Vegas Trip Information for anyone looking to go this year.

[dwh103]

Thanks Simon, Mark et al for all the suggestions.

My budget dining tips:

Cheesecake Factory (Caesars Forum Shops) - huge portions, the only downside being it's next to that bloody Neptune statue show thing. But if you enjoy/can stand flamethrowers going off whilst eating it's really not that bad.
Hugo's Cellar (4 Queens, downtown) - For $3 per person from Tix4Tonight (only their Strip outlets, the downtown one won't offer this) you can get 25% off the total bill. Apparently where all the pros used to eat when the WSOP was at Binion's. Awesome service, food is excellent in the eyes of a pleb like me

[Marky147]

Alternatively, just pop along to the Venetian/Palazzo, and eat at the Grand Lux. Same company, same food, and no flamethrowers

Ate at Hugo's for the first time this summer, I think it came to around $400 for 4 people including wine, and it was a very enjoyable meal.

[tonytats]

Andiamos in the h was pretty good too mark 7 of us ate 3 courses for 1100$

Triple George grill just off Fremont st is good too

I booked my flight the other week after buying a load of miles with my tesco card looking to get a flight for 211£ like I did in January using miles n money ,I managed to speak to a helpful lady who said there are few or no miles n money seats in June as they don't need to do offers as it's busy so I'm booked for 850£
Which got paid for yesterday by following value bet in the mirror
10£ reverse forecast on Baltimore rock n gassin golf in the 315 at sandown

[Marky147]

Always nice to be having a free trip mate

[OverTheBorder]

Right guys, hoping you can answer a few questions for me.  I have been to Vegas 5-6 times but for the first time ever I am taking a girlfriend, so the trip is going to be very different to the usual farce which I can "plan" to a tee.  I have also never had to sort hotels before as I have degened enought for Total Rewards provided me free weeks the last few times.  I also only ever stayed at Imperial Palace, as i love elevator queues, but now it is not there.

We are planning to go 10th till 19th November so offpeak with 1 weekend, we also have to leave from Scotland.

Question 1: Is it worth trying to blag it with Total Rewards based on historic points? I havent been in 2.5 years so I lost all my tier points Also I wasn't balla spunking £5k per night, so not like I have much clout.
Question 2: Should I book hotel and accomodation as a deal, seems to be a lot better on price comparison sites?  I am looking for a strip hotel of the middle order.  However, I always assume they must get paid somehow so there could be margins elsewhere.  Good booking sites?
Question 3: I note a lot of comment on flight sales, when is the peak time for the sales? I dont care about direct, would rather pocket the £150pp and connect somewhere. She is none the wiser
Question 4: Grand Canyon helicopter tours.  Sort before trip or in Vegas?  If so where is best to go?
Question 5: Vegas Shows, when out there, I have never seen a show as I am a farce of a man, doubt this will permitted this time.  I assume book on the day at clearing desks? any tips?
Question 6: Scottish boys - do you find Glasgow is markably cheaper than Edinburgh? I live in Fife so hassle regardless, but just wondered.  Is it worth getting down to London to save more?

I will likely have more questions, or my Mrs will, but if anyone could help on the above I would be most grateful.

[Simon Galloway]

Most of this is RTFF stuff unfortunately, but I'll chip in:

Qu 1:  I assume you have a TR online account, can't hurt to see what offers they have by logging in and looking.  Chances are, there won't; be anythign after 2.5 years and any attempt to communicate with them will be "book  rack rate and we will review your play when you get here."  If they are offering you free stuff, sure take it.  If it is only conditional on your play whilst there, I'd say stay well clear.  Unless your g/f is a sicko that wants to spend all day gambling, it is better (and cheaper) just to book a discounted rate with no obligation.
Qu2: A mixture of RTFF and also just find a price you like and book.  When your dates are exact and your missus has asked a few questions etc, find the best price you can and then someone on here will try and beat it.
Qu3: Skyscanner.net and take a price you like, combined with Qu2 ^^
Qu4:  Prolly while out there, Maverick are pretty decent.
Qu 5: If you want to see a decent show, you will need to book in advance.  The better the show, the more in advance.  Shows that you are booking on the day are generally either not the best shows, or very poor seats, or both. Picking up "returns" is a possibility, but why spend hours getting tix in Vegas when it costs you the amount you are saving just to be there?  i.e. put your hand in your pocket you tightwad and buy some decent show tickets!
Qu 6: n/a

[KarmaDope]

Question 6: Scottish boys - do you find Glasgow is markably cheaper than Edinburgh? I live in Fife so hassle regardless, but just wondered.  Is it worth getting down to London to save more?

Can imagine some will have differing opinions, but I would get train down the day before, stay in hotel overnight in London from Fife. Means you're not looking at a 24+hr travel day especially if you are planning connecting flights rather than direct.

[Marky147]

Question 6: Scottish boys - do you find Glasgow is markably cheaper than Edinburgh? I live in Fife so hassle regardless, but just wondered.  Is it worth getting down to London to save more?

Can imagine some will have differing opinions, but I would get train down the day before, stay in hotel overnight in London from Fife. Means you're not looking at a 24+hr travel day especially if you are planning connecting flights rather than direct.

You can get a 1 stop with BA from Glasgow/Edinburgh, so you fly direct from London, but fly down instead of taking the train.

[doubleup]

Question 6: Scottish boys - do you find Glasgow is markably cheaper than Edinburgh? I live in Fife so hassle regardless, but just wondered.  Is it worth getting down to London to save more?

Can imagine some will have differing opinions, but I would get train down the day before, stay in hotel overnight in London from Fife. Means you're not looking at a 24+hr travel day especially if you are planning connecting flights rather than direct.

You can get a 1 stop with BA from Glasgow/Edinburgh, so you fly direct from London, but fly down instead of taking the train.

It usually costs nothing with BA - bizarrely I have seen GLA>LHR>LAS a pound or so cheaper than LHR>LAS.  (Be really careful booking though as you can be offered a connecting flight in LGW or LHR when the Vegas flight is at the other one)

Also in November check Thomas Cook for a direct flight from Glasgow - they occasionally to do one.  (They are doing one at the end of March for £561).

[Marky147]

Yeah, I remember a mate of mine was looking at getting the train/plane down to London and then flying off to Vegas the next day.

A quick look on Skyscanner showed the 1stop from Scotland with BA, so you can get your changeover done in London, and it's actually a very good deal looking at it.

[OverTheBorder]

Thanks guys, all very useful.

[Marky147]

Thanks guys, all very useful.

The flight you want is ~£709 for your dates, but make sure you check the changeover times etc.

I can't imagine you'll do much better from a time point of view than that, and it definitely won't be as cost effective to travel down the night before.

Also, I wouldn't stay at the IP/Quad with the other half, even if it is free. That is unless you have an ulterior motive and don't want her to be your other half when you get home

Once Cheltenham is over I'll have a proper look for you.

[scotty77]

Does anyone have a decent contact for a renting a 2/3 bed place for 4-6 weeks during the summer?

Thanks

[Marky147]

Does anyone have a decent contact for a renting a 2/3 bed place for 4-6 weeks during the summer?

Thanks

Might be worth pinging Paul Jackson on Facebook, because he has arranged a big old place for all his players this summer, and I'm sure that whoever he has sorted it with will have a range of properties on their books.

[Simon Galloway]

Just a quick word to the wise on rentals like that... be VERY careful that you are dealing with the right people.  I've heard quite a few scams, where you turn up and the property doesn't exist/already got sold/other reason why they weren't legally allowed to rent it to you, or you move in and 3 days later everything gets stolen.