Saturday, November 12, 2005

Vegas baby

My husband and I are in the midst of planning a trip to Vegas at the end of March. This will be a meet-up wtih some friends I met online when I got pregnant with Ethan. We all met on a BabyCenter birthboard, and eventually moved to a private site, that we take turns paying for. Ethan is four years old now, and so it's time for us to all meet for a fun get together. Some in our group have already met, and some even live close to one another and hang out on a regular basis. None of us, however, knew each other before our pregnancies. We come from New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, Idaho, Florida, Georgia, California, Washington, Oregon, Connecticut and Michigan.

Some of us are even trying to coax friends from outside the board into joining the party. Hopefully, my friend, Misty, will be joining us.

And so the point of this post is actually to get some ideas. Our group won't all be staying in the same hotel. We are a diverse group, and that means our lodging, show, restaurant requirements will all be different.

I've only been to Vegas once, and we stayed at the Bellagio. I loved the Bellagio, but I really want to try something different this tme. What I am asking is that you give me your review of hotels, casinos, shows and restaurants. This is your chance to be a critic. Let's hear it...the good, the bad, the ugly, the scary, the must gos, the must dos. I want it all.

dena at 3:31 PM

18comments

18 Comments

at 4:08 PM ribbiticus said...: hi dena! haven't been to vegas so won't be of much help in that department. i do wish you and your hubby bon voyage, though. :)

here via michele today.
at 4:13 PM Juggling Mother said...: Hi, Michele sent me

I've never been to Vegas, although I'm sure it would be fun (& I don't gamble!). However, it's always good to meet up with old friends, especially if you can swap stories/photos etc about your kids.

have fun
at 4:16 PM WendyWings said...: I am part of a board that had a meet up in Vegas, it seems to be a common choice for internet groups to get together in Vegas.
Just remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless you choose to blog it and tell the whole world :)

Michele sent me.
at 4:16 PM Anonymous said...: I have never been there although my husband's aunt lives outside Las Vegas. Probably because we do not gamble. I am sure you will have a great time, and we will be here to hear all about it. Here via Michele's
at 5:16 PM Anonymous said...: I'm delurking to answer your question. My co-worker recently got married in Vegas. He and his new wife stayed at the Wyn. He raved and raved on and on about it. He said it was the "nicest room he ever stayed in." Of course this is secondhand advice but this guy lives "top of the line" always.
at 8:18 PM carmilevy said...: Hi Dena. I've seen Vegas in mapping software, and that's as close as I've gotten. I've got this thing about gambling: I think it's a huge human tragedy. So I don't really have a desire to go to Vegas. Maybe someday.

But the important thing is you're OK. I am relieved, happy, and thrilled for you.

(This visit is from Michele's, but I'm as addicted as I'm ever gonna be...can't wait to read more.)
at 8:24 PM Anonymous said...: So glad to see you back! You already know my thoughts on Vegas....I thought of you earlier...trying not to pout over this virus...remembering this is just a little thing. Remembering some people wish a little cold was their problem. I am glad you're okay.
at 8:24 PM Anonymous said...: i've never been to vegas but what a great idea. doesn't matter what you do, you'll have a great time.
at 9:37 PM Olyal said...: I went to vegas once when I was 15, and I remember very little about it so obviously the city made a big impression on me. I do remember seeing a look alikes show though and that was kinda cool. :o)
Michele sent me today.
at 11:19 PM Michelle said...: We went to Vegas last fall for our anniversary and I am so ready to go back! We stayed at Bally's but it was no Bellagio. I have heard that the Venetian is nice. I know it was gorgeous inside! Maybe Ceasar's?
at 11:30 PM Maggie Lamarre said...: My best advice is to go to the lonelyplanet website they have the best travel guides and shows.
Maggie
via Michele
at 12:08 AM Canadian Mark said...: I really do wish I could offer some releveant peice of advice about lodging in Las Vegas. Sadly though I've never been, and don't foresee a trip any time in my near future.

However.

I just finished watching "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" for the umpteenth time and can give you the following reviews on "The Flamingo Hotel" and "The Mint Hotel" as portrayed in said flick:

I would say that endurance-wise, the Flamingo wins hands down. Sound-proof suites, water-proof flooring, and let's not forget the ever enduring staff. The Mint can take a lot of abuse as well. Indeed, the good doctor Gonzo put one of their rooms through its paces, and it survived (barley). Ultimately, I think the Flamingo is the hotel of choice, due to it's charming and warm pink decor. Besides, the Mint doesn't even keep limes in the pantry. Not that I think this will help you any, but you have to admit, it's a lot more interesting than just saying "Hi, Michele sent me". (which she did.)
at 6:24 AM Aginoth said...: Morning, Michelle sent me tody.

Sounds like fun, I've thought about trying to get a gang of friends together for a holiday to somewhere exotic...Mexico maybe.

We have been away to Cornwall (about 200 miles) with a gang of friends, and look forward to doing so again.
at 6:48 AM Bec said...: Hi Dena, Michele sent me today. I can't help with the vegas travelogue, but how come you guys pay for your private mothers club site? My group (going since 1997) has happily settled on yahoo groups with all out trsh and treasure: you guys must be very high tech compare to our modest blather!! Emjoy your get together, I've only met two of our group (cos, living on the opposite site of the world - go figure...) but I'm sure you'll have a great time face to face!!
at 9:03 AM The Mistress of the Dark said...: Ah I'm so jealous. I still can't afford to go to Vegas, and it's high on my list of places I want to go. Even though I'm deathly scared of airplanes.

Have a great Sunday. I'll be staring at your photo there, and wishing I were there.
at 4:54 PM Shannon akaMonty said...: I've never been to Vegas...I can't wait to hear the details of your trip! I hope you have a fabulous time and hit a giant jackpot. :)

Michele sent me!
at 5:18 PM Jeff said...: I was just in vegas a few weeks ago
I would like to make a few suggestions...

Things you should go to

The new Wynn Casino
Absolutely gorgeous hotel but expensive
Hard Rock hotel and casino...
good food... great bars and hip crowd
The Bellagio & Mandalay Bay... are never a bad time
Oh and especially save time to go to the old strip on a weeknight thurs is the best when the crowd is not out of control the old strip... and go into fremont and the golden nugget... the crowd here is super charged and its so much different then all of the new casions I enjoyed this the best one evening is more than enough...its kind of like a new orleans party every night

I didnt like
Luxor... so out of date
same with excalibur and Tresure Island
Paris is ok and MGM grand is fair

Also if you want to take a road trip go on the
Red Rock & Valley Of Fire Tours you can also drive there yourself ...

anyway just though I would share

have a good trip
at 9:37 PM Sandy said...: hi there! I'm here via Michele tonight.

It's been ages since I've been to Vegas and then it was only for work. I stayed at some trashy place I think has since been torn-down. I was also at the Monte Carlo the season it opened. It was great at the time but that was easily 9 years ago.

That aside, I think its fabulous you're getting to meet up with this group of parents! I have friends from similar online venues and it is amazing how rooted in one another's lives you can become. Enjoy the trip!

About

Joyously roaming through life. Meeting its topographical challenges, and facing each with a sarcastic wit, and an impetuous need to face even more bumps, dips, pits and peaks. How the hell else did I end up with a 22 year old, a 20 year old and a 4 year old?