Strip vs. downtown?

Ok, so as most of you already know that I'm going to vegas in two months, and I already have my stay booked at Paris ($112 total for Thurs-Sat nights), but I just want your input on the pros and cons about staying on the strip verses staying downtown. Originally, I wanted to stay downtown at one of those newly renovated properties, but my buddy who's coming with me, likes staying on the strip because of the "nicer" properties (He has been to vegas 3 times and stayed at the Wynn, Caesar's, and Aria). I've heard that downtown is a much better gambling experience because it's more locals, plus the hold % is better than the strip. I also heard that the comp rate (return) is better than the strip. What would you guys do? Just keep the Paris room, and try to get downtown during the weekend, or switch to a downtown property and take a cab down to the strip?

We stayed at the Paris last year and really liked it. It is nice in the evening to be able to leave your hotel and already be on the strip. Where to play would depend I think on how much you expect to gamble. Comps and the house hold % don't matter if you are only going through a few hundred per day which is what we do. So we play were we want and take in the sights and have fun, we enjoyed both the strip and downtown. We took the bus by the way. Some like it, some don't. We didn't mind but it's busy at night. On a side note... we actually enjoyed the rapid craps game at Bill's Gambling Hall which is right across the street from the Paris and Bally's. Also enjoyed their $5.99 steak and eggs breakfast but you have to get up early.

>I'm going to vegas in two months
Good Luck.
>and I already have my stay booked at Paris ($112 total for Thurs-Sat nights),
Good. Then be done with it.
> Originally, I wanted to stay downtown, but my buddy likes staying on the strip because of the "nicer" properties.
Fine, you can keep him happy with that Paris reservation.
>I've heard that downtown is a much better gambling experience
You've heard wrong.
Its better for slot players. Big deal. You going to be feeding slot machines all the time? Then go to the Boulder Strip and get the best! Or better yet, go to The Silver Nugget, a tiny little dump out in the middle of nowhere and get even better slot deals. No rooms, no frills, no nuttin... but good for slot players.
Its better downtown than on the strip for certain limited craps bets. You gonna be making those rather rare craps bets?
Its generally a slightly more relaxed rate of play downtown, but big deal it ain't no deciding factor.
>the hold % is better than the strip.
Not by much and mainly on slots.
>I also heard that the comp rate (return) is better than the strip.
You are speaking about pennies here, not dollars. So it is not a deciding factor. Food and drinks might be a tad better at Paris.
And you can wander on the Strip better than downtown.
>Just keep the Paris room,
Yes.

The last time I stayed at the Paris, my friend stayed at Bally's next door. He had a larger, nicer room than I did, and for less money (well, mine was comped, but the casino rate was less). I'd stay on the Strip if the vacation aspect of the trip is important, but you might look into moving next door to Bally's.

It really depend on what you enjoy doing on your Vegas vacation. If you are going as a hard core gambler who puts in a lot of time at the tables or slots, then your action will take your further downtown. For example, if you are a $100 per hand player giving the casino 4+ hours a day would get you a great rating at a downtown casino with probably a room comp, food comps, etc. That same action at a large casino on the strip will get you a room discount or some free food.

If you are relatively new to Las Vegas and want to do things other then gambling like seeing shows, shopping, eating out, walking, sight seeing, etc. then I would definately stay on the strip. Take a taxi cab up to downtown while you are there and spend an evening wandering around. Yes, some of the properties have been renovated, but in general, downtown is dirty and old.

Personally, I would stay on the strip on this trip. It sounds like your friend definately prefers the location of the strip, the Paris is a great hotel, and the gambling isn't that much better downtown.

Quote: IAchance5

Ok, so as most of you already know that I'm going to vegas in two months, and I already have my stay booked at Paris ($112 total for Thurs-Sat nights), but I just want your input on the pros and cons about staying on the strip verses staying downtown. Originally, I wanted to stay downtown at one of those newly renovated properties, but my buddy who's coming with me, likes staying on the strip because of the "nicer" properties (He has been to vegas 3 times and stayed at the Wynn, Caesar's, and Aria). I've heard that downtown is a much better gambling experience because it's more locals, plus the hold % is better than the strip. I also heard that the comp rate (return) is better than the strip. What would you guys do? Just keep the Paris room, and try to get downtown during the weekend, or switch to a downtown property and take a cab down to the strip?

When I go I end up staying on the strip and gambling downtown. I would consider doing this. That way you can stay at the "nice" place and gamble at a real casino instead of disneyland. Just how I do it.

Quote: FleaStiff

And you can wander on the Strip better than downtown.

Not looking to start a pissing contest (Which somehow happens on this board for the most innocuous things) but seeing that Fremont is a closed pedestrian walkway with no traffic to deal with save for 1 intersection how is the strip better for wandering. Some parts of the sidewalk on the strip cataract quite a bit causing log jams.

When I take a Vegas trip, we usually spend one night downtown, and the rest of the time on the strip. There's just not much to see downtown. In one night, you can hit all the casinos easily.

So yeah, I guess that makes downtown easier to wander, but you don't see as much.

Vegas is all about the glitz and craziness. Staying on the strip is so much better.

Side note: I always laugh when people will tell me they are going to vegas and staying at places like circus circus, or stratosphere. If they're going for 3 nights, it'll cost them like $150. They could stay on the strip in a much better place for maybe $200 if they look around a bit. They'll lose that $50 in taxi fares easily.

Quote: FinsRule

When I take a Vegas trip, we usually spend one night downtown, and the rest of the time on the strip. There's just not much to see downtown. In one night, you can hit all the casinos easily.

So yeah, I guess that makes downtown easier to wander, but you don't see as much.

Vegas is all about the glitz and craziness. Staying on the strip is so much better.

Side note: I always laugh when people will tell me they are going to vegas and staying at places like circus circus, or stratosphere. If they're going for 3 nights, it'll cost them like $150. They could stay on the strip in a much better place for maybe $200 if they look around a bit. They'll lose that $50 in taxi fares easily.

They're probably laughing right back---the difference between $50/night and $200/night adds up fast. And how much time do you spend in your hotel room when you're in Vegas?

Quote: mkl654321

They're probably laughing right back---the difference between $50/night and $200/night adds up fast. And how much time do you spend in your hotel room when you're in Vegas?

Not to put words in the Fin's mouth, but I suspect he meant $200 for three nights on the strip, just like the $150 for three nights at the Circus or Strat. There are plenty of places on the strip that go for $200 per, and others where (at least on week nights) you could get three for that price. So he really was talking about a $50 difference over three nights, with more than that much consumed getting from the Strat to center strip by cab for three days.

Thank you Doc.

I forget that sometimes I need to explain things really really well for some people.

>Not looking to start a pissing contest
Nor I.
>Which somehow happens on this board for the most innocuous things
Yeah, I recognized No Stinking Badges arrival even though it was under a different name. I knew then that pissing contests would become common.

>but seeing that Fremont is a closed pedestrian walkway with no traffic to deal with ... how is the strip better for wandering.
I probably should have been more precise and differentiated between:
Wandering as a gawking tourist out site seeing
versus
Wandering as a gambler simply seeking a different casino/hotel.

Since his friend is used to Wynn, Ceasars and Aria, if the friend became dissatisfied with Paris and wanted to go elsewhere it would be more easily accomplished if they were already on the strip than if they were staying downtown and the friend really wanted what he considered to be something better. If the friend is dissatisfied with a recently renovated downtown property and wants something better, its a cab ride to the strip and back again and more of a nuisance.

Quote: IAchance5

Ok, so as most of you already know that I'm going to vegas in two months, and I already have my stay booked at Paris ($112 total for Thurs-Sat nights), but I just want your input on the pros and cons about staying on the strip verses staying downtown. Originally, I wanted to stay downtown at one of those newly renovated properties, but my buddy who's coming with me, likes staying on the strip because of the "nicer" properties (He has been to vegas 3 times and stayed at the Wynn, Caesar's, and Aria). I've heard that downtown is a much better gambling experience because it's more locals, plus the hold % is better than the strip. I also heard that the comp rate (return) is better than the strip. What would you guys do? Just keep the Paris room, and try to get downtown during the weekend, or switch to a downtown property and take a cab down to the strip?

Have you been to LV before IAchance5? If this is your first trip, then there are many more things you will want to see on the strip, but a trip downtown is totally worth it.

If this is your first trip, you should go Downtown on Thursday night (you will probably want to stay closer to your hotel room on Friday and Saturday nights) to check it out. See the shark tank in the swimming pool at the Golden Nugget, take your picture with the Million dollars, maybe buy some gold at the vending machine. See the faded glory of the Horseshoe (now Binion's) and check out the Hawaiian craps action at the California or Main Street. There's a great tapas restaurant in the Plaza (the space, a former bar/club, was featured in the movie "Casino".) There are lots of kitschy touristy things under the canopy on Fremont Street that can be lots of fun (but do watch your wallet if you are watching the show projected from the giant video on the ceiling at night.) One time, they had these motorcycle riders in this giant steel hamster ball of death, riding three at a time. Good times.

+1

FWIW, Firefly (in the Plaza) is closed for the time being due to renovations.

I always stay Downtown now, at the Nugget. Its as good as any Strip hotel now that its been remodeled. I never gamble for real at night, so I can wander around Downtown, drink and play for fun, and my hotel is always just a few steps away. I hate the Strip anyway, the tourists drive me nuts.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Have you been to LV before IAchance5? If this is your first trip, then there are many more things you will want to see on the strip, but a trip downtown is totally worth it.

If this is your first trip, you should go Downtown on Thursday night (you will probably want to stay closer to your hotel room on Friday and Saturday nights) to check it out. See the shark tank in the swimming pool at the Golden Nugget, take your picture with the Million dollars, maybe buy some gold at the vending machine. See the faded glory of the Horseshoe (now Binion's) and check out the Hawaiian craps action at the California or Main Street. There's a great tapas restaurant in the Plaza (the space, a former bar/club, was featured in the movie "Casino".) There are lots of kitschy touristy things under the canopy on Fremont Street that can be lots of fun (but do watch your wallet if you are watching the show projected from the giant video on the ceiling at night.) One time, they had these motorcycle riders in this giant steel hamster ball of death, riding three at a time. Good times.

This will be my FIRST vacation there! I have been there twice (2007 & 2008) for conferences, but I wasn't able to fully enjoy myself.....I really don't care for seeing the shows or entertainment, because I'm having twins in June, so my wife is letting me go for my last great gambling fix!! I've heard that once you have kids, casinos go bye bye! My Thursday night room at Paris is comped, and my Fri room is $40, and Sat is $60, so I wouldn't want to stay downtown on Thursday, because it's free at Paris! My gambling budget is probably around $800 for the weekend, so I'm definitely a high roller or anything, but I'm sure that should last me the whole weekend if I hit a couple small jackpots.....

Quote: IAchance5

This will be my FIRST vacation there! I have been there twice (2007 & 2008) for conferences, but I wasn't able to fully enjoy myself.....I really don't care for seeing the shows or entertainment, because I'm having twins in June, so my wife is letting me go for my last great gambling fix!! I've heard that once you have kids, casinos go bye bye! My Thursday night room at Paris is comped, and my Fri room is $40, and Sat is $60, so I wouldn't want to stay downtown on Thursday, because it's free at Paris! My gambling budget is probably around $800 for the weekend, so I'm definitely a high roller or anything, but I'm sure that should last me the whole weekend if I hit a couple small jackpots.....

Congratulations on the twins! I wish you and your family only the best of everything.

Downtown is worth a visit, but I wouldn't give up your strip room for it. However, if you plan on gambling the whole time, and not seeing the sights, $800 will go a lot farther at the lower limit, lower HE joints Downtown, than on the Strip. What will you do with the points you accrue in comps anyway?

It would be wiser to break up your gambling with other activities. An $800 bankroll can go pretty quickly at $15/hand minimums. Doing other things will limit your exposure to the relentless grind of the HA.

As for this being your last trip, I would disagree. That's why Grandparents, portable DVD players, and adjoining rooms were invented.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Downtown is worth a visit, but I wouldn't give up your strip room for it. .

I agree. Live it up on the Strip, what the heck. My wife and I still do that occasionally, the Strip people are better looking than Downtown people, dress better and spend a lot more on the tables. If I was going just to have fun, I would stay at the Wynn and have a blast.

Quote: Ayecarumba

Congratulations on the twins! I wish you and your family only the best of everything.

Downtown is worth a visit, but I wouldn't give up your strip room for it. However, if you plan on gambling the whole time, and not seeing the sights, $800 will go a lot farther at the lower limit, lower HE joints Downtown, than on the Strip. What will you do with the points you accrue in comps anyway?

It would be wiser to break up your gambling with other activities. An $800 bankroll can go pretty quickly at $15/hand minimums. Doing other things will limit your exposure to the relentless grind of the HA.

As for this being your last trip, I would disagree. That's why Grandparents, portable DVD players, and adjoining rooms were invented.

Thanks, where is the best place to play downtown? El Cortez? I like playing BJ, but also VP and $1 slots......any suggestions?

Slot returns downtown: the El Cortez reports the highest return percentages. Their players' club is pretty generous, with 0.2% cashback + about 0.05% comps, with frequent multipler days (2X available more often than not to any member). My next choice would be the Fremont, California, or MSS. I would avoid the Golden Nugget, and Fitzgerald's, though definitely a slot joint, has the loudest, most goddamn raucous atmosphere found anywhere, except maybe the Palms or the Hard Rock on a Friday night. I've had to leave when I started bleeding from my ears. The Four Queens is worth a shot because of its generous slot club; you can always get at least $10 free play and a 2-1 meal just for signing up, and they pay 0.25%. Stay out of Binion's unless you want to play live poker.

As far as video poker goes, the best games are at Main St. Station, though those games only make up a small portion of their inventory. The four-of-a-kind scratch cards, plus 10/7 Double Bonus (and a mediocre slot club), make this a good play. If you want to play the simplest game, Four Queens has .25 9/6 Jacks or Better; they also have 10/7 DB with reduced slot club points. The Las Vegas Club actually has a few remaining .25 20/7 Joker games that are the best you'll see, but those few games are not long for this world (as is, I suspect, the Vegas Club itself). Still, if you want to learn that strategy, it's a 100.6% game. The California has 10/7 DB and 9/6 JOB (though not with the scratch cards that MSS has). The Golden Nugget is a VP wasteland. The Fremont has a few decent games like fullpay Pick 'Em. Fitzgerald's has WHAT?? WHAT DID YOU SAY??? I CAN'T HEAR YOU! WHAT????

The best BJ is definitely at the El Cortez: one of the last few 3:2 single deck games in the city.

Quote: mkl654321

The Four Queens is worth a shot because of its generous slot club; you can always get at least $10 free play and a 2-1 meal just for signing up, and they pay 0.25%.

.

Four Queens is my fave place downtown to play BJ. Friendly people at the tables, good drink service if you tip them, nice dealers for the most part. You'll die of dehydration waiting for a drink at Binions.

Quote: IAchance5

Thanks, where is the best place to play downtown? El Cortez? I like playing BJ, but also VP and $1 slots......any suggestions?

Just keep in mind that only half the tables are single deck blackjack. The double deck game is not the best one downtown.

Craps are very good at El Cortez, with low minimums and 10X odds. The tables at Main Street have 20X odds, but are often crowded.

Many people stay at Golden Nugget because it is more upscale and play at El Cortez. Personally, I think the Tower rooms at El Cortez are a great bargain with nice views of the city (make sure you get south facing room as high as possible). The furniture is at least 25 years old and the bathrooms are small, but there is a sitting area and an oversized room. The cabana suites have nice rooms even though the building is old and dumpy.

El Cortez is celebrating 70 years in the business (longer than anyone else) this year. Jackie is 90 years old, so it may be your last chance to play poker with a legend.