Viva Las Vegas - Concierge Tips!

We just got back from our family holiday spending one week in Las Vegas and I've got some great tips for you!    You might be wondering, "Las Vegas?!  Traveling with kids!"  Well, this is the third time my kids have been to Las Vegas and it happens to be one of their favorite spots.  First of all, it's less than a 3 hour flight from Calgary.  Second, it's almost always HOT when we go.  And finally, there's so much to do and see (plus the great pools!).

My hubby and I have been going to Las Vegas, once a year, since our daughter was in kindergarten.  It's a chance for the two of us to get away for a weekend and focus on spending time with one another.  No interruptions, no kids asking for things, just the two of us.  Taking our kids is a totally different Las Vegas experience compared to the two of us traveling alone.  Whether you are traveling alone, with your significant other, or with your family, here are our best Las Vegas tips.1. AccommodationsThe MGM Signature is our favorite spot to stay - with or without kids.  Yes, experiencing each hotel and their 'theme' is a treat, but the MGM Signature offers value that you can't find in a hotel.  For one, there are 2 different suites available.  One suite is called the Jr. Suite (1 King bed and one queen pull out sofa, one large bathroom) while the other suite is a One Bedroom Suite (1 Kind bed in a separate bedroom and 1 queen pull-out sofa in the living room and 2 large bathrooms).  Other than the rooms being gorgeous, each room has a  kitchen!  You may be thinking, "Who wants to cook on holidays?"  Well, here is what we have found:  we typically make breakfast and lunch, then go out for dinner.  Heading to the grocery store (there are many close by the strip) and picking up some bagels, cereal, milk, sandwich items, coffee, or good ol' Kraft Dinner can save you a TON of money.  I witnessed a family of four buying 4 bagels, 2 lattes and 2 Frappuccinos at Starbucks totaling  just over $45.00!  Each bagel was $4.50.  We spent less than that on two packages of bagels.While staying at the MGM Signature you have the choice of spending time at your own private pool (each of the three towers has their own individual pool) or you can walk over and enjoy the 6 acres of pools and lazy river that the MGM Grand offers.The MGM Signature does not have it's own casino.  The casino can be found at the MGM Grand Hotel so you have the option of not dragging your kids through the smoke or a casino to get to your room.If you are considering staying here, our advice is to rent directly through an owner.  We have made many contacts and have an extensive list of owners who are more than reasonable with their pricing and cheaper than going directly through the MGM Signature.2. DiningLas Vegas has a vast selection of restaurants!  Whatever restaurant you visit, there seems to be a common theme:  LARGE portions.  When I say large, I am not kidding.  Typically, one meal can feed my daughter and I and there are still leftovers.  We have learned that sharing meals is way more cost effective PLUS you are not wasting food.  If you happen to be staying at the MGM Signature, each room has a refrigerator so packing up leftovers is always an option.  Here are our top favorite places to eat (both in value and in the yumminess of the food):

• The Grand Lux Cafe (located at the Venetian and the Palazzo).  Their Chicken Parmigiano is to die for! This restaurant is from the creators of The Cheesecake Factory.
• Buca di Beppo - located a few blocks off the strip offers a unique Italian dining experience.
• Battista's Hole in the Wall - another yummy Italian restaurant located by the Flamingo Hotel and Casino.  They do have a set menu but the food is awesome!  Reservations are recommended!

Our tip, for where ever you choose to eat for dinner, is to make a reservations in advance.  Some restaurants require at least a 2 hour 'window'.  It is well worth your while to make a reservation instead of standing in line! You could be waiting 30 minutes or more just to get in!3. ActivitiesTraveling with kids in Las Vegas is certainly different than traveling with your spouse.  There are quite a few places that are kid friendly and that your own kids may enjoy.  Keep in mind, my kids are teenagers so what they enjoy are typical 'teen' attractions:

• The roller coaster at the New York, New York Hotel and Casino.  If you know your kids love roller coasters, it's best to purchase the full day pass.  An individual ride is a steep $14.00 however an all day 'Scream Pass' is $25.00.  I'm pretty sure both my son and daughter said they went a total of 25 times with their Scream Pass ( I know they didn't go 25 times in a row!).
• The Sporting House Bar and Grill, also located at the New York, New York Hotel and Casino offers a games room on the second floor.  There are interactive games available for the kids (and adults) to play.  We purchased 125 credits for $25.00 which lasted just over one and a half hours.
• Circus Circus offers the Adventuredome. The Adventuredome is an indoor theme park that offers thrilling rides for kids and adults, as well as great games.  Although it can be busy, it is definitely a hit with the kids!  An all-day Regular Pass is $26.95 (48 inches tall or taller) while a Junior Pass is $16.95 (Under 48 inches tall)
• There are many more attractions that one can do with kids while staying in Las Vegas.  One of our favorite sites to search for activities is  Vegas.com

While Las Vegas may not be for everyone, we have always enjoyed our time there and have found some great values and deals every time we go!   Please note that we have no affiliation with any of the establishments that have been featured in our blog.  We just love sharing what we find to be great places!"Thank you, thank you very much!" ~ Elvis PresleyHave a great day!Sheri