http://www.flyertalk.com/forum en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:36:33 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.flyertalk.com/forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1019160-thanksgiving-dining.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:12:36 GMT We'll be in Vegas for the Thanksgiving weekend. Any locals have a great idea for dinner on Thanksgiving Day? ]]> Las Vegas Kwaj girl http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1019160-thanksgiving-dining.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1018712-verandah-4s.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:21:39 GMT I've seen good reviews for breakfast/brunch -- anyone eaten dinner there? ]]> Las Vegas Yahtzee http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1018712-verandah-4s.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1017512-recent-avi-stay.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:27:27 GMT I just wanted to share. Okay this is in Laughlin...but near enough to Vegas to be a good drop out alternative. The AVI is not too near all the other hotels in Laughlin. Coming from Vegas, you turn off toward Needles and travel several miles... I just wanted to share.

Okay this is in Laughlin...but near enough to Vegas to be a good drop out alternative. The AVI is not too near all the other hotels in Laughlin. Coming from Vegas, you turn off toward Needles and travel several miles before turning back toward the river. The AVI is an Indian Resort and Casino. It has a lot to offer. This was our first stay.

We wrote ahead of our both celebrating our 65th birthdays (medicare, social security and permanent retirement). Our letter was acknowledged by management and were we upgraded to the top floor of the Beach wing overlooking the pool and the river. The cost of our stay was $25 Thursday and $63 Friday (11-12/11-14), or $98.50 total with tax. No resort fee or extras.

The room was large, but simply appointed, K-NS. A big picture window gave us a nice view of the pool area, the private beach, the docks, the race track and the river. (room 6216). The bathroom was also large with plenty of counter space and water pressure.

The food opportunities were great. Thursday night they offered the buffet for 1/2 price, that is $10.99 for 2!!! We did not take this opportunity as the wait was over an hour starting at 3pm (lots of locals?). The Italian place was offering choice of 4 pastas, 4 sauces, salad and a glass of wine for $6.99 each! We did that one! I was impressed. Not only a bargain, but excellent service, good food, nice music...a bit too modest of wine, but they are in business. We ate there the next night also. That night we had the featured special for 2, at $30. This included an appetizer each (we had fried mozzarella and modest salad, a steak with shrimp sauce (and mini shrimp) vegetables and angel hair pasta, a fancy dessert and a glass of wine (we both ordered the same thing). Other entrees included halibut incrusted with mash potatoes and nuts or chicken breast fancied up. This too was an excellent and filling meal. Service was again very good. Note the buffet was full price tonight and the wait was more like 5-10 minutes. The AVI also has a coffee shop and a fine dining steak and seafood dining room too. An enclosed bar seems to have nightly live entertainment.

The pool at the AVI was well attended, but not crowded. A large pool is split between adults only and children only. A separate pool (not labled) also was available with water guns. The hot tub is peanut shaped, and perhaps 25 feet long. Handles many people without being too close. The munchies and bar were closed and there was no waitstaff nor was there a lifeguard. Towels were available on a help yourself basis. Music was provided and pleasant (it also discourages others from bring their own). The pool area is key protected and open until 10 pm. Restrooms are also available.

The beach club was closed for the season (reopens in May). The beach was still open. AVI has a large sandy beach with thatched huts for shade. They also have a boat lounch, dock, lawn area and walk way. Being right on the river and with a beach is quite an exclusive thing.

I cannot begin to explain the "car" racing at the AVI, or next door? We walked over to check it out. Small doonebuggy type cars, fueled by high tech fuels and followed by a small wheel on a long bar behind, line up in pairs to race down a track which does not seem to be more that 50 yards. Staging lights, timing lights, bleachers for 100's (but only a few were in the stands). Rooster tails of dirt flew up behind the vehicles as they raced. It was really loud. From our room we could watch from a distance, without all the noise. 100's of people, came trucks and trailers in tow transporting their racer. These people were really serious about the racing. Graders redid the starting area and track after every few races.

There was a "swap meet" on the other side of the hotel. Mostly new stuff and lots of jewelry. About 35 vendors. They have a 6 plex theatre. On Saturday, as we were leaving they were having a special two days which included square dancing, pig races, booths, foods etc outside on the lawn.

The AVI just seemed like a really nice place to stay for a few days. Oh, yes they also have full gaming, lots of parking, and reasonable prices. The employees are very well trained. Besides the hotel, there is a fully improved RV park and an unimproved, but free parking area for others with RV's trucks, trailers and boats. ]]> Las Vegas ranles http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1017512-recent-avi-stay.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1017482-recent-luxor-stay.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:32:51 GMT Recent stay at Luxor, some random notes that may be useful. 11-08/11-12 (4 nts). $40/nt or $228.24 total (10.95 resort fee and 1.31 added to that without explaination, plus 4.80nt tax). Resort fee included 2 daily 12 ounces of water and unlimited... Recent stay at Luxor, some random notes that may be useful. 11-08/11-12 (4 nts). $40/nt or $228.24 total (10.95 resort fee and 1.31 added to that without explaination, plus 4.80nt tax). Resort fee included 2 daily 12 ounces of water and unlimited phone calls. This is the cheapest room available, Deluxe Pyramid. We have stayed here before in similar (only higher floor) and found it satisfactory both times. Better rooms and suites are available in the West wing.

Check in time is 4 pm, but 11 am seemed fine without any extra charge. We sent a letter telling of our celebration (no response, upgrade or acknowledgment). Room overlooking the pool, which was basically empty during our stay 20-30people at any one time tops. Weather was in the high 70's. Only one pool was open, the rest were roped off. There was a lifeguard each day, but not always a server. Food/bar often closed.

Invited to a welcome reception in the Aurora lounge. Printed material offered champagne and munchies (only one half glass of champagne each and enough munchies for 6 people with 150 people present!). Program is basically a sales pitch to join their gambling club, go to the dining places, see the shows and visit the spas. Mini presentations were made (no hard sell). A couple specials were announced, but not much of a deal (some were NOT as good as the one's in the giveaway magazines on the street!). IF you go ask the appropriate person (they have a sign for their department) about discounts after the presentations, better deals are available. They did have 50% off Criss Angel's Believe show. This brought the price of $59 (cheapest), basically the last 3 rows to $29.50 plus tax on each.

We bought our ticket early am and attended the 7pm show (there is also one at 9:30pm). As we bought early, we were upgraded one grouping. The show was very popular with the bulk of the audience (cult people). I just found it loud and unskilled. Most the "magic" was preceded by lots of set up awkwardly done in front of us, telltale distraction, loud noises and smoke and/or blasts. The Fantasy Show, attended last visit was more professional and entertaining. We have not seen Carrot Top or Menopause: The Musical, their other shows. Luxor also has a Titanic display and a Bodies exhibit.

Parking is a breeze at these levels of occupancy. We did not dine at any of the Luxor dining places. The one buffet we attended was at the Rio, which was the same price as the Luxor, less a $5 each discount. We did have a pizza from Little Caesars Pizza (food court) which we enhanced with a bottle of wine from home. Same for Quiznos one night with our wine. We had breakfast twice at McDonalds in the food court. They also have a Nathans ($5 hotdog!), Swensons ($4 scoop of ice cream) and a Starbucks. Naturally, they have several sitdown dining options as well. We came to drop out, not to dress up. ]]> Las Vegas ranles http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1017482-recent-luxor-stay.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1016999-tired-harrahs-going-mgm-mirage.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:43:54 GMT I havent been to LAS in a while, due to the birth of our first child, but am heading back in January. Harrahs, Caesars specifically, completely forgot who I was. I was never a huge gambler, but played enough to get limo rides to the hotel, a Casino... I havent been to LAS in a while, due to the birth of our first child, but am heading back in January. Harrahs, Caesars specifically, completely forgot who I was. I was never a huge gambler, but played enough to get limo rides to the hotel, a Casino Rate on the room, etc. When I called up to arrange my trip they didnt even want to help me, I was quite surprised, but due to this they are losing my play. I have decided to move to the MGM Mirage world, but want to know the best way to make this trasition.. should I call them up and let them know my history? Should I wait until I get there and play some. Any thoughts or ideas will be helpful. Thanks! ]]> Las Vegas JLM_USAIR http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1016999-tired-harrahs-going-mgm-mirage.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1016377-vegas-show-tickets.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:18:26 GMT My first post - I've looked on line for discounted show tickets and there seems to be a wide range of prices for the same seats in the same show depending on the site. Which do you experts think is the BEST and cheapset way to get tickets. Thanks ]]> Las Vegas danola http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1016377-vegas-show-tickets.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1016079-weekend.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:22:14 GMT For the past several months (longer actually), rates at LAS hotels have been pretty cheap on weekends (the econonmy, I know:( ). Quite awhile ago I made plans for a quick M/R to LAS for this weekend -- got a good rate at Westin etc. Checking... For the past several months (longer actually), rates at LAS hotels have been pretty cheap on weekends (the econonmy, I know:( ). Quite awhile ago I made plans for a quick M/R to LAS for this weekend -- got a good rate at Westin etc. Checking today, I see most hotels are sold out, or offering very hight rates for 11/13-16. Whats going on in town ? or is this the turnaround Vegas has been waiting for ? ]]> Las Vegas mauld http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1016079-weekend.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1015764-le-reve-beatles-love-connection-time.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:16:10 GMT Will a 7 PM show of Le Reve at the Wynn end early enough make the 9:30 PM performance of Love at the Mirage? Based on Le Reve having a stated running time of 75 minutes and its second show at 9:30, it would seem making the short walk from the... Will a 7 PM show of Le Reve at the Wynn end early enough make the 9:30 PM performance of Love at the Mirage?

Based on Le Reve having a stated running time of 75 minutes and its second show at 9:30, it would seem making the short walk from the Wynn to Mirage would mean no problem, but just wanted to get the opinion of someone who may have been-there-done-that. ]]> Las Vegas jmd001 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1015764-le-reve-beatles-love-connection-time.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1015586-las-vegas-newbie-booking-via-funjet-continental.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:02:06 GMT Hello all, I've never been to Vegas and my girlfriend and I are going to take a trip in January.

I've been looking at the Funjet.com and Continental.com vacation packages. Perhaps some of you seasoned vets can help point me in the right direction.

The average proce for these sites range between $800-$1000 depending on the hotel (flight & room included).

The one place I seem to be leaning towards is The Luxor. But I'm starting to go into paralysis by analysis from looking at all the hotels and reviews on them.

What hotel do you recommend?

1. Has anyone here ever used these sites (or any other site like Priceline, Travelocity, etc) for a trip?

2. What about booking a flight/room deal through the hotel?

Any and all information is appreciated. ]]> Las Vegas RockyBalboa http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1015586-las-vegas-newbie-booking-via-funjet-continental.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1015210-most-picturesque-private-romantic-spot-vegas.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:02:43 GMT I'm meeting up with an old lover/friend that I haven't seen in 5 years. We're meeting in vegas. I want to find a place that is beautiful and quiet, where we could possibly get drinks/dinner after. He is a closeted gay man so like I said, somewhere he would feel comfortable hugging/kissing without many people watching us. We only have 3 days together and I want to make the most of it. :) ]]> Las Vegas 0asis12 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1015210-most-picturesque-private-romantic-spot-vegas.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1015161-off-beat-things-do.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:07:25 GMT Hey Gang, We are arriving in Vegas on Saturday for five days.... and have done most of the major shows and attractions. We are looking for some different things to do. A few we have right now: Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing... Hey Gang,

We are arriving in Vegas on Saturday for five days.... and have done most of the major shows and attractions.

We are looking for some different things to do.

A few we have right now:

Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing
King Putt Blacklight Golf yes kids at heart... :)

Anyone with any experience with either of these?

Also, any other recommendation for the time we are there?

We are staying downtown... but not limited to things there.

Thanks in advance. ]]> Las Vegas wharvey http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1015161-off-beat-things-do.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1014335-bette-midler-ending-run-caesars-january-31-a.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:34:25 GMT As per this article (http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS205222+05-Nov-2009+PRN20091105), Bette Midler will give her final performance at Caesars on January 31. The article makes it sound like the happy end to a happy time, however... As per this article, Bette Midler will give her final performance at Caesars on January 31.

The article makes it sound like the happy end to a happy time, however the local news reported that ticket sales have been slow, and that Bette has not exactly been a team player when it comes to local charity events and other activities in Las Vegas.

So if you want to see her before she leaves, order those tickets soon. ]]> Las Vegas DMark http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1014335-bette-midler-ending-run-caesars-january-31-a.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1013734-tip-refused.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:33:44 GMT I was waiting on the line for at the omelet station at the Paris casino, the man in front of me asked the omelet man where he should leave his tip, his response was that he wasn't supposed to accept tips, he suggested he leave the waitress an extra tip that he would have received.
In general I feel that the suggested tips which are listed in various LV publications stretch tipping to the extreme--but I have never noticed a tip being refused. ]]> Las Vegas nrr http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1013734-tip-refused.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1013529-approaching-las-east-what-am-i-seeing-phl-las.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:35:31 GMT I've been to Vegas now numerous times. However, everytime I fly from PHL to LAS I'm left wondering what I'm flying over druing the last hour or so. I know that it's mostly desert, but there is what appears from high up to be a river that runs for miles. It sort of looks like a bunch of canyons. Anyone know what it is that you fly over during this flight? Also anything else to look for on this flight as I will be leaving for LAS tomorrow? ]]> Las Vegas skedmo7 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1013529-approaching-las-east-what-am-i-seeing-phl-las.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1012015-advice-licensed-massage-therapist-las-vegas.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:28:48 GMT I know lots of you like to get massages on your vegas vacations so I thought this would be a great opportunity to offer some advice and if anyone has any further questions please feel free to ask away!

I work for a 5 star resort and I'm also independent with my own business license etc.

I would like to go through the differences in services that may help you decide where and who does your next relaxing massage.

Hotels offer many benefits like an opportunity to use amenities included with your massage (i.e. the gym, hot and dry sauna, jacuzzi, roman tub, mineral baths, snow rooms, etc.) Believe me I've been to them all and they are a great way to spend a day if you have nothing else planned. As a female, if I have things like sightseeing to do later on, I suggest a massage close to when you wake up or before bed, massage oil/lotion can get in your hair (esp if you want a scalp massage like I do). Then I have enough time to use the shower and get ready for my day.
If I have NOTHING to do all day but relax, the hotel is the way to go merely because of all the extra perks.
Downfall: when you think you're getting an hour, it's really 50 minutes, because they schedule people so tightly, they need 5 min to pick you up from the lounge and walk you to the room, then 5 min at the end to kick you out so they can change the sheets and clean the room for the next person.
Sometimes the spa is so busy you are waiting in the lounge with 30 other women or men in their robes, and it feels like a cattle call.

Independent Massage Therapists give you the luxury of coming to you. It is not lawful for you to go to them (i.e. their home) unless they rent commercial space. Legally they cannot be open past 9pm unless it is a chair massage only, which requires you to keep your clothing on. ***Any massage place that's open 24 hours is not legit massage, and is shady, mostly employing illegal immigrants from asia. Someone's paying off someone and it's a sad corrupt piece of vegas that should be changed but is overlooked (on purpose).***
They (LMT's) can come to your house, business, hotel room etc. You can also negotiate time and price (although it is a bit insulting to negotiate price), if you pay for the hour, you usually get the full hour, not the 45-50 minute thing that hotel spas stick you with.
When you look for one, I highly suggest looking on the www.AMTA.com website for independent therapists in the area. AMTA is the american massage therapy association and if they are members, this means they are insured and completely professional. If you look on craigslist or backpage for example, if you do not see the word "licensed" in the title, it's probably not a legit therapist.
PLEASE NOTE it is unlawful and rude to ask a therapist for a "happy ending"/"release" or however you want to call it. This can land you in jail OR better yet, when I am asked for this I leave right away, with the money, and my things. If I feel too unsafe, I leave without my things and come back with the police to get my things.
If you are at a hotel or timeshare spa, please also do not go in with the intention of any sexual behavior, management will call security, who will call the police, who will fill out reports against you for sexual something or other and it'll be on your record and you get to pay fines. fun fun. Plus it kind of ruins the rest of the day, it's not fun being asked to do something disgusting when you are a professional.

All in all, the better bang for your buck if you're looking for a great legit massage is to find a LMT LICENSED massage therapist. You get a longer massage for around $80 for an hour and sometimes $90-$100 for 90 minutes (hotels are normally $149 for 50 minutes and up).

P.S. Hotels can hire people right out of school, so they don't need to have their National Certification to start working for them right away since they work under the hotel's license, but and Independent LMT is required by law to have that, plus FBI background check, plus fingerprints, plus apply for a business license, plus be insured. You can be assured the person is legit and professional, and probably more knowledgeable about the field.

***Make sure you always tip at least $10 no matter if you decide on the hotel or an independent therapist. I know lots of hotels say gratuity is included, but it's not. ***


SPECIAL NOTE TO EUROPEANS:::::::
I know you guys don't tip in Europe, but when you come to the states you must. Minimum wage is $6 in nevada and these people rely on tips to pay their bills and feed their kids. Nevada does not have the amazing government programs to help hardworking people get food or any other help like Europe does.... and liberal states like California. The reason for the low wage is because it's a tipping town.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I'll be happy to answer anything or clarify anything.


My next post will be about using Las Vegas Valet's (since I was one as well) ]]> Las Vegas 1312AvEK http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/las-vegas/1012015-advice-licensed-massage-therapist-las-vegas.html