Question on Vegas casinos locals go to

Hello All,
I am very familiar with the strip and Downtown casinos(been to vegas lots of times) but have some questions about the Vegas casinos locals go to.
I will be staying downtown Dec 24-30, 4 queens, I love video poker.
It's a long 6 day stay so I plan on renting a car for a day and checking out some other casinos locals go to.
I was planning on going in 1 of 3 directions, Go north to check out Alliante and anything on the way, or South to M and Southpointe, or East to the Henderson Casinos.
Which direction should I go and what casinos should I check out.
I only play video poker-quarters, and Poker no limit tx holdem cash game 1-2 and occasional cheap tournament.
I love a great buffet. A new player promotion would be great.
And I love free entertainment such as Bellagio fountains, Treasure Island pirate show, Freemont Exp ect.
Any recomendations?

Ed

Yes, visit the websites and re-evaluate your goals.

Free entertainment? Local casinos often have third rate bands playing sometimes there is a two drink minimum. The M has had real good bands recently. The M's buffet is tops. Some recent bargains in their Poker tournaments too.

Aliante would be great but once there what else are you going to explore?

Just about all local casinos have player clubs and player promotions from time to time.

Its time to go to the websites and pull up what most appeals to you. What about movie theaters or bowling?

"Free Entertainment?" Not necessarily looking for a free show, just interesting casinos to explore. Some casinos spend alot on themes and decorations so that when a customer comes in, they come in wide-eyed amazed at what they see. Too me thats free entertainment.
I love a great buffet, may check out the M.
Some new player promotions are lame, some are great. Visited Biloxi couple months ago. Most of the casinos had lame new player promotions such as 10.00 fee slot play. The Treasure Bay in Biloxi had a great new player promotion that I took full advantage of. Lose up to 100.00 and they will comp you up to 100.00 next day. Looking for that kind of new player promotion.
Movie theaters or bowling, naw, I could do that at home.

I like to walk into a casino and be amazed at what I see. Decorations, themes, displays ect. After exploring a bit, sign up at the players club. I also like promotions where new players can get a t-shirt after some play. The Palms and 4 queens gave me a free t-shirt after signing up for players card and doing some minimal play. I love those type new player promotions. After signing up, would either look for good video poker pay tables to play or sit down at a 1-2 holdem cash game. Get hungry and hit the buffet. I love a great buffet. I allready checked out the new ceasars buffet and my favorite is wicked spoon at Cosmopolitan so wiling to pay the price for a great buffet.

Will check the websites of M, Aliante, Southpoint, Green Valley ect but thought I could get some recomendations here.

Ed

Oh my, you have a lot of choices. You sound like you enjoy the nicer end of things, so I would recommend some of the luxury locals' properties, which are as nice as anything on the Strip. To wit:

-Red Rock Resort
-Green Valley Ranch
-M Resort
-Rampart
-Aliante
-Sunset Station
-Santa Fe Station

These casinos also have very good free entertainment; nice nightclubs, bars, cafes, high end restaurants, etc. Stations has a new player bonus, which is usually $3 in freeplay. If you wanted to visit some more places, the good middle of the road joints are:

-Silverton
-Eastside Cannery
-Cannery
-Southpoint
-Suncoast
-Fiesta Henderson
-Texas Station
-Sam's Town
-Arizona Charlie's Boulder (not Decatur)

These places are all pretty much the same: casino, restaurant/buffet, hotel, bingo. All have average-to-very good video poker, and good table games. I think Cannery has a new player rebate.

Also, while not really a locals' casino, the Hard Rock is just amazing to walk around in and look at, "eye candy" wise.

TS:

I think PALMS also belongs on your first list.

- JQ

Quote: terapined

Will check the websites of M, Aliante, Southpoint, Green Valley ect but thought I could get some recomendations here.

Perhaps its time to think of geography and "extras".

It sounds as if you would be most impressed by the M. (Decor, Buffet, New, Beer/Wine at Buffet) This would make Southpoint and Silverton even more attractive geographically.

Sams Town has a few plus marks to it: Unusual craps bets and fairly high craps odds.Good VP with good signage on the VP machines. Generally good deals on "Logos" (any items of attire or knick knacks that feature their logo, such as shirts, visors, cup holders).

Explore but always get a card once you've entered. Even if all you want to explore is the exit, once you are there, get a card!

2,500 points at the M Resort... you must activate on Facebook by the 17th but I think you have time after that to present your rewards card at the casino. Check the website for details.

Red Rock Canyon is cool to go see
Valley of Fire
Hoover Dam
Lake Mead
Sams Town - Sunset Stampede
Sunset Station - Has a pretty cool stained glass cieling above the pit
Stratopshere - Look over the Vegas valley (go about 5pm and stay until it gets dark to see all the lights)
Paris - Go up at night to get a good view of the Bellagio fountain show
The Strip - Just drive the entirety of it from Four Seasons to The Stratosphere

I'm going to be there 12/21 - 12/24 and I've already got my entire trip planned! (lol, and I've been to vegas many times!)

Thanks for all the suggestions.
I've done the Hoover dam tour with the dam tour guide about 15 years ago. It was facinating. Tour guides love the joke of being called the DAMM tour guide.
I had a car in Vegas about 12 years ago and checked out Sams Town, Hard Rock, Orleans and Ellis Island (had the cheap steak dinner deal), that was the last time I had a car in Vegas.
Been up the Strat tower twice, its a great view.
Been to the top of Paris eifle tower to watch Bellagio fountains.
Instead of driving the strip, a much better view and seat is the front top window of the double deck busses. Its actually one of my favorite rides and views in vegas. A couple years ago boarded the double decker in downtown but front top row seats were taken, sat in 2nd row. People in front row got off at Circus Circus so was able to get the top front window seat. What a view. I was originally planning on getting off at Ceasars but enjoyed the view so much, stayed on the bus till got to the Luxor.

Staying Downtown and did some research on cars. Best deal is Budget at the Golden Nugget, 35.00 a day base rate plus taxes but if I prepay online, 25.00 a day base rate plus taxes. Taxes are 10 bucks a day so internet rate plus taxes, 35 bucks a day. Thinking of renting a car 26dec and going south and checking out South Point and M.

Looking forward to my 24dec-30dec stay. Been to Vegas many times but this is my longest stay yet.