The wife and I will be going to Vegas in a couple weeks. This will be the first time for both of us. Looking for suggestions on things to do, places to go, things to see etc. We will be there during the week, Monday through Friday.
Let's hear what ya got [wine]
Where ya staying?
Flamingo
i'm told that sapphire is a great place for dinner. ;D
it's just kinda pricey and only gets worse the longer you stay.
actually, i would recommend renting a bike and riding out to the canyon, red rocks nat'l park, hoover dam, lake mead, and anywhere else you can think of.
Don't take anything anyone hands you.
The monorail is the easiest way around.
She will most likely have an easier time getting the free tickets to get into the various nightclubs, especially if she's not with you. There's plenty of good ones. I don't remember any of them. Vegas.
"The Hangover" is a documentary.
Visit the old strip at night.
Do not wander between the old strip and the new strip. Just...don't.
The Folies Bergere was entertaining. I also went to see "The Amazing Johnathan", which was well worth it. There be a million shows-go see at least a couple. Get tickets before you go-you'll get better seats.
The Imperial Palace has a nifty car museum-there should be a guy out front with free tickets-get them and go inside. They do this to make you walk past the casino floor.
Google free shows to find out when the ones there are playing-most of the major strip casinos have at least one.
The air quality sucks-perpetually-I always stock up on things to alleviate this, like cough drops, scotch, and tea.
Bring money. Lots of it. Don't plan on keeping it.
Quote from: MrIncredible on December 29, 2009, 11:39:43 AM
<snip>
Bring money. Lots of it. Don't plan on keeping it.
The voice of experience....
If you like meat, eat dinner here at Yolies. It is friggin' awesome and kind of a locals place. I've been going there since Jr. High (I grew up in Vegas).
http://www.yoliesbraziliansteakhouse.com/ (http://www.yoliesbraziliansteakhouse.com/)
See one of the Cirque Du Soleil shows. I don't know which one as the ones I've seen probably aren't around anymore. They're all amazing though.
Skip the buffets. They used to be a good deal...they're not anymore, unless you eat a really large amount. Sometime in the mid-90s the casinos figured out they don't have to give away cheap food to get people into their casinos.
Don't plan on sitting by the pool. Vegas isn't all that warm in January. Compared to MN it is...but probably not outdoor pool warm. IF you get lucky, the Hard Rock has an awesome pool.
Don't go to Circus Circus. Just don't. The place sucks...seriously sucks. Has sucked since I was little.
I also wouldn't recommend the Stratosphere. Sure, it's tall...and has a couple so so rides at the top. BUT...it sucks, and is in a shitty part of town. I'd skip it.
Caesar's (my favorite), Palms, Mirage, Mandelay Bay, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock, Paris, Bellagio...all cool places (plus quite a few I forgot).
Ummm...+1 on bring money and don't plan on keeping it! [laugh]
the Rio has a rooftop bar that was cool, haven't been there in two years though. Also, the Palm has a good atmosphere and nice scenery. Las Vegas always takes my moto money too.
[laugh]
good advice so far. Keep it coming.
I have some money, not planning on coming back with any ;D
I have watched the hangover. Several times. Notes taken.
Quote from: Triple J on December 29, 2009, 12:15:17 PM
Don't go to Circus Circus. Just don't. The place sucks...seriously sucks. Has sucked since I was little.
I also wouldn't recommend the Stratosphere. Sure, it's tall...and has a couple so so rides at the top. BUT...it sucks, and is in a shitty part of town. I'd skip it.
Ummm...+1 on bring money and don't plan on keeping it! [laugh]
circus jerkus...we walked by it and i wanted to stab someone.
i liek the strat. jsut dont' go any further north. it's cheaper, they usually have a $2 craps game where the chips arent' stuck together, and there's a fat tuesday downstairs. our morning ritual has always been, wake up at whatever time we wake up (usually about 9am) and head there before anything else. the extra shot is only $1 so you can get drunk again right away.
my tolerance is always sky high when i get back, and my body clock is WAY off. i'm also confused why noone has brought me a drink in 45 min of sitting at my desk.
Quote from: KnightofNi on December 29, 2009, 12:32:54 PM
i'm also confused why noone has brought me a drink in 45 min of sitting at my desk.
[laugh]
In college (Reno, not Vegas) we used to go play nickel slots at the Hilton. For <$5 we could drink a 1/2 dozen Anchor Steams before going out. [thumbsup] Gotta love the cocktail waitress! ;D
Quote from: Triple J on December 29, 2009, 12:41:21 PM
[laugh]
In college (Reno, not Vegas) we used to go play nickel slots at the Hilton. For <$5 we could drink a 1/2 dozen Anchor Steams before going out. [thumbsup] Gotta love the cocktail waitress! ;D
after learning to gamble in atlantic city, going to vegas was odd. i got absolutly plowed playing nickel slots with $20.
when we went to the craps table the waitress knew our names and drinks after 2 rounds. those 2 rounds took about 20 min. in AC it takes 20 min just to see a waitress and about 40 to get a drink. >:(
And here I was hoping that we might come back with some money...damn! [roll]
Quote from: mrs minnesotamonster on December 29, 2009, 02:36:41 PM
And here I was hoping that we might come back with some money...damn! [roll]
only if you are good luck to have around. ;D
two words: bar crawl ;D
hit 'em all [evil]
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on December 29, 2009, 02:47:58 PM
two words: bar crawl ;D
hit 'em all [evil]
HAHAHAHAHA
they'll be broke halfway down 1 side of the strip and dead soon thereafter.
there are like 3 bars per casino.
Quote from: KnightofNi on December 29, 2009, 02:54:56 PM
HAHAHAHAHA
they'll be broke halfway down 1 side of the strip and dead soon thereafter.
there are like 3 bars per casino.
they'll be there all week... one drink per casino/hotel is easily doable. ;D
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on December 29, 2009, 02:58:16 PM
they'll be there all week... one drink per casino/hotel is easily doable. ;D
Two drink minimum is standard for any proper bar crawl.
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on December 29, 2009, 02:58:16 PM
they'll be there all week... one drink per casino/hotel is easily doable. ;D
and what about all of the places that are off strip?
besides, there are far better things to do then a bar crawl.
however, gettign tanked at 8am is perfectly acceptable there so you can take all day to do one if you wanted. ;D
So, I'd like to go to a show while we're in Vegas next week. Minnesotamonster isn't too keen on the idea, unless I pick a comedy or magic type of show.
Any recommendations? I'll go to anything, but something that he will enjoy sitting through for a couple hours? Apparently Zumanity wasn't a good enough choice:(
;D
I recommend eating at FIX at the bellagio
note: it isn't cheap
I got to eat there courtesy of my employer.
Quote from: mrs minnesotamonster on January 06, 2010, 06:39:01 PM
So, I'd like to go to a show while we're in Vegas next week. Minnesotamonster isn't too keen on the idea, unless I pick a comedy or magic type of show.
Any recommendations? I'll go to anything, but something that he will enjoy sitting through for a couple hours? Apparently Zumanity wasn't a good enough choice:(
;D
How about both comedy and magic?
Go with Mr. I's recommendation of The Amazing Jonathan.
And DP, also coming from the voice of experience, take money. Plan on coming back with more than you took. ;D
I'd suggest the Amazing Johnathan-he's hilarious, and still pretty affordable.
Tell hubby you'll take him to a strip club if he deals with going to the show of your choice.
Quote from: cyrus buelton on January 06, 2010, 07:12:33 PM
I recommend eating at FIX at the bellagio
note: it isn't cheap
I got to eat there courtesy of my employer.
i had a couple of martini's at their bar but no food...
the drinks were good ;D
Brunch at the Paris Hotel!! It's right across the street from The Belagio so you get to watch the water show, which is really damn cool. Oh, and the food is friggin good too! French toast!
And, if you're up for it and have some coin to spend go in to the Paris and go to their spa, I think you can get a whole day out of it for about a buck twenty or so?
Also, if you guys are Elvis fans? Check out Trent Carlini, I think he performs at The Sahara.
Quote from: mrs minnesotamonster on January 06, 2010, 06:39:01 PM
So, I'd like to go to a show while we're in Vegas next week. Minnesotamonster isn't too keen on the idea, unless I pick a comedy or magic type of show.
Any recommendations? I'll go to anything, but something that he will enjoy sitting through for a couple hours? Apparently Zumanity wasn't a good enough choice:(
;D
thunder from down under... [thumbsup]
[cheeky]
Quote from: KnightofNi on January 07, 2010, 04:41:49 AM
thunder from down under... [thumbsup]
[cheeky]
I suggested that...it didn't go well [evil]
Blue Man Group maybe? ??? No FHE...just have been told it was cool.
My wife and I saw Zumanity a couple years ago and weren't all that impressed. :-\ I saw one of the original Cirque Du Soleil shows at the Mirage a long time ago, and it was great though. Might have been "O"...can't remeber.
I'm not big into the shows...but I'd go see another Cirque one...just not Zumanity.
I've stayed at the Flamingo.
The wife will likely want to shop in the stores in the Bellagio and whatever the name of the one connected to it is.
Try to use cash for "drinks" at the "bar", otherwise you'll find yourself short several grand from a "bar" called Sapphire. Oops.
The people on the streets do a fan/pop hand motion with, what i call, playing cards. Collect 'em all for a prize. When you are hungover one morning, you can call them up and see if you can gross out the 'stutes. I managed to request something so outlandish as to be hung up on, which was amusing.
Pat Clark Motorsports is the Ducati shop. It is really nice. They also synched my carbs while i was there which helped out TONS.
Quote from: Triple J on January 07, 2010, 06:24:13 AM
Blue Man Group maybe? ??? No FHE...just have been told it was cool.
My wife and I saw Zumanity a couple years ago and weren't all that impressed. :-\ I saw one of the original Cirque Du Soleil shows at the Mirage a long time ago, and it was great though. Might have been "O"...can't remeber.
I'm not big into the shows...but I'd go see another Cirque one...just not Zumanity.
blue man group is awesome. so awesome, that i actually bought the cd after the show.
Quote from: ato memphis on January 07, 2010, 06:41:51 AM
I've stayed at the Flamingo.
The wife will likely want to shop in the stores in the Bellagio and whatever the name of the one connected to it is.
Try to use cash for "drinks" at the "bar", otherwise you'll find yourself short several grand from a "bar" called Sapphire. Oops.
The people on the streets do a fan/pop hand motion with, what i call, playing cards. Collect 'em all for a prize. When you are hungover one morning, you can call them up and see if you can gross out the 'stutes. I managed to request something so outlandish as to be hung up on, which was amusing.
Pat Clark Motorsports is the Ducati shop. It is really nice. They also synched my carbs while i was there which helped out TONS.
you don't go to the "bar" at sapphire, you jsut get a table for the "fine dining" that will save you a few hundred dollars. though i still walked out about $400 lighter than i thought i would.
the game we played with the cards is to see how many you can collect and then sneak into someone else's luggage to be found by other people when they get home. ;D
just found out that i'm planning a trip out there too.
my vacation time for march got denied which means we're going to vegas for the g/f's b-day in december.
it will be very strange going there with the s/o, but she'll ahve a girls night so the guys can go out and gamble and enjopy the "scenery"
i didn't really go to the "bar", but was taken back to a more private "dining room" and made acquaintances with several eastern european "tourists".
They money would have been much better spent at Pat Clark's or on craps. But I did get a good "vegas" story, I suppose, for my money.
Check out the UNLV web site and see what is happening on campus. Basketball, shows, art, lectures, etc.
It can be good to get away from the strip.
This coming weekend is Sin City Roller Girls vs Treasure Valley Roller Girls at the LV Roller Hockey Center.
if you like a bunch of tatted-up dirty girls wearing short skirts and tanktops wailing the hell out of each other...
Hellen Brimstone is the best one.
Quote from: JEFF_H on January 07, 2010, 07:42:15 AM
This coming weekend is Sin City Roller Girls vs Treasure Valley Roller Girls at the LV Roller Hockey Center.
if you like a bunch of tatted-up dirty girls wearing short skirts and tanktops wailing the hell out of each other...
Hellen Brimstone is the best one.
This.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far.
I don't know if a show is really my thing, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
I really want to get a massage while we are down there. Good places?
I would love to come back with more money than we brought but that's not likely. I don't think the "tourists" have very good odds. (duck and cover)
Quote from: minnesotamonster on January 07, 2010, 09:02:07 AM
This.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far.
I don't know if a show is really my thing, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
I really want to get a massage while we are down there. Good places?
I would love to come back with more money than we brought but that's not likely. I don't think the "tourists" have very good odds. (duck and cover)
Dude-it's sin city. Even the shows you don't want to see will probably be full of topless women. I'm not sure how you can go wrong with that.
Any of the casinos will have a spa that would probably hook you up, but I would just have them send a masseuse to the room.
Quote from: MrIncredible on January 07, 2010, 10:01:50 AM
Dude-it's sin city. Even the shows you don't want to see will probably be full of topless women. I'm not sure how you can go wrong with that.
meh, i dunno if its still full-fledged sin city anymore. when they tried to go family friendly, i'm not sure they got all the way back to full sin-city form. but its like, mostly-sin-city, now.
Quote from: ato memphis on January 07, 2010, 10:41:11 AM
meh, i dunno if its still full-fledged sin city anymore. when they tried to go family friendly, i'm not sure they got all the way back to full sin-city form. but its like, mostly-sin-city, now.
No lack of sin when I was there last (last year).
i expected "a lot" more than what you get in New Orleans. There was more. Not "lots more".
i think the worlds idea of "sin" has changed and some things are more acceptable now than they were before
it couyld also be that people realize their morals are far to strong to truly do the things they percieve going on there.
however, i'm sure that if you have the money you can find a lot more of the afore metnioned "sin" than the average joe could.
Quote from: ato memphis on January 07, 2010, 06:41:51 AM
Pat Clark Motorsports is the Ducati shop. It is really nice. They also synched my carbs while i was there which helped out TONS.
+1
And the guy that owns the place is awesome.
He gave us a ride back to the strip since it was taking forever for our cab to get there to pick us up.
Hot and Juicy Crawfish, if you like seafood,
Hash House A Go Go, if you like food....
Resist the temptation to buy drinks from the vendors right on the strip unless it's a two for one [thumbsup]
I prefer to go the the liquor stores scattered between the hotels. Beers are twice as big and are half the price [drink]
Quote from: monster monkey on January 07, 2010, 10:47:01 PM
Hot and Juicy Crawfish, if you like seafood,
Hash House A Go Go, if you like food....
Resist the temptation to buy drinks from the vendors right on the strip unless it's a two for one [thumbsup]
I prefer to go the the liquor stores scattered between the hotels. Beers are twice as big and are half the price [drink]
that reminds me...the $1 maragaritas are about as bad as you might think a $1 margarita is.
hash house a go go rules.
plus they have this on the menu:
O'Hare of the dog- 24 oz Budweiser & side of bacon
(the bud is served in a paper bag)
as far as the sin factor...you cant rely on other people to provide your sin...sometimes you gotta make your own
Check out Mystere at Treasure Island. It is one of the older Circ de Sole's so it is quite a bit cheaper but still amazing. The new city center also just opened with the new Aria hotel/casino in the middle. This place makes most of the rest of the strip look old and tired. Definitely check it out.
Quote from: JEFF_H on January 08, 2010, 07:57:12 AM
hash house a go go rules.
plus they have this on the menu:
O'Hare of the dog- 24 oz Budweiser & side of bacon
(the bud is served in a paper bag)
INCREDIBLE!Quote from: JEFF_H on January 08, 2010, 07:57:12 AM
as far as the sin factor...you cant rely on other people to provide your sin...sometimes you gotta make your own
haha, i think we are all quite capable of that, as being monster owners.
I fully intend on making my own...lol [evil]
We still haven't decided on a show...Thanks for all the advice, keep it comin:)
Quote from: mrs minnesotamonster on January 08, 2010, 05:27:40 PM
I fully intend on making my own...lol [evil]
We still haven't decided on a show...Thanks for all the advice, keep it comin:)
you guys are going to have a blast in Vegas.
Last time I was in Vegas (about 3 years ago) a buddy and I rented Harleys from LV H-D. It was a no-hassle deal, and it was a great way to visit Hoover Dam and the surrounding areas. A day on a Road King only cost about $200 (incl gas,etc). That was probably the least costly experience I've ever had in Vegas. [laugh]
Is there a UFC Fight while you are there?
If you don't already know it, be sure to learn basic strategy before you sit down at a blackjack table - it's amazing how many people don't bother.
Here's the chart for multi-deck strip rules. House edge is about 0.4% IIRC.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k445/majmontana/blackjack-strategy-card1.jpg)
Black Jack is not my thing. I'd much rather go sit at a poker table for a few hours. :)
casino's aren't in business because people are always winning.
Just sayin'
Quote from: KnightofNi on January 07, 2010, 06:57:00 AM
blue man group is awesome. so awesome, that i actually bought the cd after the show.
+1 on BMG.
Quote from: minnesotamonster on January 09, 2010, 06:12:45 PM
Black Jack is not my thing. I'd much rather go sit at a poker table for a few hours. :)
Good luck! I was friends in college with a girl from Vegas whose parents were professional gamblers...that is ALL they both did. They played Poker exclusively...and had a big house in a very nice neighborhood. Basically, they would just take all the tourists money and go home...no worries of the house beating you in Poker.
I don't know what the chances are of sitting down at a table with someone like that...but it's possible. Apparently they made most of their money on weekends and holidays when more tourists were in town.
+1 to Cyrus (as a Nevada born and raised resident)...casinos aren't big and luxurious because they're giving away money. I'm not a gambler...but the few times I have I started with a set amount, with the expectation of losing it. Most of the time I did. Usually I'd consumed quite a few quality beers for "free" though, and was entertained, so I called it a wash. [drink]
...not saying you guys don't understand this, as I'm sure you do. Just my thoughts. :)
Quote from: Triple J on January 10, 2010, 09:21:59 AM
...not saying you guys don't understand this, as I'm sure you do. Just my thoughts. :)
Yeah, we have pretty much the same mindset. I'm not really interested in gambling whatsoever...I'd rather keep what little money I started with or spend it on something...minnesotamonster on the other hand is fully expecting to sit down at a table and leave with less than what he started with...or nothing. Fine by me, it's his money to spend (or lose) how he wants.
It's May 7 and we just got another 3" of snow. We're getting outta here and heading to Las Vegas for a few days and I thought I'd yank this thread back up to get more suggestions. I've stayed downtown at the Golden Nugget a few times but this time we're staying at the Four Seasons - I guess it's on the Mandalay Bay property.
We renting a convertible and hope to shake some snow off in Death Valley first off this weekend. After that, Yolie's sounds great and we'll definately go there. I'd also like to see the Bodies Exhibition at the Luxor. Is the Cirque Beatles Love show worth the time and $$$? Any other ideas?
I've heard good things about the beatles show from friends, but have not seen it.
Last summer I was in Vegas for a class. I stayed the Rio and was very pleased with the room. Saw Penn and Teller there - the show was tremendous - I ended up on stage for the last act where they do the catch the bullet trick. Very fun!
Quote from: Johnny OrganDonor on May 07, 2010, 11:41:12 AM
It's May 7 and we just got another 3" of snow. We're getting outta here and heading to Las Vegas for a few days and I thought I'd yank this thread back up to get more suggestions. I've stayed downtown at the Golden Nugget a few times but this time we're staying at the Four Seasons - I guess it's on the Mandalay Bay property.
We renting a convertible and hope to shake some snow off in Death Valley first off this weekend. After that, Yolie's sounds great and we'll definately go there. I'd also like to see the Bodies Exhibition at the Luxor. Is the Cirque Beatles Love show worth the time and $$$? Any other ideas?
We really wanted to see bodies but they are asking way too much in my opinion. I know it's Vegas but damn. Don't know about the Beatles Cirque but probably money better spent.
Quote from: pennyrobber on May 07, 2010, 01:54:52 PM
We really wanted to see bodies but they are asking way too much in my opinion. I know it's Vegas but damn. Don't know about the Beatles Cirque but probably money better spent.
Uh-Vegas? Talk to someone who works at the Casino, especially after you've been gambling there-you should most definitely get a discounted ticket if you can't manage to get comped completely. Those money grubbers will do anything to bring you in.