I want to go to Vegas

[TofuNinja]

Not sure if this is the write area for this... I was stuck between Softer Side and Transportation......

So yeah, I want to surprise my GF and go to Vegas. Both of us have never been there before. I wanted to go when the Trump Hotel is done but I think I Want to check it out sooner rather than later. Here is what I know or think I know about going to Vegas.

1. The drive from OC sucks or can suck.... Flying may be better (Jet Blue)

2. Vegas is not cool in the summer time super super hot.

3. Killer Buffets

Umm that is all I know... I have no idea where to stay, what is fun... etc. I need the help from my fellow Got|Apexers who are more Vegas trendy than me, a Vegas Virgin. Help please. :)

Thanks in Advance

[Hiro]

Buffets are awesome there.

Personally, I don't think the drive is bad at all. I never minded it at least. It's a lot of desert, but she can read while you drive.

It gets very hot there in the Summer, about 100+ usually. Best time to go in my opinion is Spring or Fall, when the weather is cooler and just starting to heat up. That way you avoid the 60 degree days also.

[mcs328]

I too am a Vegas virgin. It's something I keep in mind though. When are you planning to go?

[Airencracken]

I've never gone either. I'm not sure how much is there for me. I don't drink or gamble.

[TofuNinja]

Yeah I am not much of a drinker... but I may give myself a set amount of money to play slots or I heard that Circus Circus had claw games (I love those). But I heard the shows rule and that there is a lot to do and shop and stuff.

If I go maybe early september or whenever my GF gets a break..... she's a teacher. Maybe a weekend wouldbe nice too... I can get work off easy at the moment.

Oh and I heard that there is something for everyone in Vegas.... but not sure if that is true.

[cadetevon]

Umm that is all I know... I have no idea where to stay, what is fun... etc. I need the help from my fellow Got|Apexers who are more Vegas trendy than me, a Vegas Virgin. Help please. :)

Thanks in Advance


Feb-Apr are the best months to go, not lots of rain, and still not HOT!

I sugest seeing Jubilee (traditional LV show with topless girls (not all of them are topless)), all the Trek stuff at the LV Hilton, the volcano (at The Mirage?), the pirates (at TI), the dancing fountains (forget which hotel but it's across the street from Paris Hotel), and the Freemont Express (an outside light show Down Town).

Don't stay Down Town but make sure to go down there at night at least once.

I love love love love love Las Vegas and usually make it there three or four times a year.

Oh yeah, the buffet at Harrah's is FAR AND AWAY *the* best.

The M&M place is cool to see and the roller coaster at NY NY is kinda cool too. Also at NY NY is a KILLER pub by the name of Nine Fine Irishmen and they serve great food, good beer and kick @$$ music.

So uh. Yah. I like me some Las Vegas.

[MrGreg]

I'm headed to Vegas tomorrow for a friend's wedding. I may spend an afternoon playing poker, but otherwise I doubt I'll do any real gambling.

[Jihforce]

Just got back last weekend from LV.
Few things. Trump building hasn't been built yet, from the looks of it, it'll take some time. It will be right next to the mall and accross from the newly built Wynn hotel/casino.
Vegas buffet is great. My favorite so far is the one at the Bellagio. Highly recommended.
Best time to go is probably spring. Just warm enough, but not too warm.
As far as the Wynn is concerned, nothing special. Only hotel with a Ferrari dealership onsite. That's the only highly, nothing else stands out.

[RIVERWIDOW]

We go to Vegas at least once a year. Remember not all buffets are created equal. Mgm Grand has a great breakfast buffet. Rio has a great Seafood Buffet(little pricey) Jimmy Buffets restaurant has very good food. As for where you stay,remember you will just be sleeping(well maybe not just sleeping) in your room not partying. So all you really need is a good bed. Excalibur usually has good prices just don't eat there. Food(even the buiffet) is horrible. You can shop around for room prices. if possible go in the middle of the week you will get better rates. And yes it is already getting very warm in Veags. Not a problem if you are a sun worshipper. Swin all day and go out at night. We drive from San Diego. Its about a 5 hour drive unless I'm driving then its 4 1/2. We do 15 to the 215 all the way. Have a good time and don' t lose all your money. Not a way to impress the GF. Remember they call them one armed :bandit: for a reason. :)

[attgig]

1)drive from LA is fine from what i hear.
2)yes, it's super hot, but you should just gamble all day, and you'll be fine ;-)
3)I always hear good stuff about the rio seafood buffet.


As for the shows, definitely hit up the free shows that cade touched upon.
the water is at the bellagio - definitely a must see - every hour.
I hear not so great things about the pirate show, but still....it's free
the hilton & the NYNY are pricey tourist things to do.


if you're going to throw money away on slots, I'd recomend you learn basic strategy blackjack, and do that instead. the odds of coming out a winner/even on slots is virtually nil.
ods of coming out even on blackjack (provided you know basic strategy, and just stick with it) is pretty high.
just know when to walk away.

average tourist in Vegas will spend 80 bucks a day on gambling. you can figure out what you're comfortable with, but yeah. you can have a fun time gambling provided you know what you're doing, and consider the money going away as entertainment.

as for something for everyone in Vegas.......that was their old marketing plan. they tried to market vegas as a family getaway.... they kinda strayed away from that now with the "what happens in vegas stays in vegas". However, there are remnants of the family vacation spot attractions there (such as the hilton rides).

[Showtime]

What sun? Sleep all day, party and gamble all night in temp controlled casinos.

-j

[Lolita]

I'd suggest the Paris buffet as well as the one at the Mirage...and Treasure Island...sigh, there's a lot of good food to be had in Vegas (just don't step on the scale when you get home ;) )

If you wanna splurge on a show definitely see O, it's like nothing else you'll ever see anywhere. If you want something cheaper you can stop by the half-price ticket booths (there's a couple of them on the strip) and get tickets to see Amazing Jonathan (he's a "magician meets drugs" type of thing) it's a hilarious show (they show it once in a while on Comedy Central).

[BrewMaster]

i went to Vegas for the first time a few weeks ago. we flew with Southwest. that was a waste. drive, that way you'll have a car to get around the strip. cabs are expensive.

we went to the Rio buffet. it was good, but about $25 a head for dinner.

we stayed at Tuscany. nice hotel but not much in the way of entertainment there since it was off the strip.

honestly, I don't think I'll ever go back to Vegas. It's kind of lame. Ooo, we can look at hotels. That gets old after a few hotels. Other than that, there ain't much to do besides gamble and go to over-priced shows. We saw a comedy show and we went on the NY NY rollercoaster. Both were fun but over-priced. I can think of a hundred better vacations to take instead of Vegas.

and the kicker is, except for Triple 7 Restaurant and Brewery at the Main Street Station Casino (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2315/), the breweries and bars in Vegas have horribly sh*tty beer. That's unacceptable.

[Showtime]

I think peoples 1st time in Vegas should be with a group of friends. They should go to party and cut loose. But if you had a ****ty time, good for you. You wont have to waste any money in sin city again. Me, I've never had a bad time in Vegas. I lost some money, drank too much, didn't get enough sleep, missed the buffet, got fed up with some friends and still had a good time. But I have a good time wherever I go. ;)

-j

[gear02]

the dancing fountains (forget which hotel but it's across the street from Paris Hotel)


Bellagio. On a cool night it's a great place to just sit and watch.

[GracieBayb]

bellagio buffet is the BEST!! :)

[bachviet]

By the time the Trump is done, the high speed rail might be ready for your travel. :D Anyway the drive does suck if you pick the wrong time to go. I'm going next week for my cousin's 21 birthday and his friend's bachelor party. We are going to stay at the Wynn. Get ticket for the "O" at Bellagio.

[dbax791]

I go to Vegas every year to bet on the NCAA tournament games.

We stay downtown. Yup, its dumpier than the strip, but it has really improved over the last few years. Live music at night, light shows. Pretty cool.

Plus, the best bar in Vegas is the 777 Microbrewery in Main St. Station. Best oysters on the half-shell, and you can get prime rib for $7.

But for a first time, I would stay on the strip.

[BrewMaster]

I think peoples 1st time in Vegas should be with a group of friends. They should go to party and cut loose. But if you had a ****ty time, good for you. You wont have to waste any money in sin city again. Me, I've never had a bad time in Vegas. I lost some money, drank too much, didn't get enough sleep, missed the buffet, got fed up with some friends and still had a good time. But I have a good time wherever I go. ;)

-j
We did all of that, but we can do that in LA.

We went for the Baker to Vegas weekend with friends from LAPD. There were tons of parties and clubs to go to. Most of it was paid for too. I just thought it was overhyped and just didn't deliver. Not to mention flying sucked. It takes just as long as driving when you think how early you gotta get to the airport.

[ufcrusher]

The drive is not bad at all, so long as you dont drive on Friday afternoon or Sunday. Otherwise, unless there is an accident, you should be ok.

Join each and every casinos gambling club. Why? You get mailers for cheaper hotels plus other offers. On top of that, this is the way to get perks and comps. I dont know if you can join any online, but you will be able to figure it out yourself.

Where to stay.....well everything is relative. My first vegas trip, we stayed at the "World Famous Binion's Horsesh|t....err shoe." It was a last minute trip which is why we ended up off the strip, but it was dirt cheap $25/night. The downtown casinos used to have better odds then the strip itself. Plus, it was neat to watch the Freemont Steet Experience.

Next trip, I stayed at the Tropicana. Its older, but frankly I like staying there. They have upgraded me to an amazing suite in the past. (3 times, I think)

The Sahara - other end of the strip by the Stratosphere. I didnt care for this hotel at all. (1 x too many)

Excalibur - stayed here multiple times(4 or 5) because it was cheap, the rooms were clean and it had a good location. DONT EAT THE FOOD HERE.

NY, NY - THe rooms seemed really small to me, but then again we chose not to upgrade to the suite for $25. In hindsight, a bad call, but hey my friend and I were going cheap. (1x but would stay here again)

Luxor - The rooms were ok. Staff was ok. Love the Luxor Buffet. Definitely will stay there again, but only if at a significant discount.

Paris - The hotel was evacuated for a fire 2 floors below ours while we were staying there. That was the good thing. The staff was ruder then hell, they took the whole parisian thing to the nth degree.

Bally's - We switched from Paris to Ballys (next door) halfway through the week. Apparently their was a giant basketball convention going on and the hotel was ripped to shreds. The staff was nicer than Paris and the room was bearable. Still not something I would go for again.

Caesars Palace - While we were staying at the Sahara, a friend of ours stayed in one of the top suites here. Definitely nice........even the room service was good.

I havent personally stayed at the Aladdin, Venice, MGM, or Bellagio but all 4 were given thumbs up by my friends or family.

[Showtime]

We did all of that, but we can do that in LA.

We went for the Baker to Vegas weekend with friends from LAPD. There were tons of parties and clubs to go to. Most of it was paid for too. I just thought it was overhyped and just didn't deliver. Not to mention flying sucked. It takes just as long as driving when you think how early you gotta get to the airport.

My friend ran in that event and he had a good time there.

Definition of fun is different for everyone. What were your expectations? Maybe you were just indoctrined too late in life. Like going to McDonalds for 1st time when your 20. You wont be enarmored by the toys, happy meals and playground and will see it for what it is... A crappy burger joint.


For me vegas is whatever happens.... happens. ;) I like being able to do some gambling and to drink til I'm done and not have to drive anywhere. Food, shows and other stuff are also cool. Mostly I go to hang with my friends and unwind. But then again if I had it my way I'd live in a hut by the sea and surf all day. :) I haven't gone to vegas this year, but I am sure someone will come up with an excuse.... Anyone?

Try Mexico for your next trip. My friends just got back and loved it. YMMV.
Puerta Viallarta, Cancun and Cabo are pretty sweet and easy on the wallet. I'm contemplating vacationing there or Hawaii this summer.

-j

[Jane83]

shame on you...never been to vegas?
ive been going to vegas and gambling since i was 19...dont ask...they didnt card me.
anyways....
MGM buffet SUCKS...sorry river window...but it does.
mgm has some cool restaurants, ate at Shabuya last time i was at mgm,...i liked it, pricy, but was fun...
the buffets that i enjoy are at the Bellagio, Rio Seafood buffet...if you like seafood, and the buffet at Aladdin is supposed to be the best.
if you have to pick ONE, id choose the Bellagio...
never watched a show in vegas, since ive wasted all my time gambling and maybe a little shopping, but if it is your first time there, take your car, that way you can drive around and get stuck in traffic and promise each other that next time youre just gonna fly in.
the monorail is there, so you can hop around casinos.
visit Paris, and check out the statue people. they freak me out.
its great.
have fun...and go win some money...theres beginners luck

[brain]

I hate buffets. Avoid casino markers.

[Showtime]

shame on you...never been to vegas?
ive been going to vegas and gambling since i was 19...dont ask...they didnt card me.


I went went with some friends and an ex when I was 17 and pretended not to speak english... Worked like a charm.

-j

[Jane83]

brain has a gambling problem....

[brain]

brain has a gambling problem....
I bet you that I don't!

[RIVERWIDOW]

I go to Vegas every year to bet on the NCAA tournament games.We stay downtown. Yup, its dumpier than the strip, but it has really improved over the last few years. Live music at night, light shows. Pretty cool.Plus, the best bar in Vegas is the 777 Microbrewery in Main St. Station. Best oysters on the half-shell, and you can get prime rib for $7.
But for a first time, I would stay on the strip.


Also Fremont Street downtown is not to be missed. It is a great light show.

[Burzhui]

Ok firstly Bellagio buffet was probably the worst buffet out of all of them, not only that it was most expensive! i paid about 85 dollars for 2 people for dinner

Best ones were Paris, Treasure island, and Mirage.

Do not rent a car!!!!! i can't stress this enough, the strip is extremely small we walked everywhere by foot and when we went to a show at rio we just took the monorail. Why not rent a car? well traffic is the number one reason, same reason why you shouldn't take a taxi.

Best show: "O" by cirque de soleil. The word 'WOW' describes it perfectly. Amazing johnathan was hillarious. O will run you about $150 and you have to buy tickets way in advance, Lolita and i were hooked up from New York by a guy that was in vegas about 2 weeks in advance.
If you are into shopping and i mean real fine european style shopping then the ceasars palace shopping center is for you... it was magical :neartears:

Belagio fountains are pretty nifty :)

[Jane83]

um...walking?!?!? are you kidding?
the last time i tried "walking" at vegas...the hotel we wanted to go to was just right next to where we were. Dont be fooled that its close. ITS NOT.

[gear02]

I hate buffets. Avoid casino markers.

markers?

Btw i recall buffets having HUGE ASS lines...when is the best time to go to avoid the lines?

[GracieBayb]

we're staying at the venetian this weekend :) i like the venetian but i'm REALLY excited because of the awesome outlets at primm... they have a ralph lauren outlet and a coach outlet :) can't wait! can't wait!!

[TofuNinja]

wow thanks for all the great tips and opinions My friend goes all the time, but I just haven't had teh urge to go.... but want to for odd reason.

[Burzhui]

um...walking?!?!? are you kidding?
the last time i tried "walking" at vegas...the hotel we wanted to go to was just right next to where we were. Dont be fooled that its close. ITS NOT.


you kidding right? Lolita and walked the whole strip without a problem, i didn't even have sneakers i had dress shoes on!

[BrewMaster]

My friend ran in that event and he had a good time there.

Definition of fun is different for everyone. What were your expectations? Maybe you were just indoctrined too late in life. Like going to McDonalds for 1st time when your 20. You wont be enarmored by the toys, happy meals and playground and will see it for what it is... A crappy burger joint.


For me vegas is whatever happens.... happens. ;) I like being able to do some gambling and to drink til I'm done and not have to drive anywhere. Food, shows and other stuff are also cool. Mostly I go to hang with my friends and unwind. But then again if I had it my way I'd live in a hut by the sea and surf all day. :) I haven't gone to vegas this year, but I am sure someone will come up with an excuse.... Anyone?

Try Mexico for your next trip. My friends just got back and loved it. YMMV.
Puerta Viallarta, Cancun and Cabo are pretty sweet and easy on the wallet. I'm contemplating vacationing there or Hawaii this summer.

-j
true. if I'd went before I was married maybe the experience would have been different.

as for Mexico, we just went to Acapulco for our honeymoon in February. It was dope. Now we're off to Europe in June!

[cadetevon]

um...walking?!?!? are you kidding?
the last time i tried "walking" at vegas...the hotel we wanted to go to was just right next to where we were. Dont be fooled that its close. ITS NOT.


This sooooo effing true. They seem 'next door' and they *are* 'next door', but from one door to the next could be 1/4 mile, easy.

[DarkFury]

Heh... "What happens in Vegas... stays in Vegas". :heh:

[cadetevon]

Heh... "What happens in Vegas... stays in Vegas". :heh:


:heh: Yep. WHIVSIV.

[angl2b]

I need to go too! I wanna see some "shows"..... :naughty: :blush: :lick:

[GracieBayb]

This sooooo effing true. They seem 'next door' and they *are* 'next door', but from one door to the next could be 1/4 mile, easy.

hahahahaha, so true! the good thing about all the walking is it helps you burn off all the freakin calories from all the freakin tasty buffets! :hihi:

[Burzhui]

This sooooo effing true. They seem 'next door' and they *are* 'next door', but from one door to the next could be 1/4 mile, easy.


and a 1/4 mile is a problem why? :spock:

[Showtime]

hahahahaha, so true! the good thing about all the walking is it helps you burn off all the freakin calories from all the freakin tasty buffets! :hihi:

freakin eh!

:cheers:

-j

[yippiekiyeh]

My gf and I current favorite hotel is the Venetian, though Mandalay Bay is quite nice. She enjoys, loves the shops, and I'm down with the table games. Definitely like the concensus says. The room is to crash out. Most of the time you're going to be out and about so find a decently priced place to stay at.

[Jane83]

and a 1/4 mile is a problem why? :spock:
i guess you like to walk...but thats just you

walking over from MGM TO NYNY, no prob...but anything farther...like MGM to Aladdin, Paris to Ballys....NO GOOD.

[Bires]

and a 1/4 mile is a problem why? :spock:

Because the strip is 5 miles long.

Some thoughts:

First, the new slogan they will be blasting out will be "Do Vegas Right". They are tapering off the "what happens in vegas..." thing.

As far as buffets, you don't have to spend >$20 plate. The Station casinos and Coast casinos have great buffets around $7-$11 a person.

One option for strip transportation that did not exist last year is the monorail. It runs along the east side of the strip, from the MGM (south end) to the Hilton and Convention center (north-ish).

The newest attraction is the Wynn, Las Vegas. It's designed much like the Bellagio (which is awesome). I have yet to check it out, since the crowds are still rediculous since it opened only last month.

And time of the year...now is good. July and August are HOT, even at night. Spring and fall are nice, but bring a jacket at night.

Some of my favorite thingsto see:

The lions at the MGM
The water sculptures at the Bellagio (inside and outside)
The volcano and white tigers at the Mirage
The water and sharks at the Mandalay Bay
The street performers at the Fremont Street experience


Also, keep in mind that the M&M/Coke thing next to the MGM will give away tickets to B-grade shows (not the headliners) to out-of-towners, and you can get 50% off tickets there for shows for that night. This works especially well on Tuesdays/Wednesdays, where you might get 50% off the headliners.

[Jane83]

Some of my favorite thingsto see:

The lions at the MGM
you mean the drugged ones that do nothing but sleep and lie on its side all freaking day?
umm...yea...FU-UN

[irwin]

brain has a gambling problem....
I bet you that I don't!


ah that's good stuff :heh:

[Jihforce]

I'm gonna go with Burz on this. The walk is nothing. I walked from TI to Luxor in the rain. No biggie. Was kind of fun actually. You can go hotel hoping anyway. And there is a monorail and stuff. No biggie. I'm not big on walking either. I have a desk job.

[chadlnc]

we're staying at the venetian this weekend :) i like the venetian but i'm REALLY excited because of the awesome outlets at primm... they have a ralph lauren outlet and a coach outlet :) can't wait! can't wait!!

I'll be there this weekend too as it would turn out. My friend and I decided last minute to take a trip. We'll be there Thursday-Sunday staying at MGM Grand.

[Hoser]

I'm leaving today (Tuesday) for Vegas and staying four days. I'm taking my kid who turned 21 in April. It's his first time and my second time there. It should be fun.