Guide to Vegas (1 Viewer)

[club_pkr]

I'm considering my first-ever trip to Vegas before the end of the year. Any recommendations on where to stay - hotel or Airbnb. And where to play? Open to any tips or advice for a first-timer as well.

Thanks!

 

[suchj0sh]

Yeah! I just booked my first trip for my 40th birthday with some buddies. I need some guidance too! We’re staying at El Cortez.

 

[BEANO52]

• Short term rentals are restricted heavily within 2500 feet from "Strip" resorts. You can find condos very near, if not ON the strip occasionally
• The resorts are NOT as close to each other as they may appear
• Wear COMFORTABLE broke in shoes
• Hydrate & moisturize (especially lips i.e. Chapstick) OFTEN
• There are alot of places to play, I assume you are talking Poker so my favorites in no particular order are Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, Aria, Orleans (for other than HE)

Have fun, enjoy some nice dining and budget !

p.s. If your downtown (Fremont), I stop by Evel Pie about every trip for a slice and beer!

 

[casinochipper22]

if possible, go sometime during the wsop. I'd stay on the strip, somewhere in the middle like horseshoe or flamingo so you are walking distance to a lot of other properties. I wouldn't stay off the strip, time/hassle to get back and forth isn't worth it. Get the full vegas experience staying right there in the middle of the action. I'd spend more time sightseeing than grinding long hours in some poker room. comfy shoes and check out as much as possible.

 

[TheYeti]

I'm considering my first-ever trip to Vegas before the end of the year. Any recommendations on where to stay - hotel or Airbnb. And where to play? Open to any tips or advice for a first-timer as well.

Thanks!

October is a great time to go! Not scorching hot during the day and the nights aren't cold enough to need a jacket.

If it's your first time, I would definitely stay mid-Strip for that "Vegas" experience. Lower-budget - Flamingo, Harrah's, The Linq. Higher-budget - Caesar's , Cosmo, Bellagio.

 

[TheYeti]

Yeah! I just booked my first trip for my 40th birthday with some buddies. I need some guidance too! We’re staying at El Cortez.

Staying on Fremont can be fun (and a bit much if multiple nights ), but only one option for poker.

 

[suchj0sh]

Staying on Fremont can be fun (and a bit much if multiple nights ), but only one option for poker.

The guys I’m going with have been a few times, and they wanted a Fremont experience this time. No argument from me!

 

[ChipMonster]

There is a lot to see and experience in Vegas. Even just walking properties and window shopping is worth doing. I concur with @casinochipper22 snd wouldn’t recommend grinding your time away playing poker over just experiencing Vegas. Of course play some poker but don’t let it dominate your time.

Also, there are fantastic dining options. Be open to exploring different cuisines and don’t get sucked into only going to the big named spots.

 

[PokerDogDoc]

October is a great time to go! Not scorching hot during the day and the nights aren't cold enough to need a jacket.

If it's your first time, I would definitely stay mid-Strip for that "Vegas" experience. Lower-budget - Flamingo, Harrah's, The Linq. Higher-budget - Caesar's , Cosmo, Bellagio.

I second this! I'll be there next week as it's the only time I get off from the university, but it's damn hot and you can get amazingly dehydrated and not even realize it because you don't sweat when outside (it evaporates too quickly), so drink lots of water if going in hot weather.

October is a glorious time to be there, weather-wise, as @TheYeti noted.

If you do stay on The Strip, walking is good for short distances (but properties are farther than you think!), but also consider using these 2 options to get around faster and cheaper than an Uber, especially during busy times and "rush hour":

Las Vegas Monorail
-Use the very low cost Las Vegas Monorail that runs on the east side of Las Vegas Blvd (behind the resorts) and travels 7 stops between the Sahara and MGM Grand. Get a signtificant discount on tickets using their Scan & Go Mobile Tickets (using your phone). Discounted prices range from $5.50 for single ride, or buy Unlimited Daily passes ($13.45 for a 24-hour pass, all the way up to $57.50 for a 7-day pass)

This is my main mode of transportation along the strip when not walking.
It's also very safe and I've ridden it even late at night (runs until Midnight, 2 am, or 3 am depending on the day).

Website with maps, routes, tickets, etc: https://www.lvmonorail.com/

MGM Trams
-Use the 2 FREE automated, elevated-rail people-mover trams that run behind the MGM resorts along the west side of Las Vegas Blvd:
(open to the public -- you don't have to be staying at their properties to use them)
--> Aria Express Tram - travels between Park MGM, Aria, and Bellagio
--> Mandalay Bay Express Tram - travels between Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur
They don't put out a map that covers the routes, but each resort has maps and info about their stops.
See this 'meh' map below with those 2 routes highlighted in yellow, and green.
Note that the Treasure Island/Mirage route no longer operates (obviously).

 

[TikiTeddy]

If you’re staying downtown and have a car, definitely visit Frankie’s Tiki Bat which is a short drive from anyplace on Fremont St. Strong drinks and good times.

 

[BukNaked36]

Create a Caesar's membership for yourself online then check their room rates. You can see 2 months at a time for all their properties like below.
It's a good way to pick a time when rooms are cheaper even if you stay somewhere else.

If staying on the strip, I'd recommend staying somewhere between Wynn / Encore and Excalibur. North of the Wynn things get really spread out.

Vegas.com usually has some good rates.

There's a ton of Vegas youtube folks so you can see reviews of anyplace you want to stay. Show me Vegas is a good general reference - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowMeVegas

 

[TheYeti]

Also great for transportation is The Deuce Bus. It goes as far north as Fremont and as far south as the Las Vegas sign (and farther). $8 for a 24 hour pass, or $20 for 3-day. It can get crowded at times, but it's really not bad. We've used it on multiple trips and it really is a great way to get around. Picks you up right on The Strip and stops at most properties.

The Monorail is okay, but the platforms are located at the FAR back of most properties. You spend more time walking to/from the monorail than it would take you to walk to the property (not really, but it feels that way, esp. at MGM Grand!).

 

[club_pkr]

I'll definitely try to be there during the WSOP - if time* allows it

Thank you for all tips so far!







*Time aka the other half

 

[BukNaked36]

Also great for transportation is The Deuce Bus. It goes as far north as Fremont and as far south as the Las Vegas sign (and farther). $8 for a 24 hour pass, or $20 for 3-day. It can get crowded at times, but it's really not bad. We've used it on multiple trips and it really is a great way to get around. Picks you up right on The Strip and stops at most properties.

The Monorail is okay, but the platforms are located at the FAR back of most properties. You spend more time walking to/from the monorail than it would take you to walk to the property (not really, but it feels that way, esp. at MGM Grand!).

If you're staying at the MGM Grand, Westgate or Sahara, the monorail is good for getting to other properties. Any place else it doesn't feel worth it.

As you mention, people don't realize how big the properties are. My first-timer buddy walked out of Bellagio and asked "so is each property like the size of an airport?" I thought that was actually a pretty good comparison.

 

[Cheekynugget]

For sure create a players account in hopes they give you some sort of promo (but highly unlikely due to you not playing yet)

My personal reccomendation is staying at Vdara if your budget can mange it. A calm,quiet, luxury all suites property (With no casino in lobby) attached by hallway to Bellagio, Cosmo, and walkway path to Aria. When at Bellagio or Aria you can also take to tram to other properties

 

[TheYeti]

For sure create a players account in hopes they give you some sort of promo (but highly unlikely due to you not playing yet)

My personal reccomendation is staying at Vdara if your budget can mange it. A calm,quiet, luxury all suites property (With no casino in lobby) attached by hallway to Bellagio, Cosmo, and walkway path to Aria. When at Bellagio or Aria you can also take to tram to other properties

We stayed at Vdara about 10 years ago and have never stayed anywhere else since.

 

[Cheekynugget]

We stayed at Vdara about 10 years ago and have never stayed anywhere else since.

Likewise from a few years ago.

For WSOP i used to do Planet Hollywood, then I did Vdara once, I never looked back. For something 2-3 weeks its ideal as it feels like a legitimate apartment. Starbucks right in lobby is a perfect touch. WSOP 15 min walk away, Aria PLO just steps away