Wife and I are thinking of going to Vegas

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: TrueBlueLS

Originally posted by: sdifox
Pack you most comfortable walking shoes and live in them when you are in vegas.

+1. I'm buying a new pair of shoes right before I go to Vegas. I'm probably going to say that when I go, I'll walk more in Vegas than I did in DC last year.

In this time of year, carry plenty of water with you when you go outside.

And do not attempt to walk more than 2-3 blocks at a time without getting inside and rehydrating yourself.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Also, very few free WiFi spots for tourists - none in the casino hotels

 

[MikeyLSU]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Also, very few free WiFi spots for tourists - none in the casino hotels

I am going in 2 weeks also, and noticed they have high speed connections for extra cost at just about every hotel.

Do you know how much it is? I'm suprised they don't at least have a wire connection for free.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: MikeyLSU

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Also, very few free WiFi spots for tourists - none in the casino hotels

I am going in 2 weeks also, and noticed they have high speed connections for extra cost at just about every hotel.

Do you know how much it is? I'm surprised they don't at least have a wire connection for free.

Cox is the local cable company.

They control the pay per view and also the WiFi.

The interface from the WiFi would track your access code and the hotel would have it added to your bill. Cox would then bill the hotel for the Internet usage as part of the overall package.

The rates (when I was installing the back end tracking system in '03) were anticipated to be $10/day.
Why? Because that is what it was felt that the market would bear for conventions.



Very few facilities are wired; many were built before the Internet became so popular.

It may be different in the smaller places outside the strip that have a satellite contract instead of the cable system.
The decision is up to the property on providing WiFi and the cost that they want to charge. Part of the cost will be determined by their contract with the provider.


I do not go down to the Strip area at all to check out the current status. It would be best to call in advance to see what the facility supports.


There are a few free WiFi spots within the valley itself - airport for one.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: MikeyLSU

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Also, very few free WiFi spots for tourists - none in the casino hotels

I am going in 2 weeks also, and noticed they have high speed connections for extra cost at just about every hotel.

Do you know how much it is? I'm suprised they don't at least have a wire connection for free.

$12 at the flamingo a few weeks ago for 24 hours.

 

[cheezy321]

Originally posted by: dud
Have you ever been to Vegas before? I had a stopover this last March on a trip from Cali to Orlando. If you want other's opinions ... avoid the place. I try to but cannot because my contract carrier has changed.

My question is: Why would anyone actually pay to go to this place?

hahahahhahahaha.

Your name is so ironic and it fits your post exactly.

Have fun counting change in your basement, loser

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: aphex
Amex seems to be having a decent deal right now on their vegas packages, can pretty much select any hotel and airfare with discounted prices and the prices don't seem bad for a weekday trip (Monday -> Thursday)

For example;

Round trip airfare from Ft. Lauderdale, FL - > Las Vegas, NV (non stop)
3 nights at the Bellagio
$550/pp

Is the Bellagio still considered to be one of the best? Seems like a good deal afaik, we tried looking up everything separately and it came out at a few hundred more.

I went last year with my fiancee. We stayed at MGM Grand and got an awesome deal. We originally booked a regular room. When we got there, I spoke to the manager and asked if we could get upgraded. He put us in a 2 bedroom Hollywood Suite for no extra charge.

Obviously, we did the buffet thing. I think we went to Bellagio, another one, and the Spice Market buffet. The Bellagio buffet is overrated. The Spice Makret Buffet is cheaper, and much better.

We also went to see a show. I'm not sure if it's still a current show, but we saw Le Reve. Personally, I hate theater/broadway, so I thought I would be miserable watching Le Reve. It was actually very entertaining and I really enjoyed it. We spent a little extra money and purchased VIP tickets instead of the regular ones. Instead of sitting in the cramped up seats, we were seated in a special area with a great view. We sat on sofda couches with nobody sitting in front of us. We had a mini-tv to allow us to view the action under the water. And we were served champagne and chocolate-strawberries during the show, all including in the price of the VIP ticket.

Gambling was fun, but go there expecting to lose your gambling-money. That way you arent dissapointed when you lose, and if you win just a little, you're happy.

 

[Chunkee]

all the wisdom and excitement in this thread... paying all that cash to go lose more money, and eat at fancy buffets...yeah i have been there a few times.

effin sad place...you can go elsewhere to go to nice shows and have good food...its all a wash... oh, its always nice to see the old peeps with O2 pulling the levers, the bums begging etc. change the plans, go there, rent a harley and drive around ..see hoover damn..it will be more entertaining

you droggs crack me up... VEGAS...woohoo! i ate good salad and crab there...i lost 4000 grand there...i saw some hot babes... and right now..its fucking blazing hot...

go to CA wine country instead...stay in a resort, rent a convertible and have a great time.

 

[MadPeriot]

Dude, that is a good deal. If you're coming from far stay at a more infamous and upscale hotel. I think Wynn beats Bellagio now, but don't quote me. I'm from LA and visit Vegas 2-3 times a year. Make sure to book a show as well, I suggest the "O show" which is playing at Bellagio. But that can run you $100/person. Bellagio buffet is one of the best, next to Rio if you are a seafood lover. Don't stay at a smaller hotel, you won't get the whole Vegas experience if you only visit once a year. My 2 cent.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
all the wisdom and excitement in this thread... paying all that cash to go lose more money, and eat at fancy buffets...yeah i have been there a few times.

effin sad place...you can go elsewhere to go to nice shows and have good food...its all a wash... oh, its always nice to see the old peeps with O2 pulling the levers, the bums begging etc. change the plans, go there, rent a harley and drive around ..see hoover damn..it will be more entertaining

you droggs crack me up... VEGAS...woohoo! i ate good salad and crab there...i lost 4000 grand there...i saw some hot babes... and right now..its fucking blazing hot...

go to CA wine country instead...stay in a resort, rent a convertible and have a great time.

different strokes for different folks. I've been to Vegas 4 times, 3 when I was too young to enjoy it, and once when I could do anything.

Everyone should experience it once. Twice is fine. But unless gambling is something you really enjoy, twice is more than enough.

 

[rockyct]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
all the wisdom and excitement in this thread... paying all that cash to go lose more money, and eat at fancy buffets...yeah i have been there a few times.

effin sad place...you can go elsewhere to go to nice shows and have good food...its all a wash... oh, its always nice to see the old peeps with O2 pulling the levers, the bums begging etc. change the plans, go there, rent a harley and drive around ..see hoover damn..it will be more entertaining

you droggs crack me up... VEGAS...woohoo! i ate good salad and crab there...i lost 4000 grand there...i saw some hot babes... and right now..its fucking blazing hot...

go to CA wine country instead...stay in a resort, rent a convertible and have a great time.

lol, I'm a pretty big nerd and I loved seeing the Hoover Dam when I went to Vegas, but I wouldn't even come close to saying it's more entertaining than Vegas. We aren't even the gambling type. I think we spent a total of $40 between the four of us on penny slots.

 

[Mxylplyx]

The wife and I just got back a few days ago from Vegas. If you like drinking and not alot of gambling, prepare to get reamed in the ass for alcohol since your drinks wont be comped. I'm talking $6-11 per drink. Our euphoria didnt last long after we each ordered a 22oz beer shortly after arriving, and got nailed with a $22 bill + tip. We probably spent $200 getting drunk the first night. The casinos are impressive if you've never been, but once you've seen 3 or 4 of them, you feel like you've seen them all. The temps are insane. During the day it feels like sticking your head in your home oven.

On the positive side, we went to the cirque de soleis show at the MGM Grande called KA. We were absolutely floored, and regretted not booking more than one cirque show. Definately buy tickets to a few of these, costs be damned. O and Mystere are supposed to be really good. Also, the rail system that runs behind the MGM, Harrah's, Venetian is a good way to get around and avoid the heat. I would recommend buying passes for it. Try the french buffet at the venetian.

 

[cheezy321]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
all the wisdom and excitement in this thread... paying all that cash to go lose more money, and eat at fancy buffets...yeah i have been there a few times.

effin sad place...you can go elsewhere to go to nice shows and have good food...its all a wash... oh, its always nice to see the old peeps with O2 pulling the levers, the bums begging etc. change the plans, go there, rent a harley and drive around ..see hoover damn..it will be more entertaining

you droggs crack me up... VEGAS...woohoo! i ate good salad and crab there...i lost 4000 grand there...i saw some hot babes... and right now..its fucking blazing hot...

go to CA wine country instead...stay in a resort, rent a convertible and have a great time.

Different strokes for different folks my friend.

I don't mock you because you like to be a queer and sip wine in a bunch of vineyards. oooooo, this wine has a hint of mahogany in it! WOOWEEEEEEEE Wine is a scam!

 

[sactoking]

FYI- Prostitution is NOT legal in Vegas or Clark county.

Also, I think the Bellagio has gone downhill. Used to be, you had to show ID (and be 21) just to step in the door! That was its high point. Now they let anyone in, so it's kinda swanky but overrun with kids.

 

[ric1287]

I just got back from LV. First time there where I coud 'do' anything. You don't have to spend a boatload on drinks, just find a nice $5 blackjack table, hang out and get drinks. I did that for 3 nights and didn't lose too much.

Or just walk to a liquor store off the strip and buy some 40's like i did

 

[aphex]

Guess I should clarify a bit;

1. Never been before and we'd like to visit once before we have kids in the next 1-2 years. My parents (low 60's) have gone 3 times in the past few years and have had a great time every time.
2. We're not big drinkers nor gamblers, a wine or beer here and there and nickel slots are fine with us I'm sure i'll sit down at some card tables, but not gonna spend anything worth writing about.
3. We just love visiting places and walking around, looking at the sights, etc.
4. Planning to go in Sept.

That being said, we just figured Vegas would be a fun trip to use up some of the wife's extra vacation days that she either uses or loses. Its either Vegas or Disney with our year passes, but we've already planned another two disney trips later in the year, so we figured we do something different.

I've been doing a bit more searching and found rooms at Paris for $81/night for the days were looking to go. My parents and some friends stayed there and loved it.

BTW, thanks everybody thus far. Nothing has been booked yet, so were still open to ideas.

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Skip the Bellagio unless you plan on being in your $250/rm a lot! Stayed at the Bellagio on the Company dime, was nice - great bathrooms!

Stay at Bills, its across the street from the Bellagio on the strip and at $59.95/night is a true bargain. Spend your money on eating some great food and show tickets.

http://www.billslasvegas.com/hotel/rooms/

Also, if you happen to be there when Morris Day & The Time is playing at the Flamingo - pick up some tix. Great show!

I stayed at Harrah's before and this looks like a lot nicer of a room than that was.

 

[Jugernot]

Bill's was great! My wife and stayed there for 1.5 weeks last year when we got married! The rooms are on the nicer side of the cheap hotels and the view was great. The Bellagio fountain was right outside our room, so we could watch it go off anytime we were inthe room (not much...)

Bill's is well worth the money!

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
all the wisdom and excitement in this thread... paying all that cash to go lose more money, and eat at fancy buffets...yeah i have been there a few times.

effin sad place...you can go elsewhere to go to nice shows and have good food...its all a wash... oh, its always nice to see the old peeps with O2 pulling the levers, the bums begging etc. change the plans, go there, rent a harley and drive around ..see hoover damn..it will be more entertaining

you droggs crack me up... VEGAS...woohoo! i ate good salad and crab there...i lost 4000 grand there...i saw some hot babes... and right now..its fucking blazing hot...

go to CA wine country instead...stay in a resort, rent a convertible and have a great time.

Sucks to be you.

 

[EagleKeeper]

There are other things to do in the Vegas area beside gaming if you want to play outdoor tourist.

As stated, the Hoover Dam
Spend a day w/ the Grand Canyon. South Rim (touristy) or North Rim (scenic via Valley of Fire)
Lake Mead
Red Rock Park
Mt Charleston

Take a nice meal on top of the Stratosphere.
There are a couple of museums in the area - tourist and historical
Mandalay Bay has a interesting aquarium exibit.
Most of the strip casinos have some type of attraction - some are free.
Take your wife on a gondola ride at the Venetian.


Stay away from the buffets at Sahara and TI - not worth the money.

Virgin River is 1 hr up the road just past Mesquite.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: aphex
Guess I should clarify a bit;

1. Never been before and we'd like to visit once before we have kids in the next 1-2 years. My parents (low 60's) have gone 3 times in the past few years and have had a great time every time.
2. We're not big drinkers nor gamblers, a wine or beer here and there and nickel slots are fine with us I'm sure i'll sit down at some card tables, but not gonna spend anything worth writing about.
3. We just love visiting places and walking around, looking at the sights, etc.
4. Planning to go in Sept.

That being said, we just figured Vegas would be a fun trip to use up some of the wife's extra vacation days that she either uses or loses. Its either Vegas or Disney with our year passes, but we've already planned another two disney trips later in the year, so we figured we do something different.

I've been doing a bit more searching and found rooms at Paris for $81/night for the days were looking to go. My parents and some friends stayed there and loved it.

BTW, thanks everybody thus far. Nothing has been booked yet, so were still open to ideas.

Vegas was a lot of fun for my then gf and I. I don't drink nor do I really gamble. Go to some shows, do a lot of sightseeing. See if you can fit Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam into your schedule and for the power that be, a day at the outlet mall will surely make her happy.

 

[bigrash]

I went there for the first time a couple of months ago and had an awesome time. Here's what I recommend.

I noticed that you got a good deal from AMEX, but this is a great thread to check out just in case you're looking for hotel deals: hotel deals. I stayed at Flamingo when I went there. The rooms were nice and it's located right in the center of the strip (opposite corner of Bellagio) so it's a great location. I'm planning on going back to Vegas later this year and will probably look at that thread again for deals at Venetian, Bellagio or the Wynn. The deal going on right now for Venetian for $98 per night is probably the best deal for a luxury type hotel. Unfortunately it ends in September and I won't be there until November or Dec.

I went with a crowd that doesn't party but it was still a lot of fun. If you like sightseeing tourist spots, you should check out the bus tours. We went to the Hoover Dam and it was pretty cool. If we had more time, we would have definitely checked out the Grand Canyon but I heard it's a 4 mile ride each way.

Most buffet places are good there. The Rio buffet was good (my friend liked it a lot). Flamingo buffet was ok too. The breakfast buffet at the Bellagio is probably the best. I really wanted to go back a second time. The wait was about an hour but it was definitely worth it. The line to get in was huge!

If you get tired of walking, you can take the bus (called the Deuce). It's $5 unlimited ride for 24hrs. We were in a rush to meet up with other friends on the opposite of the strip for dinner/shows so we ended up taking the bus a lot. But walking the strip is awesome though.

The gondola ride at the Venetian is very nice. I'd definitely recommend it for couples. If you need more ideas, pm me.

 

[Chunkee]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: Chunkee
all the wisdom and excitement in this thread... paying all that cash to go lose more money, and eat at fancy buffets...yeah i have been there a few times.

effin sad place...you can go elsewhere to go to nice shows and have good food...its all a wash... oh, its always nice to see the old peeps with O2 pulling the levers, the bums begging etc. change the plans, go there, rent a harley and drive around ..see hoover damn..it will be more entertaining

you droggs crack me up... VEGAS...woohoo! i ate good salad and crab there...i lost 4000 grand there...i saw some hot babes... and right now..its fucking blazing hot...

go to CA wine country instead...stay in a resort, rent a convertible and have a great time.

Sucks to be you.

Nah, not everyone is a bandwagoner you momo..read the post... just saying a trip to Napa would be better ... i bet you have a Pachinko machine.... balls away!! LOL

 

[cheezy321]

Originally posted by: Chunkee

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: Chunkee
all the wisdom and excitement in this thread... paying all that cash to go lose more money, and eat at fancy buffets...yeah i have been there a few times.

effin sad place...you can go elsewhere to go to nice shows and have good food...its all a wash... oh, its always nice to see the old peeps with O2 pulling the levers, the bums begging etc. change the plans, go there, rent a harley and drive around ..see hoover damn..it will be more entertaining

you droggs crack me up... VEGAS...woohoo! i ate good salad and crab there...i lost 4000 grand there...i saw some hot babes... and right now..its fucking blazing hot...

go to CA wine country instead...stay in a resort, rent a convertible and have a great time.

Sucks to be you.

Nah, not everyone is a bandwagoner you momo..read the post... just saying a trip to Napa would be better ... i bet you have a Pachinko machine.... balls away!! LOL

Nobody wants nor cares about your worthless opinion in this thread. He wants to go to vegas, not wine country. There is usually one of you in every kind of thread like this. Right now you are "that guy".

Now go back to enjoying your big circle jerk which is Wine tasting and wine country. I would rather purposefully throw my money away to vegas than constantly get ripped off by the wine industry

 

[Blunc]

whatever money you take to Vegas stays in Vegas.