Las Vegas Things to Do Tips by soccergrrl

All the Canals, None of the Pigeons Venetian Hotel - Casino Review

The Venetian is an eye-dazzling, indoor architectural marvel in a city full of them. When you say "over the top" -- this is it. You can ride in a gondola, stroll the canal, or shop and dine all indoors but surrounded by a replica of Venice. And the vaulted, column-lined hallway from the front desk is gilded and painted as if this were a true palace.

Address: Mid to north Strip

Directions: Look for the replica of the bell tower.

Ride the Roller Coaster Thrill Rides Review

New York New York has its own roller coaster, called the Manhattan Express, that twists, turns, climbs, dives, and loops all around the "city." We rode at night, and it was tons of fun. I was terrified, screamed my head off, but had a blast. My husband nearly split his gut laughing at me. You'll need to leave any bags, cameras, or other similar accessories at the platform -- there are lockers (50 cents, I think) to hold your stuff.

This was my favorite "architecture" of the hotels and casinos -- it's built to look like the Manhattan skyline, and they even have a miniature Brooklyn Bridge. The casino and shops inside are meant to make you feel as if you are strolling a New York neighborhood.

Address: New York New York is at the south end of the Strip

Above it All Stratosphere Review

The Stratosphere, that can't-miss-it tower at the north end of the Strip, affords a great view over the sprawling light show that is Las Vegas. My husband and I headed up here, via a fast elevator, for a glass of champagne on our wedding anniversary (awwwww . . .). The view, while spectacular, can be tough to capture on film. ( Oh yeah, it's actually a hotel and casino too . . . )

The tower itself is the highest free-standing observation deck in the US, and the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

Address: More of a "can't-not-see" location . . north Strip

Directions: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/flash/tower_attractions/index.html

Dancing Fountains Bellagio Fountains Review

You can't really imagine this -- you have to see it for yourself. I knew I wanted to check this out (c'mon, it's FREE), but I didn't really expect much except a lot of fountains spewing water. Let me tell you, it was pretty daggone cool! We arrived a bit early to get a good spot with a head-on view. The music was Henry Mancini's theme for the Pink Panther, and it made for a fun show. (And as an aside, the Bellagio is a pretty long walk from the Luxor!)

Address: Along the Strip, in front of the Bellagio Hotel

Directions: Mid-Strip, across from Paris (just look for the Eiffel Tower . .)

http://www.bellagio.com/pages/attrac_highfountain_flash.asp

Oasis Spa Luxor Review

Go ahead -- pamper yourself. You know you deserve it. Let me say I am not normally a "spa" person. I'm a tomboy; I don't wear makeup; brushing my hair is as fancy as I get with hairdos. However, having access to the ultimate in relaxation and stress-relief is right up my alley.

The Oasis Spa was a relaxing experience like no other I've had. I signed up for a riverstone massage because I'd been wondering what this heated stone fuss was all about. Much to my surprise, my $140 got me access to all of the spa -- water, juice, and snacks; steam room; sauna; whirlpool; showers with variously fragranced products; and a "finish" area with free haircare products, blowdryers, etc. (And, after my 4pm massage, I could have returned to the spa anytime up until midnight.) The massage was incredible, especially after I'd spent the last two days wandering the desert and hiking up and down the Strip. Go on -- splurge!

A word to the wise, which I wish I'd known. The spa, which is in two parts and completely segregated into male and female, is "clothing optional" in the sauna/steamroom/whirlpool area. When I went, all had "opted" to wear their swimsuits -- but mine was in my room. I didn't feel comfortable being the only naked person around, so I sweated it out (literally) in my little spa robe. Next time I'll bring my suit.

(And this isn't just for women; my husband got a riverstone massage too and had the same reaction I did.)

Address: Inside the Luxor, near the pool area.

Directions: The Luxor is at the south end of the Strip.

http://www.luxor.com/superset.php3/amenities/spa.php3

Lovely Place Mirage Review

While I only passed through the Mirage, and sampled a few of its attractions, I just loved the feel of this place. The lobby garden area you pass through is a cool respite from the punishing Vegas heat, and the aquarium behind the front desk is impressive.

Address: 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd

Directions: Next door to Treasure Island, on the strip! (Look for the volcano!)

Phone: (702) 791-7111

Website: http://www.themirage.com

Butterflies at Bellagio Bellagio Conservatory Review

Inside Bellagio, in an atrium ringed by restaurants, is a large round cage. The cage is full of gorgeous, huge butterflies. Take a minute to look at them . . .

Address: 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd

Directions: Center Strip, across from Barbary Coast/Flamingo

Phone: (888) 987-3456

Website: http://www.Bellagio.com

Beautiful Bellagio Bellagio Hotel - Casino Review

The Bellagio is a beautiful oasis along the strip . . . the shopping/dining area is cool, quiet, and filled with gorgeous plants. It is worth a look, even if you don't plan to eat, shop, or gamble here. (But there are some fantastic restaurants to choose from!)

Address: 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd

Directions: Center Strip, across from Barbary Coast/Flamingo

Phone: (888) 987-3456

Website: http://www.Bellagio.com

Avast, ye maties!

These aren't like any pirates you've ever seen . . . and any of you who like women in scanty costumes will be glad! (OK, you do get to see a bit of beefcake, too, but the women are the main attraction here.) Treasure Island's revamped (and recamped) free pirate show is pure Vegas cheese and show(wo)manship -- and that's why you've gotta love it. There's a thin plot about a captured boy pirate and his shipmates who come to "rescue" him . . . but this is about girls in thongs dancing on a ship, and men in boots and pirate pants climbing aboard (so to speak). There are still some spectacular explosion effects, and a whole ship sinking (in front of a hotel/casino, right along the street), and some high diving into the water.

Address: In front of Treasure Island (hard to miss ships)

Directions: Crowds line up along the wooden sidewalk well before showtimes, and the best spots are reserved for guests of the hotel.

Website: http://www.treasureisland.com/pages/ent_main.asp

Fire in the Hole!

Another cool Vegas freebie is the volcano in front of the Mirage Hotel & Casino. It erupts nightly (except in inclement weather -- I love it!), about every 15 minutes (between about 7 and midnight). Be warned that if you are up close to it, the fire effects can feel very hot!

Address: In front of the Mirage Hotel & Casino

Directions: Look for the "volcano" in the water area, covered with tropical plants. (I don't think it looks particularly much like a volcano by day, but I guess that's not the point.)

Website: http://www.mirage.com/pages/attrac_volcano.asp