I spent the whole of the last academic year in the USA as part of my degree course, the last month of which was spent relaxing in California, where my fiance lived. We decided to go on a short Vegas trip to celebrate my birthday-it was definately the best birthday ever!
We flew in from Fresno, CA, which is about 400 miles away from Las Vegas. If you're doing what many Brits do and touring California and the surrounding states Fresno is a great point to get to Vegas from-it has great rail links (You change in Bakersfield onto a bus: The journey takes about 10 hours), a small but excellent airport (50mins by air) and roads leading across the Rockies into Vegas (400 mile drive, but American roads are much quicker than British roads.)
Upon arriving into McClaren International airport we walked out to find the strip shuttle we'd heard about before we left. This is an excellent service if you're not taking a car into Vegas. The mini bus will take you to any strip or downtown property you like for $5.50 one way, or $10 return. A very friendly driver greeted us at his stand and loaded our bags into the back, before welcoming us onboard. He stopped at a couple of properties before dropping us right outside Circus Circus.
Circus Circus is one of the older and more famous properties on the
Las Vegas strip. Although not on the central strip it is located close by other well known properties, such as the Riviera (Opposite) and the much loved casino Slots-a-Fun (Next door.) The hotel itself is basic and somewhat run down. There are two areas in which you might stay-the first and oldest being the Mannor buildings out at the back of the main building, the second being the Towers, which have recently been renovated. Simply to save money we stayed in Mannor building A, which is nearest to the main property (D being the furthest away.)
When we got to check in there was a long queue, but everyone was friendly and we got talking to a nice couple who used to live in Wales but were currently residing in California. After about 15mins when we got near the front a CC representative asked us if we wanted to join their loyalty club. We did-and I'd recommend it for anyone who is planning to gamble, since it's free to join. You're given a card which slots into the games you play, or can be given to a table dealer. You then earn a certain amount back for every $ you spend. This won't amount to too much unless you gamble a lot, but it's worth it since it can be used on multiple trips and may get you offers via email you wouldn't know about otherwise.
After checking in we went to our room, which as we expected was quite basic. It contained a bed, 2 bedside drawers, a TV with limited channels, a dresser, a mirror, a table and chairs, a fridge, a safe and bathroom (Bath, shower, toilet and free soap/shampoo/bath foam). For the price we paid ($39.95) this was a good deal. The maid service was good, although they do call early (8.30am), so be sure to leave your 'Do not disturb sign' out if you want a lie in!
After seeking out our room we looked around at the nearby casinos. Since Circus Circus wasn't paying out and didn't have any slots we fancied we went to Slots-a-Fun. This is a great little casino with friendly staff. If entering from the entrance next to Circus Circus be sure to turn to your left and take a free go on the slot machine there with the friendly lady sitting next to it! The best slots in Slots-a-Fun, in my opinon, were the Monopoly slots, which I trebled my money on and the big slot machine in the front entrance, which constantly pays out because it's in a place that everyone can see.
After spending a while in Slots-a-Fun we went across the road to the Riviera's Penny Land. This was our favourite by far because of the loose slots, which had great themes, the friendly waitresses and the free stuff we got! As we had done at Circus Circus we joined Rivieras players club and were given free hats and up to $250 free slot play (I got $5, but turned this into $12). Each player is also entitled to one free drink a day (But you get these anyway when you play) and a draw ticket to win tickets to Splash, Riviera's variety show (More on this later). On top of all this 'Elvis' sings daily-definately an essentual part of the Vegas expirience!!!
After our day gambling we explored the middle of the strip (A deceptionaly long walk.) I'd recommend going into the Venitian, which features gondola rides down the river that winds inside the hotel and a ceiling which looks completely like a blue cloud filled sky. If you go at the right time of day you will also expirience opera singers in the square! This is a very upmarket and expensive hotel, but something not to be missed. Even more pricey is the Belagio, which is on the opposite side of the strip and a bit further down, which features the famous fountains. These dance to music and light every hour.
There are plenty of free shows as you wander down the strip-the errupting volcano at Mirage and the Pirate ship drama at Treasure Island to name a few that shouldn't be missed.
After catching some rest we went back to the Riviera and were lucky enough to win tickets to Splash that night. We didn't quite know what it was, but tickets are worth $65 each, so we expected something quite good. We were not disappointed. In my opinion this is one of the overlooked and underrated shows of Vegas. Essentually it is a variety show featuring ice skating, motorbikes, dancers (Since many are topless this is an over 18 show), comedy and various other snippets. The only major downfall is the seating, which was set out unwisely-I had my back to the stage! Next time you're in Vegas go to the Riviera and enter the prize draw (which takes place every half an hour), if you don't win buy tickets to Splash anyway! It was great!
Another highlight of our trip was Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay (Next door to the Luxor at the very end of the Strip.) Although we thought this was a little pricey at $15.95 each it was worth it. As you enter you are greeted by golden crocodiles, not seen anywhere else outside of Asia. As you walk through the beautiful, but small, space you encounter many colourful and stage looking fish accompanied by magnificent statues of godlike creatures being overtaken by green plants. As you near the end of the tour you reach a touch pool which contains sharks and rays, which I loved. After this is what I thought was the highlight of the place-a dark shipwreck which you walk into and realise you're surrounded by sharks, saw fish, baracuda and other large fish. The effect is breathtaking-seeing a large shark emmerge from the dark abyss is really something! I would definately recommend this to anyone who has the slightest interest in the deep.
On the practical side, I feel I must mention the brilliant Duece bus service which runs the length of the strip and downtown 24 hours a day. This stops at each property around every 10mins. It costs $5 for a 24 hours pass. Although the bus is painfully slow at times you never run out of things to look at on the journey! There is also a monorail for those who want a quicker journey, although we didn't try this.
I feel like I've only shared a little part of our Vegas vacation and know there is so much more to share! Vegas is a place like nowhere else on earth-built up in the early 1900s by gamblers and the lawless. It's history of mob rule will always preceed it and perhaps enhance it's unique draw! Vegas is a place not to be missed-by anyone.
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Hotel - 3801 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA, 3801 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, NV 89109, United States of America - 2 Stars - 1878 Rooms
Great review. I went last year and loved it, thought about writing a review but think I would just waffle on for ages as did so much (went for 10 days!)
HotBabes 14.07.2006 11:33
Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday. x
kittyfluff 13.07.2006 21:59
I am toying with the idea of going next year..possibly to get married..x
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Advantages: Everwhere is air conditioned, the toilet facilities in the malls is excellent and there are free shuttles or monorails from hotel to hotel Disadvantages: very hot in July/August, be prepared to que for the buffets
geomel 17.06.2001 (17.06.2001)
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Jul 13th, 2006
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