Circus Circus, Las Vegas My Review

2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas
NV 89109
+1 (702) 734 0410
CircusCircus Las Vegas

Location Circus Circus is at the very North end of the Strip, a fair walk from the major new and more exciting casinos. Travelling by foot at night particularly if you go North, can feel uneasy.

Theme Well I guess you have already spotted this, nestling at the very North end of the Strip a 200 ft neon clown; yup it’s the Circus. The main casino structure is in the form of a giant big top and all the buildings have red and white stripes down them, you can see what they are getting at. The main casino continues this OTT theme with circus acts, swinging from trapezes or walking over tightropes 40 ft above you head. I am sure I saw a few clowns around both in and out of costume.

Attractions Circus Circus opened in 1968. It was the first casino aimed at the family market, so as you can imagine there are loads of attractions with many of them aimed at the little ones. Adventuredome including Grand Slam Canyon is now the only theme park available to the public on the Strip; MGM Grand has gone corporate hire only. This has rollercoaster’s, log flumes and all the usual thrill rides you would find elsewhere. All contained in a climate controlled massive glass dome. It represents great value at $16 for all rides all day. On the midway section (above the main casino floor) there is a state of the art video arcade as well as many fairground type stalls where you can win cuddly toys and the like. The centre stage gives free performances all day from 11am to midnight featuring animals, magicians, jugglers and the like, it’s free and there is never more than 30 minutes between performances. Hacket’s bungee jump also gives you the chance to jump from about 200 foot up with only an oversized rubber band to prevent you becoming pavement pizza.

Pool The pool is small and in a parking lot, it has horrible Circus Circus sun umbrellars and is full of screaming kids.

Shows and Entertainment Circus Circus is home to the largest permenant Circus in the world and they preform acts above the casino floor (see the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever), there is no actual showroom here and no shows ! There is the adventuredome but no proper shows, guess the kiddies would have to be cared for.

Dining Well the Circus Circus buffet is probably the most famous on the Strip, it is advertised everywhere as the cheapest on the strip and as feeding more mouths than any other. These are two facts that are most likely accurate, with dinner at just $11.99 lunch $10.99 and breakfast a mere $9.99 they are going to feed loads of people. The food is best described as boring and bland, I won’t go any further than that. Reviews I have read in several places made me decide to eat elsewhere. The food cannot be that bad though or it would not get the custom it does. The fact it has some of the longest dining queues in Vegas makes eating here is no quick deal. Circus Circus also houses a selection of fast food joints including McDonalds, Circus Pizzeria, a couple of Deli’s and a 24-hour coffee shop. Surprisingly Circus Circus also has two more up market restaurants Stivali (Italian) and The Steak House which is consistently voted the best in Vegas and friends that have eaten there feel its earn’t its accolade

Gaming Circus Circus actually has two casinos so far apart that a monorail joins them. In total there is 110,979 sq ft of gaming space, which has crammed in it nearly 3000 slot and video poker machines, about 70- tables and 7 roulette wheels. This is very much a low rollers joint and has stacks of nickel machines and table minimums of about $2, unlike other Strip casinos there are loads of these low stake tables. The skyrise casino is quite small but is quieter, less smoky and has less children in it than the main casino but no circus acts to watch as you wait for the change woman to get round to you. The service level you receive here is not as good as many other casinos on the Strip as it is aimed at low rollers and you get treated that way. The main casino is very smoky and this can not be good for the hoards of noisy, excited and badly behaved children that are everywhere. It has also been reported (though I haven’t seen it) that this casino is the chosen resort of the more unsavoury types who travel up from LA on US public holidays. Noticing that even the arcade has airport type metal detectors at the entrance there is probably some truth in this.

Drinks service Forget it. We were there 3 hours and never got a drink. Don’t know I they are just stingy or are worried that a “minor” will steal it when you are not looking.

Overall Circus Circus is aimed at families and budget travellers and accordingly is exceptional value, you get a lot of facilities for the price. You do however pay for this by having to put up with hundreds of children and a very poor location. This is the entry level casino of the Circus Circus group which includes Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur. There are many far nicer places than this on the Strip, which will give you exactly the same odds.

Good points Um… very tricky. Guess it must be that there is a very large selection of nickel machines and that my sister hit a jackpot here. Rooms are also very cheap.

Bad points Equally hard. Either the terrible location or the clientele

Top Tip Pay and extra $5-$10 a night and stay at Excalibur, if you have to stay here make sure that you stay in a tower and not in the motor lodge rooms.

Best Vegas hotel offers

Three Hot Vegas offers covering Labor Day Weekend period

Many of the offers on some of my older posts are out of date so I have decided to replace all of them with in date offers listed below, all of these offers are available for everyone they are booked directly with the hotel’s giving you not only cast iron security but also the best possible rate as the middleman is cut out, unless stated on the booking page all are 100% changeable and refundable with no penalty and you only pay the first night as a deposit upfront. These are all the very best deals that can be found anywhere on the internet. All updated offers are also posted here and this is regually updated

Have fun – Simon

MGM Grand Summer Splash from $69
* $35 Dining credit
* 2 for 1 Grand Spa passes
* 2 complimentary MGM Grand poolside cocktails
* $25 Free slot play
Promotion Runs April 17, 2009 – October 10, 2009
Offer Expires October 10, 2009

 MGM Grand NFR Exclusive! from $70
Eat all day pass for 2 at MGM Grand Buffet
2 Free cocktails at any of the 4 main bars
Complimentary NFR program
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – December, 28 2010
Offer Expires December 28, 2010

MGM Grand Maximum Escape from $74
·$35 Activity Credit (per stay)
·2 Line passes to Studio 54 or Tabu
·25% off Spa Services
Promotion Runs April 11, 2009 – May

Mandalay bay All Inclusive Package from $99
The Everything under the Sun Package
Rates from $99 plus tax, per person, per night** (minimum double occupancy)
Unlimited drinks at the beach (domestic beer, wine and well)
Unlimited free dining
Promotion Runs June 16, 2009 – July 30, 2009
Offer Expires July 30, 2009

Mandalay Bay Summer Escape $99
Fly Back Free Certificate ($350 value)
$100 Cabana Credit**
$25 Sand Dollars (credit to be used at the beach)
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – September 10, 2009
Offer Expires September 10, 2009

Mirage Bonus Offer from $85
Enjoy a $50 Cravings Buffet Credit during your stay.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires April 30, 2010

Mirage Website Offer from $77
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy discounted rates on our newly remodeled rooms.
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – April 30, 2010
Offer Expires April 30, 2010

Luxor COLLEGE SUMMER OFFER from $50
Start the fun early and enjoy this spring and summer at Luxor!
$50 OFF Cabana Rental*
VIP Passes to LAX and Cathouse*
Two Minimum night stay required*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 3, 2009
Offer Expires September 3, 2009

Luxor Luxury Getaway from $65
One $30.00 Food Dining Credit for Tender Steak and Seafood Restaurant*
One $20.00 Spa Credit for Nurture Spa services*
One 2 for 1 admission to Nurture Spa at Luxor*
$10.00 in Free Slot Play for New Player Club Members.*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 26, 2010

Luxor All Inclusive Package $210 including weekends !!!!
All You Can Eat, All Day, Every Day at MORE, the Buffet*
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Champagne Brunch included)
Two tickets to CRISS ANGEL Believe™
Two tickets to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition*
Two tickets to Bodies…The Exhibition*
Two Nurture Spa Day Passes*
Two VIP admissions to LAX (Wednesday through Saturday evenings)*
Two VIP admissions to CatHouse (Club closed on Tuesday evenings)*
Room check-in at VIP Lounge
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 31, 2009
Offer Expires December 26, 2009

Luxor Expect the Unexpected from $50
One $25.00 Food and Beverage Credit – valid for Pyramid Café,
MORE the Buffet at Luxor or Tender Steak and Seafood (based on availability)*
One $10.00 Beverage Credit – valid for use in Aurora, Flight, Liquidity or the Playbar*
One $25.00 Nurture Spa Credit towards any spa treatment*
$10.00 in Free Slot Play (for first time Players Club members only)*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 25, 2010

Luxor Buy 2, Get 1 Free from $55
Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free on select dates in November, and December.
Promotion Runs November 22, 2009 – December 28, 2009
Offer Expires December 27, 2009

Luxor Golf Getaway from $50
On select dates enjoy the links and treat yourself to:
• Free Rental of Callaway Golf Clubs* ($50.00-$75.00 value)
• $25.00 off golf rack rate at the following golf courses:
Desert Pines and Royal Links*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 28, 2010

Monte Carlo JUMPSTART JUNE from $50
Reserve a Deluxe room or a High Floor Deluxe room you will receive a $25 Food and Beverage Credit .
Reserve a Strip View Deluxe room you will receive a $50 Food and Beverage credit.
This offer is available for a limited time only, so book your reservations today.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – July 2, 2009
Offer Expires June 30, 2009

Monte carlo VEGAS SUMMER ESCAPE from $55
2-for-1 Buffet at Monte Carlo
2-for-1 Il Fornaio Breakfast at NYNY
2-for-1 Drinks at BRAND Steakhouse inside Monte Carlo
2-for-1 ROK Vegas™ Nightclub Admission at NYNY
2-for-1 Roller Coaster passes at NYNY
2-for-1 Spa admission at Monte Carlo
2-for-1 Lance Burton tickets at Monte Carlo
35% off Zumanity™ tickets at NYNY
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 13, 2009
Offer Expires September 13, 200

NYNY Summer Escape from $55
Vegas Summer Escape. Two Hot Spots. One Cool Party.
2 for 1 Buffet at Monte Carlo
2 for 1 Breakfast at Il Fornaio at New York New York
2 for 1 Drinks at BRAND Steakhouse at Monte Carlo
2 for 1 ROK Admissions at New York New York
2 for 1 Roller Coaster at New York New York
35% off Zumanity tickets
2 for 1 Spa Admission at Monte Carlo
2 for 1 Lance Burton Tickets at Monte Carlo
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 13, 2009
Offer Expires September 13, 2009

NYNY $100 CITY PASS from $60 per night
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
$25 Retail Credit
2 for 1 Complimentary Il Fornaio Breakfast
2 for 1 Complimentary Spa Admission
2 for 1 Complimentary Roller Coaster
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – August 31, 2009
Offer Expires December 29, 2009

NYNY COUPLES PACKAGE From $60
Las Vegas Evening Tour for 2 for only $61.95 ($120 value)
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
$25 Retail Credit
2 for 1 Complimentary Il Fornaio Breakfast
2 for 1 Complimentary Spa Admission
2 for 1 Complimentary Roller Coaster
Food: Includes a light snack
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 29, 2009
Offer Expires December 29, 2009

NYNY SPA SUITE SPECIAL from $110
Upgrade from Skyline to a Spa Suite for only $50 additional per night.
Upgrade from Park Avenue to a Spa Suite for only $40 additional per night.
Upgrade from a Broadway to a Spa Suite for only $30 additional per night.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – July 22, 2009
Offer Expires July 31, 2009

NYNY PLAYCATION from $60
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
$25 Retail Credit
2-for-1 Il Fornaio Breakfast
2-for-1 Spa Admission
2-for-1 Roller Coaster
Complimentary ROK Admission
$10 FREEPLAY®
Discount offers from Town Square
2 $10 Game Card Vouchers to ESPNZone
Royal Links Golf Club Offers.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 27, 2009
Offer Expires December 30, 2009

EXCalibur OUR BEST RATES! from $36
Book our best rates and you will receive:
TWO-FOR-ONE TICKETS TO THE TOURNAMENT OF KINGS DINNER SHOW.
20% OFF OF ANY SPA TREATMENT
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – December 28, 2009
Offer Expires December 28, 2009

Excalibur Stay and Play from $40
Offer includes:
$25 DINING CREDIT
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Offer Expires March 31, 2010

Excalibur Bachelorette Party!from $81
$50 BEVERAGE CREDIT
2-For-1 TICKETS TO THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER (EXCLUDES VIP TICKETS)
VIP ADMISSION TO LAX NIGHTCLUB AT LUXOR
$50 IN PARTY PIT GAMING CHIPS FOR $40
10% DISCOUNT ON FULL-DAY CABANA RENTAL MON – FRI.
A FREE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER POSTER
EXTRA PERSONS IN THE SAME ROOM STAY FOR FREE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF FOUR
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Offer Expires March 31, 2010

Excalibur Bachelor Party! from $81
$50 BEVERAGE CREDIT
$10 OF TICKETS TO FANTASY AT LUXOR
VIP ADMISSION TO LAX NIGHTCLUB AT LUXOR
$50 IN PARTY PIT GAMING CHIPS FOR $40
10% DISCOUNT OF FULL-DAY CABANA RENTAL MON – FRI.
EXTRA GUESTS IN THE ROOM STAY FOR FREE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF FOUR**
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Offer Expires March 31, 2010

Excalibur Family Package! from $54
2-FOR-1 tickets for Tournament of Kings dinner show
2-FOR-1 tickets to Adventuredome at Circus-Circus
2-FOR-1 tickets to our Magic Motion $-D movie ride
10 Free Play passes at the Fantasy Faire midway
20% Off on Bodies, the Exhibition at Luxor
20% off Titanic, the Exhibition at Luxor
Buy one, get the second admission for 50% to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
Additional guests in the same room stay free up to a maximum of four. **
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Offer Expires March 31, 2010

MGM Signature Romance Package
Suites from $149.
half dozen chocolate covered strawberries
a bottle of champagne
omantic rose petal turn down service.
Promotion Runs February 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009
Offer Expires December 31, 2009

MGM Signature Spring Fling 2009
Suites from $129. Package
$50 credit at Walter’s Golf
$50 resort credit toward dining, entertainment, the spa or nightlife.
Promotion Runs June 16, 2009 – June 30, 2009
Offer Expires June 29, 2009

MGM Signature Stay 3 nights! from $129
Stay 3 nights at the Signature and receive $75 resort credit!
Promotion Runs February 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009
Offer Expires December 31, 2009

MGM Signature Stay 5 nights!
Stay 5 nights at the Signature and receive $150 resort credit!
Promotion Runs February 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009
Offer Expires December 31, 2009

MGM Signature Stay 7 nights!
Stay 7 nights at the Signature and receive $300 resort credit!
Promotion Runs February 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009
Offer Expires December 31, 2009

MGM Skylofts Exclusive
Daily Continental In Room Breakfast for 2
Daily complimentary gym access for 2
$100 Spa Credit per stay
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 30, 2009
Offer Expires September 30, 2009

Circus Circus  FAMILY FUN PACKAGE from $42
Book today and receive over $150 in savings
Adventuredome at Circus Circus buy 1 All Day Ride Pass get 1 free (up to 2 free passes) $49.90 value
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay buy 1 get 1 50% off (up to 4 discount passes) $16.96 value
The Roller Coaster at New York New York buy 1 ride get 2nd ride free (up to 1 free ride) $28 value
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at Mirage buy 1 get 1 free (up to 2 free passes) $30 value
Tournament of Kings at Excalibur buy 1 get 1 free (up to 2 free tickets)
Bodies at Luxor 20% off (up to 4 tickets) $24.80
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor 20% off (up to 4 tickets) $$21.60
Book early, this offer is sure to sell out fast.
Quantities are limited.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 10, 2009
Offer Expires September 9, 2009

Circus Circus BIGGER BIG TOP PROMO from $27
SKYRISE & CASINO TOWER SPECIAL
Receive up to 15% off our already discounted room rates.
This offer is valid in our Casino and Skyrise Tower buildings.
West Tower and weekend rates are slightly higher if available.
Promotion Runs June 15, 2009 – September 6, 2009
Offer Expires September 6, 2009

Shopping in Las Vegas – Outlet Mall’s

Las Vegas we all know as the capital of the World for gambling, shows, night clubs, restaurants and all round entertainment, don’t let it slip by that it is one of the best places to shop in the United States. Las Vegas has an amazing array of premium shops that can only be found in the top cities of the World, Rolex, Mont Blanc, Hermes, Gucci to name but a few, however on this post I am going to concentrate on the real value of shopping in Las Vegas, the outlet malls.

The outlet malls in Las Vegas are one of the reasons that I can afford to come to the US the savings for a Brit are huge, Timberland boots from £25, Jackets from £20, COACH handbags from £30, Armani watches from £20 CK boxers from about £7 the savings here are bigger than you can imagine. The discounts are so big that it makes it very difficult to avoid paying an excess luggage charge when you get to McCarran airport and to keep under the £145 limit that you are allowed to bring back in to the UK without paying excise duty, luckily this will be increased in the near future to over £500. There are two Outlet centres in Las Vegas the Las Vegas Premium Outlets and the Las Vegas Outlet centre.

Las Vegas Outlet Centre
7400 Las Vegas Boulevard South,
Las Vegas,
NV 89123
702) 896-5599
Monday – Saturday 10am – 9pm
Sunday 10am – 8pm
Website

The Las Vegas Outlet Centre is located about 10 minutes South of Mandalay Bay on Las Vegas Blvd it can be reached by cab, car there is ample free parking all the way across the front of the shopping centre. You can also get here by taking the Deuce Bus Southwards.

There are over 130 stores including Adidas, Ashworth-Callaway Golf, Calvin Klein, Coach, Gymboree, Liz Claiborne, Nautica, Nike, Reebok, Timberland and Tommy Hilfiger all of the discounts here are huge even by US standards its not unusual to see items at 25% of the cost in the UK. Full store listing here.

All of the shops at the Las Vegas outlet center are indoors in an air conditioned environment, there are a couple of food courts with one particularly nice smoothie bar and a carousel ride for the kids, but hey you are here to snap up bargains not eat and go on fairground rides.

The only downside that I see with the Las Vegas Outlet Centre is that there is no longer a Ralph Lauren Shop.

Las Vegas Premium Outlets
875 South Grand Central Parkway,
Las Vegas,
NV 89106
(702) 474-7500
Monday – Saturday 10am – 9pm
Sunday 10am – 8pm
Website

Las Vegas Premium Outlets is located to the West of tthe Northern end of the Strip you can reach it by car by talking the Charleston Blvd exit if heading South on the I15 or Exit 41B Charleston Blvd West. There is parking in an adjacent multi story and whilst we have always managed to find a space it can take time I advise you to use the Valet parking. If you want to travel by bus you can take Deuce on Strip Northbound to the Downtown Transportation Centre and then get the Shoppers express.

Las Vegas Premium outlets has over 150 Strores including, A|X Armani Exchange, Ann Taylor, Burberry,Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Tahari, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, St. John, Theory, and True Religion. Again these all show huge savings compared to the UK. Full store directory here.

Unlike the Las Vegas Outlet centre the shops here are outside which means it can get very hot there is a food court and a Starbucks but these offerings are not as good as the offerings at LVOC.

The parking here can be a pain but if you only have time to go to one outlet mal I suggest that you go to the Las Vegas premium outets.

Join the VIP shoppers Club

Get Paid For Shopping And Eating Out. How You Can Get Paid $10 To $125 Or More Just To Go To Your Favorite Mall To Shop, Eat At Your Favorite Restaurant

My Review – Monte Carlo Casino and Resort, Las Vegas

Monte Carlo
3770 Las Veags Blvd S
Las Vegas
NV 89109
(+1) 702 730 7000
Monte Carlo Las Vegas

Location Great South Strip location next door to NYNY and over the road from the West Wing entrance to MGM Grand. At time of writing there is a large building project going on to the North of Monte Carlo.

Theme Themed on the Mediterranean Rivera principality of the same name. The theme only runs as far as the door and then it all ends. It’s just another casino with a low ceiling and a few candelabras. I can not believe that the interior designers of this casino have ever been to Monte Carlo!!

Rooms The rooms are standard sized and have lovely furniture and fittings, they are meant to look European and they do look classy, these rooms are excellent value for the quality.

Attractions I have to be honest past the external architecture not much in fact nothing that I can really think of ummm.

Pool The pool is great with a lazy river and machine to create 10 foot waves. Because of the lack of attractions this means not many families stay at the Monte Carlo so the pool does not tend to get too crowded nor are there many kids there.

Shows and Entertainment Lance Burton probably the first modern master magician has been the main attraction at the Monte Carlo for years, the show is meant to be one of the best magic shows in Vegas if not the World and is very highly recommended. Monte Carlo also have guest performers in their theatre.

Dining We eat at the food court and this was probably the worst service of any that I have experienced in Las Vegas. There is a buffet (B: $11.95 L: $13.95 D: $18.95 and champagne brunch $18.95) I have not eaten here but the reviews give it a fair marking. There are a handful of up market restaurants and a highly acclaimed Micro brewery. A new and exciting Mexican called Diablo has opened that is meant to be very good indeed.

Gaming 90,000 sq ft of gaming space brightly lit, gold and sparkly and not my favorite on the Strip, I actually think that this area has been reduced in size as more restaurants are added. There are 2,200 machines from a nickel upwards with a fair amount of nickels dotted around. There are about 70- tables and 10 roulette wheels. In Europe there is only one zero on the roulette wheel but in the US there is zero and double zero thus doubling the house’s edge. In a Monte Carlo themed casino surely the single zero applies right? Unfortunately not, they have one or two high stake wheels with single zeros and the rest good old American ones. The casino seems very serious to me, quiet and even cold; some people I guess prefer to play in this atmosphere.

Drinks service I got served quite quickly the first time. After that even when I had been served I seemed to wait ages between placing my order and receiving my drink.

Overall A luxurious casino with a fairly good Strip location; aimed at more sophisticated, slightly older and well-heeled patrons who like to gamble in a quiet atmosphere.

Good points If you like it, in a place where all of the casinos seem to be frantic, Monte Carlo seems calmer, more clinical and better organized.

Bad points It’s too quiet, I guess this may appeal to some people and whilst I don’t like really noisy places this too quiet for me.

Top Tip Try the beer at the Micro Brewery it’s delicious

Best Deals at MonteCarlo

Big Vegas Offers , MGM, Mirage, Excalibur, Luxor Mandalay Bay, as of July 19

Summers coming and it hotting up in Las Vegas, the hotels have loads of great offers and it seems that Excalibur probably has the best offer at the moment with a free upgrade to a renovated Widescreen Room for free, Mirage as its Summer special with rooms for $77 and MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay are giving great fly back promotions. All of the codes belwo are direct with the hotel this means that unless its a non refundable offer you pay only the first nights deposit, if your plans change you can get a full refund or change your booking up to 48 hour’s before checking in and if the rate drops after you book if you contact the hotel they will drop yours.

Many of the offers on some of my older posts are out of date so I have decided to replace all of them with in date offers listed below, all of these offers are available for everyone they are booked directly with the hotel’s giving you not only cast iron security but also the best possible rate as the middleman is cut out, unless stated on the booking page all are 100% changeable and refundable with no penalty and you only pay the first night as a deposit upfront. These are all the very best deals that can be found anywhere on the internet. All updated offers are also posted here and this is regually updated

Have fun – Simon

MGM Grand Summer Splash from $69
* $35 Dining credit
* 2 for 1 Grand Spa passes
* 2 complimentary MGM Grand poolside cocktails
* $25 Free slot play
Promotion Runs April 17, 2009 – October 10, 2009
Offer Expires October 10, 2009

 MGM Grand NFR Exclusive! from $70
Eat all day pass for 2 at MGM Grand Buffet
2 Free cocktails at any of the 4 main bars
Complimentary NFR program
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – December, 28 2010
Offer Expires December 28, 2010

MGM Grand Maximum Escape from $74
·$35 Activity Credit (per stay)
·2 Line passes to Studio 54 or Tabu
·25% off Spa Services
Promotion Runs April 11, 2009 – May

Mandalay bay All Inclusive Package from $99
The Everything under the Sun Package
Rates from $99 plus tax, per person, per night** (minimum double occupancy)
Unlimited drinks at the beach (domestic beer, wine and well)
Unlimited free dining
Promotion Runs June 16, 2009 – July 30, 2009
Offer Expires July 30, 2009

Mandalay Bay Summer Escape $99
Fly Back Free Certificate ($350 value)
$100 Cabana Credit**
$25 Sand Dollars (credit to be used at the beach)
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – September 10, 2009
Offer Expires September 10, 2009

Mirage Bonus Offer from $85
Enjoy a $50 Cravings Buffet Credit during your stay.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires April 30, 2010

Mirage Website Offer from $77
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy discounted rates on our newly remodeled rooms.
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – April 30, 2010
Offer Expires April 30, 2010

Luxor COLLEGE SUMMER OFFER from $50
Start the fun early and enjoy this spring and summer at Luxor!
$50 OFF Cabana Rental*
VIP Passes to LAX and Cathouse*
Two Minimum night stay required*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 3, 2009
Offer Expires September 3, 2009

Luxor Luxury Getaway from $65
One $30.00 Food Dining Credit for Tender Steak and Seafood Restaurant*
One $20.00 Spa Credit for Nurture Spa services*
One 2 for 1 admission to Nurture Spa at Luxor*
$10.00 in Free Slot Play for New Player Club Members.*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 26, 2010

Luxor All Inclusive Package $210 including weekends !!!!
All You Can Eat, All Day, Every Day at MORE, the Buffet*
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Champagne Brunch included)
Two tickets to CRISS ANGEL Believe™
Two tickets to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition*
Two tickets to Bodies…The Exhibition*
Two Nurture Spa Day Passes*
Two VIP admissions to LAX (Wednesday through Saturday evenings)*
Two VIP admissions to CatHouse (Club closed on Tuesday evenings)*
Room check-in at VIP Lounge
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 31, 2009
Offer Expires December 26, 2009

Luxor Expect the Unexpected from $50
One $25.00 Food and Beverage Credit – valid for Pyramid Café,
MORE the Buffet at Luxor or Tender Steak and Seafood (based on availability)*
One $10.00 Beverage Credit – valid for use in Aurora, Flight, Liquidity or the Playbar*
One $25.00 Nurture Spa Credit towards any spa treatment*
$10.00 in Free Slot Play (for first time Players Club members only)*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 25, 2010

Luxor Buy 2, Get 1 Free from $55
Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free on select dates in November, and December.
Promotion Runs November 22, 2009 – December 28, 2009
Offer Expires December 27, 2009

Luxor Golf Getaway from $50
On select dates enjoy the links and treat yourself to:
• Free Rental of Callaway Golf Clubs* ($50.00-$75.00 value)
• $25.00 off golf rack rate at the following golf courses:
Desert Pines and Royal Links*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 28, 2010

Monte Carlo JUMPSTART JUNE from $50
Reserve a Deluxe room or a High Floor Deluxe room you will receive a $25 Food and Beverage Credit .
Reserve a Strip View Deluxe room you will receive a $50 Food and Beverage credit.
This offer is available for a limited time only, so book your reservations today.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – July 2, 2009
Offer Expires June 30, 2009

Monte carlo VEGAS SUMMER ESCAPE from $55
2-for-1 Buffet at Monte Carlo
2-for-1 Il Fornaio Breakfast at NYNY
2-for-1 Drinks at BRAND Steakhouse inside Monte Carlo
2-for-1 ROK Vegas™ Nightclub Admission at NYNY
2-for-1 Roller Coaster passes at NYNY
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Offer Expires September 13, 200

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2 for 1 Roller Coaster at New York New York
35% off Zumanity tickets
2 for 1 Spa Admission at Monte Carlo
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Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 13, 2009
Offer Expires September 13, 2009

NYNY $100 CITY PASS from $60 per night
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
$25 Retail Credit
2 for 1 Complimentary Il Fornaio Breakfast
2 for 1 Complimentary Spa Admission
2 for 1 Complimentary Roller Coaster
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – August 31, 2009
Offer Expires December 29, 2009

NYNY COUPLES PACKAGE From $60
Las Vegas Evening Tour for 2 for only $61.95 ($120 value)
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
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2 for 1 Complimentary Il Fornaio Breakfast
2 for 1 Complimentary Spa Admission
2 for 1 Complimentary Roller Coaster
Food: Includes a light snack
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 29, 2009
Offer Expires December 29, 2009

NYNY SPA SUITE SPECIAL from $110
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Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – July 22, 2009
Offer Expires July 31, 2009

NYNY PLAYCATION from $60
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
$25 Retail Credit
2-for-1 Il Fornaio Breakfast
2-for-1 Spa Admission
2-for-1 Roller Coaster
Complimentary ROK Admission
$10 FREEPLAY®
Discount offers from Town Square
2 $10 Game Card Vouchers to ESPNZone
Royal Links Golf Club Offers.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 27, 2009
Offer Expires December 30, 2009

EXCalibur OUR BEST RATES! from $36
Book our best rates and you will receive:
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Offer Expires December 28, 2009

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Offer Expires March 31, 2010

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$50 IN PARTY PIT GAMING CHIPS FOR $40
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Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
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Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
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10 Free Play passes at the Fantasy Faire midway
20% Off on Bodies, the Exhibition at Luxor
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Buy one, get the second admission for 50% to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
Additional guests in the same room stay free up to a maximum of four. **
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
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MGM Signature Romance Package
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Las Vegas, Getting there McCarran Airport to the Strip

McCarran International, Las Vegas, is a medium sized modern American airport much like many others except for many banks of slot machines at every turn! Unlike most other major airports McCarran is very close to the Strip you will have seen just how close as your plane makes its final journey towards the gate with MandalayBay and Luxorseparated form the runway by one road and a fence.

If you are arriving on an internal flight you will arrive in terminal 1 getting to your luggage and transport may or may not involve a short ride on a monorail into the main terminal building. Once there you will find a very large but very busy luggage reclaim area (when I was last there in Feb 08 this was being renovated) I have waited over an hour here for luggage but the renovation is aiming to make waits like this a thing of the past. Many of the hotels have check in desks in the reclaim area if your hotel is one of these it’s worth taking the time to check in before claiming your bags. Once you have your bags you can precede towards your transportation towards the strip.

International flights arrive at the much smaller Terminal 2 and this does not have the full facilities of Terminal 2 nor does it have hotel check in services. You will clear immigration and customs, collect your luggage (which is far quicker than Terminal 1) and then walk out of the terminal, you will then see the ground transportation options.

Basically you have 4 choices of transport (aside from car rental shuttles) Limo, Cab, Shuttle, and public bus.

Taxi/Cab
This is by far the most popular and in my opinion the best, a cab to the South end of the Strip Mandalay Bay, Luxor, NYNY, Excalibur, and MGM Grand etc will cost you between $12-$20 depending on traffic and take around 10 minutes. Cabs to the middle of the Strip Mirage and Bellagio ect and North end of the Strip will take 10minutes or so longer and you should still generally get change for $20-$25, cabs are only licensed to take 4 passengers unless it’s a minivan and then its 5. One of the routes that the cabs take is known as the tunnel route and there is debate about whether it’s a ploy to rip off tourists, and you can tell the cabbie no tunnel and he should not take it. My view on it is this, the tunnel route does cost more but generally it’s quicker as the time it takes me to get to my hotel is far more important than a few dollars I will always ask the cab driver to take the fastest route. When you see the cab line you will think about finding another way to get to the Strip, however all though it’s long there are 20 cab stations it’s well managed and moves quickly and still makes the cab the quickest and easiest way to get to the Strip. Nevada taxicab Authority

Shuttle Busses
These are a popular way for many tourists but the costs if there are two or more of you are on a par or certainly no cheaper than a cab in most cases usually around $6-$8 each way or $12 – $15 return. Once aboard the Shuttle bus you will generally have to wait for them to fill up and then when you are on your way unless you happen to be staying at the MGM they will stop at several different resorts on the way making the journey very long. Some of the casinos offer their own shuttles which although they will go directly to the resort you will still have to wait for them to fill, the cost is comparable with a cab and they are uncomfortable. Shuttle busses and limos

Public Bus
There is no direct service from the McCarran to the Strip but you can get the 109 for $1.25 to the bus terminal and then change and get the Deuce for $2.50 for the single trip. The journey to the terminal is around 10 minutes and this does run 24/7 and then the Deuce can take anything up to an hour if your hotel is at the North end of the Strip. RTC website

Limo
There is generally no line for Limos and there are always several waiting for hire at McCarran this is a fun way to get to your hotel and not as expensive as you may think. Limos start at $57 and you do need to tip the driver but if you want to arrive in style this is it but limos are common in Vegas so please don’t expect heads to turn! Shuttle busses and limos

For the best rates in vegas click here

Cheap Flights

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4th of July Vegas hot deals be quick for the best rates for this holiday weekend

Below are the best 4th July holiday rates for the resort on the Las Vegas Strip these offer huge Savings, you need to take the code in bold and put it in the box where it says “Have you received an Offer Code?
Enter your Offer Code” get saving now and have the best holiday weekend ever !! If the hotel you want is not listed here or you are looking for dates further in the future click here

Mandalay Bay “JULY 4TH WEEKEND” Rates from $99.99/nt. *Plus, enjoy $10 off discount for each event when you stay with us: July 4th – Vertical Horizon on the Beach and a 20 minute Fireworks Extravangaza! July 5th – Closed Circuit – UFC 86: Jackson vs Griffin! (*See site for additional detail and restrictions) Jul 3 – Jul 6, 2008. Promo Code: PJULY4 (Exp 7/6/08)

Luxor “RED, WHITE & BEAM” Rates from $65/nt *Amenities are one time use only based on double occupancy with a minimum two night stay. *On select calendar dates treat yourself to: One Romance Kit and one bottle of Korbel Champagne,One $10.00 Beverage Credit for Oasis Pool Bar, Complimentary Upgrade to a Tower, Deluxe Room, One $50.00 Gasoline or Airline Flight Certificate Towards Your Stay, & $10.00 in Free Casino Play for New Player Club Members (*See site for additional details and restrictions). July 2 – 7, 2008. Promo Code: PJULY4 (Exp 7/4/08)

TI “Red, White, Blue & Green” Rates fr $76/nt.*Plus, $20 per night upgrade to a Petite Suite based on midweek availability (Sunday – Thursday), and/or an additional $50 per night on weekends (Friday & Saturday) and other dates, $15 Midday Food and Beverage Credit, $35 Pool Cabana Discount based on availability Monday – Thursday, 35% off tickets to Mystère™ and Cirque du Soleil®, BONUS – $25 Casino FREE PLAY® (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Jun 30 – Sep 4, 2008. Promo Code: TIRWBG (Exp 9/4/08)

New York New York “Online Affiliate Offer” Rates from $64/nt. Book NOW and receive 20% off each night you stay in any of our gorgeous rooms or suites. *Also included: $10 Starbucks Credit, $10 FREE PLAY (*See site for details). March 19 – July 24, 2008. Promo Code: 20DS1010A (Expires 7/31/08)

Getting Married in Vegas – Las Vegas Wedding Chapels

Las Vegas Wedding Chapels

This is the classic Las Vegas wedding and what most people will think of when you tell them you are marrying in Las Vegas. These chapels are used solely for weddings and renewal of vows not for your usual Sunday service. There are wedding chapels at both ends of the strip but the majority are at the North end of the strip, I would like to say that they come in all shapes and sizes but most of them look like a small version of a classic church. These are the places where you can have al sorts of theme weddings really anything goes from Star Trek and Star Wars, to Wild West Weddings even to gothic vampire weddings ! You can be married by Elvis, Count Dracula and even King Arthur. You can of course (and most people do) have a traditional wedding with the Bride wearing a wedding dress and the Groom a suit. each chapel will have a variety of packages with the basic ones which can start from as little as $100, yes one hundred dollars but be warned though that the basic packages often do not allow you to bring guests. For around $500 you should expect music of your choice, flowers, a limo to collect the bride from her hotel, a photographer and some sort of souvenir the quality of which varies greatly. Most also offer a web streaming facility usually for an extra charge. Just like the quality of he chapels themselves the quality and the prices of the packages vary greatly. Unlike the Resort wedding chapels you may not have an area other than outside to wait before the ceremony and you may have to walk down the aisle together! Some of the chapels do not allow you take your own photos or videos.

Its worth noting that you need to add $55 for the wedding licence a $50 tip for the minister as well as a tip for the limo driver, if the Chapel provided a limo to collect the Bride.

La Vegas Wedding Chapels have played host to many a celebrity wedding including Judy Garland, Jon Bon Jovi, Richard Gere, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff, Clint Eastwood, Mickey Rooney, Betty Grable, to name but a few.

The Chapel of the Flowers is a good example of a Las Vegas wedding Chapel and has very good website full of information and photos. Its certainly worth a visit.

Getting Married in Vegas – Outside Wedding Venues

Other “Las Vegas” Wedding Venues

You can get married anywhere in Las Vegas ! You can hire a limo with the minister and the limo can stop outside the Bellagio fountains or the”Welcome to Las Vegas” sign the possibilities are endless. You can even get married in a helicopter whilst flying over the Las Vegas Strip. Outside of Las Vegas there are five famous beautiful natural areas where many people choose to get married, Lake Las Vegas , the Grand Canyon , Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire and Mount Charleston . Lake Las Vegas and Mount Charleston have hotels that offer anything from simple services to full wedding packages including receptions, at Lake Las Vegas you can even get married on a luxury yacht!

Lake Las Vegas Lake Las Vegas is 17 miles from the Strip but could be a world away. It’s a beautiful lake in the middle of the desert with a Tuscan styled village on its shores, golf greens to the waters edge and mountains in the background it is truly stunning. Lake Las Vegas plays host to a range of high class hotels, vacation homes,shops and restaurants and whilst it is beautiful there is a beautiful price tag attached. The Montelago Village offers wedding packages starting at $2700 for up to 20 guests these prices rise quickly and sharply. The other major resorts at Lake Las Vegas also offer wedding packages these are the super deluxe Ritz Carlton and Lowes Lake Las Vegas Resort

Red Rock Canyon 17 Miles west of the strip lies the beautiful Red Rock Canyon a beautiful National Park that looks like no other place I have ever seen on earth. Most of the chapels do packages to get married in Red Rock canyon generally starting at round around the $800 mark. You need a park permit needed to get married in Red Rock Canyon, this costs $180 and is usually included in the package costs but it would be wise to check. Its usually about 3 hours form when you leave your hotel to when you return if you go by limo and unless you hire a second limo you can generally only take 6 guests. Its worth remembering that the ceremony will be held outside in a beautiful setting but also remember that means no air con and no lights, its best to get married at sunrise or sunset. Remember that you will have been sitting for some time in the limo to get there which may mean you clothes get creased and your makeup and hair will have been done back at the hotel.

The Grand Canyon, anyone who has been to the Grand Canyon will not be able to explain well enough its beauty, awe and magic. It really is a place that you have to see to believe and when you do you will wonder if the other 6 of the 7 wonders of the World are as good as this. The majority of people who go to see The Grand Canyon go to the South Rim where there are a number of hotels and some of the best views across the canyon, this is a good four hour drive out of Vegas. If you are getting married in the Grand Canyon chances are that you will be flown out there in a helicopter the flight is wonderful but think about this when you are choosing what to wear as helicopters do not give you much room. Usually you will land in the canyon for your ceremony like Red Rock remember no air con and no toilets! You are also very limited in the number of guests that you can bring and you usually can’t hire a second helicopter to bring more people down. Most of the Chapels offer wedding ceremonies in the Grand Canyon and they tend start at around $2500.

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas – My Review

Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay

3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas

NV 89119

+1 (702) 632 7777

Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

Location This is the first or last resort on the Strip depending on how you look at it. It overlooks the airport and out towards the mountains. Its nearest neighbour is the Luxor and that is about a 10 minute walk. Luckily there is a monorail that links you to Luxor and Excalibur; this makes the location of Mandalay Bay the ideal resort for people who want easy access to the action of the Strip without being right in it.

Theme Tropical Island is the theme here, with a swimming pool the size of 9 football pitches complete with lovely palm trees and jungle type foliage. Pseudo bird and animal sounds as you enter the property along with loads of water features and a classy beach resort feel.

Rooms The rooms and suites at Mandalay Bay are lovely the smallest are a whopping 550 sq ft which is as big as suite in other properties. The rooms are all remodeled and are chic and comfortable. The rooms here in terms of quality are up there with Bellagio and that step above MGM Grand. Mandalay Bay has wider choice of room and suite type than most other resorts but whatever level you are in you will be pleased with your choice.

Attractions Shark Reef has been voted the best tourist attraction on the Strip. It is similar to a Sea Life centre with a walkthrough reef containing real sharks. The pool is worth a look, and Mandalay Bay is now up there with Caesars and MGM Grand as far as being a big shot boxing venue. I did not see an amusement arcade, nor do I expect there to be one hiding in a nook or cranny as you get the feeling this is a resort for grown ups.

Pool Amazing truly amazing its hard to believe its man made, if this is not the best pool in Vegas its very close. It has waves a real beach, waterfalls, lagoons you name it this pool has got it.

Shows and Entertainment Mandalay Bay has the hit Abba musical Mamma Mia as its only production show, baring in mind how far up the Strip it is this is quite surprising. However Mandalay Bay also has the Mandalay Bay events center and arena and is host to many huge names as well as sporting events in particular boxing.

Dining The dining options at Mandalay Bay are huge lets start with the Bay Side Buffet (B$15.99, L$19.99, D$26.99 champagne Sunday Brunch $23.99) has a stunning view over the marvellous pool. Better still the food was great including a mountain of smoked salmon that we rapidly mined. This buffet feels up market, the food is probably not as good as Planet Hollywood but the setting is great and so I think this buffet more than justifies its high price tag. There is not only a 24hr Coffee shop here but also a 24hr noodle bar; great for those of us that craves sweet and sour at 6am!! There are another 8 or so more expensive restaurants including Trattoria Del Lupo – a very expensive Wolfgang puck restaurant, several very expensive seafood eateries, a couple of South Asian places to keep eating in line with the theme and Red Square the only Russian restaurant in Las Vegas. In depth information on Mandalay Bay dining here.

Gaming 135,00sq ft including 2400 slots from a nickel upwards and loads of table games Mandalay Bay has a spacey, airy and refreshing casino. Not feeling bustled or cramped is noticed and enjoyed here. Although there are a lot of slots here, there are not loads of nickel machines here, Mandalay Bay is aimed at upper middle Californians and they are not too keen to attract too many low rollers like yours truly.

Drinks service We played on nickel and quater machines here and did not find the drinks service as good as elsewhere. That said the drinks we did get were some of the best in strength – up there with the Las Vegas Hilton.

Overall A great resort it has everything great bars, great places to eat, great clubs, best pool in Vegas and nice spacious feel. This resort gives quality and expects quality back it captures a far number of the young rich beautiful people from LA.

Good points Amazing pool The tropical feel, the theme is done very well without being over the top and does make you feel very fresh and clean. Oh yes and rich!!!

Bad points Location it’s great to get to from the airport or I15 from LA ,as it’s the last casino on the Strip but it’s a pain if you want to visit several casinos in one evening you need to have a car or use cabs.

Top Tip Look around and you will notice that this is the Montecido from the TV show Las Vegas, watch out for Danny and big Ed.

Best offers at Mandalay Bay

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