1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Newbie going soon - Have lots of questions?!?!

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by momoftwinboys09, Apr 3, 2013.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. momoftwinboys09

    momoftwinboys09 Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    16
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    Heading to Vegas April 14th to get married. It will just be me and my husband. We're staying for a week at the Mirage. This will be my 1st time in Vegas and I'm nervous and excited all at the same time! I have many questions running through my head and thought I could see if I could get help with some.

    First of all, I'm totally afraid that I will be underdressed. I get that for clubs and fine dining - formal/evening wear should be worn. I just want to know more of daily/nightly in the casinos, or shopping or walking on the strip. I'm a jeans and sneakers or casual skirt or shorts person. I am just afraid I will feel out of place. Okay enough about that.

    I've also read how some people say gamble off of the strip...why is this? I'm going to try craps for the 1st time. Will play some slots but honestly I'm a little overwhelmed by all of it. Hahaha. I'm ready though! LOL

    Some people have told me drinks/food in Vegas are soooooooo expensive. Yet others say how cheap it all is...what's the deal?

    I'm so excited but just wanted to start a post and see if I can get some questions answered and any tips to give to a 1st timer =)

    Thank you all in advance!

    :thumbsup:
     
  2. HoyaHeel

    HoyaHeel Grammar Police & Admin

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2002
    Messages:
    26,509
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    16
    Casual is fine for almost anything at any time in Vegas. Shorts or a sundress or jeans will be seen everywhere. But wear comfortable shoes!

    Gambling is cheaper and the odds can be better off-Strip. For instance, I like to play craps too, but I want to play cheap. During our Feb trip, we stayed at TI and even during the daytime midweek, all the tables we saw had $10 minimums. I want to play $5, so we didn't play....

    Food and drinks can be expensive and they can be affordable - all options are available, but not necessary convenient or good....
     
  3. undathesea

    undathesea Grandissimo

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2013
    Messages:
    1,664
    Location:
    Washington D.C.
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    20
    Dress however you want. Clubs will require proper attire and some restaurants may as well, but for the most part, feel free to wear what you want. That includes shows as well.

    Off-strip locations usually have lower minimums and lower house edges. You can find these games on the strip, but will have to pay higher table minimums to find them. Craps is overwhelming when you first start playing. Go in the afternoon and try to find an empty table or ask the casino if they give craps lessons. Usually the dealers will give you a free lesson if they aren't busy and they'll help you play and explain the action.

    Food is both cheap and expensive. It depends on where you are. On the strip there are a variety of food options from mcdonalds to very high-end restaurants. And it's all within walking distance or wherever you are. If you plan to dine at a nice restaurant, make reservations now before you go.

    Check Yelp for options and filter by price. There are "cheap eats" threads on VMB too if you are looking to explore inexpensive good food.
     
  4. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2012
    Messages:
    2,420
    Location:
    Colorado Springs
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    In the casino you can wear just about anything and you'll fit in. At night it gets a bit dressier as people are coming from or going to dinner. But it doesn't matter unless you're going to eat somewhere high end. For example, Prime doesn't allow shorts.

    For gambling, if you're playing craps it doesn't much matter if you're on or off strip since the odds are similar if not identical. It's just the minimums. But you can get $5 craps on the strip, too, and you won't get lower off strip.

    Undathesea's advice for how to learn craps is very good.
     
  5. split10's?

    split10's? Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2013
    Messages:
    201
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    87
    I've quit taking jeans to vegas, too hot. Daily/nightly in the casinos and walking around, just bring what you are most comfortable in, nobody really cares. Skirt, shorts, sundress, sweats, chainmail, whatever you like...

    and yes, you can spend a lot or a little, on everything from getting from the airport to hotel, meals, gaming, shows, drinking, etc, etc, etc. These forums are an absolute treasure-trove of info, a few hours of reading will reveal a lot! :)
     
  6. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2010
    Messages:
    9,414
    Location:
    Florida
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    32
    We wear nothing but pants, jean shorts, t-shirts and sneakers.
    Once in a while my wife plays dress up, but that is rarely.
    Can't speak about the clubs or "formal" dinners as we don't do those.
    We even did the O show in jeans.
    Rule 1 - be comfortable.
    The majority of people are more interested in being at Vegas than what others are wearing.


    Don't waste time going off the strip just to gamble unless there is a place you are interested in visited and happen to be there.
    The reason people say gamble off strip is because the odds are slightly better. For a first timer or a person who goes once/twice a year its a waste to go off strip just to gamble. You really won't notice the difference.


    People who don't gamble can pay $8-12 or more for a mixed drink.
    People who gamble get the same drinks for free. Sure a bit smaller, but still free.
    We like to do those Fat Tuesday Drink or Coyote Ugly drinks. Try 2 of the High Octane which will be about $20 total and that usually gets me through the night.
    There are restaurants that cost $50/$100 a person to eat.
    There are also restaurants that cost $10-$20 a person to eat.
    There are buffets too.
    Eat hotel/casino tends to have:
    - a buffet
    - a high end restaurant
    - a medium end restaurant
    - general foods (McDonalds, Subway....)
    - small stores for snakes and stuff.

    Go to each hotel/casinos web site and check their available dining options.
    Some will even have prices.
    Some Vegas web sites will list the places and include $ $$ $$$ $$$$ to show how cheap or expensive the places are.
     
  7. easystreet57

    easystreet57 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2013
    Messages:
    126
    Location:
    PA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    23
    Tip for first time Vegas visitors.
    The first time we went to Vegas we found it to be overwhelming, in a good way. We thought we knew what to expect, because we had been out of the house a few times before, but it was what we imaged, on steroids. Because we had on plan, much of the time we wound up chasing our tails. (No honeymoon jokes here, please!) Still we had a great time, but could have done more with even a loose plan. We have been back several times since and always go with at least an outline of what we want do and see while we are there. I don’t mean to sound like a tour guide, that’s not it, any plan we ever made has been flexible and allows time for just hanging out. We just always found it more enjoyable if we knew what days we going to see a show, eat at a fancy restaurant, visit an off-strip casino or take a trip downtown, before we stepped off the plane.
    With your upcoming wedding it is obvious that some planning has already taken place, but if you want to get the most out of your trip (wedding stuff aside) you might want to become familiar with Vegas before you get there. There is plenty of information on the internet, including this forum and other Vegas sites where you can get strips maps, hotel floor plans, show listing as well as restaurant locations and in some cases, menus with average meal prices. If you plan to see any of the great Vegas shows, you need to know what days they are “dark” and the show times, before you get there, so that you don’t waste time going to a show that not performing that night or to a restaurant or a club that’s closed. (Some are, especially early in the week). You might even need to know the schedule for the free shows along the strip so you can plan your evening stroll on the strip so that you don’t miss them, and please don’t, they are what make your first trip to Vegas unforgettable.
    I hope this helps or at least gives you something to think about, trust me, the Vegas strip is huge and, I think, appears even bigger the first time you see it in person. We just found it overwhelming to know which way to go, which way to turn the first time out, maybe that’s just us, but I wanted to share these thoughts with you. Congratulation on your wedding, and have a great time in Vegas! With or without a plan, I know you will.
     
  8. Auggie

    Auggie Dovahkiin

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2009
    Messages:
    5,820
    Location:
    Burnaby, BC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    17
    In Las Vegas the clubs have dress codes and very very few of the high end restaurants will ask for at least business casual.

    Other than that you can pretty much dress in whatever feels comfortable: if you go out to a fancy show or a really nice dinner you could see a couple there in fancy evening apparel standing next to somebody in shorts, t-shirt and sandals.

    While some like to get dressed up when they go out to a fine dinner, others will say they are on vacation and just want to unwind and relax.


    For the questions about off-strip:
    For a first time trip to Las Vegas don't even worry about it.
    There is going to be so much to see and do on The Strip for you that you likely won't even have time to go off-strip.
    And then you have to ask: I am on vacation, for the first time in a nice city with all these big fancy megaresorts... do I really want to go to some small crappy smokey dump of a casino in the middle of nowhere so I can find 9/6 Jacks or Better VP for a nickle, play some cheap table games and then have a $5 steak dinner thats made up of pretty much the lowest grade cut of beef?
     
  9. mescalita

    mescalita old and in the way...

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2012
    Messages:
    1,912
    Location:
    Tejas
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    39
    Two valuable tools I always take to Vegas: LVA Member Rewards book and American Casino Guide coupons. Google both and see if one or the other might work for you. Both have coupons to help out with your dining and drinking costs. Free slot play and table game matchplays are not only fun, but sometimes profitable. Take some good walking/running shoes and have a great time!
     
  10. ButterflyMtn

    ButterflyMtn High-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2012
    Messages:
    674
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    16

    First Congrats on the wedding!


    1) casual during the day and sometime at night (depends what you are doing) I always have a day outfit and night outfit and a few extra options for each...you never know you might feel or what you might be doing.

    2) gamble where you want and most casinos have "classes" in the morning for games. I have enjoyed playing craps on the strip and downtown (fremont street with the light show..old vegas..where you must go). My favorite place is Binions as they have low limits and "the boys" are always fun...not as stuffy as some places on the strip

    3) food and drinks. Drinks = free w/ gambling (remember to tip the cocktail waitress) but otherwise they can be more expensive than you might find at home but some places - downtown, Casino Royale - which is across the street from Mirage - has $1 beers and margaritas...grab a few as you walk around. Remember open containers are OK in Vegas!

    Depending where you are going depends on the price. Sometimes you want a quick bite and can find a $0.99 hot dog or something in the food court vs going to a sit down meal might cost a bit more. If you are ok with sharing (portions are huge) that will help in the more expensive places.

    Remember to take good walking shoes for the day. Enjoy the sites and the first time eyes on Vegas..it is a fun, fun, fun place and I know you won't be disappointed!

    Also, sign up for players cards, you can get some sort of discounts at places in the casino as well as offers for future visits!
     
  11. Firehawk

    Firehawk Semi-Amateurish Gambler

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2013
    Messages:
    147
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    6
    Congrats on the wedding!!!

    Many others have posted great information for ya. Just be sure to bring comfy shoes thats my biggest tip!!! On my first trip I ended up walking from NYNY to Fremont street ( long story) I don't recomend it.

    Once you hit the craps table you will be hooked.
     
  12. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

    Joined:
    May 4, 2009
    Messages:
    23,220
    Location:
    TN
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    My wedding/first trip advice?

    Do no think because it is such a special trip you need to go to the finest restaurants. Why spend $200 for dinner, when $80 will be just as great?

    Do not think you need to go to fancy places for a drink. Or get tickets to a show every night.

    Or think you need the fanciest room they have.

    There is so much to do, and share time with each other up and down the strip.

    Get out. Explore. Walk. Look around. Enjoy your time together

    And - take some time and scroll through postings from the past month or two here. You will find answers to questions you did not know you had.

    Come back and tell us.
     
  13. gregsmith

    gregsmith Tourist

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2013
    Messages:
    92
    Location:
    Grottoes, VA, USA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    Congratulations! And I hope you enjoy it...... My wife and I will also be arriving in LV from April 14 until 20th.
     
  14. momoftwinboys09

    momoftwinboys09 Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    16
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    So I've looked into both of these. Look good and then I read some people say not to even bother if it is your 1st time. But I'm a coupon person. I found them both on Amazon for very cheap and I know one of them had a coupon to one of the small attractions that I do want to see so I figured since it would pay for itself for that 1 item then it is worth it. So I think I will go ahead and get it. Hey if I make my money back then it's mission accomplished. What I have left I'll pay it forward to someone!
     
  15. momoftwinboys09

    momoftwinboys09 Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    16
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    Us too! Where are you staying? Do you guys frequent Vegas often? Enjoy your trip...I'll be an 'official' wife too when we return...hahaha
     
  16. momoftwinboys09

    momoftwinboys09 Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    16
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    I wish I had $200 to spend on dinner =) This is a pretty budgeted trip. We actually were able to score some awesome rewards on MyVegas on Facebook so that has enhanced our trip tremendously. We will definitely be giving back by spending money with them at their venues and properties but it's really awesome that we were able to get the cool stuff that we did. We have almost 4 year old twin boys and a teenage daughter and our main goal is to getaway and just relax. I look forward to walking around and just checking out the sights. We were given a wedding gift to the Beatles Love so that may be the only show we attend. I don't want to really book much now because I don't want to be on a real tight schedule. Thank you for the information! =)
     
  17. momoftwinboys09

    momoftwinboys09 Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    16
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    I've played poker before at some pubs years back but not a real gambler...but some video poker here and there. But I read a post on here about how to and he just said do it! LOL. So I can sure give it a try.
     
  18. momoftwinboys09

    momoftwinboys09 Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    16
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    I checked the weather the other day and it showed in the 80s there. We live in NC and we've still had some chilly days here and there. I'm glad I looked. Looking for the summer stuff! Yes reading on here is great...I could read these forums for hours...I do read these forums for hours lol...
     
  19. momoftwinboys09

    momoftwinboys09 Tourist

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    16
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    I'm glad you said overwhelming in a good way. lol...we don't have much planned. Thankfully it's just us 2 going. We are doing 1 show that we have tickets for but plan to play it by ear. I didn't know there were free shows. Gosh it's crazy because when I've looked and checked out where hotels are and stuff, it all seems so close together. I don't think it's hit me yet that it's much farther than I'm imagining. Can't wait to get there!!! Thank you for all the tips!
     
  20. sybgal

    sybgal VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2004
    Messages:
    6,261
    Location:
    Indiana
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    36
    Congrats on the wedding trip!! Someone gave you a great gift in the tickets to see "Love".....it is wonderful and we would go see it again. Also - if you Google "las vegas coupons" there are some BOGO's for Nathans / Haagen Daez...etc that could give you some inexpensive snacks. Not sure if it is still open with the construction around The Quad, but we Googled the "auto collection las vegas" and got free tickets (last year) to go walk thru & see all the great cars on display - which is on the roof of The Quad - formerly Imperial Palace. Hope you have a wonderful time!!
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.