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Been thinking.. I'm not cheap.. somewhat frugal.. I don't want too be gouged

Discussion in 'Las Vegas for the Frugal (not Cheap)' started by Vegabound, Jul 9, 2018.

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  1. vegasnut

    vegasnut VIP Whale

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    it is very simple no one wants to be cheap or is cheap......You know certain things when going to vegas and staying on the strip that it is expensive.
    Yes i go to wallgreens or cvs to buy some things and i know i pay double for it (people who have a car and wanna be frugal go to a 99 cent store for exactly the same product you pay 50% less..... a few times when i had dutch friends over who had a car i went shopping with them to the 99 cents store..instead of having groceries about 40$ it only costed me 18)....if i go to my hotel from the airport i get the shuttle( i dont mind waiting a bit and that it takes me a bit more time but it saves me 10$)......I also know the places to eat where its good and not expensive(very good meal with sodadrink and tip for 25$ is ok by me). And yeah i normally dont get drinks at the pool(a cocktail is about 20$).....last year my buddy had a great deal on a cabana at paris pool and had free drink coupons and we got some food as well and it wasnt all that expensive(with 4 free drinks food and tipping i think total he spend about 300$ i think the original deal was 200$ for the whole deal/cabana for a day with the 4 free drinks). But sometimes you have to indulge yourself and sometimes quality costs a bit....yeah i did the eiffeltowerrestaurant(had a lettuce coupon) yes i did gordon ramseys steak (best steak i ever had but it costed me 76$ only for the steak)....And i get it people who wanna party and live luxurious and have the money for it go to fancy expensive restaurants and go to nightclubs where they have a table(starting at 500/1000$) so to everybody its own..its just cool to see that many people rich or not rich have this vegas crazyness and love for this town..so you dont have to be rich/poor/frugal or cheap just enjoy it and do vegas your own way:thumbsup:
     
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  2. NYNYGirl

    NYNYGirl VIP Whale

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    Haha this was me literally. Drove my Corolla for 15 years and for those last 12 years it was paid off. So was able to put in a lot of vacation time.

    I agree with ones that it pays to be frugal. That's just smart..
     
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  3. Burnsie

    Burnsie VP Low-Roller

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    If we save on "X", we can splurge on "Y." Works for us, too!
     
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  4. kkinwi

    kkinwi VIP Whale

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    Travelling frugally allows me several trips to Vegas/year, so that is what I do. I stay in comfortable (for me) hotels (comped), but do take a coffee maker, snacks and the start of drinks (usually have to replenish part way thru....sigh). My meals at some higher end places were memorable, as were some shows....do not regret those expenditures.
    Have done Hawaii and New York city, and thought those VERY pricey, but it was our first time there, so we learned alot.
    Many trip variations on this board....I learn something every day!
     
  5. parallax

    parallax High-Roller

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    This a diverse community and everyone has different interests and priorities when they go to Vegas. Sometimes interests and priorities are shaped by financial constraints, the unwillingness on principal to spend x on something, or the desire to avoid a particular place for whatever reason. For example, when in Vegas, we try to avoid going to chain restaurants that are already in our community. We live close to a Mon Ami Gabi, Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano's ,and these are all fine restaurants, but we can visit them anytime we want. Our preference is to eat a place the is not available to us; be it Pizza Rock or L'atelier de Joel Robuchon.
     
  6. HHFan

    HHFan VIP Whale

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    Before I get into the opinion portion of my post, let me just state that the $20 steak dinner you get at home is not the same as the $60 steak you’re getting at Prime or Delmonico’s. You can say you don’t see the value of a $60 steak, but that’s a different discussion.

    We all have a different sense of value for our money. For me personally, it’s much different than what most of you have expressed in this thread. I have my own justification for why my ways are “best”, just like others have their reasons. We’re humans, we’d go nuts if we couldn’t come up with reasons to explain our actions.

    I basically avoid the “mid-level” at all costs. Using restaurants as an example, I see no value in a $20-25 steak dinner and $6 jack and coke at my local tavern or chain steakhouse. I want the cheapest of the cheap, or I want something I can’t get on my own. I can recreate the meal above cheaply and easily with a quick stop at the grocery store on the way home from work. If you don’t have the equipment or confidence in the kitchen, that $20 seems like a steal. However, I’m not recreating the type of dinner I’m getting at a fine steakhouse without a trip to a speciality butcher across town, a much longer shopping list for unique ingredients, and some bottles of alcohol I’ll probably only use once or twice for the specific “craft” cocktail that I would’ve ordered. I’m paying a much higher percentage markup at the midlevel place, and likely paying a higher markup in actual dollars. Of course my total expenditure is probably 3-4x that of the person at the mid level place, but I’m ok with that because I see more value in it using my definition.

    I also recognize that there are personal reasons for my value definitions.
    1. I can afford it. Obviously it’s easier to see the value in something that costs more when you don’t have to account for every single penny you spend. That’s not to say if you don’t see value in nice things you must be poor/cheap.
    2. I spent several years as a concierge in a high end business hotel getting wined and dined by the finest restaurants several nights a weeks. Obviously easy to develop a taste/affection for that life when it’s free and you’re getting the hard sell on it.
    3. I’ve since spent a lot of time working in accounting/finance within the hospitality industry. Looking at the numbers from the operational side has led me to feel like the high and low ends are the best place to be as a customer.

    I could literally spend all day talking about this stuff, as I find it fascinating.
     
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  7. KKB

    KKB VIP Whale

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    I am not a cheapskate AT ALL--BUT I do try to squeeze EVERY penny out of every dollar we make!
    I rebook flights when prices drop (SWA)--and we got the credit cards to earn points (and initially the invaluable companion pass)
    I book the cheapest room I can get (usually comped) WHERE I want it. (don't care to stay DT)
    I bring breakfast bars & trail mix; stop at CVS/Walgreens for water, sodas if we have a fridge we can use.
    I do research on the best price for what we want to do.
    We discovered Charlie Palmer Cut of the Week this trip--AMAZING value.
    Lyft rocks.
    Discovered Orleans this trip--we will be back. VP, poker & promos were amazing...will try some dining next time.
    Yet, paid $12/drink to watch my fav band (actually was cheaper than sitting at VP & getting "free" drinks while hearing another fav band...:drunk:)
    But I am a sucker for great music, video poker & flowing drinks...
     
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  8. bnlphan

    bnlphan Degenerate In Training

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    The exorbitant prices of food, drink, and entertainment are on the same level as resort fees and parking fees. Resorts do it because they can. They can because people will pay it and the more people pay the worse it will get. I've joked about it but when an elevator pass is included in your resort fees more will understand. I'll keep my opinion on the matter to myself from now on as it doesnt seem to be popular, but I take offense at being told to stay home if I dont agree with the price of things.

    Maybe its because I'm from Kentucky where the cost of living is generally lower than most places I don't know, but even at that everyone knows a lot of things out there are overpriced.
     
    NYNY,Cannery,Sam's Town Jun4-11
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  9. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    But that's the whole point, the concept of "overpriced" is subjective. At some level we'll find agreement -- $200/night at El Cortez, for instance. But this thread -- all of 'em on this topic -- highlights that very fact. And where c-o-l might be lower, wages often are, too, and that becomes germane when you leave that market, or enter that market from outside.

    Are costs increasing in Vegas? Indeed.
     
  10. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    We could afford almost most things. That doesn't mean we would willingly pay the price. Like another poster mentioned his wife ordering a $400+ steak somewhere in Vegas. Could we afford that-yes, would I pay that? Hell no! A nice $30 prime rib at Redwood is just fine.

    Redwood Prime.JPG
     
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  11. gr8whitenorth

    gr8whitenorth VIP Whale

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    Besides anything that cuts into our gambling money isn't good....
     
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  12. Audible Nectar

    Audible Nectar High-Roller

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    I think just about everyone here, on some level, does the "value" proposition. Even the higher dollar players, who evaluate what they get on comps vs. the experience. Also too, on the higher level of room/meal/show/etc basis. It's all clearly a matter of taste/what's important. And we all pretty much limit ourselves in some way, even if it means saying "I'm done with the gaming/slowing the gaming for the most part the rest of this trip: as my loss limit is getting close".

    For my example, with the "coffee issue": Sure, it's an "interruption" to go shopping for this stuff when on vacation. But it's ONE interruption on a nine day trip. Given that I want to see the coffee at eyes opening, and to do that in most Vegas casino resorts means going downstairs, waiting in line, THEN paying 10+ for two coffees, that's NINE interruptions. Oh, and those interruptions cost more. For often burnt tasting coffee. So while I AM on vacation, and shopping might not be the ideal thought, as they say, a little pain, a whole lotta gain, and so I take care of the rest of the in room wants too. Like unlimited free waters whenever I need it. Just buy my own mini-bar :) Oh, and now with the existence of dispensaries, I'm already out shopping - might as well finish it off! One more reason to do a first day shopping trip.

    Now that said, I'm more than willing to "shop" for those conveniences, too. It's one reason I LOVE Aria's Tower Suites, because I can easily go downstairs and get coffee in the lounge. So that simple fact ends up in the "room calculation" - what I get extra out of that room that I don't have to spend somewhere else. Especially for two or three day stays because then I have less reason to make a store trip at all outside of CVS, which fixes the rest.

    The "cheap or high end" rings true a great deal here too. I price shop for the good stuff/high end and try to enjoy a few aspects of that, then fill in between. So much about what's great about Vegas is free - vibe, scene, streets etc.....so I take the bargains, then fill it in with my own palette of activities and such to my liking.

    There's no "right way" necessarily, and I would never say anyone's priorities are wrong. but I do think some "market forces" in the form of not buying overpriced stuff is a good thing. All of the "add on fees" get silly enough, so by not spending $10 on a room water bottle I'm in effect saying "that's ridiculous". Now I could pound the table and make a scene over my displeasure about such issues, or I can be more adult about it and adjust. I don't think it's any secret to Las Vegas hotels that we want in room coffee, and they want us downstairs in line at Starbucks so we might drop $300 in a machine, and neither side is giving in to their position. So we do it our way as individuals, making sure we aren't setting ourselves up for a fine or ejection in the process:D
     
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  13. whiskeyandslots

    whiskeyandslots High-Roller

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    I don't like wasting money. It's not about what I can or can't "afford."

    I don't like spending $3-$4 for a bottle of water when I can stop at Walmart on the way into Vegas and get 40 bottles of water for $2.88. I don't like paying god-knows-what for a Bud Light when I can grab some on the way there for way, way less. That said, I don't mind paying for silly slushy drinks or higher-end cocktails.

    I get pissy about the cost of things at places like Nathan's, but I don't mind dropping a couple hundred bucks at a good steakhouse.
     
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  14. Tumpster

    Tumpster Low-Roller

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    The D - Sigma Derby - Bring two rolls of quarters and walk away when done. That's how I keep it in control, that and not carry much cash on my person or in the room. $20 for the horses/$10 for tips.

    I'm actually heading back for 3 nights shortly, I'm going to see how far I can stretch everything. Granted I live in San Diego so I can load up the car with what I need but I'm going on a solo run so I can truly watch the prices. Though I always find my weak spot is when I go to Frankie's Tiki Room, there I just can't help myself. First solo trip out there in many years, I'm looking forward to it, really going to explore the city itself.
     
  15. Keith Bird

    Keith Bird Tourist

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    I guess I should chime in at this point and add yet another perspective -

    For me it's the Challenge. I have a habit of researching "Things To Death", that's one of the reasons my fiance waits to ask if we want to go on trips as long as she does. Our first visit back in June 2005, I did my research, had a brand new copy of the American casino guide with little post-it flags pointing to those that I thought worthy of the time to use, plus a stack of other coupons which back then you could download and print at home.

    We have all heard of the 4.99 Steak Special but we have also all heard of the 99.00 Steak special - It boils down to one's choice and opinion of worth. I can and due buy full Beef tenderloins and butcher them myself into filets. I am an accomplished grill master so I guess I could and would put my Dinners up against any. That being said and with knowledge, I find it hard to justify the $99.00 steak dinner when I can do that at home every night X 5 and that includes all the beer and wine required to grill ;-)

    We head to "Our Land Of Oz" in Aug., and I have amassed many 2 for 1 Buffet coupons to include those from my two copies of the ACG and the rest shared by many here (Thanks again). Can we afford $99.00 steak - why yes we can, but will we, heck no. When I can feed four healthy adults at the Suncoast for less than $30.00 for breakfast, then head to the Silverton for the Dinner buffet at it cost less than $60.00 for four with a bogo coupon and everyone will be happy as these are wonderful buffets.

    So back to the point - The Challenge - I try to see just how frugally we can do Vegas and still have a blast. Last Years trip was done for less that $3000.00 and that included the Airfare, Rental Car, All meals and entertainment, three cases of wine shipped home, many wonderful plants and home decor from Cactus Joe's shipped home, about $100.00 in casino chips for my collection, and the Spirit Airline fiasco which ment we purchased additional flights, two additional nights and the additional three day car rental. This was for 15 Days which works out to roughly $100. each per day and trust me, we didn't scimp. Now there were nice wins at the Emerald Island, Club Fortune, Silverton, DT Grand, Jerry's Nugget and a few others, but this is the way we do it. If you choose to enjoy the $99.00 steak, please do and let us all know how good it was, but please reserve your opinion to ridicule someone who gets equal pleasure from the $4.99 steak special as this is what they do.

    Rant Over - Peace Out
    Keith
     
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  16. catman

    catman Low-Roller

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    What the hell do the Germans have to do with this!
     
  17. parallax

    parallax High-Roller

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    Weren't the people who are spending money on the $8 beers and the $50 steaks being the one called into question with this discussion. I don't care how you spend your money so why should you care how I spend mine? If I want to be spendthrift in Vegas, so be it.
     
  18. jgates8

    jgates8 VIP Whale

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    I go from one extreme (at least for me) to the other.

    I can't sit down and comfortably spend $200 on a meal for myself. However I refuse to ride a shuttle bus to the hotel any longer - I do the shared ride limo for $30 RT plus tip. So I'm spending 2x as much as I need to or more to get to hotel.

    I will not drink the coffee from the pot in the room (just can't do it lol!) but also won't pay overpriced latte fees at the coffee bars (if I go by starbucks I'll use my giftcard $ there). Yet I will sit and lose money in a slot machine waiting for a coffee with Bailey's and whip - because I'm there to gamble.

    I will periodically pay for a fancy drink - such as if I am going to Love. Otherwise I will not go up to a bar and purchase a pricey beverage.

    So I guess I waste money on some things while being a tightwad on other things.
     
    Easter again..:
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  19. Keith Bird

    Keith Bird Tourist

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    I just wanted to take a minute to clear up any misunderstandings regarding my prior post here on this topic - Simply put "You Do Vegas Your Way and I will be happy for you as I will do Vegas My way and I too will be happy".

    It is unfortunate in today's world to many think they are the foremost expert, or the flag bearer for a specific lifestyle that their opinion is the only one that counts. In my daily life, I own and operate my own business and more often than not will go out of my way to please a client knowing by doing business this way, referrals continue, new clients are gained, and well more trips to Vegas are possible.

    This is a forum to share experiences, trade idea's, celebrate big wins, discover new venues not yet visited, and in someway create new relationships with those we would never have made prior. In the words of the late Rodney King "Can we all just get along" ;-)

    I will always do my best to offer timely and accurate info as requested, honestly state that I "Don't Know" if I don't, give an opinion, prefaced with it being my opinion, but most of, not berate one for their different choices to those that I make.

    Everyone Have a Great Day and if not, Smile and it will be a little better ;-)
     
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  20. Geogran

    Geogran VIP Whale

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    Our Vegas today is so different from our first few years. We've always been moderate spenders with a strong emphasis on savings.
    Enter Vegas. We spent big bucks to stay at nice places on the strip but our food and gambling budget was tiny by comparison - we had coupon books we carried everywhere to get 'deals' on meals. Not being real foodies, a cheap hot dog or breakfast at midnight, or a steak special was our target. Splurged on a good show now and then.

    We have evolved or devolved. Now, if I had to pay for a room, not sure I'd go very often. Almost all meals are comp'd so we eat at really nice restaurants and 'spend' way much more on food than we would if we were directly paying for it (again, we're not foodies by nature, but take advantage of generous food comps). When wandering the strip we like nothing better than grabbing an Earl of Sandwich or Shake Shack. Alcohol is not a factor, hubby is a moderate drinker and buys whatever suits his fancy or gets the 'free' wine from the CW. The degeneracy involves our gambling budget which has increased over the years. We'd rather save a few bucks on meals to add more to our gamble budget. :whistle:

    Whether we fall into the 'the cheap', 'the frugal', the 'moderate', the 'big spender', the 'what the hell, it's Vegas' or any category or if we splurge or budget specifically on food, drink, lodging, gamble, each of us has our own priorities on how best to spend our money in Vegas our way. Thank goodness we're not all Vegas clones - I admire the diversity of opinions on this board, let's keep it free flowing and no need to make it personal or preachy. I am now through preaching :drooling:
     
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