First Vegas Trip - staying at the Stratosphere

Hi everyone! I%26#39;ve been reading a lot of the previous posts here, and the information is really helpful!

I%26#39;m going to be joining a girlfriend and her mom at the Strat this coming weekend (they%26#39;re going to be there a week, but I%26#39;ll only be there Fri-Sun night). I know the Strat is further up towards the north end of the strip. Should I take a shuttle or a cab from the airport, and how much should both options cost? Also, I%26#39;ve read on this forum that shuttles can be unreliable when returning to the airport, and that it%26#39;s better to take a cab when you leave, so I%26#39;d like to get an idea of how costly the cab vs. shuttle is.

My second question: what restaurant would you recommend for a nice dinner Saturday night in the $65-80pp (including a drink or two) range? I think ideally, we%26#39;d like to be down where the strip is busiest (not so far north as the Strat). I%26#39;m guessing that I should go ahead and make a reservation somewhere! Also, any recommendations for a good bar after dinner (my friend%26#39;s mom will probably go back to the hotel early)?

I am BEYOND excited!! We have tickets to see Love Friday night at the Mirage, and are then renting a car for a half-day trip up to the Valley of Fire Saturday morning. Can%26#39;t WAIT!!

Thanks in advance for your help! -MC

First Vegas Trip - staying at the Stratosphere

The cab ride will probably be in the $16-18 plus tip range. Since you are traveling alone, it may be cheaper to take the shuttle, but only by a couple of bucks. There are tons of places to eat in your price range. I always like the Steakhouse at Bill%26#39;s although I haven%26#39;t eaten there since it changed hands. Since you are staying at the Strat, I would suggest going to Polyesters bar after mom goes to bed. They have several different rooms, with differetn music in each one.

Hope I helped,

Mr.K

First Vegas Trip - staying at the Stratosphere

Check to see if the hotel can get you a deal for their Top of the World resturant, since you%26#39;re a guest. If not, just stop in the lounge for some drinks.

If you%26#39;re taking a cab, see if it can take you up the strip. it%26#39;s slower than heading up Paradise but at least you can get an eyeful of all the resorts.

Thank you for the suggestions!!! :)

Emeril%26#39;s at MGM would be a great choice for dinner and should be in your price range. Outstanding food and a nice atmosphere.

Since your going to Love at the Mirage on Friday night, you may want to walk by Samba%26#39;s (Brazilian Steakhouse) in the Mirage and see if you like it.

Also you%26#39;ll be a short ride to the Peppermill, good but not fancy food, but the Fireside Lounge (think that%26#39;s what it%26#39;s called) is a cool place for some drinks.

Good luck gambling at the Strat (that%26#39;s the ONLY place I had any luck). Try the .25 Wheel of fortune closest to the entrance and the Elvis slots!! Also, strat staff were cool, let us take pictures by the machines when we had a good hit (always good to ask 1st) %26amp; waitresses were fast with the drinks.