[TimFitzgeraldTC]

Bullfrog

I’d have to confirm – they are prepaid and I think cancellation is 3 days prior to arrival to get a full refund but I’d have to 100% confirm that bit. Having worked at Amex Centurion and Platinum I do they know they get some good rates at a few of the hotels as VK mentioned on the FHR program which are pay on check out rates. (With extra benefits/discounts at some of these FHR properties for Centurion card holders).

[Papillion53]

Hi TimFTC – thank you, that’s kind of you – I will remember to shout! 🙂

[CocktailLounge]

Vegas is a great city for a visit of 2 days to a week. We’ve stayed in Mandalay Bay, The Westin and most recently The Palazzo. The Palazzo is an all suite hotel and has great rooms. We upgraded to a suite which came with its own gym. Who knew? Shows, casinos, great shopping, food for every budget…its got the lot. For great value eating, Sunday is the best day as most locations have buffet deals with unlimited drinks including champers.

[Bullfrog]

@CocktailLoungexcha

Great summary about how life in Vegas can look .. but for some, that is their idea of hell. Mrs Frog prefers the quieter side of life.

[VintageKrug]

If you choose the right hotel, there’s no need to be overwhelmed by the hoards.

I note you’re planning to be there during winter; it should be “fresh” in the evenings, but not cold. However most of the pools will be closed, so best not to make that part of your decision.

Do let us know which hotel you end up in!

[BigDog.]

Hi Papillion,
Alternative to going back to LV, if you haven’t visited Sedona Az yet, and as you appear to appreciate scenic beauty may I suggest you route from the Grand Canyon onto Sedona and fly back from Phoenix.

Whereas the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking vista, Sedona is a truely mystical place you can become immersed in. Sunrise and Sunset are the magical times.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=sedona&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42965579,d.d2k&biw=1181&bih=687&wrapid=tlif136197689807410&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=Oh4uUYCKL9Ga0QWdz4HwAQ

http://www.visitsedona.com/

If you are a spiritual type you will love it.

[BigDog.]

Hi Papillion,
If you do decide to stay (which is a essential to capture the dusk, the stars and the dawn) in Sedona may I suggest El Portal Hacienda. It was idyllic 4 years ago and should still be. I recall they have a deep understanding of Sedona’s wonders and will give you excellent advice on making the most of your stay.

http://www.elportalsedona.com/

[AlohaHonolulu]

Papillion,

Excellent advice given here – I would just add two points. If you have friends who are “rated” gamblers in LV – that is, they’ve gone before and have been carded, by all means, let them make the bookings for you. Casinos work differently and give their best rooms, service (as it is), shows and limos to the players. I’m just saying, that’s the way it is. You don’t have to gamble ‘tho of course they would like for you to do so. As a point of reference, the “casino rate” for non-players are the lowest in the industry. A few weeks back, I had to go to LV on business – Wynn’s was $140, Bellagio’s was $120. None of your hotel sites online can come close to that – I’ve been going to LV several times a year for the past 30 years, both with players and non-players. If you have the time, the last time some of my friends from UK went to LV, they booked the direct flight to Hawaii on Hawaiian Air and spent 5 days on Oahu and Maui. Hawaiian Air has new planes and the first class is actually first rate. Memory of a lifetime.

2828

[Francis7]

Pap, I also agree with the others that the Mandarin Oriental is the way to go. Smaller, intimate and quiet, yet a chic, modern vibe, There are plenty of places for noise and excitement right out your door. The bar is great and no issues with room or service either.

[smith101]

I’d recommend the Encore at the Wynn – fabulous rooms (it’s an all suite hotel), the casino isn’t overwhelming in size and actually has daylight (a rarity in Vegas), the hotel isn’t packed full of tourists like at the Bellagio, there are plenty of good restaurants and bars on site and it’s across the road from the Fashion Show shopping mall!

I did a similar trip to the Grand Canyon, it was easy to get there by hire car, although a bit of a dull drive. We stayed in one of the hotels in the Grand Canyon complex and it was very easy to then take the shuttle buses along the canyon (definitely worth doing to get away from the hordes at the park entrance). Be prepared to be amazed as it really is stunning.

[Cwyfan]

If you go through Quidco to Hotels.com, you will double dip your savings. I often get over 20% total discount that way.

[OneA]

Well Papillion, for me Vegas IS Caesars……its the huge centrally placed, over the top indulgence that typifies Vegas and the perfectly executed tackiness that makes Vegas fun! A room overlooking the pools is very good.
I dont bother with a car – driving in and out of hotels and paying for guest parking – no! You will only need a car to go to the Outlet Mall which is mega mega cheap (no tax in Nevada), but just get a cab – they are cheap as well.
You must use Papillon Helicopters for your GC trip – they certainly were the only company who did a trip landing you down and rolling out the picnic of Californian sparkling with canapes! Brilliant; do it late afternoon as you will return as the sun starts to go down over the strip.
If you find yourself needing Sunday Brunch, then Ballys is the place opposite Caesars……..Perrier Jouet (not Californian) on free pouring and an amazing array of lobster, prime beef and all the very best that many Sunday Brunches have to offer in the US.
Part of the fun is seeing the other hotels; the Bellagio was the first to try to break tradition and whilst one of the cocktail bars is nice, it lacks the Vegas “experience”.
Oh and finally you MUST seek out Pete Valee aka “Big Elvis” hesand incredible singer and hsi web site will tell you where he is on – sounds more like Elvis……..yes, than Elvis!!
Enjoy!

[tonyrastall]

I’ve been a load of times (buiz and pleasure) and my advice would be Bellagio, high floor fountain view. Its true that the common areas are full of non guests “checking it out” but this location is SOOOO central strip! Allways check prices on Las Vegas Advisor (note spelling) and keep re-checking even after booking as prices can drop and you can get hotel to match the deal. If you want quieter / v classy then it has to be Wynn or Encore – personally I cant see why on your first trip you wouldnt want to stay at a casino hotel(!!!). For sanity checks on everything, I allways rely heavily on Tripadvisor. Finally, I was there end of jan and saw Jersey Boys – AMAZING!

[Eastbourneguy]

Bellagio everytime, but for heavens sake don’t stay on a Friday or Saturday !

[LordKenT]

http://www.smartervegas.com/

Pick the hotel deal that suit you best.

[Author]

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