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Started By
Message
Las Vegas trip review (first timer)
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:07 am
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:07 am
HOTEL:
MGM Grand
This hotel had mixed reviews everywhere I looked. My wife said not to worry since we were not spending any time, but to sleep and shower, in our room. (she was right)
This is a big property.
I booked through Southwest, and got the West Wing King room. The room wasn't very big, but since all we did was sleep and shower in it, the room was perfectly fine.
The main complaints I read on this hotel were the TV, water draining issue, and Wifi service. None of these were an issue for us when we were in the room. Everything worked fine. We were on the 13th floor.
The staff was very nice and accommodating. The casino is very large, but we did not gamble much.
There were about 6 pools on the property, as well as a number of restaurants and activities (No, I did not have time to go to TopGolf
)
I would recommend this hotel to anyone going to Vegas.
Overall, a 9/10 hotel (I took away 1 point because they didn't give me any freebies)
Pics of room:
Shower and toilet behind each glass door
MGM Grand
This hotel had mixed reviews everywhere I looked. My wife said not to worry since we were not spending any time, but to sleep and shower, in our room. (she was right)
This is a big property.
I booked through Southwest, and got the West Wing King room. The room wasn't very big, but since all we did was sleep and shower in it, the room was perfectly fine.
The main complaints I read on this hotel were the TV, water draining issue, and Wifi service. None of these were an issue for us when we were in the room. Everything worked fine. We were on the 13th floor.
The staff was very nice and accommodating. The casino is very large, but we did not gamble much.
There were about 6 pools on the property, as well as a number of restaurants and activities (No, I did not have time to go to TopGolf
) I would recommend this hotel to anyone going to Vegas.
Overall, a 9/10 hotel (I took away 1 point because they didn't give me any freebies)
Pics of room:
Shower and toilet behind each glass door
This post was edited on 3/14/17 at 10:10 am
6
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:08 am to LSUweights
view from our room window:
Welcome to Las Vegas sign, about 1 mile down from Mandalay Bay
We did a lot of walking. My feet got blistered pretty well the first 2 days, but I managed to tough it out and took as many pictures as I could.
Welcome to Las Vegas sign, about 1 mile down from Mandalay Bay
We did a lot of walking. My feet got blistered pretty well the first 2 days, but I managed to tough it out and took as many pictures as I could.
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 10:22 am
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:08 am to LSUweights
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 10:28 am
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:08 am to LSUweights
Things can get expensive in Vegas.
Since it was my first time and my wife's third, I let her pick out things to do.
Aquarium at Mandalay Bay:
It was actually just as good as the aquarium in New Orleans. Not bad for the price, which was around $15 per person
The High Roller (Ferris Wheel):
This was pretty fun. It looks very high from the ground, and I don't like heights, but it wasn't bad. It moves very slow and you can't feel the pod or the wheel move. Takes 30 minutes to make a full round. We bundled this with the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower for about $35 per person
Eiffel Tower:
Goes about 46 stories up to the top, where you are in a cage and have a full view of Vegas from all sides. Elevator goes up fast, which freaked me out a little, but once I got up there, I was ok. The wife held on the rails for dear life.
Inside Paris casino, one of the Eiffel Tower legs
Since it was my first time and my wife's third, I let her pick out things to do.
Aquarium at Mandalay Bay:
It was actually just as good as the aquarium in New Orleans. Not bad for the price, which was around $15 per person
The High Roller (Ferris Wheel):
This was pretty fun. It looks very high from the ground, and I don't like heights, but it wasn't bad. It moves very slow and you can't feel the pod or the wheel move. Takes 30 minutes to make a full round. We bundled this with the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower for about $35 per person
Eiffel Tower:
Goes about 46 stories up to the top, where you are in a cage and have a full view of Vegas from all sides. Elevator goes up fast, which freaked me out a little, but once I got up there, I was ok. The wife held on the rails for dear life.
Inside Paris casino, one of the Eiffel Tower legs
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 10:45 am
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:08 am to LSUweights
Gondola ride in the Venetian:
It was probably the most expensive thing for the short time you are in it. I wanted to do it but damn, $40 per person for a 5 minute ride was pricey. Our gondola driver had a great voice though.
Gambling:
Like I said, we didn't gamble much. I'm not into it that much and I hate losing money. I played about $20 and came out about $2 ahead. My wife played about $50 and lost it all. All she did was play her favorite slot machine she looked for in every casino
Zoo at the Mirage:
We bundled the zoo and the bodies exhibit together for about $20 per person. You were not allowed to take pictures in the bodies exhibit. The zoo was cool. We got to see some of Siegfried and Roy's animals
We also saw some cool things while walking through some of the Hotel/Casinos
Hershey Kisses dispenser
Inside New York, New York
Inside the Bellagio
Inside Caesar's Palace (Those painted ceilings were awesome)
Inside Treasure Island
Inside Wynn
Inside Luxor
It was probably the most expensive thing for the short time you are in it. I wanted to do it but damn, $40 per person for a 5 minute ride was pricey. Our gondola driver had a great voice though.
Gambling:
Like I said, we didn't gamble much. I'm not into it that much and I hate losing money. I played about $20 and came out about $2 ahead. My wife played about $50 and lost it all. All she did was play her favorite slot machine she looked for in every casino
Zoo at the Mirage:
We bundled the zoo and the bodies exhibit together for about $20 per person. You were not allowed to take pictures in the bodies exhibit. The zoo was cool. We got to see some of Siegfried and Roy's animals
We also saw some cool things while walking through some of the Hotel/Casinos
Hershey Kisses dispenser
Inside New York, New York
Inside the Bellagio
Inside Caesar's Palace (Those painted ceilings were awesome)
Inside Treasure Island
Inside Wynn
Inside Luxor
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 11:09 am
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:08 am to LSUweights
Grand Canyon:
I booked a Bus tour to the West Rim
It included free breakfast and lunch, a tour to 3 different points on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, a stop at the Hoover Dam, and a pass to walk on the Skywalk.
The cost for both my wife and I was about $350 total.
This was an amazing tour. Our bus driver was from Zachary, Louisiana.
The views were breathtaking. It is truly and amazing sight to see.
The Skywalk was awesome. My wife did it in 10 seconds while having a death grip on the rail without looking down. I dropped her off and went back to experience it some more. You cannot take pictures on the Skywalk. They will take them for you and you have to purchase, which we did since it was a once in a lifetime experience. Picture was $16.
Looking at the Grand Canyon really hits you with that, "God is Amazing" feeling.
Next time we will do the helicopter tour
I booked a Bus tour to the West Rim
It included free breakfast and lunch, a tour to 3 different points on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, a stop at the Hoover Dam, and a pass to walk on the Skywalk.
The cost for both my wife and I was about $350 total.
This was an amazing tour. Our bus driver was from Zachary, Louisiana.
The views were breathtaking. It is truly and amazing sight to see.
The Skywalk was awesome. My wife did it in 10 seconds while having a death grip on the rail without looking down. I dropped her off and went back to experience it some more. You cannot take pictures on the Skywalk. They will take them for you and you have to purchase, which we did since it was a once in a lifetime experience. Picture was $16.
Looking at the Grand Canyon really hits you with that, "God is Amazing" feeling.
Next time we will do the helicopter tour
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 12:36 pm
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:08 am to LSUweights
OLD VEGAS:
This was a good place to visit.
The cab ride was pricey, $35 each way
We went to do the Murder Mystery Dinner at the D Hotel. I didn't get to take any pictures there but it is a real good show and I highly recommend it. I laughed a lot. That show was $60 per person and includes a 3 course meal, which was pretty good IMO
There were more "characters" in Old Vegas. We saw a bunch of people dressed up looking for money.
There were some pretty hot dancers all over the D Hotel dancing to the music that was blaring outside the hotel.
The light show was awesome. It was worth waiting an hour to see after we got done with the show.
It was very crowded but I assume that is because everything is in 1 spot, close together.
I didn't do the zip line because it was too long of a wait.
It was cool to be in the place where Vegas started out and where Frank, Dean, and Sammy often performed
This was a good place to visit.
The cab ride was pricey, $35 each way
We went to do the Murder Mystery Dinner at the D Hotel. I didn't get to take any pictures there but it is a real good show and I highly recommend it. I laughed a lot. That show was $60 per person and includes a 3 course meal, which was pretty good IMO
There were more "characters" in Old Vegas. We saw a bunch of people dressed up looking for money.
There were some pretty hot dancers all over the D Hotel dancing to the music that was blaring outside the hotel.
The light show was awesome. It was worth waiting an hour to see after we got done with the show.
It was very crowded but I assume that is because everything is in 1 spot, close together.
I didn't do the zip line because it was too long of a wait.
It was cool to be in the place where Vegas started out and where Frank, Dean, and Sammy often performed
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 11:26 am
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:08 am to LSUweights
Food:
Every place I ate was a first time for me.
It was hard to choose with all the places to eat. I let my wife pick a few of the places.
In and Out Burger:
It wasn't worth the price, $9 per combo of burger, fries, and a drink. Tasted a lot like a basic cheeseburger, nothing fantastic. The fries were much better than the burger
Sirrico's Pizza inside New York, New York:
This pizza was really good. Great sauce, good bread, and the sausage was tasty. $4 a slice
Rainforest Café:
I got the bacon, sausage, egg, and cheese omelet. It was very buttery and greasy for eggs. Do not recommend. I think it was about $18
Bobby's Burger Palace:
It was our last night and I couldn't decide on where to go. It was either Guy Fieri's place or Bobby Flay's. Bobby's was closer so we went there. It wasn't bad. Nothing special about this burger. It was a Crunchburger (meat, cheese, potato chips, and burger sauce). It was better than In and Out but I still think I can make a better burger. The bacon/cheese fries were good and so was the strawberry shake. $9 for burger, $6 for the fries, $5 for the shake
Buca di Beppo: (we went to the one in Bally's)
This was the best meal both my wife and I had in Vegas. I got the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni and the wife got the Lasagna. I HIGHLY recommend this place and these dishes. We went for lunch and got the lunch portion and price. I was VERY happy with this meal. $15 for mine and $17 for the wife's/
La Salsa Cantina: (we went to the one in the Miracle Mile Shops)
$5 Breakfast. We did it on 2 mornings. Very good and satisfying for the price. It comes with 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon, home fries, and 2 flour tortillas.
Taco Bell Cantina:
We went just to say we went. I don't drink so I got a frozen lemonade. The wife got a strawberry lemonade with alcohol.
Every place I ate was a first time for me.
It was hard to choose with all the places to eat. I let my wife pick a few of the places.
In and Out Burger:
It wasn't worth the price, $9 per combo of burger, fries, and a drink. Tasted a lot like a basic cheeseburger, nothing fantastic. The fries were much better than the burger
Sirrico's Pizza inside New York, New York:
This pizza was really good. Great sauce, good bread, and the sausage was tasty. $4 a slice
Rainforest Café:
I got the bacon, sausage, egg, and cheese omelet. It was very buttery and greasy for eggs. Do not recommend. I think it was about $18
Bobby's Burger Palace:
It was our last night and I couldn't decide on where to go. It was either Guy Fieri's place or Bobby Flay's. Bobby's was closer so we went there. It wasn't bad. Nothing special about this burger. It was a Crunchburger (meat, cheese, potato chips, and burger sauce). It was better than In and Out but I still think I can make a better burger. The bacon/cheese fries were good and so was the strawberry shake. $9 for burger, $6 for the fries, $5 for the shake
Buca di Beppo: (we went to the one in Bally's)
This was the best meal both my wife and I had in Vegas. I got the Spicy Chicken Rigatoni and the wife got the Lasagna. I HIGHLY recommend this place and these dishes. We went for lunch and got the lunch portion and price. I was VERY happy with this meal. $15 for mine and $17 for the wife's/
La Salsa Cantina: (we went to the one in the Miracle Mile Shops)
$5 Breakfast. We did it on 2 mornings. Very good and satisfying for the price. It comes with 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon, home fries, and 2 flour tortillas.
Taco Bell Cantina:
We went just to say we went. I don't drink so I got a frozen lemonade. The wife got a strawberry lemonade with alcohol.
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 11:51 am
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:08 am to LSUweights
Food: Continued:
Pink's Famous Hot Dogs:
I was pleasantly surprised. My wife wanted to go and I was hesitant at a "Hot Dog" place, but they got me. It was good. I would recommend this for a quick meal if you are in the area. I got the Bacon Burrito Dog (3 hot dogs, 3 strips of bacon, chili, and cheese wrapped in flour tortilla). I was filled on that $9. The wife got a chili cheese dog $5
Dole Whip:
The wife and I wanted something sweet so we stopped by because she heard good things about this place.
I ordered the Ultimate Watermelon for $10. I didn't think it was going to be much, but damn.... My wife didn't order anything after she say mine. That thing could feed 5 people easily. We had to throw over half of it away. It was very good and I recommend trying it, but get something smaller. It was about 3 pounds of Dole Pineapple Sherbet in a bowl that was half a watermelon (gutted, than cubed. some pieces at the bottom and the rest were given to me in a cup) People walking by were amazed by the size.
7 Eleven:
We walked all the way to the Stratosphere. It was getting warm and I was tired. We stopped at 7 Eleven for my first Slurpee. I was not disappointed. I got the Hawaiian Punch. Yes, they are better than ICEE's.
Pink's Famous Hot Dogs:
I was pleasantly surprised. My wife wanted to go and I was hesitant at a "Hot Dog" place, but they got me. It was good. I would recommend this for a quick meal if you are in the area. I got the Bacon Burrito Dog (3 hot dogs, 3 strips of bacon, chili, and cheese wrapped in flour tortilla). I was filled on that $9. The wife got a chili cheese dog $5
Dole Whip:
The wife and I wanted something sweet so we stopped by because she heard good things about this place.
I ordered the Ultimate Watermelon for $10. I didn't think it was going to be much, but damn.... My wife didn't order anything after she say mine. That thing could feed 5 people easily. We had to throw over half of it away. It was very good and I recommend trying it, but get something smaller. It was about 3 pounds of Dole Pineapple Sherbet in a bowl that was half a watermelon (gutted, than cubed. some pieces at the bottom and the rest were given to me in a cup) People walking by were amazed by the size.
7 Eleven:
We walked all the way to the Stratosphere. It was getting warm and I was tired. We stopped at 7 Eleven for my first Slurpee. I was not disappointed. I got the Hawaiian Punch. Yes, they are better than ICEE's.
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 12:04 pm
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:11 am to LSUweights
Food: Continued:
Denny's:
My wife and I both have never been, so we decided to check it out. It was crowded, but worth the wait. I got the Lumberjack Breakfast. I ate it all but paid for it later. It was about $12 and I was happy to pay it for the food I got.
Tacos and Tequila: (inside Luxor)
This was a great Mexican place. The food quality was better than any Mexican restaurant I have had. The flavors of everything was great. They brought 2 salsas (red and green). Both were excellent and the chips were fresh. I ordered the Beef Brisket Burritos. The brisket was smoked and was very tender. (I had already eaten 1 by the time I realized I forgot to take a picture) I think it was about $20
Emeril's New Orleans: (inside the MGM Grand)
I decided to be nice and treat my wife to a fine dining place. Neither of us really care if it's fine dining or not, but I thought it would be nice since we were on our "honeymoon" that we never took when we got married in 2015.
I was craving some Louisiana food so I ordered the Gumbo and Jambalaya. I was disappointed to see Emeril's gumbo have shrimp and sausage together, but what the heck, I'd try it. The flavor of the gumbo was on point. Very well seasoned and ranks #3 on my all time gumbo list behind my mom's and mine. It was excellent. The jambalaya was terrible. It was shrimp jambalaya. It was seasoned well but the flavor was not well done. I'd rank it next to last on my jambalaya list. The wife got a tuna steak with greens and asparagus. She loved it. Meal cost me a total of about $115
Denny's:
My wife and I both have never been, so we decided to check it out. It was crowded, but worth the wait. I got the Lumberjack Breakfast. I ate it all but paid for it later. It was about $12 and I was happy to pay it for the food I got.
Tacos and Tequila: (inside Luxor)
This was a great Mexican place. The food quality was better than any Mexican restaurant I have had. The flavors of everything was great. They brought 2 salsas (red and green). Both were excellent and the chips were fresh. I ordered the Beef Brisket Burritos. The brisket was smoked and was very tender. (I had already eaten 1 by the time I realized I forgot to take a picture) I think it was about $20
Emeril's New Orleans: (inside the MGM Grand)
I decided to be nice and treat my wife to a fine dining place. Neither of us really care if it's fine dining or not, but I thought it would be nice since we were on our "honeymoon" that we never took when we got married in 2015.
I was craving some Louisiana food so I ordered the Gumbo and Jambalaya. I was disappointed to see Emeril's gumbo have shrimp and sausage together, but what the heck, I'd try it. The flavor of the gumbo was on point. Very well seasoned and ranks #3 on my all time gumbo list behind my mom's and mine. It was excellent. The jambalaya was terrible. It was shrimp jambalaya. It was seasoned well but the flavor was not well done. I'd rank it next to last on my jambalaya list. The wife got a tuna steak with greens and asparagus. She loved it. Meal cost me a total of about $115
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 12:29 pm
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:30 am to LSUweights
Final Vegas Review:
There was a lot to do and a lot to take in.
This was a busy trip with a lot of first for me.... first time on the West Coast, first time in Vegas, first time at the Grand Canyon, first time eating at all those places, and YES, my first time on an airplane (I have plenty of experience with Helicopters)
There was a lot of walking. I had huge blisters on both feet that I had to fight through. I am going to assume there will be less walking next time since I won't need to rush to see everything. My wife's phone kept track of our steps:
I counted about 11-12 languages
I encountered some of the rudest people I have ever met, old Korean's
It was very crowded with 2 huge conventions going on and the Pac 12 Basketball tournament.
But it was all worth it. I had a great time seeing and experiencing all the new things with my wife. I can't wait to go back in 2 years (according to the wife)
My favorite Hotel/Casinos were New York, New York and Circus Circus.
I have never been to New York, but they sure made it look like what New York looks like on TV. Very cool.
Circus Circus brought me back to my childhood when I went to the second floor. The whole second floor was an arcade with games, circus shows, and carnival games I loved playing as a kid... flip the frog, dart/balloon toss, and the water gun to blow up a balloon game.
Every Casino looked the same to me. Some were just bigger and more spaced out than others.
I don't like shopping but since every Hotel had their own mall, I walked with the wife.
The water show at the Bellagio was awesome
2 things I didn't get to see that I wanted to... the Britney Spears show (she isn't performing til late March) and the Volcano show at the Mirage (we missed it because it took so long to walk there)
It was a great trip.
Til next time Vegas........
I would be happy to answer any questions....
There was a lot to do and a lot to take in.
This was a busy trip with a lot of first for me.... first time on the West Coast, first time in Vegas, first time at the Grand Canyon, first time eating at all those places, and YES, my first time on an airplane (I have plenty of experience with Helicopters)
There was a lot of walking. I had huge blisters on both feet that I had to fight through. I am going to assume there will be less walking next time since I won't need to rush to see everything. My wife's phone kept track of our steps:
I counted about 11-12 languages
I encountered some of the rudest people I have ever met, old Korean's
It was very crowded with 2 huge conventions going on and the Pac 12 Basketball tournament.
But it was all worth it. I had a great time seeing and experiencing all the new things with my wife. I can't wait to go back in 2 years (according to the wife)
My favorite Hotel/Casinos were New York, New York and Circus Circus.
I have never been to New York, but they sure made it look like what New York looks like on TV. Very cool.
Circus Circus brought me back to my childhood when I went to the second floor. The whole second floor was an arcade with games, circus shows, and carnival games I loved playing as a kid... flip the frog, dart/balloon toss, and the water gun to blow up a balloon game.
Every Casino looked the same to me. Some were just bigger and more spaced out than others.
I don't like shopping but since every Hotel had their own mall, I walked with the wife.
The water show at the Bellagio was awesome
2 things I didn't get to see that I wanted to... the Britney Spears show (she isn't performing til late March) and the Volcano show at the Mirage (we missed it because it took so long to walk there)
It was a great trip.
Til next time Vegas........
I would be happy to answer any questions....
This post was edited on 3/13/17 at 2:40 pm
Posted on 3/13/17 at 10:52 am to LSUweights
1st trip is overwhelming
you do want to see everything
going back the second time is a lot better because you don't have to walk so much and sightsee, you can pick your haunts and where you want to go and really start to experience it more
you do want to see everything
going back the second time is a lot better because you don't have to walk so much and sightsee, you can pick your haunts and where you want to go and really start to experience it more
Posted on 3/13/17 at 1:13 pm to nicholastiger
quote:
1st trip is overwhelming
you do want to see everything
Yes... Very overwhelming
ETA... Bump. Review complete
Posted on 3/13/17 at 2:08 pm to LSUweights
Great review! Thanks for posting
Posted on 3/13/17 at 2:17 pm to Palmetto08
good god i need a cigarette after reading all of that
great job highlighting the trip. Vegas is overwhelming for sure
BTW that gumbo and jambalaya from Emerils looks like it came from a Zatarains box
great job highlighting the trip. Vegas is overwhelming for sure
BTW that gumbo and jambalaya from Emerils looks like it came from a Zatarains box
Posted on 3/13/17 at 2:20 pm to dallastiger55
quote:
good god i need a cigarette after reading all of that
quote:
BTW that gumbo and jambalaya from Emerils looks like it came from a Zatarains box
The jambalaya maybe...
Posted on 3/13/17 at 2:55 pm to LSUweights
Nice job. Thank you.
Posted on 3/13/17 at 3:00 pm to LSUweights
Next time, try Harley Davidson Grill for a Hula Burger and sweet fries.
Taco's El Gordo
Salsa's in the Miracle Mile Mall
Take in a Cirque show. Mystere was my last and best.
Do Freemont Street on a Friday or Saturday NIGHT.
Take the double decker bus when wanting to get around. Much cheaper.
I agree with The Grand Canyon. Breath taking.
Taco's El Gordo
Salsa's in the Miracle Mile Mall
Take in a Cirque show. Mystere was my last and best.
Do Freemont Street on a Friday or Saturday NIGHT.
Take the double decker bus when wanting to get around. Much cheaper.
I agree with The Grand Canyon. Breath taking.
Posted on 3/13/17 at 3:12 pm to LSUweights
quote:???
Las Vegas[trip/quote]
[quote]The room wasn't very big, but since all we did was sleep and shower in it, the room was perfectly fine.
You're doing this Vegas trip thing wrong.
You missed a step.
Thanks for the pictures & the reviews.
Posted on 3/13/17 at 3:28 pm to Popths
quote:
Popths
Noted
We looked at 2 Cirque shows, KA and The Michael Jackson one, but we ran out of time..
My wife suggested the double decker bus a few times, but I toughed out the walking. She got a little made one night when we didn't take it
quote:
soccerfüt
quote:
You missed a step.
We did that too.. pics not included
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