Just got home from Vegas [Archive]

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BigBadBen

12-27-2007, 11:37 PM

Wow!
That place is nuts!!

Now I'm going to sleep for a couple days.
Good Night.

AnniePokely

12-28-2007, 08:25 AM

Welcome home Ben! Hope you won lots of $$! (or at least broke even)

pistolpete2002

12-28-2007, 09:43 AM

BigBadBen

12-28-2007, 12:28 PM

No I didn't win anything. I was almost even going into the last night. But then the tables kicked my tail. It was by far the worst night I had ever had playing blackjack. Completely miserable. Oh well, I took it to lose.

Steven, where are you staying?

We stayed at the Stratosphere, but will not again. It is a nice hotel and casino, but very far North of the main strip. We used public transportation everywhere. We learned some lessons......

1. NEVER, EVER TAKE THE TROLLY! its a joke. long agonizing trips.

2. The deuce is great transportation, during the day, but is very crowded at night. The all day pass is only $5 and is good for 24 hours from when you buy it.

3. Cabs are the fastest modes of transportation, but can get pricey. We took one back from New York New York, which isnt a very long drive, and with tip it was $20. But it was late, cold & windy, so it was worth it.

If you happen to be travelling with a group of friends, 6 or more people, I think the Limos would be the best form of transportation. Splitting the cost wouldnt be much.

I met some folks who just do rental cars & valet park. They said that if you get the budget cars you can actually do okay. But be prepared, Traffic on the strip SUCKS!!!! Bumper to Bumper all day.

Dont expect to see everything. There is so much we didnt get to do, its nuts.

The weather was nice during the day, but a little on the cool side, mid 50's. Much cooler at night. It was very windy one day as well, I was suprised by that. Everyone said it was unusually cool.

We wanted to see "O", but it was sold out. It is supposed to be the best Cirque show there is.

We saw 3 Cirque's while we were there. "Mystere" is amazing. "Love" is based on Beetles music, and it was excellent. We also saw "Zumanity" which is dubbed "the sensual side of Cirque Du Soleil". If you are embarassed easilly, or the least bit uptight about sexuality, do not go. If you arent offended by a few topless women and some suggestive content, you will dig the show. It is performed very well, is quite funny, and has a lot of crowd interaction.

If you got $3000 to throw away you can drive one of these all day.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/1197418671_fe11a65ce4.jpg

The car.....
The girls cost much more. :D

jakeman

12-29-2007, 12:18 PM

Sorry we couldn't hook up. I spent most of the trip sick.

pistolpete2002

12-30-2007, 08:09 AM

Thanks for the tips Ben. My wife is going to be a little disappointed about the cool weather, but I'm sure we'll still have fun.

BigBadBen

12-30-2007, 11:35 AM

Everyone told us it was unseasonably cool, So hopefully it will be warmer for you.

I cant wait to go back. Im debating going back for the race the last weekend in february. We will see.

I have an aunt & her family who live there. They have started a very successful business. They really want Rhonda & I to move there. Teachers make great money there.

I dont know if I could handle living there or not, but we are debating it.

No problem jakeman. Sorry you got sick. I came down with a sinus infection the last day, and still feeling the effects.

jakeman

12-30-2007, 08:05 PM

I felt like crap until the last day. I slept more out there than I usually do at home. Tried to make up for it all on the last night. I feel like someone stole my vacation. Pretty pissed off about the whole deal.

We go every 4th of July and at Christmas. Were you guys there for the snow on Wednesday night? Pretty wild.

I'm thinking we will go a little closer to the Equator next Christmas. Maybe the Mayan Rivera. Still tough to beat Vegas. Love it out there.

Did you find a good steak?

Verb

12-30-2007, 08:10 PM

We've had a really cold streak going, especially at night. Even here in Orange County, we're getting down into the thirties at night, and it's colder further into the desert. Glad you had fun anyway!

BigBadBen

12-30-2007, 08:52 PM

A lady on the bus said it was snowing, but I saw the temp was 47 so I just scoffed. It was cold by their standards and very windy, but snow? I didnt see any.

We ate some good food but nothing over the top. We found a really nice pizza joint in NYNY, it was awesome. And, the Kahunaville in TI was fantastic.

Tried to hit the Bellagio buffet but the line was over an hour long.

Next Time!

OSU Sig

01-01-2008, 01:30 PM

Cassie and I are going January 20th - 23rd. Any pointers?? We have tickets to go to the show "O". But other than that no other plans are set in stone. What was the weather like there this time of year??

Pete,
although there are always some sort of trade shows going on in Vegas, the week you are going is when the World of Concrete show is being held at the LV convention center. It's a big show and draws internationally so if you want reservations at shows or restaurants be sure and call early.

pistolpete2002

01-01-2008, 07:09 PM

Pete,
although there are always some sort of trade shows going on in Vegas, the week you are going is when the World of Concrete show is being held at the LV convention center. It's a big show and draws internationally so if you want reservations at shows or restaurants be sure and call early.

Thanks for the heads up, we've got reservations to watch "O". But we'll be sure and try to figure out the place we wanted to eat at and make sure we can get in there too. Again thanks!!

AnniePokely

01-02-2008, 08:37 PM

jakeman

01-02-2008, 09:58 PM

Verb

01-02-2008, 10:02 PM

Mystere and Ka are our faves, too. I'd probably put Mystere first on the list.

BigBadBen

01-02-2008, 10:17 PM

Anything by cirque is great. We loved the Beetle one, Love.

Mystere is fantastic.

There is a great pizza joint in NYNY.

pistolpete2002

01-02-2008, 10:30 PM

Anything by cirque is great. We loved the Beetle one, Love.

Mystere is fantastic.

There is a great pizza joint in NYNY.

Hey Ben, sorry about that, I just read the post where you asked me where we were staying. We're staying at the Excaliber. I'm not for sure where it is, Cassie planned it and booked it. Her sister and brother-in-law stayed there and said it was pretty nice and it was a pretty fair price so she booked it. I'm sure we'll have a great time. I'll have to remember to get back on here and let you know how it was.

Verb

01-03-2008, 12:28 AM

Excalibur is a nice central spot--across the street from NYNY and MGM Grand, and on the monorail that goes to Luxor and Mandalay Bay. It's a bit older and less fancy than some, but if you're going to walk around on the Strip, it's a really good starting point!

BigBadBen

01-03-2008, 07:11 AM

I learned a valuable lesson in Vegas.

Its better to pay a little more to be in the central part of the strip, so everything is in walking distance. Staying at the strat, we spent enough in cab & bus fare to upgrade.

The strat is nice, but I wont stay there again.

rodbakeriii

01-03-2008, 07:35 AM

Pokevette

01-03-2008, 08:13 AM

jakeman

01-03-2008, 08:22 AM

My favorite of the Cirque type shows is actually La Reve at the Wynn.

Technically, it is not a "Cirque" show but it is a Dragone show who I think use to be involved in the Cirque shows.

Anyway, you should check out La Reve. It is a really great experience.

Tried to see that the last time out, but the only remaining seats were "wet". It was cold, I didn't think that would be a good idea. Maybe this Summer. Have heard really good things about that show.

On a completely different note, I really wanna see "The Amazing Jonathan". I think he would be hilarious.

BourbonPoke

01-03-2008, 08:28 AM

WOW! I just found out that Bill's daughter Holly is sending us to Vegas Feb 7th-10th for our 14 year anniversary! I'm way excited. I've never been to vegas.

We are staying at New York New York.

So, tell me what to do in 3 days. I want to hit the big things. We are seeing the Blue Man Group.

Let me give you my take of Vegas if you like.

Blue Man Group is a good show to see. You may also want to see Phantom of the Opera which is there in the Venetian. The show was probably the best I have seen. If you've ever seen the show, you need to see it Vegas style. There is nothing better IMO. The Venetian is where my wife and I usually stay. I think we are going to stay at Mandalay Bay next time.

As others have said, the Cirque shows are pretty cool to see. We went to Zumanity our last trip and really liked the show. Somebody mentioned earlier that if you get embarrased easliy, it might not be the show for you. Very entertaining though. It's in NYNY. Also in NYNY, go to the Dueling Pianos bar and enjoy the show. Those guys are great!! They play everything under the sun. Watch people pay over a $100 just to get them to play their request. We parked ourselves at the bar and had a great time listening to them for a couple hours. There is a cover to go inside, but you can sit at the bar on the outside for free and listen there. There are TV screens to see the musicians from there, but the music comes through loud and clear. Ride the roller coaster there too.

Go down to Freemont St to see Old Vegas. Very neat place to hang out for a bit. The shoppes at Ceasar's Palace are nice to walk through and usually you will see some celebrity. I ran into Pete Rose last year on his way to a sports store where he was doing a signing. Kind of a prick that day, but when is he not? I literally ran over Tom Bergeron (Dancing w/ the Stars, Funniest Videos guy) in the Canal area in the Venetian. He's a little guy. Course most people are little to me being 6'6".

The new Planet Hollywood Hotel has some decent shops in there. It's the old Alladin I think. There is a part where you can watch a thunderstorm happen inside. Not a cool as the statues in Ceasar's shoppes, but something to see. The Sirens of Ti show is OK. Used to be Pirates battleing each other, now it's a little different. Still sinks a ship though.

Food

In the Venetian there is the Grand Lux Cafe. It is the sister restaurant to the Cheesecake Factory. Good food, large portions, not too pricy. The Delmonico restaurant is an Emeril place also in the Venetian ans is pretty good.

My favorite nice restaurant is in the MGM and is called Craftsteak. Expensive, but I thought well worth it. Great steak, nice elegant atmosphere, great service. Don't waste your $$ at Kokomo's in the Mirage. Everything tasted the same... bland. Go to Margaritaville and enjoy a couple drinks there. Great Pizza over in NYNY. Lowry's (like the season salt) does an excellent Prime Rib Dinner. It's not on the strip so you'll need to take a taxi there, but it was good. California Pizza Kitchen in the Mirage is great. There is also a nice little NY style deli in there too. You really won't go wrong with too many places. The buffets I thought were overrated a little. Plus standing in line for an hour to file through like cattle to eat didn't really appeal to me.

Buy a day pass for the Monorail. Easy easy way of getting from one end of the strip to the other. Not too crowded and will get you around fairly quickly. Taxi's can get expensive. Go to In & Out Burger. Our taxi driver took us there on the way back to the airport. Turned off the meter as we went through the drive thru and had a sack of burgers for the plane. Perfect ending to the trip. Don't rent a car to drive the strip. You'll see what I mean when you get there. Pretty much stand still traffic.

Hope this makes some sense. As you can tell, we don't go to gamble, so I can't give you any recommendations as to where to gamble. Everybody has a varying opinion of what is good and what is not. Try things for yourself and just have a great time. We do every time we go. Have fun Michelle.

KP

jakeman

01-03-2008, 09:01 AM

Let me give you my take of Vegas if you like.

Blue Man Group is a good show to see. You may also want to see Phantom of the Opera which is there in the Venetian. The show was probably the best I have seen. If you've ever seen the show, you need to see it Vegas style. There is nothing better IMO. The Venetian is where my wife and I usually stay. I think we are going to stay at Mandalay Bay next time.

As others have said, the Cirque shows are pretty cool to see. We went to Zumanity our last trip and really liked the show. Somebody mentioned earlier that if you get embarrased easliy, it might not be the show for you. Very entertaining though. It's in NYNY. Also in NYNY, go to the Dueling Pianos bar and enjoy the show. Those guys are great!! They play everything under the sun. Watch people pay over a $100 just to get them to play their request. We parked ourselves at the bar and had a great time listening to them for a couple hours. There is a cover to go inside, but you can sit at the bar on the outside for free and listen there. There are TV screens to see the musicians from there, but the music comes through loud and clear. Ride the roller coaster there too.

Go down to Freemont St to see Old Vegas. Very neat place to hang out for a bit. The shoppes at Ceasar's Palace are nice to walk through and usually you will see some celebrity. I ran into Pete Rose last year on his way to a sports store where he was doing a signing. Kind of a prick that day, but when is he not? I literally ran over Tom Bergeron (Dancing w/ the Stars, Funniest Videos guy) in the Canal area in the Venetian. He's a little guy. Course most people are little to me being 6'6".

The new Planet Hollywood Hotel has some decent shops in there. It's the old Alladin I think. There is a part where you can watch a thunderstorm happen inside. Not a cool as the statues in Ceasar's shoppes, but something to see. The Sirens of Ti show is OK. Used to be Pirates battleing each other, now it's a little different. Still sinks a ship though.

Food

In the Venetian there is the Grand Lux Cafe. It is the sister restaurant to the Cheesecake Factory. Good food, large portions, not too pricy. The Delmonico restaurant is an Emeril place also in the Venetian ans is pretty good.

My favorite nice restaurant is in the MGM and is called Craftsteak. Expensive, but I thought well worth it. Great steak, nice elegant atmosphere, great service. Don't waste your $$ at Kokomo's in the Mirage. Everything tasted the same... bland. Go to Margaritaville and enjoy a couple drinks there. Great Pizza over in NYNY. Lowry's (like the season salt) does an excellent Prime Rib Dinner. It's not on the strip so you'll need to take a taxi there, but it was good. California Pizza Kitchen in the Mirage is great. There is also a nice little NY style deli in there too. You really won't go wrong with too many places. The buffets I thought were overrated a little. Plus standing in line for an hour to file through like cattle to eat didn't really appeal to me.

Buy a day pass for the Monorail. Easy easy way of getting from one end of the strip to the other. Not too crowded and will get you around fairly quickly. Taxi's can get expensive. Go to In & Out Burger. Our taxi driver took us there on the way back to the airport. Turned off the meter as we went through the drive thru and had a sack of burgers for the plane. Perfect ending to the trip. Don't rent a car to drive the strip. You'll see what I mean when you get there. Pretty much stand still traffic.

Hope this makes some sense. As you can tell, we don't go to gamble, so I can't give you any recommendations as to where to gamble. Everybody has a varying opinion of what is good and what is not. Try things for yourself and just have a great time. We do every time we go. Have fun Michelle.

KP

Yep.

AnniePokely

01-03-2008, 01:14 PM

Awesome advice! I'm going to print this thread.

So if you had to choose between Mystere, O, and Zummanity, which one would you choose?

BigBadBen

01-03-2008, 02:45 PM

Too many choices.

They are all great in their own way.
I havent seen O, but I hear its the best. It was sold out when we were there.

Dont forget about LOVE. Im not a big Beetles fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed the show.

I dont think you will go wrong with whichever show you choose.

BourbonPoke

01-03-2008, 03:31 PM

Awesome advice! I'm going to print this thread.

So if you had to choose between Mystere, O, and Zummanity, which one would you choose?

Depends on the mood you are in Michelle. If you want Bill to have an excellent night during and after the show (:D hint hint :D), go to Zummanity. I don't think you will go wrong with any of them. Just have fun and take lots of pictures.

KP

AnniePokely

01-03-2008, 05:09 PM

I chose O and Zummanity. Along with Blue Group, we should have a full plate!

BigBadBen

01-04-2008, 06:40 AM

Very nice mix of shows. Each will offer something different.

So, how close to the stage are you for Zumanity?
Here's a hint......Show some cleavage! :D

BourbonPoke

01-04-2008, 08:01 AM

Very nice mix of shows. Each will offer something different.

So, how close to the stage are you for Zumanity?
Here's a hint......Show some cleavage! :D

If you sit close enough Michelle you may be part of the show!! Hey Ben, did you get a chocolate strawberry?? I did. That was intersting. The couple in front of us got picked for a skit! Hilarious, but so glad it wasn't us.

Michelle, make sure you are there in plenty of time so you can see the show before the show. It's one of the best parts.

BigBadBen

01-04-2008, 08:34 AM

We were in the upper level because we bought tickets late. The strawberry girl came up top but was the next section over. Needless to say, she got to know some of the audience members in that section.

When we go back, we are going to sit in the couches. I have no problem getting chosen to be part of it. I think it would be more intersting! :D

Yes, be in line when the doors open. The pre-show starts 15 minutes prior to the show. That holds true for all Cirque shows that I have been to though.

Hey, when did you go? Did you see the part where the girl did the aerial silks? It is no longer in the show. She fell in November & was hurt fairly bad. The little guy is still part of the show though. Someone told me about this the day we saw it. So I googled to see if it was true, and it was. Bad deal.

BourbonPoke

01-04-2008, 08:44 AM

We went in August so she was still part of the show. That's a shame about her falling. She was quite good. The little guy was pretty good too. I'm amazed falls like that don't happen more often. Unbelievable what they do.

Really liked the fish bowl. :)

DO you look at bourbon and zip lock bags the same now!! :D

Pokevette

01-04-2008, 09:05 AM

I chose O and Zummanity. Along with Blue Group, we should have a full plate!

Personally, I would go with "La Reve" over "O", but both are good shows...

Blue Man Group is in Tulsa at the Mabee Center in April. I think it will also be in OKC about the same time. You might want to see them "locally" and then see something in Vegas that you can't see at home.

AnniePokely

01-04-2008, 03:37 PM

We are level LG for O. Not sure where that is actually. For Zummanity, we are lower orchestra. I thought that was floor. Guess not.

BigBadBen

01-04-2008, 03:46 PM

Really liked the fish bowl. :)

DO you look at bourbon and zip lock bags the same now!! :D

Not any differently, but I do tend to stare at them, and drift off with a dumb smile on my face!! :D

Yeah, the fishbowl/champagne glass was flippin sweet!

jakeman

01-04-2008, 05:52 PM

Not any differently, but I do tend to stare at them, and drift off with a dumb smile on my face!! :D

Me to.

Yeah, the fishbowl/champagne glass was flippin sweet!

Ain't it though!!!!;)

im4okst

01-04-2008, 08:30 PM

Going to Vegas Feb 1-4th for a trade show...just happens to be during the Superbowl. It's gonna be crazy!