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Tell me all about Las Vegas

Have fun, Opti! I haven't been to Vegas in over 30 years so I'm no help. But I got you a 10-day weather forecast:

Thanks for the links and weather sash

I'm hoping those end up being hit and miss showers this weekend.
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Chilly likes it

At least it's not snow showers

reply to Optimized
If you ever get out of the casino

reply to Optimized
Hope I'm not too late.

What are your recommendations?
We're not big gamblers (lost only 100 bucks in 5 days) so we did a lot of sight/show seeing. Several years ago some guy (his name eludes me) figured out that not everyone that comes to Vegas wants to gamble so he started putting shows on during the day/afternoon. A great thing happened, it caught on and the best thing about these shows is that there's some really good talent playing at a fraction of the cost of a premier talent at night (think $15 vs. $100). Another thing is that most, if not all of these shows, offer "discount" tickets. What you do is show up to the "show information" desk at the Hotel that the show is playing at and ask for a "coupon" (basically it's a "drink coupon", you know you buy a drink up front and you get to see the show for free. I think there were between $6 and $8).
Two shows we saw were:
Ronn Lucas »www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/···_05.html
Mac King »www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/las/···_02.html
Since they're both put on by Harrah's the "coupon" was on the same "flier" and we ended up seeing both. For the "premier" shows you could try a place called "Vegas half off" or something like that (it's right next to the M&M building right on the strip). A bit of advice ... discounts come at a price. Right outside the "half off" place you'll be approached by sales people trying to get you to buy a time share and in the hotel you'll be approached by ppl trying to sell you a "vacation" share, just ignore them or tell them you're pressed for time.

Where do I go, what do I see, which are the good places to eat & drink???
We hit every Casino, the newer ones are just spectacular, unbelievable architecture, ambiance, etc. We also took a drive to Hoover Dam »/r0/download/7···0276.JPG (it looked more impressive at 20000 ft). About 3/4 of the way to the Dam there's a place that offers helicopter tours of the Canyon. Don't quote me on this ... "I think it was about 60 bucks" but I will tell you that it was the cheapest I saw in Vegas (we didn't go on a tour, we've seen the Canyon before). As far as eat and drink, well we don't drink and eats ... well I think it depends on your taste. We didn't "do" any of the buffets (my wife hates them) but we did find a good Caribbean (Puerto Rican) restaurant. It's inexpensive, the service is so-so, the ambiance is - well there is no ambiance but the food is excellent.
El Coqui Caribbean
2210 Paradise Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 737-1868
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reply to Optimized
I am probably too late to the party. Rule #1: Don't expect to walk out of a casino with armed guards watching your money!

If I knew where you were staying it would have helped some, but anyway.

• See the water show at Belagio. Night is the best.

• Down at the TI (used to be Treasure Island) check out the pirate show. Watch-out, it is a hot spot for pickpockets.

• Best deals are food are the casino buffets. Upscale food for a good price. Paris is a little high, but very good.

• At Paris, take the ride up the to the top and see the city. $5, I think.

• If you are into "rides", the New York, New York has a pretty decent roller coaster. Not like Coney Island, but decent. Also, on the sidewalk out front is a "peoples" tribute to 911. Folks have left all kinds of stuff there. Folks don't even talk when there; pretty moving.

• The Stratosphere has a nice elevator ride to the top (tallest building in LV). There is also ride up there that will shake your socks. Free if you have lunch at the top.

• The monorail is a rip. $3/pp each way. I would take a taxi or bus. Don't drive on the Strip (Las Vegs Blvd.) especially at night. Too much traffic and tourists.

• Hoover is nice. The tour inside the dam is very interesting.

• NO helicopter rides to the GC. Those birds have a habit of falling out of the sky or running into the rocks.

• The "star" shows are very expensive for a decent seat (if you can even get a ticket). Elton and Celon (at Caesars) are $250. Manilow (Hilton) is about the same. Mama Mia is about $80 and there is a Saturday afternoon show.

• Check-out the coupons. There are some good deals.

• Tip. At the airport the taxi drivers have a scam. They will take you on the long route (supposed to be faster), but costs more. Tell them to take you on Paradise Road to your hotel.

Take care and have fun. If I would have known that your were headed this way, I would have tried to hook up with you.
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“Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” Yogi Berra

reply to golden eagle

reply to Optimized
"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

reply to Optimized
Thanks for all these great recommendations everyone! Flight in was long but perfect, arrived 20 minutes early actually.

Spent the first evening in a few casinos, mostly at Caesars though. I spent a lot of time playing 3 card poker and blackjack. That's a good thing since I won back all the money that I had lost on the slots.

I totally forgot that you moved out here Irish or I would have sent you an IM.
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Chilly likes it