Las Vegas Casinos: Excalibur Review

Excal3What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but you’ll want to tell everyone about your experience at Excalibur. Don’t hold back; tell everyone you know because this place is great. Just keep those personal experiences to yourself. The Excalibur is a wonderland of Las Vegas adventure that you’ll never forget!

You can’t miss the view of a large castle on the horizon amidst the lights and life of Las Vegas. This is the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Medieval fairy tales come to mind when you see the Excalibur, but once you cross the threshold you realize that it’s a lush, modern and beautiful taste of Las Vegas. When you think of Vegas, more than likely you think of the Excalibur. If you’ve ever been there, you definitely think of the Excalibur for family and adult fun in Vegas. It’s not an experience you’re likely to forget any time soon.

The casino at Excalibur features a poker room, the casino floor, race and sports booking, keno and more. You’ll be able to enjoy slot and table games along with some raucous Vegas entertainment in the party pit. While gambling and casinos may be one of the first things you think of when you think of Vegas, there’s a lot more to the Excalibur than the casinos.

Fun for the whole family is available at the Excalibur. There is a carnival and arcade area, pool, shopping, golf and a variety of entertaining shows. The most famous show at Excalibur is the “Tournament of Kings” which is a trip back into the times of challenge and chivalry, knights in armor, jousting, and more will thrill all the members of your family. For the ladies, there’s the “Thunder from Down Under” show, featuring sexy male dancers.

While you’re in Vegas, make sure to set aside a day for the Royal Treatment Spa where you can be king or queen for a day. The Excalibur is essentially a small city where you can find any sort of entertainment and fun that you can imagine. There’s no need to go anywhere else to experience Vegas when everything you need is at the Excalibur.

While you’re having fun you’ll have to take time out for meals and the Excalibur is ready for your appetite! The Excalibur buffet, Steakhouse at Camelot, Dick’s Last Resort, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer and American Burger Works has plenty to offer for everyone in the family. Your palate will be tempted, teased and satisfied at any hour of the day or night.

Vegas is known for quick and easy weddings, but don’t bother with a drive-through chapel; you could get married in the Excalibur’s Canterbury Wedding chapels for the type of wedding you’d expect in a castle. You can live the romantic fairy tale when you choose Excalibur for your wedding.

The Vegas strip is filled with hotels and casinos, attractions and restaurants but when it comes to lush and lavish lodging and gambling, the Excalibur is the answer. Whether you’re a group of singles, a couple on a romantic getaway or a multi-generational family traveling together, you’ll find plenty of Vegas fun at the Excalibur.

How to plan your summer Vegas trip

Heading to the desert this summer? Planning a Vegas trip will help you make the most out of your getaway.

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When I think of summer vacation, I picture sunning on gorgeous beaches, kayaking or rafting in oceans and lakes, and cabins in the woods, with decks leading to the water. In other words, I don’t often think of escaping to the desert.

But according to Kayak.com, Las Vegas is one of the top destinations for summer vacations. The glistening pools plus endless entertainment options for kids and adults make it not only a great place for singles, but also for family travel. So before you book that last-minute flight, you might want to consider putting a little effort into planning, to make sure you’re not sharing a pool with two hundred of your closest friends.

Here’s what you need to know:

Package deals are good options. If you’re booking flights through Expedia, Travelocity, or Kayak (or any of the online booking sites), be sure to check out their package deals. Many times they offer hotel and rental cars along with discounted flights. If you want to book directly with your airline or credit card company and use miles, some airlines also offer travel packages. Southwest offers discounted hotel and car rentals along with purchasing your fare online. There’s no need to make extra work for yourself when you could get a great deal by purchasing a package.

Be flexible with dates. Airlines are putting more and more restrictions on booking flights with miles. Look for those flights during the week (and not around 4th of July or Labor Day weekend). Later in the summer (think August) the airfares tend to go down. In addition to flights, there are better rates at hotels during the week than on the weekends. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the huge pool crowds or being unable to buy tickets for one of the Cirque du Soleil shows if you opt for weeknight stays. Sometimes taking a few vacation days off from work can pay off in the long run with how much you’ll save on your vacation.

Decide how you want to spend your time. Las Vegas isn’t all about the casinos, but of course, if that’s your thing, you want to take advantage while you’re there. But if you know you’d rather spend time at the pool, or shopping, or watching shows, or hopping in the car and driving out to see the sights like Hoover Dam or The Grand Canyon, it’s good to decide beforehand. Often during the summer places are crowded and seats sell out. If you know you want to spend a lot of time at the pool, check into offerings at your hotel. They might provide private pool access for an extra fee, or rent you a cabana for the afternoon (so figure that cost into your budget). If you’re planning a road trip, it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money to stay at places along the strip. Opt for downtown Vegas and drive over to the strip if you want to check it out one night. And if you don’t want the expense of renting a car, Las Vegas has an excellent public transit system between The Deuce (bus system) and the monorail. If you’re just trying to get around town, I’d recommend these.

Have a good trip!

 

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Looking for Happy Hour in Las Vegas?

Screen shot 2013-04-19 at 3.35.47 PMHere’s where to find some of the best in the city.

A trip to Vegas means late nights of clubbing and gambling, but what about getting the party started with some happy hour cocktails? While Vegas is known for its nightclubs, not much is shared about the best happy hours the city has to offer. But when four o’clock rolls around, people are just getting started with their evenings, and looking for a good place to go.

Check out some of these happy hours if you’re so inclined:

P.J. Clarke’s at Caesar’s Palace. If you’re looking for an oyster fix in the desert, head over to P.J. Clarke’s Oyster Riot, where you can taste an array of fresh oysters for $1 each. Seriously, $1 each. The chef chooses the oysters you’ll inhale, which have included Evening Cove, Gold Creek, Hama Hama and Penn Cove Selects from Washington, and the Nootka oyster straight from British Columbia. Oh, and don’t forget to take a friend to share their two-for-one drinks.

Level 107 Lounge in The Stratosphere. There’s nothing like enjoying a drink from the top of the city, and Level 107 promises just that. With stunning views and two-for-one martinis and half price appetizers, it’s a great way to start the evening and plan for what’s next.

Blue Martini Lounge. If you’re into martinis, you can’t beat the 50% off drinks special (along with up to half off of your appetizers). It offers a little something for everone’s taste – an outside cabana-esque space for some lounging time and an interior club-like space for those who want to get the party started. Also, happy hour prices last until 8pm.

Public House at Luxor. If you’re on a diet or trying to shed some of those Vegas cocktail pounds, Public House offers a healthier menu for happy hour than most of the Vegas bars and restaurants. Try their Hummus Plate or an Asian chopped salad, or if you’re feeling indulgent the Mac-n-Cheese squares. $3 for select beers and half price for cocktails.

Hussong’s at Mandalay Bay. This is a happy hour for those among us who always crave a margarita and some good Mexican cuisine. Hussong’s Cantina offers buy one get one free margaritas and beers, as well as a $4 grilled corn plazero (which I’m told is heaven on earth), and $6 happy hour nachos. You could make a meal of it at a great price.

Vanguard LV. If you want something a little off the beaten path, try Vanguard in downtown Las Vegas. They offer what’s called a “reverse happy hour” as well from 10pm-2am, with half off beer, wine and well drinks. They are known as a mixology venue, with specialty crafted cocktails like the Pink Pear (part ginger/pear/basil) offered for $7 during both happy hour and its later counterpart. (It’s also one of the few who offers their happy hours on Friday and Saturday nights.)

 

 

 

Planning a girls’ trip to Las Vegas

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Are you a single woman looking to plan a fun trip with your girlfriends? Las Vegas is a great destination, not only because there are tons of single men who flock there every week, but because the city has so much to offer. It’s a real adult playground.

When most people think of Las Vegas, they think of the strip with all of the high-end casinos and hotels and endless slot machines and opportunities to gamble. But what about the rest of Las Vegas? Depending on what you want to experience, there are plenty of things to do other than gamble or cruise the strip.

If you’re looking for a little relaxation during your stay, most of the hotels on the main strip offer deluxe spa services. The Venetian Hotel is one step above the rest however, housing the 134,000 square foot Canyon Ranch Spa, which is complete with every amenity conceivable in modern spa facilities. The European inspired “Aquavana,” which is an aqua thermal oasis, offers hydro spas with heated loungers that massage. If you want a cooler environment, the igloo room enhances the air with 3 arctic mist experiences. They even offer “Girls Night Out” packages with blow-outs and custom make-up design for your night out on the town.

If you’d rather bypass the whole spa experience and head straight for the clubs, you’re not alone. There are many to choose from, each with its own unique experience. Some of my favorites:

    • Pure at Caesar’s Palace. This club offers the 14,000-square foot “Terrace,” the largest year-round outdoor venue in Vegas with unparalleled views of the strip. Sip on a cocktail while lounging in one of their fabulous covered cabanas. The club offers four different rooms with different musical experiences, including the main room which often features celebrities doing surprise performances (DJ anyone)?
    • Minus Five at Mandalay Bay. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, check out Minus Five, where everything from the chairs you sit in to the glasses you sip from are made of ice. They have an ice sculptor who recreates the space every 6-8 weeks, creating themes for the time of year, location, wildlife, or anything else you can imagine. They bundle you up in gloves and coats and usher you in to enjoy the space with one of their specialty vodka cocktails. Chill out and enjoy.
    • Tryst at Wynn. If you’re looking for a scene, this is the place to be. Tryst offers a 90-foot waterfall and open air dance space. Even when it’s packed, you have room to breathe. It’s a fantastic setting from one of the ritziest hotels in Vegas.
    • Tao at The Venetian. I love this place for its practicality, even though it can feel pretty claustrophobic at times. This feels more like a real club, with great music and even better food offerings (hello sushi bar)! The catwalk and moat bring you back to unreality – this is after all, Las Vegas.

Have fun!

RV Parks and Camps in Las Vegas

A list of RV Parks and Camps in Las Vegas Nevada

When many of us envision Las Vegas, we picture the Las Vegas Strip with its glamorous hotels and bright lights, but with the popularity of RV travel, experiencing the city from your own living room on wheels may be the best way to go. Las Vegas is very RV friendly and is home to some of the best RV parks and campgrounds in the southwest.

Whether you’ve come to Sin City to experiencing the numerous casinos, extravagant shows, or even to get married, you’ll find the ideal place to park that RV and get out and play. Some Las Vegas RV parks and camps are located in a more peaceful setting where you can wind down from all the excitement of Las Vegas, while others are set right next to some of the most popular casinos offering the ultimate in convenience to the avid gambler.

KOA at Las Vegas

KOA at Las Vegas is located at 500 Circus Circus Drive and offers the convenience of camping right next door to one of the top rated family resorts in the city. This is a great place to be if you want to be next to the action. The park offers over 350 big-rig friendly sites with full hookups, and for those who want a more luxurious stay, guests can choose one of the KOA’s Super Sites offering grass, patios and outdoor furniture. Some of the amenities here include a swimming pool, hot tub and sauna, free Wi-Fi, a big-screen TV, and for those bringing a dog, this campground offers two off-leash dog parks and a free dog wash.

Riviera RV Park

Riviera RV Park is located at 2200 Palm Street in Las Vegas just minutes away from The Strip with a wide variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities located close by. It offers 136 sites and several amenities including a large swimming pool, shower room and laundry facilities.

Las Vegas RV Resort

The Las Vegas RV Resort is located at 3890 S Nellis Blvd, just north of the Sam’s Town Casino Complex. This is one of the quieter parks in the area and only accommodates those 21 and over, although it does allow well-behaved pets. This resort offers picturesque mountain views and includes over 400 sites with many on-site amenities including a beautiful clubhouse, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a fitness center, swimming pool and spa, full hookups, 24-hour security and more.

Road Runner RV Park

You’ll find Road Runner RV Park at 4711 Boulder Highway. This is an impeccably tidy park that was even recognized by the California Travel Parks Association as an “Immaculately Clean Park.” It includes over 200 landscape sites and lots of amenities such as full hookups, showers, pool & Jacuzzi, slot machines, a dog run, dump station, and laundry. Its minutes away from The Strip, yet set in a quieter location for a more peaceful night’s rest.

Sam’s Town RV Park

Sam’s Town is the place to be for those who want to be close to The Strip and enjoy lots of exciting casino action. Located at 5225 Boulder Highway the park has over 500 spacious and well-maintained RV sites with full hookups and even includes Cable TV. The park has a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, laundry and shower facilities, pet runs and a barbecue area. Sam’s Town Casino offers over a dozen restaurants, a Bingo room, bowling alley and even a movie theatre.

Oasis Las Vegas RV Park

Oasis Las Vegas RV Park can be found at 2711 W. Windmill Lane. This resort is just south of the Las Vegas Strip and is one of the largest near the city. With a “Tropical Casablanca” theme, it includes over 700 sites that are beautifully landscape as well as a beachfront family pool with waterfalls. If you want it all, you’ve got it at the Oasis. Just some of the amenities include laundry facilities, Cable TV, an 18-hole putting green, horseshoe pits, separate pools for the kids and adults, fitness center, restaurant and fully stocked convenience store.

King’s Row RV Park

King’s Row RV Park is about 15 minutes from The Strip and a quarter-mile from Sam’s Town Casinos and Boulder Station, located at 3660 Boulder Highway. Here you’ll find over 200 sites with amenities that include Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, swimming pool, a recreational hall and a dog run.

Arizona Charlie’s RV Park

Arizona Charlie’s RV Park as recently renovated and is said to have become one of the best places to park your RV in Las Vegas. Located at 4445 Boulder Highway, it’s just steps away from Arizona Charlie’s Boulder Casino, the only Las Vegas casino with 24-hour Bingo as well as five on-site restaurants and live entertainment.  The park has over 200 sites that will accommodate a wide variety of RVs from 30 to 70 feet and offers many amenities. Just a few include a luxurious clubhouse with a big screen TV, pool table, fitness equipment, laundry facilities, private baths and showers, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour security, all set within a beautifully landscaped park.

Hitchin’ Post RV Park

The Hitchin’ Post RV Park is located at 3640 Las Vegas Boulevard North, on a main bus route that will take you right to The Strip.  It’s fairly quiet, and although it may look a little rough on the outside, the inside is more than adequate. The Hitchin’ Post Saloon is right next door and is open 24 hours. The park includes almost 200 full service sites that include Cable TV. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, a heated swimming pool, fitness center, golf practice facility, dog runs, remodeled showers and tubs and full laundry facilities.

Las Vegas Vacation Rentals

Lake Meade - example of Las Vegas Nevada vacation rentals

If you are looking for a Las Vegas Vacation Rental house or apartment, you will be glad to know that Las Vegas has come a long way from its early days as a gritty casino town to becoming a family-friendly vacation mecca that offers something for most everyone. Every year thousands of tourists travel to this city to experience the vibrant environment that Las Vegas has to offer. Sin City has quickly become the hottest tourist destination and perfect holiday treat for all.

Vacation rentals can provide an ideal alternative to Las Vegas hotels, offering peace, privacy, and quiet; all things that can be hard to find in hotel room. Vacation homes can also provide an excellent value for the money while offering the same amenities as a deluxe hotel, with the benefits of complete privacy.

What do Las Vegas vacation rentals offer?

Many vacation rentals are conveniently located within just a few minutes’ drive from The Strip and McCarran airport, with most rented by the week and offering discounts for stays of a month or more. Nearly all homes include televisions and DVD players with exceptional sound systems as well as top-of-the-line furniture. Some include fitness centers, a spa, Jacuzzi, or a swimming pool. If you have specific features you’d like to have in your vacation home, you might make a list as you search through the wide variety of Las Vegas vacation rentals that are available.

For those who are looking for a budget-priced vacation rental and don’t care about deluxe amenities, it’s easy to find homes with just the necessities such as basic furniture, a kitchen and a bathroom. Fully-furnished apartments that will accommodate a small family start as little as $70 a night, while a luxurious home with a heated pool, spa and tennis court are offered starting around $450 a night.

The utmost in luxury

If you need plenty of space and want the best that money can buy, you might consider the Palacio Granada. At $2199 per night, this palace-like estate is located in a private gated compound less than a half-mile from S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Have you ever dreamed of having one of those “Extreme Makeover” homes? Now’s your chance, even if it’s only for a short time. A mini-castle like the Palacio Granada has room for at least 22 people and the property includes a main house with eight bedrooms as well as a Casita with two bedrooms, perfect for those who would prefer the in-laws have their own little abode.

Every bedroom in the main house has a view of the Las Vegas strip and guests will be treated to their own private bath and balcony. The kitchen has a built-in automatic cappuccino maker and dual built-in refrigerators. There is even a player grand piano built to play along with CDs, or as the perfect centerpiece for group sing-alongs.  In addition there is a working office complete with Internet access and a connected computer, and even a game room overlooking the foyer.

While you’re not spending your time gambling or taking in the lights of Las Vegas, you might play a game on the pool table or host a barbecue in the large covered outdoor patio offering views of both The Strip and the surrounding mountains. The backyard has a custom pool with cascading falls, a 40-jet spa with surround sound and fountains, a built-in BBQ, refrigerators, pool bath and a shower.

 

How to choose?

 

With so many different management agencies as well as private owners offering a wide range of vacation rentals, how do you choose the one that will best meet your needs? Choosing the right Las Vegas vacation rental that is perfect for the family, a couple, group get-away or the traveling executive can make all the difference in a good or bad experience.

A simple Google search will show multiple companies including LasVegasRetreats.com, HomeAway.com, VacationRentals.com, OwnerDirect.com, LasVegasVacationHomes.com, and many others.

To increase your odds of a wonderful Las Vegas vacation rental experience, it’s imperative to spend some time researching and considering your priorities and budget, taking these tips into consideration:

  • Would you rather rent from a management company or a private owner? A private owner can be less expensive as they aren’t paying commission to a real estate company and may provide a more personal experience. A management company may offer more perks and they also pre-screen properties to make sure they are as advertised.
  • Consider the list of features each home offers compared to your own list of priorities.
  • Be sure there are photos available of both the interior and exterior of the vacation rental home you’re considering.
  • Map out the exact location so that you’re aware of the rental’s distance to major landmarks, such as The Strip.
  • Check references and reviews by performing a diligent online search.
  • Ask for a discount for longer stays of two weeks or more. If there are many homes with available and you aren’t renting during a peak season, such as the Thanksgiving or New Year’s holidays, you’ll have more bargaining power.
  • Ask about guarantees and get everything in writing. The rental agreement should be detailed; specifying the responsibilities of owner/management company and the renter as well as the refund policy.

Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas on business, attending the World Series of Poker, celebrating an anniversary, getting married, or for most any occasion, you’ll find choosing a Las Vegas vacation rental will give you much greater flexibility and more privacy than staying at a hotel. A vacation home offers visitors much more than neon lights and spinning bars. Once guests experience a Las Vegas vacation rental they might find themselves spoiled by the privacy and exclusive nature these homes can offer.

Las Vegas Holidays: A How-To Guide

play poker on your vacation

Las Vegas holidays are a busy time when thousands of visitors travel to the city to take part in all of the festivities. By taking advantage of the yearly calendar, it will make it easier for you to plan your trip in advance. You can use it to put together a “how to guide” that tells you when the busiest times of the year are and when Las Vegas is a little more relaxed.

If you’re searching for a particular event, this will allow you to see when it will take place. This way, you can determine when the best time to arrive would be and how long to stay.

On the flip side, you can determine when to visit the city if you want to avoid the largest crowds. The yearly calendar can also help you get better rates on accommodations by booking in advance or by planning your visits between major events.

Here are some of the holidays and major events scheduled, by month, that you need to be aware of when planning a trip to Sin City:

  • January– The city’s New Years Eve parties are some of the most elaborate in the nation. Combine this with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the Adult Entertainment Expo (AVN) that also takes place during the month of January and your hotel rates can double. Expect traffic to be a nightmare, as well.
  • February– Valentine’s Day brings a lot of lovers to the city either to get married or just to enjoy a fun weekend, which makes this a busy time of year. Super bowl weekend will pack in the crowds making it hard to find a vacancy at any of the hotels. Don’t make any last minute plans or you may be out of luck.
  • March– March is a busy month in Las Vegas with events such as NASCAR, ShoWest and St Patrick’s Day celebrations. You also have March Madness throughout the month and Spring Break. More college students choose Vegas over many of the other vacationing spots so you’ll need to book really early.
  • April– The month of April is pretty relaxed with only one major event during the first week, which is the National Association of Broadcasters. This is a good time to visit the city when you don’t want to deal with a huge crowd but still want some extra excitement.
  • May-May is a busy month with Memorial Day giving visitors a three-day weekend to enjoy and the Cinco De Mayo holiday is also celebrated.
  • June– This is a great time to plan your trip to Vegas when you’re searching for the quietest time of the year. There are no major holidays scheduled for this month.
  • July– Fourth of July is always a huge event and Las Vegas has one of the biggest celebrations in the country. This is going to be one of the busiest times to travel to the city. Rates will double and if you don’t book way in advance, you won’t get a room.
  • August– The Men’s Apparel Guild of CA Convention meets during the later part of the month. Large crowds attend to view both men and women fashions. Celebrities always attend this convention, which also attracts more visitors.
  • September– In September, visitors will gather to the city for Labor Day weekend. What better way to celebrate a few days off work than relaxing in Las Vegas for your long weekend.
  • October– October is a busy month with two holidays to look forward to. The first is Columbus day weekend. At the end of the month, Halloween parties spring up all over the city.
  • November– Veterans day is celebrated in Vegas and the week of Thanksgiving will draw in thousands of tourists who want to enjoy this holiday in style. It will be long lines at the restaurants beginning the day before Thanksgiving and lasting throughout the weekend.
  • December– December is one of the busiest months of the year. The National Finals Rodeo takes place in the first half of the month and Christmas celebrations fill the end of the month.

Using a Las Vegas holiday calendar as a “how to guide” will make it easy to plan for any trip to Sin City. You’ll know when to request time off work, book your trip and arrange for your accommodations. This allows you to be a part of the festivities you enjoy the most.

Las Vegas Weddings

weddings in vegas getting popular

Are you in the process of making wedding plans and considering having one of those Las Vegas Weddings you have seen in the movies, or heard about? Would you like to find a way to go all out, spare no expense and have one of the most exclusive nuptials of all time? Well, you can. Plan your day in one of the Las Vegas wedding chapels and it will surely live up to your expectations. This will be the marriage day of a lifetime and something neither of you will ever forget!

Many people get married in Las Vegas and there are wedding chapels to be found all over the city. Of course, there are casinos everywhere, as well. For this reason, you’ll find many chapels located in them and this makes for a unique experience you won’t get anywhere else in the world.

Some Vegas hotels go that extra mile to make your wedding the once-in-a-lifetime experience you’re searching for and you can find a chapel to suit any need. Some of the larger resorts even offer several different chapels that cater to the small wedding ceremonies, and larger ones to meet the needs of couples who want a huge, elaborate wedding.

Themed Marriages

The more adventurous couples can plan a themed wedding in one of the Vegas chapels. There are several that offer amazing ceremonies that would be difficult or virtually impossible to put together yourself. Here are two of the most interesting and unique themes you could imagine.

Are you a Star Trek fan? Many people are. Now, can you imagine getting married on a replica of the bridge of the Starship Enterprise? Make your wedding plans with “HMS Britannia and the Las Vegas Hilton,” and you can. To top it all off, your ceremony will be witnessed by a Klingon and some of the guests will be Ferengi! Imagine how your friends and family will respond when you start showing off your wedding pictures.

If you’re a history buff and sometimes wonder what it would be like living in medieval times, you can exchange vows at the Excalibur. Here, they provide a more traditional wedding that takes place in medieval times where you can get a taste of what it was like living in a time long past.

Tips for Planning Your Las Vegas Wedding

A Las Vegas wedding would be an amazing ceremony but in order for it to take place, you need to plan ahead. This is not an event you can put together in a short time, especially if you want one of the more elaborate ones. Start planning your ceremony as early in advance as you can. You’ll need at least a year to get everything in order. If you choose one of the most famous themed weddings, you may even need more time than that.

The first step would be to determine which type of wedding you want to have and where you would like it to be held. Then, call to find out what dates are available and to get an estimated price of what the ceremony will cost. With this information, you can begin making plans for a celebration that will leave you and your guests with many incredible memories.

Great Las Vegas Restaurants

Some great las vegas restaurants

One thing about Las Vegas that you may not know is that it has many great restaurants. They are unique in many ways and offer some of the best foods you’ll ever eat. Many of them offer different forms of entertainment that you can also enjoy while dinning out. They create a unique environment that turns a meal into an adventure that you’re sure to love.

Here are six great Las Vegas Restaurants that you just have to check out:

  1. Tournament of Kings – This is a dinner theater where you get to eat with your hands in the true renaissance fashion. You’ll be seated in arena-style while you watch a combination of jousting and sword fighting with your meal. Everyone will get a kick out of the show and putting down the fork and eating with your hands will be a unique experience for all.
  2. The Fix– When you’re in the mood for top-quality fish, poultry or steak, this is the place to go. These meats are cooked on a wood-burning grill for a unique taste that other restaurants can’t provide. The breads are cooked onsite and always fresh and you can order from the specialty cocktails. The staff is friendly and the music and overall atmosphere is relaxing and fun.
  3. Rainforest Café– This café makes you feel like you are dinning right inside a real forest. The décor includes flowers, animals, many jungle trees and sound effects that make it even more realistic. It even has a 10,000-gallon saltwater aquarium to admire. The menu includes specialty dishes such as the Mogambo Shrimp, Jungle Safari Soup and the Paradise Pot Roast.
  4. House of Blues– If you love listening to blues music, you have to eat at the House of Blues at least once. With a bar and concert venue onsite, you’re in for a real treat. Some of your menu options include Creole Jambalaya, Crispy Catfish Nuggets, Cajun Meatloaf, New Orleans Style Seafood Gumbo and Seared Gulf Shrimp.
  5. Planet Hollywood– If you want a chance to catch a glimpse of some celebrities, eat at Planet Hollywood. This is where many celebrities visit for publicity events. While dining, you can watch movie clips that play on screens located throughout the restaurant. Their menu includes grilled Tuscan chicken, steaks, burgers, and their signature Crunch Chicken. You can also order cocktails with your meal.
  6. Hard Rock Café– This is most likely the oldest restaurant in Las Vegas and it’s a classic. The first thing that you’ll notice is the neon colored “Gibson Les Paul Guitar” that stands 45 feet into the sky located at the entrance of the café. When you walk through the doors, you’ll see the many ways in which the restaurant pays respect to Vegas performers such as Elvis, Marilyn Manson, Elton John and even Madonna. Some of their specials include home-style meatloaf, handmade onion rings and honey bourbon New York strip steak.

These great Las Vegas restaurants offer more than just a place to eat, they offer fun, excitement and entertainment at its finest. You’ll never look at eating out in the same way again.

Las Vegas trips with Pets – Pet Friendly Hotels

pet and dog friendly hotels in Las Vegas

The worst part about taking a vacation means having to leave your pets at the kennel or with friends who may not love and treat your animals the way you do.  If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas then you are in luck because many of the hotels and casinos are now pet friendly.  While you cannot gamble with your dog or cat at your feet, they can stay in the hotel room while you in the casino.

There are also other places where you pet is welcome along with many dogs parks throughout the Las Vegas area.  Also, there is the Doggy District where you can leave your dog for a few hours if they are friendly with other dogs while you go out and do the touristy things.  This is a low cost doggy daycare and offers dog’s fun and activities while they are not with you.  First we will look at the places your dog is welcome then the hotels where you can stay with them.

Pet Friendly Areas in Las Vegas

While there are many pet friendly hotels in Las Vegas, many of the out of the hotel activities are mainly meant for dogs.  This is because most cats prefer to stay inside in the air conditioning rather than going out in the crowds.  Also, keep in mind that it does get very hot in the summer and this can be difficult for your dog when you take them outside.  You should walk them early in the morning and after the sun goes down at night.  This is also the perfect time for taking them to the parks to burn off their energy.  The concrete at other times of the day is just too hot for their feet and they can suffer from serious burns.

  • Doggy District – If you come to Las Vegas in the summer and you do not want to keep your dog in the hotel while you are out and about, you can leave them at the Doggy District.  There are locations conveniently located all over the Las Vegas area.  All you need to bring are your dog’s shot and spay/neuter records.  They have both outdoor and indoor play areas for those days when it is too hot to be outside.  Your dog can swim in the pool, play with other dogs and get their exercise.  First time customers get their first day free for an evaluation period to see if your dog is friendly with the others in the daycare.
  • Sunset Park – Sunset Park is the closest dog park to the strip and offers more than just a grassy area where your dog can play.  You can also walk them around the nature preserve where there are ducks and a huge pond that is cooler than other places in the county.  This park is also one of the few off leash parks where you can let your dog run and play without being constrained.  You do need to keep an eye on your pet as there are other dogs in the park and no private runs.
  • Sidewalk Cafes and Restaurants – You can certainly have your companion with you when you eat your meals at one of the many outdoor and sidewalk cafes located on the Strip and on Freemont Street.  You must call ahead and make a reservation letting the establishment know that you are bringing your pet with you.  This allows them to save an outside table for you rather than seating you indoors where pets are not allowed.

Pet Friendly Hotels

There are many different hotels in Las Vegas where your pets are welcome.  Some allow the pets to stay in the room as long as they are kept in their crates while you are away.  If you do not want to keep them crated then you will not get maid service.  In this instance, you should put up the do not disturb sign on your door so the maid knows not to go in.  Other hotels only allow dogs of a certain weight so call ahead and see if your dog fits their requirements.  The following are the pet friendly hotels in Las Vegas:

  • Flamingo
  • Paris
  • Planet Hollywood
  • Imperial Palace
  • Harrah’s
  • Bally’s
  • Caesar’s Palace
  • Trump International
  • Rio
  • THEhotel at Mandalay Bay
  • All Station Hotels

The majority of these hotels are located on the Strip or in the area of the Strip with the exception of the Station Hotels which are located all over the Las Vegas area.  Most of these hotels have their own dog walking area where picking up after your dog is a requirement, not a request.  If you are found leaving your dog’s mess, you may lose the privilege of having your dog stay with you in the future.  These areas are located outside of the casino and offer a grassy place where your dog can use the bathroom and get some exercise.

Conclusion

There is no need to leave you furry friends at home, at the kennel or with friends when you take a Las Vegas vacation.  There are many hotel/casinos that allow pets in the rooms so you can bring them with you.  If you want them to get some exercise you can take them to a dog park or to a doggy daycare where they can play with other dogs.  Just remember to keep them cool if your vacation is in the summer when the temperatures soar over a hundred degrees.