Vegas Trip Information for anyone looking to go this year.

[hhyftrftdr]

How much different is Vegas over winter time?

A mate wants to go in Jan/Feb time, and I'm very interested in joining him. I've only ever been from May through September time, so am a little in the dark as to just how different it could be from the summer months.

Any info/advice regarding the climate, the poker (guessing games will still be in swing in most places?), hotel facilities that may close at that time, any events that are worth swerving etc would be much appreciated. 

[vegaslover]

How much different is Vegas over winter time?

A mate wants to go in Jan/Feb time, and I'm very interested in joining him. I've only ever been from May through September time, so am a little in the dark as to just how different it could be from the summer months.

Any info/advice regarding the climate, the poker (guessing games will still be in swing in most places?), hotel facilities that may close at that time, any events that are worth swerving etc would be much appreciated. 

I'm sure others (Marky and Simon) will give far better detail but basically the weather is friggin cold that time of year. You will see temps at 0 Celcius and below. Some/ a lot of the Hotels will close their pools during winter.

Prices will generally be a bit cheaper hotel/flight wise, but as always will depend on what conferences are happening around town.

[Jon MW]

Here's a summary for the weather

http://www.vegas.com/weather/averages.html

I would be interested in people's views about Vegas over winter as we are thinking about spending Christmas there some time.

[Simon Galloway]

I've been in early December, I think the Rodeo and Nascar were in town iirc.  This injected an extra bit of action into the games during what otherwise was a quiet time of year with dusty old games.

Christmas is usually very very quiet and crazy deals are available.

I've not been in January, but I have been there early Feb a few times.  Was just about borderline ok in a short sleeve, but plenty of people were wearing coats.  Watch out for the superbowl, for crazy room prices and a busy town, so don't absent-mindedly pick that weekend if you have no interest in NFL.

Most hotels close their pool(s) while a few keep one pool open year round.  At the Bellagio, I used to swim every day regardless of time of year.  The lifeguard would have a track suit on and 2 or 3 towels wrapped around them.  The water was fine, but you certainly aren't dripping dry on a sun lounger afterwards!  Bag all set ready, out the pool, towels on, and leg it for the door.

In general, events and conferences aside, it is a quiet time of year but for small stakes NLHE there is always going to be a game.  In smaller rooms, the game may well break overnight, in the main rooms you'll get action of some description whenever you want it.

Loads of offer codes and deals on rooms, so definitely cherry picking through those if you have any date flexibility.

[Longy]

There are a few weekends in Vegas which are massive in winter/spring. Firstly superbowl weekend is huge (early Feb) and also weekends in Mid-Late Match when March Madness is on, that is college basketball for those that are unaware.

Hotel prices will rocket on these weekends, though it could be a lot of fun especially if you like to have a punt and watch sport in a lively atmosphere.

[tonytats]

I've been the last 2 years in January towards the end
 I use air miles and get a flight for £230
The suns out but it's not powerful
This year I stayed at south point there were 2/3 cash games 1/2 nlh 1 limit game no tourneys till the weekends
Bit of a way off the strip tho
Next door is a timeshare block which maybe weeks in Spain ? Could be swapped for !!
Comps were pretty generous
Last year stayed at Ballys - there was a gun show plus other conventions so it's often suprisingly busy midweek
But weather wise it's chilly esp at night

[Jamier-Host]

I've basically always been in winter, usually October/November time (and going again in November this year). I think the earliest was April/May so the only trip with much pool action!

Have never found the temperatures too bad, certainly daytime was pretty pleasant but you'd probably want a jumper walking the strip in the evening. Also never had any problems with liquidity in low stakes cash games and tournaments, and weekends tend to be a lot of fun regardless with NFL action.

I have a question about my trip this year. Quite enjoy offroad running these days and so was thinking about entering one of these races as a controversial effort to combat jetlag (i arrive the previous afternoon!). How much do you reckon a cab would cost out there, or should I just hire a car for the day?

[Simon Galloway]

Hire a car.

Cab out there would be a guesstimate of $40-50, and gl getting a cab back.  Can hire a car for £20 for the day... as decisions go..

[KarmaDope]

What Simon said. Car easily the easiest way to get there.

[mike27]

BA,AA are doing some fantastic open jaw flights Nov - Feb from Gothenberg or Stockholm which is only 9.99 from London with Ryanair!openjaw means every airport has to be different.for example I booked

17th Nov Gothenberg - San Francisco
8th Dec Las Vegas - Copenhagen

For £220, u do have to start/end in a scadnavian city I think!anyone fancy taking a few city's in for less than half the price of a normal flight, even better if u only taking hand luggage because the return flight stops at Heathrow so u can just get off there or slightly more to return to a UK airport!

[Gazza]

Do you have a link that explains the offers and open jaw? Thanks.

[Longines]

 even better if u only taking hand luggage because the return flight stops at Heathrow so u can just get off there
 

Be aware that BA may be starting to clamp down on that:

http://www.headforpoints.com/2015/07/20/british-airways-clamping-down-on-dropped-final-legs-on-ex-eu-tickets/#comments

[hhyftrftdr]

 even better if u only taking hand luggage because the return flight stops at Heathrow so u can just get off there
 

Be aware that BA may be starting to clamp down on that:

http://www.headforpoints.com/2015/07/20/british-airways-clamping-down-on-dropped-final-legs-on-ex-eu-tickets/#comments

How will they enforce this? I've often used the Dublin trick, and just 'got off' at Gatwick/Heathrow and not used the final leg back to Ireland. Are they gonna physically escort you to the gate and put you on the plane?

Thanks for the heads up Mike about these open jaw flights, think I've sourced another trip in January so much appreciated!

[Longines]

Sue you for the difference in fares and/or close your exec club account. Highly unlikely but if you carry a big miles balance it might be something to think about.

[StuartHopkin]

They will probably just charge the card you booked with for the ticket change fee?