Topic: Visiting Las Vegas

[tommy LFC]

Heading over for 10 days with a few mates. Can anyone suggest any cheap hotels? The cheaper the better to offset my losses!

Obviously hugely looking forward to the casinos, is it true that you get free drinks even if you're betting on the penny slots?!

Also, any shows etc. you'd recommend?

[Chakan]

Harrahs is pretty cheap and good. Or the Flamingo which is just cheap.

The Imperial is very very cheap but decentish. You only going to spend the time sleeping at the hotel anyway.

And yes if you are at a slot machine or a table then drinks are free.

[Chakan]

Oh and here's an idea for you lads.

Everyday someone gets to be the "bachelor". Girls will go bloody nuts for it if they think you are getting married. So one person a day gets to be the fake "bachelor" and get girls to do stuff to him. Kiss/hug/show boobs whatever.

[Marty 85]

Oh and here's an idea for you lads.

Everyday someone gets to be the "bachelor". Girls will go bloody nuts for it if they think you are getting married. So one person a day gets to be the fake "bachelor" and get girls to do stuff to him. Kiss/hug/show boobs whatever.

When I picture Las Vegas and the things that go on on a lads holiday, it's pretty wild....then I picture a hug and the whole tone changes.

[Chakan]

When I picture Las Vegas and the things that go on on a lads holiday, it's pretty wild....then I picture a hug and the whole tone changes.

Well a hug and crotch grab... howzat?

[Marty 85]

The tones been suitably lowered again YEOOO!

[Chakan]

The tones been suitably lowered again YEOOO!

I spoke to one of the dealers at Vegas and the things he was telling me that women get up to there is insane. People lose their minds in Vegas.

[Marty 85]

I can imagine. I love a gamble too much to bother doing anything else there and that's saying something.

[kavah]

10 days holy cow.

it's boss.

[Chakan]

I can imagine. I love a gamble too much to bother doing anything else there and that's saying something.

I've never gone in a big group only really 1 friend who goes there, so no chance to do the fake "bachelor" and I love sitting at the poker tables so that takes up a lot of time.

[tommy LFC]

Harrahs is pretty cheap and good. Or the Flamingo which is just cheap.

The Imperial is very very cheap but decentish. You only going to spend the time sleeping at the hotel anyway.

And yes if you are at a slot machine or a table then drinks are free.

Thanks for that, will look them up now. A friend of mine just recommended The Quad? Do you know it?

And thanks for the bacherlor party tip too, will get as many hugs out of that as I can 

[Chakan]

Never heard of the Quad. My recommendation would be whatever hotel you stay at try stay on strip. A lot of stuff is based on the main strip and if you are off strip (RIO) and such you're going to be paying for a taxi to take you up and down which can add up.

[Chakan]

And definitely visit Fremont street as well.

[tommy LFC]

Never heard of the Quad. My recommendation would be whatever hotel you stay at try stay on strip. A lot of stuff is based on the main strip and if you are off strip (RIO) and such you're going to be paying for a taxi to take you up and down which can add up.

It's about 10 minutes away from the strip I think, but a twin room is only $15 so I'll only be pay $7.50 a night which is inanely cheap. ]

Good point about taxis, I must actually look up now if there's a bus going between the two.

[Chakan]

It's about 10 minutes away from the strip I think, but a twin room is only $15 so I'll only be pay $7.50 a night which is inanely cheap. ]

Good point about taxis, I must actually look up now if there's a bus going between the two.

The bus system in Vegas is pretty decent (I think, never used it) have seen them going up and down a lot and I know you can get a pretty cheap pass for the buses. How late they run I have no idea though.

Just one other thing, if you go out to clubs expect the drinks to be very expensive. I was quite shocked at the prices. Also Vegas never sleeps, there are is always something happening at anytime of night.

If you go to a strip club they are topless only, no full nude in Vegas.

What else... ummm the fountains are a definite must. There is an Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

Also if you stay at a Harrahs hotel (Planet Hollywood, Harrah's , Imperial , etc) get a Harrahs card and you can access any of the pools and whatnot there.

Look out for specials, some Hotels when you check in will give you a book of comp stuff. Buy 1 get 1 free shows, buffet discounts and such.

[tommy LFC]

Thanks a million Chakan, some brilliant advice there that will no doubt come in very helpful!

If vegas does indeed never sleep I'm thinking maybe a hotel just off the strip might be a good idea. We'll be there a long time so I'm sure we'll want some chill out days too!

We're gonna do the Grand Canyon and see what else is around the area. Think a road trip to California could be on as well.

[Chakan]

De nada

Yeah there are generally people walking around at 3 in the morning, more than likely completely blattered.

The Grand Canyon is something to see! It's one of those experiences that you have to see for yourself, no amount of pictures and explaining to people can do it justice.

Most hotels will be able to steer you in the right direction for trips that leave from the different hotels. Trying to remember how long the bus ride was, I remember it being a touch long. What you can do is what my friend did which is a helicopter ride down into the Canyon itself and have lunch at the bottom. Its a touch expensive but a real experience apparently.

Also if you going to Cali (one thing still left on my bucket list) look to hire a car I remember the pricing being decent. Hunnington beach is not that far from Vegas (2-3 hour drive) and is fun (apparently).

[TheKid.]

You can get from
Nevada to Florida in 2-3 hours drive? Fair play to yer

[Chakan]

You can get from
Nevada to Florida in 2-3 hours drive? Fair play to yer

Hahaha meant Hunnington Beach

Or Laguna beach dunno which one I googled when I was there.

[TheKid.]

Thought you'd bought yourself a rocket car for a minute

[Chakan]

Thought you'd bought yourself a rocket car for a minute

That would be a good ride!

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

How long would people recommend to stay in Vegas? Looking to book up 10 days but people say 10 days is a lot and that 7 nights is plenty.

[tommy LFC]

De nada

Yeah there are generally people walking around at 3 in the morning, more than likely completely blattered.

The Grand Canyon is something to see! It's one of those experiences that you have to see for yourself, no amount of pictures and explaining to people can do it justice.

Most hotels will be able to steer you in the right direction for trips that leave from the different hotels. Trying to remember how long the bus ride was, I remember it being a touch long. What you can do is what my friend did which is a helicopter ride down into the Canyon itself and have lunch at the bottom. Its a touch expensive but a real experience apparently.

Also if you going to Cali (one thing still left on my bucket list) look to hire a car I remember the pricing being decent. Hunnington beach is not that far from Vegas (2-3 hour drive) and is fun (apparently).

Huntington beach rings a bell, not sure why. Will defintley look it up later.

Helicopter ride sounds amazing, might be a bit expensive for me though! We'll have to settle for the mule ride down 

[tommy LFC]

How long would people recommend to stay in Vegas? Looking to book up 10 days but people say 10 days is a lot and that 7 nights is plenty.

I think if you're going just to gamble and party then 10 days could be long (and expensive!).

But we're hoping to find a balance. Like one day will be spent at the Grand Canyon, 1/2 in Califronia etc. Plus I have family there so that'll take up a few days too. Starting to think I should have booked longer!

[Chakan]

Yeah it definitely depends on what you are going there to do. I went there for 10 days once and I was there just to gamble as I had seen everything the trip before. I does become a bit too much.

If you are going to see the sights/gamble/experience Vegas plus surrounding areas 10 days could be well enough. It can get a bit expensive though and if you need a break a day at the pool looking at the view tends to help a bit.

[jammy dodger]

Huntington Beach is in LA.

10 days in Vegas is wayyyyyy too much/

[Hoppy]

Love Vegas!!

Go every year with the boys....you'll have a great time!

The Quad is the re-named Imperial Palace - it's a shit hole, avoid it!!  The rooms are disgusting, and given the 4* & 5* hotels available at relatively cheap rates you can certainly do better.  Also avoid Circus Circus & Riveria for the same reasons.  Luxor is usually cheap, as is Flamingo & Harrahs although none would be my pick.

If you can get a decent price, any of these would be ideal - The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, MGM, Planet Hollywood, Mirage, Caesars Palace, Wynn, Encore, Treasure Island, Venetian or Palazzo.  Depending on when you're going you'll want a decent pool - Mandalay Bay, MGM & Encore have great pools.

If it's your 1st time in Vegas, then you want to stay on the strip - all of the above are on the strip. 

Yes, you get free drinks when gambling (including champagne at The Wynn) and if you tip the cocktail waitress well she'll be your best buddy & keep the drinks flowing all night.

All of the top hotels have great clubs (XS at Wynn is my favourite) and fantastic restaurants.  Although the hotel is terrible, my favourite place to eat in Vegas is The Steakhouse @ Circus Circus - it's cheaper than other steak houses but regularly wins best steakhouse in Vegas (and that is some feat)!  Make sure you go over to Voodoo Lounge @ Rio - it's a club on the roof & the views of the strip are amazing (as are the views from The Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay Bay).  If you go to The Stratosphere (and I would), don't pay to go to the observation tower and instead go to Lounge 107 (it's free to get in & is only one level down from the observation deck - which you can go to after the lounge for free if you want) for Happy Hour drinks!

As for shows, Absyinthe @ Caesars is supposed to be hilarious but I genuinely loved Matt Goss, who sings @ Caesars.  Fell asleep during Penn & Teller, but that may have the drinks before hand.  Love @ Mirage is also fantastic.

If you're doing the Grand Canyon then I recommend Papillion, who do various helicopter trips.  We did the early morning one & was back at the hotel for lunch!

Taxis are fairly cheap, but you may find pre-booking a limo for the 10 of you a cheaper option from the Airport.  We use Presidential Limousines and they are very good and inexpensive.  You book an hour, so you can stop off at the Las Vegas sign for photo's & grab some drinks on the way. 

If you're going lap dancing (and there are 10 lads, so i'm going to assume that you are) then Treasures is our preferred club - you'll see why when you get there.

That's probably enough to be going on with, but if you have any questions i'm happy to help.  I love Vegas!!!

[Chakan]

Ah didn't know the Quad was the Imperial palace. Stayed there a week once, cause I got comped by Harrah's didn't pay a cent for the room so accommodation was free

But yeah not the best hotel on the strip by any means.

[Hoppy]

Ah didn't know the Quad was the Imperial palace. Stayed there a week once, cause I got comped by Harrah's didn't pay a cent for the room so accommodation was free

But yeah not the best hotel on the strip by any means.

Yeah, they've re-named it and given the casino a bit of a refurb as part of all the work they're doing down there (they're building a giant London Eye type wheel).  The rooms haven't been touched though unfortunately.

[Chakan]

Might have to go check it out later this year then. I know they redid the flamingo which turned out quite badly (according to a friend who stayed there) also I hated the low ceilings in it.

Ugh London type wheel, sounds very bad.

[Hoppy]

I avoid the place if i'm honest as there are much better places to hang out in Vegas.  I actually think the wheel & the rest of the development building they're doing there will be a good thing for that part of the strip.

Mirage is my favourite place to gamble, although outside at the Golden Nugget you can play Blackjack by the pool - we had about 5 hours out there once having a great craic with the dealers!  The Wynn is, by far, my favourite place to stay.

[tommy LFC]

Love Vegas!!

Go every year with the boys....you'll have a great time!

The Quad is the re-named Imperial Palace - it's a shit hole, avoid it!!  The rooms are disgusting, and given the 4* & 5* hotels available at relatively cheap rates you can certainly do better.  Also avoid Circus Circus & Riveria for the same reasons.  Luxor is usually cheap, as is Flamingo & Harrahs although none would be my pick.

If you can get a decent price, any of these would be ideal - The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, MGM, Planet Hollywood, Mirage, Caesars Palace, Wynn, Encore, Treasure Island, Venetian or Palazzo.  Depending on when you're going you'll want a decent pool - Mandalay Bay, MGM & Encore have great pools.

If it's your 1st time in Vegas, then you want to stay on the strip - all of the above are on the strip. 

Yes, you get free drinks when gambling (including champagne at The Wynn) and if you tip the cocktail waitress well she'll be your best buddy & keep the drinks flowing all night.

All of the top hotels have great clubs (XS at Wynn is my favourite) and fantastic restaurants.  Although the hotel is terrible, my favourite place to eat in Vegas is The Steakhouse @ Circus Circus - it's cheaper than other steak houses but regularly wins best steakhouse in Vegas (and that is some feat)!  Make sure you go over to Voodoo Lounge @ Rio - it's a club on the roof & the views of the strip are amazing (as are the views from The Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay Bay).  If you go to The Stratosphere (and I would), don't pay to go to the observation tower and instead go to Lounge 107 (it's free to get in & is only one level down from the observation deck - which you can go to after the lounge for free if you want) for Happy Hour drinks!

As for shows, Absyinthe @ Caesars is supposed to be hilarious but I genuinely loved Matt Goss, who sings @ Caesars.  Fell asleep during Penn & Teller, but that may have the drinks before hand.  Love @ Mirage is also fantastic.

If you're doing the Grand Canyon then I recommend Papillion, who do various helicopter trips.  We did the early morning one & was back at the hotel for lunch!

Taxis are fairly cheap, but you may find pre-booking a limo for the 10 of you a cheaper option from the Airport.  We use Presidential Limousines and they are very good and inexpensive.  You book an hour, so you can stop off at the Las Vegas sign for photo's & grab some drinks on the way. 

If you're going lap dancing (and there are 10 lads, so i'm going to assume that you are) then Treasures is our preferred club - you'll see why when you get there.

That's probably enough to be going on with, but if you have any questions i'm happy to help.  I love Vegas!!!

Wow, thanks for all the advice Hoppy! I'll look those hotels up now.

Is the Quad in a good location? Close to other casinos/the strip? If I'm honest we're not looking for luxury, just somewhere with a good location and that's cheap! I'd say we'll be out all day so once the bed is half decent I'll be happy!

[tommy LFC]

Wow just saw tickets for Absyinthe @ Caesars are between $90-115!

Think I'm going to have to rethink my budget!!

[Hoppy]

If you're on a lads trip then you can probably miss the shows out, but if you do want to see one then go to the various discount ticket booths on the strip. 

The Quad is in a fantastic location on the strip, but that is all it has going for it!  Trust me when I say you can do better - budget hotels like Luxor, Flamingo's, Harrahs & Ballys are all better!  Also, when checking in always tip the desk clerk $20 and ask if they have any upgrades available - works more often than not & can get you upgraded to a huge suite if they're not particularly busy at that time!

[Lusty]

This is a good resource:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=4365703

There's another Vegas thread on here somewhere as well which has some good tips.

If you go to a strip club they are topless only, no full nude in Vegas.

You've been going to the wrong places mate

[Chakan]

You've been going to the wrong places mate

Well that  sucks

Ah well only went once anyway, waste of money

[Lusty]

Well that  sucks

Ah well only went once anyway, waste of money

Obviously got no idea myself, just going off what I've been told!

[NewHampshire_Exile]

also check this thread out
http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=261288.0

ten days is a long time

weekend rates on the strip can be high - that's a good time to check out something outside of the city - or move downtown for a few nights.


and get a new liver lined up.

[tommy LFC]

Thanks again for all the advice.

I've been advised to sign up for membership in plenty of casinos as I'll get a lot of coupons etc. Does this save you a lot of money? Is it worth the hassle?

[tommy LFC]

Went ahead and booked the quad - tripadviser had mixed reviews but a lot of positive ones. But it's cheap which is the main thing, more money for the gambling fund!