Nevada-Las Vegas

Honeymoon in Vegas advice

Hello Las Vegas ladies!

I got married in Feb but we have yet to go on our HM... plans were to go to Europe but those fell through so we are planning on Vegas instead. I've asked for advice on the Honeymoon board and got some great rec's regarding hotels. I really LOVE Palazzo but think my budget would be better suited towards Paris, which also got great rec's from people.

I think we're almost set on Paris, but was wondering... I've seen on alot of reviews people saying that they got a free upgrade because it's their anniversary or 21st birthday or whatever. I REALLY would want a Red Room and would love a free upgrade but not sure if to risk getting the normal room and then NOT getting an upgrade. Is it really that common to get a free upgrade if you're there for a special occasion? Or just pure chance? We'd be travelling in August the week of the 22nd.

ALso, if they (the front desk) do give you an upgrade, do you have to tip them? I'm a bit unsure about the extreme tipping culture that seems to be prevalant!

Annddd also, hubby and I are foodies, so any MUST-GO-TO restaurants? What about the best buffets?

Thanks in advance!

Wedding Countdown Ticker

Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice

  • lsvenssonlsvensson member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I've actually never tried the $20 trick, but I CAN tell you about buffets.  Hands-down, my favorite buffet is at the Bellagio...you must go.  I'm also told the Wynn has a good one.

    My other three favorite buffets: Cravings at the Mirage, Le Village Buffet at the Paris, and Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood.

    My favorite non-buffet eatery is Lavo at the Palazzo.

    Have a fantastic time, good luck with the room upgrade!
  • edited December 2011
    You won't get an upgrade if they are all booked. It's yur honeymoon, book the room you want:)
    *MyBio-> 07.05.2012* UPDATED: 06/08* Daisypath Anniversary tickers Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • edited December 2011
    Rio buffet is pretty awesome, 300+ dishes.

    Married in Vegas - June 2011


  • aegrishaegrish member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_honeymoon-vegas-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:c9816410-7471-4f05-9800-7ed2acc463d5Post:779f3573-0db4-4677-a6c9-8fd4d1d75081">Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]You won't get an upgrade if they are all booked. It's yur honeymoon, book the room you want:)
    Posted by AJF021410[/QUOTE]

    this.  I really am hoping for an upgrade for our wedding-moon but with it being a holiday weekend doubtful.  The hotel is booked full. 

    Lavo is one of my favorite restaurants too!  The Kobe Meatball is the best and can feed 4 people easily as an appetizer.  I was not a fan of the Bellagio buffet for dinner (too much seafood, not enough beef for my cattle trading FI, and too $$), but I am SO looking forward to trying the Rio buffet this week !
  • edited December 2011
    The Wicked Spoon buffet gets good reviews on yelp.

    Also, Olives at the Bellagio and Firefly are two of my favorite non buffet spots. Firefly has great sangria and tapas and Olives has this to die for butternut squash tortelli. There is also a Jean Phillippe in Bellagio as well as Aria. Great pastries, gelato, chocolate, and crepes.

    I've never tried the room upgrade either. I'm guessing its easier to get one during the week or the off season. Have you looked into Hotwire or Priceline? I got Vdara, a 5 star hotel on the south end of the strip for 128/night through Hotwire for a weekend in June. I often use betterbidding.com to see what others have won on hotwire and priceline when trying to get a 5 star for a decent price.
  • aegrishaegrish member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_honeymoon-vegas-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:c9816410-7471-4f05-9800-7ed2acc463d5Post:6d6f660d-984c-4b5e-a6f9-1d4108e67ba5">Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]The Wicked Spoon buffet gets good reviews on yelp. Also, Olives at the Bellagio and Firefly are two of my favorite non buffet spots. Firefly has great sangria and tapas and Olives has this to die for butternut squash tortelli. There is also a Jean Phillippe in Bellagio as well as Aria. Great pastries, gelato, chocolate, and crepes. I've never tried the room upgrade either. I'm guessing its easier to get one during the week or the off season. Have you looked into Hotwire or Priceline? I got Vdara, a 5 star hotel on the south end of the strip for 128/night through Hotwire for a weekend in June. I often use betterbidding.com to see what others have won on hotwire and priceline when trying to get a 5 star for a decent price.
    Posted by ricekim[/QUOTE]

    Yay RiceKim you're staying at the Vdara too :)
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_honeymoon-vegas-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:c9816410-7471-4f05-9800-7ed2acc463d5Post:b7396c57-be30-45be-a5fc-31ca5267e018">Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice : Yay RiceKim you're staying at the Vdara too :)
    Posted by aegrish[/QUOTE]

    Oh yes! This will be my third time. I Love it there. So peaceful and relaxing. :)
  • edited December 2011

    Google the $20 trick. Basically, you put a $20 between your ID and credit card when you check in to your hotel. Then ask if they have any complimentary upgrades. It worked for me once, and didn't work once. It is pretty much chance, though you have a better chance if you're there for a special occasion. When it didn't work for me, they offered me an upgrade for $20 a night. So as long as your hotel isn't full, you should be able to upgrade, you'll just pay for it.

    FI and I LOVE eating in Las Vegas. Our favorite fancy dinner has been Nobu at the Hard Rock. It's amazing Japanese food. Trust the servers there- they know what they're doing. Last time we were there, we only got dishes that weren't even on the menu, and it was amazing.

    Harrah's has a 24 hour buffet pass that FI and I got last time we were there. It was about $40, and you can get 4 meals out of it. It's good at buffets at: Bally's, Harrah's, Rio, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Caesar's and Flamingo. Planet Hollywood and Paris were our favorites, with Rio being a close second. We also LOVE the Bellagio buffet, but it is pricey.

  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_honeymoon-vegas-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:c9816410-7471-4f05-9800-7ed2acc463d5Post:6d6f660d-984c-4b5e-a6f9-1d4108e67ba5">Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]. Also, Olives at the Bellagio and Firefly are two of my favorite non buffet spots. Firefly has great sangria and tapas and <strong>Olives has this to die for butternut squash tortelli.
    </strong>Posted by ricekim[/QUOTE]

    I had this last time we ate there. OH MY GOD YUMMY!

    Ditto about the Rio buffet. It's one of my favorites.

    Also, try Smartervegas.com for some good hotel rates
  • aegrishaegrish member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I am so excited for the Rio now!!
  • lsvenssonlsvensson member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_honeymoon-vegas-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:c9816410-7471-4f05-9800-7ed2acc463d5Post:64f3a70d-35b7-43ae-b954-8b6392b28f5d">Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]Google the $20 trick. Basically, you put a $20 between your ID and credit card when you check in to your hotel. Then ask if they have any complimentary upgrades. <strong>It worked for me once, and didn't work once.</strong> It is pretty much chance, though you have a better chance if you're there for a special occasion. When it didn't work for me, they offered me an upgrade for $20 a night. So as long as your hotel isn't full, you should be able to upgrade, you'll just pay for it. FI and I LOVE eating in Las Vegas. Our favorite fancy dinner has been Nobu at the Hard Rock. It's amazing Japanese food. Trust the servers there- they know what they're doing. Last time we were there, we only got dishes that weren't even on the menu, and it was amazing. Harrah's has a 24 hour buffet pass that FI and I got last time we were there. It was about $40, and you can get 4 meals out of it. It's good at buffets at: Bally's, Harrah's, Rio, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Caesar's and Flamingo. Planet Hollywood and Paris were our favorites, with Rio being a close second. We also LOVE the Bellagio buffet, but it is pricey.
    Posted by Natrasha[/QUOTE]

    <div>See, I want to know what happens when it doesn't work-- do they give the money back?  Do they just take it and say, "no"?  I've always wanted to try this but I have a fear or rejection (which is the reason why I'm also bad at navigating the nightclub scene).  </div><div>
    </div><div>And @aegrish, oh lord, the Kobe meatballs!  It's lunchtime here and I am practically drooling on my desk just thinking about them...</div>
  • aegrishaegrish member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I would think that the hotel DESK people wouldn't be allowed to accept 'tips", no?
  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    $20?  If I was asking for a major room upgrade I would do either $50 or $100. 
    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • edited December 2011
    The Buffet at the Wynn is completely unsurpassed. I'm telling you, it's insane. Enjoy your HM!!!!!
  • edited December 2011
    Wow, I go away for lunch and come back to some great advice! Thanks everyone!

    I am building my list of restaurants as I type!

    I hadn't even heard about the $20 trick before now! (I did read somewhere about someone getting an upgrade and THEN they tipped them)... gonna google it now, But I also have a fear of rejection and am not very sly, LOL.

    Will check some of the sites you guys suggested, but the Paris site itself has a Pool package deal where  you get 2 nights and $25 credit at the pool restaurant... not much of a benefit since I'd be staying 7 nights and I'm sure $25 would buy only 2 drinks, BUT, the package price per night is pretty good, ave $114 a night for a Red Room. I am thisclose to booking that... just wanted to check around a bit more.

    Thanks again everyone and if there's any more, keep em coming!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    PS - Vegasgroom - I replied to you on the HM board.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    One other thing - when is the high season in Vegas? I'm hoping not August since it's so hot... but it's also summer when people travel a lot.

    And aegrish, I just realised you're getting married in 4 days! Early congrats and I hope everything goes wonderfully for you!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    My $20 got me 4 nights in a West Wing room at MGM instead of the basic. Not a huge upgrade, but I liked it.

    Imperial Palace scoffed at my $20, but they gave it back, then offered an upgrade for $19 per night. I wasn't in a Capri room, so I didn't care enough to jump at it. On the $20 trick website it seems 95% of people get their $20 back.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_honeymoon-vegas-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:c9816410-7471-4f05-9800-7ed2acc463d5Post:051d4a0a-0310-4ae9-a496-1a3928ca88c3">Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]One other thing - when is the high season in Vegas? I'm hoping not August since it's so hot... but it's also summer when people travel a lot.
    Posted by sassy8179[/QUOTE]

    Vegas doesn't have a high season, that I can think of. It's busy year round. Obviously weekends and holidays are busier than weekdays. But it depends on conventions/ conferences/ concerts/ etc. Summer means the pools tend to be packed. Get there early if you want a chair or rent a daybed/cabana.  
  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    My hotel told me that August is a good time to come because rates are low but the pools do get packed.

    All I can say is, August is the best month for Vegas.  Perhaps I am biased.

    ;)


    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_honeymoon-vegas-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:c9816410-7471-4f05-9800-7ed2acc463d5Post:68ef0ed8-2f54-4ecf-b798-9a8ef4690db9">Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]My hotel told me that August is a good time to come because rates are low but the pools do get packed. All I can say is, August is the best month for Vegas.  Perhaps I am biased. ;)
    Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]

    LOL! Well I'll have to agree with you there! Hope all is going well for your August wedding!  :)
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_honeymoon-vegas-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:c9816410-7471-4f05-9800-7ed2acc463d5Post:a8d74853-47b7-4238-85d1-fbe9c2a2cc4e">Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Honeymoon in Vegas advice : LOL! Well I'll have to agree with you there! Hope all is going well for your August wedding!  :)
    Posted by sassy8179[/QUOTE]

    Sassy, hopefully you see this, the site won't let me private message you for some reason.  We'd talked a few times in honeymoon threads about Antigua; any chance you could recommend a place to me to get some Cuban cigars when I'm there?  I've found a lot of posts about questionable tourist-centric places that sell fakes, etc. so I was hoping a local could point me in the right direction. :-)

    Married in Vegas - June 2011


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