Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The Best Clubs in Las Vegas

With literally hundreds of nightclubs, bars, and lounges in Vegas we can't pin them all here but we'll give you a feel of what's up.

Some of the Bars that we picked were awesome. Try Toby Keith's Carnaval Court Bar & Grill, for a down home country feeling. The Bootlegger Bistro Restaurant has an impressive Italian menu and also serves drinks. Sand Dollar Blues hosts all walks of people from bikers to Camber of Commerce personnel and features Blues music. Ellis Island Casino and Brewery offers great food at a decent price and has Karaoke nights as well.

Our Lounge picks are as follows. The Indigo Lounge inside of Bally's is a top pick. They have signature drinks and relaxing music, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Vegas. Free live music and great beer and drink specials are featured at the Cabo Lounge located in the Fiesta Rancho. The Boulder Station Hotel houses the Railhead Saloon. This Lounge features some of the hottest Jazz and Blues and comedy acts in Vegas. The atmosphere is friendly and sometimes plays host to Cigar and Wine tasting events.

With numerous night clubs in Vegas, it's hard to pin them all here but we will give you some top choices to choose from. Jet, in the Mirage Hotel is a good choice. Jet manages to pull off an intimate lounge atmosphere and a huge party vibe all under the same roof. Rum Jungle is a hot nightclub to be in; it's a restaurant by day and a nightclub by night featuring 4 DJ'S, the party rocks on all night. Studio 54 takes you back to the 70's and 80's all at one time. With 22,000 sq ft and 2 levels, it features 4 dance floors with plenty of space. Mix in Mandalay Bay is sophisticated and stylish and full of beautiful people. Get a panoramic view of the city and listen to great tunes from the DJ.

No matter what your desires are for nightlife, Vegas can fill the bill. With so many places to see and go to have a good time, you won't be at a loss.

Get great rates on Las Vegas Hotels Also see our new Las Vegas VIP section.


Friday, April 24, 2009

Guide to Cheap Las Vegas Hotels

Las Vegas is probably on of the most famous US cities in the world. Being famous for its entertainment, casino resorts, gambling and shopping opportunities, Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors every year. Of course, there are a lot of hotels in Las Vegas.

The most famous Las Vegas hotels and casinos are located on the Las Vegas Strip also known as Las Vegas Boulevard. Some of the most famous hotels situated at Las Vegas Strip are Trump Hotel Las Vegas, the Bellagio, the MGM Grand, the Mandalay, the Wynn, the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino etc. The northern end of the Strip is the Stratosphere Hotel Resorts and the southern is the McCarren International Airport. Not long ago the hotels started offering whole family entertainments which increased the number of visiting families.

Another very popular street in Vegas is the Fremont Street which is located in downtown Las Vegas and it is one of the oldest streets in the city. Actually the first casinos were opened there as well as the first telephone with number 1 was installed there. The Fremont Street is featured also in many movies. Many famous Las Vegas hotels and casinos are located on this street such as Fremont Hotel and Casino, Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, Binion's Horseshoe, Golden Nugget, Eldorado Club, Pioneer Club, the Mint etc. You can see amazing light shows there. In the beginning of every show, the neon lights are turned off including the ones of the hotels and casinos.

Cheap hotels in Las Vegas can be found as well if you are looking for one. There are a lot of hotels that offer discounts online as well as very good prices if you book earlier. Discount Las Vegas hotels (three and four stars) offer prices from $30 to about $90 per night. For example, you can find a bed at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino for $35 and $36 at Excalibur Hotel Casino. There is an offer of the Stratosphere Tower and Casino resort Hotel for $44 per night, $79 of Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, $80 of MGM Grand Hotel and Casino etc.

It is practically impossible not to visit at least one of the famous casinos in Vegas since they are everywhere. Besides, deep inside everyone believes that he/she can win the pot and everybody has a chance to become incredibly rich and famous. Most of the casinos offer games like Baccarat, different Poker Games like Texas Hold'em, Omaha etc, Black Jack and of course, the famous Roulette. Most of them offer also different slot machines. The glamorous Las Vegas hotels and casinos, the incredible shopping malls and entertainment still attract millions of people since they provide an unforgettable experience.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Las Vegas Hotels With the Best Family Oriented Pools

Every year my boys can't wait for our annual family Vegas vacation. This year it will be our 7th year. Lots of people disagree that Vegas is a good place for families with children, but we love it. My husband and I are not gamblers or drinkers and we truly enjoy spending our free time with our two boys.

Las Vegas has so much to offer beside the gambling and the nightlife. Every year there is more stuff to see and experience.

We usually visit Las Vegas every September right after Labor Day weekend. The weather is great and we can't wait to lounge by the pool sipping cold drinks. We always pick a hotel with the best pool that is family friendly and we won't get dirty looks by bringing our boys down. The top 3 picks of our family are The MGM Grand, The Monte Carlo and The Mirage.

#1 The MGM Grand
The MGM Grand has an amazing pool complex. In my opinion one of the best in Vegas. You feel like you entered an exotic paradise with lots of lush greenery, beautiful flowers, fountains and little island connected with bridges. This massive over 6 acre paradise offers 5 swimming pools, 3 whirlpools and lazy river. The lazy river was a hit with my family. It floats under bridges, through waterfalls and ends in a little Lagoon with waterfall which is perfect wading pool for babies and little ones.

I must admit this paradise has a few drawbacks. One of the drawbacks is that you need to rent a tube or a raft to truly experience the lazy river . I believe the rental is $15 per tube per day. The MGM Grand is known to run special promotions where you can get the rental cheaper, free or 2 for 1. Before you book your room you should check out websites with coupons for MGM (just go to Google and type coupons MGM Las Vegas in to the search - early vegas is a good one). The second drawback is that the pool complex is located quite far from the guest elevators. You need to walk through the promenade with stores and restaurants to get to the pool, but the walk is well worth it.

#2 The Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo pool is much smaller in comparison to the pool complex at The Grand , but we enjoyed it regardless. They are kids friendly and that's all that matters.

The Monte Carlo offers 3 swimming pools, whirlpool and kids pool. If you are visiting Las Vegas with little kids you will love the enclosed kiddie pool with kids size beach chairs. The wave pool with 3ft waves was designed to simulate the ocean and is a blast for the whole family. If you want to have a swim then try the Lagoon pool. It is a nice and relaxing square pool with a waterfall. My favorite was the relaxing 400 feet of Easy River Ride. There is a tube rental as well, but you can purchase a tube inside their beach shop for around $12.00 and the rental shop will even blow it up for you. This is a real money saver for larger families or longer stay like us. After you done with it , why not pass the tube onto a new family.

#3 The Mirage
The pool at the Mirage is a series of pools connected by bridges and lagoons with cascading waterfalls in tropical setting. They used to have a waterslide , but to a big disappointment of my children they closed it down. They offer raft rental to float around, but we never needed one. You can ask for complimentary life jackets for children. The pool is located close to the guest elevators just down a little promenade with few stores, coffee bistro and ice cream shop. If you will decide to order a drink take my advice and order small size. If you don't specify they will bring you a huge drink with even bigger price tag.

Just a tip: Most of the pools in Vegas say that you are not allowed to save lounge chairs at the pool, but everybody does it. If you don't you won't get a good spot because hundreds of people before you ignored the rule. Live and Learn.

Enjoy Las Vegas with Kids.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Las Vegas Hotel Reservations

Las Vegas is considered the second most popular travel destination in the country. Casinos, entertainment venues, museums, art galleries, amusement parks, and historical sites are just some of the popular destinations in this magnificent city.

It is not surprising to learn that this city amuses a staggering thirty-two million visitors every year and is called "The Entertainment Capital of the World." Fortunately, there are now lots of hotels in Las Vegas to accommodate this number, and Las Vegas hotel reservations are made easy for the travelers' convenience.

How to Book Las Vegas Hotel Reservations

The quickest and easiest way to make Las Vegas hotel reservations is to go online and check a Las Vegas hotel reservation website. You can first research the city, its popular destinations, and the activities that you can do while you are on vacation. After which, the hotel reservations' site can present you with a list of available Las Vegas hotels, which can be luxury hotels, economy hotels, or cheap or discounted hotels.

Once you have finished looking at the options, you should choose a hotel that appeals to you and click for more information. Some of the information that you will find about the hotel's address include a detailed description, photos, maps and directions, consumer reviews, room facilities, and hotel facilities and amenities. After looking at this information and determining which hotel suits your requirements, you can book online by simply filling-out a form on the website.

After confirming your hotel reservation online, you can relax and just wait for your departure date to come. If you want to know more about the hotel, you can call them prior to your travel.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Las Vegas Night Club Tips - Know before you go!

It can be pretty much impossible to get into some of the most famous and fabulous Las Vegas Nightclubs, unless you know
how-to avoid the long line-ups and rejections. You don't want to be waiting in a line-up on your vacation now do you?

You, of course want to have a great time and an enjoyable experience, on your 'big night' out when in this fabulous neon city. So listen up and read! Below you will find pro's and con's and tips on surviving the Las Vegas club hopping experience! Get your groove on! After all, it is the entertainment capital of the world...

Pros and Cons

Pro: There is a nightclub to please every adult age group, with unique themes and music to select from.

Pro: There are over 40 nightclubs in Las Vegas.

Con: Over 36 million people swing by here every year, which contributes to the long line-ups and rejections on entry.

Con: Line-ups at the top nightclubs, such as Rain and Ghost Bar, can be anywhere from 2-4 hours on a "hot" night, unless you have a VIP connection(see below).

Las Vegas is now the nightlife capital of the world. The super clubs that have opened in Vegas in the last few years rival clubs anywhere in the world. And the exclusivity of the clubs continues to build.

Without a VIP connection to get you into the clubs, you will be waiting in the long lines with thousands of frustrated would-be partiers.

TIP #1: Buy a VIP package that guarantees you admission to the clubs of your choice, without the hassle of waiting in line (see below). However, if you must wait in line, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a second pair for dancing. You will also need a lot of patience.

Large Groups - The Myth

Large groups have always be thought of to represent big spenders and welcomed because of the gaps they may fill up. This is just a myth today.

A group without a reservation must commit to purchasing numerous bottles of liquor upfront as well as pay table fees. Large groups leave big holes when everyone leaves, so they no longer have the influence they once had.

TIP #2: Reserve ahead of time! If you do not reserve, make sure you have the money to throw on a table or just bring a smaller crowd and make new friends inside.

Bling Bling!

The dress code is always in effect for Las Vegas nightclubs.

Never assume that you can get away with wearing your old ripped jeans, trainers or baseball cap. Do your research before you head out to boogie on the dance floor. You may be turned away at the door if you're not dressed suitably. After that long wait in line, your mood will sink and the only place you’ll be able to boogie will be the parking lot. No one wants to see that.;-)

TIP #3: Do your research online, or call ahead of time, to find out what the exact dress code is for the clubs you want to visit. It is best to have the minor requirements sorted out so you won't be disapointed come time to get jiggy with it on the dance floor!

VIP who?

You may be able to saunter into nightclubs in your home town, without waiting in line, because you know so and so, who knows so and so. But, it’s a whole different story in the "City of Lights".

Every night thousands of visitors try to smooth talk the doormen, give them cash, or charm them with their beauty or status, only to be rejected time and time again. A doorman might even black list you if you become a pain in the you-know-what. It is best to cooperate with the doormen so that you don't get blacklisted, then you can always return.

TIP #4: Don’t waste your time trying to bride the Doormen to get to the front of the line or into the clubs. It doesn't work! The quickest, cheapest and best way to avoid the line-ups, and get into Las Vegas nightclubs, is to have a VIP Pass (see below).

VIP Passes

There are basically two (2) levels of VIP Passes for Las Vegas nightclubs.

One VIP Pass will move you from the 2-4 hour line to the 1 hour line. Which can be very significant if you don't have the luxury of time, or patience. These passes can be purchased online for as little as $39 US.

However, to avoid the line-ups completely and get the limo ride, VIP table and the champagne, it will cost you a lot more.

You can choose from many "packaged" deals, or customize your own VIP evening. If you are with a group, a customized VIP package can be had for as little as $200 per guest, 8 person minimum.

TIP #5: Save your feet and a lot of time and aggravation waiting in lines (especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights) and order a VIP package online before you arrive.

You can be riding in style like a celebrity and jump the line-ups when you arrive. You will driven by limo and seated at a VIP table and be partying like a hollywood star! In short, you will be treated like royalty.

Enjoy your taste of the Las Vegas nightlife with a VIP connection. When in Las Vegas, treat yourself - you deserve it!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Family Hotels in Las Vegas City

Nearly 40 million tourists visit Las Vegas, Nevada, every year. This is a very large number compared to the population of only 600,000 citizens. So it is not a big surprise that some of the world's largest hotels are located in Las Vegas and Clark County. Interestingly, the major parts of the most famous road of Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Boulevard better known as the Strip, do not belong to the city of Las Vegas.

Many guides about hotels in Las Vegas are focused on the large and famous superb Las Vegas hotels at the Strip but even with several discounts many families cannot afford to stay in the Bellagio or the Venetian. Therefore, this guide is more related to family hotels in Las Vegas. There are some relatively cheap alternatives even at the Strip which are well-known as family-friendly Vegas hotels.

One of the most famous hotels for families is the Excalibur Hotel. The Excalibur is a modern 3 star hotel that was built in 1990. With around 4000 rooms it was the world largest hotel at the time of the opening. The Excalibur is designed as a huge castle and named after the legendary sword of King Arthur. Nowadays, it has the largest family pool of all hotels.

Another very famous family hotel in Las Vegas is the New York New York hotel. One of the largest attractions of the hotel with the design of the skyline of New York is a big roller coaster in front of the hotel. Within the large hotel complex, the New York New York has around 2000 rooms as well as many affordable restaurants and several family and fun pools.

There is one hotel in Vegas located on the Strip which is hardly mentioned in the reviews of hotels. That is the Flamingo hotel. Although it offers very competitive prices and has a nice and family-friendly pool, it is hardly recommended by any hotel guides. With its around 3500 rooms the Flamingo is among the largest hotels in Las Vegas. It is located directly at the Strip and you can reach easily all the famous attractions from there.

If you are looking for the best Vegas hotel at a moderate price level, you should consider the Monte Carlo hotel. It is absolutely family-friendly and has a large pool and entertainment area. Since it is located next to the New York New York, you can get to the roller coaster there easily. All major attractions at the Strip including the different movie and musical theaters can be reached easily. The rooms are very clean and offer high comfort for affordable prices.