February Birthday\Bachelor Party Trip
Started by Adrian on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012 10:48 am
Heading to Vegas from Detroit for 5 nights in February for my birthday and bachelor\bachelorette party for me and my fiancé. Staying at IP, as I mentioned in a previous post. It will be my 5th time in Vegas, so I think I've done\seen all of the major tourist type things. I was wondering what everyone else likes to do that aren't the standard and maybe I haven't thought of. Have a couple of things planned so far, let me know what you guys think, and if you have any better alternatives.
-First, thinking about getting drinks at either MIX or Mandarin Bar, for the views. Which one is better?
-Would like to get a nicer dinner for my birthday. Was considering Samba at Mirage, since I've never done the Brazilian steakhouse thing, and I've always wanted to. Thoughts?
-Also wanted to try Olives at Bellagio, as it seems to be a reasonably priced place with fountain views.
-Any other suggestions for nicer places in the $100-$200 per couple range would be appreciated.
-Wanted to get a nice buffet. I've been to Wicked Spoon, Flamingo's Buffet, and Stratosphere's, as well as some of the Station ones. This time was thinking Wynn, Bellagio, and Bacchanal at Caesars. What would you guys recommend?
-Thinking about checking out Valley of Fire. Did red rock last year, and enjoyed it. Is valley of fire worth checking out for half a day or so? We'll have a car.
-Wanted to check out Main Street Station Garden Court buffet. Is it worth it?
-Lastly, wanted to do a lounge\club. We're a group of about 10 in our mid to late 20's, about half guys\half girls. I'm not big into clubs, so I want a place where we can sit for a while and drink\listen to music without having to pay $50 to get in. We'll be there Wednesday through Monday, so probably one of the weekday nights would be cheaper/easier to find a seat. I tried ghost bar last time, and didn't care for it. Too crowded. Does something like this still exist? Or is it just the mega clubs like XS etc.,
Thanks for all of your advice… sorry for the long winded post.
Okie21 responded on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
-I'd go with Mandarin Bar over Mix, even though I have never been to Mix
-I'm going for my bachelor party in Dec, and I'm also considering Samba. If I go, I'll post my thoughts on here.
-As of right now, Caesars is the best buffet, but maybe bc its new and they're putting everything into it. By Feb, it may be trimmed back to be more comparable to the others you listed.
-MSS buffet is one of my parents' stop for breakfast every trip. Apparently its very reasonably priced and good quality for said price.
-I'd really recommend Hyde at Bellagio. Its a great lounge with fountain views and had good music when I was there. It does turn into a club on Friday and Sat nights I believe. You should look into it more. When I went on a Thursday, we walked right in at midnight and it was not too crowded inside but still had plenty of people for a good time.
MrSemps replied on Wednesday, 10th October 2012
On the Mix vs Mandarin question I think the view is better from Mix, you get the whole strip in the one view with the Luxor light front n center. It also has tables outside. As blackjacker said though, it depends on the vibe you're after. Mandarin is nice for a more refined quiet drink.
Drake responded on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
Valley of Fire is awesome. Be sure to drive all way up to White Domes on the road behind the vistor center. HIGHLY recommended, and yes it's a simple half-day trip.
thebig747 responded on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
Avoid Main Street Station buffet. In recent years, the price has dropped along with the quality. Last time we tried it, one of my buddies had to race to the bathroom mid-meal. That was dinner, maybe breakfast is safer, but hardly worth the trip downtown.
Adrian replied on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
I'll be downtown for dinner\drinks at least one night anyway. Any alternative suggestions for a decent but not super expensive($30ish per person) dinner?
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Looking forward to more ideas.
SalSagev replied on Thursday, 4th October 2012
Agree with big747 ... skip the Main Street buffet. You'd have a better meal downtown at Triple George, Hash House A-Go-Go (Plaza), Chart House (GN). Have fun!
blackjacker1979 responded on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
1. MIX and Mandarin both have fantastic views. The vibe sets your decision. Mandarin is extremely laid back, not clubbish at all, very much a lounge. MIX has both, so if you wanted to dance and party a bit harder, I'd go there.
2. Samba is nice, but if you're not set on Brazilian give SW, Prime, Craftsteak or StripSteak a try. All are phenomonal. Olives is ok, but the view is what gives the place the vibe. I'd suggest maybe grabbing drinks at Hyde in the afternoon for the view, then eating somewhere with a bit better menu.
3. For buffet, I'd go with Bacchanal, Wynn (always fantastic) or Studio B out at the M. Three best options at the moment.
4. No idea, but have heard great things about day trips like that.
5. MSS's buffet I've heard is good, but no personal experience.
6. Depends on what type of music you like. Mandarin is like that, but the music is of course canned in. Eyecandy at Mandalay usually has a DJ and is a mix of 90s/00s music with a dance floor and lounge areas, no cover.
sandyastrogl1de responded on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
Valley of Fire is worth the trip from anywhere, it is just that beautiful. Too bad you're going in February, late March is when the wildflowers are blooming and it really makes the colors seem that much more vivid.
donnymac66 responded on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
Mon Ami Gabi patio for a reasonable meal with great views
edrock responded on Wednesday, 3rd October 2012
I'm a big fan of the Main St buffet. Never had any issues there and have been there many times. A good downtown alternative is the Golden Nugget buffet. I aslo recommend Gold Diggers for a lounge / club at the Golden Nugget. Low key and fun.
red32 responded on Thursday, 4th October 2012
For the Buffet the Bellagio espcially the Sunday Brunch is my pick for best option.
Craftsteak is my choice for top end meal. The Lobster Bisque is the best soup I have ever had. Service is great
For a day trip touring the Grand canyon by helicopter is fun but a little exspensive($500 per person?)
I like the piano bar at the New York New York for a lounge
Minton responded on Thursday, 4th October 2012
most of your questions have been answered, but if you're looking for dinner and then a club the Voodoo Steak House/Lounge at Rio is a good option...it may be a little chilly (for locals, should be nice for you) on the patio, but you can eat at the steakhouse (around $100/couple) and then get into the club free and enjoy the view/music, the crowd at Voodoo tends to skew a little older (late 20s-early 40s)
Adrian responded on Tuesday, 9th October 2012
Thanks a ton to everyone who responded. I appreciate all of your inputs. Looks like I wasn't too far off with my choices.
-I'll be checking out both MIX and Mandarin bar, since both seem to be highly recommended
-I'll wait for Okie21's feedback on Samba, if you end up going.
-Skip Olives and try Mon Ami Gabi, SW, Prime, Craftsteak or StripSteak.
-Add Hyde and Eyecandy to my list of stops.
-Still undecided between Bacchanal, Wynn and Bellagio buffets, probably end up trying at least 2 of em... coin toss i guess.
-Definitely going to Valley of Fire, and while I'm off the strip, I'll check out Studio B @ M Resort.
-For club\lounge, as mentioned above, I'll check out Hyde, Eyecandy, and probably Voodoo Lounge.
Looks like I have a lot to do in 6 days... Thanks again to everyone for your ideas\input. I'll definitely write up a trip report when I get back.