I'm visiting in mid-September, staying at the Venetian. Where are the best breakfasts in the area? What are the must-sees for a 4-day stay? What is the easiest way to get around?
Thanks,
Lin
(England)
Lin, you packed a lot of questions into a single e-mail to us. Let me take these one at a time and see what kind of insight I have to give:
Where are the best breakfasts in the (Strip) area?
When it comes to breakfast in Vegas, most people are looking for a meal that fits in one of three categories: a high-class start to the day, an eye-popping buffet or something that's simply cheap, filling and fast. The Venetian is in a great location for you to enjoy all three types of breakfasts.
High-class
Start right in your own hotel. One of the many dining options in the Venetian is a cafe called Bouchon. You can sit outdoors overlooking the pool and enjoy French-style breakfast fare. For a change of scenery, cross the Strip and head south just a bit. Inside Caesars Palace look for the Payard Bistro (a part of the larger Payard Patisserie restaurant). Make yourself believe you're eating healthy by ordering a egg-white omelet, then load up on the pastries full of whipped cream and chocolate.
Buffet
It's hard to beat the Le Village breakfast buffet at Paris. There are tons of selections, and the hotel takes a great deal of pride in the quality of the food they present. The cost is in the neighborhood of $15 and is well worth it. In fact, Paris gets my vote for best breakfast buffet in all of Las Vegas, and it's really even a close race.
Of course should you be in the mood for a real buffet splurge, try the weekly Sterling Brunch at Ballys. This is held each Sunday from 9:30am-2:30pm (1:30pm is the time for the last reservation) and is an exquisite meal of the caviar and lobster sort. The price reflects that, by the way. It costs upwards of $50.
Cheap, filling and fast
To be honest, this is the variety of breakfast I most often have. And in those cases I don't worry about restaurant title or buffet ratings, I just head to Casino Royale and order a Grand Slam meal from the Denny's inside. It's nothing to brag about, but the food comes quickly, the grease and coffee get me ready for the day, and I'm out in 30 minutes. (And writer Karina Bright and Shiny agrees with me on the choice of Denny's.)
What are the must-sees?
I'll start by recommending a "must-do" instead of a "must-see": Gamble. Do quite a bit of gambling. Even if you aren't an expert, learn some basics and wager some cash at the tables. That's what Las Vegas is built upon, after all. I have never understood how some people can visit and not place a single bet. That's like going to the prom and not trying to feel up your date.
Once you've gotten your fill of gambling, here are some of my favorite things to see and do:
- Shark Reef in the Mandalay Bay
- Fine art exhibits in the Bellagio
- The fountain show outside the Bellagio
- The Stratosphere observation deck at night
If you want to enjoy some truly out-of-the-ordinary experiences — the kind of thing you'll love telling friends about — take a visit to either the Liberace Museum or the Gun Store. Or do both. Las Vegas is the kind of town where you can see a sequined piano and fire a fully automatic weapon in the same day.
What is the easiest way to get around?
Some brochures recommend taking the city bus up and down the Strip, or from the Strip to Downtown. They say it's reliable and cheap. They're right about that, but it's also slow as all get out and you may have to share seating space with a semi-deranged street-dweller who's not too current with his hygiene regimen. Go ahead and pay a little extra money to ride the monorail if you find your feet too tired for another walk on the Strip or catch a cab. It'll cost more, but the convenience is worth it.
NOTE: Always take a taxi from the Strip to the Stratosphere or Downtown. Downtown is much too far away for walking (and the bus ride is slower than Simple Jack) and the area between the Strip and the Strat is not a good neighborhood.
August 30, 2010, 8:47 pm
A reasonably inexpensive and alternative to buffets would be any of the hotels coffee shops. Most have an excellent breakfast menu and you can order just what you want without overdoing on a buffet.
July 26, 2010, 12:37 pm
Here's an article that may be helpful, Carl:
* Shopping on the cheap
The Flamingo is a good spot for the price. Excellent location and the rooms, especially the new GO rooms, are fairly nice. It's also home to a show by Donny and Marie Osmond that is quite a bit of fun.
July 26, 2010, 12:31 pm
will b going las vegas 22 sept 10 first time , with my wife for 7 days. Staying at the flamingo where can i buy designer clothes without paying english prices
July 22, 2010, 1:38 pm
Take a look at our Bargains and Discounts page, Sue. There have been some Cher (and "Love") deals coming through lately. I'm not sure of expiration dates off the top of my head, though.
July 22, 2010, 1:32 pm
Hi ..been to vegas twice and its fab .. going again in sept to see cher and staying at the mirage .. brilliant hotel ..seen the show LOVE .. amazing .. definately recommend the trip to anyone ..
April 14, 2010, 4:12 pm
Hello to all,
I am looking to visit in June, just before Cher finished at Caesars Palace. Am I right in thinking July 4th is her LAST show there?!?!?!
I have read a few reviews of her show that say its AWFUL…..I need some advice, its a long way to travel from UK if thats true? Any help??
Where best to stay between:
Palazzo? Bellagio? Venetian? THE@ Mandalay bay? Wynn? Encore @ Wynn? Vdara? The Signature @ MGM???
Thanks to anyone for any help?
March 26, 2010, 2:53 pm
You're dead on about the Bellagio brunch, Gill. It's not cheap, but, holy cow is it great.
March 26, 2010, 2:45 pm
Breakfast at any hotel buffet style – take your time and have plenty mini courses – we did Luxor which feels like indaiana jones surroundings and Bellagio Sunday bruch was fantastic for special occasion as a bit more expensive
March 15, 2010, 2:55 pm
Simon, New York New York is a perfectly fine hotel. The rooms are nice, the casino is a good one, there are a couple of bars in NYNY that I like quite a bit and it's home to a pretty good rollercoaster. The only knock on it is that it's slightly off the center of the Strip. Not too much, but just a little. If you stay there, I wouldn't expect you'd have any major complaints.
Show information and recommendations can be found here.
March 15, 2010, 2:06 pm
visiting vegas for the first time with my wife. need to know good shows and what,s the new york hotel like.
March 11, 2010, 2:54 pm
staying at luxor 25th april for 5 nights. whats will weather be like. best places to eat and go . best entertainment
March 9, 2010, 12:17 pm
Donny & Marie's show at the Flamingo is a must-see! They put on an incredible show – very, very entertaining!
March 8, 2010, 5:32 am
i am going to las vegas on 6th april for a wedding hope its hot does it get cold at night?
March 4, 2010, 1:36 pm
THE BEST BREAKFAST IS AT THE FOUR QUEENS DOWNTOWN… MY PARTNER AND I ARE GOING TO VEGAS 4/18/10 TILL 4/24/10. WE LOVE VEGAS, WE GO 5 TIMES A YEAR… WE LOVE THE DOWNTOWN AREA FOR HOTELS BUT STAY UP ON THE STRIP TO PARTY AND GAMBLE, ANY OTHER M/M COUPLES GONNA BE THERE THAT WEEK… HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE…
February 28, 2010, 8:13 am
I've been seeking all around for this particular material. Good thing my partner and i discovered it at Yahoo.
February 23, 2010, 9:03 pm
The Golden Gate (also Downtown, across from the Plaza) has a coffee shop I'm very fond of. I really like breakfast there. I'm talking about the coffee shop, though, not the deli. The deli is for shrimp cocktail only, in my book. And what great shrimp cocktail it is.
February 23, 2010, 8:58 pm
THE PLAZA AT FREMONT ST OFF THE STRIP HAS GOOD BREAKFAST
February 19, 2010, 9:27 am
want to see the grand canyon in your opinion whats the best value for money trip either by plane or helicopter
February 19, 2010, 9:24 am
off to vegas in aug for our wedding & honeymoon love some advice on what clothes to wear day & night staying at the venetian would $60 each cover our food what transport would you recommend for the shopping outlets and can you use the hotel joined to the ventian thanks jason
January 30, 2010, 9:56 am
want to visit canyons south rim west rim what is best transport and good company to book with what is different with south and west rims also how far tips on bus
January 23, 2010, 12:09 pm
never been to las vegas before have a trip booked for 8th march 2010. for 7 days can anyone tell me what to see first and any good eating places especially the american breakfasts.also where are the best places to shop and drop
January 10, 2010, 5:19 pm
Vegas was hit pretty hard by the housing bust and the recession, and that affected the atmosphere of the town for a while. A couple of years ago it seemed like everyone working in the tourism industry — from cabbies all the way up to hotel management — was in a perpetually grumpy mood. Over the last year or so, though, the town has moved back toward its familiar exciting feel. I'd say there's a growing sense of optimism in town about the local economy, and that's helped bring back a happier vibe.
January 10, 2010, 4:47 pm
Coming back after 3 years away stayed in luxor, monte carlo now trying the paris .
Has vegas got the same buzz????
January 8, 2010, 7:27 am
great breakfast buffet at the mirage. unlimited champagne ( and theyre not mean, it keeps on coming ). its called Cravings. about $22 each. well worth it
January 5, 2010, 7:16 am
3 guys heading to vegas in 2 weeks were staying at newyork newyork wats it like
December 14, 2009, 11:28 am
Going to Vegas in 2 weeks for first time with spouse. 1. Best way to eat cheap? Should we buy coupon book to eat cheap? 2. Cheapest place to buy KÀ by Cirque Du Soleil tickets? 3. Best sushi restaurant in Vegas? Thanks
November 30, 2009, 9:26 pm
You can't go wrong with either choice. I'm a big fan of Caesars Palace because I like the classic Las Vegas vibe it has, but the Wynn epitomizes new Vegas luxury. If you're looking for a really plush stay, I'd lean a little toward the Wynn, but only slightly so.
If you decide to simply go with whichever hotel has the better rates for the time of your stay, be assured you aren't going to make a wrong decision.
November 30, 2009, 2:51 pm
Hi, me and my partner going to vagas next June for our honeymoon. We have been quoted on caesars and The encore/wynn where is better? We are 25 and 28.
Thanks
November 26, 2009, 11:24 am
Donna, Paddy,
I love Caesars Palace. The location cannot be beat and, while the hotel is an older one, the rooms are still very nice. For a lot of reasons Caesars is one of my favorite places in town.
If you're arrriving with a group of eight, I think you should definitely consider going with a limo shuttle from the airport. Since you'd have to take two taxis, one stretch limo will be just about the same lost. Perhaps a little more expensive, but not much. Here's a link to some information on limo shuttles and a couple of companies we've used in the past. When making a reservation just make sure you are booking an airport shuttle and not some other item.
http://firsttimelasvegas.com/2009/02/limos-are-almost-as-cheap-as-an-airport-taxi/
November 26, 2009, 11:09 am
Hi Donna here again going to Vegas 6th December there will be 8 in the party thinking about a limousine from the airport to hotel just wondering how much this would cost and who gives the best deal and service.
November 26, 2009, 10:41 am
pat here donna going same time same hotel.it is in the midle of the strip just across from ceasers palace.dont no how good hotel is.i have been told it is very good
November 13, 2009, 11:23 am
There is 4 couples goin to vegas the 1st week in December just wondering what clothes to pack. We are staying in The Imperiel Palace what is it like and is it on or near the strip.
November 9, 2009, 11:31 am
Rooms are decent, but not great. They're much closer to the "bare-bones budget hotel" end of the scale than the luxury end. Here's a link to more information.
November 8, 2009, 6:13 pm
We would like to know how the rooms are at the Sahara hotel?
October 14, 2009, 11:18 am
Well, maybe from a "real" Ricky Hatton, just probably not from THE real Ricky Hatton you're thinking of.
October 14, 2009, 5:06 am
Are those comments posted on September 11th from the real Ricky Hatton?!
October 12, 2009, 6:15 am
A Must stop for our Vegas trip is to the Peppermill on the strip. between the Winn and Riviera. Very Nice atmosphere. Great food. and open 24hours. Price average $15.00. Must check out the fire side lounge inside. Peppermill Restaurant 2985 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas • (702) 735-4177
September 29, 2009, 10:57 pm
The Green Valley Ranch – in Henderson about 10 min. off the strip is incredible. The celebs go there to relax – sat in the hot tub with Kevin Bacon last yr. Michael Jackson had been there the prev. week. Facilities, spa & exercise, pool and cabanas incredible. proximity to shops, theater, restaurants is walking distance. Security the best. Priced under $100 night for a king suite. You won't be sorry.
September 20, 2009, 3:47 pm
WE ARE IN VEGAS NEXT WEEK STAYING AT THE HYLTON FLAMINGO, I KNOW THIS IS ONE OF THE OLDER HOTELS ANY COMMENTS PLEASE AND DO THEY STILL HAVE THE SWAP MEETS GOING ON IN VEGAS, IV'E BEEN TO ONE BEFORE AND LOVED IT.
JUNE
September 18, 2009, 7:52 am
Harrah's has an excellent value-priced buffet too. And Cirque du Soleil shows are amazing in Vegas because of the purpose-built stages.
September 11, 2009, 9:14 am
forgot to mention the Crown and anchor does a lovely bit of sunday roast as well!
September 11, 2009, 8:21 am
I hear the best breakfast just off the strip is the crown and anchor, a must for all english breakfast fans. Especially before a big day of gambling or travelling
August 31, 2009, 12:15 am
You have to see Le'Reve at Wynn Casino. Is a much better show, and cheaper than "0"!! The show is about DREAMS! DO NOT go see "0"! At Bellagio. Minus 5 ice lounge at Manalay Bay is cool and different. Dueling Pianos at New York New York is cool. The Mirage has an awesome Buffet, great crab legs, and a big variety of stuff to try! Luxor has the most coolest rooms, and big! The Miracle Mile Mall at Planet Hollywood is nice. There is a Premium Outlet Mall down pass the Rio casino.
I would go there, best deals, nice brand name stuff. I have soo much more to tell, but it's late!! Good luck!!!!!!! :)
August 28, 2009, 4:17 pm
Iam thinking of las vegas next year with my husband and 13 year old daughter for 2 weeks could anyone reccommend a hotel and my be a ranch / cowboy style few days ?
July 20, 2009, 2:17 pm
I've heard good things about Terrible's, but it's too far off the Strip to make my list of recommendations for people staying in that particular area. If a person found themself in the area, though, it would be worth stopping for a buffet visit. The prices are very good for all times of day.
July 20, 2009, 1:08 pm
You guys forgot the breakfast @ Terrible's. It may be the best value in town.
June 14, 2009, 9:33 pm
Lisa,
Another FTLV reader had an excellent answer to your question. I have moved it to the "Ask a Vegas Vet" section of the site, where it is a better fit.
June 13, 2009, 6:19 am
Where do I start??
1. Although expensive go and see "O" at the Bellagio book the tickets on line before you go and collect them there it will be worth it for good seats. Any Cirque du soliel shows will be worth the price but another must is "Ka" at MGM Grand
2. Legends at Harrahs is a bit more budget but aqain a great night out for all.
3. Of a day try a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon to the West rim. You can go by coach but this will be a long day. Breath taking views and an absolute must.
4. Try and get around all the hotels each has their own theme/things to do from white tigers at the Mirage to shark reef at the Mandalay Bay.
5. Shopping. There are 6-7 huge malls not far from the strip with fantastic prices.
6. Food. Eat at the all you can eat buffets with prices from $20 all you can eat all day (breakfast, lunch dinner) passes at MGM, Stratosphere, Luxor etc… Everywhere is cheap and all good. Look on line at the hotels there's great competition. The best buffet is at the Rio just off the strip.
We're going in September for our 4th visit!! Enjoy
June 10, 2009, 4:46 pm
I'M TAKING MY DAUGHTER FOR HER 21 ST BIRTHDAY IN SEPTEMPBER AND MY MOTHER, WHOSE NEVER BEEN TO VEGAS WHAT SHOWS, OR OUTTINGS DO YOU SUGGEST.