4 Vegas Virgins looking for advice

Hello all. I want to start out by saying I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the TRs you've written and I've learned a lot from them. I hope to make some friends over the next couple of months as I wait for V-Day to arrive. Now on to business.
I am treating myself and three friends to a week in Vegas in celebration of my 22nd birthday. We have reservations at MGM in the Grand Tower September 5-10. We're still debating getting a rental car for the trip. After reading many TRs raving about Mon Ami Gabi, I'm making a point to eat there. How far in advance should I make reservations? I also plan on stopping by BC to see Big Elvis. But, as my name indicates, my main focus on this trip is Hold'em. I'm looking for tables in the $2-4 or $3-6 range, with a good atmosphere and friendly dealers. Any advice on this subject would be especially appreciated. We also would like any suggestions on unique places that are must-sees for a first Vegas trip. I know there are tons, but just a few of the biggest is what I'd like to know. Also, what kind of rates could interested parties be expected to pay to visit a ranch? How far outside of town are they located?
Well, I guess that's all for now. I'll update as more questions come up. Thanks in advance for any help you're able to provide me. If any of you happen to be in Vegas during that time, I'd be happy to meet with you. I could use some craps tips from some of you crafty veterans. Looking forward to talking with you all.

 

Welcome Junkie, your handle could describe a number of folks here. Go to the "Casino Gaming" forum, set the doohickey in the upper right corner to diplay all topics from the last year, and you'll find several threads on good places for low-limit hold'em. Monte Carlo has a nice room, I don't think you'd go wrong there.

As far as "must see" places, you need to take an evening to go downtown, stop in at the Gate for a shrimp cocktail, and take in that whole vibe. Otherwise, you'll hit them as you wander the strip: Mandalay, Bellagio, Caesars, Venetian etc. Do spend some time in a casino lounge after midnight, good people-watching. You've got the time, you should head off-strip to the Orleans as well, it's a fun place.

 

Junkie,

First off, congrats on your first trip to Vegas. There's no doubt that you'll have a great time.

My recommendation for a first timer would be to definitely ride the "Big Shot" at night, on top of the Stratosphere . I rode it for my first trip when I was 22, and it was a blast. The view from up top was amazing, and it was fun getting up the "Liquid Courage" to ride it.

I'd also recommend the craps table at Slots-a-Fun for the atmosphere. It's virtually right on the sidewalk, so you get to see a lot of things while you're involved in the game.

I'll be in town for much of the same time that you're there. We'll be arriving on the 8th, and will leave on the 12th. Who knows, maybe we'll bump in to each other.

 

Congrats on your first Vegas trip! I have stayed at the MGM and really enjoyed it. I agree you have to make a trip downtown to Fremont Street. Then you have to wander up and down the strip. You will see a lot of things just doing that. One of my best memories was having dinner at the top of The STRAT . The restaurant revolves and the view is fantastic. Pricey but for us it was worth it. I will be in Vegas the same time you are. We will be arriving on 9/3 and leaving the 10th. At 22, you will have to check out the club scene. Have fun!

 

If you are interested in meeting a group of
Vegas addicts, we will be in the lounge at the Orleans on Sept 8.
write me for the time
[email protected]

 

Hey guys! Thanks for the advice I've gotten thus far. I checked the Casino Gaming boards and I've got a pretty good idea of where I want to play Hold'em. However, none of the posts mention a poker room at the MGM. Does the casino not have one, or is it not listed because of poor quality? I'll also be sure to set aside an evening to visit the downtown area and check out Slots-o-fun for some craps. I'll need some liquid courage before I attempt the Stratosphere ride.
I've read a few posts about people getting lower room rates through their host. How do I go about meeting a host? Thanks again for your help.

 

....

Actually, the whole Strip is one big ranch after about 2AM. Try to avoid any creatures weighing over 350 pounds; they're likely to be steers, and no fun at all.

Seriously, "ranching" is a risky business, with a "house edge" that's difficult to beat...

....

 

MGM doesn't have a poker room (yet). In light of LearningVegas' reply (and the generally sordid imaginations around here) you might clarify what kind of a ranch you're looking for...

 

The type of ranch I was referring to in my earlier post is a "bunny ranch". I know very little about them, but one of the friends I'm taking along is interested in visiting one and was wondering what he'd have to pay for some friendly female companionship, preferably from someone under the 350 lb mark. However, from LearningVegas' remarks, I think I should try to convince my friend that it's not a good idea. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

Congrats on your first trip to Vegas. IMHO you have to check out the FSE I was in aw the first time I seen it.
Believe it or not HBO had a special on the ranches. Ok from the show the ranch from what I understand the girls make their own prices. they rent the room for the day and charge you what ever they want. From the show the prices were from $500-$5000. IMHO STAY AWAY! You will never catch me in there. Plus you never know what kind of STD you could get

 

Girls at the ranches are tested weekly--Nevada law. Fewer stds in the ranches than your basic college campus.

 

Originally posted by HoyaHeel:

Whew! I made it through seven years of college ( Yeah--they're called Doctors... ) without catching anything of a social nature. I feel like I should get a prize for beating the average!

Seriously dude...don't waste your time driving out to the ranches--they're like 60 miles outside of town and from what the shows looked like, ridiculously overpriced. If your boy wants to find some 'companionship' a lot of times it's available for free if he plays his cards right. If he insists on 'paying her to leave after he's finished', well then, tell him to just hang out at any of the nicer properties after midnight. The girls that offer those services will find him, usually if he's playing video poker at the bar.

Mikey

 

I think we can safely put the ranch topic to rest. I mentioned the information you guys gave to AJ and he's decided that it's probably not the best idea.
Dr. Mikey, I must say, I feel privileged that you visited my thread. I greatly enjoy reading your TRs and poker stories. I hope I can contribute a few of my own when I get back. I did have the opportunity to visit the Casino Bahia de Cadiz in southern Spain over the weekend. It was an interesting experience, but nothing noteworthy except for the British guy playing three spots at 500 Euros each, then berating the dealer when he lost.

 

Stop right there, Junkie, you have to post a TR for the Spanish Casino. Toss it in Non-Vegas Chat.


"It's alright, he's from Barcelona..."