vpFREE2 Forums

First Trip, wanna make the best of it

#1

Hey Y'all;

     We are finally gonna pull the trigger. We've talked about a trip to Vegas ever since we made our first trip to AC. Finally we decided that we've talked about it enough, and it is time to DO IT!!!

      We will by flying out on 9/9 and returning on 9/15. We have booked rooms at the Flamingo (Have you seen the pictures of thier pool???, OMG!!). Really that's all I know for now. We've never been, obviously, and niether have my BIL or SIL who are travelling with us. That's where y'all come in<G>...

       Those of you who have been before:

Have you seen the flamingo? What were your impressions? How is their VP inventory, any 9/6 JOB? How about Hold 'em tourneys?

I have opted to NOT rent a car, since I wouldn't know where I was going anyhow. I didn't figure I need one to get around Vegas anyhow. Have I guessed correctly?

Anything you did when you were there and wish you hadn't?

How about didn't do, and now kick yourself for?

How about did, and if you get the chance will do again? (let's keep it clean folks <G>)

Any insider tips you can offer for first timers? Like the best food deal in town? How about the best free shows, and
their schedules? How IS the best way to get around? Will the cabbies try and rip you off? Absolute must see & do's while in Vegas?

We're so excited, I can't even tell you. Bren is already talking about packing, and what to bring, and the trip is still 2 months away.

Thanks.

Darrin

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#2

       Those of you who have been before:

Have you seen the flamingo? What were your impressions? How is

their VP inventory, any 9/6 JOB? How about Hold 'em tourneys?

For schedule and detail of poker tournaments this is a good reference
http://www.allvegaspoker.com/

I have opted to NOT rent a car, since I wouldn't know where I was

going anyhow. I didn't figure I need one to get around Vegas anyhow.
Have I guessed correctly?

It depends where you want to go. If you are just interested in the
Strip (as many first timers are) and you can walk, then a car is not
necessary.

Any insider tips you can offer for first timers? Like the best

food deal in town? How about the best free shows, and

their schedules? How IS the best way to get around? Will the

cabbies try and rip you off? Absolute must see & do's while in
Vegas?

Other references
http://www.cheapovegas.com/index.php

http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/

http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml

Chandler

···

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Darrin Culver" <dtculver@...> wrote:

#3

in reply to your lates email i just want you to know that you dont need a car as a matter of fact your not allowed to drive in old town vegas , theve got it clossed off somthing to think about , i done nothing but lose in the bigger casinos , if you want a fair game try some of the smaller places that dont have 50 stories of overhead to pay for . youl see it in the results of your winnings try casino royal i won close to 9 grand there in just a couple of hrs , ths slots are looser and its a good playing atmosphere . that and ask for comped rooms and meals while your there if your betting thell give you the rest you just have to ask okay good luck and have a good time ......... your friend greg

Darrin Culver <dtculver@mhcable.com> wrote: Hey Y'all;

We are finally gonna pull the trigger. We've talked about a trip to Vegas ever since we made our first trip to AC. Finally we decided that we've talked about it enough, and it is time to DO IT!!!

#4

10000 thankyous.

···

----- Original Message -----
  From: cmayhem2001
  To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 1:20 PM
  Subject: [vpFREE] Re: First Trip, wanna make the best of it

  --- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Darrin Culver" <dtculver@...> wrote:
  >
  > Those of you who have been before:
  >
  > Have you seen the flamingo? What were your impressions? How is
  their VP inventory, any 9/6 JOB? How about Hold 'em tourneys?

  For schedule and detail of poker tournaments this is a good reference
  http://www.allvegaspoker.com/
  >
  > I have opted to NOT rent a car, since I wouldn't know where I was
  going anyhow. I didn't figure I need one to get around Vegas anyhow.
  Have I guessed correctly?

  It depends where you want to go. If you are just interested in the
  Strip (as many first timers are) and you can walk, then a car is not
  necessary.

  > Any insider tips you can offer for first timers? Like the best
  food deal in town? How about the best free shows, and
  > their schedules? How IS the best way to get around? Will the
  cabbies try and rip you off? Absolute must see & do's while in
  Vegas?

  Other references
  http://www.cheapovegas.com/index.php

  http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/

  http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml

  Chandler

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#5

From: "Darrin Culver" <dtculver@mhcable.com>
We are finally gonna pull the trigger. We've talked about a trip to Vegas ever
since we made our first trip to AC. Finally we decided that we've talked about
it enough, and it is time to DO IT!!!>>>

It is just as great as you hope it will be. You will have a ball. Let me
try to answer some of your questions...

We will by flying out on 9/9 and returning on 9/15. We have booked rooms at
the Flamingo (Have you seen the pictures of thier pool???, OMG!!).>>>

The pool area at the Flamingo is terrific. Save some time every day to try
all the pools and enjoy the area. Vegas in early September is still hot,
like August in New England.

Have you seen the flamingo? What were your impressions? How is their VP
inventory, any 9/6 JOB? How about Hold 'em tourneys?>>>

It's a nice hotel and it is located in a perfect spot, right across from
Caesars Palace. You can walk the Strip, you do not need a car and for your
first time I would not bother with one. You will have more to see and do
without one. You will want to visit all the casinos. The VP at flamingo
sucks dead dogs.

I have opted to NOT rent a car, since I wouldn't know where I was going
anyhow. I didn't figure I need one to get around Vegas anyhow. Have I guessed
correctly? >>>

You will be at the heart of the Strip. You do not need a car for the Strip.
Later, if you want to see something of the city of Las Vegas, then you need
a car. But for a first time visitor, no.

How about didn't do, and now kick yourself for? >>>

Take a tour of Hoover dam. it will show you a bit of the desert Southwest
and the dam is interesting. it will also give you a little idea of how big
Las Vegas really is. Many tour companies run these tours. They are not
expensive.

How about did, and if you get the chance will do again? (let's keep it clean
folks <G>)>>>

Don't miss the Mirage, the Venetian, the Pirate Show at Treasure Island, a
free picture at Imperial Palace and the Bellagio fountains.

Any insider tips you can offer for first timers? Like the best food deal in
town?>>>

Mirage and Paris both have great buffets.

  How IS the best way to get around?>>>

Walk the Strip and if you want to go downtown, take the bus that runs along
the Strip. Go at night but stay under the canopy of Freemont Street. it is
very safe there . Do not roam around downtown outside of the Freemont
Street Experience at night.

Will the cabbies try and

rip you off? >>>

They probably will not, but cabs in Las Vegas ARE expensive.

Absolute must see & do's while in Vegas? >>> eat at a good buffet, explore
the different hotels, check out the malls, there is one on the Strip, the
fashion Show Mall. See the white tigers at the Mirage. Walk through the
Venetian.

We're so excited, I can't even tell you. Bren is already talking about
packing, and what to bring, and the trip is still 2 months away.>>>

The weather is just great in September, probably warmer than your home
state. if you have any other questions, just post them. Somebody on this
group will know the answer... have a ball.

#6

hi there ann and charles

I'm just wondering. It's been many years since I took a bus downtown.
As I remember it was late at night and the bus was not a comfortable
place to be at 1 AM in the morning. Maybe things have changed? If
going to Freemont Street, would it be a good idea to return to strip
late at night or early in morning? Cab might be safer? Again, maybe
things are different now or maybe I was on a different bus route.

Otherwise, alll good tips for first timer.

Cheers....Jeep
.
.
In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, ANN AND CHARLES GAUVIN <ride3843@...>
wrote:

Walk the Strip and if you want to go downtown, take the bus that

runs along

the Strip. Go at night but stay under the canopy of Freemont

Street. it is

very safe there . Do not roam around downtown outside of the

Freemont

Street Experience at night.

Will the cabbies try and
> rip you off? >>>

They probably will not, but cabs in Las Vegas ARE expensive.

Absolute must see & do's while in Vegas? >>> eat at a good buffet,

explore

the different hotels, check out the malls, there is one on the

Strip, the

fashion Show Mall. See the white tigers at the Mirage. Walk

through the

Venetian.

> We're so excited, I can't even tell you. Bren is already talking

about

> packing, and what to bring, and the trip is still 2 months

away.>>>

The weather is just great in September, probably warmer than your

home

state. if you have any other questions, just post them. Somebody

on this

···

group will know the answer... have a ball.

#7

Hi Ann and Charles:

I second this wise opinion. May I suggest however that the Freemont experience is truly
not be missed. It is definitely worth the investment to take a cab from the strip to say, the
Golden Nugget, which is in the middle of Freemont, do Freemont and visit the various
casinos and take a cab back from the Nugget. It can be a full evening of great
entertainment that will definitely be a wothwhile memory of Las Vegas.

Have a great time!

···

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "whitejeeps" <whitejeeps@...> wrote:

hi there ann and charles

I'm just wondering. It's been many years since I took a bus downtown.
As I remember it was late at night and the bus was not a comfortable
place to be at 1 AM in the morning. Maybe things have changed? If
going to Freemont Street, would it be a good idea to return to strip
late at night or early in morning? Cab might be safer? Again, maybe
things are different now or maybe I was on a different bus route.

Otherwise, alll good tips for first timer.

Cheers....Jeep

#8

Have you seen the flamingo? What were your impressions? How is

their VP inventory, any 9/6 JOB? How about Hold 'em tourneys?

The Flamingo is a Vegas classic!

I don't think it has a poker room though. Walk across the street to
Caesars, which has a nice one with low buy in daily no limit
tournaments. Caesars has a better VP inventory too, so far. They are
both Harrah's properties, so keep your Total Rewards card handy.

I have opted to NOT rent a car, since I wouldn't know where I was

going anyhow. I didn't figure I need one to get around Vegas anyhow.
Have I guessed correctly?

If you're reasonably fit you can walk anywhere you'll want to go on
the strip.

Any insider tips you can offer for first timers? Like the best food

deal in town? How about the best free shows, and

their schedules? How IS the best way to get around? Will the cabbies

try and rip you off? Absolute must see & do's while in Vegas?

The best opportunity for cabbies to rip you off is at the airport,
where they may try to hop on the interstate to get you to the strip.
That'll double your cab fare and probably save no time at all if you
let them do it. I think what you want to tell them as soon as you get
in is NOT to take the tunnel (that's the correct phrase, right?). If
they complain about the amount of traffic around the strip tell them
you've got plenty of time.

Mike

···

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Darrin Culver" <dtculver@...> wrote:

#9

From: "whitejeeps" <whitejeeps@yahoo.com>

I'm just wondering. It's been many years since I took a bus downtown.

As I remember it was late at night and the bus was not a comfortable
place to be at 1 AM in the morning. Maybe things have changed?

Hi, Jeep...I like your posts. What I was thinking was, these folks are
going to be on the Strip for 6 days. That's a good bit of time. I thought
they might like to see downtown. The last time we took a bus downtown it
was a couple of years ago. We took it around suppertime from the Strip and
it was crowded but I felt safe. When we wanted to return, it was 1am and we
opted for a cab. the cab was not cheap but again, we felt safe in it. The
driver was nice. These people sounded sensible and alert so i figured they
would be ok, although one certainly can run into a loon on a Las Vegas bus
at any time of the day or night. Maybe a cab back would be a more sensible
choice but I think the bus down is ok especially since it is still light
out. Annie

#10

The Flamingo Casino does have a poker room. It is off to the side kind of
not very noticeable. I was there in June, and tournaments buy in started at
$40. I don't think there was sit n go.

Have FUN!!1

···

-----Original Message-----
From: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vpF…@…com] On Behalf Of
Michael Peck
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 11:38 AM
To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [vpFREE] Re: First Trip, wanna make the best of it

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups. <mailto:vpFREE%40yahoogroups.com> com, "Darrin
Culver" <dtculver@...> wrote:

Have you seen the flamingo? What were your impressions? How is

their VP inventory, any 9/6 JOB? How about Hold 'em tourneys?

The Flamingo is a Vegas classic!

I don't think it has a poker room though. Walk across the street to
Caesars, which has a nice one with low buy in daily no limit
tournaments. Caesars has a better VP inventory too, so far. They are
both Harrah's properties, so keep your Total Rewards card handy.

I have opted to NOT rent a car, since I wouldn't know where I was

going anyhow. I didn't figure I need one to get around Vegas anyhow.
Have I guessed correctly?

If you're reasonably fit you can walk anywhere you'll want to go on
the strip.

Any insider tips you can offer for first timers? Like the best food

deal in town? How about the best free shows, and

their schedules? How IS the best way to get around? Will the cabbies

try and rip you off? Absolute must see & do's while in Vegas?

The best opportunity for cabbies to rip you off is at the airport,
where they may try to hop on the interstate to get you to the strip.
That'll double your cab fare and probably save no time at all if you
let them do it. I think what you want to tell them as soon as you get
in is NOT to take the tunnel (that's the correct phrase, right?). If
they complain about the amount of traffic around the strip tell them
you've got plenty of time.

Mike

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#11

Have you seen the flamingo? What were your impressions? How is

their VP inventory, any 9/6 JOB? How about Hold 'em tourneys?

I've stayed at the Flamingo twice. The pool is excellent, but gets
incredibly crowded on the weekends (in my experience more so than
others, but I may be wrong). Would recommend against the buffet or
coffee shop there (unless you're really hungry and in a big hurry).
Have lunch at Margaritaville, not the greatest food in Vegas but a
good experience.

Catch the Mac King show at Harrah's, I think it's mid-afternoon.
There are always people in the Carneval Court (between Harrah's and
Imperial Palace, about two hotels south of Flamingo) handing out
free tickets (require 7.95 1 drink minimum, but still a great deal).

For a much more comfortable (IMO) gambling atmosphere, go outside
the Flamingo and head to O'Sheas next door. It's actually
considered part of the Flamingo (all the dealers have Flamingo name
tags), but generally a lot more fun. That's assuming you play table
games; if you're just a VP player, avoid it like the plague. In my
experience, pit bosses at O'Sheas are much more generous with
discretionary comps.

I have opted to NOT rent a car, since I wouldn't know where I was

going anyhow. I didn't figure I need one to get around Vegas anyhow.
Have I guessed correctly?

Yep. I haven't had a car in Vegas for years. Take the bus
downtown, or if you don't mind a few extra bucks save time and
hassle and get a cab. Don't know what your budget looks like, but
if you're in the mood for a very nice, elegant dinner try Hugo's
Cellar at the Four Queens (downtown). Outstanding service, best
salad, and probably one of the best steaks I've ever had. For
getting around the strip, the Flamingo-side has the Las Vegas
monorail, which goes as far as the Stratosphere (I think), with
stops at the convention center, Harrahs/Imperial Palace, Flamingo,
Ballys/Paris, and the MGM Grand (I think I missed a stop or two).
On the other side of the street there is a tram from (I believe)
Bellagio to Monte Carlo, and another one connecting Excalibur-Luxor-
Mandalay Bay.

Free shuttles run to the Rio from Caesars, Harrah's, and Bally's.
From the Rio it's a walk across the street to the Palms. Barbary
Coast runs shuttles to the other coast properties fairly regularly.
Finally, I think Harrahs (?) runs busses down to Laughlin if you
want to check it out for a day. Pretty good VP there.

Other suggestions: get the Las Vegas Advisor (lasvegasadvisor.com)
coupon book (Pocketbook of Values) for some great coupons - 50% off
all-purpose comp at the Palms (max value $50 off $100), Rio 2-for-1
buffet, Paris buffet discount, 2-for-1 Eiffel Tower tickets, and
lots more.

Lots more I'm sure will follow!

Have a blast!

#12

Darrin Culver <dtculver@mhcable.com> wrote: Hey Y'all; We are finally gonna pull the trigger. We've talked about a trip to Vegas ever since we made our first trip to AC. Finally we decided that we've talked about it enough, and it is time to DO IT!!!
Any insider tips you can offer for first timers? Like the best food deal in town? How about the best free shows, and
their schedules? How IS the best way to get around? Will the cabbies try and rip you off? Absolute must see & do's while in Vegas?
We're so excited, I can't even tell you. Bren is already talking about packing, and what to bring, and the trip is still 2 months away. Thanks.Darrin

···

###############################################################
   
  OK Darrin--
   
  I'm going to start out suggesting that you check out this link--it's a GO List that I wrote for tripadvisor.com. Most of the info on there will answer your
  questions--go to: http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i3397-Vegas_Budget_Extenders_and_I_m.html
   
  I'm sure you'll enjoy the Flamingo. I haven't stayed there in a few years but the location is excellent and the pool is really great! We also enjoy gambling there. Are you going to try the $20 trick and see if you can get an up-graded room?
  Absolute must sees include all the mega-casinos and hotels on the strip. Also, it took us several years before we saw a Circque show and we're sorry
  we waited so long. We really enjoyed Mystere. Don't forget about going downtown especially at night for the "Fremont Street Experience". Most of all--have a great time and save something to do for your "next" trip!
   
Jean H--
   
  You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
  And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go.... Dr. Suess

---------------------------------
How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#13

Go to Mr Lucky's Cafe at the Hard Rock Hotel for the
Steak and Shrimp Special for $7.95. You also get a
salad. My favorite deal in town. If you have any
questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Bill

···

--- K Haka <kjhaka@yahoo.com> wrote:

Darrin Culver <dtculver@mhcable.com> wrote: Hey
Y'all; We are finally gonna pull the trigger. We've
talked about a trip to Vegas ever since we made our
first trip to AC. Finally we decided that we've
talked about it enough, and it is time to DO IT!!!
Any insider tips you can offer for first timers?
Like the best food deal in town? How about the best
free shows, and
their schedules? How IS the best way to get around?
Will the cabbies try and rip you off? Absolute must
see & do's while in Vegas?
We're so excited, I can't even tell you. Bren is
already talking about packing, and what to bring,
and the trip is still 2 months away. Thanks.Darrin

###############################################################

   
  OK Darrin--
   
  I'm going to start out suggesting that you check
out this link--it's a GO List that I wrote for
tripadvisor.com. Most of the info on there will
answer your
  questions--go to:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i3397-Vegas_Budget_Extenders_and_I_m.html

   
  I'm sure you'll enjoy the Flamingo. I haven't
stayed there in a few years but the location is
excellent and the pool is really great! We also
enjoy gambling there. Are you going to try the $20
trick and see if you can get an up-graded room?
  Absolute must sees include all the mega-casinos
and hotels on the strip. Also, it took us several
years before we saw a Circque show and we're sorry
  we waited so long. We really enjoyed Mystere.
Don't forget about going downtown especially at
night for the "Fremont Street Experience". Most of
all--have a great time and save something to do for
your "next" trip!
   
Jean H--
   
  You have brains in your head. You have feet in
your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
  And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go....
Dr. Suess

---------------------------------
How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low
PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Non-text portions of this message have been
removed]

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#14

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "little_jimmy112" <little_jimmy112@...>
wrote:

For a much more comfortable (IMO) gambling atmosphere, go outside
the Flamingo and head to O'Sheas next door. That's assuming you play

table games; if you're just a VP player, avoid it like the plague. In
my experience, pit bosses at O'Sheas are much more generous with

discretionary comps.

ALL blackjack players should avoid O'Sheas tables like the plague. ALL
their tables are 6:5 ripoff games....yes, even their 8 deck shoes.