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Did I pay too much??

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by jonathan627, Nov 17, 2012.

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  1. jonathan627

    jonathan627 Tourist

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    Hi guys! First timer on the board here. My girlfriend and I just booked our vacation to Vegas (my 2nd time, her first time), for 4 nights at the Luxor.

    My question is we shopped around quite a bit, looked at packages, and looked at booking seperately, and the best deal we could find was a package for roundtrip airfare from Tulsa, OK, shuttle service to and from airport/hotel, and 4 nights in the Luxor from Thursday Feb. 21 to Monday Feb. 25. We paid $480 a piece.

    Do you guys think this was a fair deal or too much?? Anything cheaper would've been at like Circus Circus and we definitely did not want to do that.

    What do you guys think?? Also, any advice you could give me to enhance my girlfriend's first trip to Vegas would be welcome! We are in our mid-20's and this is our first "real" vacation together. Thanks!!
     
  2. kel3420

    kel3420 VIP Whale

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    Welcome! No, that is a good price. NOW, get playing cards when you gamble and your should start receiving discounted room rates.

    Read, read and read the info on this board. Tons of great information here.

    Wear comfortable shoes. Tell your GF, heels only on special occasions and then take cabs!

    Make tentative plans, like dinner reservations one night followed by a show. Plan, but don't overplan. Walk around, take in the sights, etc. Just go with the flow.

    Go downtown one night.

    DON"T lose your bankroll the first day. Just don't.

    Learn basic strategy on some table games. Just don't play slots. Learn craps, learn roulette, learn BJ and then play them.

    Don't eat too many buffets, take your GF somewhere nicer. Even the casino cafe. One buffet is fine, but more than that is too much. I know some people love buffets' but still...

    Hopefully you know your limits in regards to drinking.Being mid twenties, that is questionable, lol. Nothing worse than seeing falling down drunks and then it tends to ruin the whole next day anyway.

    Call your mom while you are there. TOTALLY kidding! But I am trying to think of things I would tell my 24 year old kids (and have) when they travel to Vegas without me.

    But MOST important, have fun!

    :beer::beer::beer:
     
  3. 75VWnut

    75VWnut Low-Roller

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    Re:

    That is a good deal. My mom is flying out of Tulsa on Friday, November 30th and flying back there on Monday, December 3rd and just her round-trip ticket was close to $400.

    Howard
     
  4. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

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    An acquaintance from OK met me in Vegas a couple weeks ago. Although they drove (long story), he related that airfare from OKC would have been over $400 each. (That's $100 more than my ticket would have cost from Atlanta for the same dates!) Add in four nights at Luxor and you didn't do badly at all. Agree with the advice you've gotten so far, and hope you all have a terrific trip!
     
  5. texdan17

    texdan17 Low-Roller

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    That sounds like our 2nd trip to Vegas (first was by car from Houston...NEVER. A. GAIN.) except trade out Luxor for NYNY. Airfare from our neck of the woods has been "cheap" at no less than $330-350 so it looks like your room is costing your probably around $300 total for four nights. So no, with no comps or otherwise discounted rates coming in, this sounds like you did a good job.

    In the future, however, I would recommend shopping airfare and rooms separately as you build a play history. Definitely spend some money (even $200 bucks and a couple hours on penny slots does wonders) at a Caesar's property (basically, Caesar's Palace on the West side of the Strip and nearly everything else in the center of the East side of the strip from Harrah's to Planet Ho). This will get you comped or discounted room rates for future stays (across the country, including fun places like NOLA)...as long as you sign up for an use your Total Rewards card. MLife properties tend to be a little tighter with room comps (Luxor is MLife), BUT you have plenty of time to go on Facebook and start playing MyVegas...a game for MLife properties where you can build up credit and earn freebies. I have been playing for about 6 weeks and already have tickets to the Secret Garden and two brunch passes for Border Grill.

    As far you enhancing your girlfriend's experience, I agree with the one nice dinner thing. I would also recommend enjoying drinks at a place with a nice classic Vegas view. Being at Luxor, you are close enough to Mandalay Bay and have two great options there with MIX lounge or the Foundation room...you can also go to Rio (off-strip but not far) and try the Voodoo lounge. Both of these might be too "old" for you if you like the club scene, but in my 20s I was a little "slower" and didn't like the rave feel of clubs...if you do though, there are PLENTY to choose from...just be prepared to pay a premium on drinks. Finally, if she likes to shop, you have many options. Avoid Fashion Show Mall...it's a mall...you can do that anywhere. Accessible shopping at Planet Ho with the Miracle Mile Shops...a better mix and better design at the Forum Shoppes at Caesar's (my wife's favorite) and then some super fancy options in the small arcades at Bellagio and Wynncore with the biggest fancy option at Crystals at Aria.

    You two have fun...the first time is always the best time...until the next time.
     
  6. vegasqc

    vegasqc VIP Whale

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    thats a decent deal

    Try the 20$ trick at check in to get a tower room instead of a pyramid one(unless you want the pyramid experience)

    Luxur also has a 20$ per night resort fee was that included in your 480$?
     
  7. jonathan627

    jonathan627 Tourist

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    Couple more questions...

    Thanks a lot for all of the advice guys!! Yeah I thought we got a pretty good deal after all the shopping around we did. We're shooting for a $600-$1000 budget spending money wise, we'll have to see what our tax refunds look like before we go.

    I went 2 years ago when I was 22 with my 2 best friends, and we just did the whole first time all guys trip thing, gambled and drank our way back home without any real shows or anything. We stayed at the Mandalay Bay and visited MIX and I remember that view vividly so I am going to be sure to take her there. As far as shows, how are Carrot Top and Criss Angel? Luxor has the 2 for $75 deal so I thought that sounded ok. Also, what's a nice place for us to have dinner at the night we get there? With V-Day the week before we go, I'm planning on buying her a nice dress and getting dinner reservations somewhere nice for the Thursday night we arrive in town. I'm also going to be sure to take her to the fountain show at Bellagio and may try to get Downtown one night some how. Any other shows or must-see sights for her? Also, is it better to buy tickets for shows there or shop around online before we go? THANKS!!
     
  8. Liondownnow

    Liondownnow Low-Roller

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    Do either of you play the myvegas game on Facebook? You can create a generic account on facebook versus using your own account to play this game. The game offers REAL rewards at the MGM affiliated properties.

    My wife and I started playing in late August and have already cashed in 2 free tickets to Carrot Top (when I called in for my tickets they gave me row 1) and 2 free champagne brunches at the Border Grill at Mandalay Bay.

    If either of has a little spare time or don't mind putting it on auto-spin to monitor while watching TV, etc. you can get yourself a few free things long before February.

    There is a myvegas thread on this board that would give you alot of details.

    Enjoy your trip!
     
  9. Smo

    Smo Mr. Las Vegas

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    Don't take cabs everywhere, you are young, so walk. Use the free trams to get you around. Take your gf on the tram that goes from the Monte Carlo to Bellagio. Inside Bellagio, go to the conservatory and see the Chinese New Year display. If it's night, make sure to go and see the fountain show while you are there.
    Start your walk back towards the Luxor and make sure to stop in at The Cosmopolitan, Crystals, and the whole City Center complex.

    Make sure to ask her what she wants to do or see. Keep her happy and you'll be happy as well. As mentioned--------- Wear comfortable shoes when walking the strip. Your feet will thank you for it!

    As mentioned earlier in the thread, get some players cards (not playing cards) if you plan on returning within a year or 2.

    Have fun, be safe, and be aware of your surroundings.
     
  10. kel3420

    kel3420 VIP Whale

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    For the love of everything holy, do not see Criss Angel! Carrot Top would be great. I really recommend Absinthe. Just saw that last month and it was great. I found some discounts online.

    As for buying tix there or beforehand, I usually buy tickets for the shows I def want to see and if we want to see another show we go stand in the crazy Tix-2-Tonite lines. One of our nicer meals is always at Olive's at Bellagio. If you make reservations, get the first dinner seating, then get there approx 15 mins beforehand and wait in line and you will get a front patio table. This works great if sunset is at 6 or so, that way the sun is going down, the strip lights are coming on, the fountains are going off, you have a cocktail in your hand...awesome. If sunset is later, you kind of miss the whole ambiance thing. The food isn't that great, its more that everything else makes it cool.

    Have fun!

    :beer::beer::beer:
     
  11. jonathan627

    jonathan627 Tourist

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    Thank you!!

    Oh my gosh thanks so much for this tip!! This game is great, I'm already almost to 5K loyalty points. The rewards seem awesome. We can't wait to see what we can redeem for free for our trip. This makes the wait so much easier it seems like haha.

    ONE more question guys... I do want to take my girlfriend somewhere nice, somewhere with reservations. I don't know where to go though and how much it's going to be. I really really would like to find somewhere within the luxor or just a neighboring hotel because I would like for my girlfriend to be able to wear her heels and dress nice, it will also be our dinner for the first night we get there. We will arrive around 4PM, get to our room and get ready for dinner so I wanna keep it close. NOW, I am hoping to spend no more than $150 for dinner and wine...is this realistic? Also, is there anything similar to Chili's that is this nice? I know I know, Chili's right, but it's my girlfriend's favorite chain restaurant back home I think just because it has a little of everything and she loves the chicken pasta and the southwestern eggrolls. Weird request I know, but anymore help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

    • Close to Luxor (or within Luxor)
    • $150 budget for dinner and wine (if realistic)
    • Nice restaurant where we won't feel out of place if we sorta dress up.
    • Anything similar to Chili's? LOL
    • Need reservations
     
  12. texdan17

    texdan17 Low-Roller

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    I'd say venture out and just take a cab. So many options outside of Luxor...I say this because I've never heard any rave reviews of the restaurants there. BUT, it's totally off my radar as a place to stay (not for any good reason in particular).

    My wife always wants to do fancy dress up night (or two or three) where she wears heels. You really won't feel out of place anywhere when you dress up in Vegas for dinner unless you go to one of the more budget hotels...and even then, some of those have nice and well-known restaurants.

    $150 is reasonable for a mid-range dinner. I don't know about the "similar to Chili's" part but I'm sure people will have suggestions. I saw SW eggrolls and all I could think of was Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill...which I hate, but some people really enjoy. Good luck!
     
  13. dawgfan11

    dawgfan11 Low-Roller

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    You could call over to Mandalay and see if they can get you a reservation at the Foundation Room at the top of the hotel. Great food and spectacular view.


    Also if you want something not to expensive but also have a bit of a fun with. Try Casa Di Amore. It's a off strip italian restaurant but they will come pick you up in a limo. It's definitely worth it. http://www.casadiamore.com/
     
  14. jonathan627

    jonathan627 Tourist

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    Thank you

    Those are 2 really good ideas...I may have to try both of those. How's the food at the Italian joint? And what's the price range like at the Foundation Room?
     
  15. dawgfan11

    dawgfan11 Low-Roller

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    Food was decent, worth the prices at Casa. Atmosphere was great had some live music to which was awesome.


    You can view the menu for the foundation room here http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/foundation-room/
     
  16. Blackstars81

    Blackstars81 Tourist

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    I second the tower rooms at the Luxor versus the pyramid and i second the mandalay bay restaurant idea, the hotel is beautiful and there are a ton of restaurants located on the property. I recommend Aureole or RM seafood (upstairs or downstairs) both places will be a little above your price range but both will be worth it. Look up both of their menus and/or read the reviews on yelp and look at the pictures of the food i promise your girlfriend will love either one of them.
    Aureole has a huge wine selection and a famous "wine tower" in which wine angels propel by rope to retrieve bottles of wine right in front of patrons. RM has an ice cream dessert that consists of 16 scoops of "exotic" flavors, if you order this dessert you are given the opportunity to guess each flavor ice cream. The flavors are extremely unique for example we had balsamic onion, avocado, and orange fennel. If you are able to guess all 16 you get it free if not its still under $20 and its plenty of ice cream for two. Write a trip report when you get back let us know how it went,
     
  17. vegas3

    vegas3 Low-Roller

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    My vote is for the Foundation Room! Even though our room had the same view the experience was awesome. Everyone up there is really nice and helpful. The wife and I had blast, the drinks were good and the atmosphere just can't be beat. It is also very romantic (this is from the wife). Brownie Points!
     

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  18. KellyLovesVegas

    KellyLovesVegas Earthling/retired space nerd

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    Either Aureole, RM Seafood (downstairs - because upstairs is likely beyond the price range you mentioned) or Foundation Room are very nice restaurants for dinner.

    But the Foundation Room has one of the best panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. The door to this balcony (there are a total of three balconies at FR) is located just to the right of the main bar in the lounge. After dinner drinks on that balcony would be a great way to cap off what will be a very nice dinner in the Foundation Room dining room.

    Call the Foundation Room for dinner reservations: 702.632.7631

    The distance between Luxor and Mandalay Bay is walkable (even in heels) without going outside, by simply walking through the Shops at Mandalay Place. The elevator to the Foundation Room is located near the main elevator bank for Mandalay Bay. Here's the map from the MB website which may be helpful.
    http://www.mandalaybay.com/downloads/plans/Property_Casino-Map.pdf

    Enjoy your trip!
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2012
  19. jonathan627

    jonathan627 Tourist

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    BUMP for leaving soon...

    So we're leaving in 2 days and I just wanted to re-hash this older thread in order to update you guys with what we have planned, any last minute suggestions, and to thank you all for the advice!

    So we arrive Thursday around 1pm, will check into the luxor, and then we will probably just spend the first day/night taking everything in, getting a feel for our location and everything. That night, I think we will visit the MIX @ Mandalay so I can show my girlfriend the awesome view and have some drinks.

    Then Friday, I redeemed 2 tickets to Zarkana at 7pm...nothing else planned besides that...well maybe we'll go to NYNY during the day and spend the $75 F&B credit I was able to redeem also.

    Saturday, we planned on having dinner with the limo ride to Casa di Amore, and are considering spending a few hours in downtown after dinner but would also like to see how lively the strip is saturday night.

    Sunday's our last full day so we will be shopping, sight seeing etc etc.

    Our budget is $300 a day per person, hoping to have some luck at the blackjack tables.

    Weather is kinda worrying me...not sure what to expect or bring. Looks like it will be in the 60s/40s. Do I need to bring a big coat? Or just a hoodie, or north face fleece?

    Sorry for the long post, just excited to be there and wanted to thank you guys for the advice, it helped a ton! :beer:
     
  20. gpenguins67

    gpenguins67 High-Roller

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    i would say bring a light jacket or a hoodie.... once you get into the casinos the heat will be on so you will hate carrying a heavy jacket.

    Looking for someplace like Chili's: I would go over to Diablo's at Monte carlo... and there is a mexican restaurant on the second floor of Luxor that was pretty good.

    For the finer dining: $150 can be done even with wine. I would go to either Mandalay Bay or MGM for the nicer restaurant nearby. I had lunch at Fleur at Mandalay bay and the food was phenomenal and not so bad pricewise for lunch-- dinner is a bit more.
    Also, a lot of people recomend Charlie Palmers steakhouse at Four seasons (connedcted to mandalay bay i beleive).. i havent tried it but it had been suggested a lot. They have a Cut of the week menu for $50 per person that includes an app, entre, and deset with wine pairings included in the price. http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CPSteak/LasVegas/Menu/?MenuId=512

    Like others have said, don't waste your money on cabs all the time. Make good use of the free monorails (Mandalay bay-Luxor-Excalibur and Monte-Aria Bellagio) Walk around.. plus the GF is probably going to wanna see alot of the stuff.
    For cheaper drinks and gambling. I would head to Hooters casino down the street on tropicana and do a night downtown.
    Keep an eye out for happy hour specials. You can do a lot of nicer restaurants / bars on the cheap if you take advantage of the happy hour times.
     
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