Originally Posted by
nigelloring
FWIW, I walked down to the street from Bellagio, found a cab waiting at the lights, and offered him $40 to take me to the Rio.
You could have just walked up to any of the guys who handle opening the cab doors for passengers (@ the hotels) ... just approach discreetly and mention you are in a real rush, and here is a $20 for the help --- slip said $20; and you will get the next cab. The cab dude (for lack of a better term) will hold back the next people in line.
FWIW, Vegas is a tip and access city. Tipping or having Elite status at a hotel property will often eliminate or reduce any waiting significantly (for cabs, restaurants, clubs etc. etc. etc.)
Personally, it makes total sense you CANNOT hail a cab on the strip. Cabs can get in real trouble for that --- and imagine the additional chaos if folks were constantly jumping in and out of cabs on an already over congested strip.
Originally Posted by
nigelloring
He was very nice, and offered to take me for just the metered fare, but I gave him the full forty anyway.
FWIW, $35 to $40 is the going casino rate from point to point in and around the Vegas strip. Always store your hotel's VIP services number in your phone. Even if you are NOT a big player, you can always call and request a limo to be sent for pick-up (and charged to your room). Though, you really should give a bit of advance notice (at least 1/2 hour) --- call while having dessert, and the limo will be waiting out front --- works great if you want to time a nice dinner before a show, and not feel rushed to get from property to property.