Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2011

Triker

March

nvh wrote: »

Brilliant report Triker!!! Really enjoyed it - can't believe all the places you managed to get around... we've NEVER done an off-strip casino (though both of us prefer to drink than drive if truth be told, and gambling and drinking come hand in hand wherever possible for us )


What did you think of Nelson? Missus loves ghost towns! Anything interesting nearby, or on the way?


That is brilliant - what a great story about a machine!

It was interesting to see and wonder why would someone live there as there are still some residents which very eclectic decor outside their houses. Hubby took quite a few photos but we didn't get out of the car, I suppose we felt a bit strange really.

I did read that there are still mineshafts and mine workings that are easy to fall into up on the hills but we didn't go hiking anywhere.

Plus there was them big spiders....:eek:

Spursman180

March

There are a few stories about in the media about 'the invasion of giant spiders in Nevada', as with most things there is a 'maybe/ sort of' rider attached. It seems there are a few venomous ones including the black widow, the most likely culprit is the ground spider which is seriously ugly but no info on size, big as an adjective is used but not huge or giant. There are a couple of sites out there to help identify the suspect.

I've a couple of mates I'll show this to, one won't leave the hotel room and the other will want to go on a safari. I saw my first rattler in 1980 caught by an Aussie aquaintance on a stop off less than 20yds from where we parked. The spider to really give me the willies was in Saudi is a real Aliens job is the camel spider. That was around the same time as the rattler experience.

Porthorg

May

Not sure if anyone has seen this or maybe even has flights booked with them but AA have filed for bankruptcy

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/29/news/companies/american_airlines_bankruptcy/

Triker

March

I'm not actually scared of spiders, small, medium or large, I've held a tarantula, no probs, not worried about snakes either although I prefer the larger python types rather than the skittish tiny snakes that move really fast.

My main worry was if I got bitten or it leapt up and ate my face would be that I would miss valuable Vegas time aka degenerate gambling time, thus possibly missing THE. JACKPOT. which we all know is just waiting for us to hit it.


I'll try and sort the photos out asap and post some up.

mat5664

November / December

Porthorg wrote: »

Not sure if anyone has seen this or maybe even has flights booked with them but AA have filed for bankruptcy

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/29/news/companies/american_airlines_bankruptcy/

Happens quite regularly with US airlines. No impact on flights, award tickets, current bookings etc.

Could imagine they might reduce flights on some routings, but they would re-route you if that happened.

Absolutely no need for anyone booked on AA to worry themselves at the moment.

ferf1223

March

Porthorg wrote: »

Not sure if anyone has seen this or maybe even has flights booked with them but AA have filed for bankruptcy

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/29/news/companies/american_airlines_bankruptcy/

My hubby emailed a similar link to me today at work.
He noted that our booking flights in a premium class has an approximately 40% chance of pushing that airline into bankruptcy.

I'm not worried this time...last time was MaxJet and that was a totally different kettle of fish.

But I cannot say how disappointed I will be if our business class rewards ticket splurge for any reason degenerates into a rebooking in economy due to something awful happening.

duchy

May

Favourite off-Strip casino is definitely the Orleans-I've actually managed a three night stay there and not set foot on the Strip all trip on one occassion ! Lots of choice -from the steak loft to the buffetand all at far better than Strip prices. It doesn't take much to get a couple of comped rooms and the rooms are huge. Ideal for drivers and non drivers-loads of easy parking and a reliable free shuttle from Bills that runs til midnight. Cocktail service is usually VERY good.

I like the Palms -lots of promotions to attract people from the Strip-Imax cinema is good , food court is OK and buffet and sit down resturant are both very good and reasonable. When my friend signed up for their players club (I was already a member) they offered her free entry to their slots tourny the next day and when she asked gave me free entry too-I came 4th and won $350. Car not essential as you can use the free shuttle from Bills to the Gold Coast and cross the road. Cocktail service is variable. Have some really good concerts there too.

Gold Coast =the buffet is the same bargain as the Orleans but smaller. Quality is pretty good-and after nearly a week of road trip food -their pork and real mash potato was nectar and cost about $4 on a promotion for the buffet. Good "real" chinese resturant too.

Rio-Slots are loose for me there -free bus and rooms are HUGE. Definitely a good place to stay if money is tight and very easy to get comped rooms with TR.

The Fremont casinos kind of blur for me -but it's always a fun night-rowdy atmosphere and good cheap food. Just a pain getting back although not tried the express bus.

costingbunny_2

Quick question - Flights with BA, 6 nights at the Bellagio (lowest priced room) for travel 26th January 2012 - £915 - any good? Worth paying for the Bellagio - prices around £800 for hotels like Luxor, New York, Paris

mat5664

November / December

costingbunny wrote: »

Quick question - Flights with BA, 6 nights at the Bellagio (lowest priced room) for travel 26th January 2012 - £915 - any good? Worth paying for the Bellagio - prices around £800 for hotels like Luxor, New York, Paris

that's a really good deal for the Bellagio. If you book via their website for those dates, even with the current 20% off offer, the cheapest room is $1124 for 6 nights. That would mean you are getting the flights for less than £200 on that basis.

I would book it - much nicer than the other places you mention!

luci

May

mat5664 wrote: »

that's a really good deal for the Bellagio. If you book via their website for those dates, even with the current 20% off offer, the cheapest room is $1124 for 6 nights. That would mean you are getting the flights for less than £200 on that basis.

I would book it - much nicer than the other places you mention!

$1124 is £730 between 2 people which makes the flight £550pp.

It is £612 on the BA website so there is a saving, assuming the hotel price above includes the tax of 12%.