Gonzo Blog

Las Vegas

07.13.08 Posted in Las Vegas, Travel by A. Ghodasara

Las Vegas: been there, done that, …. from 12/4/07 till 12/9/07.
Not a bad ‘first’ trip but may come back for the shows.
Airfare : HOU to Las Vegas / $226.18

Stayed at the Excalibur from 12/4 till 12/7 (3 nights) — Total Cost $37, since we got a promotion from American Airlines Vacation if one books the hotel through a Master Card.

Upon arrival, we got an upgrade after paying additional $53. Over-all, considering the value for money ($90 for 3 nights) the Hotel and Room was good. spacious, very good view, frech-style ambience, a big flat screen TV.

For first timers onlyl, in my opinion, when choosing a Hotel/Casino in Vegas what really counts is

• what room you get for how much and not what hotel you get for how much; you could be in a Bellagio or the Venetian for only $100 dollars a night but make sure you find out the size of the room and in-room amenities.
• location; in any hotel/casino between Mandalay Bay till Wynn. google for ‘Las Vegas Strip’
• some hotels/casino like to charge high for rooms, because they have popular cafes, restaurants, louges, pool party, etc .. which is acessible by outsiders (except for the pool party)

We landed late in the evening. Where picked up by our friends (Sarjesh & Rita akta — also known together as ‘Sar~ita’) who arrived in vegas earlier in the day and had rented the car. It was our first time so we rented a car in case we needed to go away from the Strip for food (since all of our are vegans) or shopping (they have an outlet little away from the strip). However, I now feel and recommend that if one is to stay only insdie Vegas — renting a car is not necassary. Note: the airport taxes, other taxes, insurance can easily be close to 100% of your basic per day car rental rate. Where as, vegas is not that big — most hotels are connected with each other, there are ample of cabs, and some hotels/casino are connected by light rail.

On our first night, we had dinner at Tamba Indian restaurant very close and walkable from Excalibur. The rest. was somewhat upscale but the food was authentic and nice.

For the next two days we would start our day late in the morning/early afternoon and spend time at the Hotels/Casinos on the strip. Following is our recommendation (must visit) :

• MGM (Lion show every hour, Rainforest Cafe — great for lunch and dinner)
• Bellagio (The fountain show)
• Ceasers Palace
• Venetian
• Wynn

In the evening / night there are some nice lounges

• TAO (Venetian)

We badly wanted to see the shows but the day we decided we will stand in line for the tickets, — we found out that the shows are ‘off-stage’ that day and the next few days because of the rodeo week.

Also, one must visit ‘Old Vegas’ aka down-town vegas aka freemont street during night time to see the light and sound show. Four blocks of Fremont Street have been turned into a pedestrian zone and covered with an arched canopy four stories high that serves as a screen for impressive, hourly sound-and-light shows. . To get better idea about this show, visit our gallery listed at the end of this post.

Over-all our trip was not bad considering it was our first. Next time round, we may stay in a better hotel/casino, spend more time at the hotel/casino itself, and spend less time on the strip-jumping-from-one hotel to the other. Oh yeah, will definately book the tickets/shows ahead of time.

Note: I have uploaded the pics of our trip here ..