Newbie Question

PapaChubby: Thanks for the valuable poker information! This is making me take another look at Caesar's as a possible option for the hotel. If anything, we'll definitely do some tourney's there.

The guy that is going with us really liked the MGM poker room when he was in vegas (but he didn't go anywhere else, from my understanding). I've read all of the reviews on the wizard site, but how would you compare their tourney's/room to caesar's?

I honestly had Bally's at the top of my list for a while, because it seemed like such a great value for the price and location. But seeing a lot of people complain about the comfort of the beds turned me off...and considering our bad experience with Circus Circus last time, I don't want to regret the hotel selection this time around. Also, I did come across some prices at other hotels that were at or below the cost of Baily's (but this was not typical). If I was going on a guys only trip, I would definitely consider Bally's or PH.

Since we are staying for such a long time, I'm really considering just booking the hotel through their website (or on the phone)....just in case we do get lucky and I can get it comped (but I would have to be a big winner/loser to get $1200 worth of rooms comped). If I come out even, I will be very happy!

I have never played at MGM Grand. It seems to be well-reviewed, but I've never gotten a good vibe from it as I approached. I can't recall exactly what my problem was. Perhaps I couldn't get a good feel for the games and waits and tourneys from the information available at the front desk. Or I could see the queues, and there seemed to be too long of a wait. For whatever reason, I've gone to play there on a few occasions and always turned away.

You probably shouldn't consider me to be too much of a poker expert, as I've only played in Vegas a dozen times or so. On the other hand, I expect this means my perspective is similar to yours. I'm a casual, recreational player, and I look for a room that is inviting and entertaining, that offers good value. I've had good experiences at Mandalay Bay, Aria, Caesars, Venetian, Binions and I suppose even Harrahs. I've had unpleasant experiences at Monte Carlo, Ballys, Rio and Planet Hollywood. I was intimidated by Bellagio and Mirage, and maybe thats a bit of my problem with MGM Grand as well.

In any event, I wouldn't select a hotel based on poker. I'd plan to play in a variety of locations over the week. You don't get much comps, if any, for poker, so that shouldn't be a consideration. As long as you get a location in the center of the strip, you can easily get to 4 or 5 good poker rooms. Other than that, it seems like you have a pretty good handle on the comfort/ambiance/price tradeoffs.

You can't get cheaper than Allegiant Air. That is basically the most convenient and cheapest airline. You may want to consider Treasure Island. I think it is as good as Paris, and is often cheaper. The location is just as good.

Since you are staying for so long, purchase discount cards for Lettuce Entertain You which has some of the best restaurants in Vegas. There are two at Paris.

allvegaspoker.com is very good about listing poker tournament info (including daily tournaments)

My next trip in June will be my 20th :)

All great info! Thanks for sharing.

I have looked at TI. But I prefer other hotels for a more central location. With that said, when I can't find a great deal for some other hotels, this one usually has a good deal.

Quote: chrisroane

All great info! Thanks for sharing.

I have looked at TI. But I prefer other hotels for a more central location. With that said, when I can't find a great deal for some other hotels, this one usually has a good deal.

Fair enough. Food costs can be quite high in Vegas. As you are staying for seven days, you may want to purchase Harrah's Buffet of Buffets for $45 (with loyalty card) on at least two of those days. It gives you unlimited access to 7 buffets for a 24 hour period. It is less of a bargain than when it started out at $30.

The Ceasars Entertainment Inc. properties are all grouped together in the center strip.

Quote: pacomartin

Fair enough. Food costs can be quite high in Vegas. As you are staying for seven days, you may want to purchase Harrah's Buffet of Buffets for $45 (with loyalty card) on at least two of those days. It gives you unlimited access to 7 buffets for a 24 hour period. It is less of a bargain than when it started out at $30.

This looks like a fairly decent deal if you like a variety of food as I do. I'd suggest using it late at Sunday Brunch, then for dinner, then early breakfast (fewer lines) monday morning.

And I say stick to Rio, Planet Hollywood and Paris in that order, and maybe Harrahs and Flamingo, but stay away from IP and Caesars.