Vegas just isn’t fun anymore…. (4 Viewers)

[The Z Machine]

anybody going to Vegas for the ITC conference in October? I'll be there.

What dates?

 

[The Z Machine]

Back in the day they gave you free drinks, a role of nickels and buffet just to get you to walk in the door. Remember coupon books?

I sure do wish there was a place to find that again...

That's why we're trying downtown one last time. I think 4 Queens/Binnions stopped their coupon books a few years ago. Best I've found online so far:

El Cortez Boarding Pass Offer - Show us your boarding pass and receive:
$10-$1,000 in free slot play
$25 blackjack match play
Free drink at any El Cortez bar

I believe the D also offers a boarding pass deal... at least with Southwest. Not sure about Golden Gate or Circa though (the other Stevens Group properties).

Tell me about this deal. Do you have to stay there? Who do you show the boarding pass to?

 

[Matheson]

Grabbing alcohol and snacks for the hotel room is a given. Anywhere.

In Vegas big resorts it's better to grab a beer from the hotel shops instead of the bar unless you're off the strip. Not sure why anyone goes to the bar to pay $20 a pop. Although you can still find low key spots where you can get comp'ed for putting a few bucks into the video poker.

I agree—but there are some rooms/resorts where starting the party (the drinking, the eating) in the room is better than others. The timeshare resorts where you have a full kitchen (with blenders, with a microwave, with an oven, with a stove, with full size refrigerators and freezers, with plates+utensils), living rooms, separate bedrooms are much more designed for a big grocery store run than a typical hotel where you might have a mini fridge and one ice maker for an enitre floor of rooms.

At some point over the last few years, a lot of the strip hotels have removed the in-room mini fridges as well. We had to resort to the old fashioned garbage can full of ice for cold beer on our last visit.

 

[Softballguy]

Back in the day they gave you free drinks, a role of nickels and buffet just to get you to walk in the door. Remember coupon books?

I sure do wish there was a place to find that again...

That's why we're trying downtown one last time. I think 4 Queens/Binnions stopped their coupon books a few years ago. Best I've found online so far:

El Cortez Boarding Pass Offer - Show us your boarding pass and receive:
$10-$1,000 in free slot play
$25 blackjack match play
Free drink at any El Cortez bar

I believe the D also offers a boarding pass deal... at least with Southwest. Not sure about Golden Gate or Circa though (the other Stevens Group properties).

Tell me about this deal. Do you have to stay there? Who do you show the boarding pass to?

You don't have to stay there, and you bring your boarding pass to the rewards desk. I haven't done it personally, but I've heard from many others who have.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

At some point over the last few years, a lot of the strip hotels have removed the in-room mini fridges as well.

Lame

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Grabbing alcohol and snacks for the hotel room is a given. Anywhere.

In Vegas big resorts it's better to grab a beer from the hotel shops instead of the bar unless you're off the strip. Not sure why anyone goes to the bar to pay $20 a pop. Although you can still find low key spots where you can get comp'ed for putting a few bucks into the video poker.

I agree—but there are some rooms/resorts where starting the party (the drinking, the eating) in the room is better than others. The timeshare resorts where you have a full kitchen (with blenders, with a microwave, with an oven, with a stove, with full size refrigerators and freezers, with plates+utensils), living rooms, separate bedrooms are much more designed for a big grocery store run than a typical hotel where you might have a mini fridge and one ice maker for an enitre floor of rooms.

At some point over the last few years, a lot of the strip hotels have removed the in-room mini fridges as well. We had to resort to the old fashioned garbage can full of ice for cold beer on our last visit.

Totally. The strip hotels and resorts want to effectively force you into spending. They don’t want to give you “outs” or “vectors” for saving money. The really cheap strip resorts (with the exception of a few—I think Treasure Island is still a decent value) have rooms that are so old and insignificant that they are nothing more than a place to shower and sleep—which means you are spending more time downstairs gambling, paying top dollar for every snack and meal that you eat..etc. The luxury resorts that have beautiful spacious rooms that you would actually want to enjoy and stay in for more than just sleeping and showering generally are priced at such a premium that even if you save money from being downstairs less—they have made up for it through the room charges. The timeshare resorts are the best of both worlds—you get big rooms that are comfortable (even if they aren’t super fancy or luxury), you get a room that is set up like an apartment or a condo where you have entertaining space, and the money you save from being forced to pay full price for every little snack, beverage, incidental that you want can be used to add to your entertainment or gambling fund.

 

[kevzilla]

I tip $5 on comped drinks, on Fremont. I enjoy being treated like I'm Bruno Mars. 24K life, baby

 

[Maik Jeaunz]

anybody going to Vegas for the ITC conference in October? I'll be there.

What dates?

10/15 - 10/17

 

[The Z Machine]

Damn, I just booked my room at The Four Queens for Oct 19-23. I didn't really want to spend the $ to be there Sat night, but my buddy wants to watch the NFL games, so I'll pay the premium for Sat night. Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues night stay for $600 all in. Not bad, but I was hoping for a better deal. Was debating between Four Queens and The Plaza. Hopefully the room isn't too loud.

 

[HomerSimpson]

@Gally

Can't wait to check out the stadium

Stadium is nice but getting out of there is an absolute mess. Everyone gets herded like cattle out to an overpass where you get directed back over to the trip. Uber/Lyft short up to $125-150 (compared to $20 to get to the stadium) and it's just mayhem with the amount of people all going to the same location.

Thanks for the heads up! It's just a preseason game, so maybe me and my girlfriend will just dip out early.

@Gally so you were right, it was a S show leaving the stadium hahaha we walked across the bridge and the lines at Mandalay and Luxor were 300 people deep. We found a Taxi driver who said "$50 cash to go to MGM" I was down for it but my girlfriend said "No way its only 2 blocks" so we ordered a Uber from Mandalay, it was only $37 but took 45 minutes to show up. I was like "the extra $13 was worth 45 minutes of my vacation time." So we got in a fight. Hahaha

 

[DA RAIDERS]

@Gally

Can't wait to check out the stadium

Stadium is nice but getting out of there is an absolute mess. Everyone gets herded like cattle out to an overpass where you get directed back over to the trip. Uber/Lyft short up to $125-150 (compared to $20 to get to the stadium) and it's just mayhem with the amount of people all going to the same location.

Thanks for the heads up! It's just a preseason game, so maybe me and my girlfriend will just dip out early.

@Gally so you were right, it was a S show leaving the stadium hahaha we walked across the bridge and the lines at Mandalay and Luxor were 300 people deep. We found a Taxi driver who said "$50 cash to go to MGM" I was down for it but my girlfriend said "No way its only 2 blocks" so we ordered a Uber from Mandalay, it was only $37 but took 45 minutes to show up. I was like "the extra $13 was worth 45 minutes of my vacation time." So we got in a fight. Hahaha

Just roll with herd and get on the train.

 

[Peggy]

Made it back alive!

Nugget tried to upsell us rooms which we declined.$30-$50 a night. Glad we did because it was in the gross old part of the hotel in the back of the property, but, ZERO noise.

Nugget has $5 21 tables at the pool (that stays open late after the pool closes on weekend nights) and around the 46 bar. Most other places had one $10 table with the others $15 that I saw.
Move a block down to Downtown Station they have $5 tables, even though their signs are promoting $2 tables I didn't see that. Basically anywhere off Freemont had $5 tables.

Nugget bartender says as soon as you play $5 I can start comping your drinks, without us asking. How about I just give you $5? Nowhere else asked and we were comped as soon as we sat down.

Don't be a tourist and buy your $20+ drinks from the casino bars next to the stages. Just walk into the ABC Store next door and get a pint or in my case 24oz beer for $4.

Favorite place was Main Street Station. Gorgeous old building, comped drinks right away at the bar. And if you're looking for cheap gambling the video poker machines had $0.25 - 21. Microbrew restaurant was good.

Did Stadium Swim and Nugget Pool, meh. The sportsbook in Circa is awesome though.

$30 Uber rides to and from from the airport.

 

[nirad3]

If I ever do go back to Vegas I am most certainly doing the downtown thing. I can't tell ya how over the Strip I am. Back like 15-20 years ago, I used to go 3-4 times a year and would spend 90% of my time in Strip casinos (unless the WCOFF draft was at South Point). They are just grossly overpriced and catering to the random Midwest guy that has a giant bankroll and is OK with $20 beers and higher table limits.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

Made it back alive!

Nugget tried to upsell us rooms which we declined.$30-$50 a night. Glad we did because it was in the gross old part of the hotel in the back of the property, but, ZERO noise.

Nugget has $5 21 tables at the pool (that stays open late after the pool closes on weekend nights) and around the 46 bar. Most other places had one $10 table with the others $15 that I saw.
Move a block down to Downtown Station they have $5 tables, even though their signs are promoting $2 tables I didn't see that. Basically anywhere off Freemont had $5 tables.

Nugget bartender says as soon as you play $5 I can start comping your drinks, without us asking. How about I just give you $5? Nowhere else asked and we were comped as soon as we sat down.

Don't be a tourist and buy your $20+ drinks from the casino bars next to the stages. Just walk into the ABC Store next door and get a pint or in my case 24oz beer for $4.

Favorite place was Main Street Station. Gorgeous old building, comped drinks right away at the bar. And if you're looking for cheap gambling the video poker machines had $0.25 - 21. Microbrew restaurant was good.

Did Stadium Swim and Nugget Pool, meh. The sportsbook in Circa is awesome though.

$30 Uber rides to and from from the airport.

Main Street Station in downtown is a cool spot. Did you check out any of the old historic items inside? It’s totally free—and if you go to the check in/regisration area—there are free pamphlets that feature a map of the casino/main floor and they mark some really cool historic items and give you a little background on them. There are pieces of furniture from famous buildings/palaces, one of the doorways into one of the stores was actually a bronze door to a bank vault, there is a men’s restroom next to the buffet that has giant pieces of the Berlin Wall above the urinals..etc.

 

[The Z Machine]

Made it back alive!

Nugget tried to upsell us rooms which we declined.$30-$50 a night. Glad we did because it was in the gross old part of the hotel in the back of the property, but, ZERO noise.

Nugget has $5 21 tables at the pool (that stays open late after the pool closes on weekend nights) and around the 46 bar. Most other places had one $10 table with the others $15 that I saw.
Move a block down to Downtown Station they have $5 tables, even though their signs are promoting $2 tables I didn't see that. Basically anywhere off Freemont had $5 tables.

Nugget bartender says as soon as you play $5 I can start comping your drinks, without us asking. How about I just give you $5? Nowhere else asked and we were comped as soon as we sat down.

Don't be a tourist and buy your $20+ drinks from the casino bars next to the stages. Just walk into the ABC Store next door and get a pint or in my case 24oz beer for $4.

Favorite place was Main Street Station. Gorgeous old building, comped drinks right away at the bar. And if you're looking for cheap gambling the video poker machines had $0.25 - 21. Microbrew restaurant was good.

Did Stadium Swim and Nugget Pool, meh. The sportsbook in Circa is awesome though.

$30 Uber rides to and from from the airport.

This is what Vegas should be. Low min tables, comped drinks. Not getting fleeced for a water.

 

[Major]

Made it back alive!

Nugget tried to upsell us rooms which we declined.$30-$50 a night. Glad we did because it was in the gross old part of the hotel in the back of the property, but, ZERO noise.

Nugget has $5 21 tables at the pool (that stays open late after the pool closes on weekend nights) and around the 46 bar. Most other places had one $10 table with the others $15 that I saw.
Move a block down to Downtown Station they have $5 tables, even though their signs are promoting $2 tables I didn't see that. Basically anywhere off Freemont had $5 tables.

Nugget bartender says as soon as you play $5 I can start comping your drinks, without us asking. How about I just give you $5? Nowhere else asked and we were comped as soon as we sat down.

Don't be a tourist and buy your $20+ drinks from the casino bars next to the stages. Just walk into the ABC Store next door and get a pint or in my case 24oz beer for $4.

Favorite place was Main Street Station. Gorgeous old building, comped drinks right away at the bar. And if you're looking for cheap gambling the video poker machines had $0.25 - 21. Microbrew restaurant was good.

Did Stadium Swim and Nugget Pool, meh. The sportsbook in Circa is awesome though.

$30 Uber rides to and from from the airport.

This is what Vegas should be. Low min tables, comped drinks. Not getting fleeced for a water.

Yep. I remember the days when I used to get free hotel rooms, tons of vouchers and most things comped just for being a moderate gambler. I could go to Vegas on a cheap flight, get treated like a king at a great hotel and barely spend any money outside of what I lost at the tables. It's tough for me to adjust my mindset and pay a premium for a product that has only got worse.

 

[The Z Machine]

Made it back alive!

Nugget tried to upsell us rooms which we declined.$30-$50 a night. Glad we did because it was in the gross old part of the hotel in the back of the property, but, ZERO noise.

Nugget has $5 21 tables at the pool (that stays open late after the pool closes on weekend nights) and around the 46 bar. Most other places had one $10 table with the others $15 that I saw.
Move a block down to Downtown Station they have $5 tables, even though their signs are promoting $2 tables I didn't see that. Basically anywhere off Freemont had $5 tables.

Nugget bartender says as soon as you play $5 I can start comping your drinks, without us asking. How about I just give you $5? Nowhere else asked and we were comped as soon as we sat down.

Don't be a tourist and buy your $20+ drinks from the casino bars next to the stages. Just walk into the ABC Store next door and get a pint or in my case 24oz beer for $4.

Favorite place was Main Street Station. Gorgeous old building, comped drinks right away at the bar. And if you're looking for cheap gambling the video poker machines had $0.25 - 21. Microbrew restaurant was good.

Did Stadium Swim and Nugget Pool, meh. The sportsbook in Circa is awesome though.

$30 Uber rides to and from from the airport.

This is what Vegas should be. Low min tables, comped drinks. Not getting fleeced for a water.

Yep. I remember the days when I used to get free hotel rooms, tons of vouchers and most things comped just for being a moderate gambler. I could go to Vegas on a cheap flight, get treated like a king at a great hotel and barely spend any money outside of what I lost at the tables. It's tough for me to adjust my mindset and pay a premium for a product that has only got worse.

Makes you wonder if that can be recreated somewhere else.

 

[massraider]

@Gally

Can't wait to check out the stadium

Stadium is nice but getting out of there is an absolute mess. Everyone gets herded like cattle out to an overpass where you get directed back over to the trip. Uber/Lyft short up to $125-150 (compared to $20 to get to the stadium) and it's just mayhem with the amount of people all going to the same location.

Thanks for the heads up! It's just a preseason game, so maybe me and my girlfriend will just dip out early.

@Gally so you were right, it was a S show leaving the stadium hahaha we walked across the bridge and the lines at Mandalay and Luxor were 300 people deep. We found a Taxi driver who said "$50 cash to go to MGM" I was down for it but my girlfriend said "No way its only 2 blocks" so we ordered a Uber from Mandalay, it was only $37 but took 45 minutes to show up. I was like "the extra $13 was worth 45 minutes of my vacation time." So we got in a fight. Hahaha

Just roll with herd and get on the train.

Or, ya know, just chill at the gigantic resort hotel for a drink or a bite, and let the herd dissipate.

 

[Peggy]

Made it back alive!

Nugget tried to upsell us rooms which we declined.$30-$50 a night. Glad we did because it was in the gross old part of the hotel in the back of the property, but, ZERO noise.

Nugget has $5 21 tables at the pool (that stays open late after the pool closes on weekend nights) and around the 46 bar. Most other places had one $10 table with the others $15 that I saw.
Move a block down to Downtown Station they have $5 tables, even though their signs are promoting $2 tables I didn't see that. Basically anywhere off Freemont had $5 tables.

Nugget bartender says as soon as you play $5 I can start comping your drinks, without us asking. How about I just give you $5? Nowhere else asked and we were comped as soon as we sat down.

Don't be a tourist and buy your $20+ drinks from the casino bars next to the stages. Just walk into the ABC Store next door and get a pint or in my case 24oz beer for $4.

Favorite place was Main Street Station. Gorgeous old building, comped drinks right away at the bar. And if you're looking for cheap gambling the video poker machines had $0.25 - 21. Microbrew restaurant was good.

Did Stadium Swim and Nugget Pool, meh. The sportsbook in Circa is awesome though.

$30 Uber rides to and from from the airport.

Main Street Station in downtown is a cool spot. Did you check out any of the old historic items inside? It’s totally free—and if you go to the check in/regisration area—there are free pamphlets that feature a map of the casino/main floor and they mark some really cool historic items and give you a little background on them. There are pieces of furniture from famous buildings/palaces, one of the doorways into one of the stores was actually a bronze door to a bank vault, there is a men’s restroom next to the buffet that has giant pieces of the Berlin Wall above the urinals..etc.

Yep.

 

[guru_007]

It's funny about Vegas, as I think I would be the ideal target audience for the strip casino's. Empty nester, lots of disposable income, like fine food and drinks, yet, probably will not be going back any time soon for all of the reasons mentioned previously in this thread.
When I was in my 20's, I lived in NY and could have gone to AC any time to gamble, yet, I went to Vegas at least 3-4x per year because I could get a $200 rt flight, free rooms, comp'd drinks and affordable table games. And I always had a blast.
Nowadays, when I want to get my gamble on, I can drive 2.5 hours to a nice casino or two, get a free room, me and my wife will bring 2-3x for a night out what I used to bring for a week in Vegas when single, I can get a nice dinner and back the next day.
Yet, Vegas seems to be making record profits, putting up newer and more expensive casino's every few years so I guess I am in fact, not the target audience any longer

 

[3 hour lunch]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

 

[massraider]

It's funny about Vegas, as I think I would be the ideal target audience for the strip casino's. Empty nester, lots of disposable income, like fine food and drinks, yet, probably will not be going back any time soon for all of the reasons mentioned previously in this thread.
When I was in my 20's, I lived in NY and could have gone to AC any time to gamble, yet, I went to Vegas at least 3-4x per year because I could get a $200 rt flight, free rooms, comp'd drinks and affordable table games. And I always had a blast.
Nowadays, when I want to get my gamble on, I can drive 2.5 hours to a nice casino or two, get a free room, me and my wife will bring 2-3x for a night out what I used to bring for a week in Vegas when single, I can get a nice dinner and back the next day.
Yet, Vegas seems to be making record profits, putting up newer and more expensive casino's every few years so I guess I am in fact, not the target audience any longer

You just explained why Vegas prices went up. The reason why is IN YOUR POST

 

[HomerSimpson]

@Gally

Can't wait to check out the stadium

Stadium is nice but getting out of there is an absolute mess. Everyone gets herded like cattle out to an overpass where you get directed back over to the trip. Uber/Lyft short up to $125-150 (compared to $20 to get to the stadium) and it's just mayhem with the amount of people all going to the same location.

Thanks for the heads up! It's just a preseason game, so maybe me and my girlfriend will just dip out early.

@Gally so you were right, it was a S show leaving the stadium hahaha we walked across the bridge and the lines at Mandalay and Luxor were 300 people deep. We found a Taxi driver who said "$50 cash to go to MGM" I was down for it but my girlfriend said "No way its only 2 blocks" so we ordered a Uber from Mandalay, it was only $37 but took 45 minutes to show up. I was like "the extra $13 was worth 45 minutes of my vacation time." So we got in a fight. Hahaha

Just roll with herd and get on the train.

Or, ya know, just chill at the gigantic resort hotel for a drink or a bite, and let the herd dissipate.

I get bad vibes at Mandalay because of the whole "shooting thing" and I wanted to go back to the room and shower before we went out after the game. But yeah that's a option.

 

[massraider]

Getting out of any game at most stadiums is a mess. Most of them don't have resort hotels (oh, and a tram to another few hotels) right next to the stadium.

 

[Softballguy]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

 

[Major]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

You need to get out more

 

[Softballguy]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

You need to get out more

Lol, ok. Sick burn...

 

[HomerSimpson]

Getting out of any game at most stadiums is a mess. Most of them don't have resort hotels (oh, and a tram to another few hotels) right next to the stadium.

Leaving the Oakland Coliseum is pretty easy. Two freeway on ramps (880) and a BART station. (says the bitter A's/Warriors fan) haha and the pee troughs, kinda weird/gross but efficient.

 

[3 hour lunch]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

You need to get out more

That’s a little harsh. People don’t have to like the same things. I still think Vegas is one of the most reliably fun places around. The criticisms thrown around here are valid, and if all you want is $5 craps or a $15 steak, I’m sure a local casino can help you out. If I want a high end hotel, fine dining, great pools, shows, bars, golf, hiking, and other unique things; Vegas doesn’t disappoint. As someone who has been trending more towards those things and less towards a ton of gambling, I think it’s great. Others obviously have different opinions.

 

[Brony]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

You need to get out more

That’s a little harsh. People don’t have to like the same things. I still think Vegas is one of the most reliably fun places around. The criticisms thrown around here are valid, and if all you want is $5 craps or a $15 steak, I’m sure a local casino can help you out. If I want a high end hotel, fine dining, great pools, shows, bars, golf, hiking, and other unique things; Vegas doesn’t disappoint. As someone who has been trending more towards those things and less towards a ton of gambling, I think it’s great. Others obviously have different opinions.

I like that Vegas is still a place where you can drink all day and no one blinks. I dislike that I need to be constantly watching my back as I walk down the strip moreso than the past. Vegas was never Disney World, but the vibe on the strip is more Walmart-esque than it's ever been.

 

[Major]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

You need to get out more

That’s a little harsh. People don’t have to like the same things. I still think Vegas is one of the most reliably fun places around. The criticisms thrown around here are valid, and if all you want is $5 craps or a $15 steak, I’m sure a local casino can help you out. If I want a high end hotel, fine dining, great pools, shows, bars, golf, hiking, and other unique things; Vegas doesn’t disappoint. As someone who has been trending more towards those things and less towards a ton of gambling, I think it’s great. Others obviously have different opinions.

That's a reasonable take but I was responding to "it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else". I enjoy traveling and Vegas just doesn't hit like some other cities in this beautiful world.

 

[3 hour lunch]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

You need to get out more

That’s a little harsh. People don’t have to like the same things. I still think Vegas is one of the most reliably fun places around. The criticisms thrown around here are valid, and if all you want is $5 craps or a $15 steak, I’m sure a local casino can help you out. If I want a high end hotel, fine dining, great pools, shows, bars, golf, hiking, and other unique things; Vegas doesn’t disappoint. As someone who has been trending more towards those things and less towards a ton of gambling, I think it’s great. Others obviously have different opinions.

That's a reasonable take but I was responding to "it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else". I enjoy traveling and Vegas just doesn't hit like some other cities in this beautiful world.

Yeah I don’t necessarily disagree with that either. So many places to check out in the world. We’re probably just splitting hairs…..if I could go anywhere for a couple days I’d pick Maui or Florence or Paris or something but if I wanted to have the most “fun” I may still pick Vegas.

 

[Softballguy]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

You need to get out more

That’s a little harsh. People don’t have to like the same things. I still think Vegas is one of the most reliably fun places around. The criticisms thrown around here are valid, and if all you want is $5 craps or a $15 steak, I’m sure a local casino can help you out. If I want a high end hotel, fine dining, great pools, shows, bars, golf, hiking, and other unique things; Vegas doesn’t disappoint. As someone who has been trending more towards those things and less towards a ton of gambling, I think it’s great. Others obviously have different opinions.

That's a reasonable take but I was responding to "it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else". I enjoy traveling and Vegas just doesn't hit like some other cities in this beautiful world.

Cool. Did you think I was saying everyone should think it's the best place to vacation? It's my favorite place, but only because I haven't gotten out I guess...

 

[Major]

There are still places where comps are easy and the tables are cheap(er). I’m a very low level gambler and can get 4 free nights at Luxor or Excalibur whenever I want. It’s definitely more tourist trappy now but so is just about every place you go. Because gambling is so prevalent everywhere now, I think Vegas sort of reinvented itself as a unique upscale destination, and it’s clearly working.

Great post!

I'll just add that you don't have to gamble too much more, or pay too much more, to upgrade from a property like Excalibur or Luxor to something like NYNY or Mandalay Bay. Vegas hotels are still remarkably inexpensive compared to what you'd pay around the country for inferior properties.

And all you need to know is a few tips and tricks and things like food, drinks, and shows become much more affordable than paying full price like a newb.

There's a ton of "back in the day" talk, followed by bashing Vegas because it's different than it used to be. But it's still so awesome. Might be a different awesome than it was 20 years ago, but awesome is still awesome. Whether you stay on the strip, downtown, or off strip... it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else.

You need to get out more

That’s a little harsh. People don’t have to like the same things. I still think Vegas is one of the most reliably fun places around. The criticisms thrown around here are valid, and if all you want is $5 craps or a $15 steak, I’m sure a local casino can help you out. If I want a high end hotel, fine dining, great pools, shows, bars, golf, hiking, and other unique things; Vegas doesn’t disappoint. As someone who has been trending more towards those things and less towards a ton of gambling, I think it’s great. Others obviously have different opinions.

That's a reasonable take but I was responding to "it's still more fun than you'll have anywhere else". I enjoy traveling and Vegas just doesn't hit like some other cities in this beautiful world.

Yeah I don’t necessarily disagree with that either. So many places to check out in the world. We’re probably just splitting hairs…..if I could go anywhere for a couple days I’d pick Maui or Florence or Paris or something but if I wanted to have the most “fun” I may still pick Vegas.

Yeah, I guess I should like Vegas more being a guy who enjoys gambling and going out but I've had much more "fun" in other cities abroad. Everything in Vegas seems so corporate and cookie cutter now.

 

[Peggy]

C'mon. Vegas is nowhere near as fun as being on the island. lol
3 days in Vegas and I'm ready to leave. We stay 3 weeks on the island.

 

[encaitar]

If you're a young man/woman in their 20s who's looking to meet some new other young friends for a night or two of passion.... It's hard to find a better collection of nightclubs than Vegas.... or the more adult version of clubs for that matter.

If you're a degenerate gambler... There really isn't a better collection of casinos anywhere else in this country and certainly not any as easy to get to as Vegas.

If you're a foodie... There are SO many top quality restaurants in Vegas... Sure there are in other cities too, but again... convenience of getting there and cheap flights are the norm for Vegas from almost everywhere in the US. That doesn't ring true for NYC , LA, NO, SF, or Chicago etc.

If you're a golfer... Sure it's not Palm Springs or Scottsdale, but there are over 50 golf courses near Vegas. Some of the best in the US too.

If you're a "sit by the pool in a cabana and drink all afternoon" type of person.... Vegas pools are incredible. Yes, they're getting expensive... but they're really good.

Yes, I agree that it's losing some of its luster as most of these were true 20 years ago, but the resorts didn't nickel and dime you back then. I also agree that I'm probably personally going to have more fun at an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean or Hawaii even if it means I miss out on the gambling aspect since golf/food/pool/activities are much more important to me now than the gambling part.

However, if you and your old group of college buddies decide to meet up for a long weekend for a bachelor party or a reunion or whatever reason, you're still likely going to head to Vegas because of the convenience and the variety of options for fun and that hasn't changed one bit.

 

[Peggy]

If you're a young man/woman in their 20s who's looking to meet some new other young friends for a night or two of passion.... It's hard to find a better collection of nightclubs than Vegas.... or the more adult version of clubs for that matter.

If you're a degenerate gambler... There really isn't a better collection of casinos anywhere else in this country and certainly not any as easy to get to as Vegas.

If you're a foodie... There are SO many top quality restaurants in Vegas... Sure there are in other cities too, but again... convenience of getting there and cheap flights are the norm for Vegas from almost everywhere in the US. That doesn't ring true for NYC , LA, NO, SF, or Chicago etc.

If you're a golfer... Sure it's not Palm Springs or Scottsdale, but there are over 50 golf courses near Vegas. Some of the best in the US too.

If you're a "sit by the pool in a cabana and drink all afternoon" type of person.... Vegas pools are incredible. Yes, they're getting expensive... but they're really good.

Yes, I agree that it's losing some of its luster as most of these were true 20 years ago, but the resorts didn't nickel and dime you back then. I also agree that I'm probably personally going to have more fun at an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean or Hawaii even if it means I miss out on the gambling aspect since golf/food/pool/activities are much more important to me now than the gambling part.

However, if you and your old group of college buddies decide to meet up for a long weekend for a bachelor party or a reunion or whatever reason, you're still likely going to head to Vegas because of the convenience and the variety of options for fun and that hasn't changed one bit.

I can top everyone one of those on the island. OK, they don't have as many casinos, but, what's the difference.

The only thing I can think of where Vegas tops the island is major headline shows like Celine Dion if that's your jam. Otherwise the island wins hands down, plus 100 other variety of activities and is in an actual paradise, not a manufactured one.

 

[3 hour lunch]

C'mon. Vegas is nowhere near as fun as being on the island. lol
3 days in Vegas and I'm ready to leave. We stay 3 weeks on the island.

True, same here. I think I’m caught up on the word “fun”. I love Maui and would never say Vegas is better. But for 2-3 days it makes more sense and I think you could argue more fun. Not prettier or more relaxing or idyllic or anything like that

 

[encaitar]

If you're a young man/woman in their 20s who's looking to meet some new other young friends for a night or two of passion.... It's hard to find a better collection of nightclubs than Vegas.... or the more adult version of clubs for that matter.

If you're a degenerate gambler... There really isn't a better collection of casinos anywhere else in this country and certainly not any as easy to get to as Vegas.

If you're a foodie... There are SO many top quality restaurants in Vegas... Sure there are in other cities too, but again... convenience of getting there and cheap flights are the norm for Vegas from almost everywhere in the US. That doesn't ring true for NYC , LA, NO, SF, or Chicago etc.

If you're a golfer... Sure it's not Palm Springs or Scottsdale, but there are over 50 golf courses near Vegas. Some of the best in the US too.

If you're a "sit by the pool in a cabana and drink all afternoon" type of person.... Vegas pools are incredible. Yes, they're getting expensive... but they're really good.

Yes, I agree that it's losing some of its luster as most of these were true 20 years ago, but the resorts didn't nickel and dime you back then. I also agree that I'm probably personally going to have more fun at an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean or Hawaii even if it means I miss out on the gambling aspect since golf/food/pool/activities are much more important to me now than the gambling part.

However, if you and your old group of college buddies decide to meet up for a long weekend for a bachelor party or a reunion or whatever reason, you're still likely going to head to Vegas because of the convenience and the variety of options for fun and that hasn't changed one bit.

I can top everyone one of those on the island. OK, they don't have as many casinos, but, what's the difference.

The only thing I can think of where Vegas tops the island is major headline shows like Celine Dion if that's your jam. Otherwise the island wins hands down, plus 100 other variety of activities and is in an actual paradise, not a manufactured one.

I love Hawaii. However, it's $750+ round trip from pretty much anywhere outside the west coast. The same quality hotels are at least double the cost. They absolutely do NOT have as many shows/top nightclubs/food options. "I can top everyone one of those on the island" Sure.. for your preference. If I have 15 people with different tastes though? Vegas offers 100 more options.

Again... I personally would choose to go to Hawaii over Vegas as it's more my vibe now. Acting shocked that people would choose Vegas over place like Hawaii or the DR or the Bahamas when you factor in price, convenience, and variety is crazy to me.

 

[Peggy]

If you're a young man/woman in their 20s who's looking to meet some new other young friends for a night or two of passion.... It's hard to find a better collection of nightclubs than Vegas.... or the more adult version of clubs for that matter.

If you're a degenerate gambler... There really isn't a better collection of casinos anywhere else in this country and certainly not any as easy to get to as Vegas.

If you're a foodie... There are SO many top quality restaurants in Vegas... Sure there are in other cities too, but again... convenience of getting there and cheap flights are the norm for Vegas from almost everywhere in the US. That doesn't ring true for NYC , LA, NO, SF, or Chicago etc.

If you're a golfer... Sure it's not Palm Springs or Scottsdale, but there are over 50 golf courses near Vegas. Some of the best in the US too.

If you're a "sit by the pool in a cabana and drink all afternoon" type of person.... Vegas pools are incredible. Yes, they're getting expensive... but they're really good.

Yes, I agree that it's losing some of its luster as most of these were true 20 years ago, but the resorts didn't nickel and dime you back then. I also agree that I'm probably personally going to have more fun at an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean or Hawaii even if it means I miss out on the gambling aspect since golf/food/pool/activities are much more important to me now than the gambling part.

However, if you and your old group of college buddies decide to meet up for a long weekend for a bachelor party or a reunion or whatever reason, you're still likely going to head to Vegas because of the convenience and the variety of options for fun and that hasn't changed one bit.

I can top everyone one of those on the island. OK, they don't have as many casinos, but, what's the difference.

The only thing I can think of where Vegas tops the island is major headline shows like Celine Dion if that's your jam. Otherwise the island wins hands down, plus 100 other variety of activities and is in an actual paradise, not a manufactured one.

I love Hawaii. However, it's $750+ round trip from pretty much anywhere outside the west coast. The same quality hotels are at least double the cost. They absolutely do NOT have as many shows/top nightclubs/food options. "I can top everyone one of those on the island" Sure.. for your preference. If I have 15 people with different tastes though? Vegas offers 100 more options.

Again... I personally would choose to go to Hawaii over Vegas as it's more my vibe now. Acting shocked that people would choose Vegas over place like Hawaii or the DR or the Bahamas when you factor in price, convenience, and variety is crazy to me.

Yeah I'm not talking about Hawaii. Sint Maarten is what I call my island, but that's the thing, take your pick as there are 100s to choose from that fit your style.

Flights are more expensive, but, that's why we stay 3 weeks. It's equivalent to 10 long weekend trips to Vegas that gets old after just a couple days.

Hotels, food and activities are waaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper. And don't even get me started by saying that Vegas has better food than an island that is half French and half Dutch in real life.

We're not acting shocked that people would choose to vacation in Vegas, I just got back from there! We're acting shocked that someone said, "more fun than anywhere else". That's just crazy talk.

 

[Peggy]

You know, I just got back from Vegas and we went there because I wanted to "go one last time" as we're moving from the west coast to the east coast and frankly don't ever see it worth the time going back there ever again. Where we're moving to there is a brand new giant hotel and casino within a 20 minute drive. The flight to the island is now about the same time and cost. Not to mention Europe is now just across the pond.

 

[Gally]

Went to Vegas a couple weeks ago. Had the worst blackjack run ever. Played about 3 hours total for the weekend and won a total of 6 hands. Also, since when did they start not giving even money on a black jack when the dealer has an ace showing? Of course, the dealer had blackjack so I didn't even win when I had blackjack. I of course pushed a few other times when I had blackjack and the dealer had a 10 showing. Ugh. Just terrible.

On the bright side the last night there I made up for it playing three card poker and hit a straight flush.

 

[Chadstroma]

I thought this was the Raider thread.

 

[Judge Smails]

Depends on what you are going for. I build weekends around concerts, shows and restaurants. Then build in some Sportsbook, a little gaming, spa etc. hard to get that in Saint Maarten (though I love it there)

 

[Terminalxylem]

@Gally

Can't wait to check out the stadium

Stadium is nice but getting out of there is an absolute mess. Everyone gets herded like cattle out to an overpass where you get directed back over to the trip. Uber/Lyft short up to $125-150 (compared to $20 to get to the stadium) and it's just mayhem with the amount of people all going to the same location.

Thanks for the heads up! It's just a preseason game, so maybe me and my girlfriend will just dip out early.

@Gally so you were right, it was a S show leaving the stadium hahaha we walked across the bridge and the lines at Mandalay and Luxor were 300 people deep. We found a Taxi driver who said "$50 cash to go to MGM" I was down for it but my girlfriend said "No way its only 2 blocks" so we ordered a Uber from Mandalay, it was only $37 but took 45 minutes to show up. I was like "the extra $13 was worth 45 minutes of my vacation time." So we got in a fight. Hahaha

Just roll with herd and get on the train.

Or walk.

 

[Terminalxylem]

If you're a young man/woman in their 20s who's looking to meet some new other young friends for a night or two of passion.... It's hard to find a better collection of nightclubs than Vegas.... or the more adult version of clubs for that matter.

If you're a degenerate gambler... There really isn't a better collection of casinos anywhere else in this country and certainly not any as easy to get to as Vegas.

If you're a foodie... There are SO many top quality restaurants in Vegas... Sure there are in other cities too, but again... convenience of getting there and cheap flights are the norm for Vegas from almost everywhere in the US. That doesn't ring true for NYC , LA, NO, SF, or Chicago etc.

If you're a golfer... Sure it's not Palm Springs or Scottsdale, but there are over 50 golf courses near Vegas. Some of the best in the US too.

If you're a "sit by the pool in a cabana and drink all afternoon" type of person.... Vegas pools are incredible. Yes, they're getting expensive... but they're really good.

Yes, I agree that it's losing some of its luster as most of these were true 20 years ago, but the resorts didn't nickel and dime you back then. I also agree that I'm probably personally going to have more fun at an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean or Hawaii even if it means I miss out on the gambling aspect since golf/food/pool/activities are much more important to me now than the gambling part.

However, if you and your old group of college buddies decide to meet up for a long weekend for a bachelor party or a reunion or whatever reason, you're still likely going to head to Vegas because of the convenience and the variety of options for fun and that hasn't changed one bit.

I can top everyone one of those on the island. OK, they don't have as many casinos, but, what's the difference.

The only thing I can think of where Vegas tops the island is major headline shows like Celine Dion if that's your jam. Otherwise the island wins hands down, plus 100 other variety of activities and is in an actual paradise, not a manufactured one.

I love Hawaii. However, it's $750+ round trip from pretty much anywhere outside the west coast. The same quality hotels are at least double the cost. They absolutely do NOT have as many shows/top nightclubs/food options. "I can top everyone one of those on the island" Sure.. for your preference. If I have 15 people with different tastes though? Vegas offers 100 more options.

Again... I personally would choose to go to Hawaii over Vegas as it's more my vibe now. Acting shocked that people would choose Vegas over place like Hawaii or the DR or the Bahamas when you factor in price, convenience, and variety is crazy to me.

Yeah I'm not talking about Hawaii. Sint Maarten is what I call my island, but that's the thing, take your pick as there are 100s to choose from that fit your style.

Flights are more expensive, but, that's why we stay 3 weeks. It's equivalent to 10 long weekend trips to Vegas that gets old after just a couple days.

Hotels, food and activities are waaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper. And don't even get me started by saying that Vegas has better food than an island that is half French and half Dutch in real life.

We're not acting shocked that people would choose to vacation in Vegas, I just got back from there! We're acting shocked that someone said, "more fun than anywhere else". That's just crazy talk.

Of the bazillion Caribbean islands, why Sint Maarten?

 

[Snotbubbles]

C'mon. Vegas is nowhere near as fun as being on the island. lol
3 days in Vegas and I'm ready to leave. We stay 3 weeks on the island.

Agree with this. Anything more than 3 days is Vegas is awful in my experience.

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm going in 2 weeks time. However, I will have even less disposable cash than typical. Hope I'm not miserable. I guess I just won't gamble very much. Maybe only sports betting and no craps (sad).

 

[Gally]

I'm going in 2 weeks time. However, I will have even less disposable cash than typical. Hope I'm not miserable. I guess I just won't gamble very much. Maybe only sports betting and no craps (sad).

If you are bringing less the gamble with it will be even worse as the table minimums keep going up. Two weeks ago we couldn't find a table min less than $15 and there were only a couple of those. They have become the new $5 tables. Few and far between.

Gone are the days where I can give away my $100 over the course of a couple hours. Now it takes about 15 minutes.

 

[Peggy]

If you're a young man/woman in their 20s who's looking to meet some new other young friends for a night or two of passion.... It's hard to find a better collection of nightclubs than Vegas.... or the more adult version of clubs for that matter.

If you're a degenerate gambler... There really isn't a better collection of casinos anywhere else in this country and certainly not any as easy to get to as Vegas.

If you're a foodie... There are SO many top quality restaurants in Vegas... Sure there are in other cities too, but again... convenience of getting there and cheap flights are the norm for Vegas from almost everywhere in the US. That doesn't ring true for NYC , LA, NO, SF, or Chicago etc.

If you're a golfer... Sure it's not Palm Springs or Scottsdale, but there are over 50 golf courses near Vegas. Some of the best in the US too.

If you're a "sit by the pool in a cabana and drink all afternoon" type of person.... Vegas pools are incredible. Yes, they're getting expensive... but they're really good.

Yes, I agree that it's losing some of its luster as most of these were true 20 years ago, but the resorts didn't nickel and dime you back then. I also agree that I'm probably personally going to have more fun at an all-inclusive somewhere in the Caribbean or Hawaii even if it means I miss out on the gambling aspect since golf/food/pool/activities are much more important to me now than the gambling part.

However, if you and your old group of college buddies decide to meet up for a long weekend for a bachelor party or a reunion or whatever reason, you're still likely going to head to Vegas because of the convenience and the variety of options for fun and that hasn't changed one bit.

I can top everyone one of those on the island. OK, they don't have as many casinos, but, what's the difference.

The only thing I can think of where Vegas tops the island is major headline shows like Celine Dion if that's your jam. Otherwise the island wins hands down, plus 100 other variety of activities and is in an actual paradise, not a manufactured one.

I love Hawaii. However, it's $750+ round trip from pretty much anywhere outside the west coast. The same quality hotels are at least double the cost. They absolutely do NOT have as many shows/top nightclubs/food options. "I can top everyone one of those on the island" Sure.. for your preference. If I have 15 people with different tastes though? Vegas offers 100 more options.

Again... I personally would choose to go to Hawaii over Vegas as it's more my vibe now. Acting shocked that people would choose Vegas over place like Hawaii or the DR or the Bahamas when you factor in price, convenience, and variety is crazy to me.

Yeah I'm not talking about Hawaii. Sint Maarten is what I call my island, but that's the thing, take your pick as there are 100s to choose from that fit your style.

Flights are more expensive, but, that's why we stay 3 weeks. It's equivalent to 10 long weekend trips to Vegas that gets old after just a couple days.

Hotels, food and activities are waaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper. And don't even get me started by saying that Vegas has better food than an island that is half French and half Dutch in real life.

We're not acting shocked that people would choose to vacation in Vegas, I just got back from there! We're acting shocked that someone said, "more fun than anywhere else". That's just crazy talk.

Of the bazillion Caribbean islands, why Sint Maarten?

We've gone many places in the Caribbean: Aruba, Antigua, Keys, Cayman, Belize, Cozumel, Jamaica, St Barts, Anguilla and Sint Maarten just hit the sweet spot for what we're looking for. It's called the friendly island. Everywhere you go tourists and locals are super friendly. All the tables taken at the bar? - someone will wave you over to sit with them. The island is half Dutch and half French so you get a lot of different culture with superb restaurants. The island is 27 square miles that you can drive completely around in a couple hours (minus traffic). There are also about 27 different beaches to choose from ranging from hike in and have the beach all to yourself to busy with bars and jet ski rentals. All the beaches are topless and several that you don't have to wear anything at all.

It's very economical too. We rent a villa with a kitchen and washer/dryer so it's like home for several weeks. You don't have to find a restaurant for every single meal if you don't want and you only need to pack a week's worth of clothes. We rent a car to drive to whatever beach we feel like that day. You don't have to worry about drinking and driving, although that's changed in recent years on the French side. It used to be that if the Dutch police pulled you over they'd offer you a Heineken to sober you up. The prices at grocery stores, restaurants and bars that are not the tourist traps are very reasonable.

Plus we've met friends there and we all go at the same time of year. We have life long friends that we know just from the island. That being said, just like anywhere it seems, it's not like it was 10 years ago. More large hotels have gone up and in peak season there can be 5 or more cruise ships in port. Driving the two lane road around the island is nuts now during peak times and there really isn't any way to expand or make the roads bigger.