Vacation Spots Ideas » Guide to Las Vegas

Excalibur Hotel and Casino Brings Magic to Life

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:50:02 +0000

If you are harboring thoughts of bringing the family for a Las Vegas vacation, then perhaps you should seriously consider a stay at Excalibur Hotel and Casino. This hotel will have you feeling as though you've stepped into the fairy tales of your childhood. From the moment you cross the threshold from the outside world to the charmed existence of life in the hotel you will find that you have truly been charmed and are leading a somewhat enchanted existence.

Not only is there the magnificent casino to enjoy, there is also the wonderful pool, links golf, the castle walk for your shopping pleasure, and the midway where you can play all kinds of fun and exciting arcade and carnival games. Perhaps one of the most memorable and impressive of offerings is the Tournament of Kings dinner show. This show is offered nightly at 6:00 and 8:30 and you will eat in the manner of those in medieval times, without utensils while watching the evil wizard Mordred as he invades the evening festivities. This show is quite enjoyable and relies heavily upon audience participation.

Dining in the hotel and casino can be quite the adventure without the assistance of horses and actors as there are several dining options including the Roundtable Buffet, The Steakhouse at Camelot, Regale Italian Eatery, Sherwood Forest Caf?, and how could we forget Sir Galahad's Pub and Prime Rib House?

If you're looking for the fairytale wedding of your dreams, then Excalibur has the package for you. You can even elect to rent medieval costumes in which to get married. There are many different packages available to fit various budgets and wedding needs. Wedding packages vary in price from around $400 plus $55 for the cost of the minister to around $1575 plus the cost of the minister. These are all rather basic packages and do not include extras such as costume rentals, extra poses for the wedding photos, or video and candle services.

Before your big day make sure you make liberal use of the spa services available at Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Of course this is a great idea even if you are just hoping to relax while on vacation. You remember relaxation right? That is what you did on occasion before you had children. You should definitely get the royal treatment that is available through the spa and enjoy every minute of your visit. Some of the spa services offered at Excalibur include: facials, wraps, Aveda facials, and various massages. There are add on services that can be purchased and packages available. This is a great way to spend an hour or three before your big day or any day.

Once you've finished getting pampered at the spa, step on over to Kristina's Salon and get primped. You can enjoy everything from manicures to full service hair styling services. Whether you are preparing for your big day and saying "I do!" or simply for a romantic evening on the strip this is a great place to begin.

Excalibur also offers full service catering and convention services. Whether you are hosting a wedding reception or a company convention we have the facilities as well as the expertise to keep everything operating seamlessly behind the scenes so that all eyes will be on the things that are important. Projections and profits for the corporate conventions and the bride and groom for wedding receptions.

Excalibur Hotel Casino can meet almost any lodging and accommodation needs for those staying and playing in Las Vegas, more than that we can provide a great 'fairy tale' atmosphere for your family vacation or just your big trip in general. If you haven't given proper consideration to the idea of staying here during your visit, I highly encourage that you do-especially if you have a little princess in your party that you are trying to impress.

Vacation Spots Related Posts

Treating Yourself Right in Las Vegas: Eateries

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:50:06 +0000

When visiting any major city or tourist attraction many of the times tourists are concerned with finding the best restaurants and eateries in the entire city. Just as the Tavern On the Green is the most famous upscale restaurant in New York City that is also located in Central Park, there are also upscale restaurants that are located in Las Vegas that attract some of the same people. If you are looking for places to eat in Las Vegas then one should look no further than the very hotels and resorts that they are able to stay in. For example, the Bellagio hotel has a whole menagerie of restaurants that seem to invoke a good feeling a pleasure and taste. This is just one of the hotels, though, but the point of it all is that one should treat him or herself right when touring all of Las Vegas. It certainly isn't necessary to eat at inexpensive restaurants throughout the city when the best of the best foods can be purchased at many different hotels throughout Las Vegas.

The Bellagio Menagerie

As mentioned, the Bellagio Hotel is the one hotel that literally has a menagerie of restaurants available to eat in. In addition, some of the world-class chefs not only learn to cook at these restaurants, but there are also very important people and tourists that eat here as well! Here are some of the more interesting restaurants throughout the Bellagio that are also well-known for the foods that are served:

Prime – This is the restaurant that one has to go to if they are looking for the ultimate steakhouse in all of Las Vegas. In fact, many people go to Las Vegas simply to experience the food of the Prime restaurant. However, the steak that can be experienced at Prime is also some of the most expensive. But what else can you expect at a world-class hotel?

Jasmine – Just as though Prime is the best steakhouse restaurant in all of Las Vegas and it is in the Bellagio Hotel, so too Jasmine is the best and ultimate restaurant to go to if you want a taste of the best Asian food in Las Vegas!

Sensi – Who would have that that Asian food and Italian would go together? Certainly the owners and creators of the Sensi restaurant thought that Asian and Italian blends would be what some people love and it turns out that this is one of the most popular restaurants to go to that is also located in the Bellagio Hotel on the Spa floor level.

Another restaurant that doesn't have anything to do with the Bellagio in Las Vegas is the place to eat at if you are looking for the best crab and seafood in Las Vegas. A restaurant called The Palm located in Caesar's mill is absolutely scrumptious when it comes to serving some of the most fresh and best crab throughout the world!

Certainly there are other places, too, that are known for the excellent cuisines that they serve in Las Vegas. A couple of the restaurant scenes that haven't been mentioned here include the Bouchon, Rosemary's as well as Shintaro. All of these places are known for the food they serve, and there is nothing better to do than treat yourself right when visiting Las Vegas and the many eateries available!

Vacation Spots Related Posts

Vegas Shows are Big Draw for Tourists

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:50:02 +0000

Other than gambling, one of the first things that many people think of when they think of Vegas are the many shows that are available to watch. Vegas rakes in a fortune each year off the shows that are offered each and every night. There are major headliners and limited appearances that make the shows the wonderful draws for tourists and locals alike to spend a night out on the town and the shows, dinner, and ultimately the casinos.

The goal in almost every effort put forth by the casino parent companies is to get more bodies in the casinos. The more warm bodies that are warming the seats the more money that is filling the coffers. The casinos like to bring in the money and they are willing to spend a little in order to make a lot. The acts that are highlights in this city are well established for the most part and enjoy their celebrity, their fame, and most often for the headliners, the fact that there is some sort of permanence to their existences and they are not required to travel and spend countless hours on the road away from their families and loved ones.

You will find the ultra famous rubbing elbows with those who are barely known and occasionally some impersonators. In Vegas and most of them are only too happy to be living the life they've chosen in this great city of lights. If you have the opportunity to check out one of the many shows in Vegas I believe you will find that these shows are amazingly well put together and quite entertaining. This isn't your small town little theatre or your community college stage. These shows are professionally done and in business to make money-and make money they do.

The shows bring in clients from all walks of life and financial backgrounds you will find the rich and famous sitting next to the middle class in the audience and all will be either laughing, crying, or cringing together. The shows are designed to elicit different responses from the audiences and to appeal to a wide cross section of the population.

If you are in the market for a Vegas show it is recommended that you book around the time or at the same time you book your hotel reservations in order to be sure you can get the tickets. Many of these shows sell out months in advance and for months at a time. The more popular the show the bigger price the tickets will demand and the bigger following the shows will have.

I also encourage you to take advantage of some of the free opportunities and events within the casinos where the shows you are planning to see occur in order to get an idea of the lay of the land before the time your show is scheduled to start. You should probably be early for the shows you wish to see and plan to stand in line a little while.

While shows are one of the biggest draws for people to visit Las Vegas and some people plan their entire trips just for the sake of catching one show, keep in mind that there are plenty more things to do in Vegas than simply watching a show or two. Take advantage of the many opportunities for entertainment that await you during your Vegas vacation.

Vacation Spots Related Posts

Casino Games

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 05:50:02 +0000

No matter what your skill level or monetary disposition, you can always find something you can play down in the casino. Las Vegas has everything from Penny Slots to $10,000 bets on the blackjack table.
Blackjack is an easy game to start playing. You get two cards to start and then, on your turn, can request more until you get to 21 or close to it. Then the dealer will play his hand. If he has less than you do, you win.
Roulette is another simple game to play. You can bet on a number, red or black, or if the number will be odd or even. If the ball lands on where you placed your chip, you win.
Slot machines can be fun, but you can lose your money fast playing these games. They have some with just one line to match up the icons. Some machines have up to five lines to match up for you to win. These also cost extra. If you place a quarter in a nickel slot, you can get five one line plays or one five line plays. It can get very confusing, but after you play a couple of times, you will get the hang of it.
Poker is another casino game that you will find interesting. Although don't just jump in and join. Be sure to read the minimum bet at these tables as well. You get two cards face down and go through a series of betting after getting up to five cards to build the best hand you can. They also have Video Poker which is you against the computer.
The best thing is free classes. If you see a game you want to play, but you are unsure how to get started, go to the front desk of the casino and find out when they hold classes. Most hotel casinos will give classes on all the games and how to play.

Vacation Spots Related Posts

Tips for Playing in the Casino

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:50:01 +0000

The first thing you should do when approaching a game or table is to see what the minimum and maximum bets are. Watch if you go to the same one several times, they change these limits Thursday through Sunday sometimes. Also, if the bet limits are too high, try the downtown casinos. They are routinely lower than the strip casinos.
Throw out the mindset that the dealer wants you to lose. He is a working guy just like you and it is just a job to him. Help him out by tipping him when you can. You will find he will be helpful in changing coin or explaining the game to you. They want you to win, after all, the more you win, the better the tip will be.
If you find yourself in need of chips, go to the table and place your money on the table surface. Never try to hand the dealer the money, they will not take it. It could be considered as a bribe. When you place it on the table, they will pick it up and ask you what you want.
Be careful of the free drinks offered in the casino. They will give you all you want for free. They want you to be intoxicated and drunk. They want you to keep playing and, hopefully, losing. They do have juices and soda for free as well.
If you are at the table playing a hot game and need to leave for a few minutes, just ask the dealer to ?cover your chips.? If you need to get some fresh air or take a quick trip to the bathroom, they will cover your chips with a cloth and watch them for you. This is quite helpful if you don't want to lose your spot at a table where you are having a good run. Don't abuse the privilege and don't be gone longer than half an hour.

Vacation Spots Related Posts

Fast Facts for coming into the US

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:50:02 +0000

Business hours usually run from 9AM to 5PM. On the weekends, Saturdays are usually the same, but Sundays are from 11AM to 6PM.
The drinking laws here are a little different from other countries. The drinking age here in the US is 21 years old. You may be required to show identification when buying alcohol.
Electric outlets are also different from other countries. The US uses 110 to 120 volt outlets, and Europe uses 220 to 240 volt outlets. You will need a 110 adapter to use your electrical appliances here in the US.
Consulates are all located in Washington DC. There are some consulates located in the major US cities. Washington is the home of the embassies for Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and Great Britain.
Petrol is simply known as gas here in the US. One gallon of gas is equal to 3.8 liters. The gas prices in the US rise and fall especially during holidays and summertime.
Emergency Services are reached by dialing 911 in any US city. If you have a health issue, you may want to check ahead and know where the hospitals are located in case you need medical help. Carry a list of medications and surgical dates as well as your General Doctor's name and phone number.
Time is in Pacific Standard Time in Nevada. This means Nevada is 3 hours behind New York and in most states in the US, Nevada does observe Daylight Savings Time.
Finding a public bathroom is near to impossible. You usually can go into a hotel and find one in the lobby. Restaurants and other food places may not let you use their bathroom unless you are a patron there. Simply buy a cup of coffee or soft drink.
The US observes many federal holidays and this may mean several government agencies are closed. Some of these holidays include Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, New Year's Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veteran's Day.

Vacation Spots Related Posts

Online Las Vegas Casinos Versus the Real Thing

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:50:02 +0000

There are many people who go to Las Vegas every year in an attempt to not only smart out the many slot machines and poker tables that there are in many of the Las Vegas hotels and casinos, but there are also some people who claim that they can have the real experience right in front of their very own computers. For these people, though, online Las Vegas casinos are just the same thrill as actually being in one of the Las Vegas world-famous casinos and hotels. However, there are some main differences between the real thing when it comes to experiencing Las Vegas while visiting the area and actually experiencing one of the many Las Vegas casinos on the World Wide Web

Las Vegas – The Real Thing

A lot of the reason that millions of people flock to the ultimate gambling and casino city of the world is because of the experience that one gets by actually stepping into the front lobby of one of the many hotels and casinos that Las Vegas has. Let's face it: there are plenty of young adults who travel to Las Vegas each year just for their 21st birthday. If the experience were the same by sitting at home in front of a computer then you can bet that a lot more people would be interested in that idea. However, when one is actually sitting inside a Las Vegas hotel, he or she is able to readily see all the sights that he or she has dreamed off, feel the whole experience by taking it all in, smell the smells of what it is to be inside a casino, as well as physically touch the poker tables and hear all the hustling and bustling of the Las Vegas experience. The whole five senses come alive when stepping into a Las Vegas casino, and this is perhaps what many people most love about their experience in this great city!

Online Las Vegas Casinos

On the flip side of the token, though, there are also individuals who claim that they can have the very real experience of all the things described above by playing and gambling in one of the many Las Vegas casino games that can be found online. However, this is also something totally different, and perhaps the reason that many people love this online experience so much is because it appeals to their greed as much as it does to their senses that they actually feel like they're in the Las Vegas casinos. However, one is very limited in the experiences that he or she is able to experience when playing online casinos. Not only are the experiences totally false, but there is a false sense of hope also!

All in all, when one thinks and dreams about spending their time in a Las Vegas casino there are many facets and angles to that dream that they usually want to experience. First of all, since the main difference between the real thing and the online Las Vegas casinos is that the online casinos appeal to a person's greed, it is safe to say that most people travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, in search of the true Las Vegas experience. Altogether, though, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide which experience is better.

Vacation Spots Related Posts

Las Vegas Honeymoons

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:50:02 +0000

There are many couples who go to Las Vegas in order to get married and tie the knot. On the other hand, there are just as many couples that don't necessarily tie the knot here, but still choose to experience the Las Vegas magic by keeping their honeymoon here. There are plenty of things to do, though, while on your honeymoon, however, the most important thing to consider about a Las Vegas honeymoon is the place that you'll be staying. Since your honeymoon will probably be defined by the hotel and experience that you have while visiting Las Vegas, it's important to have that honeymoon suite and experience-of-a-lifetime! Many people and couples say that they can truly experience the magic while staying in one of the romantic honeymoon getaways, and here are some of the opportunities to do just that when looking for a Las Vegas honeymoon experience:

The Paris Hotel

Everyone always says that Paris is the city for lovers, so what better what to spend your honeymoon than shacked up in a Las Vegas hotel that's designed to be just as the Eiffel Tower building in true Paris? Indeed, the Paris Hotel is literally a 50-story copycat replica of the Eiffel Tower in famous Paris, but it also has all of the romantic options that come with it. For couples who want to experience the full-on honeymoon there are plenty of all-inclusive romantic packages that include full room service for two, honeymoon breakfasts, champagnes, chocolates, as well as private access to a Jacuzzi and plenty more experiences that honeymoon couples desire for their night alone!

The MGM Grand Hotel

Even though there is no official room that is labeled just for honeymooners, there are a whole bunch of different options to choose from when staying at this Las Vegas hotel. For marriage honeymooning couples, though, a couple of the suites that they might enjoy are the Celebrity Spa suites, as well as The Signature suite of the MGM Grand. Both of these accommodations have a luxurious whirlpool spa for the couple to enjoy together, but they also include plenty of space within the suite to enjoy as well. There is just no match for the MGM Grand Hotel when it comes to choice and style, and honeymoon couples are going to be hard-pressed to find a hotel just exactly like this one!

These are not the only hotels that honeymoon couples have to choose from, though, when trying to decide on romantic packages and getaways. A couple of the other world-famous and world-class hotels that routinely have honeymoon couple check in include the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas as well as the Ritz-Carlton Las Vegas Hotel. Both of these stays have accommodations that are unbelievable and some of the packages that they offer for romance and a honeymoon getaway are fantastic as well!

Altogether, though, all of these packages throughout Las Vegas hotels are certain to make anyone feel in a romantic mood when settling down for the night in a comfortable Las Vegas style honeymoon suite. Along with suites, though, honeymoon couples are sure to enjoy the rest of the experiences that Las Vegas has to offer!

Vacation Spots Related Posts

Family Events in Las Vegas

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:50:02 +0000

If you're planning on taking a vacation in Las Vegas and taking the whole family with you then there are some important things around the city of Las Vegas that every family should experience. Chances are that going to Las Vegas is going to be just like any other family vacation, but there is certainly plenty to do in the city that is known as having the reputation in America as the "Entertainment Capital of the World." Nevertheless, though, you may be surprised to find out just how many families are perplexed and confused about the thought of experiencing Las Vegas as a family. If you plan to take your family to Las Vegas, though, here is some good family fun to think about:

Visiting the Zoo

What better fun is there to have than a nice day and walk in the park? Even though it seems as if the Las Vegas Southern Nevada Zoo may be the tamest of all things in Las Vegas to do, it is actually quite the opposite. Not only are families able to go here and have fun, but they are also able to experience the wild in its natural habitat. Whether you're an adult or a child, though, there is plenty of fun to be had in experiencing the large exotic reptiles, the tigers, the lions, flamingos, as well as talking parrots, wallabies, and plenty of other creatures that are just waiting in the Las Vegas Zoo for you. Planning a Day at the Las Vegas Southern Nevada Zoo may be just the activity the family needs to get everyone warmed up for the rest of the excitement in Las Vegas.

Riding a Roller Coaster

Chances are that you've never experienced anything quite like this, but how about going to a hotel where you are able to experience all the fun of an amusement park. Many families who visit Las Vegas tend to visit and stay at The Stratosphere hotel where they can be assured that they'll be able to have experiences of a lifetime. First, the ride called Insanity will have you jumping from your skin in no time. Insanity will actually thrust you out into the open Las Vegas strip where you'll be able to see everything from a clear view of over 900-feet high. Even though it's basically a mechanical arm that will give you the ride of your life, it is definitely an experience to try. If you're not up for Insanity, though, the Big Shot and X-Scream are always available. These are two other of the most famous rides in The Stratosphere and they'll also provide you the same excitement as Insanity!

Gondola Experiences

What's the point of staying and taking a vacation in Las Vegas if you're not going to experience any of the true "cultures" that Las Vegas has living among them? Just like a true Venice, Italy experience, gondolas are available to take your family on a ride under bridges and through the river. This is definitely an experience that the family should have.

All in all, though, Las Vegas is not without all the great attractions that many cities throughout the United States have. Great family entertainment is available for everyone and it just takes a little research to be able to find the perfect activity everyone can enjoy while in Las Vegas!

Vacation Spots Related Posts

The South Strip of Las Vegas

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:50:01 +0000

The South Strip could be considered the expensive end. Most of the hotels on this end are resorts and are more elaborate than the hotels at the other end of the strip or on Fremont Street. These are hotels with huge towers and everything from shopping to spas to convention centers. Let's take a look at the sights on the south end of the strip.
The first hotel you will see when going north on the strip is the Four Seasons hotel. These people do everything in a big way from the entrance way to the cotton sheets on the beds. There is also no clanging or ringing of a casino to overload your senses as you walk through the door.
For casino sounds that are quite abundant, follow the signs and go through the side door of the Four Seasons and you walk right into the Mandelay Bay's casino and gaming tables. If you walk a little further into the lobby, you will see a huge aquarium that advertises for the hotel's Shark Reef Experience. If you have an hour or two, go and see the wildlife ranging from crocodiles, pirahna, sharks, jellyfish, and even some baby rays you can touch.
The next hotel you come to will be the Luxor. You can't miss this one with the big pyramid and Sphinx sitting in front of it. This hotel is decorated with Egyptian tones and has a unique lobby inside. The rooms go up the outside of the pyramid and the elevator which is called and INCLINATOR actually travels at a slant up the floors.
The Excalibur Hotel is out of King Arthur days. It is a huge fairy tale castle complete with dragons and pageantry on the inside. Make sure to eat the Tournament of Kings medieval style buffet complete with a jousting attraction.