Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2011

duchy

May

Yes they do

thehobbit

duchy wrote: »

Yes they do

Really?

Last time i got into a friendly discussion about this with a barman in JFK airport, he said that they get taxed differently to waitresses.
He said they prefer to declare their tips at the end of the year rather than paying an estimated tax like the waitresses.

I see a barman in the same way i see a chef or checkout attendant. Rather than a waitress or someone that packs your bags

ferf1223

March

thehobbit wrote: »

I see a barman in the same way i see a chef or checkout attendant. Rather than a waitress or someone that packs your bags

In general, employees who work in job that normally receives tips are paid less than minimum wage...a chef or checkout attendant wouldn't fall into that category (nor would someone who packs your bags - if you mean at a supermarket, etc).

People take jobs that pay less than minimum wage because they know they can supplement their income with tips and some do very well out of it...I could never do it - I could never live with the uncertainty of my income...but I appreciate that some people are willing to do it and know that the better service they provide the more tips they are likely to receive.

ferf1223

March

mookybargirl wrote: »

Just a quick note to say that we're back after our trip. Hoping to write up the trip report over the next week

welcome back, mooky! Really looking forward to reading the trip report!

muzzer_mc

sew109 wrote: »

Local Calls Paper Gym Water Internet Access Boarding pass printing Others
Treasure Island $20 yes yes yes yes yes 2-4-1 lunch buffet, free nightclub admission

Stayed at TI August/September last year, Knew about the Resort fee in advance and was told about it at check in, Worked out to $22.50 after tax.

GF and I used the Lunch Buffet and voucher for one of the restaurants and we used the In room internet each day either on the TV or via my Iphone.

What they do is you log in for the internet and it shows on your bill but they will change the bill when you check out to show the resort fee.

We had worked out what our 10 night stay would cost including the resort fee so when we went to check out we had the cash in hand. The check out clerk hands me the bill... its over $100 less than what we expected. Reason, they didn't charge the resort fee, they did bill us for the internet each day which was between $7 and $15 per day so much less than the Resort fee! No complaints here quickly counted out the new total and got out of there before they realised they didn't charge the resort fee.

I miss Vegas

Spursman180

March

thehobbit wrote: »

Now this is one of my gripes with the US tipping culture.

Im by no means a cheap charlie but ive never seen the reason to tip a barman for pouring a dink. Ok maybe for a cocktail that takes time, but no way for sticking a glass under a pump.

Its not as though they have gone out of their way for you like a cocktail waitress does, plus they dont get pre-taxed for tips like a waitress does

Can't but disagree, I'm not a drinker but on occassion on a very hot day a long tall G&T appeals. We used to sit quietly at the bar after our evening shenanigans before retiring for the night with a drink, sometimes even just a coffee, putting a few dollars through the pokie machines. I hit a royal for $1k and service had not been special but fine and we left a $20 tip after a couple of drinks. Did the same thing next evening and our bums hadn't even touched down on the stools and he was there, the bar was quite busy and we had no waiting at all, as our glasses went below the halfway mark he'd make eye contact and nod, drinks arrived. Pretty fortunate that I took money from the machines each night sometimes only $50 or so, but the drinks were being comped and we usually tipped $5 each for a couple. When I did have a G&T I had to emphasise 'only a single', my mate is a vodka & redbull drinker and he got Redbull not Sobi or Rockstar etc. Worth making a friend of the barman.

When changing shifts they would usually point you out to the changeover crew etc. If they have a cocktail waitress station there as well they'll drift them your way when playing the machines or sportsbook.

Also a good source of what's going on around and stuff. Stop by the bar for an aperitif going out to dinner he might well be able to use connections, give them a call and get a nice table, welcome drink etc.

Don't over tip, but tip right and you'll find that it smooths the way a lot. Concierges can be a little more difficult to get to terms with but they are connected to the grapevine. A lot of people on here are always looking for cheap ticket deals, ask the concierge that your thinking of a show but the tickets are more then you really want to pay does he have any advice, you'd be surprised how often they can find ways of making arrangements for shows etc.

I know it's like giving a dog a biscuit he's your friend until you don't, but it makes some of those little niggles smooth out.

misa.blue

May

Hello guys
I have shopping question. We are going to USA next Thursday, travelling around California for 13 days, then 4 days in Vegas.
I'm now franticly running round shops, trying to get decent price trainers (under £30) and swim costume..:undecided
Am I better off waiting for when we get to US (LA, San Diego, San Fran)? Is it still truth what people used to say few years back that clothes is cheaper in USA?
I'm not too interested in expensive brands..Maybe just Sketchers trainers..

Froggitt

Outlet mall south of Mandalay Bay is good for shoes etc.

sunshaeen

January / February

Following the delay we experianced on our flight out to Vegas in Feb, just received an e-mail from delta (klm) with a hundred pound voucher off our next flights (each). But to be fair looking at the prices, will save more not booking direct with them anyway! Looking foward to the upcoming trip reports guys

secretmachines

July

Froggitt wrote: »

Outlet mall south of Mandalay Bay is good for shoes etc.

+1 for this (the one past Town Square)... picked up 2 pairs of Adidas trainers (his and hers) and a bundle of sports socks for $50. I'm pretty sure there was a Skechers outlet in there too...