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Vegas (3 Viewers)

jvdesigns2002 said:
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.  
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Thanks....great stuff here.  Need to talk to a few folks over the weekend to feel out the people that I don't know.

 
jvdesigns2002 said:
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.  
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I second every word of this...

 
jvdesigns2002 said:
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.  
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This is also a consideration for my potential trip with the wife/kid, maybe even if we hop from Henderson to the Strip for one/two nights at the end of the trip.  We've stayed at HGV properties in other cities and enjoyed our stays.  I also have around 200k Hilton points to mess with.  Looks like there are a few HGV's on the Strip, the cheaper one's are up by Circus Circus.  If you have anything else you'd like to share about the HGV at Flamingo, or the other HGVs, I'd appreciate it.  

 
Bobcat10 said:
This is also a consideration for my potential trip with the wife/kid, maybe even if we hop from Henderson to the Strip for one/two nights at the end of the trip.  We've stayed at HGV properties in other cities and enjoyed our stays.  I also have around 200k Hilton points to mess with.  Looks like there are a few HGV's on the Strip, the cheaper one's are up by Circus Circus.  If you have anything else you'd like to share about the HGV at Flamingo, or the other HGVs, I'd appreciate it.  
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Elara is the newer hgv location that's part of the miracle mile shops.  I'd suggest that one if you can get it.

 
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Bobcat10 said:
This is also a consideration for my potential trip with the wife/kid, maybe even if we hop from Henderson to the Strip for one/two nights at the end of the trip.  We've stayed at HGV properties in other cities and enjoyed our stays.  I also have around 200k Hilton points to mess with.  Looks like there are a few HGV's on the Strip, the cheaper one's are up by Circus Circus.  If you have anything else you'd like to share about the HGV at Flamingo, or the other HGVs, I'd appreciate it.  
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I've stayed at many of the HGVC's in Vegas--the Flamingo Hilton one, the Elara on the Planet Hollywood location, the one at the end of the strip down past Circus Circus, and I believe I stayed at one that was just off of Paradise Road.   My personal favorite is the one at the Flamingo Hilton as I found the location to be perfect.   It is mid-strip--there is literally a stairway right outside the hotel that you can take that takes you to the monorail station.   You can also walk right outside and enjoy the animal sanctuary that is also on the grounds of the Flamingo Hilton--so your little one would probably love that.      The Elara is also very nice and convenient and the rooms are definitely more modernized than those at the rest of the HGVC's in vegas. While it's not super close to the monorail station--it is located on the grounds of the Planet Hollywood--and is actually attached to the Miracle Mile shopping mall on that property.  They have great shops and dining there--so it's a pretty solid place to enjoy with the family.   While I like the accommodations at all of the Hilton properties (I'm a fan of comfort and location more than I am of sheer luxury--give me square footage--a comfy bed--decent wifi--and a tv that has a wide channel range--a room that has a fridge, microwave...etc--and I'm good)--I don't think the location --of the one at the end of the strip--or the one on Paradise would be ideal for your situation. 

 
Tiger Fan said:
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?
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Are you talking about their dayclub pool (Daylight)? Or the standard beach area?

We booked a daybed at Daylight with some buddies a couple years ago for $1500 min spend I think... cabanas were 2-4x that IIRC. With that you'll have a max headcount who can get in "Free". Others will have to enter via GA or guestlist. If you're talking about the standard beach area, I have no idea. I have a contact who was the head VIP Host over the light/daylight setup... I imagine he could help steer you in the right direction if not help you outright. Brian Sweet (702) 806-3942 (text is best way to reach out initially). 

 
jvdesigns2002 said:
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.  
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SO SO SO true. I occasionally felt like I was herding cats with a group of 7 guys who were all of the same mind (bachelor party in vegas) 

 
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heading out tonight for the World of Concrete... might try to sneak into SHOT while I'm there.

is this the weak the porn awards are handed out?  

 
Righetti said:
heading out tonight for the World of Concrete... might try to sneak into SHOT while I'm there.

is this the weak the porn awards are handed out?  
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I'm here too (Licensed Show).  But I leave Thurs and the AVN Expo begins Thurs... :kicksrock:

We've hung out at the Hard Rock bar a few times when there was overlap...always an interesting experience.

 
Royal Links is a pretty cool little Great Britain replica course. Hit a solid driver from the tips over the 'hotel' on the Road Hole...still had full 3-wood in.

 
Going with my wife who is attending a conference in May. Will be there Sat-Wed. Mon-Tues she will be in her conference.

What are the hot shows to see? We have seen Mystere and O. Heard the circus tent show outside of Caesars is pretty good, but a bit raunchy.

Also, suggestions for me to do while the wife is at conference Mon-Tues.....outside of gamble and pool watching.

Going to hit Andiamos Steak house at The D.

 
Payne said:
Going with my wife who is attending a conference in May. Will be there Sat-Wed. Mon-Tues she will be in her conference.

What are the hot shows to see? We have seen Mystere and O. Heard the circus tent show outside of Caesars is pretty good, but a bit raunchy.

Also, suggestions for me to do while the wife is at conference Mon-Tues.....outside of gamble and pool watching.

Going to hit Andiamos Steak house at The D.
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I personally really enjoyed the Michael Jackson "One" show at the Mandalay Bay. It's essentially a cirque show that features the music of Michael Jackson. I found it to be visually stunning, I found the music to be relatable, and overall I really enjoyed it.   I'm not sure what nights the show does play--but that'd be my vote if it was available.  

If you are going to have your own transportation--try eating at fat choy at the Eureka casino off of Sahara.   The casino itself is very ghetto and sketchy--but the restaurant inside of it (Fat Choy) is amazing.  The fat choy burger is awesome--but my hands down favorite is their short rib rice.   It's truly a diamond in the rough kinda place to check out if you want awesome food at diner style prices.  

When you go to the D for dinner--do enjoy Fremont Street while you are there. Great street performers there and there is a cool laser/light show on the canopy over Fremont Street. Also--while you are on Fremont street--take some time to walk a block or two down past the actual canopy and check out the Container Park.  It's a shopping mall made of shipping containers--and it's got a really cool artistic vibe. Lots of cool local shops and artists there.   

In regards to what you can do while your wife is at the conference-it just depends on your interests.  If you are into gambling--try to go to a locals casino to gamble. If you are into playing poker for cheap--I believe sam's town has daily no limit tournaments for $35 buy ins.   If you are a car dude--the Shelby museum is a fun place to go. If you are into shopping--the Las Vegas premium outlets off of Charleston is a place where you can kill a few hours pretty easily as well.  If you are into people watching--just walk down the strip enjoying an adult beverage or two--that's always fun.   

 
CGRdrJoe said:
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. :wall:
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How have they not blown this place up yet? Couldn't pay me to stay there.  I'm sure they'll go the way of Ringling Bros very soon.  

 
We are staying at Rio (home of her convention) and would like to see Penn & Teller one night as well as one other show. Leaning towards Absinthe.

Should we buy tickets before arriving? Or is it better to wait and see if discounted tickets available??

 
If you go to Travelzoo and sign up for their email newsletter, I guarantee you'll get a discount for Penn & Teller before your trip. Discounts for Absinthe are far less likely, so booking that one in advance is probably fine. 

 
Go to tix4less or whatever those booths are called...earlier the better...you'll get good discount on Absinthe usually.

 
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tdoss said:
It's where I got my tix.

The one outside of Planet Hollywood.
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Oh, its possible, but not likely. Every day is different, so you can get them one day and not the next. I'd be surprised if they were available in May. They all sell the same tickets, location doesnt matter....and Slap, they arent sketchy at all. 

 
Cjw_55106 said:
Oh, its possible, but not likely. Every day is different, so you can get them one day and not the next. I'd be surprised if they were available in May. They all sell the same tickets, location doesnt matter....and Slap, they arent sketchy at all. 
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Definitely not sketchy.

Start there...takes all of a few seconds to walk up to one of the guys just outside the line (with the ipads) and ask if they have any Absinthe available for that night or possibly next night.  If yes...get in line...usually take 10-15 minutes.

 
tdoss said:
Definitely not sketchy.

Start there...takes all of a few seconds to walk up to one of the guys just outside the line (with the ipads) and ask if they have any Absinthe available for that night or possibly next night.  If yes...get in line...usually take 10-15 minutes.
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I dont recall the time, but i think maybe 9am, you can see whats available online. You still have to physically go to the booth, but you'll know ahead of time whats available that day. 

 
tdoss said:
Elara I'd the newer hgv location that's part of the miracle mile shops.  I'd suggest that one if you can get it.
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I own 2 HGVC timeshares.  Both in Vegas.  Just for the points, only stayed there actually once in 10 years.  Just booked Elara in a promotion they called me for 4 days and 3 nights for $99. Using it when I go to the Bruno Mars concert at TMobile in July.

Otherwise I'm a huge Mandalay fan.  I often never leave the place.  Great sports book, poker room, restaurants, pool, House of Blues, house cover band (Phoenix - awesome), etc.  Granted if you want to walk the strip it's not central.  But easy enough to taxi anywhere you go or take the tram and then walk.

 
Payne said:
We are staying at Rio (home of her convention) and would like to see Penn & Teller one night as well as one other show. Leaning towards Absinthe.

Should we buy tickets before arriving? Or is it better to wait and see if discounted tickets available??
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Don't see Penn & Teller especially if you are paying.  I got free tickets and wanted to walk out.

 
jvdesigns2002 said:
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.  
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Does Mandalay have a sportsbook, or Leroy's betting machines (or both)?

 
Has anyone been to the Oyster Bar at Palace Station? Supposedly, it's amazing creole food but there's only 18 seats and a long wait (1 hour +) during "normal" times, but it's open 24/7. 

 
Statorama said:
Does Mandalay have a sportsbook, or Leroy's betting machines (or both)?
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Yes--they have a nice sportsbook. Its not huge--but it's nice and certainly adequate for any betting or viewing needs.  Also--if you like Mexican food--there's a pretty good restaurant at the Mandalay Bay that I like called Border Grill.   It's not super pricey relative to what most nice restaurants cost on the strip.  

 
jvdesigns2002 said:
Yes--they have a nice sportsbook. Its not huge--but it's nice and certainly adequate for any betting or viewing needs.  Also--if you like Mexican food--there's a pretty good restaurant at the Mandalay Bay that I like called Border Grill.   It's not super pricey relative to what most nice restaurants cost on the strip.  
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The sports book is quite big as sports books go.  Heck, some of them like NYNY are 4 TV's and 2 tellers.  Mandalay might not be as big as the Vegas Hilton Superbook or Caesar's in the day, but it's plenty big.  8+ screens to the right for all sports, 8+ screens on the left for races.  At least 6-8 windows open.  I've played a LOT there.

 
Stayed at the Palms for the first time last weekend. Very nice big rooms with great views of the strip. Definitely a smaller casino, it was nice to know the lay of the land in minutes instead of a place like Caesars where you need a map.  Ate at the Italian place-can't remember the name-but everybody in our group really enjoyed the meals and being on the 53rd floor gave awesome views.  The ghost bar was pretty cool also

 
Judge Smails said:
How much? I found $20 discount codes online and was able to select the back table.
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Where did you find the codes?

I found the $20 code. Thanks

 
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Purchased T19 in the back for Absinthe. Private table for two in the back. Read many reviews that stated these were great, private, roomy seats with a table.

One less thing to worry about.

 
Payne said:
Purchased T19 in the back for Absinthe. Private table for two in the back. Read many reviews that stated these were great, private, roomy seats with a table.

One less thing to worry about.
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Yeah, those are the ones to go with.  

 
Payne said:
Purchased T19 in the back for Absinthe. Private table for two in the back. Read many reviews that stated these were great, private, roomy seats with a table.

One less thing to worry about.
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100% great call.   I was there in December and I'd hate myself if I bought regular seats.

 
Going to celebrate our 20th anniversary (a little early) while we are out there as well.

Want to hit a nice steakhouse. And there are plenty to choose from. 

Wife has always wanted a Beef Wellington for Ramsay steak and we will probably hit that while we are there as well.

But it seems there are better options to celebrate an anniversary. I am down to SW Steakhouse and Prime. Both because of the scenery you can get while dining.

Should I flip a coin?

 
Payne said:
Going to celebrate our 20th anniversary (a little early) while we are out there as well.

Want to hit a nice steakhouse. And there are plenty to choose from. 

Wife has always wanted a Beef Wellington for Ramsay steak and we will probably hit that while we are there as well.

But it seems there are better options to celebrate an anniversary. I am down to SW Steakhouse and Prime. Both because of the scenery you can get while dining.

Should I flip a coin?
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I was at the SW a few months ago and got a great table to watch the waterfall show. The food was fine but the setting made it special.

 
Payne said:
Going to celebrate our 20th anniversary (a little early) while we are out there as well.

Want to hit a nice steakhouse. And there are plenty to choose from. 

Wife has always wanted a Beef Wellington for Ramsay steak and we will probably hit that while we are there as well.

But it seems there are better options to celebrate an anniversary. I am down to SW Steakhouse and Prime. Both because of the scenery you can get while dining.

Should I flip a coin?
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Wife and I had beef Wellington at Mon Ami Gabi. Wait for an outside table by the sidewalk and you'll have a perfect view of the Bellagio fountains. And it was an absolutely perfect beef Wellington. Highly recommend.

For steakhouses, I really like DelMonico's in the Venetian. Amazing whiskey list.

 
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