Whether it's gambling tips, choosing the right hotel or finding out what's the hottest club, RateVegas is here to answer all of your questions.
Great Site! I feel I know more about Vegas reading reviews here than on any other site. I’m staying at the Venetian next week in a luxury vista view suite for $129/night. I was thinking about trying the $20 trick for an upgrade. My question is what kind of upgrade could I maybe try for? I want to keep a king bed so the only thing I saw was to upgrade to a Piazza suite which is $250/night more rack. Should I try or be happy with what I have? also, how many people do they squeeze on one of their gondolas. I’m trying to decide if I want to spend the extra for a private ride.
Thank you!
First off, your deal at the Venetian is already a good one. The Piazza suite is the next room type up the chain, which might be pretty hard to get with the $20 trick… As far as the gondola, it depends on how busy they are. I have seen up to five people in the larger gondolas.
Hi! Thank you for your service.
My question: I booked a room at Mandalay Bay through www.800govegas.com. Got a fantastic rate $69/night Sunday-Wendesday. It was more than a month ago. However, when I called to the hotel to confirm my reservation they didn’t find it in their computer and suggested to call 48 hours prior to arrival. Do I have to worry?
While I haven’t heard of that reseller, it is common for the hotel you’re staying with not to get the “bulk” reservations until a few days before the arrival date. 48 hours seems like a little too close to arrival though. Usually they have that info up to a week in advance. I would make sure that I had a phone number where I could reach a real human at the reseller in case there was a problem at check-in.
What hotel has the best jaccuzzi rooms? Not the high dollar monster suites but better then just an oversized bathtub for one.
Treasure Island’s Petite Suites are reasonably priced with a great jacuzzi tub… If you want a true jacuzzi (jets) you want to check TI, Luxor, NYNY, MGM Grand as well as the high-end places. If all you want is a large soaking tub, the Aladdin is a great bet.
Hey Hunter…
I was still looking for other properties with low rates in jacuzzi rooms. What do you know about St. Tropez suites ? Any other alternative off-strip ?
You might look into the Palms, the Rio, and the Orleans.
Great site!
Mostly hotels offer their rooms for $70~$100 which are Luxor,MGM,Aladin,TI,NYNY and Paris..
Which one is best hotel to be relaxed and enjoy?
Of that list, I would stick with the following, in this order: TI, Paris, Aladdin, MGM Grand, Luxor, NYNY.
I feel that’s how the quality level breaks down… If you’re looking for a great pool, I would probably rate them in this order: MGM Grand, Luxor, Paris, Aladdin, TI, NYNY.
Is that worth to stay at Treasure Island with spending extra $20 rather than stay at Aladin or MGM Grand?
Of those three properties, I certainly prefer Treasure Island personally. They are arguably of approximately the same quality level… MGM Grand is a HUGE property. The Aladdin is nice, but has its share of problems. I would go with TI.
Hunter, Im traveling with a friend this August to Vegas, What clubs and bars would you recommend for 2 guys Im 45 my friends 27
Dance clubs: Rain (Palms), Ra (Luxor), Light (Bellagio), Studio 54 (MGM Grand), rumjungle (Mandalay Bay), Drai’s (Barbary Coast), and Baby’s (Hard Rock).
Bars: Ghostbar (Palms – highly recommended), Voodoo Lounge (Rio), Jack’s Velvet Lounge (Venetian), Venus (Venetian), and Shadow (Caesars Palace).
That should get you started!
Hey Hunter..
Thank you for answer from my every questions..
Finally I booked MGM Grand and Monte Carlo on Aug 27-30. But I haven’t decided yet. Which hotel is newer, has nice room and easy to get center strip without car? And what if you mostly spend your day at the resort,which one would you go with
And my last question, which resort has nicer suite in case os $20 trick?…
The Monte Carlo is slightly newer than the MGM Grand… But only slightly… The MGM opened in December of 1993 and the Monte Carlo in June of 1996. If you stay at MGM Grand, make sure you get a room in the Grand Tower instead of the Emerald Tower. The latter are part of the old Marina hotel and the rooms are much smaller… I’ve stayed at both properties and I would have to say that I prefer the MGM Grand. The rooms have been recently remodeled and are nice… Monte Carlo might have a slightly better location if you want to focus on Center Strip properties, but the two hotels are almost across the street from one another.
Are there video games and attractions for children?
You might try Gameworks, next to the MGM Grand. They have a great selection of video games.
Does the Luxor Hotel provide internet access for their guests?
High-speed Internet access is not available at the Luxor at this time.
Looking to have an anniversary dinner at either Blackstones Steakhouse or The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s. We are staying at Monte Carlo, but would go to Harrah’s if the Range is better. Any recomendations?
The Range usually rates much higher with my readers… I haven’t tried Blackstone’s myself yet but from what I have read, I would stick with The Range. If you want to consider a few more choices, look at Delmonico at the Venetian, Prime at Bellagio, and Kokomo’s at the Mirage. All are excellent.
Hunter- your thoughts and views on Caesars Magical Empire Dinner and Magic Show? My wife and I will be going to Vegas in July staying at the Bellagio. Is it still around and do you think that its worth the $75.50 per person?
For your money you get a multi-course meal, served in a very unique environment, with magic going on all around. It is a lot of fun, and the food is good. I think everyone should do it at least once.
Do you know which hotels offer high speed internet access in the room? I know all rooms in the Aladdin do and 1/3 of the Venetian does but I was looking for more alternatives.
Thanks
Paris Las Vegas has it available in all guest rooms. Treasure Island offers the service in some guest rooms, but not all.
Are there any high-end hotels on the strip (with nice suites) or the vacinity that are known for being extremely accomodating to pets? I have a poodle that is extremely friendly, and I would like to maybe bring him to LV someday.
This is a tough one. Most resorts don’t allow pets for various reasons: cleanliness, liability, etc… I’ve heard that this can be arranged on a case-by-case basis, but I don’t think any of the resorts are particularly accomodating.
What would be the best Grand Canyon tour to take.
South rim or West rim?
Time nor money are a problem.
Thanks Hunter!
Both are spectacular, but South Rim is MUCH more crowded, because it is where the accomodations/hotels are…
does the Brown Derby still exist in the MGM?
No it does not. It was replaced by Nobhill, a new restaurant from the executive chef at Aqua (Bellagio).
My husband and I are going to vegas for the first time in September and we were wondering where to go for good food. We are looking for casual, moderately priced, american cuisine or steak restaurants. I would like to eat at the Stratosphere for the view, but not sure of their menu or cost.
I would try the Circus Circus Steakhouse. While the hotel itself leaves a bit to be desired, this is a hidden gem. Reasonable prices, great food. Make reservations though… As far as the ‘Top of the World’ at the Strat, good but expensive.
Hey Hunter
I allways see discounts for many shows in Las Vegas, but nothing for the Cirque Du solei or Blue Man show. No way to get a coupon or a lower rate on selected dates ?
Both of those shows are in such high-demand, they rarely offer any discounts. I don’t think Cirque shows are ever discounted, and I haven’t seen a Blue Man coupon for quite some time…
what are some fundamental ways to shuffel a six deck blackjack game?
Not sure I understand your question… A lot of shuffling in Strip casinos is done with ShuffleMaster automatic shuffling machines. Other than that, it can be done by hand…
First, I appreciate Hunter..
I have plan to go to Las vegas on August with my entire family members..I need to book two rooms and I haven’t decided which hotel is better to stay with my mother..
I’m thinking about between Flamingo and Harrah’s. Both of them offer the price range around $50.
So, Hunter which one is better to stay?
Personally I prefer Harrah’s… Why? Well, I think their casino is full of some of the friendliest dealers in Las Vegas. They are in a great location and offer a great value for your dollar. I have never been impressed with the Flamingo, though they do have a superior pool area if you are interested in that sort of thing. Have a great time!!
Does the Palms offer a free shuttle service to the Strip, if so where are the pickup points and what are the hours of operation? My E-mail to the Palms has gone un-answered.
At this point they do not offer shuttle service to the Strip… You can ride the Harrah’s<→Rio shuttle and then walk across the street. It leaves Harrah’s every 30 minutes, from their valet area, in the rear of the hotel. The walk from the Rio to the Palms is very short.
Is there a supermarket or a wallmart in the strip ?
There is a WalMart on Tropicana, past Eastern… This is not walking distance from the Strip, but not a bad trip by car. If you are looking for a drugstore, there is a Walgreens on the Strip next to the MGM Grand.
I am going to shoot a wedding this weekend and the reception is not far from the JW Mariott(Regent Las Vegas). Where are the best places to go outside this hotel for wedding couple photos?
The pool area at this resort is particularly nice. I would try to get some shots there. Good luck!
First off, this website is great. My wife and I are going to Las Vegas for the first time in September. My wife booked a Jacuzzi room at New York New York. I haven’t read many positive things about the hotel (Small rooms, noisy rollercoaster, small bathrooms). Is this place worth staying at as a first time visitor?
One thing to keep in mind is that the jacuzzi room is much larger than the standard rooms, which I was never that impressed with. It is true that the roller coaster can be noisy if your room is very close, but the latest it ever runs is until midnight. NYNY is in a great location and the casino staff is friendly. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
We are going to Las Vegas in mid-July and would like to know your recommendations for the hotel with the best rooms, best pool and best location without having to upgrade. We are considering the Bellagio or the Mirage as we have already stayed previously at the Mandalay Bay but I am worried that a regular room at the Mirage might be a little old. What you do you think??
While the rooms at the Mirage are slightly smaller than those at Bellagio, they have recently re-done all the guestrooms, so all furnishings are brand new! Both hotels are a great choice!
Does anyone know if the rooms in Luxor or the Strat have internet access complete with a “WebTv” type keyboard???
Neither hotel offers that service. If you are looking for a hotel that does, try Paris, Aladdin, or the Rio.
I will be staying at Harrah’s what should I ask for to get a decent view of say the Mirage. High room, corner room, Mardi Gras tower or the Carnaval Tower?
Thanks
Both can offer good views of the Mirage, but since the Carnival Tower is newer and nicer, I would probably try for that.
Let me say that I love your site!! It is one of the best Las Vegas sites on the internet.
My fiance and I are going to Las Vegas this October for our honeymoon. We have booked a mini suite at the Luxor. My fiance wants to get tickets to see Wayne Newton. If we get tickets, what is the appropriate attire for his show? How dressed up or down should we get? Is the attire similar for most shows in Las Vegas? Thanks for your help!
Thanks so much for the kind words!
There are some folks who feel that going to a show is an occasion to get dressed up, others don’t… Some of the shows do have some dress code (i.e. no shorts)… In general you should wear what you feel comfortable in… If you want to dress up, you won’t be the only people there dressed nicely. If you want to wear jeans, you won’t be the only ones there either… It is really a matter of personal preference. Have a great time!
My Wife and I are going to Vegas June 22-29, this time we are staying at the Rio, got a great, but the biggest requirement for us is the pool area. I have heard alot of differing opinions on this subject. Do you have any info, like are they crowded?, are they heated?, how is the drink service? etc. Thanx.
The pool area at the Rio is very nice, but at that time of year is sure to be crowded. I would expect less children than at some of the other properties… Most Las Vegas resorts don’t heat their pools in the summertime, since the temperatures are usually over 100F. Drink service at the Rio’s pool is about average… But the drinks are large!
A group of friends and I are coming to Las Vegas for New Year. We are staying at Ballys. Is it worth trying the $20 trick? As I know it is one of the busiest times of the year. Also what is the best things to do New Years Eve?
If there is any time of year this probably won’t work, it is New Years… You can try it, but to be honest, they will probably be fully booked, and the nicer rooms will probably already be spoken for…
I don’t think they have made any annoucements yet, but the last two years they have had an impressive fireworks display on the Strip at midnight. Also, there is a block party downtown at the Fremont Street Experience…
Hey Hunter
thanks for quick reply. Checking to other questions arround, maybe a big bath tub for two persons can be cheaper than a jacuzzi room. Can I still find this on a standart room on any of the hotels listed ? Wich ones ? If there is a hotel that offers free shuttle service to the strip, I can take that option too.
If you’re looking for big tubs, I would suggest the following places: Aladdin (standard room, huge tub), Bellagio, Mirage (suites only)… I would take a look at the Aladdin. They have nice rooms, decent prices, and the tubs are HUGE.
Hi there
Where can I get the cheapest hotel suite room with jacuzzi in the strip area for the month of July ?
Ive heard I can request a room like that at freemont but they will put me on a list for an additional US10.00 per day on weekdays. I dont want to wait or take chances.
Good choices for Strip hotels with jacuzzi’s in the room are Luxor, Monte Carlo, and Aladdin. If cost is your main concern, I would check there first. Still, that is an upgraded room and you will have to pay a certain premium no matter what. While the Fremont may offer that room at a low price, they are not on the Strip, but downtown.
LOVE YOUR SITE! We’re booked to stay at the Venetian July 5-8. They said our room is a low floor facing north (they’re doing construction on the southside). What do you think of that view? Would facing east or west be better? We’re not pressing for a high floor as it would cost $30 more per night and we’re already paying alot. Thanks so much.
Thanks!
Yes, the Venetian is doing construction southside, and a low room on that side would be staring right at the parking garage.
Facing North, you should get a nice pool view, along with Treasure Island, the Desert Inn site, and the Fashion Show Mall. It sounds good for a low floor choice.
Hi..
I stayed at Bally’s last week(21~23),and I used $20 trick when I check in. I got top floor suite room with
paris view on south tower. They offered $50 extra for this room. I booked a room $75 per night.The total was $135 per night.
Was it good deal or not..this is my first time to visit Las vegas..
It sounds like you got a great room. I stayed in one of those rooms once and it was quite large and a lot of fun. Did you enjoy the room? If so, it was a good deal!
This will be my first trip to Las Vegas. I am planning to stay in one of the moderate strip hotels – Treasure Island, Mirage, New York New York, etc. I would like to find a place that doesn’t require lots of walking – where the parking is close to the rooms and the rooms are fairly close to the casino, restaurants, pool, etc. Any ideas would be appreciated. I would also like to avoid smokers if that is possible. Thanks.
I would scratch NYNY off that list… The parking garage is quite a walk from the casino…
Both the Mirage and TI are fairly easy to navigate, but keep in mind that there is a certain amount of walking involved in all of these places, due to their sheer size. Both TI and the Mirage guest elevators empty out right into the casino.
All Las Vegas casinos have smokers, but they are also all fitted with fantastic ventilation systems, so you don’t smell smoke all around you…
Hunter,
I am wondering where would be the best place in Vegas to watch The Football World Cup. The main game I am interested takes place in the early hours of the 7th of June England V Argentina and I am looking for a young place to watch it. Is the sports bar at The Hard Rock a suitable venue??
Thanks
John
I think you probably want to stay away from the Hard Rock for this one, they have a very small sports book…
I would try Caesars Palace, Bellagio, or Ballys, they are all great places to watch the game. I might call ahead to make sure they’ll be broadcasting your specific event.
I trying to find out information about the Shalimar wedding chapel and would like to hear from anyone who’s been married in it.
I have heard that they are very professional and that it is a nice venue, though I haven’t actually been there to see it.
I have recently seen web specials for the Tower Suites at the Mirage for $ 189, and a suite at the Treasure Island for $165. Are these good deals? Which place do you prefer?
Both are great deals, which you will see all Summer long… The Mirage is a little more upscale, but with the recent re-model at TI, the rooms are very comparable. I prefer the atmosphere at TI – everyone seems to be having a great time.
My wife likes to get dresssed-up: Tux for me and evening gown for her. What’s the best in Vegas for a formal dress without being out of place?
Best what? Casino/Hotel? You won’t feel out of place at the Bellagio… The Venetian also, to some extent, though not like at Bellagio… I see people at the “B” all the time in tuxedos… and not just the dealers!
Hunter, I am planning to get married in Vegas and I’m wondering about the Flamingo chapel. It will be about 50 guests and non traditional. Do you know if the Flamingo has wedding parties standing in line waiting for the parties in the chapel to finish? I’m also wondering about the receptions there. I’m not looking for anything fancy, but tasteful. Thanks, Tanya
The chapel is not connected to the rest of the facility, it is in the garden area. I would assume that if there is another party using the chapel, your guests would have to wait. Does that answer your question?
Firstly, Great Site.
My wife & I are planning a trip in September so I have been checking out hotel prices on the web, I have found a lot of specials available but these seem to finish at the end of August, do you think there will be any specials in September if we are prepared to wait.We are planning to stay @ Ballys, Aladdin, Paris or the Flamingo, which would you recommend for a week long trip. Any advice would be appreciated.
Most of the summer specials are being advertised run through August… We may see some of fall specials being advertised in late June… From the list of hotels that you mentioned, I would probably pick Paris. Nice rooms and pleasant staff.
Coming to LV for my 5th Bachelor Party? Stayed at the Rio twice,MGM,& Maxim may it rest in peace. This year we are staying @ Ceasars. Every year we gamble, go to the Crazy Horse, Olympic Gardens & Golf . I have 10 guys coming out If you were us, what would you try to do this year? What are the cool clubs? Cool arcades? Would you call a stripper on those street publications. as oppose of going to a strip club? Any Advice about Caesars ?
P.S. for other readers, I think the RIO is one of the better values in LV. Thanks
The best dance clubs are Rain (Palms), Ra (Luxor), rumjungle (Mandalay Bay), Drai’s (Barbary Coast), Babys (Hard Rock), the Beach (Off-Strip, near Hilton), Studio 54 (MGM Grand), and Light (Bellagio).
There is a large video game arcade called Gameworks that is between the MGM Grand and the Aladdin. They have all the latest games.
As far as stripper vs. strip club, you’re probably safer going to strip clubs. You have a guarantee of variety and usually a higher quality offering…
Caesars is a great place… Lots of action in a huge casino. I’m sure you’ll have a great time there! Try to get a Palace Tower room, they are the newest and nicest.
We are staying at the Mirage in early June and we want to rent a cabana, their website says to call within 3 days of your visit. Is their any way to make sure we get a cabana for either friday or saturday?
Unless you are a high-roller, this could be difficult. Cabanas are hard to come by. My best advice would be to follow the procedure that they outline.
I wanted to know If any of the hotels provide child care or babysitting services. If there are no hotels can you give me contact information of trustworthy child care providers in the area.
As far as I know, none of the hotels provide any form of day care services. As far as recommending a child care professional, I would suggest using the Las Vegas yellow pages… Also, you might want to consider not bringing your children to Las Vegas if you don’t think you’d be able to spend any time with them while you are there.
I’ve heard rumblings about a culinary union strike the 1st of June. This can’t possibly mean that all restaurants in the strip hotels will be closed does it? I know that the Venetian is non-union, any others ?
Thanks in advance for the info !
It is possible there will be a strike, though I doubt it… In case there is, the following hotels would be affected: Ballys, Bellagio, Barbary Coast, Binions, Caesars Palace, Circus Circus, El Cortez, Excalibur, Fitzgeralds, Flamingo, Four Queens, Four Seasons, Fremont, Frontier, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Harrah’s, all Hiltons, Lady Luck, Las Vegas Club, Luxor, Main Street Station, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Mirage, Monte Carlo, NYNY, Paris, Rio, Riviera, Sahara, Stardust, Stratosphere, Treasure Island, Tropicana.
Since this would represent millions of dollars in lost revenue if the resorts could not stay open, the hotels have contingency plans and quite a incentive to negotiate.
What is the dress code for most night clubs (Ra, Studio 54, etc.)? I don’t want to show up and be turned away.
Basically no jeans, shorts, sandals, t-shirts, etc…
If you look “dressy”, you’ll be let in.
Had reservations at Treasure Island until they billed me too much too early. I cancelled and then made reservations at the Flamingo. I hear they have a great pool. I was wondering what rooms are the best? Do they have any rooms overlooking the strip that have balconies? Any info would help alot. Thanks for the great website.
They don’t have any balconies at the Flamingo. They do have rooms facing both South and West that have good views of the Strip. Have fun!
Love Binions downtown.
Heard they might close down over a spat with the Fremont St. Experience.
Arriving May 21 for a week.
Please tell us if things are ok!
The Horseshoe is in a legal dispute with the Fremont St. Experience regarding payment for maintenance of the canopy, etc… While some have speculated that they are in financial trouble, they are not closing down in the immediate future. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
Just booked at the Venetian in June… we’ve already stayed at NYNY, Bally’s, Paris and Monte Carlo. I think the Venetian is a good choice, but can you tell me where the best rooms are ie, floor, facing what way etc … thanks !
The Venetian is an excellent choice. I am sure that you will enjoy your stay there very much… In my opinion, the best rooms are always higher up… If you face North you’ll see Treasure Island and the Desert Inn site… South you’ll see more of the Strip, so this is probably the view that you want…
We have booked a stay at the Monte Carlo in October and were wondering if there are safes in the rooms?
Steve
No, unfortunately there are not. The front desk has a safe that you are welcome to use for no charge.
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