Old Vegas fan from Texas

Just saying "Howdy" from Texas. I've been going to Vegas for about 40 years now. Not so much any more. My "heavy" Vegas years were back in the 70s and early 80s. I loved the old Vegas - the cheap buffets (although they weren't cheap by the time you gambled your way back out the door!), the single deck 3:2 BJ, etc. and I remember playing for hours and hours and hours, sometimes staying up all night, on the old coin-type slots, enjoying free drinks (although I always tipped), and I loved the sight & sound of nickles and quarters clattering down into the tray. Remember all those silver dollars??!!! One of my favorite places to stay was the Hacienda. Palace Station had the best buffet in town - it was simply fabulous.

I still go to Vegas maybe once a year, but don't really do much any more. I feel like it's all corporatized, cold and sterile. Everything's oriented towards the upscale yuppie crowd with suitcases of money to burn - or more likely unused space on their credit cards.

I hate the TITO slots. You never win anything like you used to, and they just nickel and dime you to death. It seems like you can't even breath without being charged $5. I stayed at one strip place last summer; I got up and ate breakfast in the restaurant. 2 eggs, side of sausage, hash browns, 2 biscuits with gravy, cup of coffee, small glass of orange juice. $27, plus tip. Arggghhhhh.

A friend of mine stayed there and had a fridge in the room. When he opened the door of the fridge, a canned Coke was sitting there. He had to move it out of the way in order to put something in the fridge. When he moved it, it triggered a sensor and he was charged $8 for the Coke. He made a scene at checkout and got the charge canceled, of course, but it still sort of spoiled everything.

The card snappers are worse, and you don't even feel safe any more walking along the strip or downtown late at night.

To a lot of people, I guess I sound like a negative, wet blanket old fart. I just remember the old Vegas when you knew you were going to be taken care of: a good place to stay, good food, and everybody was happy and you had a good time. I still go to Vegas, just for old time's sake, but I don't do much any more. So I guess I'm a member of the "Miss the old Vegas" club. And that's my introduction. Glad to meet you.

 

Hi Ruark, welcome aboard. I remember the old Vegas, it was a great time but I agree, it is long gone. I still love it just as much now as I did then. At least we have some awesome memories.

 

I know what you mean, Beach. Kinda like that old girlfriend you broke up with, but still think about all the time.

 

I hate those card slappers. I wish they would removed them from the strip.

 

Welcome Ruark. My first trip 1973 and I've been going ever since. Even lived there for two years. The old days are gone, but still plenty to enjoy.
If you get fed up with the Strip, give downtown a try. It's been our place for the last dozen years.

Welcome to the board! Lots of nice people here.