Well I'm going on my first trip to vegas in about 3 weeks, and wanted to know if any fellow MR members have any suggestions on places to visit. It's a group of about 15 of us, all of us in our mid-20's. I'm not really interested in night clubs and stuff because coming from south beach, its the last thing I want to do over there. Also I've already seen cirque de sole twice, so thats out of the question as well. Thanks ya'll!
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Tips/Suggestions for Las Vegas!
- Thread starter AJ Muni
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One of the hotels (the one with all the M&Ms) has the highest indoor climbing rock in North America (at least it was when I was there). I tried it and made it all the way to the top and it was a lot of fun. There is an "easy" "medium" and "hard" route to the top.
Even if you are just a casual fan of Star Trek you'll like the Hilton Star Trek exhibit and ride. The bar is pretty fun too. Klingons and other characters walking around.
Of course the roller coaster at New York New York is fun. As is the Space Needle (really scary if your afraid of heights).
If you play Texas Hold em, I would recommend playing at around 3:00 am. Lots of bad players as well as drunk and tired players. You can really clean up.
Have fun.
Even if you are just a casual fan of Star Trek you'll like the Hilton Star Trek exhibit and ride. The bar is pretty fun too. Klingons and other characters walking around.
Of course the roller coaster at New York New York is fun. As is the Space Needle (really scary if your afraid of heights).
If you play Texas Hold em, I would recommend playing at around 3:00 am. Lots of bad players as well as drunk and tired players. You can really clean up.
Have fun.
Haha thanks for that tip, I didnt even think about that. I play poker with friends, but not really in casino's. I tend to stick around roulette and black jack tables.
YES! Get to your local bookstore or Amazon and buy the "Las Vegas Little Black Book". It will absolutely change your Vegas experience! My first trip to Vegas was meh and I had no interest in returning. After reading this book and totally employing his advice on my recent trip there for a bachelor party, I can't wait to go back!
The author even provided me with personalized advice via email and is quite accessible to his readers. I'm telling you. Get the book. Read it and believe it. You can thank me later.
Some places to check out; The Gun Store on Tropicana (they have machine gun rentals, yeehaw!), Scores (if you like strip clubs), Casino Royale (it's a dumpy place but they have $1 beer and $2 margaritas, plus low-stakes table games), Del-Friso's (awesome steakhouse), Casa Fuente (awesome cigar store at Caesar's Forum Shops), Double-Down Saloon (locals dive-bar where you can have their signature bacon martini).
I thought about that, but I wonder how much it is. I'm not a cheap dude, but when I called the hotel where I'm staying at, the concierge told me it's $195 per person (It would be $390 in total for me and my girl) that seemed like a lot to me, but I need to do more research.
Going with your lady friend eh? Don't let that deter you from the wisdom in the "Little Black Book". Yeah it's billed as the guide to the perfect guy's weekend, but much of the advice is still valid for a mixed group.
Most important! Don't do the "Vegas wander". You'll end up tired and feeling like you wasted your time. Most people go to Vegas and get total sensory overloaded and end up just sort of wandering around with no goal. It will be especially easy to do with such a large group as you have. Make a schedule, even a loose one. Put it on paper and pass it out. It will make your trip a lot better. Trust me. Please, trust me. I know you don't want to be the bossman, but if you don't you won't have nearly as much fun.
Just came back a few days ago. I understand you're sick of Cirque du Soleil, but please -- you've gotta see Love. It's not what you'd imagine ... and it's freaking amazing. Money well spent.
Check out Jean Philippe Patisserie in the Bellagio -- not just a giant chocolate fountain that took two years to build, but the second best dessert you've ever had in your life. Try the Opera cake ... pretty amazing.
Had a really good meal at Red Square in Mandalay Bay, but was pretty freaking expensive. Was good for us as we were looking for one "nice dinner" amidst the sea of buffets ...
Delicious flights of vodka there, too ...
Where are you staying?
It's completely worth it. If you book direct instead of through the hotel, you get a slightly better deal. They have different trips for different budgets. Just hget the ride that actually lands at the bottom and at the top.
if you like sushi, there's a great place a couple miles off strip called hikari on the southwest corner of buffalo and flamingo. it's good for a group of 3 or 4 (but not 15). while it isn't a buffet, it is all you can eat. you make your order to the sushi chef, and he makes whatever you want and however much you want. rolls, sushi, appetizers, fried rice. it's all included in the price for around $25 (drink and dessert not included). it's a great deal, as i've not had better hamachi or unagi in las vegas. the best part is that they're open until 2am. it's great.
show-wise, if you don't want to see cirque du soleil, i recommend seeing penn and teller (rio). they are by far the most entertaining magicians in las vegas. and although i haven't seen blue man group (luxor) myself, i keep hearing great things about them.
lastly, if you are going to be in a group of 15, you can ask the poker room to set you up with a private poker table or two where you play with you and your buddies and win their money.
show-wise, if you don't want to see cirque du soleil, i recommend seeing penn and teller (rio). they are by far the most entertaining magicians in las vegas. and although i haven't seen blue man group (luxor) myself, i keep hearing great things about them.
lastly, if you are going to be in a group of 15, you can ask the poker room to set you up with a private poker table or two where you play with you and your buddies and win their money.
The Hilton grand vacations club on the strip. It's not where I wanted to stay, but I'm staying there because my sister has one of those time share things, and we get to stay there for 5 nights for free.
BTW, thanks everyone for the advice so far!
The mac fanboy in me would recommend for you to visit the Apple Store at the Fashion Show Mall which is located in the middle of "The Strip"(across Treasure Island and Wynn.)
As to what places to visit to make your trip more pleasurable? I don't know, I've lived here for 11 years and I don't have any suggestions......I really need to get out more
Maybe you should go to Bodies...The Exhibition @ The Tropicana. or maybe even Zumanity @ New York, New York which is like CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.
If you're into roller coasters and thrill rides, definitely visit the top of the Stratosphere. They've added a few rides over the years, the newest one being Insanity.
I don't know, I'm only 18 and can't legally enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer.
Not a hotel, it's GameWorks
As to what places to visit to make your trip more pleasurable? I don't know, I've lived here for 11 years and I don't have any suggestions......I really need to get out more
Maybe you should go to Bodies...The Exhibition @ The Tropicana. or maybe even Zumanity @ New York, New York which is like CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.
If you're into roller coasters and thrill rides, definitely visit the top of the Stratosphere. They've added a few rides over the years, the newest one being Insanity.
I don't know, I'm only 18 and can't legally enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer.
Not a hotel, it's GameWorks
Here is some invaluable advice. Book a limo (or two) for transport from the airport to the hotel. Standing in the cab line at the airport on arrival sucks wind. Or rent a car/van. No matter how you get from the airport to your hotel, pack light and only do carry-on. Buy a bottle of Febreeze and bring less shirts or pants/shorts. Bring a pair of slacks and closed-toe shoes. Some places have dress codes, plus it's Vegas! You want to be able to look classy when you can.
If you take a cab to or from the airport, beware that Vegas cabbies are notorious for squeezing every last cent they can out of you. They will longhaul you at every chance. To/from the airport, this phrase is your friend; "Take Paradise, no tunnel". They'll try to get you to take the freeway because it's "faster". Baloney, it's a longer drive and therefore more expensive. Just burn that phrase into your skull and never forget it.
Watch out for any suggestions cabbies make too. Most places (clubs, strip and otherwise) pay the cabbies kickbacks. So the cabbie suggests a place to go and they charge you a big entrance fee, with most of it going to the cab driver.
For such a long trip, the casinos and bars are going to get old after a couple of days. Look into a show like Blue Man Group. I haven't seen it there, but I have been to the Chicago production six times and it's awesome. Golf is an option, as are daytrips to the canyon and Hoover Dam. Break it up though. Get sleep, even if it's just a few hours a night. Some people go and try to stay up the whole time, that's just dumb. Drink lots of water. I'd suggest at least one glass for every cocktail you have. It's very dry. Bring a jacket, it gets cold there at night.
If you take a cab to or from the airport, beware that Vegas cabbies are notorious for squeezing every last cent they can out of you. They will longhaul you at every chance. To/from the airport, this phrase is your friend; "Take Paradise, no tunnel". They'll try to get you to take the freeway because it's "faster". Baloney, it's a longer drive and therefore more expensive. Just burn that phrase into your skull and never forget it.
Watch out for any suggestions cabbies make too. Most places (clubs, strip and otherwise) pay the cabbies kickbacks. So the cabbie suggests a place to go and they charge you a big entrance fee, with most of it going to the cab driver.
For such a long trip, the casinos and bars are going to get old after a couple of days. Look into a show like Blue Man Group. I haven't seen it there, but I have been to the Chicago production six times and it's awesome. Golf is an option, as are daytrips to the canyon and Hoover Dam. Break it up though. Get sleep, even if it's just a few hours a night. Some people go and try to stay up the whole time, that's just dumb. Drink lots of water. I'd suggest at least one glass for every cocktail you have. It's very dry. Bring a jacket, it gets cold there at night.
I'd recommend the Stratosphere and enjoying a couple of the rides that chuck you off the edge of the tower, that's a very strange experience!
We also had an awesome night at a hotel that's not on the strip, but set back. It has a massive sky terrace and you can see the whole strip and old town from there. Great but expensive place to spend an evening. I can't remember what it's called though
Just taking a wander round some of the hotels is enjoyable, especially the Venetian, the Bellagio and probably the Wynn, although that was just about to open when I went about mid March a couple of years ago. We stayed at The Mirage for a week on business and it was one of the most amusing weeks I've ever had.
Beware the timewarp factor too. Those casinos are designed to keep you inside drinking and losing your money for as long as you can sustain it
Edit: The hotel with the sky terrace is the Rio and the terrace is actually part of a bar called The Voodoo Lounge. Once they kick you out of there at 3am or so you can carry on downstairs...
We also had an awesome night at a hotel that's not on the strip, but set back. It has a massive sky terrace and you can see the whole strip and old town from there. Great but expensive place to spend an evening. I can't remember what it's called though
Just taking a wander round some of the hotels is enjoyable, especially the Venetian, the Bellagio and probably the Wynn, although that was just about to open when I went about mid March a couple of years ago. We stayed at The Mirage for a week on business and it was one of the most amusing weeks I've ever had.
Beware the timewarp factor too. Those casinos are designed to keep you inside drinking and losing your money for as long as you can sustain it
Edit: The hotel with the sky terrace is the Rio and the terrace is actually part of a bar called The Voodoo Lounge. Once they kick you out of there at 3am or so you can carry on downstairs...
Study your black jack strategy. I also concur on the texas hold um tip. That has paid for me quite a few trips while in vegas. The hoover dam is pretty neat, but beware the dam dog. That will make you hurt. The Hard Rock Casino Pool is pretty cool, there is a good party going on there. Blue Man Group is a cool show. Downtown is pretty good, as well as the place with all the old signs.
I would advise to party hard and gamble during the night. Don't be afraid to lose a little money and just do it for fun. That is when I had the best time. Blowing a couple of hundred bucks with your buddies while your getting trashed is pretty fun. Also, if you get on a role, make sure you know when to pull out.
Most important is have fun. Vegas has a lot of things to do, there are also a lot of good strip clubs as well. Don't try to do it all at once, but try to relax and have a good time. Go to sports book and bet on a basketball game or two.
Hope you have fun and guard your wallet!
I would advise to party hard and gamble during the night. Don't be afraid to lose a little money and just do it for fun. That is when I had the best time. Blowing a couple of hundred bucks with your buddies while your getting trashed is pretty fun. Also, if you get on a role, make sure you know when to pull out.
Most important is have fun. Vegas has a lot of things to do, there are also a lot of good strip clubs as well. Don't try to do it all at once, but try to relax and have a good time. Go to sports book and bet on a basketball game or two.
Hope you have fun and guard your wallet!
Has anybody been to the Springs Preserve or know if it's wonderful or awful?
I'm a science and zoo geek and wondering whether to visit it on an upcoming trip to Las Vegas. Even if it's too hot to stroll the outdoor trails, it looks like there's a lot to see indoors.
I'm a science and zoo geek and wondering whether to visit it on an upcoming trip to Las Vegas. Even if it's too hot to stroll the outdoor trails, it looks like there's a lot to see indoors.
Here is a photo of the front of Fashion Show mall, which is where the Las Vegas Apple Store is. The big screens out front show ads, including iPod ads, and I caught them just as the Apple logo appeared.
The mall is across the street from the Wynn hotel and I got a pretty good shot of the hotel too.
I didn't go to Springs Preserve because it was too hard/expensive to get to without a car!
The mall is across the street from the Wynn hotel and I got a pretty good shot of the hotel too.
I didn't go to Springs Preserve because it was too hard/expensive to get to without a car!
