Las Vegas thread and MSE guide 2009

martmonk wrote: »

I've booked 18th-23rd Apr at Mandalay Bay, the 550DR room for a total of $700 ish.

First of all, is that 5 nights or 6? (coudln't work out if 23rd was day of departure or last 'night' there)

Also - does that include tax (hopefully not as it's easier to compare like to like without the extra 9% tax UNLESS it's a purchase via. a site that includes the tax (UK one typically like Expedia)) - again, i assume it doesn't include tax as you've quoted the price in $'s

I'm assuming it's 5 days, in which case, you want to use this link instead (also from Travelzoo)

https://reservations.mgmmirage.com/bookingengine.aspx?pid=mbh&host=promo&code=PTZLIST&kbid=755041&sub=en

Standard 550DR weighs in @ $560 thru that link (or a bit more @ $660 if you want to guarantee a strip view...)

Can't really comment on either as not stayed @ MGM or MB, but in my opinion, if the missus want's MB for the Beach, then go for it! you can do MGM next time if you want but make the most of MB whilst you can, now!

We are also staying @ MB soon - Beach being the main attraction for us as well!

We had same problem with Luxor - everyone (Trip Advisor etc) says stay in a tower room as they're nicer, lighter etc etc but at the end of the day, we wanted to stay in the pyramid as to us, that's what the luxor is about, and I have to say, don't regret it one bit!

Tomlewis007 wrote: »

40% More expensive that others mentioned above.

thanks

Not forgetting Carhire3000 who will beat anyone else quote

Just booked Excalibur for a couple of nights for $36 a night, pleased with that and the trip is coming together nicely taking in Excalibur, MGM and Ballys.

Just a quick question.... what are "well drinks" as we seem to get some free at Excalibur.

Oh and my other question - with the bookings that include "free drinks", "free credit", "free spa" etc.... is it worth me printing a copy of the page to prove that as I don't want to get there and them know nothing about it. Anyone had any problems?

Cheers

Otis_P_Jivefunk wrote: »

Also, Poker. I take it there are places that do buy in tournaments not just cash poker stuff? Where can we find these? I'd quite like a 6 hour marathon someday but would like a decent sized field at a reasonable buy-in. Any ideas? Some of the guys want to do cash poker too.

Is it mainly texas holdem or is there some stud?

Hi Otis,
RE Poker - you will find tournament poker in nearly every casino in Vegas - dont worry!
You can find games to suit every pocket and there are always cash games going on at the same time, so there is no issue there.

There is a website that lists ALL of the tournaments in EVERY hotel, but I cannot find it at the moment. I got it from this thread in 2005 I think - but it has disappeared from my favourites - sorry!! Can anyone else help with this?

From personal experience I would recommend The Orleans poker room for tournament poker (cant comment on cash games) and comfort. Excellent. Very comfortable, varied buy-ins, very well organised. Players - mostly regulars, some locals and, of course out of towners with varied experience. There are some good players but also some very average players. They hold at least four good tournaments a day/night. From memory I think there is an 8pm one which was pretty decent and a 2pm one.

Most tournaments are No Limit Hold Em, but you do get some Omaha (dont play it myself) and some Limit Hold Em (cannot stand limit!) in some of the casinos.

As for six hour marathons - thats nothing!!!! Day One of the World Series in 2005 - my other half played from 12noon till 4am the following morning with an hour and a half for dinner break - now thats a marathon! Time flys by when you are playing poker though dont you think?

The tourneys in the Orleans were always full - around 90 players + from memory. They also have their "Orleans Open" in June/July - which they hold in their ballroom area upstairs - MASSIVE. Excellent facility. Huge fields and some good value buy ins.

If you have never been to The Orleans, its an off-strip hotel with a shuttle running from there to The Gold Coast and Bills Gambling Hall. Just get onthe shuttle (it says for hotel guests but thats a joke - we were there for 2 weeks and saw plenty of non-guests - believe me!!!) and it will take you there. If you prefer a taxi its not that expensive.

Hope that helps in some way - sorry I cant supply the website of listings - hopefully someone on here will provide.

Good luck!
Steff

wdyw wrote: »

...but by booking straight with the rental company and not going through a third party there is never an issue with one way drop off fees ... ie no need for you to get them to mark it on the agreement.

I agree the standard Hertz rates at the moment are dreadful, so unless you want to book in the near future keep an eye out for their special deals or various online code offers. A weeks rental is curerently listed (with Hertz) at almost twice what it was at the turn of the year when they were doing a NA promotion.

But if it is marked on the agreement and it costs less, then as this site is all about moneysaving isnt that the best way forward?