Vegas (4 Viewers)

[Joe T]

Gambling:

Why wouldn't you just gamble at Bellagio? To me it is the best place to gamble any time day or night. They have a ton of tables and even on Friday and Saturday nights you can find $10 craps, roulette, black jack. I tell people this all the time and they scoff. It is the best place to gamble imo. The limits at the Palms are very similar just with much fewer tables.

Lounge:

I had fun last trip in the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay. There was no line and I didn't pay cover (not sure if there is one normally). The lounge is cool, has a DJ, and free drinks for ladies so there were more ladies there pre-partying than I expected. Also, there is a nice sized balcony with a view straight down the strip that has a really cool view.

 

[[icon]]

Gambling: Why wouldn't you just gamble at Bellagio? To me it is the best place to gamble any time day or night. They have a ton of tables and even on Friday and Saturday nights you can find $10 craps, roulette, black jack. I tell people this all the time and they scoff. It is the best place to gamble imo. The limits at the Palms are very similar just with much fewer tables. Lounge: I had fun last trip in the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay. There was no line and I didn't pay cover (not sure if there is one normally). The lounge is cool, has a DJ, and free drinks for ladies so there were more ladies there pre-partying than I expected. Also, there is a nice sized balcony with a view straight down the strip that has a really cool view.

I didn't know the Bellagio had affordable ($10) games... that is good to know. I've honestly never gambled there. That's one good option for sure. Thanks! Never done Foundation Room in vegas either but might check that out one night... I'm considering taking the guys to Burger Bar for a "low key" dinner on Friday or Saturday then maybe we could roll up to Mix or Foundation Room for a drink or two. Hows the age of the clientele? Curious about the lack of cover you paid.... everything I've read says $30-40 cover charge. Hrm. Thanks GB.

 

[Joe T]

Gambling: Why wouldn't you just gamble at Bellagio? To me it is the best place to gamble any time day or night. They have a ton of tables and even on Friday and Saturday nights you can find $10 craps, roulette, black jack. I tell people this all the time and they scoff. It is the best place to gamble imo. The limits at the Palms are very similar just with much fewer tables. Lounge: I had fun last trip in the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay. There was no line and I didn't pay cover (not sure if there is one normally). The lounge is cool, has a DJ, and free drinks for ladies so there were more ladies there pre-partying than I expected. Also, there is a nice sized balcony with a view straight down the strip that has a really cool view.

I didn't know the Bellagio had affordable ($10) games... that is good to know. I've honestly never gambled there. That's one good option for sure. Thanks! Never done Foundation Room in vegas either but might check that out one night... I'm considering taking the guys to Burger Bar for a "low key" dinner on Friday or Saturday then maybe we could roll up to Mix or Foundation Room for a drink or two. Hows the age of the clientele? Curious about the lack of cover you paid.... everything I've read says $30-40 cover charge. Hrm. Thanks GB.

I like Mix too... Carnival Court.. Chandelier Bar. I was just trying to offer up other options. Mix to me is a little more upscale and less of a party.

It's hard to say on age range. I would say most in their 30's, but there was a bachelorette party there that night too with 20 somethings. I would not pay $30-40 to go up there though. It's fun, but for that you can get into a lot of places. I can't imagine them charging that much.

We were with girls so they didn't make us pay anything and that may have been the reason... it was a Thursday night.

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

I just found out about a prix fixe menu at Charlie Palmer in the Four Seasons. It's a nice offer - 3 course dinner (including steak for main course) plus bottomless wine flight for $48.

http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CPSteak/LasVegas/Menu/?MenuId=512

 

[[icon]]

I just found out about a prix fixe menu at Charlie Palmer in the Four Seasons. It's a nice offer - 3 course dinner (including steak for main course) plus bottomless wine flight for $48.

http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CPSteak/LasVegas/Menu/?MenuId=512

Careful.... getting killed on Yelp.

 

[gianmarco]

I just found out about a prix fixe menu at Charlie Palmer in the Four Seasons. It's a nice offer - 3 course dinner (including steak for main course) plus bottomless wine flight for $48.

http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CPSteak/LasVegas/Menu/?MenuId=512

Careful.... getting killed on Yelp.

It's no Amy's Baking Company, though, so there's that.

 

[[icon]]

Made buddies wiht some guys from Lagunitas Brewing over BBQfest. Turns out one of them knows George Maloof's assistant (Founder / part-owner of Palms where we're staying in July. He's talked to her and she has already offered up some VIP line-skip passes for palms clubs (eh) and is supposedly going to call my host (chad noyes) over some sort of hookup for a cabana for Ditch Fridays while we're there. Got a couple guys in our group that are rubbing nickles together a little too hard on this and are balking at the 1.5-3k min spend required for cabanas.... I get it but just trying to make it all work. Adding: Spearmint Rhino has a special this summer.... Post-Pool-Party Promo... 4pm-8pm daily....2 bottles of Belvedere Vodka for $150 (6 guys). Called them and asked if we could order multiple "specials" for a larger group (8 guys) and she said no problem. Looks like the plan is to treat our Rhino stop as a pre-game instead of an end of night affair. Leave Ditch at ~5pm to shower up. Get picked up by Rhino limo around 7:00 and get a booth there. Order up 6 Bottles ($450+tax/tip) and settle in for several hours of pregaming like a mother####er. I guess the night shift girls show at 8ish and hit the floor at 9. Likely with it being slow we'll have several girls lounging and drinking with us (very much fine with sharing) while we get warmed up. Grab an occasional dance or whatnot then when the booze is gone or the mood strikes (10-11?), we roll out to the next stop for the evening... who knows, maybe dragging some day-shift girls who just got off along for the adventure. Thoughts on this plan?

 

[[icon]]

Gotta say just started working with Issac "Kaz" Curry who is a VIP host with the light group (Daylight, Light, Liquid, Haze, 1Oak, Bank) but has great connections everywhere. Suddenly my quoted prices for cabanas at Ditch have been cut in half and all sorts of other doors are opening up.

Very laid back/cool guy who's up front about the hustle and is more than willing to suggest, and network you into venues outside "his" spots. Cell is 702-900-6755. Definitely a good guy to get in touch with at any of those venues. Tell him I sent ya (inbox for details) if you reach out.

 

[Bull Dozier]

Going to Vegas for the first time with the wife this weekend. I know it's not really possible, and everything is relative, but anyone have tips for not spending every dime you have on food? We'll be having some nice dinners, but we're going Thursday - Monday, and don't want to go broke on food.

We're staying at Paris btw.

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

Going to Vegas for the first time with the wife this weekend. I know it's not really possible, and everything is relative, but anyone have tips for not spending every dime you have on food? We'll be having some nice dinners, but we're going Thursday - Monday, and don't want to go broke on food.

We're staying at Paris btw.

Split a breakfast at Hash House a Go Go (in the Quad) or the Peppermill (my preferred choice).

I know some people who swear by Earl of Sandwich for a cheap lunch.

There are a ton of "upscale" burger joints. BurGR by Gordon Ramsey, for example, is very popular and well received. Good way to get away with a $30 dinner instead of a $100 one.

 

[(HULK)]

I now want to go to Vegas with Icon sometime imo

 

[The Ref]

Going to Vegas for the first time with the wife this weekend. I know it's not really possible, and everything is relative, but anyone have tips for not spending every dime you have on food? We'll be having some nice dinners, but we're going Thursday - Monday, and don't want to go broke on food.

We're staying at Paris btw.

What ever you do, make sure you have one dinner at Mon Ami Gabi. For such a great location its really not that expensive.

 

[ffldrew]

Going to Vegas for the first time with the wife this weekend. I know it's not really possible, and everything is relative, but anyone have tips for not spending every dime you have on food? We'll be having some nice dinners, but we're going Thursday - Monday, and don't want to go broke on food.

We're staying at Paris btw.

Consider going to Lotus of Siam - it's on Sahara east of the strip and would take a quick cab ride. Some of the best Thai found anywhere and easy on the pocketbook for what you get.

 

[17seconds]

Going to Vegas for the first time with the wife this weekend. I know it's not really possible, and everything is relative, but anyone have tips for not spending every dime you have on food? We'll be having some nice dinners, but we're going Thursday - Monday, and don't want to go broke on food.

We're staying at Paris btw.

I think I mentioned it a few posts ago. Buffet of buffets. If you time it right it's 4 all u can eat meals for $50. And the Paris buffet is one of the participating places. You can get it there. Even if you end up doing only 2 or 3 it's worth it because you DIDN'T drop $100+ somewhere for meal during that time.

Just try to eat like a normal meal, don't pig out. Else you'll end up skipping a meal.

If you do it I'd recommend alternating between Paris and PH. Those are the best ones.

http://www.ballyslasvegas.com/casinos/paris-las-vegas/casino-entertainment/buffet-of-buffets-24-hour-pass-detail.html

http://www.yelp.com/biz/buffet-of-buffets-las-vegas

 

[Buckna]

[SIZE=medium]As far as food, it kind of depends on what experience you are going for in Vegas. Tons of cheap places if that’s what you want to do and don’t care about eating somewhere fancy (or healthy in many cases.) If you are in Paris, there are a few places in the back of/and under Bally’s that are decent enough. I specifically like a little Sushi place under there across from the sports book that has good sushi for a cheap price. Nice noodles/bowls of Udon too. There’s a burger place connecting Paris & Bally’s that has good mid-day specials and like 2 for 1 beers at happy hour and a bunch of easy on the eyes hostesses in corsets. O’Shea’s used to have a food court with a Subway that was cheap and somewhat healthy compared to a lot of the alternatives, imagine that’s not there anymore. As for Buffet’s, Spice Market Buffet (don't think it's called this anymore) in Planet Hollywood is good, as is Bally’s across the strip. [/SIZE]

 

[[icon]]

A good cheap late night snack is the "Secret Pizza Spot" in the Cosmopolitan. Hell, its good for a slice midday. Top floor down a hallway between the sushi restaurant and tapas restaurant.

From what I've read, word on this place has gotten out and the lines can be QUITE long as the evening goes on. That said, reviews are it's a great value.

 

[[icon]]

I now want to go to Vegas with Icon sometime imo

Cmon GB!

Actually just found out I'm going back in October for a tradeshow working the show wed (setup) thursday and friday (over at 2pm). I'd be kinda a dummy if I didn't extend my stay thru sunday, am-i-rite?!

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

A good cheap late night snack is the "Secret Pizza Spot" in the Cosmopolitan. Hell, its good for a slice midday. Top floor down a hallway between the sushi restaurant and tapas restaurant.

From what I've read, word on this place has gotten out and the lines can be QUITE long as the evening goes on. That said, reviews are it's a great value.

Tacos El Gordo is the other place for late night cheap food...

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-el-gordo-las-vegas-2#query:tacos%20el%20gordo

 

[Bull Dozier]

Thanks for all the ideas, guys. Keep 'em coming if you have more.

We'll definitely being having some nice dinners, but I don't want to spend the vast majority of my spending money on food. Just trying to find some cheap places for breakfast and lunch.

 

[[icon]]

The ladies (bachelorette party) are going to Vegas the weekend before us. Going to Bellagio for O thursday night. They are looking for dinner ideas around that area before the 7:30 show. I've suggested Yellowtail (sushi - bellagio), Mon Ami Gabi (French Steak/Seafood @ Paris), and STK (steak - Cosmo) for them to check out. They're looking for something moderately priced ($25-50 entrees). Any other options I should be sure to throw in? I tossed out Koi as well due to their happy hour (1/2 price signature drinks and apps) but looking for more feedback.

Looks like we're booked at STK for the kickoff dinner Thursday night. Looking at a burger joint Sat Night to wrap it up. Holsteins is frontrunner... BLT Burger and BurGR are also in the running. Seems Burger Bar at Mandalay has been getting weaker reviews of late.

 

[(HULK)]

I now want to go to Vegas with Icon sometime imo

Cmon GB!

Actually just found out I'm going back in October for a tradeshow working the show wed (setup) thursday and friday (over at 2pm). I'd be kinda a dummy if I didn't extend my stay thru sunday, am-i-rite?!

I need my side biz to pick up enough steam to pay for me to go out there for conferences imo. Hasn't happened yet. When it does, I'll PM you. Clearly you're planning a trip the same way I would, so that is good.

BTW, I was a Tryst several years back when it was the newest/hottest spot, and I've never ever seen so many hot women assembled in one place. The ugliest girls there were offdee 7s easily. It was insane.

 

[[icon]]

I now want to go to Vegas with Icon sometime imo

Cmon GB!

Actually just found out I'm going back in October for a tradeshow working the show wed (setup) thursday and friday (over at 2pm). I'd be kinda a dummy if I didn't extend my stay thru sunday, am-i-rite?!

I need my side biz to pick up enough steam to pay for me to go out there for conferences imo. Hasn't happened yet. When it does, I'll PM you. Clearly you're planning a trip the same way I would, so that is good.

BTW, I was a Tryst several years back when it was the newest/hottest spot, and I've never ever seen so many hot women assembled in one place. The ugliest girls there were offdee 7s easily. It was insane.

Yeah i've heard good things. IT still does well but they're down a notch from the XS/Marquee nowadays apparently as they're offering some pretty nice bottle deals (I think I outlined above). Not sure. We thought about it but the guys I'm going with are pinchin pennies a bit

 

[[icon]]

Lineup came out for Ditch Fridays and it's some crappy Female R&B has-been. Talked to my host Kaz who's informed me that Ditch is trending very "Urban" (he's black too) and said the crowd has gotten "rachet as hell" this year.

We're cutting bait on Ditch and heading over to Wet Republic Friday the 19th for a Party Cabana instead. Hot 100 should bring in some insane eye candy and by all accounts the crowd is better while still landing in our budget. Party Cabana is supposed to be $2k but I think we can land it for 1.5k min spend.

Will see..
20 days and counting

 

[gianmarco]

The ladies (bachelorette party) are going to Vegas the weekend before us. Going to Bellagio for O thursday night. They are looking for dinner ideas around that area before the 7:30 show. I've suggested Yellowtail (sushi - bellagio), Mon Ami Gabi (French Steak/Seafood @ Paris), and STK (steak - Cosmo) for them to check out. They're looking for something moderately priced ($25-50 entrees). Any other options I should be sure to throw in? I tossed out Koi as well due to their happy hour (1/2 price signature drinks and apps) but looking for more feedback.

Looks like we're booked at STK for the kickoff dinner Thursday night. Looking at a burger joint Sat Night to wrap it up. Holsteins is frontrunner... BLT Burger and BurGR are also in the running. Seems Burger Bar at Mandalay has been getting weaker reviews of late.

Ate some excellent burgers at KGB (Kerry's Gourmet Burgers) while there.

 

[Bull Dozier]

Going to Vegas for the first time with the wife this weekend. I know it's not really possible, and everything is relative, but anyone have tips for not spending every dime you have on food? We'll be having some nice dinners, but we're going Thursday - Monday, and don't want to go broke on food.

We're staying at Paris btw.

What ever you do, make sure you have one dinner at Mon Ami Gabi. For such a great location its really not that expensive.

Just wanted to respond to this. We did indeed have one nice dinner at Mon Ami. It was amazing. Bread pudding for dessert was the best I've ever had.

 

[[icon]]

Good to hear the favorable reviews of Mon ami. The bachelorette party will be proceeding us by one week and ive arrange for them to do a dinner there before going to O

 

[The Ref]

Going to Vegas for the first time with the wife this weekend. I know it's not really possible, and everything is relative, but anyone have tips for not spending every dime you have on food? We'll be having some nice dinners, but we're going Thursday - Monday, and don't want to go broke on food.

We're staying at Paris btw.

What ever you do, make sure you have one dinner at Mon Ami Gabi. For such a great location its really not that expensive.

Just wanted to respond to this. We did indeed have one nice dinner at Mon Ami. It was amazing. Bread pudding for dessert was the best I've ever had.

Glad you liked it. As I have said a few times in this thread when you go to vegas you spend 6 months planning out the ultimate few days of fun and debauchery. Then you get off the plane and ignore everything you planned for 6 months in the matter of 5 minutes, or less.

That said when I go with Mrs Ref we always do two things.

1. take the deuce to old vegas and play $3-$5 Craps and Blackjack at Binions.

2. Eat at Mon Ami Gabi.

EDIT: I've never had the break pudding there. That said, half the Disney thread is about Ohana and the bread pudding they serve there.

 

[belljr]

tryst was great when it first opened...

2k for a cabana... id rather drop 2k gambling than a night clubn/ drinks

 

[kutta]

Thanks for all the ideas, guys. Keep 'em coming if you have more.

We'll definitely being having some nice dinners, but I don't want to spend the vast majority of my spending money on food. Just trying to find some cheap places for breakfast and lunch.

Carnegie Deli in the Mirage is awesome. You guys can split a sandwich (seriously) and the food rocks.

 

[CurlyNight]

Who's there this weekend? It was only 90 degrees at 9 am!

 

[massraider]

tryst was great when it first opened...

2k for a cabana... id rather drop 2k gambling than a night clubn/ drinks

There are some people that would rather spend the money at a club.

 

[Mark Davis]

Who's there this weekend? It was only 90 degrees at 9 am!

No doubt. I'm going out there in 2 weeks, hoping it isn't quite that bad. Just heard it may start affecting take offs soon so this may mess up travel.

 

[CurlyNight]

Who's there this weekend? It was only 90 degrees at 9 am!

No doubt. I'm going out there in 2 weeks, hoping it isn't quite that bad. Just heard it may start affecting take offs soon so this may mess up travel.

I don't know how anyone can walk the strip when it's 115 degrees! They're showing folks out walking in pants and regular shirts. Unless you are from there or the hot part of the SW, I don't know how you stay out so long!

 

[Swing 51]

Who's there this weekend? It was only 90 degrees at 9 am!

No doubt. I'm going out there in 2 weeks, hoping it isn't quite that bad. Just heard it may start affecting take offs soon so this may mess up travel.

I don't know how anyone can walk the strip when it's 115 degrees! They're showing folks out walking in pants and regular shirts. Unless you are from there or the hot part of the SW, I don't know how you stay out so long!

Had a cabana at Wynn pool today. It was 102 at breakfast - not sure what the official high got to.

 

[belljr]

tryst was great when it first opened...

2k for a cabana... id rather drop 2k gambling than a night clubn/ drinks

There are some people that would rather spend the money at a club.

Not knocking anyone just not my thing. Sure I do it out there but would rather drop coin gambling....

 

[CurlyNight]

Good to hear the favorable reviews of Mon ami. The bachelorette party will be proceeding us by one week and ive arrange for them to do a dinner there before going to O

I've seen most of the Cirque de Soleil's and the O show is the absolute best! I've seen it 4 times. It never gets old. It's amazing what they do in a large pool of water on the stage. I highly recommend seeing the O show if you can only see one show in Vegas!

 

[Mark Davis]

Who's there this weekend? It was only 90 degrees at 9 am!

No doubt. I'm going out there in 2 weeks, hoping it isn't quite that bad. Just heard it may start affecting take offs soon so this may mess up travel.

I don't know how anyone can walk the strip when it's 115 degrees! They're showing folks out walking in pants and regular shirts. Unless you are from there or the hot part of the SW, I don't know how you stay out so long!

Honestly it doesn't bother me for short periods. I go out in July for a conference each year and it's pretty much like that every time. I live in Alabama and grew up here, when it's 100 in the summer with all the humidity you can take 110 with no humidity. It's weird though to me to get used to it, it kind of sneaks up on me there. Here you go outside and almost immediately are drenched and sweating, there I'm walking thinking it's fine and next thing I feel like my skin burning from the heat.

 

[CurlyNight]

Who's there this weekend? It was only 90 degrees at 9 am!

No doubt. I'm going out there in 2 weeks, hoping it isn't quite that bad. Just heard it may start affecting take offs soon so this may mess up travel.

I don't know how anyone can walk the strip when it's 115 degrees! They're showing folks out walking in pants and regular shirts. Unless you are from there or the hot part of the SW, I don't know how you stay out so long!

Honestly it doesn't bother me for short periods. I go out in July for a conference each year and it's pretty much like that every time. I live in Alabama and grew up here, when it's 100 in the summer with all the humidity you can take 110 with no humidity. It's weird though to me to get used to it, it kind of sneaks up on me there. Here you go outside and almost immediately are drenched and sweating, there I'm walking thinking it's fine and next thing I feel like my skin burning from the heat.

It was 115 in Vegas yesterday. It's 7 am and it's 93 in Vegas. Yikes!

We have almost another week of this. I'm in N. CA in the Bay Area and over 90 is killer for most of us. I can't imagine how those survive with just a fan as most places here don't have a/c already installed. I've been here over 20 years and I don't recall it being this hot for so many days in a row. Maybe 2-3 days in a row then it cools down. If I didn't see so many trees around me, I'd think I was in the desert!

 

[NIU Kicker]

Give me 110 in Vegas over 95 in Miami. The humidity really makes a big differance.

Don't get me wrong, it's hot and I'd rather have neither.

 

[pizzatyme]

We had a great meal at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Paris. And the view of the Bellagio fountains was second to none.

 

[radfinkbeiner]

I am very frequent visitor to Las Vegas and would suggest the following:

1. I recommend staying at Polo Towers. This is a time share which can also be rented like a hotel room. It is located next to Planet Hollywood and is in the heart of the strip. You can rent rooms the size of a hotel room up to a two bedroom 'condo' which could sleep 6. It has the advantage of having a kitchen (in the 1 and 2 bedroom units) or a kitchenette (Efficiency units). The prices are really good! Ranging from 60$ a night during the week for an efficiency to 250$ for a 2 bedroom on Friday or Saturday nights. They have a pool on the roof of the hotel which is a standard size pool, but it is not usually busy and there are cabanas to use for free.

2. I highly recommend MGV ( machine gun Vegas)!! It's pretty pricey but getting to shoot those automatic weapons was definitely worth it. We even took our 9 and 11 year olds and they had a blast.

3. There are way too many great restaurants in Las Vegas, making it hard to choose. Our favorites are Strip Steak (Mandalay Bay), Nobu (Caesars), Hofbrauhaus (Across from Hard Rock Casino). These places are pricey but very good. La Salsa Cantina is a Mexican place with several locations...the Poblano Chees Dip is fabulous. This place is a little more on the reasonable side. As far as buffets are concerned there are really only 2 that we frequent. The cheaper option is the Spice Market Buffet (Planet Hollywood). This place used to be the top vote getter in Vegas for best buffet. It is still really good and features many different ethnic foods from Italian, Indian, Asian, Mexican to good ole' American. The current vote getter for best buffet is the revamped Bachanal Buffet (Caesars). They took Spice Markets playbook and rocked it up several notches. The food is fantastic but the price tag is definitely on the steeper side. Highly recommended.

***Looking for a cheap way to enjoy all of this great food? The Caesars group of resorts offers a 24 hour buffet pass to 7 or 8 buffets for one price, called Buffet of Buffets or something like that. (I think it's around 50 to 60$, but sign up for the Total Rewards card (free) to get a discount on the price) but you get access to several buffets for 24 hours which starts when you check in to your first buffet. We can consistently get 4+ meals out of this with a late breakfast the first day, lunch, dinner and an early breakfast the next morning. Just be aware that although the Caesars buffet and seafood buffet at the Rio are on the list you have to pay an extra fee for them to be included since they are consider higher tier. The Spice Market at Planet Hollywood and the Buffet at Paris definitely make this plan worth it. The buffet at Harrahs and the 'lesser' buffet at the rio are decent but really subpar when comparing to the above mention ones. Please, please, please avoid the one a the Imperial Palace (the quad) at ALL costs. Don't say I didn't warn you!!

A couple of other really good restaurants that won't break the bank include...Hash House a Go Go (the only decent thing at the imperial palace (quad), Tratorria Reggiano (Venetian)...the Vodka Penne is excellent. Believe it or not the little Gyro place in the food court at the Fashion Center mall is pretty good as well.

4. Shows, Shows, Shows--- Most shows in Vegas are pretty good and most are pretty expensive. I cannot recommend what you may like as tastes vary widely. What I would recommend is getting your tickets at Tix 4 Tonite. They are many kiosks located around Vegas (Hawaiian Market Place, Near the MM store and Fashion Center Mall). Just look for the Yellow signs and folks wearing yellow shirts. There is a similar one where the theme is GREEN. I have never used them and have no opinion of them. Tix 4 has big discounts on nearly every show in Vegas and with the exception of new or very popular shows always seems to have tickets available at anywhere from 10% to 75% off. Just walk on by and check out there monitors to see what they have available. They even have a VIP pass (25$) that allows you to the front of the line and it's good for a year.

Shows that I have seen and enjoyed (all of which I got at Tix 4 Tonite) include....The Blue Man Group, Ka, Phantom of the Opera (twice), Penn And Teller (3 times), David Copperfield, Lance Burton, The Amazing Jonathon, Wayne Brady, Jay Leno, David Spade, Andrew Dice Clay, Americas Got Talent, Defending the Caveman, Elton John and Carrot Top (5 times...and yes he is very entertaining).

Also don't forget to check out the acts playing at the Joint (hard rock). House of Blues (Mandalay Bay), UNLV Mack Center and the Smith Center (the Las Vegas concert hall....just saw Bryan Adams there!).

4. I would highly recommend a trip out to Red Rock Canyon (need a rental car, a taxi would break the bank). This is a really great drive (west of the city) with several hiking trails and opportunities for rock climbing.

5. Pawn Stars!! Everybody and their dog knows about this tourist spot and it is a very busy place. I think its show floor opens at 10 am. So get there about 930 to 945 for a spot in line. The line moves fast but it can get extremely long later in the day. What are the chances of getting to see and meet the cast members? Depends on your willingness to invest a lot of time in the endevour. Typically the guys are not there or available. I was told outside of shooting the show that Chumlee is rarely there. When they are shooting the show the crew will close the shop for hours at a time and you will just wait in line until they are done....but those are the best chances to actually see the guys....must less likely to meet and and converse with them. We have been a dozen times and only saw them once. We were very lucky to show up just at the beginning of shooting and we saw Big Hoss and I actually shook Ricks hand (but only because a very obnoxious and pushy lady in front of use grabbed him as he was going in the back....which was supposed to be a big no no....but opportunity knocked!!) But do go inside and get a Chumlee shirt.

6. I highly recommend Counts Kustoms Tattoo shop at the Rio. Staff is awesome and they do great, safe work. Dave did my tattoo and Travis did my wife's.

7. A free and fun endevour is watching and rating a new television show or series at Television City in the back of the MGM Grand near the pool. You get to watch a new hour or half hour pilot and give your opinion on the show. Sometimes they pat $25 bucks for your participation and they have focus groups that you may qualify for that would net you $50.

8. Finally I came to the realization that renting a car is cheaper (some times a lot cheaper) than taking taxis everywhere especially if you are going out to explore. I recommend Fox Car Rentals. There prices are consistently reasonable and they do NOT have a policy rewarding their employees for finding scratches on the car when you return it. I begin about 6 months before my trip browsing the 'CR' Car Rental app on my iPad for rental prices. You can make a reservation at a price and if it goes down the next week just cancel the first reservation and make another one. The prices seem to steadily drop until about 6 weeks before the date then begin to rise again. But this is unpredictable but you have nothing to lose by making and cancelling reservations until you find the sweet spot.

*note on car rentals in Vegas*--All car rental agencies are 'off site' from the airport. So everyone renting a car has to take a free shuttle to the rental car building (about 7 minutes away). Fox rental cars (among others) is a second free shuttle ride from the car rental pavilion to there 'off off site' location. But don't let this scare you. It's actually located on Las Vegas Blvd and is a straight shot to the strip. Alsomtheynare self contained so when returning your car you aren't falling all over folks from 20 other car rental agencies. Because they are 'off off site' their prices are definitely cheaper. Also there is a gas station right next door for your return gas fill up.

Good Luck

 

[CurlyNight]

We had a great meal at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Paris. And the view of the Bellagio fountains was second to none.

The buffet in Paris hotel is bar none! The selection, quality, and ambiance rock! It's a must do of all the buffets there. It's not on the cheap side but well worth a visit!

 

[belljr]

i remember our first vegas trip, the wife and i stayed at the venetian, i think we walked to the bellagio and then headed to tryst (the clubin the wynn)...

it is 10 pm and something like 100 degrees

 

[Tiger Fan]

Is Golden Nugget considered the best place to stay downtown?

 

[kevzilla]

Is Golden Nugget considered the best place to stay downtown?

Yes, and it's not close. PM SLBob for more info.

 

[kevzilla]

I want to expand on the above, flippant answer. If I was taking a significant other to Fremont Street, only the GN would do.

Having said that, my notebook indicates you may be planning a guys-only football weekend. In that case, there may be other options. The D (formerly Fitzgerald's, I know, it's stupid) has a bunch of recently-renovated rooms in the tallest hotel tower downtown. They have some corner rooms with wraparound windows, and can be had for about $70 on weekends. Their suites can sometimes be had for under $100, and look really nice. Their sportsbook, however, will not pass muster with someone accustomed to LVH.

The Plaza has also renovated, with furniture and fixtures from the mothballed Fontainebleau project. The rooms will be about the same price as the D, but the sportsbook has been completely redone, and should be roughly comparable to the Nugget, and superior to anything else downtown.

The former Lady Luck is reopening soon as Downtown Grand. They aren't taking reservations yet, but it probably will be in the next month or so. There will likely be some bargains available as they try to put heads in beds.

I am leaning toward the El Cortez Cabana Suites for my bowl game and Wild Card extravaganza in January. Some of the best blackjack and video poker anywhere, and bars of every description have sprung up on that end of Fremont. But it's a 3-star hotel on its best day. The niceness of the hotel is low on my list of priorities...obviously.

The Golden Nugget is still the nuts downtown. It's a AAA Four-Diamond hotel, which I don't think any other property downtown has a prayer of ever achieving.

 

[Tiger Fan]

I want to expand on the above, flippant answer. If I was taking a significant other to Fremont Street, only the GN would do.

Having said that, my notebook indicates you may be planning a guys-only football weekend. In that case, there may be other options. The D (formerly Fitzgerald's, I know, it's stupid) has a bunch of recently-renovated rooms in the tallest hotel tower downtown. They have some corner rooms with wraparound windows, and can be had for about $70 on weekends. Their suites can sometimes be had for under $100, and look really nice. Their sportsbook, however, will not pass muster with someone accustomed to LVH.

The Plaza has also renovated, with furniture and fixtures from the mothballed Fontainebleau project. The rooms will be about the same price as the D, but the sportsbook has been completely redone, and should be roughly comparable to the Nugget, and superior to anything else downtown.

The former Lady Luck is reopening soon as Downtown Grand. They aren't taking reservations yet, but it probably will be in the next month or so. There will likely be some bargains available as they try to put heads in beds.

I am leaning toward the El Cortez Cabana Suites for my bowl game and Wild Card extravaganza in January. Some of the best blackjack and video poker anywhere, and bars of every description have sprung up on that end of Fremont. But it's a 3-star hotel on its best day. The niceness of the hotel is low on my list of priorities...obviously.

The Golden Nugget is still the nuts downtown. It's a AAA Four-Diamond hotel, which I don't think any other property downtown has a prayer of ever achieving.

Thx. Great info here. Our group is currenlty debating staying downtown vs. LVH. Every time we've got we've stayed at the LVH b/c of their huge sportsbook (we stay all day saturday and sunday for football), but do all of our table gaming downtown (all day/night friday and saturday night). There's something great to just wake up, walk downstairs and plop in a chair at the sports book. On the flip side, staying right were all of the action is for the night time is nice too.

 

[[icon]]

Who's there this weekend? It was only 90 degrees at 9 am!

No doubt. I'm going out there in 2 weeks, hoping it isn't quite that bad. Just heard it may start affecting take offs soon so this may mess up travel.

I'll be there 18-21st

 

[[icon]]

tryst was great when it first opened...

2k for a cabana... id rather drop 2k gambling than a night clubn/ drinks

Not paying $2k for the cabana.... food/beverage tab has to total that much. It's not that big of a stretch for 7 guys partying to rack up that tab.

I have a comfortable gambling fund as well

 

[Mark Davis]

Who's there this weekend? It was only 90 degrees at 9 am!

No doubt. I'm going out there in 2 weeks, hoping it isn't quite that bad. Just heard it may start affecting take offs soon so this may mess up travel.

I'll be there 18-21st

Cool, getting out there July 16, leaving out the 20th.