at all. Plus, the booths, which are set slightly further back from the window, are still very well placed for maximum views. The restuarant revolves at just the right rate for you to see the whole 360 degrees while you're there. When you come to leave you may have to take a moment to figure out where you are and where the exit has got to...a bit disconcerting. |
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7. Star Trek: The Experience
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| If you're anything like my husband and a total Star Trek nut then you have to go to the Hilton and see Star Trek: The Experience. They have 2 'rides' and a museum, not to mention a themed restaurant. Beware the creepy guys in costume though, they gave one poor woman a heck of a shock...her companion though found it very funny! |
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8. So many things, so little time
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| Las Vegas is an amazing city, it really does have something for everyone. Our only regrets were the hundreds of things we didn't have chance to do. Next time we will definately be going to Glitter Gulch, to see one of the Cirque du Soleil shows, and to the Grand Canyon. We have fallen in love with this astounding place. |
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Compliment Calio
