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

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by KTown

Vegas is like heaven on earth. I go a couple times a year. I use to go a lot more. I've done Vegas everyway possible, but these days they are more tame.

If you are a single woman....then you can bring $100 with you and come home with $95.....You get the picture! So not fair!

If you are a single guy well clubbing is a must and even better with bottle service if there is a group of you. You don't have to wait in line this way. The top 3 clubs in my book are XS, Marquee and Hakkasan. Depending on the night and table you get. Your night will cost as a group anywhere from $1500 - $4000. If you are going there during pool party season (which has now begun). By the way these are a must!!! The best ones I found are wet republic and rehab. There is also night time pool parties at places like the Wynn. Nighttime pool parties begin after May. Just like clubbing the only way to do these pool parties right is to ensure you get a Cabana (bottle service) and make sure you get a good one, like near the pool. Once you go to Vegas a few times hook yourself up with a good promoter these guys will take care of you for a handshake and makes life easier and ensures you get better tables, etc.

As an added bonus if you like to gamble you can get your room comped. To do this only gamble at the hotel you stay at. Do not gamble at other hotels. As soon as you get to the hotel, get a players card and every time you gamble use the card. Every time you eat at the hotel, charge it to your room. I will explain this below. The hotel will log your bets and the time you gamble. If you like blackjack bet big first hand when the pit boss is there. They come by and check every 10 minutes or so, so keep your bets bigger when they are around. Take advantage of the free drinks and free smokes (if you smoke). Make sure you get premium drinks like grey goose, etc. When you are checking out go see the casino host and see if they will comp you. For example at the higher end hotels they like to see you average $100 a bet for four hours a day. If you do this your room will be free and your meals will be free. Sure you could have lost a few G's doing this but you could have also won a few G's and gotten to stay there for free. If you average a lower bet with less time they might comp one night or give you your meals for free.

If you are going with your gf or wife or significant other. This is me now. Then obviously the party life isn't the same, but Vegas is still just as fun. Clubbing is o.k. to go dance but you might as well pick some of the not so busy ones so you can enjoy your significant other. Besides I don't think most of you want your gf's/wives being eye banged by every guy in the club. From my experience the shows to see are le reve at the wynn or any of the cirque d'solei shows. Hanging by the pool is always fun too with the significant other. I just wouldn't pick the crazy pool party locations if you want some quality time together.

In conclusion Vegas is the adults Disneyland enjoy it! This is just a few suggestions and there are other ways to have fun in Vegas too!

The Delta Bravo's Ultimate Guide to Las Vegas

[Derek Sutton]

Do not fly with Allegiant. I know so many people who have had there trip ruined by Allegaint, myslef included. This airline has no customer service and it is not uncommon for them to delay flights for 24 or more hours. It is a complete joke.

-wife and I delayed 7 hourse on flight home from San Fran (which was actually Oaklabd airport) to Kalispell
-Aunt and Uncle and Grandma delayed 26 hrs from GTF to LAS, missed 1 day of a 3 day trip, missed show.
-Brother and Sister In Law and 3 other couples waited 1hour and 45 mins at baggae claim in LAS for car seats for the kids after landing at 10:15pm
-My cousin in NC had his return flight ffrom Florida cancelled on him and had to pay to find another flight home that day as the next allegiant flight was not for 3 day.

Just look at their facebok page, do not fly with them. If it is to save a couple hundred bucks, save up for another month or two and fly with a real airline. Their web site is loaded with hidden fees, refunds are impossible and they don't have an 800 number, they also charge for a carry on $40 each way/ ticket. And the flight times are usually crap.

I live in Lethbridge and last time we flew down we went with Delta out of Great Falls through SLC which cost $145 total then we would have paid using allegiant. Are next trip is looking like YYC will be cheaper then GTF.

And driving from YYC to Great Falls is about 4.5-5 hours depending on border time. The plus is you can load your car up with cheap booze to bring home .

[Derek Sutton]

nm

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by KTown

A nice club that isn't usually as crazy as some of the top clubs that the wife might like is Tryst. It's at Encore/Wynn. See if you can call ahead and get on the guest list.

I like Ghostbar in the Palms. You used to be able to buy a wrist band at the little shop in the bottom for like 40 bucks that would get you VIP entry into all the bars in the Palms and that's another good thing about that area is f you get tired of Ghostbar you can always go to Rain or the Playboy Club

In regards to Great Falls, a major draw for me is also the super cheap parking and the ease of getting your luggage and on the road right away. Border usually isnt busy coming back into Canada and the time saved with luggage and customs as opposed to Calgary makes the travel time about the same....if travelling from Lethbridge

[InBurkeWeTrust]

Originally Posted by return to the red

I like Ghostbar in the Palms. You used to be able to buy a wrist band at the little shop in the bottom for like 40 bucks that would get you VIP entry into all the bars in the Palms and that's another good thing about that area is f you get tired of Ghostbar you can always go to Rain or the Playboy Club

In regards to Great Falls, a major draw for me is also the super cheap parking and the ease of getting your luggage and on the road right away. Border usually isnt busy coming back into Canada and the time saved with luggage and customs as opposed to Calgary makes the travel time about the same....if travelling from Lethbridge

Went there a couple years ago and it's like $100+ now. Still worth it for all you can drink for 3-4 hours. I had a rough morning..

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

Do not fly with Allegiant. I know so many people who have had there trip ruined by Allegaint, myslef included. This airline has no customer service and it is not uncommon for them to delay flights for 24 or more hours. It is a complete joke.

-wife and I delayed 7 hourse on flight home from San Fran (which was actually Oaklabd airport) to Kalispell
-Aunt and Uncle and Grandma delayed 26 hrs from GTF to LAS, missed 1 day of a 3 day trip, missed show.
-Brother and Sister In Law and 3 other couples waited 1hour and 45 mins at baggae claim in LAS for car seats for the kids after landing at 10:15pm
-My cousin in NC had his return flight ffrom Florida cancelled on him and had to pay to find another flight home that day as the next allegiant flight was not for 3 day.

Just look at their facebok page, do not fly with them. If it is to save a couple hundred bucks, save up for another month or two and fly with a real airline. Their web site is loaded with hidden fees, refunds are impossible and they don't have an 800 number, they also charge for a carry on $40 each way/ ticket. And the flight times are usually crap.

I live in Lethbridge and last time we flew down we went with Delta out of Great Falls through SLC which cost $145 total then we would have paid using allegiant. Are next trip is looking like YYC will be cheaper then GTF.

And driving from YYC to Great Falls is about 4.5-5 hours depending on border time. The plus is you can load your car up with cheap booze to bring home .

I, myself, have only flown Allegiant once, and I was happy with the flight. I would have preferred more options as to time of day when I could fly, but for the price I was happy with what I got.

We have a lot of family who also regularly fly to Vegas with Allegiante and the only problem I heard with that is my wife's cousin who nearly missed the flight because they assumed they would cross the border without delays.

That said, I prefer the to go to Calgary. I just don't want to risk being delayed at the border crossing and missing flight, nor do I want to kill time for several hours in Great Falls before I catch my flight. I like Calgary better, but Allegiant out of Great Falls is indeed inexpensive and I haven't heard of anybody that I now having problems with the airline.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

Do not fly with Allegiant. I know so many people who have had there trip ruined by Allegaint, myslef included.

I've got a few family members that live in an area that's about the same distance to drive to the US as it is to a Canadian international airport. They've had so many poor vacations due to Alleigant that they generally fly out of Canada now.

That being said, anything I've heard of Alleigant, I wouldn't fly with them if the tickets were free.

[king_amonte]

http://www.usatoday.com/videos/exper...03/31/7067689/

High Roller (worlds largest ferris wheel) just opened on Monday, absolutley wanna check this out next trip down!

[Red John]

Would like to chime in on Allegiant.

Obviously as a Calgarian it might not be worth your time to drive to Great Falls. But if you live in BC it's not far from the border so driving over and flying out of Bellingham (with Allegiant) is a no-brainer.

Yes, they nickle and dime you, every bag costs extra but it's Vegas how much stuff do you really bring with you? Love how if you're willing to fly without all the extras you can really save a buck. $53 flights taxes in? That's incredible. Leaves you way more cash to blow when you're there which is what Vegas is all about!

Personally, have used them multiple times and never had a problem with service or delays.

So if you're close to Great Falls or Bellingham, do it. It's still way cheaper than using Westjet even if you factor in gas and time costs to get over the border.

[king_amonte]

Originally Posted by Red John

Would like to chime in on Allegiant.

Obviously as a Calgarian it might not be worth your time to drive to Great Falls. But if you live in BC it's not far from the border so driving over and flying out of Bellingham (with Allegiant) is a no-brainer.

Yes, they nickle and dime you, every bag costs extra but it's Vegas how much stuff do you really bring with you? Love how if you're willing to fly without all the extras you can really save a buck. $53 flights taxes in? That's incredible. Leaves you way more cash to blow when you're there which is what Vegas is all about!

Personally, have used them multiple times and never had a problem with service or delays.

So if you're close to Great Falls or Bellingham, do it. It's still way cheaper than using Westjet even if you factor in gas and time costs to get over the border.

I should state as well being the one who suggested them that I have flown allegiant 3 times as well and never once had an issue at all!!

[albertGQ]

Looking to go to Vegas from May 30-June 2. Anyway I can get a flight and hotel for under $500 or am I just being dilussional? I'd like to stay at Treasure Island.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

Looking to go to Vegas from May 30-June 2. Anyway I can get a flight and hotel for under $500 or am I just being dilussional? I'd like to stay at Treasure Island.

Just you or $500 per person?

[flamesrule_kipper34]

Question about hosts.

We recently booked Hakkasan for a night, booth/table service and we did this through a host.

He told me he had no fee (I'm assuming he makes a cut off the club for referring us or something), and in terms of tip/grat he said it's simply up to us on what we feel is equitable.

This is my first time doing this, does anybody know what a industry standard or what a reasonable gratuity amount would be to give him?

Thanks.

[spetch]

Originally Posted by flamesrule_kipper34

Question about hosts.

We recently booked Hakkasan for a night, booth/table service and we did this through a host.

He told me he had no fee (I'm assuming he makes a cut off the club for referring us or something), and in terms of tip/grat he said it's simply up to us on what we feel is equitable.

This is my first time doing this, does anybody know what a industry standard or what a reasonable gratuity amount would be to give him?

Thanks.

Check this site out, it has some good info for first timers.
http://www.jackcolton.com/

I tip based on where the table/booth is gonna be. If its in a pretty basic spot $75-100, if its an awesome spot probably 200-400 depending on the club. Sometimes a little extra and they will "upgrade" your spot.

[king_amonte]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

Looking to go to Vegas from May 30-June 2. Anyway I can get a flight and hotel for under $500 or am I just being dilussional? I'd like to stay at Treasure Island.

Looked for fun through Allegiant (Great Falls) for you

Flight w/checked bad $275.98 return

Room at TI through smarter vegas website $318.41 + 75 Resort fees

so total would be $669.39, could be much cheaper if it wasn't over a weekend and if you picked a bit cheaper hotel (Luxor, Excalibur, Quad etc)

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

I book a penthouse suite at the MGM Signature through Airbnb or VRBO for about $150-200 per night. 1000 sqft, 1 bedroom with full kitchen and 2 bath. That rate is usually better than the much smaller rooms at the major strip hotels, and it includes valet parking and gives the option to cook some nights if I want. Huge bang for your buck and very high class accommodation.

Thanks for this. Grabbed a 2BR/3BA suite at the Signature for $209 + tax/night for my trip at the end of April. Splitting that with 3 other guys. We were all originally booked in two separate rooms at the Luxor, so this seemed like a no-brainer.

[canada_hdk21]

Anyone have nay experience slipping the front clerk some extra cash while checking in and getting an upgrade for your room? I am going down for my 30th bday and we are staying at Excalibur, not the best hotel from reviews but I mean really it's Vegas who is going to be in their room?

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by spetch

Check this site out, it has some good info for first timers.
http://www.jackcolton.com/

I tip based on where the table/booth is gonna be. If its in a pretty basic spot $75-100, if its an awesome spot probably 200-400 depending on the club. Sometimes a little extra and they will "upgrade" your spot.

Great link, thanks!

If I am doing bottle service for a birthday or some event in Calgary, I tip our server (typically by accident as I always forget that most places include it in your bill)
If I am understanding that link though, I should tip the guy who sits me down, the girl who pours our drinks all night and the security guy who takes girls to the washroom??? Seems overboard and I have only ever given the girl who is in charge of drinks assuming its like other industries and split at the end of the night.

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by canada_hdk21

Anyone have nay experience slipping the front clerk some extra cash while checking in and getting an upgrade for your room? I am going down for my 30th bday and we are staying at Excalibur, not the best hotel from reviews but I mean really it's Vegas who is going to be in their room?

Worked for me at Excaliber - gave a 20 and moved up to one of the higher floors overlooking the pool. Same room though.

Nothing fancy about the resort but as you said, you will spend very little time there anyway.

[king_amonte]

Originally Posted by canada_hdk21

Anyone have nay experience slipping the front clerk some extra cash while checking in and getting an upgrade for your room? I am going down for my 30th bday and we are staying at Excalibur, not the best hotel from reviews but I mean really it's Vegas who is going to be in their room?

I actually quite liked the Excalibur, beds were very comfy, great location (IMO), amazing food court for cheap eats, 4 nice pools....don't listen to all the reviews you read!