Vegas Tips

It has now been a month since we returned from our latest, greatest Vegas vacation. One thing the wife and I wanted to discuss with our friends is what we’ve learned from this trip but I’ve expanded it to include all four of mine because I always feel a tad wiser. Hopefully this will assist you when you go.

1997:

• Any money used for gambling should be considered “spent” regardless of outcome and have a set amount put aside for this, nothing more. I was really too busy working, sleeping, eating and trying to meet women to do much else. Gambling didn’t really appeal to me then.

2003:

1. Cell phones are a must. We didn’t have one and it made connecting with friends staying in other hotels difficult.
2. Valet parking is worth the “trouble” since the garages or structures are pretty far away from the main features of the casinos. Those people are pretty quick too.
3. If you rent a car, don’t bother with the Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard), you’ll fare better using Koval Lane or Paradise Road to the east. They’re parallel to the Strip. And you have to be more aggressive on any of those streets but be careful, there are numerous uninsured drivers.
4. Video poker is a decent game to play, namely the “Jacks or Better” machines. Take your time, make the maximum bet and when in doubt, stick with face cards because pairs of twos through tens are worthless.
5. Best place for breakfast is Paris (still is). Everyone practically knows this so go early, don’t bother on weekends or holidays unless you like enormous crowds and long lines.

2005:

1. Location matters! This time I stayed at Luxor on the south end of the Strip as opposed to Aladdin in 2003 which is closer to the center. Luxor is nice but getting to the rest of the Strip takes some effort.
2. Cabs versus the Monorail: Both are great means to get around to save your feet but each has their distinct purpose. Cabs are for when you’re in a hurry (getting to O on time on a Friday night) or you don’t want to sweat too much in your nice clothes. The monorail is more effective on the “walking around” days and you’re not pressed for time. Besides, it only runs between MGM and the Las Vegas Hilton and its stops aren’t perfect unless your destination is specifically certain casinos on the east side of the Strip: MGM, Bally’s, Imperial Palace-Harrah’s, LV Hilton, the Convention Center or Sahara. Also get the ten-ride pass. It can be used by multiple people and it’s valid for one year from the date of purchase if you don’t use it up.
3. Dress nicely for the evening, even if it’s a casual dinner out. We got free passes to the Voodoo Lounge on top of Rio to see the great view of the city at night. If anyone was wearing sneakers, jeans or a shirt without a collar, no dice. When in doubt, there’s a Express Men at the mall.
4. There’s only free wireless Internet access at the airport and the Apple Store in the Fashion Mall, otherwise you’ll be jonsing like me.
5. Craps is the best game for its social inteaction and everybody is on the same team. It’s not a hard game, just bet on the pass line and cheer for the shooter.

2006:

1. Take an empty or partially empty suitcase because we’ve always ended up bringing back more than we started with. Namely gifts for everyone.
2. The casinos don’t mind you using their shuttle buses if you’re not staying at their hotel but tip the driver a buck per rider to be nice. We found out you can get a cheap ride from Rio to Caesar’s Palace.
3. Sports Book is a good evening of entertainment. I don’t know about all of them but Treasure Island and Mirage gave free drink coupons with my wagers. Just make sure the one you’re at will have the game you want to watch on their TVs.
4. Don’t go to Vegas in the Winter. The place is as dry as a bone all year but in the Winter it’s worse due to the cold weather, deserts are miserable when it’s freezing. Unless you don’t mind battling cracking skin, chapped lips and constantly getting zapped from the static electricity when you touch the numerous brass fixtures, then go.
5. If you’re a compulsive bookkeeper like me, use the free pens and stationery from the room to track your cash on the fly. In past trips I ended up having big holes in my Quicken file on how much tipping I did. We hope to have learn more when we check out our timeshare in mid- to late 2007.