Going to Vegas next week....

[Hawkgirl]

....any tips?

We're staying at Treasure Island, now known as Ti.  My baby daughter is coming, along with my mom(for babysitting ) as well as my bro and sister-in-law.

This is my third time there, but last was 10 years ago...so I know things have changed....Any great restaurant suggestions, attractions...or just suggestions in general?

I recall using the monorail a lot last time I was there...don't know if the station is a long distance from Ti...or if I can bring a stroller on it...

[franksolich]

Don't forget to look around, in case you might spot a gigantic primitive.

[Texacon]

Give a shout to Rob Johnson.  I think he lives there.

KC

[The Village Idiot]

Don't get sat on by the LVL. Not that he gets out much.

[NHSparky]

I stay almost exclusively at TI.

As soon as you get checked in, before you buy one drink, sit down at a table, whatever, go to the Casino Host and get a player's card.  Use it.  Unfortunately, since TI went independent it's only good there (as opposed to MGM/Mirage which is good at a whole bunch of places) but you can still get comped stuff based on your play.  Sign stuff to the room when you can.  You'll be surprised how much they'll be willing to comp. 

You are aware of the fact that they're charging you a "resort fee", as do most places.  If you can't get that taken off, use it as much as you can.  I'm not sure what all that gets you, but IIRC it includes the WiFi and the gym.

Isla is a decent place for Mexican food on the days they have the full menu, but the best Mexican food I've had in a resort type place is at Garduno's over at the Palms.  Augie (Isla) is the world's greatest bartender and a hell of a nice person to boot.  Avoid Kahunaville.

Steak--if money is no object, go over to Delmonico's at the Venetian or Prime at Bellagio.  Most of the other places at Mirage and TI are so-so, although Canter's Deli at TI has some pretty darned good sandwiches if you're looking for something later in the evening.  There's a California Pizza Kitchen at Mirage.  Great lunch or dinner.  Go for the gorgonzola salad.  Buffets aren't the deals they used to be, but are pretty good for breakfast--TI breakfast buffet runs $14, IIRC.

Shows--MUST, MUST, MUST see either Mystere or Love.  Both are shows by Circ du Soleil, both are great.  Blue Man Group is over at the Venetian, as is Wayne Brady.

Gambling--pretty much the same wherever you go.  TI's poker room is a cubby hole, more of an afterthought, very small.  Mirage has a good one, as does Venetian and Bellagio.

And oh yeah--the "Sirens of TI."  Free, but get there early.  Might not be for very small kids as there's a lot of loud noises, etc.

[Wineslob]

Check out the restaurants in the Bellagio and see what art they may be showing there.

[The Village Idiot]

Check out the restaurants in the Bellagio and see what art they may be showing there.

Art. lol.

The Penthouse Collection probably.

[Lord Undies]

Remember, "All You Can Eat" is not a challenge.

[The Village Idiot]

Remember, "All You Can Eat" is not a challenge.

Oh yes it is.

 

[NHSparky]

Art. lol.

The Penthouse Collection probably.

Uh, no.  More like Picasso, Renoir, etc.  They charge for admission, but it's worth it.

[IassaFTots]

Uh, no.  More like Picasso, Renoir, etc.  They charge for admission, but it's worth it.

I didn't know that until my director went there last week, and she ooh-ed and awe-ed about it.  Just like Oceans 11, eh?

[NHSparky]

I didn't know that until my director went there last week, and she ooh-ed and awe-ed about it.  Just like Oceans 11, eh?

At the time, Bellagio was THE place.  It's still a very nice place, but even it has been outdone by the Wynn, the Palazzo, and now Aria--that place is friggin HUGE.

[IassaFTots]

Aside from seeing the Cirque de Soleil shows you mentioned previously, I have absolutely no desire to go to Vegas.   But if I ever had to go, I would probably end up spending most of my time gawking at everything, and riding that nifty looking rollercoaster. 

[Wineslob]

Art. lol.

The Penthouse Collection probably.

I sees yous is sofisticated.

[Hawkgirl]

I stay almost exclusively at TI.

Good to know...I've been to Ceasar's and Harrah's. 

As soon as you get checked in, before you buy one drink, sit down at a table, whatever, go to the Casino Host and get a player's card.  Use it.  Unfortunately, since TI went independent it's only good there (as opposed to MGM/Mirage which is good at a whole bunch of places) but you can still get comped stuff based on your play.  Sign stuff to the room when you can.  You'll be surprised how much they'll be willing to comp. 

I never play slots...is the player card worth it if you only pay tables?...I play Black Jack and Roulette.  I may take a shot at Texas Hold Em, no limit tables this time around.

You are aware of the fact that they're charging you a "resort fee", as do most places.  If you can't get that taken off, use it as much as you can.  I'm not sure what all that gets you, but IIRC it includes the WiFi and the gym.
Yeah, the resort fee is mandatory.  I doubt I'll use the gym as I intend to do lots of walking.  The weather will be a perfect md 70's during the days, and 50's at night.

Isla is a decent place for Mexican food on the days they have the full menu, but the best Mexican food I've had in a resort type place is at Garduno's over at the Palms.  Augie (Isla) is the world's greatest bartender and a hell of a nice person to boot.  Avoid Kahunaville.
Thanks for the tip...I wasn't very interested in their restaurants, except for their mexican.  They have a starbucks and ben and jerry's too..which I liked.

Steak--if money is no object, go over to Delmonico's at the Venetian or Prime at Bellagio.  Most of the other places at Mirage and TI are so-so, although Canter's Deli at TI has some pretty darned good sandwiches if you're looking for something later in the evening.  There's a California Pizza Kitchen at Mirage.  Great lunch or dinner.  Go for the gorgonzola salad.  Buffets aren't the deals they used to be, but are pretty good for breakfast--TI breakfast buffet runs $14, IIRC.
thanks for the tips

Shows--MUST, MUST, MUST see either Mystere or Love.  Both are shows by Circ du Soleil, both are great.  Blue Man Group is over at the Venetian, as is Wayne Brady.

Yes, I plan on seeing Mystere..they offer a discount to hotel guests.

Gambling--pretty much the same wherever you go.  TI's poker room is a cubby hole, more of an afterthought, very small.  Mirage has a good one, as does Venetian and Bellagio.

And oh yeah--the "Sirens of TI."  Free, but get there early.  Might not be for very small kids as there's a lot of loud noises, etc.
I hear they changed the Sirens show...it was a bore when I saw it 10 years ago.

I'm going to try the gourmet Buffet at Bellagio on Friday...I hear they make Beef Wellington...and I love that.
Probably will just do a light breakfast and light lunch...but splurge on dinner. 

[Mr Mannn]

Margaritaville. Restaurant owned by the guy who wrote the song. Right on the strip. Fun with reasonable prices.


Gambling: hint: use THEIR money, not yours.
Lets say you budget $60 to loose each day (after that you do free stuff).

1) go to the Penny and nickle slots. Put a twenty in, play max (always play max)
2) The typical tease is 40-60 dollars. CASH OUT! This is the key. You are NOT going to hit a jackpot, so cash out when you at least double your money.
3) Lets say you got $60. Ok put twenty back in your, "to lose pocket" and go to the dollar slots.
4) Put $40 in the slot machine. Every credit you win is a dollar. Typical tease is $80 to $90 dollars.
5) CASH OUT! Put the winnings in your other pocket and forget about it.
5A) if you lose, no biggie...it was their money not yours.
6) go back to the nickle slots, rinse and repeat.

I made $360 bucks this way in two hours last time I was there.

[Mr Mannn]

Pay the twenty bucks to use the computer/TV screen in your room and keep in touch with us.

See a show. a good one. thats $60 to $90 bucks a head, but its worth it.

in a comedy club, never ever sit in the front row, or you face the chance the funny guy will pick on you.

At the Venetian Hotel (on the strip) there is Madame Tousauds wax museum. It great, take silly friends and a camera (or buy one there). The figures are all celebs and you can touch them, put your arm around them, and take silly photos. Then post them here when you get back.

Inside the hotel is a mall made to look like the streets of Venice. Take a free gondola ride down a canal (They work for tips so its not really free, but go with me here...).  This is my favorite hotel.

Go to Paris Paris. comment on how crowded and overpriced it is...just like the real city.

I went to Penn and Teller's show. It stinks. the one who talks basically whines about life all thru the show. skip it!

I have more fun exploring new hotels and discovering the attractions than anything else over there.

[Hawkgirl]

Thanks Mr. Mann...although I don't play slots, I will take $20 and try your theory

I did Tussaud's last time I was there, and I did one in Key West...so I think I'll skip this one.

I saw Penn & Teller as well 10 years ago, and I agree with your assessment...it sucked.

My plans are to see Mystere in TI...and perhaps I can convice someone in my party to see Phantom at the Venetian with me.  I agree the Venetian is beautiful and can't wait to go back.  I also LOVE Paris...you can smell their fresh croissants when you walk on the cobblestones...I just love the vibe of Paris and thought I'd stay there on my next trip...oh well, TI was cheaper!

I will be going to Vegas with Virgin eyes this time, so it will be funny to watch their jaws drop when they see the excess that Vegas is....I always have a good time...


BTW....are we still drinking free in the casino's (not including tips)  Last time...I tipped well, and the waitress kept filling me up...

[NHSparky]

I'm going to try the gourmet Buffet at Bellagio on Friday...I hear they make Beef Wellington...and I love that.
Probably will just do a light breakfast and light lunch...but splurge on dinner. 

Don't get me wrong, there are still decent food deals in Vegas, but the days of the $7.77 prime rib buffet are pretty much gone.  Last time I did Bellagio for dinner buffet it was $40 plus tax and tip.

I never play slots...is the player card worth it if you only pay tables?...I play Black Jack and Roulette.  I may take a shot at Texas Hold Em, no limit tables this time around.

You only get rated if you play a certain level, which at blackjack is typically $25 a hand.  I also play video poker, and found that I built up some player's points doing that.  If you're playing in the Poker Room there, they do take your card.  I'd try some limit stuff first if you're not up on basic strategy, otherwise you'll find yourself getting eaten alive, even at a 1-2 NLHE table.  If they sense you're timid, they'll come out and try to crush you.

[docstew]

Pay the twenty bucks to use the computer/TV screen in your room and keep in touch with us.

See a show. a good one. thats $60 to $90 bucks a head, but its worth it.

in a comedy club, never ever sit in the front row, or you face the chance the funny guy will pick on you.

At the Venetian Hotel (on the strip) there is Madame Tousauds wax museum. It great, take silly friends and a camera (or buy one there). The figures are all celebs and you can touch them, put your arm around them, and take silly photos. Then post them here when you get back.

Inside the hotel is a mall made to look like the streets of Venice. Take a free gondola ride down a canal (They work for tips so its not really free, but go with me here...).  This is my favorite hotel.

Go to Paris Paris. comment on how crowded and overpriced it is...just like the real city.

I went to Penn and Teller's show. It stinks. the one who talks basically whines about life all thru the show. skip it!

I have more fun exploring new hotels and discovering the attractions than anything else over there.

The gondola is no longer free, tix are $15 per, and have to be purchased the day of on a schedule.  Wifey and I did that after I got married, she was still in her dress and I was in my dress blues.  Amazing how many people applaud when they see that...

[Hawkgirl]

If you're playing in the Poker Room there, they do take your card.  I'd try some limit stuff first if you're not up on basic strategy, otherwise you'll find yourself getting eaten alive, even at a 1-2 NLHE table.  If they sense you're timid, they'll come out and try to crush you.

I was thinking of starting out with the tournaments...Just a $50 buy-in at TI...and I'm sure there are different buyins at other casinos...I was looking at the Venetian website yesterday, and their tournament buy-ins start at 115.

I'm actually lucky at Roulette for some reason...and I always hit with 00....

[NHSparky]

I was thinking of starting out with the tournaments...Just a $50 buy-in at TI...and I'm sure there are different buyins at other casinos...I was looking at the Venetian website yesterday, and their tournament buy-ins start at 115.

I'm actually lucky at Roulette for some reason...and I always hit with 00....

Funny you should mention that...I played the $50 buy-in at TI a couple of times.  Cashed both times.  While I don't recommend it, if you get knocked out in the first hour, you could re-buy back into the tournament.  Basically, it enabled bad players to give away more of their chips/money.  They weren't large fields by any stretch, two or three tables, tops, with maybe 35-40 buy-ins total, so it's not like you're going to retire if you win.

The only NL cash game they had was 1-2 blinds.  Never seemed to get enough folks up to play 2-5.  Guess if you wanted to do that, you could head over to Mirage.  I like their cash games better anyway.  (Ran into Annie Duke there.)

[Hawkgirl]

I hear the pros play at Ceasar's.
When there is nothing on TV...I tune into the World Series Poker Tournies on the Travel Channel....

[Hawkgirl]

Funny you should mention that...I played the $50 buy-in at TI a couple of times.  Cashed both times.  While I don't recommend it, if you get knocked out in the first hour, you could re-buy back into the tournament.  Basically, it enabled bad players to give away more of their chips/money.  They weren't large fields by any stretch, two or three tables, tops, with maybe 35-40 buy-ins total, so it's not like you're going to retire if you win.

My bro is a "pro"  He lived on his poker winnings when he was out of a job a few years ago....and he lived mighty well.  He still supplements his salary with online poker...he is very good.  I told him he may be the "fish" in Vegas though so he doesn't get too cocky.

[littlelamb]

Have a blast while on vacation