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rdw4potus
rdw4potus
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June 2nd, 2010 at 9:33:45 AM permalink
I am working on booking a trip to Vegas in October. Harrah's will comp my room (basic room) at any of the 6 properties listed above. While I'm in Vegas I will be traveling around town quite a bit. I will rent a car. I'll play quite a bit while I'm in town, probably with a bankroll in the neighborhood of $5k and probably mostly at the casino I stay at. Where do y'all think I should stay?
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
thlf
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June 2nd, 2010 at 9:49:08 AM permalink
I've stayed at them all, and now we stay mostly at Bally's given the same options as you. Bigger rooms, gaming is gaming when is comes to the evil empire, and the location is the best.
Nareed
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June 2nd, 2010 at 9:56:49 AM permalink
If you're renting a car, then Rio is probably best for you. The rooms are huge, they have an in-room safe and coffee maker, and the location allows you to avoid the Strip and its traffic easier.
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DJTeddyBear
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June 2nd, 2010 at 10:56:38 AM permalink
Of Harrah's properties, I've only stayed at Rio and Flamingo.

This coming September I'm staying at Imperial Palace. I think I'm already regretting the decision, but as long as it's not a Roach Motel, I'm OK with it. I got four nights free, and one night for $40. The other properties didn't even come close.

My impressions of the others comes from my brief passing thru visits, and discussions here.

If you have a car, there's no question about it. Rio. That's what I voted for.

If not, stay at Paris. It's the most elegant as far as I recall, although others may have other opinions.
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Doc
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June 2nd, 2010 at 12:07:28 PM permalink
I concur on the Rio (provided you have a car). My wife and I stayed there our three visits so far this year. We have also stayed at Bally's several times and Harrah's once (maybe twice). We much prefer the big rooms at the Rio.

Since I always rent a car, I go many places besides the strip. When we do go to the strip, I park at Bally's/Paris, Mirage, TI, Venetian, Wynn, Bellagio, Luxor ... wherever we want to visit -- they are all very convenient for parking, and there is a free lot quite close to anything you might want to see. If we want to drop by the MGM (see the lions or something), I always park at the Trop, in the lot right across from the MGM entrance. It is more convenient than actually parking at the MGM.

Downtown, I usually park in the Binion's lot, free for maybe 4 hours with self-validation next to the cashier cage.

My betting level is low enough that I don't think Harrah's properties in Vegas track me at all any more, so it doesn't really matter whether I play where I stay or not. They seem to pay more attention to my red chips in Tunica, Laughlin, and Biloxi.
rdw4potus
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June 2nd, 2010 at 12:39:34 PM permalink
Quote: Doc



My betting level is low enough that I don't think Harrah's properties in Vegas track me at all any more, so it doesn't really matter whether I play where I stay or not. They seem to pay more attention to my red chips in Tunica, Laughlin, and Biloxi.



To be honest, I'm surprised to be treated like this by Harrah's. So far this year (and in my life), I've visited 3 of their properties (Joliet, Hammond, and Southern Indiana) and played for a total of about 5 hours. I guess I play a high dollar amount, usually $100/hand Pai Gow Poker or Blackjack. But that amount of play doesn't come anywhere near what would be required to comp 3 nights at Horseshoe Southern Indiana next week AND 5 nights in Vegas. Part of me wants to just book now to get this done before they figure out that I'm a guppie and not a whale.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
likeplayingcrapsandbj
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June 2nd, 2010 at 12:56:35 PM permalink
Check what room they have you in for free. They have a little motel out back they tried to put me in.
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Keyser
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June 2nd, 2010 at 1:17:53 PM permalink
The Rio has the best buffet in LV, by far, but if you're not renting a car, then it's too far off the strip. The rooms are also very nice.

Paris will give you the best walking options.
thlf
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June 2nd, 2010 at 1:57:54 PM permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBear

Of Harrah's properties, I've only stayed at Rio and Flamingo.

This coming September I'm staying at Imperial Palace. I think I'm already regretting the decision, but as long as it's not a Roach Motel, I'm OK with it. I got four nights free, and one night for $40. The other properties didn't even come close.

My impressions of the others comes from my brief passing thru visits, and discussions here.

If you have a car, there's no question about it. Rio. That's what I voted for.

If not, stay at Paris. It's the most elegant as far as I recall, although others may have other opinions.



Whatever you do ask for a room far away from the harrahs masquerade thing. noise is terrible.
toastcmu
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June 2nd, 2010 at 2:15:23 PM permalink
I've stayed at Harrah's - facing away from Carnival Court (Mardi Gras Tower I believe) in a Deluxe (I think they are luxury rooms now) - It was a fine room, but to me, the layout of the casino wasn't conducive to me. They didn't have many blackjack or Pai Gow tables open at the off hours I would wander down, for some reason, last July. Given your bankroll, I'd suggest Paris as I like the ambiance of it. Caesar's obviously is the top of the Harrah's food chain. Blackjack rules are marginally better for Paris as they tend to offer surrender, but it will be not as good as the MGM shops across the street. :)

-B
boymimbo
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June 2nd, 2010 at 2:21:11 PM permalink
By far, take the Paris. It is the most luxurious of the six. Pay the $20 trick and get the rooms facing the Bellagio fountain. You are center strip. I like the ambiance the most too and you are only a short walk across to the Bellagio, indoors to Ballys, and next door to MGM and Planet Hollywood. Having a car is not a factor; all of the parking garages are free. Rules wise, all of Harrah's casinos features the horrendous 6:5 blackjack and 1-3-6 3 card, but at your bankroll that shouldn't be a factor. If you play Video Poker, none of these casinos are particularly forgiving either.

But for room quality and location, not much beats the Paris, facing the fountains.
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teddys
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June 2nd, 2010 at 2:27:24 PM permalink
Paris, no question.
--------------------
They don't usually comp Paris for new players. I'm a platinum and I've only been offered the Imperial, Rio, Flamingo, Harrah's and Bally's. So take it while you can get it.
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Traffic isn't horrible. Just valet your car and take it out when you need it. The parking garage is easy to get to off of Koval the back way around. Turning into Paris off the strip can by a hassle if there are a lot of people on the sidewalk.
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SanchoPanza
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June 4th, 2010 at 6:28:10 AM permalink
Quote: teddys

Paris, no question. . . . The parking garage is easy to get to off of Koval the back way around.


Agreed on Paris.

Koval is across large parking lots. To get to the garage, take Harmon to Audrie La. (or St.) and pass the entrance to the Planet Hollywood garage. Do not go all the way to the end of the street, as the dead end can be a messy turnaround if the tractor trailers are making deliveries.
kenarman
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June 4th, 2010 at 7:33:24 AM permalink
Quote: teddys

Paris, no question.
--------------------
They don't usually comp Paris for new players. I'm a platinum and I've only been offered the Imperial, Rio, Flamingo, Harrah's and Bally's. So take it while you can get it.



I would go with Paris. I stayed at the Rio for the first time last November and don't like the hotel. Without a vehicle it really sucks but even with a car I won't stay there again.

I am suprised Teddy that with your rating you don't get your choice of hotels including Caesars if you are selective about dates. When I go on-line and check the discount calendar (after my wifes $500.00 bankroll of penny slot play last November) we can get at least 2 free nights at any property including Caesars and more at most.
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
Melman
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June 4th, 2010 at 8:00:08 AM permalink
Quote: Doc

Downtown, I usually park in the Binion's lot, free for maybe 4 hours with self-validation next to the cashier cage.



For what it's worth, I did this earlier this week - you get 3 hours free. Binion's garage is so huge (3 separate garages, actually), I don't see why they limit it. Probably to prevent people from living in there. And I imagine that sections or maybe entire garages are closed off nowadays.
Doc
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June 4th, 2010 at 9:58:22 AM permalink
I have always assumed that the Binion's lot had this validation process so that people working downtown don't just park there all day every day for free. It is intended for people who will spend a few hours downtown, and the validation stamp requires that you at least walk through their casino.
likeplayingcrapsandbj
likeplayingcrapsandbj
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June 4th, 2010 at 10:03:15 AM permalink
You can get 3 hours for free at 4 Q's. Then get it stamped every 3 hours at players club.
Last Man at the Table
slyther
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June 4th, 2010 at 11:25:20 AM permalink
I've stayed at Flamingo (Go Room), IP, and Rio. Both Flamino and Rio were crawling with timeshare salesmen which really bugs me. I liked Rio and Flamingo pools. I'd prob pick Paris even though I've never stayed there.
likeplayingcrapsandbj
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June 7th, 2010 at 2:29:08 PM permalink
I am going next week. I have my choice of these Bally's, Harrah's, Flamingo, I.P. Has anybody stayed at these and which one is the cleanest.
Last Man at the Table
Tiltpoul
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June 7th, 2010 at 3:18:11 PM permalink
My vote goes to Paris. I've stayed at Bally's, Flamingo and Paris. Flamingo was the least favorite of the three, simply because the gaming options are worse than horrible (The ONLY thing I played there was Mini Pai Gow). Bally's is okay; they used to have, IMO, the best buffet option in the Big Kitchen. It offered a great view of the strip, the same food as Paris at half the price, and nearly no wait. Alas, that's gone.

Paris is elegant and the rooms are beautiful. Without the 20 dollar trick, they put me up in Fountain room (I am Diamond though). The gaming options are most affordable and best between Bally's and Paris. I should point out that if you like Ultimate Texas Hold'Em, both casinos (at least in February) were offering the bonus Trips bet with less than a 1% house edge. I found the comp rate to be extremely good on those games too. I wouldn't be surprised if those tables have changed significantly, but if they haven't, it will be one of your better poker game options.
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PapaChubby
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June 7th, 2010 at 3:20:53 PM permalink
Quote: likeplayingcrapsandbj

I am going next week. I have my choice of these Bally's, Harrah's, Flamingo, I.P. Has anybody stayed at these and which one is the cleanest.



Amongst those four, Bally's is definitely your best bet.
likeplayingcrapsandbj
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June 7th, 2010 at 3:29:34 PM permalink
what is IMO and where is the Big Kitchen.
Last Man at the Table
Tiltpoul
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June 7th, 2010 at 3:33:35 PM permalink
IMO= In my opinion... I saw someone else use the phrase and kind of liked it.

Big Kitchen Buffet no longer exists, but it was upstairs behind the Jubilee theatre, very hidden. On one trip to Vegas, I think I ate there like 4 times... it really was THAT good.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
likeplayingcrapsandbj
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June 8th, 2010 at 7:16:37 AM permalink
We decided on Bally's for 2 nights and then over to theHotel for the weekend. We did the Harrahs buffet 3 weeks ago and will try it again. This time we decided Rio for lunch(6 types of fresh made to order Asian foods), Ceasers for late Dinner. Decided to have brunch the next day to finish off the 24 hours. Where is the best brunch or does it matter? Paris is out because of the lines. This is still the best deal in town. Three meals for $35.
Last Man at the Table
docsjs
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June 8th, 2010 at 9:02:10 AM permalink
Paris is no doubt the best of ther bunch. Last time I was at a Harrahs property, they treated me so badly, as far as comps for play, that I will not play there any more. They can keep their promotions. I will stay elsewhere.
likeplayingcrapsandbj
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June 8th, 2010 at 9:16:03 AM permalink
I agree with you on the comps. I only play at Ceasers for the atmosphere at night. The lines are aweful at Paris. Last time we got to Paris at 645 am for the 7am breakfast and the line was already forming. Paris tries to get you to pay the premium price to cut in line but once inside it is packed. The need a bigger room.
Last Man at the Table
docsjs
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June 8th, 2010 at 9:34:51 AM permalink
Love the buffet at Paris for breakfast. Best in LV. No wait for Diamond players.
Nareed
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June 8th, 2010 at 10:00:47 AM permalink
Quote: likeplayingcrapsandbj

This is still the best deal in town. Three meals for $35.



Oh, but you can easily make it four meals. The pass is good for 24 hours. Meaning if you buy it at, say, 9 pm Monday, it's good until 9 pm Tuesday. So you get dinner at 9 pm, then breakfast and lunch the next day, then dinner again at 8 or so (best to leave some margin).

The lines for dinner, at Rio and paris, are worst between 6 and 8 pm.
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likeplayingcrapsandbj
likeplayingcrapsandbj
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June 8th, 2010 at 10:08:13 AM permalink
That is what we did last time. By the third meal food was the last thing on our minds. So full.
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Nareed
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June 8th, 2010 at 10:14:35 AM permalink
Quote: likeplayingcrapsandbj

That is what we did last time. By the third meal food was the last thing on our minds. So full.



I can understand that.

Anyway, is anyone else up to the challenge of getting 7 meals at the seven different venues in 24 hours? I realize this would include a meal at IP, which goes above and beyond.

By meal I do mean a meal, coffee and dessert doesn't count.
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rdw4potus
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June 8th, 2010 at 11:33:31 AM permalink
Quote: Nareed

I can understand that.

Anyway, is anyone else up to the challenge of getting 7 meals at the seven different venues in 24 hours? I realize this would include a meal at IP, which goes above and beyond.

By meal I do mean a meal, coffee and dessert doesn't count.




My plan for my October trip is to hit every casino on the strip (plus the Rio) between noon on sunday 10/17 and the morning of monday, 10/18. I'll be at each of the casinos anyway, so I may have interest in the challenge. What would be my theoretical prize? All of the finest muffins and bagels in the land?
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
Nareed
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June 8th, 2010 at 11:40:06 AM permalink
Quote: rdw4potus

My plan for my October trip is to hit every casino on the strip (plus the Rio) between noon on sunday 10/17 and the morning of monday, 10/18. I'll be at each of the casinos anyway, so I may have interest in the challenge. What would be my theoretical prize? All of the finest muffins and bagels in the land?



Prize? How about the ever-lasting respect of glutonous, childish gamblers? :)

BTW I hear on some cruise ships seven meals a day are routine.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
likeplayingcrapsandbj
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June 8th, 2010 at 12:02:59 PM permalink
I can eat a lot and after three full meals at three buffets the last thing I wanted was another buffet(full). My plan 3 weeks ago was to eat at all 7 buffets and get my $35 worth but only made it to 3 buffets(700 breakfast, 5:00 dinner, 700 breakfast). Maybe you have to go to the bad ones first and eat just a little. The regular RIO buffet was so good that did me in.
Last Man at the Table
Doc
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June 8th, 2010 at 12:06:31 PM permalink
Quote: Nareed

BTW I hear on some cruise ships seven meals a day are routine.


When I first started cruising in the 1970s, ships typically served four major meals a day in their main dining rooms -- the usual three plus a midnight buffet. They also had a few places on board where you could pick up something small outside of the dining room at certain times; e.g., pizza at 2 a.m., early-riser's coffee and sweet rolls, afternoon tea, etc.

Cruises I have been on in more recent years have the usual three in the main dining room, a late-night buffet a couple of times a week, and other casual food service locations (typically cafeteria style service) where you can dine essentially any time you want up until late night. You could eat continuously or have a dozen meals a day, if you wanted. When they finally shut down the food service areas at perhaps 11 p.m. or midnight, you have to order your food from room service. (What a nuisance.) We become so accustomed to food being constantly available that it is annoying when one service line is shut down for half an hour to change over from one meal to the next, and we actually have to walk to the other side of the ship to get some food.

Yes, I am overweight.
Nareed
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June 8th, 2010 at 1:27:42 PM permalink
Quote: likeplayingcrapsandbj

I can eat a lot and after three full meals at three buffets the last thing I wanted was another buffet(full). My plan 3 weeks ago was to eat at all 7 buffets and get my $35 worth but only made it to 3 buffets(700 breakfast, 5:00 dinner, 700 breakfast). Maybe you have to go to the bad ones first and eat just a little. The regular RIO buffet was so good that did me in.



Well, you can get your money's worth at any single buffet.

On vacation I tend to eat only breakfast quite early and dinner rather late, it saves money. But with the harrah's offer I simply had less for breakfast in order to fit in lunch.

I still planned to visit 6 buffets (I did plan to skip IP), and I nearly did. What got me was the walking. Too much walking. I figured finding the buffet at Caesars would require a few more miles than I was willing to walk.

It's still a great deal.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
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