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PJTremblay01 asked on 02/21/06

Hi, am curious? what’s going on with MGM Mirage’s Project CityCenter? I’ve heard that it will officially break ground in June or July. Is this pretty much true? I also heard that there building parking structures behind the Bellagio, so they can clear the lot where Project CityCenter is supposed to be built. Is this also true? If so… It sounds like construction is underway already. Thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Construction on the parking lot is coming along nicely, yes. Also, a staging building is being constructed behind NYNY. So, yeah, all the info you’ve heard is true.

Wiggy asked on 02/21/06

Hello again Hunter
Couple of questions for you. My parents are visiting Vegas from England and are staying at the Bellagio in August (lucky them) and they’d really like to visit a real Indian Reservation – can you suggest anywhere?
Secondly, they also want to helicopter into the Grand Canyon and do that Champagne lunch thing (my 12 yr old daughter will be doing this with them). Can you recommend a company to book this with?
Thanks in advance.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

As far as Grand Canyon tours go, I really like Maverick. Tell ‘em we sent you and see if they have a package that includes everything you’re looking for. They have new, nice helicopters and professional staff. As far as an Indian Reservation… I don’t really know. Best bet is probably trying to track down something in Arizona but be aware it will probably be a disappointment. Modern Indian Reservations often blend in pretty well with their surroundings – most are nothing like what a traditional reservation would have looked like.

rocky95 asked on 02/20/06

Hi Hunter. love the site. My question is about car rentals. My wife and I are going to LV for halloween and staying downtown. Is it cheaper to rent a car or take a cab? We figure that we will go to various locations on the strip to casino hop and sight see. Or, should we take a cab to the Stratosphere and walk to the monorail? Thanks for the great advise.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Thanks! Cab costs quickly add up in Las Vegas, especially if you’re staying downtown and you plan on spending as much time on the Strip as it sounds you are going to. Since both valet and self-parking at the major Strip properties is so simple, renting the car is probably cheaper and shouldn’t too big of a pain. The monorail is good for getting from one end of the Strip to the other or to the convention center but as a general purpose transportation route, it’s not that convenient.

Loststooge100 asked on 02/19/06

Will the $20 trick work at Paris Las Vegas? I am returning June 06, and will be staying there, this will be our 3 stay @ Paris. Have a P room reserved.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

It works sometimes, sure. Give it a try and see what happens! Still, next up from a P room is a suite and that’s a tough upgrade to get. Good luck!

Dee asked on 02/18/06

Do you have the recipe for Steve Wynn’s Mother’s recipe for bread pudding?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Sure. The search engine that is on this site has it indexed: Recipe.

carol asked on 02/18/06

What is the going rate for golf in Vegas? Are there any courses you can recommed? We know that the Wynn is $500 and we certainly don’t want to pay that. We are just average lady golfers who would like to play a nice course in good condition at a reasonable price. We will be there in late May. Thanks.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

It ranges quite a bit… I’m not a golfer so I am of limited help. A couple of things to try – call your hotel and ask about gold. Most places have some options or suggestions as far as where to play. You can also post a comment on this VegasList. VegasLists is a site that lets people list things Vegas related and this list is about golf – add a comment and look for a response.

LACord11 asked on 02/17/06

Which tower is better to stay in at Harrah’s, Mardi Gras or Carnival?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The Carnival tower is newer – the rooms are slightly larger but the elevators are near the very back of the building so there’s more walking. Hope that helps.

birdfly asked on 02/17/06

I just find out about this site, and i have to say it is great. I am planning to take my lovely wife (and maybe my 3 year old daughter) to las vegas for the weekend of the 24. I want to surprise her with a fabulous room, but i can only pay up to a $100 a night. Can you please give me some tips for hotels or how to get a great hotel room. Thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Thanks for the kind words. I can feel your pain – finding inexpensive rooms in Las Vegas has become quite difficult these days. One tip – you mention going for a weekend but if you can change your plans, go Sunday-Thursday – the rates are MUCH MUCH lower. Sometimes you can find places like The Mirage, Bellagio and even Wynn Las Vegas below or just near your budgeted numbed during the week. On the weekend, forget about it. If you’re intent on going on a weekend, the room you end up with won’t be fantastic but you can still have fun in Las Vegas without a totally fantastic room, right? Luxor, Excalibur, Circus Circus, the Sahara, Stardust and Riviera often have rooms on weekends in that range. If you do go on a weekend, make a point of signing up for slot clubs at the nicer hotels you visit – even without any casino play you may get offers in the mail for deals in the future. Lastly, check out these forums on our sister site – lots of deal info: Deals on EverythingLasVegas.com.

dropkik19 asked on 02/17/06

It sounds like you know a lot about the renovations at the Mirage. When will the Mink Lounge be open? We’re going to be staying there at the end of April.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Mink will be one of the last pieces of the puzzle to be completed. Don’t expect it until the end of the year.

vegasgal40 asked on 02/15/06

I was wondering if you have tried any of the restaurants in the newest section of the forum Shops?We ate at Boa’s last summer and it was wonderful food and presentation.Service and drinks were also nice.Great thing about this place is you can actually make reservations for the balcony outside.Can’t recall the names of the others ,I think there were about four new places all together.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Yeah, we don’t rate them on the site but there are certainly some good places in the Forum Shops. I had a particularly good meal at Joe’s Steaks and Crab, right near the Strip entrance.

debbidoo asked on 02/14/06

Hi! My husband wants to rent a Harley in Palm Springs and ride to Las Vegas where we will spend the night. I know there are no guarantees, but in terms of safely parking the bike what would be your best suggestions. We will be traveling sometime during early or mid March. Thanks.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Interesting question. Do you know where you will be staying? The major Strip hotels all have self-parking and at the nicer places, these garages are patrolled and video-taped 24 hours a day. At a place like Bellagio, The Mirage, The Venetian or Wynn Las Vegas I wouldn’t think twice about leaving the bike. I assume also that the valet could accommodate the bike and that’s probably your best bet. It will be parked underground in their guarded facility, though they still accept no liability. Hope this helps.

trigger asked on 02/13/06

hi, we cannot decide between the wynn in a resort room or ceasers in the augustus room. We know the pool is great at ceasers, not overcrowded, has the sun on it all day and the hotel is very central. also do you know how much it would be for a round of golf at the wynn in november. or maybe we could stay at both hotels, 3 nights in each? please help.
stayed at bellagio and venetian. found both rooms dark and bellagio pool too crowded and venetians was permanently in the shade. what would you do. thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Golf at Wynn Las Vegas is the same price year round: $500. That includes everything you need, no extra fees. Your idea about splitting the trip is not a bad one – it gives you the chance to experience both and compare them. I think Wynn is a superior experience, especially in terms of service. The rooms in the Augustus Tower at Caesars are pretty spiffy but I still give the edge to Wynn. As far as location goes, Caesars wins hands down. Wynn gets my nod for dining but Caesars gets the shopping nod (they have the Forum Shops after all). Anyway, splitting between the two hotels could give you a little variety, which is of course, the spice of life.

glopez asked on 02/12/06

hunter have u been to body english, if so what do you think of it.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Yes, I have been to Body English. It’s a cool club, very popular and always full of fun. Hard to get in (long wait) unless you have a table reserved.

RobRoy asked on 02/11/06

One more question! Since we’re arriving on St. Patricks day, do you have any suggestions on St. Patrick’s Day parties?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

This AOL site has some good suggestions: CityGuide.

RobRoy asked on 02/10/06

Great site! Very helpful! If my wife and I are staying at TI Mar 17-24, and my first three nights are free, do you think the $20 trick would work to move from a basic room to a petite suite? I also wonder if will be harder because of the amount of people there for the NCAA tournament? Thanks!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The general rule is that it is harder to get room upgrades at busy times since the suites you want to get bumped into are usually the first to be rented. Also, using the $20 trick to get from a standard room to a suite is a pretty rare occurrence. Usually we’re talking about moving from one type of suite to another or to a standard room with a premium view, not straight to suite-ville.

vegasgal40 asked on 02/09/06

We have been visiting vegas for over ten years and have stayed at most major hotels but due to money flow this year we thought we would stay somewhere like tropicana.The pool looks nice but have you ever seen the rooms?Stayed at the Flamingo which is a little higher in price than Tropicana so is there any comparison?Love your site I learn new things about Vegas each week.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

This year is probably your last chance to stay at the Trop – it will almost certainly be torn down within the next year. The Trop is a bit run-down in terms of old furniture, frayed carpet, etc… The rooms are Motel 6 standard issue type rooms. No frills but not terrible. Still, it is clean and the pool is nice. There are quite a few places nearby so that means you have a lot of close dining options. The Flamingo has been kept up and renovated on a regular schedule while the Trop has not – so keep that in mind. Thanks for the kind words!

NonNtt asked on 02/08/06

I have seen that the new RED ROCK STATION CASINO is opening on April 18.
Is there usually a mob of people waiting hours before hand for these events? Is it going to be a zoo? What should I expect?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Yes, casino openings in Las Vegas are big, popular events. You will have people there waiting, probably a few hours before the opening. When it does open, expect the casino floor to be very very full for the first couple of days and still very strong for months.

glopez asked on 02/06/06

hey hunter i know i’ve asked u loads of times before but i’m seriously worried about getting into clubs in vegas if i can’t it’s alot of money wasted. My friends i’m going with all relatively look there age .Im 21 but look more like 15 do u think the bouncers will discriminate against me sorry for keep asking but seriously worried. I want to go out and have a good time. I can’t go out in my hometown london without i.d

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

You’ll certainly need your ID… If you’ll be discriminated against for anything, it will be trying to get into a club with a bunch guys. That’s the best way to spend the whole night waiting in line. Either you need to buy some line passes that only sorta help, find some girls to go in with you, or get bottle service at a club and get waved right in… If you don’t want to try any of those things then your best bet is to get dressed up really nicely (don’t even attempt to pull any kind of dress code deviation) – wear a suit or something, don’t look terrible – you have to look well-groomed and well dressed. Make sure your friends look good too, including good shoes (people always forget good shoes). If some joker in your group shows up in a Hawaiian shirt and khakis, disown this person and head in without them. Lastly, certain bouncers are just jerks and if that’s the case then there is nothing that you can do about it. The nice thing about Vegas is that you can always go to another club if things aren’t going well… As always, the best way to guarantee entrance is to get bottle service at a table. The cost, when divided up between all members of your group, may not be that much. Plus, that includes some booze and a pretty high guarantee that the ladies will want to party with you – you have a table to sit down at after all. Ok, I’m sorta rambling now but that’s my best advice. Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to be a smooth talker and be able to think quickly. Often times you can talk your way into these places if you know what to say – pretend you’re closing a deal at work or something (hopefully you don’t work at a pizza place). Have fun!

musicmansimpson asked on 02/04/06

Hunter,

are there any 2 bedroom suites out there that are reasonably priced? (600 to 1000 midweek) a night. Thanks!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Most two bedroom suites are one-bedrooms that are sold with an optional adjoining room as the second bedroom. Suite rates vary quite a bit but should be quite a bit lower midweek, as long as no conventions are in town. The Tower Suites at The Mirage can often be had for reasonable prices and are quite nice. Also check the Premier suite at TI. In general, many hotels will fill this need and you should shop around starting at a hotel that’s at the top of your list. Maybe stay someplace new?

DoubleGW asked on 02/02/06

Hi Hunter,

A bit ago I had asked you which you would prefer; a suite at Mandalay Bay or THEHotel (it was comped). You stated THEHotel, hands down. You were 100% on the money. It was gorgeous and luxurious without being pretentious. We had a most fabulous time! Thanks for the great recommendation…wonderful site!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Hey, I actually get feedback on a recommendation! Awesome! Glad you had a good time.

woody999 asked on 02/02/06

Saw a 2 for 1 for scenic airways GRAND CANYON DELUXETOUR LG-4N

The most popular tour to the Grand Canyon! #1 Selling tour for over 35 years!
Flightsee on Scenic’s famous Vistaliner aircraft over Las Vegas, Lake Mead, the majestic Hoover Dam, the mighty Colorado River and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon. Listen to an aerial narration offered in 16 languages. Tour the vistas of the South Rim by motor coach with guide through the national park and stop for a light lunch. Return flight to Las Vegas.

BUY ONE TICKETGET ONE TICKET FREE! SAVE $234.00! (plus fees).
Adult – Reg $234.00 – Plus $45 Fees p.p.

Do you think this is best deal

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Depends – sounds like a few more people on that kind of flight than I would personally want but it keeps the costs down. One free is always a good deal when air transport is involved.

woody999 asked on 02/02/06

Are there discount codes for mamma mia, I went to ticketmaster.com and sw there was a special link for a mastercard code that offers a discount – was wondering if there is access to any discounts for this show

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Sometimes discount coupons are available in the weekly in-room magazines that are in most hotels.

glopez asked on 02/02/06

what is the basic temperatures in mid march

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Typically in the high 60s to low 70s during the day and 50s at night. All temps in F.

glopez asked on 02/02/06

hunter have u stayed at the luxor i’m staying there but would prefer to stay at the palms what do u think of luxor. I was thinking of a day trip fro vegas to la are there trains from vegas to los angeles and if so how long will it take approximatley

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I’ve stayed at Luxor a few times in the past and I’m not looking to head back anytime soon. For years the place languished with little money spent on capital improvements. MGM MIRAGE may spruce it up a bit but I can’t say I’m a huge fan of anything inside the pyramid. Train service between Vegas and LA? Best check Amtrak to see if there’s a route you like. Never heard of anyone doing the train thing to Vegas… If you want to see LA, consider renting a car – the train would take much longer and you really do want a car once you get to LA – bad public transit.

lgarber asked on 02/02/06

Does anyone know if the refurbishment of the Akaddin is finished yet (Jan.2006)

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

No, it will not be fully complete until the end of 2006.

glopez asked on 02/02/06

am i likely to see a celebrity in a club in vegas. I’ve seen in the paper paris hilton in body english.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Celebrities love Las Vegas and nightclubs in particular. Of course, you never know who will be where and when but it is entirely possible.

steevetheeo asked on 02/01/06

My wife and I are thinking of moving the family out to the Las Vegas area, but noticed that the cost of living is relatively high in the immediate area. Where do the people that work in Las Vegas actually live? I am coming from Cleveland, Oh, where home prces average about $100,000.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Man, I live in California and I wish I could call the cost of living in Las Vegas high… That would be nice… Anyway, back to the question. Las Vegas’ median home cost has risen quite a bit in the last 5-6 years. The city of Henderson, NV, adjacent to Las Vegas, is one of the fastest growing in the nation and has homes in many price points. North Las Vegas is a fast growing community with lower prices but be careful of the neighborhood you choose – parts of that city are still a bit rundown. There are parts of NLV that are completely safe and the surrounding area is getting better. Best bet is to see for yourself so you can get a feel for the neighborhoods. The Summerlin area is very nice but can be very expensive as well.

jeffreytt asked on 02/01/06

The information on your website is fantastic but I have a slightly unusual question. I’m going to be in Vegas for a conference in June and planned on teaching a one day continuing education seminar on June 15th so any of my real estate students could write off the trip. I’m having trouble booking a small conference room this far out unless I also guarantee a certain number of rooms. Would any of the penthouse suites work for an all day meeting of say 10-14 people? What would you recommend? Thanks in advance.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

What you’re looking for is a ‘hospitality suite’. Call The Mirage and ask for rates on one – they are designed for corporate clients entertaining customers and they would likely work perfectly – very large main room for this stuff. Larger suites at any other hotel would likely work as well but this is specifically suited for it. They are on almost every floor so availability shouldn’t be a huge issue. Hope this helps.

mlj1 asked on 02/01/06

Have you stayed at the Marquis suite at NYNY

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Nope. Have you? Just kidding… I haven’t but I have seen the suites. They are nice, fairly spacious. Not my favorite hotel in the world as far as room and service go though.

2ginagina2 asked on 01/31/06

Hello – Please tell me which hotels on the strip have the bigger tubs? (big enough for a couple.)
Thank you.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Quite a few, actually. Luxor, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Monte Carlo and the Imperial Palace go out of their way to advertise ‘Jacuzzi Suites’ but in addition to them, tubs in specific suites at Treasure Island, The Mirage, Bellagio, the Aladdin, Wynn Las Vegas, MGM Grand and the Venetian also work fine for two (with jets!). If you’re looking for a big tub, ask the reservationist at the hotel (person who takes your reservation at the hotel’s 800 number) – they know quite a bit about the room types because at most hotels they actually see them all in person. Hope this helps. Have fun!

glopez asked on 01/31/06

where is the best places in vegas for clothes shopping mate

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Man, quite a question. What are you looking for? Prada (actually only women’s stuff at Prada at Bellagio)? Hermes? Armani? If so, head to Bellagio. A safe bet for any kind of clothing outlet, from the Gap to Gucci, is the Forum Shops at Caesars – they have it all. For boutiques like the above, it’s Bellagio or Wynn Las Vegas that are tops. Of course there are also the Grand Canal Shoppes (Venetian) and Desert Passage (Aladdin) mega-malls but the Forum Shops are really a one stop shopping experience. Something more off-color? The Attic downtown is a popular vintage clothing shop.

letrader asked on 01/31/06

Hi, A group of aprox 5 of us are comming to vegas March 17-20th. We are trying to decide what type of suite to get. We have narrowed it down between the 2 Bed Piazza suite at the venetian (or maybe just the Rialto Suite) or to stay at the MGM Skylofts. Obviously the Skylofts are considerable more, so just wondering if you have had any experience in the skylofts and if you feel its wroth the extra expense to go all out. Thanks!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The Skylofts are an experience. Designed for guests that love luxury but maybe aren’t huge casino customers, MGM Grand built the Skylofts. On the top two floors of the main tower, they range in size and feature all kinds of amenities from airport pickup in a Bentley to 24-hour butler service. Of course, the level of amenities varies depending on how much you want to pay. Other than the Mansion, which is exclusively for casino guests, the Skylofts are the nicest accommodations on the property. Prepare to be very taken care of but also prepare to pay for it… If you enjoy the finer things and you can stomach the cost, you won’t be disappointed. If a very nice room and incredible service and personal attention don’t mean that much to you and you’re just looking for a bed to crash in, it’s not worth it… Hope that helps.

Karen asked on 01/30/06

Hello- my boyfriend and I are going to Vegas for 4 nights starting the Monday at the end of Memorial Day weekend. We want to stay at Mandalay Bay and haven’t ruled out TheHotel… the rates are not bad. If we stayed at the regular hotel we’d get a Honeymoon Suite. What would we really be missing by not booking TheHotel? Are the beds in the regular hotel as bad as reviews say? And do you think we’ll have better luck with pool crowds being there during the week? Thanks for any help you can give me!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The difference between Mandalay Bay proper and THEHotel is like comparing two totally different hotels. THEHotel has MUCH nicer rooms, better service, cooler staff, a more private entrance with no lines. It’s much more luxurious than the main tower, even in the lower end suites. Given the choice I would never stay in the main tower unless I had some kind of crazy penthouse or a huge suite in the Four Seasons portion.

glopez asked on 01/30/06

hey again hunter what in your opinion are the best nightspots i’ve been doing research and best places to me look like ghost bar, body english, and rain

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Depends… Two kinds of places: lounges and nightclubs. Lounges, I think the coolest places are ghostbar (Palms), Caramel (Bellagio), MIX (THEHotel), and Tabu (MGM Grand). Nightclubs feature full dance floors and out of those I recommend Jet (The Mirage), Tryst (Wynn Las Vegas), Light (Bellagio), Body English (Hard Rock) and Rain (Palms). All are happening and quite crowded.

Andrea asked on 01/29/06

Hello. I booked a deluxe room at Bellagio for two people. After booking three more friends decided they wanted to go. The website says four people max per room. I am wondering if they are strict about that or if we can get away with it. Should I tell them we have four or just keep it at two. What do you think?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

If you inform them of extra occupants they will charge you, about $25/person/night. Technically this is the ‘right’ thing to do but I know of many folks that do not do this and don’t have any problems/trouble. The checks are fairly lax.

pats021 asked on 01/29/06

I’m having my bachelor party March 2-5. We reserved the penthouse 2 bedroom suite at the Mirage and a 2 bedroom suite at Bally’s. Bally’s is about $100 less a night and has 2 queen beds in one room, King in the other and a pull down king in pallor. The Mirage only has 2 kings. We’ve got 5 guys staying in the suite. We won’t be sleeping very much, so I not concerned about the number of beds. Which hotel would you recommend?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I had my bachelor party at The Mirage and it was the most fun I’ve ever had on any Vegas trip (or any trip for that matter). Get a roll-away and deal. Like you said, not much sleeping will happen. The Mirage penthouses also have couches that I’ve seen people sleep on. The Mirage is so much nicer than Bally’s and these days with Jet (nightclub) and STACK (restaurant) at The Mirage, the place is more fun than ever.

glopez asked on 01/29/06

hey going vegas soon worried about getting in the clubs when they see me even with i.d i don’t think they’ll believe my age is 21do you think i will be alright

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Ok, seriously… You only have to ask once… :-) Have fun.

glopez asked on 01/29/06

hi hunter, i’m going vegas in march. I’m 21 but look seriously young for my age, do you think i’ll be able to get into the clubs. I will have passport and provisional licence as two photographic identifactions.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I think I answered this before but yes, you’ll be carded so bring your passport and your license. Stuff without photos won’t help you at all but the passport will be just fine. Have a good time!

Alyx00 asked on 01/29/06

Hello,
Just wanted to let you know that hubby and I stayed @ Caesar’s and had the best holiday of our lives! Stayed in the A. Tower ~ can’t beat it!
I would love to go back this March for three nites… just a mini trip with a friend. Is there a place on the strip that is nice but cheap? Trying not to spend so much this time? any way to go cheap in Vegas and still have a blast?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The prices vary quite a bit but if price is one of the key issues, I suggest you start out by looking at the following hotels first: Monte Carlo, MGM Grand, Aladdin (Planet Hollywood), Treasure Island, Luxor, Excalibur and Ballys. Is it possible to go cheap and have a blast? Of course! The key to having fun is a good vibe and good travel partners. In my experience a good crowd can make even terrible situations fun.

carol asked on 01/28/06

Will be in Vegas May 28 thru June . Heard that Menopause the Musical will be there sometime soon. Do you know if the show will be there during our time period and the cost? Also any feed back and cost on Hairspray (if its there) would be appreciated. Thanks. You have a great site.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Menopause will have a run at the Las Vegas Hilton starting February 1st. At this point it is not known how long the show will run but it will depend on its popularity. Contact the LV Hilton for tickets. As far as Hairspray, the show has not yet opened so no feedback yet but we do know the tickets will run about $100. The show is at Luxor.

doublemom1998 asked on 01/27/06

Hello again! We are going back to Vegas in May from a Sun -Weds. My best friendis turning 40. There will be five couples and we like to party and are looking for a place to do bottle service so we are assured a table. we are staying at TI. Contemplating tangerine Tues and/or Jet Mon. What do you recommend? I’d hate to get bottle service and have the place be dead! Anywhere else close by? Everyone is 30-40 yrs old, One of the couple ahs been to The Beach before and liked it. What doyou think? You info is always very much appreciated!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Jet is going to be more hopping than Tangerine – it’s a bigger place and being new it is still drawing a larger than normal share of the crowd. The other options would be Tryst at Wynn or maybe Tao at The Venetian. You’re much better off at a club with bottle service than at The Beach. The Beach is basically a meat market for the 21-30 set. Servers walking around in bikinis forcing you to drink shots – it’s sorta like Cancun at Spring Break. Doing something like Jet or Tryst will be a more upscale experience… Having a table w/ bottle service means you get taken care of and you have a great time. For an all-night party session, that’s the best way to go by far.

Kristen asked on 01/27/06

Hi. I am going to Vegas Mar 19-23 with the other girls, 24-25. We are staying at the Bellagio, but from one of your earlier answers, maybe we should change to Mandalay Bay, or Hard Rock. But, my real questions are…what are the clubs to go to on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays? What places have the best deals and will have the best young crowds?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

I wouldn’t recommend moving from Bellagio to Mandalay Bay. The Hard Rock may have more people in our age group but Bellagio is no slouch, mostly due to a really hot club, Light as well as restaurants like FIX. For those nights, be sure to check out Tryst (Wynn Las Vegas) and/or Light on Sunday. Jet at The Mirage is brand new and is open on Mondays when most other clubs are closed. Tuesday is a tough night for clubbing – most places are not open but you can still visit some lounges like Caramel at Bellagio, Lure at Wynn (sometimes a little slow), ghostbar at the Palms. Have fun!

rocky95 asked on 01/27/06

What is the El Cortez like. I heard they finished remodeling the rooms.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

The El Cortez is a fairly old property and a little long in the tooth. The rooms and some public areas have been remodeled, yes. This place has a group of loyal customers that love it to death. Most folks walking in don’t get too excited about staying there but it does have its charm. If you’re looking for a very very cheap room, this could be a good option. If you’re looking for any kind of luxury, go elsewhere.

jstark1 asked on 01/26/06

Hunter, Hi I’m going to Vegas Mar 26-31 What is the weather usually like at this time? I’ll be staying at the Flamingo and wanted to know if the pools and pool bars are open at the time I’ll be there…Thanks!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

You should see temperatures around 75 degrees F or so and yes, the pools and pool bars should all be open.

vegasmiller asked on 01/24/06

What is the new update with the MGM-Mirage-Mandalay, and Caesars-Harrahs? I see that their websites have not changed yet.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Integration continues but is slow going. The MGM MIRAGE Web site does include links and photos to the new properties and the overlapping staff, such as PR and other functions, has been combined. Are you looking for a specific type of change or event?

amiller asked on 01/24/06

Hi Hunter,
What happend to the MANDALAY BAY sign? (In Photos) and where is the New TI Enter Part that is in the photos? Do you believe that Las Vegas will become over-crowded with Ultra-Luxury hotels, and with that and condos in mind, do you believe that Las Vegas tourism will decline due to cost of food, hotels?

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

Mandalay Bay is removing the ‘MANDALAY BAY’ signage from the new THEHotel tower and replacing it with ‘THE Hotel’, to better remind folks that it is there. The new TI entrance is located at the top of the new overhead bridge to the Fashion Show Mall. The question about overbuilding the luxury end of the market is a very complicated one. Clearly there is not a never-ending stream of high-end customers but I think you’ll see deals from the Northern end of the Strip become more of the domain of the downtown and Off-Strip locations. Will Vegas tourism decline? You can trust that if things start to decline, the hotels will offer more deals. If the demand drops, they’ll lower prices to fill the supply of rooms.

vegasFAN asked on 01/24/06

hello hunter! love your website. i was wondering if you could give me the skinny on TAO. I’ll be in vegas on a wed noght & heard the lounge is free on wed while the “club” is usally $20 just for cover! just trying to hit up a new hot spot on a WED with no cover.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

TAO is pretty happening these days. The complex is huge, including a nightclub, restaurant and lounge. Wednesday is indeed free (no cover), so feel free to check it out. Either get there early or be ready to wait in line as the free nights usually bring out a lot of locals and UNLV students.

nsxdrift_89 asked on 01/24/06

Hunter, has there been any more news on who the GC will be on Encore? I remember that Marnell won’t be doing it, but the company that the LV Sun spoke of, from the company website, mostly did Public Works Projects, maybe we’ll have to wait and see?

Thanks

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

This is one I can’t get a straight answer on yet. We’ll surely get the info pretty shortly before the project breaks ground.

Wiggy asked on 01/23/06

Hello again Hunter
Myself, the wife and our 12 year old daughter will be staying at the Bellagio in August. I know Vegas is not the best place for kids but I could do with a few pointers to make sure she has a great time.
We’re thinking of eating at:
Joes Steak and Crab (Caesars)
Conrads (Harrahs)
The Burgendy Room (Old Town)
Voodoo Loune Restaurant (Rio)
Mon Ami Gabi (Paris)
Brazillian BBQ (The Mirage)
Will these places let her in to eat?
For pre dinner drinks we’re thinking of Margharitaville, Fontana Lounge at Bellagio, The Lagoon Bar at the Mirage, The Seahorse Bar at Caesars, The bar inside Planet Hollywood in Caesars and The Tilted Kilt in The Rio. Will she be able to sit away from the bar and have a coke?
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

You’ll be fine with the restaurants (some good choices too) but some of the bars on your list will not allow her in. Margaritaville is technically a restaurant, so while she can’t sit at the bar, she could hang back at a table. The Fontana Lounge is 21+ and the Seahorse Bar at Caesars is technically in the casino, which won’t allow her in either. She might be able to hang back at the Mirage’s Lagoon Bar but again, she can’t sit up at the bar. In general, places that don’t serve food or are on the casino floor aren’t going to work as they are 21+ by state law. Your best bet is to stick to more restaurant like places, such as Margaritavilla, et al. I hope this helps!

taydawg197 asked on 01/22/06

I will be in town for the superbowl, anywhere you suggest we watch the game? Also we will be staying at TI any luck with the 20 dollar trick here? Thanks alot!

Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:

If you’re looking to find a seat in the sportsbook for the Superbowl, good luck. The places will be overflowing with folks trying to do the same thing. The best place to watch the Superbowl in a Vegas casino? Anywhere you can… :-). As far as $20 trick goes at TI, you simply never know how it will shake down. Yes, some folks have had success there.