Vegas with Teens - Would you splurge?

[klacey1]

What kind of room have you booked at the Mirage? I have to say, the regular rooms are small and really not nice, but the tower rooms and anything above are solid. I ADORE the Venetian and it's a far superior property than the Mirage in every way, but agree with other posters that it's not worth switching hotels for one night on such a short trip.
For restaurant recommendations, if you want to visit the Venetian, Grand Luxe Cafe is a solid option. It has the Cheesecake Factory's menu (something for everyone) and is super affordable. Food can add up FAST in Vegas so I've found it's good to have a few affordable options as go-tos. Mario Batali's burger restaurant is solid at the Venetian, as is Trattoria Reggiano in the Grand Canal Shoppes (mall at the Venetian).
At the Mirage, I LOVE Stack but would go earlier in the evening with teens. It's American comfort food with a twist (fancy pigs in a blanket, tator tots stuffed with bacon and Brie...).
As others have said, half the fun in Vegas is just walking around and exploring the hotels! Caesars is a can't miss, and so is the Cosmopolitan for anyone who likes sparkly things. The Cosmo has a ton of amazing restaurants, too. Holstein makes great burgers!
I think Bally's is worth popping into to see a hotel that looks "classic Vegas." And if your family likes Thai food, SEA Thai is a terrific option there. Pretty affordable, beautiful atmosphere, excellent food.
Many people recommend it to families, but I would definitely skip the aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Very tiny and pricey.

 

[daughtersrus]

We went to Vegas for the first time this past July. Even with the temp averaging 110, we did quite a bit outside.

We stayed at Caesar's and had a view of the Bellagio fountains

If you're interested in the Grand Canyon, we took a bus trip to the west rim. It will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. We left early and were back by dinner. We found a coupon on Groupon so it was $89/person and included lunch.

We also used a Groupon for the Eiffel Tower at Paris.

If you like buffets, you might consider the Buffet of Buffets with CET. You can go to as many buffets as you want within 24 hours. Caesar's and Rio had an upcharge so we did not go to those. It was $59.99/ person. We got 4 meals out of it. We went to Paris for a late dinner after the Grand Canyon. The next day we went to the Flamingo for breakfast. It included mamossa and bloody mary. We went to Harrah's for lunch. (it was ok but I wouldn't go back but they do have cotton candy at the dessert station) and went back to Paris for dinner. $60 for 4 meals was a deal. If you decide to do this, don't buy it ahead of time since the clock starts the minute you purchase. Purchase it at the register of the first buffet. Also, remember to give yourself enough time for the line to get in for the last meal. You have to be at the register before your time expires. I think that there may be a discount if your sign up for their players card (Total Rewards)
We rented a car for the week so we drove to Pawn Stars and Fremont Street. The Golden Nugget has the world's largest gold nugget on display. The crowd was interesting. My suggesting is to not walk under the zip line. We saw one person throw up and another spit their gum out.

We went to see Love at the Mirage. The tickets for the last show on Sunday were quite a bit less than any of the other shows so that's the one that we went to. I'm not a fan of the Beatles but still enjoyed it.

The bell service will hold your luggage if you decide to switch hotels. Since you won't be using the pool, I'm not sure that it would be worth it just to sleep there

If you go to the Miracle Mile Shops, check out Garrett Popcorn. It's one of the few locations outside of Chicago.

Have a fun trip.

We are planning our next trip for this coming summer. We will be there over a week so we will probably split it between Paris, Tropicana and The M Resort


Edited to add...Fremont Street has all kinds of characters, many of which are basically naked and some (I assume homeless, on drugs or maybe suffering from mental illness) holding signs with foul language. Night seems worse than day. They did have some nice bands that were fun to watch

 

[kymom99]

We went to Vegas for the first time this past July. Even with the temp averaging 110, we did quite a bit outside.

We stayed at Caesar's and had a view of the Bellagio fountains

If you're interested in the Grand Canyon, we took a bus trip to the west rim. It will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. We left early and were back by dinner. We found a coupon on Groupon so it was $89/person and included lunch.

We also used a Groupon for the Eiffel Tower at Paris.

If you like buffets, you might consider the Buffet of Buffets with CET. You can go to as many buffets as you want within 24 hours. Caesar's and Rio had an upcharge so we did not go to those. It was $59.99/ person. We got 4 meals out of it. We went to Paris for a late dinner after the Grand Canyon. The next day we went to the Flamingo for breakfast. It included mamossa and bloody mary. We went to Harrah's for lunch. (it was ok but I wouldn't go back but they do have cotton candy at the dessert station) and went back to Paris for dinner. $60 for 4 meals was a deal. If you decide to do this, don't buy it ahead of time since the clock starts the minute you purchase. Purchase it at the register of the first buffet. Also, remember to give yourself enough time for the line to get in for the last meal. You have to be at the register before your time expires. I think that there may be a discount if your sign up for their players card (Total Rewards)
We rented a car for the week so we drove to Pawn Stars and Fremont Street. The Golden Nugget has the world's largest gold nugget on display. The crowd was interesting. My suggesting is to not walk under the zip line. We saw one person throw up and another spit their gum out.

We went to see Love at the Mirage. The tickets for the last show on Sunday were quite a bit less than any of the other shows so that's the one that we went to. I'm not a fan of the Beatles but still enjoyed it.

The bell service will hold your luggage if you decide to switch hotels. Since you won't be using the pool, I'm not sure that it would be worth it just to sleep there

Have a fun trip.

We are planning our next trip for this coming summer. We will be there over a week so we will probably split it between Paris, Tropicana and The M Resort

Can you tell me how parking was around Fremont street? When I went we took a cab.

 

[daughtersrus]

Can you tell me how parking was around Fremont street? When I went we took a cab.

There are parking garages at all of the casinos. Some will validate your parking pass if you gamble at their casino. We like to gamble so that wasn't an issue for us. We did see some put $1 in a slot and then press the service buton for the attendent to validate it. They cashed out and collected their $1 back.

 

[NinaBella]

What kind of room have you booked at the Mirage? I have to say, the regular rooms are small and really not nice, but the tower rooms and anything above are solid. I ADORE the Venetian and it's a far superior property than the Mirage in every way, but agree with other posters that it's not worth switching hotels for one night on such a short trip.
For restaurant recommendations, if you want to visit the Venetian, Grand Luxe Cafe is a solid option. It has the Cheesecake Factory's menu (something for everyone) and is super affordable. Food can add up FAST in Vegas so I've found it's good to have a few affordable options as go-tos. Mario Batali's burger restaurant is solid at the Venetian, as is Trattoria Reggiano in the Grand Canal Shoppes (mall at the Venetian).
At the Mirage, I LOVE Stack but would go earlier in the evening with teens. It's American comfort food with a twist (fancy pigs in a blanket, tator tots stuffed with bacon and Brie...).
As others have said, half the fun in Vegas is just walking around and exploring the hotels! Caesars is a can't miss, and so is the Cosmopolitan for anyone who likes sparkly things. The Cosmo has a ton of amazing restaurants, too. Holstein makes great burgers!
I think Bally's is worth popping into to see a hotel that looks "classic Vegas." And if your family likes Thai food, SEA Thai is a terrific option there. Pretty affordable, beautiful atmosphere, excellent food.
Many people recommend it to families, but I would definitely skip the aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Very tiny and pricey.

A Volcano room view. It was one level above the standard.

 

[starry_solo]

There are usually discount tickets available the day of the show. Tix 4 Tonight or something like that. They have two locations on the strip, I remember one being near the Coca Cola store. It's been a long time since I went to Vegas, but the last time I was there, I used it for 1/2 price tickets to see Star Trek the Experience (there was a $2/ticket surcharge at the time too, but the discount was more than enough to cover it).

I just checked their website and they have Cirque de Soleil and the Eiffel Tower Experience, Gray Line Tours to Grand Canyon.

Anyhow, have a great time!

 

[Arkansan]

Can you tell me how parking was around Fremont street? When I went we took a cab.

We parked in a public ramp a block from the Slotline zip line. Painless. There are no public restrooms on Fremont St. The zip line was behind and we waited over an hour past our time (plus got in line early) so needed a restroom. There is a Denny's that has a restroom for patrons. We bought a couple of bottles of water and used the facilities.

 

[LYSE]

I've only stayed on the plazzo side in one of the nicer suites (they aren't real suites) but was unimpressed, you got a lot of sq ft but it wasn't very plush and actually was dirty since house keeping can't stay on top of such large rooms, for the price we much prefer the bellagio.

That said Vegas hotels should not be expensive, they can be at peak times but I wouldn't pay anything close to the rack rates.

 

[NinaBella]

Nina Bella, I feel like we are vacation twins as we also both went to Niagara Falls last year..lol Now, we are also headed to Vegas in February with our 8 and 11 year old girls. We went in June and can't wait to go back. We are renting a car as parking is free due to me holding the Hyatt card (Discoverist status matched to MLife Pearl) .
Although we are staying on the strip, we plan to do Valley of Fire and the Hoover dam so need a car.We are staying at the Delano and have booked one night at the Palazzo. For your teens, you can do the Forum shops, Miracle Mile Shops and Fashion Show Mall. There are both North and South shopping Outlets on Las Vegas Blvd. The Coaster in NYNY, the High Roller and Circus Circus Adventure dome should have thrill rides to appease your teens.
There is container park, the Mob Museum and Neon Museum too. SO.MUCH.TO.DO.

I'll be waiting for your mini trip review since you are going in January.

Niagara Falla was a great family vacation. I am making it a goal to start to travel to a different city every year.

I am excited for Vegas. My son wanted to go back to New Orleans but I think he will like Vegas once he arrives and sees it has more to offer than casinos.

 

[NinaBella]

Crazy. I just looked at Bellagio rates and my dates are $200 a night rack rate. If I go one day earlier it’s over $400. The nights before that are over $900 and $1000 for the same room. The only convention I see is a huge CES convention that is suppose to be extremely popular for consumer electronics techs.

 

[LYSE]

Crazy. I just looked at Bellagio rates and my dates are $200 a night rack rate. If I go one day earlier it’s over $400. The nights before that are over $900 and $1000 for the same room. The only convention I see is a huge CES convention that is suppose to be extremely popular for consumer electronics techs.

The rates fluctuate so much it's crazy, also look for coupon codes online..you can usually knock a good amount off or get additional resort credits etc..

 

[kymom99]

The rates fluctuate so much it's crazy, also look for coupon codes online..you can usually knock a good amount off or get additional resort credits etc..

What room category do you suggest? I see resort queen, volcano view, pool view, or stay well queen. Would choosing one of these get me a more updated room over another category? I need 2 beds

 

[Ngwira]

Crazy. I just looked at Bellagio rates and my dates are $200 a night rack rate. If I go one day earlier it’s over $400. The nights before that are over $900 and $1000 for the same room. The only convention I see is a huge CES convention that is suppose to be extremely popular for consumer electronics techs.

That CES convention is HUGE. I'd avoid that time if possible. Also Bellagio is so so crowded. We stayed there in June. And everything is super expensive. We had breakfast there in the morning and a cup of coffee was $10.00.

 

[LYSE]

What room category do you suggest? I see resort queen, volcano view, pool view, or stay well queen. Would choosing one of these get me a more updated room over another category? I need 2 beds

It's been a while since I've been, If I remember correctly the resort rooms are in the newer tower, I always liked to book a standard fountain view then ask for a "complimentary" upgrade and I would usually receive a premium fountain view room.

Last time I was offered a suite non fountain view room in the newer tower but to us it's all about the fountain view so we took a high floor and got this view:

*edit
Since you quoted me I thought you were talking about the Bellagio but those room types sound like Mirage? Can't help ya there.

 

[NinaBella]

So I was looking at the Bellagio today. DH said to get the cheapest room, so I booked Bellagio.

Bellagio Total for 3 nights $849.22
- Sq Feet 510
- 10% military discount

Mirage Total for 3 nights $904.77
- Sq Feet 394
- 10% military discount


Should I have any concerns bout the Bellagio or is the Mirage better? I know nothing of these hotels. I really wanted to add an extra night on the front end (arriving Thursday the 11th, vs Friday the 12th) but that was like $500 more in hotel cost, then of course increased food costs. The rates are just insane earlier in the week from what I only guess is the CES.TECH convention.

 

[kymom99]

It's been a while since I've been, If I remember correctly the resort rooms are in the newer tower, I always liked to book a standard fountain view then ask for a "complimentary" upgrade and I would usually receive a premium fountain view room.

Last time I was offered a suite non fountain view room in the newer tower but to us it's all about the fountain view so we took a high floor and got this view:

*edit
Since you quoted me I thought you were talking about the Bellagio but those room types sound like Mirage? Can't help ya there.

Yeah I'm looking at the mirage

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

So I have found a great military rate for the Mirage hotel in Vegas. I have a friend who lives less than 5 miles from the Mirage. She has mentioned her parents usually stay at the Venetian... so I took a peek and LOVE the hotel. DH of course says no way because it's too expensive. Let's just say even their basic no view room is more than the Orlando's Four Season. I would need two queen beds and that cost extra too. I am thinking of maybe staying ONE night here, the first night or last night, then moving to the Mirage. The hotel is fantastic and would make a great backdrop for photos of DD, etc.

Would you splurge on one night at the Venetian?

Should I just go ahead and book it? DH would look at me sideways but he won't object too much.

We did splurge on one night at the Four Seasons in Orlando last year for my birthday. We really enjoyed the pools and resort. We are not going to Vegas for the pools in January. LOL.

We are planning on going in January over MLK weekend. This is the weekend before my youngest son's 16th birthday so we will celebrate his birthday. My oldest two boys probably will not come. They are 25 and 23. The 23 year old doesn't like to spend money and the 25 year old wouldn't want to hang out with the family in Vegas so if he doesn't have his brother or a friend, I don't see him coming. He would prefer the younger/bar/club scene which we won't be doing. I told both they can come but they would have to pay for their own airfare and the extra hotel room for the two of them. So, this leaves me, DH, DS15 and DD14.

Also any tips on Vegas with teens would be great. I have read a lot online already on things to do with teens. It has been our plan to travel to various cities that we have never been to with the teens. DH has been to Vegas years ago before we knew each other and we always say we should go for his birthday. His birthday is early December.

I have read of a few nice places to go withing driving distance, but we will only have 2 or 3 full days there (depending if I keep the kids out of school an extra day). So I want to prioritize and see as much as we can in that short time.

At this time, I do not plan on renting a car at all. I think there is enough for us to do on the main strip that we will not need a car. If we do decide to venture out that may change.

Oh and we are not planning to gamble. If anything, we would play slot machines and maybe a few hands of black jack but that is the least of our priorities. We live near a casino and in 13 years have only been three times.

So I was looking at the Bellagio today. DH said to get the cheapest room, so I booked Bellagio.

Bellagio Total for 3 nights $849.22
- Sq Feet 510
- 10% military discount

Mirage Total for 3 nights $904.77
- Sq Feet 394
- 10% military discount


Should I have any concerns bout the Bellagio or is the Mirage better? I know nothing of these hotels. I really wanted to add an extra night on the front end (arriving Thursday the 11th, vs Friday the 12th) but that was like $500 more in hotel cost, then of course increased food costs. The rates are just insane earlier in the week from what I only guess is the CES.TECH convention.

Are you really really really wanting to stay exactly on the Strip?

Reason I ask is we just back from Vegas on Monday (Columbus day). We stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacations (On Paradise) which is the street just behind the Strip and walking distance (about 15-20mins) to the Stratosphere. The price we paid was around $145/night but I'm not quite positive if that was the rate due to my husband booking through his company's travel portal (we were there for a business trip extended to a vacation).

It was within walking distance to the monorail station at Westgate and from there the monorail got us to the Strip. It was way convenient compared to the Deuce (bus that you see on the strip a lot). The monorial only goes to MGM, Bally's/Paris, Flamingos/Ceasar's Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate, and SLS (which gets you to the Stratosphere). With walkways between the resorts or at least some having the monorail drop us off on one side of the strip wasn't too big of an issue. Though admittedly the walk to the monorail station is in the back of the hotel thus can be a bit of a walk. Never had a problem with being crowded on the monorail whereas the Deuce was always crowded including the SDX (which was needed to get us to and from the Strip because of where we were staying).

Anyways our hotel room was a near 800 sq feet suite. We had my mom with us so she slept on the queen (I believe) sleeper sofa and my husband and I on the king sized bed. There was a door that closed off the king room area from the rest. It did only have 1 bathroom with a pocket door in the entrance to the room with the king sized bed and a normal door out to the other part of the suite. It had a full kitchen and eating table area. I'm not suggesting you cook while on vacation but if you happen to have leftovers then you have a way to store it and reheat it.

Basically we got space plus closeness to the strip and the price was good for the space. Parking at Fremont was around $1.50 per hour at Neonopolis. As far as heights since you mentioned helicopter is out but have you looked into the High Roller wheel? It does get something like 550 feet in the air but because of its design I never felt anything but you can get some good views of the Strip. It is a 30min ride. The High Roller is down by The LINQ. The LINQ Promenade has some decent places to eat too.

I will say depending on your personal comfort level be prepared to smell a lot of marijuana (which is legal there now). There's no judgment on my part but it can be quite overwhelming at times and being that you're going with your children just thought I would let you know.

O! is a great show in fact it's my fav Cirque show. We just saw KA last week and enjoyed that as well. Blue Man Group is my other favorite but you'd have to look up if that fits in with your interests.

 

[NinaBella]

Are you really really really wanting to stay exactly on the Strip?

Reason I ask is we just back from Vegas on Monday (Columbus day). We stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacations (On Paradise) which is the street just behind the Strip and walking distance (about 15-20mins) to the Stratosphere. The price we paid was around $145/night but I'm not quite positive if that was the rate due to my husband booking through his company's travel portal (we were there for a business trip extended to a vacation).

It was within walking distance to the monorail station at Westgate and from there the monorail got us to the Strip. It was way convenient compared to the Deuce (bus that you see on the strip a lot). The monorial only goes to MGM, Bally's/Paris, Flamingos/Ceasar's Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate, and SLS (which gets you to the Stratosphere). With walkways between the resorts or at least some having the monorail drop us off on one side of the strip wasn't too big of an issue. Though admittedly the walk to the monorail station is in the back of the hotel thus can be a bit of a walk. Never had a problem with being crowded on the monorail whereas the Deuce was always crowded including the SDX (which was needed to get us to and from the Strip because of where we were staying).

Anyways our hotel room was a near 800 sq feet suite. We had my mom with us so she slept on the queen (I believe) sleeper sofa and my husband and I on the king sized bed. There was a door that closed off the king room area from the rest. It did only have 1 bathroom with a pocket door in the entrance to the room with the king sized bed and a normal door out to the other part of the suite. It had a full kitchen and eating table area. I'm not suggesting you cook while on vacation but if you happen to have leftovers then you have a way to store it and reheat it.

Basically we got space plus closeness to the strip and the price was good for the space. Parking at Fremont was around $1.50 per hour at Neonopolis. As far as heights since you mentioned helicopter is out but have you looked into the High Roller wheel? It does get something like 550 feet in the air but because of its design I never felt anything but you can get some good views of the Strip. It is a 30min ride. The High Roller is down by The LINQ. The LINQ Promenade has some decent places to eat too.

I will say depending on your personal comfort level be prepared to smell a lot of marijuana (which is legal there now). There's no judgment on my part but it can be quite overwhelming at times and being that you're going with your children just thought I would let you know.

O! is a great show in fact it's my fav Cirque show. We just saw KA last week and enjoyed that as well. Blue Man Group is my other favorite but you'd have to look up if that fits in with your interests.

Yes, we want to be on the strip. Had a balcony neighbor in Daytona when we were there for a cheer comp lighting up too. I had our sliding door open because we had an ocean view while getting DD hair ready for cheer, so I had to shut the door. I also had a balcony neighbor on a cruise ship lighting up and we were down wind. It happens everywhere legal or not.

My company has discounts to various resorts. I haven't looked at the Vegas offering yet but will soon.

Editing to add my company website offers a Deluxe Queen at Bellagio and it comes out to more than what the military rate is. They offer a discount on the Mirage and it is coming out to $681.20. That is a savings, but hopefully that also includes all the extra fees.

Second Edit, found the fine print: This hotel charges all guests a resort fee per night (total) of $119.04 that will be charged directly to you by the hotel upon check in or check out

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Yes, we want to be on the strip.

Okie dokie just mentioning other alternatives with great space, lower cost and availability to get to the Strip without a rental car. But I do understand the desire to stay on the Strip

Had a balcony neighbor in Daytona when we were there for a cheer comp lighting up too. I had our sliding door open because we had an ocean view while getting DD hair ready for cheer, so I had to shut the door. I also had a balcony neighbor on a cruise ship lighting up and we were down wind. It happens everywhere legal or not.

Yup it sure does. Just thought I would mention it as it was in full force all around you all the time type thing.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I stay at the Desert Rose Resort. Right behind the Tropicana. They have 1 and 2 bedrooms , full kitchens. Pool , jacuzzi. Gym. Very quiet.

If you like the Earl of sandwich there is one in Planet Hollywood. I like the buffet at the Rio. We ate at the Wicked Buffet, cost is high but oh so good. Look at these sites for discounts

Groupon.com

Livingsocials.com

put in the city. Many things for discounts. They have a zipline at the Rio and one at freemont st. There is the pinball museum you can play the games. There is the mob museum downtown. There is the Coca cola store and M&M's store as well. There are rides at the Stratoshpere. sp? So many places to eat. So much shopping galore.