Where to stay in Vegas with kids?

[aussietravellers]

Thinking of adding a couple of nights in Las Vegas in December. I saw a review of the Luxbus and it looks great, so thought we could add a quick visit to Vegas whilst in Anaheim as it seems quite easy to get there. It will just be DS (he'll be just 13 by then) and myself. So want somewhere very central, safe for us to walk around outside day and night and somewhere child friendly (I know Vegas is really for adults and wouldn't think of asking this question on tripadvisor, apparently it's a taboo question, starts lots of drama )

I'm looking at Excalibur, Paris, The Mirage, MGM Grand and maybe New York New York? My son loves animals so I thought the Mirage might be good, but Excalibur looks good (from the outside) and it is certainly up there on all of the best hotels for kids in Las Vegas.

There are just SO many options and it's all very overwhelming. They all get good and bad comments on TA, so I'd love to hear from anyone who has been to Vegas with kids, where did you stay? Was it good? Did you see anywhere else whilst there that looked better? (not more expensive). Any info would be great. All I know about Vegas is from CSI oh and when the Kardashians visit on their shows

Has anyone taken the Luxbus before?

Thanks

 

[PrincessInOz]

I've stayed at Excalibur, before kids. Has it been refurbed lately? It is located at one end of the strip and if that doesn't worry you, then it was as good as any other hotel.

The Mirage, Treasure Island, Caeser's Palace are quite centrally located on the strip.

We got Excalibur at $29 per night (about 15 years ago) and more recently Treasure Island at around $60 per night and Caeser's at around $80.

The older the hotel, the cheaper it could be if you're planning on staying mid-week. With kids, it really doesn't seem to matter which hotel (on the strip) you stay at....every single one of them...you will need to walk past at least the slot machines in the casino section to get to the elevators for your room.

The grounds at the Mirage were rather lush and green, where the animals and pool were. There was an extra cost to go in to see the animals?? Might be different if you were staying on-property cf to doing a visit.

We normally drive to Vegas, so I can't help out with the Luxbus.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

Having been in the hotels (but not staying in them) I would say Excalibur is too "kiddy" for a 13yo. The Luxor would be cool, and so would New York, New York.

Be sure to get a bus pass at one of the bus stops. They are really cheap, stops everywhere on the strip, and it's just so convenient! I felt safe because I could be dropped off right by my hotel.

As far as things to do while you're there, the MGM grand has a lion's exhibit that is free and there is a cool aquarium at Mandalay Bay. You can go on the tower at the Stratosphere and see the entire strip, it's really cool at night!!! Also, there is a big arcade on the strip near the M@Ms store, very teen friendly. FYI: The Treasure Island show that is free is not very kid-friendly anymore. It is very much about trashy pirate ladies and gyration

The volcano show at the Mirage is free, the fountains at the Bellagio are free, I'm trying to think of all of the things we did while we were there...

OH!!! Late night breakfast is really fun. It is served really late at night (2 AM, sometimes earlier) and it's a very Vegas thing to do. Really cheap, served at lots of restaurants.

 

[Kangarucci]

In 2004 we stayed at Circus Circus which is way down tne end of the strip. Along way to walk, especially with 7 & 9 year olds, and in the heat. I would chose a more central hotel. The hotels are massive and very smoky. Wouldn't recommend.

In 2010 we stayed in a timeshare apartment near Hard Rock which was around the corner from the strip. Out of the hustle and bustle but an easy stroll into it.

We travelled by Luxbus to Anaheim and were very impressed with it. The host onboard was great. A movie was shown, snacks (chips), beer, soft drink and free internet access. Very comfortable. We had a stop at Barstow? to grab something for dinner.

We were dropped outside Hojo where we were staying and the host actually stopped a car to let us cross. It was comparable to waiting at the airport, flying to LAX and getting transport to Anaheim. Highly recommend.

 

[australiankaren]

hey
my DS 15 loved the Excalibur..24 hr krispy cremes..paid $39 in 2003, not too kiddy for teen boys

just booked Luxor , premium king room $55 incl. tax. for oct 4.

really, most of those hotels have something for the kids, and Vegas is so different to what we are used to, there will always be something to look at/do.

 

[aussietravellers]

I've stayed at Excalibur, before kids. Has it been refurbed lately? It is located at one end of the strip and if that doesn't worry you, then it was as good as any other hotel.

The Mirage, Treasure Island, Caeser's Palace are quite centrally located on the strip.

We got Excalibur at $29 per night (about 15 years ago) and more recently Treasure Island at around $60 per night and Caeser's at around $80.

The older the hotel, the cheaper it could be if you're planning on staying mid-week. With kids, it really doesn't seem to matter which hotel (on the strip) you stay at....every single one of them...you will need to walk past at least the slot machines in the casino section to get to the elevators for your room.

The grounds at the Mirage were rather lush and green, where the animals and pool were. There was an extra cost to go in to see the animals?? Might be different if you were staying on-property cf to doing a visit.

We normally drive to Vegas, so I can't help out with the Luxbus.

Thanks PIO, $39 Oh that would be amazing. It's over $100 a night for early december at the moment (during the week, I will avoid the weekend). The rooms don't look too bad at Excalibur but I saw a picture on TA of the bathrooms and I was a bit , they look a bit dated with dark/dirty grout. But there was on where the bathroom looked ok, so maybe they have some old and some new. Will have to investigate as no matter the price, it has to be a sparkling bathroom for me A bit dated is ok as long as it looks sparkling clean.

Yes I think my DS would love the Mirage and all the lush greenery and the animals. I like the look of it too.

Having been in the hotels (but not staying in them) I would say Excalibur is too "kiddy" for a 13yo. The Luxor would be cool, and so would New York, New York.

Be sure to get a bus pass at one of the bus stops. They are really cheap, stops everywhere on the strip, and it's just so convenient! I felt safe because I could be dropped off right by my hotel.

As far as things to do while you're there, the MGM grand has a lion's exhibit that is free and there is a cool aquarium at Mandalay Bay. You can go on the tower at the Stratosphere and see the entire strip, it's really cool at night!!! Also, there is a big arcade on the strip near the M@Ms store, very teen friendly. FYI: The Treasure Island show that is free is not very kid-friendly anymore. It is very much about trashy pirate ladies and gyration

The volcano show at the Mirage is free, the fountains at the Bellagio are free, I'm trying to think of all of the things we did while we were there...

OH!!! Late night breakfast is really fun. It is served really late at night (2 AM, sometimes earlier) and it's a very Vegas thing to do. Really cheap, served at lots of restaurants.

Thanks for the tips

I think my DS would be ok with the Excalibur look (and so will his his mummy, after she (I) just noticed that Thunder from Down Under are there)

There are just so many great places to stay. It's such a tough decision. I really want a good central location.

In 2004 we stayed at Circus Circus which is way down tne end of the strip. Along way to walk, especially with 7 & 9 year olds, and in the heat. I would chose a more central hotel. The hotels are massive and very smoky. Wouldn't recommend.

In 2010 we stayed in a timeshare apartment near Hard Rock which was around the corner from the strip. Out of the hustle and bustle but an easy stroll into it.

We travelled by Luxbus to Anaheim and were very impressed with it. The host onboard was great. A movie was shown, snacks (chips), beer, soft drink and free internet access. Very comfortable. We had a stop at Barstow? to grab something for dinner.

We were dropped outside Hojo where we were staying and the host actually stopped a car to let us cross. It was comparable to waiting at the airport, flying to LAX and getting transport to Anaheim. Highly recommend.

Thanks for the Luxbus review. We will be taking it to and from HoJo too so that's great to know they stop there.

I love the look of Circus Circus and I think that would be really fun one to stay at, but then I looked at the location and yes, it is at the far end of the strip. So I think we will stay somewhere more central but go for a visit

hey
my DS 15 loved the Excalibur..24 hr krispy cremes..paid $39 in 2003, not too kiddy for teen boys

just booked Luxor , premium king room $55 incl. tax. for oct 4.

really, most of those hotels have something for the kids, and Vegas is so different to what we are used to, there will always be something to look at/do.

Thanks I think my DS would think Excalibur was cool. I just saw a picture of their sign out the front and it has a massive picture of Thunder from Down Under or something like that , looks like a modern day manpower (not that I ever saw them) (I think that may be the place, knights castle for the child, male strippers for the mother, all in one location , sadly a sign outside the hotel is as close as I will get to any male strippers on a trip to Vegas :rofl: )

$55 Cheapest in Dec is $99. I wonder if it will go down closer to the time. I'm not ready to book yet anyway (haven't even got flights yet). Just trying to get when and where so when it's time to book I'll be ready and know a good deal when I see it

I actually haven't found any cheap. I just looked at Bellagio out of interest and it wasn't too expensive, just over $100 a night, it was cheaper than Paris!

I do hope that closer to the time the prices do come down. But in all seriousness, how many 5 star hotels can you get a room for around $100, that's amazing! But if I could get one of the central ones, even a 4 star for $55 I would be absolutely stoked and it would be cheaper than staying at HoJo.

 

[australiankaren]

Look on Kayak..thats where I found it cheaper by far from everyone else, including the hotel themselves.....

just keep poking around

 

[aussietravellers]

Look on Kayak..thats where I found it cheaper by far from everyone else, including the hotel themselves.....

just keep poking around

awesome thanks

I do love poking around Maybe that's why I am adding Vegas, I'm almost at my limit for the Anahiem portion

 

[becpee]

We stayed at MGM which was great with the lions there (DS loved it although I got a little bored of it LOL).
There are so many places, it's hard to choose!

 

[aussietravellers]

We stayed at MGM which was great with the lions there (DS loved it although I got a little bored of it LOL).
There are so many places, it's hard to choose!

Thanks for that. MGM is high on my list. Well so is Mirage.... and Bellagio.... and Paris.... oh and New York New York

Yes there are just so many places. It is really difficult to choose. I think what I'll end up with is a short list of recommendations and then whatever I get a good price for I'll take

 

[ExcitedSam]

I haven't been yet, but we were looking at the flamingo, the location I supposed to be unbeatable and the GO rooms are newly renovated. But I thought wth two small kids that the south end might be better? So ive heard as with kids we dont really NEED to be centre strip. So I'm thinking Tropicana now, lots of good reviews and decent price (30% off on hotels.com)

I'd love to stay at the Venetian, but it's a little too exy for me.

I think you have to take TA with a grain of salt. I know what you mean about the kids in LV Question though

 

[kathie859]

Hello OP....I wanted to broach a few thoughts for you to mull over. (in the interest of full disclosure, as a frequent traveler to Las Vegas, I do not endorse it as a kid friendly destination)

The "hawkers" are still out on the street shoving "adult" entertainment (think girlie/escort) options in your hand. It's better than it used to be, but they're still there. Be prepared to run interference for your DS and to expect questions

Gone are the days of the .99 shrimp cocktail and the 1.99 steak. Food can be pricey--especially in the hotels.

The strip is LONG........there's maps online showing where each casino is. I'd pick one centrally located (not downtown). There is a tram that connects some of the hotels but it's easy to grab a cab at any hotel cab stand. I didn't catch
when you're going but summer is brutal---hot and dry.
Consider a trip to the Hoover Dam---it's absolutely fascinating. (I'm one of those people who love knowing how/why things work)


My personal favorite hotel is the Palazzo or Venentian. The Luxor is fun--be sure to ask for a room in the main building. It was getting a tad worn last time I was there.

Check out the indoor fountains at Caesar's---they come to "life" periodically.

Enjoy your planning.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

Gone are the days of the .99 shrimp cocktail and the 1.99 steak. Food can be pricey--especially in the hotels.

We ate at Panda Express a lot on our trip

Also, there is an Earl of Sandwich!!! I think it's at the flamingo.

 

[Andona]

We've stayed at Paris and The Excalibur, both times with kids. We definitely preferred Paris to the Excalibur. We just thought the Excalibur was a bit tired and , strangely, less family friendly than Paris - despite the fact that it is promoted as very family friendly.

The thing is that in Paris we could get to and from our rooms without having to go through the Casino, the Casino is off to the side of the elevators and reception area etc. IN the Excalibur we had to cross the Casino floor to get to the elevator. Maybe I'm too sensitive but it always seemed a bit uncomfortable to walk through the casino floors with the kids - each Casino seemed to have a different policy about it. In some it was OK to walk through with the kids but you had to keep moving - no stopping to watch etc. In a couple we had to be escorted through by an attendant when we had the kids with us. You just got that vibe that, rightly, kids aren't welcome there, but it made it a bit hard when you HAD to cross the casino floor to get to the lift, or the restaurant etc.

Paris was also a lot more central. we could walk one way to see the Mirage ( Do they still have the tigers there?) , Caesars , the Venetian etc - DS enjoyed the Gondola ride there ON the second day we walked down the other way to take a look at the Luxor etc.

On this next trip we have to make an overnight stop in Vegas on our road trip so we are staying in one of the resorts Off-Strip as we figure we've done the strip and, to be honest, I never felt really 100% comfortable walking there with the kids. No fears for their safety or anything, just with the porn slappers and the hustle, it really is an adult playground. I guess the problem was that when we've been there it's not in their USA school holiday times so there weren't many other kids around.

It didn't help that on one trip ( in January) we walked past some guy that made a snide comment to us about taking our kids out of school for an "educational" trip to Vegas! I was too flabbergasted to reply that we were from Australia, and the kids were on their summer school holidays!

My sister in law stayed with her family at the Luxor and they really liked it there, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe at the MGM Grand and liked the look of it there too - personally, if Paris was too expensive, I'd choose either of them over the Excalibur.

Vegas is an amazing place, good luck with your hotel search

Andona

 

[australiankaren]

thanks for the info re rainforest cafe....didnt know they had one in Vegas....and I'm looking forward to my Luxor stay....

 

[aussietravellers]

Hello OP....I wanted to broach a few thoughts for you to mull over. (in the interest of full disclosure, as a frequent traveler to Las Vegas, I do not endorse it as a kid friendly destination)

The "hawkers" are still out on the street shoving "adult" entertainment (think girlie/escort) options in your hand. It's better than it used to be, but they're still there. Be prepared to run interference for your DS and to expect questions

Gone are the days of the .99 shrimp cocktail and the 1.99 steak. Food can be pricey--especially in the hotels.

The strip is LONG........there's maps online showing where each casino is. I'd pick one centrally located (not downtown). There is a tram that connects some of the hotels but it's easy to grab a cab at any hotel cab stand. I didn't catch
when you're going but summer is brutal---hot and dry.
Consider a trip to the Hoover Dam---it's absolutely fascinating. (I'm one of those people who love knowing how/why things work)


My personal favorite hotel is the Palazzo or Venentian. The Luxor is fun--be sure to ask for a room in the main building. It was getting a tad worn last time I was there.

Check out the indoor fountains at Caesar's---they come to "life" periodically.

Enjoy your planning.

Thanks for all of that info. I am adding Luxor to the list I think so will remember the main building tip I think central sounds like the best spot. If we have time we will do a trip to Hoover Dam, thanks for that advise, we won't be there for too long though, actually one one full day, as the other day we arrive and the other we leave.

I'm not too worried about taking DS there, he will be 13, we are coming all the way from Australia, so it's not like we are just popping from near by and going to Vegas so can leave him at home, it's a trip to the USA and we won't be travelling without him any time soon, so a quick trip to Vegas won't scar him for life With all they see on TV, Movies and on video games (xbox) these days, I'm sure he will be fine. Oh and with what they have been teaching them at school in sex ed , I am sure the flyers won't be as elplicit as that.

We've stayed at Paris and The Excalibur, both times with kids. We definitely preferred Paris to the Excalibur. We just thought the Excalibur was a bit tired and , strangely, less family friendly than Paris - despite the fact that it is promoted as very family friendly.

The thing is that in Paris we could get to and from our rooms without having to go through the Casino, the Casino is off to the side of the elevators and reception area etc. IN the Excalibur we had to cross the Casino floor to get to the elevator. Maybe I'm too sensitive but it always seemed a bit uncomfortable to walk through the casino floors with the kids - each Casino seemed to have a different policy about it. In some it was OK to walk through with the kids but you had to keep moving - no stopping to watch etc. In a couple we had to be escorted through by an attendant when we had the kids with us. You just got that vibe that, rightly, kids aren't welcome there, but it made it a bit hard when you HAD to cross the casino floor to get to the lift, or the restaurant etc.

Paris was also a lot more central. we could walk one way to see the Mirage ( Do they still have the tigers there?) , Caesars , the Venetian etc - DS enjoyed the Gondola ride there ON the second day we walked down the other way to take a look at the Luxor etc.

On this next trip we have to make an overnight stop in Vegas on our road trip so we are staying in one of the resorts Off-Strip as we figure we've done the strip and, to be honest, I never felt really 100% comfortable walking there with the kids. No fears for their safety or anything, just with the porn slappers and the hustle, it really is an adult playground. I guess the problem was that when we've been there it's not in their USA school holiday times so there weren't many other kids around.

It didn't help that on one trip ( in January) we walked past some guy that made a snide comment to us about taking our kids out of school for an "educational" trip to Vegas! I was too flabbergasted to reply that we were from Australia, and the kids were on their summer school holidays!

My sister in law stayed with her family at the Luxor and they really liked it there, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe at the MGM Grand and liked the look of it there too - personally, if Paris was too expensive, I'd choose either of them over the Excalibur.

Vegas is an amazing place, good luck with your hotel search

Andona

Wow, thanks for all of that info! I think Excalibur is being scrapped from the list. It sounds like it looks better on paper than in reality, which is often the case. Problem is I think I am adding Luxor to the list, so I really haven't made my list any smaller.

Gosh you were good to contain yourself when that person made that rude comment. Why do people do that I really just don't understand making judgements on others, when you don't know their situation. If you want to take your kids out of school, to vegas or wherever, that's your choice (even though you didn't). What's it to him! It's not going to affect his life in any way at all, so why comment. Oh well. As you can see, that would have irritated me

I do love the look of Paris. But at the moment, it is more expensive than Bellagio for my dates in December. But if it is cheaper we may end up there, (or Mirage, or Luxor, or Bellagio )

Thanks again for all of that info,

We ate at Panda Express a lot on our trip

Also, there is an Earl of Sandwich!!! I think it's at the flamingo.

mmm, love Earl of Sandwich!

thanks for the info re rainforest cafe....didnt know they had one in Vegas....and I'm looking forward to my Luxor stay....

You'll have to report back about Vegas! I've add that to my growing list (I'm supposed to be reducing the list )

 

[ExcitedSam]

Aussietravellers - We are the same in regard to it being a once in a lifetime trip and leaving the kids at home and going on our own probably won't happen. Its also on the way to where we're heading, Gand Canyon and Phoenix.

 

[DisneyGirlInOz]

I have stayed at Luxor, Bellagio and The Four Seasons.

The Four Seasons was the best but is one end of the strip.

Bellagio was great and the view was awesome.

Luxor was fun. This is where I stayed when I was a kid.

Don't forget the outlet malls (The North one seemed better).

Have Fun!!!!

 

[LizfromOz]

We stayed at these suites on our 2009 trip. I think back then I paid $120 per night, but it's probably cheaper now that there are newer upper end hotels around this part of the strip. It's attached to the MGM Grand via an undercover walkway (moveable, like the ones at the airport) and the great thing about this resort is that they are smoke-free.

We had a fantasatic time here with our girls who were 11 and 5 at the time. As has been said before, Vegas isn't really kid friendly, but there is still lots to see and do that doesn't involve gambling, drinking and paying for 'it'

Happy planning, Liz

 

[aussietravellers]

Aussietravellers - We are the same in regard to it being a once in a lifetime trip and leaving the kids at home and going on our own probably won't happen. Its also on the way to where we're heading, Gand Canyon and Phoenix.

Yes we are just going to do the Medieval dinner show, the blue man group show (can't remember the exact name) and only going for a couple of days, it will be shopping, exploring some of the different hotels/resorts and we won't do a lot of street walking at night. I would love to squeeze in a day trip to Hoover Dam too.

I have stayed at Luxor, Bellagio and The Four Seasons.

The Four Seasons was the best but is one end of the strip.

Bellagio was great and the view was awesome.

Luxor was fun. This is where I stayed when I was a kid.

Don't forget the outlet malls (The North one seemed better).

Have Fun!!!!

Thanks for the outlet tip! I would love to go to the outlet malls, I've heard they are great in Vegas and as our other destination is Anaheim the outlets around there aren't any where near as good. So I will make a note to go to the North one

We stayed at these suites on our 2009 trip. I think back then I paid $120 per night, but it's probably cheaper now that there are newer upper end hotels around this part of the strip. It's attached to the MGM Grand via an undercover walkway (moveable, like the ones at the airport) and the great thing about this resort is that they are smoke-free.

We had a fantasatic time here with our girls who were 11 and 5 at the time. As has been said before, Vegas isn't really kid friendly, but there is still lots to see and do that doesn't involve gambling, drinking and paying for 'it'

Happy planning, Liz

Oh thanks Liz, I will have a look at that too. Love the smoke-free too, I have read that the smoke can be a bit much at some hotels.