• And receive email notifications of new posts. Its simple just enter your email address and press submit.

  • Next Trip Counter

    Viva Las Vegas!!May 12, 2016

  • Did You Know?

    • • LV's McCarran International (LAS) is the 8th busiest Airport in the U.S. and number 23 in the world, with 41.7 million passengers
    • • 79 percent of McCarran's departures and 82 percent of arrivals are on time, the average departure delay is 52 minutes and arrival delay is 50 minutes, and cancellations are at 0.6 percent
    • • McCarran Airport is only two to four miles southwest of most Las Vegas Strip hotels
    • • Metered taxi fares to major hotels on the Strip cost approximately $15–$25. A consolidated car-rental center is three miles from the terminal and is accessed by shuttle bus. ScottyVegas always rents a car.

  • My Las Vegas Photos

    Lake MeadHoover DamEiffel Tower replica at Paris Las VegasA_IMG00159-20110629-1618Planet HollywoodParisCaesars Palace registrationLas Vegas SignVenetian Hotel Las VegasEncore and Wynn
    More Photos

  • Meta

  • Pages

  • February 2026
    M T W T F S S
     1
    2345678
    9101112131415
    16171819202122
    232425262728  

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: , , , , | 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: , | 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: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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

Posted on November 6, 2009 by scottyvegas

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: , , , , | 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: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Vegas Deals by Text? Yes, You Heard Correctly

Posted on October 22, 2009 by scottyvegas

Cirque du SoleilOriginally uploaded by scottyvegas2

While perusing the web I happened to stumble upon this site which I thought you might find interesting. So here’s the deal, Vegas Deals by Text allows you to sign up to receive various offers, that you select, to your cell phone through text messaging or by email. From the looks of things it appears, my impression anyways, that this site is fairly new. Regardless, offers are available in the following categories:

  • Casino offers – rooms, drinks, dinning!
  • Discounted show tickets!
  • Special night club events and discounts!
  • Golf offers and more!

Sign up procedures for offers vary. Some you do directly on Vegas Deals by Text, others you need to text a message from your phone, while others direct you to another site which is usually the resort or show offering location itself.

Here are some examples of offers you can expect:


  • “2 for 1 drinks @ Harrahs Flamingo IP or Osheas Bars. Redeem txt @ TR or Players Club.”
  • “2 for 1 tickets to George Wallace or Vinnie Favorito. Redeem @ TR or Players Club Booth.”
  • “Rooms from $59 w/ Free 24 hr WiFi, 2 inner tube rentals, & $35 activity credit! Use code INB284 to book now 800-639-9398 or http://m.mgmgrand.com“
  • “OVERSEED IS COMPLETE! Book tee times online starting at $30 for play on or before Oct. 1st.”
  • “Show this text at Hooters Casino to receive free ticket to Todd Paul with purchase of drink. Must be at least 21.”

 So if you are planning a Vegas trip, why not sign up and save some money? I did, and will post in comments any offers I receive or take advantage of.

Good Luck!

 

Filed under: Fun, Tips, Trip Planning | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Have Money to Burn? Then Check Out These Suite Cribs

Posted on October 10, 2009 by scottyvegas

No, this isn’t about a new MTV or Travel channel show, though it could be. Have you ever Wondered what kind of room $40k can get you in Vegas? Have a need for a basketball half court or a couple of bowling lanes in your suite? How about a suite with 10,000 square feet!

Check out this fun and interesting article from The Las Vegas Sun:

 http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/sep/17/las-vegas-hotel-suites-take-luxury-new-level/

Interesting to note that it looks like all the major Casino Resort players have “extreme” high end suite offerings except Steve Wynn’s, Wynn and Encore properties. Wonder Why? Maybe it’s the reason his properties are still maintaining while the others aren’t, just an observation.

Filed under: Fun | Tagged: , , , | Leave a comment »

Did You Know?

Posted on September 25, 2009 by scottyvegas

Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

  • The three rides on top of the Stratosphere; Big Shot, Insanity, and X-Scream are the highest in the world
  • The Roller Coaster that once stood atop the Stratosphere tower was closed in December of 2005
  • The Stratosphere is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the U.S
  • Elvis made his first appearance in Las Vegas at the New Frontier Hotel in the spring of 1956.
  • May 1, 1967, Elvis Presley and Priscilla Anne Beaulieu are married in a private ceremony at the Aladdin Hotel.
  • Dec 2-12, 1976 Elvis appears at the Hilton for a two-week engagement. It turns out to be his final Las Vegas appearance
  • 80% of all visitors are return visitors and average two trips per year
  • 44% of all visitors arrive by air while 43% arrive by auto
  • 89% of all visitors gamble with an average gambling budget of $500
  • Many of the first hotels on The Strip opened in the 1950’s such as The Desert Inn, The Sands, The Riviera, The Dunes, Hacienda, Tropicana, Royal Nevada,
    Moulin Rouge and The Stardust.
  • After the Hoover Dam was completed it took 6.5 years to completely fill Lake Mead
  • The average Las Vegas low temperature in January is 33 degrees Fahrenheit
  • The Luxor’s atrium could hold nine Boeing 747s stacked on top of each other.
  • A 3-ton section of the Berlin Wall, covered with original graffiti, can be seen in a men’s restroom at Main Street Station. It was bought from the German government for 17,500. http://www.urinal.net/main_st_sta/
  • The only casinos in Las Vegas that allow you to take photographs inside are Four Queens, Excalibur, and Harrah’s.
  • A 1910 law made it illegal to gamble in Las Vegas. In 1931, a gambling bill was approved that made gambling legal again.
  • The Dunes, demolished in 1993, was the first resort to feature topless showgirls in a show called Minsky’s Follies.
  • The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino opened in 1906, making it the first hotel and casino to open in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • The legal age to gamble in the state of Nevada is 21
  • Las Vegas is the 11th largest school district in the U.S
  • The legal age to consume alcohol in Las Vegas is 21

Filed under: Fun, Trivia | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

Sports, Drink, Food…..

Posted on September 18, 2009 by scottyvegas
 
Originally uploaded by scottyvegas2

Looking for somewhere to watch the game? Have a drink? Or get a bite to eat? If so, consider Blondie’s Sports Bar & Grill located in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.

So what’s so special about this place? Well, value of course, why else would I be telling you about it? Blondie’s is your typical sports bar, tons of TV’s, drink specials and a full menu. Most importantly it’s located just a few steps away from the Planet Hollywood Casino and the strip itself and they offer plenty of money saving coupons. For instance:

Tip:  Blondie’s has a daily “Happy Hour” between 3pm and 6pm where for $20 it’s all you can drink domestic draught and well drinks. Want a better deal? Use this coupon for Buy one get one FREE in other words, two can drink to your hearts content for three hours for only $10 each!

So, place your sports bet at the PH sports book. Keep the drink vouchers they give you for a later time. Then head over to Blondie’s to watch the game and drink your fill for $10.

Tip: Blondie’s also offers food discount coupons on their website.

Tip: Blondie’s also offers “Gift Certificates” for purchase at Restaurant.com which provides real value. Search zip code: 89109

Note: As far as service goes I’m 50/50. My first experience was great, the waitress was extremely attentive. The second time around the waitress we got was a complete ditz, so good luck.  

 Hungry? Blondie’s Famous Beer Can Chicken is awesome and extremely filling. It’s basically a whole chicken cooked with a full can of Budlight Lime shoved up its ass.

Filed under: Fun, reviews, Tips | Tagged: , , , , | 4 Comments »

Hello Palms Place Suite Las Vegas!

Posted on September 7, 2009 by scottyvegas

A friend of mine got an invitation to stay with his buddy in a suite at Palms Casino’s Palm Place. The suite was provided by The Palms along with the entry fee for the 2009 World Series of Poker Tournament.

Location: 4321 W. Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103, Approx 1.5 miles from the Strip


 

Description/Amenities: All suites (different sizes available), No casino in building, Pool and Spa on location, Two Restaurants/Bar/Lounges

Nice thing about the Palms Casino is they have a lot of casual dining in addition to upscale restaurants.  There is a food court with a McDonalds and other fast food, a 24/7 cafe, and a very low cost buffet with good reakfast/lunch food.

The pool on the weekends is a lot like college spring break, very young party crowd. 

The clubs at night draw a ton of 20-somethings. 

Casino Floor Accessibility: 4-5 minute walk. You need to take the elevator to the 2nd floor, and then a fairly long walk to the casino.  Note – there are two moving walkways which help. 

View: The room was a corner unit on the 22nd floor. All the suites have a side view of the strip.  The view was facing the Venetian/Encore/Trump with a really nice balcony.  Also, the master bedroom had a view 180 deg opposite of the strip.  So overall an awesome view, although the corner unit really helped.

Recommendation: Overall the casino portion of the Palms is very small compared to the other main casinos and is nothing very exciting. It’s a great place to stay if you are young and want to party but if you are not young and don’t want to party, the palms is very bad choice to stay at.

One more thing, from the palms you can walk across the street to Gold Coast Casino which is a very nice, low cost place to gamble.  But other than that you are pretty isolated at the Palms.  It’s about a 15 minute walk to the Rio and you really need to take a taxi or other transportation to go anywhere else.

Special thanks to Maxim (nice lid!) for the video and John for the review…

Filed under: reviews, Tips | Leave a comment »

« Previous Page — Next Page »