Bussin' it to Vegas

[Motorboat Cruiser]

My dad calls me on Tuesday to tell me that he is going to be in Vegas all weekend. Thanks for the short notice, pop (yeah, he sometimes forgets to mention semi-important things until the last minute .) I haven't seen him in about 2 1/2 years so this is a big deal for both of us.

Its a little late to be getting a plane ticket (at a decent rate, at least) and while I could drive, I figure the gas is going to be about $150 and for that amount, perhaps I could do Amtrak. Then, I could at least use my laptop both ways and get some work done along the way. But alas, Amtrak uses Greyhound buses to get to and fro Vegas and I'm not a big fan of Greyhound. So, I do the next logical thing and go online.

And that's where I found what appears at least to be a pretty cool service called Luxbus. For $99 round trip, I get a "big and roomy" seat w/ footrest, free snacks and...drum roll, please...free beer and wine. They also show two movies along the way. It picks me up at the Anaheim Plaza hotel, w/ free parking, and drops me off at the Riviera, which is where my dad is staying. It really couldn't seem more perfect.

So, I posted this for two reasons. First, to let everyone know about this option. Buses leave daily from both locations, btw. Also, while it might not be the utmost in swank, I thought that maybe someone here had tried them before and could fill me in on whether it will be enjoyable or whether I will feel as if I am in hell for four and a half hours each way.

Anyone have any experience in this sort of thing?

[Alex]

The average age on that bus will be 73.

But if you're fine with that people I know who have done similar found it ok. Can't speak to the specific charter company.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Alex

The average age on that bus will be 73.

That doesn't really bother me. I'm going to be writing for most of the trip and all the better if my fellow passengers are sleeping. Unless, I don't know, do the elderly get rowdy on this sort of thing? Are they going to break into song or bingo?

By the way, here is a link.

[Capt Jack]

lets see. fight with traffic for umpteen hours to get there driving and arriving burnt out or take a bus, watch a couple flicks and goof on a lappy/snooze till you arrive and be ready for a good time

yeah, gotta go with the bus on this one. it might not be the swankiest ride on the road, but neither will it feel like a coffin when you arrive.

[AllyOops!]

Ooh!! that sounds like a blast, MBC! Experiences like that always produce the best & most memorable stories!

(Okay, my boyfriend just looked over my shoulder, saw what I wrote and thought I was referring to something sexual above. He knows his girlfriend well. )

Anyhoodle, It sounds like a fun option! My boyfriend & I just drove to Vegas two weekends ago (I'm terrified of flying). We had a blast driving & I paid for the gas (I'm very fortunate the company I work for picks up the tab). He even stopped at the outlet shops on the way so I could shop at Coach for pre-Vegas bags. Golly, I love this man!

However, we were drained and so sleepy on the way back. I think your idea to take a bus sounds awesome! No flying, no driving. Perfect!!

[innerSpaceman]

Heheh, I was just in Vegas for a lark two weekends ago. We drove, but didn't have any place to stay until we got there.

I don't know what this has to do with anything but going to Vegas on short notice. We decided four hours ahead of leaving.


But I agree - the bus sounds like a great option. Where's the Riviera?

[Alex]

Across the street from Circus Circus and one block towards downtown from the Wynn.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Yeah, the Riviera wouldn't be my choice of hotels but its a room and I'm not really there for any other reason other than to hang with dad. And who knows, maybe I'll have good luck there. (Dad likes video poker, so I assume we will spend some time playing together)

I have to say though - this trip is like the anti-swank Vegas trip. All it needs is a trip to the Circus Circus buffet and a hooker to really complete the theme.

[madmonkeygirl]

Good luck playing video poker. I won $100 on video poker at Saharah over Memorial Day Weekend when i was there for Tiger Jam. I only put in $1 into the machine too. That was when we had arrived and freshened up and went down to play before dinner. So needless to say i started the trip very lucky and my luck continued the next day. *rubs off some luck on you* btw i went with my mom and i loved hanging out with her.

[RStar]

I'd have to take a taxi as I prefer the other end of town. The Paris hotel is my fave, and a trip on the monoral to the Star Trek Experince!