everything’s sexier…
I *love* this ad (and all of the others) in the Paris Las Vegas’s “Everything is Sexier” ad campaign (put together by R&R Partners, the same people who do many of the “What Happens In Vegas” ads), so much so that I wrote a letter to the marketing department. It makes me smile every time I see it. And, yes, you can buy your own cake topper for $70.
In preparation for an upcoming trip to Las Vegas, I have started researching airfares, hotels, restaurants and nightlife. I have to be honest with you, I’m not sure how I will like Vegas. But, several of my friends (gamblers, non-gamblers, wild and straight) have reassured me that I will have a great time. And since I love to travel, I’m excited to give it a whirl.
I’ve recorded all the Las Vegas shows I can get my hands on. The Travel Channel and the Food Network are loaded with them. But, the best show I’ve seen so far is PBS’s American Experience on Las Vegas that I checked out from the library. I always think it is great to learn about the history and the people before you go someplace, and I was able to get a crash course through this program.
I am throwing this out there for any and all the advice I can get. We can get really awesome room deals at the Flamingo, which would be great, because of all of the history behind the hotel, but they will have some construction projects going on while we are there, so I’m thinking we should look elsewhere. Of course The Venetian comes highly recommended, but with an over-the-top price tag ($200+/night). Next in line is The Bellagio (I can find rooms for as low as $160/night for the time we will be there, about $100 off what their website shows). But, ultimately, package deals (airfare and hotel) seem to be the best option and from what I can tell Southwest offers the lowest prices around and also offers the best prices and times of non-stop flights, another advantage.
So, next…what shows to see. We will only have one night to see a show and I think that we all want to see the Cirque du Soleil show, Love. That’s easy enough. Unfortunately, tickets come at a high price and without any promotional discounts that I can find. But, everybody says it is worth every penny.
Lastly, food. A must will be to hit up one of the buffets. I am personally leaning towards the Bellagio. Reviews rave about the food being incredible and eclectic. Don’t worry, Matt, they have king crab legs. We really only have time for one more nice meal, and I would find it hard to pass up a meal at Bouchon. Again, no 2-for-1 coupons here, but I think they are probably worth it.
Unfortunately, we won’t make it to a Penn & Teller show, who greet you as you exit the theater… Nor will we make an excursion to Hoover Dam, but I think we are going to have a jam packed enough time just staying on the strip. So, before we know it, it will be Viva Las Vegas!
October 19th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Stay in the Bellagio. See O at the Bellagio (I assume it’s still there). Although that should be the other way around. The one thing you should do, no matter what, is see “O”. Period.
I don’t know about “Love” — but “O” was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen, anywhere, in any place in the world. Think typical Cirque — but with a zillion gallon tank of water under a piece-by-piece movable stage floor, flames, huge flying ships and equipment, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to sit high up in the theatre — the show fills the whole space and if you’re too close, you’ll look up a lot.
Monte Carlo is attached to Bellagio via tram, if you’re looking for a deal. Sleep at the MC, spend your days at the B. Walk the strip. Play craps. Play a machine. Then get out of town.
Get out to Zion, if you can. Better than GC (unless you’re thinking of going to the North Rim — but I don’t think you can because it will be closed for the season). If you can only do one thing, do Zion. If you can only do two things, see Zion and Bryce Canyon (right next to Zion). If you can do three, THEN consider the Grand Canyon. At Zion: stay in the lodge in the canyon. Affordable and worth every penny. You will not be disappointed.
October 19th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
The only two Cirque du Soleil shows that are showing while we are there are “Love” and “Mystere”. I’ve heard that “O” is the show to watch, but unfortunately, it’s just not an option.
I’ll have to look into the Monte Carlo. I’ve really got to dig into these hotels.
As much as I’d love to get out of town and see that area, I don’t think time will permit it. I don’t think we are even going to rent a car. I think we are just going to focus our trip on the Vegas strip. From how you’ve talked about Zion, though, I will definitely keep it on our list.
Thanks for the help!
October 24th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
I’ve made reservations today…through Southwest Vacations. I admit it might not be the most fantabulouso deal out there, but I think it’s probably the one that works out best for us. Roundtrip airfare, three nights at the Mirage, and cancellation insurance, for $925. Not bad, considering the cheapest airfare to Vegas is at least $250/pp and most places on the strip charge an average of $150/night. Again, you can find a better bargain, but what hotel will you be staying at and how many stops will you make before you get to your destination? This, in my opinion, was our best option.