Las Vegas

[MummyLena]

My DH is turning 40 next year and it is his dream to go to Vegas. Would it be a total madness to take our DD who will be 16 months along or is it best to go without her? Do you know if there are things to do with a baby - as far as I know you can't take kids to casino? Our friends are joining us, so the boys can hit casinos and we will do sightseeing, relaxing by the pool, etc. Any nice hotels you can recommend? Also, is helicopter ride over Grand Canion worth it?

We have been twice, pre dd.

My hotel reccomendation would be the Venetian, every room is a suite and it has a gorgeous interior.

As for taking the baby, I'm not sure. We did the casinos, shows on a night, and loads of sightseeing, none of which were really suitable for kids. Didn't really notice things for children to do, as we went before we had them.

We didn't do the helicopter, but my parents have and said it was expensive but breathtaking. You can go on a small plane type thing (excuse lack of technical terminology) which seats about 16 and is cheaper, I believe.

We also hired a car and went to LA for the weekend, we drove through the desert and it was the highlight of the holiday. As I said though, not really suitable for a small child, and very very hot(we went in April/May)

Definetly the best holiday we have ever been on. I do kow someone who has taken dcs but they were much older and could enjoy the shows and sightseeing. And you are right, no children in the casinos, and bear in mind these take up the entire ground floor of most hotels, and are a welcome escape from the heat.

I you have someone to look after your dd i would go without her, she only young so wont miss out on the experience and you can realx and enjoy all the adult stuff, casinos, shows etc, that you wouldnt normally get to do

I have been twice, we got married there in 2000. Although it is possible to do with kids, if you want to gamble it is a no no.

We stayed in Treasure Island which was lovely. I recommended it to my SIL and she and her partner have just come back from a week there in August. They paid £560 for a Deluxe Strip View room and she said it was fabulous, especially for the money.

I am jealous, I want to go back. I am going to go for my MIL 60th birthday in 2010. Can't wait!

Ooooh pgwith3, we got married there in 2000 too.

Stayed in the Luxor first time which was also lovely and cheaper than the Venetian. If we went back I would like to try the Bellagio I think.

Whichever hotel you stay in Vegas, especially the ones at the Venetian end of the strip, it will be fab. They are so different to anywhere else in the world, great service, gorgeous rooms and loads to do.

Thank you for all your great comments. I will check out both the Venetian and the Bellagio. Is Venetian the one where a little gondola takes you down the corridor? My friend said B was the best - his partner and him stayed there a few times. Or I guess we can stay in both.

Won't be taking bambina then. You are right -it will be a struggle for us and her.

I have never been to a real casino (I know it's said), except for casino at work Xmas dos and fruit machines in Brighton and Bornemouth. So, really looking forward to mastering the play.

What a fab idea to drive to LA! Will definitely do that.

Also want to see Cirque de Soleil. Saw 2 shows in Royal Albert Hall in London, and heard the one in Vegas tops them as they perform in/uder water, too.

In terms of budget, what amount will be comfortable? Bearing in mind a huge mortgage and all... Blimey, £560! Was it a night?

Getting married in Vegas must be so superb! Did you do it in those wedding chapels?

Also, any tips on how you cope with turbulence pls? We went to Florida for Xmas/NY 2 yrs ago and the turbulence above New York was absolutely terrifying.

Mummy - £560 was for the room for the whole week. It is amazingly good value for a 5* hotel in Vegas as they make so much money from the casinos they can have reasonably priced rooms to entice the gamblers in.

We did it in Bally's Wedding Chapel. It was okay, nothing special. Wouldn't do it there again if I had the chance, would go wacky. Had a fabulous meal afterwards with our guests in Spago at Caesars Palace. Would love to go back and see if everything is still there.

Not much you can do about coping with turbulence I'm afraid. I used to be Cabin Crew for Virgin and I got used to it. In fact I loved it as it meant everyone had to sit down and we could have a rest on our seats!

In the casinos, as soon as you even sit down at one of the slot machines or tables, a waitress comes over and asks you what you would like to drink and it is free! You could just sit a slot machine with 1 dollar all get free drinks!

If you want to take to the children I would stay in LA and just travel to Las Vegas for 1 night. LA is more suitable for families.

hi just got back , no place for the little ones, to hot for a start 123c , try the glass sky walk breath taking about 3 hour in car but well worth it

We got married in a really tacky chapel, then had a gorgeous meal at Isis in the Venetian, followed by seeing Oasis at the Hard Rock cafe.

Yes, the Venetian has the gondolas, and an amazing fake blue sky above it.

If you can't cope with turbulence, don't take the small plane trip to teh grand canyon. Going is fine, but coming back you seem to be going across the wind, several people were violently sick (I was the only single there - my friends got married out there - so I got to sit next to the pilot and was fine....) and apparently it's renowned for it...

I'm getting married in Vegas next month - by Elvis at the Graceland Wedding Chapel! We've been a few times before pre-kids and this time will have our 2.6 yr old with us, but he'll have two sets of grandparents to keep him busy. Think carefully about the time of year because in summer it's unbearable - 105C in the middle of the night! November will be a bit more bearable.
Things to do -
SHOPPING!! - check out the Forum shops at Caesars palace, the Fashion Show Mall near the Wynn, and the Palazzo. THere are also a couple of big outlet malls for discount shopping.
SPRINGS PRESERVE - a big nature reserve not far from the strip for a respite from the neon!
And of course, eating, drinking, and gambling, although I'm not a gambler.
We're staying at the MGM Signature apartments - check out the reviews on tripadvisor, there's not a bad one. Hope you have an amazing time - I can't wait!

Thank you very much for sharing great ideas!

We may stay at the Venetian and then at the Bellagio, although I really want to try the Meridian apts (but at present they don't take bokings as there is a problem with the lease or smth). Will have a look at MGM signature apts, too.

I know shopping is absolutely superb in America. We went to Florida to celebrate Xmas and New Year 2 yrs ago and the shopping was great. Chocolate factory is definitely going on the To Do List.

Superdenski, sincerest congratulations and I hope you have a wonderful wedding on Las Vegas!