Las Vegas

[azhuntress]

Thought I would start a topic about Las Vegas since lots of people have been there.  I just booked a trip there and will be staying a few days.  I was there once seven years ago but only for a half day as I was just driving through and stopped...so this time will sorta be like my first time there.

Any suggestions of sites to visit?  I already saw the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam so I'm thinking of things right in Vegas to do or see.

One place I have in mind to visit is the "Pawn Stars" store as it's only 6 miles from my hotel. 

Anyone win anything substantial while they were there? 

Let's hear your Vegas experience.

 

Edited February 10, 2014 by azhuntress

[phade]

Ive been there quite a bit. Pawn stars visit is likely to be underwhelming. Long lines, they are rarely filming, and you dont often get to see one or two of the family. Also a small place.

Some of the other vegas based show visits are nice...tanked, ricks, kount, etc. Worth maybe checking one or two out.

Theres so much I could answer vegas wise for you, so if you have a specific question, ask away. If you do like guns...be sure to go to one of the ranges and shoot some. Shot uzi and all kinds of other military style firearms...always fun.

Where are you staying?

Edited February 10, 2014 by phade

[BizCT]

Vegas is amazing. I only go in the warmer months when the pools are open. But as far as non partying tips, red rock canyon is pretty cool. You can rent a car and drive there about 30 miles and hike on your own

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[Bowtoons]

I went there 12 yrs. ago. My business partner and I went there on an all paid golf trip that we earned through an incentive program through a shingle manufacturer.  We mostly spent our 5 days there on the golf courses. At night, it was casinos and bars. We had a blast none the less. Just remember. What happens in Vegas. Stays in Vegas...lol

[shawnhu]

Bellagio water show, shows, gun ranges, strip joints, and the ATV's in the red desert was lots of fun.

We go for the above, and most of all, the food! Never gambled there....

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

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[Arrow Flinger]

I want to go but the wife wont get on a plane!

[azhuntress]

Ive been there quite a bit. Pawn stars visit is likely to be underwhelming. Long lines, they are rarely filming, and you dont often get to see one or two of the family. Also a small place.

Some of the other vegas based show visits are nice...tanked, ricks, kount, etc. Worth maybe checking one or two out.

Theres so much I could answer vegas wise for you, so if you have a specific question, ask away. If you do like guns...be sure to go to one of the ranges and shoot some. Shot uzi and all kinds of other military style firearms...always fun.

Where are you staying?

Staying at Harrah's. I chose this hotel because it was right on the strip, fairly inexpensive and I don't plan on being in the room much anyway.  Already booked one show (The Millionaire Dollar Quartet) since it's in the hotel where I'm staying plus I like the music of Johnny Cash, Elvis and the other two). 

I think I want to do as you mentioned and go shoot some of those guns.  Now that sounds like fun!!! 

Too bad about Pawn Stars.  I heard there was a long line but since I like to gamble, the longer I stand in line, the longer I am not gambling.  LOL!  After this brutal winter I would give anything to be standing outside in warm temperatures even if it's just standing in line. 

I know a lady that was just there a few weeks ago and Chumley was there and she got a nice picture with him. 

I'm just so ready to get out of this cold weather! 

[phade]

Harrah's is indeed midstrip. I typically stay at MGM or Flamingo, with Flamingo largely for the pool and then the mid-strip location. They are doing construction around there, including adding an observation wheel like in London. I think much of it is nearing completion. I would ask at check in for a room away from the party pit. While I haven't stayed there enough, I do know some people will complain about the noise in their rooms if they are on a low level. I would just ask for a quiet room. Also, Harrah's charges resort fees now, so don't be shocked to have a balance due at check out. I forget how much, but typically range between $10 and $25 a night. They are hard to avoid nowadays in Vegas.

 

If you like burgers, check out KGB inside Harrahs. They have unique combinations and the burgers are tasty. Toby Keith's Bar and Grill is in Harrahs too, but generally, the food it lacking.

 

There's a lot of websites dedicated to Vegas. Also, a lot of deals via coupon books. I'd suggest buying the 2014 American Casino Guide from Amazon or similar place. You'll always get your value out of them, sometimes with just one coupon. They are typically $10-15. In them are lots of Vegas coupons and some gambling ones too. Las Vegas Advisor offers a coupon book as well that is a bit more but can be useful if you gamble enough.

 

Free shows to see include the Bellagio fountains, the TI Sirens show, Mirage Volcano. Lots to see and do. You will likely spend time just walking and "seeing" and doing a little gambling here and there.

 

I do suggest you spend one night downtown. It's a completely different feel from the strip Some people love it, some people hate it, but it is a must do for a first timer. Our group generally spends one night there. Better gaming odds, slightly more of a Mardi Gras feel, a bit more of a less polished place, but it is historical, and casinos are packed into the Fremont St. Experience. The light show there is a must see. We also indulge in the yard drinks downtown, but they are common now on the strip.

 

When you sit down to gamble at a machine or a table and your plan is to be there a while (say 30 min - 1hour - although the money doesn't always last as long as planned, lol), tip the cocktail waitress $5 and then  $1 for subsequent drinks. The $5 up front will result in much faster turnaround and you'll have drinks stacking up most instances.

 

Feel free to PM me any questions you may have. I've been there enough and have researched Vegas to death, lol, and outside of hunting, its probably one of my most favorite discussion topics.

 

If you want to see a good adult show (not tasteless, but adult oriented), go to Absinthe. Tickets are not often discounted, but it'll be worth the price of admission. I haven't laughed and had a shock face so much since I was back in college.

Edited February 11, 2014 by phade

[Doewhacker]

I remember knocking back a yard drink and never made it to dinner as a result..lol

 

I havent been in years so I know it has changed since then, we drove out to Zion national park. Not on your list of in town activities but nice just the same.

 

I don't recall the name of the place but the imitation Seatle needle is neat. There is a roller coaster on top of it and a restuarant that rotates.

 

I recomend buying a ticket for the tram, taxi's will cost you.

[phade]

I remember knocking back a yard drink and never made it to dinner as a result..lol

 

I havent been in years so I know it has changed since then, we drove out to Zion national park. Not on your list of in town activities but nice just the same.

 

I don't recall the name of the place but the imitation Seatle needle is neat. There is a roller coaster on top of it and a restuarant that rotates.

 

I recomend buying a ticket for the tram, taxi's will cost you.

 

Stratosphere. Good suggestion to visit and go up. Neat view.

 

My MIL tied into the yard drinks last summer. She danced the whole way back to the hotel. She's not exactly the party type, either.

 

The monorail stops at Harrahs. It may be worthwhile a time or two, but walking is probably feasible in the Feb/Mar/April weather. Taxis are very expensive and we only take them to go downtown. The buses are cheap, but a little time consuming. I have rented a car there and found it to be cheaper and faster overall. But I still take a taxi downtown. I couldn't even think about driving that night.

[BizCT]

+1 on the downtown area. It gets pretty seedy and strange late at night, but its a good time and the drinks are dirt cheap, and usually free concerts.

[Doewhacker]

The wax muesum was fun too, bring a camera and have fun taking pictures with the statues like we did..lol

 

I don't know how we didn't get tossed out there.

[BizCT]

HAKKASAN = legit nightclub

[phade]

HAKKASAN = legit nightclub

 

Lots of nice clubs there, but I have to admit the last few times I've been, the club scene wasn't all that great. Hakkasan was just opening when I was there last summer and they were running into the typical issues of clubs just opening.

 

I finally admitted I was too old (read married) to bother with the day clubs/pool clubs last time around and didn't hit up any of them. I simply can't unload that kind of coin for little return now, lol.

[moog5050]

Red rock canyon is a great day trip if you get tired of the casino atmosphere, which will happen at some point unless you are a hardcore gambler.

[azhuntress]

Phade:

 

I guess I'm too stupid to know how to PM you so I'll ask questions here on the forum. 

 

What do you mean by "yard" drinks? 

 

So you mentioned something about giving a $5 tip for the first drink and then $1 tip after that.  Are drinks free in Vegas or do you have to pay for them?

 

I've been looking online at transportation options and it seems like the bus is the best way to go.  I can get an all day pass and get on and off several times.  What do you think?  There's also a double decker bus (like in London) where you sit up top that is like a 3 hour tour.  Have you been on that?  I thought the night time tour would be good so I could enjoy all the lights of the city. 

 

I wrote down your suggestion about the KGB inside of Harrah's.  I like burgers so I'll be sure to get one there.

 

Where can I see the Absinthe show you mentioned?

 

Where can I get the Las Vegas Advisor that you mentioned?

 

I'm going to research the 2014 American Casino Guide from Amazon that you told me about in just a minute.

 

Thanks for all your suggestions and information.  It will be nice to be prepared and ready for my upcoming Vegas vacation.

[BizCT]

Dueling piano bar in Ny Ny hotel is pretty cool,especially for older corwd

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[phade]

No problem AZ. I think you are going to enjoy Vegas by the sounds of it. I think one of the best ways to ensure a good first trip is to get there and feel like "you know what you are doing" rather than being overwhelmed, which does happen to some people who don't do a little research beforehand.

 

Yard drinks are pretty much these ridiculous looking plastic tubes filled with adult-oriented slushy drinks. Think Daquiri, Amaretto, etc. A bunch of different flavors. You will see them a fair amount.

 

Certain drinks are free when you sit down to gamble at a casino. In most cases it'll be basic water, soda, beer and well mixed drinks. Cocktail waitresses (CW) walk around asking if you want a drink. Simply order one and when they return, you tip them. Most people tip $1 a drink. By tipping $5 that first time, most often the CW will come around faster. They make rounds through their "covered area" of the casino floor.

 

Transportation is probably one of the tougher topics. Buses are cheaper, but slower. You REALLY need to know the schedule and drop offs to ensure you don't get on a bus and waste time. Walking is pretty straightforward on the strip. As long as you can hike it, I suggest walking. I actually think you'd get a better sight of the city lit up by going up either the Paris Eiffel Tower or Stratosphere. The Linq Wheel if open by then, will be another option. It'll be about $20-$40 for any of the options, but it'll be worth it once. The monorail has a stop at Harrahs. If you go to the south strip (MGM, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, etc.), the monorail can be a decent option, as will the correct bus in this case.

 

KGB: It looks like Groupon has a deal for KGB right now. It'll save you a decent amount of cash:

 

http://www.groupon.com/deals/kgb-kerry-s-gourmet-burgers

 

BTW, their milkshakes are great, too. Burger bars are popular in Vegas right now, but I find KGB to be the best for food and milkshakes.

 

Absinthe is a show in a really neat tent. The tent has a funny European name, but it is in front of Caesars. Again, tickets are fairly expensive, but very worth it, if you fit into the demographic - namely not offended by non-PC jokes and adult context. My wife is very timid, but she cracked up and loved this show. If you are easily offended, then it's not the best show for you. Take it for what its worth, its often THE highest regarded show in Vegas right now. You can buy tickets for about $20 off online via certain websites - OR - you can likely also do the same thing by going the day of the show a few hours early and walking over to their ticket booth and there's usually a few people handing out coupons to the show. We bought tickets only a few hours before the show this way, and it's a common way to buy them. There is also no bad seat in the house so don't worry about seat selection.

 

Some of the Cirque Du Soleil shows can be fun if you are into that. I've seen about half of them. Some are decent, some are not my cup of tea.

 

Las Vegas Advisor is a website run by a well-known "vegas insider" that focuses on good deals and gaming. lasvegasadvisor dot com is the site. Again, the club you join to get the book is more than the American Casino Guide (ACG), but it does have some more gaming coupons. I usually buy both when I go, but last time I went with just the ACG and it was fine. Another forum you should join, because it has a plethora of information, it vegasmessageboard dot com. You could get lost in there for hours.

 

 

 

Phade:

 

I guess I'm too stupid to know how to PM you so I'll ask questions here on the forum. 

 

What do you mean by "yard" drinks? 

 

So you mentioned something about giving a $5 tip for the first drink and then $1 tip after that.  Are drinks free in Vegas or do you have to pay for them?

 

I've been looking online at transportation options and it seems like the bus is the best way to go.  I can get an all day pass and get on and off several times.  What do you think?  There's also a double decker bus (like in London) where you sit up top that is like a 3 hour tour.  Have you been on that?  I thought the night time tour would be good so I could enjoy all the lights of the city. 

 

I wrote down your suggestion about the KGB inside of Harrah's.  I like burgers so I'll be sure to get one there.

 

Where can I see the Absinthe show you mentioned?

 

Where can I get the Las Vegas Advisor that you mentioned?

 

I'm going to research the 2014 American Casino Guide from Amazon that you told me about in just a minute.

 

Thanks for all your suggestions and information.  It will be nice to be prepared and ready for my upcoming Vegas vacation.

[ants]

Just about everything in Vegas is amazing ..Casino's..clubs…food…shows..the strip…unreal. I haven't been there in a couple years but Im going back in April.