Travel / Vacation thread

[koonja]

Vegas is finally here. Again we're at the Flamingo.

We will probably only make it to ~3 casinos. Which are the best to go to? We'll play black jack and craps. Low minimums are good, but if some casinos are just "must experience", we'll do whatever.

What 3 Vegas casinos would you recommend for my 3 days?

 

[calvegas04]

Vegas is finally here. Again we're at the Flamingo.

We will probably only make it to ~3 casinos. Which are the best to go to? We'll play black jack and craps. Low minimums are good, but if some casinos are just "must experience", we'll do whatever.

What 3 Vegas casinos would you recommend for my 3 days?

Unless you already have a buy schedule you could hit way more than 3. If you want low minimums then start heading north towards the Strat.

 

[Irish2155]

Vegas is finally here. Again we're at the Flamingo.

We will probably only make it to ~3 casinos. Which are the best to go to? We'll play black jack and craps. Low minimums are good, but if some casinos are just "must experience", we'll do whatever.

What 3 Vegas casinos would you recommend for my 3 days?

How much $$$ did you lose yesterday?

 

[koonja]

Quick update. We've gambled here and there and are about even. Fremont street is HILARIOUS. We left by 8pm because my wife had had enough. I really want to see that place at midnight tho.

Ate at the EggSlut at the Cosmo and it was delicious. Sat through a timeshare for Wyhdahm for some free stuff. We didn't buy but it was intriguing and opened my eyes some. My wife was open to buying a small package. Got $150 free money and tickets to the ferris wheel for ~2 hours of our time and a free meal (meal was bad).

Craps is super fun, only going to play Blackjack if no craps tables are open from here on.

Going to "Absinthe' tonight and Bautistas for Italian on Friday.

Going to our first brunch buffet today. Wide open to where but Harrahs at Linq sounds good. If anyone has any last minute brunch buffet suggestions on thr strip, Im open about where to go.

This city is a gem.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Quick update. We've gambled here and there and are about even. Fremont street is HILARIOUS. We left by 8pm because my wife had had enough. I really want to see that place at midnight tho.

Ate at the EggSlut at the Cosmo and it was delicious. Sat through a timeshare for Wyhdahm for some free stuff. We didn't buy but it was intriguing and opened my eyes some. My wife was open to buying a small package. Got $150 free money and tickets to the ferris wheel for ~2 hours of our time and a free meal (meal was bad).

Craps is super fun, only going to play Blackjack if no craps tables are open from here on.

Going to "Absinthe' tonight and Bautistas for Italian on Friday.

Going to our first brunch buffet today. Wide open to where but Harrahs at Linq sounds good. If anyone has any last minute brunch buffet suggestions on thr strip, Im open about where to go.

This city is a gem.

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[koonja]

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3 couples signed up in the group we went with. It was intriguing! But we were there for the experience and the free stuff.

 

[ACamp1900]

Harrahs buffet is a pretty good one, haven’t had it in a couple years but remember it being good

 

[irishnd31]

3 couples signed up in the group we went with. It was intriguing! But we were there for the experience and the free stuff.

I have Wyndham and I like it. But well played. As long as you are firm on "NO" (because they will harass to no end) and get some swag for an hour of your time, it was well worth it. I have the Wyndham ACCESS so I'm not "bought in" to one resort rather I have priority at 64 resorts across the US. I have witnessed very scummy Wyndham representatives during my time and will not buy in any more than I already am. Some of the shit I see them do to people seems almost criminal in how they mislead and almost coax you into poor decisions. But again, as long as you have what you want and are able to say NO when harassed, its not horrible IMO.

 

[koonja]

I have Wyndham and I like it. But well played. As long as you are firm on "NO" (because they will harass to no end) and get some swag for an hour of your time, it was well worth it. I have the Wyndham ACCESS so I'm not "bought in" to one resort rather I have priority at 64 resorts across the US. I have witnessed very scummy Wyndham representatives during my time and will not buy in any more than I already am. Some of the shit I see them do to people seems almost criminal in how they mislead and almost coax you into poor decisions. But again, as long as you have what you want and are able to say NO when harassed, its not horrible IMO.

I can't recall the program name, but this gave us access to any/all wyhdahm resorts.

It was ~125,000 points/year for a 1 time cost of $20K, then we own the deed and can pass down to our kids one day.

The other cost is the monthly HOA which is ~$70 a month and that never goes away.

But we'd access domestic and foreign places. Is this similar to what you have?

I'll be honest, we said no but We both left wondering if we should have done it.

 

[irishnd31]

I can't recall the program name, but this gave us access to any/all wyhdahm resorts.

It was ~125,000 points/year for a 1 time cost of $20K, then we own the deed and can pass down to our kids one day.

The other cost is the monthly HOA which is ~$70 a month and that never goes away.

But we'd access domestic and foreign places. Is this similar to what you have?

I'll be honest, we said no but We both left wondering if we should have done it.

That's exactly what I have. Price seems a little high but you can negotiate (which is why I have it). Yes, you own the deed and yes it gets passed down to your kids or whomever you choose (big selling point for us). Kids will have to pay the monthly but the stays will be paid for (have enough for 3 to 4 weeks in a 2 bedroom deluxe at MOST Wyndham resorts across the US as well as in other countries. Just so you know, the HOA goes up yearly but only by a few bucks. Also got them to give us Wyndham VIP status for as long as we have it. Allows for free upgrades for your entire stay and early check ins and stuff like that.

 

[koonja]

Checking into Bautistas in 10 mins.

 

[cody1smith]

I can't recall the program name, but this gave us access to any/all wyhdahm resorts.

It was ~125,000 points/year for a 1 time cost of $20K, then we own the deed and can pass down to our kids one day.

The other cost is the monthly HOA which is ~$70 a month and that never goes away.

But we'd access domestic and foreign places. Is this similar to what you have?

I'll be honest, we said no but We both left wondering if we should have done it.

If you are looking for a decent meal and are way out on the strip go to the hard rock steakhouse. Can’t remember what it’s called. Order the gamblers special. Steak shrimp and a side for 7.77. Not the best food out there but a nice break from 125 dollar meals

 

[cody1smith]

Almost forgot. It’s not on the menu. But you can get it 24 hours a day

 

[cody1smith]

Aria has a really good buffet too.

 

[calvegas04]

If you are looking for a decent meal and are way out on the strip go to the hard rock steakhouse. Can’t remember what it’s called. Order the gamblers special. Steak shrimp and a side for 7.77. Not the best food out there but a nice break from 125 dollar meals

Hard Rock hotel/casino is closed

 

[Irish#1]

I can't recall the program name, but this gave us access to any/all wyhdahm resorts.

It was ~125,000 points/year for a 1 time cost of $20K, then we own the deed and can pass down to our kids one day.

The other cost is the monthly HOA which is ~$70 a month and that never goes away.

But we'd access domestic and foreign places. Is this similar to what you have?

I'll be honest, we said no but We both left wondering if we should have done it.

You forget we had this discussion when you were looking to buy something before?

I'm not going to bash 31's decision, but get away from Vegas and let things simmer for a couple 2-3 weeks before you do anything.
1. The offer will always be there.
2. Gives you time to dig deep and research thoroughly.
3. HOA fees in the contract rarely have a cap and can raise the fee anytime and any percentage.
4. There's a reason there are companies that you can use to get you out of a timeshare contract.

You broke yet? lol

 

[gkIrish]

Checking into Bautistas in 10 mins.

 

[irishnd31]

You forget we had this discussion when you were looking to buy something before?

I'm not going to bash 31's decision, but get away from Vegas and let things simmer for a couple 2-3 weeks before you do anything.
1. The offer will always be there.
2. Gives you time to dig deep and research thoroughly.
3. HOA fees in the contract rarely have a cap and can raise the fee anytime and any percentage.
4. There's a reason there are companies that you can use to get you out of a timeshare contract.

You broke yet? lol

Agree 100% with all of this.

Oh and thanks for not bashing me. LOL.

 

[ACamp1900]

Oh and thanks for not bashing me. LOL.

We all feel bad at this point,....

 

[koonja]

Excellent recommendation, thank you. Not only is it unlimited wine, but they bring you a giant jug up front. You don't have to wait or feel like they're trying to limit you like some "unlimited" places.

Bread was awesome. Chicken parm was killer.

 

[irishnd31]

We all feel bad at this point,....

 

[ACamp1900]

Excellent recommendation, thank you. Not only is it unlimited wine, but they bring you a giant jug up front. You don't have to wait or feel like they're trying to limit you like some "unlimited" places.

Bread was awesome. Chicken parm was killer.

You had a top flight rib eye for a good price... great manicotti... ravioli,... and you still made terrible choices...


In all seriousness, did you get the salad or the soup? Their 'side salad' was one of the best I've had anywhere. It was basically a small, good quality antipatso salad. Most side salads are just iceberg and carrots... with some of their house balsamic it was honestly the best part of the meal imo and everything else was good too.

 

[Irishnuke]

I can't recall the program name, but this gave us access to any/all wyhdahm resorts.

It was ~125,000 points/year for a 1 time cost of $20K, then we own the deed and can pass down to our kids one day.

The other cost is the monthly HOA which is ~$70 a month and that never goes away.

But we'd access domestic and foreign places. Is this similar to what you have?

I'll be honest, we said no but We both left wondering if we should have done it.

FFS do not buy a timeshare

 

[ACamp1900]

FFS do not buy a timeshare

FFS let him do it...

the IE entertainment would last years...

 

[koonja]

Thanks again for the input. We had a blast in Vegas.

We ate at an italian place walking distance from the Flamingo called "Bautista's hole in the wall". Excellent, excellent Italian food for reasonable price, including unlimited wine.

Ate at "egg****" which was a quick breakfast and amazing. But the best sit down was "HashHouse" at the Linq.

Saw "absinthe" which was very raunchy but hilarious.

As for gambling, we won ~$2,000 playing craps and lost ~$800 in black jack. Overall very good, obviously.

Gambled at Flamingo, Cesears, Linq, Cromwell, Paris, Planet Hollywood. Each casino has its own set up and vibe and there's no wrong answer.

I'd go to each one again. My one regret was we only did Freemonte street on a Wednesday night and left by 8:30pm. My wife is pregnant and she just didn't want to go back, so I wish I could have experienced that more.

Vegas gets a 10/10 from me.

 

[koonja]

Also.... We didn't do the timeshare but I went in open minded and my eyes were opened beyond that. It is not a scam, but that doesn't mean it's for everyone.

The fact that you buy once and that deed is passed down to your kids (long after it's paid for), is attractive
I also loved that the points do not experience inflation and that's guaranteed for the life of your deed. If 7 nights in Hawaii is 40,000 points, it will be 40,000 points 20 years from now. That's a huge selling point when vacation inflation is ~12% per year, higher than anything other than health care. Think about the value locking that in, inflation free.

The deal breaker for us was that being in the midwest, we'd literally have to get the whole family on a plane each time we used the points, and that spikes the total cose.

Had we lived out west or our east where we can drive to a couple vacations per year, we'd likely sign up.

Knock timeshares all you want, but I can personally say the Wyndham one is respectable and if we were in a different part of the country we'd likely be in.

We also never felt pressured and that's saying a lot for my wife, who generally doesn't enjoy confrontation, even in business settings.

 

[NDRock]

Glad you had a good time. I've been to two timeshare deals and both times left there wondering why anyone would buy one. Of course, my wife and I aren't big on the resort type of vacations so it wasn't that attractive anyway.

How much did they want you to spend for 40,000 points? The last one we went to (Hilton), it was like $50,000 or something. Of course, they would finance it at like 12% interest (maybe more). The only way it would be any good if there weren't any yearly maintenance fees.

Anytime someone is selling you something for that much money and they don't give you anytime to think about it, they're full of shit.

 

[koonja]

Glad you had a good time. I've been to two timeshare deals and both times left there wondering why anyone would buy one. Of course, my wife and I aren't big on the resort type of vacations so it wasn't that attractive anyway.

How much did they want you to spend for 40,000 points? The last one we went to (Hilton), it was like $50,000 or something. Of course, they would finance it at like 12% interest (maybe more). The only way it would be any good if there weren't any yearly maintenance fees.

Anytime someone is selling you something for that much money and they don't give you anytime to think about it, they're full of shit.

Here are the two packages they offered:

84,000 points for $16,500, with $59/month HOA.
124,000 points for $19,500 with $81/month HOA.


The first (smaller) option would get us ~10 days a year basically anywhere in the country including Hawaii, easily. In much larger condos than a hotel room which is huge with a 2nd child on the way.

The financing was bad - it would have been 17% but if we did buy we would have paid all of it up front to avoid that.

The thing is, we will easily spend over $100,000 in our lifetime on vacations. Easily.

So for ~$50,000, over the next 25 years (and only ~$700 a year for every year beyond that), our vacation homes are paid for anywhere in the US and about every major city internationally.

And our kids would get the deed for $0 when we die.

 

[NDRock]

Sounds like that would fit your lifestyle well, for us it didn't. I'm pretty sure the last one I was at had a larger ticket price (although they start giving you smaller options once you say no). I personally never liked the monthly fees that end up rising every year. Like I said, wasn't for me but others obviously feel different.

Congrats on the 2nd kid, they're usually wilder than the first. Boy or girl?

 

[edgesofsanity]

This comes up often in the personal finance subreddit. It just came up again and fairly well written on Feb 17, 2020:
https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/f5336f/my_experience_with_a_timeshare_wyndham_sales_team/



There are plenty of other stories, some more positive some more negative. Take it for what they're worth.

https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/aads73/never_buy_a_wyndam_ownership/

https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/80guat/did_i_just_get_taken/

https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/9esw53/wyndam_timeshare_maybe_ok/

https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/4i4rxw/anyone_done_a_timeshare_sales_presentation_got_a/