Las Vegas advice: First trip

[Z²+]

After 4 years of frequenting Atlantic City, I'm finally making my way to Vegas in less than 2 weeks. I've tried to read most of the "Vegas advice" threads scattered in the archives, plus some research on the VisitVegas website, but I had a few specific questions for the FOFC Vegas Veterans.

*First of all, because of my years of play at the various Atlantic City Harrah's properties, I was able to get a comped room at the Flamingo for 5 nights, and I have about $300 "banked" in food comps to use at any of the Las Vegas Harrah's properties (Flamingo, Paris, Harrahs, Ballys, Caesars, Rio). I was planning to focus the majority of my play at those six properties in order to get the most bang for my buck in regards to accumulating comps and status, since they are linked together. However, which of the other Vegas properties are "must play" with regards to spending some quality time gambling? I'm primarily a table player (blackjack and craps mostly), and would love to stay within $5/10 limits. --As an aside, some slot play once I've drank enough to impair my ability to follow basic strategy-- But does any specific casino offer a "gambling experience" that warrants some special attention?


*What's the best way to get money to Vegas? My concern stems from the fact that when I drive to AC, my money is in my control the entire time, and I feel safest that way. Sending it with my checked baggage is out of the question, and I'd prefer not to bring a carry-on simply to carry my cash. I don't like the idea of walking through three airports all day with that much cash on my person. The daily ATM limit makes daily withdrawals in Vegas impossible, and since I'm still in law school and have no significant employment, I don't think I'd be granted credit at the casino. What is your preferred mode of getting your cash into Vegas?

*Along the same lines, do you feel safe walking from casino to casino with significant cash on your person? I'll likely be taking the monorail for longer trips, but I had intended to walk to various casinos that are within a few blocks of each other.

* Besides visiting each casino's website, it there a centralized site that lists the daily poker tournament schedules for all the casinos? I saw something like this in Card Player magazine, but cannot locate the same schedule online.

*Best buffet recommendations? I've a big fan of all you can eat crab and/or lobster. I saw that the Rio has a seafood buffet, any other suggestions?

*Although I'll probably be gambling and/or eating during most of my waking hours, I might try to squeeze in some other Vegas experiences. I'm not really into shows. I do want to see the Fremont Street experience, and the dancing fountains. Any other "must see" attractions?

*Best way to get to/from the airport? I've heard conflicting stories. I've heard that the taxis are the best option, but then I've heard horror stories of them taking you the absolute wrong way and running up ridiculous fares. The McCarren Airport website lists several shuttle services that will take you to a strip hotel for $5, but I'm not sure if you need a reservation for those or not. What have your experiences been with the varous methods?

I realize this was rather long-winded, but as you can tell I'm excited to finally make it to Vegas. I appreciate any advice that you can offer. Thanks!

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Make sure you check for an adams apple.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

You seriously have a problem with carrying a lot of cash around AND you're a student. You must be some gambler. I can't speak from experience, but I imagine you could simply wire some kind of cash deposit to a casino's account to base your credit line on. Or perhaps just have your bank open up an account for you with a Vegas branch and deposit your money there. Using a human teller, you should be able to take out however much you want by bank draft/check and then walk over to the casino with it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My .02 FWIW

*What's the best way to get money to Vegas?

I'm sure people will rush to condemn me for being old-fashioned, but I've become a fan of old fashioned Traveler's Checks. Any safer? WTF knows? But I feel more comfortable with them, so it works for me in that regard.

*Along the same lines, do you feel safe walking from casino to casino with significant cash on your person?

I've never felt safer in any city than in Vegas. As long as you keep a reasonable amount of street smarts, like you would anywhere else, there's no guarantee you wouldn't still encounter a problem but I've always felt like the odds were pretty low anywhere on the regular tourist beaten paths.

Any other "must see" attractions?

Depends on what you find interesting IMO. From the Stratosphere observation deck to the roller coaster at NY-NY to the various animals on display at some of the casinos, there's a lot of stuff to pass any time you decide not to spend gambling. There's a ton of stuff online, here's one link that might be worth spending some time surfing through. If nothing else, it'll add to your excitement about the upcoming trip.
http://www.vegas.com/attractions/
(I really like that site for a variety of bits of handy info. Here's another link I love: http://www.lasvegas.com/traveltips/tips/index.html
All sorts of little oddball things that I enjoyed reading)

*Best way to get to/from the airport? I've heard conflicting stories. I've heard that the taxis are the best option, but then I've heard horror stories of them taking you the absolute wrong way and running up ridiculous fares.

Never had a problem with getting wrong routes, but it's absolutely the worst f'n airport I've ever seen for trying to get a cab. It's like a f'n Disney line, an utter nightmare AFAIC. If your budget will handle it, just order a car service ahead of time & have them pick you up. Failing that, do some online shopping & pick a shuttle service. Never again will I do a cab to the hotel from the airport in LV. And if you're going to any events while you're there (big time concerts, special events, etc.) I'd give the same advice, at least if the event is at Thomas & Mack (worst f'n cab line I've ever seen in my entire life was after the PBR Finals there a few years ago).

Oh, and before I forget to mention it:
I F'N HATE YOU

[cthomer5000]

Sounds like you're talking about pretty serious amounts of cash. Have you considered talking to Harrah's to see if you can deposit the money locally in AC with them and withdrawal at one of their Vegas properties? Is AC too far of a drive for you to make an extra trip before your trip to Vegas?

I have no idea if they'll do that or not, but it seems like a thought worth exploring.

[Maple Leafs]

Not really a "can't miss", but if you have a chance go play craps at Casino Royale. It's one of the cheaper, dingy little casinos on the strip but the dealers are great and the atmosphere is usually really fun. And the craps is cheap ($2 or $3) but you can take something like 100x odds so you can still throw around big dollars if that's what you enjoy. They also come by with free drinks about even seven seconds (although the beer is served in little eight-ounce glasses).

[Bee]

I take my money to Vegas in a roll in my front pocket. The chicks dig it.

[Arctus]

*Along the same lines, do you feel safe walking from casino to casino with significant cash on your person? I'll likely be taking the monorail for longer trips, but I had intended to walk to various casinos that are within a few blocks of each other.

Yes, within reason. I've stayed on the Vegas strip about a dozen times without ever having a problem.

That being said, your hotel should have security boxes available for free behind the front desk. I would keep any extra cash in a box until you need it.

[miked]

Always...always, bet on black.

[Coffee Warlord]

Get a limo from the airport. Roughly 50-60 bucks (that's with a very generous tip), WELL worth it.

[albionmoonlight]

The Valley of Fire outside of Vegas was very cool. I was really glad when I went to Vegas that I did not spend all of my time on the Strip, but got out to see some of the natural beauty in the area.

[Desnudo]

Wire money to yourself at Western Union

[Honolulu Blue]

I've been to Las Vegas a few times, and will be heading there again in about three weeks, so I feel qualified to answer some of your questions. Keep in mind that these are only my opinions.

Originally Posted by Z²+

*First of all, because of my years of play at the various Atlantic City Harrah's properties, I was able to get a comped room at the Flamingo for 5 nights, and I have about $300 "banked" in food comps to use at any of the Las Vegas Harrah's properties (Flamingo, Paris, Harrahs, Ballys, Caesars, Rio). I was planning to focus the majority of my play at those six properties in order to get the most bang for my buck in regards to accumulating comps and status, since they are linked together. However, which of the other Vegas properties are "must play" with regards to spending some quality time gambling? I'm primarily a table player (blackjack and craps mostly), and would love to stay within $5/10 limits. --As an aside, some slot play once I've drank enough to impair my ability to follow basic strategy-- But does any specific casino offer a "gambling experience" that warrants some special attention?

Casino Royale has been mentioned; that's about as close to "special" that I can come up with. If you're a poker player, you might see a few famous faces around the Bellagio and/or Wynn.

It's my impression that $5 blackjack tables are extremely scarce on the Strip anytime, and $10 tables are rare during peak hours. So good luck finding those.

If you see a single deck game on the Strip, it's almost sure to be a ripoff that pays only 6-to-5 for blackjacks. Stay away from those, and most of the games are pretty much alike.

* Do you feel safe walking from casino to casino with significant cash on your person?

I feel safe when I do that. Use the normal precautions and you should be fine.

* Besides visiting each casino's website, it there a centralized site that lists the daily poker tournament schedules for all the casinos?

All Vegas Poker has a listing of tournaments. I won't vouch for its accuracy, but it's a good site otherwise.

*Best way to get to/from the airport?

I usually take the shuttle, but I'm usually alone, don't have much luggage, and not in a hurry. If those apply to you, then it's a good option. Otherwise take a taxi or limo.

[st.cronin]

I think the table games on Fremont street are a lot more fun, and generally cheaper. You might want to check that out.

[Bad-example]

I had a similar issue with not wanting to travel to Vegas with a large amount of cash on my person, but I contacted Cheetah's and they were able to work with me.