Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2012

jammerr

Personally (I've never stayed @ the Vdara) I would just smile and ask nicely. If they managed to sort you something nice, I would then tip them.
It happened to me at the Wynn, we arrived on a weekday and checkin wasn't busy at all, I didn't even ask the guy for an upgrade/view etc but he told us he was going to put us in a corner room which was slightly bigger and had a great panoramic view. I thanked him and tipped him, which he accepted. It felt much better then kinda tryin slide him $20 and saying 'what can you get me, wink wink'. Just didn't feel right place to do it.

JPR

I'll be picking up a rental car from Dollar at McCarran on a Monday in early March. It was booked through Car Hire 3000. Originally it was a "Dodge Charger or similar" Full Size car. I quite fancy one but I notice on the Dollar site that they are now quoting a Chevy Impala. Do you think they'll be a choice or have they switched from Chrysler recently?

stoneman

CASINOS

JPR wrote: »

I'll be picking up a rental car from Dollar at McCarran on a Monday in early March. It was booked through Car Hire 3000. Originally it was a "Dodge Charger or similar" Full Size car. I quite fancy one but I notice on the Dollar site that they are now quoting a Chevy Impala. Do you think they'll be a choice or have they switched from Chrysler recently?

Dollar had a few Chargers in when we were there over New Year.

duchy

SHOWS

jammerr wrote: »

It felt much better then kinda tryin slide him $20 and saying 'what can you get me, wink wink'. Just didn't feel right place to do it.

Strangely I found it easier to offer a tip at CP than Flamingo. It seems the nicer the hotel the more common it is and the staff are more practised at handling it.

I've seen people try it at the Orleans and the staff didn't have a clue how to handle it (mind you all rooms are exactly the same there aprt from suites so less to "play with")

glenbois

I have been looking at flights, British Airways is coming in at £70 per person more than United, only real difference is the return journey whereby the British Airways is direct whereas United is via Los Angeles with a 3.5 hour stopover. Anyone been with both and would like to comment whether the £70 per person is worth the money i.e. is are the seats more comfortable? is Los Angeles airport a bit of a nightmare and thus the £70 is worthwhile to get a direct flight back?

As always thanks in anticipation.

Vern58

CASINOS

costingbunny wrote: »

Hi
Off to Vegas in March for the first time and staying for 1 week. I know that a visit to the GC is a must but not sure how to decide which bit to go it (South or West bit) or go by bus and then helicopter once there or just go by plane?
Any advice as to the best options/possible costs?

We did the West Rim when we first went to Vegas a few years back (2005). We went by minibus to Boulder City airport, bi-plane to GC West airport, helicopter down into the canyon and boat along the Colorado River (which got stuck but that's another story!:D). I think it was somewhere around the $250 mark using a coupon book, and included lunch at the Hualapai Reservation. While it was a great experience (1st time in a chopper), it was all a bit regimented and done at somebody else's pace. We've since gone to the North Rim by car (over a couple of days) and it was awesome (jaw-dropping, which also applied to the fantastic Bryce Canyon on the same trip).

If you're short of time, a trip to the West Rim is definitely worth it - they've got the Skywalk now (which they didn't when we went) but I've heard that's a bit of a money-trap (and would terrify me!). Personally, I think I'd prefer a coach trip to the South Rim, but that's a long old day. We're off to the South Rim (and around AZ/UT) at the end of March by hire car and have noticed it will be COLD (check the temps for when you go). The North Rim is closed at this time of year but by all accounts, the South Rim has marginally better views (but is way busier). TripAdvisor also have some reviews of companies that do excurions to the GC.

adamg

CASINOS

glenbois wrote: »

I have been looking at flights, British Airways is coming in at £70 per person more than United, only real difference is the return journey whereby the British Airways is direct whereas United is via Los Angeles with a 3.5 hour stopover. Anyone been with both and would like to comment whether the £70 per person is worth the money i.e. is are the seats more comfortable? is Los Angeles airport a bit of a nightmare and thus the £70 is worthwhile to get a direct flight back?

As always thanks in anticipation.

Go direct BA flight is fine, although last time I flew with continental it was fine as well. In 3.5 hours at LAX my other half would spend more then the £70 on food, perfume and spa treatments at the airport.

DeeLasVegas

For anyone out here right now it's National Margarita Day in Vegas tomorrow!!!

So all the usual suspects will be having specials going on......including Cabo Wabo, Margaritaville, Pink Taco, PBR and Tacos & Tequila.

Most of them are having 2-4-1 specials. :j

:beer:

duchy

SHOWS

adamg wrote: »

Go direct BA flight is fine, although last time I flew with continental it was fine as well. In 3.5 hours at LAX my other half would spend more then the £70 on food, perfume and spa treatments at the airport.

I'm not really a fan of BA so would probably spend the £70 saving towards upgrading to Economy Plus on United. I like the idea of spending it on perfume or spa treatments too though
Ultimately economy seating doesn't vary much between airlines so I'd choose the cheapest and put the saving towards nicer things or better seating unless I wanted to earn miles with a specific airline or hated changing planes.

An advantage with the indirect flights is that you clear immigration at your first port of entry so once you land in Vegas you can grab your bags and are on your way instead of standing in line waiting to clear customs and immigration.

I also like indirect as I think it's healthier -I find the LON LAX a bit long without some real fresh air or stretching my legs but that's very much a personal preference . Where would you be changing planes with United on the outbound flight ?

glenbois

duchy wrote: »

I also like indirect as I think it's healthier -I find the LON LAX a bit long without some real fresh air or stretching my legs but that's very much a personal preference . Where would you be changing planes with United on the outbound flight ?

Flying into San Francisco, for both United and British Airways is a direct flight. Spoke to my OH who says she would rather go direct for the extra £70, 4 hours travelling and waiting in LA or an extra 7 hours in Vegas on the last day.