We just returned from a trip to Las Vegas, the first part of the trip was for a conference at the Riviera, (3 nights), then we stayed at the Mirage for 2 night. After reading many reviews we picked 3 shows to go to and rented a car to see others areas. I found lots of information at the following website: --- Use the interactive map to see all the hotels and shows. We rented a car over the internet (right at the Mirage hotel) before we left. It was a good idea, because it was sold out when we were there. We also booked Mystere (show) . Many of the good shows are all booked up. You can get the cheaper shows, but like most everything else you get what you pay for. If you want to go to one of the smaller shows you can get the tickets in Vegas the day of the show for ½ price (stands at both ends of the strip) They post the tickets for sale at 10:30 am.

It is lots of fun to walk up the strip to visit all the hotels, they are all different and are worth checking out. Most of them offer some kind of free gift to sign up for a free players card. You will be amazed at how huge they all are. They have 5 cent machines in all of them and they still offer free drinks while you are playing, it just costs you the tip. They all have some type of free entertainment. A list can be see at the web site I listed earlier. The free shows are good, but very short. The only one I would say not to miss is the light show on Freemont street.

I found all the nicer hotels are very expensive to eat at, but there is a Denny’s and McDonalds on the strip so you can save some money. We did book 2 nice dinners, one at Hugo’s (read reviews and book before you leave home) , and a dinner show package at Treasure Island.

If you plan on renting a car (I would recommend it) you should pick up an area map before you leave home. CAA has them free for members. You should book the car before you leave home. It is cheaper and they sell out. We booked the Dollar Car rental that we picked up at the Mirage. (total cost was $56 with the extra insurance). After we picked up our car we drove to Red Rock Canyon (about 40 min. away), cost is $5/car. If you like to hike, this is a great spot. Nice to get away from the noise of Vegas
. We then drove to Hoover Dam (other side of Vegas). It took about 1 hour, but was a nice drive. Hoover Dam is something everyone should see, my husband and I both loved it. We then drove along Lake Mead . The map calls it Lakeshore scenic drive, but you never see the sign for Lakeshore road. From Hoover Dam , just turn right at the first street to go to the Lake Mead Visitor Center. It was a beautiful drive but cost $10. We stopped at the Marina, it is amazing to see the huge water drop of Lake Mead. One Marina was totally moved because there was not more water. After driving into Las Vegas, you can see all the night lights, very cool. We then drove to Freemont Street, because of all the great reviews I had to see it. We parked the car for free beside the Plaza hotel. . Freemont street has two blocks of pedestrian walk and covered are with nightly light show. We stayed and watched one of the light shows (every hour on the hour). I wish we had more time to see another show, they are all different. Well worth the trip. It is also cheaper to gamble here. 50 cent roulette tables.

There are other ways to get around Vegas if you do not rent a car. A taxi from the Mirage to Freemont would cost $20, or they have the local bus, it cost exactly $2 (if you only have a $5, then you pay $5 so make sure you have the exact change). We took the bus once. It was packed and very slow. It waits at each stop.

A few final notes, I have two kids who really wanted to go to Vegas, I am so glade they did not go. Red Rock and Hoover Dam would have been good for them to see, but Las Vegas is very Adult. The constant advertisement for the prostitutes was something I would not want my kids to see. And you can not get to anything in the hotel without walking through the Casino. This is really not a place for a family vacation. ( All inclusive in Mexico would be a better choice).

Las Vegas is fun, but 3-5 days if more then enough time.