Las Vegas

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Las Vegas 04

A May 2004 trip to Las Vegas by catronma

A business trip with my husband and daughter

  • 10 reviews

Westin Casuarina Hotel and Spa Las VegasBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Westin Casuarina"

This is a business-traveler hotel. The rooms are very nice, they are known for their beds and they do live up to that, very comfortable. The room was rather large, we had a king size bed and a crib and we did not feel cramped at all. The hotel itself is small. There was a pool on the roof of the second floor which is more like a pool you would expect at a side of the highway hotel. There is a small casino with all of the standard Vegas games and a handful of slots, and small bar/dining area that has good food but is expensive for what you get. (We paid $8 for a PB&J sandwich for my 3-year-old.) It's good for someone who does not want to be surrounded by Vegas, but it is still walking distance to major hotels and attractions. It is off the strip behind Barbary Coast, and across the street from the rear side of Bally's. From what I understand this used to be the Maxium hotel many years ago.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by catronma on November 10, 2005

Westin Casuarina Hotel and Spa Las Vegas
160 East Flamingo Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 836-9775

Carnival World BuffetBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Rio Hotel Carnival World Buffet"

The price depends on what meal you are going for. We would go here for breakfast, because it was the least expensive and then skip lunch. The selection is unbeatable, there are foods from various cultures (more so at the Dinner Buffet) a large dessert case, and there really is something for everyone. And of course the best part of eating at Vegas hotels, Keno right from your table!
I have been here on nearly every trip I have taken to Vegas and still think it is one of the best.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on January 17, 2007

Carnival World Buffet
3700 West Flamingo Road Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
(702) 364-9192

California Pizza Kitchen - The MirageBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "California Pizza Kitchen"

By far the best pizza ever! The crust is what makes this pizza so good, and you can have just about anything you want on it. Located inside the Mirage, pretty much in the casino area near the walkway to Cesars. If you have had the frozen version, don't compare it to the real thing, this is much better. This is a sit down, place an order style pizza place you won't get it from a heat lamp in a line so be prepared to spend some time there.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on January 17, 2007

California Pizza Kitchen - The Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 791-7111

Water ShowBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Water Show-Bellagio Hotel"

There is light and water dancing in a giant pond set to various music. It goes every 15 minutes, I think, and gets crowded at night. But it runs all day long.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on November 10, 2005

Water Show
Bellagio Hotel / 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
888 987 3456

Caesars Palace Hotel CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Caesars Palace's Fish Tanks"

The giant fish tank is the base of one of the shows that runs in the mall. My daughter was afraid of the show at only 2 1/2 years old, though, so we had to make sure to leave before it started. She spent hours at the fish tanks, which include a variety of fish and sharks.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by catronma on November 14, 2005

Caesars Palace Hotel Casino
3570 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 731-7110

Studio 54Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

This was not exactly what we had expected, as we generally prefer crowded, loud rave-type clubs. The decor was interesting, and as the night went on, it got quite crowded. There was a small line when we arrived at opening time, and the line was rather long when we left. The music was a wide variety of techno, hip-hop, and Top 40, and the people were as varied as the music.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on November 14, 2005

Studio 54
3799 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
+1 702 891 1111; +1

Big Shot Thrill RideBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

I love the unusual thrill rides and this was one of the best. To begin you are rather high up on the top of the stratosphere. You are than strapped into your seat on the needle, with 4 people on 4 sides, and it works like a sling shot going up and down when you hit the top you can see all of Vegas, and you are HIGH, a great rush!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on December 4, 2006

Big Shot Thrill Ride
Stratosphere Hotel / 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
888-236-7495

Ethel M's Chocolates and Cactus GardenBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Ethal M Chocolate Factory Tour and Garden"

An interesting tour going through the making of the chocolates, with a free one at the end, not to mention the ability to create your own custom box of chocolate, great for a gift. The cactus garden is also interesting, more so for those who have never been out west to see cacti up close.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by catronma on December 4, 2006

Ethel M's Chocolates and Cactus Garden
2 Cactus Garden Drive Las Vegas, Nevada
(800) 438-4356

Fashion Show MallBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This was much nicer than the last time I was there. There have been several renovations to include a massive jumbotron type thing in front. The stores are typical of what you would see in a mall but they do have some more up scale stores as well. Also don't stop at the front of the mall, it gets better if you keep walking towards the back. The food court is one of the bitter I have seen in a mall and you have the option to eat inside or out.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by catronma on December 4, 2006

Fashion Show Mall
3200 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 369-8382

Tournament of KingsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Tournament of Kings (at the Excalibur Hotel)"

I have been to this show twice and it was still fun the second time. You are served a traditional medieval dinner, where you sesat with your hands, I guess you could ask for silverware. The show has a story but features what you might expect like jousting, fights, a witch, horses, etc. The ending is exciting but may be a bit loud for small children, but the rest of the show will keep them at the edge of their seats.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on December 4, 2006

Tournament of Kings
3850 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 597-7600

About the Writer

catronma
catronma
Nixa, Missouri

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.