capeshores
Posted by capeshores
Apr 13, 2011

vegas trip

My husband and I are planning our first trip there in May,2011. I would like to stay where ther isn't just a young crowd. We are not ancient, but we don't want to be with alot of partying all day by the pool. We are in our mid 50's. Any suggestions?

Comments

FleaStiff
FleaStiff Apr 13, 2011

This might have been better as a thread but my personal reasoning would be:



If this is your first trip... aim a bit high. You can always lower your sights next time.



Your three primary options are: Downtown, Boulder Strip, or the Las Vegas Strip. These geography decisions for a first timer should be easy: The Las Vegas Strip! Its what everyone thinks of when they hear the word "Vegas".



On the pricey side: Wynn, Encore; Venetian, Palazzo; Avoid things on the Strip that are glorified Frat Houses such as O'Sheas. Avoid outright dumps such as Casino Royale. That is a place to go slumming, but don't stay there on your first trip. Its a real dump and is not what you want for a first trip memory. Steer clear of The Pink Chicken(the Flamingo). The Flamingo is cut rate, gets a younger crowd and is chock full of hookers. Its rooms are not rated highly for housekeeping. Its "Go Rooms" are marketed to twenty and thirty year olds even though overall it does get an older crowd at times. Its really a dirty property and is not worth the money. Now the best bargain in town is The Stratosphere but its a very low budget property and its off in the north strip area all by itself and not recommended for a first trip but for bargain hunters you do get value there.



Avoid Circus Circus: Its not just a younger crowd but its a real dump these days. Avoid Harrahs, Avoid the Imperial Palace. Particularly avoid eating at the Imperial Palace.



Remember, particularly on your first trip you will do alot of walking. Bring more socks and shoes than you normally would bring on a trip. You will everyone in town selling bottled water. There is a reason for it. Stay hydrated and wear sensible shoes.



Map out what you want to see and do. Bellagio Fountains? Bellagio Botanical Gardens? The Venetian's architecture? Shops? Shows?

Spas? (For spas its often not necessary to stay at the hotel to get the bargain prices, but its usually more convenient). Allow for some jet lag. Take plenty of rest breaks. I recommend gambling where you are staying since you might get comped that way. I also recommend booking your room directly with the hotel not through a site such as Expedia. Charge everything you can to your hotel room... if the casino looks favorably upon your gambling action, you can get Room, Food and Beverage comped. Or atleast some of it. Careful of the in-room minibar... if you lift the bottle up to look at it, a computer puts a charge on your bill after about forty seconds.



The new Cosmopolitan is a very leisurely place with erratic room rates and an orientation to the thirty somethings and up. Its fairly quiet and sedate though.

The Monte Carlo is a small casino and hotel that markets itself as a European Gaming Salon. Nice furniture, super clean rooms, great restaurants and shopping. Its not exactly a 50 year old crowd but no place really is. If you want a nice quiet place get a higher level room at the Monte Carlo.

Mandalay Bay is offering bargains but its hurting and its very pool oriented including what in Vegas is referred to as "European" bathing in some of its pools but not all of them. Its trying to market itself to the younger crowd but its hurting financially, thats why its offering such bargains.



The slightly off-strip Tuscany Resort Suites is a great bargain and has a great comp policy but its not for your first trip because on your first trip you want to be as on the strip as you can be, not a longish walk away from the strip at Tuscany.



On later visits you can explore Locals Casinos such as the M resort: bar none the best overall casino in town. Great room bargains, great buffet, good restaurants, great booze, good casino.. but its seven miles south of the strip and once you are there then there is no place else to go.

gambler
gambler Apr 13, 2011

I think FleaStiff had some great comments. You may also want to post this on the Forum instead of as a Blog so more people will respond to your questions. I will try to post some additional ideas later when I get off work.

PapaChubby
PapaChubby Apr 13, 2011

If you're reasonably budget-minded, I would suggest either Bally's or Paris. Both are in an excellent location in the middle of the Strip. Bally's is very basic and generally cheaper. If you want a little bit more luxury and ambiance, Paris costs a bit more. Neither are overrun by youngsters.

FleaStiff
FleaStiff Apr 14, 2011

Yeah, I'd say Paris edges out Bally's as being better in the food and general ambiance department. The roulette wheel is American though.



The main thing is to list what you want to do... you will NOT get thruogh your entire list and you will probably abandon the list fairly soon, but its good to know what you want to be near.



Alot depends on what games you like or think you might like. If you want big-table Baccarat you've only about four high end casinos to choose from. If you are content with MiniBacc virtually any place in town will be fine. If your gambling is even close to being at a rate where you might be comped then your choice of a casino can be critical. If you do table games at 25.00 and up the Strip Casinos such as The Venetian and The Wynn will be happy to rate your play. If you are at a lower level of play, Paris might be a much better deal for you. Always be absolutely certain to join the various Players Clubs. It will not hurt and can help a great deal. Most places do not allow a host to do anything for players who do not have a players club card.