Minimal viable time in Las Vegas on BA
Jul 7, 2017, 2:43 am
#46
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 883
I've been to Vegas about 10 times now.
My my last trip in November I got a deal with BA holidays, GLA-LHR-LAS return leaving on the early LAS flight out of LHR on the Wednesday and the late flight out of LAS on the Sunday night, staying at the Westgate just off the strip for Ł517. Could have got a hotel on the strip for about Ł100 more.
Deals can be had for Vegas during the winter months, just avoid the week between Christmas and New Years and when CES is on as these are expensive times during winter. Previously I've managed to get the Mandalay Bay for about Ł50 per night in December.
If your only going to be there for a short period of time, it helps to have an idea of what you want to do when your there.
Also if going in the winter months, while it can be comfortable and warm at times during the day, the temperature falls quickly at night.
My my last trip in November I got a deal with BA holidays, GLA-LHR-LAS return leaving on the early LAS flight out of LHR on the Wednesday and the late flight out of LAS on the Sunday night, staying at the Westgate just off the strip for Ł517. Could have got a hotel on the strip for about Ł100 more.
Deals can be had for Vegas during the winter months, just avoid the week between Christmas and New Years and when CES is on as these are expensive times during winter. Previously I've managed to get the Mandalay Bay for about Ł50 per night in December.
If your only going to be there for a short period of time, it helps to have an idea of what you want to do when your there.
Also if going in the winter months, while it can be comfortable and warm at times during the day, the temperature falls quickly at night.
Jul 8, 2017, 3:17 am
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 344
I'm with him - after my last trip to Las Vegas I decided I would never stay there another night – if I have to go I'll fly in and out on the same day!
On the other hand many people find it a fantastic place and with a rental car there are places to visit.
But why not go to San Francisco (on the A380), where you won't really need to rent a car. Or Seattle? Both very different than New York and great cities to walk around. A lesser known, but equally good option (though no direct flight from LHR) would be Portland, Oregon.
On the other hand many people find it a fantastic place and with a rental car there are places to visit.
But why not go to San Francisco (on the A380), where you won't really need to rent a car. Or Seattle? Both very different than New York and great cities to walk around. A lesser known, but equally good option (though no direct flight from LHR) would be Portland, Oregon.
As someone who lives in Las Vegas and has done for the last couple of years it's an amazing place and it really is up to you to determine what you make of it. Most people equate Las Vegas with The Strip - so the hotels, the casinos, the shows and the gambling. It can be that if you want it to be - but it can also be so much more.
People above have suggested Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, The Grand Canyon (including by train from Williams, AZ), Death Valley, and various other parks etc. They are all fantastic options. There's a lot of live music (free too, at Fremont Street) including a lot of top acts some of whom are in residency at various hotels. The Bellagio has an impressive art gallery (to go along with the fountains of course) and the Venetian and Caesar's Palace are great for shopping and people watching!
As for when to visit, autumn and spring are probably the best seasons. It does get very hot here in the summer (I think it was 118F week before last) and even though it's a dry heat it's still hot! Although everywhere has good air-conditioning you will be outside on occasion and you will feel it. Keeping hydrated is a must.
Hope that helps. Feel free to PM me if you like. Happy to answer any other questions you may have.
People above have suggested Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, The Grand Canyon (including by train from Williams, AZ), Death Valley, and various other parks etc. They are all fantastic options. There's a lot of live music (free too, at Fremont Street) including a lot of top acts some of whom are in residency at various hotels. The Bellagio has an impressive art gallery (to go along with the fountains of course) and the Venetian and Caesar's Palace are great for shopping and people watching!
As for when to visit, autumn and spring are probably the best seasons. It does get very hot here in the summer (I think it was 118F week before last) and even though it's a dry heat it's still hot! Although everywhere has good air-conditioning you will be outside on occasion and you will feel it. Keeping hydrated is a must.
Hope that helps. Feel free to PM me if you like. Happy to answer any other questions you may have.
because there is a limited amount of flights and timing of those flights influences how long we would stay there
Jul 8, 2017, 3:24 am
#48
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,913
That depends on the show. You can pick up tickets for around $30 for some shows, but the headline shows can be very expensive - several hundred dollars and up. Shop around, be careful with the different websites because most charge a 'convenience fee' plus tax, plus charges, plus ticketing fee, plus admin fee, plus facility fee etc - once in Vegas look at http://www.tix4tonight.com/ they have several booking offices up and down the strip but you will only be able to book tickets on the day of the performance or the day before.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Jul 8, 2017, 3:48 am
#49
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA silver
Posts: 1,850
Have been 4 times now. Never in the summer though! We love the shows and try to go on most nights. We have also done two trips to the grand canyon. These were day trips and I did find that there was plenty time there ( although I didn't do the helicopter bit) . If you do chlose this as a day trip , might be a good idea not to have a show booked- I could barely keep my eyes open and it was actually a good show!
Book shows that are in your must see lists as early as you can . I couldn't get any seats for any of the nights for Michael Jackson.
Have a look at Groupon deals . We got the hop on off bus for a great deal . Also there were some good restaurant deals.
We always stay at the Platinum. It's not a casino hotel so you get to your room from reception within 2 mins. It is off the strip but about 12 mins walk takes you to the centre of the strip. It's also next door to Ellis Island . I love that place! However I am a bit worried that it is about to change.
Finally, we have done 5 or 7 day trips. Las Vegas is a tiring place so those lengths of stays means your schedule is less frantic!
Book shows that are in your must see lists as early as you can . I couldn't get any seats for any of the nights for Michael Jackson.
Have a look at Groupon deals . We got the hop on off bus for a great deal . Also there were some good restaurant deals.
We always stay at the Platinum. It's not a casino hotel so you get to your room from reception within 2 mins. It is off the strip but about 12 mins walk takes you to the centre of the strip. It's also next door to Ellis Island . I love that place! However I am a bit worried that it is about to change.
Finally, we have done 5 or 7 day trips. Las Vegas is a tiring place so those lengths of stays means your schedule is less frantic!
Jul 8, 2017, 5:05 am
#51
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,913
Why do you find it sad and depressing? I'm no gambler, and actually rarely go to the strip, but there are some great shows and excellent eating places on the strip. the prices are not that bad either - especially when compared to London, NYC and TYO.
Jul 8, 2017, 7:17 am
#52
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 98
I love Vegas, it's my favourite place for a holiday in the world. I've been 10 times, just returned this week from 5 days there.
There is so much to do, even if you don't like gambling there is so much fun to be had.
if it's your first time I would advise to stay on the strip. Be prepared to spend a lot of money. There are great restaurants but they are expensive, the shows are awesome but you're looking at $100 + per ticket for a decent show.
Its the sort of place you will love or hate, I love it but know it's going to cost me a small fortune when I'm there...
There is so much to do, even if you don't like gambling there is so much fun to be had.
if it's your first time I would advise to stay on the strip. Be prepared to spend a lot of money. There are great restaurants but they are expensive, the shows are awesome but you're looking at $100 + per ticket for a decent show.
Its the sort of place you will love or hate, I love it but know it's going to cost me a small fortune when I'm there...
Jul 9, 2017, 12:15 pm
#53
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Wolverhampton
Programs: BA Silver, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, Radisson Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 1,605
We always stay at the Platinum. It's not a casino hotel so you get to your room from reception within 2 mins. It is off the strip but about 12 mins walk takes you to the centre of the strip. It's also next door to Ellis Island . I love that place! However I am a bit worried that it is about to change.
I miss Bills, that was the low roller, cheapo casino now the Cromwell. That was an Ellis Island type of place...
Jul 9, 2017, 2:18 pm
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,897
Hi,
My mother and I are flying to LAS tomorrow. Our plans are
2 nights@ Bellagio
Fly to PHX and drive to Sedona ( 5 nights there with a tour to the grand canyon and around sedona- staying at the Hilton Sedona
3 nights at the Arizona Biltmore ( will visit the Heard museum)
Fly back to LAS for 3 nights staying at the Wynn.
Booked in the recent CW sale and decided to upgrade to F on the outbound.
Regards
TBS
My mother and I are flying to LAS tomorrow. Our plans are
2 nights@ Bellagio
Fly to PHX and drive to Sedona ( 5 nights there with a tour to the grand canyon and around sedona- staying at the Hilton Sedona
3 nights at the Arizona Biltmore ( will visit the Heard museum)
Fly back to LAS for 3 nights staying at the Wynn.
Booked in the recent CW sale and decided to upgrade to F on the outbound.
Regards
TBS
Aug 7, 2017, 1:17 pm
#56
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold; Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,226
Aug 7, 2017, 1:18 pm
#57
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,913
Aug 7, 2017, 1:31 pm
#58
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Stay in the French Quarter so you can walk to most things.
Be aware that NO is a little gritty, and take big city precautions wrt theft, etc.
Don't go during the summer, though. It'll feel like a sauna.
Aug 7, 2017, 2:49 pm
#59
Join Date: May 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 1,896
Our trip was made special by seeing John Legend and Diana Ross in concert.
I love New Orleans, a truly unique place. There's music everywhere as you walk down the streets, incredible food, and lots and lots of nightlife. If you want something a little different, take a swamp boat tour or head out to Cajun country for a day.
Stay in the French Quarter so you can walk to most things.
Be aware that NO is a little gritty, and take big city precautions wrt theft, etc.
Don't go during the summer, though. It'll feel like a sauna.
Stay in the French Quarter so you can walk to most things.
Be aware that NO is a little gritty, and take big city precautions wrt theft, etc.
Don't go during the summer, though. It'll feel like a sauna.
Aug 7, 2017, 3:16 pm
#60
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold; Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,226
I assume you were there for ESSENCE in that case Corpt? We stayed at the Hyatt Centric - the dive bar across the street was pretty good, and we ate at Sylvain and it was excellent. However, Bourbon St. was under construction so although the pavements and bars etc. were open the street itself was closed off which meant that everyone was just funneled down two narrow pavements. Jackson Square was impressive and although we did hear some good music on Frenchmen St. the street itself suffers from being over-hyped. Everyone bangs on about how you absolutely must visit there and it's full of live music venues etc. What they don't tell you is that it's only a couple of hundred yards long! You get given the impression it's like Oxford Street or 5th Avenue etc. but the reality doesn't quite match the advertising.
Anyway, I am glad you enjoyed your visit. Each to their own and all that
Anyway, I am glad you enjoyed your visit. Each to their own and all that
