Any Last Minute Mustachian Las Vegas Tips?

[onecoolcat]

Any tips to get the most bang for the buck out of Las Vegas?  My wife and I are heading there on Friday night and are scouring the Internet for tips on having a great time on a flexible budget.  We will definitely do some people watching on the Strip and will take advantage of food and drink specials in Downtown/The Strip.  For the hotel we are paying out of pocket and are planning on staying in Downtown for Friday and Saturday Nights (cheaper during the weekend) and The Strip for Sunday and Monday Nights.

So far in my limited search on food/drink specials I have come across the following that I may check out:

• $5: Half-pound burger, chips and a domestic draft at the Cafe Cortez at El Cortez.
• $7.77: Gambler's Special: Steak, three grilled shrimp, a choice of potato or broccoli and a salad. At Mr. Lucky's 24/7 in the Hard Rock Hotel. It's not on the menu -- you'll have to ask
• $3.99: The "Big Shrimp" cocktail at the Golden Gate.
• $11.99: Steak and lobster special at Tony Roma's in Fremont. Offered daily, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
• $5.95: 7-ounce N.Y. steak, two eggs, hash browns and toast available daily, midnight - 6 a.m. at the Coronado Cafe at South Point.
• 99 cents: Margaritas at Fiesta Henderson, Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Sunset Station, Boulder Station, Santa Fe Station, Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho.
• 99 cents: Margaritas from any casino bar at the Fremont Hotel.
• $2: 20-ounce hand crafted beers available 24 hours daily at Ellis Island.

Credit goes to:  http://www.vegas.com/restaurant/specials-and-deals/

I also heard about Tix4Tonight for discounts on show tickets on a last minute basis.  I checked out the site to guage whether its actually a discount.  The site lists shows with discounts of 35%-50% off but it doesnt actually provide a price, rather it says the tickets are only available at their booths, so I dont know whether its actually a discount.  Anyone have any experience with this site?  For reference: http://www.tix4tonight.com/vegas-shows

For entertainment, other than shows, we will probably gamble a little, drink, and people watch.  I found some drink specials and I hear the casinos all give out free drinks if it looks like you are gambling and you tip well, so there is that.  Do any of the casinos offer any non-alcoholic incentives (i.e. food) for casual gamblers?  Whats a good game to play for a novice gambler that's only betting >$250 total?

[boarder42]

youre obviously in the fremount area... go to mermaids.  you'll walk in and instantly be offered a drink and probably have 4 more waitresses come by before you get the first drink.. tip with quarters... 4 drinks for a dollar

[onecoolcat]

MsCoolCat tells me we wont get into Vegas until midnight Saturday morning.  Is it possible, and how ridiculous would it be if we just drop our luggage off at our hotel and come back at 3:00pm to check in to save on Fridays hotel cost.  I think its going to far but MCC seems to think its plausible.  It would save about $160 but I don't know if I will be able to sleep the 5 hours on the plane or even if the hotel will hold our luggage that long.  Thoughts?

[Syonyk]

Go off strip and get alcohol at a discount liquor store.  Bring a flask. :)

[aceyou]

My wife and I have been to vegas 6 times.  Here's my $0.02:

Hotel: Monte Carlo for the nights you are on the strip. 
- It's relatively inexpensive.  We always pay under $100 a night, and often around $60/night. 
-  It's in a sweet sport for quality.  All the nicer places are more expensive.  All the cheaper places are nowhere near the quality. 
- It's smack dab in the middle of the strip. 
- It has a food court with relatively inexpensive food...a great mexican fast food place, mcdonalds, subway. 
- Behind the building is a free tram that connects Monte Carlo, Aria, Metropolitan, and Belagio.  It helps you get up and down the strip that much faster.  No ticket needed.  It comes every 10 minutes or so, and you just step on. 

Food/Drinks
- We take Syonyk's advice on alcohol.   
- we pack several pounds of various nuts
- last time we packed several pounds of clementines and stored them in the hotel room.  that was a great decision. 
- we eat at the food court for a late breakfast cheaply, then snack all day, then eat somewhere nice for dinner when we feel like it. 
- We each bring a water bottle and keep hydrated with water all day long. 

Basically, lots of water, the nuts, and the clementines save money and help keep us healthy while on the trip.  The brunch gets us an easy start to the day, and a nice dinner is fun (we consider a nice dinner to be a place that's about $15/plate, and we don't get a drink...thats what our stash is for). 

That gets you shelter and food.  After that, it just comes down to what you like to do all day/night:)  Have fun!

[aceyou]

Oh, and you asked about gambling for under $250.  Here's some suggestions:

- The Monte Carlo has a $2-6 spread limit Holdem game.  It's very low stakes, and the game is very soft and has been for years.  I was a semi-pro holder player for years, so I actually go to vegas to play limit holdem, but you hardly need to be a pro to beat that particular game at the Monte Carlo.  Play strong hands by raising.  Fold all other hands.  Don't chase after anything, and you'll probably be breakeven or better. 

-  One great thing to do is to bet on a sporting event that you and your wife like to watch, especially if it's a sport lots of other people will be betting on.  One year we bet on a Celtics/Lakers NBA finals game.  Then you watch it in the big room where all the sports betters watch in.  The room was full of gamblers screaming on their team trying to beat the spread.  You can just bet 5 or 10 bucks and it gives you hours of fun/socializing with people.  fill up your cup from your flask in the bathroom and have some really cheap fun:)

There's a million ways to gamble there, those are the two I do. 

[Riff]

When we wanted to have a few drinks, we would stick a few bucks into the poker machines.  If you're gambling, you drink for free at most casinos.  Gambling and tipping, it's still way cheaper than getting anything from the casino bar.

[ShortInSeattle]

This won't apply for this trip but I recommend signing up for the email newsletter at your favorite hotel. We like to stay at the Wynn (too expensive) but every so often they throw out an email deal with cheap stays, free show tickets, and free buffet. Not $60/night cheap, but more like getting a $300/night room for $119. Really luxurious and comfy.

Restaurant portions tend to be huge so we eat a big mid-day meal instead of both lunch and dinner.

The Earl of Sandwich has affordable & tasty sandwiches for a quick bite. It's worth it to stop by a grocery or drug store and pick up some bottled drinks (even water) because mini bars are extortion and Vegas water is pretty crummy.

In our experience the cheap tickets stand isn't that much of a deal. The prices are mildly or not really discounted and they tend to be second rate shows.

If you want to people watch The Sugar Factory has a great deck right on the strip. A good dessert and drinks spot with a nice view.

Have fun!

[Syonyk]

There's also a lot of performance art on the Strip at night.  Just wandering around is fun.

And the mornings are a nice time to wander.  It's not hot yet, and it's mostly families out at 9AM.

[MrsCoolCat]

I wanted to chime in that I've been to Vegas before but the last time was 2009. I've done research prior to this. I've looked at shows, entertainment, food, hotels, car rentals, etc. I think we'll walk & do a lot of free things but since Mr. OCC can't decide on a show we'll just wing it when we get there. I almost wish we'd rent a car but they're more expensive than before esp after all the fees. So any last min hotel tips? We have a hotel but prefer someth nicer & closer if possible. Not sure if I should just book another hotel & cancel our current (no charge) now or hold my breath for last minute hotel deals... Any thoughts?

[GuitarStv]

I've been to Vegas.  My advice would be, other than hitting up the cheap food places . . . don't spend any time at all on Vegas.  Head out and do some hiking or mountain biking in the surrounding desert area which is beautiful.

[Axecleaver]

A friend of mine relocated to Vegas years ago, so when we went to visit we got the local's tour. Downtown is where we spend most of our time now when we go, the staff are so much friendlier and there are much better deals on the gambling and food. The strip is for specific shows only, or free activities like people watching and busking. I don't gamble there today.

I like playing craps, it's very easy to play optimally (no counting required) and the house edge is under 1% even with the low 3-4-5x odds. Last time I went to downtown, there was a place with $1 craps that allowed 100x odds. That's a house edge of about .014%. Here's a site that shows the house edge so you know which games to avoid. (hint: never play double zero roulette or the Big Six game that's up front) http://wizardofodds.com/gambling/house-edge/.

The only bad thing about craps is that you can bust your bankroll very fast. Last time I played I busted in 15 minutes. It happens. I take a bankroll with me and split it up among the sessions I intend to gamble, and I quit when a session bankroll doubles or goes to zero. Sometimes that happens really fast, sometimes you can play all day and end up with the same amount you started with.

[Shinplaster]

I wanted to chime in that I've been to Vegas before but the last time was 2009. I've done research prior to this. I've looked at shows, entertainment, food, hotels, car rentals, etc. I think we'll walk & do a lot of free things but since Mr. OCC can't decide on a show we'll just wing it when we get there. I almost wish we'd rent a car but they're more expensive than before esp after all the fees. So any last min hotel tips? We have a hotel but prefer someth nicer & closer if possible. Not sure if I should just book another hotel & cancel our current (no charge) now or hold my breath for last minute hotel deals... Any thoughts?

It's been a few years, but the last time we were in Vegas we stayed at the Platinum.  It's an all suite, just a block and a half from the strip.  At that time, it was $130/night, including the resort fee.  If you are flying in, it's a $10 cab ride from the airport down a back road.  (Make sure the cabbie doesn't take you on the $40 "drive you all over Vegas trip").  I still get emails from them all the time, and I know they have deals going sometimes.  We liked it because we didn't have to walk through a smoky casino to get to our room, and the suite was very nice.  Full kitchen, large bedroom and living room, and a humongous bathroom.  We only ever ate breakfast in the restaurant there, but it was nice, and not horribly overpriced.  If you ask for a strip view, you can see the Bellagio peeking through the other buildings.   I will admit that at the end of the day, the walk back from the strip to the hotel seemed a lot longer than a block or two though.

[hyla]

Red Rock Canyon.

http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/blm_special_areas/red_rock_nca.html

[gimp]

Dollar blackjack at the riv. I stayed there because it was a lot cheaper than any motel in a hundred mile radius and I was driving back from a big road tirp... lost $19 (plus $1 tip) in like an hour and walked away happy. Dollar PBRs, but small cups of it.

[snuggler]

Use Priceline's Name-Your-Own-Bid to get a cheap hotel room, and to avoid the hefty resort fees. Check betterbidding.com for what others have paid for the dates you are looking to book. I frequently get 4-star hotels on the strip for $60-80 per night, even on pretty busy weekends.

One thing that we really enjoy is getting a really cheap Priceline room, and then using the $20 trick to get a nicer room and some extra perks. We usually get a nicer strip-view room and a free bottle of champagne, and then enjoy enjoy an evening in our swanky room. See http://thetwentydollartrick.com/ for more details.

I think your plan of not getting a room on Friday night would probably totally work. In fact, I'd try the $20 trick to see if you can get an early check-in to get Saturday's room before the 3 pm check-in time. It would probably work.

Visit the fun and free activities on the strip. My favorites are: Mirage's Volcano, Bellagio's fountains, and the flowers and art at Bellagio.

Some other things that are fun and free are:

- people watching at Fremont
- check out the wildlife habitat at The Flamingo
- visit the Pawn Store's pawn shop (it's kind of touristy now, and the t.v. stars almost certainly won't be there, but they still have some cool items on display in the store)
- relaxing at the pool
- take The Whiskey Experience free class at Vom Fass (Venetian)
- TI's Siren's show (a little adult-oriented last time I visited, just for warning)
- Red Rock hiking

Other things that are fun and cheap:

- visit the Arcade Museum (bring your quarters!)
- visit the Coca-Cola Store and do the Around the World soda and float tastings
- sports betting (bet a couple of dollars on a game, then be very invested in its outcome for a couple of hours)
- visit the Neon Museum (I'll admit I've never tried it, but I've always wanted to and the reviews are good)

[LLCoolDave]

I'm laughing that one person mentioned the riv, I'm guessing they were refering to the Riviera which closed 6 months ago. I have lived in Vegas for 8 years. If you want the vegas experience you have to pay for it.

Close to the strip I recommend Ellis Island. Its on Koval (east of the strip) in between Flamingo and Tropicana. It used to be the armpit of lv when I moved here but they have made lots of improvements. They have great ribs that are served from 4-10. Full rack for $13. They also brew their own beer. Lots of styles, 20 oz for $2. They have karaoke every night if you are into that. 

Also lv has a very respectable chinatown. Really it has some of the best varieties of food in the city. It's also very cheap. I've actually thought of moving there just to eat my way up and down it. This is on Spring Mountain on the west side of the strip. Consider Ichiza, most of the specials are in Japanese. I tell the server to bring me 4 small plates, their choice. It's always good but I recommend the whole charcoal grilled squid.

You should try Lotus of Siam. It's around Sahara and Eastern. It's a legendary Northern Thai restaurant. You can spend $10 per person or $100 per person if you order wine. Food critics love it.

Also if you just want a drink there is a CVS every few blocks on the strip.

PM me if you have questions. I might even meet you for a meal or two if you're interested.

[gimp]

Hah, I had no fucking idea the thing closed. What will happen to the golden butts you're supposed to rub? How the hell does a casino go out of business?

[MrsCoolCat]

This won't apply for this trip but I recommend signing up for the email newsletter at your favorite hotel. Have fun!

I tried. Nothing worthy via email. Thanks! Thanks to everyone, really. :-)

[MrsCoolCat]

It's been a few years, but the last time we were in Vegas we stayed at the Platinum.  It's an all suite, just a block and a half from the strip.  At that time, it was $130/night, including the resort fee.

I either didn't see it or it was booked full. Thanks though!

[MrsCoolCat]

Use Priceline's Name-Your-Own-Bid to get a cheap hotel room, and to avoid the hefty resort fees. Check betterbidding.com for what others have paid for the dates you are looking to book. I frequently get 4-star hotels on the strip for $60-80 per night, even on pretty busy weekends.

One thing that we really enjoy is getting a really cheap Priceline room, and then using the $20 trick to get a nicer room and some extra perks. We usually get a nicer strip-view room and a free bottle of champagne, and then enjoy enjoy an evening in our swanky room. See http://thetwentydollartrick.com/ for more details.

I think your plan of not getting a room on Friday night would probably totally work. In fact, I'd try the $20 trick to see if you can get an early check-in to get Saturday's room before the 3 pm check-in time. It would probably work.

Visit the fun and free activities on the strip. My favorites are: Mirage's Volcano, Bellagio's fountains, and the flowers and art at Bellagio.

Some other things that are fun and free are:

- people watching at Fremont
- check out the wildlife habitat at The Flamingo
- visit the Pawn Store's pawn shop (it's kind of touristy now, and the t.v. stars almost certainly won't be there, but they still have some cool items on display in the store)
- relaxing at the pool
- take The Whiskey Experience free class at Vom Fass (Venetian)
- TI's Siren's show (a little adult-oriented last time I visited, just for warning)
- Red Rock hiking

Other things that are fun and cheap:

- visit the Arcade Museum (bring your quarters!)
- visit the Coca-Cola Store and do the Around the World soda and float tastings
- sports betting (bet a couple of dollars on a game, then be very invested in its outcome for a couple of hours)
- visit the Neon Museum (I'll admit I've never tried it, but I've always wanted to and the reviews are good)

I already had my own list from weeks, days ago... :-) Mr. OCC makes it sound like I didn't plan anything. Pssh :-D

Attractions: (don't mind the L's and R's. I was doing by map from north to south...)

L) Lake of Dreams (Wynn)
*free, every half hour from 7 pm-12:30 am

R) Sirens of Treasure Island
*free, shows at 7 pm, 8:30 pm, 10 pm, and 11:30 pm

R) The Volcano (Mirage)
*free, erupts every hour 

Garden and Dolphin Habitat (Mirage)
*$17 times vary

L) Streetmosphere (Venetian)
*free, performances throughout day

R) The Fall of Atlantis (Caesars Palace)
*Free, every hour from 10 am to 11 pm

The Aquarium (Caesars Palace)
*free

L) Flamingo Wildlife Habitat (The Flamingo)
*free, open 24 hrs

W*) West on Flamingo (right after Caesar's Palace forum shops)

Masquerade Show (Rio)
*free, ever hour 6 pm-midnight

R) Bellagio Fountains (Bellagio)
*Free, every 30 minutes from 3-8 pm Fri and every 15 minutes Sat/Sun from 8 pm-12 am

Bellagio Conservatory (Bellagio)
*Free, open 24 hrs

L) The Lion Habitat (MGM Grand)
*free, 11 am-10 pm

Shark Reef (Mandalay Bay)
*10 am-10 pm ($18)

By Fremont Street Experience
*free, hourly shows from 6 pm- midnight

$1 million (Binions Horseshoe)
*Free, open 24 hrs

Gold and Silver Pawn Shop
*free

[MrsCoolCat]

Close to the strip I recommend Ellis Island. Its on Koval (east of the strip) in between Flamingo and Tropicana. It used to be the armpit of lv when I moved here but they have made lots of improvements. They have great ribs that are served from 4-10. Full rack for $13. They also brew their own beer. Lots of styles, 20 oz for $2. They have karaoke every night if you are into that. 

Also lv has a very respectable chinatown. Really it has some of the best varieties of food in the city. It's also very cheap. I've actually thought of moving there just to eat my way up and down it. This is on Spring Mountain on the west side of the strip. Consider Ichiza, most of the specials are in Japanese. I tell the server to bring me 4 small plates, their choice. It's always good but I recommend the whole charcoal grilled squid.

You should try Lotus of Siam. It's around Sahara and Eastern. It's a legendary Northern Thai restaurant. You can spend $10 per person or $100 per person if you order wine. Food critics love it.

Also if you just want a drink there is a CVS every few blocks on the strip.

PM me if you have questions. I might even meet you for a meal or two if you're interested.

We're going to Ellis for the best steak deal! Mr. OCC's to-do. Mine already include: All You Can Eat (AYCE) Korean BBQ, sushi (no buffet lines; the ones you order off a list and they actually charge you if you waste) and pabingsoo at Crown Bakery. Possibly a donut at Ronald's since it's renown and in the Chinatown Plaza.

Mr. OCC is trying to take away my $40 Wicked Spoon buffet bc he's not a foodie and just does NOT understand Las Vegas buffet quality and offerings compared to where we live. We haven't planned Chinatown since we won't be driving. We'll see but I would definitely like to go. I already researched into the restaurants nearby. I'll have to see how Mr. OCC's mood is. I am down for adventure but nothing like from the movies! Nothing CRAY CRAY. Thanks.

[LLCoolDave]

Hah, I had no fucking idea the thing closed. What will happen to the golden butts you're supposed to rub? How the hell does a casino go out of business?

The LVCA (las vegas convention authority) bought it. It is being demolished. It will be made into convention space.

Also the sirens show at ti closed a year ago, I think the lion habitat at MGM closed as well. Most of your prices are per person as well. So plan on double what you quoted.  You will also need to walk miles and miles to reach those free attractions or hire a taxi to each one.

The station casinos are spread all over the city. They are local deals. Taxi fares would exceed the cost.

Go to goyemon for AYCE sushi. Nothing better on the strip. Get the pork belly (included).

When it comes to food there is a difference from being cheap and being good.

Do what you want. I just live here.

[LLCoolDave]

Hah, I had no fucking idea the thing closed. What will happen to the golden butts you're supposed to rub? How the hell does a casino go out of business?

I think the butts (and show) were moved to Planet Hollywood.

[UnleashHell]

youre obviously in the fremount area... go to mermaids.  you'll walk in and instantly be offered a drink and probably have 4 more waitresses come by before you get the first drink.. tip with quarters... 4 drinks for a dollar

That’s a bad bad bad place.

I love it. Quickest way to get drunk in vegas.

I love downtown. I’m a poker and bj player so theres plenty of low limit/ good rules games in easy reach. Food is reasonable.
Good beer at the Boar bar at MSS 1.75 a pint if you aren’t playing and available to order from the cocktail waitress if you are.

As mentioned above Ellis island for the BBQ is good (and a microbrew or 6) you get a discount if you are a players club member so join that first.

For a fairly decent meal check out the porterhouse special at the Cal downtown. They are making some changes to that place right now so things are constantly changing.

The live shows are worth a look, just to see all the people out on Fremont. Don’t give to the hawkers and photo opp carny dressers.

Still got 5 months til my trip….

[MrsCoolCat]

Thanks for the tips & about the update in show closure, etc. Not gonna follow itin to a "T", but wanted to have someth planned. Btw should I or we do a checked bag (free) from a Mustachian standpoint? Any benefits since carry-on is faster. Also, how likely do u think we can get a cheap hotel on Fri night last min (like book on the same day or when I'm at the airport)? I haven't booked & we arrive at midnight but what if there's a delay or we start getting super tired at like 3am or someth. Idw to hold my breath for early morning check-in tho u never know. Just wondering if anyone has any tips. Worse case we just get a last min hotel (I mean there's gotta be someth available; there are no huge conventions, etc) or fall asleep passed out somewh (jk). Ty, again.

[Riff]

Carry on only is the perfect way to travel.  Faster & cheaper.  You don't have to worry about all that extra stuff, or porters.

[UnleashHell]

I can do carry on but prefer to fly southwest and take a free bag.


As for the hotel - I'd get one for that night. take a look at the super 8 at ellis island. plenty of airline employees use it and its right next to a casino that does microbrew.

staying up all night can throw you off for the rest of the trip and lead to stupid gambling decisions when tired. it could be far cheaper to get a room.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

When I fly, I like to stay at one of the La Quinta hotels near the airport. The shuttle is free and so is the sizable hot breakfast. If you drive, parking is free (which is not the case if you're actually on the Strip).

If you book well in advance, you may be able to get a good price. I generally stay free because of loyalty points. They also have a free shuttle to the Strip. I've got a slight preference for the "Airport North" because it's within easy walking distance of the Strip and a variety of other things.

[elaine amj]

Since you get in so late, i like the idea of a cheap airport hotel for the first night. Do they have uber in Vegas? Should be cheaper than a cab.

When I first went I found great rates at the Flamingo - very crappy hallways, but the room itself (I upgraded to the Lux) was very nice and Vegas-y. I think I found the best rates through their website although I continuall ran the numbers. Our trips after that were focused on hiking so we didn't spend too much time on the Strip.

We used a combo of bus (to get downtown) and walking (on the Strip). Like a PP said, Earl of Sandwich is super yummy and very inexpensive. Ellis Island had a great steak and eggs special. We don't gamble, but we decided to play at the penny slots that trip. We would sign up for that casino's player's card both of us so we would get one each), then use their promo free play on the penny slots to mess around. We must have hit up almost every casino in the downtown area (the Strip's casinos are all part of the two big chains so it was hard to do) and played about $5 at each place. We ended up the night about $40-50 ahead without spending any of our own money.

The Bellagio fountain show is amazing. After each of our last trips, we returned home regretting we didn't spend more time enjoying it.

There is also a way to max out Caesars buffet of buffets deal. It was about $50 pp and gave you 24 hours access. It was also a fun way to explore. This is what we did:
10:30am - Bought pass, had brunch
11:30am - Hit up a second spot for a light lunch
4:00pm - Early dinner
8pm - Dinner
9pm - Dessert
Next day
7:30am - Early breakfast (time change had us up by 5am anyway)
10:30am - Brunch. Got through the line minutes before our 24 hrs was up.

We didn't have to hit quite as many buffets, but it was part of the fun for us :) At minimum, we would have gotten breakfast, 2 lunches, and a dinner for $50 each. And we enjoyed the splurgy, indulgent, Vegas-y feeling of wild excess.

As for shows, the halfpricetickets stuff is kinda scammy. I got better prices walking up to the box office window. All in all, while we do watch shows when we go to Vegas, I have come to accept that it is more expensive to watch shows there than anywhere else (the same artist can be half the price in another city). We pay through the nose (and I am one of those extreme deal hunters). The only times I have scored was getting comp tickets through playing endless hours of myVegas.

Have fun! (and DON'T let the cabbie drive you down the Strip - you'll pay big bucks if you do).

[MrsCoolCat]

Since you get in so late, i like the idea of a cheap airport hotel for the first night. Do they have uber in Vegas? Should be cheaper than a cab.

When I first went I found great rates at the Flamingo - very crappy hallways, but the room itself (I upgraded to the Lux) was very nice and Vegas-y. I think I found the best rates through their website although I continuall ran the numbers. Our trips after that were focused on hiking so we didn't spend too much time on the Strip.

We used a combo of bus (to get downtown) and walking (on the Strip). Like a PP said, Earl of Sandwich is super yummy and very inexpensive. Ellis Island had a great steak and eggs special. We don't gamble, but we decided to play at the penny slots that trip. We would sign up for that casino's player's card both of us so we would get one each), then use their promo free play on the penny slots to mess around. We must have hit up almost every casino in the downtown area (the Strip's casinos are all part of the two big chains so it was hard to do) and played about $5 at each place. We ended up the night about $40-50 ahead without spending any of our own money.

The Bellagio fountain show is amazing. After each of our last trips, we returned home regretting we didn't spend more time enjoying it.

There is also a way to max out Caesars buffet of buffets deal. It was about $50 pp and gave you 24 hours access. It was also a fun way to explore. This is what we did:
10:30am - Bought pass, had brunch
11:30am - Hit up a second spot for a light lunch
4:00pm - Early dinner
8pm - Dinner
9pm - Dessert
Next day
7:30am - Early breakfast (time change had us up by 5am anyway)
10:30am - Brunch. Got through the line minutes before our 24 hrs was up.

We didn't have to hit quite as many buffets, but it was part of the fun for us :) At minimum, we would have gotten breakfast, 2 lunches, and a dinner for $50 each. And we enjoyed the splurgy, indulgent, Vegas-y feeling of wild excess.

As for shows, the halfpricetickets stuff is kinda scammy. I got better prices walking up to the box office window. All in all, while we do watch shows when we go to Vegas, I have come to accept that it is more expensive to watch shows there than anywhere else (the same artist can be half the price in another city). We pay through the nose (and I am one of those extreme deal hunters). The only times I have scored was getting comp tickets through playing endless hours of myVegas.

Have fun! (and DON'T let the cabbie drive you down the Strip - you'll pay big bucks if you do).

Thanks for the Buffet of Buffet suggestion. I actually almost overlooked it until Mr. OCC brought up how it might be a good idea. I wonder how likely it will be to not stuff ourselves lol! Thanks!!!

[shadowmoss]

With the Buffet of Buffets now there are surcharges at several of the buffets on the weekends.  Paris still doesn't charge extra, but I'm thinking Flamingo does (!) and a couple of the others.  So, you pay $50, then have to pay more again.  I was not happy.  This was in September that I was last there.  Ask before committing.

[elaine amj]

With the Buffet of Buffets now there are surcharges at several of the buffets on the weekends.  Paris still doesn't charge extra, but I'm thinking Flamingo does (!) and a couple of the others.  So, you pay $50, then have to pay more again.  I was not happy.  This was in September that I was last there.  Ask before committing.

I just took a look and the same 5 have no upcharge - Rio, Paris, Flamingo, Harrahs, Planet Hollywood

The 2 with upcharge are Bacchanal and the Seafood one at Rio. I think it was the same back then too.

I am almost ashamed to admit we visited all 5. Big tip - do NOT go to Paris during peak hours....the lineup is insanity. I went just before closing and very early in the morning. I thought the crepes were just so-so (and I love crepes). It was still a fun place to eat though - nice theming :)

[Iron Mike Sharpe]

R) Sirens of Treasure Island
*free, shows at 7 pm, 8:30 pm, 10 pm, and 11:30 pm

Pretty sure this has been closed down.

[MrsCoolCat]

All researched and dieted out. I am ready to go! The Buffet of Buffets was interesting but perhaps not the best idea in regards to health, discipline and money-wise. Think we'll try to do one buffet and some of those deals Mr. OCC is interested in like $5 half pound burger, 7-7-7 at HR and Ellis' steak deal. We'll see. I want some In n Out and better quality food but we'll see. Thanks everyone!

[FrugalKube]

Uber and Lyft are up and running in Vegas. Uber will take you to the airport. Have fun I just went in early Oct.
The wife and I ate light breakfasts, took snacks, and tried to have  a large later lunch

Have Fun!

[MrsCoolCat]

Thanks! I sure will have fun. Mr. OCC has never been & I haven't been since 2009! Our first real out of town vacation since our honeymoon in Sept last yr, so I'm excited!!!

[jeromedawg]

All researched and dieted out. I am ready to go! The Buffet of Buffets was interesting but perhaps not the best idea in regards to health, discipline and money-wise. Think we'll try to do one buffet and some of those deals Mr. OCC is interested in like $5 half pound burger, 7-7-7 at HR and Ellis' steak deal. We'll see. I want some In n Out and better quality food but we'll see. Thanks everyone!

Bacchanal is pricey but if you time it right you can double-dip the lunch time food rotation AND dinner time food rotation (where they bring out the crab legs and oysters). I think the transition time is like 2pm or 3pm but I don't recall. Depending on the day you get there, there could be a line too, so anticipate it and arrive accordingly early. We missed out on the double-dip but loaded up on oysters and crab legs. It's so ridiculous (in terms of how much food there is) but worth going to at least once in your life hahaha. I think we stayed for 2-3 hours before going to watch Cirque du Soleil - Beatles Love.

The other popular buffet you may want to consider is Wicked Spoon.

Neither of these are really "Mustachian" I might add - it's more just for the experience LOL

[Sailor Sam]

I went to Vegas last week, and it was fairly economical. But I neither drank alcohol nor gambled, so your results could vary. Here's what I learned:

• I did use Tix4Tonight to see a Circe Du Soleil show, and the discount was as advertised
• Anything that had the word buffet was horrifically expensive, and not very good
• Downtown seemed like a cheaper place to eat than the strip
• Uber stations are hard to find, but most drivers will pick you up in non-sanctioned places

I highly recommend the National Atomic Testing Museum. It was a very enjoyable 2.5 hours, with a $15 entrance fee.

[UnleashHell]

Downtown - breakfast buffet at MSS followed by the Mob museum. also consider the neon graveyard.
(the breakfast buffet is cheap and will fill you for the day!!)

[MrsCoolCat]

I went to Vegas last week, and it was fairly economical. But I neither drank alcohol nor gambled, so your results could vary. Here's what I learned:

• I did use Tix4Tonight to see a Circe Du Soleil show, and the discount was as advertised
• Anything that had the word buffet was horrifically expensive, and not very good
• Downtown seemed like a cheaper place to eat than the strip
• Uber stations are hard to find, but most drivers will pick you up in non-sanctioned places

I highly recommend the National Atomic Testing Museum. It was a very enjoyable 2.5 hours, with a $15 entrance fee.

We're at the Atomic Museum now! It was cool & there was a Groupon & it was close to our hotel. Thnx!