Las Vegas 2007 bargain hunt + tips

wdyw

ferf1223 wrote: »

We still prefer the strip after 7 trips...maybe one day we'll venture to stay off strip, but even though we have a rental car, we really like being able to walk outside our hotel and be right on the strip with all the other casinos laid out in front of us...as you say, personal preference is everything...then again, as we stay at Bally's it's relatively peaceful compared to a lot of the other strip casinos...so maybe it's the best of both worlds for us.

Only time we would stay off strip now is due to ridiculous weekend prices where we would head to somewhere like the Palace (keeping an eye out for OJ) for a day or two. Wouldn't dream of going back to Orleans after witnessing the Friday afternoon queue, or downdown.

wdyw

ferf1223 wrote: »

The buffet at Planet Hollywood (formerly Aladdin) is the one that is regularly said to be the best in Vegas. Dinner is $25 or so...we really like it...not sure if it qualifies as midrange priced...but many of the dinner buffets are at or near that amount - at least the good ones.

Other thing to consider is Planet Hollywood is nice and close to the MGM-Signature. buffet was as good as ever earlier in the summer

Cowster

Thanks for the replies - especially for the PM, my parents will really welcome the feedback and tips.

photome

duchy wrote: »

The on/off strip debate continues
We stay at the Orleans-yes it's off-strip but before midnight runs a free shuttle back to the hotel so it balances out room cost v transport cost. I'd rather stay there than say the Strat which although a nice hotel is as remote as the Orleans without the benefit of free transportation although the Deuce is fairly cheap if you don't mind waiting for it.
For a first time visitor staying on strip IS nicer-after that I personally think it becomes less important and enjoy getting away from the madness of the strip back to the (comparative) peace of the Orleans. I'd now only stay on strip if there was a really good deal on a nice hotel otherwise I'd rather save my budget for spending but it's all personal choice. To me the Orleans rooms are spacious and clean and I don't need to pay for the "name" value.

My 6th visit is coming up and I still prefer to stay on strip.

I have stayed at the Orleans, which was great, went to the ice hockey while there and their pool is good, BUT it doesnt have the same feel as being in the middle of the "action" and like ferf said there is something to be said for being able to walk outside your hotel.

duchy

How did the Friday pay check queue affect you wdyw ?
Never impacted our stays there at all.

wdyw

duchy wrote: »

How did the Friday pay check queue affect you wdyw ?
Never impacted our stays there at all.

Queue waiting to cash that weeks cheque was from cashier point right down past the arena area - must have been 100yds long for hours on end. Maybe 1 in 100 was non hispanic. Really brought it home how gambling can affect people who obviously couldn't afford it. Rooms were fine, bowling/cinema great, but I don't want to spend time feeling sorry for the majority of that hotels clientel. At least in other places its less obvious.

ferf1223

wdyw wrote: »

Queue waiting to cash that weeks cheque was from cashier point right down past the arena area - must have been 100yds long for hours on end. Maybe 1 in 100 was non hispanic. Really brought it home how gambling can affect people who obviously couldn't afford it. Rooms were fine, bowling/cinema great, but I don't want to spend time feeling sorry for the majority of that hotels clientel. At least in other places its less obvious.

If it makes you feel any better, it may not be the gambling element that brings them there...it's difficult to cash a payroll check without a bank account unless you're willing to pay a fee and even if you have a bank account it may not be at a convenient location for you...and many casinos offer something in exchange for cashing your paycheck at their casino - either entry into prize draws, free slot play, free food, free drinks, etc.

So it may not be that all those folks are there to cash their paycheck and plug it all into the slots but some are there for the freebies and convenience.

wdyw

ferf1223 wrote: »

If it makes you feel any better, it may not be the gambling element that brings them there...it's difficult to cash a payroll check without a bank account unless you're willing to pay a fee and even if you have a bank account it may not be at a convenient location for you...and many casinos offer something in exchange for cashing your paycheck at their casino - either entry into prize draws, free slot play, free food, free drinks, etc.

So it may not be that all those folks are there to cash their paycheck and plug it all into the slots but some are there for the freebies and convenience.

good thinking - that possibility hadn't occurred to me

duchy

ferf is absolutely correct.
It's aways a very polite and patient line-starts very early in the morning through until late evening (as many work shift hours) and I'm told the Orleans offers good "perks" to those cashing their cheques not all gambling related although also a weekly draw of cash prizes.
I doubt they'd want your pity but are probably quite glad you are there as your tourist dollars help fund the tourist economy and by extension their jobs.
Interesting the assumptions people make though and quite sad that you automatically assumed the worst ! Many residents of Las Vegas don't gamble-it's like working in a chocolate factory you get sick of the sight of the excess very fast. Las Vegas also has a large Mormon population who obviously have no interest in gambling either. The LDS temple is beautiful and the grounds are open to all and are a lovely oasis of tranqulity and contrast to the strip.

Nobjocki

I'm off over for the Hatton-Mayweather fight in December and,as it's a few years since I've been to Vegas,wondered if anyone can recommend a really good bar.
A proper,old-fashioned vodka martini sort of place;not too touristy,Dean Martin on the jukebox and a dangerous gal at the bar called Joy but whose real name is Sorrow.
You know the kinda place.