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Newbie Hits Vegas. Any tips?

Simmo you can request any location you want your room to be. Just like you ask for a king nonsmoking etc. You can even ask for a particular view. I agree to get something close to the casino. Those late night (early morning)treks up to the room are a killer anyway! Go to thier website and take a peek around to get familiar with the layout. Saves time and aggrevation.

Winbig, the only thing I don't like about the Hilton is the location. Not very accessable to the strip or downtown. They do treat you well but so do all the other big hotels. You can get great room rates this time of year so shop around.
 
Okay I have another question :D I'm staying downtown at the GN and I need to trip up to the North Strip (Stardust/Wynn). I hear the busses are good, but traffic is horrendous. Is it walkable? Or shall i get one of those bus passes?
 
Simmo, I found out after I had taken a local bus ride (frightful!!) that many casinos have their own bus just for their guests. Hard rock has one, Stratosphere, and of course there is the Harrahs/Rio shuttle. The casinos do not advertise their transportaions for some odd reason. The times I have ridden on these big beautiful buses there were only a few people on them. Call and ask GN if they have their own or if they are on someone eles route. They will have a schedual and they are very nice.
 
The Golden Nugget is great. I stayed there on my first visit to Las Vegas.

I like downtown, but on a first visit you'll probably spend a lot of time taking in the strip.

There used to be trolley buses going between the strip and downtown, but now they apparently just run along the strip. I don't know if any hotels have the service either. Boyd's has the Barbary Coast and Stardust on the strip and a few downtown properties, but I think their downtown shuttle goes out to Sam's Town (not on strip). Anyways a cab ride will cost about $10.


I never stayed at the Hilton because of the location, but with the monorail it is now a good option.
 
I read that Vegas has busses that go up and down the strip every 10 minutes but that the Strip gets very busy so it may be quicker to walk - lol.

I've got a meal booked on my first night at Paris.
 
tennis_balls said:
it's definately not walkable without an air-conditioned spacesuit made of bullet-proof kevlar (foot pads need to be syringe-proof as well)

!
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:lolup:
Protection from all those backpacks that push you off the sidewalks, purses that nail you in the knees and the oohing and aahhing lookie loo's who walk straight into you because they are busy looking up at the sights..
 
Vegas - hotels +

Hi Simmo!

Darlin' I should have read that you'd already picked the Golden Nugget but since I just typed all those hotel reviews I'm just going to leave them in. But, I'm going to add that at the Golden Nugget, there is a restaurant called Lillie Langtry's. Don't let the hokey name fool you.. first class restaurant with outstanding service. And do stroll down to the Golden Gate... major dive.. real hardcore gamblers..home of the 99 cent shrimp cocktail. Whatever you do.. do not venture near the Western. As previous poster said, if you value your lungs stay away from the Gold Spike. If you value your LIFE, stay away from the Western!!!!"

------ original post------------

The Monte Carlo and the Barbary Coast are my personal favorites with Bally's coming in 3rd. Don't seem "too big", rooms nice, not spectacular, dealers have been friendly when I've played at the tables. So, here's my personal reviews, for what their worth.

At the Monte Carlo the rooms are set up in a + with a central elevator in middle. If you happen to get a room at the end of one of the halls, it can be a long, long walk, especially if a little bleary eyed and under-the-influence, if you know what I mean. :o I also like the location in that you can get to MGM, NYNY, and others fairly easy. Does have a nice pool and some good restaurants--Dragon Noodle and Blackstones. Brew Pub is good for a sampler of beers and a bar food. Not a buffet person so can't tell you about theirs first-hand. Appears pretty simple. Good value for the price

Barbary Coast is much smaller but it has an atmosphere that is definitely reminiscent of SF in the 1890's. Drai's restaurant excellent! Their 24 hour restaurant suprisingly nice. No buffet. No pool. Last couple of rooms I had there had red and burgundy velvet curtains. I felt like I was in an expensive brothel...kind of cool ;) Great value for the price.

Bally's has more of an upper-middle class feel to it. Many amenities. Higher limits on tables during the weekend. Enclosed walkway to Paris. Easy to get to Bellagio & Aladdin.

Have stayed at Venetian, Bellagio, Harrah's (had someone try to get into my room there--yikes!), MGM Grand, Flamingo and Mirage. Would stay at the three above over those any time.

With best wishes for your trip!

Your totally biased LV hotel reviewer :D

dal
 
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Thanks Dalzilla - if not useful this time, maybe next and certainly for others :)

I picked the Nugget on price and on reviews at the invaluable
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, a resource everyone needs to be aware of if they aren't already ;)

One moe question to you guys: dress code? I'm sure the casinso are fine with jeans and shorts, but what about restaurants and hotel bars? Please tell me I don't need to take any more than jeans, shorts, t-shirts and pumps :D
 
Simmo! said:
One moe question to you guys: dress code? I'm sure the casinso are fine with jeans and shorts, but what about restaurants and hotel bars? Please tell me I don't need to take any more than jeans, shorts, t-shirts and pumps :D
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Dress code? It's Vegas baby :D

I can't think of a place I've been that didn't require shirt and shoes, but that's about it. If you can get into Denny's, you can get into any restaurant or club on the strip. Just make sure you carry your passport around in case you get carded :D
 
For a nice lunch try the top of the Stratosphere. You can ride up for free if you are going to the restaurant. The view is amazing and you can sit right near the edge. The dining area is on a turntable and does a full 360 degrees about every 45-60 minutes. Afterwards you can step outside and do one of the thrill rides and pose for the webcam.

The Eiffel Tower is also worth doing.

If you liked bonuses and were renting a vehicle I'd recommend you head over to Arizona Charlies for their hassle-free $100 free slot/vp play. I played video poker for hours. On the strip, the Sahara and Casino Royale have some decent offers and coupon books.
 
soflat said:
If you liked bonuses and were renting a vehicle I'd recommend you head over to Arizona Charlies for their hassle-free $100 free slot/vp play. I played video poker for hours. On the strip, the Sahara and Casino Royale have some decent offers and coupon books.
Click to expand...

hey....i've never been there but it looks like a decent promo.....casinocity shows that they have a free shuttle to the strip
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now you guys have me chomping at the bit for a road trip......as soon as i hit this random jackpot...........
 
Back with another question:

Can someone explain the player loyalty cards to me. I assume that when i first go into the casino, I get a players card and insert this in the machines and this builds up a record of my play right? So my questions:

1) Do you use it at the tables too and if so how?
2) Does the cash you win in machines accrue to the card or is it "pyshical $"?
3) Will one card serve all casinos or do you need a different card at each one you play?

Muchos gracias,

Simmo!
 
Simmo! said:
1) Do you use it at the tables too and if so how?
Click to expand...

Yes, you can hand your card to the dealer when you sit down and buyin at the table.

2) Does the cash you win in machines accrue to the card or is it "pyshical $"?
Click to expand...

Both. There is cashback and there are comps.

Cashback you can get the physical $ (just go up to the players club counter and ask what you've accumulated, if there is any cash they will be able to pay you or give you a voucher to take to the cashier).

Comps can be used for restaurants, the gift shop, room charges, etc. For example, you would generally just hand the gift shop cashier your card if you wanted to use your comps there.

When you sign up for the card, ask about the procedures and benefits because they vary from casino to casino.

3) Will one card serve all casinos or do you need a different card at each one you play?
Click to expand...

You will need a different card at each casino or at each company. For example a card for Wynn won't work anywhere else. But a Harrahs card will work at other Harrahs properties, and MGM Mirage properties also have a pooled club.
 
soflat said:
Both. There is cashback and there are comps.
Click to expand...

Thanks Soflat. What I meant by this one was if i play a slot and win $100, will it pay out ching-ching or can I get it credited to the card.

I've actually just found out that you can get a card at the Golden Nugget where it pays to the card so maybe I answered my own question :D
 
Simmo! said:
Thanks Soflat. What I meant by this one was if i play a slot and win $100, will it pay out ching-ching or can I get it credited to the card.

I've actually just found out that you can get a card at the Golden Nugget where it pays to the card so maybe I answered my own question :D
Click to expand...

If it's anything like atlantic city, you will more than likely get no cash, but a bar-coded slip of paper that you can either take to the cashier, or stick in any machine :)
 
The beat goes on...

I know they have "Thunderstruck" at the Wynn, but it would be a bit pointless going 4,000 miles to do what I can do at home :) So do they have other "free spins" slots in B&M's, and if so, any recommendations?
 
Just to clarify. Put $20 cash into the machine. Knowing you you'll win and cash out $200. All casinos now have the 'ticket in-ticket out'. No more coins. So then you can take your ticket to the cashier or just slip it into another machine. If you want to cash it out and the cashier is closed or too far, they now have these automated redemption centers. Ticket in...cash out! Very handy. When you go into a casino ask if/where they are and keep that in mind. I think the tickets are harder on most money management systems. Well, they are harder on me.
 
Simmo! said:
The beat goes on...

I know they have "Thunderstruck" at the Wynn, but it would be a bit pointless going 4,000 miles to do what I can do at home :) So do they have other "free spins" slots in B&M's, and if so, any recommendations?
Click to expand...

I saw a Cleopatra's gold slot in AC once...there wasn't much difference other than that it was 9 lines instead of 20.

And yes, there's plenty of bonus video slots to play, don't worry ;)
 
venetian said:
Just to clarify. Put $20 cash into the machine. Knowing you you'll win and cash out $200. All casinos now have the 'ticket in-ticket out'. No more coins. So then you can take your ticket to the cashier or just slip it into another machine. If you want to cash it out and the cashier is closed or too far, they now have these automated redemption centers. Ticket in...cash out! Very handy. When you go into a casino ask if/where they are and keep that in mind. I think the tickets are harder on most money management systems. Well, they are harder on me.
Click to expand...

Class :thumbsup:
 
Simmo! said:
Okay I have another question :D I'm staying downtown at the GN and I need to trip up to the North Strip (Stardust/Wynn). I hear the busses are good, but traffic is horrendous. Is it walkable? Or shall i get one of those bus passes?
Click to expand...
The distance is about 3 miles. I walked from the Strip to downtown or the other way around a few times. The area south of downtown is seedy, I would not want to walk through it at night, but it did not feel unsafe during the day, and it certainly looked safer than the area around El Cortez and the Western. Since you haven't got much time, I would recommend that you take the bus or a taxi.

P.S. Think of the TITO system as reversing your withdrawals. :)
 
vegas

Hey, Simmo....
Someone mentioned this...get the player cards...and that is good advice. My hubby and I always go to Cherokee NC harrahs...we get free rooms every month since we play and use our cards..we get them.
I am going to Vegas too....See ya there...and since I have Harrah's players card, I get Discounts on my room there...one night is only $40, and another is free. the weekend rates are higher but still the total for 5 nights is cheaper than the conference discounts at the Stardust!!

I didnt' know they have Thunderstruck at land casinos!! Will have to find those! I know one of my fav's is Cleopatra love that one! I do know that Stardust had a section in there casino full of "new slots" that is where I found the VP that CasinoMeister loves so much...and they did seem to hit rather well!

Well...there is MHO, lol...not like I am a pro .... last year was my first time there...lol....and the one mistake I made...I DIDN'T STAY LONG ENOUGH!
I came in night before CAC...and left morning after! Not this yr...I am staying till Monday!!!
 
So with an amount like $3500, that should suffice for a 1 week trip ?

And Venetian, just by playing 4-8 hrs/day, they comp you with rooms...etc.. ?

Sounds like there should be a catch ?!
 
Hmm...I'll do my regular cashout-as-i-go routine I think
Click to expand...
I have my cashout-as-I-go following me all the while I was at Borgata's in Atlantic City :lolup: (my hubby).
So with an amount like $3500, that should suffice for a 1 week trip ?
And Venetian, just by playing 4-8 hrs/day, they comp you with rooms...etc..?
Sounds like there should be a catch ?!
Click to expand...
Good grief, I go with only a few hundred dollars for four (4) day stay and manage to get comped the entire time, so that is more than enough, IMO.
 
silcnlayc said:
I have my cashout-as-I-go following me all the while I was at Borgata's in Atlantic City :lolup: (my hubby).
Good grief, I go with only a few hundred dollars for four (4) day stay and manage to get comped the entire time, so that is more than enough, IMO.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply.
So how exactly do ya get all these wonderful sounding "comps" such as food, rooms, rides, etc ?
 
Vegas is popular?

Simmo,
I too am going to Vegas on Friday, seems so is the rest of Casinomeister!

Mine is a treat from Casino Action, so no worry about hotels this time. I can concentrate on looking round. The UK may look like Vegas in a few years anyway, so it could be good practice:D

It is too far for me to be a regular player there, as the airfares are steep if I am paying. If I like it though, I may be tempted to go back for a longer visit which would make the costs more worthwhile.

There is also a "bonus free spin" video slot at Rownhams motorway services (Westbound). It's not a TRUE random bonus though, rather a representation, and takes the form of 10 free spins with a maximum possible outcome of 500 over the 10 spins. True random video slots will have to wait till 2007 and will probably be limited to the new casinos.
 
If you guys are going to Las Vegas this week, my last bit of advice is to try to get on the internet and give us all updates on your trip while you're there.

Boy am I jealous, I have to wait until November to get back out to Nevada.

Good luck!
 
Flizzin said:
So with an amount like $3500, that should suffice for a 1 week trip ?

And Venetian, just by playing 4-8 hrs/day, they comp you with rooms...etc.. ?

Sounds like there should be a catch ?!
Click to expand...

No catch. Of course it all depends on how much you put through the machines. Like I said I play 1.25 VP, sometimes I play the multi-line 3 or 5 hands if I'm up. I have NEVER paid for a room at the Venetian. On weekends the rooms go for $3-500 a night. They send me coupons for cash, and $$ at restaurants and those offers come with slot tournaments or some special event invitation. The key is a host and a players card. It's just a rule of thumb that they want an average of 4 hours of play a day. For us low rollers 6 hours is probably plenty. But who could ONLY play 6 hours???
 
So how exactly do ya get all these wonderful sounding "comps" such as food, rooms, rides, etc ?
Click to expand...
First , get your card for EVERY casino you visit. Even if you haven't checked in, throw a few dollars into the slots when you ARRIVE. Then, find one that hits a lot of small hits to keep you playing for a while on your initial deposit (about $20-40) and play until your up or lose it. Then check in if you haven't already. (I do this every time I visit a casino, for it shows I am there to gamble not stay in the room (even if its only a small amount).

The best part of all is when you hit a few nice ones...make sure your conscious is hanging out with you (hubby,wife,partner) :D so you cashout until you can lose them for a while :lolup: I usually play about 4-6 hours a day and when I get low on funds, I play 1 or 2 coins (casinos DO NOT CARE HOW much you play but how LONG)
 
tennis_balls said:
venetian: i assume you have a longstanding relationship with Venetian and their host. surely a new customer couldn't expect those sort of comps for 4 hours a day of 1.25 VP?
Click to expand...

I have no idea how comp points works in vegas, but if that is true:
Vegas, here I come!

(But I also suspect venetian has a closer relationship with the hostess than he want his wife to know)

Zoozie
 
tennis_balls said:
venetian: i assume you have a longstanding relationship with Venetian and their host. surely a new customer couldn't expect those sort of comps for 4 hours a day of 1.25 VP?
Click to expand...


I started going to the Venetian on January 1 of 2000. I called ahead and asked to speak to a host. By the way I am a single female so I asked for a guy. We had a great rapport and we met for a drink when I got there. Yes we had a wonderful relationship and have remained friends even though he is now over at Ceasers. The casinos want you to play at least 4 hours but I am a VP fanatic so I usually play 10 or more hours a day. It all adds up and when you use your card, and if you think about how many hands you play an hour X the total bet X hours played that really adds up to a lot of $$ put through the machine. It does not matter what denomintion you play it matters what the total you put through the machine per trip. Believe me when I tell you that I certainly did NOT play $450,000 in a year. But my win/loss statement said I did! If I averaged taking $800 a trip X 10 trips that year....well you can see how it works. What you do NOT want to do is go to a casino that you rarley frequent and play for 20 minutes. That shows as a trip and not a good one for you. It lowers your standard of play and they could stop sending you offers. The motto should always be 'play where you stay'. Pick a hotel you love and play there. Charge everything to your room then check with your host before leaving and settle your bill. All this talk makes me want to go back soon.
 
Going in February...

finding it ahrd to justify not booking the room with the airfare as a package in case the whole "butter up the host" thing doesn't work...
 
Flizzen resist getiing a package deal unless you want to use your comps towards other things. Like meals, or shows etc. It all depends on where you stay and the things you do. For example, I'm single I usually go with a girlfriend so we don't care about going to fancy restaurants. So our room charge is our biggest expense. If I had a choice of what I wanted them to comp, I would choose to take off the room. It is also the easiest thing for them to take off. The restaurants don't belong to them so it has to more of a legit thing. Hope that makes some sense. Where are you staying? If you think you will play at least 4 or more hours a day at that casino then call about 2 weeks ahead and ask for a host. Chat them up and then make a plan to meet them during your stay. They can do alot for you if they feel you will be a good player.
 
venetian said:
Flizzen resist getiing a package deal unless you want to use your comps towards other things. Like meals, or shows etc. It all depends on where you stay and the things you do. For example, I'm single I usually go with a girlfriend so we don't care about going to fancy restaurants. So our room charge is our biggest expense. If I had a choice of what I wanted them to comp, I would choose to take off the room. It is also the easiest thing for them to take off. The restaurants don't belong to them so it has to more of a legit thing. Hope that makes some sense. Where are you staying? If you think you will play at least 4 or more hours a day at that casino then call about 2 weeks ahead and ask for a host. Chat them up and then make a plan to meet them during your stay. They can do alot for you if they feel you will be a good player.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply.

I am pretty set on the Luxor (Monte Carlo is a close 2nd) ...not sure why but I have a feeling about the Luxor..lol
I will be travelling with my girlfriend.

We will be playing almost exclusively at the Luxor.
Leaving Feb. 25 and returning March 2nd.

So if I take the chance to not take the package deal, you think I will still get comped on the room providing I ask for a host in advance ?
Will the host be ok with taking care of 2 people and all that jazz ?

I have found a package deal for $1500 US for both of us total with WestJet.

If I do not take the package deal, I found a deal for flight only (round trip) for approximately $700 USD for the both of us from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Sounds scary....

I can take a package for $1661 CAD or I can try the Flight only thing.

Total costs will be approx $2500 CAD for 5 nights if by some chance we are not comped.

I stand to lose nearly $1000 CAD if I take this chance and it doesn't work out...
 
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I went the the Luxor web site and it looks like the standard room rate is $130 a night, so it looks like a wash if you just take the flight and don't get the rooms comped. But if it is way too scary then take the package and you can charge all meals etc to your room and ask for all that to be comped. I've never stayed at the Luxor but I can ask my friend if he has a buddy that works there to be your host. You are staying quite a long time so I feel very sure you will rack up the comps! Don't play a penny until you get your players card. A host can even get you a better room rate if you tell him you'll be a good player. I'll email my friend and see if he knows someone and I'll get back to you.
 
I truly appreciate your help here. I have never been to Vegas so it's a little daunting, but nonetheless I need a friggin vacation :p .

If you truly have a contact there, and they can help us out a bit, have them shoot me an email at [email protected].

We are taking a total of about $6000 CAD, so after we pay for the $1661 Package we still have $4339 ($3800 USD) for good ol gambling and sights :thumbsup:

Should be enough to rack up some comps i'd assume. I think this'll make me a good player ...lol

Also, I hope my package rates don't change too much cause I have not confirmed it as of yet. Should be confirmed for this by the end of the year for sure if not, maybe even this week.

Thanks again sincerely for all your help.
 
I just thought of something.... If we take our bankroll to the Venetian and take care of the flights ourselves, would we almost be guaranteed to get our rooms comped if we stayed there ?

Side Question: Is is customary to tip the host ?
 

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