Christmas in Vegas....Trip Report
Dec 29th, 2002, 02:24 PM
#1
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Christmas in Vegas....Trip Report
My husband and I stayed at Paris for five nights Dec 22nd thru 26th. We flew home (to FLL) on the 27th. This was our 8th trip to Vegas in 11+ years, but our first over Christmas. Since Paris was offering some very good rates ($59/nt) we thought it would be somewhat quiet.....NOT! I guess there truly is no off season in Las Vegas. The town was packed, especially with Asians and Middle Easterners. There was a surprisingly large number of families too. I've been noticing over the past couple of trips that Vegas is (thankfully) returning to its adult oriented "Sin City" roots. However, apparently not everyone else has noticed..... or cares!
At Paris, we were hoping for a complimentary upgrade to a suite like last time, but they just wouldn't do it for free this time. So we bit the bullet and paid an extra $50/nt for the big two bathroom, giant jacuzzi tub, mini bar w/fridge, king bed suite. It had a view of the South end of the Strip. No problems or complaints at all with this room or this hotel. Location wise, it's prime and their casino (and Bally's, which is connected) were quite generous with the payouts on video poker. We also won at Treasure Island and Aladdin, again on video poker. Couldn't get anything going on the table games anywhere. Our overall winnings including cash back and comps was about $525. We were elated!
On the 24th we drove out to Red Rock Canyon. The weather was perfect for hiking at about 50 degrees. We climbed all over those rocks for about 2-1/2 hours. There were patches of snow on the ground....even enough to make snow balls! We hopped right into our giant jacuzzi tub to soak our aching legs and feet after the hike. It was an awesome day!
We had a fantastic dinner at Bally's Steakhouse on Christmas Day and then saw their show, Jubilee, after dinner. It's a tradtional feathers and glitter, topless variety show. We enjoyed it a lot, but doubt those under 35 would like it much.
Be sure to sign up for slot cards everywhere you plan to gamble. Always ask what freebies they offer and how points are accumulated. Ask for comps BEFORE you check out!! We got our show tickets comped and they also paid us for gambling in Paris (which also includes Bally's, Caesars, Flamingo & Hilton). Charge as much stuff as possible to your room since the higher the bill, the better the comps. Don't be afraid to ASK FOR COMPS!!!!! Happy Holidays!
At Paris, we were hoping for a complimentary upgrade to a suite like last time, but they just wouldn't do it for free this time. So we bit the bullet and paid an extra $50/nt for the big two bathroom, giant jacuzzi tub, mini bar w/fridge, king bed suite. It had a view of the South end of the Strip. No problems or complaints at all with this room or this hotel. Location wise, it's prime and their casino (and Bally's, which is connected) were quite generous with the payouts on video poker. We also won at Treasure Island and Aladdin, again on video poker. Couldn't get anything going on the table games anywhere. Our overall winnings including cash back and comps was about $525. We were elated!
On the 24th we drove out to Red Rock Canyon. The weather was perfect for hiking at about 50 degrees. We climbed all over those rocks for about 2-1/2 hours. There were patches of snow on the ground....even enough to make snow balls! We hopped right into our giant jacuzzi tub to soak our aching legs and feet after the hike. It was an awesome day!
We had a fantastic dinner at Bally's Steakhouse on Christmas Day and then saw their show, Jubilee, after dinner. It's a tradtional feathers and glitter, topless variety show. We enjoyed it a lot, but doubt those under 35 would like it much.
Be sure to sign up for slot cards everywhere you plan to gamble. Always ask what freebies they offer and how points are accumulated. Ask for comps BEFORE you check out!! We got our show tickets comped and they also paid us for gambling in Paris (which also includes Bally's, Caesars, Flamingo & Hilton). Charge as much stuff as possible to your room since the higher the bill, the better the comps. Don't be afraid to ASK FOR COMPS!!!!! Happy Holidays!
Dec 29th, 2002, 02:37 PM
#2
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By the way - Before I left I posted a question about how to carry $100 worth of loose quarters to Vegas (the post has disappeared). I opted to defy the advice offered here and put them into a big zip lock bag in my carry on. The TSA looked at the bag and wished us good luck....it was NO problem at all.
Dec 29th, 2002, 06:30 PM
#5
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Asian:
As a Chinese-American,I will come to the defense of Lenore.
I had spent Christmas 2001 in Las Vegas, and I too, was VERY surpirised at the # of Asians that were there during last yrs Christmas. I live in Manhattan, so I'm no stranger to Asians in American cities. But this was diiferent. There were literally THOUSANDS of Chinese in Vegas last year. I actually felt I was in Hong Kong.
Obviously, as a Chinese-American, I saw nothing wrong with this. It just struck me as very odd the VAST, and I mean VAST amount of Asians in Vegas during Christmas. If you read Lenore's posting, there was nothing offensive about here mention of Asians and Middle Eaterners. If I myself wrote A trip report about my Christmas trip in Vegas last year, I too would have mentioned the large # of Asians there.
As a Chinese-American,I will come to the defense of Lenore.
I had spent Christmas 2001 in Las Vegas, and I too, was VERY surpirised at the # of Asians that were there during last yrs Christmas. I live in Manhattan, so I'm no stranger to Asians in American cities. But this was diiferent. There were literally THOUSANDS of Chinese in Vegas last year. I actually felt I was in Hong Kong.
Obviously, as a Chinese-American, I saw nothing wrong with this. It just struck me as very odd the VAST, and I mean VAST amount of Asians in Vegas during Christmas. If you read Lenore's posting, there was nothing offensive about here mention of Asians and Middle Eaterners. If I myself wrote A trip report about my Christmas trip in Vegas last year, I too would have mentioned the large # of Asians there.
Dec 30th, 2002, 01:12 PM
#6
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To Jan - Yes we will almost definitely be there in 2003. My industry has a huge trade show there in late May. It's too darn hot there then to hike, but we can hang by the pool instead. Last time we stayed at the Mirage, which was somewhat disappointing, and then moved over to the Venetian after the show (when the rates dropped). Venetian is REALLY nice, but we like the location of Paris better.
To Asian - Chill! I surely did not mean to offend you or anyone else. It was merely an observation. I've been to Vegas 8 times now and don't ever recall such a high percentage of Asians there. I guess that's why I noticed.
To Asian - Chill! I surely did not mean to offend you or anyone else. It was merely an observation. I've been to Vegas 8 times now and don't ever recall such a high percentage of Asians there. I guess that's why I noticed.
Dec 30th, 2002, 03:58 PM
#7
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We were in Las Vegas around the same time you were and stayed at the Bellagio. We checked out Paris and it was so CROWDED. We thought it would be a great lunch spot but you just couldn't move. The casino we had plenty of room but eateries forget it.
We were talking to a couple of people and they mentioned a convention of Iranians so perhaps that would account for the many Middle-Easterns. I will say there were a lot of Arab and Japanese looking people at the Bellagio. Not saying it is bad just merely stating it.
We were talking to a couple of people and they mentioned a convention of Iranians so perhaps that would account for the many Middle-Easterns. I will say there were a lot of Arab and Japanese looking people at the Bellagio. Not saying it is bad just merely stating it.
Jan 1st, 2003, 07:39 AM
#9
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Thanks for the report Lenore. We are off to the Luxor for the first time on sunday and are really looking forward to it. Thanks for the tips. What sort of 'comps' can one expect to get and what is the best way to go about getting them and where? Please excuse my ignorance but does the video pker require a great amount of skill? as we have never been to a casino before. Is that the best game to play for a beginner?
Happy New year to you.
CM
Happy New year to you.
CM
Jan 1st, 2003, 07:57 AM
#11
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Daytime highs are usually low 50's, nights are COLD, 30's and sometimes 20's.
You need to bring warm clothes and the wind can be very biting.
Occasionally a few warm days will pop up and you can see 60's and even 70's. But don't expect that, just be glad if it happens.
You need to bring warm clothes and the wind can be very biting.
Occasionally a few warm days will pop up and you can see 60's and even 70's. But don't expect that, just be glad if it happens.
Jan 1st, 2003, 04:42 PM
#13
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Hi Country Mouse - Wally's weather report is exactly what we experienced and this wasn't the 1st time we've visited in December. Practically no chance of rain/snow in the city, since it is the desert.
Video poker is not difficult to play and seems to have pretty good odds. There is a little strategy card you can pick up in the gift shops and convenience stores that tells you what cards to hold, how to bet, etc. We followed this card's advice and did quite well. Always bet maximum number of coins.
Regarding the comp system, every hotel is different so ask lots of questions when you sign up for your slot/casino cards. Always ask for "fun books", freebies and any specials they are offering that day. Every time you play a machine or table game make sure to use the slot card. They electronically track your gambling expenditures. The more money you run through the casino, the better chance for comps. Also, make sure to charge everything possible to your room's account.
Before you check out, contact a "Casino" or "Slot" host and ask them for any comps they can offer. We received free show tickets and $17 in cash back for a total of $75.
Good luck.....enjoy!
Video poker is not difficult to play and seems to have pretty good odds. There is a little strategy card you can pick up in the gift shops and convenience stores that tells you what cards to hold, how to bet, etc. We followed this card's advice and did quite well. Always bet maximum number of coins.
Regarding the comp system, every hotel is different so ask lots of questions when you sign up for your slot/casino cards. Always ask for "fun books", freebies and any specials they are offering that day. Every time you play a machine or table game make sure to use the slot card. They electronically track your gambling expenditures. The more money you run through the casino, the better chance for comps. Also, make sure to charge everything possible to your room's account.
Before you check out, contact a "Casino" or "Slot" host and ask them for any comps they can offer. We received free show tickets and $17 in cash back for a total of $75.
Good luck.....enjoy!
Jan 1st, 2003, 05:37 PM
#14
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Country mouse:
Sorry to be negative, but we stayed at the Luxor and could not believe how bad it was. The bathroom had not been cleaned when we arrived so I called the desk and told them to clean it while we went out. Came back at 11:30 p.m. still not cleaned. That's one way to get a comp! In addition, the blow dryer was broken, iron was missing and the radiator leaked. What a nightmare. We are not picky because you spend so little time in the room, but come on Luxor! If you can switch try the Monte Carlo.
And take heed of the advice that it does get quite cold there.
P.S. As for the Asian business in this string, I find it amazing how many people use this forum to attack each other. Let the guy be offended. He's probably long gone anyway.
Sorry to be negative, but we stayed at the Luxor and could not believe how bad it was. The bathroom had not been cleaned when we arrived so I called the desk and told them to clean it while we went out. Came back at 11:30 p.m. still not cleaned. That's one way to get a comp! In addition, the blow dryer was broken, iron was missing and the radiator leaked. What a nightmare. We are not picky because you spend so little time in the room, but come on Luxor! If you can switch try the Monte Carlo.
And take heed of the advice that it does get quite cold there.
P.S. As for the Asian business in this string, I find it amazing how many people use this forum to attack each other. Let the guy be offended. He's probably long gone anyway.
Jan 2nd, 2003, 11:02 AM
#15
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My wife and I go to Vegas about 3 times a year. Iranian men love it there and they love American women even more. They lavish alot of money and attention upon them. They'd never marry them, but they all have a good time. I don't think it's offensive to mention that a group of whatever frequent the place. It's just an observation. I think it's very interesting that the Iranian's don't suffer from a religious conflict of interest though.
Jan 3rd, 2003, 09:08 AM
#17
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Countrymouse,
Three things...video poker, comps, and the weather.
Most local residents who gamble will rarely play a typical slot machine. Video poker provides the best odds for winning. It's easy learn. Try to find one of those little hand-held electronic versions at your local discount store. Also, search the web and see if you can find some strategy. Then practice on the plane. It's much more intriguing than watching the normal slot machines spin round and round.
No matter how little you 'intend' to play, sign up for the slot club and play with your card inserted, everywhere you go. You may find that $20 bill you thought would only take 15 minutes to kill, instead takes hours, because you've got a hot machine. To maximize comps, do your gambling at one casino, or take advantage of the other casinos affiliated with the one whose club you belong to. I beleive you said you were staying at Luxor. Their slot club card is also good at Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Circus Circus and maybe (not sure) Monte Carlo. The slot club will provide you with a menu that will describe the number of points you need to earn for a give comp. Comps are earned by the number of coins played, and not by the amount won or lost. He who plays the longest gets the most comps...win or lose.
The weather here is lovely now with daytime highs above the normal average. It's not quite warm enough for short pants, but you probably won't need a jacket during the day. Definitely won't need hats, gloves, or umbrellas as temperatures will be nearing 70 degrees during the warmest part of the day. A sweater and/or light jacket should be sufficient for the evening, unless you plan to be outside during the coldest part of the early morning (2am). So leave the bulky stuff at home, and pack as if it Springtime.
Have a great time!
Three things...video poker, comps, and the weather.
Most local residents who gamble will rarely play a typical slot machine. Video poker provides the best odds for winning. It's easy learn. Try to find one of those little hand-held electronic versions at your local discount store. Also, search the web and see if you can find some strategy. Then practice on the plane. It's much more intriguing than watching the normal slot machines spin round and round.
No matter how little you 'intend' to play, sign up for the slot club and play with your card inserted, everywhere you go. You may find that $20 bill you thought would only take 15 minutes to kill, instead takes hours, because you've got a hot machine. To maximize comps, do your gambling at one casino, or take advantage of the other casinos affiliated with the one whose club you belong to. I beleive you said you were staying at Luxor. Their slot club card is also good at Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Circus Circus and maybe (not sure) Monte Carlo. The slot club will provide you with a menu that will describe the number of points you need to earn for a give comp. Comps are earned by the number of coins played, and not by the amount won or lost. He who plays the longest gets the most comps...win or lose.
The weather here is lovely now with daytime highs above the normal average. It's not quite warm enough for short pants, but you probably won't need a jacket during the day. Definitely won't need hats, gloves, or umbrellas as temperatures will be nearing 70 degrees during the warmest part of the day. A sweater and/or light jacket should be sufficient for the evening, unless you plan to be outside during the coldest part of the early morning (2am). So leave the bulky stuff at home, and pack as if it Springtime.
Have a great time!
Jan 3rd, 2003, 11:31 PM
#18
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Dear Vegas Local
Many thanks for the tips. (by the way I do envy you living somewhere so exotic!)
We are off to the airport later today and we're getting really excited. Just think, this time tomorrow we'll be in 'sin city', the lights the action, the SHOPPING! (my husband would say the CASINOS but each to his own!).
Please excuse my childlike ardour but coming from a small village where the most exciting thing to see is when they put up temporary traffic lights around a hole in the ground, you will understand my fervour.
My sincere thanks to everyone who has replied to my posting and I'll let you know how we get on when we get back.
Bye for now
(a very over excited) CM
Many thanks for the tips. (by the way I do envy you living somewhere so exotic!)
We are off to the airport later today and we're getting really excited. Just think, this time tomorrow we'll be in 'sin city', the lights the action, the SHOPPING! (my husband would say the CASINOS but each to his own!).
Please excuse my childlike ardour but coming from a small village where the most exciting thing to see is when they put up temporary traffic lights around a hole in the ground, you will understand my fervour.
My sincere thanks to everyone who has replied to my posting and I'll let you know how we get on when we get back.
Bye for now
(a very over excited) CM
