Las Vegas - Input Needed :)

We just went to vegas last month. We stayed off of the strip and it was just as nice. There is free parking every where so you can just park and play all day. You don't need to stay on the strip to have fun. We stayed at the Boulder station hotel. It's not fancy but it's clean and with online deals you an get a really good price. with that said last year we did stay at the Luxor. Found a really good deal too. It was nice and fun. cool elevator that moves horizontally. I'd recommend the luxor .

I didn't like the Luxor - the elevators only go to certain floors, then you need to get off and go another set - if you are "high" enough.

I've stayed at the Planet Hollywood - loved it. We had a wonderful suite and we could watch the Bellagio fountains - it was REALLY NICE.
Luxor - again - didn't like it - the room was nice - but seriously complicated.
Bellagio - OH MY GOD!! that's all I can say
Excalibur - not bad - Thunder from Down Under is there....but I don't think hubby wants to go to that!!!:)

We did the Excalibur on the flight and hotel combo - but we are in DC so the price might have been different.

You can spend $42 and get 3 meals a day - oh I need to find out from my GF - she bought the "ticket" and there are like 12 casinos that participate - you get all three meals for $42...not including tips and it's good. As soon as I hear back from her - I will in box you or edit my answer.

There isn't a place (casino) that is closed on a Sunday...so not sure when that was. A lot of people leave on Sunday - so not as many tables will be open. I would advice Friday through Monday - as you get more time to walk about and see the different casinos, shows, etc.

Tony and Tina's Wedding is in Planet Hollywood- it's a dinner show and VERY interactive.

You can get tickets for 50% off Circ d'soule (spelling) shows as well - I'd have to check into that as well....

HAVE FUN!!!

We've stayed at Harrah's several times and it's always been very nice, and is very central. Luxor is nice, and I've won pretty big in their casino, but it's so far down the strip that to get anywhere will require a loooong walk. Anyway, I recommend Harrah's. Their steakhouse (The Range) is really quite good and affords good views of the Strip. Everyone has their opinion; my opinion is, if you're going to Las Vegas, stay on the Strip. We've stayed off-Strip before and it just wasn't the same experience at all. Can't give you any advice re: flights as I've only ever gone by car. Check southwest.com to see if they have any packages.

N.,

What is your financial situation like? The reason I ask is because unless you and your husband are very well off, I would not advise you to surprise him with something that will cost hundreds of dollars! My husband's 40th is also coming up and I thought about surprising him with a $500 casino party. I ended up asking him how he felt about it (since money doesn't grow on trees and I didn't want him to have a stroke if I surprised him w/ ths and he got pissed), and thank God I did b/c he said he had no desire for such a party and didn't want to spend $500. So, are you prepared for your husband to possibly get really pissd at you for spending a grand (or close to it) when you consider airfare, hotel, food, alcohol and shows? I feel like no one should spend so much money on their spouse without consulting with them first (unless they are rich). Just consider that before you spend a lot of money without telling him.

I just got back from Vegas last week. Agreed that staying on the strip is great. And again....all rooms are just average (money is spent on attractions and casinos).

A good place to gamble is Caesar's. And the newest MUST SEE hotel is the Cosmopolitan (it's so incredibly gorgeous!). All buffets are about $30 and we ate at the Cosmopolitan's. By far, it was the best food ever (good, gourmet choices).

Have fun!!!!

Just stay at any big hotel - they are all great - and get your best rate. You'll hardly be in the room.

I think it's an amazing idea. You know your husband so it's obviously something you know he'll like but might not ask for! My hubby would pass out if I did this for him (in an amazing way!) My parents stayed at the bellagio and i know they didn't spend a fortune. They were not in the room at all and they are pretty boring so go for the cheapest room you can find and have fun celebrating!! They recommended the cirque du soleil show. My mom is STILL raving about it.

My 2 cents... have you seen the movie 'The Hangover'? Yeah, don't do anything that was in the movie ;)

I've stayed at Luxor and it's ok. Not great but you get what you pay for. It's rather dark and gloomy but the rooms were fine. It'll focus your stay a bit on the south end of the Strip so that's a consideration. Taxi's are expensive so if you take one to see the new Wynn properties (which you need to see...), it adds $. You'll want to see City Center as well but that's midstrip. Treasure Island may have good deals. It's under new ownership so not part of MGM anymore which I think makes it harder to compete. As of maybe 3-4 years ago, it was a great deal for the money. Good location and nice rooms. Hard Rock is off strip but really suffering so you may get a deal there. M Resort is off strip but brand new, supposedly really nice and not all that far. Vdara at City Center tends to be less expensive than Aria and it's really nice - a suite w/ kitchen etc and it's in a great location as it's a very easy walk to Bellagio as well as Aria.

I can't imagine things aren't open on Sunday nights... Vegas is doing pretty well again.