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This monkey is leaving the treehouse and gonna be going to Vegas in November. The last time I went to Vegas was about 10 years ago. I know alot has changed since then, I wanted to get some input from others here for must see casinos, favorite casinos or upcoming slot events or tournaments. I plan on gambling on slots only, no table games. I will have access to a rental car for some local traveling. I will try to make a trip to NLG if possible. Any input would be great. Thanks, Slot Monkey!

Make sure you get there the same time as knagl and both of you guys can go half on the rental....LOL

Good thinking Bunker, Knagl is lucky too, banking some nice coin when he won at the airport.....haha

That wasn't me at the airport.   :60-

If you haven't been to Vegas in 10 years, you won't recognize the place! 

Must-sees:
- Bellagio Conservatory
- Bellagio Fountains
- Red Rock Resort
- Fremont Street Experience at night (downtown)
- Pinball Hall of Fame (if you're at all into pinball)
- Wynn/Encore


There's more, I'm sure.  How long are you going for?  Where are you staying at?

Sorry about the miss identification knagl, must be time for me to turn in, long day.  :103-

Nice list you got going....... pinball hall of fame is a definate yes!

I'll be there for 4 days, I'm staying at Harrah's.

I won this trip from a local radio station.

It will be nice traveling on their dime.

Are there any casinos that still use coins and tokens or are all of them tickets?

I will be there myself along with another NLG Member October 27 to November 2.

Some tips for you near Harrahs:

1)  Right outside the doors to the south be sure and got to Guirideli's and order a large $8 chocalate shake.  You can thank me later.

2)  In the same area most every day (near the Starbuck's) in the afternoon you will see a cuty that hands out buy one get free buffets for your choice of either Harrahs or Flamingo.

3)  When you check into Harrahs, be sure and ask for the "coupon sheet"....some good deals on there for food, drink, and a free T-shirt.

4)  At Harrahs, don't play the slots near the strip, they are tight as can be....the machines down the steps have consistently paid out better for me over the past many years.

5)  For dinner one night be sure to cross the street to the Mirage and have a corned beef sandwich at the place near the front of the casino....it's about 10" thick, all meat , with a pickel wedge on the side for your vegatable.

6)  Don't get coffee at the Java Coast inside Harrah's....instead just pour hot water into your shoe and pour that into a cup....tastes the same and will save you 5 bucks.

Have fun.

Jim

Booked for November 8th to the 13th.

I have a conference in the Flamingo.

Thanks archjds, sounds like I better pack an extra pair of larger pants after this 4 day eating and gambling fest!!

Now that I think about it, that's what I do now, eating and gambling fest at the treehouse except I don't win any money. :89-

1) The shake sounds like a meal all by it's self, that's a check.

2) I can handle that job of looking out for a cutie, whether she has coupons or not!  :208-

3) Will definately get a coupon sheet

4) Funny you mention that, I remember having a similar vibe when I was at Harrah's years ago. I always liked the Imperial Palace, it had a good vibe and the cocktail waitress were always smokin' hot in their working attire.

5) Corned beef is one of my favorites so that's a check.

6) Coffee at the Java Coast is no problem, I don't drink coffee but will give the heads up to the others in my group.

I'll be there on the 19th to 23rd, actually 5 days but leaving early on the 23rd.

Good luck to both archjds and jdkmunch, hope you two can bank some nice coin while you're there.


slot monkey

I remember the Imperial Palace had old, old cars on the second floor back in '91...
if I'm not mistaken, they had JFK's and Hitler's cars on display there too...
I thought that was weird...

Bunker, I stayed at the Imperial but never made it to the museum on that trip.

I remember seeing the vintage motorcycle that Steve McQueen rode in The Great Escape, it was in a huge display case by a set of stairs.

We will check out the museum this trip if it's still there.

Hello Slot monkey.......I'm a huge fan of Vegas and I recommend the following..... 1st and foremost... Get the coupom book called " The Las Vegas Advisor"... You can get it on e-bay or through their website. It will pay for itself tenfold. It has match play coupons, b1g1 buffets, b1g1 shows, coupons for free slot play, etc....  you'll thank me later.   ................Go to the Fontana bar at Bellagio after 6 p.m. to see the  fountains. It has the best view . Drinks start at $5 ; but If you don't want to drink; then give the waitress $5 or so and watch the fountains.   Sam's town.. There is a b1g1 coupon for the buffet in the above mentioned coupon book , plus matchplay coupons and a coupon for a free beer.  You'll want to see the free wilderness show in the evening.   Downtown "Old Vegas strip" at night.  The laser shows are every hour , on the hour from 6 to 12.   Paris Casino... beautiful inside... you can also go up the Eiffel tower ( yes ; there's a b1g1 for that in the coupon book also).    If you're feeling adventurous and might enjoy a death defying amusement ride ; go to Stratosphere for the 3 rides at the top of the tower ( There is also a b1g1 in the book for the ultimate ride pass ( ride each 1 time)... it's not for the faint of heart and blows any ride you've ever been on away...... There's soo much more ; but this is a nice start.  You'd swear I was getting a kickback on the Las Vegas Advisor coupon book; but I'm a fan of bargains... and this book is the best by far.  Have a great time, Bill

Ever since the Rio took out the water/foam night club, I think vegas hasn't been the same.  That club would have all the girls in their bathing suits and then it would rain and spray foam on them. 
Now it's a bowling alley -   :208-

I would recommend two things -

Hoover Dam & the Grand Canyon .    The part of the canyon where the indians built the glass bridge skywalk is pretty cool and close.   (The 45 minute  dirt road stinks but it's worth it) 

http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com/ (http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com/)

Casinos are casinos - from vegas to atlantic city

OK, since you have not been to Vegas in 10 years... here are a few updates that you will want to know about:

1. The Bally's/MGM monorail has been extended all the way to the Sahara down the strip, and is no longer Free.  I would suggest looking for a coupon for a day pass if you intend to use it.
2. Since you are staying at Harrah's, I would suggest you eat at Imperial Palace for breakfast (it's a lot cheaper).  There is a shortcut from Harrah's ... Take the elevator to the Second Floor and follow the signs down the hall to the Monorail entrance. You can cut across the monorail platform entrance straight across into Imperial Palace (completely avoiding walking around the front by the strip).
3. Since you are already at Harrah's, you can catch multiple FREE shuttles from the back bus lot.  These shuttles leave at scheduled times (listed at the back bus lot) to Sam's Town, Rio, and a few other properties.
4. Save your money for the slots at Sam's town or any other off Strip property.  I found the slots are Harrah's are tighter than a drum.
5. The food off strip is also MUCH cheaper. Use a coupon book as was suggested.
6. The Traffic on and around the strip is always very heavy. I would suggest saving the gas money and aggravation and keeping your rental car parked unless you need to leave the Vegas metro area. Take advantage of the Free shuttles, and Monorail.  Since you will be staying near the center of the strip, you can walk to most of the Strip Casino's.

Have fun!! :3-

The payouts are better off the strip too.   No locals no near a casino on the strip.  But if your there for fun enjoy!!!

I've been an LVA member for a few years -- the coupon book is great, but if you're only going to be there for a few days you may not get to take enough advantage of it for the $37 membership fee.  A cheaper alternative is the American Casino Guide.  If you can get the 2010 book before your trip, that's great as the coupons are good as soon as you get the book, and won't expire until December of 2010.  The book is roughly $13 on Amazon, and has tons of coupons that will pay for itself many times over.  The 2009 book is obviously still valid too, although the coupons will expire at the end of this year.

http://www.AmericanCasinoGuide.com/ (http://www.AmericanCasinoGuide.com/) is the website -- there's a detailed list of all of the coupons here:  2009 Coupon List (http://americancasinoguide.com/2009-coupon-list.shtml) -- 2010 Coupon List (http://americancasinoguide.com/casino-coupons-2010-coupons-for-casinos-in-las-vegas-and-usa.shtml)

We go to Vegas a couple of times a year, so I always have the Las Vegas Advisor coupon book and a couple of the American Casino Guides and we do Vegas on the cheap!

Thanks guys for the replys!

I will check out both coupon guides: LVA and AmericanCasinoGuide

Will be checking out most of the ideas that everyone came up with.

The roller coaster and sky walk are not me cause I don't like heights but will gladly watch anyone from my group that want to participate.

I will probably go to the Hoover Dam.

The monorail sounds good too, will check into the one day pass and the free shuttles.

I will be going to Sam's Town, I liked the steel bowls they used on their slots, they make all kind of noise, if they still have them.

Are all the casino slots in Vegas TITO or are some still coins and tokens?

I'm off to do some coupon book shopping!

Later

Slot Monkey

slot monkey, I see that you stayed at the Imperial Palace. How nice were the rooms and how long ago did you stay there?

Is there anyone else who has stayed there recently who could tell me if the rooms are clean and if it is a decent place to stay?

I stayed the the Imperial Palice about 10 years ago. Personally I thought it was somewhat of a rat hole compaired to the other adjacent strip properties (Harrah's and Flamingo). When I stayed there it was pretty run down and in need of an update. I have no idea if they have been updated since.  The last time I was in Vegas was two years ago, and I stayed at Harrah's. I did visit IP for breakfast each morning and from what I seen, the Casino and Buffet were still the same. It was kind of like stepping back in time to Old Vegas. It made me reminisce of the good old days (not that long ago - early 90's) when the food was still cheap on the strip!

I stayed at the Imperial Palace in 1991
(The last time I was in Vegas)
I loved it but that was what....almost 19 years ago? LOL
Sorry,  I cannot help you on this one Stat...

Thanks guys. I have a comp offer to stay there free for two nights, but was concerned about the cleanliness of the rooms.

StatFreak, I agree with CommTech, I was there about the same time. When are you planning on going? Just wandered, when I get back I'm sure I will have some coupons left over that I can send your way.

Hey Rob,
  I am planning a trip to Laughlin in November, was almost Vegas, but I've never been to Laughlin and I can cross the river to see the "Command Center".

W

Many are TITO, but when you get off the strip and also downtown you can still find coin-in coin-out slots.  Downtown, specifically, Fitzgeralds and El Cortez have lots of coin slots.

If you're looking for some really ancient slots still in operation, the Skyline Casino in Henderson still has a bank of Fortune II video poker machines in operation (coin in, coin out, no credits kept on the machine, meaning if you get a pair of jacks or better it spits coins out at you).  It's about four or five miles past Sam's Town on Boulder Highway (1741 N Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89011-4123).  They also have a lot of PE+ machines with some odd video poker titles and the standard fare.  They also have a couple of classic one-armed bandits (like real antique slots) that are still in operation as well.

Thanks knagl,

I like the experience of the coins in and out.

The newer slots are fine, I don't need to play any older or antique slots.

I hardly ever play video poker but might try some this time around.

I'm just a slot "junkie" monkey!

If you look hard they might have a 1903 Liberty Bell!

reho33

I'll play just about any slot theme that I haven't already played, if it's got a coin slot and reels, I'm all over it.

The vintage slots will be interesting to play as I haven't had much experience with them.

Thanks knagl, I will definately go to Fitzgerald's and El Cortez while I'm doing the Fremont experience.

Just about the time that you posted this message. :96- :88-

I picked up a free cold Monday night from some passerby and got home just in time to try it out Wednesday evening. I've had a fever for the last three days. It got up to 103.2° but isn't too bad now.

As for the IP (Imperial Palace), they told me that the free room was an 'older' room and asked if I wanted an upgrade for $16 a night, to which I agreed. All I can say is that I'd hate to see what the OTHER room was like!  :7-  It was decent enough to sleep in, though, and was located center strip, where I wanted to be on this trip. Harrah's had better food and better blackjack so most of my activities were done there since it's the same company anyway. I won enough at BJ to pay for the trip and put a couple of hundred in my pocket (I wanted more, but it was the last night,  I had been playing for over 2 hours, the relief pit boss was eyeing my play and was in a bad mood, so I made a timely exit.)

BTW, I'm not sure why some have recommended the IP for breakfast over Harrah's.  :103- The Imperial Palace breakfast buffet was $12.99, Harrah's was $14.99, and the difference in quality and selection was worth at least $22.734  :96-  It's not that Harrah's buffet is over the top, but rather that IP is under the bottom. Okay, I've had worse, but one look at the selection and quality and I turned around and walked over to Harrah's.

I did treat myself to a dinner at the Bellagio buffet after getting far enough ahead at BJ (I lost the first half-hour that I played and had to go back and put in a few hours of play to get back into the black). Their current price is $30.21 w/tax ($35.21 w/tip). I tried some quail for the first time (tastes like chicken. :96- :114- but at least I can say that I tried it), as well as a fish that they labeled "African Bluenose". They had a curried duck that was quite good and some mushroom ravioli with truffle that I enjoyed.The al dente asparagus was fresh and well prepared. The prime rib was excellent, but the other carving meats looked less inviting. I took a slice of roast lamb, but it wasn't all that great and I didn't eat it, since there were other dishes worth sampling. I skipped the sushi and "California" style pizza etc. as I can get these anytime.

I finally played Star Trek and achieved my goal of getting at least one bonus so that I could create a user name and save my game state. DAYUM, that game sucks money! I lost the better part of $100 before finally getting a bonus round (playing between one and three coins per line with the bonus (35¢ - $1.05 a spin). I then got really  lucky and hit a cluster of Captain Kirks with on one of my three coins-per-line wagers and won 11200+ coins (over $112.00), so I was able to quit up about $27. I picked a machine with particularly loud volume (I know that there are three player-selectable volume levels, but there is an internal setup volume that makes more of a difference) so I could feel the sound effects rumble in my chest while I played.

I find the Star Trek slots to be pretty entertaining too! And as a side note for you Trekkies, I was just at Toys R Us and they have the Diamond Toys full size props from the original series available. 2 piece phaser, communicator with great audio, lights and spinning disc and tricorder with reader, COOL!  :5-

 Dan (tacman)

The game is most definitely entertaining. :89- I just wish that my particular short run had been less volatile and that I'd had a chance to play more bonus rounds. :8-

The reason I recommended I.P.'s Breakfast Buffet over Harrah's was simply the price difference.  Two years ago when I last visited, I.P.'s Breakfast was just under $10. I believe that Harrah's Breakfast was close to $15 at the time.  That adds up after a week. And yes, I am cheap! :96-  I agree that for only a couple of bucks more, Harrah's would definitely be the better choice!  :91-

IP must have raised its prices. For $8.99 or $9.99 it would have been more appealing, and I can definitely understand saving $5 a meal over the course of a week. If one simply wants some eggs the IP buffet would do fine.

There is also a place at IP called burger palace where you can have your choice of either a 99¢ chicken sandwich or a $2 burger for $10 each, no extra charge for the rude personnel or the gallon of mayonnaise.  :86- :86-  AVOID AT ALL COST. The McDonald's a block away would be an infinitely better selection of, uh, "cuisine". :58-

<PS> I also had lunch at Planet Hollywood in the Caesar's Palace forum shops. The food and service were both excellent, and their plain ice water is filtered. Every dish that I saw around me looked inviting. I browsed the higher end restaurants at the Venetian and up at the Wynn, but they were out of my current price range.

StatFreak,

Great to hear you had some winnings on blackjack!

Your food critique of the Bellagio was great, prime rib is one of my favorites. Thirty bucks plus tip is pricey but I'll give it a try if I win some extra coin.

I will give the star trek machines some play time since I've never played that them before. Nice that you got some winnings from captain kirk.

The burger palace was a rip off when I was there a long time ago. I didn't eat there, just went in and checked it out and then walked over to the mcdonald's.

I'm sure there will be alot of eating places that will be out of my price range also.


CommTech,

I agree, it all adds up after a few days..... by the way, I'm cheap too..... haha

All the buffets have raised prices substantially. It's not that long ago that the breakfast buffet at the Sahara was only $2.99 ($4.99 lunch, $6.99 dinner). There are much better deals off the strip, in the places the locals go. The Stations casino buffets were still good value last time I went, a couple of years ago. The 99 cent ham'n'eggs is a thing of the past now in Vegas (though you can still get it in Reno) but you can eat for $1.99 at the Wild Wild West, a block west of the freeway on Tropicana. The food isn't wonderful but it's edible.

Last month I ate at Smith and Wolensky steak house, and was extremely disappointed. I think it was the least tasty $60 meal I ever ate. For really good vittals I recommend the M Resort, which has at least six world class restaurants. You will of course pay handsomely, but if you want to impress someone it's a sure thing. M is far out of town, about 10 miles south of the Strip on Las Vegas Blvd.

Hey guys I have booked a room at The Orleans in Vegas from the 16th of November to the 22nd if anyone wants to meet up while I am there send me a message. :88-

Count me in! I will be at the G2E
For the Buffet people, the local paper "RJ" Review Journal usually runs 2 for the price of one coupons either daily or weekends good at ALL the Station locations...not a bad deal


Kirk

I love The Orleans (although avoid the buffet there -- it's gone downhill recently).  We stay there nearly every trip (not this upcoming trip I have in December, though) -- it's our "home" of sorts in Vegas.

The Country French Toast in the coffee shop (the "Courtyard Cafe") is wonderful -- we have to go there every trip just for it!


As far as buffets, the Red Rock Resort, M Resort, and Wynn buffets all are at the top of my list of best buffets.  If you can get Red Rock with the 2-for-1, it's a steal!

He is correct on that! We should plan an "Excursion" from the G2E to the Red Rock Casino. Easy to get to, head North to Sahara, go west to the 215 Beltway,North a few exits and off at Charleston. it's right there!
besides good food (the BBQ joint has closed down) they have a lot of nice new machines from WMS/IGT/Bally and now Konami...

I spent many months researching which place to stay then it all changed when my mother couldn't take care of my 11 year old daughter so I had to find a place that offers child minding, the reviews of this place seem quite good it only cost about $40 per night. What I save here I will no doubt have to spend at Disneyland and Universal studios gggrrrrr. Thanks for the tips cheaper is better as I am no longer working I will need to save the $$$$

Universal Studios and Disneyland.....
They have magnets that can suck the dollar bills out of your pockets and you dont even feel it.
Las Vegas is pale in comparasion!

I can imagine, my daughter has that same skill of making my cash disappear  :72-

You'll be very happy with The Orleans.  It's not a luxury hotel, but it's very nice there.

KirkInVegas,

A get together sounds great. It should be a good time!

I won't be at the G2E but can arrange some kind of lunch or dinner and some gambling together.

That makes three so far for Vegas, slot monkey, fiddlefarter and KirkInVegas.

Maybe some others here that will be in Vegas around the same time!

What he said ^^.  :205-

The rooms are nice. You won't be disappointed.
They used to have $1 frozen margaritas in various flavors at the bar in Don Miguel's when I was there in 2007. They served them in small plastic cups, but they were a good deal.

I've stayed at the Orleans twice now....and in general I think it is a good value.  The rooms are big with a seperate sitting area with a sofa.  The casino I would describe as a nice "homey" feeling with not too much glitz.  Better payout percentages here.  Lots of affordable and decent restaurants.

Ha, ha! Mine is 19, and I can tell you from experience, it only gets worse as they get older!

I am sure it will be fine, its the child minding that attracts me to there

I think Opbell would also be interested, and I will be meeting up with Robert E Sult while I am there.

I'm planning a barbecue for that week, but historically my G2E parties tend not to be well attended, because everyone has official events and it's hard to pick a time when people are free together. Perhaps I'll take a poll - if those interested in a get together could say what would be the best day for them, Tuesday through Friday?

I can probably arrange G2E show passes for those that don't have one.

The Orleans is my favorite casino, I hardly ever play anywhere else. On weekends I'm often to be found at the Bourbon Street Cabaret dancing (yeah, believe it!) to the excellent free live music.

Damn I thought when she turns 18 and gets a job she looks after me

I'm not fussy on the day/time I will work in with everyone

Look out Vegas I will be flying out in a few hours  :136- :141-

I'll be in your vapor trail!  

I leave * for Vegas * Sunday at 6AM

staying in Vegas on Friday night then off to LA for a week then back on Monday the 15th and stay till 22nd

cool JD I should recognize you by the photo of your right knee  :97-

I think that we're going to be just missing each other. :8-
I will be in Laughlin with Wayne all of next week and not too far from LA the week after that.

Im right behind all of you  leaving  friday 13th at 10am for vegas for a couple of days unless hit a big jackpot  :89-

Well, although there were some tasty selections, I'm not sure that I would recommend it. At the end of the day, it's still a buffet. In addition, the service and decor left much to be desired. If you are willing to spend that much or a bit more, there are some very fine restaurants and steakhouses that would provide a more pleasurable dining experience.

PS: Sorry for the late reply. :31-

Wow...are you not superstitious???   :81-

I would never drive, fly, walk out side, eat chicken (or any food with bones).....and ESPCIALLY gamble on that day !!!!  :208-

Strippers On Wheels Come To Vegas Strip!

http://www.wgal.com/automotive/21560225/detail.html (http://www.wgal.com/automotive/21560225/detail.html)


I think I planned my vegas trip at the right time! Now if only they put me in a lazyboy chair, with an iced tea dispenser and a slot machine inside the stripper box on wheels.......  :149- sorry............wake up, back to the real world.

Why not? I just got back from Joey's last night (pics coming soon) and won more money on Friday than I did on any other day that week. :89- :71-

Did you leave with money??? I hope so!!!  :89- :89- :89-

Sorry I could not get out there to help you guys, and I was really hoping to meet Wayne as well. :37-

CH :95-

Hello All!

I got back from vegas last week and been busy since I got back, hence the late post.

I had a great time, ended up going with some friends and didn't get everything done on my list. The undone list will be for the next trip to vegas in March of 2010. I didn't get to meet up with any NLG members since my plans got changed at the last minute. The weather was great in the mid 60's and wow alot has changed in ten years. The highlight was a nice win at the venetian casino, so my lucky streak is still going! I will post a pic when I sit down and go through all my pictures.

Once again thanks to all that replied with the great vegas suggestions,

slot monkey

I'm glad to hear that I wasn't the only one that didn't get everything done on my Vegas trip maybe next time we can all organize to be there at the same time, and party hard