Vegas Reunion

It's been years (decades?) since I've been to Vegas. When I was stationed in California, my Marine buddies and I would go monthly.

That was a long time and many "Vegas Makeovers" ago.

I'm going to a reunion in December and, though I'll be doing my own research, am wondering if anyone has any tips, suggestions, or advice?

The last time I went (2000?), I found that hanging out "downtown" was more like "old Vegas" - everyone got the royal treatment. The Strip was more about "loyalty cards" and "points"

In my opinion, The Strip is now about the pools/day clubs by day, and shows/nightclubs by night, with dinner at {Insert Famous Chef/Celebrity Name here}'s overpriced restaurant between the two. Gambling is something you do while waiting for the club/theater doors to open, so the casinos can tighten up the tables and machines - especially on everybody who is convinced that they know how to count cards well enough to beat a blackjack table. (Notes to these people: #1 - no, you don't; #2 - the most obvious proof that you don't is, they're still letting you play.) Downtown is starting into turn into the Strip Extension - especially at Circa.

Speaking of downtown, I was surprised to hear that Freedom Beat (the cafe at Downtown Grand) closed at the end of July. It appears to be the latest in a string of financial problems for the hotel.

Quote: ThatDonGuy

In my opinion, The Strip is now about the pools/day clubs by day, and shows/nightclubs by night, with dinner at {Insert Famous Chef/Celebrity Name here}'s overpriced restaurant between the two. Gambling is something you do while waiting for the club/theater doors to open, so the casinos can tighten up the tables and machines - especially on everybody who is convinced that they know how to count cards well enough to beat a blackjack table. (Notes to these people: #1 - no, you don't; #2 - the most obvious proof that you don't is, they're still letting you play.) Downtown is starting into turn into the Strip Extension - especially at Circa.

Speaking of downtown, I was surprised to hear that Freedom Beat (the cafe at Downtown Grand) closed at the end of July. It appears to be the latest in a string of financial problems for the hotel.
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Thanks "Don"!

That's EXACTLY how I remember it from 20+ years ago! More about overcharging for a meal that providing a good time while I get fleeced at the tables. Bummer. I was hoping things had changed. I'll likely stay on The Strip to be close to shows and gamble Downtown. Kinda sucks because "back in the day", a perk about losing at the tables was a pit boss giving you some show tickets.

With the current downturn, show tickets are often discounted and BOGO'd.
As a whole, Vegas has gotten expensive and abandoned any pretense of providing value. If you have a car, I'd try Red Rocks, or Green Valley .

The good news is- they still treat you like a king!

The bad news is- it's Louis XVI.

Moved here a year ago. Sorry to disappoint you, but there is very little of the 2000 Vegas experience left.

Eat early, or what you will get will make you miss the Corps.

Anyone openly trying to sell you drugs is either a cop or is selling fake drugs. (This includes the "Pot" shops Downtown- fake BS for the tourists.)

The hookers on the Strip and some of them Downtown are mostly guys in drag. As a rule- if it's dressed up in a stereotypical hooker way, it's a guy.

If you have a car and want to spend time on the Strip, park at the Sahara (free!) That has very easy access to the Monorail and the buses.

Consider the Flamingo Alternative. Right on the east side of the Strip, just past the interstate on Flamingo Ave. are 3 casinos an easy walk from one another: Gold Coast (very Chinese oriented), the Rio and the Palms. They are reasonably priced, kind of mellow places and there's a surprising amount of stuff to do between the 3 of them. 24-hour Walgreen's and a Chick-Fil-A right there too.

Quote: AutomaticMonkey

The bad news is- it's Louis XVI.

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Too funny! Thanks, Auto!