Friday, April 22, 2011

Change of Plans: Vegas Baby!

Originally we were planning to go to Los Angeles for R&R. Well, LA turned out to be far too expensive for what we were looking to accomplish during our time there. LA's out... Vegas is in. You may be thinking "How can Vegas be any more affordable than LA?" Well it is people. I found round trip airfare and a suite at THEhotel, Mandalay Bay for about half the price of that in LA!!
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Who wouldn't want a suite here for 3 nights?

If you've been a longtime follower you know that Kevin and I went to Vegas after last deployment. Overall I wasn't that impressed with my first Vegas experience. But we have more money this go-around and we'll do it completely differently! We're both so jazzed to go back, stay at THEhotel, she more legitimate shows (Jersey Boys- cough cough) and most importantly relax by the pool!

What are some of your fav's in Vegas? Restaurants? Clubs/Lounges? Sites? Please share!

5 comments:

Raven said...

Oh my gosh, Vegas Vegas Vegas, can I please share? I have been many times and LOVE it. Mandalay Bay has an AWESOME pool area, you won't ever want to leave. Seriously, it's like the best on the strip. AND Mandalay has great shopping. Go to the pizza joint at the Wynn, AMAZING.

Cirque shows? O at Bellagio is to die for, however its a bit pricey and if you want to save a little, Zumanity is AWESOME as is Mystere at Treasure Island.

SO jealous you are going to Vegas, is this your first time? You will have a BLAST!!!

Megan said...

Looks like fun! Did you check Armed forces vacaton club? We were looking into that for when we move back to the States. You can stay 7 nights in most places around the U.S. for $350. :) Hope you guys have a great time!!

KelleeLyn said...

We did Vegas for our belated honeymoon when my hubby got home from deployment... We stayed at the Monte Carlo because we got a package deal on orbitz or something. It was 5 nights 6 days WITH airfare from WA for $315 per person, pretty good deal! Monte Carlo isn't the best or the worst hotel in Vegas, so that made it so we could still spend $$ to do things.

We saw Blue Man group and it was really fun (my hubby liked it more than me). {we bought tix for this through half price tickets, you can find them several places on the strip. the closest to Mandalay is going to be close to the Monte Carlo just for reference}

We also had a buy one get one for the ride to the top of the Eifel Tower at the Paris. It was worth it! (we found that in one of those Vegas books you get in the cab from the airport)

We also saw Holly Madison's Peep Show and we both LOVVVVEEEEDDD it. It's like a "moderinzed" good 'ol fashion vegas strip show. It wasn't sleezy at all and the music was great! (live singers) {tix bought at Half price tickets as well}

We also saw a comedy show at the Palms and we weren't impressed. In fact, we weren't impressed with the Rio or Palms, so I don't think it's worth the trip of the strip for those.

We saw the Bodies exhibit with was good as well. {got tix at half price tickets again}

We, of course, watched the Bellagio fontain a million times, that never gets old!

I would also check out this new group of hotels right by the Monte Carlo. Aria and Vdara... they're really modern and SO awesome inside. Ever area/resturant has it's own theme so it's very awesome to walk through. Our fave meal (in fact it was the only place we went twice) was at a nice sports bar in the Aria called Skybox sports lounge or something. their chicken strips were to DIE for!

Also, if you've never been... Toby Keith's I love this Bar & Grill is SO FUN! Their food is ahmazing (hello fried mac & cheese!) and your hubby will get a FREE giant cheeseburger, fries and 32oz beer for his service. Just has to show ID. Toby is very supportive of the troops. {I believe this was in Harrah's}

The Wynn and Encore are also great. There is a waterfountain at the Wynn (I think maybe it's the other one, I would just ask a worker person) that is so gorgeous and has a show every 30 mins once the sun goes down. We stayed there for a few hours just chillin, drinking, eating and watching all the shows. It's one of our fave memories.


Ok sorry to overload you! That's the jist of all the things we did in our 6 days there hahahaha.... if you have any other ?'s email me! I'm a very frugal vacationer because I like to do everything I want to without busting the bank so I have lots of tricks up my sleeve!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Aw, I'm sad you won't be in LA but maybe another time. I loved Vegas. I've been there a few times and it's so great. If you get time for a show hit up KA it's my favorite! I've seen it twice and it never gets old.

Lin said...

I dont know how anyone can not love Vegas? The hubs try to visit at least 2x a year, more if possible. I hope you guys have a great time!