Topic: Visiting Las Vegas

[The G in Gerrard]

Vegas was amazing, had such a good time that i'm going back next year, for a week

Highlights? Not long before I go

[LiamG]

All of it really, i only had 3 nights there!

If you are drinking though, head for fremont, so much cheaper!

The Zipline was good though

[paulrazor]

All of it really, i only had 3 nights there!

If you are drinking though, head for fremont, so much cheaper!

The Zipline was good though

that was my biggest regret. I didnt properly sample Fremont. Had an absolute c*nt of a headache

[LiamG]

that was my biggest regret. I didnt properly sample Fremont. Had an absolute c*nt of a headache

We never went there until our last night! Drank from around 4pm in the afternoon and got back to our hotel 7am the next morning and were flying home at 11am! sore head on that plane home

[paulrazor]

We never went there until our last night! Drank from around 4pm in the afternoon and got back to our hotel 7am the next morning and were flying home at 11am! sore head on that plane home

was the last night for me

the mrs was tired and thought id want to stay there all night. she was shocked when i said we were leaving

such a shame though as it was great around there

[The G in Gerrard]

Dualling Pianos at New York New York is brilliant.

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

Going to book up again for September this year and just started to look at hotels. We stayed at The Palazzo last time and it was a beautiful hotel - quite luxurious.

This time we want to stay somewhere with a good pool so we can spend a day by the pool. Which of the nicer hotels have good pools? Somewhere with a bit of atmosphere by the pool but with the choice of a bit of quiet..? Felt The Palazzo was really nice but a bit quiet, an older vibe. But don’t want to stay at The Cosmopolitan... went there last time for a few drinks and it was a bit too young, felt like a singles bar :/ can imagine that’s what the pool areas would be like too.

Any recommendations for a good pool?

[paulrazor]

Ciara, the aria perhaps......


Funny you mention it. Cosmopolitan pool area went ablaze when I was there.

[ohweloveyerbaldyhead]

Going to book up again for September this year and just started to look at hotels. We stayed at The Palazzo last time and it was a beautiful hotel - quite luxurious.

This time we want to stay somewhere with a good pool so we can spend a day by the pool. Which of the nicer hotels have good pools? Somewhere with a bit of atmosphere by the pool but with the choice of a bit of quiet..? Felt The Palazzo was really nice but a bit quiet, an older vibe. But don’t want to stay at The Cosmopolitan... went there last time for a few drinks and it was a bit too young, felt like a singles bar :/ can imagine that’s what the pool areas would be like too.

Any recommendations for a good pool?

The Wynn, parts of the pool are quite lively with blackjack tables, music etc. then there's really quiet and relaxing areas too.

[Zend...en the clowns]

We've just got back from NYC, San Fran and Vegas - Vegas deffo the highlight for me.

Did the Stratosphere Jump (Boss), Grand Canyon Helicopter (with Papillon who were amazing) and a firing range which was intimidating and brilliant at the same time.

Deffo echo the thoughts above in making sure you hit Freemont Street, ridiculous buzz and energy compared to the main strip.

My main bits of advice would be:
- play cheap blackjack and you'll get free drinks all night, as many as you want, as often as you want and this will work out 100x cheaper than buying pints and not gambling
- hit freemont as early and as often as you can!
- swerve anyone who comes up and tries to offer you anything at all (sounds like a dick move but you just need to)
- Bellagio fountains have their shows everynight on the half hour from 8
- Mirage volcano show is only twice a night now 8 and 9pm
- Best bus to use is the Deuce service, costs $6 for 24hours and gets you from the very north of the strip (Luxor end) to the very south of Vegas (Freemont st experience) in about 45 mins.
- Don't be deceived by thinking you can walk the strip easily, it's much bigger than you think, it's 90 degrees and it's always busy
- Cab from top end of strip down to freemonth is about $30 which is worth it going down to freemont late or coming back from freemont late as there's a sketchy part of vegas in the middle between the two

[The G in Gerrard]

We went Stratosphere. Fair play to you for doing the jump!

[Zend...en the clowns]

We went Stratosphere. Fair play to you for doing the jump!

Did the full whack with the GoPro wrist cam. It’s fucking high mind!

[The G in Gerrard]

Did the full whack with the GoPro wrist cam. It’s fucking high mind!

Your mad. I just watched others do it and that "roller coaster".

[Glass Kites]

Off to Vegas next month, just wondering on the below:

1) any recommendations for rooftop bars with good views of the strip, but aren't elite/mad expensive/or need formal dress code.

2) whats the general dress code in the evenings. Am I going to be ok in shorts & tshirt/short sleeve shirt in the evenings for casinos/bars?
 
3) does the $20 room upgrade tip work when checking in? Or is it considered out of date now and need to go $30/$40?

4) would it be weird to buy a few bevvies to walk up and down the strip with during the day?

[RhosRed]

Off to Vegas next month, just wondering on the below:

1) any recommendations for rooftop bars with good views of the strip, but aren't elite/mad expensive/or need formal dress code.

2) whats the general dress code in the evenings. Am I going to be ok in shorts & tshirt/short sleeve shirt in the evenings for casinos/bars?
 
3) does the $20 room upgrade tip work when checking in? Or is it considered out of date now and need to go $30/$40?

4) would it be weird to buy a few bevvies to walk up and down the strip with during the day?

Foundation room Mandalay Bay, go round a couple of days before you wanna go an ask for guestlist!

Shorts an tshirts fine pretty much everywhere except clubs.

Never bothered with upgrades, are you gonna spend that much time in the room to notice?

No buy beer an walk around with it, but 1-2 instead of 6 or more an keep buying keeps them cooler an saves u the arm ache!


[You may have an iPhone but you are still using the free version of Tapatalk and spamming us with that knowledge]

[Zend...en the clowns]

Off to Vegas next month, just wondering on the below:

1) any recommendations for rooftop bars with good views of the strip, but aren't elite/mad expensive/or need formal dress code.

2) whats the general dress code in the evenings. Am I going to be ok in shorts & tshirt/short sleeve shirt in the evenings for casinos/bars?
 
3) does the $20 room upgrade tip work when checking in? Or is it considered out of date now and need to go $30/$40?

4) would it be weird to buy a few bevvies to walk up and down the strip with during the day?

1) Mandalay Bay or the wheel (free bar when you book this for the hour)

2) Dress code is anything you want unless you're hitting the 'actual' nightclubs. I did shorts and tshirts a few nights in casinos and bars from the main strip to down to freemont

3) I just asked at the desk and said we'd be willing to pay if needed, didn't need to pay and got the upgrade

4) If you're on the main strip the police are a little more tight with what they'll allow drinking on the street. You'll be able to buy the big plastic cocktail glasses and walk with these down the strip. Freemont is the best place to drink on the strip, they have open bars on the street with live bands, music and peformances all the way down. Hate to sound like i'm repeating meself but HIT FREEMONT ITS FUCKING BOSS!!!

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

I would add that the bar at the Stratosphere is a good option too for something different.

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

Really struggling to find decent deals for September/October for a week, in a nice hotel and with direct flights.

Literally looking at £400-£600pp extra each for direct flights.

No idea how people manage to book it cheaper separately rather than a package! Even still, package deals seem crazy dear for that time of the year. :/

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

Anyone done BA long haul to LV within the last year?

Reviews aren’t the best compared to Virgin. In Just economy, is it worth paying the extra £300 to go Virgin rather than BA?

[Buck Pete]

I would add that the bar at the Stratosphere is a good option too for something different.

Agreed

One of the highlights of my trip when we went.

[Hop]

Anyone done BA long haul to LV within the last year?

Reviews aren’t the best compared to Virgin. In Just economy, is it worth paying the extra £300 to go Virgin rather than BA?

I flew direct with Virgin in 2017 and BA in July of this year.

Virgin has better food and entertainment options + we got free access to the V Lounge. Having said that, BA wasn't bad and I would save the £300 if I was you.

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

I flew direct with Virgin in 2017 and BA in July of this year.

Virgin has better food and entertainment options + we got free access to the V Lounge. Having said that, BA wasn't bad and I would save the £300 if I was you.

Thank you! That's reassuring

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

Ended up plumping for Virgin but compromised on hotel choice by booking the MGM. Going on 16th September for a week.

Our first CL group game should be midweek on 18th/19th and then a home game v Southampton on Saturday 22nd out there.

[LiamG]

I flew direct with Virgin in 2017 and BA in July of this year.

Virgin has better food and entertainment options + we got free access to the V Lounge. Having said that, BA wasn't bad and I would save the £300 if I was you.

is there free alcohol on Virgin too?

[dudleyred]

is there free alcohol on Virgin too?

Sure is

[LiamG]

Sure is

Brilliant! im flying with them when i go back next year! Flew with BA this year, who weren't that bad but a bit dated!

[The G in Gerrard]

Ended up plumping for Virgin but compromised on hotel choice by booking the MGM. Going on 16th September for a week.

Our first CL group game should be midweek on 18th/19th and then a home game v Southampton on Saturday 22nd out there.

I've done the Virgin flight and stayed MGM earlier in the year. Cant go wrong with either. Have a great trip!

[Dublin Red]

Ended up plumping for Virgin but compromised on hotel choice by booking the MGM. Going on 16th September for a week.

Been a few years since I was there, but stayed in the MGM a couple of times and it was spot on.

Stayed in the Bellagio a couple of times too, and  it was definitely better, but I'm not sure the price differential was justified at all.

They were all pretty luxurious, just to different degrees. 2010 was the last time I was there though, so a lot changes in 8 years I guess.

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

Can anyone advise on the CL games? Are they shown in the US on normal TV?

We are in Vegas for the PSG and Southampton games. I was thinking about getting a cabana at the MGM pool for the CL game - the cabanas have a day bed and TV. What are the chances of the CL game being on TV there? Or is it best to do that another day and go to a pub?

[paulrazor]

Can anyone advise on the CL games? Are they shown in the US on normal TV?

We are in Vegas for the PSG and Southampton games. I was thinking about getting a cabana at the MGM pool for the CL game - the cabanas have a day bed and TV. What are the chances of the CL game being on TV there? Or is it best to do that another day and go to a pub?

i would guess another day and go the pub

[dudleyred]

Can anyone advise on the CL games? Are they shown in the US on normal TV?

We are in Vegas for the PSG and Southampton games. I was thinking about getting a cabana at the MGM pool for the CL game - the cabanas have a day bed and TV. What are the chances of the CL game being on TV there? Or is it best to do that another day and go to a pub?

Other option is the sports book in the MGM for the game

All sports on but the CL will be the main event at that time of day

[Brian Blessed]

Can anyone advise on the CL games? Are they shown in the US on normal TV?

We are in Vegas for the PSG and Southampton games. I was thinking about getting a cabana at the MGM pool for the CL game - the cabanas have a day bed and TV. What are the chances of the CL game being on TV there? Or is it best to do that another day and go to a pub?

In English they will be on TNT. They only show a couple from each round, so we may or may not be on. In Spanish they're going to be on Univision, Univision Deportes Network (UDN), UniMás and Galavisión. It looks like they'll be showing two each day. Unless you can find out if those channels are carried in the cabana, you might want to do a different day.

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

Does anyone travel to the US from the UK with a Visa?

2 years ago I accidentally ticked something I shouldn't when I was filling out my ESTA and it was denied, so I had to get a Visa, which was fine. Do I just turn up with my visa or would I need to complete any further documentation?

[Scouser-Tommy]

Off to Vegas next month, just wondering on the below:

1) any recommendations for rooftop bars with good views of the strip, but aren't elite/mad expensive/or need formal dress code.

2) whats the general dress code in the evenings. Am I going to be ok in shorts & tshirt/short sleeve shirt in the evenings for casinos/bars?
 
3) does the $20 room upgrade tip work when checking in? Or is it considered out of date now and need to go $30/$40?

4) would it be weird to buy a few bevvies to walk up and down the strip with during the day?

(1) I found Ghost Bar on Trip Advisor before we went last year which is at the top of the Palms Hotel, slightly off the strip so not stupid prices and a boss view.
(2) As a few have mentioned above, shorts and t-shirt is fine unless you're going to a smart bar or club and then you will have to wear jeans or pants with a shirt.
(3) I had to pay for the upgrade last time after asking, never managed anything for free.
(4) We've been a good few times now and do it without any problem.

[S.Red please]

Can anyone advise the best place to exchange £ to $ ? Would I be better doing it in UK or waiting until I get to Vegas? Also if in Vegas, where? I’ve heard Casinos offer really good rates as they assume you will want to spend a lot of it there gambling.

[adruk87]

Can anyone advise the best place to exchange £ to $ ? Would I be better doing it in UK or waiting until I get to Vegas? Also if in Vegas, where? I’ve heard Casinos offer really good rates as they assume you will want to spend a lot of it there gambling.

When I took money out the ATM it was a fairly decent rate, we got a credit card with no abroad charges and put all meals etc on there, worked out quite favourably exchange rate wise.

I must also recommend to everyone the night time High Roller happy hour, half an hour all you can drink whilst the big wheel goes round, ace views of the city and I managed to get about 7 drinks in, plus a beer for the road also. Cost about £37pp.

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

Not long back from my week in Vegas. Tried a bit more of a relaxed approach this time, spending 2/3 days at the pool which we didn't do at all last time and it served us quite well, went out a bit later and stayed out later. It was ace waking up at 6:45am and LFC kicking off in 15 minutes... a bit mad but strangely enjoyable and then having the whole day to enjoy it. Same with the CL game - woke up, went and got some breakfast and then LFC were on at 12pm and you have the whole day then to buzz off the result. Not sure i could do it every week but it was a nice take.

Couldn't really eat for the first 2/3 days - was having small things and none of it agreeing with my stomach so ended up not eating a lot. It's really hard to eat well there. I didn't do any buffets but went to the supermarket to stock up on fruit for the room and to snack on throughout the days and man, bar a few bananas and apples, there was nothing. Ended up buying Twizzlers, Cheetos and Milk Duds for the room!

After a few days our appetite came back and we had some nice meals. Eggslut in The Cosmospolitan was lovely, as was a steak dinner in Delmonicos in the Venetian. Most surprisingly was a place called Virgils - a BBQ restaurant, which was gorgeous. Far too much as normal but the meat was unreal. Oh and we tried that pizza place - Pizza Rock in Freemont St as it has gained a reputation as the best pizza in Vegas and that was unreal.

Didn't enjoy Freemont St as much this time around. Unless you're in the casinos gambling there, it's hard to spend more than a few hours there.

Definitely need to find a local bar with Shuffleboard at home - what a class game!

[deFacto please, you bastards]

The buffet at the Bellagio is top notch, must try

[paulrazor]

The buffet at the Bellagio is top notch, must try

id avoid the monte carlo buffet fwiw

it wasnt really bad but just bland, coffee and omelettes aside it was bang average

[Rhi]

Just booked to take the other half to Vegas next month to see her favourite band (Goo Goo Dolls ). 3 nights at the Hard Rock Hotel. I've been once before but didn't really do any gambling or drinking, so looking forward to doing it a bit different this time!