[vegas_4u]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

That's silly. I went to New York for a convention of TV executives and stayed in one of the best hotels in Manhattan. I couldn't walk out a door without actually fighting my way through the hookers that crowded around every exit. Walking down to Rockefeller Plaza I had to skip around the derelicts sleeping on the steam grates. By the way, what is the deal with those steam grates? We could look out onto Central Park but were warned not to go there after dark. Everywhere we looked we were in fear of being robbed or killed. New York was the sleaziest place I've ever seen outside of Nawlins.

It's funny how we went to talking about Spitzer, to other items. Bottom line, no comparison between NYC and Las Vegas. There are some similarities in some things, but they are different cities. New York is a stunning mega-opolis. Las Vegas is all about the shock factor - out with the old, in with the new --- it is the entertainment capital of the world -- building the biggest and best resorts, always topping itself, the best clubs in the nation, party on and off the Strip, 24 / 7 alcohol 24 / 7, gambling, year round. Now they have "day" club parties too, at the pools at the resorts, that are topless. The largest hotel in the world is the Venetian, in Vegas. Also, keep in mind, the #1 travel destination in the USA is Vegas.. over 3 million tourists visit vegas EVERY MONTH.. yep its true, you can check it out - the visitors bureau reports the numbers every month.

Some are so stunned at the growth in Vegas, that many New Yorkers don't really get it -- until they visit Vegas. Vegas is a young modern city in its rapid growth spurt, whereas New York is a much older city, with its growth spurt in the past. Don't be surprised, if Vegas has as many high-rises as Manhattan within the next 20 years. Las Vegas high-rise boom is like the booms in cities in China - modern stunning high-rises. Oh and as you can see, hollywood is kind of gradually transitioning to Vegas... taking away from NY and LA...did you notice the increase in music studios, premiers, award shows, movies and TV shows filmed here....

and.........Vegas is SIN CITY babeeeeeeeeee!!!!

[vpcats]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

Vegas is very casual so wear whatever you'd like, but you'd probably feel more comfortable in at least nice jeans and polo shirt.

As for the Big Ditch, it is well worth the trip and it might be the highlight of your Vegas vacation. It is about 4½ hours drive from here to the south rim, and I believe the north rim is closed for winter until May.

By your remark about driving up one rim and down the other I can't tell if you think you'll actually be driving in the canyon, but if so forget about it. You can drive up to various locations along the rim and join the tourists in admiring the scenery, or you can take a jillion different hikes. You can even camp if you'd like. But if you want to stay in the lodge or cabins you probably should have made reservations about two years ago. You can find motels in Williams, AZ, a very small town 60 miles away, or Flagstaff, a fairly large town 80 miles away. Don't forget the Grand Canyon is huge and in a remote area. If you do start down a trail into the canyon, don't go very far unless you are in top shape and an excellent outdoors person. It takes about 7 hours to hike down and at least nine to hike out if you had thoughts of going to the bottom. You can only stay at one place, on the bottom, Phantom Ranch, and that must be booked at least a year or two in advance whether you book a mule ride or walk it. If they have to come after you and carry you out by helicopter it will cost big bucks. That is even if they can reach you by helicopter. Give yourself at least a day to get there and to see as much as possible. Two days would be better. Here is an excerpt from the website.

Grand Canyon Natl Park Visitor Information, South Rim

How to See the Canyon
Canyon View Information Plaza is the park's visitor facility. Here you will find the visitor center (Canyon View Center), a large bookstore, and ample restrooms, all within a short walk of Mather Point. Because this facility was designed as the terminus for a mass transit system that is not yet operating, you cannot drive to it. Park your car and ride the free shuttle or walk the short trail from Mather Point.

There are many overlooks accessible by car that offer spectacular views of the canyon. Desert View Drive (Highway 64) follows the canyon rim for 26 miles/42 km east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View - the east entrance to the park. Desert View Drive is open to private vehicles throughout the year. Hermit Road follows the rim for 8 miles/13 km west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles much of the year, but the park runs a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to overlooks.

A hiking trail, known as the Rim Trail, follows the rim from Pipe Creek Vista to Hermits Rest. The section of the Rim Trail between Pipe Creek Vista and Maricopa Point is paved, and mostly wheelchair accessible. Unpaved portions of the trail, between Maricopa Point and Hermits Rest, are narrow and close to the edge. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail.

Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point offers panoramic views of the canyon, including the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch.

For viewing and photographing the canyon, the best light is early or late in the day. Mid-day sun tends to flatten the view and soften the colors. Remember that days are short in the winter and long in the summer. If you plan to see the canyon at sunrise or sunset, it is recommended that you be on the rim at least an hour before.

The Colorado River flows along the bottom of the canyon, 5000 feet/1524 m below the rim. Because of the enormous depth of Grand Canyon, the river is visible only from certain viewpoints. It is a two-day hike to the river and back from the South Rim. It's a longer trip from the North Rim. It is possible to drive to the Colorado River at Lees Ferry (near Marble Canyon, Arizona), a 2.5 hour drive (one way) from the South Rim. Lees Ferry marks the official beginning of Grand Canyon.

Wow! Thanks for all that info! No, I am not walking down, up, or sideways, by mule or otherwise. I am definitely not in shape for any acrobatics.

What am not sure about is whether to rent a car, drive there myself or take one of the tours from Las Vegas- all day bus thing?

If I drive there myself, can I get on one of those helicopter rides once there or does that have to be booked way in advance?

I might just do the two day trip. I can stay outside the canyon.

My dates are May 3-11th. I think I'll be "researching" and planning from now till then.

OH... what about the West Rim? I've been reading some stuff about that.

[vpcats]

Great info BUZZ123. That link is wonderful. Just Purrfect! :-))

[vpcats]

Hello everyone.

Following up on my trip to LV......which Cirque du Soleil show would you recommend?
Mystere? O? KA?

Any other shows that are must see? I am only going to have 4 nights in LV for shows. Decided that the Canyon will be a two day trip so I can do some side trips.

do you all have any other recommendations for MUST SEE attractions?

Thanks!!!!!

[royalplum]

Both are great places. Polo Towers is in front of the Marriott when looking from the strip. Marriott had a taller building that looks out over the Polo Tower, if you get one of the top floors. Both have pools on the roof tops. I have two units at the Polo Towers. We will be out there the mid- May.

As for the Grand Canyon there are several things to take into account. Is it just going to be a day trip or are you staying over night. If its a day trip you can do the West Rim and the Hoover Dam with no problem. The tours are ok, but you can go at your own pace if you rent a car. Keep in mind that if you go to the North Rim, you should plan to stay over night and keep in mind the weather. April and early May still get cold at night and early morning.
Ray

Originally Posted by vpcats

Hello everybody.

I am hoping some of you guys can guide me.

I am planning to go to Las Vegas towards the end of April/beginning of May.

I have a timeshare week I need to use up and I really have no idea where to pick. I think I rather be on the Strip. As of right now, I could choose the Marriott or The Suites at Polo Towers. The description says these are on the Strip and the pictures look really nice.

Does anyone KNOW these places and is either a good bet?


Also, I want to take a side trip to Grand Canyon. Would I better off renting a car and driving myself - maybe stay overnight, or take one of those very expensive all days tours?

Thanks so much. I need to book the timeshare before someone else so if you can give me a quick answer, I'd be much, much obliged!


Sorry... One more. How's the weather end of April/early May? Thanks.

[L218]

1. Place to Stay
I think all the places are fair but I'd highly recommend to stay as close as possible to the Strip. You should've book Polo at the 1st opportunity. Granted you'd like to pick the best, but great ones are also being sought after by many.

You need to know that most of the time, you'd be out visiting all the interesting places in Vagas so you'll hardly have much time to enjoy the amenities. 15 yrs is a long, long time ago. Too much have changed in Vegas so there' re lots to catch up.

2. Shows
I suggest you skip Zumanity (NY-NY) or Blue Man (Venetian) for that matter - hardly lving up to expectations. Most of the shows in Vegas are over rated for the asking price. You need to manage your expectations. You can catch a few free shows (costs $80 upwards at the gates) by joining the free loyalty clubs at some of the large casinos. Some of these aren't too bad considering it's free!

One more tip : make sure you have a good rest before going for any of the shows.

3. Grand canyon
Recommend you take an overnight trip if you can afford the time. A day trip by bus will leave you exhausted, and probably unwell from the long ride. If you are a camera buff, you'd be extremly pleased to catch many photo opportunities at dusk and dawn. Trust me, the spectacular views are well worth your entire Vegas trip.

These are just my few cents worth of opinions. Hope it helps.

I visit Vegas every two years, each time staying for 2 weeks minimum. My next trip's Jan'09 to attend the ICE.

[vpcats]

Originally Posted by L218

1. Place to Stay
I think all the places are fair but I'd highly recommend to stay as close as possible to the Strip. You should've book Polo at the 1st opportunity. Granted you'd like to pick the best, but great ones are also being sought after by many.

You need to know that most of the time, you'd be out visiting all the interesting places in Vagas so you'll hardly have much time to enjoy the amenities. 15 yrs is a long, long time ago. Too much have changed in Vegas so there' re lots to catch up.

2. Shows
I suggest you skip Zumanity (NY-NY) or Blue Man (Venetian) for that matter - hardly lving up to expectations. Most of the shows in Vegas are over rated for the asking price. You need to manage your expectations. You can catch a few free shows (costs $80 upwards at the gates) by joining the free loyalty clubs at some of the large casinos. Some of these aren't too bad considering it's free!

One more tip : make sure you have a good rest before going for any of the shows.

3. Grand canyon
Recommend you take an overnight trip if you can afford the time. A day trip by bus will leave you exhausted, and probably unwell from the long ride. If you are a camera buff, you'd be extremly pleased to catch many photo opportunities at dusk and dawn. Trust me, the spectacular views are well worth your entire Vegas trip.

These are just my few cents worth of opinions. Hope it helps.

I visit Vegas every two years, each time staying for 2 weeks minimum. My next trip's Jan'09 to attend the ICE.

Thanks! I already went this past May. I stayed at the Marriott. I saw "KA" for half price. I did fly to GC, stayed overnight, took a helicopter ride and did everything I wanted to do.

Now, just ready for the next time, which I do hope will be sooner rather than later.