Chicago and Las Vegas suggestions needed

SOPi_Jawbreaker · #1 04-07-2008, 11:45 PM

My brother is graduating from Purdue in May. The plan is for my dad and I to go to his commencement Friday night, and then the three of us will drive to Chicago to sightsee on Saturday. My brother's only been to Chicago twice, so he doesn't really know where to take us. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on what are the quintessential things to do in Chicago and also suggestions on really good places to eat that aren't too expensive.

Also, for Memorial Day weekend, one of my sisters and I are planning on going to Las Vegas. Does anybody have any suggestions on places to stay, shows to see, and places to eat?

CutiePie2000 · #2 04-08-2008, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOPi_Jawbreaker

Does anybody have any suggestions on places to stay, shows to see, and places to eat?

Las Vegas: depending on your price point, I've stayed at The Wynn, Bellagio and The Palazzo. Mind you, my company paid, so it's not like it was a self-pay thing for me.

For shows, Cirque du Soleil, Le Reve....gosh, where to start? Cher is coming to Caesar's Palace in May.

SoCalGirl · #3 04-08-2008, 12:22 AM

Memorial Day Weekend will be pricy no matter where you stay. MGM, Paris, Luxor and Mandalay Bay are also good. I wasn't that impressed with Caesars Palace. All the Cirque shows are good and I've seen Blue Man Group twice. Mama Mia is fun too.

ThetaPrincess24 · #4 04-08-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOPi_Jawbreaker

My brother is graduating from Purdue in May. The plan is for my dad and I to go to his commencement Friday night, and then the three of us will drive to Chicago to sightsee on Saturday. My brother's only been to Chicago twice, so he doesn't really know where to take us. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on what are the quintessential things to do in Chicago and also suggestions on really good places to eat that aren't too expensive.

Also, for Memorial Day weekend, one of my sisters and I are planning on going to Las Vegas. Does anybody have any suggestions on places to stay, shows to see, and places to eat?

i personally like Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur because the rates are usually reasonable and all three are connected by pedways so you dont have to fool with parking/driving and can move on down the line. Husband and I liked the tournament of the kings show at the excalibur and then I (along with Allure magazine) recommend the spa at Mandalay Bay. Excellent shopping can be found all along the strip and just outside of town has outlet malls. It is worth the drive to see the Grand Canyon while you are out there.

SoCalGirl · #5 04-08-2008, 08:29 PM

I found the Excalibur Spa to be surprisingly good. It's nicer than the hotel and casino would lead you to expect.

KSUViolet06 · #6 04-08-2008, 11:10 PM

When in Vegas, we usually stay at MGM, Mandalay, New York New York, or Venetian. I recommend all three. They're all pretty good and the rates are decent.

Places to eat: Almost every hotel has AMAZING buffets and restaurants. You can get an amazing meal at any place on the Strip.

Shows: Penn & Teller, Tony and Tina's Wedding (Rio), Blue Man Group, and Splash are all amazing. Once you book your hotel, check and see what they have. Every hotel on the Strip has a show of some sort.

barbino · #7 04-09-2008, 12:01 AM

Chicago has a beautiful shoreline, especially just south of downtown by where three museums converge: The Adler Planetarium, The Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum. In the downtown area you can visit Macy's if you want to shop. Also, on the Chicago River you can catch a Wendella or Mercury boat cruise that points out the architectural skyline of the city. The downtown hotels are expensive, though-I'd suggest staying out in a suburb.

As far as eats go, there's Ed Debevics --that's not really expensive, and it's a fun place. The Rock Bottom Cafe is pretty inexpensive, too--both are just north of the downtown area, by the Rock & Roll McDonald's. There is also a Hard Rock Cafe in town. You could catch drinks at Excalibur (a big nightclub)-also right there.

onetruediva1913 · #8 04-09-2008, 12:19 AM

If you are coming to the Chi in May you definitely need to go to see Michigan Avenue. The Museum of Science and Industry (southside), I love the Shedd Aquarium. For places to eat you have to try the pizza at Lou Malnatis or Uno Pizzeria it is not that expensive and it is good. If you go out try excalibur, sound bar or the green dolphin on fridays big fun!

SoCalGirl · #9 04-09-2008, 01:53 AM

Wynn Buffett is worth every cent!!!

baci · #10 04-09-2008, 02:37 PM

A few wonderful points in Vegas:
1)The breakfast buffet is top of the line at Bellagio. Everything is delicious!
2)Have some gelato in the Bellagio ice cream shop
3)Bellagio hotel is wonderful even in their least expensive room. Paris is nice as well, but definitely a step down from Bellagio.
4)Mystere is a great show and of course, "O"
5)See the Grand Canyon
6)Make reservations if you have a specific restaurant you really want to dine at. Make them now if you can. You can always cancel! (same with a spa)
7)Make a point to observe the small shows/attractions in front of most hotels. They are nice to watch at any age and they are free!

SOPi_Jawbreaker · #11 04-10-2008, 11:08 PM

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I just had dinner with my one sorority sister, and I think we are leaning towards Mandalay Bay and Zumanity.

techzbt · #12 04-11-2008, 12:12 AM

There are several downtown hotels in Chicago that aren't too expensive. Going on priceline can help. The river architectural tours are great.

AKA_Monet · #13 04-11-2008, 12:28 AM

Off Strip: Texas Station or Red Rock Station.

San Remo has a cheap buffet--the old skool prices (maybe)--the $0.99 NY Strip Steak at 2 AM...

Get VIP access to the parties/shows. Don't know how to get that without knowing somebody who knows somebody, but the access is worth it.

SoCalGirl · #14 04-11-2008, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOPi_Jawbreaker

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I just had dinner with my one sorority sister, and I think we are leaning towards Mandalay Bay and Zumanity.

I've only ever known couples that went to Zumanity. It's quite the adult fare.

texas*princess · #15 05-19-2008, 01:00 PM

BUMP BUMP BUMP

I just got back from Vegas (10th trip there now?) so I thought I'd offer up some suggestions:

1) Hotel - I stayed at the Bellagio for the first time ever and LOVED it. Everything about it was beautiful and the location (right in the middle of the strip) was perfect. If you can't do Bellagio, Caesar's is also good. I've also stayed at Paris which was alright. MGM, Luxor & TI were decent but on the polar ends of the strip, so it's a lot of walking (or cab rides) to get anywhere. Palms is great.. .and you will likely see a celebrity or two, but it's off the strip and if you want to do anything on the strip you'll need to cab it up.

2) Clubs: If you are planning to club it out, GET THERE EARLY because the lines get long very quickly. Also, it won't be hard to find the guys on the street with "VIP cards".. these are usually for free cover charge for ladies only. This doesn't mean you get to stand in the VIP line, because everyone else will likely have those cards, and that line is usually for people who are paying big $ for bottle service and tables.

Pure (Caesar's), Rain (Palms) & Tao (Venetian) are excellent choices. The lines there start a little before 10 PM.

Prive' (Planet Hollywood) is also a TON of fun.. and it is currently the "hot" thing since it's still new. If you go to Prive' get there early because there is no formal "line"... there is basically just a big mob of people that form and the bouncers randomly decide who gets in.

STAY AWAY from Studio 54 (MGM). It's a waste of time & money.

I went to THE BANK at Bellagio for the first time and it was actually "just ok" for me & my group. We weren't impressed and left an hour or two after getting there. I'm not sure what happened... when it was called "Light" (before the renovations & changing of the name) it was actually really cool.

3) Shoes - Wear comfortable shoes during the day. And if you can, wear open toed shoes when you go out at night. Typically when we go out we wear high heels which will make anyone's feet hurt after being on your feet for 5-7 hrs and dancing. If you wear open toes (like strappy shoes) it will hurt a bit less because then your feet just have to deal with the height and not the height and the fact that your toes are being smushed together.

4) Food - Every hotel has a 24-diner. When you arrive, find it. Trust me, this diner will be your friend when it's 6 am and you are just getting back from a night out partying and have the munchies.

5) The pool - If you plan on laying out by the pool during the day, I'd recommend getting there early.. because every other guest at the hotel will have the same idea at 1 PM. When you get there it also helps to ask the people working there which spots are best (if you are looking for full sun exposure they will know which spots to hit since they are there everyday)

6) Shows - I've seen three so far, and all of them were great: "O" (Bellagio), "KA" (MGM), "Love" (Beatles theme @ the Mirage). DO BUY YOUR TICKETS BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR VEGAS because they will either be sold out or you won't get very good seats. Of those, "KA" is my favorite so far... mainly because it seemed to have a "plot/storyline".