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kimberlyrana asked on 10/26/05
We are booked in the Casino Suite at the
stratosphere. It states it has a ‘spa tub’. Does that mean its a jacuzzi?
Also , if you know, what is the difference between the Casino Suite , the Executive Suite & the Tower Suite. They were all the same price. Mostly we want a nice jacuzzi and a sofa bed. This is the only hotel with a ‘Jacuzzi suite’ we could find with a sofa bed.
Thanks! Your site is awesome!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, it means a Jacuzzi-like tub. Jacuzzi is a trademarked product, so unless the tub comes from them, it can’t be called that. For details on the rooms specifics, I would recommend the Strat’s Web site at this address. Lots of details.
emilypaul asked on 10/26/05
Have a question about the etiquettes of handing a maitre’d a tip…do we do this when we check in? Or when we are being escorted to out table? Last time we were at Nobu, we had a horrible table – I couldn’t even got out without having the entire table picked up and moved! I am thinking that a strategically placed $20 bill would have made the situation a little better…Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I would probably do this when you arrive as many spots now allocate tables via computer – it can be hard to change when you’re on your way out to the floor.
zapien asked on 10/25/05
I would like to send my sons to vegas they are 18 are there clubs for 18 & over and if so which do you suggest? Rather nice dance clubs or were they are more likely to enjoy them selfs.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
18-21 is probably the worst age group to visit Las Vegas. Too old for the rides and amusement parks to be any fun and not old enough to drink or gamble. All of the popular nightclubs and lounges are 21+. There are a few strip (dancing, not LV Strip) clubs that are 18+. They don’t serve alcohol. At this age they can’t even be on the casino floor and many hotels won’t rent them a room. So, as someone who visited LV several times in that age range, I don’t recommend it.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 10/24/05
You answered a question I had about the elevators at Wynn, I was wondering, might you have more information on some of the choices the design team made on the elevators, thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sorry, not sure what you mean specifically. There are two sets of guest elevators, the main resort tower and the suite tower area. The suite tower elevators are a bit small for my liking. The elevators themselves are a nice design, meant to invoke older, stately elevators.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 10/23/05
Hi Hunter, I have booked a Tower Suites Room for Dec. and I was wondering, when we arrive at the airport, where should we tell the driver to take us? Will he/she know what we mean by the South Gate? Is there anything else we should know about the Tower Suties section?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The driver should know, yes… You might have to reference the ‘Sands’ entrance… Other than all of the other coverage on Wynn, nothing else springs to mind.
jjjj asked on 10/23/05
Hi! I’m going for the first time 11/20 and am having a hard time deciding where to stay. I’m considering mirage since I like the pool and the gardens but I’d like to know if it’s still under renovation. if not mirage, I’m condering Bellagio or something like that, my priorities are good location and lots to do in hotel grounds. Do you have any other suggestions I should consider. Also, since I’m going to be there during the week not weekened, do you think that I should still make reservations for the big fancy restaurants in advance, or will I be able to wing it?. thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Various parts of The Mirage are being renovated through the middle of next year. This primarily means that certain restaurants are off-line as they are replaced. If you’re also considering Bellagio, take a look at Wynn Las Vegas. I think it is the best hotel in the city. It’s got all the high end luxury of a place like Bellagio but on a much more intimate scale. Bellagio is also a fine choice and the construction at The Mirage may not bother you. Those three hotels are top picks. THEHotel at Mandalay Bay is also a solid choice, the main downside being its location – very far South. I would rank my choices: 1. Wynn Las Vegas 2. The Mirage (even with renovation) 3. Bellagio 4. THEHotel at Mandalay Bay 5. Paris Las Vegas
mch1850 asked on 10/23/05
Looking for a suggestion for a lounge that caters primarily to those in their 40’s and 50’s. Don’t want to get stuck in a kiddie place. Looking for music..70’s oldies etc. Will be staying at the Wynn so close proximity would be great.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Wynn’s ‘Parasol Up’ and ‘Parasol Down’ can be good choices, but word on the street is that the live music is going away. Bellagio’s Fontana Lounge is a great spot for exactly what you describe. We’ve covered this before and have some good suggestions in the archives. Use the search box at the top of the page and search for: lounge.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 10/20/05
Hunter, has there been any news on the Le Bete renaming and revampment? Thanks alot.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Not really, no. There was an article not too long ago that talked about the process a bit but I can’t find it. As we get more info, we’ll post it on the blog.
Iain asked on 10/20/05
Hi,
I’m visiting in November, can you recommend a good Mexican place to eat, it doen’t have to be in the hotels. This is our 5th visit and evry year we try to find a good steakhouse, the best we have experienced so far is Circus Circus, can you recommend better? We thought maybe the Samba Brazilian in The Mirage?
Many Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Circus Circus does have a great steakhouse, yes. Samba is good but not at all like a traditional steakhouse. That place will fill you up though – the food just keeps coming! In my opinion, the best steakhouses are SW at Wynn and Delmonico at the Venetian. As far as Mexican food goes, I would give Isla at TI a try. We really enjoyed our meal there.
shazel asked on 10/20/05
The Bellagio Concierge offered to arange our show tickets. Is it better to get them myself or have her do it. which is cheaper and better/
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
You should probably tip the concierge but other than that, I wouldn’t expect a charge. This is just a service of the hotel… Sometimes these folks can get better seats for events than the average joe can.
shazel asked on 10/20/05
We are thinking of getting married at Graceland Chapel. One reason is I read you can take pictures there also my fiance is a big Elvis fan and likes the name of the Chapel and that Elvis will sing. What do you know about this chapel and or do you recommend somewhere else?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sounds like a pretty good match based on what you’re looking for. I’ve never been to a wedding here but the place is run professionally, which is nice.
shazel asked on 10/20/05
we are going to be on our Honeymoon in Vegas during valentines staying at the Bellagio. Where would be the best place on Valentines to have dinner. Nothing to stuffy. Somewhere Romantic and fun.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
At Bellagio I would look at Prime (steakhouse, perhaps a little bit stuffy), Circo (Italian) or Le Cirque (Italian). Picasso and Jasmine are also excellent but they are a bit stuffy.
shazel asked on 10/20/05
For our Honeymoon Valentines week we are booked at the Bellagio in a Salone lakeview Suite. I am thinking of changing to the Venitain to the Pallazo Coinage Suite for the same price around $425. Which would be better. And is this price to high?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I’d stick with Bellagio. I am not a fan of the Venetian. If you’re looking around, check out Wynn Las Vegas, which has fantastic rooms.
shazel asked on 10/20/05
We are going to Vegas for our wedding/ Honeymoon Feb 12-19. We are booked at the Ballagio Salone lakeview Suite for $425 and on a wait list for the Ballagio Suite. They offered us a Tower partial Bellagio Suite for $75 more than the Salone Lakeview. Are these prices to high and should I keep the Salone Lakeview?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The partial sounds like it is in the Spa Tower… Those rooms are 11 months old, which some folks like. The Salone Suites are pretty cool. They have jacuzzi tubs with windows that are nice to relax in. They are located at the corner of each tower wing so they are a bit of a walk. You might also ask about the Cypress Suites. Not on the Web site but they are located at the dead center of the lake side of the main tower.
MikeK asked on 10/17/05
Hunter,
I’ve recently booked at 4 night stay at the MGM Grand (Bungalow Suite). We’re arriving on a Saturday. Should we use the check-in at the airport or do we have a better shot at a good location within the hotel by checking in at the property? Any additional info on the Bungalow Suites outside of what they list on the wbsite?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Typically better rooms are doled out on property vs. airport check-in. Regarding the suite, what do you want to know? The site covers most of the details but do you have a specific question?
deville0202 asked on 10/16/05
Hi Hunter, I’ll be in Vegas in the next few weeks and I need to get a birthday cake. Can you recommend some good bakerys on or near the strip
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
One thing you might try is to see if your hotel will bake the cake for you. Some hotels like Bellagio, Wynn, MGM Grand and The Mirage have excellent in-house bakeries. There is a bakery called Freed’s not far from the Strip. Check out their site here.
maggiepaul asked on 10/14/05
Hi, This will be our 3rd trip to Vegas in 2 years. We will be staying at Ceasars Palace this time, (probably a mistake-I get the impression it will be a little too rich for our blood) can you tell me if the beds are comfortable? First time at the Luxor it was like sleeping on a bed of nails. Paris hotel beds were better, but still had a hard time sleeping.
Also, if it is busy around U.S. Thanksgiving, why are the room rates so much cheaper?
Thanks, and great site you have here!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The quality of the beds (and the whole room) depends a lot on which tower you are in. The Augustus and Palace Towers are the newest and have the nicest amenities. The older towers have nice beds as well, but they aren’t quite as new and they didn’t spend quite as much $$‘s on the furnishings in the last remodel. Still, it’s not like the beds are bad. The best beds in Vegas are the Bellagio and Wynn, hands down. Great beds, you’ll never sleep so well. Vegas is popular over Thanksgiving but mid-week rates drop since the conventioneers go home and they jack up the rates Sun-Thu.
otamadn asked on 10/12/05
What is the name and phone# of the 1/2 price show tickets by the giant Coke bottle? thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Tix2Nite – (888) 4-TIX2NITE
rjudge8005 asked on 10/12/05
I’m a vegas veteran who is trying to minimize the amount of money i am spending on cab fare.I know some hotels offer shuttles to other properties that are off the strip. I was at the San Remo and they had a shuttle that took you out to Sam’s town. Is there any where to find a complete listing of what hotels offer shuttle service to other hotels? In particular i’m wondering if there is a free shuttle which will take to The Green Valley Ranch.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I’ve had this question a few times in the past. If you search for ‘shuttle’ in the search form at the top of the page, you will see several helpful postings.
pliddy asked on 10/11/05
Hi Hunter
After several trips to Vegas I’m ready to take the next step and contact a host. It’s my good friend’s stag and I will be bringing 10 guys with me, I’m a $10/ a hand for 6 hours a day kind a guy + 4-6 hours poker and most in my party will be about the same. What is the best way to make initial contact with a host and where do we have the best chance to get a decent offer-not expecting RFB, just a decent room rate (<$75 Sun-Thurs)
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Unless you already have a name, the best way to get a host is to just call the casino’s main number and ask for one. Now, you may not ultimately like who you get but you can shop around on your first trip – before you cement a relationship… As far as where to call, here are some suggestions: The Mirage, TI, Paris, Ballys, Luxor and MGM Grand. Explain your plan and see what they offer. If you’re bold, you can even play them off of each other.
pliddy asked on 10/11/05
I am looking at buying some poker supplies on my next trip-good quality chips, a shoe mayby an auto shuffler. I have heard there is a casino “super store”. Have you heard of it and where is it located. I will have a car so off the beaten path is no problem
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yup, there sure is. The place is great, it’s called the Gambler’s General Store. Location is on their Web site but basically it is between the Strip and downtown, very easy to get to if you are driving. They have everything from blackjack tables to casino design books. The place is awesome.
jfrancis asked on 10/08/05
I’m coming to Vegas in a group of 8 in October. We found nightclubs.com are providing complimentary VIP passes, but the small print says you don’t actually get a pass. You get to go to the head of line and “may” (i.e. “will”) pay a VIP rate to get in. Any idea what the rate is going to be over normal admission? We’re there Wednesday through Saturday – how much more is it going to be on Fri/Sat?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sorry, without the name of the club it is almost impossible to say what you might be paying…
otamadn asked on 10/07/05
How is the vehicle traffic on the strip. ? I’ll be there on Oct. 16-19
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It totally depends. Sometimes quite heavy, mostly Friday and Saturday nights. Other than that, it can be just fine – like any heavily traffic boulevard. Some areas, such as the intersections with Flamingo and Tropicana, are worse than others.
RobbieM asked on 10/07/05
Hi Hunter
Do you know if Wynn Las Vegas heats their main swimming pool?
I stayed at The Mirage recently and while I loved the hotel I was disapointed that the main pool was unheated (and very cold)
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, the pool is heated year round.
turk0167 asked on 10/05/05
A friend and I will be in Vegas for Halloween, and would like to go to Bellagio’s Light halloween party. We were there last year, and it was a real pain in the neck to get in. We’d like to skip the b.s. this year, but really do want to go. We’re staying at the Aladdin, and wondering if the casino host would be helpful in getting us on the list. We’re not big gamblers, so we’re worried that only the high rollers get this kind of help. What’s our best bet?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Well, if you have a host, ask. They will be upfront about what they can swing… Light isn’t a huge venue and the party is popular, so priority is going to go to folks that are bigger players. Your other options are calling the hotel to reserve a table w/bottle service. This won’t be cheap but will guarantee you access.
chadster asked on 10/03/05
Hunter, going to Vegas for another Bachelor Party and was wondering if you knew anything about the 2 bedroom suites at Luxor? They said they are in the “Towers” which I think are newer, but not sure. Any info would be great!
Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, those suites are in the towers. The towers are further from the pool but they are usually larger rooms and don’t have the annoying slanted windows from the side of the pyramid. The towers are better built rooms – you can’t hear through the walls quite as much. I’m not sure what other info you’re looking for.
cosmonaut asked on 10/02/05
What hotels/casinos on the strip do you think will be razed within the next few years? I’m also planning a stay at Caesars Palace in Early December, and was wondering, what are the rooms in the Augustus Tower like?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
On the chopping block: Tropicana, New Frontier, Riviera (possibly), Boardwalk, Imperial Palace (possibly), Bally’s (I say highly unlikely but others disagree). Regarding Caesars, I just went through one of the rooms on Saturday and they are nice. They are on par with those at Bellagio but a bit smaller than The Venetian. Not as nice as the standard rooms at Wynn Las Vegas. The Augustus Tower is the best bet at Caesars for sure.
deville0202 asked on 10/02/05
Hi Hunter, I’m staying at the Luxor from nov 3 – 11th, i was wondering where in the hotel should ask to stay for convience to the strip and casino. Also what will the weather be like I have no idea what to pack and last does anyone have any idea how much ciggarettes are running per pack in vegas.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The tower rooms are further from the pool and casino but they are generally a little nicer. Better build quality, a bit bigger in the standard room and you don’t have slanted windows like you do in the pyramid. They aren’t that much further from the casino, just a bit. Regarding cigarettes, last week a member of my party purchased them at MGM Grand and they cost $7 – not cheap. Prices will vary and drugstores will be cheaper than the hotels themselves. Weather in November is starting to get cold – Vegas is cold in the winter months, especially if it is windy. Bring a jacket and pants as the average temp is mid-60s F.
cedricgerald asked on 10/01/05
Hello
I have made a one night booking on Saturday November 12 at the Madalay Bay at USD 299
After making my booking I called the hotel & asked them about upgrade at the Thehotel, they told me that it’ll cost USD 100 extra
However they told me that they can book me on a room of about 470 cuft (not a suite) at thehotel for the same price
Should I accept this deal ? Have you heard anything good or bad concerning room (not suite) at thehotel ?
On the hotel web site they mention they have only suites of about 850 sqft
On noveember 13 I’ll head the Bellagio for 3 nights at 229 a night for the cheapest room available booked on their web site.
I already written that i’s a prehoney moon trip
Knowing that, do you believe I have a good chance of beeing upgraded ? or usally Bellagio’staff doesn’t mnd about Honeymoon ?
Is there a better time to check in to have a shorter line and more chance of beeing upgraded ?
Also do you know if the USD 20 trick work at the Bellagio and MandalyaBay /the hotel ?
Thank you so much for your help & have an nice day
Kindly
cedric
FYI ; The bellagio on November 12 is $449, that’s the reason that I’lm staying at the Mandaly Bay /thehotel the first night
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
THEHotel is an all-suite hotel – the standard room is a one bedroom suite at 750 square feet… That leaves me a bit confused as far as where they are planning to stick you. THEHotel is a very nice place to stay, much better than the standard rooms at Mandalay Bay. If you can get into THEHotel and the cost difference won’t break you, I think you’d enjoy it. I’m assuming you’re the kind of person to whom the hotel room makes a big difference. Some folks don’t care and can sleep anywhere. Still, since it is not clear what kind of room they are suggesting, it is hard to say. Chances of being upgraded at Bellagio are on the low side. Bellagio runs very close to 100% occupancy and many of the ‘premium’ rooms are sold – it’s a popular joint. I wouldn’t get your heart set on an upgrade there. While I’m sure they’ll offer congratulations on your honeymoon, if they don’t have the rooms they won’t be able to help you. The staff there is generally excellent and will help you if they can. Timing can have an impact on upgrades but there is no general rule. It all depends on how full the hotel is so I can’t really give you advice here. It’s a very imperfect science. There is a raging debate whether the $20 actually increases your chance of the upgrade. Some folks say that a nice smile + availability is all you need to close the deal, others say the cash is essential. I say go in with the cash – can’t hurt. Have a nice time.
jlandi asked on 09/30/05
I MADE RESERVATIONS FOR FOUR AT THE MGM GRAND FOR OCTOBER 6TH TO SEE TOM JONES…SEATS ARE FAR BACK…IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET AN UPGRADE WHEN I ENTER THE THEATRE? WHAT WILL IT COST ME? HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Note to readers – no need to ‘SHOUT’ (all caps). Please don’t. Thanks. Regarding this show – it is pre-seated and you will end up in the seat that you purchased. If you’re looking for better seats, I suggest you purchase them in advance.
dglover asked on 09/28/05
I’m staying at Caesars in December. Will any of the pools be open then? Also, which of Caesars restaurants are “must try” – and not necessarily just the gourmet ones.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
As far as restaurants at Caesars, I would certainly give ‘Mesa Grill’ a go, I had a great meal there. 808 can be good and the cafe is also a good choice. On the pool question – they are open year round and heated.
lafogdog asked on 09/26/05
Hunter, I am coming to Vegas in October and I want to learn how to play craps. Do they teach you at the casino’s or is a website a better place to learn?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I would do a little bit of research before you go to get a hang of the basic game, but playing on a table is the best way to learn. Many Strip casinos offer free gaming lessons, often during the mid-morning. The Monte Carlo, Luxor, Caesars and TI all have this service – ask the pit where you’re staying to see if they offer lessons.
Nevermatters asked on 09/23/05
Thanks for the advice, I always appreciate it. I have another question. I have a weekend trip planned for a Friday and Saturday night stay and was considering adding a night on Thursday or Sunday. I have no idea what Las Vegas is like on those days or nights (slow, busy, exciting, etc.). What are your thoughts on which day is better to add, Thursday or Sunday?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Both Thursday and Sunday are medium busy, with Thurs. being slightly busier. Most folks are doing the same thing you’re talking about – extending the weekend a bit. Both usually have much lower room rates, which is nice.
Stephenie asked on 09/20/05
Hi Hunter, Planning to stay at the Paris, Oct 2 thru 5, and have reserved a premier view room. If we ask for an upgrade are we asking for a P room or a suite? From what I can gather from your website questions and the Paris website site the succession is……Standard room- Premier View room- P room (corner view room??)- Suite Lemans- Suite Calairs. Should we be requesting a high or low floor? If we are staying 4 nights should we be offering a $50 tip instead of a $20 tip for an upgrade?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Unless we’re confusing terminology, a ‘P’ room is a premiere view room – they are the same thing. A suite would then be the next upgrade. Usually folks request higher floors as the views are better but in some cases, there are reasons for lower floors (less elevator wait, certain special medical considerations, fear of heights, etc…). As far as $50 vs. $20 – this rarely makes a big difference and certainly doesn’t equate to the length of your stay. If you have a clerk that will take care of you, 9 times out of 10 they will do it for $20 and that other time, they want an obscene amount. Hope this helps.
indy5 asked on 09/20/05
Where are some great places to pick up free tacky Las Vegas stuff. I like to always pick up stuff and have it as gag gifts at the holidays.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
There are gift shops all over the place. As far as free, I’m not sure what you hope to find besides the little porno cards or pens from your hotel.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 09/19/05
I recently read that the Project City Center design was unveiled, did they also unveil what the interior design would be. Are there going to be a lot of similarities between PCC and the Cosmopolitan
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
None of the designs are finalized. The models and renderings shown so far are placeholders for what will eventually be filled in… The architects are only about halfway through their planning process. The interiors will be completed after the major site planning is completed. Expect the interior design to be very different between project – CityCenter is really just several separate projects on a large parcel with integrated support systems (power, traffic, HVAC, etc…).
Nevermatters asked on 09/19/05
Do you know what to say and not to say to a casino host? Im planning to e-mail my casino host and Im debating whether to mention my nightly gambling budget since Ive never mentioned it before. Ive not stayed at the property for over a year but Ive gambled two weekends there this year. The last time we talked he wanted an average bet of $150 for 4 hours per day for a weekend room comp (value $399/night for a standard o.k. hotel room we are not talking about a 4 star hotel on the strip I could stay at Wynn for cheaper). I thought he was nuts (I play craps) even though I know the records he was looking at showed a higher average (I was winning that weekendwhich may not be the case again, but its also the reason I want to return). So, my second question, is it negotiable with the casino host?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
First rule is to be honest. Don’t try to make stuff up because they will figure it out and once your credibility is shot, you’re done. As far as revealing your budget, only do so if the figure is large enough that it will impress this guy. Depending on the casino, your odds may not be part of the calculation when determining comps for craps. Since the odds pay at true odds, many casinos don’t factor them into the equation for comps. Everything with a casino host is negotiable – it’s just like any sales situation. They have limited power to negotiate and may have to go higher up the chain to get approval but nothing is set in stone.
indy5 asked on 09/18/05
What type of hotel is the Westward Ho?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Soon it will be an empty lot but for now it is a small-ish motel.
indy5 asked on 09/18/05
Is there a location in Vegas that sells discounted tickets to the shows? In chicago they have a place that on the day of the show you can get tickets at a discounted rate so that they can have a fuller house. Does that exist in Vegas?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, there are. These folks Tickets 2 Nite handle that sort of thing. There are some shows, such as the Cirque shows, Danny Gans and Celine that never offered this way but many other shows are and it can be a good way to find something to do that evening. The Cirque shows (‘O’, ‘Mystere’, ‘Ka’) often have a standby line at their respective theaters but those seats are not discounted and the lines are long.
mccloud527 asked on 09/18/05
Hi Hunter,
Do you know of any affordable casual seafood buffets in vegas i dont want anything fancy or too pricey but definately want some good eats…thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The main seafood focused buffet is at the Rio – they have two buffets and one is directed just at seafood. Many other high end buffets like those at Bellagio, Wynn, Aladdin, etc… feature seafood among other things.
macfrodge asked on 09/17/05
Will be staying at TI with a group of 12, and we wanted to go to a casual, fun, loud restaurant/bar for an evening. Would it be worth the walk to Margaritaville, or should we just stay in and go to Kahunaville? Both spots seem to have good ratings on your site… Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Both of those restaurants are probably good for large groups if you’re looking for reasonably priced food, though I would give the edge to Kahunaville for food. Another restaurant in that category that I think has better food than both is the Grand Luxe Cafe at The Venetian. It is a cousin of the Cheesecake Factory at Caesars and offers a lot of choices (hundreds of menu options), large portions and a large enough joint to accommodate your party. Prices are reasonable. Of course, many options are available if you want to spend big bucks.
indy5 asked on 09/15/05
How hard is it to drive around Vegas? Also is driving to the Dam really hard? After reviewing costs I have figured it would be cheaper to rent a car during my visit then use cabs/shuttles and tours do all of my traveling.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Traffic can sometimes be bad, construction can slow things down and Vegas drivers are notoriously bad. If you can handle that you’ll have no problem cruising around or out to the Dam.
donnaj asked on 09/15/05
Have been reading that several casinos are doing away with live keno. Ouch! as this is one of my favorite things.Where can I hope to still find( Mid Oct.), and do you recommend any in particular? Thanks as always.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Most major Strip casinos still have Keno. Bellagio and The Mirage did remove theirs but Wynn Las Vegas has a very nice keno room.
indy5 asked on 09/14/05
Are the off main strip casinos nice? I am looking to find a decent place that has low minimums on Black Jack. I doubt there are any $1 but a $2 or $3 would be nice. I am staying on the north end if that matters.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Some are nice and some aren’t. A joint like Green Valley Ranch is pretty far from the Strip but very nice. The Palms, Hard Rock and the Rio are all off-Strip and are nice properties. Joints like the Gold Coast are right off the Strip but offer low limits. Also, the Sahara, Riviera and Stratosphere on North Strip usually have low limits, not to mention downtown casinos like Binion’s.
indy5 asked on 09/14/05
How far is it from one end of the strip to the other?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Depending on what you consider the Strip today, we’re talking 5-7 miles.
ciare asked on 09/14/05
Has anyone been on the Haunted Vegas Tour that leaves from the Greek Isles Hotel?
Is it worth the 4o odd dollars they charge?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I’ve actually heard this is pretty terrible.
jsaldridge asked on 09/11/05
Coming to LV at the end of the week, and have the option of a petit suite in the palace tower at Caesars or a standard room in Augustus. I value your opinion and therefore am asking your preference. Thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I would probably still go with the Petite Suite. The standard Augustus rooms are nice and pretty big though. It’s a close one. Either way, you’ll be in good shape. The Augustus room will be very new. It’s almost a toss up – a tough choice.
ragemuzik asked on 09/11/05
We are staying in Vegas for Thanksgiving. I hear this is a super busy time. Is it?
If we do pull the $20 trick, what is the next logical upgrade from our Volcano View Room? And does the trick work often at the Mirage, do you know?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanksgiving is a pretty busy time. The next upgrade to look for would be a ‘Tower Deluxe’ room. These are somewhat common upgrades to get.
indy5 asked on 09/11/05
When is the quietest time of day in Vegas and in the casinos?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
5am
indy5 asked on 09/11/05
I am staying at a hotel called Westward Ho I believe, near Circus, circus. I am not big on fancy hotels, just a decent place to sleep since I will be out doing the entire 4 days. What kind of place is this?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It is a decent place to sleep… and that’s it. It’s very basic, Motel 6 type property.