Newbie Hits Vegas. Any tips?

[venetian]

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.

 

[Simmo!]

Okay I have another question 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?

 

[tennis_balls]

it's definately not walkable without an air-conditioned spacesuit made of bullet-proof kevlar (foot pads need to be syringe-proof as well)

just stay at the Wynn, Simmo......GN? AYFKM? you're better than that, man!

 

[Simmo!]

just stay at the Wynn, Simmo......GN? AYFKM?

LOl...nah...why pay $400 a night when i can pay $140 More money to gamble with, then the Wynn will see I'm worth comping on my next trip

 

[tennis_balls]

LOl...nah...why pay $400 a night when i can pay $140 More money to gamble with, then the Wynn will see I'm worth comping on my next trip

good point......they may rescue you with a comp after the first day or two.....$400 is just the rack rate....tell them vortran sent you and you won't pay more than $399.88

 

[venetian]

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.

 

[soflat]

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.

 

[Simmo!]

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.

 

[frufrugirl]

it's definately not walkable without an air-conditioned spacesuit made of bullet-proof kevlar (foot pads need to be syringe-proof as well)

!

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..

 

[winbig]

I have to nominate this for "Best thread of 2006"

 

[paul02085]

Go to Ellis Island Casino and get the Steak dinner for like $5. I was shocked at the quality of the meal. The steak was delicious as was the potato and veggie. Definitely the best deal around.

 

[dalzilla]

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. 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

dal

 

[Simmo!]

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

 

[Casinomeister]

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

Dress code? It's Vegas baby

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

 

[soflat]

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.

 

[tennis_balls]

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.

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...........

 

[Simmo!]

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!

 

[soflat]

1) Do you use it at the tables too and if so how?

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 $"?

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?

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.

 

[Simmo!]

Both. There is cashback and there are comps.

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

 

[winbig]

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

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

 

[Simmo!]

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?

 

[venetian]

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.

 

[winbig]

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?

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

 

[Simmo!]

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.

Class

 

[GrandMaster]

Okay I have another question 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?

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.