Vegas Trip Information for anyone looking to go this year.

[Marky147]

It's a bit different for us, as we're normally there for extended stays, unlike the american visitors.

They flick a score at the clerk, for a night or two, and they'll normally go to work. Not generally going to get much love when you're there for >7 days.

I've not done it for a while, but the last time I did in '09, I bunged the girl @ Caesars $100. That got me upgraded from the base room to one on top floor in the brand new Augustus Tower.

It's also going to be dependent on where you're staying, as some properties generally won't even entertain it. Wynn & Golden Nugget being two that I've never had any luck at.

Just ask if there are any comp upgrades available for your stay, and indicate which room you're looking for. Say that you'd rather throw them some cash, than pay a p/night fee.

I gamble like a maniac as soon as I've had a few white cosmopolitans and the Wynn take shedloads off my bill

He could take the room he has booked, then do the same, and that would work for next time he stays with them. If he goes proper ballistic, they may even move him straightaway

[Tal]

$100 got three levels up from base in Vdara a couple of years ago. I did put my Tom Hiddlestoniest accent on, mind.

I tried $50 last year (poker players...always trying to find the smallest bet to still win the hand...). That didn't work. However, it was EDC weekend and the availability of rooms is limited then. She fiddled about on the computer and left the money on the counter in full view. Fair to say it's not Ocean's Eleven.

Both were roughly two week trips.

Money in the passport, fine, but be bold and distinctly un-British about it. If you must be Hugh Grantingly awkward about it, try "if there were any free upgrades available, I'd be most grateful"

Or Will Kassouf it.

"ANY UPGRADES ABOUT?"

In all seriousness, you won't even be the first person to give them money that day. Really wouldn't worry about it.

Soon you'll be doing it to avoid waiting for a table in a restaurant. It's how vegas works.

[OverTheBorder]

I feel a little bit better that not everyone does it.  I thought it was just me!

[tonytats]

There used to be random flight upgrades years ago but no longer Vegas is so popular they now have 2 flights a day 1030/1120 from Gatwick mostly very busy Thursdays n Mondays in particular v v busy with stag n hen parties  ,obv going on the first flight means you get thro immigration quicker as the second flight often queues up behind the first it can take 90 mins to get thro immigration now !
We got offered an upgrade to a junior suite in the rush tower at the nugget last year for $100 a day including the $33 resort fee
It's still the best room we've ever had ,it's normally $1 k a day according to the sign in the room
It's worth just asking " are there any upgrades ? " at checkin esp if you're there for a week or two

[vegaslover]

Asking is fine, they really don't mind or care. Have an idea what you are upgrading to though, as some will take the money but give you basically the same standard of room.
Can also depend on who you get. Some point blank refuse and just show you the standard board with upgrade prices. Some give you the upgrades free.

[AndrewT]

Pound worth only $1.25

Complete nutter in the White House.

Extorionate "resort fee" charged at virtually every hotel.

6 or 7 wizards at every table.

And now this.. http://calvinayre.com/2017/02/15/poker/international-wsop-players-may-tax-issues-itin-rule-changes/

I see absolutely no reason to go to the WSOP this year.

Agreed.  For the average guy in the uk who thinks he is 'lolgood' at poker he will do his bollocks in ex's this year going to vegas.  I really want to go this year having not been since 2012 but the ex rate is just brutal. 

As for Marky you can do all of his pictures cheaper in Malta and everyone of the pictures will probably be higher class pound for pound!

I'll probably go next year, because I've promised myself a shot at the seniors as soon as I'm qualified.

After that, unless things change dramatically, I can't see myself going until I take Jake as his 21st birthday present.

This is like Paul Nicholls bringing over an unexposed French horse to bink a handicap at Cheltenham.

[Jon MW]

Before I went last time I heard that almost everyone got upgraded at Bally's so I just asked if there were any complimentary upgrades available and they agreed to it.

When I moved to Caesars Palace I gave $20 and asked which got me upgraded from the most basic room in the oldest tower to the next oldest tower and a couple of rooms up - just in case that wasn't enough the receptionist asked me if I wanted any change from the twenty

This was at an offpeak time in November though - I think when you go and hotel policy (i.e. if there's a strict ban) are going to be the biggest influence on upgrades.

[tikay]

I feel a little bit better that not everyone does it.  I thought it was just me!

I've never done it - too scared it might cause a scene, & a bunch of armed Feds come running though the door & I get arrested for bribery or somesuch.

I promise myself every year I'll try it, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

I'm sort of heartened that even Tal does it. He's like respectable.

No surprise Marky does it - qualified degen. 

[Claw75]

Any recommendations for Sunday Brunch? It's been many years since I've been to Vegas and last time round did the Sterling brunch which was lovely but pricey. Have booked there again but can't help thinking that some of the champagne brunches elsewhere at half the price must be at least almost as good? Not big on seafood but champers is a must as is decent meat and egg dishes (and desserts obv!)

[Marky147]

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/best-champagne-brunch-in-vegas.138918/

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/brunch-on-the-strip.137764/

That's the most recent couple of brunch threads @ VMB


I'm usually too hungover to manage eating that early in the day

[Marky147]

I feel a little bit better that not everyone does it.  I thought it was just me!

I've never done it - too scared it might cause a scene, & a bunch of armed Feds come running though the door & I get arrested for bribery or somesuch.

I promise myself every year I'll try it, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

I'm sort of heartened that even Tal does it. He's like respectable.

No surprise Marky does it - qualified degen. 

Nugget is a no go, so I just book the room I want now, and don't have to worry

Might give it a spin this year, as I'm at Vdara for part of the trip.

[Claw75]

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/best-champagne-brunch-in-vegas.138918/

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/brunch-on-the-strip.137764/

That's the most recent couple of brunch threads @ VMB


I'm usually too hungover to manage eating that early in the day

Thanks Marky - think I'll cancel Bally's and give The Wicked Spoon a whirl

[Claw75]

Just had my attention drawn to this:

http://www.taxabletalk.com/2017/02/13/casinos-can-no-longer-issue-itins/

Anyone know how things are working in practice out there at the moment?

[Marky147]

WSOP have said they still can, but I'm not sure if that is in fact the case.

I never win, so don't have to worry

I do have an ITIN, but it's from when I played the WSOP in 2006, and not sure it's still valid.

Said in one of the articles that they only last 5 years now, so I may go and try bribing up at the Rio to see if they can still do them.

[Claw75]

I checked with the poker host at Aria and she hadn't even heard about the restrictions - they are still issuing.  Fingers crossed i'll actually need one now