First time in years

[akenb321]

I'll be in Vegas next week for two nights, Tuesday and Wednesday, and I have a few questions for all the experts on this board.

I've booked a Deluxe Strip View room at the Mirage. Should I try the $20 trick at check-in and if so, what should I ask for, expect?

I was looking for a central Strip, relatively nice hotel. Was the Mirage at $140/night the right choice? It's not too late to change.

Another reason for selecting the Mirage over cheaper Harrah's options was my research seems to indicate better blackjack rules at MGM properties. Is this true?

What are other central Strip options for the best blackjack/craps rules?

Background: I'm 50 and haven't been to Vegas since the early '90s, when I lived in northern Arizona. Back then, I played blackjack exclusively and I seem to remember Imperial Palace had the most favorable rules. I'll be working during the days, so I'm really only interested in nighttime advice. I'll be by myself.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[keno]

First, welcome to the board!

For the $20 trick, there are lots of threads on that. If you try it, just be nice and ask what kind of upgrades they have. it's not a secret code or anything, just be friendly.

While I haven't stayed at the Mirage in at least 15 years, I do like the casino floor at the Mirage. Some don't like the changes they've made, but they suit me nicely. I'll be staying there in just a couple of weeks and am excited.

I wouldn't make BJ rules the reason to stay at a hotel, as you can always go to casinos that aren't attached to your hotel. But, there is 6/5 BJ as MGM-Mirage properties as well, especially in single/double deck games.

[vegas_junkie]

The last time I played at Monte Carlo (a couple years ago) they had a good shoe game where you could double on any 2 cards, double after split, resplit aces, resplit up to 4 hands, dealer stood on soft 17, and late surrender was available. I think the calculated house edge on that game was about .32%, but I can't remember for sure.

[LVLady]

Try for a Tower Deluxe room on the 24th or 25th floors with a view. The Best view in my opinion is the pool view which gives great views of the strip if you are high enough up and also you can see the dolphins swimming. The newly remodeled rooms at Mirage are quite nice, I hope you enjoy.
Beware though the bathrooms are tiny which is why an upgrade to the 24th or 25th floor is nice, the bathrooms are atleast twice the size as the standard room bathrooms.

[Dean Martin]

I'd definitely agree w/ what LVLady said if you go w/ the Mirage...and to be more specific, ask for a TD room facing south on the west wing. Personally, I don't care much for their new look of the Mirage rooms http://www.mirage.com/hotel/hotel_remodel.aspx and prefer the remodeled rooms at TI http://www.treasureisland.com/offers/2008/07_room_remodel/flash.html You'll probably find TI cheaper in the room cost too, check it out and make your own call:thumbsup:

Make sure you check out the Wynn casino when you're there....it's gorgeous and very comfortable. It's a short walk from the Mirage and even a shorter walk from TI.

[LVLady]

I'd definitely agree w/ what LVLady said if you go w/ the Mirage...and to be more specific, ask for a TD room facing south on the west wing. Personally, I don't care much for their new look of the Mirage rooms http://www.mirage.com/hotel/hotel_remodel.aspx and prefer the remodeled rooms at TI http://www.treasureisland.com/offers/2008/07_room_remodel/flash.html You'll probably find TI cheaper in the room cost too, check it out and make your own call:thumbsup:

Make sure you check out the Wynn casino when you're there....it's gorgeous and very comfortable. It's a short walk from the Mirage and even a shorter walk from TI.

Dean my husband and I were very impressed with the Mirage rooms when we stayed there in August. The little things like the granite countertops in the bathroom, the desk and dresser. The furniture design in the standard rooms really makes the room appear larger than it is. It felt spacious. The one thing that was missing was the vanity area near the closet, instead there was a chest of drawers which we actually got good use out of.