Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps – unless, of course, you’re in a post-White Castle food coma. Join us for a 3-day whirlwind of glitter, glamour, and gambling in the heart of the Nevada desert!
Pre-Trip Gambling
Our voyage to Las Vegas was no ordinary trip; it was a celebration of our dear friend’s fabulous birthday. The last time we graced this city, it was for the union of these two beautiful souls at a Vegas wedding, a memory etched in time. While Vegas remains a quick getaway from the SF Bay Area, a dash of planning is now in order.
How to get to Las Vegas from the San Francisco Bay Area:
The journey from the San Francisco Bay Area to Las Vegas has its own set of dicey options. Southwest Airlines offered a direct flight (under 1.5 hours) from San Jose (SJC) – our Friday morning gamble. Because, let’s face it, risking Spirit Airlines is like playing roulette with your sanity.
We rolled the dice with an early 8:20 am flight, fully aware that Southwest’s punctuality is more of a suggestion than a rule. And wouldn’t you know it, our flight dance with delay worked like a charm. A cup of home-brewed coffee, a leisurely morning, and a successful negotiation with fate – compliments of Southwest. (Driving to Vegas, an 8-hour journey filled with the charm of open roads and questionable road trip snacks, was another card in our hand. But we opted to take to the skies.)
Where to stay on the Las Vegas Strip:
Unfortunately, our two first choices of hotel were fully booked. One of them was a Best Western on the Strip (that little gem right across the Mirage doesn’t have mandatory daily resort fees of $40.00+ and has pretty decent reviews). So, we booked Harrah’s, signing for the Ceasar Rewards cards beforehand, and applying whatever promotions were available on their site at the same time.
What happened to $25 rooms and free drinks in the casino? Seems Vegas has gotten a bit more expensive since our last stay, like $500.00+ a weekend night rate expensive, and that’s for a queen bed. The rooms still look the same as they were years ago when they were going for $25.00, basic furniture, no fridge, no coffee pot (about that later).
Day 1: Caesar’s Negotiation Skills and Cocktail Dreams
Your journey kicks off in true Las Vegas style, as you check into a Caesars’ property armed with the ultimate weapons: your Caesars Rewards. Negotiate those hotel rates like you’re bargaining for ancient treasures. If you don’t have enough Caesar Rewards, the early check-in can run you as high as $45.00 extra. With no Caesars Rewards available (or even with them), equip yourself with an understanding of Caesars’ Best Rate Guarantee. If the online rate after your booking is lower (ours was significantly lower), it’s time to release this Kraken.
The hotel desk might not adjust it on the spot but they’ll give you a secret telephone number to speak to a Client Relationship personnel who checks the current rates and applies all possible discounts. You can SCORE significant reductions in your hotel room but you must do it BEFORE checking in at the reception desk or self-serve kiosk. Otherwise, your booked rate is locked in. The reception desk was also kind enough to upgrade our room to a king-bed room, at no extra charge. Double-score!
As the afternoon sun paints the Strip in hues of gold, embark on a leisurely stroll. Picture this – you, surrounded by opulent shops, sipping on a cocktail, and discussing your strategic hotel triumphs. Marvel at the mirage that is The Mirage, enjoying a craft cocktail at the Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge with gourmet bar snacks. Their outside patio with fire pits is like your own private oasis, right under the neon signs of the Strip.
For dinner, explore the canals of the Venetian, exclaiming “Bellissima!” in your best DuoLingo Italian to the gondolier, walk under the fake skies of the recreated streets and bridges of Venice to a multitude of eateries.
Check the last remaining in the US SushiSamba (one of our all times favorites, first discovering their Miami location), Thomas Keller’s Bouchon (we yet make it to French Laundry in Napa), or Mercato della Pescheria, where we had a fabulous Italian dinner to celebrate our friend. Our boisterous group thoroughly enjoyed the food, the wine, and the conversations all evening.
As the night descends, take a ride on the High Roller at The LINQ. It’s like a Ferris wheel but taller, shinier, and with a view that’ll make you forget your fear of heights – or at least distract you with the dazzling lights below. Yes, you’re in Vegas, baby!
Day 2: Smuggled Coffee, Crime Lab, and Cowboy Steaks
Nothing says “Good morning, Vegas!” like a freshly brewed cup of coffee in your hotel room with a package of chocolate peppermint Milano cookies. The cookies were procured from a Walgreens just outside the hotel, with zigzagging checkout lines packed with tourists stocking up on bottled water, alcohol, non-perishable snacks, and other necessities to rough it out in the casino hotels.
To the utter delight of the TSA agent going through our things, Dan had smuggled in a 4-cup coffee maker in his backpack, with a bagful of instant Turkish coffee. At the San Jose airport, we grabbed a trip’s worth of sugars, creamers, and plastic spoons — courtesy of a couple of coffee shops (after buying two cups of coffee and leaving a generous tip, of course). So, as far as coffee was concerned, we were good to go!
Off the Strip We Go!
The day unfolds with an expedition to the vibrant Fremont Street Experience and a date with the Mob Museum. Take a taxi, unless you’ve mastered the art of teleportation. Vegas has a way of making things seem possible.
This was our first time on Fremont Street, the old part of Las Vegas before the Strip took over. It almost felt like Reno, with understated charm, old-timey casinos, something of a bygone era.
The Mob Museum
While the Mob Museum might have felt like a bit of highway robbery, at least you can say you left with your valuables intact. If you are into detective stories and the history of organized crime, you’ll find yourself immersed in the Kefauver Hearings in the Courtroom, admire Al Capone handgun, and solve the cause of death on a virtual corpse in the Crime Lab.
What’s for Dinner? Something Special!
Come evening, it’s time to answer the age-old question: “How do you like your steak cooked?” There are so many advertisements on the strip of celebrity chefs claiming their stakes on the Strip, throw a stone in any direction and it’ll land on one of the plate of any of their branded establishments, be it Bobby Flay, Giada, Guy Fiery, or Gordon Ramsey, just to name a few.
It is Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Harrah’s where your carnivorous dreams come true. After all, what happens in Vegas stays in your heart – and possibly your arteries after a Vegas steak dinner. The three-course decadent dinner was prepared to perfection, with a view overlooking the Strip.
Day 3: Hoover Dam Highs and Top-of-the-World Experiences
Start with a view from the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Casino – the moment where Vegas seamlessly blends with a touch of Parisian charm. Vive la Vegas!
If you’re up for a ghostly encounter, Zak Bagan’s Museum awaits – because who needs sleep in Vegas anyway? Drive a tank — Where else would you get a chance to commandeer a tank but Las Vegas? Rediscover your inner child at the OmegaMart Meow Wolf exploration — for when you want to shop for cereal and question reality simultaneously.
Check out The Sphere for a futuristic experience as if you accidentally wandered into a sci-fi movie. It’s like stepping into tomorrow, today! Your inner sci-fi geek will thank you.
Venture beyond the Strip for a day trip to the Hoover Dam. Witness a modern marvel that makes you question if you could build something as impressive with your LEGO bricks.
For a grand finale, consider a day trip to the Grand Canyon – nature’s way of showing off on an epic scale. Remember, what happens at the Grand Canyon doesn’t stay at the Grand Canyon; it becomes an unforgettable memory.
And of course, in true Vegas spirit, make time for a bit of gambling. After all, isn’t that why you came to Las Vegas in the first place?
Final Thoughts
No Vegas adventure is complete without a visit to the iconic White Castle. Because after all the upscale dining and panoramic views, sometimes you just need a slider that’s simpler than understanding your Caesars Rewards perks.
With memories in tow, laughter echoing, and perhaps a White Castle slider or two settling in your stomach, bid adieu to Las Vegas. Until next time, when the neon lights beckon and the dice roll in your favor.
For more weekend adventures from the San Francisco Bay area, check out our blog posts on Paso Robles and Solvang, Zion National Park, and more Vegas for a start, and more! We love hearing from you, so comment below and subscribe to our blog!
