Solo in Las Vegas
 

Hello travelers!

I'm comtemplating taking a trip in Dec to Las Vegas for my birthday. I've never been and it looks like I'll have to go solo because all of my friends are otherwise occupied or broke!

Just looking for suggestions on how to have a good time when going it alone. I'm not really worried about safety, I'm a very careful person.

If anyone has traveled to the area sans friends or loved ones please let me know of your adventures.

Thanks a bunch!
teesalsa

Hi teesalsa, I travel solo a lot, and have done Vegas a few times like this as well.

Are you staying on the strip? If so, then you can easily access the fun stuff there by walking or by cab. You can check out the unique hotels, shop, see a show.

The most awkward times for me are mealtimes. One thing about dining solo: you don't need a reservation to sit at the bar, and there's always room there for one. The bartenders are always friendly and make good company. Some good spots for solo bar dining include Olives and Bouchon. I didn't care for .... oh, gosh, the name escapes me but it's in the Venetian.

Good luck and have fun!

there are quite a few casinos that play live music in their lobbies. those are usually good and you never know if someone will ask if they can sit with you so you have some company if you want it. the light show downtown on freemont street is worth a look. i would definitly stay in on the strip so keep yourself in all the action.
depending upon your age, there are some hotels that may be more suitable if you want to meet people.

Thanks so much for your responses! I found a good deal at the MGM Grand for 3 nights --- That's on the Strip isn't it?

I'm sure I'll have fun... I'm pretty friendly so it shouldn't be a problem...

teesalsa

i usually go with my husband while he's in a class so spend all day by myself and everyone is always very nice there to a solo. commanders palace acutally is supposed to cater to the solo diner so try and go there- it's wonderful. there's so much to see, i don't think you'll have any problems

Vegas is perfect for solo travelers! It's one of the few, if not the only, city where you can walk down the street by yourself at all hours of the day and night and feel safe because there will be tons of people around.

Yep, you're on the strip.
check out www.cheapovegas.com for some decent maps. There are more detailed maps available elsewhere, but these give you a relational view of where MGM is located.

Don't think I could enjoy another destination more when going solo. Done it many times and love every minute. As stated, as long as you stay on The Strip, you're as safe as can be expected. And, as anywhere, if you should decide to explore parts unknown, a considerate up-front tip should endear a cabby and allow you the safety and guidance necessary. Never a wasted minute asking, "I don't know, where do you want to go" or, "Where do you want to eat". It's all good. 'Round the clock choices of activities and dining. Stop, sleep and go as you choose. Converse or not, your choice. Always remain as invisible or attractive as you feel and never be concerned of judgement. Great for "clearing the mechanism". Looking forward to 2 solos in the next few weeks.

Thanks all!!! You've been most helpful! I'm definitely a people person, but I won't be hampered from adventures just because no one can come with me!

JRP, you sound like my kind of person. Please explain what "Clearing the mechanism" means. I'm intrigued!

teesalsa

By the way, I'll be there solo next week!

One thing about Vegas, since you've never been....people are right, everything there is really "over the top." It can seem garish or wierd or excessive, but just take it at face value--it's all for fun. I like Vegas not just for the gambling, but also because everyone is in a whole different frame of mind there. You're not just on vacation.....it's as if you've been propelled into a cartoon or something. Everything is so big, yet close together, that it's surreal. It really is like an adult Disneyland.

I can't remember what the title of the thread was, but there was one here a long time ago discussing things you find yourself saying/doing in Vegas that you wouldn't say at home. Like, &quot;This one's for the stick man!&quot; And stuff like that. Or like the time I was solo and found myself on a blackjack table with three little old ladies from Pittsburgh--all drunk and demanding another one! Or the time this old man next to me was winning a lot of money--so I rubbed him for good luck. Truth be told, I think <b>he</b> was a little offended at me! ha ha!

I've been there alone for a conference-- no one else from my work attended. I agree with others- Vegas is great for solo travelers.

You can pull up to any table for a game of blackjack or whatever-- and meet people at your table while you're there.

Lots of shows to choose from that you can attend(my favorite is Mystere but O is great too).

Schedule a spa session-- pamper yourself for your birthday!

LV has great shopping so that's one of my top activities there as well.

As for dinners, find a sushi bar and chat with other diners or the sushi chef.

Have a great time!!!

Tee...&quot;Clearing the mechanism&quot; is borrowed from a film. It's a re-setting of the mind to prepare yourself for maximum performance. I find it necessary to ward of the doldrums of &quot;the grind&quot;. Melissa has it right when she speaks of the surrealism. If accepted, the frame of mind that you morph into can allow for &quot;clearing the mechanism&quot;. You can completely recreate for a couple of days, shake it off on the way to the airport, snicker and smirk in reflection as you live the &quot;What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas&quot; escape to wherever home might be. Like running of into the desert and screaming yourself hoarse just to let it out- without the screaming. A little over two weeks until re-set, can't wait!

My apologies. I'd make it a whole lot easier for you if I would use 2 fs to spell off.

As a girl, my only warning would be to be careful at night. I know you said that you are a careful person, but still... Don't drink more than you can handle and never accept a drink from someone else - you never know what might be in it. I hate to be a wet noodle on the party, but I don't want you be to be a casualty either. And, I'm always nervous when I hear that it's anyone's first time in Vegas.

That said, I've done Vegas alone several times and had good clean fun each time. I do a lot of gambling, so the people I meet at tables are usually harmless. Eating? What's that? Just kidding... I tend to forget to eat for say 24 hours when I'm gambling. But, when I do finally decide to get some nourishment, I have no problem eating alone. I usually request a table that is on the periphery so I can have a nice view of the restaurant or out a window. I refuse to accept a table in the middle of the room. Eating at the bar is also a good idea, because you have built-in companions from your neighbors next to you to the several bar tenders behind the bar. One time, I was in Vegas on a lark - just drove out there from Orange County one afternoon when I was depressed, got into Vegas as the sun was going down and ended up gambling at the Paris Hotel for hours! I was at a wonderful table with a great old lady who was from the South - all spunky and robust. I didn't have a room reserved and it was 3am and supposedly every hotel was booked (it was in the middle of college basketball finals). I lamented that I didn't have a room (after gambling for like 5+ hours at the same table with this lady - me with my $25 blackjack hands and she with her $500 blackjack hands) and that spunky old lady talked the pit boss into comping me a room for the night! I was stoked! Since the room was paid for, I indulged and got a little room service for fun around 5am.

Ok, so I digressed.... anyway - you never know who you can meet in Vegas. If you're going to do some gambling and you never have before - be sure to go to lower stakes tables during the day and get a lesson from a nice table of players or by yourself. It will make gambling less intimidating at night. And, pace yourself! You don't want to spend all your money on the first night!

Enjoy!

Hi~ I went solo last spring and loved every minute of it for three days. I really enjoyed the Annie Bananie tour I took to the Red Rock area. I met some very nice people on that tour van and we had a great day away from the strip.
I have stayed at TI by myself and on the last trip, the Sahara, where I was stuck in an elevator for a long 15 minutes(felt longer), and later, moved up to a suite for being so brave,lol.
I loved being out by the pool, riding the monorial around between hotels, dining whenever/wherever I liked, and the relaxation of the nice weather.
I'm not a gambler, but it was a fun trip and I felt safe and would definitely go there again as a solo traveler.

When I saw Simone's post, I remembered that I do dress a little sluttier than usual when in Vegas (alone or not). I do notice that taxi drivers tend to hit on me more when I am alone. One guy wanted to be my Egyptian husband. Another wanted to be my Croatian boyfriend. No physical hitting on me, so I never felt like I was in danger, but I just thought I'd give you a heads up just in case. It's December, so you'll probably be better covered up than I ever am!

3 days to the first, 4 weeks to the second visit. Who'll be there? GTG?

MelissaHI - LOL ;) - I actually do the same thing, too! And, I agree with ya - ya can't bee too careful. I was actually sort of offended when recently I was in Vegas alone - but meeting up with a friend (wife &amp; husband) at the Bellagio where they were staying. Admittedly, it was midnight on a Friday and I walked into Bellaggio off the Strip bridge and I was wearing a very nice cocktail dress with high heels...alone. So, within 5 seconds of walking into the Bellagio, I had a red-coated security guard following me! He actually followed me all the way onto the casino floor! I think he thought I was a &quot;professional&quot; - the nerve! LOL Of course, I met up with my friends at the poker room and that's when I finally dropped my shadow security guard. LOL.

Another time, I was flying into Vegas to meet my husband on a Friday night and I like to get a bit dressed up for him, if ya know what I mean... wink wink. So, I was sporting thigh high boots, short skirt and cleavage and when I got in the taxi cab, the guy asked me if I was coming in to work for the weekend! Damn, these cabbies sure have a lot of guts and not much tact. I laughed it off easily enough. LOL.

Ooooh, Simone, all I can say is, <b>Thank God</b> people can still think that about us! I just turned 40 so in some ways, I'm complimented when someone thinks I'm a pro. Then again, I'm sure they come in all shapes &amp; sizes in Vegas!
;)

Hi everyone who has been part of this thread. I'm a 40 year old guy, and may be going to Vegas for my first time November 10 weekend. And I am going solo. A little nervous about going alone. Not safety-wise, just having fun-wise. But it sounds like traveling to vegas solo is alright to do. I am planning to arrive late on a thursday night, and leave around noon on Monday. too long? should I cut one day out?
where will all you nice, but sluttily-dressed women be? Just kidding.
because of finances, I willbe staying off the strip for three nights, and at Mandalay Bay on Sunday night. I'll be at the Best Western Mardi Gras or the Howard Johnson Airport Inn the other nights.
Are any of the hotel bars/lounges better than others in terms of strking up a conversation with someone of the opposite sex? Any suggestions for good places without cover charges or minimal charges?
Thanks all.

Stu

Hi Stu, the time length you mention is not uncommon. That's probably the most popular package--Thursday to Monday.

As for striking up conversation, I wish I could help you. Most of the time when I am striking up conversation with people in general, it's at the blackjack table! I've been to some of the clubs but didn't really find anyone other than my own friends to talk to. At the bars, I usually was there to eat a meal so I would end up talking to the bartenders more!

For what it's worth, I'm topping this to see if anyone else has suggestions.

Another question----can one have a good trip if one is on a tight budget? Or is it better to wait until you can gamble more, do more, etc....

I think Vegas can be done for cheap. I usually stay downtown on a flight/hotel package, but if I am by myself (since I am a member of the Stardust players club), I will stay at the Stardust at very cheap weekday rates. Actually, travel packages are the way to go on the cheap....you get air, hotel AND meals for a very good price.

I think there was a thread about stuff you can do for free or cheap in Vegas. You can watch the Bellagio fountains, the show in front of TI, check out the cheesy statue shows at Caesar's, see the tiger exhibit at the Mirage......there's a lot of free stuff to see without having to splurge on shows.

Gambling, however, would be up to you. You can take free lessons during the day at almost any hotel. I first cut my teeth on the daytime crap table at the Horseshoe, where they had a 50 cent minimum, if you can believe it. I'm not sure if it's still there. Many off-strip casinos have lower minimums, which helps you stretch your gambling budget. Always remember that gambling is a form of <b> entertainment,</b> however, and set a daily limit for yourself. Makes me sound like your mother, doesn't it? Actually, that's how <i>my</i> parents taught me to gamble, and so far that's kept me in line.

Thanks Melissa. since I am going over the weekend, I will be staying at some Best Western for 3 nights, and then at Mandalay Bay for sunday night, when it is affordable.
Is seeing something like the Hoover Dam worthwhile?
I am probably renting a car, as it would seem to be more convenient sinceI am staying off strip, and with no shuttes after 11 at night, I might end up paying as much in cab fare anyway.

Hoover Dam would be fun - I think you should plan to do that during the week, as weekends can be more crowded.

I think you can totally do Vegas on the cheap. Meals alone are soooo cheap, as long as you're not picky. :) I know buffets get a bad rap, but honestly, I have no problem with them. In fact, we've even found that by the time you order an entree and an appetizer or salad and then dessert and drinks at a regular restaurant, you're going to spend about the same amount of money, and with a buffet - you just get more choice. If you go to buffets in the more ritzy hotels, they will have much fresher fare. Recently, I've been attracted to the renovated buffet at TI (aka Treasure Island). It's got that &quot;small plates&quot; theme - which I love, since I'm not a big eater.

Suggestion: if you're staying off the strip - drive to one casino and then spend the day/night in that one area and do another area another day. For example, hit the 4 corners at MGM Grand one day - and you'll see MGM, NYNY, Mandalay and Luxor. Then, next day, do the middle of the strip - park at Bally's/Paris and then walk across the street to Bellagio and Ceasar's and next door to Aladdin. Then, maybe another day, do the Wynn corner and you can walk to Venetian, TI and Mirage. Then, another day - maybe do Downtown/Fremont Street and spend an afternoon or evening there. Basically do Vegas/Strip in sections, so you have less driving and more fun time.

And, I agree - pace yourself with gambling. Agree to only pull out X amount of money on each day. If you reach your limit - know that you can't play anymore until tomorrow. The success to gambling is money management. Don't fight the cold streaks - go take a break - grab a drink or watch a lounge act. Then, try a few hours later. I know this is anecdotal, but I have always found that if I don't win and get positive on the first night, then it's a harbinger of things to come and I won't do well the rest of the weekend. So, basically, if I win the first day, then I allow myself to gamble another day.

As for meeting people - that's tough for a guy by himself, I think. Just be natural, don't be too pushy. You can make easy acquiantances at the gambling tables and/or bars and lounges. After all, it is a city of strangers and travelers and a lot of them are solo.

Have fun!

So it really is full days just to see some of the hotels huh? My initial plan was: Arrivin around midnihgt on thursday, so goin right to bed. Then Friday, dirving to onee of those areas on the strip, and walking around all day. Sounds like I may only get to a few of those hotels. It must take more time thani think to walk in and look around, even if I am not gambling at those times. Is Fremont Street better to do in the evening or late afternoon?
Then Saturday in the morning fdrive to Hoover Dam, then return and do more hotels.
Sunday I have my room at Mandalay Bay, so I wantot be at the pool for a bit, even if the temp is only 65.
Someone had mentioned a 50% discount ticket booth at the Fashion Mall for shows each night. Do they have for all shows, from small, to big (i.e. Cirque de Soleil).
and I am guessing nighttime is a great tiem in Vegas, and I may be out til 2 or 3 just being in bars or lounges or casino?

thanks for the tips

re: Fremont. DEFINITELY in the evening! You can't see all the pretty lights till then!

Yes, Vegas is one of those places that is much more exciting at night. I have a friend who sometimes gambles throughout the night till 9 a.m.! Daytime is for shopping and excursions. And gambling lessons.

For gambling, I have a $100/day limit for losing, and once I lose $100, I pack it up and go back to the room. (But remember, you are not there to lose!!) My experience with gambling is a little different from Simone's. Many times I will find myself losing for the first 3 nights, but on the last night win it all back. I've also been on trips where I win every night. My last trip, however, had me losing every night. Hey, that's why they call it &quot;gambling!&quot;

I think you will find (at least at the tables) that women are much chattier than men. Like Simone says, don't be too pushy. If I am correct in telling you that women are much chattier, you may find that you don't have to do much at all to start a conversation!

Simone, how much is the buffet at TI? Sounds interesting!

Thanks. I hope I am not giving the impression that I am going there with the purpose of &quot;hooking up.&quot; Hey, one never knows what could happen. But I think it wouldbe cool to meet a fellow solo traveler, strike up a conversation, and maybe then spend some time together just hanging out.

Also, do all the hotels have bar/lounges that are free, but are nice. Or does one need to go to one of the &quot;hip clubs?&quot; I'm 40. And though there is nothign wrong with 20-something women (LOL), are there places that are more known for the 30-50 group?

Melissa and Simone? Where are you both from? NY here.

stu

Hello StuQ, here is my take on solo men that are looking for some female conversation. If you are dressed properly for the occassion, polite and have something interesting to talk about most women will enjoy talking to you. It is men that come off as &quot;threatening, agressive, creepy, oddballs&quot; so to speak that turn women off IMO. Most women today are secure enough to hold a conversation with a gentleman if she feels that is &quot;all&quot; he is interested in. And if romance happens well that was meant to be I presume. I would assume that you have enough street smarts that you will not find yourself being &quot;used&quot; by some woman. That can happen to males as well as females.

I too have always had a daily budget for gambling. Although I am not a great gambler I have always done pretty well at 21. But as someone else said here I look at it as &quot;entertainment&quot; and have always budgeted accordingly. If you do this you will not go home broke..wallet and heart wise. Have a fun time in Las Vegas! And btw, I think Hoover Dam is a very interesting place to visit.

Oh, Stu, I didn't think you were trying to hook up! But I don't think I have ever looked to hang out with anyone I've met in Vegas. While these people are all really fun &amp; nice, the whole timing/coordination issue seems like a challenge. Meet them again the next night at the same blackjack table, yes. Meet them for dinner before that? Hard to do. Then again, I have never met anyone who was traveling solo when I am traveling solo, so that could be part of it.

I'm from Hawaii. So many Hawaii people go to Vegas for a vacation, we refer to the city as &quot;the ninth island.&quot;
;)

Thanks for all the replies. I see what you mean Melissa.....I guess hanging out? i don't know what I was thinking. I suppose many of us have that dream of connecting with atotal stranger on a vacation.
:-)
I have never been very good at approaching a total stranger in a bar setting. especially more than one woman, as I find often that men will be there single, but women are at least in &quot;pairs.&quot; Do things as simple as &quot;Hi, how are you doing tonight&quot; work.

Also, does anyone know about the 50% show booth at Fashion Mall? Do they usually have top shows there, or only bad shows?

Thanks. any other tips I'd appreciate. I've never been to Vegas.
Here is my &quot;itinerary&quot;: Staying at a Best Western Thursday night thru Saturday, and at Mandalay Bay Sunday night. Arrive thursday night midnight---straight to bed. Friday--do one of the areas on the strip. Friday night see some sort of show, hang out in a bar or lounge, listen to music, check out the strip at night. Saturday---Hoover Dam, then another part of the strip. pretty much same as Friday except Hoover Dam. also need to work in Fremont Street at some point. sunday, go to Mandalay Bay, and spend some time by the pool. See the other hotels in that area, and spend my night at my hotel or one near-by. Leave Monday around noon. and I am renting a car.

Phew.:-)
Stu

Stu, all the hotels I've been to in Vegas have nice bars and lounges that are free to enter--everyone does it, the hotels expect visitors who are not necessarily hotel guests to wander around. For example, we found several small, (20-seat?) bars scattered around the Bellagio, plus one that had a cover band playing, and anyone was free to pull up a seat.

Have a great trip, and let us know how it went when you return!

I just read about the following website in the newspaper: www.lasvegasadvisor.com. The guy who runs it is a prof. gambler who specializes in rooting out bargains in Vegas. It's a membership site, but you don't have to join to read tons of info on dining, casinos, etc.

I might as well keep asking questions since people have been great so far.
1) If I am only going to go on one &quot;excursion,&quot; do I make it Hoover Dam or Red Rock? If I go to Hoover Dam, do I want to pay for the tour, or just check it out myself.

2) Since I am staying for three nights off the strip, is it better to get a car than pay cab/monorail/bus charges? A car for the week is about $90. the cheapest bus tour to Hoover Dam is $45.

3) What are things that are better during the day or at night. for example, is Fremont Street a better expereince after the sun goes down?

4) Is the Fremont Street area the place I will be able to find $5 blackjack tables?

Stu

Hi Stu, I can only answer a couple of questions.

2) I Don't know if you need a car for the whole week, but you should have a car at least part of the time. I say this because--depending on where you are going and what days--it is REALLY hard to catch a cab back to the casinos from the outskirts. Doesn't matter how much it costs. I once went out to Trader Joes and had to wait for hours to get a cab back.

3) Fremont Street is better at night simply because you cannot see the lights during the day. Exploring the Strip, however, is still pretty good during the day.

4) Downtown (and all off-Strip properties) have the $5 tables. If you are gambling downtown during the day, the bet minimum is even lower. On the Strip during the day, you can find some tables for $5 minimums.

After all the great and much appreciated tips, it looks like financially, this is not the best time for my first visit to Vegas.

:-(
Stu

Stu, there's 2 main companies that sell half price tickets. One of them is located in the Fashion Mall and the other one is located next to the Coca Cola store near MGM. One of them also has a location near the Harley Davidson store. Of course neither one of them will have tickets to the &quot;big&quot; shows, like Cirque or Celine Dion or Blue Man Group, etc. That would be too easy, right??? :)

If you're going to be there during the week, you MIGHT find some $5 blackjack tables on the Strip, but it's unlikely. If it's the weekend, forget it! It just depends on how busy they are or how the casino is feeling that day. I hate when they do this! But you're more likely to find them in Downtown.