Drinks in Vegas
 

I have a quick question. I know drinks are free while you gamble, but what about just buying drinks? Are they relatively expensive? Is it sensible to buy something in a store (i.e. beer/liquor) and just have it in your room?

I don't remember them being especially expensive or inexpensive. I have heard, however, that for the free drinks they use &quot;the cheap stuff&quot;. I don't know this for certain, but if you want a paticular brand, you might have to order it at the bar.<BR><BR>When my friend and I went to Vegas, we bought beer for the mini-fridge in our room.

Nothing you purchase in a Las Vegas hotel is reasonably priced. Drinks at a casino bar will cost more than they do at local pubs. That said, expect to pay about $6-12 for cocktails, $5 for beer, $9+ for glass of wine. If you like to drink and plan on spending alot of time in the casino where your room is, then a bottle in your room is a very good idea. Many people keep bottles in their roooms.

The price of drinks goes up with the quality of the Hotel. A drink at Mandaly Bay will cost a little more than a drink at the Circus Circus.

drinks are free while you gamble but you have to tip the cocktail waitress well to have her come back quickly. i tip about $2/drink and have had good turnaround time with that.<BR>

The free drinks you get while you are at the slot machines are generally watered down and are not made with premium alcohol. If you are at the tables, the quality of drink goes up as the table minimum increases - you are spending more money at the casino, so the casino will spend more money to keep you gampbling there. And of course, it's always a good idea to tip the waitress well if you want her to come back.

I'm a scotch drinker -- generall Dewar's. Last year I was surprised by the great taste of the Scotch and waters I was getting free while playing slots at Bellagio. I asked the waitress what Scotch it was and she replied, &quot;right now they're using Chivas.&quot; I was surprised and not sure that's normal, but they were sure good drinks, and amazingly strong as well.<BR><BR>The drinks I've had at bars, like at Treasure Island waiting for the &quot;pirate battle&quot; or at Paris, were also not particularly expensive. I can't imagine sitting in my room and drinking in Vegas -- how depressing!!

Be careful about trying to store stuff in your minibar. Ours at Bellagio had a motion sensor, and if you touched anything and moved it in the slightest, you were charged for it! We had one look at it, and we decided to stayed away from that minibar.

If they have an &quot;honor bar&quot; you can clear it out and fill it with your own drinks; otherwise, the motion bar will charge you for anything you touch. <BR><BR>A beer at the bar in Ballys set us back $4 a couple of weeks ago, but we had a buy one/get one. Gilley's in the Frontier used to do a happy hour after 4 pm, maybe they still do. And a lot of the little strip joints have $1 beers &amp; Margaritas.

If you are going to use the mini bar to stash your own stuff, call housekeeping and they will clean it out for you.

We had a special at Flamingo - the room price $55 including 4 free margaritas. It was enough for both of us while gambling. Besides drinks are required to see a show. We were bying only sodas and water in the wending machine on our floor.

Thanks for all the advice. I am just trying to get a grip on how much cash to take. I have read that many places on the strip do have very good drink specials. So I guess I just need to get out of the hotel and head down the strip. We will be staying at the Mirage.<BR><BR>Patrick- I will not be drinking in my room in Vegas. But you know while you get ready, or hang out with friends before you head out, it just might be a better way to have your pre-party drinks.

One of the sought after specials is the $1 Becks at Casino Royale.

Great tip Loki! When is this special? Becuase I believe Casino Royale is pretty close to the Mirage.

I have yet another question. What about cheap food near the Mirage? I know there is a Subway nearby, are there other places?

You could fill a cooler with beer and sandwiches and save alot of money. I would then have to ask why are you even going to Vega$ if $$$$ is a concern?

Vegas is a town where you can eat/drink as expensively or cheaply as you like. If you really want to go on the cheap, there are plenty of deals for those who want that. Just remember the phrase, you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to food.<BR><BR>In terms of free drinks at the casinos, the cocktail waitresses really don't check to see how much you are playing. (Of course, at tables they come around more frequently.) If you are so inclined and really need a drink, sit at a slot machine for a few minutes and toss in a few quarters. They'll eventually come by.

I guess I came across like I don't want to spend any money. Trust me I am planning on spending a lot. But when it all adds up, a few cheap drinks and cheap meals, will help out. I was just looking to see what was avaliable and near by.

It is easy enought to find out about nice resturants, but I was trying to find out about the fast food or sandwich places around. Along with that, I know I can drink at my hotel, I was wondering what kind of Pubs or Bars were near by, and if they had drink specials.

A good way to get a cheap drink fast is to try the Keno lounge at any major hotel. You can sit down, relax, bet $1 on a game, and pick up a free drink. Drink service is more frequent than at the slots and you can hang out for awhile without having to bet much money.

Hyatt, I topped for you &quot;Las Vegas meals for under $10&quot;