Las Vegas Boulevard - the least mustachian street on Earth

[totoro]

I've been to Vegas around 8 times.
I gamble, and it is a blast.
I weigh the cost per units of fun, and cost per years of future work and it works out. Always.
Think your favorite Thanksgiving football games are a nail biter? Try having $200 on it!

Vegas is a marvelous (like, it's an insane marvel) place. Have an open mind if you go there! Just smile and enjoy yourself! In my opinion actively avoiding any new experience isn't a great way to grow

Ummm... no.  There is a difference in knowing what you like and are willing to spend your time and energy/money on and "avoiding any new experience".  You may "have a blast" gambling - I've tried it and I don't like it at all.  Been to Vegas twice and don't plan to return.  The activities I really like centre around family and home.  Different strokes.

[lentilman]

Interesting and timely thread. I'll be visiting Las Vegas area at the end of September for the first time. We are planning 1-2 days in Vegas to walk the strip and sample some greasy spoon diner. Spending the next 2 weeks on a hiking/camping circuit (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and perhaps even Arches/Canyonlands, haven't decided on the loop yet)

I like the cheap flights down ... $350pp round trip from Ottawa all taxes and fees in!

Instead of a greasy spoon, I will make a few suggestions on eating:
Ellis Island (a block east of the strip, behind Bally's) has a great $7.99 off-the-menu special with a 10 oz filet cut steak, microbrew beer, salad, green beans, and choice of potato.  It's an easy 10 min. walk from the strip, although someone in your group may complain that it's "too far".   They also have a BBQ section if that's your thing.
Bellagio buffet has tons of selection of good food - shrimp, crab, great desserts, etc.  Come hungry for lunch to get value.  Again, someone in your may complain that they "don't like" buffets without understanding that this is no relation to their local Golden Corral (or equivalent).
PJ Clarkes (an unmustaschian hoity toity seafood restaurant) has $1 oysters from 3-6 in the forum shops.  Good oysters, and they come with bread and flavorful sauces.  They also have $2 sliders during the happy hour that are really good.

[swiper]

Interesting and timely thread. I'll be visiting Las Vegas area at the end of September for the first time. We are planning 1-2 days in Vegas to walk the strip and sample some greasy spoon diner. Spending the next 2 weeks on a hiking/camping circuit (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and perhaps even Arches/Canyonlands, haven't decided on the loop yet)

I like the cheap flights down ... $350pp round trip from Ottawa all taxes and fees in!

Instead of a greasy spoon, I will make a few suggestions on eating:
Ellis Island (a block east of the strip, behind Bally's) has a great $7.99 off-the-menu special with a 10 oz filet cut steak, microbrew beer, salad, green beans, and choice of potato.  It's an easy 10 min. walk from the strip, although someone in your group may complain that it's "too far".   They also have a BBQ section if that's your thing.
Bellagio buffet has tons of selection of good food - shrimp, crab, great desserts, etc.  Come hungry for lunch to get value.  Again, someone in your may complain that they "don't like" buffets without understanding that this is no relation to their local Golden Corral (or equivalent).
PJ Clarkes (an unmustaschian hoity toity seafood restaurant) has $1 oysters from 3-6 in the forum shops.  Good oysters, and they come with bread and flavorful sauces.  They also have $2 sliders during the happy hour that are really good.

Thanks for the recommendations, especially the BBQ which is a favorite of mine . Any opinions/experience on "John Mull's Meats" ... saw it on diners drive ins and dives.

[lentilman]

Interesting and timely thread. I'll be visiting Las Vegas area at the end of September for the first time. We are planning 1-2 days in Vegas to walk the strip and sample some greasy spoon diner. Spending the next 2 weeks on a hiking/camping circuit (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and perhaps even Arches/Canyonlands, haven't decided on the loop yet)

I like the cheap flights down ... $350pp round trip from Ottawa all taxes and fees in!

Instead of a greasy spoon, I will make a few suggestions on eating:
Ellis Island (a block east of the strip, behind Bally's) has a great $7.99 off-the-menu special with a 10 oz filet cut steak, microbrew beer, salad, green beans, and choice of potato.  It's an easy 10 min. walk from the strip, although someone in your group may complain that it's "too far".   They also have a BBQ section if that's your thing.
Bellagio buffet has tons of selection of good food - shrimp, crab, great desserts, etc.  Come hungry for lunch to get value.  Again, someone in your may complain that they "don't like" buffets without understanding that this is no relation to their local Golden Corral (or equivalent).
PJ Clarkes (an unmustaschian hoity toity seafood restaurant) has $1 oysters from 3-6 in the forum shops.  Good oysters, and they come with bread and flavorful sauces.  They also have $2 sliders during the happy hour that are really good.

Thanks for the recommendations, especially the BBQ which is a favorite of mine . Any opinions/experience on "John Mull's Meats" ... saw it on diners drive ins and dives.

Never been to John Mull's.
I did think of a couple more to consider:
Hot N' Juicy Crawfish is about a 20 minute walk west of the strip on Spring Mtn right at the edge of Chinatown - turn at the Fashion Show Mall on the strip (although the walk is not straightforward as you have to find the walking path across the highway).  Fantastic food, and I guarantee you will remember the experience (your steaming hot and tasty seafood is brought in a plastic bag and there is no silverware in the place.  But if you are delicate they will give you plastic gloves to wear.  You can even wear the bib if you aren't delicate. :) ).  I always love this place.
Lotus of Siam is world class Thai food in an "unassuming" place on Sahara.  Never walked there though, so not sure how the neighborhood is to walk through.

But def. plan it so you get maximum memories (and happiness) from special meals.  No need to waste a mealtime in Vegas on a random greasy spoon.

[pbkmaine]

I do not gamble but find it a strange and wonderful place. I once spent an evening in the sports book at Caesars watching games from all over the world. Found myself sitting next to an older gentleman who turned out to be a professional bookie. Gave me a detailed tutorial on oddsmaking. Some parts I found sad, though. Saw a woman at a casino who was obviously addicted to gambling. The dealer, who knew her, was trying to persuade her to go home. But she would not leave until she had spent her last dime.

[Richard3]

I've just been to Vegas (two separate three day trips). Some advice:

I shared a hotel room with a friend. First time Hooters, second time Harrahs. Both time the room was <$30 a night and was very comfortable. These are the sorts of places you want to look for room deals (hooters was stay two get one free so was like $17 a night in the end). Harrah's has a great location too.

My drinks were nearly free. Play at the video poker bars and if you know basic strategy you're only giving up 1% a hand at $1 stakes that's a penny every minute or two plus a dollar a drink tip - the bartenders comp limit varies by property but can be as high as $14 per drink (the Venetian) or play poker and you're making money (if you're a good player). A strawberry julius with whipped cream is calorific enough to get rid of hunger pains too.

Show tickets should be purchased last minute from tix4tonight or half price tickets or a similar booth on the strip. Still not cheap but no longer unreasonable and there are some amazing shows in Vegas.

Make use of the loyalty clubs and their new player offers, that's some free gambling and often enough bonus points for minimal gambling to get a comped meal.

Food, I personally tend to eat a massive brunch (often a buffet because it's breakfast prices but lunch / dinner variety then) and that's me for the day (but I've had good success with Intermittent Fasting in the past). If I was more frugal I'd stock up on sandwich supplies and keep them in the fridge or a bucket of ice but drunk me likes convenience.

Swimming pools are free, ditto people watching.

[Lucy_83]

Hey guys! I'm from Brazil and I'll be in Vegas in October and I would REALLY like to see the Grand Canyon... What do you think is the best way to do it? Rent a car and drive there? Book a tour? Use the Park Ranger Programs?
Any tips you can give me will be more than appreciated!

[mgreczyn]

Hey guys! I'm from Brazil and I'll be in Vegas in October and I would REALLY like to see the Grand Canyon... What do you think is the best way to do it? Rent a car and drive there? Book a tour? Use the Park Ranger Programs?
Any tips you can give me will be more than appreciated!

There may be some buses that go to the Grand Canyon from Vegas, but the GC is about 160-170 miles from Vegas in a straight line.  Renting might be the way to go.  If you can swing it, spend more than a day.  That thing is huge and if you're adventurous you might want to try some of the hikes in the area.

[russianswinga]

Hey guys! I'm from Brazil and I'll be in Vegas in October and I would REALLY like to see the Grand Canyon... What do you think is the best way to do it? Rent a car and drive there? Book a tour? Use the Park Ranger Programs?
Any tips you can give me will be more than appreciated!

1. Absolutely, get a car. Car rentals in Vegas are stupid cheap, mileage is unlimited, compacts go for as low as $20 per day. You may need to purchase insurance though, unless your credit card or car insurance from Brazil covers it. If you rent with an American Express card, for example, your comprehensive and collision are covered, and your "base" insurance that you're required to have in the states (liability) covers the liability damages. Car insurance places LOVE to sell you insurance you don't need, so verify that you have what you need ahead of time.
A rental car in Las Vegas is actually one of the cheapest methods of transportation next to walking, because all casinos have free parking or nearly-free valet that only ask for a tip. Distances are HUGE even if they don't seem like it - walking from Stratospere to Ceasars will take you 1 hour. Taxis are expensive. Vegas is one of the very few cities I actually advocate a rental car due to its low cost and high payoff in the amount of things you can do with it.
2. You can go see the North rim or the South rim, either one can be done in a day round trip, if you leave at 7 AM you will return after sunset, provided you spend ~2 hours at the GC rim.
3. Drive through Hoover Dam on the way there. Beautiful sight! Get a tour into the generator room if you're an engineering-inclined person. Don't park in the structure ($5-$10) - drive across the dam and park on the Arizona side for free.

[DoubleDown]

I love Las Vegas and the Strip. I am/was a gambler and I think the whole place is fascinating. I only gamble at games where I have a statistical advantage over the casino, so it's been profitable. To me losing sucks and is not "entertainment" (as lots of people suggest otherwise who throw their money away there, and call it the cost of entertainment). You can get just about anything comped by the casinos (rooms, meals, entertainment), although that got tightened up a lot in recent years.

[DoubleDown]

Once in the mid-90's at Treasure Island I witnessed an 80-something year old Social Security retiree who gambled about $2,000 at the blackjack tables and won close to $2 million. Of course in true Anti-Mustachian Hall of Fame fashion, he then proceeded to lose all of his winnings. Like, you couldn't walk away when you still had, say, $1.5 million left??? Although several dealers told me that Steve Wynn (the CEO) personally came down during the losing streak and insisted the guy put away at least $10,000 in the bank or he would be barred from playing further. The guy argued but grudgingly agreed since he had no choice. Wynn offered a car to take him to the bank, but he refused and took the cash in a bag on the city bus! Then came back and lost everything else. So, at least he left with something...

[Jamesqf]

I only gamble at games where I have a statistical advantage over the casino, so it's been profitable.

There are no such games.  (With the possible exception of poker, where you aren't playing against the casino.)  Used to be you could get an edge in blackjack, if you were good at card-counting, but that doesn't work now that they've switched to multiple deck "shoes" instead of dealing from a single deck.

[DoubleDown]

I only gamble at games where I have a statistical advantage over the casino, so it's been profitable.

There are no such games.  (With the possible exception of poker, where you aren't playing against the casino.)  Used to be you could get an edge in blackjack, if you were good at card-counting, but that doesn't work now that they've switched to multiple deck "shoes" instead of dealing from a single deck.

The multiple deck games can still be beaten. The odds are not as good as single deck, but definitely still winnable (in the days before they started instituting more and more unfavorable rule modifications, you could get a solid 1.5 - 2% advantage over the casino in 6-deck or even 8-deck shoes). I've played almost exclusively multiple deck games since it's about all you can find any more, and it's always a win situation. Believe me, I wouldn't be playing it if it wasn't.

[mgreczyn]

What about craps?  Isn't there an option to actually bet with the house (don't pass line)? I've come back with money in my pocket playing that one.  I.e. more money than I left with.

[DoubleDown]

Statistically, playing just the pass line in craps is the second best odds offered in a casino for all the standard games (after card counting in blackjack which is first and the only winning game). I say "standard games" because I don't know that the odds or optimal playing strategies have been determined in all the more recent exotic games that casinos have added, like Spanish 21 etc. But even playing the pass line in craps is not a winning game, the odds are still a little in favor of the casino. So, the fact that you won is a great thing! That would not be true if you played a long time -- say 1000+ hands -- when the odds will eventually catch up to you (the Weak Law of Large Numbers).

[mgreczyn]

Interesting. It was a surreal experience to say the least.  I used to go to Vegas quite frequently for military exercises, this particular trip was a 2 week stint with one week of night flying.  So for the nights we weren't flying, in order to stay on schedule we would literally stay out all night.  To stretch the fun and the dollars, three of us hit as many $5 craps tables as we could find, betting the don't pass line at every one.  You get some interesting looks from dealers when you're the only three players on a table and you're all betting the don't pass.  You also see the most interesting things in Vegas in the wee hours.

[Jamesqf]

That would not be true if you played a long time -- say 1000+ hands -- when the odds will eventually catch up to you (the Weak Law of Large Numbers).

Yes.  It'd be true even if the odds were exactly even.  (I don't recall offhand what craps odds actually are.)  Since the house has a much bigger bank than any normal player, they can keep playing through a much longer run of losses, where the smaller player would be wiped out by a similar run.

WRT multiple deck blackjack, I was never able to win consistently.  Maybe it was just me, but the narrowing of odds added to the above house advantage seemed to make it a losing proposition.  Besides, that was about the time I got my first real programming job, and was making enough money at that not to want to spend time in smoke-filled casinos.

[DoubleDown]

... three of us hit as many $5 craps tables as we could find, betting the don't pass line at every one.  You get some interesting looks from dealers when you're the only three players on a table and you're all betting the don't pass.  You also see the most interesting things in Vegas in the wee hours.

I'll bet you also got lots of interesting looks from the shooter and other players! Needless to say, there's a lot of voodoo beliefs and superstition for many players, and they don't like people betting 'against' them! But if it worked for you, that's all that matters!

WRT multiple deck blackjack, I was never able to win consistently.  Maybe it was just me, but the narrowing of odds added to the above house advantage seemed to make it a losing proposition.  Besides, that was about the time I got my first real programming job, and was making enough money at that not to want to spend time in smoke-filled casinos.

Amen to all that. I should have said in my original response that partly because of the reasons you've laid out, I found myself largely giving up casino blackjack. While still winnable, the multiple decks and rule changes have made the advantage small enough nowadays to be not at all worthwhile to me. And, statistical programming verified what I also seemed to experience: lots more variation or wild swings in capital along the way. I.e., a scary ride. The multiple decks, by themselves, was definitely okay -- but over the years as they started taking away surrender, dealer hitting soft 17, no re-splitting aces and everything else, it became pointless.

[AlanStache]

I get to Vegas a few times per year for work, and the shine of the casinos has warn off a bit, not that I ever really gambled.  But if you cant find a good time within 30 min of the strip it is your own damn fault even on a budget.

While as a hole it is probably the least mustachian place on earth (Ok top 5 for sure) you can have a really great time on (relatively) few dollars.

Hardly mustachian but for some 400$ you can rent a race car and drive it into a 90deg turn at 120mph, if that does not spike your adrenaline you are beyond saving.  There are plenty of "only in Vegas" things like that to do.

Also there are a good number of museums, while not free, are definitely not on the level of shopping at Gucci.

I think people should see the place and give it a fair shake before dismissing it.  If all you want to do is point at the gambling halls and say "see thats stupid" then yes you are right but you also missed a really cool city while jumping to conclusions and not looking around.

[lentilman]

I only gamble at games where I have a statistical advantage over the casino, so it's been profitable.

There are no such games.  (With the possible exception of poker, where you aren't playing against the casino.)  Used to be you could get an edge in blackjack, if you were good at card-counting, but that doesn't work now that they've switched to multiple deck "shoes" instead of dealing from a single deck.

Poker, sports betting, blackjack (yes, multideck included), progressive slots, etc.  You have to work, but plenty of +EV spots are around.

[Jamesqf]

Hardly mustachian but for some 400$ you can rent a race car and drive it into a 90deg turn at 120mph, if that does not spike your adrenaline you are beyond saving.  There are plenty of "only in Vegas" things like that to do.

Only in Vegas?  In my younger days, I could & would drive like that pretty much any time the tourist traffic wasn't too heavy.  Hereabouts we have mountain roads with really interesting hairpin bends.  Then there's taking the Piper out in the desert and scaring the coyotes...

[arebelspy]

Hardly mustachian but for some 400$ you can rent a race car and drive it into a 90deg turn at 120mph, if that does not spike your adrenaline you are beyond saving.  There are plenty of "only in Vegas" things like that to do.

Only in Vegas?  In my younger days, I could & would drive like that pretty much any time the tourist traffic wasn't too heavy.  Hereabouts we have mountain roads with really interesting hairpin bends.  Then there's taking the Piper out in the desert and scaring the coyotes...

Bolded the part you apparently missed.  It's about an experience.

[adesertsky]

I love a few things about Las Vegas:

• CHEAP to fly into (compared to other Western destinations) and for car rental, too
• Gives access to so many awesome places- Zion, Death Valley, GC, Red Rocks, Hoover Dam... we even used it as our gateway to do 3 parks in southern Utah (Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef)
• In'n'Out
• Got married on the cheap here!  Little Chapel of the West.  Even with our hotel rooms and travel for immediate family, it was a steal.  Then again, i don't like a lot of hoopla about myself so it isn't for everyone.

[Jamesqf]

Bolded the part you apparently missed.  It's about an experience.

No, I didn't miss it.  Just pointed out that you can have similar experiences in other places than Las Vegas.  In fact, there seem to be (per Google "race car rental") quite a few places where you can rent a race car and take it around a track, so it's hardly an "only in Vegas" experience.

[arebelspy]

Bolded the part you apparently missed.  It's about an experience.

No, I didn't miss it.  Just pointed out that you can have similar experiences in other places than Las Vegas.  In fact, there seem to be (per Google "race car rental") quite a few places where you can rent a race car and take it around a track, so it's hardly an "only in Vegas" experience.

EDIT: Heh.  Never mind, it's not worth it.  Have a good day, Jamesqf.

[stevedoug]

I've been to Vegas around 8 times.
I gamble, and it is a blast.
I weigh the cost per units of fun, and cost per years of future work and it works out. Always.
Think your favorite Thanksgiving football games are a nail biter? Try having $200 on it!

Vegas is a marvelous (like, it's an insane marvel) place. Have an open mind if you go there! Just smile and enjoy yourself! In my opinion actively avoiding any new experience isn't a great way to grow

Ummm... no.  There is a difference in knowing what you like and are willing to spend your time and energy/money on and "avoiding any new experience".  You may "have a blast" gambling - I've tried it and I don't like it at all.  Been to Vegas twice and don't plan to return.  The activities I really like centre around family and home.  Different strokes.

so you tried it! Great!
And didn't like it, great! That's my point. You didn't avoid the new experience. It is no longer a new experience for ya :P

[MrsPete]

I've been to Vegas twice -- once on business, once when our family flew into the city as the start of a western parks driving trip.  I'd offer the following observations:

- Downtown is so much cheaper than the Strip.  Our Priceline hotel room was something like $20 (wow, only a little more than the cost of a beer on the Strip).  It wasn't all that nice, but we laughed that it was exactly like the hotels of our childhood.  Gambling, drinks and food were cheap on Freemont Street, and we really enjoyed that whole area.  You can stay in the Downtown area and still walk (or bus) to the Strip. 

- As for homeless people, we were up EARLY one morning (still on east coast time), and our kids got a lesson in life as they watched a bum going through garbage cans to drink the last dregs out of other people's beer bottles. 

- You can spend very little in Vegas.  Every big hotel has something fun and free, and we enjoyed them all.

- You can spend a bunch of money FAST in Vegas.  The most expensive thing we did was see a show, but it was absolutely amazing, and my youngest still talks about it years later.  My philosophy is that our goal shouldn't be to spend as little as possible, but to spend in places where it matters most.  If I could go back in time, I'd totally spend that $500 (for a family of 4) on show tickets again. 

[riverffashion]

There is nothing like it on earth. And if you are clever you can get dirt cheap hotel and free or cheap food and drink. I recommend Vegas to everyone! We don't shop or gamble but always have a great time there.

Yup. I've been to LV a few times and really like it. I don't gamble or spend. I like to walk through all the decked out resorts & I love the heat. But I can only be there for a couple days at a time, otherwise its just too much ( & I'm not talking about money ).

[MgoSam]

I didn't like Vegas until I realized how much there is to do. I haven't gambled in the past 4 years and I've spent about 8 weeks there.

Vegas is actually really cheap. I stay in a hotel off the strip, either the Mardi Gras or the Tuscany, and there is plenty of good food. I rent a car and get groceries and cook what I can and eat out when I must, but if you look off strip there are great restaurants.

Komol is my FAVORITE Thai restaurant, there's good Mexican, and good sushi. I don't eat the buffets at all, but things are heavily discounted if you scour for deals as they want to get as many tourists to come and gamble and if you don't gamble then you are way ahead.

I haven't had time to go out of the city, but you are close to Hoover Dam and many other great places.

In short, there's a reason a few notable Mustachians live there!

[golden1]

Vegas really is awful and amazing all in one.

+1

I went in 2001.  I enjoyed myself for the most part but it is a very strange experience.  I feel like Vegas reflects the best and worst of America all in one place.  Red Rock was lovely and there are lots of wonderful nature experiences.  I also liked touring the hotels and riding the roller coasters and other rides.    I loved the Cirque show I saw, and I liked the fountains at the Bellagio.  I had some pretty good meals as well.  I am a very casual gambler.  I budget a small amount per day ($50-100 max) and if I lose it, I'm done.  If I win, I roll it to the next day.  I think at the end of the week I might have been up or down $50.   

[EricP]

I enjoyed my time in Vegas when I went two weeks ago.  DW got use free tickets to the McGregor-Mendes fight ($500 face value!) because she knew a guy who knew a guy.  It's also one of the cheapest places to get drunk.  Free drinks while you're playing table games and if you play the right strategies at the right games you can get your burn rate down to $4 an hour.

[riverffashion]

All the groceriy stores r off strip , but if u need fridge for meds, they hook it up.

[mwulff]

My wife and I went to Vegas as part of our big USA-roadtrip in 2014. The first word that comes to mind is that Vegas is so essentially american, it's big, it's noisy, made of plastic and  a little stupid.

But there is something about it that you can't help but love a little bit. Sort of like that weird cousin that means well.

That said we stayed at the Paris because we had a very good offer online. As someone who has been to France many times there really isn't anything french about it, but the room was nice, ac'ed and clean.

We spent a lot of time just walking the strip looking at the sea of humanity. Gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, tragedy, comedy and shopping, The Strip has it all. It's like all the vices in the world compressed into a miniature universe.

Frankly we found it fascinating and walked the length of the Strip at least once just spotting people and bad plastic architecture.

I threw $3 in a slot machine just to be able to say that I had gambled in Vegas, walked away with $7. That concluded my gambling career.

All in all we had a nice time and saw a very interesting place that is probably very unique on this planet. But I don't think we'll be going back there anytime soon.

But we didn't spend a lot of money. We just self-parked and used our car to go away from the strip for lunch and of course to see Hoover damn. Boulder City was nice, we washed our clothes there and met a lovely couple at the Laundromat.

That btw was the great lesson we learned about North America: People are super-friendly and very chatty. Makes for a great holiday.

[Davids]

Vegas can be very mustachian. Off the strip there is a lot to do whether it is mountains, lakes or other sites. Even on the strip can be mustachian if you do not gamble. You can get great deals on show tickets the day of and a lot of hotel rooms can be very cheap. My wife and I stayed at the Excaliber for $29/night a few years ago. It is on the strip (towards the end or beginning depending on how you look at it) and I pretty much just used the hotel room to sleep and shower.

[Avenger]

You are free to spend as much, or as little, as you'd like to in Las Vegas. You can be very comfortable there for a lot less money than in any other major city. At the same time you can easily spend thousands of dollars per hour. The choice is yours.

I've been about fifteen times total. Getting a car and driving out into the desert is great. I've gotten to explore Nevada, Arizona, and California from there.

Its free to park (although I tip a couple of dollars) at the big resorts on the strip. Its also free to walk around and look at everything they have out (and they spend millions on flowers, seasonal displays, etc.).

Breakfast buffets at the big hotels are really nice, and almost 1/3rd the cost of going at super.

If you plan correctly, and don't spend like a jackass, you can stay at a nice place, have plenty to eat, catch a few shows, and do it all for much, much less than a trip nearly anywhere else.

[SnackDog]

The only two places we recommend foreigners visit on their first trip to America are NYC and Vegas.  These give two quintessential views of the most famous urban environment on the planet and the craziest collection of neon in the middle of a desert.  I think LV is far more mind-boggling than New York because it is so fringe.  Both are great places to meet people, see things and to eat, shop, stay and be entertained for next to nothing. 

Few have mentioned it here, but Vegas has arguably the best live entertainment in the world.  This month alone you can see everything from Britney, Celine and Aretha to Leno and Seinfeld to Penn&Teller or Criss Angel.  It's nuts!

[riverffashion]

There is nothing like it on earth. And if you are clever you can get dirt cheap hotel and free or cheap food and drink. I recommend Vegas to everyone! We don't shop or gamble but always have a great time there.

Yup. I've been to LV a few times and really like it. I don't gamble or spend. I like to walk through all the decked out resorts & I love the heat. But I can only be there for a couple days at a time, otherwise its just too much ( & I'm not talking about money ).

I'll also mention that my fiancé and i always partake in the gym , pool, saunas, tubs. Any other lovely free perks :), like vochers for meals.

[stlbrah]

I can't think of anything I would do there besides eat.

- I hate gambling
- I hate clubbing, used to like it but am past the age
- don't care for the shows/venues, besides metal venues, which Vegas is not known for.
- I'm not a hooker guy, if I was I would have been more likely to indulge last time I was in bangkok.
- I pass on Drinking and drugs, I don't want to age badly like most of my fat, balding peers.

I would like to see some of the nature in the outskirts, but thats about it.

Actually, it would be kind of cool to go to Mr Olympia bodybuilding show.

[Capsu78]

If life ever puts you in the position of either accepting a plea bargain, or going in front of a "jury of your peers", before you decide, go stand on LVB for a few hours and look at what a "jury of your peers" might look like...and decide if these are the folks you would trust to decide your fate!
If you can't make it to LV to do this exercise, the DMV is a decent substitute.

[zephyr911]

I've been there at least 3x that I can think of, and didn't spend shit - but I know what you mean about it being a giant money suck for the unwary.

My first trip was when I was just out of college, and I was still broke. A friend of mine had 2 free nights at Paris, so all the trip cost us was airfare and food/drink money. I remember even a local phone call was like $5 or $10, and that was like 14 years ago. One coke at their restaurant was something like $2.75 with no refills. All we really did was walk around and look at things, and occasionally stop to eat and drink.

My other two trips were for work and we stayed off strip, but nearby. I've always loved walking it just to see the insane array of light and sound. Never once bought a show ticket or ate a high-end meal.

[crazyworld]

Visited a long time ago and I found it pretty boring, to be honest.  Okay to see it once, just for the experience.  I have no interest in gambling, so don't have that going for me.  I just wasn't blown away by it - I hadn't even been to Italy yet, but was not amazed by the Venetian and their gondola rides, for example (I loved the real Venice :)).  The dancing fountains outside Bellagio were nice, but again, I was not awed.  Can't quite put my finger on why.  The interiors were well done in many of the casinos.  The thing I remember enjoying most was riding the coaster at NYNY with my brother, go figure.

On an unrelated note, I was not impressed by the grand canyon either.  I must not have seen it right?  Still, I enjoyed that part of the trip more than LV.

[EricP]

On an unrelated note, I was not impressed by the grand canyon either.  I must not have seen it right?  Still, I enjoyed that part of the trip more than LV.

It's because it's just a big hole in the ground that most tourists just go to see for 45 minutes.  Doing some hikes in among it would have been a lot cooler, imo, then just looking at it.

[UnleashHell]

. I love walking around downtown as well as on the strip in the evening and sometimes stay at an inexpensive hotel (mid week prices can't be beat especially downtown which I like better than the strip)

Downtown rocks. way cheaper, free music, awesome people watching and cheap hotels. Although I don't think the days of a $9 room are coming back.... sadly...

[zephyr911]

On an unrelated note, I was not impressed by the grand canyon either.  I must not have seen it right?  Still, I enjoyed that part of the trip more than LV.

It's because it's just a big hole in the ground that most tourists just go to see for 45 minutes.  Doing some hikes in among it would have been a lot cooler, imo, then just looking at it.

I went there once in winter with my (now ex-)girlfriend and there was snow everywhere. We watched the sunset and followed up with a night of romantic passion in a cheap motel. Totally worth the trip xD

Side note: having seen it covered in snow, I find it inexcusable that they never use those shots in the ad material. It's way better-looking that way.

[AlanStache]

On my last trip I ended up getting some really good Chinese take-out from some strip mall way off strip and went to a park next to the McCarren approach.  Got to the point I could ID several types of aircraft by sound alone (yeah I am a dork).  Was a great park too, Frisbee golf, soccer, volleyball, basket ball and soft ball all going on within a half mile.  Next day I drove out to Mt Charleston (north west of the city - west of redrock), less than a one hour drive from the strip I was at like 7000 ft in proper mountains. 

The strip and old vegas have the best people watching I have ever found anywhere.

You might have to spend 30min online working out where but whatever you like to do you can do it within 60min of the strip. 

The Grand Canon is big.  Some parts are cooler than others but also you have to walk 15 minutes from the parking lot and get away from all the people unwilling to walk 15 minutes.

I have had a few experiences where I spent the day off strip doing some really cool shit then eating dinner in a big casino one table over from someone who wasted the day inside playing a slot machine with no clue how incredible a day they could have had.  I probably should not judge but its really hard.

[maryofdoom]

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned in this Vegas thread is the Atomic Testing Museum. Back when the Husband of Doom was still the Boyfriend of Doom, I went to Vegas for a work conference and he tagged along. I said, "Let's both pick one fun thing to do while we're here." I picked a fancy dinner; he picked the Atomic Testing Museum.

You can see the whole place in less than an hour, but we ended up spending a couple of hours talking to one of their volunteers. The guy was one of the scientists who had worked on the Manhattan Project, and he was AWESOME. He even opened up one of the display cases and used a Geiger counter on one of the uranium-glass dishes to show us how radioactive it still was.

If you like history or science at all, you should check it out!

[robotclown]

Getting free drinks in Vegas is the easiest thing in the world.  The waitresses don't care, as long as you look like you're gambling nobody will question them, and they rake in the tip money.  And the casino doesn't care if you're not even gambling, because they figure once you have a few drinks the flashing lights and sounds will sucker you in anyway. 

The only gambling I do is betting on sports or cheap poker tournaments, because even if I lose, it still entertained me for a few hours, and there's at least some semblance of strategy.  I find the slot machine people bizarre.  Lose your money in 5 seconds?  Fun!(?)

[zing12]

I am/was a gambler and I think the whole place is fascinating. I only gamble at games where I have a statistical advantage over the casino, so it's been profitable. To me losing sucks and is not "entertainment" (as lots of people suggest otherwise who throw their money away there, and call it the cost of entertainment).

Yes I gamble with >$300 from time to time. Usually Blackjack. I only do safe bets, not longshots. If I play roulette (which I have rarely done) I'm the guy betting on red or black because the numbers are sucker bets. I did the horse track once and I bet the favorites, winning a few bucks each time while my coworkers were busy losing with their trifectas and such.

The whole "losing as entertainment" thing is bizarre. The "entertainment" comes from trying to beat the system!

[bigstack]

I am/was a gambler and I think the whole place is fascinating. I only gamble at games where I have a statistical advantage over the casino, so it's been profitable. To me losing sucks and is not "entertainment" (as lots of people suggest otherwise who throw their money away there, and call it the cost of entertainment).

Yes I gamble with >$300 from time to time. Usually Blackjack. I only do safe bets, not longshots. If I play roulette (which I have rarely done) I'm the guy betting on red or black because the numbers are sucker bets. I did the horse track once and I bet the favorites, winning a few bucks each time while my coworkers were busy losing with their trifectas and such.

The whole "losing as entertainment" thing is bizarre. The "entertainment" comes from trying to beat the system!

"trying"... you can't.
those casinos spend billions to take people's 100s of billions.
do yourself a favor and stop playing any game against the house.

I played poker professionally for 8 years...walking through the casinos I would see all sorts with "systems", "trying to take down the casino"...

yes this is my first post...I have lurked here for a long time and your post struck a nerve. so congrats you got me to post. I don't say anything above to be a jerk...I say it as a warning from someone much more experienced in the gambling world than you will ever be, to get out and stay out of that mentality that the casinos can be beat. The movies and books with systems are lying to you...they are lying in an effort to sell you a pipe dream.

[EricP]

I am/was a gambler and I think the whole place is fascinating. I only gamble at games where I have a statistical advantage over the casino, so it's been profitable. To me losing sucks and is not "entertainment" (as lots of people suggest otherwise who throw their money away there, and call it the cost of entertainment).

Yes I gamble with >$300 from time to time. Usually Blackjack. I only do safe bets, not longshots. If I play roulette (which I have rarely done) I'm the guy betting on red or black because the numbers are sucker bets. I did the horse track once and I bet the favorites, winning a few bucks each time while my coworkers were busy losing with their trifectas and such.

You're right that the number bets are "sucker bets," but you're wrong in thinking that Red and Black aren't sucker bets.  The whole table is a bunch of sucker bets with a 5.3% house advantage.  The one exception to this is the 5 number bets which has a 7% (or so) house advantage.  The numbers aren't any worse bets then Red or Black. 

If you want a better chance at making money, then I'd suggest Craps or Baccarat. They've got the lowest house edge other than card counting in Black Jack.