Going to Vegas, any suggestions for a first-timer?

[Quad Deuces]

The Palms is an excellent choice for VP.  Carefully evaluate the Palms $1000 loss rebate for new, out-of-town players.  Best low-roller deal in Vegas if you'll be coming back twice in the next year.  It probably still has solid value if you only use the first $300, which is available immediately, but it would be considerably lessened.The Palms is tricky regarding what machines are available for promotions.  Be careful.Don't ignore the Gold Coast across the street.  I'm particularly fond of their 25c 3/5-line 9/6 JoB Super-Times Pay.  And for God's sake, it's well worth the walk across the street to use GC's liquor store if you're so inclined.It's also usually pretty easy to earn buffets at the Gold Coast.  No idea what it'll be like in March.

[Lucky Larry]

Everyone should make Vegas at least once! We play the Palms if we stay around/on the Strip. You didn't mention whether you would have access to a rental car or not. If not, consider trying out the "Deuce" bus that runs the Strip route. If the Deuce is still running, for a few dollars you would be able to run up and down the Strip and to the Downtown-Freemont area which I would highly recommend you visit. The Freemont experience like many other parts of Vegas is unique.

Good luck and can't wait to see your report.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g4596 ... e.Bus.html

[Vman96]

Don't ignore the Gold Coast across the street.  I'm particularly fond of their 25c 3/5-line 9/6 JoB Super-Times Pay.  And for God's sake, it's well worth the walk across the street to use GC's liquor store if you're so inclined.It's also usually pretty easy to earn buffets at the Gold Coast.  No idea what it'll be like in March.



Considering he plays at Borgata, I would have looked into what he could have got at Gold Coast. They are both owned by Boyd Gaming, iirc. I'd assume staying at the Palms would have nicer accommodations though.

[rascal]

I will ditto Bob Dancer's comments about the strip ---- the fact that almost zero locals play on the strip pretty much says it all. Also, a point I make to folks visiting LV for the first time is to be aware of the traffic situation. I have lived in Los Angeles, DC and New Orleans, and gridlock in LV is the worst I have ever seen. Plan accordingly in advance so you do not waste valuable potential VP time seething in traffic.

[davidearl]

I will ditto Bob Dancer's comments about the strip ---- the fact that almost zero locals play on the strip pretty much says it all. Also, a point I make to folks visiting LV for the first time is to be aware of the traffic situation. I have lived in Los Angeles, DC and New Orleans, and gridlock in LV is the worst I have ever seen. Plan accordingly in advance so you do not waste valuable potential VP time seething in traffic.
      The traffic, another reason to avoid the strip?            Dave

[cook1947]

The traffic on the strip can be terrible, but so are the other freeways around Vegas. If you have a direction finder, try put in the casino you want to go to, and if its possible, put in no freeways. I can't think of anyplace in Vegas you can't go by taking surface streets. It may take longer, but years ago, there were only 2 freeways in Vegas, so you quickly learn how to do the streets. Tropicana, Flamingo, Desert Inn and Sahara all go through from the I-15 down to Boulder Highway, and taking Las Vegas Blvd. is not too bad if you exit from Sahara going downtown.

[cook1947]

WAIT. I know how to avoid the horrible traffic in Vegas..get a rental car and go to Laughlin!

[davidearl]

The traffic on the strip can be terrible, but so are the other freeways around Vegas. If you have a direction finder, try put in the casino you want to go to, and if its possible, put in no freeways. I can't think of anyplace in Vegas you can't go by taking surface streets. It may take longer, but years ago, there were only 2 freeways in Vegas, so you quickly learn how to do the streets. Tropicana, Flamingo, Desert Inn and Sahara all go through from the I-15 down to Boulder Highway, and taking Las Vegas Blvd. is not too bad if you exit from Sahara going downtown.
     Thanks Cook. I wouldn't do Vegas without a car. Probably go to Henderson, after seeing the sites of the strip.       Dave

[cook1947]

Dave- Going out to Henderson, I believe you pass the i-95 going out to Laughlin. Turn down that road and go about 60 miles (through scenic Searchlight) and you will be at the Laughlin turnoff. Turn left, and it is 19 miles down into town. My Mother lived on D.I. in Vegas for 5 years back in the 90.s, but we both preferred the smaller and simpler Laughlin. Laughlin is still my place. Right next to the Colorado River and casinos right next to each other. Vegas is fun, but Laughlin is fun and quaint.

[mendon]

When we go to Vegas we always stay at the Gold Coast, lots of vp.  We have walked over to the Rio and Palms but always head back to the Gold Coast, Our last trip was this past Sep and we did go ever to the Orleans also. We couldn't get on a vp machine ! So back to the Gold Coast we went!!!   Have fun on your trip and do as others say. sight see there is alot to see, you can gamble your brains out at night!!!!! Good luck to you