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

[Freeway]

Originally Posted by Mango

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

I've been told it's pretty good. Aside from the Criss Angel one, I've been told most of them are great. I've only see Mystere and Love, which I both recommend.

[SuperMatt18]

Thanks for all the input everybody.

I ended up booking Aria because it was available for $495/person for 4 nights, flight and taxes included on Hotwire.

I will provide some feedback for when I return.

Another question I have is I am deciding what Cirque show to watch and am down to Zumanity, O, and Love. Any suggestions?

[return to the red]

So anybody been to weddings in Vegas? I'm gettin hitched again and my fabulous bride to be has voluntarily agreed to get married in VEGAS!!

The stipulations are that it has to be off strip, classy joint, no Elvis (I had to compromise on this one) and no Hookers and Blow.

we have been looking at these places

www.g-mansions.com (gotta be awesome with a name like that amiright!)

http://www.lakesideweddings.com/ceremony.html

http://emeraldatqueensridge.com/

http://www.the-grove.com/

Any experiences?

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by return to the red

So anybody been to weddings in Vegas? I'm gettin hitched again and my fabulous bride to be has voluntarily agreed to get married in VEGAS!!

The stipulations are that it has to be off strip, classy joint, no Elvis (I had to compromise on this one) and no Hookers and Blow.

we have been looking at these places

www.g-mansions.com (gotta be awesome with a name like that amiright!)

http://www.lakesideweddings.com/ceremony.html

http://emeraldatqueensridge.com/

http://www.the-grove.com/

Any experiences?

Hahaha. Good luck. One of my weddings was in Vegas.

[JD]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

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.

If memory serves, it took us 4 hours-ish? I think with a clear highway it could be done in 3, depending on part of San Diego you're heading into. But as mentioned, it's a pretty nice drive so there's really no hurry.

LA is probably a similar timeline, again depending on what part you're headed to and what the traffic situation there is like.

Sadly for us, freeways in other cities don't seem to back up to a crawl every day at the same time like clockwork like Deerfoot does, unless there's an actual reason like an accident or major construction.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Thanks for all the input everybody.

I ended up booking Aria because it was available for $495/person for 4 nights, flight and taxes included on Hotwire.

I will provide some feedback for when I return.

Another question I have is I am deciding what Cirque show to watch and am down to Zumanity, O, and Love. Any suggestions?

If you see Zumanity, be careful where you sit. I saw it last weekend, and sat in the front row on one of the Sofas. If you want to be dragged on the stage and molested by a cross dresser, sit in the first 4 or 5 rows, if not, make sure you sit at least 5 rows back..... I learned this the hard way. No pun intended.

I was begging, as they were walking through looking to pull people out of the seats for the Finale, I put my head down not to make eye contact... don't pick me, don't pick me, don't pick me.....it could smell my fear.... then, this:



Oureached it's hand, said "Hi honey!" and hauled me against my will onto the stage. It was cool while I was getting dry humped by a couple of the hot perfomers/models in the orgy finale thingy, then the big fat burlesque one joined in, and got kinda weird.... then IT happened. The MC / Tranny,.. whatever, started playing with my nipples, and touching my treasure trail. I swear to god, if I had a cyanide pill, I would have swallowed it right then and there.

In the end I laughed it off, but it was a little traumatizing.

It might be a little racy depending on your tastes. It is porno Cirque, that is for sure, and there is A LOT of audience participation. The theatre is tiny, and it makes the stunts look especially cool. You will also see the most Jacked, athletic Midget, you have ever seen.

edit: And see Viva Elvis, best Cirque show there IMHO for variety.

La Reve I think, for a artsy, performance, intimate experience, cool theatre...etc etc. is completely unbelievable. Probably the least cliche Vegas show you will see. It has a very fantasy vibe to it, and you really get into it.

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by Buff

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

Then you've obviously never stayed there in the past, because for one of the premiere hotels on the strip and (most importantly) the price, it certainly is run down in a vast majority of it's main rooms. That's why they're undertaking such sweeping reservations to the tune of about $150 million.

I am in Vegas for work once every 90 days or so and this is something that's widely discussed in the local media:

http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/20...e_Now_Underway

Again, compare it to the Signature (which on most weekends is cheaper) and you'll find larger and much nicer accommodations.

If your expectations are to get that kind of room for that price all the more power to you. There are a wide array of nicer hotels for cheaper than the MGM right now.

[Flames4LifeFLA]

Anyone have recent on feedback of Aria at City Center vs. The Cosmopolitan?

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

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.

Kunk after my wedding I left Vegas on a Sunday around 12/1 ish and it took 8 hours to get to Anaheim. Parking lot pretty much the entire way. This was in august which would be considered a downtime in Vegas.

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by return to the red

So anybody been to weddings in Vegas? I'm gettin hitched again and my fabulous bride to be has voluntarily agreed to get married in VEGAS!!

The stipulations are that it has to be off strip, classy joint, no Elvis (I had to compromise on this one) and no Hookers and Blow.

we have been looking at these places

www.g-mansions.com (gotta be awesome with a name like that amiright!)

http://www.lakesideweddings.com/ceremony.html

http://emeraldatqueensridge.com/

http://www.the-grove.com/

Any experiences?

I got married at the bellagio and it was pretty classy. Did it in their chapel got great photos by their photographers and then rented a 1700 sq ft villa for a reception and had them cater with bartender. It turned out 1000 x better then I ever thought it would. I would recommend it to anyone! Great experience from start to finish

[3thirty]

Originally Posted by Flames4LifeFLA

Anyone have recent on feedback of Aria at City Center vs. The Cosmopolitan?

stayed at aria last time and it was an awesome hotel, nice rooms, clean high class, but cosmo looks just as nice and have heard great things as well, I am sure you won't be dissapointed with either.

[Poison]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Thanks for all the input everybody.

I ended up booking Aria because it was available for $495/person for 4 nights, flight and taxes included on Hotwire.

I will provide some feedback for when I return.

Another question I have is I am deciding what Cirque show to watch and am down to Zumanity, O, and Love. Any suggestions?

If u got a minute when u get back can u let me know how u found this deal?

This the exact time frame and hotel I will be doing just in late March.

PM when u have a minute.

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by Mango

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

O was my favorite of all the cirque shows. I would highly recommend it. Get a seat in the middle about half way up for the best seat. Those high dives are simply amazing!!

[Philly06Cup]

Originally Posted by Flames4LifeFLA

Anyone have recent on feedback of Aria at City Center vs. The Cosmopolitan?

I've stayed at both. Cosmo rooms are well lit, beautiful, and better access to the main strip. Aria room is darker, more intimate; they also have a nice feature where a touch-screen remote controls all the features in the room (temperature, lighting, shades, TV, music, etc). The Aria pool is nothing special, whereas the Cosmo is wicked: they have pingpong, foosball, pool-tables in the pool area if you want a break from the water. The Cosmo nightclub is actually attached to their pool, and probably the most popular nightclub in Vegas now.

I found the Aria to have a significantly older crowd. I went to play craps (a 20-something guy), shouted after hitting my point, and got yelled at by the stickman that I was being too loud. --WTF. I gave him a tip, continued to yell, and he still got angry.

I would definitely recommend Cosmo over Aria. Also, Cosmo buffet >> Aria buffet, though Aria is worth visiting for the desserts.

[Flames4LifeFLA]

Originally Posted by 3thirty

stayed at aria last time and it was an awesome hotel, nice rooms, clean high class, but cosmo looks just as nice and have heard great things as well, I am sure you won't be dissapointed with either.

Yeah I can't really tell if there is a huge difference between the two- didn't know if I'm missing something or what? Just want to be closer proximity to the Strip (stayed at the Palms last time), for better access to clubs and pools.

Thanks for the info!

[Flames4LifeFLA]

Originally Posted by Philly06Cup

I've stayed at both. Cosmo rooms are well lit, beautiful, and better access to the main strip. Aria room is darker, more intimate; they also have a nice feature where a touch-screen remote controls all the features in the room (temperature, lighting, shades, TV, music, etc). The Aria pool is nothing special, whereas the Cosmo is wicked: they have pingpong, foosball, pool-tables in the pool area if you want a break from the water. The Cosmo nightclub is actually attached to their pool, and probably the most popular nightclub in Vegas now.

I found the Aria to have a significantly older crowd. I went to play craps (a 20-something guy), shouted after hitting my point, and got yelled at by the stickman that I was being too loud. --WTF. I gave him a tip, continued to yell, and he still got angry.

I would definitely recommend Cosmo over Aria. Also, Cosmo buffet >> Aria buffet, though Aria is worth visiting for the desserts.

Last time we went we didn't get a chance to go to Marquee in The Cosmopolitan, but everyone we met was talking about it. So it was good? We did try the adult pool at Aria, Liquid, and really enjoyed that.

And thanks for the info too!

[DEvans]

Originally Posted by return to the red

So anybody been to weddings in Vegas? I'm gettin hitched again and my fabulous bride to be has voluntarily agreed to get married in VEGAS!!

The stipulations are that it has to be off strip, classy joint, no Elvis (I had to compromise on this one) and no Hookers and Blow.

we have been looking at these places

www.g-mansions.com (gotta be awesome with a name like that amiright!)

http://www.lakesideweddings.com/ceremony.html

http://emeraldatqueensridge.com/

http://www.the-grove.com/

Any experiences?

We are getting Married in April at I think is the same site as lakeside weddings above. It is actually at the Desert Shores gated community in NW Las Vegas about 25 minutes from the strip. I'll let you know how it goes! Our reception will be at the Bellagio, on the private patio in Cafe Bellagio. It was actually one of the more reasonably priced locations for a meal.

[krazycanuck]

Originally Posted by Philly06Cup

I found the Aria to have a significantly older crowd. I went to play craps (a 20-something guy), shouted after hitting my point, and got yelled at by the stickman that I was being too loud. --WTF. I gave him a tip, continued to yell, and he still got angry.

It's a grungy place but if you're into craps, I love playing at Casino Royale. They have 100x odds at one table, so basically if you bet $5 on the pass line, you can place a $500 odds (no house advantage) bet. You get lots of the typical downtown crowd because of the low minimums, but you also get lots of people who know their craps and some moderate high rollers playing.

Never had an issue with yelling or anything, and I've played there while being HIGHLY intoxicated.

Only downside, if you're throwing down $100 or $200 a roll, you're not going to get comped a nice meal, or a room or a suite. You might get a free dinner at Denny's or Outback though!

[AFireInside]

Originally Posted by Flames4LifeFLA

Yeah I can't really tell if there is a huge difference between the two- didn't know if I'm missing something or what? Just want to be closer proximity to the Strip (stayed at the Palms last time), for better access to clubs and pools.


Thanks for the info!

.
I stayed at Aria a couple months ago. I. Thought it as a very nice hotel. I don't think you'll be disappointed at all.

I'm going back to vegas in May, I'm really excited for this trip. The last one was with a crowd that was all about gambling and the strip. Nightclubs and high end shopping isn't my thing at all.

This trip I'm going to the punk rock bowling tournament. 50 bands in 3 days near Fremont. 3 days of outdoor festival, 3 nights of club shows.

I was down on Fremont on my last trip for an afternoon and I was a fan, so I'm looking forward to going back.

I'm staying at THE GOLDEN NUGGET which I decided on after a closer look. It's a lot nicer than I thought it would be. The pool looks great with. A waterslide that goes through an aquarium lol..

It's a 4 star hotel so it should be a great time.

Anyone ever stay at the Nugget before?

[VladtheImpaler]

I've stayed at the Nugget twice - very solid. You will not be disappointed. It's downtown, so there will be a ton of white trash (mind you, a lot less than there used to be due to the economic downturn), but the hotel itself is very good. It's better than Harrah's or Monte Carlo.