Vegas Trip Information for anyone looking to go this year.

[Sheriff Fatman]

^^ Just what I'm after, thanks.

One thing about that Total Rewards thing for example, your points expire after 6 months apparently, so other than the sign up, is it really worth it, I mean, really?

Keep 'em coming!

Some expire, some don't.  It cost's nothing to sign up other than a few minutes in a queue.

If you're playing poker, you probably need to get one for some of the bigger casinos anyway as they'd started using these for tournament sign-ups last time I was there.

[Tal]

^^ Just what I'm after, thanks.

One thing about that Total Rewards thing for example, your points expire after 6 months apparently, so other than the sign up, is it really worth it, I mean, really?

Keep 'em coming!

Some expire, some don't.  It cost's nothing to sign up other than a few minutes in a queue.

If you're playing poker, you probably need to get one for some of the bigger casinos anyway as they'd started using these for tournament sign-ups last time I was there.

This.

Doesn't take much for you to be getting buffets by the end of your trip. Nothing beats a free breakfast in Vegas.

[redsimon]

Points at Venetian, Binions and Orleans don't expire so worth getting a players card there. Never played much in Caesar's properties.

[Marky147]

Looks like you're doing everything right to get the best deal, and Curtis has answered all your questions.

Whilst I don't stay on the strip anymore, I would recommend that a first timer stay on the strip. If you're there a few weeks, maybe spend a few days downtown during the trip, and that way you can make your own mind up for next time.

I stayed on the strip for my first 5 trips, but the last 2 I've spent the whole trip downtown, and this year I didn't even visit the strip at all.

[Woodsey]

^^ Just what I'm after, thanks.

One thing about that Total Rewards thing for example, your points expire after 6 months apparently, so other than the sign up, is it really worth it, I mean, really?

Keep 'em coming!

Any point you accrue you can ask them to knock off your final hotel bill when you leave.

[Marky147]

^^ Just what I'm after, thanks.

One thing about that Total Rewards thing for example, your points expire after 6 months apparently, so other than the sign up, is it really worth it, I mean, really?

Keep 'em coming!

Any point you accrue you can ask them to knock off your final hotel bill when you leave.

How you getting on out there Woodsey?

[Woodsey]

^^ Just what I'm after, thanks.

One thing about that Total Rewards thing for example, your points expire after 6 months apparently, so other than the sign up, is it really worth it, I mean, really?

Keep 'em coming!

Any point you accrue you can ask them to knock off your final hotel bill when you leave.

How you getting on out there Woodsey?

Ok mate, only into the second day, not won or lost much yet, going to see absinthe tonight.

As a side tip for Grand Canyon helicopter tours, booking online with papillon appears to be the cheapest option by some distance.

[Marky147]

^^ Just what I'm after, thanks.

One thing about that Total Rewards thing for example, your points expire after 6 months apparently, so other than the sign up, is it really worth it, I mean, really?

Keep 'em coming!

Any point you accrue you can ask them to knock off your final hotel bill when you leave.

How you getting on out there Woodsey?

Ok mate, only into the second day, not won or lost much yet, going to see absinthe tonight.

As a side tip for Grand Canyon helicopter tours, booking online with papillon appears to be the cheapest option by some distance.

Nice, enjoy the rest of the trip, and good luck

Yours

Jealous

[Simon Galloway]

Let's see if I can throw out a couple of alternatives....

Some random Vegas questions for you veterans out there (1 word answers are fine if you wish and others may find the answers useful !)

Is it worth joining one of those Loyalty things like Total Rewards?
It's free, you might get $5 freeplay in a slot and you'll need it to buy in to a tourny or a cash game in most places now.  However, do not fall into the trap of playing for comps, it doesn't work.  Keep an eye out online from the rewards website for room offers subsequently, but the reality for most low/non gamblers is a deck of cards and some plastic dice.

Can you use other hotels' pools if yours is closed in Feb for example?
Your hotel might have a deal with a sister property for pool access.  If you are talking about skanking in, most of the time they check for room keys.  This can be as simple as flashing your card, but it can also be asked to insert your card into a reader to make sure it is valid - depends where you stay.  Start talking to someone obviously heading to the pool area and walk through with them.

Is it so important to stay on the strip for a first-timer?
I think it's a good idea, more likely to sample most of the hotels, with a view for choosing a hotel for next trip and eyeing places you'd like to try for dinner.  Don't just eat in the nearest food court every time you get hungry, have a list of at least a couple of decent places you'd like to try out.  Downtown is marmite, so definitely visit, you will quickly know if it is where you want to be.
Best way to hoover up freebies without feeling like a peasant?
Dunno, never done it! Most things given away are the playing cards/keyrings/dice that you don't even want for free.  The best freebies readily available are picking up comps and line passes.  If you have played enough hours to earn a comp, ask the manager to write you one out and depending where you are, it is usually good for the buffet and the cafe and one or two other casual outlets.  The best part of the freebie is that you can go in invited guest line, thereby avoiding 90 minutes of a queue.  Following on from that, if you don't have the hours for a comp, consider a discreet, but well aimed tip to get yourself a comp ideally, but a line pass (a comp with $0 value, but invited guest access) Availability and success of this varies from room to room, manager to manager, and your ability to be discreet about it.

Is it hassle to take an internal flight in America to say San Francisco for 2 days (would like to watch an NFL game)
It is easy, but you may feel that once you get to Vegas, you have done enough travelling already.

Is it true/acceptable to walk around with a can of beer in your hand from casino to casino?
It isn't unusual to see it.  At 9 a.m. no-one would even bat an eyelid.

Is it a bad idea to go alone for a first timer?  (My mates don't like NFL or are allowed a weeks holiday to vegas !)
If you are comfortable with your own company, it is fine imo. On the plus side, you can check out all the places of interest to you, and not have to go to places that someone else wants to.  For dining, still eat well while the opportunity exists ~ most restaurants gladly accept lone diners at the bar area and often you get better looked after than you would at a regular table.

I have checked prices from Expedia/Ebookers/LowCostUSA etc as well Smarter Vegas/CheapoVegas and doing it separate.  Am I missing a decent place to get a good price?
Priceline / Hotwire?

Seriously, I must have spent over 100hrs finding out stuff but the best info will come from people on here who have been a time or 2 I guess.  This thread has been great too.

Anything new you can tell me?

[brookie]

any body got the link for the compare site for the dollars please

[KarmaDope]

any body got the link for the compare site for the dollars please

I think you are referring to http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com ?

[brookie]

Thanks think that the one

[AlexMartin]

anyone going deepstack extrav?

[celtic]

anyone going deepstack extrav?

Chompy and pizzled are.

[leethefish]

Am booking my first trip to Vegas over the Christmas period (for April) so if anyone spots any good deals please post