plenzmd1 Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 I've always thought DT Vegas was a bit of a freak show. More old school Vegas than whats on The Strip, it's always been a bit different. It's interesting, I think. If it's only for spending the night it can be much cheaper than the strip and getting a taxi/shuttle/bus to the strip isn't too difficult. Some of the hotels are complete dives but the Golden Nugget really is a gem there. Downtown is where you play your craps bankroll, plain and simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordio Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 Random thoughts. It's all expensive. We stayed at Luxor and NY NY. Walking? Once we went end of June. 120 out. HOT!!! The new strip all blacktop and buildings held in the heat. Buy water a lot, go in and out of hotels and casino's, take the bus or tram to get you out of the sun. You try to walk the whole strip in summer with that heat you will die, maybe. Screw any tours, especially Grand Canyon. Rent a car at Tropicanna best deal outside of airport. Much cheaper than a tour and way more time to do what you want. The tours spend 4-5 hours picking up and dropping off people before leaving. Rip-off. Actually a car is cheaper than a one way cab ride old to new strip Old strip, friends of mine swear by some hotels there that are re-furb'd. The street party on the old strip is the BEST. Great bands and wild people. I tipped a bartender $20 and he re-filled my souvenir 2' glass all night. I would go just for that LOL. LV HD rents Harley Ultra Limiteds for $200/day. HD's best bike. Great ride in the desert, Valley of Fire Lastly, when playing slot machines, cash out after every spin and get a printed receipt ticket. Use as many tickets as possible. My job in Buffalo is printing those ticket blanks. Ensure my future employment. LOL. We do virtually every casino in LV I thought they said they were going later this month. The temps should only be in the high 50's or so. It will be perfect weather to walk. I know what your saying about walking in the summertime. I was there once with my wife & her family. Went to the hard rock. It was over Memorial day weekend. I lost my ass there & got pissed off & walked home in mid afternoon from the hard rock to Harrahs which is a pretty decent walk. Had no idea how to get to harrahs. I just saw the big harrahs sign & started heading that way. No water, had about 7 or 8 drinks in me. Thought I was going to die. Barely made it. I was so dehydrated. I've always thought DT Vegas was a bit of a freak show. More old school Vegas than whats on The Strip, it's always been a bit different. It's interesting, I think. If it's only for spending the night it can be much cheaper than the strip and getting a taxi/shuttle/bus to the strip isn't too difficult. Some of the hotels are complete dives but the Golden Nugget really is a gem there. My cousins go every year & they won't stay on the strip anymore they only stay downtown. They stay at the Golden Nugget & love it. My boss was pretty aggravated by it though this past summer & he is a pretty easy going guy. Said there were a ton of weird people there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted December 9, 2015 Author Share Posted December 9, 2015 I thought they said they were going later this month. February Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkyMannn Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 I thought they said they were going later this month. The temps should only be in the high 50's or so. It will be perfect weather to walk. I know what your saying about walking in the summertime. I was there once with my wife & her family. Went to the hard rock. It was over Memorial day weekend. I lost my ass there & got pissed off & walked home in mid afternoon from the hard rock to Harrahs which is a pretty decent walk. Had no idea how to get to harrahs. I just saw the big harrahs sign & started heading that way. No water, had about 7 or 8 drinks in me. Thought I was going to die. Barely made it. I was so dehydrated. My son lived there for a year before he ran out of money LOL. I was surprised how cool it got there outside of summer, you're right. We rode out to Valley of Fire and I get this idea to park and walk out to a mountain about a mile off the road in the desert. We get about a couple hundred yards and I'm like don't know how smart this is. Turned around To me, the old downtown Vegas is the BEST. Great party Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 Shrader - I was planning on doing the same thing because my wife and I never go anywhere alone (without the three kids) and Christmas gift ideas are hard to come by lately. Glad you started this thread. So I finished finalizing my trip plans this morning and used a lot of the advice from these guys in this thread. Leaving April 25, returning April 28. Non stop flight via Southwest. Shuttle to MGM Grand from airport. Upgraded to a Deluxe King room over standard King room. Arrive around 5pm, plan on getting settled, walk around, have dinner, maybe play some BlackJack, poker, then get ready for full day on Tuesday and Weds to see shows, antique car exhibit, Bellagio water fountain show, Treasure Island show, gamble some, swim/pool, etc. Really cheap and inexpensive flight and hotel. Looking forward to this trip. We have never been to Vegas. Quick question guys: Can I bring cash on an airplane? I was thinking of getting my cash for the betting, etc. the day before and bringing it with me (to avoid ATM fees out there). Any restrictions on bringing cash on airplanes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordio Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 My son lived there for a year before he ran out of money LOL. I was surprised how cool it got there outside of summer, you're right. We rode out to Valley of Fire and I get this idea to park and walk out to a mountain about a mile off the road in the desert. We get about a couple hundred yards and I'm like don't know how smart this is. Turned around To me, the old downtown Vegas is the BEST. Great party I always wonder how I would be if I lived out there. Would I end up frequenting the strip often. Or would the whole scene turn me off after awhile. If I never got married and had kids my guess is I probably would of ended up living in Vegas at some point in my life. My boss & I went out to visit our credit card division in Vegas about 5 year ago. After we met with the department we took some of the managers out for a nice dinner at that Wolf Gang Pucks restaurant. All of them said if they visit the strip once or twice a year that is a lot. Most of them said they couldn't stand the strip. Shrader - I was planning on doing the same thing because my wife and I never go anywhere alone (without the three kids) and Christmas gift ideas are hard to come by lately. Glad you started this thread. So I finished finalizing my trip plans this morning and used a lot of the advice from these guys in this thread. Leaving April 25, returning April 28. Non stop flight via Southwest. Shuttle to MGM Grand from airport. Upgraded to a Deluxe King room over standard King room. Arrive around 5pm, plan on getting settled, walk around, have dinner, maybe play some BlackJack, poker, then get ready for full day on Tuesday and Weds to see shows, antique car exhibit, Bellagio water fountain show, Treasure Island show, gamble some, swim/pool, etc. Really cheap and inexpensive flight and hotel. Looking forward to this trip. We have never been to Vegas. Quick question guys: Can I bring cash on an airplane? I was thinking of getting my cash for the betting, etc. the day before and bringing it with me (to avoid ATM fees out there). Any restrictions on bringing cash on airplanes? I don't think there is. There has been times when I have had a good weekend there & had on me 6-7 grand in cash. How much money are you talking about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 I always wonder how I would be if I lived out there. Would I end up frequenting the strip often. Or would the whole scene turn me off after awhile. If I never got married and had kids my guess is I probably would of ended up living in Vegas at some point in my life. My boss & I went out to visit our credit card division in Vegas about 5 year ago. After we met with the department we took some of the managers out for a nice dinner at that Wolf Gang Pucks restaurant. All of them said if they visit the strip once or twice a year that is a lot. Most of them said they couldn't stand the strip. I don't think there is. There has been times when I have had a good weekend there & had on me 6-7 grand in cash. How much money are you talking about? $2000 or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Fong Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 I love Vegas. Can't wait to go back. My favorite thing when I went to Vegas was visiting Valley of Fire. Rent a car and make a nice day trip out of it. Highly suggested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted December 9, 2015 Author Share Posted December 9, 2015 Shrader - I was planning on doing the same thing because my wife and I never go anywhere alone (without the three kids) and Christmas gift ideas are hard to come by lately. Glad you started this thread. So I finished finalizing my trip plans this morning and used a lot of the advice from these guys in this thread. Leaving April 25, returning April 28. Non stop flight via Southwest. Shuttle to MGM Grand from airport. Upgraded to a Deluxe King room over standard King room. Arrive around 5pm, plan on getting settled, walk around, have dinner, maybe play some BlackJack, poker, then get ready for full day on Tuesday and Weds to see shows, antique car exhibit, Bellagio water fountain show, Treasure Island show, gamble some, swim/pool, etc. Really cheap and inexpensive flight and hotel. Looking forward to this trip. We have never been to Vegas. Quick question guys: Can I bring cash on an airplane? I was thinking of getting my cash for the betting, etc. the day before and bringing it with me (to avoid ATM fees out there). Any restrictions on bringing cash on airplanes? We're at the stage where we realize it's not going to be just the two of us so we need to get out and do these kind of things now while it is much easier. She's a teacher, so that February break she gets, the timing is perfect to do this as a combined Christmas gift to each other. Once I book, I'll just have to pick up some tickets to certain shows so that there is actually something surprising on the 25th. I'd be curious about some experiences with those too if anyone has them. I did a quick skimming of a list, and so far Penn and Teller sounds like something that will be very tempting. And I'm heavily leaning towards MGM at this point, so I'll let you know how it goes in a couple months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 We're at the stage where we realize it's not going to be just the two of us so we need to get out and do these kind of things now while it is much easier. She's a teacher, so that February break she gets, the timing is perfect to do this as a combined Christmas gift to each other. Once I book, I'll just have to pick up some tickets to certain shows so that there is actually something surprising on the 25th. I'd be curious about some experiences with those too if anyone has them. I did a quick skimming of a list, and so far Penn and Teller sounds like something that will be very tempting. And I'm heavily leaning towards MGM at this point, so I'll let you know how it goes in a couple months. Same here so the April break works best for us. Report back and tell me how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 $2000 or so. Do NOT bring that much cash with you when you travel, no matter where you're going. The high-price ATMs in Vegas are at the casinos. First timers always are surprised to realize that Vegas is still a community, and odds are your bank has locations in Vegas, or at least ATM affiliates. You can map out where they are relative to you're hotel long before you get to Vegas. Walk or take a cab to one of those banks and get your money there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted December 9, 2015 Author Share Posted December 9, 2015 Do NOT bring that much cash with you when you travel, no matter where you're going. The high-price ATMs in Vegas are at the casinos. First timers always are surprised to realize that Vegas is still a community, and odds are your bank has locations in Vegas, or at least ATM affiliates. You can map out where they are relative to you're hotel long before you get to Vegas. Walk or take a cab to one of those banks and get your money there. That's one thing I'm 100% sure on, I will never use any of those unaffiliated ATMs. I'm not paying a fee and I'm sure as hell not upping my risk of identity theft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordio Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 $2000 or so. You will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Cubed Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Shrader - I was planning on doing the same thing because my wife and I never go anywhere alone (without the three kids) and Christmas gift ideas are hard to come by lately. Glad you started this thread. So I finished finalizing my trip plans this morning and used a lot of the advice from these guys in this thread. Leaving April 25, returning April 28. Non stop flight via Southwest. Shuttle to MGM Grand from airport. Upgraded to a Deluxe King room over standard King room. Arrive around 5pm, plan on getting settled, walk around, have dinner, maybe play some BlackJack, poker, then get ready for full day on Tuesday and Weds to see shows, antique car exhibit, Bellagio water fountain show, Treasure Island show, gamble some, swim/pool, etc. Really cheap and inexpensive flight and hotel. Looking forward to this trip. We have never been to Vegas. Quick question guys: Can I bring cash on an airplane? I was thinking of getting my cash for the betting, etc. the day before and bringing it with me (to avoid ATM fees out there). Any restrictions on bringing cash on airplanes? Perfect amount of time to spend in Vegas. I find it can get really boring after about 3-4 days. It could be that I've just been so many times that it loses its luster quicker. Saying that, I still get excited going there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Perfect amount of time to spend in Vegas. I find it can get really boring after about 3-4 days. It could be that I've just been so many times that it loses its luster quicker. Saying that, I still get excited going there. Vegas for me now has ZERO to do with gambling...and everything to do with the restaurants, shows, and all the ancillary activities. Started going to Vegas in 86, so been just about 30 years for me, and the changes in the city have been unbelievable. But the changes in the gambling landscape across the country have been just as dramatic. I travel a bit for work, and outside of the bible belt of VA, NC, SC...can usually find a casino within an hour of where i am doing buisness...so playing some crap just not a big deal anymore. But having that amount of awesome cocktail bars, shows, restaurants all in that small of an area cannot be replicated. I am lucky to play 30 minutes a day when in Vegas now unless i am on a big roll. Gambling now is usually a pre cocktail hour thing with a small amount of cash trying to win some money and buy better wine at dinner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 I was reading reviews last night re MGM Grand and the place is huuuuge. The one comment I heard a lot was smoking and the smell of cigarette smoke all over the place (in the rooms, restaurants, etc) I don't mind it that much, but is it overwhelming or just kind of a slight aroma at all times? Maybe I should call the MGM and ask for a no smoking room and no smoking floor?? I booked my trip through Southwest Vacations so I'm not sure if MGM will listen to my requests because I didn't book through them directly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 I was reading reviews last night re MGM Grand and the place is huuuuge. The one comment I heard a lot was smoking and the smell of cigarette smoke all over the place (in the rooms, restaurants, etc) I don't mind it that much, but is it overwhelming or just kind of a slight aroma at all times? Maybe I should call the MGM and ask for a no smoking room and no smoking floor?? I booked my trip through Southwest Vacations so I'm not sure if MGM will listen to my requests because I didn't book through them directly. It's everywhere, but generally the rooms aren't too bad, especially at a place like MGM. But Vegas is the last place I know where you can pretty much smoke anywhere your want...anywhere...and that's exactly what people do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 It's everywhere, but generally the rooms aren't too bad, especially at a place like MGM. But Vegas is the last place I know where you can pretty much smoke anywhere your want...anywhere...and that's exactly what people do. Thanks. I emailed "guest relations" and waiting to hear back. Asked for a no smoking room on a non-smoking floor. I'll see what they say. Told them this is a surprise Christmas gift for my wife and how we never get away I'll see if I can swing a few "comps" as first timers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkyMannn Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 I always wonder how I would be if I lived out there. Would I end up frequenting the strip often. Or would the whole scene turn me off after awhile. Well my son drinks too much imo. From his side job as a DJ here in Buffalo Chippewa strip. Got to LV and never hit up the club scene, dried out LOL. However got way too many free buffets at hotels and complained about his weight gain BB Fergy, smoking was really never an issue. Honestly, I don't recall anyone smoking except in a casino Stay an extra day. Go to Grand Canyon and the boat and helicopter ride. Awesome! Mandalay Bay, be sure to see the Michael Jackson show, the REAL MJ show. April 25-28 huh? You will miss the old Vegas downtown party, runs on weekends. Fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Well my son drinks too much imo. From his side job as a DJ here in Buffalo Chippewa strip. Got to LV and never hit up the club scene, dried out LOL. However got way too many free buffets at hotels and complained about his weight gain BB Fergy, smoking was really never an issue. Honestly, I don't recall anyone smoking except in a casino Stay an extra day. Go to Grand Canyon and the boat and helicopter ride. Awesome! Mandalay Bay, be sure to see the Michael Jackson show, the REAL MJ show. April 25-28 huh? You will miss the old Vegas downtown party, runs on weekends. Fun! There's always next time....if we have a good time. I'm sure we will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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