48 Hours in Vegas
mtngirl67
On a recent business trip to Vegas, I had only 48 hours to show my friend the essence of the city.
May 1, 2006
based on 10 votes
A well rounded overview of the Vegas Experience.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Las Vegas
- Category: Best of
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Never been before, Repeat visitors
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Appeals to: Business travelers, Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Large groups, Budget travelers
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: Las Vegas, Vegas, Short, Budget, Gambling
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1. Stratosphere Hotel, Casino and Tower
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Ave price:
$75
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I love staying here. No, its not fine and pretty like the Wynn, and its not in the Strip's center, but it is nevertheless accessible, clean, and affordable. The rooftop pool is great for tanning, there is a huge mall with every store imaginable (ever needed an item of clothing and tried to find it in a new town? Who wants to waste their precious time looking?). And there is an Oxygen bar there too, which is necessary on morning #2 (price of around $20 includes massage). |
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| Walk areas of the strip to take in the view. Though the monorail seems economical, it can get quite expensive. A more affordable and more direct option is the "Deuce", a double decker bus that goes up and down the strip. This way you don't have to work your way through the maze of every casino floor to reach the monorail stops (which can also feel a little scary at night for 2 girls). A good place to visit is the corner of the Strip and Tropicana Ave. (?). When you get out here, NYNY, Tropicana, MGM & Excalibur are on each corner. Try the other end near Wynn (an amazing sight on its own). Across the street is TI (free skin show at night-don't bring the kids please!) and the big mall. |
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Ave price:
$264
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Two hours at the Bellagio made us feel like brand new (the oxygen bar at the Strat helped too). Strolling in the Conservatory or Gallery is a refreshing break from the excitement outdoors. And its free. |
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4. Eiffel Tower Experience
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| While the Stratosphere Tower offers the widest views around, there's something to be said about altitude and fresh air combined. This attraction is best around sunset when the fountains below at the Bellagio are fired up. The ride up is fun, the view phenomenal. I believe I paid $15 but it was more impressive than a $65 variety show. |
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| Though the fountains should also be enjoyed via the Eiffel Tower, nothing beats being up close to the thundering plumes of water. During the evening the shows run from every 15 to 30 minutes. |
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6. New York - New York Hotel and Casino
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Ave price:
$141
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If you're in the mood for a sing along, dancing on bars or plumetting down in a roller coaster, its all possible here. Grab a corn dog and head to the bar downstairs to hear dueling pianists and join everyone in belting out your favorite tune. Nothing beats group karaoke to live music. Then go next door for some fresh Mexican food and some Margaritas. When those have worked their magic, escalate upstairs to Coyote Ugly. The drinks can get a bit pricy, but hey, its Vegas. There is inexpensive alcohol to be had around every corner. The restaurants are very lenient about bringing your own alcohol- Just ask them and have respect if they say no. Afterall, you are taking business (therefore tips) from the establishment. We filled up our 30oz. cups from Fat Tuesdays in Aladdin's Desert Passages, but tipped really well, as if we had drinks. |
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| Time to gamble! Friendly people, $1 margaritas. Very low key and you don't have to jump through hoops to get in because its right off the Vegas Strip. If you get hungry, Denny's and Outback Steakhouse are right next door. |
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Ave price:
$65
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This is THE BEST place for blackjack. They have different versions, and are known for the game. The dealers are nice...just remember to tip well! People come from all over to play here. Each table is its own party. This is the last stop for the monorail and within walking distance to the Stratosphere. Remember safety in numbers for your walk back. Most people are really nice and will let you walk near them as long as your not lewd and gawking at the calling cards on the sidewalk. |
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9. Fremont Street Experience
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| If I hadn't had to go to that convention, this is where I would have spent some time. It gives a glimpse of the vintage city. This is to be experienced at night because of the canopy overhead displaying surreal images. |
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10. Morton's - The Steakhouse
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| I had to really splurge once on this trip. This is the best food you will ever have. Though I am not really carnivorous, the steak melts in your mouth. I had the filet oscar and the chilled crabmeat cocktail and it was perfect. This is located off the strip a bit. Take a limo rather than a cab because after stuffing yourself, you won't fit into a cab! |
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Compliment mtngirl67
