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

[Kerplunk]

Some good Vegas shows I've seen are Cirque Ka, Terry Fator, and Blue Man Group. Cirque O just confused the hell out of me.

[Travis Munroe]

+1 to Zumanity. I go to it everytime I go to Vegas and always laugh. Be sure to have a few drinks before hand lol. Also on the cheaper side for a Cirque show.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Yeah, they just don't like giving out the free beer that comes with it.

Well, it really should be a free milkshake if you finish it.

[YYC in LAX]

Originally Posted by Hesla

Go to O'Shea's. It is not far from Aria and has cheap booze, food and has beer pong.

Why go to Vegas to play beer bong at O'Shea's? I was dragged in there by my friends for 15 minutes a few years ago and will never go back.

Cheap booze? Pfft, hit up a casino floor and drink free booze.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

Why go to Vegas to play beer bong at O'Shea's? I was dragged in there by my friends for 15 minutes a few years ago and will never go back.

Cheap booze? Pfft, hit up a casino floor and drink free booze.

Yeah, really. All these silly people who pay for booze. The most a drink should cost you in LV is a $1 chip which you tip the waitress with.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Yeah, really. All these silly people who pay for booze. The most a drink should cost you in LV is a $1 chip which you tip the waitress with.

You mean paying $1500 for bottle service at a club is borderline ######ed?? Color me surprised.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

Why go to Vegas to play beer bong at O'Shea's? I was dragged in there by my friends for 15 minutes a few years ago and will never go back.

Cheap booze? Pfft, hit up a casino floor and drink free booze.

yeah " Free Booze". He said he is not a big gambler, so he is unlikely to hang out playing 5 cent slots for hours to get "Free Booze". If you want to get liquored up for cheap without having to gamble, O'sheas is a great option.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

You mean paying $1500 for bottle service at a club is borderline ######ed?? Color me surprised.

Yes, unless that comes with a guaranteed threesome, and even then, it's a bit on the expensive side.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by malcolmk14

If you literally mean shows that are the tits, then see Cirque's Zumanity. If you figuratively mean the tits, I hear Cirque Ka and Cirque O are really good.

MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris is another show to see tits. Have no idea if it is any good or not, but it's been there for a few years, so it can't be that bad. If it doesn't do good in Vegas it doesn't last long.

Ka and O are probably the two most recommended Cirque shows in Vegas. I would even recommend Mystere at Treasure Island. It is the longest running Cirque show. It is the only Cirque show I've seen and I enjoyed it. I went, just to appease my wife, and I was impressed. Now I want to go see another Cirque show next time I'm in Vegas.

[Knut]

I have seen Mystere, Zumanity and Ka. All were fantastic. The one at the Wynn was not as good.

[VladtheImpaler]

Oh, go to stand-up shows. It's very reasonable, and has been excellent every time I've gone in LV.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by Kerplunk

Some good Vegas shows I've seen are Cirque Ka, Terry Fator, and Blue Man Group. Cirque O just confused the hell out of me.

Paid $80 or whatever to see his show quite enjoyed it, then saw his exact same show with the same gimmicks, salut to the troops, voice mix up etc...on Netflix I was mildly ticked off. Did enjoy it but would recommend the free Netflix version and spend money on another show like KA.

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

I have booked 5 nights at the Aria next week, looking forward to it, all I have heard is good things about the hotel. Any suggestions on things for a 20-something married couple to do (aka no pool parties)?

I know she wants to hit the malls and the outlets, and we want to drink and gamble, but are there some shows we should see that are just "the tits"?

Keep in mind we are going to Toronto in the fall to see some musicals and plays, then off to the West End in London in the fall as well for more plays and musicals... So I am probably good for those with respect to Vegas (being that I am straight - I avoid musicals and plays at all costs))

Anyone with the exception of the Chris Angel/ Cirqu abortion should do the trick. Personally, KA is the most "awe", Mystere and Zumanity are very entertaining as well. Of course there's LOVE and ELVIS which are both very good. I personally think O is overrated and not worth it but many people think I'm dumb so... I've been told that LA'REVE is currently the best show going show that's next for us. My wife loved Jersey Boys although I'm not the biggest fan of that "type" of music I do agree that the performance was very good. We also really enjoyed ourselves at the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur. Definitely not Ciqu but it was fun.
Also spend one night downtown (Freemont Street) just hangin out, watching people/ preformers/ the light show. We've had good luck gambling downtown and there's lots a cheap drinks.

[bradster57]

Was just in Vegas, I saw:

• Anthony Cools at Paris: pretty good funny hypnotist show for around $40... very dirty as well. I had no idea he was a Calgarian but he gave out props to his hometown during the show I saw!
• David Copperfield at MGM: Good illusions, but we saw the later showing and it really felt like he was phoning it in. Tickets were about $80, I probably wouldn't go again.
• Terry Fator at Mirage: Really good show, I was surprised he was so good since ventriloquism isn't something that interests me at all. Lots of energy, definitely the best show we saw in Vegas. Tickets a little pricey at around $85. But as a poster said earlier, I had no idea the exact same show is free on Netflix right now.

Last time I was in Vegas I saw Ka at the MGM, this was a very excellent show. Also, head down to Freemont street. There was tons of free entertainment and a really good party vibe. It was so fun we went down there on two seperate nights.

[THE SCUD]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Oh, go to stand-up shows. It's very reasonable, and has been excellent every time I've gone in LV.

This really appeals to me, I am going to see Daniel Tosh this weekend (Aug 7) in Calgary. Any thoughts on where to look for good stand up there?

[username]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

This really appeals to me, I am going to see Daniel Tosh this weekend (Aug 7) in Calgary. Any thoughts on where to look for good stand up there?

I've been to this and it's a great time:

http://www.harrahslasvegas.com/Event...cationCode=LAS

Just get a few drinks in you before you show up and it'll be a blast.

[Philly06Cup]

I go to Vegas 3 or 4 times a year. It's the happiest place on earth.

Hotels:

FREE
SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP CARDS! I sign up for everywhere. I don't gamble that much. My on-line account reads that I have 0.00 points racked up, with MLIFE, and they still send me offers for 3 COMPLIMENTARY NIGHTS at the MGM (Sun-Thurs). Same with Harrah: I have 0.00 points, and they offer me 2 FREE NIGHTS, every month, to Ballys/Flamingo/Harrah's/IP/Rio.

SWANK
For something more balling, I'd recommend Aria or Cosmopolitan. They are the newest, and it shows: Very modern, high-tech rooms. Bellagio feels so dull in comparison. Venetian is nice.

POOLS
MGM is great for their plentiful pools. Flamingo and Mirage have the best decor -- waterfalls, grottos, tropical theme.


Shows/Activities

'O' is fantastic, and head and shoulders above everything else. Mystere, Love, Le Reve, Absinthe are good shows. I wasn't blown away by KA -- thought it was pretty average. Zumanity is awful -- waste of money. Good idea to check out downtown at least once. Spearmint rhino for strippers. Mac King is great for afternoon; Penn & teller is also one of my favourites.

Tips
As mentioned before, if you're a group of 5+, taking a LIMO during the day is cheaper than taking a cab. and, you get free water/drinks.

Pre-drink before going to the club. Getting table service is a great idea. --If you're clubbing at the hotel you're staying at, talk to concierge, and they should be able to get you REAL VIP passes to the club.

Ask for as many comps as you can. I've heard some people try to slip the hotel clerk a $20 to upgrade their room; I've had success just asking nicely without the bribe.

Food
Buffets. Bellagio, especially the gourmet buffet, is the king. COSMO is delicious, and has a neat decor and concept. They also have the best water (Aquahealth). I didn't like Wynn, but others love it. Paris is one of the more underrated buffets.

Other good eats: Bouchon (brunch, oysters), Mon Ami Gabi (scallops, steak), Port o Subs (subs, latenight).

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by cmyden

The Valley of Fire just outside of Vegas is also kinda neat, I imagine it would look incredible under good lighting conditions. It's basically a park with all kinds of cool looking formations shaped during the age of the dinosaurs. There's also petroglyphs in the stone that are allegedly over 3,000 years old.

... and about to be turned into a suburbia

http://www.saveredrock.com/

The natural beauty and sense of adventure found at Red Rock Canyon, outside of Las Vegas, NV, is in danger of forever being diminished by the "Gypsum Reclamation Concept Plan," (GRCP) a development plan atop a former 2,500 acre gypsum mine known as Blue Diamond Hill. Act now to conserve the climbing environment at Red Rocks!

The GRCP is a high density multi-use plan to construct a small city for approximately 22,000 people, complete with 7,200 multi-family residences, education facilities, retail stores, and related amenities that will forever diminish the natural beauty and sense of adventure at Red Rocks. The proposed location, Blue Diamond Hill, is clearly visible from all major formations at Red Rocks.

[flamesflames444]

Originally Posted by Buff

MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris is another show to see tits. Have no idea if it is any good or not, but it's been there for a few years, so it can't be that bad. If it doesn't do good in Vegas it doesn't last long.

I have been to Crazy Horse twice and thought it was great. Once was with the wife and once with his buddies and I'd probably go back and see it again as it has been a couple of years. It's a fairly small theatre and thus everyone is close to the action. Tickets are a lot cheaper than some of the bigger shows relatively speaking as well.

[THE SCUD]

Originally Posted by Philly06Cup

I go to Vegas 3 or 4 times a year. It's the happiest place on earth.

Hotels:

FREE
SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP CARDS! I sign up for everywhere. I don't gamble that much. My on-line account reads that I have 0.00 points racked up, with MLIFE, and they still send me offers for 3 COMPLIMENTARY NIGHTS at the MGM (Sun-Thurs). Same with Harrah: I have 0.00 points, and they offer me 2 FREE NIGHTS, every month, to Ballys/Flamingo/Harrah's/IP/Rio.

SWANK
For something more balling, I'd recommend Aria or Cosmopolitan. They are the newest, and it shows: Very modern, high-tech rooms. Bellagio feels so dull in comparison. Venetian is nice.

POOLS
MGM is great for their plentiful pools. Flamingo and Mirage have the best decor -- waterfalls, grottos, tropical theme.


Shows/Activities

'O' is fantastic, and head and shoulders above everything else. Mystere, Love, Le Reve, Absinthe are good shows. I wasn't blown away by KA -- thought it was pretty average. Zumanity is awful -- waste of money. Good idea to check out downtown at least once. Spearmint rhino for strippers. Mac King is great for afternoon; Penn & teller is also one of my favourites.

Tips
As mentioned before, if you're a group of 5+, taking a LIMO during the day is cheaper than taking a cab. and, you get free water/drinks.

Pre-drink before going to the club. Getting table service is a great idea. --If you're clubbing at the hotel you're staying at, talk to concierge, and they should be able to get you REAL VIP passes to the club.

Ask for as many comps as you can. I've heard some people try to slip the hotel clerk a $20 to upgrade their room; I've had success just asking nicely without the bribe.

Food
Buffets. Bellagio, especially the gourmet buffet, is the king. COSMO is delicious, and has a neat decor and concept. They also have the best water (Aquahealth). I didn't like Wynn, but others love it. Paris is one of the more underrated buffets.

Other good eats: Bouchon (brunch, oysters), Mon Ami Gabi (scallops, steak), Port o Subs (subs, latenight).

Thanks for all the great tidbits!

Here's a question that your post raised with me:

How *do* you request a 'comp' ?

Do you say "Any chance of getting a better room?" or "Are there better rooms available" or "Any chance for a free upgrade?" or "Here's $20, what upgrades are available?"


Thanks!