ahiromu
ahiromu
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May 28th, 2013 at 6:40:47 PM permalink
Cons:
- Bellagio Sportsbook now requires a drink ticket ($120-125 per). Although still a nice 'book, this is a HUGE let down.
- I walked through Aria and found it... wanting. Didn't spend much time there but at the very least the casino did not impress.
- Don't be at the MGM when a fight lets out. Just, don't.
- The Riviera had 3-4-5x odds as of Friday night. That was a pretty long, semi-sketchy, walk all for nothing. To add to it, at around 3-4am early Saturday morning, the Strat was at $10 for craps.
- 20x odds can murder you.

Pros:
- Still Vegas
- The monorail is awesome, I never used it before but it's kickass. This leads back to the MGM... the monorail is at the back where fights let out and I got off of it when one did with my destination being NYNY. A lot of drunk idiots, impossible to walk faster than maybe 3 mph.
- I had never stayed center-strip before, but was at the Flamingo (cheapest) and it was very nice. Much better than staying south (NYNY/Excal).
- Can find a $10 craps game anywhere, anytime.
- Casino Royale craps is really cool. I liked it more than MSS (but harder to find a table). Seriously, where else in such a popular area will you find $3 craps weekend evenings? Buying in for $500 got me a lot of attention as well. Personally destroyed someone who had a $5 DP and went up to the limit laying odds on a 4. I couldn't help but smile.
- Downtown is neat. It had a lot more going on than I expected. Been there three times before and never had seen it. My next solo trip will definitely be there... friends probably wouldn't understand.

Mini "My Gambling": Played craps probably a combined total of 12 hours at various places... minimum on the line plus max odds. At high odds places (MSS/Royale) I'd place the 6/8 for 12 and just add the winnings to my odds bet. Otherwise, max out odds then brings up the 6/8 together. Probably up on craps by about a grand... but lost $500 on slots over the course of the trip. Was $500 up a few hours before the plane left then lost that in 20 minutes. 20x odds, yeah. So yeah, broke even on gambling. Good trip.

tl;dr
Try the monorail. I understand most probably have, but it's a huge time saver that I wish I had known about earlier.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
EvenBob
EvenBob
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May 28th, 2013 at 6:47:37 PM permalink
Quote: ahiromu



tl;dr
Try the monorail. I understand most probably have, but it's a huge time saver that I wish I had known about earlier.



Its OK if you like walking. Its a hike from any of the casinos
where it stops out to the monorail. Nothing beats a rental
car and valet parking. You're right there and inside the
casino in 2 min in most cases.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
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May 28th, 2013 at 7:11:31 PM permalink
Quote: EvenBob

Nothing beats a rental
car and valet parking. You're right there and inside the
casino in 2 min in most cases.



My problem is always on the flip side, when I'm still waiting for my car an hour after arriving back at the valet. Especially at a casino like the MGM on a fight night:-)
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
EvenBob
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May 28th, 2013 at 7:15:59 PM permalink
Quote: rdw4potus

My problem is always on the flip side, when I'm still waiting for my car an hour after arriving back at the valet. Especially at a casino like the MGM on a fight night:-)



I never ever EVER ever go to the Strip at night.
Why would I? I'm Downtown at night, walking the
few feet between casinos. Going to the Strip
hotels at night is pointless. The closest I came
was going to the Rio at night this trip, but there's
a freeway entrance right there so it was just fine.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
zippyboy
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May 28th, 2013 at 7:37:02 PM permalink
First time I rode the monorail, it was the highlight of the trip. I loved it. But I didn't live in cities like NY or Chicago where trains are daily monotonies. Now, the monorail is about $12/day. Still a treat though if you're from a town without one.

Avoid the MGM on fight night??? Whaaaaaa? If you're a poker player, that's the best time to play against rich tourists! One of the best memories I have of Vegas was hanging out at Mandalay Bay in 2000 or so when a fight let out. I stood against the wall by the venue and watched the parade of wealth and beauty file past. Amazing; my friend and I were just mesmerized by the sexiest women you've ever seen, and celebrities, sports stars, music stars and all their entourages. Anyone 7 feet tall stuck out, and I'm not much of a b-ball fan, but my friend was. One of the best memories I have of Vegas. This was when the first Oceans 11 (new one) was being filmed, so Brad Pitt, Clooney, and all those guys were in town. I was even on the strip when they closed it down to film the scene where the truck stopped in front of Bellagio so they could pull up the manhole cover beneath the truck. A 15-second scene in the movie, but I got bored watching it live and left finally.

Downtown? Different atmosphere altogether. Love it or hate it, just like the Strip IMO.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
ahiromu
ahiromu
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May 28th, 2013 at 7:40:34 PM permalink
I've got to disagree with you guys on the monorail. I was staying at the Flamingo and saved a bunch of time riding down to MGM rather than walking. For the record, I take the metro "train" to and from work every day, nothing enjoyable about the ride.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
Yo11
Yo11
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May 28th, 2013 at 9:32:33 PM permalink
Quote: ahiromu

I've got to disagree with you guys on the monorail. I was staying at the Flamingo and saved a bunch of time riding down to MGM rather than walking. For the record, I take the metro "train" to and from work every day, nothing enjoyable about the ride.



I think there's something about walking on the strip that makes the monorail worth it only on day 3+.
Yo field, yo come, both gunna get you some!
Venthus
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May 28th, 2013 at 9:42:12 PM permalink
Quote: Yo11

I think there's something about walking on the strip that makes the monorail worth it only on day 3+.



You mean after the heat and blisters set in? Admittedly, that was after one of my friends walked from the Strat to MGM because he wanted to save the cab fare...
tringlomane
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May 28th, 2013 at 10:04:54 PM permalink
Quote: Venthus

You mean after the heat and blisters set in? Admittedly, that was after one of my friends walked from the Strat to MGM because he wanted to save the cab fare...



Damn. And I thought hiking from Rio to Bally's with rollerbags was bad enough.

Dragged luggage from Monte Carlo to Quad last trip too, but with the MGM Tram, that wasn't nearly as bad.
djatc
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May 28th, 2013 at 10:19:50 PM permalink
Quote: Venthus

You mean after the heat and blisters set in? Admittedly, that was after one of my friends walked from the Strat to MGM because he wanted to save the cab fare...



I've walked from Caesers to Luxor at 3am and while it doesn't look like a long walk on Google maps, there were too many walkways and hotels to walk through that I decided not to walk back. Something about the strip makes the distance longer then it needs to be.

Also Palms to Caesers. Almost walked into a bum sleeping on the overpass lol.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
Doc
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May 28th, 2013 at 11:25:52 PM permalink
Quote: djatc

... while it doesn't look like a long walk ....


I have often commented on walking the half mile from the Tropicana to the Mirage and later walking the four miles back!
MrV
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May 29th, 2013 at 12:47:35 AM permalink
I always make a point to walk up the strip, both day and night, when in Las Vegas.

That is part of the vibe: oh, the humanity!

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore. We must be over the rainbow! "

*saw a dirtbag in Las Vegas holding a cardboard sign reading: "Why lie? I need a whore."*
"What, me worry?"
tringlomane
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May 29th, 2013 at 12:50:51 AM permalink
Quote: MrV


*saw a dirtbag in Las Vegas holding a cardboard sign reading: "Why lie? I need a whore."*



Better than the "why lie? I need a hangover" signs, imo.
AlanMendelson
AlanMendelson
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May 29th, 2013 at 2:51:26 AM permalink
I'm a chicken. I hate to walk on the strip except in bright daylight when there are lots of witnesses and potential do-gooders, and I keep my hands in my pockets and on my wallet (which is in a front pocket and most difficult place to steal from).
djatc
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May 29th, 2013 at 3:40:46 AM permalink
Quote: AlanMendelson

I'm a chicken. I hate to walk on the strip except in bright daylight when there are lots of witnesses and potential do-gooders, and I keep my hands in my pockets and on my wallet (which is in a front pocket and most difficult place to steal from).



I gotta say I should stop late night trekking on/off the strip with a gambling bankroll..... I just hate taking a taxi for a distance I can walk.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
FleaStiff
FleaStiff
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May 29th, 2013 at 3:55:49 AM permalink
I have enough trouble with the hikes that are required within just one of these mega-joints. Traversing half the town would be impossible for me.
FinsRule
FinsRule
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May 29th, 2013 at 4:11:02 AM permalink
I'm a big monorail fan. Seems like I'm in the minority though. I'll walk when it's cooler out, and monorail when it's 100 degrees.
boymimbo
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May 29th, 2013 at 6:01:59 AM permalink
I love walknig the strip in Vegas and pretty much refuse to take a taxi. The walking is great exercise to burn off calories between buffets or other heavy meals. Since we did centre strip, we did walks north from CZR to Wynn and back and from CZR to Mandalay and back. It's amazing how bring and monstrous the properties are.

When we did the Pinball Hall of Fame (awesome) we grabbed the bus from Tropicana / LVB out to the hall of fame and back. it's always a cab ride however to and from the airport, as we have too much luggage.
----- You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
ahiromu
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May 29th, 2013 at 8:32:18 AM permalink
Quote: AlanMendelson

I'm a chicken. I hate to walk on the strip except in bright daylight when there are lots of witnesses and potential do-gooders, and I keep my hands in my pockets and on my wallet (which is in a front pocket and most difficult place to steal from).



I do the same thing with front pockets always, just a habit. When shooting craps, i frantically check my pockets every few minutes too... Especially at ridiculously crowded tables. Part of me wants to get a moneybelt, but I'd like to keep my man card.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
JW17
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May 29th, 2013 at 9:14:16 AM permalink
A long walk adventure for me was back in 1996, took a cab to boulder station, we didn't think it was that long of a ride, so we decided to walk back. We were walking back to the MGM Grand, and better yet, we used the Stratosphere's Tower to walk towards, taking us further away from the MGM. It was light outside when we left boulder station, about 3 am when we got back the the MGM. And we walked though some SKETCHY areas. Ah being young, dumb, drunk and cheap LOL.
RogerKint
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May 29th, 2013 at 10:05:14 AM permalink
Quote: JW17

A long walk adventure for me was back in 1996, took a cab to boulder station, we didn't think it was that long of a ride, so we decided to walk back. We were walking back to the MGM Grand, and better yet, we used the Stratosphere's Tower to walk towards, taking us further away from the MGM. It was light outside when we left boulder station, about 3 am when we got back the the MGM. And we walked though some SKETCHY areas. Ah being young, dumb, drunk and cheap LOL.



You win. Hopefully you've discovered the bus system since then. I walked from TI to Excalibur and back in one day followed by an ice bath. The fastest walk I ever made was from Tuscany to Bills (RIP).
100% risk of ruin
beachbumbabs
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May 29th, 2013 at 10:59:13 AM permalink
I am a big monorail fan, too; I usually stay either at Harrah's or (what was) the LV Hilton, and the stations are in the back of both properties. To go downtown, I take the bus; was 2 last time. Hotel shuttles to/from airport - used to take a cab but was in the back when an illegal cabbie got popped and that kind of freaked me out. Shuttles are cheaper, too. Otherwise, I'm walking.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
Nostron
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May 29th, 2013 at 11:27:59 AM permalink
I have been a front pocket (jeans - khakis too loose) or a zipper pocket in a jacket ever since i was pick pocketed on bourbon street several years ago.

Thats a helpless, pissed off feeling.
EvenBob
EvenBob
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May 29th, 2013 at 12:01:37 PM permalink
Quote: Nostron

I have been a front pocket (jeans - khakis too loose) or a zipper pocket in a jacket ever since i was pick pocketed on bourbon street several years ago.

Thats a helpless, pissed off feeling.



I read that cargo pants or shorts are the best to
avoid pickpockets. The deep pocket in front,
buttoned closed, is impossible for a thief to get
to. And keep most of your money and CC's in
the hotel safe anyway. Hemingway was pickpocketed
in Paris in the 50's and he had a special sport jacket
made by a Chinese tailor that had a secret pocket
inside that was pickpocket proof. He wore it everywhere
until he died.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
AcesAndEights
AcesAndEights
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May 29th, 2013 at 12:21:35 PM permalink
Quote: ahiromu

I do the same thing with front pockets always, just a habit. When shooting craps, i frantically check my pockets every few minutes too... Especially at ridiculously crowded tables. Part of me wants to get a moneybelt, but I'd like to keep my man card.


I guess I've lost my man card then - seriously though, the money belt gives you some piece of mind about not losing your bankroll to a pick pocket. I suppose a serious thug who held you up would notice it there or check for it after you emptied the meager contents of your wallet. But that seems pretty rare unless your name is MidwestAP :/

RE: Monorail - never tried it, but I might next trip. Normally I walk the strip, never pay for a cab. But my feet always hurt like hell by the end of a short trip, so I might spring for the monorail toward the end. On this trip I actually experimented with icing my feet in the bathtub and I think it actually helped them feel better the next morning. Just fill up one of your trash cans as well as the ice bucket from the machine, then dump it in the tub and fill up with some cool water. Felt good, although you have to start slow because it kind of stings. Also my knee wasn't feeling great, so the ice came in handy for that.

I also tried the SDX for the first time on this trip, instead of taking a cab downtown. It was generally worth it (got the $20 for 3 days pass), but getting the bus back on Friday night around 10pm was a terrible idea - bus was super packed, strip was super packed, took way longer than normal and the AC didn't seem to be working so it was hot as hell. Would have been worth the cab ride that time. So basically, pick your spots. In the middle of the day it always seemed like a good deal.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
1BB
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May 29th, 2013 at 12:46:35 PM permalink
Does anyone carry a decoy wallet?
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
AcesAndEights
AcesAndEights
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May 29th, 2013 at 1:05:32 PM permalink
Quote: 1BB

Does anyone carry a decoy wallet?


I meant to do that on this trip - described as the "give-up" wallet on bj21.com. Forgot to get a cheap-o wallet to put in my back pocket though.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
JW17
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May 29th, 2013 at 3:02:15 PM permalink
Quote: RogerKint

Hopefully you've discovered the bus system since then.



No, but I dont travel that far anymore, plus if I do, I have my car as I make the 4.5 hour trek from Scottsdale to LV.

Most I walk is from The Platinum to the Mirage, that's only about a mile and a half walk. Like I said, I was young, dumb, cheap and drunk then, now I'm old, dumb, cheap and drunk, LOL
Nostron
Nostron
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May 30th, 2013 at 12:35:19 PM permalink
Cargo pants are great - just for the front pocket you mention.
Venthus
Venthus
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May 30th, 2013 at 12:53:27 PM permalink
I wear a jacket with a broken zipper. It clicks like mad, even when you're careful, and unless you know how to get it open, it just stays jammed. Adding to the confusion, I'm left-handed, so I tend to put things on the opposite side, always have my pockets laden with stuff. (Even the ones that have the actual money are mixed.)
djatc
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May 30th, 2013 at 1:06:20 PM permalink
Quote: Venthus

I wear a jacket with a broken zipper. It clicks like mad, even when you're careful, and unless you know how to get it open, it just stays jammed. Adding to the confusion, I'm left-handed, so I tend to put things on the opposite side, always have my pockets laden with stuff. (Even the ones that have the actual money are mixed.)



I'm the complete opposite. Wallet/keys go in the left front pocket for easy access. Right front pocket carrys my phone and cigarettes. Maybe I'm a rare breed but I never put anything in my back pockets. Also can't be having easy access with my left hand for cigarettes. I'd start getting addicted :)
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
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