LV spending estimates
Aug 7, 2002, 9:50 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 7
LV spending estimates
I know this will be a tough question because it is subjective, but this site always has great recommendations, so here goes:
We are going to LV for a wedding Nov 27-Dec 2. We have our rooms (Aladdin) paid for and will have a rental car. The group of us will be young-ish married couples, our parents (50-60's), and 3 young children--7, 3, 1 1/2 (must be there for the wedding--I doubt they'll do much gambling
My questions:
1) What would a typical budget be for dining per day? --nothing too high end, but not McDonalds every meal (Macaroni Grill, Applebees--that type if you are familiar w/them)
2) Attire? Are people mostly casual?
3) Recommended sites to see w/the kids--is Bonnie Springs a good bet?
4) Random spending $--w/out taking gambling into the total, any guess on what to budget?
Thanks for any help or suggestions you might have!
We are going to LV for a wedding Nov 27-Dec 2. We have our rooms (Aladdin) paid for and will have a rental car. The group of us will be young-ish married couples, our parents (50-60's), and 3 young children--7, 3, 1 1/2 (must be there for the wedding--I doubt they'll do much gambling
My questions:
1) What would a typical budget be for dining per day? --nothing too high end, but not McDonalds every meal (Macaroni Grill, Applebees--that type if you are familiar w/them)
2) Attire? Are people mostly casual?
3) Recommended sites to see w/the kids--is Bonnie Springs a good bet?
4) Random spending $--w/out taking gambling into the total, any guess on what to budget?
Thanks for any help or suggestions you might have!
Aug 7, 2002, 10:51 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Programs: AA,HP,MP,DL,SPG, MR
Posts: 2,092
Attire: everyone is casual in vegas. The only people who get dressed are those that have never been there or those doing business and going to the very exclusive restaurants.
Things for the Kids: Here are tons of free things to do with the kids and YOU: Go the Rio Suites Masquerade Village. They have a free show every two hours after 2 PM. There is a huge show on the floor and floats come out of the ceiling with musicians and entertainers. For about $9.00 each they and you can get into costume and go out on the floats like the pros. Kids love it.
Go to the Mirage and see the white tigers and the dolphin sanctuary.
Go to the Venetian and let them see the gondolas with the singing gondoleers.
The Excalibur has a dinner show for about $30. that is like midieval times, jousting, all kinds of fun and reasonable for a whole evening's entertainment.
Go downtown at night and see the Freemont Street Experience. It is a laser light and music show that is spectacular and free.
Outside Treasure Island there is a pirate ship war every few hours. For the best view. go into the hotel and up one level to the bar that overlooks where this takes place. Order a coke and sit outside and see the show. it's free too. While you are downtown, if you don't mind standing cause kids can't be in the lounge, at the Plaza Hotel, which is a bit of a dive, their lounge usually has the Sunspots appearing. They are superb and really really entertain and it's free for the price of a coke if you sit in the lounge. Since the kids can't sit in there you can stand outside like lots of people do and it is totally open so you can watch them for a while if they are there.
Lance Burton puts on a great show at the Monte Carlo but it will cost you for so many kids, so you may want something cheaper. There is lots of free entertainment for children on all levels of the Excalibur but beware.....there is an arcade that can cost you plenty if you can't say NO! Bear in mind that all the hotels want to get you into their casinos so they each have some spectacular ten minute free show or else a wonderful theme that will get you in.
FOOD; Avoid breakfasts in the coffee shops they are overpriced. You can get a decent breakfast buffet for 5.99 or so at most hotels and very nice dinner buffets for $15, like the Mirage. the Golden Nugget downtown has a WONDERFUL coffee shop that is more like a very nice restaurant and they have great prices. It's called the Carson City Cafe. Avoid the places that offer super bargain meals, they usually stink. The MGM has a Rainforest Cafe if you are familiar with that and Caesar's has some good eating spots in the Forum Shops; The Cheesecake Factory (if you are familiar with it, not bad at all) and The Stage Deli with great deli foods. They also have the statues that come alive and the magnificent aquarium in the same area so you can eat and be entertained at the same time. Caesar's also has the simulated motion rides that my grandaughter loved. I did too.
There is a Tony Roma's in the Stardust on the strip and one downtown at the Freemont and they are reasonable too.
Well, I'm blocked for the moment picturing myself at a slot machine. But feel free to ask anything, I love Vegas and go often.
two last things: go to Vegas.com and you can get schedules for all these things and lots of info...AND, IF ANY OF YOUR PARENTS OR YOU WALK WITH A CANE YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE FOR SHOWS OR BUFFETS. Just walk up and say that you are handicapped and they take you right in.
[This message has been edited by Marysunshine (edited 08-07-2002).]
Things for the Kids: Here are tons of free things to do with the kids and YOU: Go the Rio Suites Masquerade Village. They have a free show every two hours after 2 PM. There is a huge show on the floor and floats come out of the ceiling with musicians and entertainers. For about $9.00 each they and you can get into costume and go out on the floats like the pros. Kids love it.
Go to the Mirage and see the white tigers and the dolphin sanctuary.
Go to the Venetian and let them see the gondolas with the singing gondoleers.
The Excalibur has a dinner show for about $30. that is like midieval times, jousting, all kinds of fun and reasonable for a whole evening's entertainment.
Go downtown at night and see the Freemont Street Experience. It is a laser light and music show that is spectacular and free.
Outside Treasure Island there is a pirate ship war every few hours. For the best view. go into the hotel and up one level to the bar that overlooks where this takes place. Order a coke and sit outside and see the show. it's free too. While you are downtown, if you don't mind standing cause kids can't be in the lounge, at the Plaza Hotel, which is a bit of a dive, their lounge usually has the Sunspots appearing. They are superb and really really entertain and it's free for the price of a coke if you sit in the lounge. Since the kids can't sit in there you can stand outside like lots of people do and it is totally open so you can watch them for a while if they are there.
Lance Burton puts on a great show at the Monte Carlo but it will cost you for so many kids, so you may want something cheaper. There is lots of free entertainment for children on all levels of the Excalibur but beware.....there is an arcade that can cost you plenty if you can't say NO! Bear in mind that all the hotels want to get you into their casinos so they each have some spectacular ten minute free show or else a wonderful theme that will get you in.
FOOD; Avoid breakfasts in the coffee shops they are overpriced. You can get a decent breakfast buffet for 5.99 or so at most hotels and very nice dinner buffets for $15, like the Mirage. the Golden Nugget downtown has a WONDERFUL coffee shop that is more like a very nice restaurant and they have great prices. It's called the Carson City Cafe. Avoid the places that offer super bargain meals, they usually stink. The MGM has a Rainforest Cafe if you are familiar with that and Caesar's has some good eating spots in the Forum Shops; The Cheesecake Factory (if you are familiar with it, not bad at all) and The Stage Deli with great deli foods. They also have the statues that come alive and the magnificent aquarium in the same area so you can eat and be entertained at the same time. Caesar's also has the simulated motion rides that my grandaughter loved. I did too.
There is a Tony Roma's in the Stardust on the strip and one downtown at the Freemont and they are reasonable too.
Well, I'm blocked for the moment picturing myself at a slot machine. But feel free to ask anything, I love Vegas and go often.
two last things: go to Vegas.com and you can get schedules for all these things and lots of info...AND, IF ANY OF YOUR PARENTS OR YOU WALK WITH A CANE YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE FOR SHOWS OR BUFFETS. Just walk up and say that you are handicapped and they take you right in.
[This message has been edited by Marysunshine (edited 08-07-2002).]
Aug 7, 2002, 9:37 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Programs: DL GM, AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 12,171
I agree 100% with just about everything Marysunshine has posted with the exception of dress.
Vegas is one of the few places you can choose to get completely decked out and not look out of place. My wife looks forward to our trips out there so that on a night or two she can wear the "sparkly dresses" that sit in the closet most of the year.
You may also consider a trip to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead recreational area. The Dam is very interesting, and the kids won't be bored by it.
Vegas is one of the few places you can choose to get completely decked out and not look out of place. My wife looks forward to our trips out there so that on a night or two she can wear the "sparkly dresses" that sit in the closet most of the year.
You may also consider a trip to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead recreational area. The Dam is very interesting, and the kids won't be bored by it.
Aug 8, 2002, 6:35 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: McLean, VA, USA
Posts: 252
THe Alladdin has one of the best buffets.
Don't miss the volcano at the mirage, next to Treasure Island.
Downtown food is to be avoided. Haven't found a decent place yet, and have tried many including the Golden Nugget.
Prime Ribs is a specialty at Vegas. Lots of good places. A particular bargain, if you like country music is the Meal and Honky Tonk girl show at the Gold Coast. Look in the entertainment magazines found in your hotel for coupons.
Bonnie Springs is Ok, but not particularly interesting. However Red Rock Canyon ,not far from Bonnie Springs ,will give you a taste of Western scenery, not along the line of Grand Canyon, still worth a look.
Also while at the car rental place look around for coupons. They have some good ones there.
Don't miss the volcano at the mirage, next to Treasure Island.
Downtown food is to be avoided. Haven't found a decent place yet, and have tried many including the Golden Nugget.
Prime Ribs is a specialty at Vegas. Lots of good places. A particular bargain, if you like country music is the Meal and Honky Tonk girl show at the Gold Coast. Look in the entertainment magazines found in your hotel for coupons.
Bonnie Springs is Ok, but not particularly interesting. However Red Rock Canyon ,not far from Bonnie Springs ,will give you a taste of Western scenery, not along the line of Grand Canyon, still worth a look.
Also while at the car rental place look around for coupons. They have some good ones there.
Aug 9, 2002, 2:06 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Programs: DL GM, AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 12,171
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Faye:
Downtown food is to be avoided. Haven't found a decent place yet, and have tried many including the Golden Nugget.
</font>
Downtown food is to be avoided. Haven't found a decent place yet, and have tried many including the Golden Nugget.
</font>
Aug 12, 2002, 8:08 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: HHonors Silver
Posts: 4,030
My favorite two "free" Las Vegas attractions:
Fountains at Bellagio
Thank a hydraulics engineer today.
Fremont Street Experience
They replaced the lame "show tunes" music with a mix including more classic rock. A different show every hour in the evenings.
Fountains at Bellagio
Thank a hydraulics engineer today.
Fremont Street Experience
They replaced the lame "show tunes" music with a mix including more classic rock. A different show every hour in the evenings.
Aug 12, 2002, 10:19 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
I agree with the statements that dress is casual in Vegas. Even in November it is still quite warm during the day. If the sun is shining you may be able to take a dip in the hotel pool. Dress is very casual during the day but you should probably "dress" for dinner if you going anywhere other that a diner/cafe or buffet. Nice slacks or skirts for the ladies, men can where golf shirts and khakis.
Your children sound too young for the dinner show at the Excalibur. There are pyrotechnics, and violence. This is hardly a show for a 1 and 3 year old. I personally can't stand the Excalibur simply because the place is crawling with kids, the same thing goes for Circus Circus.
Bring baseball caps and sunglasses for the kids. The sun can be quite bright.
Having a rental car for off strip sightseeing is nice but you really don't want to drive down the strip too much. Traffic is gridlock especially at night. On our previous trip we used the car during the day and took cabs at night. Since we didn't seem to get alot of value for the money on the rental car last time we just cabbed it to the hotel and walked or cabbed it for the weekend. It came out much cheaper. Getting your car returned at the hotels is no small project. They must park them a mile a way if you valet. Self parking is usually a hike too. Be prepared to drop off the grandparents and kiddies at the door and then have one person self park the car.
I love Vegas but bringing children to Vegas will hamper your fun unless grandma and grandpa are willing to entertain the kids while you enjoy the adult night life. The Vegas strip is not a kid friendly town especially for kids as young as yours. I would bring along plenty of games and toys for your kiddies to play with in the room. They are still way too young to enjoy most of the "kid" activities in Vegas such as roller coasters, arcade games, etc.
Your children sound too young for the dinner show at the Excalibur. There are pyrotechnics, and violence. This is hardly a show for a 1 and 3 year old. I personally can't stand the Excalibur simply because the place is crawling with kids, the same thing goes for Circus Circus.
Bring baseball caps and sunglasses for the kids. The sun can be quite bright.
Having a rental car for off strip sightseeing is nice but you really don't want to drive down the strip too much. Traffic is gridlock especially at night. On our previous trip we used the car during the day and took cabs at night. Since we didn't seem to get alot of value for the money on the rental car last time we just cabbed it to the hotel and walked or cabbed it for the weekend. It came out much cheaper. Getting your car returned at the hotels is no small project. They must park them a mile a way if you valet. Self parking is usually a hike too. Be prepared to drop off the grandparents and kiddies at the door and then have one person self park the car.
I love Vegas but bringing children to Vegas will hamper your fun unless grandma and grandpa are willing to entertain the kids while you enjoy the adult night life. The Vegas strip is not a kid friendly town especially for kids as young as yours. I would bring along plenty of games and toys for your kiddies to play with in the room. They are still way too young to enjoy most of the "kid" activities in Vegas such as roller coasters, arcade games, etc.
Aug 28, 2002, 7:38 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Programs: AC SE, SPG P
Posts: 759
We were in Vegas recently with our (at the time)5 month old. We had a good time - in fact, we are heading back there in a month with Junior.
The buffet at the Main Street Station has been rated as best by locals.
I agree with the above - watch the water at Bellagio and the lights at Fremont. Also, the pirates at Treasure island. Well worth the trip.
The buffet at the Main Street Station has been rated as best by locals.
I agree with the above - watch the water at Bellagio and the lights at Fremont. Also, the pirates at Treasure island. Well worth the trip.
Aug 28, 2002, 9:55 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,950
No one has yet mentioned Circus Circus. My sources indicate this is tops for kids.
I'll triple the Bellagio Fountains and the Fremont Street experience. Bellagio Fountains are well watched from the Eiffel Tower across the street. There are also things like the M & M museum and the Guggenheim motorcycle exhibit that might be a kick for the kiddos. Race for Atlantis in Caesar's, as well.
There's a run down restaurant on Koval next to the super 8 hotel that does a real decent steak & egg breakfast for 2 or 3 bucks. The grandparents would probably get a kick out of the deal.
Valley of Fire state park outside of town is pretty wild, and could be a good place for kids to burn off energy climbing around on rocks that look like Mars. Mt Charleston might be the other out of town thing to consider. In November, you might even hit some snow.
I have occasionally used the following site to obtain some pretty useful coupons. Most or all could be secured free after arrival, but this guy does all the leg work for you for a nominal fee. Well worth a look...
http://www.billhere.com/
JP
[This message has been edited by j379pa (edited 08-28-2002).]
I'll triple the Bellagio Fountains and the Fremont Street experience. Bellagio Fountains are well watched from the Eiffel Tower across the street. There are also things like the M & M museum and the Guggenheim motorcycle exhibit that might be a kick for the kiddos. Race for Atlantis in Caesar's, as well.
There's a run down restaurant on Koval next to the super 8 hotel that does a real decent steak & egg breakfast for 2 or 3 bucks. The grandparents would probably get a kick out of the deal.
Valley of Fire state park outside of town is pretty wild, and could be a good place for kids to burn off energy climbing around on rocks that look like Mars. Mt Charleston might be the other out of town thing to consider. In November, you might even hit some snow.
I have occasionally used the following site to obtain some pretty useful coupons. Most or all could be secured free after arrival, but this guy does all the leg work for you for a nominal fee. Well worth a look...
http://www.billhere.com/
JP
[This message has been edited by j379pa (edited 08-28-2002).]
Sep 2, 2002, 1:21 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, AA Lifetime Platinum, DL Platinum, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 7,970
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Faye:
Downtown food is to be avoided.</font>
Downtown food is to be avoided.</font>
[This message has been edited by Steve M (edited 09-04-2002).]
Sep 5, 2002, 1:35 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA/BD Gold/IC A/*Wood Gold - Certified BodyCombat and BodyPump Instructor
Posts: 6,070
If you've got the car, could I recommend a trip or two away from Vega$?
We just did Valley of Fire, about an hours, if that, drive from Vega$. Very beautiful, but bring a $5 bill for park entry as it is unmanned (oh, and don't forget the water like we did!). http://www.state.nv.us/stparks/vf.htm
Also, Hoover Dam is quite spectacular, though intersting now with the security checks (not there the last time we visted
) http://www.hooverdam.usbr.gov
Red Rock Canyon is on the door step as well, and worth a visit. http://www.redrockcanyon.blm.gov/
And if you do hit the jackpot, there is always a flight over the Grand Canyon!
[This message has been edited by LHR Tim (edited 09-05-2002).]
We just did Valley of Fire, about an hours, if that, drive from Vega$. Very beautiful, but bring a $5 bill for park entry as it is unmanned (oh, and don't forget the water like we did!). http://www.state.nv.us/stparks/vf.htm
Also, Hoover Dam is quite spectacular, though intersting now with the security checks (not there the last time we visted
) http://www.hooverdam.usbr.govRed Rock Canyon is on the door step as well, and worth a visit. http://www.redrockcanyon.blm.gov/
And if you do hit the jackpot, there is always a flight over the Grand Canyon!
[This message has been edited by LHR Tim (edited 09-05-2002).]