Author Topic: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?  (Read 9836 times)

Jeremy E.

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In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« on: March 11, 2016, 08:06:56 AM »
I'll be in Vegas next week, already got free flights and a free hotel for my stay. My girlfriend and I are going, she wants to go to some buffets and a cirque du soleil show. I want to check out the zoos, aquariums and gardens. We also want to get out to Fremont street one day, and might need to take a bus or Uber or something.

Any tips on how to do some of this stuff cheaply? I've also heard of people getting some cool free stuff from going to timeshare presentations in Vegas, anyone have info on that?

AZDude

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2016, 08:56:24 AM »
Don't gamble. Don't go to strip clubs. After that, Vegas has changed a lot over the years. Prior to the recession there were a million free shows and plenty to do that cost nothing, but now much of that has been curtailed.

Treasure Island had a free show they would put on, not sure if they still do. The Mandalay Bay Aquarium is pricey, but very cool(like $50 a ticket). Hoover Dam is interesting if you are into that sort of thing. I last went to Vegas in ~2010 and was shocked at how much things had changed since the early 2000s.

Parizade

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2016, 09:08:41 AM »
I've also heard of people getting some cool free stuff from going to timeshare presentations in Vegas, anyone have info on that?

I will be in Vegas the first week of April, and got a deal for 3 nights at a 5 star hotel. My friends will be camping in the Valley of Fire all week (I will join them when I'm not in the hotel) but in exchange for the timeshare tour I got the 3 hotel nights, $200 "spend a night on us" certificate, 2 free dinner tickets and 2 free show tickets. My cost per night will be less than my friends are spending on campsites. Heck of a deal.

thingamabobs

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2016, 09:45:23 AM »
Don't gamble. Don't go to strip clubs. After that, Vegas has changed a lot over the years. Prior to the recession there were a million free shows and plenty to do that cost nothing, but now much of that has been curtailed.

Treasure Island had a free show they would put on, not sure if they still do. The Mandalay Bay Aquarium is pricey, but very cool(like $50 a ticket). Hoover Dam is interesting if you are into that sort of thing. I last went to Vegas in ~2010 and was shocked at how much things had changed since the early 2000s.

The Shark Reef at Mandalay is  more like $20/person.

Check groupon, there are often deals on there for buffets and shows.

Check the coupon books that are all over, you'll see some in the airport.

Do you use Facebook? You can play the myvegas games for free stuff. You won't have time to rack up too much but there have been good deals on there. I recommend cashing in for your rewards before coming to vegas, they seem to offer better rewards when you're redeeming from farther away.

norabird

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2016, 10:12:43 AM »
I've always wanted to go here...

http://www.neonmuseum.org/

zoltani

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2016, 10:21:46 AM »
Check out Red Rock Canyon, go to the first or second pullout and scramble around. Do some hiking back in black velvet, pine creek or other canyons. Hike to the top of Juniper peak or Mt Wilson.

Rent a car and go check out Arizona Hot Springs

My favorite things to do in vegas.

AlanStache

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2016, 10:33:15 AM »
Check out Red Rock Canyon, go to the first or second pullout and scramble around. Do some hiking back in black velvet, pine creek or other canyons. Hike to the top of Juniper peak or Mt Wilson.

Rent a car and go check out Arizona Hot Springs

My favorite things to do in vegas.

the outdoors around vegas is incredible but you would probably need a rental car - but they are cheap.  but on the strip you dont want/need a car.

Fremont street is really cool try to go at dusk to really see the lights.  The cargo-container mall is near there and worth a few block walk.

The nuclear weapons/UFO and pinball machine museums (different places) are also good if you are into those kinds of things.

Check the Bellagio art museum too, they get world class stuff that rotates every few months, not a fan of the hotel it self.

You dont have to break the bank in Vegas but many things do have a 10-20$ admission fee.

drink tons of water constantly.

zoltani

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2016, 11:13:38 AM »
Yeah, rental cars are cheap in vegas, but you definitely don't want on eon the strip. When I go to vegas I don't go anywhere near the strip, it's a nightmare. I just do not get the appeal...

Even Fremont street gets really old really quickly. If you like airbrushed t-shirts, fat tourists walking around sipping overpriced adult beverages, and old ladies gambling away their pensions then you will love it. If you are like a child and are enamored by bright shiny things then you will have a blast.

+1 for pinball museum, tons of games even though the atmosphere leaves something to be desired

Check out frank's tiki bar for drinks one day, it's fun


Jeremy E.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2016, 02:22:45 PM »
I've also heard of people getting some cool free stuff from going to timeshare presentations in Vegas, anyone have info on that?

I will be in Vegas the first week of April, and got a deal for 3 nights at a 5 star hotel. My friends will be camping in the Valley of Fire all week (I will join them when I'm not in the hotel) but in exchange for the timeshare tour I got the 3 hotel nights, $200 "spend a night on us" certificate, 2 free dinner tickets and 2 free show tickets. My cost per night will be less than my friends are spending on campsites. Heck of a deal.
How do I do this kind of timeshare tour? I already got my hotel free with points, but everything else sounds sweet

Jeremy E.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2016, 02:26:03 PM »
Don't gamble. Don't go to strip clubs. After that, Vegas has changed a lot over the years. Prior to the recession there were a million free shows and plenty to do that cost nothing, but now much of that has been curtailed.

Treasure Island had a free show they would put on, not sure if they still do. The Mandalay Bay Aquarium is pricey, but very cool(like $50 a ticket). Hoover Dam is interesting if you are into that sort of thing. I last went to Vegas in ~2010 and was shocked at how much things had changed since the early 2000s.

The Shark Reef at Mandalay is  more like $20/person.

Check groupon, there are often deals on there for buffets and shows.

Check the coupon books that are all over, you'll see some in the airport.

Do you use Facebook? You can play the myvegas games for free stuff. You won't have time to rack up too much but there have been good deals on there. I recommend cashing in for your rewards before coming to vegas, they seem to offer better rewards when you're redeeming from farther away.
Ya, my girlfriend plays those games, she got some 2 for 1 things for the secret garden and dolphin habitat @ mirage, as well as the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, and Mandalay bay Aquarium, which all will be like $20, and the 2nd ticket will be free. I forgot about Groupon, I'll check it out for sure, and look for coupon books, thanks!

Jeremy E.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2016, 02:28:13 PM »
I've always wanted to go here...

http://www.neonmuseum.org/
Dang, one of my role models is Nikola Tesla, and he invented neon lighting but it seems that this museum has nothing to do with that

Jeremy E.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #11 on: March 11, 2016, 02:29:36 PM »
Check out Red Rock Canyon, go to the first or second pullout and scramble around. Do some hiking back in black velvet, pine creek or other canyons. Hike to the top of Juniper peak or Mt Wilson.

Rent a car and go check out Arizona Hot Springs

My favorite things to do in vegas.
Everyone is saying rental cars are cheap in Vegas... But they are not. Thought about using Turo, but decided it's probably better just to not rent a car, any ways to get there without a rental car?

Jeremy E.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #12 on: March 11, 2016, 02:33:21 PM »
Check out Red Rock Canyon, go to the first or second pullout and scramble around. Do some hiking back in black velvet, pine creek or other canyons. Hike to the top of Juniper peak or Mt Wilson.

Rent a car and go check out Arizona Hot Springs

My favorite things to do in vegas.

the outdoors around vegas is incredible but you would probably need a rental car - but they are cheap.  but on the strip you dont want/need a car.

Fremont street is really cool try to go at dusk to really see the lights.  The cargo-container mall is near there and worth a few block walk.

The nuclear weapons/UFO and pinball machine museums (different places) are also good if you are into those kinds of things.

Check the Bellagio art museum too, they get world class stuff that rotates every few months, not a fan of the hotel it self.

You dont have to break the bank in Vegas but many things do have a 10-20$ admission fee.

drink tons of water constantly.
I don't agree that rental cars are cheap, cheapest option I could find was Turo, but it just didn't seem worth it.
I looked into the nuclear atomic testing museum, hoping that it would have stuff on another one of my role models, Oppenheimer, or at least on the Manhattan Project, but I couldn't find anything, it would probably still be interesting but I might have to pass. If I brought a big water bottle would they let me take it into restaurants? I'll be checking out the Bellagio fountains and botanical gardens, so I'll check out the art museum while I'm there.

Jeremy E.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #13 on: March 11, 2016, 02:35:33 PM »
Yeah, rental cars are cheap in vegas, but you definitely don't want on eon the strip. When I go to vegas I don't go anywhere near the strip, it's a nightmare. I just do not get the appeal...

Even Fremont street gets really old really quickly. If you like airbrushed t-shirts, fat tourists walking around sipping overpriced adult beverages, and old ladies gambling away their pensions then you will love it. If you are like a child and are enamored by bright shiny things then you will have a blast.

+1 for pinball museum, tons of games even though the atmosphere leaves something to be desired

Check out frank's tiki bar for drinks one day, it's fun
I don't agree that rental cars are cheap, but anyways. We are planning on ziplining over Fremont street, hopefully it will be fun. I'm planning on 1 day at Fremont street and the rest of the days on the strip, we won't gamble, just check out all the cool zoos, aquariums, gardens, fountains, everything else in the casinos. I'll check out Franks tiki bar if I can get there without a car.

zoltani

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #14 on: March 11, 2016, 03:12:57 PM »
Holy shit you're right. I must go in off seasons because I can usually get a car for around $12/day. Seems expensive at the moment. If you don't have a car you will be more or less stuck on the strip, getting around in vegas without a car is very difficult or expensive. You'll probably spend $25 each way getting taxi or uber from strip to fremont street. Otherwise you are looking at over an hour of public transit to go the roughly 7 miles.

Frank's Tiki Bar is about a 30 minute walk from fremont street.

BMEPhDinCO

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #15 on: March 11, 2016, 07:09:41 PM »
We just went in Dec - and didn't spend too much.

Tips:
The bus is really cheap (<$10 for 24 hours unlimited use) and it takes you all over - including Fremont Street - and you can get the "tour" by going up to the second deck.  Highly recommend.

Get used to walking - it's a long distance anywhere, bring good shoes (that aren't tourist sneakers).

We did the "lunch specials" at several restaurants that were yummy and inexpensive.  Also, if you go on off-season, you can get into the fancy places no problem and have an app or drink.

Look at the Vegas insider websites for Cir. tickets cheap - or go to a ticket booth when there in the morning. 

We did Hoover Dam last time, it was cool - we got a car for just one day and drove - that was worth it once.

This past time we did the Mob Museum - we recommend this, just give yourself a lot of time (2 hours) to really enjoy it - they have discounts and deals on it online (it's also in Fremont area). 

The zipline in Fremont looks cool, but we saw a lot of people get stuck halfway and have to get rescued - make sure you weigh enough (hint - the buffet first would be good ;-) - and cheaper in Fremont).

Bring the water bottle - and plan on buying drinks, you won't get them cheaper by gambling. 

People watching is free and lots of fun - park yourself (with a cocktail) somewhere central and just enjoy.

Hotstreak

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2016, 08:10:45 PM »
We just went in Dec - and didn't spend too much.

...

Bring the water bottle - and plan on buying drinks, you won't get them cheaper by gambling. 



When I've gone the bartenders have offered a free drink for gambling with $20 at the sit down bars, the ones with the video poker machines right there in the bar.  I drink fast, play slow, wager the minimum and spend half the time talking with my friend instead of playing.  I've lost maybe $3 max for a drink, either a domestic beer or a regular strength Bloody Mary.  Playing slots will get you weak drinks and the server won't come by often, unless you're wagering big.


That being said you should absolutely bring your own drinks.  I like to buy one, so I have a super huge tourist cup to carry around, then drink hard liquor or beer from nearby drug stores.  Get a foam cooler and load it with free ice in the hotel.  Of course there are lots of fun things around town and you don't need to drink to do any of them :).  Have fun!

Parizade

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #17 on: March 12, 2016, 03:49:47 AM »
I've also heard of people getting some cool free stuff from going to timeshare presentations in Vegas, anyone have info on that?

I will be in Vegas the first week of April, and got a deal for 3 nights at a 5 star hotel. My friends will be camping in the Valley of Fire all week (I will join them when I'm not in the hotel) but in exchange for the timeshare tour I got the 3 hotel nights, $200 "spend a night on us" certificate, 2 free dinner tickets and 2 free show tickets. My cost per night will be less than my friends are spending on campsites. Heck of a deal.
How do I do this kind of timeshare tour? I already got my hotel free with points, but everything else sounds sweet

They called me out of the blue based on my business travel history, but this is their website. It looks like you can reach out to them as well:
http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/

AlanStache

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #18 on: March 12, 2016, 07:03:43 AM »
rental cars: checked for early next month and they were like 10$/day, but yeah I have also seen vegas be highly week dependent for prices for hotels too.  all depends on what convention is in town.  cars are also a pain as you have to walk back to them from where ever you wondered. 

remember vegas is big and things can be VERY far away, one place I stayed it was a 20 minute walk from my hotel room to the only restaurant in the hotel. 

south end of the strip is the Shelby muscle car museum, is 'near' the welcome to las vegas sign.

Jeremy E.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #19 on: March 12, 2016, 11:05:50 PM »
rental cars: checked for early next month and they were like 10$/day, but yeah I have also seen vegas be highly week dependent for prices for hotels too.  all depends on what convention is in town.  cars are also a pain as you have to walk back to them from where ever you wondered. 

remember vegas is big and things can be VERY far away, one place I stayed it was a 20 minute walk from my hotel room to the only restaurant in the hotel. 

south end of the strip is the Shelby muscle car museum, is 'near' the welcome to las vegas sign.
You can find a car that says it's $15 per day, but after fees they end up being like $60+ per day

Telecaster

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #20 on: March 13, 2016, 12:08:39 AM »

When I've gone the bartenders have offered a free drink for gambling with $20 at the sit down bars, the ones with the video poker machines right there in the bar.  I drink fast, play slow, wager the minimum and spend half the time talking with my friend instead of playing.  I've lost maybe $3 max for a drink, either a domestic beer or a regular strength Bloody Mary. 

This is my tip as well.  I find slots painfully, brutally, boring, so video poker or some such where at least there is some sort of decision making game is more up my ally.  So sit down at the bar.   Since the bar tender is right there, he'll bring you a drink right away, and keep them coming when they are empty.  Then proceed to play basic strategy with the minimum bet.  Play slow, and ask for top shelf liquor.  You won't drink for free, but you will drink for cheap.

You can do something similar if you can find a low stakes blackjack game.  You might not be able to do this on the Strip, but maybe on Fremont Street.  Play basic strategy, and the cocktail waitresses come around pretty frequently at the tables.  Again, you won't drink for free, but it will be cheaper.   


Jeremy E.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #21 on: March 13, 2016, 07:43:28 AM »

When I've gone the bartenders have offered a free drink for gambling with $20 at the sit down bars, the ones with the video poker machines right there in the bar.  I drink fast, play slow, wager the minimum and spend half the time talking with my friend instead of playing.  I've lost maybe $3 max for a drink, either a domestic beer or a regular strength Bloody Mary. 

This is my tip as well.  I find slots painfully, brutally, boring, so video poker or some such where at least there is some sort of decision making game is more up my ally.  So sit down at the bar.   Since the bar tender is right there, he'll bring you a drink right away, and keep them coming when they are empty.  Then proceed to play basic strategy with the minimum bet.  Play slow, and ask for top shelf liquor.  You won't drink for free, but you will drink for cheap.

You can do something similar if you can find a low stakes blackjack game.  You might not be able to do this on the Strip, but maybe on Fremont Street.  Play basic strategy, and the cocktail waitresses come around pretty frequently at the tables.  Again, you won't drink for free, but it will be cheaper.
I don't plan on gambling so I'll just pay for my drinks

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #22 on: March 13, 2016, 10:33:42 AM »
Just visited a few months back.  A couple of things:

Lyft was having a promotion if you downloaded the app (as a first time user) you got so much in free rides.  The 3 of us did it and it took care of us from the airport, to Fremont, and back to the airport.

Pinball Museum was cool and relatively cheap.  Red Rock Canyon was very interesting.  Would love to do the bike tour but didn't have time.

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #23 on: March 13, 2016, 12:27:46 PM »
I was just there about 3 weeks ago and going again this coming week which is a very crowded time with March Madness.

I too recommend going off the strip to eat and do things. Definitely walk the strip at night and see things but thats about it. Otherwise I too spent a half a day at Red Rock Canyon hiking and i am not a hiker but it made me into one now. You can to it basically at any level you want. Also Red Rock Casino had an absolutely wonderful buffet for $7.99 a person and every food you can think of. You had to sign up for a players card which you could do in line and then just rip up when done but it was really really good.  Walgreens out there had cases of Water for 2.70$ so I snagged 2 of those as others have said you need alot of water. Definitely see downtown at night and Hoover Dam with the newer Pat Tillman Bridge is a fun day just dont park in the first lot they charge 10$ the others are free. Then with a stop for lunch in Boulder I believe its called a really nice quaint town with few restaurant/bar/pubs with fair prices and little shops.

retiringearly

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #24 on: March 14, 2016, 08:50:21 AM »
Check out Groupon or LivingSocial for deals in Vegas.

AlanStache

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Re: In Vegas next week, tips for more savings?
« Reply #25 on: March 14, 2016, 09:25:25 AM »
rental cars: checked for early next month and they were like 10$/day, but yeah I have also seen vegas be highly week dependent for prices for hotels too.  all depends on what convention is in town.  cars are also a pain as you have to walk back to them from where ever you wondered. 

remember vegas is big and things can be VERY far away, one place I stayed it was a 20 minute walk from my hotel room to the only restaurant in the hotel. 

south end of the strip is the Shelby muscle car museum, is 'near' the welcome to las vegas sign.
You can find a car that says it's $15 per day, but after fees they end up being like $60+ per day

Just say no to the up-sell.  Many CC will provide insurance in addition to your normal home car-insurance, use your phones GPS, you dont need AAA, fill the tank before you return it, only have one driver.  I just checked some receipts and in the end the fees/taxes added <50% to the per day price.  All depends on what you want to do and where it is if renting a car is worth it or not.