Biggest tourist trap in Nevada
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20 members have voted
June 2nd, 2017 at 8:52:57 PM
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It seems like I get "ads" for lists of things all over the Internet. One I saw today was for the biggest tourist trap in all 50 states. So I paged through half the states to get to Nevada. Their pick was not what I was expecting -- the Area 51 Alien Center.
I've been there a few times in my recent drives between Vegas and Reno. I is pretty much a big convenience store and gas station. There is also a fireworks stand (perhaps only in season) and a brothel. As near as I can tell, it has nothing to do with Area 51. Maybe I didn't look hard enough or that element of it is in the brothel part, which I haven't seen. So, yes, it is kind of trap because you're enticed to by the "Area 51" name and there are no aliens or alien spacecraft inside, or anything even remotely having to do with Area 51.
BTW, this is on the 95 between Vegas and Reno, not on the Alien Highway near the actual Area 51. BTW, my personal opinion is Area 51 is totally over-hyped. It is just a air base where they test new military aircraft. I know a guy who works there and he is still sworn to secrecy on the details but he just laughs at the reputation of it. Then again, maybe that is part of his act, and he really plays chess with aliens there.
However, my personal pick would have been Virginia City. Yes, it has its place in Nevada history but today it is like a cruise ship port of call. Tons of tourists wandering up and down the main street, which consists of saloons, restaurants, and souvenir stores. Yet, it is kitchy in an affectionate kind of way. I wouldn't tell anyone not to go there but neither should it be a priority. I highly doubt anyone goes there twice as it is on the way to nothing.
The question for the poll is what to do you think is the biggest tourist trap in Nevada? (Just one vote this time)
I've been there a few times in my recent drives between Vegas and Reno. I is pretty much a big convenience store and gas station. There is also a fireworks stand (perhaps only in season) and a brothel. As near as I can tell, it has nothing to do with Area 51. Maybe I didn't look hard enough or that element of it is in the brothel part, which I haven't seen. So, yes, it is kind of trap because you're enticed to by the "Area 51" name and there are no aliens or alien spacecraft inside, or anything even remotely having to do with Area 51.
BTW, this is on the 95 between Vegas and Reno, not on the Alien Highway near the actual Area 51. BTW, my personal opinion is Area 51 is totally over-hyped. It is just a air base where they test new military aircraft. I know a guy who works there and he is still sworn to secrecy on the details but he just laughs at the reputation of it. Then again, maybe that is part of his act, and he really plays chess with aliens there.
However, my personal pick would have been Virginia City. Yes, it has its place in Nevada history but today it is like a cruise ship port of call. Tons of tourists wandering up and down the main street, which consists of saloons, restaurants, and souvenir stores. Yet, it is kitchy in an affectionate kind of way. I wouldn't tell anyone not to go there but neither should it be a priority. I highly doubt anyone goes there twice as it is on the way to nothing.
The question for the poll is what to do you think is the biggest tourist trap in Nevada? (Just one vote this time)
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 2nd, 2017 at 9:06:28 PM
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Okay, I see two votes for Las Vegas already. Yes, Vegas is super touristy. However, is it a "trap"? It gives the tourist a good value for his money, at least in my opinion. Nobody is getting trapped. It delivers what it advertises. Although I do take exception at resort fees, which are totally a trap.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 2nd, 2017 at 9:18:28 PM
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Quote: WizardOkay, I see two votes for Las Vegas already. Yes, Vegas is super touristy. However, is it a "trap"? It gives the tourist a good value for his money, at least in my opinion. Nobody is getting trapped. It delivers what it advertises. Although I do take exception at resort fees, which are totally a trap.
Maybe not Vegas on the whole but the strip for sure! Massive resort fees, parking fees, 6:5 BJ, overpriced drinks and food and the list goes on and on. I love Vegas but the average tourist gets F*cked by the strip and most of them don't even know it. Hell they say please may I have another :P
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
June 2nd, 2017 at 10:01:12 PM
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Quote: WizardOkay, I see two votes for Las Vegas already. Yes, Vegas is super touristy. However, is it a "trap"? It gives the tourist a good value for his money, at least in my opinion. Nobody is getting trapped. It delivers what it advertises. Although I do take exception at resort fees, which are totally a trap.
Good value for his money?
Parking fees ,resort fees,6 to 5 bj,the Rio even had even money bj at one time.Good value is not a thought that comes to mind when thinking about Vegas.
The mountain is tall but grass grows on top of the mountain.
June 2nd, 2017 at 10:05:51 PM
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Since I couldn't vote for the Grand Canyon skywalk I went for the High Roller.
June 2nd, 2017 at 10:26:57 PM
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Great question and topic.
Anyone that thinks the Strip doesn't give value for the tourist dollar should spend a week in Manhattan or a Disney park.
I'm sad to hear Virginia City is so bad, I plan on visiting it in the few months. VC, Carson City, Goldfield and Reno before the weather gets bad up there. Racheal isn't a ripoff. Its a waste of time but I had a great Apple Pie Ala Mode at the Inn for $4 and change.
High Roller is a good choice, but I'm going with the Gun Club just before Boulder City, by the Laughlin turnoff.
Anyone that thinks the Strip doesn't give value for the tourist dollar should spend a week in Manhattan or a Disney park.
I'm sad to hear Virginia City is so bad, I plan on visiting it in the few months. VC, Carson City, Goldfield and Reno before the weather gets bad up there. Racheal isn't a ripoff. Its a waste of time but I had a great Apple Pie Ala Mode at the Inn for $4 and change.
High Roller is a good choice, but I'm going with the Gun Club just before Boulder City, by the Laughlin turnoff.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
June 2nd, 2017 at 11:04:53 PM
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Seems like LV is like any other touristy area, and others are much worse. Pay for parking, huge hotel bills, restaurants charge up the a**, etc. Off strip isn't really touristy (downtown excluded), and obviously you get a better bang for your buck.
June 2nd, 2017 at 11:07:25 PM
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I would nominate the "Gold and Silver Pawn" shop, home of the "Pawn Stars" cable reality show. Folks queue up in the blazing hot parking lot, bringing things in, hoping to get on TV. However, all they get is the chance to buy overpriced water bottles, T-shirts, and Chumlee bobbleheads. There are items seen on the show "for sale" at an outrageous mark up. Anyone want to buy an Evel Knieval pinball machine tagged for $25,000?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
June 3rd, 2017 at 1:31:29 AM
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Quote: AyecarumbaI would nominate the "Gold and Silver Pawn" shop, home of the "Pawn Stars" cable reality show. Folks queue up in the blazing hot parking lot, bringing things in, hoping to get on TV. However, all they get is the chance to buy overpriced water bottles, T-shirts, and Chumlee bobbleheads. There are items seen on the show "for sale" at an outrageous mark up. Anyone want to buy an Evel Knieval pinball machine tagged for $25,000?
I would probably have taken the pawn shop.if it were listed, but I was happy to pick the High Roller instead. It's just...I don't know. Stupid to pay for it. Just ask for a high floor in most any strip hotel and you have it.
I really appreciated the video the Wizard shot right after it opened, when price was at a premium. All that running through crowd control mazes is like the worst of Disney, just to stand inside a globe and go really slow around once or twice. Bleah. And half of the view is parking lots and building backs along that back road east of CET properties. More Bleah. Saved me a trip I would find truly annoying.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
June 3rd, 2017 at 3:36:56 AM
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Is it realllly a 'rip off' if everything is fully disclosed? Those pawn shop people know the sun is hot, the air conditioning inadequate, not much chance to meet the stars and zilch to actually be on TV. They do it willingly. They are, of course, idiots. They are not victims of hucksters. They know the Bubbleheads are made in Mexico.
Now a Ferris Wheel... they probably have squabbling brats that want it. Or think it will be faster and longer to ride it. Or maybe they just think its cheaper than letting their spouse near a craps table. I look out the hotel window about twice a day if I'm in Vegas. Big deal. One sweat the money joint is currently conducting a sale on their rooms (the ones with the view of the dumpsters) but at least those who make the 55 dollar reservations know they will have a view of a dumpster.
Just about anyone can go to their local casino, add steroids and get 'Las Vegas'. Vegas is memories of long gone buildings and long gone bullet holes. Come to Vegas, see where it used to be 3:2.
I'd never list Laughlin as a rip off. Its Vegas for the Geritol Set now. The Strip with no traffic. The casinos with no 'buzz' to them, just creaks and groans. I still have a fondness for Laughlin, they saw me coming across the river in my water taxi and they held the airplane for me. Of course this was back in the day before the bridge and when Bullhead City had two stop signs and locals would go see the new red light in town. Everyone in Los Angeles was buying land in Bullhead City, except me. Its not a rip off, its memories.
Now a Ferris Wheel... they probably have squabbling brats that want it. Or think it will be faster and longer to ride it. Or maybe they just think its cheaper than letting their spouse near a craps table. I look out the hotel window about twice a day if I'm in Vegas. Big deal. One sweat the money joint is currently conducting a sale on their rooms (the ones with the view of the dumpsters) but at least those who make the 55 dollar reservations know they will have a view of a dumpster.
Just about anyone can go to their local casino, add steroids and get 'Las Vegas'. Vegas is memories of long gone buildings and long gone bullet holes. Come to Vegas, see where it used to be 3:2.
I'd never list Laughlin as a rip off. Its Vegas for the Geritol Set now. The Strip with no traffic. The casinos with no 'buzz' to them, just creaks and groans. I still have a fondness for Laughlin, they saw me coming across the river in my water taxi and they held the airplane for me. Of course this was back in the day before the bridge and when Bullhead City had two stop signs and locals would go see the new red light in town. Everyone in Los Angeles was buying land in Bullhead City, except me. Its not a rip off, its memories.
June 3rd, 2017 at 5:28:00 AM
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I agree that the Strip has traps all over it like 6-5 blackjack and triple-zero roulette. Part of my mission and the mission of this site is to help players avoid them. With some research and common sense, Vegas can be a great value. A vacation can be practically free if you know how to milk the comp system.
The Pawn Stars pawn shop was a great suggestion. Should have thought of that and left Laughlin off. When I went there before the show was really famous I walked right in. There were some things seen on the show you could buy as well as of the usual stuff pawn shops have. What struck me was how small it actually is. Chumlee was in the back signing autographs. It looked like you had to buy a souvenir to get an autograph so I steered clear. I would have been mad if I had to stand in line for the experience but without the line, I had no beef it.
The Pawn Stars pawn shop was a great suggestion. Should have thought of that and left Laughlin off. When I went there before the show was really famous I walked right in. There were some things seen on the show you could buy as well as of the usual stuff pawn shops have. What struck me was how small it actually is. Chumlee was in the back signing autographs. It looked like you had to buy a souvenir to get an autograph so I steered clear. I would have been mad if I had to stand in line for the experience but without the line, I had no beef it.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 3rd, 2017 at 5:38:31 AM
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The more time you spend in line for the Pawn Shop or High Roller, the less time you get to play 6-5 Crapjack.!
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
June 3rd, 2017 at 5:45:10 AM
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I think your description is fair, but I don't consider it a "tourist trap". It's right there, IE you didn't drive 10 miles out of the way to see it, and it is clear what you are getting, a slow trip around inside a big globe so you can see Vegas. I think it is an interesting thing to do once. I've done it once or twice.Quote: beachbumbabsbut I was happy to pick the High Roller instead. It's just...I don't know. Stupid to pay for it. Just ask for a high floor in most any strip hotel and you have it.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
June 3rd, 2017 at 6:12:07 AM
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Quote: FleaStiffOne sweat the money joint is currently conducting a sale on their rooms (the ones with the view of the dumpsters) but at least those who make the 55 dollar reservations know they will have a view of a dumpster.
Sorry to be off topic, but can you kindly advise which joint and if said joint has "resort fees"? Thanks.
June 3rd, 2017 at 7:37:08 AM
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Every time we visit Vegas with new friends we always take them on the High Roller and they love it. The views of the entire valley are incredible and if you grab a beer on the trip in, the 30 minutes goes quickly. We usually get comps or discounts so it isn't that bad pricewise. I have done it so many times I know which song is going to play next and what the kid is going to say next. But the people we take always feel is was worth the time.
So it really is to each his own on what is a trap or not. If you enjoyed it, it's not a trap to you.
As for me, on my first trip to Vegas years ago I was told I had to watch the old Pirate show at Treasure Island. While it was free, it was someone I would never do again.
So it really is to each his own on what is a trap or not. If you enjoyed it, it's not a trap to you.
As for me, on my first trip to Vegas years ago I was told I had to watch the old Pirate show at Treasure Island. While it was free, it was someone I would never do again.
June 3rd, 2017 at 8:13:06 AM
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Las Vegas Strip is one of the biggest tourist traps in the world. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who visits once per year. Or even once in their life. Pay to park and 6-5 blackjack doesn't even matter. The entire casino gambling industry is based around being able to get your money without offering anything in return. When you pay $6 for a bottle of water at Disney you get water. When you push the button on a machine or make a bet on a table you're not really getting anything, just losing the house edge each and every bet. If someone actually wanted a chance of winning, they would have stayed home and put the $200 into an e-trade account.
So what else is there? For two people meals cost $50 minimum, can easily go over $100 with alcohol. Cirque shows for another $200+ for 90 minutes. A lot of times it is cheaper to drive to LA or Arizona for a concert instead of paying Las Vegas prices. Lowest priced Journey tickets for this weekend are $22. When they were in Las Vegas a month ago the lowest was around $80 -- and they did a full week of shows.
To intensify how much of a trap it is, you can leave The Strip and go downtown or to South Point and get nearly the same experience for half price or less.
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If you want to make a much more interesting choice for this list, go with the brothels. It's not legalized prostitution so much as legalized pimping. Half of all the money you pay to the talent goes to the house.
So what else is there? For two people meals cost $50 minimum, can easily go over $100 with alcohol. Cirque shows for another $200+ for 90 minutes. A lot of times it is cheaper to drive to LA or Arizona for a concert instead of paying Las Vegas prices. Lowest priced Journey tickets for this weekend are $22. When they were in Las Vegas a month ago the lowest was around $80 -- and they did a full week of shows.
To intensify how much of a trap it is, you can leave The Strip and go downtown or to South Point and get nearly the same experience for half price or less.
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If you want to make a much more interesting choice for this list, go with the brothels. It's not legalized prostitution so much as legalized pimping. Half of all the money you pay to the talent goes to the house.
June 3rd, 2017 at 8:32:44 AM
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Once you get past a certain point, I don't think the food on the strip is all that overpriced, if at all. Rao's and Bouchon both spring to mind as fairly priced restaurants. The upper level places seem to mostly cost the same as they would in another major city.
Slightly off strip, Culinary Dropout strikes me as a bargain.
You really get ripped off on stuff like pizza, burgers, coffee, etc. i.e. casual dining, And you will get raped on grab and go stuff, like a candy bar or fruit. Far more than any steak house bill (though, those are always at least partially comped), seared into my brain is the memory of going to the counter at the Wynn cafe to buy a bannana and an orange, holding a $5 bill, and having to go in my pocket for more.
Even then, if you go fancy, it isn't so bad. The cheese danish at Bouchon bakery is more than one at the grocery store. But it is also the same one they serve in heaven.
Slightly off strip, Culinary Dropout strikes me as a bargain.
You really get ripped off on stuff like pizza, burgers, coffee, etc. i.e. casual dining, And you will get raped on grab and go stuff, like a candy bar or fruit. Far more than any steak house bill (though, those are always at least partially comped), seared into my brain is the memory of going to the counter at the Wynn cafe to buy a bannana and an orange, holding a $5 bill, and having to go in my pocket for more.
Even then, if you go fancy, it isn't so bad. The cheese danish at Bouchon bakery is more than one at the grocery store. But it is also the same one they serve in heaven.
June 3rd, 2017 at 8:43:53 AM
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Quote: RigondeauxOnce you get past a certain point, I don't think the food on the strip is all that overpriced, if at all. Rao's and Bouchon both spring to mind as fairly priced restaurants. The upper level places seem to mostly cost the same as they would in another major city.
https://www.caesars.com/content/dam/clv/Dining/Upscale/Raos/Menus/caesars-palace-las-vegas-dining-raos-dinner-menu-12.2016.pdf
Two low end entrees, tax and tip is $65. Appetizer, drinks, desserts, or steak and it's going over $100. For a tourist who's there for four days, how much are they going to spend on food during their trip if that's considered a good value? For the low end things, you can always go to McDonald's or Walgreens. When my dad visited, he paid $4 for a coffee one morning, after that he walked to McDonald's and paid 68-cents with his senior discount.
June 3rd, 2017 at 8:47:19 AM
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Quote: TomGhttps://www.caesars.com/content/dam/clv/Dining/Upscale/Raos/Menus/caesars-palace-las-vegas-dining-raos-dinner-menu-12.2016.pdf
Two low end entrees, tax and tip is $65. Appetizer, drinks, desserts, or steak and it's going over $100. For a tourist who's there for four days, how much are they going to spend on food during their trip if that's considered a good value? For the low end things, you can always go to McDonald's or Walgreens. When my dad visited, he paid $4 for a coffee one morning, after that he walked to McDonald's and paid 68-cents with his senior discount.
$50 a person for a fine dining experience is too much for you? Perhaps you'll find Laughlin or Mesquite more to your liking.
I've eaten at the original Raos. In addition to waiting six weeks, on average, for a reservation, expect to spend $200 a person and to be there in excess of three hours.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
June 3rd, 2017 at 8:51:09 AM
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Quote: billryan$50 a person for a fine dining experience is too much for you? Perhaps you'll find Laughlin or Mesquite more to your liking.
When it's the only option available, it's a trap. Even better than Mesquite is Smith's or Costco
June 3rd, 2017 at 9:06:46 AM
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It is just South Pointe's quarterly 24-hour a day telephonic sale on room reservations. Details at their web site. The rooms tend to go fast. Look at their calendar display on the website first.Quote: NokTangSorry to be off topic, but can you kindly advise which joint and if said joint has "resort fees"? Thanks.
If you are not interested in this one, get on their email list and they will send you advance notice of the next sale.
YES, they have resort fees but they are FULLY DISCLOSED.
June 3rd, 2017 at 9:45:52 AM
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Quote: TomGWhen it's the only option available, it's a trap. Even better than Mesquite is Smith's or Costco
Not everybody views food as calories and nutrition and nothing more.
If you are not concerned about taste, ambiance and service, or if Burger King and Cut are interchangeable to you, then obviously paying for those things would be a foolish thing to do.
If you do enjoy a nice restaurant, Rao's offers a fine experience for a price that is good compared to similar places. The chicken scarpariello is unbelievable.
If you are going to an area known for fine dining, but do not care for it, it's not really a trap. You should just take a bunch of protein bars or whatever with you. Or go to the cheapest buffet you can find, and eat all your food for 3 days. Or better yet, eat enormous quantities of bad food and get paid for it by people from an internet forum.
June 3rd, 2017 at 10:51:36 AM
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Quote: RigondeauxOr go to the cheapest buffet you can find, and eat all your food for 3 days. Or better yet, eat enormous quantities of bad food and get paid for it by people from an internet forum.
If you ever find anyone willing to pay let me know. If not, that other option sounds truly wonderful.
June 3rd, 2017 at 11:27:04 AM
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I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the buffets have become a trap. Over the last decade, quality has decreased and price has increased. At $50-70, even Bacchanal isn't worth it anymore (or maybe I've just gotten tired of it).
Regarding restaurant prices on the strip, my opinion is that you pay a 25% "tax" for being on the strip. Many of the restaurants are really, really, good, so it's not fair to gawk at a $50 per person price in and of itself.
I personally believe that the town is not worth visiting if you aren't able to milk the comp system for a cheap/free room or free drinks (bartop VP).
Regarding restaurant prices on the strip, my opinion is that you pay a 25% "tax" for being on the strip. Many of the restaurants are really, really, good, so it's not fair to gawk at a $50 per person price in and of itself.
I personally believe that the town is not worth visiting if you aren't able to milk the comp system for a cheap/free room or free drinks (bartop VP).
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
June 3rd, 2017 at 12:37:23 PM
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Yep. It's sortof the "thing to do" on the STRIP and you are right the quality has really gone down. Went to Spice Market at PH and was underwhelmed ( the dessert station for dinner included donuts, talk about lame !). The little brownie I got with a raspberry topping was horrible, all dried out like it was from 3 or 4 or 5 days ago.Quote: ahiromuI'm going to go out on a limb and say that the buffets have become a trap. Over the last decade, quality has decreased and price has increased.
$ 34 for the regular buffet at RIO and then another $ 20 upcharge for the seafood buffet ! At least you can opt out of the seafood part, which we did.
It CAN be a decent deal if you do the 24 hour Caesars properties buffet thing for $ 49.99 (big big upcharge for Bachannal). We did that and got dinner at PH and RIO, and lunch (a snack actually) and breakfast at PARIS.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
June 3rd, 2017 at 1:42:02 PM
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$49 might get you a nice breakfast at Atlantis.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
June 3rd, 2017 at 3:32:13 PM
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Realizing that this thread has devolved into tourist traps on the Strip, you are right. if you are a casual gambler without any access to discounts, then generally you pay through the nose for food and drink that is much cheaper anywhere else. The Mandalay Bay wanted $15 for a small tube of toothpaste in their shop next to the elevators.
That said, if you have half a brain:
You drink for free if you pay VP at the bar and with a 5% HA (for dumb players) or about 6 cents a spin you can drink for free. With friends, hit the button every 30 seconds or so and over an hour you risk an average of $7.50 an hour and by then you can easily be on your 3rd or 4th drink. Or Pai Gow Poker with a slow dealer and at 3 minutes per hand @ $15/hand at 2.5% you're losing on average $7.50/hour and drinking for free and this includes the Bellagio, Venetian, and Wynn. Maybe you'll get lucky.
Get your water at Walgreens or CVS. They are now up and down the strip. Or drink from the tap. There is a fairly inexpensive liquor store across from Mandalay Bay. There is the Stage Door across the street from Ballys for cheaper liquor too and they'll throw your last drink in a to-go cup. There are McDonalds, Burger Kings, and an in-and-out along the strip.
If you are a foodie, Las Vegas is heaven if you know where to go. If you stick to your hotel's restaurants you will generally be disappointed as usually only one or two of them are decent. Yelp is your friend.
And heck, if you want a cheap casino experience all around next to the strip: Ellis Island.
That said, if you have half a brain:
You drink for free if you pay VP at the bar and with a 5% HA (for dumb players) or about 6 cents a spin you can drink for free. With friends, hit the button every 30 seconds or so and over an hour you risk an average of $7.50 an hour and by then you can easily be on your 3rd or 4th drink. Or Pai Gow Poker with a slow dealer and at 3 minutes per hand @ $15/hand at 2.5% you're losing on average $7.50/hour and drinking for free and this includes the Bellagio, Venetian, and Wynn. Maybe you'll get lucky.
Get your water at Walgreens or CVS. They are now up and down the strip. Or drink from the tap. There is a fairly inexpensive liquor store across from Mandalay Bay. There is the Stage Door across the street from Ballys for cheaper liquor too and they'll throw your last drink in a to-go cup. There are McDonalds, Burger Kings, and an in-and-out along the strip.
If you are a foodie, Las Vegas is heaven if you know where to go. If you stick to your hotel's restaurants you will generally be disappointed as usually only one or two of them are decent. Yelp is your friend.
And heck, if you want a cheap casino experience all around next to the strip: Ellis Island.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
June 3rd, 2017 at 10:52:46 PM
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Quote: Wizard
However, my personal pick would have been Virginia City. Yes, it has its place in Nevada history but today it is like a cruise ship port of call. Tons of tourists wandering up and down the main street, which consists of saloons, restaurants, and souvenir stores. Yet, it is kitchy in an affectionate kind of way. I wouldn't tell anyone not to go there but neither should it be a priority. I highly doubt anyone goes there twice as it is on the way to nothing.
In defense of Virginia City, I think it's an OK place to visit and not a tourist trap. What's going on when you visit is a big factor.
The first time my family visited, it was the weekend of Reno's Street Vibrations festival, and Virginia City was lined with bikers from one end of town to the other and it was a noisy, raucous time. I still chuckle at the memory of all those tough-looking motorcyclists making way for my wife and me, who were dragging around our 5-year-old and strolling our baby.
We returned with our extended family later that November, when the air was chilly and hardly any other tourists were there. We did a mine tour that was interesting and didn't seem like a ripoff. We saw some historic artifacts like the famous "Suicide Table," which doesn't cost anything to see. It's similar to items you'd see at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. There's a railroad museum that we didn't visit, but we have enjoyed those kinds of museums elsewhere.
Food prices are reasonable, and shops had interesting variety. I will say, however, that based on one saloon, gambling odds are terrible—it was the first place I'd ever seen 6-5 JoB. Also, two major saloons lost their gaming license so that definitely killed a big part of VC's vibe. There were no table games that I saw. One saloon/casino had a section of vintage arcade games, which appeals to me.
I'd say the town is worth a visit if you're in the area, unless your only interest is gambling.
Last edited by: smoothgrh on Jun 3, 2017
June 3rd, 2017 at 11:41:51 PM
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Quote: WizardOkay, I see two votes for Las Vegas already. Yes, Vegas is super touristy. However, is it a "trap"? It gives the tourist a good value for his money, at least in my opinion. Nobody is getting trapped.
As a friend of mine described to me the first time in Vegas at night, he called it "bizarro land". So I think at least for that reason it is worth a look if you never got out of your small town. A spectacle.
The "clip joints" are all traps. Not sure which ones give value for the money, maybe some do, but definitely if you came to Vegas for THAT you could easily feel ripped off going to the wrong place.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
June 4th, 2017 at 12:00:55 AM
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Did anyone else experience a family vacation driving to Florida from the North East and seeing literally hundreds of billboards for South of The Border?
After what seemed like hours, we arrived there to find a store selling twenty five cent bags of potato chips for .69 cents and a bottle of coke for a buck that was 15 cents back home.
http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/591f49f9dd0895f7198b46c1-1200/south-carolina-south-of-the-border.jpg
After what seemed like hours, we arrived there to find a store selling twenty five cent bags of potato chips for .69 cents and a bottle of coke for a buck that was 15 cents back home.
http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/591f49f9dd0895f7198b46c1-1200/south-carolina-south-of-the-border.jpg
Last edited by: billryan on Jun 4, 2017
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
June 4th, 2017 at 2:55:56 AM
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That place is so hysterically bad. And their billboards are so incredibly good. I think everyone, at least those with kids, has been gulled into stopping there once.
Probably not twice.
It was a landmark for me, commuting from DC to Florida for a couple years. You could see the neon glow in the night sky 10 miles before you got there.
Probably not twice.
It was a landmark for me, commuting from DC to Florida for a couple years. You could see the neon glow in the night sky 10 miles before you got there.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
June 4th, 2017 at 3:13:51 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQIt CAN be a decent deal if you do the 24 hour Caesars properties buffet thing for $ 49.99 (big big upcharge for Bachannal). We did that and got dinner at PH and RIO, and lunch (a snack actually) and breakfast at PARIS.
I was surprised to see that they're still doing this, it must be a hit. You're right though, it's become the thing to do and the MBA's have turned it into a profit generator (presumably) vs. a loss leader. I can't really blame them for that, but it does bug me.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
June 4th, 2017 at 6:22:05 AM
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So the trick is either get discount coupons or get comps. If a dealer in a casino can not afford to eat at a casino restaurant, I won't go there myself.Quote: boymimboif you are a casual gambler without any access to discounts, then generally you pay through the nose for food and drink that is much cheaper anywhere else.
>>>drink free if you play VP at the bar and with a 5% HA or about 6 cents a spin
>>>>PGP with slow dealer @ $15/hand at 2.5% you're losing $7.50/hour and drinking free.
>>>>Get your water at Walgreens or CVS.
Acceptable, but why not free from the CW in a casino? I've often received multiple bottles at a time.
>>>>Or drink from the tap.
Well, I try to avoid that. I'll sometimes use melted ice for coffee water.
>>>>If you are a foodie Vegas is heaven. Know where to go. Yelp is your friend.
I often find Yelp contradictory and out of date and too much to wade through.
>>>>if you want a cheap casino experience all around next to the strip: Ellis Island.
Yes, and a few others as well. If you go to a casino wherein everyone is walking around gawking at the opulence, prices are not going to be reasonable. Locals casinos, Ellis Island, TI, Paris, Tuscany... all fare more reasonable that the big name casinos. If you want to strut amongst the swells, you will have to pay high prices.
June 4th, 2017 at 7:39:27 AM
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Quote: FleaStiffIf a dealer in a casino can not afford to eat at a casino restaurant, I won't go there myself.
Then just eat at the Wynn. Their dealers can afford to eat at their restaurants.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
June 4th, 2017 at 9:27:31 AM
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Okay, at a top tier casino things can be different but some aspects remain valid. Even a Wynn craps dealer making 80K a year can afford to eat at the Wynn if he really wanted to waste his money every day.Quote: DRichThen just eat at the Wynn. Their dealers can afford to eat at their restaurants.
It was Steve Wynn who made sure taxicab drivers and all his trainee dealers got passes to his top tier restaurants so that when players asked for advice they would be getting knowledgable advice.
In most casinos, I don't think dealers could afford to regularly eat at the top restaurants. I certainly know that a dealer at a lowest tier casino can't afford to eat at the Wynn. Most of these places are not 'working mans restaurants' they are geared to touristy gawkers who focus on reputation of the chef and fancy decorations rather than on good food.
June 4th, 2017 at 9:55:06 AM
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Did you mean PALMS, not Paris ?Quote: FleaStiffIf you go to a casino wherein everyone is walking around gawking at the opulence, prices are not going to be reasonable. Locals casinos, Ellis Island, TI, Paris, Tuscany... all fare more reasonable that the big name casinos. If you want to strut amongst the swells, you will have to pay high prices.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
June 4th, 2017 at 12:20:11 PM
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The folks that set the tone for national advertising for Sin City should start a poster campaign along the western American highways with a series of promo signs ala "Wall Drug."
Last edited by: MrV on Jun 4, 2017
"What, me worry?"
June 4th, 2017 at 12:32:58 PM
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Anyone been to The House on the Rock?
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
June 4th, 2017 at 2:28:23 PM
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Yep, years ago. I liked it. Tons of Nostalgic items.Quote: billryanAnyone been to The House on the Rock?
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
June 4th, 2017 at 5:28:46 PM
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Quote: billryanAnyone been to The House on the Rock?
Wow, not since I was a kid. I vaguely remember a dusty doll collection.
June 6th, 2017 at 9:08:30 PM
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Quote: ahiromuI'm going to go out on a limb and say that the buffets have become a trap. Over the last decade, quality has decreased and price has increased. At $50-70, even Bacchanal isn't worth it anymore (or maybe I've just gotten tired of it).
Regarding restaurant prices on the strip, my opinion is that you pay a 25% "tax" for being on the strip. Many of the restaurants are really, really, good, so it's not fair to gawk at a $50 per person price in and of itself.
I personally believe that the town is not worth visiting if you aren't able to milk the comp system for a cheap/free room or free drinks (bartop VP).
Completely agree with this post. I seldom go to buffets but did try Bacchanal when it first opened. The food quality was terrible and they played me for a sucker to pay as much as I did.
June 7th, 2017 at 12:21:20 AM
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Just returned from Las Vegas this evening. I had breakfast today at Bouchon and lunch at Lotus of Siam. If anyone thinks those are rip offs they might want to get out of the house a bit more often.
I agree with Wizard, this seems to be a jaded group. Yes, there are better gambling values in the world than Las Vegas but there are so many free attractions, a lot of people get a lot of value out of that. I love to hang out at the Conservatory at Bellagio and I have yet to pay for the privilege of doing so.
I agree with Wizard, this seems to be a jaded group. Yes, there are better gambling values in the world than Las Vegas but there are so many free attractions, a lot of people get a lot of value out of that. I love to hang out at the Conservatory at Bellagio and I have yet to pay for the privilege of doing so.
June 7th, 2017 at 12:58:51 AM
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Quote: ZourahJust returned from Las Vegas this evening. I had breakfast today at Bouchon and lunch at Lotus of Siam. If anyone thinks those are rip offs they might want to get out of the house a bit more often.
I agree with Wizard, this seems to be a jaded group. Yes, there are better gambling values in the world than Las Vegas but there are so many free attractions, a lot of people get a lot of value out of that. I love to hang out at the Conservatory at Bellagio and I have yet to pay for the privilege of doing so.
I love the rain forest at Mirage.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
June 7th, 2017 at 1:30:36 AM
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Quote: beachbumbabsI love the rain forest at Mirage.
There's a rain forest in there? I've been to the Beatle Love show there and the buffet. Never saw a Rain forest.
June 7th, 2017 at 1:51:51 AM
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It's all around the main entrance. It overhangs the restaurant up on the wooden platform (think it's Tom Collico's) and edges onto the main casino floor. You cross a bridge over a little stream. There are a few little benches scattered around so you can sit and people watch.
Otoh, I haven't been there in about 3 years. Maybe they took it out.
Otoh, I haven't been there in about 3 years. Maybe they took it out.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
June 7th, 2017 at 4:52:33 AM
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Anyone recommend a good buffet? I'm heading there soon. Usually play online but now heading to play live poker. Bring it on.
Fun loving bloke, absolutely love music and going to Ibiza. Girls, banter... love it!
June 7th, 2017 at 5:59:19 AM
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Quote: StevenHowdin... now heading to play live poker. Bring it on.
Planning to play WSOP events? Any in particular? Hope you "Run It UP" and bring home the bracelet(s).
Win, lose, or draw, I'm sure I will be one of many hoping to see a trip report, about both your poker adventures and your food adventures.
June 7th, 2017 at 9:59:07 AM
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Now that you have to pay for parking, even the free stuff isn't "free".Quote: Zourah... I love to hang out at the Conservatory at Bellagio and I have yet to pay for the privilege of doing so.
Does the Mirage still have the fish tank behind the check-in counter? Their tank was quite the spectacle when they opened. The other "free" tanks I enjoy are at Silverton and the Golden Nugget pool.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
June 7th, 2017 at 8:01:48 PM
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I played the Collosus (fired two bullets) on Sunday – I'm afraid mostly what I have are bad beat stories!
Here's another good value (and I realize it is not unique to Vegas) - I played the treasure Island poker tournament on Friday night at 10 o'clock – we finally chopped it up about 2 AM. I had to rebuy so it cost me $150 and I think was about $36 in juice or $18 a buyin - for that $36 I have to be honest I got a lot of pretty good alcohol and the dealers were top notch. To me that's a great value --- granted most people won't last four hours but it's not too difficult with that structure the last close to two hours at least.
Here's another good value (and I realize it is not unique to Vegas) - I played the treasure Island poker tournament on Friday night at 10 o'clock – we finally chopped it up about 2 AM. I had to rebuy so it cost me $150 and I think was about $36 in juice or $18 a buyin - for that $36 I have to be honest I got a lot of pretty good alcohol and the dealers were top notch. To me that's a great value --- granted most people won't last four hours but it's not too difficult with that structure the last close to two hours at least.
June 7th, 2017 at 9:27:48 PM
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Managed to get five seats at the Hooters BJ game. $1 a hand and slow as hell .Half hour later, we'd each had three beers and three shots, and were collectively down $15. Who cares if BJ pays even money.
Sometimes you just have to say WTF.
Sometimes you just have to say WTF.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
