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Do you know Vegas???
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Burky4467 Offline
#1 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 7:25 AM EST
Joined: 12-27-2003
Posts: 875
Hey guys and gals, planning on taking the wife to Vegas in December as a Christmas surprise. I have never been to Vegas and am not a huge gambler. She has and loves it but I want it to be a surprise. Any reccommendations on the trip would be appreciated. Places to stay, deals on hotels, shows, etc. Thanks!
Burky
Bogie Offline
#2 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 9:01 AM EST
Joined: 10-04-2004
Posts: 28
If you wanna make it special for the wife, stay at the Venetian - it is absolutely awesome. It is all-suite and the place is incredible. They have indoor canals with gondolas and the whole nine yards - I won't even go into details but its great.

Also, Smoke magazine just ran an article on vegas in terms of cigar smoking, read it here:

http://www.smokemag.com/0604/city.htm

As for shows - see "O" if you can. Its incredible and all other Cirque du Soleil shows pale in comparison after you've seen that one (and trust me, my wife has dragged me to many!). Even I liked 'O' quite a bit. Its a water show with a custom built stage that is quite an engineering marvel.

Any other questions, let me know. Vegas isn't cheap, but there is some great things to do there.

- Mark
Thom Offline
#3 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 9:11 AM EST
Joined: 12-08-2003
Posts: 6,117
Never been, eh? Well, the first time I went I thought it was cool just to look through all of the hotels on the strip, drink in public, and lose my wallet at Baccarat.

I've been back several times and it is always fun. There are shows of every variety so do some research and check the internet for what you might like.

For cheap entertainment go to the Liberace museum, no, really, it's cool. Yes I'm serious.
drnos Offline
#4 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 10:22 AM EST
Joined: 10-29-2003
Posts: 2,787
You didn't specify a budget, but here are the drnos tips for Vegas on the cheap:
#1: Don't gamble; let others subsidize your stay.
#2: Sign up for a timeshare presentation. It's not a terrible way to spend 2 hours, and the perks include a free show, free buffet, and a couple other freebies that you can wrangle.
#3: The Imperial Hotel has a great automobile museum that's free.
#4: Don't gamble.
#5: Out-of-towner bargain books. You can get these before you leave, or ask at the check-in. Lots of 2-for-1's and $ off deals.
#6: Stroll the malls inside Ceasars, Bellagio, and all the major casinos. Tons of stuff to see.
#7: Don't gamble.
plabonte Offline
#5 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 11:06 AM EST
Joined: 09-11-2000
Posts: 2,131
If you are going to see a show see one in the afternoon if available. These are usually cheaper then the evening ones.

A lot of people say Luxor is nice to stay at (and it is a nice hotel) but it is on the far end of the strip so if you stay there you'll do a lot of walking (more so then if you stay in the middle of the strip). But it is a cool place to visit.
regdunlap7 Offline
#6 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 11:24 AM EST
Joined: 07-17-2003
Posts: 391
Love Vegas. My past employer had a call center in Vegas and we went out 3 or 4 times a year. Mostly stayed at Mandalay Bay (very, very nice) but also stayed at Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, Venetian, and the Luxor. Sign up on the web sites for e-mail specials - you can get some great room rates. ($99 at Mandalay during the week and $59 at Luxor weekdays). Also check ou the Flamingo for some good deals. They are in the center of the strip.

The best thing about Vegas is they have something for everyone. You can do it real cheap or real expensive. Enjoy!

js
RDHacker Offline
#7 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 2:04 PM EST
Joined: 09-12-2004
Posts: 171
#1. No matter where you stay the first thing that should happen when you leave a Las Vegas airport is to do it in a Limo!

Check with the casino that you are staying at and make sure what they charge but it should be around 45 to 50 dollars. That may seem like a lot but a cab will cost you around 25 and you have to stand in line for a while to get one. Some casinos send small buses to the airport also... but again you will have to wait on it. There is nothing better to impress the little lady than entering the baggage area and having a "man in black" holding up a sign with your name on it. :)


#2. No matter what casino you stay at make sure your room is IN the Casino. Many casinos have their towers that have rooms in them but also have rooms that are not attached to the Casino. You will not like staying in a room that is not a part of the Casino.


#3. Get a players card from the casino you stay at. Many of the casinos will automatically put 20 or 30 dollars on a new out of towners players card even before you ever gamble so you will come back to their casino the next time you visit Vegas. Every time you spend a penny at any of the tables or machines make sure to use the players card... The last evening you are there check with a pit boss and ask if there is enough $$ on your players card to eat at their steakhouse or other fine restaurant for free... Even if there isn't they will probably comp you the meal. Do not be shy about asking for freebies... Casinos want happy customers and it costs them pennies on the dollar to put a smile on your face if you will just ask.

#4. DO NOT Gamble the first day that you are there. This is the MOST dangerous time of the trip... the excitement of just being there can turn anyone into a maniac and the next day you wonder where all your $$ went.

OK... some say it is impossible not to gamble the first day but this is the perfect time to catch a show or just walk the strip... if you MUST gamble the first day leave 99% of your cash in your room where you cannot get to it without a long walk away from the lights and glitter.


#5. There is a world of knowledge on the internet about each and every game that you can play in a casino. Between now and your trip do some research on the table games that you think you might play while there... ie. black jack, let it ride, ect... each and every game has a basic strategy that is very easy to learn and will cut the house odds down a bit and give you a better chance to win.


#6. and the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember...
If it lights up or makes a noise... DO NOT PLAY IT! bahahaha...

RD
fishpunk68 Offline
#8 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 6:32 PM EST
Joined: 04-24-2003
Posts: 36
Don't forget to chectout the Daidoff shop at the Venetian. I stumbled upon it when I forgot the otterbox in my room. It saved the evening for me and waas reasonably priced also.
RussellKaufmann Offline
#9 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 7:19 PM EST
Joined: 09-13-2000
Posts: 732
I just got back yesterday from the Big Smoke weekend.

1. Stayed at the Westgate Flamingo Bay which is a condo complex. It kicked butt. Two bedrooms, master with a hot tub, three TVs, DVD player, full kitchen, laundry, putting green, weight room, etc... Oh, it was about $140 a night for it.

2. See Blueman Group - it is a blast

3. If you are playing black jack, go to the Gold Coast. They have $5 tables there and have the best staff.

4. Make sure you enjoy the great food.

5. Davidoffs are all over the place, but it is cheaper to bring your own.
0patience Offline
#10 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 7:29 PM EST
Joined: 07-20-2003
Posts: 1,023
When ever my wife and I go, we rent a car at the airport and stay at the Hacienda (at Lake Mead) outside Vegas.
It costs us the same for a suite as it does a regular room on the strip.
We then park at one of the casinos every night and go where ever we are going to go.
Burky4467 Offline
#11 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 7:32 PM EST
Joined: 12-27-2003
Posts: 875
Guys, keep the info coming, a great help!!
Burky
PurpleSageRighter Offline
#12 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 8:31 PM EST
Joined: 09-27-2004
Posts: 474
I live 1 1/2 hours North from Vegas, just off I-15.

Ditto to just about everything posted so far.

Reading these posts and thingkin of Vegas just took me back in time a little. I'll dedicate this golden classic to you and yer sweetheart. It's one of my favorites.

It was a night!
Oooh what a night it was;
it really was, such a night.
The moon was abright oh how bright it was;
it really was, such a night.
The night was alive ... with stars above . . .
Oooooooh when she kissed me I had to fall in love.


Ohhhhhh . . . It was a kiss; oooh what a kiss it was;
it really was, such a kiss.
Oh how she could kiss. Oohh what a kiss it was;
it really was, such a kiss.
Just the thought of her lips sets me afire
I reminisce . . . and I’m filled with desire.

But I gave my heart to her, sweet surrender;
how well I remember, I’ll always remember.

Ohhhhhhh what a night!
Oooh what a night it was;
it really was, such a night.
Came the dawn and the height of my love
and the night was gone.
But I’ll never forget-a-the kiss-a-the kiss in the moonlight.
Oooooh such a kiss! Such a night!

It was a night!
Oooh what a night it was;
it really was, such a night.
Came the dawn and my heart and her love
and the night was gone.
But I’ll never forget-a-the kiss-a-the kiss in the moonlight.
How well I remember; I’ll always remember.

It was a night!
Oooh what a night it was;
it really was, such a night.
When we kissed . . . I had to fall in love.

But I gave my heart to her, sweet surrneder;
how well I remember, I’ll always remember.

Oh! What a night
Oooh what a night it was;
it really was, such a night.
When we kissed . . . I had to fall in love.

Well she’s gone, gone, gone.
Yes she’s gone, gone, gone.
And the dawn, dawn, dawn,
and my love was gone.
But before I go,
Yes before I’m gone
And before I’m gone
Oooh; oooh; oooh; ehh

Such a night!

God love 'im, the late great Elvis Presley.

It aint Vegas without Elvis!

Of course I'm thingkin' 'bout my gars here and not my own sweetie (Perish the thought ...) She fixed me coffee the next day.

Do it right in that limo from the airport and have the driver play this Elvis song on your way to (and from) the Hotel.

If you're gonna gamble (don't gamble the first day you're there and by all means set your daily limit to loose for every day you're there), gamble downtown. The minimum bets are cheaper and since you say you're a novice, you don't need to be loosing the minimum bets at the Belicoso . . . I mean the Bellagio, or anywhere else on the strip for that matter while your just trying to adjust to a game.

Another great thing about Vegas is you can smoke in the Restaurants, but only a few allow cigars. You should probably check before-hand if that's what you want to do. Most casinos allow gars at the gaming tables. They just don't like smoke blown in the dealer's face.

Nuff said!!!!

PSR
RDHacker Offline
#13 Posted: Mon, Nov 15 2004, 9:44 PM EST
Joined: 09-12-2004
Posts: 171
A couple of things to add to my post...

If you and your wife like strawberry shortcake go to the Westward Ho (in between the Stardust and Circus Circus), for 99 cents they will lay a friggin platter of strawberry shortcake in front of you that will amaze you :)


also.... right across the street from the main entrance of the Stardust in a little strip mall is a cigar shop called Don Pablo's... my office is bigger than this shop and the cigars are mediocre at best but there is always 2 or 3 guys sitting there rolling gars...

and finally.... Stay at a casino that has a Sports Book... when I am ready to sit back have a cigar and just get away from all of the activity I have found no better place to do it than in the Casino's Sports Book... you light up at a table game and sometimes the other patrons will give you that look... you know the one... but in the Sports Book nobody will mess with you and there will probably be others doing the same... Go to the counter and bet a few skins on a football game or whatever sport you enjoy watching. Anytime you place a bet at the sports book you should receive a handfull of drink vouchers... have a waitress bring you the beverage of your choice... plop your butt down in front of a big screen... light up your best leaf and relax!

RD

this thread is giving me the urge to travel! bahahaha...
pabloescabar Offline
#14 Posted: Tue, Nov 16 2004, 5:15 AM EST
Joined: 02-25-2005
Posts: 30,183
what happen's in Vegas stay's in vegas...





oh yea, pablo like's the chicken ranch too.
jackconrad Offline
#15 Posted: Tue, Nov 16 2004, 5:27 AM EST
Joined: 06-09-2003
Posts: 67,461
Go to M&M world for show tickets where they have a booth for 1/2 price tickets for most of the shows.I like the Venitian, Bellaggio and the Palms.
KNOF Offline
#16 Posted: Tue, Nov 16 2004, 9:21 PM EST
Joined: 10-08-2003
Posts: 4,480
You can go to LasVegas.com and they usually have specials for various hotels. They have a map of the strip and lots of information on what to do and see while there. You can spend the whole weekend just walking up and down the strip going in and out of the hotels. I've done it and never had a chance to gamble, even though I tried. As mentioned to impress, do not take one of the hotle shuttles. They are crowded and pricy. I usually take a cab, which also is pricy, but more convenient. Look into a limo to impress, I have seen them at the airport, and probably reasonable.
Burky4467 Offline
#17 Posted: Wed, Nov 17 2004, 3:49 PM EST
Joined: 12-27-2003
Posts: 875
Please keep the info coming.
Burky
Burky4467 Offline
#18 Posted: Fri, Nov 19 2004, 9:46 AM EST
Joined: 12-27-2003
Posts: 875
Top^
lsfire Offline
#19 Posted: Sun, Nov 21 2004, 7:59 PM EST
Joined: 10-25-2004
Posts: 591
Live/work as a paramedic in vegas. Drink plenty of water, take any meds ou may have as prescribed, drink plenty of water(most common reason tourists go to the ER is dehydration). The ER's in vegas are nice but should not be a tourist stop.

Venetian
Bellagio
Ceasars Forum shops
Fashion show mall
Top of the World resteruant
Paris
If you like prime rib eat at Lawry's Prime Rib. Pricey but out of this world Prime Rib.
Mirage's dolphins
Mandaly bay's sharks

Ask the bellmen, they will hook you up.
xibbumbero Offline
#20 Posted: Mon, Nov 22 2004, 7:34 AM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 12,535
Also the 10oz top sirloin dinner at Ellis Island is the best dinner deal in Vegas,$3 or $4 I belive but you have to ask for it,as it's not on the menu. X
jackconrad Offline
#21 Posted: Mon, Nov 22 2004, 8:47 AM EST
Joined: 06-09-2003
Posts: 67,461
there is a place on Freemont st. that has a sirlion steak all you can eat buffet for 11.00.
RICKAMAVEN Offline
#22 Posted: Wed, Nov 24 2004, 12:27 AM EST
Joined: 10-01-2000
Posts: 33,248
Burky4467

toby and i just returned from our third trip to vegas this year. we usually stay wo weeks and we usually go at least three times a year, sometimes four. we have been going there for over 40 years. for the last 5 years we have been renting a one bedroom apartment on tropicana 1/2 mile from the strip and we pay $303.00 the first week and $263.00 for the second week.

i can tell you why the carpets are all funky colors, where you can get the best prime rib, where the tax free indian cigar and cigarette shops are, where the best orange chicken, war won ton, and other chinese dishes can be had, who makes the best cannoli's in vegas, and how to never wait in a line, how to play nickle machines for two hours and enjoy the kick without losing more then $6.00 an hour, and how to see all the hotels on the strip for about $1.00 each.

if you plan on gambling, throw the money out the window of the car on the way to the airport. you have a better chance of the money being blown into your back yard then winning in vegas.

vegas is the best, most exciting, and cheapest place there is to vacation.

RICKAMAVEN
@HOTMAIL
.COM

let me know how long you plan to stay there.
jackconrad Offline
#23 Posted: Wed, Nov 24 2004, 7:14 AM EST
Joined: 06-09-2003
Posts: 67,461
Welcome back to the world !!
corvairkid Offline
#24 Posted: Wed, Nov 24 2004, 1:17 PM EST
Joined: 04-07-2003
Posts: 54
If you are not into gambling there are two excellent side trips.
1) Red Rock which is just down Charlston about 5 miles. It is an easy drive and a spectacular view. If you go a little further past the entrance to Red Rock there is always a chance of seeing the wild burrows.
2) Valley of the Fire
This has some great rock formations but what I love going to see is mousse's tank. It is a short 1/2 mile walk after you park your car. As you go down the trail you will look up and see Indian paintings that date back a long time ago. The are really specatacular. The "tank" itself is a basin of water that always pleases me because being from the midwest it is hard to figure out water in the desert.
If you have more days for travelling I have more places for you to visit.
be cool
Paul
corvairkid Offline
#25 Posted: Wed, Nov 24 2004, 1:20 PM EST
Joined: 04-07-2003
Posts: 54
Sorry to reply again but thought if wanted to go to a good web site this is the best http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/index.cfm
there is a free part and a pay part. For what you want to do the free sections should be more than enough.
be cool
Paul
Deriffe Offline
#26 Posted: Thu, Nov 25 2004, 6:43 AM EST
Joined: 06-30-2003
Posts: 522
Every Wednesday evening, Stinky hosts an after work herf for the local BOTL. Visitors are welcome.

Go to http://lasvegash.com/ to determine where they will be meeting while you are out there.

I'll be in Vegas next week. This is some good info.
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