brokenwindow

Hi guys!
Me and my girlfriend are going to Vegas this summer, probably for 3-4 nights (right now looking at July 13-16). I am a Hyatt Diamond member so can match that to MLife Platinum from what I gather so I'd prefer to stay at one of the MGM Hotels.

I'm currently looking at the Aria, Mandalay Bay, Signature at MGM Grand and Bellagio and was wondering what property is the best if you want to just relax a bit - soak in some sun - eat great food and take it easy? (we're not big gamblers, but for the novelty of it would like to at least try the gambling in Vegas). Any special tips for finding the best rates? I've checked smartervegas.com that was recommended here but no discounts on our rates :-(

I realize this is a very open ended question but we are definitely Vegas novices.

Jay71

We've stayed at Mandalay Bay and it has a great pool; sandy area with wave pool action. Really enjoyed it. The main negative is that it's at the south end of the strip (here's a simple map that I think is handy for a quick overview) so if you're hoofing it, it's a bit of a hike to get to the other casinos (though there's an indoor passageway all the way to Excalibur) though you can take the monorail to Excalibur or rent a car. Personally, I like to rent a car to easily visit casinos and attractions off strip but it's definitely not a requirement, particularly for a first timer whose sightseeing is likely more concentrated. That said, I'd recommend staying somewhere more central just so you can step out of the hotel/casino onto the lively areas of the strip. Pedestrian traffic generally dies south on the strip once you're past Tropicana Ave.

MishMunch22

For what it sounds like you're looking for literally any of those options should be good! I agree with Jay, in that staying in hotel closer to the center of the strip is definitely your best bet since you'll be able to walk or get a cheap Uber ride anywhere you need to go.

I came across this guide for first-timers when I planned my last trip that might be helpful in figuring out what you'd like to see and do: https://www.myrsvp.com/las-vegas/new...egas-nightlife

Lost

I'm particular to Aria because I believe they either ban smoking indoors or have such a good ventilation system that it gets rid of the smoke. I have bad allergies to cigarette smoke and haven't had any issues there.

If you like basketball the NBA Summer League at UNLV is around that time (last year it was July 10-20). I've been two of the last three years and it's a great event. It's basically the NBA's version of spring training. They haven't announced this year's dates yet.

kettle1

Take a look at Signature @ MGM Grand, tower 3, high floor, strip view. NICE!

bigguyinpasadena

I REALLY liked the Signature but I would never recommend it for a first time visitor because it is (IMO) an "Off-strip" property (in feel if not in location). As a Vegas veteran (and former resident) I appreciate the quieter properties such as the Signature-but a first timer should have all of the fun/excitement that a Strip property provides.

If you can spring for the Vdarra or Aria go for that. You will be in (or adjacent to in the case of the Vdarra) a nice casino hotel with lots of stuff to do.

Wait till you are matched to MLife Platinum for good rates. Also look for discounts for show tix on the MLife site. I got a great price on Zumanity tix (cheaper than the My Vegas 2-4-1) Check your rate as you get closer to your stay in case it drops. I would also suggest splurging a little a booking a better than basic room category .

karensmith

I agree Mandalay's only drawback is it's location. If you don't mind being far from the central strip location then they have a great pool area.

If you want to be a bit closer and walking distance/central then I'd pick Aria or Bellagio. Especially since it's your first trip, may be Bellagio. It's amazing.

corky

I love the pools at Mandalay the best but the location is not great as others have said. I like Aria but thought the pool was average
Go with Bellagio. Learn the $20 trick before you go. July is sweltering hot---even too hot for pools mid day IMO. There's lots of indoor shopping malls if you don't gamble so at least you can stay in air conditioning.

CALIF65GM

Also consider the Mirage, it's a bit older (remodeled). Has nice pool area and good location too.

Don't know how much you know about Vegas/Strip history, but the Mirage is the pioneer of the mega-hotels on the Strip. Also the Mirage volcano is pretty much a symbol of Vegas and as well known, if not more so, than the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign in the center divide at the south end of the Strip.

lhgreengrd1

I have very mixed feelings about the Signature at MGM. IMHO, it's a legit 5* physical plant, but it's run like a 3* timeshare resort. They nickel and dime you on all sorts of stuff, including lapsing on the stuff that's supposed to come with the resort fee like newspapers and bottled water, and just about every decent chair in the pool area (plain old lounge chairs, not just cabanas) is reserved and requires paying an upcharge.

It's also a surprisingly long walk to both the Strip and the MGM's casino.

tanglin

+1

Signature is ideal for a quiet time, and you don't mind a schlep to get to the MGM Grand/Strip.

For a first time experience, it'd be Bellagio for me. Center of the strip and very nice property.

kettle1

For a first time visitor to Las Vegas, stay center strip.

The Signature @ MGM Grand was built for residents. It is not a timeshare and it was never built for that. You will not be approached by anyone trying to sell timeshares.

I have booked Signature @ MGM for as low as $80 per night (before resort fees), when the Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, etc. was well over $200 for the same night.

For a first time visitor to Las Vegas, stick MID-STRIP. Forget Signature. Go for something like Bally's (4*) Jubilee tower, high floor, odd numbered room. That will face Paris and you will have a partial view of the Bellagio fountain show.

Safe and happy travels.

Tibs

Bellagio is more of an older/upscale crowd. Aria is more middle of the road age and very nice. MGM Grand (not signature) is a party hotel as far as I am concerned. Mirage probably more middle of the road for people.

Every property has great things to eat, but look at it like this. There is a McDonnalds in Grand.

Mandalay is really nice too.

Vdara is a non casino hotel between Aria and Bellagio and close to both for casino and restaurants. Really quiet, and no smoking at all in the hotel. Its more of a Hyatt House in a way with a grocery store.

If I were you, I would try Aria first or Mirage. Because you're not going to be in the room much and both are close to a ton of other things by foot and tram. Bellagio has a great quiet pool. Many great restaurants.

It all depends on what you want.

lhgreengrd1

I didn't say the Signature was a timeshare - I said it was run like one, with a management nickel and diming that is incompatible with the truly excellent, legitimate 5* physical plant. The suites at Signature are gorgeous, especially for the $80-125 that they normally go for (plus resort fees). But it gets irritating to not get the free water and newspaper that the resort fee supposedly covers, and seeing the pool area 90% unoccupied but every available chair is reserved for want of an upcharge, and not having the room serviced in a timely manner. It's also a long walk to either the MGM casino or the strip, but that could be an advantage or a disadvantage depending upon what one is looking for.

For a 1st timer, I'd recommend the Mirage, or Paris, or TI or Caesars, MGM, New York, New York, Monte Carlo, or the Tropicana, depending upon budget. If the budget is somewhat higher, I'd consider the Bellagio, Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, Encore, Aria, Vdara, or Cosmo. Mandalay Bay is also nice, but out on the far south end of the strip. Location-wise, the area between Venetian, Mirage, and Bellagio is basically ground zero on the strip, which extends down to Cosmopolitan to the South, and to the Wynn to the North.

warrenslo

Your Hyatt Platinum won't get you much at MGM properties from my experience. I would honestly recommend you instead stay in a Wynn Panoramic Room if its within your budget, they are significantly nicer than any of the MGM properties.