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jagger65 asked on 07/06/05

Good afternoon again, Hunter:

Another quick question as it’s 10 days and counting. Any attractions,buffets or events I should attend on either Sunday day or night in order to burn the memory of Las Vegas into my medulla oblongata? Especially during the 100th anniversary of this great city! Again, thanks for the help!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Nothing comes to mind as a Sunday special but that doesn’t mean that nothing is happening… Perhaps pick a high end buffet that you want to try as the rates will be lower than Friday or Saturday… Or many a nice restaurant?

g2 asked on 07/05/05

Hello:

Staying at Wynn in August and was wondering if the Pedestrian Bridge from Wynn to the shopping mall accross the street is complete?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

It’s not complete yet but it may be finished when you are there. It is slated for that timeframe.

donnaj asked on 07/04/05

Hi again Hunter, you’ve been such a help with planning. Just found out due to flight change that we’ll be arriving much earlier than thought. 11:00 am. Staying at Orleans. What should I expect in cab fare, and will I have problem checking in at this early hour?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

A shot over to the Orleans shouldn’t exceed $15 and I would expect more like $10. As far as check-in, though sometimes they need some time to finish cleaning, you’re probably fine. Worst case they will hold your luggage until a room is ready.

jagger65 asked on 07/03/05

Good evening, Hunter!

Thirtysomething guy again. I’ll be staying at the Venetian and wanted to know 2 things: any great place for sushi I should try; and how’s the V Bar for before-after gambling beverages?Thanks again for the much valued advice!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The best sushi joint in town is Nobu at the Hard Rock – famously great. Beyond that, Okada at Wynn Las Vegas also has a fantastic sushi bar and the restaurant is gorgeous. Regarding the V Bar, yes, it’s a usually moderately full joint and a good break from the action. It’s not open to the casino so you’re limited to mingling with fellow patrons.

Jean asked on 07/01/05

Good Morning, Has anyone ever been to thImperial Hawaiian Luau? We want to go for my sons 21st birthday.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I’ve heard that the food is average but the entertainment can be fun.

jdrean asked on 07/01/05

Does any inexpensive hotel offer VCR or DVD player free or for a nominal charge?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I don’t know of any inexpensive hotels that offer these amenities for free. Some will rent you a unit for something in the range of $30/day. Many of the new high end hotels include DVD players.

jagger65 asked on 06/30/05

Good morning, Hunter:

To follow up on this thirtysomethings first question awhile back, I would like a relaxing vacation while I’m in vegas mid-July. After relaxing at the pool, I want to relax at a great restaurant and some great lounges. What would you suggest?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Well, part of it is where you stay… For the best steaks in town, look at either Delmonico (Venetian) or SW (Wynn). Both are fantastic. Bartolotta (Wynn) is some excellent Italian fare… Beyond that, check out the bar at MIX (Mandalay), Lure (Wynn), or perhaps even Caramel (Bellagio).

Heat asked on 06/29/05

looking for hotels with hot tubs

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

We’ve discussed this before. I suggest trying the search feature at the top of this page.

Nevermatters asked on 06/29/05

I’m not sure if this is an appropriate question for this forum, so feel free to discard.

I’m traveling to Las Vegas on Business and I need to get several dozen pastries to take with me to my client as a surprise (I’ve been going there for years and always empty handed). I’m looking for high quality stuff. My client will probably be putting me up at the MGM or Mandalay Bay, so if i can find something in that area it would be perfect. Normally I would ask the concierge, but I’m arriving after 11pm and leaving the next morining around 8am. Most hotel concierges aren’t open during the hours I need. Any suggestions?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Interesting… Actually, I would suggest calling the hotel concierge before you arrive. They will be able to best hook you up – MGM MIRAGE make their own pastries on property so they may be able to hook you up with something really special.

doublemom1998 asked on 06/26/05

Hi Hunter. Two questions… When we check into Caesars, Does each couple need to “tip” for an upgrade or can I request the upgrade for both rooms at once? Trying to get from deluxe tower to Palace tower. Also, Do you know of the free shuttle to Green Valley Ranch and where to catch it? Much Thanks!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

You can try to request the upgrade for both rooms at once… You never know what they are going to say… Regarding the shuttle, I believe that it runs to Mandalay Bay but the schedule shifts a bit. Your best bet is to call GVR and see when it is running while you are there.

blazedchris2004 asked on 06/25/05

hey, i really want to treat my girl friend to the BEST that vegas can offer. I thought the most luxurious hotel would be the wynn, but after hearing info people still believe the bellagio is top of hotels.

cant make up my mind, whats your opinion? thanks SO much

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Both are strong choices. For a recent review (this last week) of both properties, read this. Part of this depends on when you go – Wynn is still working out glitches but these are disappearing every day. Bellagio is a top hotel that is operating a peak efficiency. The rooms at Wynn are nicer than those at Bellagio, both have great public spaces. You can’t go wrong with either property.

MikeK asked on 06/24/05

I’ve read a lot of reviews about Bellagio and how incredible it is but you need to be prepared to tip everyone including the guy that opens the door for you and hails the taxi. That seems a little too much. Any insights on this and how much would I be tipping per day outside of the normal luggage handlers?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Some folks will tip the taxi stand guy but it is not required. Tipping at Bellagio is no more expected or demanded than at any other mid to high end Vegas property. If you did decide to give him a tip, $1 – $3 would be fine.

donnaj asked on 06/22/05

Hi Hunter, 90 days and counting. My question is about the Monorail. I see that it goes off strip to LV Hilton. Is that the best way to then get to Riviera,Westward Ho, etc. What is your overall opinion of Monorail vs. CAT?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I think the monorail is great if you are traveling a distance that is greater than half the route… For instance, MGM Grand to LVCC or Sahara is a great way to travel but MGM Grand to Flamingo is a waste of time as the stations are at the far back end of the properties. I prefer the monorail to CAT but a taxi is probably still the most convenient… And walking still works.

Mikeynla asked on 06/21/05

Hunter, do you know if guests of Salon Suites at Wynn receive any kind of VIP services (other than check-in and dining) such as transportation to and from the airport? Or perhaps VIP line passes for the buffet? I’m assuming that since I haven’t heard anything from them regarding transportation that it’s not a perk, but maybe I have to just call and ask? Thanks as always!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

No, those services are not included for Salon Suite guests. The Web site lays out what is included – sorry, no secret perks!

kmilan asked on 06/21/05

Hey Hunter! Thanks for your website. My husband and I are going to stay at concierge suites at Venetian in July. We love to go dancing, but are in our 40s. Where are some good places to go for people our age to dance? Have been to some of the clubs there before, but a little too young for us. Also, what is The Block in Downtown? Thanks. Karen

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

A nice place to get your groove on is the Fontana Lounge at Bellagio. Live music and friendly folks… ‘The Block’? Not familiar with it, sorry.

blueone asked on 06/17/05

Planning our next trip to vegas, came down to staying at either the Venetian venezia bella view room or augustus tower at Caesars Palace. I know the tower hasn’t opened yet but Which do you think would be the better choice? Also, from the pictures and drawings of the new tower it seems to be a seperate building on its own with own lobby/check-in, etc. do you have any details on it yet? is it even connected to Caesar’s?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The Augustus Tower is connected to Caesars via a new check-in area that serves the entire resort. The rooms are designed to match and exceed their current high end offering, the Palace Tower. Since it is not open, it is hard to say how it will rank but given the success of the Palace Tower, I assume it will be a popular option. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are planning on staying there right after it opens, there may be some glitches you’ll have to live with. This is fairly standard for a hotel tower of this size… Personally I think Caesars is preferable to The Venetian in terms of dining options, location and customer service.

Jet asked on 06/17/05

I will be staying at the Green Valley Ranch for the first time this September. Has anyone stayed there and I need feedback on the location within the hotel for the best rooms with a strip view. Also need information on the best car rental company to use. Seend responses to jhall@tjsg.com Thanks for your help, Jet.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Jet, I hope you return to find this response – we don’t send responses out via email. GVR is a very nice property, especially if you’re looking for something away from the bustle of the Strip… When looking for a room, simply specifying a Strip view is the easiest way to communicate your request. They sometimes charge extra for this view, as it also overlooks their pool area… As far as car rentals go, as long as you stick with a well known brand, find the best deal you can.

vegasnewbie asked on 06/16/05

Hunter..Me and my boyfriend are lacto ova vegetarians..any restaurants in Vegas that are veg friendly?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Not knowing the specifics of that brand of vegetarianism, one place that you can often find veg friendly food is in the various buffets, mainly due to the sheer number of options. Beyond that, options fall off quite a bit. This URL at Vegas.com might help: Click Here.

vegasnewbie asked on 06/16/05

Hi again Hunter.. wondering if any of those sites with VIP or front of the line club entry are worth it?..Me and my friend want to go to Ghostbar on Thurs..Deciding between Fix, Risque and Body English for friday and sat night, but not sure if any are good or too hard to get into..your opinion on this?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Many times those line passes will get you into a VIP line but that can also be long. Make sure you get clear info that you will not be waiting in line. Do you mean MIX or Fix? MIX is a restaurant and adjoining lounge on top of THEHotel while Fix is a restaurant at Bellagio. Body English is always super packed – it is one of the hottest clubs in town… All of the places that are worth going to are very hard to get into unless you either use one of the VIP services OR reserve a table and get bottle service.

vegasnewbie asked on 06/16/05

Hi Hunter..New to the site, but so far your advice to others looks amazing..hope you can help me. Coming June23-26 and staying at TheHotel. Already booked Mystere for Sat, is the Danny Gans show worth the price? We are in our early 30’s.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I hope we can help too! My wife and I are in our mid-20s and I took her to the show about two years ago. We were both crying-laughing – it was great! A lot of the impressions are of late 70s and early 80s icons so age-wise you shouldn’t have a problem identifying the bits. The tickets are hard to come by and not cheap but if you can swing it, I think you’d love the show… Have fun, THEHotel is a great place to stay.

swp asked on 06/15/05

Hi Hunter….
No question….just writing to say I recently returned from Vegas.,,,was there Thurs thru Mon.
I tried the $ 20 trick at the Aladdin and it worked.
Not only did it work for me, it obtained a room upgrade for my bother, as well, who was checking in at the same time but staying in another room. So, we got 2 upgrades for the price of one. Thanks for the information.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Sure! Thanks for the feedback.

cabunker asked on 06/14/05

Hi Hunter – great site! My mom and I are doing a quick girls trip in August to see Celine Dion and are wondering if Caesars is a good place to say. I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews. We also thought of staying across the street at the Flamingo for the cheaper price and wonder what your opinion is of both hotels. Also, have you been to the Colosseum? If so, any tips on the best seats for the price? Thanks!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Thanks! Caesars is a hotel that has been built over 4 decades. The most plush rooms are in the Palace Tower (the Augustus Tower opens in late August 2005) and they are quite nice. There are also rooms in the older towers that while well kept, they are much smaller and not as high end. If you’re not staying in a Palace Tower room then I think the difference in room product is somewhat negligible between the Flamingo and Caesars. The rest of the Caesars resort complex is certainly nicer than what the Flamingo has to offer, despite great pools at both resorts. If you have the opportunity to save some money, you should consider it. The Colosseum is an amazing venue. At 4,000+ seats, it is quite large and as with most concert setups, front and center is as good as you can get. Since there is so much going on during the show, seats on the far right or left means you’ll miss out on some of the action.

mkesfahani asked on 06/14/05

Hey Hunter, 2 questions for you… First, do you have any word on if and/or when Wynn will introduce a way to check your comp point balance online like the Player’s Club or One Clubs do? Also, MGM/Mirage’s PR images site has some photos of new Bellagio suites I’ve never heard of. They look very nice and unique. Any word on those?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

As far as Wynn goes, I would give them a bit… They have other priorities getting the hotel running perfectly… I haven’t heard any rumblings about the services you describe. Regarding the suites, several new room types were added with the Spa Tower addition, plus there is product like the Cypress Suite in the main tower which is for casino guests only most of the time.

Orlandoguy asked on 06/14/05

Can you recommend a limo company that provides town car or limousine service to the strip resorts? Thanks.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I’ve used Las Vegas Limousine many times and always been happy.

SPoynor asked on 06/13/05

My Fiance & I are 24, and we plan to go to Las Vegas on our honeymoon Oct 2-6. We are very interested in THEHotel, but are wondering if we would be better off renting a suite at NYNY, LUXOR, or Mirage instead. This is our 2nd trip to vegas, so being centrally located on the strip is not all that important.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I would immediately toss NYNY and Luxor and look at THEHotel and The Mirage. The Tower Suites at The Mirage are about the same size as the rooms at THEHotel… Depending on what kind of rates we’re talking about, I think I will recommend THEHotel… It’s a great place to stay, especially for those aged 21-35ish. Plus, access to the Mandalay pool is a big plus.

Orlandoguy asked on 06/13/05

I’ll be visiting Las Vegas next week for the first time in awhile and I have a quick question about meal attire. I have reservations for the Circus Circus Steakhouse, Bally’s Sterling Brunch and Ka and want to know if it’s necessary to bring a jacket or will slacks and nice shirts be acceptable? Keep up the great Job. Thanks.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Slacks and a nice shirt will work for all of those outings, though a jacket wouldn’t look out of place either. Your choice.

34DDD asked on 06/13/05

Are there any hotels that offer rooms that have jacuzzis with views of the strip?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Yes, several. The most popular are Luxor, NYNY, and Monte Carlo.

doublemom1998 asked on 06/12/05

Hi Hunter,
Another question for you. We arrive 9/11 at 0820. after check in my husband and his buddy will go straight to the sportsbook to place their bets then we all go do breakfast. Love the Paris buffet but was wondering if there were any restaurants or buffets yourecommend for breakfast relatively near Caesars. Thanks!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The Paris buffet is always a good choice as are neighboring buffets at Bellagio and The Mirage. A bit longer of a walk would be to head to Wynn Las Vegas and try either the buffet or the Terrace Pointe Cafe. I also like the coffee shop at The Mirage, the Caribe Cafe, though it isn’t fancy in any way.

dtolson asked on 06/09/05

What strip hotels have the best bathrooms in standard rooms?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Depending on how you count best, the clear ‘wynner’ is Wynn Las Vegas. Very large standard bathroom, two sinks, shower and great amenities. That’s not to say that Bellagio and The Venetian are far behind. THEHotel’s bathrooms are quite nice but I don’t consider that a standard room.

macfrodge asked on 06/08/05

Planning to see KA in October with a group of 12 – early show on a Thursday night. Following that, we’d love to go to Fontana Lounge in Bellagio for cocktails and music. Is it usually busy at that time for a Thursday evening?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

History would say medium-busy but it can be very hard to predict.

amiller asked on 06/08/05

Hi Hunter, I heard recently that the Mirage was going to be “re-done” Have you heard anything? Will it be revamped like TI? What do you think MGM & Friends would do to change the Mirage? Do you believe the Mirage will have a long life expectancy in the near future even though its getting a little older compared to other strip properties? Thanks!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Much to my dismay, TI’s president was recently moved to The Mirage. A nightclub is going in that will open later this year. There was talk of a BRIDGE over the lagoon into the valet area… I expect MGM MIRAGE to make some more restaurant changes and probably try to market to a slightly younger audience. I also think The Mirage has many years of life left in it. I love the hotel and it is still making a ton of money.

jagger65 asked on 06/08/05

Good afternoon Hunter!

I will be in Las Vegas mid-July and was wondering what you would recommend for a 30-something single guy to experience and explore.

thanks,
re

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Wow… Lots to do… It’ll be super hot so maybe not too much walking around during the day… Lounge-wise, check out MIX (THEHotel), Lure (Wynn), or the ghostbar (Palms). The pool can be a good place to relax and meet people during the day, as can the casino (if you win). If you have a specific interest, feel free to submit another question. This is pretty open ended and there are thousands of things to do.

rajivgk asked on 06/07/05

How can I guarantee entry into the Ghostbar?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The best way is to book a table with bottle service. Call the hotel for prices and details.

impulse asked on 06/07/05

Going to be in town over the fourth of July. I was wanting to take some friends out for a great show. I was wondering if you could help me decide between KA, Mystere, or Lareve (the one at Wynn not sure of the name). Thanks for your time. This site is great and informative.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I’m a little hesitant to recommend Le Reve right now… I haven’t seen it yet and I’ve heard very mixed reviews. Mystere and KA are surefire winners though… Mystere is a bit less expensive and focuses more on the ability of the performers where KA is probably a bit more focused on the staging and spectacle of the technology.

Mikeynla asked on 06/07/05

Hunter, I have my Tower Suite at the Mirage booked for my buddy’s bachelor party. I was really hoping to get a cabana, but they apparently don’t take “reservations.” Do you have any pointers?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I know that they have taken some reservations in the past… I would call VIP Services and talk with them to make sure you can’t make one… ‘Royal Service’ is one of the advantages of booking a suite at The Mirage and those VIP Services folks should try to take care of you.

kaytwety asked on 06/06/05

Why hasn’t SOMEBODY in Vegas figured out that the Monorail is to far for some visitors to walk to ? People having a walking problem find it much eaiser to take the BUS. More convience and cheaper. How about m oving sidewalks to get to the Monorail ??

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Many think this is a design defect but as far as I know, there are no plans to change it.

franman128 asked on 06/06/05

Hi, Hunter! I stayed at Bally’s recently and was told that they and Paris will soon be purchased by Harrah’s. What’s the latest?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Harrah’s is purchasing Caesars Entertainment, which owns Caesars, Bally’s, The Flamingo and Paris in Las Vegas. This could go through as early as next week. Paris and Caesars should stay pretty much the same. Bally’s may become a Horseshoe and The Flamingo may see some upgrades… It is still very much up in the air however.

juliebaas asked on 06/05/05

Hi, we are staying at the Rio we got a deal where we listen to the timeshare we get a free two nights – really want to upgrade room, I hear they have a suite with jazucci tub. Any tips? Also, opinion or comments on hotel woudl be appreciated. thanks so much.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The Rio is a nice hotel. The rooms are large and the staff are friendly. The ‘Super Suites’ do indeed have jacuzzi tubs. Other than slipping the clerk a $20, no real tips to offer. You might get lucky!

ryci3aznb0ix asked on 06/05/05

do any of the good hotels have check in for 18 year olds? wynn, bellagio, mandalay bay, etc?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Most Vegas hotels will not all guests to be under 21 these days… Some middle and lower tier properties still allow it.

toebone7 asked on 06/04/05

Hi,

Great site, keep up the good work. I just booked myself to stay at the Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas. Have you had a chance to check out the Tower Suites part of the hotel? What are your thoughts on it? I’m also booked to see Le Reve in August, any thoughts on the show?

Thanks again for all the info.

-Steve

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Thanks… Yes, I stayed in the Tower Suites portion of the hotel. It is nice to get the extra attention and the area is much less hectic than the ‘normal’ part of the hotel… My review is here Two Way Hard Three. I’ll be seeing Le Reve for the first time in three weeks.

taemerry asked on 06/04/05

Hi Hunter love the site…My husband and I have been to Vegas a few times. We have stayed at the MGM, TI, Mandalay Bay and the Venetian. We like to try different places every time. So far the Mandalay Bay is our fav despite the distance. We are planning a trip in late August, early September and can not decide where to stay. We want a VERY nice room and good service…where would you suggest we stay? Also what is the weather like that time of the year. Thanks for your help.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

It is still quite hot in late August. Expect daytime temps near 100F and only about 80F at night. HOT! If you want a different MB experience, try THEHotel, their all-suite tower. It’s quite nice. Beyond that, Bellagio, The Mirage, and Wynn Las Vegas are winners. Caesars can be very nice but you have to get into the Palace Tower (soon the Augustus Tower). I’m not a huge fan of the Venetian.

swp asked on 06/02/05

Hunter, I’d appreciate your comments on the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio. I hear their seafood is the best in Vegas.
ALso, I’d like to know your opinion of the best Italian restaurant { casual dining } on the Strip.
Finally, what’s the chances of the $20 trick at Aladdin on a weekend? My arrival is Thursday 6/9/05 for 4 days.
Great site, Hunter
Thanks for your input.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Once the king of Las Vegas buffets, the Carnival World Buffet still ranks up there, though it has been eclipsed by buffets at Bellagio, Paris and the Aladdin… For seafood, the Rio has a separate seafood buffet – perhaps that is what you are thinking of? As far as Italian goes, you have a lot of choices. On the upscale casual end, Bartolotta (Wynn) and Onda (The Mirage) are good choices. A bit less expensive, Corsa Cucina is a great choice.

doublemom1998 asked on 06/02/05

Hi! Just discovered your site and I am excited. I consider myself something of a Vegas semi-expert. We are going 9/11-9/15 for my husbands 40th with another couple. Have booked Caesars. We havent stayed there yet but have stayed at NYNY, Excalibur, Mirage, Flamingo and Bally’s. I plan to try to $20 trick but what kind of room do you suggest I ask for? We have a “deluxe” room reserved. By the way my choice for best restaurant is Emerils. My husband has requested ti for hisbirthday. I am surprising him with a bungee jump at circus circus and I am going to try to get the Pussycat Dolls to embarass him a little! I htink they are at PURE, am I right? On emore thing…we are going to see We Will Rock YOu at PAris. Have you seen it? Keep up the good work!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

By September the new ‘Augustus Tower’ at Caesars should be open, so I would try for that or the Palace Tower. Those are by far your best options for rooms at Caesars. Emeril’s doesn’t disappoint, always a good choice… Even better since a recent remodel. You are correct, the Pussycat Dolls have a show in a lounge that is part of Pure. I haven’t seen ‘We Will Rock You’ but my wife did see it and she loved it. She’s a Queen fan, so that may have factored into it. Have a great trip!

MikeK asked on 06/02/05

If you had to choose between the 675 foo tMGM Grand Bungalow Suite @ $199 per night or the 510 foot Partial Lakeview Room at Bellagio, what would you do? I’m torn, help me.

I would rank view, size of room and location as the most important factors for us. Bellagio lists a primary strip view and secondary lake view, but I’m not sure how they can do both or where it would be located on the property.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

As far as I know, all ‘partial lake view’ rooms are located in the new Spa Tower. Opened in December, the new tower features 900 rooms and suites. Personally, I would go with Bellagio. To me the complete experience ‘package’ is so much more rich than at MGM Grand… Better food choices, a nicer overall facility and a great location.

mgoblue asked on 06/01/05

Great site, appreciate your experience. We are trying to decide which would be better, renting a car, or taking cabs,, things we’re wondering,
1) $ for cab ride from Harrahs to MGM Grand.
2) Parking fees at major hotels,
3) valet charges at most hotels,
4) bad times to be driving in Vegas.
5) Parking charges as hotels?

As best as I can tell, we can rent a car for $25/day or so, just trying to decide if two road trips (4 cab rides) per day would add up to more than that.

also, may need wheel chair at some locations. are there chairs available?, or do we need to check our own? Charge for wheel chairs?

Thanks in advance

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

All the hotels on the Strip have free parking, no fees to self-part OR use the valet. Most downtown hotels also have free parking but can require validation inside the casino. 4 cab rides per day would almost certainly total more than $25. Your hotel can usually supply you with a chair at no cost (they may ask for a deposit). Be sure to call in advance so they know it is a requirement.

Rob asked on 06/01/05

Hi Hunter – thanks for the help so far – Can you advise – Are we OK to take photos inside all of the hotels – and on the casino floor? I heard that some hotels didn’t allow it – for reasons to do with preventing cheating? Also – are there any rules about cellphone use?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Many hotels will not allow photos or video on the casino floor. Anywhere else is fair game. You can often get a few photos here and there but security will ask you to stop shooting in the casino. It is more for privacy reasons than cheating. Some cultures/towns/people look down on gambling and catching a prominent politician/celebrity/husband in a photo could have bad results for the casino. As far as cell phones go, you can use them anywhere except for when you are sitting at a table (they will ask you to get up and stand back a few feet) or in the sportsbook (prohibited by Nevada law).

thecips asked on 05/31/05

Hunter one more question. Hw that i read some of the post about new hotel between Wynn & Venetian I am worried about noise.Wil I be affected by it staying in Venezia Tower concerige level? I am a very light sleeper.
Thanks
Linda

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

No, it won’t bother you. The Venezia tower is on the other side of the original, ‘Venetian’ tower from the Palazzo. Also, the outer walls are quite thick. You should be okay for noise.

thecips asked on 05/30/05

Hi Hunter,
Well se are off in 6 days. You have helped so much don’t know where we be without you. Staying at Venetian and was wondering about phone rates, We have cell phones but will need to call home twice a day. Bought phone cards but now wonder if there will still be some
outrageous phone charge just to use there phone per minute. Flight and hotel paid in full do you think 5,000 is enough for 2 people. We will be eating at Delmonico’s,Onda, & Zefferino for dinner. Staying at Veniza tower Concerige Level.
Thanks
Linda

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Thanks! Have a great time. I believe the Venetian does charge at least $1 per call – you may be better off using your cell phone depending on your rates/plans. It sounds like you will have a great time and have some good food planned. I’m hungry already! Have a blast and win some money!

mgoblue asked on 05/30/05

This might not qualify as a “vegas” question, but here goes. . We are coming out in October and I was wondering when would be the best time to get reservations for airline tickets and hotel rooms. Lots of changes going on with airlines, so not sure if we should book now, or later. Also, is there any benefit making reservations at hotels real early? And, how quickly do October hotels fill up?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Vegas hotels fill up quickly, no matter what time of the year you are planning to go. The Fall is prime convention seasons, so that is even more true then. I suggest you book your hotel ASAP. Check the cancellation policy – most let you bow out if you need to. As far as the airlines, that is not really my area of expertise. If you see a good deal, take it… That’s my philosophy.

conrkev asked on 05/30/05

Hunter, thanks for helping on the other questions. I have some more. I am looking for a place to have drinks and dessert perhaps after a show, similar to Fontana in Bellagio, but I am not sure they serve desserts or if there might be a better place. Also, have you seen Ka at MGM and how does it compare to mystere and o?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The Fontana Bar has a light fare menu, with some sweets offered. Not many lounges serve any food at all, so this is a standout. ‘Ka’ is a very elaborate production and if you are a fan of ‘O’ or ‘Mystere’, you it is up your alley.