Vegas Tips

Hi Everyone...

I am goingg to Vegas in March for my 30th, just me and my husband and i cant wait!
Its our first time and we are staying at the Encore - any hints and tips would be appreciated, only there for 5 nights so want to cram as much in as i can!

K

 

Welcome to the Board!
My best tip would be to find this board, which you already did!

Whether it be fine dining to celebrate your birthday, gambling, or shows you will find a ton of info in the various threads here.
I'd recommend going through those threads.
You can always fire away with more specific questions and you'll usually get some helpful input from other VMB members quickly!

Best wishes and congrats on your first Vegas adventure!

RICHARD

 

Take comfortable shoes, you will walk miles and see good a show! I'll be there in March, weather is great normally. Enjoy.

 

Mid 60's to low 70's during the day and low 50's at night so March is nice. Take a mid day nap to extend your nights. Get a players card and use it.

 

This ^^^ for sure. It will take you longer than you think to walk everywhere you go because A) everything is farther than it looks and B) With the crowds and walkways to cross the streets it just is slower. I will also be there in March. Have a blast, good luck!

 

Seems obvious but I didn't do it my first trip. Go downtown, at night. I went during the day and couldn't believe what I missed when I went the next year.

 

If you're going to gamble, get a Player's Club card from every casino you go to. It usually takes just 5 minutes or less and is the only way you will get freebies.

 

Don't try to cram too much in, pick a couple of things you really want to do and make sure you do them, otherwise just discover and enjoy. IMHO, worst thing you can do is over schedule your first trip and exhaust yourself trying to do it all. Don't worry, you'll be back!!

 

Welcome to VMB!

I'd suggest scanning through the 'things to do section' for restautants, shows, getting around etc. - and also some 'trip reports' for good info - focusing on things that are of particular interest to you. Jot down all that interest you and then prioritize. Once you get there, you might never use the list but at least you will be familiar with some of the properties, places to eat, etc. Lots of helpful, knowledgeable folks here to help along the way.

The Wynn/Encore is an excellent place to stay - a beautiful property with great restaurants.
Bellagio Fountains and the Atrium/Conservatory off the lobby are Worth a visit.
A nighttime walk on center strip with all the glitzy lights and crowds is a fun experience.
Your hotel Concierge can be very helpful with suggestions, reservations, etc.
For walks on the strip - comfy shoes, nothing is as close as it looks.

Have a wonderful first trip - and what you don't have time for this trip will be there for the next trip!!

 

Absolutely agree with Geogran on this...research.

A) It really helps build excitement pre-trip
B) it REALLY helps ensure you get the most bang for your buck on eating out. Vegad prices are across the board, and if you fly by the seat of your pants 100%, you're liable to get over-priced, so-so food. If you get a feel for menus, prices and reviews ahead of time, you'll know which places are more prone to be "worth every penny," and which you'll walk away from feeling like you paid an arm and a leg for sub-par food. Vegas can be pricey, but it can also offer you great meals for a great value, with a little research!

Also, if you guys play, make sure to use your card (as others said), and check with a host/players desk pre-checkout to see if they can take a little off your final bill. People sometimes don't do this, as they think they don't play enough to earn enough to earn freebies, but most players can get something shaved off, resort fees, a meal or two, or much more at times. It costs you nothing to do this, and the worst they can say is no!

Have a BLAST and we're all excited for you!

 

This is the number one thing for the first trip in my book. No number two, number one is comfortable walking shoes.

TomTWI

 

Hi KM, Welcome to VMB - Some more info would help us respond. Are you guys gamblers? For a first trip there is plenty to do without gambling at all, yet many people don't get out of their own hotel. I'm assuming also that it's your 30th birthday and not your 30th anniversary! What do you like to do and what can you comfortably accomplish with your bankroll? Big name entertainment is great and pricey - Mac King is great and will cost you $25 for the two of you. Personally, for a first trip, everything else aside - I agree with the prior posters that comfy shoes are probably the most important thing you can bring. Unless you plan on clubbing, bring only half the stuff you think you'll need and don't worry about being over or under dressed. It's Vegas and people dress how they want and not how others think they should. You'll have a great time, (and don't forget to tell us about the trip, afterwards).

 

The most practical tip I can give you is to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Although you will not be there in the hottest part of the year, always remember Vegas is in a desert.

 

I CAN NOT reiterate the need for comfortable shoes enough - this is why so many of the replies reference them - I have been to Vegas twice and EACH time, I took what i thought were good, comfortable shoes but was too vain to do what I should have done and packed trainers. I have never been in so much pain - these shoes, which are fine for wondering around my hometown for a couple of hours, flat soled and reasonable SHREDDED my feet!! Last time, I bought a pair of ugly shoes which are now known as 'the most comfortable shoes in the world' and I now have TWO pairs of Sketchers for our next trip!

Trip Adviser is a good resource for lists - things to do, organised via type of activity etc. I am not a fan of their forums, but have gained information from there and probably would again.

I like to take a look at the website for each casino/hotel and see what restaurants/things to see and do they have, then look at the menus etc so we have an idea of where we want to go. If you leave it until you get there, there is SO much choice, it can be a little daunting.

As a PP said, if you can post more about what you like, you will get more recommendations and ideas which will be relevant to your trip.

 

Check out groupons for vegas, as others have mentioned it can be pretty pricey to eat on the the strip, and you may find some great go to places that don't get mentioned much.............use lyft or uber, much cheaper and cleaner cars than taxis.............consider learning the strip bus system, the SDX and deuce are convenient for the strip, downtown, and the discount shopping centers (its pretty simple, I never rode city buses before and I had no problems)......Above all, just enjoy yourself and don't stress out about missing out on something, you can always come back!

 

When walking together into the Hotel Casinos be aware that you might be approached by people who are dressed similarly like the Hotel Management or Hosts.

These are Timeshare salepeople and they are very aggressive and bothersome, pushing to sell you timeshare condos in Vegas. If you succumb to their presentation be prepared for a long, pushy sales pitch and they don't take no for an answer. Best to politely say no and look ahead and move on briskly.

Unless you would be interested in this type of sales pitch then disregard this Vegas tip.

Enjoy your stay and Good Luck!!

 

1 - Read lots on this board.
2 - The shoe thing is real.
3 - You are staying at one of higher end hotels. (I actually would have suggested something less expensive mid strip if asked)
4 - Plan on spending lots of time just walking from one hotel casino to the next. So much to see.
5 - Do not over book stuff. You will get tired.
6 - Not sure if you are renting a car, but you really do not need it. Cabs and uber,etc will work fine.
7 - See #1. Then ask specific questions on the appropriate board.

 

As others have already posted, check this board often. I have been to Vegas many times, and still learn something new for each trip from other members. This is a great group of people that are very helpful. Have a great trip!

 

Get the Drunken Noodles at Wazuzu and the Veal Parm at Sinatra!

 

Ok, since you're staying at Encore, here are a couple of what I consider must do's on that part of the strip as far as food/drink.

Ossobuco or Veal Parm at Sinatra restaurant (I think Carbone at Aria is better, but it's a bit of a hike)
If you like bourbon at all, get a Sinatra smash at the Wynn
Grimaldi's pizza on the 2nd floor just inside the entrance to Palazzo across the bridge from Wynn
If you're into scotch, check out the bar at Delmonico steak house in the Venetian/Palazzo...whisky list is over 40 pgs