Vegas with Teens - Would you splurge?

[NinaBella]

So I have found a great military rate for the Mirage hotel in Vegas. I have a friend who lives less than 5 miles from the Mirage. She has mentioned her parents usually stay at the Venetian... so I took a peek and LOVE the hotel. DH of course says no way because it's too expensive. Let's just say even their basic no view room is more than the Orlando's Four Season. I would need two queen beds and that cost extra too. I am thinking of maybe staying ONE night here, the first night or last night, then moving to the Mirage. The hotel is fantastic and would make a great backdrop for photos of DD, etc.

Would you splurge on one night at the Venetian?

Should I just go ahead and book it? DH would look at me sideways but he won't object too much.

We did splurge on one night at the Four Seasons in Orlando last year for my birthday. We really enjoyed the pools and resort. We are not going to Vegas for the pools in January. LOL.

We are planning on going in January over MLK weekend. This is the weekend before my youngest son's 16th birthday so we will celebrate his birthday. My oldest two boys probably will not come. They are 25 and 23. The 23 year old doesn't like to spend money and the 25 year old wouldn't want to hang out with the family in Vegas so if he doesn't have his brother or a friend, I don't see him coming. He would prefer the younger/bar/club scene which we won't be doing. I told both they can come but they would have to pay for their own airfare and the extra hotel room for the two of them. So, this leaves me, DH, DS15 and DD14.

Also any tips on Vegas with teens would be great. I have read a lot online already on things to do with teens. It has been our plan to travel to various cities that we have never been to with the teens. DH has been to Vegas years ago before we knew each other and we always say we should go for his birthday. His birthday is early December.

I have read of a few nice places to go withing driving distance, but we will only have 2 or 3 full days there (depending if I keep the kids out of school an extra day). So I want to prioritize and see as much as we can in that short time.

At this time, I do not plan on renting a car at all. I think there is enough for us to do on the main strip that we will not need a car. If we do decide to venture out that may change.

Oh and we are not planning to gamble. If anything, we would play slot machines and maybe a few hands of black jack but that is the least of our priorities. We live near a casino and in 13 years have only been three times.

 

[J'aime Paris]

Over the years we have stayed all over the strip, including the Venetian and the Mirage. The Mirage is a great hotel! We liked it a lot!
Granted the Venetian is pretty awesome, especially the newer Palazzo tower. (But the Mirage is no Holiday Inn.)
I wouldn't waste the money, especially since you've indicated it's quite a bit, or go through the hassle of changing hotels for one night. You'd also be displaced without any room for about half a day. That's just my opinion.

We took my DD with us to Las Vegas when she was 14. She wanted to see a Cirque de Soleil show, so we booked O! and Le Reve.
We ate at the Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere and at the Eiffel Tower at Paris for some special meals.
We went downtown to Fremont Street at night to watch the street show.
My DD enjoyed the Forum shops in Caesars Palace because they had stores that were in her price range. Some of the super high end shops at the Wynn and the like are only affordable to the Khardashians

We had such a great time, that DD has requested a return trip to Las Vegas for her 21st birthday, which just happens to be her Golden birthday!

 

[Klayfish]

Over the years we have stayed all over the strip, including the Venetian and the Mirage. The Mirage is a great hotel! We liked it a lot!
Granted the Venetian is pretty awesome, especially the newer Palazzo tower. (But the Mirage is no Holiday Inn.)
I wouldn't waste the money, especially since you've indicated it's quite a bit, or go through the hassle of changing hotels for one night. You'd also be displaced without any room for about half a day. That's just my opinion.

We took my DD with us to Las Vegas when she was 14. She wanted to see a Cirque de Soleil show, so we booked O! and Le Reve.
We ate at the Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere and at the Eiffel Tower at Paris for some special meals.
We went downtown to Fremont Street at night to watch the street show.
My DD enjoyed the Forum shops in Caesars Palace because they had stores that were in her price range. Some of the super high end shops at the Wynn and the like are only affordable to the Khardashians

We had such a great time, that DD has requested a return trip to Las Vegas for her 21st birthday, which just happens to be her Golden birthday!

I agree with this. Been to Vegas many times, but not in years. I'm going again in 3 weeks for a business trip and I am really excited. I'm not even staying on the strip this time...I'm going for a HUGE convention/car show, so all the strip hotels jacked prices through the roof. I'm staying at a Flamingo Bay resort that's just off the strip. The Venetian is awesome, but I wouldn't spend the extra money over the Mirage. You can spend all the time you want exploring the Venetian, you just can't go into the hotel rooms...if that really matters to you.

As for what to do with teens, there is a ton to do. For all intents and purposes, I'm like a teen when I go to Vegas...I don't drink and I don't gamble, just like a teen can't. Each resort is a spectacle in itself to see. Just spend time walking and exploring them, even without the casino parts and that will keep you busy a long time. Many have free shows/attractions. Others have things that are reasonable costs. You'll have a blast!!!

 

[kymom99]

I agree with this. Been to Vegas many times, but not in years. I'm going again in 3 weeks for a business trip and I am really excited. I'm not even staying on the strip this time...I'm going for a HUGE convention/car show, so all the strip hotels jacked prices through the roof. I'm staying at a Flamingo Bay resort that's just off the strip. The Venetian is awesome, but I wouldn't spend the extra money over the Mirage. You can spend all the time you want exploring the Venetian, you just can't go into the hotel rooms...if that really matters to you.

As for what to do with teens, there is a ton to do. For all intents and purposes, I'm like a teen when I go to Vegas...I don't drink and I don't gamble, just like a teen can't. Each resort is a spectacle in itself to see. Just spend time walking and exploring them, even without the casino parts and that will keep you busy a long time. Many have free shows/attractions. Others have things that are reasonable costs. You'll have a blast!!!

My BIL works for a company that makes displays for conventions. He travels a lot to sites where the conventions are held, getting things ready and then tearing them down. He goes to Vegas a LOT. He said he never stays on the strip anymore. There are so many other nice places closer to the convention center.

 

[kymom99]

I would stay at the Mirage. As others have said, you can visit any of the hotels. You can't use their pools, but pretty much anything else is open to the public to enjoy. The Venetian is amazing. I've never stayed there but I have been in it twice. I plan to stay at the Mirage on my next trip. Our splurge is a Cirque show. We will only be there 2 nights. Also I have never been there with a car and we always manage to get around fine. This time I will have a car because believe it or not, it costs less to keep the car a full week and park it in the garage than it does to rent it for a part of a week and get a cab to and from our hotel for the Vegas part of our trip. I probably won't use it while we are there. I plan to take a bus to Fremont street.

 

[Alexle2007]

We took DS10 over Memorial Day weekend at his request and stayed at Mandalay Bay. (Beautiful hotel but way too far away from everything else.) I have stayed at the Mirage and that was almost where we stayed with DS. I, personally, would not change hotels for one night in Vegas. You can get beautiful photos without staying at the Venetian. We went to see the Michael Jackson One show and it was incredible! There is plenty of free stuff to see on the Strip. DS definitely wants to go back.

 

[crazylady]

There must be something big happening that weekend. Venitian costs more than Mirage but doesn't usually reach 4 Seasons levels. I would also stay at Mirage and use the extra money for excursons. I'd recommend a Cirque show (we loved Love). If you really want to splurge, the helicopter ride to the Grand canyon was fun. Some of the things I've looked at for our kids are zip lining on Fremont Street, hiking at Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, the neon museum and dolphin trainer for the day at Mirage.

 

[NinaBella]

There must be something big happening that weekend. Venitian costs more than Mirage but doesn't usually reach 4 Seasons levels. I would also stay at Mirage and use the extra money for excursons. I'd recommend a Cirque show (we loved Love). If you really want to splurge, the helicopter ride to the Grand canyon was fun. Some of the things I've looked at for our kids are zip lining on Fremont Street, hiking at Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, the neon museum and dolphin trainer for the day at Mirage.

My husband has been to the Grand Canyon. Before we met, he spent a tour in New Mexico. He mentioned Grand Canyon but its to far to drive. Hmm... I am not sure I can talk my husband into getting into a helicopter as he won't even get on some rides at amusement parks. I am going to try to talk him into it. Is there a recommended company?

I suppose I will settle for just visiting the Venetian and taking a few pictures.

 

[NinaBella]

Over the years we have stayed all over the strip, including the Venetian and the Mirage. The Mirage is a great hotel! We liked it a lot!
Granted the Venetian is pretty awesome, especially the newer Palazzo tower. (But the Mirage is no Holiday Inn.)
I wouldn't waste the money, especially since you've indicated it's quite a bit, or go through the hassle of changing hotels for one night. You'd also be displaced without any room for about half a day. That's just my opinion.

We took my DD with us to Las Vegas when she was 14. She wanted to see a Cirque de Soleil show, so we booked O! and Le Reve.
We ate at the Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere and at the Eiffel Tower at Paris for some special meals.
We went downtown to Fremont Street at night to watch the street show.
My DD enjoyed the Forum shops in Caesars Palace because they had stores that were in her price range. Some of the super high end shops at the Wynn and the like are only affordable to the Khardashians

We had such a great time, that DD has requested a return trip to Las Vegas for her 21st birthday, which just happens to be her Golden birthday!

Thanks I was wanting some restaurant recommendations. I will check them out.

 

[Klayfish]

Good food is one thing you will not find a shortage of. Holy moly, bring an adjustable belt.

 

[crazylady]

My husband has been to the Grand Canyon. Before we met, he spent a tour in New Mexico. He mentioned Grand Canyon but its to far to drive. Hmm... I am not sure I can talk my husband into getting into a helicopter as he won't even get on some rides at amusement parks. I am going to try to talk him into it. Is there a recommended company?

I suppose I will settle for just visiting the Venetian and taking a few pictures.

Sorry. I can't remember who we used for the helicopter ride. Restaurant wise Battistas Hole in the Wall is reasonably priced and had a vintage Vegas feel. I love Carnegie Deli for lunch. It's worth the wait for a table.

 

[crazylady]

Check out the piano bar at Harrah's. I'm not sure what the age minimum is but the teens would enjoy that. And the Irish bar/restaurant in NYNY is a good place for music too.

 

[NinaBella]

Sorry. I can't remember who we used for the helicopter ride. Restaurant wise Battistas Hole in the Wall is reasonably priced and had a vintage Vegas feel. I love Carnegie Deli for lunch. It's worth the wait for a table.

Both DH and DS said they will not get on a helicopter. So not sure I want to split up, so looks like we will skip it.

 

[gingerfeathers]

I would just stay at the Mirage. It's a beautiful hotel, and I think frankly it's one of the best hotel deals in Vegas because it's super nice for the price. The Venetian is lovely too, but I wouldn't do a split stay in Vegas. Too much hassle, and frankly I think you'll love the Mirage plenty on its own. Vegas is similar to WDW in that you spend so much time out of your room that the hotel doesn't really matter much unless you're there specifically for the casino or pool.

If you want a delicious, albeit expensive dinner, at the Venetian, Emeril Legasse's Delmonico Steakhouse is fabulous.

 

[Ngwira]

Both DH and DS said they will not get on a helicopter. So not sure I want to split up, so looks like we will skip it.

Nina Bella, I feel like we are vacation twins as we also both went to Niagara Falls last year..lol Now, we are also headed to Vegas in February with our 8 and 11 year old girls. We went in June and can't wait to go back. We are renting a car as parking is free due to me holding the Hyatt card (Discoverist status matched to MLife Pearl) .
Although we are staying on the strip, we plan to do Valley of Fire and the Hoover dam so need a car.We are staying at the Delano and have booked one night at the Palazzo. For your teens, you can do the Forum shops, Miracle Mile Shops and Fashion Show Mall. There are both North and South shopping Outlets on Las Vegas Blvd. The Coaster in NYNY, the High Roller and Circus Circus Adventure dome should have thrill rides to appease your teens.
There is container park, the Mob Museum and Neon Museum too. SO.MUCH.TO.DO.

I'll be waiting for your mini trip review since you are going in January.

 

[Ngwira]

So I have found a great military rate for the Mirage hotel in Vegas. I have a friend who lives less than 5 miles from the Mirage. She has mentioned her parents usually stay at the Venetian... so I took a peek and LOVE the hotel. DH of course says no way because it's too expensive. Let's just say even their basic no view room is more than the Orlando's Four Season. I would need two queen beds and that cost extra too. I am thinking of maybe staying ONE night here, the first night or last night, then moving to the Mirage. The hotel is fantastic and would make a great backdrop for photos of DD, etc.

Would you splurge on one night at the Venetian?

Should I just go ahead and book it? DH would look at me sideways but he won't object too much.

We did splurge on one night at the Four Seasons in Orlando last year for my birthday. We really enjoyed the pools and resort. We are not going to Vegas for the pools in January. LOL.

We are planning on going in January over MLK weekend. This is the weekend before my youngest son's 16th birthday so we will celebrate his birthday. My oldest two boys probably will not come. They are 25 and 23. The 23 year old doesn't like to spend money and the 25 year old wouldn't want to hang out with the family in Vegas so if he doesn't have his brother or a friend, I don't see him coming. He would prefer the younger/bar/club scene which we won't be doing. I told both they can come but they would have to pay for their own airfare and the extra hotel room for the two of them. So, this leaves me, DH, DS15 and DD14.

Also any tips on Vegas with teens would be great. I have read a lot online already on things to do with teens. It has been our plan to travel to various cities that we have never been to with the teens. DH has been to Vegas years ago before we knew each other and we always say we should go for his birthday. His birthday is early December.

I have read of a few nice places to go withing driving distance, but we will only have 2 or 3 full days there (depending if I keep the kids out of school an extra day). So I want to prioritize and see as much as we can in that short time.

At this time, I do not plan on renting a car at all. I think there is enough for us to do on the main strip that we will not need a car. If we do decide to venture out that may change.

Oh and we are not planning to gamble. If anything, we would play slot machines and maybe a few hands of black jack but that is the least of our priorities. We live near a casino and in 13 years have only been three times.

Also, check on Groupon and living social for deals...

 

[crazylady]

Nina Bella, I feel like we are vacation twins as we also both went to Niagara Falls last year..lol Now, we are also headed to Vegas in February with our 8 and 11 year old girls. We went in June and can't wait to go back. We are renting a car as parking is free due to me holding the Hyatt card (pearl status matched to M Life). Although we are staying on the strip, we plan to do Valley of Fire and the Hoover dam so need a car.
We are staying at the Delano and have booked one night at the Palazzo. For your teens, you can do the Forum shops, Miracle Mile Shops and Fashion Show Mall. There are both North and South shopping Outlets on Las Vegas Blvd. The Coaster in NYNY, the High Roller and Circus Circus Adventure dome should have thrill rides to appease your teens.
There is container park, the Mob Museum and Neon Museum too. SO.MUCH.TO.DO.

I'll be waiting for your mini trip review since you are going in January.

Now you both have me rethinking vacation plans! I had talked myself out of LV with the kids. Mine are 14 and 11.

 

[Ngwira]

Now you both have me rethinking vacation plans! I had talked myself out of LV with the kids. Mine are 14 and 11.

I don't think you'll regret going. My girls rate Vegas up there with Walt Disney World . There's so much to do. I also like the fact that it's close to several National Parks such as Zion National park and the Grand Canyon. California is next door. Even if you don't like gambling, shopping or world class cuisine, you can find SOMETHING to do there.

 

[Alexle2007]

Nina Bella, I feel like we are vacation twins as we also both went to Niagara Falls last year..lol Now, we are also headed to Vegas in February with our 8 and 11 year old girls. We went in June and can't wait to go back. We are renting a car as parking is free due to me holding the Hyatt card (Discoverist status matched to MLife Pearl) .
Although we are staying on the strip, we plan to do Valley of Fire and the Hoover dam so need a car.We are staying at the Delano and have booked one night at the Palazzo. For your teens, you can do the Forum shops, Miracle Mile Shops and Fashion Show Mall. There are both North and South shopping Outlets on Las Vegas Blvd. The Coaster in NYNY, the High Roller and Circus Circus Adventure dome should have thrill rides to appease your teens.
There is container park, the Mob Museum and Neon Museum too. SO.MUCH.TO.DO.

I'll be waiting for your mini trip review since you are going in January.

We did the NYNY unlimited ride as part of a pass with other activities and once was more than enough for our family. DS LOVES roller coasters and never wants to go on that one again.

 

[Arkansan]

My DD had a cheer competition in Las Vegas last April. It was our first time there and we had a lot of fun! (It was me, DH, DD-17, DS-15). We stayed near the Linque at a Holiday Inn vacation property (our whole group stayed here). It was a two bedroom, two bath unit with a kitchen and washer/dryer. There were several pools, a restaurant, a small store, a small arcade. It was a great place to stay! We could walk to the Linque and the Forum Shopps, etc. our kids enjoyed In and Out Burger. (Fancy, huh?) We saw Cirque du Soleil's "Mystere" and loved it. Her competition was at Mandalay Bay so we walked through the whole complex. We also did the zip line down Fremont St. The competition took lots of our time, but I would like to go back some day. We didn't gamble, either. I played $1 worth of slots at the airport on our way home just to say I gambled in Vegas. Didn't win. Have a great trip!