'; Full Pay '; Video poker

Could someone please explain this term and why you would not want to play a VP machine that was not %26#39;Full Pay %26#39; ?

Does it have to do with the payout tables when you win?

Thanx,

'; Full Pay '; Video poker

Yes it has everything to do with the pay tables. Every version of VP has what they call full pay. Meaning anything less is not full pay. You know this by understanding what the full pay is for a specific game then comparing it to a pay table of a game that has been changed to pay less. If you do a google search on VP or go to Bobdancer.com, you will learn more than you probably want to know about vp. good luck! Paul

'; Full Pay '; Video poker

www.wizardofodds.com is an awesome place to go look and learn about odds of video poker! You can even %26#39;practice%26#39; playing some popular types of VP machines to understand some strategy.

Many (or most or all) of the machines that are not ';full pay'; are designed to fool you. The casinos don%26#39;t just lower the payoffs across the board, but they lower some of the payoffs and raise others. It is virtually impossible for any normal human being to calculate (without a computer or a heck of a lot of paper and a pencil) how raising the payoff on one combination and lowering it on another will impact the expected value of the play. But my intuition tells me something -- the casinos are varying this for their benefit, not because they want to give back more to their valued customers!!

I started to toy around with the calculation of how the different pay tables changed the expected value of a game on a Dueces Wild Bonus game comparing it to the Dueces Wild full pay machine. I didn%26#39;t have any of the statistical breakdowns with me, and had to try to start from scratch; it was too hard, and I simply gave up, before I had finished my first page of calculations.

Most players don%26#39;t know about Full Pay, and virtually none of them know anything about the statistics of the game. So they don%26#39;t worry about it. I know about Full Pay, and I know far too much about statistics and game theory, but it is very hard to go around a casino looking at the pay-off tables on each machine, searching for a full pay machine. In one casino, I found identical machines, right next each other, one was full pay, the other was not. The full pay machine was occupied, and I got tired of checking the payoff tables long before I checked every one in the casino -- without finding a second full pay machine.

I concur that the wizardofodds site is a great place to get your education on video poker!

Full pay is great, but it is a little more than that. To achieve the full pay, you must play with perfect strategy. Knowing what to hold in every 5 card deal is critical. You can buy Bob Dancer%26#39;s strategy cards or the easier Frugal Gambler%26#39;s cards to help you. It is OK to have them in the casino with you. Wizard of odds has also added simple strategies you can print for free from his site if you want to save a few bucks.

I also suggest getting a game that teaches you strategy. There is a slots game that you can get at Best Buy ($9.99)made by Masque that has VP and teaches you strategy. You can review your errors at the end of the session.

One person suggested that there is a full pay game for every game out there. Not exactly true. Some variations of VP have their highest pay table at 98%. While that is a good pay, it is not full pay. The VP gurus out there like to view full pay as a game that with the added value of the slot club cash and comps or by itsef has a payback of 100% or more. 9/6 Jacks or better yields 99.6% by itself. Full pay Dueces pays over 100%. 10/7 Double Bonus has an over time payback of about 100.7%.

Remember, it is perfectly legal to make a cheat sheet of full pay tables for different varieties of games so you do not have to remember what paytables yield what percentage over time.

Lyle

I practice a bit with my Hoyle game. I was a bit confused as based on my personal luck over time I did better on VP than on the slots. I did not use any outlandish strategy just remembering from my old draw poker playing days.

The way people were talking about full pay machines it seemed to be that a person should never play VP unless you had found the rare FP machine. I was wondering how much of a dope I was being.

grayhorse,

Good point though - even with not perfect strategy for every hand, it is still a better venture than slots. Your money will last alot longer. By that reason though, most slot clubs do not give points at the same rate for VP play as they do slots.

Some casinos do not give comps or cashback on full pay machines either.

Lyle

Members opinions

I have a question.

I have been reading posts by a couple of members and was wondering and hoping for a reply.

I like to go to clubs, dancing, and just hanging out with FRIENDLY people. I am copying a post from another thread, something I read, and want to make sure this does not happen to me since obnoxious people are no fun to be around.

';Or else you could just wonder around the strip aimlessly like most tourist and walk into the highest priced joint in town full of obnoxious people like me.';

Can someone tell me where the not obnosious people go where tourists are just as welcome to have fun with them.

Members opinions

red, what kind of music do you like to dance too and what age group are you comfortable with? The reason I ask is most of the clubs attract very young crowds and the tend to play hip-hop, rap, techno, ect. If that is your taste, then just about any of the clubs should do. If you are older and like rock, blues, country, or new wave your choices are somewhat limited. but there are places to go.

As far as being welcome in LV, the only qualification in this town is like any tourist destination around the world, is you have money to spend. That may be cold, but it is true. Have fun, relax, and enjoy. Lets us know what your taste are, and I can at least give some specific places to look at.

Members opinions

Early 30s not over 35 and enjoy current hits, rock, and early rock, 80%26#39;s music.

I dont want to call it classic yet I am not that old. lol

I would also like to know where people go to have a good time, lots of drinks and socializing without having to worry about the impression I%26#39;m making, or if my jeans and button-down shirt are ';in style'; for that day.

Red %26amp; Dug: I%26#39;m 33 and fashion challenged. Here are some places that I think are a lot of fun but not pretentious. They would probably be considered bars rather then clubs but still very lively.

Dualing Piano Bar at NYNY

Coyote Ugly at NYNY

Margaritaville on the Strip

Kahunaville at TI

Voodoo Lounge at Rio (no shorts or sandals here)

The lounge in MB back by the restaurants

Brew Pub at Monte Carlo

Thanks alot for those vt, I am more of a pub/lounge person, even in Vegas I have a hard time convincing my wallet to part with $20 after standing in line, to go inside and pay a ton for a drink and stand around, when I can have the same drink AND hear my friends%26#39; talking to me for a whole lot less. Not even going to touch the whole aspect of bottle service, I%26#39;ve never been that lucky at BJ to afford to do that.

11 days!

Is there any post that anyone has a link to, or perhaps another site, where there is a breakdown of the clubs??

1) what kind of music

2) dress code

3) type of crowd

4) cover charge

5) how crowded is it

Can I get a better room by checking in later?

Just wondering if I would get a ';better'; room by ckecking in

around say 5:00pm, instead of getting in around 12ish and

seeing if I could get a room upgrade.

Just wondering if it matters.

Can I get a better room by checking in later?

Upgrades are given when available, when requested and if the person requesting meets certain requirements. Somteimes the requirement is just that you ask. Others it maybe that the suites and rooms with the best views are held for high rollers or returning guests. They may be held for guests celebrating Anniversaries, Birthdays, Honeymoons. Only way to find out is to ask. You will get what you paid for, sometimes you will gett a little more. If you wait until 5:00, 6:00 midnight, they may have given out all the standard rooms and have no choice but to upgrade you.

Can I get a better room by checking in later?

If you have ever stayed there before, ask for the room when you make the reservations. If you have never been there,when you make the reservations,let them know what you want and they will take care of you.

I really do not understand people sometimes. This question appears multiple times every day, phrased every which way. What I do not understand is why people depend on a free upgrade. If you want a room for with a view, suite, spa, or whatever, why not just ask for it when making reservations and pay for it.

It%26#39;s like going to the grocery store and walking up to the butcher counter, asking for hamburger, then asking to be upgraded to a steak for free. Then you have the nerve to be dissapointed when you get what you asked for in the first place.

It never hurts to ask politely. If they willingly offer you a nicer room then take it with a smile but don%26#39;t ever EXPECT to get an upgrade for free.

-andy

I agree with ';owa';. I work for a hotel (not in Vegas) and everyone expects an upgrade all the time and get REALLY angry when we can%26#39;t or don%26#39;t give it. I%26#39;m sure they would not give me an upgrade in their own business so why are hotels always getting the heat? Even a irlines don%26#39;t bump you to first class anymore....

OWA I have seen your response in every thread related to this topic and you always have the same response. If it annoys you so much why do u even go into those postings? It all seems a bit juvenile to me...and did u ever think maybe people cant afford the nicer room? Maybe that they had to make a choice b/t a nicer room and gambling? Dont just assume anything...you have no idea where people are coming from or what their situation is. Who gives you the right to judge...besides who says it is expected? it is just a nice perk for some people.

Yo Owa why don%26#39;t you give yourself a break? I%26#39;m SURE you have better things to do?

Flamingo hotel rates - HELP

I%26#39;ve been checking the rates at the Flamingo website, it seems that evey day the rates are going up. I just called the hotel, and although the room rates are $100 for one of the nights, and $105 for the other two nights we need in April, I was told that if I want a guaranteed strip view, it will be an extra $40 a night!!!! after sounding very disappointed, I was told that they did have other upgraded rooms at $20 a night extra, but without a guaranteed strip view!! Is this something new? Can anyone give me some advice as to what to do? By the way, we can%26#39;t check in at the airport as we are travelling from LA by car.

I would appreciate any help!!

Flamingo hotel rates - HELP

Most places will charge more for strip view. Unless you plan on sitting in your room and looking out the window most of the time dont worry about it. People put too much emphasis on their room and in my opinion waste their money by paying for the upgrades. Just go ahead and take the 100 and 105 rates and when you check in very nicely ask if they have any free upgrades. IF they have them, they will give you one. Keep in mind that they want you to be happy.

blackheads scars

Low Key Bars???

Any suggestions for a more low key bar on the strip? Do they exist on the strip? lol I%26#39;m not interested in a huge party bar/club but somewhere my boyfriend and I can just sit and relax with a drink.

Thanks in advance.

Low Key Bars???

Just about any casino bar is low key, they are scattered throughout any casino floor that the cocktail waitresses use. I think you might be confused between lounges and bars. My favorite is a local chain called PT%26#39;s Pub, but none on the strip. My other favorites is one in the hotel I work in called The Brew Pub located in MC, and the other is Cleopatras Barge in CP. Lots of places to choose from. Is that what you are looking for?

Low Key Bars???

This is the advice froma similar stream titled ';members opinions'; by redlioness, hopefully vtgambler doesn%26#39;t mind my putting it here since I%26#39;m going to use it:

Red %26amp; Dug: I%26#39;m 33 and fashion challenged. Here are some places that I think are a lot of fun but not pretentious. They would probably be considered bars rather then clubs but still very lively.

Dualing Piano Bar at NYNY

Coyote Ugly at NYNY

Margaritaville on the Strip

Kahunaville at TI

Voodoo Lounge at Rio (no shorts or sandals here)

The lounge in MB back by the restaurants

Brew Pub at Monte Carlo

hope that helps a bit, I am also more of the ';have a drink'; type than the ';music so loud you can%26#39;t think'; type.

WES teach -

If you are looking for low-key, there%26#39;s a place in North Las Vegas called O%26#39;Aces Bar and Grill. It%26#39;s on Rainbow Blvd and about 20 minutes away from the Strip. It%26#39;s a small bar where you can still smoke, drink and eat for great prices. The bonus is the great tasting, homecooked food. A great place to land when you are looking to get a quiet break away from the Strip.

Joe Rogan@ HOB??

I just purchased tix to see Joe Rogan(Fear Factor)..At the House of Blues....

I didnt know he did a comedy show..

Anybody have any info????

I Love him on ';Fear Factor';

Joe Rogan@ HOB??

We%26#39;ve seem him at the Improv in CA. He has some good ones and some corny ones but overall we enjoyed the show.

Joe Rogan@ HOB??

When is Joe Rogan at HOB?

Next Friday ,March 25th...

Have you ever seen him on the man show? He%26#39;s terrible!! He%26#39;s loud and obnoxious, but I wouldn%26#39;t exactly call him funny. He is good on Fear Factor tho...

Need GRAND CANYON tour recommedations

Please give me any advice on which tour company you would recommend. I want a air tour, preferably not to exceed 6-8 hours.

Need GRAND CANYON tour recommedations

I went on a scenic air tour which was about 8 hours door to door - check out their website

Best time to go is in the morning as the afternoons can get a bit turbulent

Need GRAND CANYON tour recommedations

I went with '; Vision';. They, and probably the other tour companies as well, will pick you up at your hotel. Air is the only way to go, and I believe 6 hours is about the time. Great views of the canyon from the air, and then onto a bus where they take you to the prime places for viewing, then back on a plane and back to LV to enjoy the rest of the day.

Go in the morning, and you%26#39;ll still have plenty of time to enjoy LV later on, and the tour will be more likely to be on schedule. WE did afternoon and waited a long time.

How much was this tour?

Wolfman...

This sounds like exactly the tour we plan to do in August!

One thing I%26#39;d like your opinion on... Did you feel the bus tour was worthwhile? I%26#39;m not keen to spend an hour stop at a souvenir shop when i could take the Free Spirit tour and explore independently at the Rim, or spend an extra $100 for a helicopter flight over the north canyon, whats your thoughts???

many thanks!

My advice is to avoid Papillon if you can.

Hi.

We took last fall a helicopter tour and we (my wife and I and some friends) all thought is was pahntastic. We flew out of the heli-port on the south end of the strip and we were returned to our hotel the Ritz Carlton on Lake Las Vegas. The whole tour took about 8 hrs. door-to-door. A champagner lunch on the bottom of the Grand Canyon was included and was served by a butler who already was there awaiting not only our chopper but many more during the day.

The pilot was extremly informative and entertaining and he went along with wishes of the passenger to fly a little off the route to show some individual favourites.

All in all it was very memorable and worth every penny ( appx. $ 380 per person).

Have a nice trip

we just returned from vegas this week we took a helicopter ride to canyon withHeli-USA we had the helicopter and ranch adventure. they picked us up at our appartment (on time)

weflew for aprox 50mins over hoover dam and lake mead and onto grand conyon, we than landed for a BBQ and an optional horse ride(30mins for $30) at a working ranch we were on ground for approx 1hr 30mins then took off again and were flown round the stratostphere and down the strip this cost$540 for the two of us total trip time approx 4hr 30mins door to door ps we did purchase a dvd with our selves on it for $40

go to www.HeliUSA.com or telephone 1.800.359.8727

they have many different trips

Tripadvisor forum is priceless!

I have been to Vegas as many others have I have seen on this forum. I only wish I had found this site before the first time I went! I could have saved a lot of time and probably money with a better overall experience too. We saw the basics everyone that goes to Vegas sees but there is so much more! Great to hear about the best places to eat, and all the cool places the Travel shows do not have time for. Tripadvisor Vegas rocks!

Tripadvisor forum is priceless!

I have to agree hereinoregon,

My first visit was 1984 , my last was 1998, so the info from this site is ';priceless'; Y%26#39;all know who ya are! Thanx !!!

Tripadvisor forum is priceless!

Delta Airlines tickets to Vegas .... $200

4 day stay at The Flamingo ..... $300

Getting your post deleted by the TripAdvisor Staff.....Priceless !

I agree. I should have mentioned that before I went 2 years ago I thought I did everything right! I looked at websites and pictures of rooms and all that. But, none of the hotel website tell you anything about an individual experience. Not everyone agrees but there seems to be something for everyone and every budget in Vegas. I mostly don%26#39;t want to miss the ';best stuff'; next time I go. There is a lot of difference obviously between one buffet and another for example. How could you know that without this forum?

totally agree with ya there. I%26#39;ve only been on the forum for less than a week and my honey and I already have the whole trip planned based on some of the helpful hints and tips we got here.

I was in Las Vegas a few years ago and before I went I bought the expensive guide books etc but it was a waste, I have learnt more on this forum in the past few months and the advice here is free and the knowledge super!

I%26#39;ve been hooked on this forum for about 6 months and have already made one trip to LV. I%26#39;ll be making another next week.

Can%26#39;t wait, and I can%26#39;t get enough good information thanks to tripadvisor forum postings..

yeah agree this forum is priceless, the tips you get from here go a long way to make the trip that much better!

The first time we visited, I didn%26#39;t do any research and just winged it. This time I%26#39;m in danger of informaton overload! I%26#39;ve had to make a list of all the do%26#39;s and don%26#39;ts, the buffets to visit and those to avoid, places to see, etc.

Thanks to all for their contributions.

I also agree, I haev found out so much information, I also no wthat now matter what the question is people always have an answer.

I also get to meet some of these people face to face, woudl not be possible if I had not found the site.

New WYNN Las Vegas FLASH website launched w/ new pictures...

www.wynnlasvegas.com

The Flash website is gorgeous as well as the pictures of the rooms.

I can%26#39;t wait until my stay at the Wynn.

-andy

New WYNN Las Vegas FLASH website launched w/ new pictures...

The website is great!! I booked a parlor suite for August!

New WYNN Las Vegas FLASH website launched w/ new pictures...

A Parlor suite? That sounds nice.

I booked a regular resort room on August 2-3 for 2 nights.

Do you think it is worth it for me to upgrade? It is considerably more expensive with not much more added with respect to features and amenties.

Would it be possible for me to get an upgrade at checkin? What do you think? It might be too much in demand so soon after the premiere.

-andy

When I meant upgrade, I meant from the regular Resort Room to the Panoramic Room, to the Tower Suite.

-andy

wow looks beautiful, wish it wasnt soooo expensive...

I think all the rooms in Wynn will be wonderful so I don%26#39;t think you are going wrong with a resort room. The only reason I would upgrade to the panoramic room would be for the higher floor, but if you aren%26#39;t in your room that much, it may not matter. We always book suites because we do spend some time in the room and we love the space.

As far as an upgrade goes, I think your chances are as good as any if they have those rooms available when you check in. It won%26#39;t hurt to try. But if not, I really think you%26#39;ll be happy with what you%26#39;ve reserved.

Wow!

Wish it was opening a couple of weeks earlier. We%26#39;re arriving 3/31 and would switch hotels in an instant for that!

The website is done very well.

Rooms look fantastic, very sexy!

I was a little disappointed with the website. It is not very user friendly.

The scrolling menu is just too tedious.

Hopefully, they will take more pictures of the landscaping in the back as well as the pool area.

Yes. I admit that the scrolling features are not very user friendly. There should definately be a NON FLASH website for those users who have slower connections as well.

But part of the reason I thought the website was good was because it provided the public with much needed information about the resort that was not otherwise available before, namely guest room pictures, details about the show, golf course, etc.

-andy

I don%26#39;t have speakers on my system at work. Was that Steve Wynn atop the hotel? What did he say ? I have to admit , that was a COOL shot !

Looks fantastic, but where are the prices? There were none displayed when I just looked!

Vegas Shows

Hello all, My wife and I will be coming to vegas for the first time but there seems to be so much to see. We will be in town in July 10th to 15th and was wondering what some of the best shows to see as some of the shows look like they are limited to weekends. It will be a Sun - Thur trip. We are very open minded and heard some of the Cirq. shows are very good any other suggetions?

Vegas Shows

If you have the funds, go see either Mystere or O - those are hands down the best shows I%26#39;ve seen in Vegas. If you don%26#39;t have a lot of cash, go see Second City, the comedy troupe. They are reasonable and totally worth the money also. Personally, I think Danny Gans is overpriced and not all that great. Good luck and have fun!

blackheads scars

Vegas with kids

Always wanted to go to Vegas, more for the crazy atmosphere than the gambling. Any tips on how to enjoy it with two seven year old daughters

Vegas with kids

Sure leave them at home with your spouse and come with a friend.

Vegas with kids

lol Deb Good advice.

Nice Chap- I%26#39;ll be one of those people who will tell you to leave your lovely daughters at home. I left my two at home to really enjoy myself. If you must bring them, they may enjoy the shark reef at Mandalay bay. They also have a fantastic pool at Mandalay. Honestly, if you can leave them at home or bring someone to babysit, then do it.

I agree - Vegas isn%26#39;t for kids.....

They might have fun collecting cards of naked call girls that are passedout on the Strip.

Absolutely the worst place to bring a child

nice_chap,

You, will/have, without a doubt, cause/d yet another long discussion in here. IMHO Vegas is not a place for kids.But I have to admit I%26#39;ve never taken a kid there. Seems to me that if your reason for going there is for the kids%26#39; goodtime, its the wrong place. If your going for you, its great !!! It just seems to me that someone loses in the compromise. Just my opinion.

Good Luck

Matt

M%26amp;M World

World of Coca-Cola

NYNY Roller Coaster and Arcade

Imax Theaters in Caesars Palace and Luxor

Game Works

Circus Circus Adventure Dome

Magic Shows (Lance Burton etc.)

King Tut museum at Luxor

Hoover Dam

Bonnie Springs

Sagebrush Ranch

Mt. Charleston

Guiness World Record Museum

Mini Grand Prix %26amp; Family Fun Center

As stated previously, best to leave kiddies home but there are things for you to do with them - you%26#39;d need to rent a car though IMHO.

Nice Chap,

Vegas isn%26#39;t for kids and Disney World isn%26#39;t for smoking adults with tattoos and bad teeth....ha!

Seriously, if Vegas is your only stop during this trip to the States, then make it an adults only trip. If you have other destinations during your vacation, make it a one nighter with your little ones. Stay off the strip at night and forget about going into a casino, since they are off limits to kiddies. I%26#39;ll be there next week with my 11 and 14 yr. old and plan on following my own advice. They will have fun in the arcades, going on rides and swimming. After 2 nights at the Luxor we are moving to the ';suburbs'; and going on side trips like Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, etc. Take care!

As a single father of a little girl - I have found that Texas Station, Sunset Station and Boulder Station has a place called Kids Quest. My daughter loves it - you can drop them off for up to 6 hours and they have games and activites galore. Extremelly safe - Officers from the Nevada State Police recommended it to me and now it%26#39;s a regular for my daughter and I. Gives her a few hours of freedom to play and have a great time, while a the same time I get the freedom to have some fun myself. Orleans has something similar, but my daughter prefers Texas Station.

Also, our hotels do have licensed and registered baby sister who will watch your children - never have used them, but my guest have never provided a concern over the service - just check with guest services at your hotel if this is something you would be interested in.

Nice Chap - we have brought our daughter there four times and she has a blast, she loves it there as much as we do. We just enjoy looking at the different hotels, the thrill rides, Red Rock Canyon, Grand Canyon is about a 3 hour drive, the Rick Thomas magic show (at the Tropicana) is great for kids and adults. My advice is to keep them away from the strip at night.

Buffet Recommendations

Looking for a buffet to go to in a few weeks. My boyfriend and I are not fancy eaters so it sounds like the Bellagio wouldnt be right for us. Basic pastas, meats, pizza and things like that will make us happy. We also HATE seafood...I know, I know...my mother gives me grief for that everyday. Looking for a location on the strip. Any siggestions?

Also...how do I get those 2 for 1 coupons everyone mentions in their reviews?

Thanks

Buffet Recommendations

If you want a basic buffet on the strip try MGM, Monte Carlo, Bally%26#39;s Big Kitchen and Harrah%26#39;s all are pretty good nothing fancy...

Buffet Recommendations

Hello!

I understand my husband and I HATE seafood also!!

We are extremely picky eaters only like mostly american

food.

The World Carnival Buffet at the Rio Suites Hotel

is great including a create your own sundae bar.

Mandalay Bay has a buffet called The Bayside Buffet

with carved meats like ham,roast beef and mashed potato

macaroni and cheese, vegetables and pizza.

Seating by the floor to ceiling windows is nice

with a view of the beach and swimming pool area.

You can%26#39;t go wrong with the buffet at Harrah%26#39;s. For the money it has the best Prime rib and chicken salads potatoes and desserts. Obtain $5 off coupons in the Carnival court yard. You must sign up for a players card to get the discount. Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 2 customers per coupon. Also the buffet at Paris is a deal for late breakfast. Everything is excellent! We ate there 3 times and all were good. Last meal was on 9 March. If you are not big eaters try spliting a Club or Rueben sandwich at the coffee shops. Bellagio would be my choice. Very relaxed and beautiful. Bon appetite!

I can%26#39;t say enough about the Spice Market at the Aladdin. We go there everytime we visit. We like to go for lunch, then have a small dinner somewhere late at night. It is a good thing there is a escalator leaving. They have different foods from all around the world and the basics. I%26#39;ve seen Italian, Middle Eastern, Asian, Mexican, European and American. Also, the deserts are delicious. I have tried things there in small quantities without the risk of ordering them in a restaurant. It isn%26#39;t the cheapest on the strip, but it isn%26#39;t the most expensive and well worth the money.

harrah%26#39;s gives you 2 for 1 coupon for the buffet if you

sign up for one of their players cards.it don%26#39;t cost anything

and it takes about 3 or 4 minutes.Me and my wife eat at

Harrah%26#39;s buffet at least once for breakfast and dinner

on each trip we make to Vegas.Pretty good selection of

food.

have fun,

AL

Thanks everyone...Your recommendations are appreciated!

Just noted down all these recommendations thanks, they are really useful. We also hate seafood and thought we were alone in this. Glad there are plenty of places to cater for us.

Orleans is the place for you, and it is cheap. Another very good one and inexpensive is Main Street Station downtowm. These are the two best in town for the money.

Harrah%26#39;s and Rio have online coupons for their buffets at their hotel websites. Also, try lasvegasadvisor.com site for info on buffets etc. (that%26#39;s where I found out about the coupons - by reading their ';free'; forum) Enjoy!

Do they ALWAYS have the coupons on their site, or just sometimes?

I just checked and couldn%26#39;t find any...

I plan to visit the RIO Buffet at the end of March..

Any Jack-In-The-Box resturants with in walking distance of...

I am looking on the JITB website but have no idea where any of these things are.

Anyone know of one I can walk to from the strip?

Any Jack-In-The-Box resturants with in walking distance of...

You%26#39;re kidding, right??

Any Jack-In-The-Box resturants with in walking distance of...

I%26#39;d also like to know.

I loved these burgers when I was out in LA,, you just dont get anything close to these in the UK.

Why would I be kidding?

Well, there are just so many awesome places to eat. I don%26#39;t understand why anyone would want to eat something they could get anytime in their own back yard. LOL

You must REALLY love those burgers, huh? :-)

Heck yeah. Here in NJ the closest JITB is a day%26#39;s drive away!

I had it last time I was in Vegas and can%26#39;t wait to have it again.

jackinthebox.com/locations/…

Now if anyone has WALKING directions to one nearest the strip from any familiar location, that would help

Funny post Lord

But now you have me hungry for a Jack burger. Havent had a Jack anywhere near here in 20 years. Used to eat there all the time when I lived in Phoenix.

distance makes the heart (or stomach) grow fonder

I live within 5 mins of a White Castle, yet I haven%26#39;t eaten any in probably 10 years. Yet, my west coast relatives love to scarf down bags of fresh sliders when they get near one.

I am stopping by White Castle on the way home from work today and getting a sack of 10 for the plane ride tomorrow out to Vegas.

But getting back to the original question, no one knows of a Jack in the Box you can walk to from the strip?

LOL@jack in the crack burgers! Same way i feel about IN/OUT Burgers...why!

Mix at THEhotel at Mandalay

Has anyone been the Mix at THEhotel at Mandalay? We are staying there at the end of March and got an email from them about it. Can anyone give me some info on this place? We have a group of 4, two married couples in their mid 20%26#39;s, still able to party like it was college though.

Mix at THEhotel at Mandalay

Haven%26#39;t been, personally, but I have heard rumours that it is well on it%26#39;s way to being the next hot spot.

I am staying at THEhotel myself in May, and am hoping to hear some good things about it through this post.

You%26#39;ll have to let me know how it is when you guys get back:-)

Mix at THEhotel at Mandalay

I too need info on this place. I would love to see a menu as my wife is a picky eater. The only thing I heard is that it should have great views of the strip and the dress is ';modern'; so I guess club wear.

We were there in February when they first opened - drinks %26amp; atmosphere (view, too) are great - food was so-so. I am also a picky eater, as I am a chef. I like most things, but only if they are made well! You can always order a steak.

MGM rooms

Wanted to find out about the difference in rooms as MGM.

I am looking at rooms at West Wing vs. Grand Tower

Which is closer to strip?

Which one has a better view

Any opinions?

Thanks

MGM rooms

The West Wing rooms have just been finished remodeling, this was formerly the Emerald Tower which was the old Marina Hotel. I haven%26#39;t seen them since renovation, but they are definitely going to be smaller than the Grand Tower rooms, they are closer to the strip, but because the tower is shorter the view may not be as good as the main tower. I would go with the Grand Tower if I were you, just to be on the safe side

MGM rooms

I should mention that the Emerald Tower was pretty run down and I believe it was the reason for a lot of the negative reviews MGM received in the past. I am sure it is much nicer nowas The West Wing, but you can only do so much with an older building...

On the web site they say that they have flatscreen TV and Bose radio and DVD etc. in the new West wing room.

Please post if you have stayed there especially if both place so a comparision can be made. As always thanks for the time.

I haven%26#39;t stayed in either so i speak from complete ignorance, but I discussed with the hotel employee who took my reservation last week and she said the West Wing rooms are very cool, modern with the flat screen tv and other gadgets (I think she said there was a flat screen in the bathroom). But the rooms are quite a bit smaller than the Grand Tower rooms. She described the WW rooms as ';cute'; which to me translates as small, like the word ';cozy';. The rooms were just renovated so I don%26#39;t know if too many people have even stayed there yet.

I chose the WW room because I wanted more space. They are also supposed be a bit more upscale than the average King-sized hotel room.

Sorry, I meant I chose the Grand Tower room because I wanted more space.

sports books and hours

Which sports book has the best hours. Arriving late tonight and don%26#39;t want to fight the crown on Thurs. morning.

Thanks

sports books and hours

Most are open until midnight. Sportsbook at Orleans is open 24/7.

blackheads scars

Actual dollar amounts?

It seems everyone%26#39;s idea of cheap or expensive is varying a lot. It would be very helpful if I can get some ';round-a-bouts'; for a normal priced buffet, drinks in the clubs, some shows, anything would be great!

Actual dollar amounts?

Big name shows (Cirque du Soleil, Danny Gans, Celine, etc) will cost you in the range of $75-150/ticket. Buffets in the major strip hotels (TI, Mirage, Paris, Caesars, etc.) will cost approx. $12/breakfast and $20-25/dinner. As for drinks, I hardly ever pay for them so I can%26#39;t help you out too much there.

Actual dollar amounts?

losnshel, if you want to know the prices of the buffet, no guesses or oppinions go to Google.com search Las Vegas Buffet prices and the first hit is:

http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/food/buf-list.php3

Every one in alphabetical order breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Same can be said about shows and you get:

http://www.vegas.com/shows/index_gl.html

Club acts:

http://www.lvol.com/lvoleg/lvshows.html

www.vegas.com will show you any act, lounge, club, dates times place.

Two domestic beers at Bellagio=$12 plus tip

Two domestic beers at Fremont=$3 plus tip

It really does depend on where you are at and varys from casino to casino.

Also check Las Vegas%26#39; #1 visitior magazine ';Whats On'; at

www.ilovevegas.com

tickets or cash ?

All the casinos in Vegas have tickets now, or there are some which still using cash ?Could you name them ? Thank you...

tickets or cash ?

Say what? Cash is still king in Vegas!

tickets or cash ?

Not sure all casinos machines pay with tickets, but regardless, any machine takes greenbacks.

I posted about this last week or so. If you desire the clank-clank-clank of coinage wins, I recommend downtown at some of the smaller casinos.

Better yet, learn craps or blackjack and stop wasting your money on the slots.

Have fun!

most of the 5 cent slots pay out in cash but its a pain feeding them back in lol

Stratosphere has some a few still in the back part of the casino going towards the buffet.

How much are cigerettes in vegas?

Should I bring a carton or buy them they?

How much are cigerettes in vegas?

We always bring at least 1 carton. We have paid up to $7.00 a pack when we have run out in a casino. There are places (conv stores) where we have found them cheaper ($49.00 per carton), but we always seem to run out late in the evening when we do not feel like travleing to find them. I am not sure what you pay at home, but we are used to about $32.00 per carton so as I said, we bring our own.

How much are cigerettes in vegas?

Bring a carton. I ended up paying $6 for a pack last time I was there. Used to be smokes were cheaper in NV than in CA.

Unless I%26#39;m missing something, that has changed.

ciggies are $7.00 at most casinoes and few brands available, must also say sometimes felt i was a lepper by smoking coz was in the minority,some casinoes have no smoking tables

7 in the casinos, but less than 4 at stores around town right???

I think I paid $4+ at Walgreen%26#39;s Pharmacy. I was told by a BJ dealer that they were high $3 @ the 7-11 near the Stardust, but I couldn%26#39;t find it.

Believe it or not Las Vegas has a one square block indian reservation - Cigarettes are cheapest thier - it is called Las Vegas Paiute Tribal Smoke Shop located on Main Street - No federal tax on cig%26#39;s

For alpha_ree

Hey there!

Just wanted to let you know the Garden of Love sent me the CD with my pictures on it!!! The pictures turned out great. Except for a few. There was a mirror at the back of the chapel. They used it for a couple of unique pictures. Well, when we were walking down the aisle, the photographer was not very careful and the flash appeared in the mirror!

I%26#39;ll try to email some to you on Monday again just so you can see the quality.

Married life is great!!!!

For alpha_ree

oops sorry I just seen this!!!

I saw your pics, they were great, You guys look so happpppy!!!

For alpha_ree

I%26#39;ll make sure and send you some of us! :) Email me again though cuz I don%26#39;t have your email anymore.

found your email, I%26#39;ve wrote ya but never heard back. Hope all is well.

Alladin Pool? Open or Closed?

I have heard that the Alladin pool will be undergoing renos or something during my stay (March 27-31). Does anyone know if this is true?

Alladin Pool? Open or Closed?

Call them, opened last time I was by there.

Alladin Pool? Open or Closed?

Hi Las Meagan,

I am staying at the Aladdin the same time and I e-mailed them about the pool and they said it will be opening on April 1st. I know that stinks but were bringing our bathing suits just incase they open early.

I was there last weekend and it was fully opened.

Hakechrr,

Thanks for the info. We will definately be bringing our stuff.

Hakechrr,

Thanks for the info. We will definately be bringing our stuff.

Why would the hotel say that it%26#39;s closed if it isn%26#39;t? I don%26#39;t get it.

question for chefs

we had the best ever steak at the peppermill hotel reno

so delicious and tender

which makes me ask,what type of steak is it ,how is it prepared,i think it is roasted first then grilled

we dont have anything like this in the uk unless i,m mistaken

question for chefs

More than likely either a fillet or ribeye.

question for chefs

If it had flavor you definitley will not find it in the UK you are correct there ;-)

why tho??

our country does not try

the steak i had could not be too difficult or expensive to present yet we could never expect food so nice yet inexpensive here!

must be an explanation?

your food in general,buffets etc in vegas .

even fast food puts ours to shame!!

then again same story all over the world!!

I mean this with a sense of humor. Quit boiling it.

I%26#39;m not a chef. But I do know how to BBQ rather well. I worked for a deli in CA that won many awards for their BBQ and Smoked meats. I learned a thing or two while I worked there (6 years). They use a dry seasoning on their meats before cooking. They let it soak in from a day to a week before it%26#39;s cooked.

Something I have turned to doing here in Vegas is marinating meats in zip lock bags. I%26#39;ll put steaks, Chops, or Chicken breasts in a combination of Beer, Salsa, Mustard, BBQ sauce and spices. Make sure the meat is fully coated and get out as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing. Put it in the fridge for 2 days. Then BBQ over a low flame for 40 minutes to an hour. Turn whenever the meat starts to get hot. You don%26#39;t want to burn the meat.

In CA I would BBQ over oak wood. Here in Vegas I use a gas BBQ and oak chips for flavor. I would never use charcoal briquets. I hope you get to try this way of adding extra flavor to meat.

Pt485,

I think you have the preparation of the steak reversed. It is common to sear the exterior of a steak with very high heat (typically by using a flat cast iron grill) and then finishing it in the oven. This searing seals in the juices. Using the oven to finish it is required because if you use this method with a thick cut like a filet, you will either have an extremely burnt outside or a raw inside of your steak.

P.S. Please don%26#39;t think that because I said this is common, that it is the most common way to cook steaks. The most common is, as Vegasman said, to cook it over an open wood, charcoal, or gas fire.

bigalbr you can also use your method on a gas grill. Heat the grill to very hot, then put the filet on and sear the outside giving it a quarter turn on each side and flipping only once. Reduce heat if not turning the grill off all together and use it like an oven, with thickness determining time. Works well with any thicker meat: hamburgers, steaks, big chicken breast, even fish.

Myth, searing meat seals in more juices. False. If you take two steaks of the same cut, size, and weight before cooking. Grill or pan roast one over high heat, then reduce cooking temp untill desired doneness will weigh less than the other one just place in a 350 degree oven until the same doneness is achieved.

The point of searing is to carmelize the surface to bring out the complex flavors, not seal in juices.

Just so long as there is a reason for doing it because I like the way the grill marks look.

Going back to the original question, don%26#39;t we in the US age our beef? Could that be part of the answer?

Do we age beef?

Depends what you are talking about. If you are referring to what supermarkets carry, the only aging is what is done from slaughter to the counter. Aged meat looses weight by loosing moisture. Most commercial beef inject liquid to increase weight.

Prime and resaurant grade beef is aged any where from 3-to-28 days. There are two processes wet aging and dry. Then there are those special restuarants like Peter Lugers in Brooklyn, Steakhouse @ CC and other high-end steakhouses who have their own grading and secret aging processes.

blackheads scars

Mesa Grill - Anybody Been Yet?

Thinking about booking dinner at Mesa pre-Elton. I%26#39;d read mixed reviews however, in one of this month%26#39;s wine magazines (I think it was Wine Spectator) they gave Mesa a really good review, including the wine list.

Any thoughts? I live in NYC, so it isn%26#39;t like I can%26#39;t go to the one here but I%26#39;ve also been living here nearly my whole life and haven%26#39;t LOL

Mesa Grill - Anybody Been Yet?

I was there in November, at the end of December %26amp; in February (we live in Chicago - we go to Vegas about 6 times a year!) Obviously, we think it%26#39;s great! Everything is wonderful - the roasted garlic %26amp; shrimp tamale appetizer is incredible, as is everything else (the barbecued duck appetizer is incredible, too!) Make sure you go - you%26#39;ll love it! We are going back again in April!

Mesa Grill - Anybody Been Yet?

I was there last week, took vegashomeboy with me for company. Food is good, wouldn%26#39;t order a steak there, but what I had was very good. Only down side is the sticker shock, but if you can afford it, go.

I%26#39;d never get a steak there, getting mine in Delmonico :-)

And yep, can afford it. After all, I%26#39;m from NYC - home of the high-priced meal LOL

I think I will book it, hubbie was interested too. I just hate that you have to leave your credit card # with them and if you don%26#39;t show up or cancel in time (which of course we would) you get charged $50 a person!

I%26#39;d never get a steak there, getting mine in Delmonico :-)

And yep, can afford it. After all, I%26#39;m from NYC - home of the high-priced meal LOL

I think I will book it, hubbie was interested too. I just hate that you have to leave your credit card # with them and if you don%26#39;t show up or cancel in time (which of course we would) you get charged $50 a person!

Sorry for the double post, I don%26#39;t know what happened.

I%26#39;m not sure what day or time you are planning on eating there, but a reservation may not be necessary. My girlfriend and I were there on a Tuesday evening in October. Without a reservation they were still able to seat us within 10 minutes. The food and service were excellent. The place settings, on the other hand, appeared very worn and needed to be replaced. If that%26#39;s the worst thing you can say about a place I think they%26#39;re doing something right. Prices aren%26#39;t bad. We ate 4 courses for about $130.

Ladyfoxe FWIW you might be in for a big disaapointment at Delmonicos. If you are expecting something on par with Peter Luger%26#39;s of Brooklyn, I would suggest the Steakhouse @ Circus Circus, much better food and cheap. You might want to read the reviews, CC Steakhouse is rated #2 in town, and Delmonico is rated 396. I have been to both, it is no contest.

Spyder, we are going pre-Elton, around 5:30 pm. I remember last year, all the restaurants in Ceasars were very difficult to get into before the show. And unfortunately, waiting until 9:30 when the show lets out is just too late for dinner for us.

I made the reservation. You have until 3pm same day to cancel so that isn%26#39;t too bad.

As far as the steak quality at Delmonico, I%26#39;m sure Circus Circus is great, but we are staying in the Venetian and it happens to be our anniversary the night we%26#39;re eating there. We didn%26#39;t want to go off premises, as we%26#39;re spending the day in the spa. Also, the ratings on this site are based on popularity of the users. I assume the ratings may be a bit skewed since Delmonico is a high priced restaurant, less people can afford to eat there so less people are casting their votes for it. I%26#39;ve only read very good reviews about it from all the major gourmet mags and from a chef here in NYC that has been there.

Oh, Dereckbc, I will certainly let you know if you%26#39;re right tho and it turns out to be a disappointment. I%26#39;ll have no problem saying I and everything I read was wrong :-)

Delmonico is good - we always eat at the bar there. Of course, it is no Gibson%26#39;s in Chicago, but the bone in rib eye is great there - also, their french onion soup, parmesan crusted oysters %26amp; raw oysters are great, too. I owned a restaurant for years, %26amp; ther reason for the credit card thing is many people just don%26#39;t show up %26amp; then you have turned down a ton of other reservations %26amp; lose a lot of money that way. You will not be disappointed at Mesa.

where's the best chance @ slots?

I am not a slot player, prefer roulette but this time out I want to behave myself. Any suggestions as to where to play?

where's the best chance @ slots?

H%26#39;mm, well both have high house edges, so money-wise really not much to choose. However, the higher denomination slots are NORMALLY those with the highest payout percentage. Also, if you%26#39;re playing progressives ALWAYS play the maximum coins-maximizes your potential payoff. When you see signs with ';98% payback here'; etc, according to Nevada state law, at least ONE machine in that group MUST have that payback percentage.

Finally, slots anymore are really random-number generators, so pulling the handles versus pushing the button, slapping the button when the reels are spinning and other so-called ';Strategies'; JUST DON';T WORK. Your fate was determined when you pushed the button-the reels are entertainment.

Haven%26#39;t seen this myself, but the common wisdom is that the ';locals casinos'; like Main Street/Texas Station have better payouts than the Strip or Downtown establishments,

Sorry, didn%26#39;t mean to lecture-go have fun and don%26#39;t spend more than you can afford to lose.

where's the best chance @ slots?

Pick up a copy of Casino Player magazine. It breaks down the slot payout percentage by region and denomination. For the 2 main areas, downtown always beats the strip and off strip and boulder/Henderson do better yet.

As stated above me, the higher the denomination, the higher the payback percentage.

Lyle

My casino management teacher in college worked at MGM for years. He says only play the slots that are RIGHT BY THE FRONT DOOR!

He says the put the loosest slots directly by the door to attract people.

Your odds are better playing roulette black or red. But if you must play slots the further you get from the strip the better. One key is to play the maximum coins. The other is the payout.

For example two machines side by side. Both play quaters, max of three coins. One pays 10,000 coins for jackpot, the other pays 25,000. Which one are you playing?

aplous - Most people say this is an absolute myth. Machines on the end, machines by the door. I don%26#39;t believe it.

dereck - on your question for which machine where one is 10,000 coins jackpot and the other is 25,000, you did not share your answer, but if you look at it mathematically, your answer may change.

MOST people say - play the 25,000 coin machine so that when lightening strikes, you get MORE.

The mathematical truth follows this....if both machines are set to a 94% payback, that number is driven by the code in the random number generator (RNG). If the 25,000 coin pay hits on machine A, although the RNG could make the same pay back to back, when you figure in the math over time, that machine will have less smaller pays (the kind that keep you going) and bleed your money much faster. Over time, the percentage will be 94% - no exceptions. If the coin in is the same (assume 3 quarters) the hold has to be MORE over time on the 25,000 coin jackpot machine.

Having said that, I%26#39;d play the 10,000 coin machine. Better yet, I%26#39;d find a 5,000 coin max payout machine as that will theoretically hit more frequently.

Lyle

I%26#39;ve won big at all the places where your supposedley the machines are tight. Paris, Bally%26#39;s, Bellagio and Caesars. I have hit for $800+ at all of the above casinos on $1 and $5 slots.

Have fun!

I am not a big gambler, but I have always kinda thought the LOUD machines are the winners. That way you hear that ';bingbingbing...'; of credits loud %26amp; clear.

Just a thought!

Mostly luck of the draw - right place @ right time. I%26#39;ve moved from one machine to the one next to it, had the guy sitting on the other side of the machine I left drop two quarters into it (without leaving the seat he was in) and hit the jackpot. I%26#39;ve dropped 2 quarters into a 3 quarter wild cherry machine as I walked into a casino and hit the 3 cherries scattered for the second to top pay. We%26#39;ve played at times that it seemed we could do no wrong...any machine we played hit something. Next time we could do no right...no matter what denomination or where we played, nothing worked. I think that%26#39;s why I started playing nickel and penny video slots. At least if I lose, I%26#39;ve been entertained while doing so. Maybe its the Karma you project. There have been times that a machine ';called my name'; as I passed it and I stopped to play and won - but not always. If you go to win, you are most likely going to be disappointed. If you play for the entertainment, how can you lose.

Large corporations have stockholders who all want a piece of the pie. Therefore they must cut smaller pieces. A partnership has fewer people eating at it...more pieces. Family owned means less pieces, less off the top.

Machines near doors and the ends of rows will be seen by more people as they pass. Add the ringing bells of a payout and everybody notices. Why do you think the coins and receiving trays were both metal? Pavlov rang a bell, and so does Vegas. Even in this day of modern slots that use player%26#39;s cards and paper recepters, the machines still make that ';ding'; when played. So make noise and draw the customers. Be sure to ask that little lady if she%26#39;s a shill (working for the casino) when she starts jumping up and down to add to the noise. She has to admit it by law if she is. Same at the poker tables.

The casino needs to make $XXX per square foot per day (New casinos still owe the bank more too). Somebody has to pay for that pretty scenery and ugly security. So the larger denomination machines make their share faster. So most casinos let them and take the same percentage on them. But when they do hit it%26#39;s for more money, and that%26#39;s what people remember.

So what does this all boil down to? Be in the right place at the right time. And if we knew where that was, we%26#39;d be there instead of home on the computer.

3 Midwest Boombalotties coming to Vegas!

Hey everyone! My friends and I are coming to NYNY for a few days in May. This is a girls only weekend so we are looking to tear it up a little!

We have a very simple plan:

1. Sun

2. Drinks

3. Guys

4. Party

5. Repeat

Please help....what places, bars, clubs or events should we not miss to help us achieve our goals (particularly #3).

Thanks!

TK

3 Midwest Boombalotties coming to Vegas!

It wouldn%26#39;t happen to be the weekend of May 6th, would it??? If so, I%26#39;ll tell you where to go. Me and my three pals will be there from the 6th - 10th. Ages 25-28.

Our plan is as follows:

1. Drinks

2. Party

3. Sun

4. Ladies

5. Gamble

6. Repeat

Our agendas are eerily similar! ;-)

3 Midwest Boombalotties coming to Vegas!

This has always been my agenda:

1. Wash

2. Rinse

3. Repeat

I have a pretty boring life !

My Wife and I are going from May 4th through May 9th for our first anniversary. (Married in Vegas last May)

Our Simple plan matches Both of the first two posts (mostly Perminators but the wife might pick out a lucky guy during the week too) ; )

best post i%26#39;ve seen in a long time.

Where do you suggest for Sunday brunch?

Not sure where to go for Sunday brunch. Initial thoughts were to go to the Steakhouse at CC, but also wondering about Main Street Station. Would there be a big difference between what was on offer? Would the Steakhouse be better visited in the evening?

Thanks.

Where do you suggest for Sunday brunch?

I%26#39;ve never been to the Steakhouse, but the Sunday brunch at Mainstreet is awesome and a great value for the money.

Where do you suggest for Sunday brunch?

CC Steakhouse Sunday Brunch is hard to beat. Not many offer fillet, lobster, prime rib, king crab, and champiagne @ $27. Can%26#39;t comment on MSS brunch, only their standard buffet.

I just had the MSS brunch a week ago. Huge variety of mostly standard buffet foods, but better than average quality, and only about $10.

Hawaiian station had kula pork, teri chicken, there were carved meats, fried chicken and collard greens, woodfired pizza, hotdogs (????), Chinese food, great tamales, enchiladas, salads, yummy blintzes, bacon, sausage, eggs, huveos rancheros, fried seafood, desserts, etc.

My champagne glass (plastic, lol) was never empty. Keep in mind it isn%26#39;t anything fancy, romantic or extravagant, but the room is very nice, it was very clean and the food was all fresh. A great bargain!

Thanks for the replies folks. Still trying to make up my mind!

Luci - Steakhouse%26#39;s brunch buffet was great, and they had three seatings (9:30, 11:30, 2:30), so you can choose one depending on what time would be best for you.

I%26#39;ll add that the desserts were wonderful, in addition to the other choices mentioned. You are limited to one grilled item though (choose from filet mignon, strip steak, salmon or lamb chops)

Have FUN! and go hungry!

beckymel

I would try the Sterling Buffet at Bally%26#39;s. One of the best spreads you%26#39;ll ever get at a Sunday brunch and they serve good champagne too!

I noticed the person who mentioned the Sterling Brunch failed to mention how much it costs LOL

Le Village Buffet at Paris is wonderful. They run their Champagne brunch on Sunday so it is more expensive. I want to say $25 p/p

OK if I was going to do one for Sunday brunch and one for dinner which would you choose?

luci

hi Luci5, I would recommend the brunch (not just on Sundays) at the Tropicana. The food is great and very nice view of the outdoors. They have a champagne brunch on Sundays and runs about $20 per person. Karen

Dining Hours

When do the fine dining establishments tend to serve dinner? Here in Vermont, if you want dinner out, you%26#39;d better get it between 5 and 10PM ... I hope that in Vegas I can get a great meal in a strip hotel after I go see a show ... will the great restaurants still be serving at midnight?

Dining Hours

Some stay open late, depends on who.

Dining Hours

The coffeeshop will still be serving at midnight. Most of the Fine Dining restaurants will seat you until 10:00 10:30 at the latest.

Monorail station location, and ur opinion

Where is the closest monorail station located next to the Excalibur?

And which part of wherever is it located, and if anyone has any opinions on entrances to take to get u there sooner please include those as well..

thanks..

bella

Monorail station location, and ur opinion

The closest station is at the MGM Grand. There%26#39;s a map of the stations on the monorail%26#39;s website: www.lvmonorail.com

Monorail station location, and ur opinion

Non are convienant to Excalibur IMO.

Cross the pedestrian bridge to Trop or NYNY and then to the MGM. Go dowstairs, then back by the registration area. Go to the Starlane (Or similar name) shops. The entrance to the monorail station is in the shopping area, and quite a walk.

Bikinis? Ice? Rain? Ra?

Can someone please let me know the place to be each night ? Out here on the east coast every night from Thursday - Sunday has a certain establishment that is the'; hot spot'; for that particular night... I%26#39;ve never been out to Vegas so I just don%26#39;t want to be at some lame bar when I should be someplace else...HELP !!

Bikinis? Ice? Rain? Ra?

If you tell me what days you%26#39;re out here I%26#39;ll help

Bikinis? Ice? Rain? Ra?

we%26#39;re going to be there from tues 3/22 - monday 3/28. Thanks a lot we are just looking basically for hot music and hotter chics !!

Ok, here you go-

Tuesday-Studio 54 @ MGM Grand

Wednesday-Light @ Bellagio or Tangerine @ TI

Thursday-RA @ Luxor

Friday-Rain @ the Palms

Saturday-try OPM or PURE @ Caesar%26#39;s or Body English @ the Hard Rock

Sunday-if you haven%26#39;t been to Light go, other than that you%26#39;ll get lots of chicks at Risque @ the Paris which is a sub par club but the chick-to-dude ratio will be in your favor

Monday-RumJungle @ Mandalay Bay

Check out the after hours at Drai%26#39;s @ Barbary Coast

Friday to Sunday everything should be pretty good no matter where you go.

Places to avoid-Bikinis, Coyote Ugly, Seven/Club Rubber, ICE, The Beach, Vivid (you wouldn%26#39;t think a porn club would suck, but it does)

These are just my suggestions, I%26#39;m sure a thousand people disagree, but as a seasoned Vegas veteran I don%26#39;t think you can go wrong. If you need anything else I%26#39;m happy to help

thanks a lot bro, that really helps a lot

let me ask you this, i%26#39;m not really into house and techno music...these places play hip hop and r%26amp;B ?

Last time I checked I was not a bro, but things happen in Vegas

*Make sure if you go to a strip club that it%26#39;s really a chick-I forgot that important piece of advice.

All of those place play a mix of hip-hop %26amp; popular music. Studio 54 starts the night paying 70%26#39;s dance mixes %26amp; goes through the decades %26amp; ends the night with house/techno/trance/etc. so if I suggest you leave before 3 or 4.

I think RA also progresses into that kind of stuff toward the end of the night

i%26#39;m very sorry miss ... but thanks for your advice it really helps

Much better %26amp; thanks for not calling me ma%26#39;am!

terps213,

What%26#39;s wrong with you man. You%26#39;ve been pimpin every woman who responds to your post. Why no play on this woman? Are you saving some for me?

Body English at the Hard Rock on Sunday is off the hook.

Question for shenanaganns

What time does Studio 54 open, we would like to take in the 70%26#39;s sound while there and then make a quick exit before all the house/techno/trance/etc kicks in. If staying at the MGM do you still have to pay to get in and would there be a big line at the entrance if arriving early.

Thanks in advance for any advise

Question for shenanaganns

It opens at 10. I%26#39;m not sure if hotel guests have to pay or not, if they do guys are $20 on weekends %26amp; 10 during the week (which I guess is Monday, Tuesday %26amp; Thursday). I believe ladies are always free. The 70%26#39;s will be playing as soon as they open for about the first hour %26amp; you should be able to jump the line wih a room key so hopefully the line is no problem. Stick around for while though because they put on a great show, all the house junk won%26#39;t start until like 2AM. I think you%26#39;ll really enjoy yourself, it is by far my favorite club in Vegas. Drinks are expensive though, $5 for a beer %26amp; $9 for cocktails, what we do is drink before %26amp; once inside we%26#39;ll go out to use the bathroom (the lines get really long inside so it%26#39;s sometimes faster to go out to the casino) %26amp; snag some more drinks from the cocktail waitresses.

Let me know if I can help any more

-Shana

Question for shenanaganns

The second floor lounge at the Alladin is a much better party!

IN regards to 54, you can leave and come back without waiting in line?

Also--we arent staying there--should we get there well before 10 to get in line?

Aplous-

you can leave %26amp; get back in without having to go through the line, there%26#39;s a seperate entrance for those who have already been admitted. I suggest if you don%26#39;t want to stand in line for more than an hour get in line at like 9:30. At 10 they slowly start letting everyone in. Either that or if you have a big group, take turns waiting in line while the others gamble, get drinks, make friends, etc.

-Shana

blackheads scars

Some Humor To Ponder

After reading some post about 6/5 BJ and listening to a radio program got me thinking about the craziness of this city. I heard someone say they should change the name of Las Vegas to either Looneyville, Nutsville, Funny Farm, etc.

Where else can you go, be cheated/swindled/robbed by casinos of thousands of dollars, and be happy enough to go home and say you had a great time. Any where else you would demand an arrest for as little as $10 theft:%26gt;)

Some Humor To Ponder

Very interesting thoughts.......... :)

Some Humor To Ponder

Makes you want to go hhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmm

Maybe because in Vegas it%26#39;s not money just little plastic chips...

Best one I read today. LMAO

And beg for more, VHB.

No place like it on earth. ;-)

Celine Dion tickets

Hi

My husband %26amp; I are visiting Vegas for the 1st time in June and plan on seeing a show, I%26#39;d like to see celine Dion. Has anyone been %26amp; what%26#39;s your thoughts, also can we buy tickets on the day?

Thx

Karen

Celine Dion tickets

Go to Caesars Palace web sight and click onto ';New Day'; which is Celines show and then click onto buy tickets. I would recommend that you buy tickets way in advance for her show as usually sold out. I have been to her show and it is fantastic and there isn%26#39;t a bad seat in the theatre and you don%26#39;t need to buy the most expensive seats. I would recommend buying the cheapest seats which are in the 2nd mezz. There is a huge video screen on stage that shows the close up of Celine. The sound system in the theatre is incredible!!! I you have anymore ?? just let me know.

Celine Dion tickets

Saw her show in January. I%26#39;m not a big Celine fan (my wife made me go), but I have to say the show was excellent!! I would strongly recommend it.

time to be a little cheap......what is the cheapest VP...

It doesn%26#39;t matter where it is strip, or downtown--even off the strip. WOuld just like to know a place to get a little liqoured up

time to be a little cheap......what is the cheapest VP...

I seem to remember some VP machines outside the piano bar at NYNY (looking into the bar, with piano bar bartenders serving you), but we never saw a singe cocktail server, and beers at the bar were WAY high. Super fun bar, though.

time to be a little cheap......what is the cheapest VP...

The hilton%26#39;s spacequest bar (closest to the monorail and star trek experience) serves 4$ drinks, and has VP/VBJ

All mid- to lower-range casinos I%26#39;ve wandered through (and some high-end) had 25-cent video poker at a bar. Sometimes you have to look. That included places like MGM (which is getting tight with free drinks) Paris, Ballys, etc. Everything downtown was 25-cent. Mirage ony had $1 VP at bars that I could find, so scratch that.

If it%26#39;s just cheap drinks you%26#39;re looking for, I think Casino Royale is still selling 99-cent Michelobs at its VP bar. Fun place to hang out.

beer for a buck at the Barbary Coast Bar.

Most, but not all hotels have .25 VP machines at the bar. However most require you to put $20 in the machine to get a comp drink, some only require $5 like Orleans aand most off-strip casinos.

However I must say if drinking is you objective, it is just cheaper to go somewhere with cheap booze and pay for it while you sit at the bar.

thanks for the responses....I like to gamble a little and hate waiting for the waitresses to come around

I remember them at the bar at Bally%26#39;s and on the one hand it was convenient (they were 25cent machines) because the drinks come faster than waiting for the ones walking around taking orders, but when we were there, the bartender said we had to bet the maxium to get comped drinks. (we were trying single quarter bets, and he could tell). But, I think the max was probably only $0.75

blackheads scars

A Goofy question about tipping!

It has been my experience in hotels with bellman as follows: Bellman retrieves you luggage from trunk, accompanies you to check in, follows you to room, recieves a tip $3 - $5 per bag, thanks you and leaves.

Question? Since hotels is LV are so busy.... I would assume the bellmen do not wait with you at check in... does he keep your bags until you find him again and then accoumpany you to the room....at which time you tip him?....OR.... Do you tip him once for taking your luggage.....and leave a tip for him again once luggage arrives at room? Also if you have to wait a couple of hours for your room to be ready...when do you tip the guy for his troubles?

A Goofy question about tipping!

You tip once the bags reach your room. The front desk or you will let the bell desk know when you reach your room and give them the room number.

Table Limits

If a bj table has a minimum bet of $5, what would the maximum bet typically be?

How about a $10, or a $25 table?

Table Limits

I am not expert, but i think it depends. For a $5 in Vegas, i would thing $1,000 or $500, but i may be off. I have been to casinos where it is 5 to 5000. $10 and $25, may also be $1000, $2000, or $5000.

Sorry this isn%26#39;t more helpful.

Table Limits

It will be posted. Dpends on the casino I have seen some $5 tables with $500 max, and others $3000.

All depends on the casino and the area of the casino. We have $5-300 $5-500 and $5-2000 at the Stardust. A $10 or $25 minimum will be the same, depends on what casino and what area of the casino that table is in.

Rick Thomas

I know Rick Thomas will be moving to the Stardust next week, but has anyone seen his show? any comments

Rick Thomas

show is very good for the money

Rick Thomas

Saw it a couple years ago and was a nice afternoon show. If you have kids they will enjoy it. Mr. Thomas, in my opinion, was a little stuck on himself but was overall a good show. You used to be able to get discount coupons for the show or even get tickets for free. We were lucky and got free tickets from slot pull from Tropicana so of course the show was worth it...but even if we had paid for it, it still would have been worth the price. I think they were like under $20.00.

Ticket prices at the Stardust will be $21.95 and $27.95.

Information Requests

Hi Folks,

Just found this forum yesterday and hoping that the Vegas omnipresents can help us out. I have, and will continue to, look through the fora to seek answers to my questions but if anyone fancies chipping in little bits of info it would be very much appreciated. Apologies now that this might go on for a bit!!

We were in Vegas a couple of years back and between being somewhat starry eyed and grren, we appear to have missed a fair amount of what is on offer. As such, we have a few quesions surrounding what we have heard and been advisd.

Hotel

We seem to be completely out of the ordinary in that we are going to Vegas for 3 weeks 18/7-8/8. We booked the Excalibur as it was a very good rate but have since heard about the ever present smokey smell throughout the hotel. Is there any way we can a) request any area which may not be quite so smoky and/or b) request any kind of upgrade in that we are there for what seems a bizarre length of time for the city.

Shows

We%26#39;d like to see a few shows at all times of the day. We really want to see Penn %26amp; Teller, Dierks Bentley (Nashville rubbed off on us too!!) and probably O and Mystere. The rest we will see what offers are available and whether we fancy the show at that time. Are things likely to be sold out / cheaper in July %26amp; August as it is apparently quieter and, more importantly what is the deal with the 2pm Coca Cola Bottle shop selling tickets. Is it as good as it is made out to be and does it ever have any Mystere/O tickets? Are there any particular strategies people employ at this ticket office?

Discount Books / Shopping

We%26#39;ve seen and printed a few discount coupons which apparently entitle us to discount books at the Alladin, Caesars, Belz and the Premium Shopping Mall. It may well be the British sceptic in me that isn%26#39;t quite sure if these are worth bothering about. What kind of offers are generally included?

Gambling

I%26#39;ve seen and heard a lot about signing up for players cards. My assumption again is that people sign up for these and get some kind of gift for free which sounds great but the card is akin to a credit card which will automatically deduct the amounts gambled on it from your bank account/credit card. Is this the case and, if so, which are the best cards to get with regard complimentary things (another mystery to us) and sign up gifts.

I think that may well be it for the present. The buffet sections on this forum are excellent so I doubt I need to query those to any great extent. Again, some of the queries may well seem naive but we are the people who marvel at the fact that McDonalds does free refunds in America. It all seems a little bit too good to be true.

Thank you everyone for your help. If there is anything I can do to make our trip more enjoyable, I plan to and, as such, appreciate your advice.

Information Requests

I respond to the section of your query regarding players club cards.

What they are is simply a credit card type card that you place into slots when playing or give to the dealer. This allows them to track your play and thus provide you with incentives to return to there hotel. such as free rooms, meals which are commenly referred to as comps. I hope this helped.

Information Requests

You did not mention what hotel you are staying at...for three weeks, I%26#39;d have asked for a great discount or upgrade if staying the entire trip at the same place.....or, would have chosen three different hotels to try.

Players cards, are not attached to your bank account, they simply track the amount of money you are playing, so the hotel can %26#39;comp%26#39; you accordingly....they also put you on a mailing list for future junk mail back at home.

Shows...there are several afternoon shows reasonably priced to include around those you have mentioned. Mac King, Ron Lucas, and I recall some kind of legends show at Imperial Palace.

Don%26#39;t forget the free shows! The talking statues at Ceasars forum shops, the parade in the sky at the Rio, the Bellagio Fountains, The sirens of TI, The Freemont Street Experience...

Cynda he mentioned the Excalibur. We are going to stay there for 2 weeks in July/August. I was hoping to split the trip between the Orleans and Excalibur. In your reply to billybhoys post you mention about asking for an upgrade or great discount seeing as he is going to be there for so long. I am going to email the Excalibur and see if they can offer us anything for staying the 2 weeks there! Will let you know how I get on.

Thanks guys. As I%26#39;ve said, we%26#39;ve been before but managed to miss the statues at Caesars and also Fremont Street. I%26#39;ll check in with Excalibur also to see what they can offer us.

Still amazed that people manage to go for only a few days at a time. My girlfriend would quite happily spend the rest of her life parked outside the fountains at Bellagio.

As a lot of people have mentioned, the hotel isn%26#39;t all that important when it comes down to it. I%26#39;d still rather not inhale smoke all the time we are at the Excalibur. Hope it%26#39;s not as bad as people say. I remember people saying howe much Venice smells in the summer but I didn%26#39;t smell anything.

I%26#39;ve seen a bit about the lessons offered at the tables as well. We%26#39;ll try our hand at the tables this time. Looking forward to it now!!!!

I got a mail back from the Excalibur and they do not offer discounts for longer stays.

The discount ticket places offer good deals -- half price, plus a small service charge -- but the half-off is from the full priced tickets. You have to watch out that there are not discounts being offered by the box office itself. You will be in Vegas long enough to go through the What%26#39;s On and other tourist guide magazines, to see what coupon are available.

The discount ticket places open at noon, not 2 p.m. Although in mid-summer, they probably won%26#39;t be too mobbed, and you don%26#39;t have to be waiting for them to open their doors.

Every time I%26#39;ve bought tickets, they ask me if I am going to be in town the next day, because they have a special offer -- if you buy tickets two days in a row, for the second day, you get a line pass and they will waive part of the service fee.

I have posted in another thread a partial list of the shows that were being sold here. They do not get O or Mystere. Or if they do, it is a once in a blue moon type of event. For the top shows, you should book them in advance. Although I%26#39;m not sure how early you need to book for August.

I hope you enjoy the heat!

Thanks Mike,

We were interested in the half price tickets and will deinitely check it out. I%26#39;ll make sure I have a look to see what shows are on offer.

We did think that when it came to O, Mystere, Penn %26amp; Teller etc that we%26#39;d book them as we really want to see those. To be honest, if it came to either wasting time queuing to save some money on tickets and buying them hassle free from the box office I know which one I%26#39;d go for anyway!

With regard to the heat, Vegas has nothing on Abu Simbel in mid-August!!!

Cheers,

Billy

Billybhoy, if you have three weeks in Vegas, don%26#39;t worry about spending ten minutes in a queue. You%26#39;ll have lots of time, so go ahead and save a few quid!

Actually, there is more of a hassle than that. You have to buy the tickets at the discount place, and then (usually) exchange the vouchers they give you for the actual tickets at the box office. But I have always done this while otherwise engaged in strolling along the Strip, enjoying the sights and the weather. So I simply had some purpose and direction to my strolling, other than simply enjoying the delightful sights and burning a few calories.

If the choice was between doing some other planned activity and going through this process, forget the discount ticket store and use the box office. But if you find walking along the Strip enjoyable, then simply put that walk to good purpose!

I%26#39;d suggest splitting your time between Excalibur and another hotel in the midstrip area just for the logistics of getting around and seeing all you can.

From your base at Excalibur, you can visit all the sights, shows, and restaurants in the south strip area quite easily by foot or tram. Then likewise you%26#39;d be able to do the same midstrip. Otherwise you%26#39;ll spend a fortune on cabs, or hours on end waiting for and sitting on buses or trains, getting to and from Excalibur and the places you want to visit midstrip.

Inexpensive mid-strip hotels you might consider include Imperial Palace and maybe Flamingo or Bally%26#39;s if you catch them on a good week. Summer rates are lower, and usually drop even lower by May-June, so you might be surprised at what%26#39;s available in your price range.

If you would consider a three-hotel visit, I would suggest spending a long weekend at the Golden Nugget downtown as well. Terrific party scene on Fremont, lots of fun.

Mirage vs. Tropicana

Can someone tell me which hotel would be a better choice?

The price of Trop is 1/2 of the Mirage.

Dont mind paying the $$ if Trop is dumpy but if Trop is ok, then would rather have $$ for something else.

Thanks for your help

Mirage vs. Tropicana

Can%26#39;t compair the two. Mirage is about a dime short of a 5-star hotel. Trop is a 3-star. Don%26#39;t take that wrong, nothing wrong with the Trop rooms or the place. Since you are counting pennies, stay at the Trop if all you are using the place for is to sleep-n-shower.

Mirage vs. Tropicana

Hi Kate,

I have stayed at both hotels and I can tell you Mirage is hands and feet above the Trop. The room at the Trop was not much better than a motel 6. At the Mirage you will feel that your money has been better spent.

Hope this helps.

zbethg

DEFINENTLY the MIRAGE!!!! It is my all time favorite casino/hotel.. It is definently worth the xtra bucks, and it is BEAUTIFUL! Notice the smell, of lilacs, and the sound of the fountains! Please stay there!

This is a case of ';you get what you pay for.'; Also, be aware that the lowest tier rooms price-wise at the Trop are motel-style accommodations (';Garden rooms'; or something like that?) which are light years different from Mirage.

Of course the mirage is much nicer than the trop but to call the trop dumpy is ridiclious.

The rooms are decent, the location is brilliant and the pool is excellent. If you are on a budget then there is NOTHING wrong with the trop.

say what you want about the trop but they are very genrous with their upgrades, and they have one of the NICEST pools in vegas.

If all you are going to do is sleep , shower and swim, the trop is a good option.

If you want luxury then go for luxury.

Safes at the Venetian

My husband and I are travelling to the Venetian on Sunday, staying in the Venetian not the Venezia.

Can anyone tell me if the rooms have safety deposit boxes in them or are they held in reception. Also, do they fit a small laptop (not a standard size, a really small compact one) in ?

Many Thanks

Jo

Safes at the Venetian

Yes I had a safe in the rooms in the Venezia tower as well as the other tower. It was big enough for 2 IBM Thinkpad laptops by the way. You could lock it with a number you chose or your room key or any credit card.

They also had high speed internet connections which worked well.

Enjoy your stay , very nice hotel.

Safes at the Venetian

Thanks for your response !!

Will do

Cheers

Jo

Please tell me of anything going on for april 8th & april...

Anybody know of anything happening on 4-8 %26amp; 4-9? Our group will be staying at ';Four Queens';, but we want to know of anything that is going on either night? We are 25-30 years old. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Please tell me of anything going on for april 8th %26amp; april...

I%26#39;ll be there!! We will be downtown at the Nugget those nights also.

On Friday the 8th, we are going out to Green Valley Ranch (need a car - would be expensive by cab) to see Hall %26amp; Oates. I have heard their concerts are pretty good and GVR (featured on American Casino on A%26amp;E) looks to be a pretty fun joint.

Other than that, I think Jimmy Buffet is in town but sold out at this point.

I have heard that the cheap show (like $7) at the Plaza downtown starring Larry G Jones is good. For $7, not much risk. He is known as the man of 1002 voices and has had some comparison to Danny Gans.

You can always just stay downtown and party at Fitzgerald%26#39;s...it always seems that place is highly under the influence!!

Lyle

Please tell me of anything going on for april 8th %26amp; april...

There%26#39;s a Mardi Gras style party with a free jazz concert outside between Four Queens and Fitzgerald%26#39;s on the 8th and 9th. It%26#39;s free.

Check http://www.vegasexperience.com/ for details.