What is the real scoop on NYE??

[crisndeefromde]

We come for the CES each January and this year decided to do the oh what the heck and are coming in early for the NYE celebration. Airfare wasn't a problem but the room was tough. Got into the Barbary starting the 30th for three nights and then we are moving across the way to our Jockey Club for the rest of the stay. What is the real deal on when the streets close off and what happens at the hotels? Are they closed off for certain times for guests of that hotel only? If you are out in the street away from your hotel and the bathroom time hits....are you sol? or what??? We have read so many different stories and no two give anything close to each other so we would appreciate hearing from you all whom have experienced NYE here. This past year we came in on NY day and saw the barriers still up. Thanks again for the great advice.

[GREGRIO]

I think it's a ZOO and would never do it again, others think it's the
party of a lifetime...you'll come away with your own thoughts I'm sure.
All the properties will have parties you can buy in to...it's just too early
to have any info on them.
No idea what time they close the Strip to cars...
In years past, there's been LIVE TV shows happening up and down the
Strip...VENETIAN one year for example, outside in front...COUNT DOWN!
If ya need a bathroom...find a hotel, I don't remember ever seeing any
portable ones along the sidewalks.
It's been years ago for me, and I'd rather watch it on TV.

[rje]

I first went to Vegas for New Years about 6 years ago and loved it.... I am booked to go this year again. Staying at the Imperial Palace and flying out of Chicago on Southwest.

When I was in Vegas last on NYE, I did not think it not as crowded as I thought it would be... the only time it got really crazy was on NYE night when they closed down the strip and it was flodded with thousands of people. That year we rang in the new year at the Luxor watching the Blue Man Group. We were staying at Treasure Island and made the mistake of walking down the strip to get back to the hotel. The street was packed at wet... with puddles everywhere. Mind you this is the desert and it had not rained....

My suggestion would be... and one I am going to follow myself this year... is to party at your hotel, or close by. You also need to keep in mind many strip properties close their doors and only let you in with a room key.

[sdorton]

We were in Vegas last NYE. The streets closed down to traffic at about 5:00. We were staying at Harrahs and went across to the Mirage for dinner and to see Danny Gans, the early show. When we got out at 10:00 the strip was packed and we managed to get across the street to Harrahs. You must have your room key to get into the hotel you are staying and show it to security or you can't get in. We went back to the room, had drinks and snacks we had bought earlier in the day and watched the firewords from our tiny balcony. It was perfect for us. Good luck and have fun.

[sdorton]

firewords are very similar to fireworks, sorry for the spelling!