The wife and I are planning a vacation during spring break. we are tentatively looking at staying at MGM Grand. Wanted to see if anyone has any suggestions on other hotels, any recommendations, experiences, etc... This will be the first visit to vegas for the both of us. Any help will be appreicated.

if you are staying thursday to sunday, it will be packed with guys for NCAA tournament.

i replied on your thread on the GB, but i thought i'd mention this...

there's a place called Ellis Island that's about a black or two off the strip on Koval street. its just a local dive, but they have a $5 steak dinner that's not on the menu, but if you ask for it, they give it to you. sounds shady, but the steak is GREAT.

http://www.ellisislandcasino.com/

Thanks hippie. we'll definitely check it out.

Be careful if you try to get your hotel through Priceline. I'm sure it works out most of the time, but I selected 4 star on the Strip and ended up about a block or two off the Strip at the Westin. It wasn't too bad, but a little bit of a pain to not be closer.

MGM is nice. I would look into Ceasars. Probably about the same price.

There is an Italian Food place behind Barbary Coast (I think the Coast has changed names but most people know it as Barbary Coast) Its across the street from Bally's. It is not in a Casino and it is very good.

Go to the Belagio and watch the fountains while having a drink. It is very cool and a fun place.

Nightlife is fun but very expensive at some places.

Vegas is the best people watching place in America. It is amazing what you see.

Definitely check out Circus Circus!

The opening round of the NCAA tournament is a week later this year, in relation to when spring break typically falls.

In other words, the Big 12 tournament is during the tail end of A&M's and Bryan/College Station spring break this year, and the opening round of the NCAA tournament is the Thurs-Sun following spring break.

[This message has been edited by Boro Ag 2000 (edited 11/1/2007 4:54p).]

I was in Vegas this weekend, and I stayed at the Monte Carlo. I have stayed at the MGM two previous times, and I would have to say I liked the Monte Carlo better. Although very nice, the MGM Grand is indescribably big, making it a little difficult to navigate.

We got an awesome rate by clicking on the "promotions" link on the opening page. In addition to the great rate, we received 2 free buffets, 2 free spa admissions, and free drinks from the brew pub.

if you want to spend a little money & impress the wife with fancy food, go to Mixx on top of Mandalay Bay. Great view and great food. But very pricey.

I normally book Vegas hotels through their respective websites. This usually allows more flexibility, as rates change frequently and you can generally cancel and rebook up until about 3 days before your stay.

If you decide to stay at any Harrah's properties, I suggest using their "Hot Deals" link. They are usually much cheaper than standard rates.

Link: http://www.harrahs.com/hot-deals/

mixx was really good....very trendy. we were there last year during the pron awards and all the "nominees" were eating dinner there before the awards show.....it was "interesting".

Follow this thread for the best deals, especially at MGM brand hotels: http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.php?catid=63&threadid=704925&start=0

MGM is great, very large. Good location and everything you need in the hotel if you don't want to go elsewhere.

I've only been to Vegas once, but we managed to get a great deal on Expedia on the Wynn and that was very nice. I think it's normally more than we'd have wanted to spend but with the deal it was the same as we'd have spent at the Luxor or Excalibur.

ellen_ag2001@hotmail.com