Best Clubs during the week?

We will be in Vegas Sun-Thurs in March so what would you recommend? We are staying at Hard Rock so maybe try Body English one night. We are young so pretty much up for anything.

Sun - ?? Maybe Body English?

Mon- ??

Tues - Maybe Pure? I want to see the Pussycat Dolls show that night

Wed - ??

Also anyone been to Christian Audigier? My bf really likes the decorations so we thought of stopping there.

Thanks!

Best Clubs during the week?

Hey! I was in Vegas in November, we did meet a club promoter for Christian Audgier...i did have fun there, but I enjoyed PURE more, simply because of the roof deck bar area. THAT was fun..

have a great time!

Best Clubs during the week?

Monday- JET, PRIVE

Tuesday- Pure, Moon, LAVO, Blush

Wednesday- LAX, Body English, Wasted Space

Thursday - Tao or Tryst are the best

(drai%26#39;s after hours)

Unfortunately, Drai%26#39;s is closed. However, the same guy opened up XS at Encore.

www.jackcolton.com/which_las_vegas_clubs.htm

I%26#39;ve heard XS is pretty good on monday nights as well, is this the case. WE%26#39;re heading over for my 21st in September. Can%26#39;t help but think this far in ahead, too excited!

Given the current state of vegas i wouldn%26#39;t worry about planning ahead all that much, if your worried about cover charges and what not that is. We just got back this week and there are loads of people handing out drink vouchers and free entry vouchers to so many of the clubs because its so dead atm.

Drai%26#39;s is closed?

Body English - Sunday

XS - Monday (an absolute MUST - one of the best nights out in Las Vegas).

Christian Audigier also does an industry night on a Sunday

drais closed down?

I dont think so?

Table games report for the NEW Gold Spike Downtown

Just got back from my trip and wanted to give a report on the Gold Spike. The smokey/dead fish smell is completely gone. It smells like the Mandalay Bay now! It%26#39;s really amazing how they%26#39;ve cleaned it up.All table games are dealt by beautiful girls in seductive clothing. One warning: Some are VERY new and you have to pay attention. For instance Saturday night they weren%26#39;t ';peaking'; for an Ace with a ten-card up. We pointed that out to the bosses and by Monday night they were paking.There were several times over the few hours i played where they struggled with the card count.

Roulette: $2 minimum with quarter chips

Blackjack: They have two Six deck shoes with $3 and $5 minimums ($200 max) where dealer hits soft 17 (h17) and you can double-after-splitting. Penetration varies GREATLY. Some shoes they cut-off three decks.....but once the dealer ran out of cards! I%26#39;ve NEVER seen that happen in all my years of playing blackjack. The pit boss was not too happy!!

It%26#39;s a work in progress.

Drink service is excellent. They don%26#39;t have cig machines on the property (they%26#39;ll save your seat while you run to Walgreens down the block on Fremont.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Table games report for the NEW Gold Spike Downtown

Is the hotel itself remodled?

Table games report for the NEW Gold Spike Downtown

Awesome - thanks for the update.

Cheapo Vegas has pictures of the renovated casino, It looks amazing compared to the dive it was.

I%26#39;m gonna check it out next month when I stay downtown. Wonder if they still have the succulent hot dogs in the diner?

Interesting. Thanks darren. I%26#39;ll definately check out the Gold Spike when I%26#39;m in Vegas this weekend.

where is it in relation to fremont street experience?

Thanks Darren!! Cant wait to go check this place out in June!! Hopefully by then the dealers will be ';broke'; in so to speak!! I remember going there with Chitown, loomis and Spike and various others and Chitown was trying to get us to eat one of those famous Spike dogs... and lets not forget the ';Purified'; air sign behind the bar!! Too funny!!

Shona ;-)

Thanks for the report! A walk down to Gold Spike is in order.

To get to the Gold Spike make your way to the Walgreens on Fremont at the east end of the canopy. Walk north 1 block on 4th street to get from Fremont to Ogden. The Gold Spike is at the intersection of 4th street and Ogden

Thanks Darren for the heads up.

How can I keep the blankets on my baby?

American Casino Guide

I just ordered the American Casino Guide. It seems like a really good deal, and I should be able to make my money back after using 2 coupons. Just wondering if anyone else has ordered this and their experiences.

American Casino Guide

Yes, you will get your money back on match play alone.

American Casino Guide

Did you order it from Amazon? or is there a better deal out there?

This is the 4th year in a row I%26#39;ve bought the ACG. The last 2 years I bought 2 for each year. If you rent a car, a lot of coupons can be used.

I ordered it from their website. it was about $13 and $4 shipping. considering the coupons it says it has this seems like a real bargain.

Many of those you will never use and forum members have often given extras to other members. It%26#39;s a good thing. I don%26#39;t think I have EVER won a bet using the match play coupons. So, if I count that money, thebook has cost me a lot of money. But it%26#39;s fun and a good excuse to visit other casinos.

I have to be honest I have bought the last two times I went to Vegas and used like two coupons. Not sure its worth it for me.

I love using it. the drink coupons, the matchplays, the free hot dog - why not!

I think it depends where you stay.

Many of the coupons can be used Downtown, not many for the strip, so if you only used 2, I can see why. Magnolia%26#39;s and Binions were best for us. Also, depends what they do what that Fremont Street Sheet after March 31...I hear that is when those expire??

Renting a car would be the best use of the book.

Last year, I ordered from buy.com and used the google checkout. Ended up paying about $5 including shipping,,,,great deal! I think that is a one time use though, so not sure how I%26#39;ll get mine this time. Plenty of time... girls trip in July.

Ordered two and arrived today, four of us off on 26/04/09 for two weeks so book will more than pay for itself. Never used it before but after a quick scan thru seems money very well spent

I purchased the ACG last year and again this year. It is worth it if you were planning to go to the casinos that have coupons in the book anyway. I would not go out of my way just to use a coupon.

Last year I used many of the coupons, so yes the price of the book was well worth it.

Trip advice for March 6-9

Okay, you guys have always been fabulous, so I know I can count in you once again. We come there every year on business, but this is the first time we are actually footing the bill, so we%26#39;re really looking for deals. We are coming Mar 6-9 and got a good deal at Bally%26#39;s; thanks to a posting on TA we%26#39;ve got a very cheap car from Alamo, too. Several questions:

Since we have a car and would like to see the Grand Canyon, how long will it take to drive to the south rim (and is it worth the extra time)?

What other cool things can we drive to and use Bally%26#39;s as our home base?

Is there a charge for parking the rental at Bally%26#39;s?

Any other must-sees? Shopping is not a priority. We have never ventured off the strip in all our visits, so your advice is most appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Trip advice for March 6-9

Hi!!

It took us about 5hrs from Vegas to the South Rim. Route 66 is a long flat boring stretch but we did see some wildlife and dirtdevils. Being there 4 days, you need to decide if you wat to take a day to see the Grand Canyon (the drive there and back is 10 hrs) .

If you want a shorter day trip I recomend Red Rock which is a 45 minute drive, easy drive go West down Charleston and you%26#39;ll be there in no time. Its gorgeous and we saw wildlife. You can drive the loop, and stop to hike/picnic. We went in July when it was extremely hot-you%26#39;ll be there during more comfy temps. LOL.

Also a day trip we took was to Laughlin-thats about a 2 hour drive and you end up along the Colorodo River where there are casinos. We liked the feel of the Old Pioneer and The River Belle (or Colorado River belle cant remember), its a more laid back area then the hustle and bustle of Vegas.

There is no fee to Valet your car if you are staying at the property so you will ave no problem with parking. Although Ive never stayed that my last trip we stayed at Golden Nugget and even when Valet was full wit our room key they had a spot for us.

I suggest you check out down-town one evening. If your looking to drink and party you can always catch the ';duece'; and thats ALWAYS an adventure, if you want an interesting time, or drive down and you can park most have parking garages, to see the FSE (fremont Street Experience) at night, under the canopy there are street vendors and live bands. There are some fine restaurants at reasonable prices, we had a wedding dinner at Binion%26#39;s Ranch Steakhouse. ts on the top floor and we dines at sunset--gorgeous food a bit more inexpensive then the strip but well worth it.

We also checked out more off-strip casinos. Down Boulder highway there is Sam%26#39;s town, Bolder Station and Arizona Charlie%26#39;s we loved the atmosphere. On the way to /from Red Rock you could check out Red Rock Casino.

We are glad we had a car and did alot of off-strip things this trip and loved it all.

heavy makeup

Question Dueling Pianos Paris

How does this work? Drink minimum? tickets? arrive way early? Do people come and go? Thanks.

Question Dueling Pianos Paris

Unless it%26#39;s changed, the dueling pianos in Paris is pretty low-key, and I%26#39;ve never seen it busy. If you want a true dueling pianos experience, try Harrah%26#39;s or New York, New York.

Question Dueling Pianos Paris

we went a while back, no cover no min but there are drink girls so you need to buy a drink, first come first serve. As I recall the songs were a little less disgusting than the typical duelings

Never knew they had one at paris or harrahs. I have the best time at the NY NY bar. we go by at 8 to get stamped. go eat, come back and get in no cover/line. works out great! it%26#39;s always packed, and one of my favorite things to do in vegas.

I love this! the bar is gorgeous, and it%26#39;s a fun experience. Not disgusting at all.

Stood outside the NYNY piano duel thing once and it was absolutely rocking in there.

I cannot speak for the other choices but saw enough at NYNY to know that it%26#39;s worth attending.

We stayed in Harrahs and loved stopping by the dueling piano bar for a few drinks! Always crowded, everyone is always having fun. Cocktails were pricey...

was just there this weekend, no cover $8 beers though. Had a real fun time. The guys playing were pretty cool and funny

The one at Paris always looks pretty empty and not very fun whenever I%26#39;ve passed by. The one at NYNY is a favorite of ours and it always seems to be jam packed and tons of fun.

the one in the Paris (Napoleon%26#39;s) was standing room only when I was there this last Sunday. We waited about 30 minutes til a seat opened up (10;00 PM on a Sunday)

I haven%26#39;t been to the dueling pianos at Paris. I have been to NYNY years ago. It wasn%26#39;t bad. DH and I stay at Harrah%26#39;s. We get there early, and sit at the bar. There are people that will sit at the bar and not play. They have to pay for their for the drinks if not playing. Also, note that if a person comes in and wants to play, the person at the bar has a choice; play, or get up. This is now being enforced. The best of both worlds for us! Free entertainment, free drinks, and I am playing my favorite game! It is a great venue. There is a cover charge on the weekends. If you are already in the piano bar at the time the cover charge begins, you will get a wrist band .

http://twinkeys.com/

Good Luck!!

VegasSue

Jockey Club...why is it still there?

My in-laws have a time share at Jockey Club. We stayed there once...it was not good. It is now buried by the Center City %26amp; you can hardly see the street to get into it. Why is it still standing..anyone know? My in-laws seem to think that they will make some $$ when asked to sell...sure seems unlikely when you see it.

Jockey Club...why is it still there?

To be picky, it%26#39;s buried by the Cosmopolitan resort, not City Center.

It%26#39;s a timeshare, owned by thousands of people. Kinda hard to get the owners to sell.

Jockey Club...why is it still there?

Thanks, did not know about the Cosmopolitan Resort. Do you know when it is scheduled to be complete? Or when the City Center will be finished? Thanks for the info!!

Info on Cosmopolitan resort

vegastodayandtomorrow.com/cosmopolitan.htm

Well, your in-laws will be disappointed to learn that in order for the Jockey Club to be destroyed, you would have to buy out all of the people who own a timeshare there. One would think this would be pretty easy due to the fact that the Cosmo and City Center seem to have a bottomless pit of money, but there is also a board of directors, sort of like a homeowners association. Not only do the board of directors have to approve such an undertaking, but I think, every single owner has to say ';ok we will take a buyout.'; I%26#39;m sure Cosmo%26#39;s legal team looked at many options to try and get this place demolished, but I guess it didn%26#39;t work. So, it%26#39;ll be somewhat of an eyesore, if it will be seen at all after the construction is finished.

huck, I agree. I believe the Jockey Club is there to stay if you can find it!! Thanks for the info.

Given the timeshare structure, the only cost-efficient way to remove it would be by eminent domain. The government condemning the property would avoid the need to get the consent of the hundreds or thousands of owners.

My first trip to Vegas in 1981, I stayed at the JC with 3 other guys. I was 18. We were there for the Mint 400 off-road race. I remember the place being like it was built for jockeys; the shower head was 3-4 feet high. Everything seemed small and low to the floor.

At least it was free.

Unfortunately, since the fiasco created by our previous mayor (Jan Jones) regarding the use of eminent domain for the ';revitalization'; of the ';downtown'; area, and, of course, the (in)famous case of eminent domain in Connecticut, our local politicians are very cautious in their attempts to use this particular ';power'; these days.... In this case, it would have to be the Clark County Board of Commissioners, and this would be a gigantic can of worms should they try to impose their use of this power at this point.

Jeff42: Wow... the Mint 400 --- it%26#39;s been years since I%26#39;ve heard anyone mention it.... that%26#39;s a nice little trip down memory lane for me.

Me too. Fremont Street was one big party for tech inspection and vendors.

That year, Nellis had an air show the same weekend. All the fighter jocks were showing off for us during the race.

I must say, it was an amazing weekend!

p.s. plus the 2 $50 jackpots on quarters I hit at Slots O Fun the first hour I was in town.

Wasn%26#39;t JC offered money before Cosmo started building? They needed either 100% or a good majority of the owners to sell and they didn%26#39;t get the required number. So, Cosmo went ahead with their plans and built within a couple feet of JC%26#39;s windows.

h&m

I%26#39;ve asked this before, and gotten no response. Which H%26amp;M is larger/better, at Town square, or Miracle Mile? Thanks!

h%26amp;m

Just back from vegas and was in both. I would say they are possibly much the same, although the one in Town Square appears brighter, (more natural light )they had more or less the same stock.

Hope this helps

h%26amp;m

The H%26amp;M at Town Square is great. The Miracle Mile one is too small for my liking.

The H%26amp;M at Miracle Mile is NOTHING like the H%26amp;M%26#39;s back east or in Europe ... it%26#39;s disappointly small. Haven%26#39;t been to the other one, but I%26#39;m a big fan!

Can%26#39;t speak for Town Square location, sorry!

streamreader

MGM or Monte Carlo

Heading to Vegas in August. I%26#39;ve stayed at the MGM before and liked their rooms and loved their lazy river. How does the Monte Carlo compare? is their lazy river as nice? which one would you pick and why? they are the same price for the weekend we are going. thanks!!!!!

MGM or Monte Carlo

The MC pools are being renovated so it%26#39;s difficult to say what they will be like byt the time of your trip. However, the MC pool complex is much smaller than MGM%26#39;s.

I have stayed at both properties. For the same price, I would stay at MGM. Monte Carlo is fine but I think the MGM property offers much more value for your money.

MGM or Monte Carlo

Agree with Stratton. Particularly during the pool season, I%26#39;d pick MGM.

In the winter, I might pick Monte Carlo over MGM only for its compact size and ease of getting in/out and around.

We%26#39;ve stayed at MGM a number of times and I have a couple of coworkers that have stayed at MC. They thought it was nothing special. A clean, decent place to sleep but nothing that stood out. One liked the microbrew beer pub but did not spend much time there other than to sleep.

We prefer MGM because it%26#39;s a better property overall. If they%26#39;re the same price I would stay at MGM unless you just prefer to stay somewhere different. I would just make sure you can get a room away from the construction noise at MC.

I am a big fan of the MGM Grand. I like it%26#39;s location and size; lots of bells and whistles (ie night clubs, restaurants, assortment of rooms/suites and great pool.) I have often found a suite available for only a few $$ more than the price of a room when using a Players Club code. Also been able to find reasonable weekend rates using a code particularly if the stay includes a Thursday or a Monday.

The view of NYNY/Exc/Luxor/Mandalay Bay/Trop is great from the west facing rooms in the south tower.

After a visit to the MC I thought it was perfectly fine, nice place - just lacked the ';over the top grandiose'; Vegas feel. (If that%26#39;s what you%26#39;re looking for.)

MGM no brainer.

thanks everyone!! will stick with the MGM then :)

Best Sportsbooks

So I%26#39;m heading to Vegas for March Madness. What places have the best sports book? I read that MGM, and Caesar%26#39;s is good, which will prolly be where we%26#39;ll be heading. Any other of the hotel casino%26#39;s good for watching, and betting on the games? It%26#39;s not likely we%26#39;ll be going anyplace outside the strip.

Best Sportsbooks

I like Ballys, lots of room, lots of cashiers, lots of screens and drinks service always been good when been there.

Best Sportsbooks

Wynn....it%26#39;s just super nice.

Just have to say this: don;t know who has the best sportsbook now but i can tell you that the stardust had the best ever in vegas(along with the most knowledgeable people). Had to state that FACT !!

I like Ceasars the best but they are a little tight with the drinks. Ceasars is way better then the MGM.

The late Stardust was indeed the best.

My personal favorite now is

the Hilton

Mandalay bay las vegas

Has anyone stayed at mandaly bay recently? Looking for a good resonable hotel on the stip in April for girls weekend. Pool definitely needed.

Mandalay bay las vegas

I stayed at THEhotel recently - what did you need to know?

Mandalay bay las vegas

I was at Mandalay Bay several weeks ago for a 6 night stay. Willing to help you if I can...

Great hotel for a girl%26#39;s weekend. Best pool area on the Strip IMO. And they have a great spa.

MB is a beautiful hotel-it%26#39;s one of my favorites. It is a little South on the strip, but it connects to Luxor/Excalibur via tram. The pool area is great, but sometimes is crowded. Rooms are beautiful. Buffet is one of the best in Vegas.

We were just there over the holidays and the rooms look great after being renovated. Even though my favorite hotel on the strip is Wynn, I still think that Mandalay has hands down the best pool on the strip and I would definitely recommend it for a girls weekend.

I was just there for 4 nites on the 17th of January. The room was nice, although a bit aged. My issue was just how far away from everything it is. I would just keep that in mind when you make your plans. I didn%26#39;t venture out to the pool area but then again it was only in the mid 60%26#39;s. The Flamingo is in the midst of everything and their pool is great.

Mandalay is great for a girls weekend , Pool area is awesome . Plenty of clubs and bars. tons of food choices and tram to excaliber / luxor takes some of the sting out of being on south end of strip

Ideal choice for girls weekend. Have been there every year tho now stay at TheHotel. The Moorea beach was good value for females (think it was about $10) a bit of space and away from the crowds. Anything you need to know just post

Question: are there connecting rooms at THEhotel??? I%26#39;ll be there with 5 other females in April...TIA

Yes, most suites have a connecting door which connects living rooms

heavy makeup

Teeth Whitening in Vegas?

Hi all

I%26#39;m visiting Vegas in April and would love to have my teeth whitened whilst on hols - as it will be cheaper than here in the UK.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

I am in Vegas for 2 weeks so will need a %26#39;break%26#39; from the stip before people start telling me I%26#39;m crazy.

Help is appreciated.

Cx

Teeth Whitening in Vegas?

Don%26#39;t do it. The best people to see for whitening are dentists and I can%26#39;t see many doing it on a new patients.

Teeth Whitening in Vegas?

Where is that place that Ross (Friends) went to?

ha ha - is it the same place as where he used a spray tan booth?

thanks

C

the spa at the bellagio

they do a marvelous job!

Is there a Trip Advisor award for the question you least thought you%26#39;d ever see asked?

No offense, Dot! :)

wet spa at TI does it think is about 70 quid for one session...... thinking of it myself :)

This is the second time it%26#39;s come up, IIRC.

At least the second. There are about 50 dentists on Sahara west of the strip on the way out to Rosemary%26#39;s.

Actually, this question has been posted several times. Try looking through this link to a thread below, or searching for teeth whitening in Las Vegas by using the search box at the top left of the page.

…tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g45963-i10-k23229…

My take is, unless you don%26#39;t mind avoiding dark tinted, cold or hot beverages for three days afterwards (this means wine, beer, cola, coffee, tea, etc), this is not the thing I%26#39;d want to do while in Vegas on holiday.

Good Luck!

I%26#39;m glad I checked back with this thread because I am sensing a vibe here in response to my post. I truly apologize if I offended anyone. It just struck me funny (ha, ha, not odd), as a vacation is the last place I%26#39;d be thinking of having my teeth whitened. But then, upon reflection, such would seem perfectly similar to any number of other spa-type treatments (all of which I could likely benefit from). To each they own, I say.

Slot Machine Bonuses

People keep asking me if when you get to a bonus round on a video slot and you have a chioce such as thw Wizard of Oz Bonus round, weather you are really chosing one of 3 amounts on the display or is the amount you receive already determined and will show up no matter which character you pick? It seems that if it is really random it would give a ';Lucky'; player who guesses right a chance to win. If someone has a hot streak and guesses at a high % does this affect the next players choices of bonuses. I always see people grimace about picking the wrong choice and wonder if it really is a choice.

Slot Machine Bonuses

Good question. I wonder about that sometimes too.

Slot Machine Bonuses

Two schools of thought. One - yes - it is random. The outcome is not predetermined.

Or - there is this article - which I posted a while back:

-----------------------------------

SLOT MACHINE MYTHS REVEALED

By: Sam Lotchine

The sing song clinking is long over and Harvee T. Buckle is in the employee washroom of the MGM Grand, having just finished his graveyard shift in the slot machines located in the high limit room of the casino.

Yes, you read that right, I said ';in the slot machines.';

Mr. Buckle happens to be a very small inchworm with hands, legs, eyes, mouth, and an IQ of 345. He also happens to be one of the MGM%26#39;s highest paid employees.

';I make about $400,000 to $500,000 per month - just depends on how much I%26#39;m able to fix the machines so that people think they have %26#39;control%26#39; over the outcome.'; Mr. Buckle confided to me in a coffee room interview.

What is amazing about this story is not that I had the pleasure of wining and dining Mr. Buckle for a 36 hour period - or that I was witness to his incredible propensity for attracting beautiful women to his table - no - what is amazing is that nobody outside of local Las Vegas seems to be aware he exists.

';I%26#39;m an inchworm - it%26#39;s not like I make a lot of waves or anything. Plus, I%26#39;m green tinted and not a lot of people are in to that.';

Turns out Mr. Buckle was discovered during a science experiment at Red Rocks Middle School several years ago. The story goes that Johnny Beatsomemeet was doing a project involving the cross-breeding of monkeys and inchworms and somehow ended up with Mr. Buckles.

';Um, yah, it was, um, like, I, like, looked in the glass cage thing, and, like, there was this, like, little green dude sorta, like, waving at me and, like, covering his private parts.'; Johnny confided.

Tests soon revealed that little Johnny was not on drugs and that this little inchworm had a big thing for numbers.

';It was amazing, I%26#39;d ask him something like, what%26#39;s two plus three, and he%26#39;d freakin%26#39; answer'; Mr. Hootboss, Johnny%26#39;s teacher proclaimed.

Soon enough, MGM brass got wind of this little number cruncher and found a way to put his size and math ability to good use.

[THE REST OF THE STORY FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY]

-------

Sorry, that%26#39;s all I could cut and paste in here . . . but search around in google, the story is out there.

There was an incident recently on the Atlantic City TripAdvisor boards where the power went out at a Harrahs casino (not in AC... might have been in PA) while one forum member was in the middle of a bonus round. The casino told her that they couldn%26#39;t pay her for the bonus round because it hadn%26#39;t completed, and therefore they had no way to know how much she%26#39;d have won.

That tells me that it%26#39;s not a predetermined amount, or else it wouldn%26#39;t be worth lying about it and having the situation brought to the CCC.

thin hair

Lake Tahoe-Reno

Leaving for Lake Tahoe on March 8th, I am not a skier but would like any suggestions on what to do and see while there. Snowmobiles or sleding ? Also places that are a must-see? Stayin at Harrahs Lake Tahoe. Thanks for your replies! Any idea of what the prices are for sleds or snowmobiles too would be appreciated.

Lake Tahoe-Reno

I have no first hand experience with snowmobiles in Tahoe. Here is a link that should get you started:

www.zephyrcove.com

Another link is www.laketahoeadventures.com

Lake Tahoe-Reno

Thanks for the post, I will check out the websites!

Zephyr Cove is great for snowmobiling. YOu have a beautiful view of the lake for much of the ride. If you want to do some sledding, check out Adventure Mountain. Its a few miles out of town, on top of Echo Summit, but has 6 acres of open hills for snowplay. You just pay for parking.

www.adventuremountain.com

Have fun!

That sounds wonderful, thanks. Any other places that are must-see in Tahoe or Reno?

We just got back from Tahoe last Tues. Zephyr cove is great. We have snowmobiled twice with them. We did a private one the first time. That can be a little scary if you a beginner like me. This last time I did a semi private(one other couple). That was great because you do get to go a little faster and some of those groups can have 20 people in them,yuck. My fiance did a private off the trail tour. That is for the brave of heart. They go off the beaten path and he said it%26#39;s CRAZY. March sould be great if they can keep the snow on the ground. If the don%26#39;t have enough snow they can%26#39;t operate because it%26#39;s in a national forest and they have rules. My tour was 150 I think and my honey%26#39;s was 230 or so. Not 100% sure on the prices. It is worth it. I think we wnet for three hours. Just talk to them and make sure you tell the what you want! They will do what they can for you. I hope you have a great time! I will back in July for my wedding!! whoo-hoo.

Thanks for the post Niki, sounds like you had a blast. I sure hope the snow stays! Semi-private sounds like what I would want as well. Best wishes on your wedding, great place to go!

Venetian Tax Rebate?

I just got an offer in the mail. If I cash my federal tax refund at Venetian/Palazzo, they will give me additional slot credits. So, $1000 refund equals the $1000 cash plus $400 is slot credits. Wow! Sounds too good to be true....and of course I got direct deposit!

Has anyone ever done this before at a casino?

Does anyone know how to stop direct deposit and request a check??? :)

Venetian Tax Rebate?

Many locals places have offered ';cash your pay check here and get...'; whatever. It%26#39;s only ';too good to be true'; if you don%26#39;t spend any of your refund at the casino. Unless that%26#39;s what you were planning on doing with it anyway...

Venetian Tax Rebate?

I wish I could have done that. I would play the $5 slots.

For those of us who may not get refunds---can we get something if we bring in a copy of our cancelled check showing our payment?

Ktinca - you took the words right out of my mouth.

Anyone stay in a 600 sf spa suite at Mandalay Bay?

I currently have a reservation at TheHotel for a regular suite at $99 per night. I have been doing some research and found about the same price on a 600 sf spa suite and a little higher price on a 750 sf suite at the Mandalay Bay. I will be with my wife and would like a nice romantic room. Any opinions are welcomed.

Anyone stay in a 600 sf spa suite at Mandalay Bay?

I don%26#39;t know about the 750 sf suite, but we wouldn%26#39;t take the spa suite as a free upgrade (we have turned it down when offered). IMO this is the worst room at MB. They aren%26#39;t really any bigger than the standard room at 550 SF. The only nice thing for some is that they are right near the elevators. But because they are in the center of the building they have the worst views. They are also the only rooms at MB that DO NOT have the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Stick with THEhotel, I%26#39;m sure you will be happy.

Weather In May

I am going to Las Vegas in the first week of May.

May 7-11th.

I was wondering what the weather is like in las vegas then?

Is it hot enough to wear tanktops/shorts?

I went in last august and it was blazing hot....couldnt wear anything but shorts or t-shirts.

thanks!!

Weather In May

govegas.about.com/cs/weather/a/temperaure.htm

The average is 88. It might be 80. It might be 105. Either way, that%26#39;s shorts weather for me and probably anyone else who doesn%26#39;t have chicken legs or thunder thighs.

Weather In May

Here is a link with daily averages, and record hi/lows:

weather.com/outlook/…

Good Luck!!

VegasSue

Note to eastsacq. I HAVE CHICKEN LEGS. LOL. Guess I will wear pants.

youngbuck. watch for my post on the meet in May.I will post next month. See you there.

Prepare for afternoon temps of 90-100 degrees. If you are lucky it will be a little cooler, but we have been there that week when it is also hotter.

But be warned. We will probably be arriving the 10th and we are not usually lucky with our May trips, lol. Often we get hotter than normal temps.

heavy makeup

Room reviews

Has anyone noticed that if you give a hotel a great review everyone feels your review was helpful but if anything negative is said they get 0/5 votes for helpful?

Do people really want to hear what others have to say or just get a confirmation of what they believe or want to believe if they%26#39;ve already booked a hotel?

Room reviews

Yes, a lot of time people just want confirmation of what they%26#39;ve mostly already decided.

But, a lot of negative reviews are written by people who had something go wrong with their trip, maybe not directly related to the hotel, but it caused them to find fault with everything about the trip.

Also, some of the negative reviews are clearly from people who have unrealistic expectations; maybe they booked at Excalibur but complained that the room service escargots were chewy....

Just a general opinion.

Room reviews

Not really...my review of our Bellagio Lakeview room was 1/15 and wasn%26#39;t negative. LOL

I do agree with your comments, but who knows why people vote the way they do here on TA :(

I don%26#39;t take it personally but I find it amusing that positive reviews I%26#39;ve written get lots of helpful votes but I say a few things about my most recent trip and it%26#39;s unhelpful. Not getting the room we expected and having dirty sheets - I thought were reasonable expectations/concerns but maybe i%26#39;m picky :)

Agree though that people can%26#39;t expect 5 star at a 2 star.

The problem is that many who review hotels are not realistic about expectations or comparisons, and they base their review on these expectations. Many are posted by travelers who have never been to Las Vegas before and don%26#39;t realize the differences. They try comparing these huge complexes with thousands of rooms, a dozen restaurants, showrooms and casinos, to regular hotels at other venues.

Many complain that they have to pay for certain things in LV that are included elsewhere like internet or gym access. And they complain there is no coffee maker.

Some also complain about a wait at check-in. Well guess what folks? There are 3000 rooms here, sometimes it gets a little busy.

Many of these people don%26#39;t realize that Las Vegas hotels can only be compared to each other.

When we read these types of reveiws, the posters lose their credibility. So even if they have justified complaints or opinions, we don%26#39;t consider them very helpful.

If you want more informative postings, you are better off reading Trip Reports, especially those by posters that you are familiar with.

a make up brush set

best breakfast buffet?

well our flight arrives rather early...around 8:30am. so i%26#39;m thinking after checking our bags in that maybe we could hit up a breakfast buffet but i%26#39;m not sure which one we should go to. any suggestions would be great!

best breakfast buffet?

Where are you staying?

best breakfast buffet?

treasure island

I would do Wynn if you are at TI

I%26#39;ve had very good breakfast buffets at Monte Carlo and Stratosphere before. TI is in my list to try in March, but so is the previously suggested Wynn.

I have this view (from maybe six breakfast buffets, so no real foundation) that breakfast is very similar at most of the buffets. It%26#39;s when you start getting into lunch and dinner that the differences are greater.

Cravings @ Mirage is good and a little easier on the wallet than Wynn.

Id go to Paris buffet for breakfast. It was my dream breakfast. Sausage bar........not the regular patty or link im talking 7 or 8 different sausages. A cheese tray, smoked salmon and bagels, goat cheese, crepes, omeletes, croissants! Gallons of chocoolate milk flowing freely. Ya, go there. Never ever ever go to flamingo breakfast buffet tho

I would have originally agreed with the Paris breakfast buffet, but after my last trip, my new favorite is Mandalay Bay.

put another notch by vegas.

treasure island has a great breakfast buffet

Bellagio is my favourite breakfast buffet.

Cabanas at mandalay bay

Does anyone know why I can%26#39;t book a cabana online at Mandalay Bay on the weekend?

Cabanas at mandalay bay

I don%26#39;t know about that-when I booked our room -I had questions also about the cabanas and talked to the supervisor and on the weekends they are about 6-7 hundred dollars!!I would just call and book your reservation

Cabanas at mandalay bay

It says on the website that some cabanas are 200.00 maybe on weekends they raise their prices.

Most hotels raise the prices of their cabanas on weekends. They also save a lot of them for their high rollers. So, often when trying to book one, you have to wait til the %26#39;morning of%26#39; to find out if you are going to be getting one or not.

That%26#39;s pretty stupid.

It is not stupid. They are a casino first not a hotel.

Its still stupid. I am not going to pay for a overpriced cabana. They can keep their cabana. They are telling us that if you are rich you will deserve it. I will not be treated as as second class citizen.

You may be trying to book too far in advance. Last summer we could only book 30 days in advance - so calling may be a benefit to find out if you can get your dates at this time.

Also, from my experience, they do increase over the weekends...because it gets really busy on the weekends it isn%26#39;t that crazy, you pay a premium for getting a shaded guaranteed place to lay out, a safe, fridge, drinks, and attentive service (and floats for the lazy river and a tv...)

From my personal experience, Mandalay Bay leave quite a few cabanas for rent (not reserving as many for the high rollers as other properties, and many of the ones they do hold are at Moorea) - and it is really not being treated as a second class citizen even though it may appear so, in Vegas the people that drop $$$ get certain benefits, but trust me they pay for it!

Question about tasting menus

We%26#39;re hoping to try out a couple of the nicer restaurants while in Vegas, and the tasting menus lasting through March seems like a great idea. My question though...are the portions for the tasting menu the same as ordering a la carte, or are they significantly smaller? DH is curious and now I am too.

Thanks! Oh, and any recommendations for the tasting menus? Has anyone been to a great place recently that they had never tried before? We%26#39;re at the MGM.

Question about tasting menus

Sometimes they%26#39;re chef%26#39;s creations that aren%26#39;t on the menu and sometimes they are an assortment of things from the menu and sometimes they are smaller portions of the same things on the menu but you get more variety. I don%26#39;t know that there are rules for tasting menus.

Tasting menu at Social House was very good and a lot of food.

Question about tasting menus

Picasso at Bellagio is amazing. However, it is also very expensive. Emeril%26#39;s at MGM used to have an excellent tasting menu, don%26#39;t know if they still do or not.

Are the tasting menus only through March or will there be new ones after that?

Several fine restaurants in Las Vegas, like in any other major city, will always feature tasting menus. Some are absolutely stunning examples of how good food can be, some not so successful. One point to remember that is surprisingly overlooked is that the course will always feature SMALL portions (sometimes just smaller portions of things available on the menu) - the idea being to offer a TASTE, if not fully satisfy your appetite on its own. A tasting menu of 5-7 course can leave you very full, though! ;)

Though most all tasting menus are prix fixe, not all prix fixe menus are tasting menus - many are simply a limit of choices among 3-5 full size courses. Both menu types are often paired with wines and, depending on the skill of the sommelier and chef, can be a great way to savor a taste of very exclusive wines that you might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Thanks for the clarification, 4yanx. Some of the prix fixe menus look delicious and appear well priced. Are there any restaurants that are consistently good when it comes to this kind of menu?

I had two of the tasting menus on the current MGM Spring Menus offer during my last trip to Vegas. Nobhill and L%26#39;Atelier. Both were the same as regular portions, and I think you will find the sam at the other MGM restaurants.

At Nobhill, you get to choose from a limited number of regular menu items for appetizer, main and desert. Full portions. I had the carmelized sunchoke soup, short ribs and coconut candy bar dessert. Very good for the price.

At L%26#39;Atelier, you get to select from a limited number of items for 5 courses. These are typical portions for L%26#39;Atelier. In a word, the food is outstanding, and an absolute steal for the price. I paid $79; people around me were easily paying $200+ for the same food. From the choices I had the steak (excellent!) and tartes (also great). After 5 courses you will be stuffed, especially if you partake freely of the regularly changing selection of breads. I had not eaten for 10 hours when I went and I stumbled out I was so full.

You have to know about these menus before you go in; they do not tell you about them or give you the menu unless you ask for it.

I just want to throw my votes in for Picasso and Nobhill!!! YUMM!!!

Small portions? I have eaten several tasting menus at Vegas establishments and never found the plates or portions to be small.

you will not walk away hungry have no fear

Personally, I have never tasted a menu..sorry, but I couldn%26#39;t help myself!! LOL

Good Luck!

VegasSue

Mandalay Bay to Town Square

Is it reasonable to walk from Mandalay Bay to Town Square mall?

Mandalay Bay to Town Square

Taxi.

Mandalay Bay to Town Square

I would also say taxi...althought it%26#39;s not that far...I woulndn%26#39;t walk it. it won%26#39;t cost that much Town square is nice!

You could walk it, but it%26#39;s rather desolate. It%26#39;s the walk in front of the airport, and a golf course, and then a couple freeway ramps. Agree with others, just grab a taxi, or see if there is a shuttle running from your hotel

Don't Use Showtime Shuttles

Upon landing we paid for roundtrip shuttles from/to Las Vegas airport. They never picked us up for the return. After waiting 90 mins and calling 3 times, we finally took another shuttle who%26#39;s driver - and other passengers - told us that Showtime never picks up. They say that they will but it%26#39;s just a scam to get more money. DON%26#39;T USE THEM. There are too many competitors to have to settle for this type of service and get ripped off.

Don't Use Showtime Shuttles

Not the first time this sort of incident has been reported on here.

You don%26#39;t say where you were staying but as there was more than one of you it probably wouldn%26#39;t have made sense to take any shuttle irrespective of the company in terms of both time spent and cost.

Cab is the way to go in virtually all cases.

Don't Use Showtime Shuttles

I used Showtime Tours a few years back for a day trip to Oatman, AZ from Las Vegas. The entire trip was a joke and not what was advertised. We were suppose to have time to shop in Oatman, but by the time we got there all the stores were closing. When I complained (several times in letters and phone calls) I got no response from them until I contacted the BB. They were able to get a partial refund for me, but the excuses Showtime Tours gave made me angry and laugh at the same time.

Reading this about Showtime Shuttles doesn%26#39;t surprise me at all.

Sorry you got ripped off - I often think of this when I pay for the RT in advance, it%26#39;s not like you can sue them for the money if they don%26#39;t come and get you. Since it is always only my husband and myself and we now stay DT, the shuttle is the cheapest way for us to get to and from airport. Showtime also stood us up once for a tour we had booked on-line to the Hoover Dam - we waited and waited, were staying at Westward Ho that year and it%26#39;s not like we would have missed seeing the bus if it had come. Called the office for Showtime and they said they%26#39;d been there once (a lie) but would come back and get us - never showd up and when we called again they said they had been back and we were not there!! We even had a witness with the person running the gift shop at The Ho, she never saw a bus come at all, much less twice. When we got home I wrote a letter and all they gave us was a coupon for another tour, expired in a year, did not get our deposit back - I sent it back to them and told them to give it to another sucker and that I would let anyone who would listen know that they should not book tours with their company. We have gone on many tours in Vegas since then, with other companies, and been treated very well.

hey Shadow - maybe they think us Minnesotans are just plain dumb - but I plan to tell as many people as possible not to use their services. I even mention it to people at the airport if I happen to see them walking toward that shuttle window -I tell them they will be lucky if they show up to get them for their return ride. Making a mistake is oine thing but ripping people off and not even attempting to make it right is something else entirely.

I%26#39;ve used them several time with no incident.

Grams: If my memory of the Ho is correct, the gift shop was never by the place that shuttles pick up....just another reason to never buy a round trip ticket, but call the night before and then hop on the first shuttle that arrives...

I had a good experience with Showtime, but I will not use Bell again.

We%26#39;ve used Showtime and Bell Trans several times for roundtrip airport to strip hotels and haven%26#39;t encountered any problems.

I%26#39;m on vacation. I take a taxi.

I just used Showtime this past weekend, to and from the airport. I had no issues either time, and my pickup was on time almost to the second. I%26#39;d have no qualms using them again, as both drivers were efficient, and, especially on the way back to the AP, quite friendly

heavy makeup

ingrown hair

Bellagio Offer Codes for March 2009

Hello,

any help would be greatly appreciated. We are travelling to Vegas in the 3rd week of March - we found a great promo code but unfortunately we didn%26#39;t book in time and now it has expired, does anybody know of any more for the Bellagio that will work?

Many thanks :)

Bellagio Offer Codes for March 2009

Try the code: BSPR25

Bellagio Offer Codes for March 2009

Go to www.fatwallet.com. Click on forums. Click on travel deals. Click on the 6th thread--Las Vegas. Go to page 104. At the top of the page is a Bellagio link. Found $120/nt over Easter!

Third week...I see 15-18 at 169/nt, Th is 203, F is 254, then Sat-W is 152...19-22 is March Madness (NCAA basketball tourney--BIG at sports books in Vegas); I am surprised Sat night is as cheap as it is!

BSPR25 has to be booked at least 30 days in advance to get 15 % off, the reduction increases with %26gt;=31 day advance booking, so won%26#39;t be that good for a reservation in March.

I expect a new Spring code to come out soon (last year the spring code came out on Feb 26th 2008 for $169 rates through the end of May)

Thanks for all your help everybody, I%26#39;ve actually gone and booked the Wynn through Hotwire, 630 dollars for 5 nights, all in! I would have really liked to stay at the Bellagio but when the Wynn was pretty much 1/2 the price of the B. I couldn%26#39;t say no!!! Thanks again :)

1 way car rental without drop off fees??

At the end of my vegas trip, i%26#39;d like to rent a car, and visit California where I would eventually drop it off in San Francisco where I%26#39;d fly back home...

For 10 days, I%26#39;m getting quotes of $700...

I%26#39;m hoping there are more affordable option??

Thank-you !

1 way car rental without drop off fees??

Hi

Is that US$ or Canadian$? There should be NO one way rental fee as most car hire companies allow one ways between CA and NV. $70 a day sounds quite high, but will depend on the car you have requested and whether it includes insurances etc. I just reserved a convertible in San Diego for 4 days and is costing $48US per day including insurance.

Hope this helps,

PS fantastic drive from Las Vegas to California, take in Death Valley, Mamouth, Yellowstone on the way.

AgentNikky

1 way car rental without drop off fees??

last year we rented a car from Alamo, for a week..picked it up in Vegas and dropped it off in Palm Springs. We did%26#39;nt have any drop off fees..

I am renting a car one way from Phoenix to Las Vegas for 7 nights...and I am getting an intermediate size (so not the smallest, but also nothing large) for under $300. (this is from the last few days of Feb.-first few days of March)

I booked through carrentals.com but the car is actually through Alamo car rental.

Hope this helps!

my research is showing me, with carrentals.com etc, that i%26#39;d be looking at $550 - 650 (12 days, not 10)...

bringing it back to Vegas would be more reasonable, at $250 to 300...

Oh well:(

guess I%26#39;ll have to live with this...

Have a look at Traveljigsaw.com

Cheers

Belv

Dollar are not charging us a one way fee from San Francisco to Vegas, so may be worth a look.

Only pay the high rate for 1 day (the day you drive from LV to SF). When you get to San Francisco return the car and then rent a car for the time you need it in San Francisco. You will save alot of money doing it this way.

I have to print this out and put it somewhere, GoodBeer. I always remember that you say it but can never remember what you say!

Thanks Goodbeer..

The only issue is that I was planning on driving to San Diego area, work my way up, making San Francisco the last stop on my trip... where I catch my flight back.

I haven%26#39;t created my itinerary (1st time in Cali), but as far i see, most rates are jacked, even within Cali, when dropping off at another location. This will be at laest $550 + for mid size for 10 days.

Maybe the only way around this is to split California into a few parts, and take a bus from one to another .... bringing back the car to the pick up location.

but i think my gf would likely shoot me before that happens lol

Try looking at www.travelsupermarket.com and then going to Argus Car Hire.

This is the only way I have been able to book a car from SFO and drive to LAS (via LAX) without paying an extra $150 in rental fees.

Paying $479inc for 13 days rather than $987 through Hertz.

Whats going on in July in Vegas

Hi

having my bachelorette party in vegas in july (haven%26#39;t decided what weekend yet) but was hoping to get more info into what is going on that would be fun to do..thinking more convention stuff or hot parties etc..

Thanks!

Whats going on in July in Vegas

Oh, you%26#39;ll have hot parties. No matter where you go the heat will knock you for a loop unless you stay inside a casino or saloon. Drink lots of water!

What is that smell?

Does anyone know what is the cause of that horrible smell in Vegas? Anyone who%26#39;s been before has to know what I%26#39;m talking about it%26#39;s particularly potent when you exit TI towards the Fashion Show Mall. On this trip when we walk out of TI and DH tries to blame me for the stink (he thinks he funny) I would really like to tell him what the cause is because that joke is getting old.

What is that smell?

I was there last month and know what you mean. I smelt it real bad near the Center City construction site. I think it is the porn slappers.

What is that smell?

Sorry, it WAS you.....

I think it%26#39;s an underground trash transfer station.;)

Maybe some sewer problem caused by the construction in the area.

Lmaooooooo, it%26#39;s an oldie but a goodie.

Your husband%26#39;s funny!

It%26#39;s definitely some kind of sewage

This may help explain it.

www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp…

Would it be the Sweet Smell of Success? No, that%26#39;s the smell at the feed lot.

Thousands of vistors + cheap buffet food

= sewer gas

Duke Ellington Way on a warm day is the worst.

Hoffa

Apologies - ANOTHER Canyon Question but . . . . .

Does this package seem to offer good value / the correct canyon places to visit.

www.papillon.com/popris/show_package.aspx…

Its very confusing but I cannot stay the night due to restrictions but am hoping that this covers the ';correct'; part of the canyon ??

Apologies - ANOTHER Canyon Question but . . . . .

Yes, South Rim is where you want to go. Sounds like they also through in a North Rim helicopter trip as a bonus. They don%26#39;t give details about how much time you have on the ground. It will probably be 60-90 minutes. I don%26#39;t think that is enough time, but most folks seem satisfied with it.

Apologies - ANOTHER Canyon Question but . . . . .

Hi - Ideally I%26#39;d stay over but isn%26#39;t possible and its all about the best compromise.

I am somewhat confused. I thought the skywalk was on the west rim just a couple hours from Vegas. Did I get some bad information? Is the skywalk somewhere else, or is it just not worth the trip?

The skywalk is closer to LV than the GCNP at the South Rim by almost 100 miles, as the crow flies. However it is a world apart in environment and drama. Go to the GCNP at the South Rim. Avoid the so called west rim and the skywalk. It%26#39;s a rip off and not what you expect to see at the Grand Canyon.

The aforementioned flight to the north rim is the helicopter flight option from the GC Airport at Tusayan where the (tour) airplane from LV lands. They put you on a helicopter that flies out to the east across and above the GC to the north rim edge and then back to Tusayan. These flights do not land in the GC or fly below the rim. All aircraft are prohibited from that airspace inside the GCNP.

Does anyone else have any views on this trip ? Is this the Grand national proper ?

';Is this the Grand national proper ?';

Isn%26#39;t that a horse race? :)

This is the description of the tour. Yes, it goes to the South Rim:

Combining air, ground, and helicopter tours, this Grand Canyon South Rim getaway includes it all: ground transfers, park entrance fees, and a meal. Together with roundtrip airfare from Las Vegas* to the Canyon’s South Rim, and a spectacular 30 minute North Canyon Helicopter tour -- with narration over the widest and deepest part of the Canyon, a site only seen by helicopter -- you will have an all inclusive Canyon experience.

Irish fan - Whoops ! Yes it is a horse race ( The biggest race in the UK bigger than the Kentucky !!)

Well spotted ! Can any experts advise me if this the grand canyon proper !!

This is the one I booked a week ago!!!

I did a ton of research on this and this was the only option within our budget that allowed us to see the south rim all within 1 day.

Before you book, go to the homepage and subscribe to the newsletter...a few minutes later you will receive an email with a 10% off coupon.

I think I%26#39;m paying $524 for 2 people for this tour in March.

'; Can any experts advise me if this the grand canyon proper !! ';

There are already 3 responses in the thread assuring you that this is the case...

How to make your own bed sheets

Go Room Vs Deluxe Room at Flamingo

Hi - is there a big difference between the 2 ?

How does a Go room compare against a standard room at the Mirage. We are deciding on Flamingo due to price and location

Go Room Vs Deluxe Room at Flamingo

The Go Rooms are a favorite of mine and my husbands.

You can go to the Flamingo Website and do a virtual tour of the rooms, there is alot of pink. Bathrooms at Flamingo are alot bigger than the Mirage there is a TV in the mirror.

The Mirage rooms are very nice and all are remolded bathroom is really small-- no walk in shower like the Go room, just a shower in the tub.

Mirage is a nicer property,but we like the Flamingo.

also check out www.smartervegas.com for deals on hotels.

Go Room Vs Deluxe Room at Flamingo

Mirage rooms are nicer, it%26#39;s also a nicer property overall. It is my understanding that the GO rooms are a step above the standard rooms at Flamingo. I believe the regular rooms are a little tired looking.

I totally agree with gabby. There%26#39;s a huge difference between the two properties (Mirage is more upscale).Flamingo Go rooms are nice. I haven%26#39;t stayed in a Flamingo standard room in a few years, but they tend to be worn and tired (very clean, though). The customer service at both hotels is top-notch.

heavy makeup

Mirage Volcano

I%26#39;m going to Vegas in a few weeks...Does anyone know the schedule to the volcano on when it goes off...thanks

Mirage Volcano

Every 15 minutes after dark until midnight.

Mirage Volcano

Actually thats the schedule for the old Volcano show.

With the newly remodeled Volcano, it now erupts top of the hour starting at 5pm until 11pm. This was the schedule as of a few weeks ago.

If you are staying at the Mirage and have a Strip/Volcano view room, be warned it is very loud and will wake you.

Indiana Jones Last Crusade 3-D REELDepth machines

I keep seeing this new machine advertised but haven%26#39;t seen it in a casino. Has anyone ran across it yet? 5 reel, 40 lines, 3D, bonuses, progressive, 88 film clips playing, etc. Looks like a fun one.

readybetgo.com/slots/reviews/indiana-3d-slot…

https:/…

Indiana Jones Last Crusade 3-D REELDepth machines

We were in Vegas in late January and I found this fabulous machine at Wynn first; seems to me it was in some banks parallel to the back lighted area, in the back near where you walk out to the shops promenade. Also found the machines at Caesars, very near the Wizard of Oz machines. Good luck! This is a fabulous game, especially if you liked the movie.

Indiana Jones Last Crusade 3-D REELDepth machines

Haven%26#39;t seen it in Vegas Jeff, but I believe this is the one I played at Mohegan Sun in CT. I hit the two lowest progessives on it and rally enjoyed it. No one could figure out what transpired to get us into the community bonus round but it happened with more frequency than when I have played community games like Press Your Luck and Monopoly.

Sometimes not all of the players would be in the community game. Unlike other com games where everyone wins the same bonus at whatever thier personal multiplier is, different people won different things. For instnace, when I won the small progressive, one other player did also but two or three others did not, they won credits but not a progressive.

I obviously did not check my spellings! oops!

Great deal

I found a rate of $119 + tax but I don%26#39;t remember where I saw it. Keep looking and I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll find it.

Great deal

Might be more useful if you could remember what hotel this was for. Maybe also what dates?

Casa Di Amore, ok for b day dinner?

Looking for alittle advice, spending a few days in Vegas this summer, thinking about a birthday dinner for my husband @ Casa Di Amore,the reviews seem positive, the limo ride thing, a definte plus! however it doesnt sound very ... intimate, should I pick another place ? We like alot of diferent foods from italian, steak, %26amp; seafood, also maybe someone can suggest an intimate bar or lounge ?

Thanks again

Bonzo

Casa Di Amore, ok for b day dinner?

I would say it%26#39;s a nice night out with your wife. I wouldn%26#39;t say it is romantic, though. A pleasant experience, the limo ride is an added plus...just make sure that if you decide to go, to reserve it as soon as possible. Have fun!

Casa Di Amore, ok for b day dinner?

I have to disagree with mailman22. The first time DH and I went to Casa Di Amore was in 2007 for our 30th wedding anniversary. We asked for, and got a corner booth. The lights are dim, and there is normally a singer.

We had excellent service, and a song was dedicated to us on our special day. Dessert was brought out with a candle on top.

I suppose it is a matter of what you are looking for. This restaurant is small, and has an ';old school feel'; (I should say ';old Vegas'; feel to it).

If you are looking for glamour, this is not the place.

Intimancy would be a nice corner booth. If sitting at a table in the middle of the restaurant, I wouldn%26#39;t feel the same way. The website has some pictures:

http://www.casadiamore.com/

Good Luck!!

VegasSue

Hey Holtsville Calverton here we have done 3 bday dinners we have taken one son and one daughter for 21st%26#39;s and my 40th a few years ago. We are taking another daughter this May for her 21st and have already made res. for her bday dinner. The restaurant is not a place with all couples but you can ask for a booth in a corner of the room and the live music is a real nice touch.

Something a little more romantic is Binions steak house downtown. Great steaks at decent prices. Dark romantic candle lite tables. Old school circular booths for 2 great view of vegas from downtown. We had drinks at golddiggers at the GN overlooking fremont street watched the light show then went up for dinner at Binions

Another option is Hugo%26#39;s Celler @4 queens a lttle more expensive but romantic a excellent food

If you want to stay on strip Olives at Bellagio overlooking the fountains

Being also from ';the Island';. I was disappointed in the food. Just OK from a New York sense of Italian food.

You%26#39;re right, Casa Di Amore is a wonderful place but it is not really intimate or romantic. If that is what you are looking for try somewhere else. We go there for birthdays, but not for our anniversary.

But it%26#39;s a great place for birthdays, especially if the celebrant is older. I wouldn%26#39;t recommend it for someones 21st birthday, but it would be perfet for thier parents. I celebrated my 55th there, and in July I took my father for his 80th.

Go to CDA for dinner, and then have the limo driver (usually Johnny) drop you of at THEhotel for a drink at Mix afterwards.

Hey shoutout to all Long Islanders! Thanks to all that replied. Well its not a ';special'; birthday ( although we are starting to get up there where all b days are special) mid 40%26#39;s. Anyway, yeah I was looking for something maybe more intimate, but not crazy expensive. I still love that limo ride thing as this time we are only in town for 4 nights and not renting a car. Do you share the limo with others? Also any intimate/sexy type of lounges anyone can recommend ?

Thanks again.

Bonzo

we have never shared limo with anyone just our party

Casa Di Amore is not at all intimate...on par with Olive Garden for intimacy and food quality. It does not live up to the hype.

We went last year and really enjoyed it - the food was great, and the free limo ride was a nice touch (although you should tip the driver!) - what makes it even better though is getting a $25 gift certificate off restaurant.com for only $2

face twitching

Hotel Discounts - first timer

First-timer going to Vegas in March... really struggling to pick a hotel. First choice I think is Palazzo, but also looking at Bellagio, Venetian, Wynn. I see through fatwallet and smartervegas that I can get B, V, or W all for $109-129 per night, but the best I see for Palazzo is the $179 package that pops up as the TA banner ad sometimes.

So here%26#39;s my question: If I call the Palazzo directly and tell them that I%26#39;m a first-timer, looking for a hotel that I can return to over and over, yadda yadda... and tell them that Palazzo is my first choice, but here%26#39;s the competitions%26#39; prices... will they work with me? Anyone have any experience trying this sort of thing? Or is it pretty much take-it-or-leave-it with the online prices?

Thanks for your help!

Hotel Discounts - first timer

i doubt they are going to budge but you have nothing to lose your dates may be when they have a convention in the hotel. Vegas is all about timing your timing just doesn%26#39;t work for Palazzo

Hotel Discounts - first timer

Are you a big gambler? Were you wanting to tell Palazzo that meaning it or just trying to get a better rate?

If you%26#39;re a gambler and really want to stay there - book directly with the hotel. Play and have your play rated and see if you%26#39;ll qualify for any comps.

I%26#39;m sure it takes a little more to get comps at the hotels you%26#39;re interested in than a less expensive hotel, but if youre playing anyway - make sure you sign up for and use that player%26#39;s card!

I wouldn%26#39;t say I%26#39;m a HUGE gambler, but I certainly plan on spending a few (or more) hours each day in the casino. How would I sign up for a player%26#39;s card? Can I do that in advance before I go?

You can sign up for Club Grazie here...

https:/…vpc_becoming.cfm

sam boyd stadium

we%26#39;re off to the monsterjam finals in March next year staying at MGM Signature anyone know the best way to travel there.

sam boyd stadium

Have you checked the event%26#39;s website? It%26#39;s possible that they provide shuttle buses from Strip locations.

It%26#39;s about 10 miles from the Strip. I would consider renting a car for the day. This would very likely be cheaper than getting cabs there and back, depending on how much gas costs next March.... :-(

It%26#39;s possible you could use public transportation (a local may know), but this could end up being a bit too time consuming.

sam boyd stadium

if you have a car get on trop go east to boulder highway then south on boulder highway to russell road

trop is a good east west road i usually can go from the strip to the 93/95 freeway without hitting any red lights

uh oh now i will hit them all red!

I think Blagger nailed it. It%26#39;s rather far from the Strip.. check for free shuttles locations at the event%26#39;s website, and I%26#39;d also consult your concierge -- while you%26#39;re a guest on the property, they work for YOU.

If all else fails, I%26#39;d say renting a car for the day is your best bet.

Thanks everyone. Not having a car on this holiday will have to check out the shuttle bus options.

Just received an e-mail today to book shuttle buses from IP for only $5.50 pp a trip so only costing us $44 for both days which I thought was a bargin.

heavy makeup

Head is spinning! (Figuring out rooms!)

Hey everyone!

I gotta say, my head is spinning trying to figure out the room situation for the surprise trip in July for my boyfriend%26#39;s 30th birthday.

I%26#39;ll be honest, the room has never been a huge concern of mine when I%26#39;ve gone to Vegas in the past - but with this being his first trip to Vegas, I want the room to be a bit updated with a view of the strip. I need a nice pool scene because we will be there in July, and I%26#39;d like to be closer to Center Strip.

Any suggestions? I%26#39;ve looked at Flamingo (stayed there before, but only in their lowest class room), TI, the Mirage, and MGM - they all seem to have offerings in my price range and some appealing factors. (I originally wanted to book a Celebrity Spa Suite at MGM, but the more I think about it, I%26#39;d rather be closer to Center Strip and would rather have an updated room than have a big jacuzzi tub)...

Thanks again for everyone%26#39;s help!

Head is spinning! (Figuring out rooms!)

Mirage

great pool

good rates

great location

remodeled rooms

Head is spinning! (Figuring out rooms!)

Any suggestions? Sure - pick one. You%26#39;ve narrowed it down to a number of excellent choices. Any of them would be fine. Don%26#39;t worry about it. You%26#39;re taking your boyfriend to Vegas - color scheme of the room just ain%26#39;t that important.

PS - It%26#39;s really hot in July. It%26#39;s nice to take a dip to cool off, but you won%26#39;t want to spend all day there.

try smartervegas.com for deals on hotels.

Flamingo Go Room or Mirage gets my vote.

TI pool area is nothing special.

have a wonderful trip.

Thanks guys... I guess I%26#39;m just trying to put alot of thought into this and I%26#39;m worried about things being great for his first trip out there.

As for Mirage - which rooms would you recommend? I%26#39;ve heard that the Pool View rooms are actually better than the Strip View rooms - true?

Thanks again!

Denielle

We stayed in Flamingo; updated (but not GO) room near the south west corner; wonderful view of Caesars, Bellagio/fountains and down that side, plus a less direct view up the strip towards Mirage.

Never stayed in Mirage, but the Flamingo room/view was great.

There also seems to be more shady areas by the Flamingo pool than some others, which will be handy in July!

I haven%26#39;t been to Vegas yet but looked around for a one night stay before our timeshare dates and came across some nice “romantic” type rooms. Every hotel pool looked amazing to me.

Since it’s your boyfriends 30th birthday – go for it and surely pick a special Jacuzzi room!

Based on your information, I think Mirage would fit your bill nicely. I happen to enjoy the pool view more than the Strip view at Mirage, but it%26#39;s a matter of personal taste.

Mirage has great rooms with views of the pool (and strip from upper floors of the west tower facing south.)

I like MGM%26#39;s location (although not central) and has great views of the NYNY ';skyline'; and Exc, Luxor, Trop, and Mandalay Bay from the south tower facing west.

Mirage pool is great but crowded, MGM pools and river are great and more spacious.

TI has the best views down the strip from the east tower facing south but the pool is way underwhelming.

MGM or Mirage.

You are asking for a room with a large jacuzzi. TI and Mirage only have them in their suites. GO rooms do not have jacuzzis, some of them only have a shower. I stayed in a GO Neopolitan Suite, it had only a shower. I believe the Augustus and Palace towers at Caesars have jacuzzis in their standard rooms.

Mirage rooms were just refurbished last year, quite nice. If compared to Flamingo, then Mirage is a nicer property overall with more to offer than the Flamingo. TI pool is rather boring and small when compared to the others.

A few players card (s) questions if I may.

Can players cards be obtained in advance of your trip?

I gather that MGM/Mirage cards can be used in all their hotels, and the same with Harrah%26#39;s - but are the points (or whatever it is you gain)earned at the same rate/level play in any hotel, or do the higher-end hotels give you less points.

When people say ';Put the cost of your meal/Show/Treatment on your players card'; - does that mean you pay with cash (or whatever method) but pass your card to be swiped or something - or does it mean it is charged to your room to be settled on departure?

How can check how many points you have earned on your card - this probably sounds insane - but bear with me. Are there machines or anything where you can swipe your card to find out your points - like you can on certain geft cards etc.?

Please don%26#39;t tease, esp Stratton, these are genuine questions from a brit who finds the players card concept quite alien.

Thanks in advance

A few players card (s) questions if I may.

Can players cards be obtained in advance of your trip?

rarely. You can sign up in advance but have to pick your card up at the player%26#39;s club in person. They need to check your ID.

I gather that MGM/Mirage cards can be used in all their hotels, and the same with Harrah%26#39;s - but are the points (or whatever it is you gain)earned at the same rate/level play in any hotel, or do the higher-end hotels give you less points.

Pretty sure it%26#39;s the same for each casino using the same card but I could be wrong.

When people say ';Put the cost of your meal/Show/Treatment on your players card'; - does that mean you pay with cash (or whatever method) but pass your card to be swiped or something - or does it mean it is charged to your room to be settled on departure?

It means you can deduct from your points the cost of meals, shows, gift shop purchases, whatever. Your points may cover a whole meal or part of it. I think this is the worst thing a player can do. It%26#39;s better to let your points total acrue. You%26#39;ll get better offers from the marketing dept. and slot hosts this way.

How can check how many points you have earned on your card - this probably sounds insane - but bear with me. Are there machines or anything where you can swipe your card to find out your points - like you can on certain geft cards etc.?

Yes, most casinos have kiosks to check your points level at any time.

Please don%26#39;t tease, esp Stratton, these are genuine questions from a brit who finds the players card concept quite alien.

Thanks in advance

A few players card (s) questions if I may.

you can sign up for a players card on some sites but you will still have to go to the players booth to pick them up.

point I THINK are gained at the same rate no matter which casino you play at EG; HET properties and MGM properties

dont know about others.

charging things to your room and pay when you leave this means if you play enough visit the players booth before you leave and some things MAY be taken off

just insert your card in any machine and it should tell you your points balance.

hope this helps

debbie

Thanks for the swift response Jeff - good advice too.

Letting points accrue would be the most sensible course of action for the majority of people, but I don%26#39;t think it would benefit me as I probably won%26#39;t be back to Vegas for another few years, and even then I%26#39;ve heard that the %26#39;perks%26#39; offered to Brits are not as good or frequent as those offered to Americans.

That isn%26#39;t a dig by the way, I can fully understand favouring the American market, they are much more likely to make repeat visits than someone who lives thousand%26#39;s of miles away.

Cheers Deb

Players club cards, not a bad question.

All the Yes, all of the Mgm/Mirage casinos use the same cae as well as HET properties the same. I am unsure of signing up for cards in advance, I doubt it because they want your id and info. Actually if you could sign up online I wouldn%26#39;t because some csinos will give you match-play or a free spin for signing up. And some properties have people walking around to sign you up. I have never found that big of a wait to sign up for a card it only takes a few minutes. Weturned a 10 dollar matchplay at Monte Carlos into $100 so anything the want to give for free I%26#39;ll take it.

The cost of meals, tix ect on the card...well there are a couple ways to view this...after playing you could find out how many comps you earned (you can check this on any slot machine and if you are unsure go to the promotions desk) and the will deduct it from your comp total or if your staying at a certain property yu can charge things to your room and after your stay is over find out how much they wil comp and take care of you--I dont like that method I don%26#39;t get alot of comps at any one property and as I roam from place to place my charges would probably far outway my comps and I%26#39;d be in a big hole--that is just me alot of people from rior trips can judge how much they earn. If the have a good relationship with a property they know their host and how much they will get.

For example..we stayed at Golden Nugget and did what I thought was alot of gambling and after a week only had enough comps for 2 buffets. The Plaza downtown does have a nice comp program and we walked away from there with alot of comps, meals, show tickets, merchandise and casino credit. Its all in where you go and what you like (I know I know the Plaza is a dive but the treated us like royalty LOL.

Dont feel silly in posting to these boards, sometimes people are cruel, others mockin just fun, and there are alot of people like myself willing to help. Have fun!!!

I.D Question - Bars & Clubs

We are going 27th March for one week. Group of 4 from the UK: Youngest 26, oldest 26.

What is the situation with I.D? Do we need to carry passports all the time or are driving licenses/other forms of I.D acceptable?

Thnks fellow Vegas Travellers!

I.D Question - Bars %26amp; Clubs

Sorry I meant oldest 36!!

I.D Question - Bars %26amp; Clubs

if you look under 30 you will get carded.

even so i%26#39;d carry either your passport or the Driving license with you just incase.

Definitely have ID. if your DL%26#39;s have photos on them, that should be fine. If not, then you%26#39;ll have to carry your passports.

I%26#39;d definately take ID out all the time.

Me and 3 mates went last June and were asked nearly every time we gambled or ordered drinks. (4 guys aged 24-27)

That said, me and my girlfriend went in December and in 5 days I only got asked once, and that was only at an empty roulette table. (i%26#39;m 26, gf%26#39;s 23)

I get ID%26#39;d all the time in England, and I am 33, boy am I going to have fun in July when I return to Vegas.

I last went 5 years ago, and after the first week of my holiday (ID%26#39;d constantly) I just went to the bar with my passport photo open to save them the trouble!

Hey,

I was in LV back in Nov and every time I was asked to produce ID I gave over my UK drivers licence.

With the amount of UK visitors LV gets these days the uk drivers licence is well known I would be very surprised if you had any problems using it as a form of ID.

Hope this helps!

S

Brillo! Thanks all.

odp.net charakterset

ATV guided excursion from Las Vegas

Hi. I%26#39;m searching some guided excursions to do by ATV not so far from Las Vegas. In half day if possible. Where can I go?

Thank you all!!

Le Reve Tickets (and similar shows)

Just wanted some advice on buying tickets. Don%26#39;t really want to pay full price so is it possible to get cheap tickets for Le Reve (or similar show)? If so, where can I get them from and when should I get them?

We are going in two weeks time.

Thanks in advance!

Le Reve Tickets (and similar shows)

There are discounted tickets for locals. If you have a local drivers license or know someone who does you can get 2 for 1 tickets.

I%26#39;ve never heard of Le Reve tickets for sale at the discount booths.

This is a very good show and less expensive than some of the Cirque shows. I think it%26#39;s worth the money at full price.

Le Reve Tickets (and similar shows)

http://shows.travelzoo.com/las-vegas-shows/

I see that Le Reve has some discounts on TravelZoo. Select dates through March, save up to $44 per ticket.

I got tickets through here last November and the show was very good.

Cheers,

Thanks for the link BRGuy33! Seems like a good offer to will go with that!

Exchange rate fee at MGM cage

Can anyone tell me approx. what the exchange rate fee is at the cage at MGM? I am going down in two weeks and will have to buy USD using CAD, and was wondering if I could get a better rate at the hotel then I can here before I leave.

Around here I would be paying probably between 2% and 2.5%

Exchange rate fee at MGM cage

hubby called mgm yesterday to check rate as we are leaving sunday for vegas. he was told the present rate is 29 cents on the dollar.

He receivid the same rate here at the local back(in ontario).hope this helps

Exchange rate fee at MGM cage

at the local bank.(sorry I still have not learned how to type)

I am not really interested in the actual rate, as this changes from day to day and hour to hour. I am more interested in whatever markup MGM charges.

IE, when they say their ';rate'; is 29%, that includes a surcharge of something - either 2%, or 3%, or 1.5%, whatever.

i%26#39;m sure you could probably get a better answer if you were to call,

800-646-9143

or

800-929-9410

We had this topic a while back and I called some of the casino cages and found out it was cheaper to exchange here.

The difference was about 5 bucks on the hundred

heavy makeup

tours

Anyone recommend what tour to take or not take? Love to see the dam and GC. Would like to spend $150 each

tours

A Grand Canyon bus trip or van trip to South Rim fits the bill. It goes to Hoover Dam on the way and you get to see the Grand Canyon in all its glory. Check out www.grand-adventures.com or www.grandcanyontourcompany.com for some good bus and van tours to South Rim

Grand Canyon - Airplane or Helicopter

Hi,

I%26#39;m goign to Vegas in a few weeks time, and want to take in a trip to the Grand Canyon. We%26#39;re short on time, so would like to fly over the GC.

Can anyone comment on the differences in terms of experience if you fly over in a plane as opposed to a helicopter. Are the views from the planes much worse, do they get as low? Obvioulsy I realise that the helicopters have the option of being able to land.

I was looking at the %26#39;Visionary Air Tour;=%26#39; from Pappilon.

Any comments would be very welcome.

Grand Canyon - Airplane or Helicopter

used the helicopter and landed in the canyon.....i will be going again in march and will be doing the same trip, it%26#39;s awesome.

booked with a company from the shop opposite new york new york

Grand Canyon - Airplane or Helicopter

Go Speed Go! ok, anyways, I want you to be aware that those helicopter tours from Vegas go to West Rim. Thats not where you want to go if you want to see GC, especially coming from England. South Rim is where the universally known Grand Canyon is, and there are Air tours there. Papillon and Maverick Airline and Vision Air have them.

I have done both and each has its own pro%26#39;s and cons. Firstly plane - very good and a nice long tour. The plane flies higher over the canyon than the chopper and so you are able to look down on the canyon and get a good feel for the size. On the downside, it did get a bit bumpy as all that warm air running up the canyon walls creates a lot of thermals.

The helicopter. Well I love the take off and it generally feels much more jet set. Its very comfortable and the ride feels faster as you are closer to the ground. The turns and dives as it heads towards the bottom of the canyon are superb. Then of course you land and have some sandwiches and a glass of champagne. Coming back into Vegas our pilot took us down the strip so we got a great view of Vegas hotels from the air. The only con would be that you may not get a window seat. The balance of a helicopter is crucial and they seat people according to weight and size for balance so you could be in the middle of the back seat. That said you may also be in the front seat which is amazing.

Either way, enjoy the experience and keep thinking %26#39;I am flying across one the great wonders of the World. Have fun.

Paul

Thanks for the info Paul! I think we%26#39;re going to go for the plane option, mainly because of budget. But will definitely make the most of the experience and enjoy it!

Just be sure that your flight tour takes you to the South Rim at the Grand Canyon National Park. Helicopters from LV can%26#39;t fly that far.

OK will do, thanks!

Helicopter is much more adventurous and fun than a small plane. I believe scenic.com has a variety of plane/heli packages to the South Rim.

choose the helicopter we went and had the helicopter

ride and we could see everything you can get right down into the canyon, the people that were with us

were sorry that they went up in the plane rather than the helicopter, i know its a bit more pricey but its well worth it. we went with pappilon and the pilot we had was great.

We went w/Papillon.com too!

blue hair