The only people who think Vegas is tacky are those that haven't been there! First timers often believe some of the programmes they see on TV then come back from their first visit saying it was nothing like that at all. Those programmes are the TV equivalent of the Sun newspaper, carefully edited to sensationalise, and some people are stupid enough to believe them.

Where else can you stay at true 4 and 5 star properties which offer room service and turn down service as standard and have all the facilities and amenities that make them true 5 stars according to the Michelin star system? Not the so-called 4 star hotels you find in holiday resorts.

Where else can you sleep in a bed which costs over $3000 and that you can buy and have shipped home? Stay in rooms that are bigger than some people's homes? The smallest room is around 450 sq ft.

The good - the fantastic hotels which are resorts in their own right and each have umpteen restaurants, bars, spas, etc. The Bellagio fountains. The proximity to the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire. The luxurious rooms with huge plasma TV's, electrically operated curtains and expensive furnishings. King size beds which are 6 ft wide with pillow top mattresses that are like sleeping on a cloud. The fantastic restaurants where, when you come back from the loo, you find your napkin refolded on the table then replaced on your knee before you have a chance to do it yourself. The shopping, although some of that is window shopping as there are so many designer shops. No problems finding something to do when you are up at stupid o'clock due to jet lag. The shows - from musicals and Cirque du Soleil to comedians and variety shows, there is something for everyone.

The not so good - maybe the porn slappers and the litter they create. They are mostly Mexicans who hand out cards offering "Girls in 20 minutes". They don't bother us as we are immune to them and hardly notice them now, but some people are offended. The tipping - if it moves, tip it. Vegas survives on tips and you are expected to tip 15-20% at restaurants, to taxi drivers, etc. This is a big bugbear of people from the UK who think the servers should be paid a decent wage. When in Rome, etc. We just accept it and pay up although I did wince a little last trip at tipping $40 on top of an already expensive meal.

The only people who think Vegas is tacky are those who haven't been there and have only been as far as Turkey and Cyprus.

I've travelled to many places throughout the world and returned or want to return to some but I have really no wish to return to Las Vegas, I was not at all impressed and found it very tacky. I would much rather travel to other areas of the USA. Admitted it's many many years since I was there so it may have changed, it's possibly very different now and even reading postive descriptions and reviews of the place over the last few years haven't convinced me that I would think any different about the place, probably dislike it even more as it has grown so huge... The only way I would go there again is if I was having a one night stopover on my way out to the desert and national parks. I'm sure the hotels and entertainment are great but they are not the major attraction for me on holiday. I have stayed in 4-5 star hotels in many places but they are only a small part of my requirements for a good holiday. .
I guess it's all down to what you want from a holiday. For me Las Vegas just doesn't have it but I'm sure for many people it's very special.

Fiona if you don't like it there are plenty of places nearby, The National Parks, The Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and of course the Grand Canyon are all worth a visit. I hope you enjoy your stay there yoü may fall in love with the place.

Must admit to not being a great lover of Las Vegas. Having been there many times, I would say it is a good place to spend three nights and then set out on a touring holiday. Lake Mead and the Hoover dam, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion State park can be incorporated into a one week tour. If you felt a little more ambitious you could incorporate Archlands, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly and a host of other places into a two week tour.

I know others will disagree but, in the end, it is personal choice.

hmmm.... I think I am spoiled for hotels as I'm forever returning to the far east and staying in 5 stars( which I couldn't even think about in Europe), where the service is out of this world without expectation of tips.
I would like to think I wasn't stupid and am going with a reasonably open mind. I do look forward to seeing the different themes and must really find out which shows to go to. I am also looking at what to do away from the strip just incase. Just wait- will probably come home and raring to book for next year

Vegas is my favourite place in the world, and I've travelled fairly well across most of Europe, some of the Far East, Caribbean and South America.
There is quite simply NOWHERE in the world that has the 'buzz' of Vegas, the entertainment is non-stop, the options for eating and drinking are endless, the gambling options are fantastic, shopping is great and you have many great sights within easy reach. Top it all off with pretty much guaranteed weather, and you can have a 'beach' holiday with the best night life anywhere in the world. Best of all.....it's not that expensive either. You might have guessed that I'm a Vegas lover, this year is my 13th visit and I'll continue to go every year for as long as my health and finances allow

TC

I am actually going to pick hotel(s) with a good pool area as I can always sunbathe if all else fails!

I definitely agree that it's not for everyone, it doesn't have any culture for a start. We always went to places with a bit of culture and history when we first went abroad. It took us over 10 years before we eventually visited Spain or went on a beach holiday, but even now, lying on a sunbed all day is my idea of holiday hell.

Yes it is very different to how it was years ago. It was 17 years between our first and second visits and the place was unrecognisable on our return.

luci

luci HT Mod wrote:

The only people who think Vegas is tacky are those that haven't been there! First timers often believe some of the programmes they see on TV then come back from their first visit saying it was nothing like that at all. Those programmes are the TV equivalent of the Sun newspaper, carefully edited to sensationalise, and some people are stupid enough to believe them.
450 sq ft.

The only people who think Vegas is tacky are those who haven't been there and have only been as far as Turkey and Cyprus. ;)

Sorry I disagree. I have been to Vegas and it is the last place on earth I would consider paying to visit again! I love America and the Americans but Vegas is just Blackpool in a desert without any of the charm!

Technologically I admire the place given where it is built but it just doesn't do it for me.

We liked it there despite not gambling, and would agree with busdriver in saying 3-4 nights is long enough.

Also I personally think its a long way to go and not visit the real America.

We both said once was enough when we got home but did consider going back this November, but have booked a short stay in the maternity ward instead

So not sure when we will make it back now lol.

Is Vegas any good with kids?

We love Vegas. Have just returned from a six week stay and we're going back in October for a bit longer. We don't gamble much, but enjoy the vibe in many of the casinos, so we play a few pennies, get a few drinks and people watch to our heart's content. Our next trip will be our 15th in 10 years.

We enjoy visiting all the casinos, seeing the themed attractions and all the lovely shops. The food choices are excellent, there is something for everyone and every budget. It doesn't matter if you're hungry at silly o'clock in the morning with the jet lag, there will be somewhere to have whatever you want.

If you move away from the strip, there is a different world. Apart from all the other very nice casinos in other areas, there are a lot of things to see and do within a day's drive. We particularly enjoy Valley of Fire. We have been there at several different times of the year and day, and the colours and rock formations are spectacular. Well worth the $7 entry fee.

There is also a lot of other interesting places to see. You can walk around the original Mormon settlement in Downtown Las Vegas. There are several museums and other interesting places too. For instance, I have just received an email telling me of the forthcoming exhibition about the Evolution of Fashion being held at Nevada State Museum. Not to everyone's taste of course, but something different from the stereotype of the area.

Just three weeks ago we hiked up Mount Charleston and walked on snow. (I fell over and got a wet bum!!!) This was the day after a 110F day on the strip, so was a lovely change. If you like to do things like that, there are websites with information and advice about hikes.

It's a good thing that there are different places for each of us to enjoy. I have spent time and worked in other areas of the USA, but I can say that Vegas is my favourite, at least for the next few years.

I love Vegas. I'm not even going to try to justify it, I just love it and will always visit.

Its 'ok'

Not much more to say really!

Now NYC..... FABULOUS! although living in London myself i find NYC much the same without the history...

Vegas I went to last year for the first time with hubby ... kinda liked it nothing to write home about though in our opinion a hotel is a hotel at the end of the day.

Florida...love that more.

You'll have a great time

Different strokes for different folks!

like the Valley of Fire idea At least I will have options. I will enjoy my holiday- I have several times at the end of my first day had misgivings but then gone on to make the most of it and enjoy my holiday. Its all about experiences isn't it?

I love the place. I'm not going to get into the Good/Bad/Ugly arguments, I simply adore it; we own property in LV and it will (eventually) be my home.

For other trips outside Vegas, consider Bryce Canyon. Bit further out than Valley of Fire, but spectacular. Nearby(ish) is also Zion National Park again well worth a visit.

As for Vegas, go look and marvel at the Veer Towers at the new City Centre development.....90 feet out of true at the top!

It has sunshine, great themed hotels with free shows lovely swimming pools, great shopping, great entertainment, good food on tap 24 hours, places of natural beauty to visit.

It did me ok for a holiday and i will be taking my daughters next june so the can see it all first hand

I loved it and hated it, but 3-4 days is enough for me. The best bits are the hotels, the shows, the shopping, people watching, worst bits, the "porn slappers" the tackyness, people people everywhere. We rented a Harley and did a huge circle around the Grand Canyon and it was such a relief to leave and breathe some air. The Bellagio has a fab pool, amazing people watching there!

Agree Zion National Park and Lake Powell are fabulous places.

My Sister-in-law keeps pestering us to go to Vegas with them on their next visit.
I tend to find places she likes, we find tacky, and we don't share the same
views as to what makes for a good holiday.
However, we do have friends who live in nearby Utah, and could
always ditch Vegas if we don't like it, and go camping in the national
parks, which is more "up our street" OR better still, we could go back to Kefalonia
and be assured of the holiday we like. Each to their own I suppose!!

hi nikki,
where did you rent the harley from and how much does it cost,
i would love to do the canyon trip on one,
cheers dag.

There is a company on the strip at the Hawaiian Marketplace called Dream Cars. They have a website if you Google them. You can hire all sorts there from Ford Mustangs to Lamborghinis.

luci