I remember several of my relatives’ & friends’ parents’ trips to Vegas & to the Bahamas. The charter flights were always full. Used to ask my Dad how much he won or lost. The answer was always the same–three hundred dollars. Yet the free charter flights, free luxury rooms at the MGM Grand, stories of spectacular meals & entertainment, and the gifts suggested otherwise.
I grew up in an area which was known to be well connected to Las Vegas casinos & was heavily involved in financing casinos in a few locations in the Western Hemisphere including, or rather, especially Las Vegas.
@Publisher - mine too - though I’d still place that bet!
My grandparents who lived in FL took those trips to the Bahamas all the time - and occasionally some to Vegas. They loved it. They also introduced me to Jai Alai and dog racing, though in those days kids could only go at certain times and folks had to dress up. Now Jai Alai is almost defunct and dog racing was just banned in FL starting in a year or two. Those two I really liked… Casino gambling is what bores me. Even blackjack gets old.
No one should feel intimidated NOT to post on this thread! I like hearing how/why people differ in opinions. Your love for Vegas might open up minds to aspects of it that others don’t know about it. And if casinos are your vice, then so be it! We all (except the perfect CC folks) have vices that someone else might judge!
I like nature and hiking, but I also like to throw a few kitschy/touristy things into the mix once in a while. Vegas is iconic. Plus, seeing the strip makes one appreciate nature even more. Mister says he wants to go to Vegas to see Terry Fator. One of the AGT winners who actually got a show in Vegas! Our friends went and really liked his show. Maybe I will look for cheap flights…
I was never interested in Las Vegas but my husband frequently suggested it as a place to visit. When Lady Gaga advertised her show, I told him if he wanted to get me to LV, I would go if we saw her show. Unfortunately he got sick a few days before our departure and couldn’t fly, so I went with my daughter. It was fun to see many of the famous hotels and sights I had read about. We also went to some fantastic bars. I’m glad I experienced it, but don’t have any plans to return.
I am not a big fan of Las Vegas, to say the least. I did take my (adult, barely) kids gambling there when we stayed over a night on our way back from Bryce and Zion. The strip and casinos at night were thoroughly depressing, although the excursion had its moments. Son sweated bullets for an hour and a half at a blackjack table executing rigorous mathematical betting strategies to eke out a $30 profit on $50 of borrowed money. Meanwhile Daughter, thoroughly bored, pulled the handle on $5 slot machines a total of three times, and won twice, the prizes totaling $120.
On the other hand, several hours before we had had dinner at Raku, a Japanese restaurant in a Korean strip mall a few miles from the strip. It was easily one of the best Japanese meals I have ever had on this side of the International Date Line. Totally worth it. It almost, but not quite, made up for the sheer tawdriness that was to come.
Lots to do besides gambling. Have been their with power gamblers, novices, and non gamers. Used to go on business 4 times per yr and a couple times with friends. 3 days is about right for me.
Great golf courses
Top restaurants (seems like most US based famous restaurants have two locals - their original and Las Vegas)
Great shows (music, comedy, traveling broadway, dancing, etc.) Sort of like NY in that way as you can see so many different shows in one place. Really like some of the house bands or lounge bands. They’re excellent and you can just hang out.
Very expensive though. They are still trying to market it to the whole family with all the kid friendly attractions outside of the casinos and at the pools, but let’s face it, it’s not a good place for kids. Adult Disney!
I don’t know how DH always wins so much money playing blackjack (well, I guess that’s relative, usually 3 or 4 thousand, not the big bucks the professional type gamblers make). He is very patient and tenacious, though, so maybe that’s the key. He will stay up most of the night playing, usually only one of the nights we have spent there. He sleeps late the next day, then we lay by the pool and see a show and have a nice dinner at night.
I don’t have a strong opinion. We drive through on occasion and at some point I’d like to stop for a few days and see a show. I have a lot of friends both gamblers and non gamblers who love Las Vegas. My sister loves to go with a friend whose H is some business bigwig. They get comped a nice suite. They like to shop, go to the spa and eat cavier.
My first Vegas experience - about 10 years ago. We had just spent 7 days floating through the Grand Canyon. Totally off grid, nothing but the Milky Way at night, no email, phone or other contact, bathing in the river, forging new bonds with fellow travelers . And then we had an accidental loooooong layover in the Vegas airport. With grown-ups wearing costumes and slot machines everywhere and hung over folks barfing in the ladies room, and lots and lots of people who lost and lots of money.
We did go back last year with friends and had a good time hanging at the hotel pool, going to shows and eating at fine places. We will only return if that’s the best way to see a concert.
I never wanted to go to LV, but I had a Federal Student Aid conference there (the irony, right?). I got to stay at the Delano for the federal government rate, and H came along. We spent our evenings walking around, watching gamblers (we don’t gamble - too hard to earn it, so not interested in giving it away), watching people (not that gamblers aren’t people, of course), and going to shows. We saw Blue Man Group & Cirque du Soleil. And the best of all … H ordered tickets to Penn & Teller as soon as he knew we were going to LV. We were in the front row & H got to assist Teller with a trick!
You can join one of the promotional card clubs, and when you place orders for tickets or make reservations, you “reserve” at the hotel where you want a future room, and purchase from the concierge. Pull out that card every time you purchase or use a service (dinner, shows, meals, snacks, pool, SPA or Cabana). Those points add up fast. Then you will receive coupons for services, snacks, dinners, etc. Try to use one of those discounts every so often. Then, you’ll get an email about an offer for the next season (usually during non-prime times) for a couple of nights. If they note that you are taking advantage of an offer, you’ll be on their list for further hotel promotions.
Facebook has some Vegas promotional stuff that will link to the hotel programs. Usually, you get 3-4 days of rooms.
I can’t imagine staying more than 3 days.
I like the Vegas pools and pretend we’re at the beach for a couple of days. Love the spas!
Mister says he wants to go to Vegas to see Terry Fator. One of the AGT winners who actually got a show in Vegas! Our friends went and really liked his show. Maybe I will look for cheap flights…
