For You Vegas-Playing Veterans

[Idgie]

I value the opinions of those of you on here with VP experience.  So, who can help me out with this question?...  If you were playing with your MGM/Mirage card and confined to the Strip (I won't be in the position to wander off-strip), where and what would you play with $1.00 denominations (max bet $5.00)?  I'm so confused with these new machines and I'm only used to playing JOB or DDB.  What's my best bet at the MGM/Mirage properties?  I know I am better off downtown or off-strip, but I will not be in a position to wander off on my own and it makes sense to stick to a MGM/Mirage property, since they are comping me.  Or does it?

[frogface]

We just returned from a stay at Bellagio.  Had free nights and $100 freeplay. The hotel is beautiful.  The gambling "so so".  Same with Mirage, although there seems to be more progressive dollar options at Mirage.  We tried TI last time out too, not impressed.  Haven't been down to the MGM Grand in a while so can't comment.  The Aria just opened too, next to Bellagio.  We seem to always have better luck with standard poker games as opposed to the "carnival" poker games (as others have named them).  If you do get off strip, we liked the Red Rock and always like Samstown. The Orleans isn't too far off strip and has a lot of video poker machines.  Have big fun and the best of luck!!!!

[Lucky Larry]

I value the opinions of those of you on here with VP experience.  So, who can help me out with this question?...  If you were playing with your MGM/Mirage card and confined to the Strip (I won't be in the position to wander off-strip), where and what would you play with $1.00 denominations (max bet $5.00)?  I'm so confused with these new machines and I'm only used to playing JOB or DDB.  What's my best bet at the MGM/Mirage properties?  I know I am better off downtown or off-strip, but I will not be in a position to wander off on my own and it makes sense to stick to a MGM/Mirage property, since they are comping me.  Or does it?

Idgie,
A couple of suggestions:

First, consider paying a few dollars to get a "deuce pass" this is the bus line that goes up and down the strip. With the pass you can access the downtown area. Check with your concierge for "Deuce" information and maps. The deuce is incredible and we and our kids feel no hesitation riding it by ourselves. It opens up so much more than the strip. Wish we had known about it the first three or four trips to Vegas.

Second, consider going via the Harrah's shuttles to the Rio or other Harrah's locations. We often go to a Harrah's casino (Imperial Palace, Flamingo, etc.) grab the Harrah's shuttle to the Rio and then walk across the street to the Palms for 100% return play.

Third, call Red Rock (our favorite and the favorite of many on this site)     and ask to talk to the concierge or a host. Ask about riding the Red Rock shuttle from the Fashion Mall (on the deuce route) to and back from Red Rock.   There may be a fee but Red Rock may defer it by giving you comp's or free play. Make sure you check the times because you don't want to be stuck at Red Rock but it is well worth effort to get to RR because of the great casino, buffet and lots of 100% return VP.   See info below for the Complimentary Red Rock shuttle to the strip. Check their hotel web site.

Strip Transportation

RED ROCK to FASHION SHOW MALL (departs from Red Rock Valet)
       
11:10am, 1:10pm, 3:10pm, 5:10pm, 7:10pm, 9:10pm

FASHION SHOW MALL to RED ROCK (Picks Up at the North Entrance, across from New Frontier)
       
11:40am, 1:40pm, 3:40pm, 5:40pm, 7:40pm, 9:40pm


Best Wishes,

LL