Vegas (3 Viewers)

[ffldrew]

Any tips or suggestions for March Madness week 3/13?  Here are some details:

I've got some work to do a couple days in Henderson that week.  I'm thinking I'll fly in that Monday or Tuesday, get done with work by Wednesday night, then stay to enjoy a day or two of the Madness.  

Has anyone stayed at any of the casinos in Henderson?  Looks like there are a couple decent resorts.

This is the first time I'll have a car in Vegas.  What is WAZE mentioned in the post before this?  Is the shark move possibly to stay downtown Vegas for the beginning of the trip while I'd be commuting to Henderson, or maybe the entire trip?  

If my wife and son tag along, they want to do the Grand Canyon.  Has anyone done this by driving on your own?  Or is it better to do as a group on some charter?

"Henderson" is a big catch-all suburb - it's hard to say without a more exact location on what is the best place to stay. I've done work out there and stayed at M Casino way down south and did work off of St. Rose. M Casino was great - clean and great staff - nice view of the strip. The sports book was ok and they had TVs throughout the casino. There are others in the area - Green Valley, Station Casino that offer a decent place to stay near Henderson. The Westin at Lake Las Vegas is kind of neat as well away from the strip. For MM - these casinos are more frequented by the locals to watch the games but are fine and actually offer some good beer and food values. The pulse of the "action" will be at the strip locations but I find these places have really jacked up the prices to "hang" there all day and watch games. However the fever as a set of games ends when you are watching in the theater at the old Hilton is pretty awesome for the buzzer beaters.

 For me if I'm working I like staying as close to the place I'm working at and Downtown is on north side of the strip whereas Henderson is south and east. I think traffic will be going the opposite for you but Las Vegas is spread out and there are workplaces everywhere and the typical into/out of Downtown traffic patterns don't usually come into play here.Traffic could happen anywhere.

As for Grand Canyon  - it is a major drive to the South rim. Zion is actually closer and mostly interstate all the way. 4 plus hours vs 3 hours. Actually the drive to North rim is prettier in my opinion thru Escalante  Staircase. You could shorten the trip and go to Indian Reservation for the grand canyon overlook on the west edge but the views are not as majestic as they are in the park.

 

[Slapdash]

If my wife and son tag along, they want to do the Grand Canyon.  Has anyone done this by driving on your own?  Or is it better to do as a group on some charter?

Highly recommend this: https://gc.tours/vipgrandcanyontours/#vipexpresstours 

 

[kevzilla]

Looking for some advice - will be attending a bachelor party of around 10-15 people in mid april.  I'm the "vegas vet" of the group, but my challenge is that the group is very diverse in what they're like: gamblers/non-gamblers, all day drinkers/special occasion drinkers, single/married, gentleman's club/non-gentleman's club, etc.  At the end of the day, we're all going to have fun as a group....but I'm looking for some opinions on the best places to stay with various options if you were in our shoes.  

2-3 nights, everyone around 35-45 FWIW.  

Your group will want to be mid-Strip, maybe Mirage? You can move up- or down-scale from there. Also, check out the limo company websites. Many offer a "party bus" that would be quite reasonable if everyone chips in, and I can testify that with the right group they are a blast. 

 

[culdeus]

Looking for some advice - will be attending a bachelor party of around 10-15 people in mid april.  I'm the "vegas vet" of the group, but my challenge is that the group is very diverse in what they're like: gamblers/non-gamblers, all day drinkers/special occasion drinkers, single/married, gentleman's club/non-gentleman's club, etc.  At the end of the day, we're all going to have fun as a group....but I'm looking for some opinions on the best places to stay with various options if you were in our shoes.  

2-3 nights, everyone around 35-45 FWIW.  

Mandalay, gives you a pool scene as well as a good gambling scene.

 

[Bobcat10]

"Henderson" is a big catch-all suburb - it's hard to say without a more exact location on what is the best place to stay. I've done work out there and stayed at M Casino way down south and did work off of St. Rose. M Casino was great - clean and great staff - nice view of the strip. The sports book was ok and they had TVs throughout the casino. There are others in the area - Green Valley, Station Casino that offer a decent place to stay near Henderson. The Westin at Lake Las Vegas is kind of neat as well away from the strip. For MM - these casinos are more frequented by the locals to watch the games but are fine and actually offer some good beer and food values. The pulse of the "action" will be at the strip locations but I find these places have really jacked up the prices to "hang" there all day and watch games. However the fever as a set of games ends when you are watching in the theater at the old Hilton is pretty awesome for the buzzer beaters.

 For me if I'm working I like staying as close to the place I'm working at and Downtown is on north side of the strip whereas Henderson is south and east. I think traffic will be going the opposite for you but Las Vegas is spread out and there are workplaces everywhere and the typical into/out of Downtown traffic patterns don't usually come into play here.Traffic could happen anywhere.

As for Grand Canyon  - it is a major drive to the South rim. Zion is actually closer and mostly interstate all the way. 4 plus hours vs 3 hours. Actually the drive to North rim is prettier in my opinion thru Escalante  Staircase. You could shorten the trip and go to Indian Reservation for the grand canyon overlook on the west edge but the views are not as majestic as they are in the park.

I'd be working right by the I-215 and North Stephanie Street intersection.  Looks like M Casino is a bit of a haul, 20-ish minutes.  I'm like you, I like to stay near where I'll be working if possible.

Also, thanks for the info on the GC.  I'll definitely start digging into the differences.

 

[Bobcat10]

@Bobcat10  Green Valley Ranch in Henderson is the shark move for you. It's very nice and also has good gambling. 

That was one of the places I took a quick at the other day.  Good to have a recommendation.  

I think the other was M Casino that ffldrew mentioned.

 

[ffldrew]

@Bobcat10  Green Valley Ranch in Henderson is the shark move for you. It's very nice and also has good gambling. 

That was one of the places I took a quick at the other day.  Good to have a recommendation.  

I think the other was M Casino that ffldrew mentioned.

Green Valley is the better choice for your work location. Traffic from M gets a little busy on St. Rose as you get closer to 215. 

 

[Tiger Fan]

Mandalay, gives you a pool scene as well as a good gambling scene.

I was thinking this...the only concern is that it's the far end of the strip

 

[Tiger Fan]

Your group will want to be mid-Strip, maybe Mirage? You can move up- or down-scale from there. Also, check out the limo company websites. Many offer a "party bus" that would be quite reasonable if everyone chips in, and I can testify that with the right group they are a blast. 

Thx.  For the limo stuff....do you mean just rent out for a night or to get to/from specific destinations?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I was thinking this...the only concern is that it's the far end of the strip

We stayed at planet Hollywood when I went for my buddies.  I liked that location 

We also rented some sweet semi truck limo thing but I have no idea how we found it.  I think we were just waiting for cabs and the guy seen us.  Grooms brother picked up the tab for that so not sure what the cost was.  Probably not much more than 4 sepearate can rides

Also September can't get here fast enough 

 

[pizzatyme]

Headed there again this year for the Superbowl. It's a great time to be there. (when isn't?) We stay downtown for this trip. Last year we did an amazing day trip on a huge raft that starts at the base of Hoover Dam and goes for about 10 miles. Very scenic and informational. Plus, the only way to get that view of the Dam. The water was unbelievably clear. Could easily see pebbles on the bottom of the river at 10' deep. This year I think we're headed to Laughlin. Any pro tips out there for this location?

 

[Osaurus]

@Bobcat10  Green Valley Ranch in Henderson is the shark move for you. It's very nice and also has good gambling. 

Been there a couple of times over the years. I like it.

 

[culdeus]

I was thinking this...the only concern is that it's the far end of the strip

Ya, but I really think Mandalay is the best spot if you have a blend of interests.  If your group is super focused on gambling or clubs then there are better places.  Having access to that beach scene is tremendous value for time kill during the day.  Nowhere else really comes close.  

 

[culdeus]

FWIW I'll be out there Sat-Mon watching NFL and NCAACG.  Poker and craps also in the plans.  Staying Pallatzo or however it's spelled.  

 

[Osaurus]

FWIW I'll be out there Sat-Mon watching NFL and NCAACG.  Poker and craps also in the plans.  Staying Pallatzo or however it's spelled.  

Enrico?

 

[Tiger Fan]

Ya, but I really think Mandalay is the best spot if you have a blend of interests.  If your group is super focused on gambling or clubs then there are better places.  Having access to that beach scene is tremendous value for time kill during the day.  Nowhere else really comes close.  

thx.  good to know

 

[kevzilla]

Thx.  For the limo stuff....do you mean just rent out for a night or to get to/from specific destinations?

I meant for the evening. For $750, we had a driver and a bus with a flatscreen, a disco ball and a stripper pole for six hours. You supply booze and itinerary. 

 

[Bobcat10]

I was thinking this...the only concern is that it's the far end of the strip

Mandalay also has the tram that gets you to NYNY in no time. Don't remember how late it runs though. I made some 3am walks back from mid strip in Sept and never checked the tram. I assume it stops around midnight. It's a good 30-40 min walk from the Harrahs area back to Mandalay, some good entertainment along the way too.

 

[[icon]]

I hear all this talk of walking and far end of strip... 

... why do you people hate cabs or uber?! 

 

[Tiger Fan]

I hear all this talk of walking and far end of strip... 

... why do you people hate cabs or uber?! 

no hate here...but with a big group, keeping people together is a concern...just trying to mitigate all risks

 

[[icon]]

no hate here...but with a big group, keeping people together is a concern...just trying to mitigate all risks

Ahhhh yah big group is tough.

Sorry have seen lots of issues with that stuff with smaller groups and never understood it  

 

[ffldrew]

Looking for some advice - will be attending a bachelor party of around 10-15 people in mid april.  I'm the "vegas vet" of the group, but my challenge is that the group is very diverse in what they're like: gamblers/non-gamblers, all day drinkers/special occasion drinkers, single/married, gentleman's club/non-gentleman's club, etc.  At the end of the day, we're all going to have fun as a group....but I'm looking for some opinions on the best places to stay with various options if you were in our shoes.  

2-3 nights, everyone around 35-45 FWIW.  

Keep an eye on Brooklyn Bowl - Vegas concert schedule. We did a bachelor party and went to see Jane's Addiction there and it was great. Then the beauty of it when you come out is O'Sheas is next door which is a fun place. As it's Brooklyn counterpart the Bowl is patterned after RocknBowl. Get a lane and you get a good view for a show.

 

[parasaurolophus]

I hear all this talk of walking and far end of strip... 

... why do you people hate cabs or uber?! 

Because I am cheap as heck. 

 

[CGRdrJoe]

I'm going next week

I'll be staying at the palazoo Fri-Mon but need to figure out a cheap place to stay for Thursday night. It's funny how the brain works, originally I was just going out sat-mon next weekend but then realizing that I'll miss all the sat morning soccer games and since flights are much cheaper Thursday I now get a solid 4 days out there before flying home. Sorry Liver.

 

[Cjw_55106]

I'm going next week

I'll be staying at the palazoo Fri-Mon but need to figure out a cheap place to stay for Thursday night. It's funny how the brain works, originally I was just going out sat-mon next weekend but then realizing that I'll miss all the sat morning soccer games and since flights are much cheaper Thursday I now get a solid 4 days out there before flying home. Sorry Liver.

I'd probably just stay downtown Thursday night. Should be cheaper and you can cross it off the list (if you had any thoughts of going DT)

 

[Tiger Fan]

I'd probably just stay downtown Thursday night. Should be cheaper and you can cross it off the list (if you had any thoughts of going DT)

 

[Rick James]

If you go to the Grand Canyon, take the extra time and go to the SOUTH rim. My wife and I went to the WEST rim and were really bummed out. That particular section is owned by a Native American group and they monetize the hell out of it, but it's not worth it. 

 

[kutta]

I'm going next week

I'll be staying at the palazoo Fri-Mon but need to figure out a cheap place to stay for Thursday night. It's funny how the brain works, originally I was just going out sat-mon next weekend but then realizing that I'll miss all the sat morning soccer games and since flights are much cheaper Thursday I now get a solid 4 days out there before flying home. Sorry Liver.

The Linq is very close to the Pallazo and isn't half bad. Lots of great stuff right there.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

I'm browsing now and thinking of either staying downtown at a place that has no resort fees or putting in a cheap priceline bid and seeing where that lands me. These resort fees are getting out of control.

 

[soothsayer]

I'm browsing now and thinking of either staying downtown at a place that has no resort fees or putting in a cheap priceline bid and seeing where that lands me. These resort fees are getting out of control.

I highly recommend "The D" downtown. Typically very inexpensive rooms, fun vibe in the casino, great players club program (I receive outstanding comps/free rooms and am not exactly a high roller) and perfect downtown location IMO.

 

[kevzilla]

I also like the D. NTTAWTT.

But if you're determined to avoid resort fees, 4 Queens or the Boyd properties  (Fremont, California or Main Street Station). Cal and MSS are a block or more off Fremont, if that matters. 

 

[CGRdrJoe]

Thanks for the Fremont recommendation, I was going to book the 4 queens for $35.00 but the Fremont is $40 and comes with a $10 food voucher. Might as well stay cheap for the night before moving over to the strip.

 

[pizzatyme]

I hear all this talk of walking and far end of strip... 

... why do you people hate cabs or uber?! 

When did they begin allowing Uber in Vegas? I heard there was a huge push to keep it out.

 

[tdoss]

Headed there again this year for the Superbowl. It's a great time to be there. (when isn't?) We stay downtown for this trip. Last year we did an amazing day trip on a huge raft that starts at the base of Hoover Dam and goes for about 10 miles. Very scenic and informational. Plus, the only way to get that view of the Dam. The water was unbelievably clear. Could easily see pebbles on the bottom of the river at 10' deep. This year I think we're headed to Laughlin. Any pro tips out there for this location?

What's the info on that rafting thing?

 

[CGRdrJoe]

so I'm a self proclaimed moron, I'll be staying at circus circus for the night. I guess in hindsight I really don't need to concern myself with the room since I won't be in it much but still I got greedy with priceline and didn't think it through all the way. Figured a bid of 19 would get me maybe harrah's but instead CC, 52 total after all the fees so no money lost really by staying there vice downtown after factoring in shuttle/ubers.

 

[SDJohnny]

When did they begin allowing Uber in Vegas? I heard there was a huge push to keep it out.

Lyft and Uber are here. At least one year. 

 

[kevzilla]

@CGRdrJoe Circus Circus has one of the finest steakhouses in the city. But stay out of the buffet if you value your gastrointestinal tract, or if you don't need to poison-tip your arrows. 

 

[Tiger Fan]

@CGRdrJoe Circus Circus has one of the finest steakhouses in the city. But stay out of the buffet if you value your gastrointestinal tract, or if you don't need to poison-tip your arrows. 

agree

 

[pizzatyme]

What's the info on that rafting thing?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g45963-d11448541-Black_Canyon_River_Rafting_Tour-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html?from_tpa=true

 

[facook]

South Pointe is a great place to stay !!   check it out

Dude WHO tf is that in your avi?

 

[The Ref]

Thanks for the Fremont recommendation, I was going to book the 4 queens for $35.00 but the Fremont is $40 and comes with a $10 food voucher. Might as well stay cheap for the night before moving over to the strip.

Honestly everytime I go to Vegas I always end up saying it would be neat to stay on Fremont 1 night.  My wife and I had a blast at the plaza for what it's worth.

 

[The Ref]

Mrs Ref and I went out of way to find "Le Thai" restaurant at the end of Fremont street..... it was WELL worth the trip.  If you like Thai food it's must do and it's relatively short money. 

Moved up to #6 on trip advisor.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d2413156-Reviews-Le_Thai-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html

 

[tdoss]

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g45963-d11448541-Black_Canyon_River_Rafting_Tour-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html?from_tpa=true

Link broken but I'll find it from searching "black canyon"...should make for an interesting night of Web surfing.

 

[Don't Noonan]

Honestly everytime I go to Vegas I always end up saying it would be neat to stay on Fremont 1 night.  My wife and I had a blast at the plaza for what it's worth.

I have never stayed downtown but am staying at the Plaza next weekend.  We got a nice group rate for our club baseball travel team and I needed to keep the costs down for the other families on the team.  Glad to hear you enjoyed it there.

 

[culdeus]

On the strip you play for less than 25 and its hard to not find a 6to5 game. 

Downtown you play 25 and they think you are part of an MIT card counting team. 

I like it about every third trip for a changeup

 

[Tiger Fan]

So Manadalay does look like a pretty sweet option with the beach/pool stuff.  Any idea how much the cabanas cost?  Can non-Mandalays guests come there too?

 

[The Z Machine]

Mandalay also has the tram that gets you to NYNY in no time. Don't remember how late it runs though. I made some 3am walks back from mid strip in Sept and never checked the tram. I assume it stops around midnight. It's a good 30-40 min walk from the Harrahs area back to Mandalay, some good entertainment along the way too.

That walk goes fast if you're drunk.

 

[culdeus]

So Manadalay does look like a pretty sweet option with the beach/pool stuff.  Any idea how much the cabanas cost?  Can non-Mandalays guests come there too?

Prices are all over the place, I would just call them.  I think you can get a daypass no issue.  

 

[jvdesigns2002]

I'd be working right by the I-215 and North Stephanie Street intersection.  Looks like M Casino is a bit of a haul, 20-ish minutes.  I'm like you, I like to stay near where I'll be working if possible.

Also, thanks for the info on the GC.  I'll definitely start digging into the differences.

I read this post as well as your original post--and I know some people have mentioned Green Valley Ranch. I do agree with them that GVR is an option.  There is a great shopping area right next to GVR that I'm sure that your wife and kid will enjoy if they tag along. However--with that being said--I do believe that in regards to proximity--I would very much consider Sunset Station.   I believe it is closer to where you will be doing your work--and it is very family friendly--and it's pretty nice.   When I say family friendly--they have a bowling alley, a movie theater, and a place called kids quest--where you can drop off your kids to play in this big game area under trained supervision for something like $10/hour--so you and the sweetheart can have some alone time if you wanted.  There is also lots of shopping options right around Sunset Station.   I personally think Sunset station is one of the nicer station casinos (along with Red Rock and GVR)--as they have painted a lot of their ceiling to look like the sky--much like Caesars has done with their Forum shops mall.    I'd definitely consider putting it on your short list of options.  The M is very nice--but I don't like it's location for you--and it's not really kid friendly.  Also---there really isn't too much to do in the surrounding area for your wife and kid if you take the car with you to work. However---if you have a chance--do take the Mrs. to the buffet at the M.  It's pretty amazing. 

 

[jvdesigns2002]

So Manadalay does look like a pretty sweet option with the beach/pool stuff.  Any idea how much the cabanas cost?  Can non-Mandalays guests come there too?

I do think that Mandalay is a hotel that does check off a lot of boxes.  It's got a nice size casino, has a great pool, accommodations are nice, has some decent dining options, location is "eh"--but it does have a free tram that runs to the Luxor and to the Excalibur.  If you take it to the Excalibur--you are a pedestrian Bridge away from the New York New York and the MGM.   My only concern with the Mandalay is in regards to you mentioning that you have a large group with very wide interests.   Trying to coordinate Vegas with a large group can be an exhausting task---I know this with lots of experience.   My advice would be to not "over-schedule" things.  I would maybe try to plan or co-ordinate no more than 2 activities per day to try to get the entire group to do. For example--I'd tell my group--we'll be having breakfast at "x" location at "Y" time--so be there. At breakfast I'd say we'll be going to Hakkasan tonight at "Z" time--so be there--and let everybody do whatever the heck they want in between.  There is regular time--and there is "vegas time"--and vegas time generally involves things taking much longer than anticipated. The minute you try to fill an entire day with activities with a large group in vegas--you will start to fail.    I have to tell you that in my experience with large groups--I actually prefer to stay in more of the "timeshare" style resorts--and stick with 2 bedroom units (as you get 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms).  The rooms are laid out more like apartments with living rooms and kitchens--so they are perfect to throw your own in between activity drinking parties. You go to a grocery store--buy alcohol by the bottle at cheap prices, get a 24pack of water, get snacks--and that way your entire group is not gouged by the crazy prices of the typical strip hotels.   One of my favorite timeshare style hotels to stay at is the Grand Chateau by the Marriott.   It's literally a quarter block off the strip and is directly across the street from the Planet Hollywood.  I also love the Hilton Grand Vacations club at the Flamingo Hilton. It is located on the back end of the flamingo hilton property--which is mid-strip--and it steps away from the monorail location--which makes navigating the strip soooo cheap and easy.