Newbie Hits Vegas. Any tips?

[venetian]

Thanks....


I'm just so used to Atlantic City and their shitty comps. You'll do good to get a meal there (other than the noodle bar) unless you're playing long, and for more than the average player

I can relate to the 8 hour sessions though...lol...have had some 16 hour ones myself

My longest session was 17 hours and I guess I have to confess that when I go to Vegas 90% of the time I am playing. There is nothing better than enjoying an adult beverage, smoking my brains out and playing video poker. I have been so many times that I rarley leave the casino any more. I especially love playing between 2am and 6am. It's quiet, there is no fighting for your favorite machine...but usually the cocktail waitress is hard to find. Oh yeah...take a coat and sweater the casinos are ICE cold! 115 outside and 50 degrees inside.

 

[winbig]

Oh yeah...take a coat and sweater the casinos are ICE cold! 115 outside and 50 degrees inside.

lol, that's for sure in any casino that I've noticed. Seems they like to do that, and pump extra O2 in to keep people awake.

I think I've been to AC about 100 times over the years, but yet have NEVER been on the boardwalk there, even though I hear it's quite nice

 

[venetian]

lol, that's for sure in any casino that I've noticed. Seems they like to do that, and pump extra O2 in to keep people awake.

I think I've been to AC about 100 times over the years, but yet have NEVER been on the boardwalk there, even though I hear it's quite nice

You're my kind of guy! But the 02 is a myth.

 

[gfkostas]

I think I've been to AC about 100 times over the years, but yet have NEVER been on the boardwalk there, even though I hear it's quite nice

Sounds like me

 

[dominique]

Each Vegas Hotel/Casino is like a world unto itself, and I like staying at different ones all the time.

Some are more entertaining, some are more luxurious, I like strolling around and exploring.

The Wynn wins on comfort, but not on entertainment.

 

[winbig]

Each Vegas Hotel/Casino is like a world unto itself, and I like staying at different ones all the time.

Some are more entertaining, some are more luxurious, I like strolling around and exploring.

The Wynn wins on comfort, but not on entertainment.

Do you know if the MGM Grand still has the "Star Trek Experience", or am I way behind in the times?

 

[Lunkhead]

Do you know if the MGM Grand still has the "Star Trek Experience", or am I way behind in the times?

It's the Las Vegas Hilton that has the Star Trek Experience, and yes, they still have it . . . right next to the monorail station for your convenience.

 

[winbig]

It's the Las Vegas Hilton that has the Star Trek Experience, and yes, they still have it . . . right next to the monorail station for your convenience.

Thanks....you just made up my mind to go to Vegas this fall

 

[Lunkhead]

I was thinking about this thread, and one thing jumped out at me. Vegas is so big, that everyone has a different experience there.

My cousin goes there to party and go clubbing. We're walking by a place I've walked by dozens of times, and she tells me that there's a really cool club nearby. Really?!?

Another friend of mine knows all the best local restaurants. It's a nice break from the casino restaurants and buffets.

And I know a guy that gets comped big at Venetian, Bellagio, and Wynn. The suites he gets are NICE. He knows a lot of tricks with getting pampered. Actually, the only trick is to gamble big.

I guess my specialty with Vegas is coupons, free rooms, and cheap, but decent, buffets. I play low stakes, but my winnings and coupon wins are way more than all my trip expenses. Makes Vegas a great mini vacation for me every month.

From what I can tell, Vegas is also a great place for:
Adult stuff -- Strip clubs, topless pools, etc.
Shows and entertainment -- Way too many from Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, to magicians like Penn and Teller, to performers like Barry Manilow and Celine Dion . . . not sure if she's still doing it, and musicals like Phantom and Mamma Mia
Fine dining -- It boggles my mind that some of best restaurants in this country can be found in the middle of the desert?

Whatever your experience, you have to tell us all about it. I think we're all going to live vicariously through you. Good luck.

 

[Simmo!]

LOL...well I only have 4 days to cram it all in. Its a reconnaisance trip Chose the Golden Nugget (4* at decent prices) downtown to stay at in the end.

OKAY - I need a decent restaurant anyone? I'm being treated

 

[GrandMaster]

OKAY - I need a decent restaurant anyone? I'm being treated

There is no shortage of decent restaurants in LV. If money is no object, I recommed the steakhouse in one of the fancier Strip hotels.

 

[gfkostas]

Have in mind the people that park your car outside the casinos. These are guys that can get you anything you want

 

[ballysdb]

[QUOTEI think I've been to AC about 100 times over the years, but yet have NEVER been on the boardwalk there, even though I hear it's quite nice [/QUOTE]

I have been going to A/C since I was 18 starting in 1982. I always plan my trip with thoughts of walking the boardwalk etc. Yet, the last thing I want to do when I am there is go outside! I only discovered the wonderful spa at Ballys in 1997. Yes, it is funny, but I get so mad at myself when I don't go out of the casino and enjoy the other things A/C has to offer.

 

[jetset]

"Whatever your experience, you have to tell us all about it. I think we're all going to live vicariously through you. Good luck." Great idea, Lunkhead!

My fave is the Venetian, where we first stayed right after 9/11 when the planes were half full and the hotels were battling. We had a luxurious suite way up high with great views, and the restaurants, casino and reception areas of the hotel are beautifully crafted - the place is like a Venetian palace.. We just keep going back there, although it's a helluva lot busier now!

The mall is something else and a must-see in Vegas imo - canals, gondoliers and upmarket shops - they really have captured the feel of Venice in the early evening - all under one massive roof.

When it comes to restaurants you really are spoiled for choice no matter what you fancy. One of the nicest we have used is just near the Paris complex, with a sidewalk cafe atmosphere where you can enjoy great food and watch the crowd pass by.

And don't forget the helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon - awe-inspiring!

 

[Simmo!]

My fave is the Venetian...The mall is something else and a must-see in Vegas imo - canals, gondoliers and upmarket shops...

I saw a documentary a few years back on the making of the Venetian - its definately on my list

And don't forget the helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon - awe-inspiring!

had my eye on that one but not sure I'll have time this trip...one for when I go back probably.

 

[Zoozie]

And don't forget the helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon - awe-inspiring!

I can also really recommend trekking up/down the canyon (takes 10+ hours).
Walking down to Phatom Range and taking a very relaxing and well deserved
dip in the Colorado River. Then you can feel on yourself how big Grand Canyon is.

But that depends if you can spare a whole day and be warned that is is not a walk in the park

And I garantie that all you are capable of doing the next day is pressing the *spin* button.

 

[winbig]

LV Hilton

Anyone ever stay here? Good? Great? Bad?

I just saw they have $80 rooms avail for Sun-Thurs stays....great deal!

 

[GrandMaster]

And don't forget the helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon - awe-inspiring!

Helicopters and plane make a lot of noise and destroy the peace and quiet of the Grand Canyon.

I can also really recommend trekking up/down the canyon (takes 10+ hours).
Walking down to Phatom Range and taking a very relaxing and well deserved
dip in the Colorado River. Then you can feel on yourself how big Grand Canyon is.

But that depends if you can spare a whole day and be warned that is is not a walk in the park

And I garantie that all you are capable of doing the next day is pressing the *spin* button.

I am very much with Zoozie here, the only way really to experience the Canyon is on foot, or on a mule if you are unable to walk.

If you only have four days, then it is better to spend the time in Vegas.

One more tip: use SPF 30 sunscreen even in September, if you go outside.

 

[Weedlayer]

Hello Simmo!,

You asked about restaurants, so here are a couple of gourmet restaurant ideas, based mostly on your downtown location:

• GN just opened a new Vic and Anthony's Steakhouse that looks really good.
• Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens is a gourmet restaurant with a good reputation. Good wine list, and each lady gets a rose.

You might want to be aware, the north tower rooms at the Golden Nugget are much closer to the casino than the south tower rooms.

Here are some of my favorite Las Vegas websites. All contain hotel and restaurant reviews and info:

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My top advice would be to enjoy the amenities and ambiance of Las Vegas first, and let the gambling be secondary. After all, you gamble (online) every day, don't you?

 

[Weedlayer]

Anyone ever stay here? Good? Great? Bad?

I just saw they have $80 rooms avail for Sun-Thurs stays....great deal!

The Las Vegas Hilton is my home away from home. Keep in mind, it's NOT the Wynn or Bellagio, but they are good. I like them because they have good gambling (full pay video poker), and they send me lots of marketing offers. The offers, like slot tournaments, concerts, and vouchers redeemable for cash, keep me coming back.

 

[Weedlayer]

...I am very much with Zoozie here, the only way really to experience the Canyon is on foot, or on a mule if you are unable to walk...

Or go whitewater rafting down the Colorado River like I did. It was one of the most awesome experiences of my life.

 

[Pepmintpatty]

It's all good Have a GREAT time!

 

[GrandMaster]

Or go whitewater rafting down the Colorado River like I did. It was one of the most awesome experiences of my life.

Sorry, I forgot that. Whitewater rafting down the Colorado is still on my to-do list

 

[Simmo!]

You might want to be aware, the north tower rooms at the Golden Nugget are much closer to the casino than the south tower rooms.

Is that a bad thing? Should I email ahead and ask for one or the other towers Weedlayer do you think?

 

[Weedlayer]

Is that a bad thing? Should I email ahead and ask for one or the other towers Weedlayer do you think?

I should have said the north tower is more convenient to the casino. It's a bit of a long walk back to the south tower elevators from the casino. Still not a huge deal at all though. I wouldn't email ahead, I'd just try asking for north tower at check-in.