First time going to Vegas (2 Viewers)

[TheDonkeyKong]

I will be heading to Vegas with some friends for the first time in the near future, and am pretty excited! Looking to see if anyone has some first time advice for a newbie lol. We will be staying on the strip but are up in the air as to where, leaning towards the Venetian. Does anyone have some solid recommendations on places that you have stayed at and enjoyed? Will definitely be doing some gambling as well. That being said what rooms should I lean towards hitting up? I’m looking to play some 1/2 or 1/3 while I’m there. I know Vegas has endless amounts of stuff to do, but what are some things you did that you enjoyed. Good places to eat or nightclubs as well, will be partying quite a bit, I wanna know what are the prime spots to have a good time!

 

[megarises]

I will be heading to Vegas with some friends for the first time in the near future, and am pretty excited! Looking to see if anyone has some first time advice for a newbie lol. We will be staying on the strip but are up in the air as to where, leaning towards the Venetian. Does anyone have some solid recommendations on places that you have stayed at and enjoyed? Will definitely be doing some gambling as well. That being said what rooms should I lean towards hitting up? I’m looking to play some 1/2 or 1/3 while I’m there. I know Vegas has endless amounts of stuff to do, but what are some things you did that you enjoyed. Good places to eat or nightclubs as well, will be partying quite a bit, I wanna know what are the prime spots to have a good time!

My wife and I stay at the Venetian/Palazzo every time we visit Vegas. We love it. They have a ton of restaurants and shopping at those two spots. If you happen to stay at the Venetian, I would highly recommend eating at Yardbird and Cut steakhouse. Black Tap if you like crazy desserts. Enjoy!

 

[TheDonkeyKong]

My wife and I stay at the Venetian/Palazzo every time we visit Vegas. We love it. They have a ton of restaurants and shopping at those two spots. If you happen to stay at the Venetian, I would highly recommend eating at Yardbird and Cut steakhouse. Black Tap if you like crazy desserts. Enjoy!

Thanks! Will definitely check them out

 

[Sambukan]

I will be heading to Vegas with some friends for the first time in the near future, and am pretty excited! Looking to see if anyone has some first time advice for a newbie lol. We will be staying on the strip but are up in the air as to where, leaning towards the Venetian. Does anyone have some solid recommendations on places that you have stayed at and enjoyed? Will definitely be doing some gambling as well. That being said what rooms should I lean towards hitting up? I’m looking to play some 1/2 or 1/3 while I’m there. I know Vegas has endless amounts of stuff to do, but what are some things you did that you enjoyed. Good places to eat or nightclubs as well, will be partying quite a bit, I wanna know what are the prime spots to have a good time!

I really recommend going to at least one cirque du soleil show (assuming they are up and running again). "O" was just awesome and the best i have seen so far...

 

[joepro]

In addition to the hotel and travel costs, you need 3 budgets in Vegas,

1. Food and beverage
2. Entertainment
3. Gambling

The nice thing about Vegas is that you can do more fun stuff if you are winning! Also, you can receive comps or free food and drinks if you gamble. Also, sleep is overrated. Have fun!

 

[TheDonkeyKong]

In addition to the hotel and travel costs, you need 3 budgets in Vegas,

1. Food and beverage
2. Entertainment
3. Gambling

The nice thing about Vegas is that you can do more fun stuff if you are winning! Also, you can receive comps or free food and drinks if you gamble. Also, sleep is overrated. Have fun!

Yes very fair point. I was looking to bring around 1.5K to gamble with.

 

[BEANO52]

We try to see a show each trip, the dining is marvelous. downtown is a must, we alternate between Franks Tiki room and The Fireside Lounge as our final experience before boarding the flight out.

 

[TheDonkeyKong]

Also how much are drinks on the strip?

 

[chicubs1988]

I will be heading to Vegas with some friends for the first time in the near future, and am pretty excited! Looking to see if anyone has some first time advice for a newbie lol. We will be staying on the strip but are up in the air as to where, leaning towards the Venetian. Does anyone have some solid recommendations on places that you have stayed at and enjoyed? Will definitely be doing some gambling as well. That being said what rooms should I lean towards hitting up? I’m looking to play some 1/2 or 1/3 while I’m there. I know Vegas has endless amounts of stuff to do, but what are some things you did that you enjoyed. Good places to eat or nightclubs as well, will be partying quite a bit, I wanna know what are the prime spots to have a good time!

A few things

(1) Venetian is a good choice. The rooms are great and top quality and reasonably priced compared to some of the other higher end properties. The Mirage has always been my favorite (right across the street from Venetian). It's no longer a high end property like it was, but its still a great property that offers affordable rates.
(2) The Venetian has a great location near the center strip. One night, just walk down the strip and pop into some of the lower and mid tier properties (Casino Royale, Flamingo, Harrah's, Linq, Cromwell) that are right there on the center strip. These can be really fun places on a busy a night because of the interesting crowds, lower table limits, and party atmosphere.
(3) While doing (2) above, you'll also be in a position to do "touristy" things like seeing the Bellagio fountain show and the Mirage volcano
(4) Go to the Freemont Street for a night and just walk around and soak up what a little bit of Old Vegas might have felt like.

 

[chicubs1988]

Also how much are drinks on the strip?

If you're gambling, they're free.

 

[SpaceMonkey420]

If you're gambling, they're free.

In the clubs beers are $25. Most resort entry level bars serve call drinks for around $12.

 

[Machine]

3) Do not stay on the strip and 'decide to walk to the Rio' at any time of the day (or night).
2) If on the strip try to stay in the middle so you can walk to most casinos
1) Penn & Teller

 

[TheDonkeyKong]

A few things

(1) Venetian is a good choice. The rooms are great and top quality and reasonably priced compared to some of the other higher end properties. The Mirage has always been my favorite (right across the street from Venetian). It's no longer a high end property like it was, but its still a great property that offers affordable rates.
(2) The Venetian has a great location near the center strip. One night, just walk down the strip and pop into some of the lower and mid tier properties (Casino Royale, Flamingo, Harrah's, Linq, Cromwell) that are right there on the center strip. These can be really fun places on a busy a night because of the interesting crowds, lower table limits, and party atmosphere.
(3) While doing (2) above, you'll also be in a position to do "touristy" things like seeing the Bellagio fountain show and the Mirage volcano
(4) Go to the Freemont Street for a night and just walk around and soak up what a little bit of Old Vegas might have felt like.

In the clubs beers are $25. Most resort entry level bars serve call drinks for around $12.

3) Do not stay on the strip and 'decide to walk to the Rio' at any time of the day (or night).
2) If on the strip try to stay in the middle so you can walk to most casinos
1) Penn & Teller

Thanks for all the help and tips! It’s much appreciated. So staying at the Venetian it’s walking distance to most things is what I’m understanding. Also eating on the strip I assume restaurants jack up the prices?

 

[SpaceMonkey420]

Thanks for all the help and tips! It’s much appreciated. So staying at the Venetian it’s walking distance to most things is what I’m understanding. Also eating on the strip I assume restaurants jack up the prices?

Big time. But they have dive places too. Buffets are best bang for the buck, steak
and eggs for breakfast on sale just about everywhere. What ever amount u think u will need. Bring double, worse case bring some back. It’s a nightmare to be there broke.

 

[TheDonkeyKong]

Big time. But they have dive places too. Buffets are best bang for the buck, steak
and eggs for breakfast on sale just about everywhere. What ever amount u think u will need. Bring double, worse case bring some back. It’s a nightmare to be there broke.

From experience how much would you say is a good amount for just food and drinks for 5 days?

 

[SpaceMonkey420]

From experience how much would you say is a good amount for just food and drinks for 5 days?

Varies based on liquor or water and mc d’s or Hell’s Kitchen. They have a place for everyone. No stress. Bring extra.

 

[Rakrul]

So are there any rooms that are more fishy than others now? I usually played at MGM because of the size of the room and the amount of action there in the heydays, but last time (4-5 years ago?) they only had 2-3 tables going.
Edit: Downtown was nice as it was a limpfest with old timers.

 

[TheDonkeyKong]

So are there any rooms that are more fishy than others now? I usually played at MGM because of the size of the room and the amount of action there in the heydays, but last time (4-5 years ago?) they only had 2-3 tables going.
Edit: Downtown was nice as it was a limpfest with old timers.

This. What rooms should you hit up and which ones should you stay away from.

 

[TKEUofM]

Definitely get your dinners at the nicer casinos on the main strip. But you need to head down to Fremont St to see “old Vegas”. It’s a whole different world down there, drinks are much cheaper and the people watching is out of this world.

Also, if you are in a group, use the buddy system to keep an eye on each other. Vegas is a crazy ass town and shit can get crazy quickly. Keep an eye on each other.

 

[Schmendr1ck]

3) Do not stay on the strip and 'decide to walk to the Rio' at any time of the day (or night).
2) If on the strip try to stay in the middle so you can walk to most casinos
1) Penn & Teller

IMO Penn and Teller is the only reason to go to the Rio. I was there briefly on my last trip in June. It's dark, dreary, off-strip, and many shops and restaurants are still closed.

It was a bit depressing.

 

[Schmendr1ck]

I was in LV last month for a week, here are a few of my thoughts:

Food is pricey on the Strip. I would plan on $20/person for a casual/walkup meal and $30+/person for full service dining.

Most poker rooms only offer 1/3NL, I only saw 1/2 once and it was still $300 max so effectively 1/3. Aria, Caesar's, and Bellagio were surprisingly grindy and seemed to have lots of local regs and competent tourists. Bally's and Venetian were much better: more drinking in the evenings, and generally worse players all the time. YMMV.

 

[TheDonkeyKong]

I was in LV last month for a week, here are a few of my thoughts:

Food is pricey on the Strip. I would plan on $20/person for a casual/walkup meal and $30+/person for full service dining.

Most poker rooms only offer 1/3NL, I only saw 1/2 once and it was still $300 max so effectively 1/3. Aria, Caesar's, and Bellagio were surprisingly grindy and seemed to have lots of local regs and competent tourists. Bally's and Venetian were much better: more drinking in the evenings, and generally worse players all the time. YMMV.

Thanks for the heads up! That’s more up my alley as I assume we will be dusting off the beers every night. I wanna have a fun time at the table with a good environment.

 

[JStew]

There’s a good lobster roll place in the mall attached to planet Hollywood. Pricey but love a good lobster roll. Walhburgers is “normal” priced so if you want a quick cheap burger and fries that’s a good place. I’ve had good luck at the Mirage poker room. Good luck.

 

[TKEUofM]

And of course don't forget White Castle at 3:00 am. It will clear the system for the next day. lol

 

[AlbinoDragon]

I'm fairly certain the Mirage poker room is no more:

https://www.pokernews.com/news/2020/11/mgm-closes-three-vegas-poker-rooms-mirage-38202.htm

 

[cpiaaq]

Hit up the pinball hall of fame if you like that sort of thing. It’s on Las Vegas Blvd (the strip) a mile or 2 south of the casinos.

 

[Synthpop]

If you're into tournaments - Orleans friday 7 pm is a great structure for a decent buyin. Do register in time though so you don't risk having to wait as an alternate...

 

[chipinla]

Also how much are drinks on the strip?

Since you can walk anywhere with alcohol I always get a bottle to have in my room to make a roadie anytime I leave.

 

[chipinla]

I will be heading to Vegas with some friends for the first time in the near future, and am pretty excited! Looking to see if anyone has some first time advice for a newbie lol. We will be staying on the strip but are up in the air as to where, leaning towards the Venetian. Does anyone have some solid recommendations on places that you have stayed at and enjoyed? Will definitely be doing some gambling as well. That being said what rooms should I lean towards hitting up? I’m looking to play some 1/2 or 1/3 while I’m there. I know Vegas has endless amounts of stuff to do, but what are some things you did that you enjoyed. Good places to eat or nightclubs as well, will be partying quite a bit, I wanna know what are the prime spots to have a good time!

Gordon Ramsay Burger at Planet Hollywood is a must for me personally.

 

[Lilsissy]

My wife and I stay at the Venetian/Palazzo every time we visit Vegas. We love it. They have a ton of restaurants and shopping at those two spots. If you happen to stay at the Venetian, I would highly recommend eating at Yardbird and Cut steakhouse. Black Tap if you like crazy desserts. Enjoy!

Venetian is the absolute best!! If you are looking for a great dinner spot you should try Ferraro’s Italian restaurant, also a hidden local for great Italian is Roma Deli!! Absolutely amazing!! Enjoy your trip