Vegas Recomendations

[ACamp1900]

Now that you slackers have given him hotel recommendations, let's get serious.

Get rooms for the ladies at one hotel and rooms for you guys at another. Line up some Gigolo's for the ladies to keep them busy all day and all night. Then you do what a man's gotta do. :awesomewo

I would assume the men stay in Reno next to the Bunny Ranch then.....

 

[Booslum31]

Here is a question for the board, has anyone ever stayed at the Bellagio?? What are/were your thoughts? I'd be interested to hear...

Just walked over a few times from the Cosmo...but I couldn't find the party. Someone told me at the time that the Bellagio was losing $1M a day. Is that even possible?

 

[ACamp1900]

Just walked over a few times from the Cosmo...but I couldn't find the party. Someone told me at the time that the Bellagio was losing $1M a day. Is that even possible?

Doesn't sound like it...

Can You Guess Which Las Vegas Casino Makes the Most Money? -- The Motley Fool

 

[IrishLax]

The Wife and I are looking to take a trip to Vegas in March of next year. We're planing on going during the first weekend of the NCAA tournament (the only other time I went to Vegas was during this time, and it was a riot). There are some other couples going as well.

I'll be there the same weekend for my bachelor party.

I've been tasked with picking the Hotel and some activities for the group (more specifically, the ladies, as the guys plan on watching games and drinking as much as possible).

Anyone have a recommendations on where to stay? We're looking for somewhere with a Sports Book on site, reasonably priced, and near everything. Any advice for shows that the wives may enjoy? Anything else?

As a point of reference, last time I stayed at Treasure Island and loved it (sports book, sports bar with cheap drinks during the games, decent food, fun gambling). If all else fails, I'd probably just plan on us going back there.

Any tips would be appreciated!

Treasure Island is my affordable "go to" on the strip. It really has everything you're looking for, and you can always walk across the street to the Palazzo/Venetian. Love the book over there, as well as their sports bar (Legasses Stadium or something) which is a great place to eat and watch games at the same time.

I don't really like south strip that much if there's not something specific (i.e. a fight) pulling you that direction.

 

[GoldenToTheGrave]

The Stratosphere can get you a cheap room but it's a dump and way the hell at the end of the strip, not really near anything else.

Not sure if you're into clubs at all but Trist in the Wynn is one of the most fun I've ever been to, and I've been to a bunch in Vegas and NYC.

 

[ACamp1900]

I'll be there the same weekend for my bachelor party.

Jumping on the SCOTUS ruling pretty quick huh??

The Stratosphere can get you a cheap room but it's a dump and way the hell at the end of the strip, not really near anything else.

But Westward Ho! Is right next door and Circus Circus is super high class!!!

 

[RDU Irish]

I used to enjoy Planet Hollywood for cheap rooms in the middle of everything. Seems they jacked up their rates and f-ed up the poker room so you are no longer staring at the good gambling area (scantily clad dealers). Poker room sucked when I was there last fall and I used to really like it.

I am convinced the way to do Vegas is alternating weekends. Girls to Bellagio or Venitian one weekend, boys to the cheapest dive near the action the next weekend. So annoying when you are trying to log 10 hours straight in a poker room and your girl is nagging you to go to a damn show.

Since you are bringing the ladies - go with the cheapest 4 star option that weekend. It will probably be one of the places with no sports book or a crappy one. Just hike your ass to the nearest good one for the games.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

A client of mine that has been to Vegas over a hundred times, told me that Fremont Street (old Vegas) is a can't miss experience. Said that Fremont at night is a better time than the strip. More of a Bourbon Street vibe than a Strip Vibe, just with Vegas flair. Can anyone confirm?

It was "meh" to me. The light show is cool. The history is cool. That's about it.

 

[calvegas04]

Vadra is very nice, no casino in it but it is a nice 30 sec walk to aria. People talking about Imperial Palace if you haven't seen it after the renovations you are in for a big surprise. I would recommend Planet Hollywood or Caesars, or if you dont mind staying off the strip I would say Red Rock hotel which is 15 mins from the strip but it is a 5 star hotel

 

[BleedBlueGold]

RDU, I'm pretty sure PH got a massive renovation in the last 5-10 years...perhaps that's why the rates went up? IIRC.

No one has mentioned Aria. It's a pretty badass hotel. Vadra is cool too.

I've actually in the newly renovated rooms at the Flamingo too. Good prices there.

 

[RDU Irish]

RDU, I'm pretty sure PH got a massive renovation in the last 5-10 years...perhaps that's why the rates went up? IIRC.

No one has mentioned Aria. It's a pretty badass hotel. Vadra is cool too.

I've actually in the newly renovated rooms at the Flamingo too. Good prices there.

Right after the renovations it was fantastic and cheap. I never stayed before the renovations. Pleasure Pit was right next to the Poker area for a long time and they moved it a year or two ago. Before you had tons of talent to look at and the location brought in some fish. Now it is off to the side and felt like townie central, bad action and nothing to look at while you wait for a good hand.

I love poker in Vegas. All the other gaming is way too easy to blow your bankroll fast. I can play poker for days on a much smaller nut and actually have a legitimate chance at winning.

MGM last fall was a great poker area. Just down from some popular club so the nightlife walking by was enough to hurt your neck. Saw Evander Holyfield walk by mid morning the next day, just an active area with good mix of players to boot. Caesars room has lots of action but I hate the atmosphere. I hear Aria has a really good higher stakes poker room, but I would rather win against nobodies than lose to poker pros.

 

[nsideirish]

Imperial Palace is now known as "The Linq" as it is right next to Caesar's new development with the same name. Super nice area with some cool shops and restaurants (in between The Linq and Flamingo--where O'Shea's used to be [O'Shea's is bar within The Linq now]). They completely remodeled the casino floor and are currently in the process of remodeling the rooms. Expect rates to climb accordingly. I believe the cheapest properties on the Strip (only including the household names) are Flamingo, Bally's, Excalibur and Luxor. Of those, I like Flamingo and Bally's for their location.

Regarding opening weekend of March Madness--it will be chaos. I haven't been there in a couple years but every hotel will be packed, rates wil be jacked up and during the games, sportsbooks will be ROWDY and packed. As the time draws closer, some resorts will start advertising watch parties that include AYCE/D packages. I'd recommend looking into those.

 

[ACamp1900]

Imperial Palace is now known as "The Linq" as it is right next to Caesar's new development with the same name. Super nice area with some cool shops and restaurants (in between The Linq and Flamingo--where O'Shea's used to be [O'Shea's is bar within The Linq now]). They completely remodeled the casino floor and are currently in the process of remodeling the rooms. Expect rates to climb accordingly. I believe the cheapest properties on the Strip (only including the household names) are Flamingo, Bally's, Excalibur and Luxor. Of those, I like Flamingo and Bally's for their location.

Regarding opening weekend of March Madness--it will be chaos. I haven't been there in a couple years but every hotel will be packed, rates wil be jacked up and during the games, sportsbooks will be ROWDY and packed. As the time draws closer, some resorts will start advertising watch parties that include AYCE/D packages. I'd recommend looking into those.

They got rid of the OG O'Shea's!!!! NNOOOoooo!

In the mall/connection between Man Bay and (I think) Excalibur there is a place called, "The Burger Bar"... it's a must for any Red Blooded American Male. Just about any meat you can make a burger with on just about any kind of bun with just about any toppings you can think of... build your own...

love that place.

 

[GoldenDome]

I'll be there. I have been going for the last 10 years now and March Madness has gotten bigger and bigger every year. I suggest reserving seating if you plan on spending the day in the sports book. Mandalay Bay is the best to watch the game and sit down sit they open up many areas to watch the game. Beer is about $7 plus tax a pop unless you get a bucket of 5 @$25.


If you want to go baller status go to Lagasse Stadium. They have their own sports book.

I usually drive up and stay at the Wynn because I love their Tableau coffee shop right down the elevator. Met Coach K in the elevator there once during the summer since the Wynn is the official hotel of Team USA.

Let me know if you need any info about any hotel or casino, I have practically stayed at all of them. I really like Venetian/Palazzo as well considering their restaurants and sports book is amazing. They recently installed (about 2 years ago) a state of the art HD screens in their so the picture quality is vivid and clear. If you get there early enough, you can get a seat with a video poker and slip a $20 bill in the machine and get free drinks all day long, just tip. I advise getting their really really early if you want to do that.

Wynn/Encore also has a place called Dockside Lounge that faces the pool so you can watch the games, drink, watch the "view", and has a small sports book nearby that has practically no lines. This place or Mandalay Bay is probably my go to places unless I reserve a spot somewhere.

 

[Irish#1]

Vadra is very nice, no casino in it but it is a nice 30 sec walk to aria. People talking about Imperial Palace if you haven't seen it after the renovations you are in for a big surprise. I would recommend Planet Hollywood or Caesars, or if you dont mind staying off the strip I would say Red Rock hotel which is 15 mins from the strip but it is a 5 star hotel

Stayed at the Red Rock on business a couple of times. No complaints. Mandalay Bay is very nice for accommodations. Can't speak to the sports book.

 

[GoldenDome]

Also for the ladies, I recommend Rabbit Rose and Lie at the Cosmopolitan. It is more like a dinner show and we had a blast the last time we were there.

 

[calvegas04]

They got rid of the OG O'Shea's!!!! NNOOOoooo!

The new O'Shea's

 

[texbender]

Staying in old Vegas I would suggest either Golden Nugget or El Cortez....nothing fancy but has what you need at reasonable cost.
Last few times in LV I stayed at MGM, but mostly gambled across the street at NY NY.
I think the pools are too cold during March madness.

 

[NDShark]

I'm headed to Vegas this year for March Madness (technically the week after opening weekend, I'll be at a work conference). I was reading through this thread and saw a few of you went out last year like Woneone, Lax, GoldenDome for the same weekend.

Just wondering if you guys had any recommendations having been out there recently. TBH I didn't realize March Madness was such a big deal out there. A co-worker wants to go out early and stay at the Westgate for the tournament and hang at the book all day. Anyone been there and recommend it? Rooms there look livable and cheap.

Also, I had considered doing a day trip up to Zion or Brice, but I'm not sure if I'll do that.

 

[ulukinatme]

I'm headed to Vegas this year for March Madness (technically the week after opening weekend, I'll be at a work conference). I was reading through this thread and saw a few of you went out last year like Woneone, Lax, GoldenDome for the same weekend.

Just wondering if you guys had any recommendations having been out there recently. TBH I didn't realize March Madness was such a big deal out there. A co-worker wants to go out early and stay at the Westgate for the tournament and hang at the book all day. Anyone been there and recommend it? Rooms there look livable and cheap.

Also, I had considered doing a day trip up to Zion or Brice, but I'm not sure if I'll do that.

Hookers. Lots of hookers.



I've never actually been to Vegas.

 

[dang227]

I'm headed to Vegas this year for March Madness (technically the week after opening weekend, I'll be at a work conference). I was reading through this thread and saw a few of you went out last year like Woneone, Lax, GoldenDome for the same weekend.

Just wondering if you guys had any recommendations having been out there recently. TBH I didn't realize March Madness was such a big deal out there. A co-worker wants to go out early and stay at the Westgate for the tournament and hang at the book all day. Anyone been there and recommend it? Rooms there look livable and cheap.

Also, I had considered doing a day trip up to Zion or Brice, but I'm not sure if I'll do that.

The Wynn used to have a pretty sweet setup for March Madness. One fee would get you into the ballroom with every game on huge screen, buffet, gambling and sports book. Had a blast when I did it and never stepped foot outside of the hotel.

 

[drayer54]

Caesars or Wynn if you have an AARP card.

Hard Rock if you're using a fake ID or still party like you're in college.

Treasure Island if you like your women on the easy side and are on a budget.

Cosmopolitan if you match a little too well for a normal guy.
Jaleo or whatever the tapas restaurant is f'n amazing.

aaaaand the Trump. My favorite because it has nice rooms and no casino, so it is easy to get in and out of. Plus it's close to the trashy chicks that I like to look at in the nearby TI.

Most of them have a good setup for sports. Caesars does for sure.

 

[ulukinatme]

Caesars or Wynn if you have an AARP card.

Hard Rock if you're using a fake ID or still party like you're in college.

Treasure Island if you like your women on the easy side and are on a budget.

Cosmopolitan if you match a little too well for a normal guy.
Jaleo or whatever the tapas restaurant is f'n amazing.

aaaaand the Trump. My favorite because it has nice rooms and no casino, so it is easy to get in and out of. Plus it's close to the trashy chicks that I like to look at in the nearby TI.

Most of them have a good setup for sports. Caesars does for sure.

This guy is a pro

 

[NDShark]

Caesars or Wynn if you have an AARP card.

Hard Rock if you're using a fake ID or still party like you're in college.

Treasure Island if you like your women on the easy side and are on a budget.

Cosmopolitan if you match a little too well for a normal guy.
Jaleo or whatever the tapas restaurant is f'n amazing.

aaaaand the Trump. My favorite because it has nice rooms and no casino, so it is easy to get in and out of. Plus it's close to the trashy chicks that I like to look at in the nearby TI.

Most of them have a good setup for sports. Caesars does for sure.

Thank you, kind sir.

This guy is a pro

Indeed, it would appear that way.

Has anyone done the nat'l parks around the area? Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, etc. Just wondering if I should prioritize one over the others if I plan to do that.

 

[Irishokie]

Any advice from recent Vegas visitors? I’m looking into going for the Viva Las Vegas car show next month. Needing advice on the better hotels to stay at and what spots to see as it’ll be our first time.

 

[texbender]

Venetian is a really nice hotel on the Strip. Go downtown at least one night (Saturday is best) for he atmosphere and scene, and the casinos down there are cheaper and I seem to win more there than on the Strip.
Shows are abundant except on Sunday/Monday nights.

 

[hungryhippo]

Any advice from recent Vegas visitors? I’m looking into going for the Viva Las Vegas car show next month. Needing advice on the better hotels to stay at and what spots to see as it’ll be our first time.

Few random thoughts from a recent local, a few non-strip suggestions:

Friends who stayed on the strip said they found good deals at Paris, which is right across from the Bellagio Fountains.

Get out to Turtlehead Peak at Red Rock Canyon. Great views on a challenging hike maybe 25 min west of the strip.

Atomic Liquors downtown is a cool bar that has a ton of Vegas history.

The best tacos I've ever had in my life - no joke - are the adobada ones at Tacos El Gordo (multiple locations, 1 on the strip somewhere I believe). Get 5 or 6, they're small.

Mystere is the best Cirque show I saw. The Michael Jackson and Beatles Love ones were also very enjoyable. If you have time, catch a VGK game at T-Mobile, too.

The Golden Steer looks like a dumpy hole in the wall in a strip mall, but is a really cool steakhouse, again, with history. Elvis & the Rat Pack ate there. Went for a ribeye both birthdays I spent in Vegas.

 

[hungryhippo]

Thank you, kind sir.



Indeed, it would appear that way.

Has anyone done the nat'l parks around the area? Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, etc. Just wondering if I should prioritize one over the others if I plan to do that.

Grand Canyon, South rim > North rim. Both great, but strongly preferred the South.

Zion is incredible. Angels Landing one of my favorite all time hikes.

I still regret not making it to Bryce.

Valley of Fire state park about an hour north of Vegas is highly underrated.