Trip to Vegas

[KasinoKing]

I'll be there next Saturday ?

I booked mine back in June (£1850 for 10 nights in Harrahs, direct from Heathrow, Premium Economy) and I most certainly would not be able to get it cheaper now. It's £600 more expensive on Booking.com and that's with a stopover each way and a downgrade from Premium Economy on the way back. If I change to direct flights it adds another £1500!

Enjoy the rest of your trip ?

That's a great price!
Of course, as a package it would get more expensive due to the flights. Always seems a bit strange to me, that the later you book your flight the more expensive it becomes, but hotels go the other way!
We booked ours all separately, so if we ever do a similar trip I will book the flights ASAP and leave the hotels to the last minute.
Before we got here I thought this would probably be my fourth and last trip to Vegas... but now we're here and loving it, I might be tempted to come back again

Hope your visit is as good as ours!

KK

 

[deepsky2]

For anyone looking to go to Vegas from Toronto Ontario, you can book for Sept long weekend Sept 1st to Sept 5th through Expedia round trip out of Toronto on Swoop for $342 total including fees and tax flight only and if flying out of Hamilton only a total of $239. This is the weekend I'm looking to go but there are deals for many other dates. It is strange how flight prices seem to go up and down by the minute as when checking last night it was actually $30 cheaper. Guess we're lucky in North America as we seem to have some of the cheapest prices for Vegas.

I have always found great deals booking trips to Vegas booking a package through Expedia. The only problem with not booking a hotel early and not till the last minute is things can change in Vegas overnight so if a big conference or event gets scheduled and happens to be the day of your flight hotel prices can skyrocket. If travelling during their off-season usually there is no problem.

 

[slotmaster]

Also check your mgm rewards if you play on betmgm as you may have free play or comp rooms at some mgm properties.

 

[deepsky2]

Also check your mgm rewards if you play on betmgm as you may have free play or comp rooms at some mgm properties.

I got a strange message from Betmgm Rewards. I notice I wasn't getting any comp room offers so inquired and was told no offers will be offered till Dec 2023 and yet Im gold with my rewards card.

I used comp room offers from my last trip. What I did last time was book a package deal then went to my Caesars rewards and booked comp room a few days later cancelled the hotel on my package deal and the flight end up only costing $197 person round trip total.

 

[KasinoKing]

So we left Vegas behind a few days ago, and I can report that having stayed 5 nights there, I did not gamble a single cent! ?
I was slightly tempted, especially as we walked though casinos several times every day. But it was a family holiday, and doing things together was more important.

My verdict on the 3 shows we went to:
Jabbawockeez: 9/10 Very good fun, but was SLIGHTLY disappointed that only 2 of the 9 performers were brilliant at break dancing.

MK Live: 7/10 The artist was VERY good, but I thought the production could have been better - especially the first 20 minutes, which was quite poor. Too much talking and only sang about 1-2 minutes of the first 5-6 songs.

Blue Man Group: 12/10! Literally the best show I have ever seen in my life ?
Hilariously funny and VERY talented musicians. I had tears in my eyes at the end cos it was just AWESOME!

KK

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

I heard you are paying 30% taxes when you win. How does it work? Im planing a trip to vegas soon. Im from sweden

 

[Reelsoffun]

I used to go to vegas 3/4 times a year absolutely loved it, but stopped going 2/3 years ago, got crazy expensive, fees and hidden charges for everything, food is expensive, most the free shows are gone, they just want whales now not the average player.

I would do your research before you go is my advice, but be prepared to spend a fortune whatever you have planned to do there. IMO they have completely spoiled it with corporate greed, and I personally won’t be going back.

 

[andysbetting1187]

I heard you are paying 30% taxes when you win. How does it work? Im planing a trip to vegas soon. Im from sweden

It depends on what country you are from - Im from the UK and never paid any taxes on winnings at the casinos in vegas

I have not been to Vegas for a while - hearing a lot of mixed reviews on it latley but the general consensus from long term friends who go often is that it has gotten ridiculously expensive for food/entertainment.

Personally im going to hit up either monte carlo or maccau at some point this year - highly dependant on where work send me lol

 

[Lemon]

The place is downright inhospitable now with all the hidden charges and exorbitant prices. The last time I went was 3 years back and it has got much worse since by all accounts. From the UK I'm looking at 20 hours door-to-door and the flight is an ordeal in itself never mind the jet-lag, just to get there.

Then you're paying through the nose for everything -

• Resort fees - $50+tax per night
• Room deposit - $500
• $50 daily charge to use the fridge in your room for your own personal items FFS
• $35 for a burger, fries and drink
• $30 for a basic breakfast
• 6/5 Blackjack, 00 or 000 roulette, slot RTPs in the mid to high 80s
• Tips, taxis, evening meals - another few hundred dollars easily over the course of just a week

It's just not enjoyable over there any more. I can't fly Economy for 11 hours so it's Premium or Business Class and then the hotel costs - £3000 already. And then the spending really starts, much of which you've got no control over. I used to love the Mirage because it felt like an oasis but that's all been ripped out for more glass and concrete. The strip is a charmless, sterile environment these days, full of grifting cunts and influencers gurning into their phones.

People can't be bothered to drive there from California any more, and it's only 5 hours. Not a fucking chance I'm ever going there again. If I did, I'd stay downtown where at least there's a bit of a buzz. Maybe I'm getting old...

 

[Reelsoffun]

Exactly what @Lemon said, I just couldn’t be assed with writing it all.

I used to go for ten nights at a time and allowed 7-10k for each trip.

Now you need that, before you even go out your hotel room, no thanks, far better value elsewhere, even Monaco is cheaper! And never thought I would ever say that lol

 

[andysbetting1187]

The place is downright inhospitable now with all the hidden charges and exorbitant prices. The last time I went was 3 years back and it has got much worse since by all accounts. From the UK I'm looking at 20 hours door-to-door and the flight is an ordeal in itself never mind the jet-lag, just to get there.

Then you're paying through the nose for everything -

• Resort fees - $50+tax per night
• Room deposit - $500
• $50 daily charge to use the fridge in your room for your own personal items FFS
• $35 for a burger, fries and drink
• $30 for a basic breakfast
• 6/5 Blackjack, 00 or 000 roulette, slot RTPs in the mid to high 80s
• Tips, taxis, evening meals - another few hundred dollars easily over the course of just a week

It's just not enjoyable over there any more. I can't fly Economy for 11 hours so it's Premium or Business Class and then the hotel costs - £3000 already. And then the spending really starts, much of which you've got no control over. I used to love the Mirage because it felt like an oasis but that's all been ripped out for more glass and concrete. The strip is a charmless, sterile environment these days, full of grifting cunts and influencers gurning into their phones.

People can't be bothered to drive there from California any more, and it's only 5 hours. Not a fucking chance I'm ever going there again. If I did, I'd stay downtown where at least there's a bit of a buzz. Maybe I'm getting old...

Thats what im pretty much hearing at the moment

I used to get "free" trips to TI - used to love staying there because they had pirates and the western saloon bar with a bucking bronco which was always a good laugh. Used to be really good value for me going there as accomodation was free plus airport transport and free shows/free buffet (to be fair I have simple tastes so used to use the dennys or maccy d's over the road from TI)

If I ever was to go back, I would probably stay downtown as from what people tell me it is pretty livley still.

I do fancy a trip to atlantic city at some point - not sure if new york will be on the cards with work this year but if it is, I will extend the work visit by a few days and head over there

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

It depends on what country you are from - Im from the UK and never paid any taxes on winnings at the casinos in vegas

I have not been to Vegas for a while - hearing a lot of mixed reviews on it latley but the general consensus from long term friends who go often is that it has gotten ridiculously expensive for food/entertainment.

Personally im going to hit up either monte carlo or maccau at some point this year - highly dependant on where work send me lol

From sweden

 

[Lucky Loser]

I used to go to Vegas all the time before Covid and still have some great MGM comps (free rooms plus $1000 freeplay money).

Last time I went about 3 years ago everything was just stupidly expensive and I can no longer justify it. It's just one big tourist rip-off.

Many of the slots are set at 85% and I have to pay 30% tax on my winnings over USD $1200. I've never won on multiple trips.

The whole tipping thing is also a big turn off. When I buy a starbucks coffee for $8USD and they want a 20% tip on top.

The fun has completely gone out of Vegas.

 

[Lucky Loser]

Lemon has captured the current state of Vegas perfectly.

Private equity and the big casino corporates simply got too greedy. Unless Vegas can get back to being value for money again for the average punter it will die a slow death.

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

I used to go to Vegas all the time before Covid and still have some great MGM comps (free rooms plus $1000 freeplay money).

Last time I went about 3 years ago everything was just stupidly expensive and I can no longer justify it. It's just one big tourist rip-off.

Many of the slots are set at 85% and I have to pay 30% tax on my winnings over USD $1200. I've never won on multiple trips.

The whole tipping thing is also a big turn off. When I buy a starbucks coffee for $8USD and they want a 20% tip on top.

The fun has completely gone out of Vegas.

Did you have to fill any paper for the taxes or?

 

[andysbetting1187]

Did you have to fill any paper for the taxes or?

If you are a sweedish resident then the 30% should not apply. If they do try to take the 30% off you, there is a form that you can complete (and will need to prove residence of sweeden but your passport should suffice for this)

It will depend as well on what you play (e.g. most table games are not considered for tax purposes for non-US residents)

Ive had some big withdrawals (and losses lol) on my trups over there and have never had to comlete any forms

If you are concerned/worried and are spending big, then it is worth getting a players card at the casinos you are playing at. The players card will potentially get you comps, but also helps working out if you have paid tax (which you shouldn't) how much you can claim back

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

If you are a sweedish resident then the 30% should not apply. If they do try to take the 30% off you, there is a form that you can complete (and will need to prove residence of sweeden but your passport should suffice for this)

It will depend as well on what you play (e.g. most table games are not considered for tax purposes for non-US residents)

Ive had some big withdrawals (and losses lol) on my trups over there and have never had to comlete any forms

If you are concerned/worried and are spending big, then it is worth getting a players card at the casinos you are playing at. The players card will potentially get you comps, but also helps working out if you have paid tax (which you shouldn't) how much you can claim back

Thanxs for the info very helpfull. Its going to be my first time in vegas

 

[johnnymcc1966]

If I went to Vegas I'd go more for the plethora of Golf Clubs there seems to be in the area in and around it.

 

[Lemon]

Also be sure to fill out an ESTA at least 72 hours before you go, otherwise you'll be denied entry

@Video_Poker_Pro

 

[andysbetting1187]

Also be sure to fill out an ESTA at least 72 hours before you go, otherwise you'll be denied entry

@Video_Poker_Pro

need to do mine for going to florida in september - can't believe how much they have gone up. im sure it used to be something silly like $8 or $12 per person

 

[andysbetting1187]

Thanxs for the info very helpfull. Its going to be my first time in vegas

If it's your first time, stay switched on when walking down the strip. Don't engage any of "up and coming rap artists etc." - you will get to listen to their music for 2 mins then they will expect you to buy a cd. Then some (not all) will start offereing you all sorts of stuff (coke being the most prolific based on my previous visits)

Don't jay walk - police are straight onto it. Police are normally pretty decent but if you get the wrong one you can end up with a big fine.

Enjoy your trip, don't stray too far off the strip unless you know where you are going and have some understanding of the area. Main strip is geneally ok, downtown is always fun. Step of the strip and you really do feel like its the start of a bad day in bosnia (ex-squaddies will understand)

Have fun, don't remortgage your house while you are over there lol

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

Also be sure to fill out an ESTA at least 72 hours before you go, otherwise you'll be denied entry

@Video_Poker_Pro

I did a search on esta and it came up diffrent sites not sure which one.

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

If it's your first time, stay switched on when walking down the strip. Don't engage any of "up and coming rap artists etc." - you will get to listen to their music for 2 mins then they will expect you to buy a cd. Then some (not all) will start offereing you all sorts of stuff (coke being the most prolific based on my previous visits)

Don't jay walk - police are straight onto it. Police are normally pretty decent but if you get the wrong one you can end up with a big fine.

Enjoy your trip, don't stray too far off the strip unless you know where you are going and have some understanding of the area. Main strip is geneally ok, downtown is always fun. Step of the strip and you really do feel like its the start of a bad day in bosnia (ex-squaddies will understand)

Have fun, don't remortgage your house while you are over there lol

All tips are very helpfull writing all this down. What about taxis, uber, How mutch do you tip like whats the standard?

 

[andysbetting1187]

All tips are very helpfull writing all this down. What about taxis, uber, How mutch do you tip like whats the standard?

I usually tip around 20% unless I get really good service then tip what you want

I refuse point blank to tip the staff at places like starbucks - its taking the absolute piss that they expect a tip for handing over a large black coffee

Taxis are easy to get but if you wanted to save money, you used to be able to get a bus called the Deuce which went up and down the strip all day (multiple buses) and you could get a day ticket for less than $10 (may have changed). To be honest its worth getting that just to see some of the characters that use it - always funny when you catch an elvis impersonator or a burlsque girl who works on the strip all dressed up but sat on the bus. Not sure why it amuses me but it does lol

If you are going to any of the shooting ranges for something different to do, I really like battlefield vegas as they are decent. Plus they will pick you up from your hotel in a humvee which saves having to travel around

If you want to see the grand canyon, you can go by coach but it is a long fucking slog - pick up at 0600 and back around 2300 at night but you do get to go to the hoover dam as well. Its just a long day out. If you have the budget, go by helicopter. If you want something different, go to someone like Eagle Rider and rent a harley (or equivelant, whatever suits) for a day or two and take your time, enjoy the ride.

Make sure you see a couple of shows - some offer decent discounts if you are an ex vet, but always good to catch some shows as breaks up the constant gambling scene (although you will have to go into a casino to get to the showroom)

If it's your first time going (can't remember how long you said you were going for) but after a couple of days the glitz and glamour wears off and it does become a little tedious (ive known a few people go for two weeks or more and after 5 days were ready to come home)

Set reasonable budgets for each day and don't go over them (unless going to see a decent show etc.) - nothing worse than being skint in vegas with a couple days of your trip left to go.

 

[andysbetting1187]

Also when you get to your hotel, go to the local supermarket (there is always a CVS or Walgreens or similar nearby) and stock up on things like snacks/bottled water/booze if you want to (but can't have open cans on the strip, most people decant them into a cup or water bottle). Don't pay the ridiculous mini-bar fees in your hotel (unless you are comped)

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

I usually tip around 20% unless I get really good service then tip what you want

I refuse point blank to tip the staff at places like starbucks - its taking the absolute piss that they expect a tip for handing over a large black coffee

Taxis are easy to get but if you wanted to save money, you used to be able to get a bus called the Deuce which went up and down the strip all day (multiple buses) and you could get a day ticket for less than $10 (may have changed). To be honest its worth getting that just to see some of the characters that use it - always funny when you catch an elvis impersonator or a burlsque girl who works on the strip all dressed up but sat on the bus. Not sure why it amuses me but it does lol

If you are going to any of the shooting ranges for something different to do, I really like battlefield vegas as they are decent. Plus they will pick you up from your hotel in a humvee which saves having to travel around

If you want to see the grand canyon, you can go by coach but it is a long fucking slog - pick up at 0600 and back around 2300 at night but you do get to go to the hoover dam as well. Its just a long day out. If you have the budget, go by helicopter. If you want something different, go to someone like Eagle Rider and rent a harley (or equivelant, whatever suits) for a day or two and take your time, enjoy the ride.

Make sure you see a couple of shows - some offer decent discounts if you are an ex vet, but always good to catch some shows as breaks up the constant gambling scene (although you will have to go into a casino to get to the showroom)

If it's your first time going (can't remember how long you said you were going for) but after a couple of days the glitz and glamour wears off and it does become a little tedious (ive known a few people go for two weeks or more and after 5 days were ready to come home)

Set reasonable budgets for each day and don't go over them (unless going to see a decent show etc.) - nothing worse than being skint in vegas with a couple days of your trip left to go.

Going for 5 days, Looking at a nice hotel to stay close to the strip.

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

Also when you get to your hotel, go to the local supermarket (there is always a CVS or Walgreens or similar nearby) and stock up on things like snacks/bottled water/booze if you want to (but can't have open cans on the strip, most people decant them into a cup or water bottle). Don't pay the ridiculous mini-bar fees in your hotel (unless you are comped)

Oh so you cant drink from cans on the strip? Do you get a fine?

 

[andysbetting1187]

I did a search on esta and it came up diffrent sites not sure which one.

Use this one: - its the official direct one (not using a third party to do it for you)

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

 

[andysbetting1187]

Oh so you cant drink from cans on the strip? Do you get a fine?

You can drink on the strip, open containers are permitted but not within a specific distance from the place you bought it and no glass open containers.

Ive always found it easier to just decant it into a travel bottle

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

You can drink on the strip, open containers are permitted but not within a specific distance from the place you bought it and no glass open containers.

Ive always found it easier to just decant it into a travel bottle

If you would pick one hotel on the strip with good service and helpful staff? Money is no problem

 

[andysbetting1187]

Going for 5 days, Looking at a nice hotel to stay close to the strip.

Theres loads of options depending on budget and what you want - I usually stay at the TI but have stayed at the mirage, wynn and luxor in the past as well. They are all pretty close to each other. Like most hotels depends on what you want - if you want a suite its going to cost - to be fair a deluxe room with a king size bed is all you really need as they are generally well kept and decent to stay in. You will be out most of the day anyway.

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

Theres loads of options depending on budget and what you want - I usually stay at the TI but have stayed at the mirage, wynn and luxor in the past as well. They are all pretty close to each other. Like most hotels depends on what you want - if you want a suite its going to cost - to be fair a deluxe room with a king size bed is all you really need as they are generally well kept and decent to stay in. You will be out most of the day anyway.

Just looked up treasur island and it looks pretty nice. Ty for the tip

 

[andysbetting1187]

If you would pick one hotel on the strip with good service and helpful staff? Money is no problem

You could stay at the empathy suite (if available) but I belive its around 100k a night lol

A lot of the mainstream hotels are fine mate - a lot of the staff are really helpful (always get the odd dickhead, but thats the same anywhere you go)

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

You could stay at the empathy suite (if available) but I belive its around 100k a night lol

A lot of the mainstream hotels are fine mate - a lot of the staff are really helpful (always get the odd dickhead, but thats the same anywhere you go)

Heard that the atm fee is really highe so im taking minimum 10k with me and rest im going to go by atm.

 

[Lemon]

I did a search on esta and it came up diffrent sites not sure which one.

This is the official site. Last time I did one it was $14. Don't get tricked by copycat sites that charge more.

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

 

[Lemon]

Going for 5 days, Looking at a nice hotel to stay close to the strip.

The Wynn is considered the best, but it's right at the North end of the strip, so you'll need to use the monorail to get around unless you fancy lots of walking. If you want somewhere in the middle of the strip Bellagio or Cosmopolitan are decent.

There's plenty of Youtube vids about stuff to avoid in Vegas, like fake monks/geishas putting bracelets around your wrist and then asking for money. Or those tarts dressed as 'showgirls' who offer photos for tips and then demand more money. Or those cunts that stand around in the hotel lobbies trying to get you to attend timeshare presentations. It's mainly common-sense really - be careful about stopping to watch impromptu street-shows; keep you wallet and phone in your front pocket etc. Same as in any big city.

 

[Video_Poker_Pro]

The Wynn is considered the best, but it's right at the North end of the strip, so you'll need to use the monorail to get around unless you fancy lots of walking. If you want somewhere in the middle of the strip Bellagio or Cosmopolitan are decent.

There's plenty of Youtube vids about stuff to avoid in Vegas, like fake monks/geishas putting bracelets around your wrist and then asking for money. Or those tarts dressed as 'showgirls' who offer photos for tips and then demand more money. Or those cunts that stand around in the hotel lobbies trying to get you to attend timeshare presentations. It's mainly common-sense really - be careful about stopping to watch impromptu street-shows; keep you wallet and phone in your front pocket etc. Same as in any big city.

Very good info What it that timeshare never understood that.

 

[andysbetting1187]

This is the official site. Last time I did one it was $14. Don't get tricked by copycat sites that charge more.

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

$40 per applicant from the UK now - bit of a piss take to be fair - three of us going to florida later in the year so its 120 just for the esta

 

[Lemon]

Very good info What it that timeshare never understood that.

In most hotel lobbies there will be a pop-up desk (that looks like it's connected to the hotel but it isn't) and some woman will come over and ask if you've just arrived, how long you're staying for etc. Then they'll offer you some free gifts but you've got to spend a couple of hours at a presentation on the other side of town, after which you'll be subjected to high-pressure sales tactics to make you sign up to some rip-off timeshare bullshit. It's disgusting that they're allowed to even be in the hotels but that's Vegas for you.

They only really bother couples with it, because a tactic after the presentation is to separate the couple and talk to them on their own. The woman will be manipulated into persuading the man to go for it, and the man will be told he's worthless as a husband if he doesn't, because he's showing weakness in not being able to give his wife what she wants. Even those who know the drill and are only there to get loads of free stuff (show tickets, meal vouchers, cosmetics etc) find it relentless and completely draining. The sales people are absolute fucking vultures.

 

[andysbetting1187]

Very good info What it that timeshare never understood that.

Timeshares are a pisstake most of the time - I got roped into a presentation for one about 14 years ago in Florida (attend a presentation, get free tickets to universal halloween horror nights).

Basically they try to get you to pay monthly for a holiday home which you can only use at certain points of the year. I only went for the free tickets but the wife (now ex) at the time was about to sign up. I only left her for 5 mins to grab a smoke and get the free theme park tickets and the sales rep had managed to basically talk her into signing. Managed to intercept her just before she signed up.

 

[Lemon]

$40 per applicant from the UK now - bit of a piss take to be fair - three of us going to florida later in the year so its 120 just for the esta

Wow - I didn't know it had gone up to that much. What a fucking joke

 

[andysbetting1187]

Wow - I didn't know it had gone up to that much. What a fucking joke

Yeah i wasn't impressed when i found out