Where to stay in vegas (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Johnny b
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detroitdad
Royal Flush
We went 4 years ago with the same goal. We stayed at the Monte Carlo and loved it.
brianb10
Pair
I second Monte Carlo, when I was still married this was the go to place for the wife and I. We always got great deals there and the rooms are nice. The location, while not dead center, is still good enough that the walk to anywhere else is not bad. I also had the best luck with the $20 trick here (haven't been to Vegas in awhile so I am not sure it's even a trick anymore. With inflation it's prolly the $40 trick now lol)
I know most on this site are not a fan of the owner but if you can get a good deal the Venetian is a nice place for a weekend getaway with the wife. She will appreciate the room (all are suites) and there is so much to do there you barely have to leave. If you're looking to kick up the romance this is a good option.
guinness
Flush
You (and others who make the same posts) should really spell out your budget when you say you want cheap.
You can stay at a nice hotel but just don't get the nicest rooms. Book through Vegas.com. Usually better than all the online travel sites and you get free stuff like Cirque tix or meals.
I love Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian (the romantic option), Aria, Caesars Palace. I sorta like Vdara too (H|Q took me there to visit friends and I loved the apartment sized rooms). It doesn't have a casino but you'll be sitting next to Aria for great PLO. That said, if its your first time in Vegas you should do one of the others I mentioned. They are right smack in the middle of all things Vegas strip.
Don't get too caught up on making the best decisions. Once you're there its a zoo and all planning will go out the window. Too many things to do, too many great restaurants, too many great spots in general, just go and have a blast!
You can stay at a nice hotel but just don't get the nicest rooms. Book through Vegas.com. Usually better than all the online travel sites and you get free stuff like Cirque tix or meals.
I love Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian (the romantic option), Aria, Caesars Palace. I sorta like Vdara too (H|Q took me there to visit friends and I loved the apartment sized rooms). It doesn't have a casino but you'll be sitting next to Aria for great PLO. That said, if its your first time in Vegas you should do one of the others I mentioned. They are right smack in the middle of all things Vegas strip.
Don't get too caught up on making the best decisions. Once you're there its a zoo and all planning will go out the window. Too many things to do, too many great restaurants, too many great spots in general, just go and have a blast!
Center Strip, Bally's and Paris offer lower cost rooms and easy access to most. Monte Carlo seemed nice enough (never stayed but friend said she always stays there) and can catch the free tram to Bellagio and walk to Venetian/Wynn/TI/Mirage or walk to NYNY, cross the pedestrian bridge and catch that free tram to Mandalay Bay/Luxor/Excalibur. Would not want to stay at either end of the strip for first time in Vegas. If you want to go to downtown or some other outer casinos, I would suggest a rental car and valet it. couple bucks and you don't have to remember where you parked.
I think I liked the Wynn hotel the best, but not a first time in Vegas place. Oh, and whatever you are planning on spending, add $1k for unplanned expenses.
I think I liked the Wynn hotel the best, but not a first time in Vegas place. Oh, and whatever you are planning on spending, add $1k for unplanned expenses.
bogart
Two Pair
I've stayed at The Venetian, Paris, Sahara(when it existed), Aria, The Flamingo and some other off-strip dump(surprised it's also no longer there). I'm not sure what cheap is for you, but the cheapest out of this lot(which still remain) was The Flamingo. I took my wife here the last time I was there. Awesome location! Right across from Ceasars and our room had an great view of the Bellagio fountain. The rooms have been recently updated and were very nice. It was a great deal!
Bonus, managed to snag some Flamingo spotted $1s as well!!
Bonus, managed to snag some Flamingo spotted $1s as well!!
Poker Zombie
Royal Flush
I have to second @guinness's post. "Cheap" means different things for different people. Also, there is so much to do for a first time, you might want to break down what you want to do. Gamble? Poker? Slots? Table games? Nightclub? Dining? Sights? Cirque show? Absinthe show (or drink)? Magic Show? Comedy club? Music?
What is your comfort level? W? Hyatt? Marriott? Holiday Inn Express? Red Roof Inn? Cardboard Box under a bridge? Las Vegas has rooms that match all of that. As a non-American, you may even appreciate B&Bs more than most State-siders, and that opens up AirBnB sites that can even save more, yet land you less than a 1/4 mile from the strip.
And these are just the strip options. Downtown is now even better than ever, and costs a fraction of the strip costs. As the strip casinos move away from the "themed mega-resorts" of the 80s, the newly renovated downtown offerings kind of kill it unless you want to catch a show.
I've made 9 trips to Vegas, and am still not repeating items unless I really can't get enough of it. We're hitting Vegas for New Years, just because we wanted to see Michael Buble', and Buble' in Vegas will kick the shit out of Buble' in Nashville. Even considered a dinner/room package just to see him in a private concert, the night before his big gig.
...and do it budget friendly.
Because Vegas has everything.
What is your comfort level? W? Hyatt? Marriott? Holiday Inn Express? Red Roof Inn? Cardboard Box under a bridge? Las Vegas has rooms that match all of that. As a non-American, you may even appreciate B&Bs more than most State-siders, and that opens up AirBnB sites that can even save more, yet land you less than a 1/4 mile from the strip.
And these are just the strip options. Downtown is now even better than ever, and costs a fraction of the strip costs. As the strip casinos move away from the "themed mega-resorts" of the 80s, the newly renovated downtown offerings kind of kill it unless you want to catch a show.
I've made 9 trips to Vegas, and am still not repeating items unless I really can't get enough of it. We're hitting Vegas for New Years, just because we wanted to see Michael Buble', and Buble' in Vegas will kick the shit out of Buble' in Nashville. Even considered a dinner/room package just to see him in a private concert, the night before his big gig.
...and do it budget friendly.
Because Vegas has everything.
RagsPoker
3 of a Kind
I stay at the the Flamingo....inexpensive in comparison to most others, great location on the strip and it has a kinda old school feel. Their basic Fab room is OK, but I dont care too much about that. I'm not in my room much other than to sh*t, shower & shave!
Good luck.
Good luck.
Downtown is fine these days. I'm out there every year for BARGE, and the improvement in downtown has been significant. But when my wife comes along, we always stay at the Nugget -- it's a cut above the rest, with excellent amenities and restaurants.
Plus there's a double-decker bus from the east end of Fremont Experience that runs right down the length of the strip, and provides, shall we say, "on-board entertainment."
Oh, and in case it's of any interest to you, it's a ten minute walk down Main St. to Spinetti's and Gambler's General Store.
On the strip, we've stayed at Paris, Bally's, and Caesars -- all are fine. Paris is our first choice, since we love eating at Mon Ami Gabi anyway, with the view of the Bellagio fountains across the street.
Should you have Marriott points or find something from AirBnB or VRBO, there's the Marriott Grand Chateau, on E. Harmon, right below Planet Hollywood and the Cosmopolitan, about 100 yards off the strip. It's a great place to stay in Vegas.
Have fun!
atomiktoaster
Full House
Saw this today and had to find a vegas thread to post in:
That's quality advertising!
That's quality advertising!
Thanks everyone. Not too expensive for me would be flight and hotel for both of us. Leave Thursday back Sunday for around $1000.00. Thanks Guinness for Vegas.com. looks like the Venetian is in the ball park. As far as what I want to do. She wants to see acdc one more time. They are playing at the MGM on Friday Feb 5th. Then it's seeing what sites we can. 1st time there so much to see. I won't plan anything I will just do whatever presents itself. Thanks again to everyone for all the advice. Much appreciated.
There are a lot of solid choices here.
Do you have any pts or rewards? I tend to stay at the Caesars properties since I use their total rewards. It may be worth signing up for a card to get some free weekday rooms in the future. I don't gamble very much but still scored some weekday rooms in Vegas at planet hollywood and a small fee for the weekend. I usually get a view of the Bellagio fountains.
I plan on going next month. Hope you guys run good when you go.
Do you have any pts or rewards? I tend to stay at the Caesars properties since I use their total rewards. It may be worth signing up for a card to get some free weekday rooms in the future. I don't gamble very much but still scored some weekday rooms in Vegas at planet hollywood and a small fee for the weekend. I usually get a view of the Bellagio fountains.
I plan on going next month. Hope you guys run good when you go.
bogart
Two Pair
You definitely can not go wrong with The Venetian! Great rooms, very nice poker room and lots of shopping as well. I think your wife will like it! Being flexible for shows is a good idea as well, since there are kiosks on the strip for discount shows on the day of.
The biggest issue I see you facing is the flight. Las Vegas rarely has discounted flights because, well, it's Vegas. They don't need to offer discounts to get people to go. You may want to try and nail down your flight to determine what you have left before you aim for a hotel.
BukNaked36
Straight
Not sure how flexible your schedule is, but Friday and Saturday nights are much more expensive. Possibly leave Wednesday and come back Saturday, or maybe even try to work in an extra day and go Tuesday - Saturday. Go mid level hotel (Monte Carlo) Tuesday and Wednesday, Then upgrade Thursday and Friday.There's plenty going on in Vegas any night, plus having Sunday to decompress at home is nice.
12thMan
Full House
I love that. Next time I'm in Vegas I will be going to that taco stand, they look good!
Also, consider this idea stolen if I ever have a break in (no please no no no) on tape.
Very valid point. I often like vacations where I come back and still get recovery time before work.
bergs
Royal Flush
Seeking Alpha Social Club
4 of a Kind
Paris
RainmanTrail
Royal Flush
Whoa, whoa, whoa... sorry guys, but there are just a ton of HORRIBLE suggestions in here. The Flamingo? Hooters? BALLY'S???? Seriously? Come on guys. He said he's going with his wife, not his junkie cousin Earl.
I've stayed almost everywhere on the strip. Well over a hundred trips to Vegas, some for months at a time. I know the town well. Here's a fair breakdown for you off the top of my head...
-------------------------------
High End Casinos:
1) Palazzo - Super nice rooms. Might be my favorite place to stay. You get a sick suite for $129 per night Su-Th and $179 Fr/Sa if you play poker at the Venetian for 6 hours per night between the two of you. If you play, this is one of your best options. If you don't play, these rooms are $400-500 per night, so they're off the table if you're not playing.
2) Bellagio - Pretty much the same deal as the Palazzo, but I think they only require 5 hrs of play per room per night. Super nice hotel though. Blown glass in the lobby by Dave Chihoulee (sp?), marble shitters with granite doors, comfy sports book, just a really classy place overall. But this means higher stakes on table games if you're a gambler.
3) Wynn - Really high end place. I don't really like the crowd that hangs out there. Super stuck-up and poshy. But they have a Ferrari store/dealer inside. So... there's that. Stayed there during NCAA March Madness. Was pretty sick. They turned their theater into a huge multi game March Madness madhouse. Was pretty great. I play in their smallish card room from time to time. They occasionally get some good mid-stakes mixed games going. It's worth checking out for that IMO.
4) Caesar's Palace - The place to go if your wife loves high end shopping. Also cool to walk around. This place is huge, but it's getting a bit dated and doesn't really belong with the casinos above in terms of price, but somehow they still pull big money. Not a great option for me, but I've stayed there a couple times in the past. It's still nice.
----------------------------
Nice Casinos:
Venetian - I really like the Venetian. It's classy, but not overly so. Women usually like it as well. It's in the higher end of casinos, but not quite as pricy as some of the options above. Again, you can get a poker rate here, but if you're playing cards, go over to the Palazzo instead.
Mandalay Bay - This is the best place on the strip if you plan to spend time at the pool. Their pool is AMAZING! It's actually more like a water park than a pool. They have a fucking wave pool, and a lazy river with inner-tube floaties. Great spot. Poker is somewhat lacking here, but it's hard to go wrong at the Mandalay Bay.
Cosmopolitan - I fucking hate this place and refuse to stay here. But people love it. It's basically Sex and the City the Casino, and the crowd that comes with it. If that appeals to you, along with purple and blue neon lights in a dimly lit bar with girls in sequin dresses and guys wearing suits and shitloads of Axe body spray, then this place is for you. Oh, they do have a good pizza place upstairs though, so there's that.
Aria - Is becoming a big spot for poker, specifically for NLHE low limit players. They have good poker rates as well, but might be above your price range if you're not playing cards. There are better places to stay. Somewhat similar crowd as the Cosmo, but not as bad. It's a lot of younger people here. Tons of 21 year-old hot-shot poker players. Some of them are quite good, most are not. Be careful playing cards here. But if you're a good player, you can make some loot for sure.
Monte Carlo - This place is a good option as well. Not the nicest, but it has some class and the rooms are comfortable. A good value.
MGM Grand - Pretty decent place. They have some nice rooms, but this place is MASSIVE. You can walk about a full mile just trying to go from one end of the casino to the other. It's not overly fancy though. It's a bit plain for my tastes. No real theme to it. It's a little overpriced for me, but still a good option.
Planet Hollywood - This is the old Aladdin place redone. They've done a really nice job with it. It's centrally located too, right across from teh Bellagio and attached to the Miracle Mile Shops. Plus, there's an Earl of Sandwich here, which is a must eat place as far as I'm concerned. Great hot sandwiches for about $6. This place is one of the best value spots to stay on the strip IMO.
Paris - It's a pretty nice place, but it's really small. You'll like your room, but you probably won't be spending much time here.
-----------------------------------
Mid Range Casinos:
Golden Nugget - This should be your only option downtown. I kind of like this place. A little nostalgia, and nice enough for me. They remodeled the place a while back, and I think they did a nice job. However, you're away from the strip if you're downtown. But you can take a double decker bus right into the strip if you want to.
The Mirage - Meh
Treasure Island - Watch the Pirate Show and move on
New York New York - Try the pizza joint inside. Walk around a bit. It's ok, but not great. Oh, and there's a rollercoaster... so there's that
The Luxor - This place is actually not very nice, but it's not in the "Complete Shithole" category either. It's ok if you're on a tight budget.
-------------------------------------
Complete Shithole Casinos:
The Flamingo - Don't do it. Trust me. Just don't do it.
Hooters - It's not what you think it is. Trust me! This place sucks
The Riviera - Is this place still open? I sure hope not
Stratosphere - LOL
Bally's - Great location. That's about it. This place is disgusting inside. The prices are cheap as hell, but your wife will be quick to point out why as soon as you walk through the lobby.
The Excalibur - Meh... not worth talking about much. It's just a centrally located super cheap hotel. Not bad if you're on a budget, but you won't be spending any time there.
Tropicana - They remodeled this place a while back. I hate it. One of the worst values on the strip IMO. Go elsewhere.
Anything else downtown besides The Golden Nugget - Don't do it... you'll regret it. Even Binions sucks. Some people like "The D", but I don't... see what I did there?... see it?
------------------------------------
Other options / some off the strip places
South Point - This is several miles south, but still on Las Vegas Blvd. It's nice inside, and a good spot to stay at if you want to save some money and get away from the madness on the strip.
The Hard Rock - It's alright. Good pool parties. This place can be fun on weekends. But I haven't stayed here. Probably never will.
The Palms - They try hard to cater to the MTV crowd. There's a cool glass floor bar/club way up toward the top of the tower that's pretty cool. Decent option if you're more into partying. Probably can find lots of blow here lol.
Rio - Fuck the Rio
The Orleans - Lots of low stakes action here. I actually really like this card room, but it's a fucking smoke factory in here. Tons of old people too. Like really, really old people that just keep pressing "Bet Max Spin" over and over on those damn slot machines, just waiting to die. You will completely reek of smoke though if you even set foot in the door, so be prepared. I wouldn't stay here, but I have played here several times. They have a good weekly HORSE tournament on Sunday nights.
Avoid other places off the strip for the most part
...I'm sure I missed several, but this is a pretty fair list to start off with
I've stayed almost everywhere on the strip. Well over a hundred trips to Vegas, some for months at a time. I know the town well. Here's a fair breakdown for you off the top of my head...
-------------------------------
High End Casinos:
1) Palazzo - Super nice rooms. Might be my favorite place to stay. You get a sick suite for $129 per night Su-Th and $179 Fr/Sa if you play poker at the Venetian for 6 hours per night between the two of you. If you play, this is one of your best options. If you don't play, these rooms are $400-500 per night, so they're off the table if you're not playing.
2) Bellagio - Pretty much the same deal as the Palazzo, but I think they only require 5 hrs of play per room per night. Super nice hotel though. Blown glass in the lobby by Dave Chihoulee (sp?), marble shitters with granite doors, comfy sports book, just a really classy place overall. But this means higher stakes on table games if you're a gambler.
3) Wynn - Really high end place. I don't really like the crowd that hangs out there. Super stuck-up and poshy. But they have a Ferrari store/dealer inside. So... there's that. Stayed there during NCAA March Madness. Was pretty sick. They turned their theater into a huge multi game March Madness madhouse. Was pretty great. I play in their smallish card room from time to time. They occasionally get some good mid-stakes mixed games going. It's worth checking out for that IMO.
4) Caesar's Palace - The place to go if your wife loves high end shopping. Also cool to walk around. This place is huge, but it's getting a bit dated and doesn't really belong with the casinos above in terms of price, but somehow they still pull big money. Not a great option for me, but I've stayed there a couple times in the past. It's still nice.
----------------------------
Nice Casinos:
Venetian - I really like the Venetian. It's classy, but not overly so. Women usually like it as well. It's in the higher end of casinos, but not quite as pricy as some of the options above. Again, you can get a poker rate here, but if you're playing cards, go over to the Palazzo instead.
Mandalay Bay - This is the best place on the strip if you plan to spend time at the pool. Their pool is AMAZING! It's actually more like a water park than a pool. They have a fucking wave pool, and a lazy river with inner-tube floaties. Great spot. Poker is somewhat lacking here, but it's hard to go wrong at the Mandalay Bay.
Cosmopolitan - I fucking hate this place and refuse to stay here. But people love it. It's basically Sex and the City the Casino, and the crowd that comes with it. If that appeals to you, along with purple and blue neon lights in a dimly lit bar with girls in sequin dresses and guys wearing suits and shitloads of Axe body spray, then this place is for you. Oh, they do have a good pizza place upstairs though, so there's that.
Aria - Is becoming a big spot for poker, specifically for NLHE low limit players. They have good poker rates as well, but might be above your price range if you're not playing cards. There are better places to stay. Somewhat similar crowd as the Cosmo, but not as bad. It's a lot of younger people here. Tons of 21 year-old hot-shot poker players. Some of them are quite good, most are not. Be careful playing cards here. But if you're a good player, you can make some loot for sure.
Monte Carlo - This place is a good option as well. Not the nicest, but it has some class and the rooms are comfortable. A good value.
MGM Grand - Pretty decent place. They have some nice rooms, but this place is MASSIVE. You can walk about a full mile just trying to go from one end of the casino to the other. It's not overly fancy though. It's a bit plain for my tastes. No real theme to it. It's a little overpriced for me, but still a good option.
Planet Hollywood - This is the old Aladdin place redone. They've done a really nice job with it. It's centrally located too, right across from teh Bellagio and attached to the Miracle Mile Shops. Plus, there's an Earl of Sandwich here, which is a must eat place as far as I'm concerned. Great hot sandwiches for about $6. This place is one of the best value spots to stay on the strip IMO.
Paris - It's a pretty nice place, but it's really small. You'll like your room, but you probably won't be spending much time here.
-----------------------------------
Mid Range Casinos:
Golden Nugget - This should be your only option downtown. I kind of like this place. A little nostalgia, and nice enough for me. They remodeled the place a while back, and I think they did a nice job. However, you're away from the strip if you're downtown. But you can take a double decker bus right into the strip if you want to.
The Mirage - Meh
Treasure Island - Watch the Pirate Show and move on
New York New York - Try the pizza joint inside. Walk around a bit. It's ok, but not great. Oh, and there's a rollercoaster... so there's that
The Luxor - This place is actually not very nice, but it's not in the "Complete Shithole" category either. It's ok if you're on a tight budget.
-------------------------------------
Complete Shithole Casinos:
The Flamingo - Don't do it. Trust me. Just don't do it.
Hooters - It's not what you think it is. Trust me! This place sucks
The Riviera - Is this place still open? I sure hope not
Stratosphere - LOL
Bally's - Great location. That's about it. This place is disgusting inside. The prices are cheap as hell, but your wife will be quick to point out why as soon as you walk through the lobby.
The Excalibur - Meh... not worth talking about much. It's just a centrally located super cheap hotel. Not bad if you're on a budget, but you won't be spending any time there.
Tropicana - They remodeled this place a while back. I hate it. One of the worst values on the strip IMO. Go elsewhere.
Anything else downtown besides The Golden Nugget - Don't do it... you'll regret it. Even Binions sucks. Some people like "The D", but I don't... see what I did there?... see it?
------------------------------------
Other options / some off the strip places
South Point - This is several miles south, but still on Las Vegas Blvd. It's nice inside, and a good spot to stay at if you want to save some money and get away from the madness on the strip.
The Hard Rock - It's alright. Good pool parties. This place can be fun on weekends. But I haven't stayed here. Probably never will.
The Palms - They try hard to cater to the MTV crowd. There's a cool glass floor bar/club way up toward the top of the tower that's pretty cool. Decent option if you're more into partying. Probably can find lots of blow here lol.
Rio - Fuck the Rio
The Orleans - Lots of low stakes action here. I actually really like this card room, but it's a fucking smoke factory in here. Tons of old people too. Like really, really old people that just keep pressing "Bet Max Spin" over and over on those damn slot machines, just waiting to die. You will completely reek of smoke though if you even set foot in the door, so be prepared. I wouldn't stay here, but I have played here several times. They have a good weekly HORSE tournament on Sunday nights.
Avoid other places off the strip for the most part
...I'm sure I missed several, but this is a pretty fair list to start off with
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RainmanTrail
Royal Flush
Oh, and for food, there are two restaurants that are can't miss places...
1) Lotus of Siam - This Thai restaurant is world renown. Often cited as the best Thai food outside of Thailand. It looks like a hole in the wall of a strip mall off the strip, but it's ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE food. So fucking good. I'm literally salivating right now just thinking about it. If you like Thai food, you NEED to eat here, no matter how long the wait is. It's just that good. The lady that owns it takes great pride in her dishes. She specializes in Northern Thai food, and has been cooking since she was about 3 years old. She cooked at her grandmother's hut in Thailand until she moved here and opened this place up.
2) Battista's Hole In The Wall - That's actually the name of it. It's really, really good Italian food. It's not fancy, so Yelp reviews don't do it justice. This is one of the only places from old school Vegas that is still hanging around. Their food is just awesome though. Looks a bit drab from the outside, but give it a chance, you won't regret it.
Also check out Earl of Sandwich for a good/cheap lunch inside Planet Hollywood.
Oh, and Firefly also has really good Tapas style food, and it's a nice ambiance too. I recommend that place.
Lots of good food in Vegas, but #1 and #2 are a must for me. I eat at Lotus of Siam multiple times every time I'm there.
1) Lotus of Siam - This Thai restaurant is world renown. Often cited as the best Thai food outside of Thailand. It looks like a hole in the wall of a strip mall off the strip, but it's ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE food. So fucking good. I'm literally salivating right now just thinking about it. If you like Thai food, you NEED to eat here, no matter how long the wait is. It's just that good. The lady that owns it takes great pride in her dishes. She specializes in Northern Thai food, and has been cooking since she was about 3 years old. She cooked at her grandmother's hut in Thailand until she moved here and opened this place up.
2) Battista's Hole In The Wall - That's actually the name of it. It's really, really good Italian food. It's not fancy, so Yelp reviews don't do it justice. This is one of the only places from old school Vegas that is still hanging around. Their food is just awesome though. Looks a bit drab from the outside, but give it a chance, you won't regret it.
Also check out Earl of Sandwich for a good/cheap lunch inside Planet Hollywood.
Oh, and Firefly also has really good Tapas style food, and it's a nice ambiance too. I recommend that place.
Lots of good food in Vegas, but #1 and #2 are a must for me. I eat at Lotus of Siam multiple times every time I'm there.
RainmanTrail
Royal Flush
I also see that you're from Surrey, BC. I used to play up there a lot when I was younger. Some small casino off King George Hwy. I forget the name though. Also used to play at the old Blue Boy Sandwich place turned card room in Van. Great games there back in the day. And the old Holiday Inn in Vancouver. They ran a good 10-20 LHE game there before Red Rock came into town. Good times, good times. I used to make a lot of money playing in Canada in the late 90's. Those were the good ol' days before people learned how to play, haha.
RainmanTrail
Royal Flush
No problem. Have fun!
I will be staying at the Venetian in February. Taking my wife along for some Bday fun. I have to agree with most of what Rainmantrail said. I do have to add one good place to eat though. "Joes Stone Crab is a must.
As a wife, I took a little offense at this. Where you stay in Vegas is all about what you want to do.... and how long you will be there.... and if you want to walk, drive, or take taxis..... and lots of other factors. Certain hotels and parts of the strip are more conducive to "pampering" trips while others are awesome for the "experience of Vegas" and others for getting tons of poker.
My recommendation, @Johnny b, is to take all the advice, even mine, with a grain of salt and put your own measure to what you want to do.
Poker Zombie
Royal Flush
Many people say you won't spend a lot of time in your room. I do. It is my refuge from the constant, non-stop action, lights, and sounds that will be ringing in your head for days after your first trip. If I get KO'ed from a tournament it is better for me to chill in a relaxing and comfortable room than it is to go tilting in another game. For this reason, picking the best room for the budget is second only to where I'm going to eat when planning a trip.
I don't know when Rainman last visited the Flamingo, or if he arrogantly treated the check-in girl like a piece of shit (a good way to be dropped in a shit room) but it's "Go" rooms are on par with a Holiday Inn Express. Nothing too fancy, but clean, comfortable, and (in my experience) nothing broken. Bally's is also worn, but completely acceptable on a budget.
Riviera is closed. It was bought out to make room for an expanded convention center.
Mirage is on par with a Marriott. Not upscale, not cheap either.
Stratosphere's biggest problem is it's location. The rooms themselves are solid mid-range but older. Best valets are at the Strat. This is important, because if you are here you will want a car.
Downtown has really been upping their game with the Zappo's led revitalization project. It's not worth pointing out for your first trip though, because most people want to see and stay at the strip on their first trip. Save the Fremont Street bizzareness for another trip. There are solid hotel options there these days.
If you have Rainman's apparent roll, and own a house-servant to wipe your ass, then his advice is useful. For the budget-minded though, Flamingo, Ballys and others won't kill you.
I do love Battistias. It's going to run you about $25-30 per person, and the wine is bottom shelf but it's palatable and it's free - and that makes up for itself after a few glasses.
I don't know when Rainman last visited the Flamingo, or if he arrogantly treated the check-in girl like a piece of shit (a good way to be dropped in a shit room) but it's "Go" rooms are on par with a Holiday Inn Express. Nothing too fancy, but clean, comfortable, and (in my experience) nothing broken. Bally's is also worn, but completely acceptable on a budget.
Riviera is closed. It was bought out to make room for an expanded convention center.
Mirage is on par with a Marriott. Not upscale, not cheap either.
Stratosphere's biggest problem is it's location. The rooms themselves are solid mid-range but older. Best valets are at the Strat. This is important, because if you are here you will want a car.
Downtown has really been upping their game with the Zappo's led revitalization project. It's not worth pointing out for your first trip though, because most people want to see and stay at the strip on their first trip. Save the Fremont Street bizzareness for another trip. There are solid hotel options there these days.
If you have Rainman's apparent roll, and own a house-servant to wipe your ass, then his advice is useful. For the budget-minded though, Flamingo, Ballys and others won't kill you.
I do love Battistias. It's going to run you about $25-30 per person, and the wine is bottom shelf but it's palatable and it's free - and that makes up for itself after a few glasses.
RagsPoker
3 of a Kind
Thanks for posting what I was thinking! I have had excellent experiences at the Flamingo....that's why I posted earlier. If you have wads of cash then sure go across the street to Aria, Bellagio, Cosmo to stay. But I'm on a budget and wanted to pass along my suggestion.
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