Most shows may indeed be top-
notch, but when was the last time you saw a bunch of guys pile into Cirque du Soleil or Danny Gans? Exactly. Save the shows for after the wedding.
However, concerts and sporting events are a big part of the Vegas experience. Between the beach stage, the 12,000-seat arena and the House of Blues (702-474-4000), Mandalay Bay is the first place to look for top touring musical acts. And it's never a bad idea to rock out with whatever band is playing at the Joint at the Hard Rock (702-474-4000). Even if you've never heard of the act, the Hard Rock has its name for a reason.
Guys' guide tip: If you can't score tickets to a big boxing or Ultimate Fighting event, go to the weigh-in on Friday. It's free and quick, and you'll still feel like you were part of the fight.
Mark La Monica writes for Newsday.
ONLINE See a photo gallery of Las Vegas hot spots at baltimoresun.com / vegas
For women only
While the guys are revving up at the gaming tables, the gals can be living it up via various deals that Las Vegas hotels have packaged for their relaxation and/or sport in spas and on the town. Here are some examples:
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa: The Bachelorettes Are Us package allows four friends to share a two-bedroom suite for a four-day holiday that starts with airport pickup. Features include welcoming gifts, a $400 dinner credit, a six-hour chauffeured shopping tour and a show, spa treatments, fitness class, pedicure, in-room dinner and movie, and more. Priced from $4,248. 877-869-8777; jwlasvegasresort.com.
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas: The Girlfriends' Getaway - offered through Dec. 27 - includes accommodations for two, some refreshments, a shopping trip at Saks Fifth Avenue with makeup consultation, discount card, other shopping privileges and a foot massage at the hotel spa. Nightly room rates (double occupancy) start at $620 Sunday-Thursday and $720 Friday or Saturday. 877-632-5000; fourseasons.com.
The Venetian: Pre-wedding pampering is the promise of the Bachelorette Party Package at this hotel on weekends. Prices start at $239 a person nightly. 866-403- 8046; thevenetian.com.
Bellagio: The Ladies Package is $310 a person, not including lodging, while prices vary for the Mother-Daughter and Girlfriends' packages. 888-987- 6667; bellagio.com.
[Newsday]
