RateVegas - Las Vegas Reviews and Ratings of Hotels, Casinos, Restaurants and Shows
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Lew asked on 10/30/15
Can you recommend a good airplane tour of the Grand Canyon?
I know most of them pick up & drop off at the hotels, I would just like to know if there is one out there that is better than the rest!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I’ve had good experiences with Maverick personally. They’re not a sponsor or anything but I personally enjoyed it.
RAFAEL asked on 10/01/15
What to do with luggage after hotel check out? We have a late flight
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hotel will hold your bags at the bell desk.
Smiley asked on 08/20/15
Looking for a budget spa suite, which is better? Monte Carlo or Luxor? Any other suggestions Looking to spend 150-200 a night. Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I’d say quality of room is about the same… Monte Carlo has a better location.
Lew asked on 08/17/15
If you could only see one show while in Vegas what would you recommend?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Probably “O” by Cirque du Soleil. Or Absinthe.
Austin Hukill asked on 08/12/15
im going to Las Vegas on September 3rd, I turn 21 on August 30th and I will only have a temporary paper ID, I’ll be with family most of the time with same last name and they all have there permanent ID, will they accept my paper ID at the bars? I lost my old ID and don’t have time to have one sent in the mail before I go.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Search the archives. This question comes up all the time. Have fun.
Lew asked on 08/11/15
I was looking to contact old host of mine in Vegas, his name was David Erie, any chance you have information about hosts in Vegas?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Some, but not that one specifically. Sorry.
Lew asked on 08/05/15
Not a question just many, many thanks for all the questions you have answered and the advise you have given!! I’m sure I’ll have more before I go. Thanks again, Lew
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Welcome!
Lew asked on 08/02/15
I haven’t been to Vegas in at least 10 years, when I used to come I was fully comp even picked up at the airport by a limo. I’m just getting back into the game and Atlantic City, my host hook me up in Vegas for 3 nights at Harrahs, just wondering if I chose the right hotel to stay in with Caesar’s owning so many properties, am i settling for Harras or is it a good choice? If you had a choice of all the Caesars properties where would you stay? I used to stay in New York New York all the time and enjoyed it because it was a smaller hotel. I’m coming in January with my new wife of 8 years, it will be her first time there. Just wondering if I made the right choice with Harrahs?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The nicest Caesars property is Caesars Palace. The pecking order is something like:
Caesars Palace > The Cromwell > Paris > Planet Hollywood > Bally’s > Harrah’s > Flamingo > Rio > The LINQ.
If you want a smaller hotel, The Cromwell is a great choice. Harrah’s as a hotel isn’t all that great for standard rooms.
Lew asked on 08/02/15
In your opinion what is the best month, weatherwise to visit Las Vegas? I’m planning to go the end of January, did I make a good choice?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It depends on what sort of weather you’re looking for.
Expect January to be a little chilly, especially at night. That makes it easy to walk between casinos without it draining all your energy, but you’ll definitely want to bring a jacket and something like the pool is not gonna be very pleasant.
My personal favorite months in terms of weather are May and late Sept/early Oct.
Lew asked on 07/31/15
I heard there was a seafood buffet in one of the hotels. Do you know witch one or if there is still one?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Most buffets have seafood but the Rio has a dedicated seafood buffet.
Lew asked on 07/31/15
Who has better food the Homestead in Ceasers or Ruth Chris in Harrahs?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Old Homestead.
Mike asked on 06/30/15
I am looking for a steak place that is a hidden gem. I don’t know if they exist in Vegas but looking for a good steak without the huge cost. And are there hotels that have the hot tubs open in December?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
A couple of places to check out:
The Steakhouse at Circus Circus (yes, seriously). The meats are good and it’s less expensive.
Golden Steer, off Sahara. Not super cheap but a great old-school vibe.
As far as hot tubs in December, sure, a bunch do. Many will close the pools but leave the tubs open. Pretty common.
Jonathan asked on 06/23/15
I’m planning a trip, with my wife, at the end of August. I expect the temperatures to be in the 100+ range. What hotel pool would you recommend that provides lots of shade, and up scale experience, people watching, cabana rentals not based on purchases food/drink (at outrageous prices), and preferably not insanely crowded that you have to run ahead of the pack or go on a quest to search for a chair (although paying for a chair to secure it is ok). No party pools as my plans are to sit and read my book and generally relax. Do you have any suggestions?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hi, well the combination of stuff you’re looking for may be hard to achieve but here are a few thoughts:
- Aria: Large, multi-pool configuration. Nice spot. It sometimes does have some areas with loud music though so beware.
- The Mirage: Great landscaping. Very popular though so finding a chair can be tough except for early morning,
- Bellagio: Another one with great landscaping. Upscale. Multiple pools with lots of shade.
- Wynn Las Vegas: Definitely Wynn over Encore – the latter’s pool is smaller and often has loud, pumping music.
- Mandarin Oriental: Quiet and serene but expensive.
- Cosmopolitan: They have three pools and while one is party central, another is more ‘standard’ and the third is very chill and relaxed.
Lauren asked on 06/14/15
I turn 21 tomorrow and will also be flying to Vegas tomorrow, I have not received my permanent over 21 ID but I do have my old license and temporary license. Will I still be allowed into casinos with these together?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Bring them both, you should be okay. This is very common.
Kayla asked on 06/12/15
I turn 21 two days before I plan on visiting Vegas. My current vertical ID will not yet be expired and I will have my temp for my horizontal ID. Will these two be accepted since my old one will not be expired?
Thank you.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
You should be okay – this is pretty common.
John asked on 05/15/15
Can you recommend a nightclub that will provide the best experience for a 21st birthday but also be a place that the parents at age 50 would enjoy and feel welcome too.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Oh boy. Tough order. Honestly, I don’t think there’s such a thing, unless your parents were roadies for Metallica. Optimize for your fun and meet up with them later / before.
Dionna asked on 05/04/15
My husband lost his drivers license over the weekend and now has to get a duplicate. He will have a temporary until it arrives in the mail. Will this ID work when gambling in Las Vegas?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It depends… Ideally you’d bring along something like a passport. It’s at the discretion of the casino/pit boss.
richard asked on 05/04/15
Does Sin City have any good places for craft beer? Also, are there any breweries that offer beer-tasting tours?
Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hi,
You might try Public House at the Venetian or Todd English PUB at Aria.
Banger Brewing Downtown I believe still does tours. It’s on Fremont.
Teri asked on 04/10/15
Please explain to me what the “see it all tour” includes. Does it cost $60 to have a guided tour of each of these attractions – then go back and pay admission to each one to actually participate in them?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sorry, I’m not sure what you’re referring to.
Jazmine asked on 04/07/15
If my license has expired and I have a temporary license will the clubs allow me to get in with the expired license and temporary license
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Maybe. Ideally, bring along a passport or some other form of ID.
Andy asked on 04/02/15
I will be visiting vegas with my boyfriend, but he is under 21. Can i still drink and walk around the strip with him? He will not be drinking at all.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sure. If you loiter in casino spaces, he may be asked to leave that area but it’s fine to pass through and hang out together.
Mel asked on 03/19/15
hi! so I just lost my drivers license and my passport expired last year.
I will have the temporary license paper document from the dmv.
will I be able to drink or gamble with this?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It probably depends on how old you look. If you’re younger, folks are going to be suspicious.
rich asked on 03/18/15
got a good deal at the luxor,any suggestions with regards for upgrades to a suite and prices for cabanas thank you
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Cabana prices and availability will vary based on season but the hotel can give you specifics for your dates. As far as upgrades go, if you mean for free, your best bet is to ask nicely.
Suzanne asked on 03/17/15
Great site.. really helpful information.
Some people have suggested that it is too far to walk from hotel to hotel and view the sites – is this the case. What are the travel services like?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The distances aren’t small but I personally love walking the Strip and do it often. If you are able-bodied, you’ll be fine… though do please remember to stay hydrated. It’s hot out there.
Marti Price asked on 03/03/15
We are thinking about taking our daughter to Vegas to celebrate her 21st birthday. Will her vertical ID be a problem?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Many people spend their 21st birthdays in Vegas – casinos are used to that.
That said, if she has a second ID (i.e. a passport), bring that too, just in case.
richard asked on 02/24/15
Yes, here’s further details on the 50th birthday celebration dinner:
1. Looking at either steak or seafood
2. Craft beers and/or exemplary cocktails to accompany the food
3. $150 per person, not including tip
4. restaurant must be on the strip, the better to execute the “wow” factor
Thank you,
Richard
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Ok, yeah, definitely some thoughts:
- Prime Steakhouse @ Bellagio: great views over the lake, stately room, great food. More of a wine joint than beers and cocktails, though they do have top flight liquors of course.
- SW Steakhouse @ Wynn Las Vegas: overlooks their smaller, internal lake but has a fun little show and the food is insanely good. Sooo good. Now I’m hungry.
- Michael Mina @ Bellagio: great seafood. A bit tucked away in the garden so it’s not really about wow factor but the food is excellent.
- Heritage Steak @ Mirage: another steakhouse with amazing food, located in the Mirage’s atrium.
Those are a few ideas, all mouth-watering.
richard asked on 02/18/15
My best friend and I will be celebrating our 50th birthdays together in Vegas this spring. Which restaurants would you recommend for this special dinner?
Thank you!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Congrats… though I can’t really answer this question. Please re-submit with more info about cuisines you like and how much you’re willing to spend (and if it needs to cover booze as well). Thanks!
Becky Ottinger asked on 02/16/15
There was a fun Balley’s game called “Roll the Bones” and it was taken out of many of the casinos. Do you know what happened. It was a blast to play. I played it at Hoosier Park, Indiana Grand and the Fremont in Vegas. All have removed it in less than a year.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sorry, I’m not familiar.
Randy asked on 02/04/15
With Fremont seeing new life and renovation, The D, Plaza, Etc… do they plan on re opening the hotel tower at Binions?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
No current plans, no.
mednec asked on 01/24/15
Hi where do you think has the nicer rooms Ballys or Flamingo?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
These days, probably Bally’s due to recent renovations.
ang asked on 01/09/15
If I wanted to just go to a bar and grab a drink will an expired drivers license along with a temp paper license work?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Probably depends on the bar but if it’s in a casino and you look young, expect them to question it.
Chelsea asked on 12/30/14
Hello All,
My friends and I – group of 5 ages between 22-25, are looking to go Vegas.
We have a budget of £1300pp flying from any London airport and are looking to go between August and September.
Can anyone give advice on the best places to stay within our budget please. We are a lively bunch and love to party so want to be close to all the action!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Can’t say what you can get flights for so not sure how much that’ll impact your budget… but here are some thoughts.
Generally, August/September is a pretty good time to go. The summer is hot hot hot and as such, you can often find better rates than the Fall and Spring. September is one of my favorite times to go – still toasty but cooling down a bit.
As far as hotels on The Strip, you might want to look at: Luxor, Monte Carlo, Harrah’s, Bally’s, or Planet Hollywood. They’re in the center of the action (more or less) and often offer some less expensive room rates. You can still go hang out at Cosmopolitan or Wynn or Bellagio without having to pay the big bucks.
I’d stay away from places like The Palms and the Hard Rock. They’re party joints but their off-Strip locations mean a lot of cab rides and that can add up.
Dan asked on 11/25/14
I remember hearing about the Wynn offering a daily architecture tour. Do they still do so, and is it worthwhile? Do Aria or Bellagio have anything similar?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
As far as I know, these are no longer offered.
Toni asked on 11/20/14
Hi, this is an accommodation question. I see most of the rooms accept up to 4 people. I have a family of 5. Any suggestions as to where to stay on the strip that has rooms for 5 people and won’t involve taking out a second mortgage?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
My understanding is that this is a fire-code thing: standard rooms are limited to 4 people.
So – you’ll need two rooms. If cost is a primary concern, you might want to look at places like The Stratosphere, The Riviera, Circus Circus, Luxor, Excalibur or possibly Monte Carlo.
Ellisia asked on 09/29/14
Hi,
I am coming to Vegas for the first time in May 2015 with my boyfriend and some friends. I have been pole dancing non professionally for a year and a half and would like to know if it is possible in Vegas to book a private room for my boyfriend and I, but minus the stripper…In other words I want to become his private dancer? Are there some clubs which allow this and if so what ones do you recommend?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
This is an interesting question.
I’ve never heard of a club that offers this. I assume that has something to do with insurance.
There are hotel suites with poles in them at places like The Palms and Hard Rock. Maybe that would be something worth checking out.
dennis B asked on 09/16/14
We leave for Las Vegas in six days and will be down town. My questions are as follows. Is it a really long walk from say either the Downtown Grand hotel to the California or from say the Golden Nugget to the California ? The same question but the Plaza instead of the California . How scarey is the new thrill ride from the top of the Rio to where ever it stops ? Finally after all of the flooding last week at the Vegas strip by the Quad and the High Roller back to normal again ?Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Not really ; nope. A little further. Haven’t done it but scary is relative – the ride is safe, it is designed to thrill. Yes.
Dennis B asked on 09/08/14
Your so darn good I have to ask. We will be staying at the DTG on Monday September 22nd and Tuesday the 23rd. The 23rd is also our 47th anniversary and I would like to treat my wife to a surprise dinner at a nice restaurant but I am not sure which one to pick. Now Binions is out because we have gone there the last two trips. I am looking for an American type eatery with steaks and chops . Where would you recommend ? Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I’d look at either Andiamo at The D or Charthouse at the Golden Nugget. Both are excellent, though Andiamo is my favorite. Love love love that place.
Walter asked on 08/30/14
I know this changes from time to time depending on the environment. Could you let us know which casino’s on the Strip are being more generous with there comps. Assuming our average bet is 25 plus in BJ and Craps. Thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
This question is more or less impossible to answer because there are so many variables between when you stay, how full the hotel is, what kind of comps you want, who your host is, etc…
Dennis asked on 08/24/14
Howdy I have a question I hope you can answer. I am a little confused about tickets for the High Roller wheel. If I order the tickets online from their site do they mail them to me or do I still have to go to will call and pick them up ?I am trying to save time and make my walk a little shorter.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
You probably don’t need to bother – the lines haven’t been very long and I’ve not heard of anyone having to wait, even at night.
If you do purchase them in advance, you can claim them onsite. You have to pick them up. The possible advantage to advance purchase is to pick the time (rides are time specified in advance).
Amber asked on 08/15/14
headed to vegas for the first time in the next few days…Can’t decide on O, La Reve or a totally different more Vegas style show like Vegas The Show!
Any suggestions?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
“O” is one of those incredible, can’t miss shows. Also, LOVE w/ The Beatles is pretty amazing. Absinthe at Caesars is a constant winner as well.
Sivled asked on 08/15/14
Morning
We will be staying at the Downtown Grand in a few days. We have never stayed there before. I have been reading so many negative stories about them I was wondering what your opinion was. btw I have also read some very positive items from reviews thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Our stay there was problematic, plus the casino was super dead the entire time which translated into sub-par service. Good luck!
Kelcie asked on 08/09/14
I turned 21 in May, and I am planning a trip to Vegas next weekend. My ID is still vertical, will i still be able to get into bars, clubs, casinos, etc.?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
You should be fine but if you can, bring a second ID (i.e. a passport) in case you run into any trouble.
Dennis asked on 07/11/14
I know that the Flamingo has Legends with look a likes singing the hits. My question are there any shows that have country look a likes like Garth Brooks, Allen Jackson, Miranada Lambert, etc. etc. ?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Legends is probably your best bet. It’s a mix of country and pop stuff… The Strat used to have a country-focused show but it’s no longer there.
marissa asked on 07/01/14
My 21st birthday was last week.I’m headed to Vegas next week, my license from California is still vertical. Since I no longer live in California it’s a big mess to switch everything over to NM , if I go with my vertical ID will I still be able to get into casinos if it’s not expired ?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
You should be okay, though if you have another form of ID like a passport, bring that along too, just in case. The casinos are pretty used to the ‘going to Vegas, just turned 21 thing’ so it’s not usually a problem.
mike asked on 07/01/14
We stayed at the Signature and out my balcony i noticed a bunch of what looked like gingerbread looking buildings. They are behind a wall running on koval ln and harmon ave. the wall has mgm logos on it and it looks like a gate going into it as well. just wondering if you know what that is.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I laughed at your description. I believe what you’re looking at is the only part of the old MGM theme park that still exists. I think it’s employee services and a health clinic now… But yeah, that whole parcel used to be rides and funky buildings, etc…
Jonathan asked on 06/10/14
I am heading to Las Vegas for the 4th of July weekend. Do you have any tips you would be willing to share? Is it as bad as New Years? What activities, fireworks, etc. do you recommend be booked in advance? Thank you!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It’s not as bad as NYE, no. Strangely, for many years the fireworks on the 4th were minimal – actually better in the neighborhoods than on The Strip. That’s changed somewhat, though it’s still not like New Years where there’s a giant, central display. It’s busy, for sure… but nowhere near as busy. There are fireworks at The Strat and they actually have a party you can buy tickets to, though I’ve never been and can’t give details on what it’s like. More info on other displays will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.
Sam asked on 06/09/14
Hi, I recently got a temporary license in Texas, and they took my old plastic one. I was thinking my passport would work for gambling/drinking? Will that work?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
A passport is accepted virtually everywhere in Vegas as a valid ID, yes.
Kim asked on 05/27/14
I just turned 21 and went to go get a new ID. I am from Utah, and they gave me a paper temporary. Will the casino’s accept this as a form of ID if I bring my other card with me?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Some may but generally speaking, you’re better off with another photo ID like a passport. Happy birthday!
Dennis asked on 05/23/14
We have not been to downtown Vegas in 2 years but we will be returning in September. My question is have they done anything to what used to be called Neonopolis ? The last time we were there it was empty and all of the stores and movies had closed. Some one mentioned it has also made a turn around. If that is true what does it have now ? Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
That name is rarely used anymore but there’s been a resurgence of tenants, yes. Many (most?) of the storefronts are now used – everything from a bunch of restaurants to Telemundo Studios. It’s not a dead spot like it was a year after it opened.
Shadow asked on 05/23/14
How far is it from the Downtown Grand hotel to the Main Street Station hotel ? What are the directions ? We are thinking about after checkin in at the DTG to go to the Main Street Station Garden Court buffet for dinner but was not sure where it was. Is it three star r higher rated ?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Your route probably depends on the time of day. The most direct route is to walk down Ogden to Main Street and take a right. That route is fine until late night. If it’s late, you’re probably better off walking to Fremont Street, down to Main Street and then over to MSS. Either way, it’s a few blocks – not far. The Garden Buffet is not bad. That and the Nugget buffet are probably the best downtown.