New Years in Vegas. What to Do?

So... I've decided to spend New Years in Vegas for the first time this year. I know it's gonna be crazy busy there but I thought it would be something fun to do and it's only a 4 hour drive from where I live.

I heard they do fireworks there. So, I want to know, what's the best way to have fun there on New Year's Eve? Is it best to be outside in the street during the fireworks show and then go in and hit up a club? Where's the best place to view the fireworks? Can it be just as fun to watch the fireworks from a club? Which ones can you see the fireworks from? And if I watch the fireworks from a club do I have to go outside on their outdoor patio to watch them, or can I watch them from inside?

Any and all suggestions would be great.

Quote: HotBlonde

So... I've decided to spend New Years in Vegas for the first time this year. I know it's gonna be crazy busy there but I thought it would be something fun to do and it's only a 4 hour drive from where I live.

I heard they do fireworks there. So, I want to know, what's the best way to have fun there on New Year's Eve? Is it best to be outside in the street during the fireworks show and then go in and hit up a club? Where's the best place to view the fireworks? Can it be just as fun to watch the fireworks from a club? Which ones can you see the fireworks from? And if I watch the fireworks from a club do I have to go outside on their outdoor patio to watch them, or can I watch them from inside?

Any and all suggestions would be great.

You won't get in a club after the fireworks. Every club has a package deal on NYE, it's not like a regular night and you need an expensive ticket. I guess technically you could buy a ticket, hang out on the strip, watch the fireworks then head to the club but you'd get there pretty late and miss out on everything offered (generally shit like free drinks til 11pm, appetizers, champagne at midnight, celebrity counting down the clock etc).

The fireworks really aren't that impressive anyways, it sounds like you really like fireworks and if that's the case then I'd just find somewhere cool to go on 4th of July. You can see fireworks from Moon or Ghost Bar at the Palms. Voodoo Lounge at Rio also but does anyone really go there? Might be able to see some fireworks from the outside areas at XS, Tryst and Surrender but you'd have very limited view. Outside at Pure would probably be a decent view. Off the top of my head those are the only clubs with views and/or outside areas. (sorry places like Mix, Gilleys and Foundation don't count as clubs)

Quote: JimMorrison

You won't get in a club after the fireworks. Every club has a package deal on NYE, it's not like a regular night and you need an expensive ticket.

I would splurge on the ticket. It isn't just the clubs, but the casinos hold big parties in the conference rooms too. I've been invited to the Mandalay Party a few times, and always had a great time. You can also buy tickets to that party for about $250 each, which I think is reasonable.

As Jim said, I think the fireworks are overrated.

Quote: JimMorrison

The fireworks really aren't that impressive anyways, it sounds like you really like fireworks and if that's the case then I'd just find somewhere cool to go on 4th of July.

It's not that I'm really into fireworks, I just thought that that's why a lot of people go to Vegas on New Years was cuz they did a big fireworks show.

Quote: JimMorrison

Voodoo Lounge at Rio also but does anyone really go there?

Why do you say that?

Quote: JimMorrison

(sorry places like Mix, Gilleys and Foundation don't count as clubs)

Why do you say that also? I've been to Mix.

Quote: Wizard

You can also buy tickets to that party for about $250 each, which I think is reasonable.

$250 per person seems a little pricey. But then again I've never really done anything fancy for New Years. And I guess it's standing room only unless you want to pay extra for a table?

And I do have to say that usually I don't like clubs cuz a lot of times they're hot and stuff and too crowded. Do you happen to know any clubs that aren't too bad as far as crowds? But I guess on New Years it would be impossible to find one that has enough breathing room. I do sometimes wonder if clubs actually obey the capacity laws. Most people are out to make a buck.

Quote: Wizard

As Jim said, I think the fireworks are overrated.

Hmmm... I think it would still be nice to see them from a club just for added effect. Where do they shoot the fireworks from anyway?

Quote: HotBlonde

Quote: JimMorrison

Voodoo Lounge at Rio also but does anyone really go there?

Why do you say that?

I say it cuz nobody goes there lol. Actually it's funny because I went there last night after writing that but only cuz my buddy was DJing and I had a comped bottle. Voodoo has a great deck and awesome view but it's not a popular club. It's never busy, I've hardly ever seen anyone with a table (except people like me who had one comped). It's not marketed well, pretty much just to people walking around the Rio.

Quote: HotBlonde

Quote: JimMorrison

(sorry places like Mix, Gilleys and Foundation don't count as clubs)

Why do you say that also? I've been to Mix.

Mix is an ultra lounge not a nightclub. And again it's not really a popular place. I don't dislike it, the 4 or 5 times I've been there I've always had fun but it's not a hot spot and it's also not a club. Mix, Foundation, Playboy Club, Caramel, Cathouse, Rhumbar, Tabu, etc are all ultra lounges.

Quote: HotBlonde

$250 per person seems a little pricey. But then again I've never really done anything fancy for New Years. And I guess it's standing room only unless you want to pay extra for a table?

And I do have to say that usually I don't like clubs cuz a lot of times they're hot and stuff and too crowded. Do you happen to know any clubs that aren't too bad as far as crowds? But I guess on New Years it would be impossible to find one that has enough breathing room. I do sometimes wonder if clubs actually obey the capacity laws. Most people are out to make a buck.

$250 is probably pretty average for New Years Eve. I don't know about the casino parties that WOO is talking about but at nightclubs you always pay extra for tables. You have to buy bottles to get a table at any club or ultra lounge in Vegas.

If you don't like clubs then you probably don't want to do a club for NYE, it's one of the busiest nights of the year. As for clubs that aren't too crowded, there are a few like LAX nowadays (although Angel has taken it over and geared up the marketing so that could soon change) or Studio 54. On a Friday or Saturday though most clubs will be pretty busy. During the week clubs aren't as busy but they also aren't all open everyday.

Clubs make their money on selling tables with bottle service, most clubs IMO obey capacity laws. They may fudge a little bit if a VIP shows up and they're at capacity but they aren't going to oversell since if they get busted for something Gaming can get involved with the host casino. I've seen the fire marshal at clubs many times making sure capacity rules are being followed.

Quote: HotBlonde

Where do they shoot the fireworks from anyway?

This year I think eight different casinos shot off fireworks, in past years it's been less sometimes. Casinos tried to coordinate a little more this year and it resulted in one of the better NYE fireworks displays. A few years ago (2007 maybe?) I remember it was really weak.

While we are considering the matter:

Bar
Tavern
Lounge
UltraLounge
Dayclub
Nightclub

Whats the diff?

Quote: FleaStiff

While we are considering the matter:

Bar
Tavern
Lounge
UltraLounge
Dayclub
Nightclub

Whats the diff?

UltraLounge came from the nightlife industry itself, it describes something fancier that a regular lounge bar but not a full scale nightclub. Places like the Playboy Club or Tabu do have small dancefloors but nothing the size of a full nightclub. In other cities they probably would be called a nightclub but you really can't compare something like Foundation Room and XS hence the two classes.

Dayclub is an easy one, it's bringing nightlife to the daytime. Encore Beach Club is a dayclub but at night becomes Surrender, a hot nightclub. Personally I don't like this new push for "daylife", I mean my liver needs a break sometimes.

Quote: JimMorrison

Personally I don't like this new push for "daylife", I mean my liver needs a break sometimes.

I thought the purpose of a day club was to have a space for other pursuits in the relative privacy of cabanas and such so as to give your liver a break while allowing a few female livers to enjoy a break from alcohol also.

Quote: FleaStiff

I thought the purpose of a day club was to have a space for other pursuits in the relative privacy of cabanas and such so as to give your liver a break while allowing a few female livers to enjoy a break from alcohol also.

Dayclubs aren't all at pools, High Society for example was at Nove restaurant. And there is no relative privacy in cabanas for that sort of activity, you'd be asked to leave immediately. Every since the Sapphire pool at Rio was shutdown casinos don't fuck around anymore.

Quote: HotBlonde

$250 per person seems a little pricey. But then again I've never really done anything fancy for New Years. And I guess it's standing room only unless you want to pay extra for a table?

I really think you would be happier at a private casino party. If you want a table at a club, I think you would pay more than $250, and not have as good a time. About the fireworks, you could always leave at 11:45 a.m. to go outside to watch them, and then return. They shoot them from the roof of several casinos up and down the Strip.

Here's a decent YouTube clip of the fireworks from this year. Cool but not really all that impressive. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAvmUQ4B41I

Quote: Wizard

I really think you would be happier at a private casino party.

Well it's funny cuz I usually don't like clubs but (other than the New Year) I was planning on celebrating something special this year and wanted to be in a fun party-like atmosphere with music and dancing.

... plus, how the heck would I get into a private casino party?

Now you can plead guilty to being a DUMB blonde after that question ROFLMAO

Quote: HotBlonde

... plus, how the heck would I get into a private casino party?

You can buy tickets. They are supposed to be for their VIP players, but in most cases anybody can buy a ticket for about $250. These parties are not well promoted, so you may have to ask around. Again, if you're in town this new years I should be able to offer some specific suggestions.

Quote: buzzpaff

Now you can plead guilty to being a DUMB blonde after that question ROFLMAO

Why are you saying I'm a dumb blonde?

Quote: HotBlonde

Why are you saying I'm a dumb blonde?

I'm sure he meant that in response to the query about a casino party. Such events are often advertised, if not actually advertised they are not exactly state secrets and asking a host at just about any casino should get you some data. Asking a local would be even better perhaps.
I think this is more what you are looking for than some trendy club on New Years Eve.
Fireworks seem very important to you, but I just don't think they are all that big in Vegas. They do take place but no one makes a big deal about it until the winds blow into the casino's alarm system and false alarms start tripping.

Quote: FleaStiff

I'm sure he meant that in response to the query about a casino party.

Ok, the Wizard said, I think it was, a PRIVATE casino party. So my question wasn't stupid at all cuz if it's a PRIVATE party, how do you get invited to one of those. Am I making any sense here?

Quote: HotBlonde

Ok, the Wizard said, I think it was, a PRIVATE casino party. So my question wasn't stupid at all cuz if it's a PRIVATE party, how do you get invited to one of those. Am I making any sense here?

Yes, I did say "private" so I think her question was appropriate. If anything, the fault lies with me for using the word "private." So I'll take the insult directed at you.

To elaborate, the Strip casinos always plan New Year's Eve parties for their VIPs. I used to get invited to lots of them. Unfortunately, I'm not so well loved in Vegas any more, and don't get as many invitations as I used to, but I digress. Anyway, due to cancellations they usually have some spare tickets. These can be purchased for about $250 each. You may have to go to wherever the VIP pick up place is to get them, and it is unlikely you'll see any promoting of such tickets.

At these parties you can expect assigned seating, a very nice four or five course dinner, all the alcohol you wish, and live music and dancing after dinner. They always do a champagne toast at midnight. It is a lot of fun. I think most people over the age of 30 would enjoy said parties much more than a nightclub party.

Did not mean Dumb blonde in a negative sense. Just hard to believe a beautiful woman won't get an invitation by New Years. My sister is a blonde and driving to work one day she saw a blonde sitting in a rowboat in middle of a golf course, She pulled over to shoulder of road and shouted to the blonde that she was giving all blondes a bad name. She wanted to go punch her in the nose but my sister can't swim.

Quote: buzzpaff

Did not mean Dumb blonde in a negative sense. Just hard to believe a beautiful woman won't get an invitation by New Years. My sister is a blonde and driving to work one day she saw a blonde sitting in a rowboat in middle of a golf course, She pulled over to shoulder of road and shouted to the blonde that she was giving all blondes a bad name. She wanted to go punch her in the nose but my sister can't swim.

I can't figure out of this is supposed to be a dumb blonde joke, a true story, or a non sequitur.

This sounds a lot better than my new years this year (switching from 2010-2011) I went to bed at 9PM on 12/31 because I had to be at work at 7:00 Am 1/1/11! With my new job at the card room by SFO I am expecting to celebrate NYE dealing a hand! (or maybe chip selling if they have not upgraded me by then!)

I slept through new years last time too. However, I don't have any good excuse. Just getting too old to stay up that late, and didn't get invited to any good parties.

A trick for parking is to schedule dinner for fairly late at a restaurant in the City Center. If you are on the list for dinner reservations they will let you drive into the garage from the opposite side of I 15 over their bridge (look on a map).

Don't push this too much, as the garage does get full. They won't let you in with or without a reservation. I would say no later than about 9:30PM .

Quote: Wizard

To elaborate, the Strip casinos always plan New Year's Eve parties for their VIPs.

I guess I would know if I was a VIP or not, huh? I'm a Tier II Pearl Players Club Card Holder with the MGM Properties, but I'm guessing I'd have to be a Tier IV to be VIP.

Quote: Wizard

I used to get invited to lots of them. Unfortunately, I'm not so well loved in Vegas any more, and don't get as many invitations as I used to, but I digress.

Why are you not so well loved in Vegas any more? :(

Quote: Wizard

At these parties you can expect assigned seating, a very nice four or five course dinner, all the alcohol you wish, and live music and dancing after dinner. They always do a champagne toast at midnight. It is a lot of fun. I think most people over the age of 30 would enjoy said parties much more than a nightclub party.

Sounds nice but sounds like this might be more of a couples event rather than a fun place with a lot of singles. But I am just assuming.

Quote: Wizard

I can't figure out of this is supposed to be a dumb blonde joke, a true story, or a non sequitur.

I was LMAO when I read this... I'm curious as well!

Quote: NicksGamingStuff

This sounds a lot better than my new years this year (switching from 2010-2011) I went to bed at 9PM on 12/31 because I had to be at work at 7:00 Am 1/1/11!

This was my first time going to bed before midnight on New Years. :( And it's one of my most favorite holidays too! :(

Quote: HotBlonde

I guess I would know if I was a VIP or not, huh? I'm a Tier II Pearl Players Club Card Holder with the MGM Properties, but I'm guessing I'd have to be a Tier IV to be VIP.

I have not played there, and have no reason to, since they switched their player reward program. So I don't even know what levels they have. However, I've been meaning to investigate. Anyway, I would think you need to be solid black-chip player, or a very high denomination slot player, to get such an invitation.

Quote: HotBlonde

Why are you not so well loved in Vegas any more? :(

Nobody will give me a straight answer, but my spies tell me that I'm not considered a "profitable player."

Quote: Wizard

Nobody will give me a straight answer, but my spies tell me that I'm not considered a "profitable player."

Hmmm... you seem pretty cool to me, and being that you have your own Vegas and gambling websites, that surprises me that you wouldn't be more well liked by them. Are you a card counter and get into trouble with that perhaps?

Quote: Wizard

I slept through new years last time too. However, I don't have any good excuse. Just getting too old to stay up that late, and didn't get invited to any good parties.

Sorry, forgot to invite you this year!

Quote: HotBlonde

Hmmm... you seem pretty cool to me, and being that you have your own Vegas and gambling websites, that surprises me that you wouldn't be more well liked by them. Are you a card counter and get into trouble with that perhaps?

The web sites only hurt. For example, I was suspected of card counting on a cruise ship casino, but they told me they were not sure. So they Googled my name and all doubts were removed. Card counting is also a reason I am not welcome at some of the Vegas casinos.

Quote: Wizard

I can't figure out of this is supposed to be a dumb blonde joke, a true story, or a non sequitur.

Actually was worried someone might take this in manner it was offered, just a friendly observation. My sister and I get along well, except for when she uses my
computer to send emails She is a terrible typist and I hate all that whiteout on the screen.

Seriously Wiz great site

Quote: Wizard

The web sites only hurt. For example, I was suspected of card counting on a cruise ship casino, but they told me they were not sure. So they Googled my name and all doubts were removed. Card counting is also a reason I am not welcome at some of the Vegas casinos.

Doubt you remember me Wiz but I reported on Isle of Capri LET IT RIDE game about 10 years ago to you. Was in Blackhawk and had 1 dollar side bet and 4 in main I believe. Also ihad a aces side bet idea cyou gave me a price on just evaluating a 4 card probability.

Anyway thanks to this site SWITCH is looking at my new game. If I am right don't worry about being identified as a counter. House edge goes up as bets are increased without any change in payouts, rules, how game is dealt, etc. in my game. Only afraid I have miscalculated and game has as much chance of being sucessful as me going to a new year's eve party with HotBlonde SIGH !!!

((Blush)) Maybe we can get a group of us together on New Years. Just an idea.

Wow you all really plan ahead!

Quote: HotBlonde

((Blush)) Maybe we can get a group of us together on New Years. Just an idea.

I can picture it now, ten guys and you. I would have to explain the Nash Equilibrium to those who haven't seen A Beautiful Mind.

I didn't see this mentioned above, so for hotblonde's benefit, the Strip is closed to all vehicle traffic on NYE and there's drunken mayhem in the street. You won't be allowed entry into any parking garage without a permit to dangle from rearview mirror, only given to hotel guests. Non-permit holders are turned away by guards at the entrance.

Even some public areas like downtown are closed NYE to anyone without a ticket. I think they charged like $100 last year for a ticket just to walk around Fremont Street to see the same bands that are free the rest of the year. Ridiculous. But, you'll get a 4 ounce serving of André for your money, which you'll end up spilling as you're knocked around in the standing-room-only crowd.

The fireworks are shot from about 8 properties around town, not just on the Strip, and are broadcast on every local network live.

Quote: Wizard

I can picture it now, ten guys and you. I would have to explain the Nash Equilibrium to those who haven't seen A Beautiful Mind.

Lol. But I guess in that case John Nash's theory would say it would benefit all the guys in the group to be gay and couple up that way. No???

Quote: zippyboy

I didn't see this mentioned above, so for hotblonde's benefit, the Strip is closed to all vehicle traffic on NYE and there's drunken mayhem in the street. You won't be allowed entry into any parking garage without a permit to dangle from rearview mirror, only given to hotel guests. Non-permit holders are turned away by guards at the entrance.

Even some public areas like downtown are closed NYE to anyone without a ticket. I think they charged like $100 last year for a ticket just to walk around Fremont Street to see the same bands that are free the rest of the year. Ridiculous. But, you'll get a 4 ounce serving of André for your money, which you'll end up spilling as you're knocked around in the standing-room-only crowd.

The fireworks are shot from about 8 properties around town, not just on the Strip, and are broadcast on every local network live.

NYE is beginning to sound like more like a nuisance. Hopefully I can avoid any headaches. It's a night meant for partying it up, right?

Quote: zippyboy

I didn't see this mentioned above, so for hotblonde's benefit, the Strip is closed to all vehicle traffic on NYE and there's drunken mayhem in the street. You won't be allowed entry into any parking garage without a permit to dangle from rearview mirror, only given to hotel guests. Non-permit holders are turned away by guards at the entrance.

Even some public areas like downtown are closed NYE to anyone without a ticket. I think they charged like $100 last year for a ticket just to walk around Fremont Street to see the same bands that are free the rest of the year. Ridiculous. But, you'll get a 4 ounce serving of André for your money, which you'll end up spilling as you're knocked around in the standing-room-only crowd.

The fireworks are shot from about 8 properties around town, not just on the Strip, and are broadcast on every local network live.

Last year the FSE NYE ticket was $20. But was included w most FSE hotel bookings. But it was only 3oz off Cooks.

Quote: HotBlonde

But I guess in that case John Nash's theory would say it would benefit all the guys in the group to be gay and couple up that way. No???

:-). That is one interpretation of the Nash Equilibrium in that situation. With this group that would probably account for some of the members. I would argue that one doesn't choose to be gay, and the rest would have to hunt for other women.