Las Vegas

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Only in Vegas... Baby...

A January 2007 trip to Las Vegas by toytwin78

Club 3121More Photos

The best trip yet! We try to visit Vegas at least once a year and NYNY Hotel is our favorite hotel.

  • 24 reviews
  • 56 photos

Only in Vegas... Baby...Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Our favorites over time, as we have explored Vegas, seem to be the things we return to repeat suchs as the Star Trek Experience at The Hilton.  We love the Monorail to get around. We have tried the Manhattan Express but it's not all its claimed to be (too bumpy). The Jacuzzi rooms, the best French dip sandwich at America Resturant, the Boulevard mall (not the high end one on the strip), Toby Keiths bar (try the club here it's huge), Regale Itlian resturant in Excalibur (just the best), and the wonderful views from any vantage point.

Quick Tips:

For coupons and discounts I usually do a search well ahead of a scheduled trip online, just hit "vegas coupons" in any search engine. Asking when you check in can sometimes get you some perks or coupons.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best transportation by far is the tram and the monorail. You can buy a day pass or a thre-day pass for unlimited stops. There is a free tram from Excalibur to Mandalay Bay with stops at luxor. And another between Treasure Island and Mirage (this one is lame though). It beats walking the strip especially on very hot, very cold windy days or the rare case when it rains.But cabs are another option. I don't suggest the busses or the trolly, you end up spending most of your time waiting for it to show up.

New York New York Hotel & CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "New York New York Hotel & Casino"

Club 3121
We have tried the different rooms at NYNY but the best one is the spa/marquis suite. With a full size Jacuzzi in the room. So romantic! And not as much walking (to get to the room) as others. The views are great and you don't really notice the roller coaster noise (as others have stated).They did finally get rid of them using the room card to access the elevator, so now it is a breeze to get to your room. All elevators have access to the park garage. And the beds are so comfy.

We tried the roller coaster this time and it was cool.


Zumanity is another must see! (But not for the easily offended!) As it explores all aspects of sensuality.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 4, 2007

New York New York Hotel & Casino
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 740-6969

Nine Fine IrishmenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

vegas
This place is so cool. We couldn't get in the door on the weekend... We went on a Sunday instead, the food is excellent (especially the pot roast!).

They have live bands and a nice ambience... so romantic!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 4, 2007

Nine Fine Irishmen
New York New York Casino - 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 740-6969

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill"

FAO Schwartz
It's a nice place with great food (I love the club... it's huge), and sometimes they say you can see Toby Keith himself. Downsides - they charge to share a plate and the drink prices are not listed (even for soda).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 21, 2007

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill
Harrah's Las Vegas, Nevada 89029
(702) 369-5000

AmericaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

nyny
Great food, great prices, interesting outlay. Try the French dip! It's better when they are not super busy, and they have a small breakfast buffet in the mornings. (The room service is even better.)
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 21, 2007

America
New York - New York Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 740-6451

Gonzalez Y Gonzalez New York New York Hotel & CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Gonzalez y Gonzalez"

Great Mexican food with fair prices. The drinks are good, and you have a view of the streets of New York - New York complete with steaming sewers... (right next to the no smoking sign!) It's an interesting way to people-watch.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 21, 2007

Gonzalez Y Gonzalez New York New York Hotel & Casino
3790 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 740-6969

Quark's Bar & RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Eat at Quark's!"

The com panel
A great place to unwind while you hubby goes NUMEROUS times through the star trek experience. Entrées are named after star trek characters (flaming ribs of targ... holy rings of betazed). And they have character actors who roam the dining room talking to guests... pretty cool!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 21, 2007

Quark's Bar & Restaurant
3000 Paradise Road Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 697-8725

Harley DavidsonBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

harley cafe
Harley Davidson Café. On the strip. It has interesting displays of vintage motorcycles all through the restaurant. Food is good but a little pricey with kids (also not a lot of room if you have strollers). Usually very busy so expect a wait.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Harley Davidson
3725 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 740-4555

Regale Italian EateryBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Excalibur Regale"

excalibur
This is one of our favorite places. It doesn't open until 5pm but is worth the wait.

Romantic dining, terrific food, excellent service.

Just off the escalators to the left.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Regale Italian Eatery
Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 597-7443

Various CasinosBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Excalibur
From Regale in Excalibur (excellent food!), Quarks Bar at the Hilton. (Try the specialty drinks... a warp core breach or the beer sampler of Romulan Ale, Klingon Blood Wine.) Or Kadys cafe at the Rivera (great all American food) to hard rocks quaint diner with terrific atmosphere there are many budget to mid priced places to eat. It all depends on where you are at when the hunger strikes you!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 24, 2007

New York New York Hotel and CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "New York-New York Hotel Casino"

the Rollercoaster
The Manhattan Express roller coaster is cool, I love the arcade and collecting all the tickets, there are lots of crane machines (when they work), and having Haagen Daz to unwind after.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 21, 2007

New York New York Hotel and Casino
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(800) 689-1797

Las Vegas StripBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Night Flight Over the strip"

the helicopter
There are many helicopter flights companies to choose, we went with Heli USA for best price. For about $75 per person for the night flight over the Las Vegas Strip at night. It is so scenic to see all the lights from that angle (and I am afraid of heights... but it was nice).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 21, 2007

Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas, Nevada

Star Trek: The ExperienceBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Star Trek Experience"

ship
A must for Star Trek fans, you can even get married on the bridge of the enterprise. It has interesting movie and series props from all series and time line data while you wait in line. It's quite extensive... and if you are going for the all day pass anyway, go the extra $ for the backstage preview. It gives you insights to how things were done.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 21, 2007

Star Trek: The Experience
Las Vegas Hilton 3000 Paradise Road Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(888) 462-6535

Forum ShopsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Caesars
Wow...the newly remodeled Caesars has alot, even just strolling around is entertaining.They have a huge fish tank and animated shows to keep you (or the kids) entertained while you wait for your other half to shop.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Forum Shops
3570 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 893-4800

Fashion Show MallBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Stairs
So much to see, high end shopping but 'wow' what a staircase! This is a great place for people watching, wandering and especially shopping. Never know what you will find.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

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

Cirque Du Soleil: ZumanityBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Zumanity"

Zumanity is a version of a circ show. The sexier side. Frankly the other circ ones seemed to bore me but I REALLY liked this one. It's not for everyone though, especially not kids. We have been 3 times now trying different seats and the balcony is the best. It combines comedy, sensuality, and an open acceptance in all aspects of sensuality.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Cirque Du Soleil: Zumanity
New York New York Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 740-6815

Las Vegas MonorailBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Monorail
One of the things I don't see covered much here is transportation. While cabs are the normal, and certainly buses are an option. The monorail is a cool way to travel for certain things. It runs from MGM to Sahara (stopping at Ballys, Flamingo, Harrahs, Convention Center, and Hilton) and saves money when you get an all-day or 3-day pass for unlimited rides. Passes can be bought ahead of time also www.lvmonorail.com. The only drawback is it does not cover the other side of the strip and the waiting area can be a little chilly in winter.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Las Vegas Monorail
3720 Howard Hughes Parkway Las Vegas, Nevada 89169
(702) 699-8200

Venetian Resort Hotel CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Venetian~Gondolas"

The gondola rides, a little steep at $20 person but worth it to try it once! Romantic way to spend the afternoon, you make an appointment through their office (at the far end of the canal) and it's about a 20-minute ride while you cruse and listen to your guide sing romantic songs in opera.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(877) 883-6423

Free Fun!Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Sights to See... They're Free!"

Volcano
From the free tram that runs from Excalibur to Mandaly Bay, volcano eruptions at the Mirage, sirens and pirates at Treasure Island, lions at MGM or tigers at Caesars Palace there is a lot of free things to do and see around town.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Free Fun!
Hotels on the Vegas Strip and More Las Vegas, Nevada

Luxor Hotel CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Luxor Pyramid"

Luxor
Luxor is an interesting hotel, all the rooms are slanted and is a beautiful site at nite. Can be accessed for the free tram at Excalibur or Mandaly Bay too.Has Imax theatre and a few interesting things on second level but not a major stop.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Luxor Hotel Casino
3900 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 262-4102

Rita RudnerBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Rivera
Actually Rita is now at Harrahs... But her shows are great! Front row is nice but watch out she asks your name at the beginning and uses it all night to ask you questions and bring you into the conversation. (Hubby didn't like that part). But she is witty and charming and does a terrific show for the price.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Rita Rudner
New York New York Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(866) 606-7111

Las Vegas (General)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Around Vegas & Beyond"

M&M

Around town there are many interesting things to do.The M&M World with 4 levels of totally M&M stuff is cool, the Hilton has Star Trek (and Quarks Bar), MGM has the lions, Mirage has the volcano, TI has the pirates, the gondolas at venitian (there is a great doll shop there too!). The Coke Factory shop (check out the new coke black).

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 23, 2007

Las Vegas (General)
Las Vegas, Nevada

Circus Circus MidwayBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Circus Circus Carnival Midway"

This is a interesting place to take the kids, but bring lots of money, the games are not cheap anymore and you seldom win much (toys that is). It is sadly in need of a remodel and new carpet! The walkway is not very wide, especially with strollers and lots of people.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 24, 2007

Circus Circus Midway
2889 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 734-0410

Lion Habitat at the MGM GrandBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Lions at MGM"

mgm
The Lion Habitat at MGM is a cool place to visit. Just past the entrance stairs, right after Studio 54 on the right. They usually have at least 2 lions in the enclosure, sometimes more. From cubs to full grown at different times. It's free to watch, and the only downside is the taped lion sounds.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by toytwin78 on February 24, 2007

Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
+1 702 891 1111; +1

About the Writer

toytwin78
toytwin78
escondido, California

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