LBT in Vegas FEB '08

[OH Juli 15]

Terri we thought we could do 20 rooms...that's 40 people, and some folks will be bringing SO's, like me. Terri do you have it in you to do the leg work for this?

There are other people who have offered to help.

Thanks,

[TerriDoodle 6]

Uh.... like what? LOL What all would you like me to do? Make contact with the group travel people at lasvegas.com? Get some info?

[OH Juli 15]

YES, I feel bad asking, but we are kind of at an empass.

If you don't mind...

We set Feb 1-3 as the weekend. But we could look at MLK weekend so some people could have an extra day to travel with out missing work. That's January 18-20.

We were looking at doing one or two shows, a trip to Hoover Dam and maybe some outlet shopping.

The planners were going to pick the show...Vegas Reveiw, Majic, Wayne Newton??? So many opinions could be considered.

The biggest issue is to have a service book the hotel, get tickes and handle money.

Does that help???

[TerriDoodle 6]

Yeah, I'll give them a call and see what all they offer. No problem.

2 shows, Hoover Dam and outlet shopping is a lot to do in one weekend! The outlet mall is no better than any other...it's actually kind of small. DH bought some pants there and that is all we bought. I'd suggest shopping at Caesar's or the Venetian instead. It doesn't require transportation if you're staying on the Strip. As for shows, the best are the Cirque de Soleil....O and Mystere. They put all others to shame. The tickets are pricey at $95 or so, but worth every single penny. Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian is also very, very good. Menopause the Musical used to be at the Hilton and I've heard it is absolutely hilarious-- even for the men. I would also suggest one organized event such as dinner or a cocktail reception at the hotel in a private banquet room...maybe on the first night? Gives everyone a chance to get to know one another.

These are just some thoughts for you all to consider. I am an exec. sec'y and have organized lots of travel, meetings and outings. I also have been to Vegas many times -- so that's why I feel 'qualified' in making some suggestions. That's all they are -- suggestions!!

I'll get in touch with lasvegas.com at lunchtime and will report back!

[Marissa424 1]

Cirque de Soleil!!!!!!!! I heard it was amazing!!!! and i agree with terri anyone can do whatever they want but shopping? ehhh... Can I do anything to help yall out?

[OH Juli 15]

Terri, thank you so much!

Pitch the shopping, I wasn't game but the TA pushed for it!

I love the idea of a cocktail/dinner thing the first night.

I actually like MLK weekend better too, for the paid day off on Monday.

The only Cirque de Soleil concern I have about seating. Are they in a real theater? When they came to my town, I saw them under the big top and they had these itty bitty wooden chairs. I wasn't itty bitty at the time and it was horrible. But if they are in a regular theater that shouldn't be an issue. In my opinion, $95 ticket is fine...

I've never been to Vegas, I'm just a "let's get it done" kind of person, so I took the lead. I will defer to your expertise and experience.

Go girl!

[TerriDoodle 6]

Oh yes, they have beautiful theatres!! O plays at the Bellagio, and Mystere plays at Treasure Island.

[Lori Ann 0]

I am all for everything you have suggested.....I love the suggestions coming from someone who has been there and done that.....thanks for all of the help TerryDoodle! OH Juli, I love your suggestion about moving it to January 18th, although I am fine with February also.......Keep in touch!

[TerriDoodle 6]

I spoke with Sherry in group sales at LasVegas.com. Her number is 866-270-2598

You can book group travel one of two ways: 1) individually with individual bookings online, or 2) with one payment coming from the sponsor group.

Individual - Each person is responsible for their own reservations and payments. If there are changes and/or cancellations, that individual must make their own arrangements and pay their own penalties, if any. Possibility exists that group can be split up this way if they run out of rooms (or seats, etc) since we would not be reserving as a block. Booking individually online is always the cheapest route.

Group/Block - Let's say Mary Smith is the coordinator for LBT. She would have to sign a contract with XYZ Hotel saying that we guarantee we will reserve X rooms for the weekend of Jan. 18th for 3 nights, departing Jan. 21st. We can reserve that block now, but would have to put down a non-refundable deposit (probably 50% of the estimate) by December 1st and provide a rooming list (names on the reservations) by December 15th. The block room rates are not necessarily cheaper. In actuality I was told that they are $30-40 higher because we have essentially taken them out of the market for that period.

The same theory applies to tours and shows. If we want to stay together as a group (like in the theater for example) then we'd need to book with one payment to the agent and she will get us a block of tickets all seated together. Obviously this would require that 'Mary Smith' would have to collect the money, then turn around and buy the block of seats with her credit card. 'Mary' would have to decide on the "cancellation policy" ...there will always be someone who has to cancel! Cancellations cost money! If you book individually you run the risk that some might not get to go with the group because it's a 1st come, 1st served thing.

I looked at 2 different weekends. MLK holiday (Jan 18-21) or President's Day holiday (Feb 15-17). Almost all Las Vegas hotels require you stay on the Friday night if you have a Sat. night reservation. So I looked at 3 night stays, departing on Monday. I also considered February as an alternative in case January was just too close to Xmas for some people! Weather may be a little nicer then, too. Prices are higher in February for that reason, as well as it marks the beginning of their heavy convention season.

Jan 18-21

Bally's 162/night

Flamingo 163

Monte Carlo 143

Harrah's 152

Treasure Island 166

Luxor 154 (at the far end of the strip!- need taxi or bus to get around)

Imperial Palace 123 (3 star hotel, but good location)

February 15-17

Bally's 193/night

Harrah's 190

Luxor 233

NY NY 236

Paris 232

Imperial Palace 146

Flamingo 224

I think hotel taxes add on another 15% or so.

Whatever hotel you choose, the reception would be the next step in planning. I would suggest calling the hotel and speak to the catering department to arrange a cocktail buffet in a private room. Since we're all such light eaters (!) it doesn't make sense to book a dinner. A heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet and cash bar make the most sense....giving everyone a chance to mingle. A deposit will have to be made for that event, but probably only a month in advance. I'm sure you could probably do something nice for $20-25/head.

Another alternative is to book a moderate or nice dinner in a private dining room of a restaurant. This could be pricey on the Strip of Las Vegas....also requires add'l transportation to get there. However, it's nice to get around to see the different hotels...but at the end of the day usually the last thing you want to do is MORE walking!!!

So, that's what I found out today!

Any questions?

[TerriDoodle 6]

I checked with orbitz.com to see if they could bundle airfare and hotel cheaper than doing it separately. Using the February dates above and Bally's hotel for 3 nights, using Orbitz saved me a measely $70. But, hey! $70 is $70!

So what I would suggest is this:

1) pick dates

2) pick a hotel

3) Get a rough headcount

4) call hotel catering to arrange for cocktail reception, review menu and get estimate on cost

5) Call lasvegas.com and get estimate for Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon tour (both of which will take most of the day FYI)

6) Get estimate on tickets for show of choice (I suggest Mystere)

7) send email out to LBT folks with all these details and obtain level of interest in tours & show. If there are enough people you may want to book as a group thru agent. Otherwise, book individually. Advise LBT that it's best to book thru Orbitz or Travelocity to save a bit of money if they offer our hotel of choice.

Other activities you could plan is lounging by the pool or going for craps or blackjack lessons. People who have seen Vegas may want to lounge and visit with LBT friends. Most Vegas pools are fabulous! Newbies to Vegas may want to take lessons at the casino...it's fun and the dealers are very helpful.

For shopping I highly recommend Caesar's Palace mall or the Venetian...but Caesar's is really better...it's HUGE...and so beautiful ...with all the designer stores. Visiting the other hotels is fun too, for newbies. They are all so magnificent. You can get a bus pass for like $15 and ride all day up and down the strip hopping off wherever you fancy.

[OH Juli 15]

Terri

Sounds great. I sent you an email. I'll follow up with the Vegas Planners and see what people want to do.

Juli

[kity 2]

Hey Vegas Bound Peeps~

I spoke w/ Juli tonight and want to be counted in for the trip. I only have to drive 4 hours to get to Vegas. Let me know what is decided. I'd need to confirm the date w/ Susanne to ensure she doesn't have drill weekend...if not, we can be there!

OOOO how fun!

[Desiree1970 0]

I'm so there!!!!!!!!!!!

[jcgrove29 0]

Count me in, let me know what the official date is and I will schedule time off.

JC

[OH Juli 15]

JC-

My Man! We're firming things up here and should be good with dates real soon.

Girls, he's single and fun!