http://www.ratevegas.com en-us 40 Any Recent Content on RateVegas.com Question: My girlfriend and I are going to Vegas for 5 days at the end of May. We are staying in the New York New York Hotel. This is our first trip to Vegas. We are younger (early 20's) so I was just wondering what you would recommend for us to do. I already booked a show to see Dane Cook in the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace and we are planning a trip to the wax museum. We will also check out the 40/40 club and a few other nightclub. We are interested in going to shows and museum and anything that is exciting. We are not big gamblers but will be doing a little gambling so where would you recommend for us to go? any restaurants or romantic places I could take her? thanks a lot for your help!! <br/><br/>Answer: I'll do my best to help - there are so many things I could recommend, it's hard to know where to start. A few things not to miss: * Fountains of Bellagio - free dancing fountain show in front of the hotel, best viewed from the street. This would probably fall into the 'romantic' category - it can be a truly moving experience that is hard to explain until you see it. It's powerful, no doubt about that. * Sirens of TI - I don't recommend this show like I used to because it changed and in my opinion, it's pretty darn cheesy now but for a first timer, probably worth checking out. In front of Treasure Island, a few times per evening (I think it is every 90 minutes or so). As far as places to go hang out, the nightclub scene in Las Vegas is hopping, as you might know. There are many popular clubs but some of the hottest include Tryst (Wynn Las Vegas), The Bank (Bellagio), Jet (The Mirage), Moon (The Palms) and Pure (Caesars Palace). There are also more mellow lounges/ultra-lounges/piano bars like Fontana (Bellagio), Caramel (Bellagio), Tabu (MGM Grand), Nine Fine Irishmen (NYNY), Coyote Ugly (NYNY), Blush (Wynn Las Vegas) and many, many more. A few lounges that are good for people watching: Parasol Up (Wynn Las Vegas), Fontana (Bellagio), Sports Bar (The Mirage), Party Pit (Harrah's) and more. In all of these categories, there are literally dozens of choices. That's it for now - if you have more specific questions, please feel free to submit them. Have fun! http://www.ratevegas.com Wed, 07 May 2008 19:34:42 GMT Question: Hi....quick question. My fiancee and I are going to Vegas, in January, for our Honeymoon. We booked the Penthouse Suite at NYNY (yes, I am sure it is the Penthouse Suite, and, not the Ziggurat Suite). In the room description for the Penthouse, it says "VIP Lounge, Check-In". What exactly is that? I tried not only emailing NYNY, but, calling the Casino Marketing dept., with no or limited success. Do we check in at the regular front desk, or, just go straight to the VIP Lounge? Thanks for any help!<br/><br/>Answer: Hi There, So, you guessed right. When you arrive, proceed directly into the VIP lounge, leaving the unwashed masses behind. There will be no regular front desk for you, you will be taken care of like a true high roller and if there's any time you deserve it, it's on your honeymoon. I like your style my friend, I tip my hat to you. Cheers, Hunter http://www.ratevegas.com Thu, 08 May 2008 14:40:46 GMT Question: My wife and I are comming to Vegas in mid May. We were in vegas last April and casinos like TI you could of fire a cannon through the casino, it was so dead. This time when we go we want to go to casinos where it's real busy and there are lots of people. Do you have any advice on any hopping casinos. Thanks, Seanymoss Edmonton, Canada <br/><br/>Answer: Well, weekends are always much busier than weekdays, that's the first thing. I was just at Bellagio for about a week and it was busy every single day. I would say any Strip casino should have healthy amounts of people but some seem to always be busy: * Bellagio * Wynn Las Vegas * Caesars Palace * Paris * Harrah's * The Mirage * The Palms (at night) http://www.ratevegas.com Thu, 08 May 2008 16:33:52 GMT Question: Hi, I wrote a few months ago about recommendations about pet friendly resorts, and you suggested I check with Southpoint, unfortunately the answer was no. Thanks for the info anyways, I don't know if you remember specifically, I mentioned that the $20 trick is now the $50 trick and Vegas is not free anymore. Just a note to the inquiries about Harrah's properties diamond lounges, we are in Vegas at least monthly and frequent them as time allows, my 2 choices are Paris and Caesars. We always stay at Flamingo ( I know some peoples opinions) we have been diamond members for a long time, and we have a great host there, even though we can stay at any of their properties. I suggest that people should consider where they are treated well, and believe me loyalty to one property is rewarded !!!!!!!!!!!!! Again thanks for the information, I have become a fan of your column, and from what I gathered you had some family health concerns, I hope things are well now. Great job, you are always on the mark with your recommendations. p.s. If people could see the suite we stay in at the Flamingo, they would understand how loyalty is rewarded. One question, we have friends who are meeting us in June, it is their sons 21st birthday, he wants to rent an exotic car, and I did a little research on their websites, do you have any info on this type of service, or recommendations, I feel that his age is going make this almost unaffordable. Thanks again, Bill<br/><br/>Answer: Finding a pet friendly hotel experience in Las Vegas is next to impossible unless you are a high roller and can write your own ticket I agree with you when it comes to property loyalty/host loyalty - building those relationships can be the difference between being lost in the crowd or being treated well. Thanks for the kind words. In case you're looking for more content, in case you're not already aware, I've got this site, plus the blog which is linked in the header and then as of a few months ago, a new podcast - "The Vegas Gang":http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com - If you're interested in Las Vegas and the gaming industry, I recommend the podcast. It's a lot of fun. re: Flamingo Suite - if you want to share photos of your suite, we'd love to publish them. Send any photos to editor@ratevegas.com Re: exotic cars - there are several vendors that provide this service but you're right, the prices can be extremely exorbitant, reflecting both the luxury aspect of the rental and the insane cost of insurance. I don't have a good read on which vendors, if any, are reputable or worth doing business with. I would simply recommend doing what it sounds like you've already done - research via the Web and maybe make a few follow-up calls. Personally, while I'd love to drive one of those monsters, I think I'd rather splurge on a nice meal... To each his own I guess! http://www.ratevegas.com Thu, 08 May 2008 18:14:08 GMT Question: Is there room for authencity in design in LAs Vegas<br/><br/>Answer: This is open to interpretation. I would say yes but of course authenticity means different things to different people. MGM Mirage is taking design seriously with City Center - they've hired world renowned architects like Cesar Pelli and others - heavy hitters. They believe an investment in 'timeless' architecture will pay dividends greater than the faux NYC skyline of New York New York or the South Seas vibe at The Mirage. http://www.ratevegas.com Thu, 08 May 2008 13:33:56 GMT Question: Nice site Hunter, What's your take on Rosemary's Restaurant and Todd's Unique Dining Restaurant? Also, who gets to stay in the Mirage Villas and Lanais?<br/><br/>Answer: I haven't eaten at either restaurant but I have a friend that swears by Rosemary's - loves it to death. Regarding the Mirage villas and lanais, of course there's Mr. Papagiorgio (hahaha) but seriously, they are typically reserved for casino guests only and serious bettors at that. Now, sometimes they are available for rent if you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket. It's at the discretion of the casino manager and expect to may between $1,500 - $5,000 a night and up. Even though other resorts have eclipsed The Mirage when it comes to amenities, the villas and lanais are still serious business. http://www.ratevegas.com Thu, 08 May 2008 14:25:38 GMT