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glutton4punishment asked on 05/23/06

There are alot of great casino hosts, how do I find out who is best at the casinos? Do you recommend any?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

You need to find someone you like. If you don’t like your host, call VIP Services and ask to have someone else assigned… It’s not a big deal if you don’t get what you want or don’t get along with them.

suepc asked on 05/22/06

Where is this project city center being built. Does it interfere with anything at the Bellagio? Can you see or hear any construction while staying in the main building in the Bellagio. Thanks for all the great information.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

CityCenter will be located between Monte Carlo and Bellagio. The only impacted service at Bellagio is the tram service that used to run to Monte Carlo – it is closed. CityCenter is just getting underway and at this point, there is no impact on Bellagio guests. There is construction of a new Bellagio parking garage directly to the South and while it is a much more active project right now, even that isn’t disrupting Bellagio guests. No need to worry.

SMITTY asked on 05/21/06

Do you know if the tram between the bellagio and the monte carlo will be up and running again or has the construction on project city center taken it out for good. Great web site—- thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

It is offline and won’t be replaced in the form it was in. There will be a people mover between MC, CC and Bellagio when CityCenter opens.

suepc asked on 05/19/06

Do you know the hours of the fountain shows at the Bellagio. Has anyone ever complained about hearing the noise from the fountains in their rooms. Also, how early do they test the fountains, (in case you can hear in your room).

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

You can hear the ‘SuperShooters’ (loudest/highest water canons) in the lake side rooms, yes. Typically the show starts at noon on weekends and 3pm on weekdays. Testing takes place before the shows start, sometimes as early as 9am. While you can hear some of the noises, it’s not terribly loud. Perhaps if you were a very very light sleeper it would be a problem but I can’t imagine not being able to sleep through it.

maggiepaul asked on 05/18/06

My girlfriend and husband are going to be in Vegas May 29, she wants to go to a few nightclubs, her husband and I laughed and told her “no way will you get in, they only let under 30’s in unless you’ve got lots of $$$”. Are we wrong? Who does get allowed into TAO, etc.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Well, on a very basic level, you’re not too far off the mark. If you’re waiting in the normal line, being gorgeous is the best way to get in faster. Still, anyone can wait in the line if they are determined to get in, especially if you get there earlier than the hard code club goers. Officially no one is discriminated against. To get in the door without a wait you have to have $$‘s to drop or be in the aforementioned ’beautiful people’ group.

t-roy asked on 05/18/06

I know there have been many discussions about the pros/cons of Mirage vs Bellagio. However, for the same price, we can book either a petite suite at the Mirage or the Bellagio Suite at the Bellagio. Which would be better for first timers? Also if you think we should go with the Bellagio, should we pay the $50 upgrade to Lakeview? That can get expensive for 5 nights. (thanks for all your help)

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Last question first… If you’re at Bellagio, the lake view rooms are much more fun than any other view. If you can swing it, it is worth it. As far as Bellagio vs. The Mirage, I think that the suites at The Mirage are just as nice (or even nicer in some respects) than those at Bellagio. Personally, I love both hotels but I give The Mirage a slight edge in that the prices are usually lower, the service is just as good and the pool is better (in my opinion). Both choices are top notch, you really can’t go wrong. The best parts of Bellagio (Fountains, restaurants, Conservatory, etc…) don’t require you to be a guest to visit and enjoy.

sburgin asked on 05/18/06

Hi Hunter..planning a business trip sometime in July where I’ll be working in Summerlin but plan on staying on the strip-preferably mid-Strip so my wife can enjoy the hotel’s pool/shopping. Which mid-strip hotel would you say has the nicest combination of pool/hotel rooms for a non-wallet busting rate ? For the pool -she likes the tropical look (ala Mandalay or Rio), but those hotels are not exactly in the ‘heart’ of what’s going on..thx

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I would strongly suggest looking at The Mirage. With a fantastic tropical pool, new restaurants, the new Cirque Beatles show “Love” and great service, it’s a fantastic option. One of my regular hotels in Las Vegas, it won’t let you down.

brentsm asked on 05/17/06

Hey Hunter, I have another question for you. We are going to be in Vegas the end of july and early August staying at NYNY. I know the pool there sucks so are there other hotels that allow you to visit their pools for a resort charge or some kind of fee? I know generally pools are only available for hotel guests but I was hoping there was a way around it by paying a fee of some sort.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The NYNY pool is pretty small for the size of the resort. The only hotel that offers any non-guest access to its pool is the Hard Rock and that’s for its Sunday ‘Rehab’ party. Otherwise, you’re out of luck.

liljimbo asked on 05/16/06

hey hunter… i am going to vegas in june for a wedding. i am 20 years old but look really young my friend looks like me and hes 21. i have his id do you think it is going to be hard to get into clubs/bars with it i dont care about gambleing i also have a backup credit card case they ask

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Some clubs are more strict than others and it really comes down to the individual doorman. Sometimes they don’t check IDs. It will be harder for you if everyone you walk in with looks young. It’s really impossible to say. If you do use someone else’s ID, it is always possible it will get confiscated so make sure that won’t be a catastrophic event if that happens.

Anglkiss2 asked on 05/16/06

I am getting ready to travel to the Mirage hotel in Vegas, what is the appropriate dress code or way to achieve getting from your room to the pool? I am sure it is not to just walk there in your bathing suit.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Most women heading to the pool will often have outerwear as they walk through the resort on the way to the casino but it is not required.

doubleg asked on 05/15/06

Two questions for you: Do you know if the actual rooms/pools at the Aladdin will be remodeled, causing construction related problems in the hotel towers? Any updates on when or if the MGM Players Club will combine with the One Club? Thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The rooms and suites at the Aladdin, as well as the hallways and public areas in the hotel tower ARE scheduled to be worked on but not anything as extensive as what’s going on downstairs. The suites will get more work done than the rooms as they are going to be themed after different movies. Typically hotel renovations are done floor by floor so you never see any of the construction taking place and unless you sleep during the day, probably never hear them either. As far as the MGM MIRAGE/Mandalay slot club integration goes, this is an on-going project and so far none of the old MRG properties are online with the new system. MGM MIRAGE is hoping to have the first of the hotels converted this Summer with the rest following shortly thereafter.

MITCH325 asked on 05/14/06

JUST BOOKED 3 ROOMS FOR 5 NITES AT THE MIRAGE. I HAD HEARD THAT THE HOTEL WAS RECENTLY RENOVATED WHICH WAS DESPERATELY NEEDED. HOWEVER IM STILL HEARING THAT THE ROOMS ARE OLD AND OUTDATED. WERE THE ROOMS NOT RENOVATED YET, AND IF THEY WEREN’T WHEN WILL THEY BE RENOVATED.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The last time the rooms were renovated was in 2000. MGM MIRAGE plans to renovate the rooms at The Mirage in the next 12 months or so.

Curlyqb99 asked on 05/11/06

Hi Hunter,
I need to know where I can rent a Shelby Cobra or Aston Martin Vanquish for a full day? I saw some website, but I wanted an experts opinion. The dates are June 12th thru 14th.
Thank you,
Veronica

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

This is something I haven’t done personally so I am relying on information that I’ve gotten from others here… One potential issue is that the cars you’re looking for are harder to come by than your standard issue Ferraris and Lamborghinis. This joint Exotic Rentals does have some Cobras but they are replicas. An Aston is going to be a lot harder to find (but I’d love to go for a ride if you get the Vanquish or a DB9!). There’s also this joint: Dream Car Rentals, which I have heard are good folks but that’s about all I know. Generally speaking, you’re probably best off calling them and talking to someone instead of just looking on the Web sites. Often they can find/obtain vehicles that aren’t listed. Have fun!

Nevermatters asked on 05/10/06

I was looking at the W Hotel that is buing built with Condos and the ridiculous prices starting at $550,000 for a studio under 700 sq ft (which is probably the lowest floor with no view). Yet I read that the Hotel/Condos are being sold out even before being built (like MGM Grand). Do you know who are buying these things?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Different types of people. Some are investors looking to flip them when they can for a profit. Others are wealthy folks that want a vacation home as an investment. Based on the data I’ve seen, very few are planning on living in them full time. Many of these condos can be rented as hotel rooms, providing income to the owner, which can also be a draw.

Nevermatters asked on 05/10/06

Hi Hunter, do you know how much should one tip the shoe shine guy in the various hotels when the shoe shine is free?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

My general rule for tipping people when the service is free is that I tip based on what the service would cost if I was paying for it. For example a 20% tip on a $2 steak shouldn’t be $0.40, I would tip based on what the meal should really cost… Hope that helps.

brentsm asked on 05/10/06

Hey Hunter, thanks for all of your helpful answers! Can you tell me if there is anything big going on such as a big convention between July 30th-Aug3rd?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The biggest in that time frame would be a shoe convention at Mandalay Bay with about 35k people.

SOLDSHORT asked on 05/08/06

Hey Hunter,
Keep up the good work.

Question:

How many rooms do you usually have to book to get a group discount? I’m sure it varies by casino but is there a ball park number?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Thanks. Yes, you’re right, it varies. Typically you’d want to call them in the 15-20 room range but to expect any real price break but depending on the time of year, even 10 rooms could possibly get you some kind of break. Hope that helps.

angie90210 asked on 05/08/06

Hunter, am in the process of booking my hotels(3 nights Bellagio, 2 nights Wynn). Is it worth paying the extra for a full lakeview rather than a partial lakeview? Are the rooms any different or better? And also, was going for the panoramic view in the Wynn. Is this bigger than a resort room? Is it worth the extra splurge on a tower suite? Hope you can help

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The partial lake view rooms are in the Spa Tower. Other than the view, the rooms are the same. As to if it is worth it, that totally depends on how important the lake view is to you… The Spa Tower is just as nice and a bit newer… As far as Wynn goes, the Resort Room, Panoramic View and basic Tower Suite rooms are all the same size. The Panoramic View room is on the resort side of the hotel (the hotel is divided into the resort and tower suite sides) but on higher floors. The basic Tower Suite room is on the ‘Tower’ side of the hotel. Better service, private check-in, private pool access – a totally different experience. The Tower Suites side of the building is amazing and if you can swing it, I recommend it. You’ll feel like you’re staying at a different hotel.

riya123 asked on 05/07/06

Hi! Awesome site!
I was coming down to LA for Independence Day with 8 of my girlfriends (all 21) We reaLLY want to go to RAin on Sat night, but Ive read so many times the line ups are crazy! All these vegas nightclub sites sell VIP beat line tix, are they honored, are they real and are they worth it? Also if I wanted to book a table how do I Do it? One more thing, Whats there to do on Sunday night- danceclub wise, so that it’ll be a trip to remember?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I assume you mean LV and not LA? If you need nightclub help, I’ve got a guy that will take care of you. He’s very well connected and if nothing else, can answer all of your questions. His name is Bill Le and his company is called Mecca Entertainment. To reach, him, email him here: bill@mecca-entertainment.com. Tell him I sent you.

dodger asked on 05/07/06

When in Vegas a few weeks ago, we ate dinner at Mon Ami Gabi. For desert I had the coffee…and can’t remember what was in it…all I can remember is baileys, something that began with an “f” and one other ingredient……holy crackers…was it good!!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Mmmmm. Sounds good.

grooveapaug asked on 05/03/06

My fiance and I are really interested in all the Wynn Las Vegas hype and would love to try out the hotel this August, as even thier low end rooms look great. View is a big thing for us, is going with a panoramic view room going to better our chances of being higher up and facing the strip, or are the basic rooms just as likely to have a good view?

As a side note, we are quite curious if the tubs are jetted, and if there is any difference between the tubs in the standard, panoramic, and tower suites. Thanks a ton, the site is a life saver!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Wynn Las Vegas is great. Tops in Las Vegas at this point. The Panoramic View rooms are on higher floors, yes. That’s basically what you’re paying extra for. Staying in the Tower Suites is a different experience though – separate arrival, check-in, etc… Really quite nice. You don’t get jets until you get into the suites, otherwise, the bathrooms are basically all the same between those room types.

grooveapaug asked on 05/03/06

Hi there! I was curious whether or not the tubs at THEhotel are jetted, or simply just large tubs. We are currently debating on a basic suite there, or one over at the new Signature towers behind MGM. Unforunately there arent many reviews for the Signature yet, so this stipulation will probably make or break our decision.

I was suprised at the overall lack of higher end jacuzzi suites on the strip. Most look small, or just like a regular room with a tub thrown in(Luxor, NyNy). We would like something a little more high-end with a jacuzzi and would be willing to pay for it if we had the right choice.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The Signature rooms haven’t started to be rented yet, so that’s why you’re not finding reviews… They are starting this month. There are not jets in the large tubs at THEHotel. The tubs in the suites at Wynn Las Vegas, The Mirage, Bellagio, Treasure Island and others have jets. They are basically bathtub shaped though, not a circular jacuzzi.

PJTremblay01 asked on 05/02/06

Hi, So… Encore at Wynn Las Vegas finally broke ground. How high in Ft. is Encore at Wynn Las Vegas going to be? The Emporis.com website mentions that Wynn Las Vegas is 614 ft.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

It will be a bit taller but as is typical Wynn, no precise specifications have been released.

schaub asked on 05/01/06

Hunter, like the site, just found it. We stayed in hopitality suite at the Mirage last trip, loved it and are about to set up next trip, mid September, looking for a new hotel, have not ruled out Mirage, but would like a 2 bedroom suite that can fit 6-7 people. Any suggestions, we usually get totally comped because of our play.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

You might look into either a two bedroom penthouse at THEHotel or a 2-bedroom Salon Suite at Wynn Las Vegas. Both are great rooms… Of course, The Mirage also has Penthouse Suites in the two bedroom variety.

valleygirl260 asked on 05/01/06

Me, my sister & my mom are going to Vegas next weekend which happens to be Mother’s Day weekend. Is there a Mothers Day Brunch or Brunch Cruise we can do? I was reading about a Lake Mead one, but it said transportation NOT provided to Lake Mead. How much would it cost to get there? I really don’t think we need to rent a car. I have been to Vegas several times before, but haven’t ever done the Lake Mead cruise. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also anyone ever played the Price is Right at Bally’s? We were thinking it sounded fun?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Every single Strip resort will be serving a Mothers Day Brunch at their buffet and the typical rules apply for which buffets are best (Bellagio, Aladdin, Paris, Mirage, TI, Wynn, etc…) As far as taking a cab to Lake Mead, it’s about 20-30 minutes by car depending on traffic and other factors so it could get a bit expensive in a taxi. As far as ‘The Price is Right’, haven’t participated personally but they are pushing it pretty hard on property to get people in and the folks streaming out of the area looked happy.

jaytee asked on 04/30/06

if going to LV on a budget, what hotels has the cheapest weekend prices, on or off of the strip??

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

It depends, as prices change all the time. Typically North Strip hotels (Strat, Sahara, Riviera, Circus Circus) have lower rates than the rest of the Strip, Downtown cheaper than that and then off-Strip hotels like the Orleans sometimes even cheaper.

jaytee asked on 04/30/06

are there any 18 and over clubs in LV , if so which ones are the best??

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

This question has been covered before. I suggest you use the search engine at the top of the page. Thanks.

suepc asked on 04/30/06

hello again. does your site provide discount codes for the hotels? if not, what are the websites to find these discount codes everyone is talking about. again, thanks for your input. i have recommended your site to many people.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Thanks for the kind words. The best way to get any discount codes is to sign up with the hotel Web sites for their mailers – then you get the codes sent directly to you. Most of these hotel sites have a ‘Guestbook’ or something similar for you to submit your information.

sniff asked on 04/30/06

Hello. I have a question about the Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas. We will have a rental car and thought that a day trip out to the Lake might be a good escape from the busy strip for an afternoon. Would visiting the Ritz Carlton be advisable? We thought about having a nice afternoon tea there, but weren’t sure if they serve one, or if they have it daily even? Would could we do at Lake Las Vegas if we’re not guests at a resort? Thanks for your adivce in advanced!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

There is a tea offered at the Ritz Carlton but only Thursday-Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. It is a very quiet, nice and tranquil place – a vast departure from the Strip. There are some shops to see and the hotels. It’s a nice diversion for a few hours.

suepc asked on 04/30/06

We are thinking of going to Las Vegas in July or August. Are both of these months very busy, and when do the hotel discounts come out for this time of year? Thanks again for all your help.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

These days Vegas is busy year round, even with the hot desert months. There is no hard and fast rule about discounts and no requirement that they are offered at all. Typically hotels would send out mailers for discounts 30 to 60 days ahead of time.

walter asked on 04/28/06

Hello, I am heading to Vegas this summer. We are staying at The hotel at Mandalay Bay. Is there a specific floor I should request. I hear the lower floors have no view.
Also we are meeting up with friends and plan on hanging out at Moorea during the day. How do you go about getting a cabana bed and how much do they charge per day. Thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Charges for the cabanas vary based on the time of year. You should call the hotel and mention that you’re interested – they usually keep a list of folks who want to get cabanas. Any floors about eight or so should have at least a partial view but for a good view, higher is always better! 25+ is the best.

cheryl_ann asked on 04/28/06

We will be in Vegas during the second week in July, staying at the Aladdin. I called the hotel prior to booking and was told that most of the remodeling was taking place on the casino floor. Do you know if the pool area and Desert Passage mall shops will definitely be open in July? Thank you.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Yes, the plan is for those areas to be open during construction. Most of the work is indeed on the casino floor and outside.

bhit8745 asked on 04/27/06

Hi! About 10 girls (all age 30) are heading to Vegas Memorial Day weekend for our friends bachelorette party. We’re staying in a suite at Bally’s but would like some ideas for shows and clubs that won’t break the bank. What is the most cost efficient and fun way for us to spend the weekend?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Sounds like fun. Unfortunately for your bank account, clubbing in Vegas has become pretty much always an expensive proposition. The exception may be for females (which I am not one of) that can convince drunk men/boys to buy them drinks/get them in. This isn’t that uncommon, just be careful and make sure you keep your wits about you. Since you aren’t really going to find inexpensive clubs, how about the ‘good’ clubs? These days, that list would probably be Jet (The Mirage), Body English (Hard Rock), Tryst (Wynn Las Vegas), Light (Bellagio), and Rain (The Palms). Shows are another activity that have seen a lot of price increases. It’s not unusual to spend ~$100 per ticket for a show like one of those performed by Cirque du Soleil. Some shows, like Penn and Teller at The Rio, are cheaper. Some other less expensive acts include folks like Clint Holmes at Harrah’s or even something like the ‘Thunder From Down Under’ at Excalibur. Hope this helps.

glopez asked on 04/27/06

hunter vegas was wicked the only disapointment the clubs were impossible to get into the line doesn’t seem to move but went to coyote ugly which is brilliant ra was small and crap best place for va buffett is bellagio

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Glad you had a good time. Ra is about to be closed and re-done – it is showing its age.

suepc asked on 04/26/06

thanks for answering all my questions. read your reply about taxi service being hard to get after a show. we were thinking of going to penn and teller at rio, and now I am concerned about getting a taxi back to the bellagio. will this be difficult, or should we prearrange a limo to take us back! thanks again for your help.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

After a show lets out the cab lines at that hotel grow… By hard I just mean that you will wait longer than you normally would. It is worse for hotels with bigger theaters. Penn and Teller doesn’t have that many seats so it won’t be an impossible thing to get a cab, just a longer wait than normal.

suepc asked on 04/26/06

a reader mentioned that last time they were at the Bellagio, the spa towers faced a 24/7 construction site. is that still going on. what were they building at this site. thanks again for all your information.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

They are building a casino/hotel/condo complex called The Cosmopolitan and construction will be ongoing for the next few years (on the Strip side). On the other site, prep work for Project CityCenter, a $7B mixed use hotel project, is gearing up.

glopez asked on 04/26/06

how dohave my say on vegas

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

???

mneeber asked on 04/25/06

Hey Hunter. I’m booking a flight with ALLEGIANT AIR and they have an option of getting a “VEGAS PASSPORT” for 100.00 dollars. It claims to “Get VIP Access to Vegas’ Hottest Nightlife / Nightclub Destinations” It lists 29 different clubs that are included. Have you heard anything about this passport? If you can really skip the lines etc… Any help would be appreciated. Personally I think it sounds like a scam..

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Be very wary – it seems too good to be true. Yes, some clubs and promoters do sell what are basically line passes (often times you move from the general line to the pass line, which can also be long) but I’ve not seen one that covers 29 clubs for $100. I would not be at all surprised if you walked up to the door and they laughed at you or simply didn’t honor the pass. Your best bet for clubbing is to pick one or two places and concentrate on getting in there. If you don’t want to reserve a table or get bottle service (if you don’t know what this is, do a search on bottle service in the box above), you can contact our man Bill at Mecca Entertainment via email here: bill@mecca-entertainment.com. Tell him that we sent you and he’ll be able to help you out. This man works wonders as far as getting into Vegas clubs.

suepc asked on 04/25/06

Hi again. I have one last question. On the Bellagio website, when you enlarge the still picture of the Penthouse suite, it is a different picture than what the 360 degree shows. Also, some of the reader pictures show a beige couch with light surroundings in the room and some show a bright room with a green plaid couch. Actually, the green plaid room looks bigger. Even the furniture is arranged differently in some of the pictures. Do you know which room is really correct.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Well, as with many high end hotel suites, there are several different color schemes available for these suites. The enlarged photo of the Penthouse Suite that I see on the Bellagio site is the type of Penthouse Suite that I’ve been in. I am unable to load the 360 degree shots on my Mac so I can’t comment on that photo. Don’t worry – the suites are nice!

blazedchris2004 asked on 04/25/06

hi,
soon i will be staying in the newly opened ‘Marriott grand chateau’. i was wondering if you had ANY information about this place. eg. good location? Info on the web seems limited, probly being due to its newness.
thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I haven’t stayed here so I can’t comment on the quality of the rooms or service. This place has been under construction for the last few years and it is finally completed. The location is very good – just nearby is the Aladdin (Planet Hollywood), MGM Grand, Paris, Bellagio and the Monte Carlo. You’re right off the Strip but so close that it’s virtually like being on the Strip. You’ll have no problem walking if you choose to do so. Other than that, I don’t have much more information but please, do return and let us know.

jvishits asked on 04/23/06

Very nice site. I am in a little bit of a dilemna. I have never been to Vegas and am trying to plan a trip for 3 friends and myself. 3 of us are 21, 1 is 23. Where is the best place to stay where there will be a younger crowd? We will be going the first week in January. Our budget is fair. We want a nicer suite and are will to spend up to 400 a night, but don’t necessarily have to. We were thinking maybe a Tower Suite at TI or a room at the Rio. The AVN awards are at the Venetian that weekend and would like to stay close to that action (we think). We were also considering theHOTEL at Mandalay Bay and maybe the Bellagio. But we are a young bunch of guys who plan to drink a bit. Let me know if you have any ideas for us. Thank you Very Much!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Thanks. I wouldn’t recommend the Rio for a younger crowd, even though the Palms is across the street. Staying off the Strip is a bigger hassle than it may seem. Generally I would say you should target Mandalay Bay, Wynn Las Vegas, The Mirage, Treasure Island, the Hard Rock and the Palms so TI is a good choice, especially if you want to be close to AVN. THEHotel is a cool hotel but Mandalay Bay is so far removed from the rest of the Strip that you’re cabbing it everywhere which adds up and can be a pain (getting a cab at night after a show gets out – bummer). Bellagio is a great hotel with great service but I don’t know if I would recommend it for what you’re looking for. Wynn Las Vegas is the best hotel in town and also next to The Venetian but it can get pricey. If you can swing it, it’s the place to be. You should also look at The Mirage. It’s nicer than TI, next door and with the new nightclub (Jet) and a few new restaurants (namely STACK but also Fin), the average age of the crowd has shifted more towards 21-35. Also, The Mirage can often be a lot cheaper than Wynn Las Vegas and the Tower and Penthouse suites are killer. I’ve been a part of more than a few trips like the one you’re planning and I think any of the above will be good spots. Hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

abbe asked on 04/22/06

hello,thinking about visiting Vegas this summer with 2 kids(10&6),are there any activities or attractions for them?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Despite the way the city was popularized as a family destination in the 90s, Las Vegas is primarily an adult destination. Due to Nevada law, anyone under 21 cannot linger on a casino floor, the area that makes up most of the public space in most of these hotels. That said, if you are intent on bringing your children, we have discussed the topic here in the past. Rather than re-hash all of the same recommendations, I suggest checking out the following search results: RateVegas.com: kids and RateVegas.com: children.

captainstevey asked on 04/22/06

Hi, I am 19 and a driver in england do you know of any rental companies that are willing to rent to under 21s, regardless of the price (i am desperate!)
thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The youngest you can get a car from most US based rental agencies is 25. The exception to that is Dollar but even they are 21 and up. I don’t know of anyone that rents to someone that is 19… Sorry… You might be able to persuade a local car rental agency but a place like ‘exoticcarrentalslasvegas.com’ charge a TON of money… But you are driving a Ferrari or something else equally unique.

carol asked on 04/22/06

Wondering if Ba Da Bing has gotten good reviews and also is paying a little extra worth what they refer to as VIP seating. I am not sure what VIP seating gets a person. Do you? You do a great job Hunter in answering everyone’s questions.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The one review I’ve seen (I haven’t seen the show) was fairly positive. Another similar show that has gotten good reviews is the ’Soprano’s Last Supper’ at the Aladdin (actually in Desert Passage). For these types of shows, the VIP seating is often a bit of a scam – it can usually also be accomplished with a wink, handshake and a $20 when you see the host. Have fun and thanks for the kind words.

suepc asked on 04/21/06

you have been so helpful! i read that we can book through your site directly with hotel, but you get the credit. Would love to help you out, as you help out so many with this site. Do I have to put a code in my reservation, so you get the credit? please advise.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

That’s true for some hotels such as those from MGM MIRAGE – Bellagio, The Mirage, Treasure Island, MGM Grand, and NYNY. Though Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur and Monte Carlo are now MGM MIRAGE hotels, they are still not in the direct affiliate program. The other company we work with in this capacity is Wynn Las Vegas. Beyond those hotels we offer affiliate booking for the rest of the city that is similar to booking with a site like Expedia – not direct with the hotel but usually competitive rates… But, yes, booking with one of the ‘direct’ hotels is just the same as booking with the hotel itself… So, for instance, if you wanted to book Bellagio and have us get the affiliate credit, you would use this URL, which will take you to the Bellagio site but it will let them know you came from us: Bellagio.com. Thanks for the support!

suepc asked on 04/21/06

Hello. Do you know is the Bellagio will have any construction early October? Friends will be visiting at that time and were worried. Thank you.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Construction at Bellagio is completed. They are building a parking garage on the south side of the property but that is for employees and shouldn’t impact guests at all. They have been doing some minor tweaking inside the casino – mostly carpet and light fixtures – but that work is done during off hours when no one is around, mostly very early morning on weekdays. Shouldn’t be any problems at that time.

suepc asked on 04/21/06

Read your reply about the Bellagio suites being in two buildings. Which is the nicer Tower. Since we are not going to pay the extra for the guaranteed view, which Tower should I be requesting? Also, are the Penthouse suites in two buildings also? If yes, the same question applies. Thanks again, I am learning so much from reading your message boards!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

They went out of their way to make sure the rooms are pretty much the same. The Spa Tower is closer to the spa, salon and has pool access that is more convenient than the Bellagio (main) Tower. The Bellagio Tower is closer to the casino, convention area, and most restaurants and the lake side rooms have better views of the Fountains of Bellagio. Both buildings contain the same basic array of suites with the exception of the Spa Tower having some top floor Presidential Suites and the Bellagio Tower containing the villas – both are reserved for high rollers only. If you’re not on the lake side of the main tower, I think the next best view would be a pool view in the Bellagio Tower. Other views are mostly freeway views which are probably the worst views the hotel offers.

sniff asked on 04/20/06

Hello. We booked a Bellagio Suite for July. But nothing on our reservation says whether or not it will have a lakeview or not nor which building it will be in. Do all suites have a view of the fountains? Does the new Spa tower have these Bellagio Suites too? Did I have to specify that I wanted a Suite with a view of the fountains and in the MAIN building?? Thanks for any comment!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Yes, they have the suites in both towers. Typically they don’t assign your room until check-in (guestrooms) or right before checkin (suites). You can request a particular tower and you can pay extra for guaranteed lake view rooms. The Spa Tower has some partially obstructed lake view rooms but the views are not as good as in the Bellagio Tower. There are also suites overlooking the pool and the freeway, so nothing is for sure unless you plunk down extra for lake view. Sometimes they’ll do this for free also, doesn’t hurt to ask.

notrlelaw asked on 04/19/06

This is my 3rd time staying at the Wynn Resort Room (Slot Tournament). Im curious how the other more expensive rooms have to offer what should I do, simply ask for an upgrade, $20 slide, what?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The next room up of any consequence would be a ‘Tower Suites’ room, which is basically the same room but in the nicer, Tower Suites part of the hotel. You get private elevators, pools, better service, etc… Above that we’re looking at suites such as the Executive, Parlor and Salon… Then the villas… If you’re staying for a tournament I assume they’re comping you? Call you host and tell them you want to try a nicer room! Never hurts to ask.

huovy asked on 04/19/06

We’ll be in town end of May. Can you recommend a show other than “O”. Have you heard anything about La Reve at Wynn? Any suggestions on purchasing tickets. Thanks.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Depending on why you don’t want to see ‘O’, you may or may not like ‘Le Reve’. They both have an aquatic theme and a very loose storyline. If that sounds good, the show has really improved since it opened a year ago. Beyond that, ‘Mystere’ at TI is also a really great choice.