Vegas Tips?

Question

As a 25 yr old woman going to Vegas with 50 of my closest friends I want vegas info from the experienced. I like to party. I have a small budget. Any tips at all for vegas? I went last year and had a blast. I know some, I would like to know more of The secrets of Sin city. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

Answer 1

Hey Ashley!! You don't get more experienced than your buddy, Neo. You want tips? I'll give you some tips:

1. Dress hot. Lots of clubs will give you front of the line passes or wave your cover charge that way. Otherwise flirt with people in line and just talk to people. If you find locals that are cool there is usually someone who knows someone who knows someone that can get you passes.

2. Save money, drink free! Do what I do...put a dollar or two in a penny/nickel machine and watch as waitresses bring you the best of the best. Get drunk for under $5...thats Vegas, baby!!!

3. Comfy walking shoes. You've been here, you already know this.

4. Last but not least I suggest joining as many Players Clubs as you can. Casinos will give you money to gamble, free food, and anything you can imagine if you get one of their stupid cards.

Some good clubs that are either free or cheap to get into:
Rocks Lounge
Studio 54
Love Lounge/Beatles at the Mirage
Tao
The Beach

Answer 2

Since you're on a small budget, how about some fun free stuff
The Fountains of Bellagio
Blown-Glass Scultptures - Bellagio
Fremont Street Experience
Volcano/White Tigers - Mirage
Sirens of TI - Treasure Island
Atlantis & Festival Fountains - Caesars Palace
Statue of Liberty & Brooklyn Bridge - NY NY
Eiffel Tower - Paris
Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Gardens
Antiques & Artifacts - Main Street Station
Auto Collection - Imperial Palace>with coupon
Masquerade Show in the Sky - Rio
Carnival Court - Harrah's > this is a fun place

For great shopping or just looking
The Forum Shops - Caesars Palace
Desert Passage - Aladdin
The Grand Canal Shoppes - Venetian
Fashion Show Mall

this site has other shopping ctrs listed if you're interested in outlet malls - also info on all nightclubs, bars, buffets, etc
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com "VEGAS INFO" >attractions >shopping //Check "meal deals" & "Graveyard specials" for bargain food

Buffets would be the best dining option for a large group like yours, a good buffet will have something for everyone. My favorites for great food and good value
#1-Main Street Station
#2-Boulder Station
#3-Orleans
#4-Palace Station
#5-Las Vegas Hilton
#6-The Seafood buffet at Fremont Sun/Tue/Fri

If you would like to do some low limit gambling try these - The Orleans at least 8 Pai Gow Poker tables, most with $5 minimuns. It's a great game with a low house advantage and there's only one rule so it doesn't take long to learn.

The Westin Casuarina has $1 craps during happy hour>weekdays from 5-10pm >Craps is a party game,

The Las Vegas Hilton has at least 27 Nickel 9/6 JOB(99.54%) video poker machines in their gigantic sports book, and even more at the quarter level. >I'm trying to keep in mind the size of your group with my recommendations>Remember, the drinks are free when you're playing these low limit games

If you're going to gamble be sure and sign up for and use slot club cards, even if you don't think it's "enough" you might be surprised at the offers you get to come back and visit them again.

We go to LV 2-3 times a year for 2 weeks or more at a time and have for over 20 years. we have "going on the cheap" down to a science.

feel free to send me an anonymous e-mail through YA if you have any questions. I will be more than happy to help you out.

~Jack~

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Answer 3

Im also 25 ad just got back from a trip to Vegas with a few of my close friends (3, not 50). It was the best ever!! I would say kind of have an idea of what yall want to do and see before hand and check out times and prices for things ahead of time and try to get discounted rates or coupons. With 50 people im sure yall can get some breaks. If you havent eaten at the Pink Taco in the Hard Rock and you like mexican food, yall need to go! Its soooooo goood!!! Go to Mix, a club at the top of mandalay bay. Its a little chill club, drinks are expensive but the view is outrageous and dont leave without using the bathroom....Trust me! I wish i was one of your 50 friends....i cant wait to go back!!!!!!

Answer 4

Hey girl i feel you im a local and still discovering VEGAS......
FASHION SHOW MALL
HANG WITH A LOCAL IS THE BEST ADVISE EVER
seriously they now where its at and know that not all the fun is n the strip....
that is a HUGE misconception of las vegas!!!

Answer 5

Wow, I'm just floored that you have 50 close friends. As for Vegas, the only suggestion I would give is, go somewhere else. I dislike Vegas.

Answer 6

freemont street is interesting and if you really want to party go to the Red Rooster. that really needs to stay in vegas. if you need more info email me through my profile here.

Answer 7

Ashley:

Twenty-Five? And going to Vegas with friends? Wow. How I envy you.

OK, here are a few suggestions, just to start.

Know how much you want to spend (ie.,lose) gambling. Set a daily limit, and don't go crazy and overstep the limit daily.
You said you have a limited budget. OK. Don't exceed it.

SHOWS; Check with the Vegas websites for the Convention & Visitors Bureau, or whatever they call it, to find out which of the big shows are in town the week you are going to be there. You and your friends should probably pick one or two you might like to see. (Big name shows are getting more and more expensive, and you will need tickets to the biggest in advance. Some are more than $100 for a good seat. But many lesser shows are worth going to for a lot less. Lounge acts are great. If you love a particular kind of music, you can have a ball with some of the local performers and acts.

Avoid the sleazy clubs that appeal to a lesser clientele. Go with your group, or a smaller group of 6 or 8 if you want to have fun but not hook up with a date you have never met before. There are plenty of casinos that have discos that are truly great. You can dance, or listen to music, or find romance, if you are so inclined. But if you are uncomfortable, stay with a group of friends at your own table or tables.

BOOZE. Just be sensible. Don't gamble and drink--that is giving the house even more of an edge than they already have with the odds. Why do you think they offer free drinks to winners? It lowers the odds of winning even more. Also, know your own limits as with everything. Keep your purse in hand or in view at all times. If you are on the dance floor, have someone at the table to keep track of these things.

The crowd of 50 means that you probably have to arrange a bus to transport you all to a common location if you leave your hotel. I guess you have to decide if you want to split up and get your own transportation (they have mini-buses that seat about twenty or less).

Shopping. YEAH. There are lots of the big shopping centers right on the Strip. No bargains, but world-class shops to look at the best of the best. The high-rollers can afford it. The rest of us just look. These might be a good compromise place to go in the hottest part of the day, as they are malls that are indoors and air-conditioned.

MUSEUMS. Yes, museums. There are a couple of world-class art museums, including one in , I think, Steve Winn's casino. I don't know if they charge now or not. Check it out. Millions of dollars of classics and master's art.

Traffic. Big time problems with the Strip at morning and evening, and on weekends. Those roads are also the biggest commute roads during morning and evening rush hours, and can really back up if the crowds are also driving SLOOOOW to look at the fronts of the casinos and the lights. Also, it is near gridlock on weekends at some evening hours with the light-lookers, too. Best advice, is to go down in mid-day, unless you are on your way to one location.

FOOD. Lots of bargains available, but not so many as there used to be. You can still pig out at the huge buffets at the major hotels, or even the smaller hotels and casinos can boast great cuisine. Here is a place where you can afford to cut back a bit, and save some cash for other things. Or, you can splurge at one of the world-class restaurants, if you want to do it once--but not every meal. Best bargains: BREAKFAST. More than you can eat, if you like simple foods, not gourmet offerings. Start with a big breakfast and you can face the whole day with only a brunch at noon, and wait to really go crazy at dinner, if that is what you like.

Suggestion: (Only if you and your friends want to do it !). Many casinos will arrange a gambling seminar--showing you HOW to play all those card and table games you have never played in your life. They will give you a free (or very reasonable course where you tip the teacher) course on HOW TO GAMBLE. That is a good hour to spend, so that you don't look like Alice In Wonderland wandering around the casino trying to figure out whether you DARE to try craps or baccarat (don't), and end up sitting down in front of a quarter slot machine for an hour, because you are afraid to look like a fool. You are not going to become a wheeler-dealer in one hour, but it is an interesting, and enjoyable hour anyway, and makes you just a little less uncomfortable.

Go visit a SPORTS BOOK. If you actually like sports, there are three or four casinos that specialize in bookmaking on sports events. Only the very big ones give the best odds--the other casinos offer bets, but only as a courtesy to patrons. Read a book on this. Get it from the library. If you have an interest in any sports, they will take your money, for an event that day, or a year from now. And you can collect winnings up to a year later by mail (they have written information at the casino.) If you know anything about sports, you are as knowledgeable as the biggest touts and gamblers in Vegas. In this one area, you have knowledge that makes you their equal. You don't have that advantage in other bets.

OUTSIDE THE STRIP. There is a huge city out there beyond downtown. Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in America. More than a million in the last couple of years. You can just wander with a car, or with a driver in a small van for a couple of hours.

OUTSIDE OF VEGAS. well, if you have never done it, (and you didn't do it on your last visit) ,it is a good day expedition to visit Hoover Dam, and, if you can arrange it, get a guided tour of the hydroelectic power station, if you haven't seen it. It is one of the wonders of the world. worth an afternoon, if you don't want to gamble, and you can't party all day long.

Well, those are just some examples of what to do in Vegas. I have not mentioned the names of hotels or casinos--I have only stayed at one or two, and I have my favorites when I go there. They aren't paying me to tout for them, so you can read up in the newspapers and on the Internet, and get some fun ideas. Have a good trip and a lot of fun. Take home some good memories, if not any money !

Answer 8

1. Number one on my list is to watch the fountains displays in front of the Bellagio hotel. It usually runs every 15 minutes in summers starting at 3:00 PM; runs continuously until about midnight. Each show is different (there are more than 20 different tunes choreographed) so stay and watch at least 2 or 3. ALSO, go inside the Bellagio hotel to its lobby and view the beautiful glass sculptured ceiling AND the seasonal floral arrangements in the Atrium.

2. The “Sirens of TI” show (spectacular) in from of the Treasure Island Hotel; it runs every 90 minutes starting at about 4:30 PM. Simply stand on the sidewalk in front of the TI Hotel.

3. The volcano erupt in from of the Mirage Hotel; starting at dark until midnight. Again, just stand on the sidewalk in front of the hotel.

4. Go down to Fremont Street and see the light shows. There are usually 3 or 4 different shows, starting after dark (about 8:30PM) and lasting about 5 or 10 minutes each.

5. Go to the RIO hotel to see the Masquerade in the Sky show. It is like Mardi Gras parade, only suspended from the ceiling over the gambling floor. It runs every 60 minutes starting about 3:00 PM; the last show starts at 9:30 PM..

6. Go to the MGM Grand hotel to see the Lion habitat. This is better then the tiger habitat at the Mirage Hotel because there are usually trainers in with lions to keep them active.

7. Go to the Mirage hotel to see the white tigers that Siegfried and Roy show used. This is kinda passe because the tigers rarely do anything but sit and stare.

8. Go in Caesars Palace and walk through the Forum shops to the first fountain (its spectacular) then take the first fork to the left to go see the aquarium. Then continue on through the shops to the second fountain and wait for the show to start.

9. Go into the Flamingo hotel to see their animal habitat with flamingos and penguins.

10 The Excalibur hotel also has a free show starting at 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

If you are a Star Trek Fan, go to the Hilton (off the strip) for "Star Trek The Experience"; it cost about $25.

People go to Vegas to sightsee as well as gamble. You can see most of the stuff on the Strip by walking, so you don't need a rental car. There is a free monorail between Bellagio and the Monte Carlo Hotel and also another free one between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. The one on the opposite side of the street which runs from the MGM to the Hilton you have to pay to ride. There is a free bus between Harrahs Hotel to the RIO Hotel that runs every half hour. There is also a free bus that you can get outside the Barbary Coast Casino that will take you to the Orleans and some other off strip casinos.

Plan which hotels/casinos you want to visit each day so you can make the most of your walking and the free monorails and scuttles. When you get to Vegas you will probably have in your hotel room a free guide to the city called either "What's ON" , “Showbiz”or "Las Vegas Today". These are helpful guises as they have a map of the Strip and city with the hotels marked, current hotel shows and prices, plus useful coupons. Some coupons will give you a free souvenir from certain hotels; you just have to take the coupon to the hotel. They also list hotel restaurants and buffets time sand prices.

JOIN PLAYERS CLUBS: Do join ALL of the players clubs because they are your ticket to
lower priced return trips. The hotels will email you, or send by regular mail, specials on room rates and shows. The players clubs are free; all they want to see is your driver's license. You can join some of these clubs online before you go.

SHOPPING: There's shopping at Fashion show mall right next to Treasure Island Hotel (across from the Wynn Hotel), or you can drive or take a taxi or the bus south on the Strip (just past the airport) to the outlet mall. For more shopping, drive south on I-15 to Primm, NV (at the Calif border ... about 45 miles) and there is a big outlet mall and some casinos.

DINING: The hotel coffee shops and buffets are now much more expensive than they were years ago. So, if you want to eat for less go to the food courts located in many hotels and also try one of the several Denny's restaurants on the Strip (one in the Casino Royal hotel/casino). There are also a number of McDonald, Burger King, and other fast food places on the Stip. You can get breakfast and dinner buffets a few dollars less at the Imperial Palace hotel/casino and at the Gold Coast hotel/casino. Buffets also cost less at the Circus Circus hotel/casino and in Fremont St hotel/casinos. There is an Outback Steak House in the Casino Royale Hotel and another across from the RIO. There is a Cheesecake Factory and a Planet Hollywood in Caesars Forum shops. There is a Margerittaville in the Flamingo hotel. I recommend Tony Roma’s, a ribs and chicken restaurant; one in the Stardust hotel/casino, one on Fremont St and another on Sahara Ave near Paradise Rd.

MOVIES: There are movie theaters in the Palms (multiplex) and also another on the Strip across the street from the Monte Carlo hotel, near the MGM hotel.

BOWLING: If you like to bowl, there are alley's in The Gold Coast Hotel/Casino (beside the RIO) and in the Orleans Hotel Casino. .

ACT LIKE A KID: If you like roller coasters, there are roller coaster rides at the NY, NY hotel/casino, at the Sahara Hotel/Casino, and, for those with a strong heart, three rides at the top of the Stratosphere Tower. The Circus Circus Hotel/casino has arcades and an indoor amusement park. There is a place called Game Works below the Coke World experience that has all type video games. In addition, many hotels have an arcade area.


RED ROCK CANYON: Its about 20 miles west of Las Vegas out Charleston Blvd (you can
pick up that street at the north end of the Strip) It’s a scenic drive-through park. Go early, not in the heat of the day; there's no shade.

HOOVER DAM: Drive about 30 miles southeast of Vegas and go to Hoover Dam; the
National Park Service offers tours there (@ $15.) and its interesting stuff. Go on past Hoover dam to Boulder City and then to Lake Meade for a swim and/or to visit the new casino there. Also, there are tour companies that will take you on a cruise of the river below Hoover Dam. Check the Vegas web sites.

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK: Drive about 35 miles north of Vegas on I-15 and go to
Valley of Fire State Park, another scenic park area.

ZION NATION PARK: It’s a long drive (about 2-3 hours), but you can drive North on
I-15 to Zion National Park and back in one day.

DEATH VALLEY: If you like to visit National Parks, drive about an hour and a half south of Vegas on I-15 and take RT-127 to Death Valley National Park (total drive may be 3 hrs each way).

GRAND CANYON: The drive to the Grand Canyon is 5 long hard hours on mostly two lane
roads with trucks and campers (only a short way on I-40). You can drive there and back in one day if you leave early morning, like 6:00-7:00 AM. That will put you there about noon and you will have 4 or 5 hrs before starting back and getting back to Vegas about 11:00PM. I recommend staying overnight at the Canyon (there are plenty of motels near there, like Best Western, Ramada, Quality inns) and drive back the next day.