Ongoing Las Vegas 'pro-tips' thread - Advice on all things Vegas

[bluejays]

I really can't go through all the pages of this thread, but was hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I've mostly used Expedia for research. We'll be going to Las Vegas June 18-22nd for a friends bachelor party. The requirements:

Flight and Hotel from Toronto combined $1100.
6 people total, room break down flexible.
Has to be on the main strip, definitely a preference to not be at either end of the strip but rather in the centre.

We called a lot of the main casinos up to see what they have by way of suites but most were around $1600 for flight and suites, so it looks like because of budget constraints with a couple guys, that this won't be possible, so regular rooms are most likely.

So the question is, do you guys use particular websites, travel agents, phoning the casino's directly? If so, which ones would you guys recommend? I've only stayed at the Bellagio once, and I found a pretty good 2 bedroom deal at Expedia for Caesar's Palace for $1100. Seems good no?

As well, any recommendations on where to get a deal on tickets for Cirque De Soleil, O?

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

Theres also a Tilted Kilt at right there to, the guys will love that place.

Maybe the talent level in Vegas is better, but the Tilted Kilt here in Calgary was pretty much the worst pub I've ever been too. No wonder it was gone in what less then a year?

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by fleury

I really can't go through all the pages of this thread, but was hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I've mostly used Expedia for research. We'll be going to Las Vegas June 18-22nd for a friends bachelor party. The requirements:

Flight and Hotel from Toronto combined $1100.
6 people total, room break down flexible.
Has to be on the main strip, definitely a preference to not be at either end of the strip but rather in the centre.

We called a lot of the main casinos up to see what they have by way of suites but most were around $1600 for flight and suites, so it looks like because of budget constraints with a couple guys, that this won't be possible, so regular rooms are most likely.

So the question is, do you guys use particular websites, travel agents, phoning the casino's directly? If so, which ones would you guys recommend? I've only stayed at the Bellagio once, and I found a pretty good 2 bedroom deal at Expedia for Caesar's Palace for $1100. Seems good no?

As well, any recommendations on where to get a deal on tickets for Cirque De Soleil, O?

In my mind, Flamingo has one of the best locations on the strip and it's not as swanky as Bellagio, Ceasars or Aria, so it's more affordable. I would recommend you look into those types of mid-range casino hotels I guess you'd call them. Flamingo has the best location of them all I think. It also has the charm of old-time Vegas if you appreciate stuff like that. For a bachelor party, you won't be in the room that much anyway I would assume (I wasn't for mine).

If you friends are concerned they won't be able to 'pick up' because they aren't staying at the hottest hotel on the strip, tell them not to worry is all I will say Just don't be a doosh, and all will be fine. Besides, you can't fake being a big shot in that town LOL.

The only 2 hotels I'd say stay away from are Tropicana (bad location, bad hotel) and Excalibur (major trash go there).

As far as bookings, I always book directly from the casino websites for the loyalty points, but then again I don't fly there. I guess the best advice is to just check all the travel websites for the best deal.

Hope that helps chief.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Dan02

Maybe the talent level in Vegas is better, but the Tilted Kilt here in Calgary was pretty much the worst pub I've ever been too. No wonder it was gone in what less then a year?

Haha good ol Tilted Kilt. I find it hilarious that they make no secret of their business plan.

I will say that they have above average Parmesan wings though.

Speaking of wings: NEVER ORDER WINGS FROM DOUBLE BARREL IN THE MONTE CARLO. I never got sick from them, but they are NASTY and UNDERDONE.

That is all.

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

In my mind, Flamingo has one of the best locations on the strip and it's not as swanky as Bellagio, Ceasars or Aria, so it's more affordable. I would recommend you look into those types of mid-range casino hotels I guess you'd call them. Flamingo has the best location of them all I think. It also has the charm of old-time Vegas if you appreciate stuff like that. For a bachelor party, you won't be in the room that much anyway I would assume (I wasn't for mine).

If you friends are concerned they won't be able to 'pick up' because they aren't staying at the hottest hotel on the strip, tell them not to worry is all I will say Just don't be a doosh, and all will be fine. Besides, you can't fake being a big shot in that town LOL.

The only 2 hotels I'd say stay away from are Tropicana (bad location, bad hotel) and Excalibur (major trash go there).

As far as bookings, I always book directly from the casino websites for the loyalty points, but then again I don't fly there. I guess the best advice is to just check all the travel websites for the best deal.

Hope that helps chief.

Thanks. Expedia seems to have some decent deals up. As for picking up, I don't go in with the mindset that it'll happen. This will probably be a fairly tame bachelor party too as only 3 of 6 are single and 2 of the single guys are pretty quiet. I'm probably the only one who'll try a bit. lol

[spetch]

Originally Posted by Dan02

Maybe the talent level in Vegas is better, but the Tilted Kilt here in Calgary was pretty much the worst pub I've ever been too. No wonder it was gone in what less then a year?

When I was there in October the talent level was excellent.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by fleury

I really can't go through all the pages of this thread, but was hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I've mostly used Expedia for research. We'll be going to Las Vegas June 18-22nd for a friends bachelor party. The requirements:

Flight and Hotel from Toronto combined $1100.
6 people total, room break down flexible.
Has to be on the main strip, definitely a preference to not be at either end of the strip but rather in the centre.

We called a lot of the main casinos up to see what they have by way of suites but most were around $1600 for flight and suites, so it looks like because of budget constraints with a couple guys, that this won't be possible, so regular rooms are most likely.

So the question is, do you guys use particular websites, travel agents, phoning the casino's directly? If so, which ones would you guys recommend? I've only stayed at the Bellagio once, and I found a pretty good 2 bedroom deal at Expedia for Caesar's Palace for $1100. Seems good no?

As well, any recommendations on where to get a deal on tickets for Cirque De Soleil, O?

I do not believe these exist, I also thought the show was slightly over rated. We waited for years for the price to come down but it never has so we just bit the bullet and bought from the web site. For a bachelor party, I would seriously consider Absinthe, and you can usually get these at tix 4 tonight.

To add on about hotels, IMO location is the most important, I would never stay South of NYNY or north of TI but that is just me. If you are staying at Bellagio or Harrahs' who really cares, you are IN VEGAS..

Having said that, the Bellagio looks like a pretty decent price compared to everything else. These are in $US
http://www.vegas.com/mytrip/app/Prod...kage-hotels?27

For just hotels
https://www.totalrewards.com/reserve...=1425171082333

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

The only 2 hotels I'd say stay away from are Tropicana (bad location, bad hotel) and Excalibur (major trash go there).

That's surprising. I stayed at the Tropicana years ago, but one thing I do remember was that that the location was pretty decent. MGM and NYNY are right there. Not that bad at all.

[rohara66]

Finally was able to book a 4 day trip in May, can't wait.

Any recommendations for picking up cheaper show tickets? Thinking Jeff Dunham and Michael Jackson One or Absinthe. Would rather take care of tickets before going so we don't have to stand in line at those ticket booths on the strip... unless the line it worth it.

[CroFlames]

@ Rohara

If you are OK with time-share seminars, you usually get free tix to shows from those. But then again, you waste 3 hours of your life.

Other than that, try myvegas.com, groupon, or even just ask the concierge people. Just be like yeah I plan on gambling $1000 (even if you don't plan on it) and just ask for free or cheaper tix. It doesn't hurt.

If you do end up gambling, always go to the concierge at the end of your trip and say yeah I lost $xx.xx amount, what can you do for me? And they usually will put a credit right onto your final bill.

Get a players card for the major casinos too. Mlife & Total Rewards.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

My wife and I sat through two time share presentations and made off like bandits in terms of tickets.

That said, find out where the timeshare is for. The Whyndam one isn't bad. The rep was cool, personable, and when we looked really sad that we didn't have the deposit to buy, he was cool and said "no worries, let's get your free stuff!" Took about 2 hours.

We also did the Grandview presentation, don't waste your time, try a different company. It was 3+ hours of the salesman talking out his butt, telling us they were building an NFL stadium across the street where all the NFL teams will play a game. He told us that despite there was only one resort we could stay at in Atlantic Canada in his book and on his mobile phone, if you check the computer there would be lots more (because you know that's how the internet works, different information on your mobile browser than on your desktop). When questioned he had really poor answers, especially for stuff that he should have been coached on like, inflation. Oh and staying with family is a burden to them, never do it. Because, you know, every family is the same, and everyone hates their family even if they pretend.

All around horrible.

You may have to pay fees or buy a drink with the tickets they give you but it's far less than buying them yourself. For $140 we got:

• Gondola Ride at the Venetian
• Dinner for 2 at the Venetian
• Tickets to Madam Tusseau's
• Tickets to Shark Reef at Manadlay Bay
• Tickets to Mac King
• Tickets to Cirque du Soliel: Mystere
• Buffet for 2 at Treasure Island

Tickets to Mystere were $86 each. Right there the whole venture was worth it. And it just cost us a few hours in the morning before things are going on anyway (being from the East Coast getting up in the morning was natural as 8:30 their time is 12:30 ours).


In terms of what people say about where to stay on the strip, the ends it really does die down.

And I can't say stay away from Stratosphere enough. Man that place sucked, and is in a sketchy part of town. (We ended up staying there two nights due to our flights getting switched around).

[rohara66]

Hmm, had no idea about the time share stuff in vegas.... not sure I really want to spend my holidays listening to one of those just to save $100 but I'll keep that in mind.

[troutman]

Two hours of my vacation time will never be worth the "free stuff".

[IliketoPuck]

Originally Posted by troutman

Two hours of my vacation time will never be worth the "free stuff".

Overpaid lawyers, amiright?

[JohnnyO]

Anyone know of a good place to watch the Flames playoff games on TV there. We will be there this weekend and want to throw that into the mix?

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by JohnnyO

Anyone know of a good place to watch the Flames playoff games on TV there. We will be there this weekend and want to throw that into the mix?

I've always watched games at the sports books. Makes it kind of fun to throw some cash on the game too, and you get drinks to boot.

Alternatively I've watched a game at Blondies (sports bar) in the Planet Hollywood shopping area. But you'll be sitting at the bar watching a single screen while everyone else there is watching NFL, college football, high school football, baseball, or basketball on the big screens

[Property Manager DB]

Originally Posted by JohnnyO

Anyone know of a good place to watch the Flames playoff games on TV there. We will be there this weekend and want to throw that into the mix?

MGM has a great sports bar
http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/tap.aspx

[JohnnyO]

Thanks.

I am hoping that the NBA finals dont start until Saturday so audio will be available for hockey friday night. Just worried they will be showing Game # 5 of 160 of some random baseball game over the NHL Playoffs.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by JohnnyO

Anyone know of a good place to watch the Flames playoff games on TV there. We will be there this weekend and want to throw that into the mix?

Ceasers is my favourite Sports Book, they have always had the games on the big screens, with all the games being late games, I would expect that even though it is two Canaidan teams, they will have them on again.

[Northendzone]

A bunch of years ago the wife and I sat and had dinner in some bobby flay restaurant in ceasers and I was able to watch the bombers and Edmonton on a tv in the sports book