Las Vegas - A quick question for all you Vegas Experts!

I've been a long time lurker and this board has given me some great tips
& helpful hints. I'd like to pose this question to all the experts, I'm coming to Vegas the weekend of Nov 18 - 20th and it seems that everything is fairly pricey that weekend. I've never stayed in "downtown vegas" before so I thought it would be a great opportunity to check it out.

Now my question is this...I have narrowed my choices down to 3 properties through Travelaxe (2 in downtown and 1 on strip) If you had your drouthers, which one would you pick to stay at; Riviera at $142 (for both nights) Las Vegas Club $131 or Binions at $150.

I'm your typical late twenty-something gambler, probably looking to drop about $500 gambling plus entertainment, drinks, etc. I've been to the new part of the strip, so been there done that and am just looking to maximize my dollars on lodging but want it to be fairly decent.

Any thoughts? Other recommendations?

Thank you very much in advance!
Luke

At least with the Riviera, you are technically on The Strip, and it's a monorail stop. I can't imagine plunking down any money for any kind entertainment in downtown. You don't say what games you play, so I'm not sure if anyone can recommend where to go (downtown or The Strip) for gambling.

My sister and brother-in-law always stay at the Vegas Club when they go to Vegas. They aren't your typical Vegas goers (they spend most of their daylight hours rock climbing), and only need a clean place to sleep and shower.

At least with the Riviera, you are technically on The Strip, and it's a monorail stop. I can't imagine plunking down any money for any kind entertainment in downtown. You don't say what games you play, so I'm not sure if anyone can recommend where to go (downtown or The Strip) for gambling.

.

Thanks for the advice, I'm primarily a blackjack / craps player and have been known to hit the roulette wheel when I want to lose money1 ;-) I guess I'm just trying to evaluate whether Binions/LV CLub "downtown" is worth the money over the Riviera???

Thanks!

Expedia has cheaper rates than what you have posted. Check there. The down town is much less classier. That being said my list is:
Golden Nugget
Four Queens
Plaza

We found the Golden Nugget to be excellent value. We had a rental car and found the hotels on the strip all have free parking, even valet parking for a $2-3 tip so we just drove back and forth.

Our second trip we stayed in a rented condo midway on the strip, about 2-3 block back of the Imperial Palace, which worked out very well.

All other things being equal we'd stay near the strip, but downtown works too.

Take good walking shoes.

I was going to chime in about Golden Nugget but it's on Fremont st. and not really downtown downtown.

Well, to your question about whether Binions/LV Club is a better stay than the Riviera, I would have to say no. I would definitely take the Riviera over Binions/LV Club. The Riviera has a great advantage in that it's a monorail stop and as its on the strip, you can catch the bus for cheap transport to downtown. A great place for casino reviews is: www.cheapovegas.com. Theyr'e a bit tongue-in-cheek, but pretty accurate.

I haven't stayed in either Binions or the LV Club, but I have gambled in both. Binions used to be great for blackjack and craps, but no longer. Since it's been purchased by Harrah's, the gambling has gone downhill. The Craps odds aren't as good as before, and the blackjack rules are terrible - Benny Binion must be rolling in his grave over the 6-5 blackjack games. The Golden Nugget used to have pretty good gambling, but I haven't been there in a while.

For cheap craps with good odds, the Casino Royale is pretty good. $1-2 minimums and 100x odds. Lately, it's been hard to find $5 blackjack tables on the strip on the weekends, and you're more likely to find limits at around $10-15 - a bit high for your bankroll.

For a 20-something guy, I'd suggest heading over to the Hard Rock or Palms if you haven't already been. Those are good places to hang out if you've run low on funds and just want to watch the scenery. What's nice about the Hard Rock is that they'll rate a $5 player, so you have an opportunity to earn comps at the table games. Bear in mind that a $5 player will earn about $1-2 in comps every hour of play, so don't expect them to offer you a suite.

Just so you know, that weekend there is a big comedy festival with some pretty high-powered comedians coming into town, which may explain why the prices are high.

1) Riviera is on the Strip but at the far north. It does not have a monorail stop. You have to walk out the back and across Paradise to the Hilton. I've never stayed there.

2) Golden Nugget is certainly "downtown" downtown. Fremont St. is the heart of downtown. It's the only place downtown I would consider a decent hotel.

QL

If I were still 20 something. Party in Vegas !!!
I would be all over the Palms.
Great place for the younger crowd. Nice hotel. Nice people.
2nd choice. Hard Rock. I still love to go to the pool there
and dream. Took the younger G-Friend this summer.
Had a blast. The Cabana rental is just too much fun !
Getting a little cool for that. I was in town this weekend.
Still nice and warm during the day.

If your on a budget and going to try downtown.
Go to the nugget. It is by far the best of downtown.
But if you like the strip. Downtown can be a bit of a letdown.
Its very rundown and not at all safe in some places.
Dont wander too far off the main drag too late.

Binions has really gone to the way the Rio did.
Harrahs is just a mess. Some people like the service they give.
I think they got it all wrong. We avoid their properties.

bltserv

Golden Nugget is certainly "downtown" downtown. Fremont St. is the heart of downtown. It's the only place downtown I would consider a decent hotel.QL
Totally agree!

Hard Rock. I still love to go to the pool there
and dream.

I'll second that :p

Any thoughts? Other recommendations?

Thank you very much in advance!
Luke

You ought to be able to score tickets to the Rolling Stones at MGM on the 19th. Try eBay.

Riviera isn't a bad value. If you are staying there, I recommend the Monte Carlo Tower. It is not a monorail stop, but you can catch the Strip bus there (if you take the northbound bus, it will take you to Fremont Street). You can also catch the strip-trolley at the Riviera, Circus Circus & Stardust. There is a free shuttle from Stardust to the Hard Rock Hotel found at the south entrance.

One thing you must know about the Riviera--it is definitely an "older crowd".

It may be an older crowd at Riviera, but Vegas is often what you make of it. I'd go for the Strip over downtown if you're hitting similar rates.

Orbitz is currently showing Binion's downtown at $65/day for the weekend, and Lady Luck for $55/day.

You may also want to try Priceline, but with so many hotels having much higher rates than standard you probably won't be able to get any good rates there.

You ought to be able to score tickets to the Rolling Stones at MGM on the 19th. Try eBay.

Try scalpers at the door. I've gotten into shows for pennies on the dollar. If a rent a cop stops you, say (with a smile) I'm just waiting for my a-hole friend to show up for the tickets. I've done this for Paul McCartney, Robin Williams, Roling Stones, U2, Aerosmith, Rush, Roger Waters.

Binions has really gone to the way the Rio did.
Harrahs is just a mess. Some people like the service they give.
I think they got it all wrong. We avoid their properties.


Binions is not part of Harrah's. Harrah's bought the rights to the Horseshoe and World Series of Poker trademarks. Binion's hotel is operated by MTR Gaming.

QL

I would suggest either the plaza four queens or golden nugget in that order from cheapest to more expensive. Comps are great at queens and plaza
check out this website and click on the hotels, there is a review on each. When you finally decide to book, use the hotels wesite and get a price, then call the hotel and try to negotiate a bit from there. Tell them you are down to two choices, theres and one other and tell them the name

check the site out

http://www.cheapovegas.com/vegas_map.php?map=downtown

Vegas deals are all about negotating there are more than 150000 rooms for rent each night in vegas so competition is fierce. I got a deluxe room with two queens a fridge and good view in march of 2006 at the plaza non smoking for four people for 44 a night for 5 nights

I was going to chime in about Golden Nugget but it's on Fremont st. and not really downtown downtown.
I'm sorry-but why would you say that?Golden Nugget is definatly in "downtown"Las Vegas.The civic center is a block away.
I like the golden nugget,but I am not a big fan of any of the "downtown"hotels.I have stayed at Binions,The Golden Nugget,Four Queens,The Plaza and MainStreet Station.Of these first choice would be Golden Nugget,second Main Street Station.
Check the casinos websites to see if you can do better on the price.

Try scalpers at the door. I've gotten into shows for pennies on the dollar. If a rent a cop stops you, say (with a smile) I'm just waiting for my a-hole friend to show up for the tickets. I've done this for Paul McCartney, Robin Williams, Roling Stones, U2, Aerosmith, Rush, Roger Waters.

Security might say something for hanging out near the door?

I'm sorry-but why would you say that?Golden Nugget is definatly in "downtown"Las Vegas.The civic center is a block away.
I like the golden nugget,but I am not a big fan of any of the "downtown"hotels.I have stayed at Binions,The Golden Nugget,Four Queens,The Plaza and MainStreet Station.Of these first choice would be Golden Nugget,second Main Street Station.
Check the casinos websites to see if you can do better on the price.

Somehow, I don't really connect Fremont St. with downtown. I mean Fremont St. is just it's own island. :confused:

Security might say something for hanging out near the door?


The Grand Garden is at the back of the property. There is 15k people making their way through one big hallway, that also hosts a food court, shops, and several restruants. They won't notice a thing. Plus it is not illegial (As long as it is under face value) Out of the countless times I've done this, I was asked once why I was hanging around. I quickly responded (in a joking tone of voice) "My a-hole friend hasn't showed up yet and he has the tickets) The guard laughed, said have a good night, and went on his way.

There are also a lot of comps out there. The people that have them don't want to go to the show, and to make some $$$ from the deal.

Just to paint you a picture of what I have done

2 Paul McCartney tickets for $100 (face value $500)
3 Robin Wiliams tickets for $80 (face value $300)
2 Aerosmith tickets for $50 (face $160)
2 Roger Waters tickets for $17 (Face $70)
2 Rush tickets, right next to the stage, for $120 (face $200)
2 Aerosmith tickets, in the Joint, a 1500 seat venue for $200 (face $400)
2 Springsteen tickets, $10 face $200+ (I forget the exact ammount, a friend did this one, not me)
1 Rush ticket (different show) $20, face $90
1 U2 ticket $100 ($200 face)

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Just don't be the first person to say a #. If the scalper says face, offer him half, and so on.

If you still don't want to play that game, try the box office the morning and the afternoon of the show. Often times once the stage is setup they will release the final seats. These are often very close to the stage. Also the casino will release the previosly held back comp seats for sale.

I'm coming to Vegas the weekend of Nov 18 - 20th and it seems that everything is fairly pricey that weekend.
Yeah, that is a busy weekend for some reason. I called for reservations at Paris yesterday, and it was a bit of a production to get a couple nights comped.

If you still don't want to play that game, try the box office the morning and the afternoon of the show. Often times once the stage is setup they will release the final seats. These are often very close to the stage. Also the casino will release the previosly held back comp seats for sale.

If you are able to give the MGM some play that morning or afternoon, and I am talking at least $25 action for at least an hour or so, you could casually mention to the pit boss how much you love the Stones and you wish you could go to the show. You never know what could happen.

If you are able to give the MGM some play that morning or afternoon, and I am talking at least $25 action for at least an hour or so, you could casually mention to the pit boss how much you love the Stones and you wish you could go to the show. You never know what could happen.

You have to play much longer then that, for more than a quarter a hand.

You have to play much longer then that, for more than a quarter a hand.

I'm not talking about regular comps. I'm talking about the possibility that they might have a handle on, at the very least, casino-block seats they might be willing to sell for face value (which would be much better quality seats than those released the same day at the B/O, and would cost the casino nothing to let you buy).

I'm not talking about regular comps. I'm talking about the possibility that they might have a handle on, at the very least, casino-block seats they might be willing to sell for face value (which would be much better quality seats than those released the same day at the B/O, and would cost the casino nothing to let you buy).

Ahh I got you. Those tickets come from the same pool. Best bet is 2pm. The stage should be finished by then. Those seats can will be real close to the stage or the sound board. Sometimes comps aren't the greatest seats. Another thing to do if trying to by from someone at the door is call one of the many ticket brokers the afternoon of the show. They will probably sell you at face value then. (These stores are licensed and bonded)


A little OT here but years ago Tyson was fighting.

8am message sent out to Employes. "Tickets still avaiable, you are free to buy"

Noon "Buy one get one free. Any seats"

4pm "Please come for free"

First off, I would like to thank everyone for responding to my questions. Honestly, I feel everyone gave me excellent suggestions and all had very valid points, thanks again!

Now...for the update (for those of you who care) I took everyone's advice and tried to book the Riviera yesterday at the rate Travelaxe (www.hotelclub.com) quoted me of $70 a night, unfortunately (or predictably) when I finally decided to pull the trigger the room rates had now doubled to $160 a night. Plus, to further complicate issues, both the rates of Binions and LV Club had also increased. ahhhgggg

Well, I tried one last time and scoured the internet for a decent rate. The best I came up with was...... the Casino Royale for $91 a night. Now, I'm fairly certain that this property is pretty much a dump, but I guess when you get desperate Vegas will eventually get you! :)

Thanks again and happy hunting!
-Lou

The best I came up with was...... the Casino Royale for $91 a night.

One thing about Las Vegas is one doesn't spend allot of time in the hotel room except for 2-3 hours of sleep. ;)

One thing about Las Vegas is one doesn't spend allot of time in the hotel room except for 2-3 hours of sleep. ;)

You sleep when you're in Vegas? ;)

Well, I tried one last time and scoured the internet for a decent rate. The best I came up with was...... the Casino Royale for $91 a night. Now, I'm fairly certain that this property is pretty much a dump, but I guess when you get desperate Vegas will eventually get you! :)

Thanks again and happy hunting!
-Lou

CheapoVegas agrees with you, but notes that at least the property is convenient to mid-strip, so Mirage, Ceasars, Venetian, Paris, and Bellagio are close.

If you're staying through Sunday night, you could book CR for Friday night and Aladdin for Sat and Sun night ($149 and $49) on the CEARLY promo. Explained in this thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=475270

Somehow, I don't really connect Fremont St. with downtown. I mean Fremont St. is just it's own island. :confused:


Folks?

For those of you that think Fremont St. is not downtown?
IT IS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA !!!!!! Our city and county
municipality buildings are all located right there. Where do you think
most people go for lunch? You got it? Right next door known as
Fremont Street. Though I don`t think to many of us go and wait
in line for the "Fried Twinkies". Anyone out there has indulged in that
unusual delicacy? Any reviews?

Aruba H & S - $134
Golden Gate - "
Emerald Suites - Tropicana - $150

From what I gather from searching, most of the search groups will show
"NOT AVAILABLE" long before a hotel is actually booked up. So, you have to
search directly with the likely ones. It's so close to arrival, that you can't find much. Were you to do some searches, say, 3 weeks in the future you could get an idea of overall price range and the Fri. Sat. surcharge deal. Then check with those picks directly right now. You may have already known all this and much more. Looks like at this stage the quoted rates
are sky high which means the bookings are very solid.




and much more