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

[jar_e]

^^Aria is probably your best bet. Vdara is a little off the strip, more so than aria, but both are new and quite nice inside. If those are your 3 options, I'd probably drop MGM. If you can get a deal, the Mandarin Oriental blows both of those out of the water.

[expo2428]

I stayed at the MGM when I went down to Vegas. I really liked the casino but if the hotel itself is really run down. The pool was closed so I cant comment on that. I would say look into your other options if you are looking strictly for hotel reasons opposed to gambling.

[Buff]

MGM is my favorite hotel on the strip. Most comfortable hotel bed I've ever slept on.

They are going through a room renovation right now to update their look, but it's more of a keeping up with the joneses thing than because it is run down. MGM's hotel is far from run down. Places are always being updated to keep up with the rest. Not much on the strip gets run down. Tropicana was, but it's been reno'd. Usually if it gets run down the place is in trouble and will likely be sold and/or demolished.

The only thing I'd warn you about is the size of the place. Lots of walking. It's the biggest hotel and the biggest casino on the strip. Don't forget something in your room.

[squiggs96]

I've stayed at the MGM and really enjoyed it. I stayed in the West Wing which means I can be at the poker tables in about 2 minutes from waking up.

The downfall is it's at the south end of the strip so there isn't much near it. This is fine for me as I like to walk up and down the strip. I know others say it's too hot or too far, but I've done it in May and it was nice. Check to make sure the pools are open. I know they aren't year round.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by squiggs96

I've stayed at the MGM and really enjoyed it. I stayed in the West Wing which means I can be at the poker tables in about 2 minutes from waking up.

The downfall is it's at the south end of the strip so there isn't much near it. This is fine for me as I like to walk up and down the strip. I know others say it's too hot or too far, but I've done it in May and it was nice. Check to make sure the pools are open. I know they aren't year round.

I prefer to stay at the south end of the strip. Like you I enjoy walking up and down the strip. For me, a trip to Vegas is a great way to get away and still get exercise. I disagree with people who say there isn't much by it though. However if you said that about Mandalay Bay, a great hotel and casino, I'd agree with you. I've stayed at Mandalay Bay and really enjoyed it, but I found it was too far south. I stayed there during a conference for work so I only had a few hours in the evening to enjoy the rest of Vegas so the extra distance was a bit of a nuisance. If I stayed there just for fun, I may not think the same way, but I'd rather go to MGM anyway... I'll be staying at Mandalay Bay again in November for that same conference.

[DownhillGoat]

Has anyone done the drive from Vegas to LA?

Looking at driving to LA on the holiday Saturday in Feb. I've heard horror stories about making that trek, but I'm thinking the Saturday morning of a long weekend all the traffic should be going towards Las Vegas. Any experience?

[pylon]

I have been down there 3 times in the last year, all three times I stayed at the Wynn. That hotel is simply unreal. It is unbelievably clean, and the rooms are outstanding. It can be a little pricey, but it is well worth it if you are with a spouse/girlfriend. Their standard room, outdoes most hotels midrange/upgrade rooms.

If I go down on a bender, I usually snag a deal at The Flamingo, for the pure campy factor.

[rubecube]

Anyone done Vegas for Super Bowl? I'm doing it this year and am looking for a decent spot to watch the game.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Anyone done Vegas for Super Bowl? I'm doing it this year and am looking for a decent spot to watch the game.

http://www.palazzo.com/Las-Vegas-Nig...asses-Stadium/

oops just noticed its already all booked up

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

Has anyone done the drive from Vegas to LA?

Looking at driving to LA on the holiday Saturday in Feb. I've heard horror stories about making that trek, but I'm thinking the Saturday morning of a long weekend all the traffic should be going towards Las Vegas. Any experience?

I've done this drive in both directions many times. Very scenic and well worth it.

If you're going to LA from Vegas on a Saturday it wouldn't be so bad.

Any time I've run in to trouble, it's been in the greater LA area, either getting out of or in to it. On a Saturday it shouldn't be too bad.

Unless you're heading to Vegas at the start of a weekend, it's usually smooth sailing on the highway itself.

[pylon]

This thread has me thinking. Who in here would be up for a CP Booze and box fuelled super bender down in Vegas. I am talking Circus Circus, or the Hooters hotel. Nothing but half price buffets, and no fancy bottle service clubs. I am talking super seedy all the way. I am sick of glamorous Vegas, I want to do a dirty, buy a sleeping bag at the outlet mall next to the Airport for your room, can someone please get this drunk hooker out of my bathtub trip. I know it could be done for 500 a head... easy.

We have enough guys in here that can swing it. I think it could become an awesome annual tradition. Kinda like a stag, without the idiot getting married part.

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by Buff

MGM is my favorite hotel on the strip. Most comfortable hotel bed I've ever slept on.

They are going through a room renovation right now to update their look, but it's more of a keeping up with the joneses thing than because it is run down.

I really disagree with this. For the price the MGM is most definitely dated and run down as far as most of the rooms are concerned.

For the price one is much better off booking a bigger and nicer suite at the MGM Signature (on the same property) than the run down rooms at the MGM itself.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

Has anyone done the drive from Vegas to LA?

Looking at driving to LA on the holiday Saturday in Feb. I've heard horror stories about making that trek, but I'm thinking the Saturday morning of a long weekend all the traffic should be going towards Las Vegas. Any experience?

My girlfriend is from LA and went to Las Vegas once a month or so... she said its easy.

pylon - I don't know if you're kidding or not, but I've done it before on the edge of LV. When I was in Vegas a month ago (just side of Vegas) I saw a giant tarantula. Also if you bandit camp just side of Vegas and have no tent, you get a lot of sand in you mouth... it kind of sucks... I usually just in the car in a Whole Foods then have breakfast in Whole Foods. (I don't go to LV to drink or party, obviously)

Spoiler!

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

My girlfriend is from LA and went to Las Vegas once a month or so... she said its easy.

pylon - I don't know if you're kidding or not, but I've done it before on the edge of LV. When I was in Vegas a month ago (just side of Vegas) I saw a giant tarantula. Also if you bandit camp just side of Vegas and have no tent, you get a lot of sand in you mouth... it kind of sucks... I usually just in the car in a Whole Foods then have breakfast in Whole Foods. (I don't go to LV to drink or party, obviously)

LOL, the sleeping bag comment was meant to act as a body condom from scabby sheets in the room. I would be totally down for a cheap hotel bender. All my friends are all married and lame now.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by pylon

LOL, the sleeping bag comment was meant to act as a body condom from scabby sheets in the room. I would be totally down for a cheap hotel bender. All my friends are all married and lame now.

I stayed at Hooters during one of my poker trips and it was just fine - definitely has that NASCAR feel to it, but that's OK. 4 Queens downtown is another ideal destinations - the rooms are basically free and not any worse than places like Harrah's or Monte Carlo. I would be in for a seedy Vegas excursion - I would have to play some poker though.
BTW re MGM, ask for a room in the West wing - that was updated to look like modern Euro hotels - lots of glass and great beds.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by pylon

This thread has me thinking. Who in here would be up for a CP Booze and box fuelled super bender down in Vegas. I am talking Circus Circus, or the Hooters hotel. Nothing but half price buffets, and no fancy bottle service clubs. I am talking super seedy all the way.

Depending on the timing I'd be interested. Not sure I'd want to go quite that greasy, but definately interested. The old strip would probably have some good offerings. Last time I checked Golden Gate had rooms for around $20 a night, (sleeping bag body condom extra, of course). And the blackjack dealers there are fantastic.

[Mango]

I'm 50/50 on going to see O. Is the show worth it? Would another Cirque show be better?

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Captain_Obvious

I really disagree with this. For the price the MGM is most definitely dated and run down as far as most of the rooms are concerned.

For the price one is much better off booking a bigger and nicer suite at the MGM Signature (on the same property) than the run down rooms at the MGM itself.

Our expectations/definitions are clearly different. I don't think the rooms are anywhere near rundown.

[JD]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

Has anyone done the drive from Vegas to LA?

Looking at driving to LA on the holiday Saturday in Feb. I've heard horror stories about making that trek, but I'm thinking the Saturday morning of a long weekend all the traffic should be going towards Las Vegas. Any experience?

We once left Vegas on July 5, right in the middle of the 4th of July long weekend, heading to San Diego. The I15 was an absolute parking lot getting in and out of Vegas. Once we got through that agriculture inspection station in Cali, smooth sailing.

Barstow probably had more people in it than it's intended to hold.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by JD

We once left Vegas on July 5, right in the middle of the 4th of July long weekend, heading to San Diego. The I15 was an absolute parking lot getting in and out of Vegas.

Remember how long the trip took? I'm hoping being off-season down there it won't be that bad. Otherwise I might have to look at staying in LA 2 nights. Id hate to miss the game because I'm stuck in traffic.