Viva Las Vegas!

I'm going to Vegas in April and was wondering if anyone could suggest things that I should do/see whilst I'm there.

Also, does anyone have any tips/scams/superstitions when spending my hard earned cash in the casinos.

Cheers

Things Worth Doing...

Go on the two rollercoaster rides on top of the Stratosphere (except if it's windy - they'll be shut) and also have a drink in the lounge up there and take a good look at Vegas. Its an amazing place for a good veiw.

The roller coaster at New York-New York is pretty sweet too.

Rent a 'Vette or Humvee ($$$) and cruise the strip.

Go in the Forum Shops at Ceasers if you want to shop, cos they're all in there.

Get a taxi to the Hilton - dont walk, everything's further than you think in the desert - and go on the Star Trek Experience (I hate Star Trek but the ride is pretty entertaining, trust me).

I didn't go, but the Freemont Street Experience is supposed to be mediocre, and it's miles off the Strip too.

Go and see a live show. Sounds lame - and is - but it's part of the Vegas Experience. Seigfreid and Roy are not around anymore since the tiger attack I dont think, so it's gotta be Lance Burton or one of the many titty shows like La Femme or something.

If you've not booked one already, arrange a Grand Canyon/Monument Valley/Hoover Dam tour either by plane or helicopter. Mega bucks but gotta be done.

As for gambling, I just kept losing cash, but keep this in mind:

While ever your gambling at a table in the casino, the girls bring you complementary drinks. So it can end up being cheaper to gamble in small amounts and not pay for your drinks. Can be a good night out doin that.

And i'd recommend the casino at MGM Grand. My favorite.

Oh yeah, and everyday, eat massive breakfasts.

And ignore the people handing out flyers - they're a pain in the arse. You'll see what I mean when you get there.

The entire place is designed to take your cash. As soon as you get into the airport there is slot machines. But if you roll with it it's ace.

Crazy.

Enjoy.

Oh yeah, go in the Venetian too. You can have a punt on the Canals and look round the shops that sell hideously expensive vases to Micheal Jackson.

My god. I sound like a rep for the Nevada State Tourist Board.

Cheers for that. Is it worth booking a transfer by coach from the airport or will a taxi be cheap enough (My hotel is next to the Bellagio) and is there a dress code in any of the casinos?

If you need any chandlery while you're out there call on my brother who runs a chandlers in Henderson, 15 miles out in the desert.

Excuse my thickness, but what is a chandler?

We got a minibus sort of thing directly to our hotel, which we arranged when we got into the airport. The MGM has a check-in desk at the airport, and we were offered the minibus service there. It was about $8.

I should imagine this is the same for all the big hotels, but i'm not sure. If your hotel doesnt do it, I shouldnt imagine a taxi wouldn't be too much, if your near Bellagio.

Chandler? It's the same as a Joey and a Ross I think.

Maybe I didnt go to anywhere very exclusive, but I never came accross any dress codes in the casinos.

I think chandlery has something to do with boats. No idea what.

Originally posted by JamesRich

Excuse my thickness, but what is a chandler?

They sell everything relating to boats such as maps, compasses, radar, etc. Which I find an odd occupation for my brother as he lives in the desert.

Originally posted by jackthedog

Things Worth Doing...

 

Go on the two rollercoaster rides on top of the Stratosphere (except if it's windy - they'll be shut) and also have a drink in the lounge up there and take a good look at Vegas. Its an amazing place for a good veiw.

 

The roller coaster at New York-New York is pretty sweet too.

 

Don't forget 'Speed' at the Sahara - it's like being shot out of a gun - zero to god knows how fast in a nanosecond !!!

If you are into cars there are many cars on display in the Imperial Palace hotel - many are for sale but with prices of up to millions of dollars many are beyond reach...

There are many museums if you are into art - the Bellagio had Andy Warhol when I was there and the Steve Wynn Collection has to be seen to be believed

The slots of fun casino is the best value and is where I managed to make the most dosh on slots - I went this year and was sly with my winning methods - when i went 5 years ago I got spotted counting machines and winning money from them and the security bloke had a word with me

As for buffet breakfasts, couldnt agree more - munch as much u can. I stayed in the Mandalay Bay last time and their Sunday Champagne Brunch was out of this world ! Bellagio is supposed to be better

Oh, dont forget to go up the Eiffel tower and listen to the music and watch the fountains of Bellagio. You can get great photos up there

One thing I never did was go to the Ethel M chocolate factory - gotta do that next time. Ethel M was the mother of the guys who founded m+m's - there is an m+m's world near the MGM.

Freemont street is great - was worth the walk there as went to Golden Nugget [worlds biggest nugget still on display] and went past A Little white wedding chapel - as a caseworker deciding marriage applications for the Immigration and Nationality Directorate I often wondered where it was and now I know

Originally posted by jackthedog

Get a taxi to the Hilton - dont walk, everything's further than you think in the desert - and go on the Star Trek Experience (I hate Star Trek but the ride is pretty entertaining, trust me).

They've raised the admission to $30 though, so only worth doing if you are a Star Trek fan (or have discount coupons!).

Originally posted by rtapper

There are many museums if you are into art - the Bellagio had Andy Warhol when I was there and the Steve Wynn Collection has to be seen to be believed

The Bellagio Museum of Fine Art has since shut down. It still has the Picasso restaurant where you can dine with Picasso's on the wall though (similarly the Mirage has Renoir).

Good shows to see in Vegas are the Cirque du Soleil shows (O in Bellagio and Mystere in Treasure Island), although they charge a lot ($120 for O). They are almost worth it though.

For shopping, the Fashion Show Mall is pretty good. It has similar stores to the Forum Shoppes, but without the fancy theming and slightly lower prices.