Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2011

ferf1223

March

dodger1 wrote: »

Tickets booked for Penn and Teller on 7th September but does anyone know when I have to pick up the tickets by. Have emailed them so this post is just in case we don't hear back in time. Cheers.

Normally the confirmation says when you need to collect by and what you need (usually card you booked with and photo ID) - from our experience, you have to pick up at least an hour before - but sometimes can pick up anytime before - so if we have tickets for a show on day 4...we'll normally pick them up no later than day 3 - saves last minute faffing.

bubble113

August

AG1 wrote: »

Just popping in to say hello. Off to Vegas next Thursday for my birthday with a big group of friends. About to book 'O' (Cirque), have booked a table at Alize at the Palms, off to the Grand Canyon for a day, sunning ourselves by the pool in the sweltering heat with some poker, gambling and drinking thrown into the mix. Then off to New York for 4 days straight after. I absolutely cannot wait.

I was wondering if anyone played golf whilst out there and what are the best courses that are pretty close. Would like to play at the Wynn but at $300 a round it's too rich for my blood. Those that have experience, do they offer club hire as part of the round price?

Also any advice on the best poker rooms? For cash games and tournaments.

Thanks

For the last 3 visits the boys in our group have decided to play whilst in Vegas but took their own clubs and we have a car so might not be worth recommending the ones they like.

They do however book through a website and have had some really good rates (played with locals and paid less). The website is golfnow.com/lasvegas. They used to play early morning due to heat but this year (August) they tried playing midday/early afternoon. It is hot but they didn't find it unbearable as carts are always included in the price and water is readily available round the course. Rates are usually cheaper at this time too. Only downside is you can only book 7 days in advance not a problem for us as we take laptop and book one or two days before.

Bali Hai course is on the website which is just at the South end of strip.

Thought Wynn course was nearer $500.....

Poker room....I like South Point, good size room,progressive high hands and progressive bad beat pot which was at $40000 to get beat with four 3's or better. Again off strip so might not suit.

Torndao01

Cand wrote: »

Bit of Vegas tv viewing tonight...

Justin Lee Collins Living In Las Vegas. Comedian and TV personality Justin Lee Collins is in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, to find out what it's like to live and work in this frenetic city.

10pm on Channel 5

Just in time to get me more excited for our trip!

A must watch for me as Im moving to Las Vegas on the 12th Sept with my family:j

totallybored

November / December

Anyone got any recommendations about the best time to do this. I'm moving from Encore next Friday and have a car. Would I be best driving down to Aria early Friday morning and checking in (don't need the room straight away so it's not an issue that it won't be ready) and then just returning late afternoon for the key? Will this mean they can allocate me my room early and I there will be more choice of a higher floor etc? I can then spend the morning at Encore pool and leave the luggage with the bell desk when I go for lunch. Or should I move all the luggage to Aria mid morning and hope they have a room available?

adamg

August

TRIP REPORT LAS VEGAS 23RD AUG - 30TH AUG

Stayed overnight at Travelodge Helston M4 West, what can I say um it had a bed and running water, but for £19 was fine. Ate out at Feltham at franke and bennys.

Day 1
Up at five for short drive to purple parking got a good rate online was only 15 minutes away from heathrow. Check in was easy enough we had checked in online day before. Ate at airport got 10% off from eat drink and fly voucher. Continental airlines first plane was fantastic we had the two seats right at back and had fantastic ife that actually worked with great choice of movies, food was slightly better then what us airways gave me last time round. Into Houston where the fun started They originally wanted us to have a 45 minute turn around. It took us longer then that to get our bags and clear immigration. We had a 4hr wait and a 2.5 hr delay at the worlds worst airport. So big and so badly laid out with nutters on the courtesy carts driving everywhere at 20mph shouting at people to move. Ate at a wendys overpriced and small portions, Eventually got into Vegas at 9pm straight into taxi to Excalibur where we had prepared ourselves for the worst, time share people jumping us on even when we still had our suit cases I found speaking French or walking directly at them until they moved out my way by the end of the week generally worked (seriously annoying as in 5-10 times a day jumping on you), no queue at check in used the $40 trick as staying for 7 nights. Only had basic standard room got upgraded to a widescreen strip view high floor which should have cost $210 more. Room was fantastic! Bigger the MGM standard room, no bath but massive bathroom and the view was great overlooking MGM, NYNY, PH, RIO, palms, If you want a budget stay in Vegas then Excalibur is the place to go found all staff so friendly ignore tripadvisor where people slate it just because it does not have people opening doors for you.

Day 2
Not tired so up at 4am for a flutter $180 winnings later back to room to be very loud so gf wakes up. Got the buffet of buffets pass for $26 food was ok no more no less. Then the mammoth walk up the strip, got as far as nyny before I came across the hangover machine didnt win but great fun. Sorry to those that love it but didnt think much of city centre got into crystals at 9ish to find shops dont open till 11. lost a few bucks in cosmo casino although next time I go my mates all want to stay at Aria. Carried on walking up the strip, stopping at every casino on way plus fashion show mall could not find a thing to buy there. The gf loved Caesars palace forum shops. Went into circus circus I thought it was bad last time i popped there but imagine Poundland doing hotel rooms and you get the idea I was actually scared to touch anything, Won a few teddys at midway games and took a walk round adventuredome. Then decided to catch monorail back from Sahara what a stupid idea that was. 110 degree heat all the way past sahara down the side of sahara and round the back to catch monorail must have been over a mile walk from circus circus would have been easier to walk back to imperial palace. Ate at the luxor in the evening was ok in there for food but not as good as I expected.

DAY 3
Scoot city tours wow can not recomend this enough thanks to all on here for suggesting. We were only people doing it so had eliy the guide to ourselves took as long as we wanted at places, but as we could go at our own pace were back at hotel for mid day, Red rock canyon is fantastic would love to go back in winter some time. Onto south outlet mall, seems to have got worse since I last went things were not much cheaper then back home picked myself up some trainers and predator rugby boots for about £40 for both. Left the gf having a nap and off I went to tiffany and co to buy a ring. Great service great ring and big dent in bank balance later had to sneak it back into room. In the evening caught a taxi up to venetain to see Phantom of the Opera was fantastic but slightly dissapointed about the chandelier dropping was not as good as I thought it would be. Walked back down strip stopping at mirage volcano and bellagio fountains still 100 degree heat at 10 at night.

Day 4
Went up other side of strip into PH for lunch at spice island buffet had a $5 off each was very nice great choice of food and deserts were great. Went round miracle mile shops which were good although nothing brought. Up as far as venetain then down to bellagio to catch monorail to monte carlo. The most pointless monorail ever, other then the heat was just as far to walk through bellagio and monte to station. Loved the conservatory at Bellagio first time I had seen it. Had a mcdonalds for dinner at MGM before going to see KA which we both loved will go see more cirques in future but glad we saw that one first. The GF could not understand how the Lions did not eat the trainer in there.

DAY 5
Went on express deuce to to premium outlets after having breakfast at excalibur with all day pass again, (only cos we got it comped) girlfriend brought some UGG sandals to go with Her UGG boots she brought already from UGG Australia At ceasars palace. Stopped for a drink at buffet as it was free. Back to room to get ready had a bit of dinner at Excalibur then caught Deuce again up to freemont. I had already just won about $100 on blackjack at excalibur turned this into about $200 at casinos up there, GF loved freemont, had a 80's theme to it. There was a accident on the strip took 1.5 hrs to get back to excalibur from freemont. Cop got on the bus as well shouting at the driver for blocking a intersection, soon as the doors opened everyone ran off into the middle of the road to get off the bus.

DAY 6
Went off to airport to collect hire car had reserved a corvette convertible premium car, but once we got there were told they didnt have any. Not happy! Were offered a choice of other premium cars so went for the Ford GT, but will be writing a letter of complaint as we really wanted a convertible. Not overly impressed by the car, yes its fast very fast but my Hyundai Getz has more features, no cruise control, air con was rubbish, no where to store sunglasses. Stopped at Hoover dam gf was rather bored by it so didnt stay long, have to go through security stops now and so many cops seriously so many saw loads of people get pulled over for speeding/stopping illegally/ not stopping for pedestrians, this cop followed me for ages desperate to pull over a young guy in a ford gt so made sure i didnt give him an excuse. Stopped at some little place to stock up on water and food so much cheaper then the strip gallon of water for $3 biggest bag of crisps ever for $2. Did not enjoy the dirt track again got stuck behind a coach throwing up so much dust could not actually see at some times, but everytime I pulled back someone would start tailgating me. Took just over 3.5 hours to get there from time we left airport. Brought the basic package for grand canyon $44 with tax I think, absoluting bricking myself right now, gf had always said she had always wanted to be proposed to in private I wanted to do it with grand canyon in background but far to many people about so in the indian village there found a hut it had a hole in the roof and was sending a beam of sunlight down onto the ground so down on one knee I went and she said yes! She and everyone she has told thought it was the most romantic thing ever, she loves her Tiffany engagment ring as well she still does not know how I managed to get her size right. Went onto other part of canyon but all in a bit of a daze the 120 degree heat did not help. Brought some souviners from shop there and then back to vegas, had a few hours to kill so went for cruise along strip and then back to airport driving a Ford Gt gets you lots of attention. She cant really remember the grand canyon but at least she has been now, car temp maxed out at 128 degress on way back. When we got back to room we got ready for dinner The WTB (is that right now?) had no idea where we were going. MIX at mandalay bay what can I say how is this place not number 1 on trip advisor, had already emailed them a few times so got a great table against the window, there is actually not that may that are window seats and the majority of them are tables for 2-4 max. I will go back there just for the toilets let alone the view and food. We went for the taster menu at $90 each was so so nice 7 courses, im allergic to nuts and the gf does not eat dairy so when the desert came out, praline wrapped in chocolate the waiter looked so upset we did not eat it and went to talk to chef he came back with Sorbert which was to die for. I have never got service like that before in my life I mystery shop part time so see enough good and bad service but this was something else, soon as i took a sip of my water it was refilled, i knocked my bread knife off the plate onto the table before I even thought of picking it up waiter picked it up and put it back on the plate for me, the wtb got very annoyed that I then keep seeing what else they would tidy up for me. Bill came to $197 after a $50 restuarant.com voucher. Left a decent tip as it was a lot less then I had allowed to spend. Gambled a bit in Mandalay bay and won a few hundred. Had the most amazing day with the most amazing WTB.

DAY 7
Last day caught the bus up to wynn and encore lost a bit gambling then went over to stripburger for a early lunch. OMG forget what I said about MIX the food here with MIX's service and view and you have the perfect place to eat, the burgers and shakes was to die for and the fries think I could get addicted. Only came to $34 dollars for both of us. Went over to Venetian and had a little flutter lost $100 playing blackjack by now ive spent about $1500. Won a bit on a couple of machines, I have a bit of a strange way of playing as soon as I go up on a machine ill walk away even if its only a few dollars, then I start winning BIG. sorry cant remember the machine but got a small progressive of $657, then onto a wheel of fortune machine where I get straight onto the wheel at top, got on loads over the week as its my favourite machine. dollar a spin not been getting anymore then $40 or so. This spins in $300! Lucks in so onto a machine just the normall bar and sevens one, $250 odd spins in! Leg it out before I blow it all, over to UGG store where I debating buying a $300 pair of shoes but decide not to. Gave the WTB $60 on the condition she blows it, into the tiffany store there where she spends the whole lot on night stand box for her engagment ring. Into the casino, whos that greek guy who turns everything he touches into gold that was me! $250 win! $125 win, wtb goes to toilet i sit at a machine, $50, onto the one next to it, $35 in the end smallish wins add up to another $150 up literally won on 6 machines in a row. gave the wtb more money which she spends on photo frames. decide to go into bellagio to get monorail back to monte carlo, $5 a spin $150 later thanks, there was a machine there with a dice where when u get on bonus after a tick tack toe sort of game you can gamble, collect or bank what you have, get about $120 off that one. Call it a day but stupidly blow about $250 in monte and then the high rollers in NY NY (high rollers being £1 no joke). Counted my money back at room was $1500 up. Dinner at texas de brazil, go here hungry I was still a bit full from strip burger but OMG so nice the wtb is literally on the phone to her mum right now telling here about it and doing a far better job then I could, but please go if you get the chance. Back to room to pack.

Day 8
Home time got our 4 buffets comped and only $10 free slot play which did not seem much compared to what I was putting in, Flight out of Las was ok, but no tv and a really annoying guy sat next to us who huffed everytime we asked to get out and thought it was his divine right t have both arm rests, the person the wtb put her foot up on her armrest a sharp dig later soon moved that. Now the worst bit, newark airport was ok ate a 50's diner, then literally as we were boarding plane they announced it was a bigger plane guess this was because of the backlog of people from storms, but she announced your seats would be the same, And she was right our seats were the same number but in a completely different place on plane. instead of the two at the back we were in the middle two of three with rows of two by windows, kicked off at hostess who was not interested, everyone getting on was annoyed they had split up familys with children, couples, etc everyone was moaning, as guess what all the seats are full and walking towards the empty seat next to me some guy easily 21 stone of fat, im a 18 stone rugby player myself and my shoulders did not fit in the seat, we both spent the next 7 hours turned sideways in our seats attempting to sleep. IFE but was not as good as way out as it was not touch control and had movies running on a loop instead of being able to select. The wtb could not get to sleep as everyone walking past kept bumping into her, made the 4 hr drive home that much more fun.

The good
the food, strip burger, Mix, Texas de brazil fantastic, The shows were great, the room at excalibur was great. Whole holiday including spending money, having used tesco vouchers cost less then £500

The Bad
The heat middle of a heat wave out there made everything uncomfortable, made walking hard. Other then the last day were i won loads the machines were not paying out, you can usually walk through a Caisino and hear people cheering or see machines that have just paid out still flashing the amount, hearing people on buses as well saying they had lost.

The Ugly
The homeless, the touts, the water sellers, the mexican !!!!!! slappers, way way way to many of them was the worst part of the trip. The police need to sort it out they are blocking crossings, arguing with each other over patches.

But still its vegas and i love it back there 2013 for my 30th

vegasvisitor

September

cp33 wrote: »

Hi lesley74, I have just sent you a PM, please let me know if you don't get it?

Thanks

Just got it and replied, sorry - wasn't on here last night but have sent you my email address too (always check my email).

harrisab

May

AG1 wrote: »

Just popping in to say hello. Off to Vegas next Thursday for my birthday with a big group of friends. About to book 'O' (Cirque), have booked a table at Alize at the Palms, off to the Grand Canyon for a day, sunning ourselves by the pool in the sweltering heat with some poker, gambling and drinking thrown into the mix. Then off to New York for 4 days straight after. I absolutely cannot wait.

I was wondering if anyone played golf whilst out there and what are the best courses that are pretty close. Would like to play at the Wynn but at $300 a round it's too rich for my blood. Those that have experience, do they offer club hire as part of the round price?

Also any advice on the best poker rooms? For cash games and tournaments.

Thanks

we went to http://www.callawaygolfcenter.com check out their promotions http://www.callawaygolfcenter.com/promotions we used a groupon but they seem to have some good offers on its just across from the Town Square as well

spethmeister

September

I just wanted to stop by quickly and thank everyone for their responses to my recent post. My rubbish week got worse and ended with a funeral so it's taken a while for me to really feel up to coming back again, but I do really appreciate all the responses.

Never would have thought of taking Bounce?! Seems such a random thing to take!

We fly next Wednesday so are getting in the mood with the JLC programme on 5 at the moment (thought it's not really what I was expecting, seems more like Dog the Bounty Hunter at the moment!!)

Helicopter tour booked - with the champagne breakfast, lunch and a boat down the river. Hopefully a nice surprise for my boyfriend for his 30th! All he knows is that we are going to the canyon - none of the other details - I hope he likes it!!!

We are going to a wedding on 9th and I don't know what to wear!!!! Any suggestions?!!

Also, while I am not going on this holiday to gamble, chances are it is something that is likely to happen at some stage! Are there any games that are best for a beginner? Don't really think i'll be playing anything with large stakes, and will probably be happy if I win on one out of about thirty games!! Just interested to know where would be wise to start really! Also, what happens if you win? I'm sure I saw something on here the other day about a tax that has to be paid if you win over a certain amount? I doubt we will win anything but in case either of us do it would be useful to know what we are supposed to do.

Thanks all x

PS - the person who needs witnesses for their wedding, let me know what time your wedding is and if we are free we will happily help out. The wedding we are going to is at 6 so if you're a morning or lunchtime ceremony we might be able to help x

ferf1223

March

adamg wrote: »

TRIP REPORT LAS VEGAS 23RD AUG - 30TH AUG

Congrats and thanks for the trip report - really, really enjoyed reading it and what great wins! I cannot imagine having a day like that - how awesome for you!!

ferf1223

March

spethmeister wrote: »

Also, while I am not going on this holiday to gamble, chances are it is something that is likely to happen at some stage! Are there any games that are best for a beginner? Don't really think i'll be playing anything with large stakes, and will probably be happy if I win on one out of about thirty games!! Just interested to know where would be wise to start really! Also, what happens if you win? I'm sure I saw something on here the other day about a tax that has to be paid if you win over a certain amount? I doubt we will win anything but in case either of us do it would be useful to know what we are supposed to do.

A win on a slot machine over $1199 is subject to 30% withholding tax - many casinos will do the paperwork for you so they don't have to withhold it (they effectively get you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the IRS)...but some don't. If the casino doesn't, then AFAIK you would have to take the papework and claim it back from the IRS or use a company that will do it for you (for a fee).

As for where to start - it just depends on what you want to play...many strip casinos may have table limits that are higher than what you are looking to play per hand. Some casinos have lessons during the daytime - you practice first - then they open a low-limit table to play for real.

Not sure if this is in date or not but worth a look.

http://www.vegas.com/gaming/gamingclasses.html

As for slots - make sure you understand at least the basics...every trip we see people mad because they didn't get to play a bonus round or something because they weren't betting enough to qualify for the bonus round, etc...many slot players will be happy to explain a machine to you - some won't - some don't really like anyone talking to them...but can't hurt to ask. And be sure you know what you are betting on the multi-line slots...having accidentally bet $10 a spin more than once even if you do know what you are doing it's easy enough to make mistakes.