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When Heading to Vegas Do You Pack Anything Odd?

Posted on March 12, 2010 by scottyvegas

Here is another topic that was brought up on the Trip Advisor Las Vegas forum that caught my attention, “Do you pack anything odd”. People are weird, that goes without saying. But some of these replies are crazy! Now I have my quirks and anyone who knows me can certainly confirm this. But really, bringing your own showerhead to Vegas?? Talk about anal retentive! Most of these are just plain wacky but a few are actually good. Read on and believe me I am not making this stuff up.

“I like to bring my teddy bear. Can’t sleep well without it” – Issues?

“flashlights, coffee makers, immersion heaters, Lysol, sheets, showerheads, pillows, blankets, bottles of booze, water, and bags of snacks.” – They forgot to mention their grocery cart to carry all this shit in to the bridge their sleeping under.

“I forget once every other trip and end up buying $15 chapstick that I hate” – I’ve never seen $15 Chapstick and would certainly never pay that amount. FYI – there are many CVS and Walgreens along the strip to buy $1 Chapstick.

“I bring a couple of clothespins to clip the drapes – they always seem to gap and let the sun in.” – Ahhh.. I find this one useful, I hate when that happens

“I always pack my table top fan. I have to have the noise to go to sleep at night.” – at $25 a bag these days…really?

“I always pack my coffee maker, coffee, creamer, sweet and low and a spoon and cup– and I always have my checked bag opened and searched by TSA as a result of this. I guess it looks weird on the X ray machine. I’ve gotten so used to finding that little “love note” in my bag that I now leave the TSA a little love note of my own thanking them for being so vigilant. You always get more flies with honey than with vinegar!” – In case you’re wondering they do sell coffee in Vegas there’s no reason to go through all this trouble.

“soft side collapsible cooler (can be used for extra bag if we buy too much).” – I love this one! Believe it or not, not all rooms (even the high end ones) have refrigerators.

“coasters – I hate wet furniture” – Of all things? Wet furniture is this persons kryptonite

“garbage bag – for my dirty clothes” – I personally use the plastic laundry bag that’s usually on the hanger in the closet

“crystal light single sticks – for a quick cheap drink. Sometimes the soda machine is a mile down the hall and I hate paying $3 for a soda.” – Sure why not and an instant mixer too

“Get the travel underwear, they dry quick. You only need two pair for any length of trip.” – Speechless…. only the acronym WTF comes to mind!!!

“I always bring a Disney world antenna topper for the rental car. Makes your car much easier to spot at the valet.” – If they can’t see their car at valet this person shouldn’t be driving!

“I have mentioned before a flashlight and a roll of duct tape can be a lifesaver in a hotel fire. the duct tape is to seal the door from smoke.” – This person acts as if hotel fires are a common occurrence… but then again, I hope this guy is in the adjoining room on my next visit

Personally I bring extra socks. You never know when you’ll lose one. 🙂

Have anything odd you would like to share? Feel free to post them in the comments below.

(Remember, keep it clean Coburn!)

Filed under: Fun, Informational, Trip Planning | Tagged: Ideas, Packing, Vegas | Leave a comment »

Las Vegas Rent A Car Tips

Posted on March 5, 2010 by scottyvegas

For me the only way to get around Las Vegas is by renting a car. It’s a perfect place to store your luggage when arriving early in the day or departing late at night. Checking out off strip properties (Better table odds with low minimums) or visiting local attractions is something I enjoy doing early each day. As a bonus, food is much cheaper off the strip too.

McCarran Airport uses a free shuttle service located on the ground level that takes you to a rent a car center. Signs are posted everywhere making navigation to it easy. Shuttle buses are plentiful and lines move quickly. Once boarded it is only about an eight minute drive to the center.

Tip: I found Dollar rent a car to have the best deals in Vegas. If you have an American Express card they have a standing 10% discount with promo code: AX10. Book early for the best deals and check frequently. If you find a better deal, book it and cancel the old one. I have been very lucky doing this. Also Dollar offers Dollar Express, once you sign up (FREE) it allows you to bypass the often loooong lines at the counter and go directly to the Express booth where your paper work is already waiting. After signing a few times you are off to your car. They will point you in the direction of the car class you reserved and tell you to pick out the one you want.

Tip: Not all cars have power locks and windows (Yes, they still make these). It’s my recommendation that you pick one up with at least power locks. It’s amazing how dependent we’ve become to them. If you don’t it will soon become evident the first time you run back to double check the doors. I made this mistake once and will never again forget to check for power locks.

Regardless of the car rental company you choose, look over the car carefully. I have never had a problem through Dollar but there is always a first time. Remember note on the paper any dents or scratches, and don’t forget the interior.

Tip: I often make note of a few extra in common areas just in case.

Now that you have picked out your car and checked it over, you are ready to go. Your final stop is the exit booth where they will check over your paperwork and lower the bar so you can exit.

Once you exit the center you only need to make two right hand turns to get on Las Vegas Boulevard! When on LVB just head straight (North) to “The Strip”.

Tip: The Famous Las Vegas Sign will be on your left hand side (in median) just outside The Strip. There is parking available so you can take pictures but you can only enter the parking lot from the South bound side. So if interested, loop around and take pictures, as you will see everyone else is at all hours of the day and night.

Returning cars to the center is just as easy as there are plenty of signs to direct you to the rent a car center. I know at dollar you simply drive up where you will be met by a check-in person who scans your paperwork, then car and finally hands you a receipt. Yes it’s that easy! Next, just make your way to the shuttle bus that will take you to your airport terminal.

Tip: Before leaving remember to verify amount charged with amount quoted. On my last trip they forgot to apply a discount. Hey $15 bucks is $15 bucks! I simply went to the return counter where the adjustment was quickly applied pain free.

Dang! This was supposed to be a short and quick post… Sorry I wanted to make sure I covered everything.

One last Tip: If you have a GPS bring it and don’t forget to update it before you leave. The rental companies charge $9.00 or more per day to rent one. Trust me a GPS is gold when driving around Vegas.

Filed under: Tips, Trip Planning | Tagged: Car, Rent, Sign, Tips | 4 Comments »

Pawn Stars in Las Vegas?

Posted on February 24, 2010 by scottyvegas

Gold & Silver Pawn Shop

Now in its second season Pawn Stars is The History Channels reality based show that marries the Antiques Roadshow, with history of antiques and their values, and Orange County Choppers, macho personalities and a doofus (sorry Chumlee) for comic relief.

The format of the show is simple, people bring in various items to sell or pawn. Experts are usually brought in to inspect the item for authenticity, give a history lesson, and place a value on it. Once that’s done the shop employee haggles with the sometimes quirky seller over price. Much like OCC the personalities of the shop employees are interwoven into secondary plots collectively making for a fairly interesting and entertaining show.

The Pawn shop is an actual business that’s been in operation for the last 26 years called Gold and Silver Pawnshop. It’s located right on North Las Vegas Boulevard, about five blocks south the Fremont Experience on the East side of the street.

Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
713 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101 – (702) 385-7912

During our January 7 -12 trip I decided to check it out. It was around 10am that Friday morning when I talked my wife into going. I thought there would be a good chance that they might be filming since it was right after the holidays, their second season just started, and it was a weekday. Sure enough as we walked in there was a doorman you said “we are filming, feel free to look around but do not look at the camera”. So we looked around and slowly migrated in-line with the camera view. Some guy was selling/pawning a painting or something. It was hard to tell as I was trying to get on camera without looking directly in that direction. I was just getting my pose on when they stopped to take a break. We saw all the regular show “characters” except Corey. These guys are just everyday people with a sweet gig, which I believe adds to the appeal of this show.

So if you are looking for a free diversion from gambling or have something to pawn or sell, stop by and check it out. Oh and don’t forget to mention ScottyVegas.com for a special surprise.

By the way, in the Detroit area Pawn Stars airs on Monday nights at 10:00pm EST on the History Channel. Check your local listings for channel and time in your area.

Filed under: Fun, reviews, Trip Planning, Trip Report | Tagged: Free, Pawn Stars | 2 Comments »

Flamingo $20 Dollar Trick Upgrade Gone Wrong?

Posted on January 27, 2010 by scottyvegas

The Flamingo

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas

My buddy, let’s call him Paws, just got back from Vegas. Inspired by my post: Free Room Upgrade? Let me introduce you to “The $20 Trick” he decided to give the trick a try since he was going to be in town for four nights in a standard room.

Paws approached the Flamingo reservation desk and presented the twenty bucks sandwich style and inquired about an upgrade. The reservation host took the twenty, set it aside, and said she could accommodate his request. Everything went smooth.

As Paws approached his now “suite” upgrade he noticed a larger than normal door. He entered and was immediately hit with a strong cigarette smoke smell. He then noticed the large oversized bathroom door. Well needless to say it didn’t take long for Paws to realize he was in an OLD special needs accessibility suite. But now tired and hungry from the flight, he put down his luggage and headed for some food and drinks.

Several hours later Paws returns, now exhausted and buzzed, heads for bed. When he pulled back the covers he had the strange feeling that the linens on the bed weren’t changed from the previous occupier. But given his current condition Paws got in anyway. After laying there for a few minutes trying to get comfortable he felt something change. Paws reached down by his feet and extracted a dirty sock that wasn’t his! He immediately threw it across the room and promptly fell asleep, ahhhhh…….the miracle of alcohol

Besides the sock there was a host of other issues, mainly due to the fact that the room hasn’t been updated in decades. Regardless, the next morning Paws went down to complain and was quickly moved to another cruddy standard non-refurbished Flamingo room.

Lessons learned / Tip: Don’t stay at Flamingo and be aware the “Trick” may not always work in your favor.

FYI – The other sock was never found. (Not to imply that Paws was looking for it)

Filed under: Fun, reviews, Tips, Trip Planning, Warning | Tagged: $20 trick, Flamingo | 1 Comment »

Review: Palace Station Hotel and Casino

Posted on January 22, 2010 by scottyvegas

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Leading up to our January 7 – 12, 2010 trip we received a post card in the mail for a free hotel stay in a deluxe room (Standard) at select Station Casino’s. After looking up reviews and locations we decided to take Stations up on their offer and selected Palace Station. We thought, what the heck, we’ll save money and besides we like trying new properties.

We arrived in Las Vegas late Thursday night, 1.5 hours later than planned due to Snow and de-icing out of Detroit Metro. We headed straight for Palace Station, of course taking Las Vegas Blvd even though there was a quicker route. Anyway, the Check-in process went very smooth and quick as the registration host was extremely friendly. The elevators were conveniently close by as we headed up to our room on the 27th floor. I joked to my wife as I noticed the 27th floor was the top, Penthouse baby here we come. When we got out of the elevator we noticed immediately how nice the hallway was, it was much nicer than expected.

2411 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV‎ 89102 – (702) 367-2411‎

Our room 27-727 was just down the hall from the elevator. We opened the door and again were surprised, as we entered the small hallway to the main room. The room was very Large with a King size bed, end tables, Full size couch, Large coffee table, Table and chairs, and a huge entertainment center with attaching bookshelves which housed books and various knick knacks. However, a large plasma TV was the center of attention. There was also a bar like counter with a sink for convenience.

Moving on to the bathroom, it was huge! Large jet tub, glass shower, double sinks with granite countertops and vanity, and large surrounding mirrors. There was a small flat panel TV for your viewing pleasure while getting ready. The toilet was behind a separate door for privacy.

The entire suite was about 35 by 30 feet long with 12-15 foot ceilings. A window made up the entire wall over looking downtown Las Vegas with Circus Circus and the Stratosphere in plain sight. It was an awesome view in the morning as the mountains surrounded the city.

See for yourself, youtube.com video walkthrough:

Well after we put down our bags and looked around the room we were ready for something to eat so we headed downstairs. There is a Starbucks, Bakery, a restaurant, Subway and Buffet on the premises, unfortunately they were all closed. So we decided to head out for a quick bite since we were practically starved. Across the street were several restaurants, most were closed but two, a McDonalds and an In-n-Out Burger. I hate McDonalds but have heard many positive things about In-n-Out so we headed for the drive thru. In-n-Out lives up to its motto “Quality you can taste”. Prices were reasonable and the food was good.

After eating we headed back to play around for awhile. The casino was your average “locals” style casino with a variety of new and old slots machines. Table games had better than strip odds and low minimums with seating available. As typical with locals casino’s their video poker machines had better payouts too. There is also a small sports book on the property.

Regarding Drinks, overall waitress service was good with drink quality average.

Along with the free night offer was a buy one, get one free buffet coupon. So the next morning we headed to the buffet. Breakfast is regularly $6.99 each so for a mere seven bucks and some change we both ate. The Buffet was clean and inviting with ample selections to choose from though nothing to rave about. It most certainly was adequate and met its purpose of supplying us nourishment for the day.

Though I wouldn’t want to stay here for an entire Las Vegas trip, mainly because of its distance from the strip, I would definitely consider it again if arriving very late or other like reason.

Overall the room was clean (with exception to minor hard to reach areas) and comfortable. We were pleasantly surprised by our suite upgrade. Our morning buffet was good and so was the Starbucks coffee. Palace Station offers many slot and table games to choose from. Casino vibe was that of a typical locals style casino indicated by a mix of both locals and tourists. Hotel/Casino staff was friendly and accommodating. Therefore, I am giving Palace Station a rating of 3 out of 5 chips.

Filed under: Gaming!, reviews, Trip Planning | Tagged: Buffet, in-n-out, Palace, Reciew, station, Suite | 1 Comment »

What would you NEVER do again in Las Vegas?

Posted on December 19, 2009 by scottyvegas

Las Vegas Strip

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Oh what a great question this is. I frequently peruse and participate in forum discussions at Trip Advisor. Someone posted this question and as you could imagine it received an overwhelming response with over 120 replies. I found the replies both entertaining and informative. They kind of answer many questions people ask or wonder about when planning a Vegas trip. The replies have confirmed mental notes I have made to myself, “NEVER eat at the Riviera Hotel Casino buffet again!” and so on…….

Since I enjoyed them so much I thought you might enjoy them as well so I went through them all and plucked out my favorite, cleaned them up and made a few comments. Regardless of how many times you’ve been to Vegas you should be able to take something away from these.

Tip – Trip Advisor is a great site for hotel reviews and everything else trip related regardless of where you’re headed. I use it to get hotel price ranges, see honest photos taken by reviewers, and to review area attractions. I highly recommend it, check it out.

Forum Replies:

NEVER go to Circus Circus or Slots a Funk (Fun) again!

I would NEVER do so much shopping without working out how to get my purchases home first – or leave shipping everything until the last day!

I’ll NEVER spend New years Eve in Vegas again

I will NEVER leave Vegas before 6:30am – You don’t know how bad this is until you’ve done it, avoid if at all possible

I will NEVER eat at the IP (Imperial Palace) buffet again

I will probably NEVER go to Las Vegas with family (parents, sister, brother, niece, ect.) again. I find it very hard to have an intimate family time in Vegas.

I will NEVER go when money is so tight I have to watch every penny.

I will NEVER take a red eye flight to Vegas without having a room ready when we arrived.

I will NEVER take money from an ATM from my credit card. Fees are ridiculous.

I will NEVER visit Las Vegas for only one or two nights.

NEVER ever keep playing the same slot machine, because I was stupid to think it’s going to hit.

I will NEVER stay at a dump like the Riviera again to save money

I will NEVER book a red eye flight home when checking out of my hotel at 11 am that day – Having a rent a car is priceless in this situation

I will NEVER put more than $20 in a non-paying slot thinking that “it is bound to start hitting!”

I will NEVER stay Off Strip again. I am a Strip person, through and through.

We will NEVER see the Blue Man Group again – This one surprised me, but there were several postings, I guess it’s not for everyone

We will NEVER go with family & friends who only have a $20 budget (per day)! – I can’t even imagine!

NEVER get lured into Casino Royale with “free money” from their Zoltar fortune-telling machine. First you had to sign up for their casino card and then learned that you will be playing certain “special” slots machines with the credit to win a chance at a pot. It took forever to lose all our “free money”. We should have just walked away. – Been there, done that, live and learn

I will NEVER go to another timeshare presentation – that was 3 hours wasted out of 4 days of precious Vegas time.

I will NEVER walk from New York New York to the stratosphere because it didn’t look that far. – Distances are deceiving on the strip
and the sidewalks aren’t straight

I will NEVER ever go with none gamblers again they stand behind you and say why do you think this is fun? What is the attraction? As my other friend said they just “sucked all the fun out of gambling”. – Once again, I can’t imagine

I will NEVER remember that the Tropicana casino is not worth walking across the bridge to visit it.

I will NEVER gamble more than the amount I plan for each day. Never chase comps!

I will NEVER again go see the Show in the Sky at the Rio. – Don’t get me started…

I will NEVER go to Las Vegas and think I will get by on my winnings.

I will NEVER go over my personal drink limit while gambling. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I will NEVER book a flight somewhere else with an 8 hour layover in Vegas. Sounded fun at the time. I lost more on that layover than our regular vacation.

I will NEVER again stay in 5 hotels in 6 nights.

I will NEVER forget that I’m in Las Vegas on vacation, and given my limited time there, there are some things more important than saving $10 on something….

I will NEVER stay at a hotel with the idea that it’s just a place to sleep and clean up at. I discovered that a nice room DOES matter.

I will NEVER drink too much and spend the following day or two trying to recover- Vegas time is too precious – Amen

I will NEVER ever go with friends who bring their kid! – See Post: Children in Vegas

I’ll NEVER go to Bonanza (world’s largest gift shop) again

I will NEVER again worry about a strip view when I NEVER look out the window once after the day I arrive….I would prefer a better room that a better view.

I will NEVER again buy new shoes for a Vegas trip

I will NEVER stay at the same hotel for 6 years (MGM). Once I started checking out different hotels (off and on the strip) I was addicted. – I love trying new hotels

NEVER buy a wristband pass to a club from the street promoters even if they are legitimate, they will tell you anything to sell you the wristbands. – Never buy anything from a street vendor/person

I will NEVER again decide it is a great idea to do a round of golf midday when the temperature is 120.

I will NEVER again leave all my money in Vegas again!

Have your own “NEVER do again in Vegas” you would like to share? Well go ahead leave it in comments.

Filed under: Fun, Gaming!, reviews, Tips, Trip Planning | Tagged: Buffet, Gambling, Hotel, Never do in Vegas, Tips | 1 Comment »

Bring your children to Vegas…. NOT!

Posted on December 4, 2009 by scottyvegas

nochild

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Sure the Excalibur is a castle, the Luxor is a pyramid, several roller coasters are speckled throughout the strip and the decrepit Circus Circus has/is a “circus show” (pun intended). At one point the Las Vegas marketing machine even tried to sell Vegas as a family destination but quickly axed the campaign for its ever
so famous tagline “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. Well actually the original tagline was “What happens here stays here” but rapidly morphed.

If you are considering bringing the kids to the city of sin, stop it right now! If it’s a family vacation you seek go to Walt Disney World not Vegas. Remember, Vegas is an adult playground with adult activities. Some things may look kid friendly and some may even try to be, but the strip is anything but. Take a walk down the strip anytime during the day you will most certainly see many homeless people begging, sex ads o’plenty, and people freely drinking. After dark all bets are off. Porn slappers are everywhere like cockroaches in a sewer, scammers are out doing everything possible to extract your cash from your wallet, people are hanging out of cars in grid lock traffic yelling while highly intoxicated people are fumbling down the street, and prostitutes are, well, doing their thing.

Simply put, it’s my belief that kids don’t need to be exposed to this stuff and don’t belong anywhere near the strip at anytime during the day. If the kids must come along get a hotel room off strip and take them to see RedRock Canyon and The Hoover Dam not the strip.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this web site do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of ScottyVegas.com or official policies of the ScottyVegas.com. Bullshit, it’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!!

Check out these other related posts:

Las Vegas Porn Slappers or Card Flippers if you prefer..

Filed under: Trip Planning, Warning | Tagged: Children, kids | 3 Comments »

Up, Up and Away! Stratosphere Las Vegas

Posted on November 20, 2009 by scottyvegas

X-Scream

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Have you ever been to the Stratosphere? You know, that tall needle like structure way north on the strip? Funny how most people I talk to say they’ve never been there. Yet the Stratosphere seems to always be in the background of every Las Vegas ad you see. The problem with the Stratosphere is that nothing is close to it and it takes effort to get there.

But if you’ve never been there before maybe you should consider it, why, you ask? Well if anything else it has several unique attractions that no other hotel in Vegas has. The first and most obvious is that it is the tallest building in Las Vegas and offers spectacular views of the whole city and the surrounding mountains. The amount of Air traffic in the Las Vegas air space is unreal. Blimps, helicopters, and planes are everywhere all day, every day. It’s a neat experience to be at level with a flying blimp or helicopter. If that isn’t enough in itself the top of the Stratosphere is home to three record breaking thrill rides.

X-Scream – Is like a giant teeter-totter 866 feet above ground and 27 feet over the edge!
Insanity – Will spin you at a 70 degree angle 64 feet over the edge at up to 3G’s!
Big Shot – Shoot’s you up 160 feet at 45 mph to a total height of 1081 feet above ground!

(I’ve been on X-Scream, The Roller Coaster (removed 12/2005), and Big Shot. Let me tell you the Big Shot is a trip.)

As you would imagine there is also a restaurant at the top of the tower that revolves 360 degrees. Though I’ve heard mixed reviews regarding food quality the view/experience gets thumbs up.

I’ve only been to the Stratosphere once back in 01/2005 and I really don’t remember too much about the casino floor but do recall having to go through a cheesy “mall” like area before getting to the elevators that takes you to the observation decks. The shops in the “mall” area were not very appealing, flee market type stuff. I also recall the whole place being kind of a dirty dump. But don’t let this stop you. If you’re feeling adventurous to experience Vegas a little different, consider visiting the Stratosphere because the rides and observations decks won’t disappoint!

Cost (as of 11/09):

TOWER TICKETS (Observation Deck)
Adult – $15.95
Child – $10.00; RIDE TICKETS
Big Shot -$13.00
xScream – $12.00
Insanity – $12.00
: EXTREME VALUE PACKAGES
Tower Admission + All Rides $35.95 (Extreme All Day Unlimited Package)
Tower Admission + 3 Rides – $29.95
Tower Admission + 2 Rides – $25.95
Tower Admission +1 ride – $21.95

Interesting fact: Since its opening in 1996, five people have jumped to their deaths from the top of the tower.

Filed under: Fun, reviews, Trip Planning | Tagged: Big Shot, Casino, Insanity, Las Vegas, Observation Deck, Rides, Stratosphere, X-Sream | 1 Comment »

Free Room Upgrade? Let me introduce you to “The $20 Trick”

Posted on November 6, 2009 by scottyvegas

Palazzo LV Hotel Registration Desk

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

The Twenty dollar trick is a popular subject on many Vegas forums and is often mentioned on podcasts. In fact there are entire websites dedicated to it. The basic theory of the trick is to tip the hotel registration clerk $20 in exchange for a complementary upgrade.

As you may know Vegas hotels often have many different promotions going on at any one time. These promotions are identified by promo codes and are often sent to player club card holders through direct mailings or email. It’s my understanding that it’s up to the registration clerk’s discretion whether to upgrade customers. So the twenty dollars acts as a little incentive to upgrade you.

The trick requires a little finesse. You just don’t wave a twenty around screaming free upgrade. The preferred method is to fold a twenty and place it between your driver’s license and the credit card you reserved the room under. While some suggest a wrap around, that is, wrap a twenty around your credit card. Which ever method you try make sure the folds are crisp as you don’t want the twenty to unfold and sit on the counter like a dead fish. When handing the clerk your information make sure the twenty is visible and ask “is there any complementary upgrades available?” they will either quickly dismiss it by saying no and most likely hand you the twenty back or they will look to see what rooms or promo codes are available.

I can’t help to think if anything is this popular Vegas hotels registration clerk’s and hotel management must be well aware of it so I wonder if the word “trick” is even appropriate. Regardless, many people have been successful trying this trick. But be aware that upgrades vary widely, reading user experiences in the links before will give you a good idea of what to expect.

Tip: Another spin on the trick is if you have already reserved a higher end room, instead of asking for a complementary upgrade specifically ask about a complementary “suite upgrade“.

Tip: When you go may be key to your success. If you are there during a large convention or major holiday the hotel may be either fully booked or close to it and hence less likely to be upgraded. On the other hand, if you arrive Monday afternoon during a quiet week your chances increase significantly.

Now I have never tried the trick myself but plan on doing so during our January 2010 trip. I am just going to consider it my first gamble of the trip. After all, it’s only twenty dollars. I will let you know how it goes…..

More Information

Front Desk Tip Is a good site with lots of information including a “How to” guide and stats of success by hotel. This site also has “Field Reports” by readers on their experiences.

Note – No need to login or sign up to get most information.

Fat Wallet Forums is a great site all around with lots of good information from forum readers regarding the $20 trick and other topics.

Note – Click the highest number “Go to Page” to see the latest post.

Filed under: Tips, Trip Planning | Tagged: Hotel, registration, Trick, twenty dollar trick, upgrade | 4 Comments »

A King’s Ransom, Elvis Style!

Posted on October 30, 2009 by scottyvegas

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Elvis may have left Vegas in 1976 but it seems he has left his shit at the Ippy, the Imperial Palace that is. Yes you heard correctly the Imperial Palace is going to be the new temporary home of The King’s Ransom Museum billed as “a one-of-a-kind exhibit of priceless Elvis Presley artifacts and memorabilia”.

The museum will include such objects as Elvis’ 1977 Lincoln Continental, stage and film wardrobe, personal clothing items, jewelry, guns, badges and a variety of Elvis’ law enforcement objects, as well as personal artifacts from his Graceland home.

If this has you written all over it you better hurry and book your trip now because this exhibit is only scheduled to be at the Ippy until April 2010. The cost of admission is $10 per person.

Great history overview of Elvis and Vegas with timeline (Actually very interesting)

But wait there’s more!

Oh the excitement never ends when it comes to Elvis and Las Vegas. Beginning this December at the Aria Resort & Casino in the NEW CityCenter complex (Opening December 2009) Cirque du Soleil will present their latest production titled, you ready for this? ELVIS. Much like the Beatles LOVE show, ELVIS will pay tribute to Elvis’ life through music, dance, acrobatics, and some Cirque du Soleil technical magic.

Note – According to Cirque du Soleil website “The official name of the show will be announced later this year.”

Man, I really like Vegas. -Elvis Presley

Filed under: Fun, Trip Planning | Tagged: Aria, Cirque du Soleil, City Center, CityCenter, Elvis, Imperial Palace, King's Randsom, Presley | Leave a comment »

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Bring your children to Vegas…. NOT!

Las Vegas Porn Slappers or Card Flippers if you prefer..

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