Stay in Vegas

Question

Hello I am planning a 3 day trip to Vegas with my sister and our 2 kids, 9 and 17. We are tempted by the Bellagio, maybe Aria but Vdara is non-smoking, which is good since I am allergic and prone to asthma. Will the smoke be so bad in Bellagio that we should avoid staying there? Also some reviews for Bellagio and Aria are discouraging so not sure where to book for our short stay. We will take the kids to BMG, one CDS show(not sure which) for two evenings, the Fremont Street, V the ultimate variety show. One evening, the adults will pop in a casino or two for a bit of fun. We will not be driving a car. We will use the bus if need be.

I need help in choosing our stay and the one casino we should definitely not miss. I looked for a limo from the airport, the various sites say there are more charges not mentioned in the rates displayed. Any clue on how much that would be?

Thanks in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you’re planning an exciting trip to Vegas with your sister and kids! I’ll break down some key considerations based on your needs and preferences to help you make an informed decision about where to stay and what to expect during your visit.

1. Choosing the Right Hotel: Bellagio, Aria, or Vdara?

Given that you're traveling with kids and you're concerned about smoke, let's look at the options:

Bellagio: The Bellagio is a classic Vegas resort with stunning fountains and plenty of entertainment options. However, it is a large casino resort, and while there are designated non-smoking areas, the casino itself and common areas can have lingering smoke. If you have asthma or a sensitivity to smoke, this might not be the best choice for your stay, particularly as the hotel is quite large and smoke can spread to other areas. Some visitors have reported that the smoke in the casino can be overpowering, especially if you're near the gaming tables.
Aria: Aria is another luxurious option in the CityCenter complex and offers a more modern feel with spacious rooms. It is known to have a better air filtration system compared to other resorts, which could make a difference if you’re worried about smoke. However, like Bellagio, the casino area can still have some exposure to smoke. Aria is a bit less smoky than Bellagio overall, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
Vdara: If non-smoking is a priority for you, Vdara is an excellent option. It’s part of the CityCenter complex and is a completely non-smoking hotel, which means no smoke in the rooms or common areas. Since you mentioned being allergic and prone to asthma, Vdara would be a safe bet for your family. It's also a great family-friendly hotel and is quieter compared to the other larger resorts, offering a more relaxed experience. It’s not a casino hotel, but it’s just a short walk from Aria and Bellagio if you want to visit the casinos.

2. Shows and Activities for Your Family

It sounds like you have some great plans for shows and attractions. Here are a few thoughts based on your itinerary:

BMG: The Blue Man Group show is always a fun and family-friendly experience. It's colorful, engaging, and interactive, so your kids will likely love it.
Cirque du Soleil (CDS) Show: If you’re choosing between Cirque du Soleil shows, "O" at the Bellagio is one of the most popular and stunning shows, especially with its water-based acrobatics. If you prefer something more acrobatic and high-energy, "KA" at MGM Grand is a great choice. For a family-friendly option, "Mystère" at Treasure Island is a bit lighter in tone and still offers an incredible experience.
Fremont Street: Fremont Street is definitely a must-visit, especially for the light shows and unique atmosphere. It’s not far from the downtown area, and you can easily take a bus or a short Uber ride there.
V - The Ultimate Variety Show: This is a fun show that combines comedy, magic, and a variety of performances. It’s a great option if you're looking for something lighthearted and entertaining for both kids and adults.

3. One Casino You Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re looking for a memorable casino experience, here are a couple of suggestions:

The Venetian: For a family-friendly atmosphere with a unique Venetian theme, The Venetian is a great choice. It has gondola rides, luxury shopping, and world-class dining in addition to its casino. The whole resort feels like you’re in Venice, which adds a fun experience for your group.
Caesars Palace: For classic Vegas vibes, you can’t miss Caesars Palace. It’s a historic Vegas icon, and even if you don’t gamble much, the grandeur of the casino and its Roman theme is impressive. Plus, it’s centrally located and close to other attractions.

4. Transportation and Limo Costs

Regarding transportation from the airport, a limo can be a nice luxury, but you're correct that many sites will include extra fees. The base rate for a limo from McCarran Airport (MIA) is typically around $50–$70, but you'll also need to consider additional costs like gratuity (typically 20–25%) and any fees for waiting times, especially during busy hours. Some companies may also add a "fuel surcharge" or additional fees, so the total could easily reach $100 or more. Alternatively, you might want to consider taking a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, which is often more economical (usually around $20–$30 from the airport to the Strip).

5. Summary of Recommendations:

If you want to avoid smoke and prioritize a non-smoking environment, Vdara is a great option for your family.
If you're okay with some exposure to smoke and prefer a larger, more luxurious resort, Aria is a solid choice with modern amenities and close proximity to top attractions.
Bellagio is iconic but can be smoky in areas, so if that’s a concern, you might want to reconsider.
For activities, Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, Fremont Street, and V – The Ultimate Variety Show are all excellent family-friendly options.
For a memorable casino experience, consider visiting The Venetian or Caesars Palace.

Enjoy your trip to Las Vegas – it sounds like it’s going to be a fun and exciting time for both the adults and kids!