Actually, as was mentioned above somewhere, there was a fatal fire some years ago at the old MGM Grand -- but it was on upper floors, not in the casino.

Actually, the fire at the old MGM Grand (now Bally's) started in a deli off the casino and got into the false ceiling. When it flashed over it took out the casino. Many more died from smoke inhalation.

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MGM_Gra...gas_hotel_fire

I'm going to Vegas in less than 20 days!
It'll be my second trip...but I'm pretty excited about this trip because last time I went with my parents. My father had a conference and mom didn't want to go by herself...so I was a good daughter and volunteered to go with her.

I don't know if the hotel room can handle all the hotness that will be crammed into it. :D

Is it a girls trip? Where are you staying? I miss Vegas. I'm craving a trip to the Mirage buffett. :D

Why eat at a buffet when you can eat in a very nice upscale restaurant? Spago, Olive (in the Bellagio), etc, etc,

Cause I really love the Mirage buffett! ;)

yeah, its a total girls trip. didn't start out that way, but it is one now! we're staying at the tropicana.

Correct me if I am wrong AlphaSigOU but many of them died because there were no sprinklers installed in the hotel. The MGM fire actually led to stricter firecode laws.

As to not being able to find your way out. I never have had that problem, but I did grow up there.

If you replace these two places with "Delmonico's" and "Nobu" then you're on the right track (you named two places that I personally think don't live up to their cost/reputation), but some of the buffets are pretty solid if you don't feel like $100/plate every night - Aladdin has a solid spread, as does the Palms.

Because the buffets are cheap (or at least used to be), so you can save more money to lose at the tables.

Here's a whole report on the MGM Fire.

http://www.co.clark.nv.us/fire/ccfd_mgm.htm

They may have sprinklers, but I wonder how safe the hotel is? We were late for a show there because it is an absolute maze. We couldn't find the theater.. and then when the show was over.. it was difficult to find the street exits. It wasn't difficult to find the craps table though! :D

The MGM fire and the current MGM hotel are not the same building, or location. I know that Vegas can be overwhelming but people who get lost and can't find things are too lazy to open their eyes and read the million signs that point the way.

I have to disagree with this (well, except the craps table part) - I found the MGM to be incredibly easy to get around, it's quite linear and there are TONS of signs . . .

I'm glad to hear things have improved there. The last time I was in the MGM was about 7 years or so ago... and so many people were complaining about lack of signs. Nice to hear that they made it safer.

In Vegas, there is something for everyone, but there was so much that put me off. The flyer freaks on the strip, the smoking in the casinos, the public drunkeness, and the fact that people who spend a lot of the money in the casinos are often the people who can least afford it.

But, if it's your first time, and you are a partier, and especially it's your 21 bday, it should be fun. Make sure to check out the Wynn, it's pretty, and the Mirage - they have the animals from Seigfried & Roy. Treasure Island has a pirate show, but it's more fun to see it from inside their lounge (get there early to get a good seat). Cool place to hang out is the Red Square, I think at Mandolay Bay. They have an iced bar, and if you have $$$$ or connections, you can get a private tour of their "freezer". They give you a fur coat to wear into it.

For cheap eats, avoid the buffets, and head to the Pink Taco or places like that. I got sick from two different buffets, and after drinking, you might not make the best eating decisions, if that is important to you. Also ask about a fridge for your room for beverages and snacks. There is a grocery store about a mile down the strip - stuff is much cheaper, especially bottled water.

Bellagio is gorgeous, but the Venetian is even better. Great restaurants and shopping (late hours!) but make reservations well in advance for the restaurants there.

Make sure that you decide how much you can "lose" at the casinos, but I guess if stepdaddy is funding it, he is giving you gambling money? Keep your credit cards away in the casinos - too much of a temptation.

Don't go anywhere alone, even to the restrooms. Don't give out your room number. Thankfully, the better hotels only let you into the rooms elevators if you have an official room key.

The fashion mall is kind of cheesy but a lot of people like it.

Have fun, and be careful. You have a really nice dad there.

WOWWOWOWOWOW you just listed everything that I love about Vegas.

LOL I would be willing to bet money that there is nothing in Vegas for me.

In Vegas, you can bet money.

;)

I really don't like it either, but i wanted to share my experiences. My husband has had a bunch of conferences out there, and after the first 2 nights, the novelty wears off for me. But I imagine for a 21 yo, first timer, the lure would be pretty similar to that of Mardi Gras.:p

Free beer (good beer too) and loud music, plus watching every NFL game at once (usually with action on many) while drinking free beer. Oh yeah, this is at noon, too.

I'll be going back there in January for Miss America. It'll be my 4th trip out; my 2nd for Miss America. I've stayed at the imperial Palace and the Stratosphere. The Stratosphere is a long walk to the rest of the Strip, so i would recommend staying somewhere in the middle.

I have reservations at the Monte Carlo for this coming trip. It's just a walk across the street to the Aladdin where the pageant will be.

Oh, and definitely see Cirque du Soleil. I've seen Mystere and Zumanity, and they were both great shows. Zumanity tends to be a little risque', but still a good show. i'd like to see Love (the Beatles show), but don't know if we'll be able to get tickets for this coming trip.

Have fun!

You're correct, sueali - the casino did not require a sprinkler system, considering the fire codes of the time. Much of the fire built up in the soffit spaces above the casino until it flashed over.

I lived out in Sin City for a couple of years - my younger brother lives and works there. Never had a problem finding my way out of the casino, though the only place I've ever gotten the 'willies' inside of one was in the old Bob Stupak's Vegas World, now the Stratosphere. (You can build the tallest building west of the Mississippi, but I will always call the place 'Vagrant's World'! :D )

Is the Olive's any good in Vegas? The one in Boston is good, but every other Todd English restaurant I've gone to has been highly overrated and overpriced for the quality. It seems like he's living on reputation with most of his restaurants, as the quality of food just isn't there.

Vegas is taunting me again. :o

I can go this Sunday-Wednesday. :) If I don't go, I likely won't have a chance again for many, many, many months because I start a new job in December. Which of course means I've got fantastic deals at MGM for December. :( I haven't been since August so I'm getting withdrawls. I try to tell myself that there's no reason to go to Vegas right now. Especially with the weather. The pool at Mandalay will be closed so why spend the $100/night to go there? This is so frustrating!