LA vs Vegas when you've no mates

I want to spend a few days in either LA or Vegas, after a conference in San Fran, but I can't decide which one.

None of my friends are either free or in-the-money enough to come with me. So it's just little me on my lonesome.

I've been to Vegas several times with friends. Not seen it all, but a lot of it.


I've never been to LA.

Lots of people saying that they really dislike LA. Some love it. Seems like a love it or hate it place.

Which do I choose? Where's best if you're on your own? Where's most interesting?

I find myself wanting to choose LA for the adventure, but fear is making me think about Vegas because I know it and could be more comfortable there.

All thoughts welcome.

[preiffer]

LA - sh*thole, and even worse when you know nobody.

LV - you'll know LOTS of people, VERY quickly. (And if you STILL don't manage that, you CAN know lots of people, depending on how much cash you got...)

I tend to agree with P, however with LA it depends where you decide to base yourself - a lot of it can be dull and unfriendly, but if you were in Hollywood at the Mondrian, or by the beaches in Little Venice or Santa Monica that would be different, and for two days there's plenty to do to stop boredom.

One key difference I'd say is that in LV you definitely do not but in LA you do need a car.

[mitchja]

I'd say LV as well.

I was bored with LA after about 48 hours.

Regards

[HighFlyer]

Originally posted by mitchja
I was bored with LA after about 48 hours.

That long? I was on my way back to LAX in less than 24 [:)]

Another vote for LAS for the solo traveller here. [y]

Thanks,
Sarah

I agree, Las Vegas. I always find myself in conversation with someone at the bar or on gaming table.

[Pete]

Would that conference be MacWorld? If so, don't be surprised if there aren't a few V-Flyers there too... [;)]

[preiffer]

Or WWDC... [:w]

Originally posted by mcnaugha
I want to spend a few days in either LA or Vegas, after a conference in San Fran, but I can't decide which one.

Yes, Vegas for me. Been there a number of times on my own. Back in the days when I could almost be described as a commuter from London to Vegas, I knew quite a number of dealers and pit bosses, so even when they were working I could have a bit of fun. And even when you don't know them it can be a lot of fun on your own: after all, gambling in Vegas is a very social affair, far more so than in Europe. Harrah's Party Pit was always a favourite place to go when I had some time alone.

If you like time by yourself, there's always a drive around the desert scenery which I find strangely theraputic as a city dweller.

LA - never had a nice stay there yet. I'd much rather stay in the Bay area than go to LA.

Howard

Whilst I have only spent a week in Las Vegas, I have spent muchos time in LA and think it gets a bit of a bad press. I've spent many an afternoon down in Santa Monica talking to all and sundry...

A drive up the PCH is always a wonderful affair if you need to get out of the city also. However, once again, would rather spend time in SF

[Bazz]

We have been visiting LA at least once a year every year since 1984 and I can assure you there is plenty to do and see and some great eateries into the bargain. You do need to travel a bit, a car is essential. We mainly like Orange County and the the Beach Cities south of LA including Laguna Beach. Santa Monica is also well worth a visit and there are some great shopping centers/Malls, Fashion Island, South Coast Plaza and Brea Mall being three of our favs.

We have also been to Vegas many times and always enjoy it there but only for a few days, again you need to get out and about a bit away from the strip.

Which do I prefer, difficult, I love Vegas but I also love the coast and the Pacific coast around LA is breath taking. For a few days I would choose Vegas, for a longer break I would opt for LA.

Excellent feedback, thanks. Hmm... maybe I should try to do both in the one week then... or is that just insane???

In relation to this... my current return booking is an S class out of LAX. Will Virgin let me move to another S class out of LAS for the S fare difference and change fee or will they force me onto W class?

Really glad I didn't book two Zs otherwise I'd definitely be stuck on inbound date, time and departure point.

Originally posted by mcnaugha

In relation to this... my current return booking is an S class out of LAX. Will Virgin let me move to another S class out of LAS for the S fare difference and change fee or will they force me onto W class?

the answer depends upon the most restricted fare basis, and if you booked directly or through a travel agent. Agency bookings can sometimes be restricted to being unable to be re-routed. Call Premier and ask them to look at your booking (and the availability....)

You'll pay more for a S fare from LAS too ... my advice is choose one or the other ... alternatively for a complete change take a car and drive north of San Francisco ... or to some of the great national parks!

[Scrooge]

Not a bad idea...or do a couple of days in Vegas, hop on WN and spend a couple of days in LA ? the flight down should be less than the change fee and fare difference and you get to see both cities.

I've settled on Vegas. Booked into the Venetian thanks to the offers noted here. Booked SFO-LAS flight with VX, trying First Class.

Now I need to decide... do I try to re-route or would it be more cost effective to fly LAS-LAX? Annoyingly VX don't do that route. Who's best/safest to fly that route?

[Scrooge]

Southwest

Another vote for Southwest here, and avoid America West (US Airways) at all costs! (I'm my personal experience anyway)

[Bazz]

What Papadoc said!

Originally posted by mcnaugha
I've settled on Vegas. Booked into the Venetian thanks to the offers noted here. Booked SFO-LAS flight with VX, trying First Class.

Now I need to decide... do I try to re-route or would it be more cost effective to fly LAS-LAX? Annoyingly VX don't do that route. Who's best/safest to fly that route?

I've always found US Airways very good on this route (although others will disagree!) They've always also always checked our luggage in to LHR when connecting to VS8