We traveled to Las Vegas Nevada in December 2013 to attend a UFC event. We made a vow to stay at a different hotel each time we go to Vegas—and of course I always vow to try new restaurants! We flew Spirit airlines from Houston to Vegas (one way–$123 per person) and flew Southwest airlines from Vegas to Houston (one way–$135 per person).

This visit to Vegas we actually stayed in 2 different hotels. I follow lots of hotels on Facebook because they offer greats deals to their Facebook Followers every now and then. This is a case were I got a tremendous DEAL on Facebook for MGM Grand Hotel.

WHERE WE STAYED:

MGM Grand: deal on Facebook–1 night– $65.00 for a King Junior Executive Suite. We were on the highest floor with 180degree views. The room was very modern, luxurious bathroom, clean, great (expensive) mini bar. Check-in and check-out were easy. * I did the option of a “cash deposit”—which is a WAY better deal! You don’t have to put down as much money, and you get your money back right away when you check out (instead of waiting for 3-5 days for a credit card refund).

Our 4 other nights were spent at The Flamingo. I found a deal online for 4 nights for $495.—called the reservation line and booked it for even cheaper–4 nights for $395. *Call for best rates* The Flamingo is located in the center of the strip. Easy access to everything, walking distance to many casinos, easy access to the LV Monorail (which was great for winter time). Room was clean, updated, and the view was nice. Check-in was a tad long, but we were offered cheap upgrades (do it!), check-out was easy.

WHAT WE DID:

Atomic Testing Museum: Found a terrific deal on Groupon! This was fun, lots of reading, but very educational. There was a movie in the middle, which helped break-up the reading. We also toured the “Area 51” exhibit. It was a little dinky–but since it was included in the groupon–it was worth it. I would recommend this. 

Neon Sign Museum: Again, found a great deal on Groupon. This was a lot smaller than I imagined. But it was fun and worth the money, it is a guided tour, so don’t be late! 🙂

Joe Rogan: He did stand up at the theater inside The Mirage. Tickets were a bit pricey, but I LOVED all the opening acts. The opening acts were, to me, more enjoyable than Joe Rogan. Our seats were good, I really don’t think there is a bad seat in that theater. Drinks were extremely pricey! I might opt for a cheaper comedy show next time

UFC Event: We went to a fight inside MGM Grand Arena. Seating was great, beer/snacks were easily accessible, crowded getting out after the event. I would say there really is not a bad seat inside this arena.

Vegas!The Show: inside Planet Hollywood. This show was A-MAZING. I opted for the best seats because I found a coupon code that was for Row 3 discounted tickets. Tickets were about $90/per person. Well worth it! I felt like I was IN the show, the seats were so close! I couldn’t stop smiling because it was so great, and the performers kept making eye contact with the audience. It was a variety of everything–singing, dancing, tricks, etc. Would definitely recommend this show! (Search for coupon codes!)

Minus5 Ice Bar: inside Mandalay Bay. This is a very touristy experience, but I am glad we did it! We opted for the fur coat and hat upgrades simply because I wanted a cute picture. The drinks were good, the actual bar is small, but we still had fun and we bought the cute pictures. Total spent was $150.00: fur coats, hats, pictures, drinks. *See Pictures below* I would recommend this if you have the money to spend, if not, skip it.

WHERE WE ATE:

Japonais–inside The Mirage.  It is a wonderful sushi restaurant, not too expensive, but definitely a romantic-type dinner. The sushi was terrific, and our calamari appetizer was to die for! Sit in the front bar area if you like to people-watch. Make reservations.

Margaritaville–inside The Flamingo. A fun vibe, live music (cover band) was terrific. Drinks were a fabulous but a tad pricey. Food was delicious–Tex-Mex (a tad overpriced) but you’re paying for the name. A great place for a quick drink/snack. No reservations needed.

Wolfgang Puck–inside MGM Grand. We ate here 3 times on our visit–and will go back! Lunch menu was great, I had the chicken salad sandwich and Kyle had the BLT. Amazing! Reasonably priced! Celeb-sightings. People-watch–opens into casino. No reservations needed for lunch.

The Earl of Sandwich–inside Planet Hollywood. We had a late dinner here after a show. I had read about this on TripAdvisor and it seemed really popular with good reviews. The sandwiches are served hot, which I haven’t eaten many hot sandwiches, but it was really good! Since it was the end of the day they were out of macaroni (which I had heard was amazing). I would recommend this for Lunch!

The Buffet at Excalibur–(Lunch) I was pleasantly surprised with the wide variety of this buffet. Food seemed fresh. Self-serve beverage station was excellent. This meal was free by using our MyVegas rewards. Would recommend this buffet.

The Buffet at MGM Grand–(Breakfast/Brunch) This buffet was not exciting at all considering its location. I didn’t eat much, but Kyle was not impressed. This meal was also free by using our MyVegas rewards. Would NOT recommend this buffet.

Yes–MyVegas rewards are fabulous! The games are addicting and who doesn’t love FREE!?!

Overall, this was a great trip to Vegas. Our GRAND total for 5 nights-6 days cost us roughly $2,400.00 not bad for a week long trip! Don’t forget to check out my TIPS for a better/cheaper trip!