I just returned from a bachelorette party this past weekend Sept 11-14th. We had such a great time, and I had received great advice, so I wanted to contribute for anyone else planning for a trip. We wanted to party like we were VIP there, but don't have the cash flow of someone that would be VIP, so this is how we did it. We were a group of 5 girls. You may read this and think we must all be knock outs. We aren't a bad looking group, but I was suprised we were able to do everything we did. (And managed to spend less than $40 per night each for cabs and drinks)

We stayed at Mandalay Bay, and had a blast there. The Moorea Beach Club fills up fast, so get there early. Our trip was low season, so Friday we arrived by 11am, and were approached by someone outside at an entrance near the snack area when you first enter the pool are. He took us up and no cover charge. We didn't like the last few chairs available for free. We talked to the host that brought us in and got the impression if we just took a sign off the reserved chairs (not a bed) and sat, we would probably be able to stay without trouble. We did this and he later came over to mist us and said- So that's great you got yourself all set up for the day. We tipped him. The following day was a Saturday and much busier when we arrived, but we did the same thing and no one questioned us.

If you stay at Mandalay Bay, there is a place called the Foundation Room. We had no idea what it was. The entrance is for House of Blues and the Foundation room and is located right by the elevators. There never is a line there, just a man behind a rope. As we walked by in dresses headed to Tao Friday night, he yelled out to us (we walked by more than once) and he yelled out each time "Foundation Room, House of Blues girls?!" We didn't go. Next day we learned from someone at the pool that they have been everywhere in Vegas, but the one place they want to get into so badly but have not been able to get in is Foundation room. It is super elite and you need to be a member. The high rollers are allowed there and most celebrities go there on their trip. I guess if you are a good looking and wel dressed group of girls you may also be able to get in. We left for Pure the next night before 11 and there was not anyone by the ropes at that time when we passed. We were pretty disapointed. If you are a good looking group of girls, dress well and it sounds like you may have success getting in.

For the clubs, before you go, visit JackColton.com and print out the host list for table reservations. I sent a text message to the host listed for each club we planned to visit in the early afternoon on the day of our visit. As a group of all girls, they are happy to add you to the guest list. When you arrive to the club, DO NOT get in the line labeled guest list. Make your way to any bouncer and tell them you are on the guest list. Remember the name of the host you contacted, so if they point you to a guest list line you can say whomever put you on the list. We needed to do this at Tao, The bouncer asked us who was in our group, had us wait a sec and came back with another bouncer that brought us in. I think if you come across confident that you shouldn't need to wait in the guest list line, they check you out and if you look good, they bring you right in. We always had one of the best looking girls of the group be in charge of asking the bouncer. We never waited in line or paid a cover.

We went to Tryst on Thursday night, Tao Friday night, and Pure on Saturday night. We wore cute rhinestone tank tops we had made for the bachelorette party on Thursday night to Tryst, and that was probably the best place to wear them since none of the tables are roped off. We got a lot of attention from them, but we noticed later in the weekend that it seemed like some guys were turned off by the bachelorette party thing unless they are part of a bachelor party. I would advise against dressing the bride up in the tacky stuff. I noticed people dressed like this when we passed by the lines, but didn't notice anyone looking like this in the clubs, so if you really want to make the bride to be walk around looking like an idiot, do it for dinner but make her change before you try getting in anywhere, especially if your goal is to get into the VIP areas. All three clubs were a lot of fun. I think any of the major clubs are always a good time.

Some of the tables at Tao were roped off, but we found a really fun group on a bachelor party in the non-roped area, so we didn't really try to get into any of the roped off tables besides the dance floor. We just asked the bouncer by the dance floor if we could go in, we got the usual who is in your group, and we were let right in.

All of the tables at Pure are roped off. Pure was also the most difficult to get in. They have a line for groups of all girls that the bouncer will direct you towards. As I mentioned, we weren't really into waiting in lines, especially on our last night. We saw a line of girls and next to it a bouncer holding open the ropes for a group of girls to go into. Obviously we followed them, and that did prove to be where we wanted to be in because it took less than 3 minutes for us to get inside from there. We did make an effort to get to Pure before 11pm, because we thought it would be more difficult to get in. They were seating tables, so each of the bouncers by the table areas just asked us to come back in 20 min. Upstairs gave us a stamp. Once we got in, we didn't really like who we were seated with upstairs or the first area of tables we were let into downstairs. We just left each area politely and came back a little later. Downstairs we asked if we could get into a different area. It took a few minutes for him to check with the other bouncer, but it wasn't a problem. I imagine it is because he actually brought us to a particular table, but we were told upstairs to just let them know if we wanted to go to a different table. We later ended up bouncing around to a few tables, but I was at the back of the group at this point and feeling pretty good, so have no idea if we asked or not.

We didn't spend much time in non table areas, but I am sure they are a lot of fun too. Just crowded and the sort of thing we always do when we go out. Since we were in Vegas, we wanted to do what we can't do anytime we are out.

Mix is also worth a visit. We spent some time there Friday night prior to Tao. Someone escorted us up to the front of the line and in for free. Once we got up there it wasn't long before we were asked if we would like to sit at one of the tables with a great view until reservations started to show (we probably arrived there at 10:30). What a great place to sit! If we had more time we would have gone to Mix again.

Hope this helps you on your trip.

I'm a seasoned Vegas visitor. I love that there is something to do no matter what time of day it is. I love walking into a casino at night, and walking out a few hours later, squinting like a mole, as the sun shines into my unadjusted eyes. I love waking up early after a night of partying and racing to the pool with my friends, only to go back to sleep as soon as we lay our towels down. I love carrying my drink everywhere. It's great to just be able to let loose and shed your worries and inhibitions.

In my opinion, the Vegas strip is not for families! I dislike walking down the strip and tripping over little munchkins while I have drinks in my hand. I do not want crying babies around while I am enjoying my time at the pool. So many parents hire sitters and fly to Vegas as a temporary escape from the reality of needy kids. The last thing they want to see is a bunch of children running around yelling like they are on a Disney cruise line.

Don't get me wrong, I love kids. I just wish parents wouldn't bring them to the strip. If they must (for a wedding or business or something), Circus Circus is a great place, as it seems to be geared for families. Also, Excalibur is more family-oriented. And be prepared to answer the questions that will inevitably come up about the posters, escort cards, and scantily-clad women...

Nothing and nowhere is as cool as Las Vegas - even though the temperature in summer might be over 100 degrees every day! You can find and do any thing you want to in this amazing destination. From great food, to fabulous hotels and pools, and amazing productions in the showrooms, there truly is nothing like Vegas. You can be a true "adult" in this city where the entertainment never stops. In spite of what you might think, Las Vegas is NOT for children. This is the ultimate adult playground. My favorite hotels are THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay (they also have the best pool facility), The Rio (2nd best pool), and the Wynn. For video poker or slots, play downtown in the older casinos that cater to locals and repeat business. Not as glitzy as the strip but the payoffs and playing time is much better. Have a great time.

Just back and WOW, as usual glad to be home even if it was 13 years ago since my last visit. My husband and I went for 6 days, rented a car ahead of time which I don't receommend. The car rental place has like 12 rental places and you can go from one to the other for the best deal.

From the begining...

Air: Allegiant Air is a great cheap way to go, we got up extremely early 4:00 to leave Port Moody at 5:00 a.m. to go across the line into Bellingham to catch the flight at 7:45. I don't necessarily think you have to be the first in the airport like we were, and it seemed that many straggled along up until 15 mintues before departure. Parking ($7 per day) was a breeze and so was finding the airport. Do leave time to get across the line though, seems some idiot boarder patrol have nothing better to do at 5:00 a.m. then asks very stupid questions, and we go across the line more than once a month. Allegiant was clean, comfortable and reliable, as well as cheap. When booking however and if your not using the shuttle ensure that you unclick that portion otherwise you will be billed the $14.00 per person, also, see if you can't click on the 'price guarantee' so that when the price drops to $28, yes that is right $28 per flight you can get a remibursement/credit.

McCarrin Airport, Las Vegas: Crazy busy, luggage is to the right not the left when you get off and down stairs. Have to take a skytrain to all the car rental places. We went with Thrifty, and booked ahead of time; as we arrived only two clerks were on and the line was large. I took my paper to the Enterprize and they were willing to match the price but by the time I attempted to retrieve my husband from Thirifty and go to Enterprize they were very busy. Thirfty provided us with a car that had many scratches and dings; as of today's date we are safe and I made complete notice on the paperwork of the scratches as well as to the clerk as we left the lot which I had her sign and the clerk when we checked in. The map provided by Thrifty is not reliable, I suggest you get one from BCAA. Also, check the with ICBC and the fine print with your credit card holder and you will find that many provide insurance on a car rental so that your not charged the exorbant fees. Yes the insurance they sell is a walk away policy so they say, but if you don't have to, why?


We stayed at Thousand Trails RV Park, a membership only place where we booked a small cabin and were totally thrilled with. I like being able to have my coffee in peace and not rushing down to the buffett; as well as happy hour before I head out to the strip again.

We visited Lake Mead, it was nice for an afternoon dip and picnic; bring your water shoes the rocks are sharp for the first 10 feet. There is a $5 fee to enter the National Recreational Area which is good for 5 days in and out. A map is provided and it was a nice tour.

Hoover Dam was an increadible vision, bring your camera and they close I think at 5:00 p.m.

We saw Cirque du Soeil, Mystere - it was amazing and very funny. Although we had great seats at Treasure Island I don't think there was a bad seat in the house. Ohh yes actually the front row is not good, there is a stage that is higher then the seats and it is not great for your neck.

We saw Cher, ok so maybe this was an impulse drunk buy but it was also awesome, our seats were very good and at $250 a seat it was worth it!!! But we love Cher, she is just a classy chick.

BRING GOOD COMFORTABLE SHOES

The hotels, well they just get bigger and fancier each one they build. Also, if you do rent a car, they all Valet park and for no cost; just make sure you tip ($5) the valet. We took the elevator to the top of Paris in the day, amazing view ($10) and my husband went on the New York rollercoaster, he said it truely was the best he'd ever been on.

Jimmy Buffett Margritiville is lots of fun and has amazingly good food.

The outlet stores; there are several, one near Freemont street a visit you must make which is exactly like the Seattle Premium Outlet Stores; duplicate.

The other ones (2) near the Stratosphere one with Tommy Bahamas is very nice, upscale and the stores are not so close together. We had lunch at Tommy Bahamas, reservation not required and it was one of the best we had.

Freemont Street/Old Las Vegas; most hotels will shuttle you or you can catch a cab for probably $10. It is a must see but do it at night due to the free shows on the roof between the hotels. They also have all sorts of street performers which are fun.

Grand Canyon, we read alot regarding this and after our impulse Cher buy we opted out. However, if I were to see the Canyon I would go with Maveric Helicopters and not drive. From the information by the tourist agency; it is $20 to park, $30 per person to get on the Indian Reservation, and anther $30 per person to walk on the glass extension. In addition, the road is apparently not good and many people break down and there is not cellular services out there, most car rental places will not cover you either. Did I mention it is like a 6 hour drive.

For those of us that perfer not to walk the strip in 108 degrees, they have the monirail services from hotel to hotel, you really do not get the full effect and if your drinking all those fancy tall drinks you will need the exercise.

Cheers