Stupid kid going to Vegas for New Years. [Archive]

gamalicious

09-29-2005, 07:45 AM

Hey Guys,

I'm a 22 year old going to Vegas for New Year's to party like a wild man. This will be my first time in Vegas, and I want it to be super awesome. However, being 22, my budget isn't super awesome. Here's some questions I have for anyone willing to help:

1.) Where are the good craps games? I got into craps recently. I know this statement immediately doesn't jive with the fact that I have a limited budget, but I'd love to even watch, let alone play. Mostly I'm looking for a $5 game, which may be rare on ANY table at the time I'm going (at least from what I've heard).

2.) I'm looking for cheap eats. I have seen a good deal of reviews on the thread for dining out and will continue to read them, but there aren't many "budget" options on there. If anyone else is a cheapo like me, and wouldn't mind reviewing some of the less extravagant options available (especially if there are any on the strip)

3.) Any other random must-sees/secrets to Las Vegas. There's always nuances in certain places. For example, I heard at certain casinos they will comp you cigars while playing, but you have to specifically ask. Other things I'd love to know include comping based on looks (I'm young and could dress to look like I'm rich, but I doubt it'll do much unless I throw down cash), free stuff, cheap drinks (in case I'm not in the mood for playing)

4.) Further tips on staying in the Excalibur. This fact also doesn't jive with my budget, but I splurged a bit and am going with three others. I saw one post on it, but it seems that no one is posting there anymore.

5.) Good clubs and/or places to party, especially on New Years. I have heard about the party in the street, which suits my budget, but any tips from people who have been there for New Years would be mega helpful.

6.) Other budget tips. Personally, I plan on eating breakfast every morning in my room. And by breakfast I mean a PB&J sandwich, which if you did not know, is one of the best breakfasts in the world.

Well, hope you guys fill up this post!

fungirl

09-29-2005, 08:35 AM

Okay, first of all have an awesome time!!!

Craps game-Don't play myself but have heard wonderful things about the Craps at Casino Royale. It's located right next door to Venetian and has wonderful odds (so I'm told) and cheap tables!!

Cheap Eats-Hmmm...do you really need to eat anything other than the PB&J everyday? LOL! Nothing comes to mind off hand, sorry!

Free Stuff-All you have to do is ASK! Make sure you join the player's club whereever you're gambling. After a while just ask for a pass to the buffet or cafe. I've heard of many people being surprised that their level of play would earn them a dinner buffet or such.

Tips on Staying at Excalibur-Stay as far away from the kids as you can! LOL! There are tons of little kids staying here and at Circus Circus. The themes of these places attract kids and their families. Crazy but true! LOL!

Clubs-Never been to one myself as I prefer to sit at a table and gamble at night!But have heard that Tangerine and TI is good and anything at the Hard Rock is cool. Being NYE you may find that several of them are closed due to private parties or are invitation only on that night.

Other budget Tips-Check out cheapovegas.com They have a site full of cheap eats and tips for the Vegas traveler on a budget! Good luck and have fun!!!

slugr

09-29-2005, 08:44 AM

First of all dressing rich won't make it. They will see thru you walking up to the table if not by your second bet for sure and I'll take that bet. Next if you want to save money eat to real meals two a day one being breakfest ham eggs hashbrowns will fill you up till nite. Many casinos have a great deal for under $4.00 it more than worth it . Less than one throw of the dice! Next eat at the buffet there. It will take about 1 1/2 hours to get to it cheap! Then you will go to your room wonder why you did it. Not that good but you wanted cheap and alot you got it. After you get well then go to downtown where you should have stayed in the first place and play cheap craps as low as $.25 at the Golden Gate also stay at the Gold Spike the next time nice clean cheap rooms. To me it sounds like the strip is out of your league go out there to look but play down town many great places. Thats where to real stuff happens it's all fake out there on the strip. Sounds like you better put only so much money in envlopes and open one each day or you will have a lot of siteseeing to do after the first day. Look when your downtown no kids not like where your staying. Good luck many more trips I hope for you.

slugr

09-29-2005, 09:09 AM

Found something else for you. Look in members coroner at the post Fremont street tips. Then think how great it must be on new years. One tip they close it off after get so many people there so go early its a ball that nite.

chris5984

09-30-2005, 10:27 AM

Cheap gambling on the Strip. - Casino Royale. They also have $1.00 bottle beer if you wanting to get a cheap buzz. Slots of Fun is also cheapo.

There are plenty of cheap eats to be found if you don't mind eating fast food crap. The Riviera has a snack bar that had $1 pizza slices that were ok.

As for parting. Las Vegas is one giant party. You should have not problem even on a budget. Liquor up at the cheap spots before heading to the nicer ones.

Check out cheapovegas.com They have prices on about everything.

Have a great time.

BobK

09-30-2005, 10:40 AM

Craps - I second the Casino Royale. Also, go downtown to Binions, LV Club and the Golden Gate.

Cheap Eats - Golden Gate (99 cent shrimp cocktail); also the coffee shops at the locals' casinos (Terrible's; Gold Coast; Orleans) are also a good deal.

As for "Cheap" New Year's fun, good luck. The bars kick up the covers and the strip casinos kick up the limits. You're better off trying to go downtown and party on the street.

Since you are at the Excalibur with three others, I HIGHLY recommend you rent a car. Excalibur to Fremont St. is $20 each way. With a rental you will get more for your money.

gamalicious

09-30-2005, 02:46 PM

Hey BobK. That may be a very valuable piece of info. I take it that is not a walkable distance? What about the monorail? I'm going to be there in December-Jan, so the heat won't be a problem, but I doubt I'll want to walk 4 miles either. Keep posting everybody! Thanks!

sonntex

09-30-2005, 03:10 PM

Walking from one end of the strip, Mandalay Bay to Statosphere, is a looong hike.

The monorail would not be beneficial to you as it only goes from one end of the strip to the other. I agree that in your case, a rental car would be economical if you plan to go around to a lot of places. Especially, if you want to go to some of the places off the strip and downtown. You could split the rental fee and come out way ahead. Tram, shuttle, and monorail fees are per person.

The car rental companies have free shuttles at the airport that take you right to their lot. They will give you a map of Vegas. It's not hard to drive in Vegas. It's not really that big.

Get a map of Vegas at one of the websites before you go, then take it from there.

chris5984

09-30-2005, 04:36 PM

The only problem I have with rental cars is that you should be sober. That's pretty hard to do in Vegas. Hell I've taken the CAT (bus) a few times downtown. Its a little scary at night bu it's cheap.

kestral

09-30-2005, 05:16 PM

I agree the problem with a rental car is somebody's gotta be the designated driver. You just gotta plan where you want to be and when, then do the bus or taxi thing.

Cheap eats - yep, the pb&j is the best breakfast! i found I saved $$ eating in Vegas by eating a modest breakfast (coffee and pastry or yogurt or fruit) then a good size late lunch (good way to eat a buffet dinner for lunch prices, if its one of the places that doesn't close between lunch/dinner) then a late night graveyard special- could be breakfast stuff, could be steak or prime rib whatever

And if you get tired of your pbj - Excaliber has a Krispy Creme where they are makeing the donuts onsite, so you can them hot and fresh!

BobK

10-03-2005, 10:25 AM

While you CAN take the monorail to the Sahara and then walk downtown, you will go through some undesirable areas. Not criminal necessarily, but commercial space where there are few, if any, tourists at all. You can hop a cab from the Sahara to downtown though.

But, if you have 4 guys, you can get downtown and back for $10 each in a cab. For daytime I would recommend a rental car so you can take advantage of the cheaper eats at the locals casinos.

sonntex

10-03-2005, 12:49 PM

When we go to Vegas, we eat twice a day-late breakfast buffet and early dinner buffet. Seems to be the cheapest and healthiest for us.

There is a Denny's next to Casino Royale and an IHOP in the Riviera/Circus Circus area on the north side that has 2-for-1 coupons.

Try the billhere.com website, they have a lot of coupons for good deals on food.

CeeJayRocker

10-03-2005, 07:17 PM

Take the monorail to the Sahara, then the 301 downtown . . . . . More than $2 entertainment, and you get a bus ride as well . . . . .

wildpitcher

10-03-2005, 08:44 PM

Try the Barbary Coast on the strip at Flamingo. They normally have very good $5 craps. Don't know if they jack it up for New Year's, though.

Have a blast!

gamalicious

10-04-2005, 06:25 AM

So you guys may have convinced me to get a rental car (though I heard they jack up the price if you're under 25).

Any good suggestions on sites to see outside of town? I'm in Ohio right now and have only been as far west as Colorado, so just about anything will be great. I'm thinking maaaaybe the Hoover Dam (but that's 2 hours away I believe) and other than that I'm just looking for suggestions. Nothing off road for me though, as I'll most likely end up renting a Dodge Neon because I'm cheap.

Thanks for all your help from a stupid kid! Heh.

BobK

10-04-2005, 06:41 AM

kestral

10-04-2005, 07:09 AM

That is easy to get to - you can do it in a morning and be back at the Strip by lunch, or you can spend the whole day. If you are a rock climber they have some outstanding climbs (best to sign up with a local tour guide for that) Or, you can take some well marked hikes there.

It is great scenery for us Easterners.

But that is one thing you can't do without a car. Well there are some local tours, but I wouldn't bother for Red Rock.

I believe you should NOT rent a car. Use the monorail, use taxis, use the buses. Assuming you guys want to party - especially New Years. Traffic will be terrible for driving, and the police will be looking for DWI.

And you might want to decided where you want to be on new years and stick to that area. At some point I believe they close the Strip to cars?

I forget - did you say this was your first trip? No matter what you plan, you will probably only do half. Thats okay, you'll get addicted to the place and you'll be back.

And, please thank us for all the help by posting a Trip Report after your great new years eve trip. We love to hear about Vegas from all ages and perspectives around here.

kestral

10-04-2005, 07:18 AM

How long will your trip be? Can you split your stay between a downtown hotel around New Years and a strip hotel the other nights?

A rule of thumb booking Vegas hotels: Book now, but then keep looking. Just make sure you are not booking something with a nonrefundable deposit (usually a package or through a room broker, not the hotel itself) They will charge your CC for the first night, but will refund if you cancel by their rules.

Sign up online at every hotel website, you should start getting email offers. However for New Years I don't know. Depends on how well they sell.

And, I never thought I'd hear the Excaliber descibed as
splurging. Please check out the Imperial Palace, Casino Royale,and Barbary Coast for cheaper rooms midstrip (near Casino Royale and O'Shea's cheap gambing!) You won't be staying at a mega resort, but you also won't be staying at a resort with the most kids per square inch, next to Circus Circus.

When it all comes down to it - don't sweat the details too much. Whereever you stay you will have a fabulous time. VLVB,Y!

BigSlick

10-04-2005, 07:26 AM

Went out there last year and it was very cool. You can do it in less than half a day and the dam is well worth the trip. Both are every close and worth the time. Now for the brothels, STAY AWAY! We drove all the way to the chicken ranch and the "women" were awful. Try your luck in any of the nightclubs and you'd be better off.

marmirdc

10-04-2005, 08:38 AM

Casino Royale is a great place to play craps. and then you can go next door to Harrahs and catch the shuttle over to Rio and then walk across the street to the Gold Coast for a very good, yet afordable buffet, and some decent tables over there, but I don't know what they will be like over New Years Eve..The Palms also has a decent buffet and not too badly priced, although they did just raise their prices by $1..
Have a great time..I have always wanted to be there over New Years, maybe one of these days!...

Jilara

10-06-2005, 05:41 PM

"Any good suggestions on sites to see outside of town? I'm in Ohio right now and have only been as far west as Colorado, so just about anything will be great. I'm thinking maaaaybe the Hoover Dam (but that's 2 hours away I believe) and other than that I'm just looking for suggestions. Nothing off road for me though, as I'll most likely end up renting a Dodge Neon because I'm cheap."

Hoover Dam, yes! Though I don't know if they've resolved the traffic mess with them redoing the road to the dam, earlier this year. There was a nasty backup because of the construction, then. You will find a parking garage on the left as you approach the dam. Turn in and pay to park. Then walk through everything. It's worth it. It's completely awesome, and you'll see some amazing statuary and other things, as you walk from the parking garage to the dam.

Red Rock Canyon is fairly close and roads are good, unlike the more challenging roads out at Valley of Fire. I doubt they have much rock-climbing in Ohio, but there's some pretty great places to do it (or watch others rock-climbing) out there.

BTW, there's a whole collection of fast food places adjoining Harrahs, ranging from Oriental to hamburgers, Subway, etc. You might want to keep that in mind for cheap eats. Really close to Casino Royale, home of $1 beer and lower-budget tables.

llund

10-11-2005, 02:16 PM

Your first trip to Vegas, you are only 22 and its New Years - sounds fantastic! Because this is your first trip you should not need to rent a car unless you will be there more then three full days. There will be so much for you to do and see on the strip that renting a car will be a waste. If you are staying longer check the rates it might be cheaper just to rent the car the last few days of your trip. If staying long enough to get off the strip, be sure to go downtown, everything is cheaper there and much more conveniently located.

I also like to play craps and the advice you have received so far is good, Casino Royale and Barbary Coast. Casino Royale has some of the best odds in town and usually very low table limits although I have never been to Las Vegas for New Years so cannot comment on table limits at that time.

For cheap food I would encourage you to try a few places my husband and I usually hit during our stays. One is Ellis Island which is behind Ballys. Walk one block down Flamingo Road between Barbary Coast and Bally's, Ellis Island is across the street from the back of Ballys. They have a $4.95 steak special that comes with salad, potato and green beans. We also like the late night specials at the Victorian coffee shop at the Barbary Coast. If you will be downtown go to the California for the prime rib special which comes with salad bar, potato, (vegetable?) and Cherries Jubilee for dessert for $6.00 (give or take a few cents). Because you are on a budget and because I have always found it to be a fun site I encourage you to look at http://www.bigempire.com/vegas/. This site is subtitled "Las Vegas on 25 Cents a Day" and has a listing of cheap food and gambling.

Have a great time!

frienddelilah

10-11-2005, 03:03 PM

It will be hard to find $5 tables around new years. My suggestion to you is sleep during the day. Around 3am you should be able to find $5 tables. Around excalib your best would be the dump called Holiday inn boardwalk. It also has cheap food. The buffet is horrible but cheap. If you can eat fried chicken and mashed potatoes all day it might suit you though. The boardwalk also has fast food stand on the 1st floor by the sportsbook. pretty cheap not great but will fill you up. If you go up the strip the burger palace at the Imperial palace is cheap and not bad for fast food. You will also find a good chance at $5 tables there, also try O'sheas and Barbary coast for cheap drinks and tables.

Pops904

10-12-2005, 11:35 PM

You can't beat downtown along Freemont for cheap eats and cheap booze!
The Freemont Casino has 99 cent margaritas at all of it's bars, and if you tip the bartender a buck for each round they will get to recognize you and start adding extra shots to the already potent machine mix. On the second floor of casino that's at the Corner of Freemont and Main there is a cafe/sports bar called "The Upper Deck" that has great food and service at "Denny's" prices.
Off strip, the buffet at The Gold Coast is good and very affordable for lunches.
On the strip. SlotsOFun/Circus-Circus (they share the same space) are kinda dirty and run down, but cheap for most everything, especially beer!
(Stay away from the 99 cent half-pound hot dogs, though..they are just plain NASTY!)
If you want to splurge a little for dinner, there is an Outback Steakhouse on the second floor of Casino Royale that doesn't cost any more than an Outback in any other city, but the front windows overlook the volcano at the Mirage, so during the course of a normal dinner you get a great view of the volcano erupting 2 or 3 times.
Harrah's is a main cheap transportation hub! From there you can catch free shuttles to Rio (then walk across the street to The Palms or Gold Coast), or catch a free shuttle to Sam's Town (and from Sam's town, free shuttles to Freemont street and back)
Hope all this helps! ENJOY!

Pops904

10-12-2005, 11:52 PM

Oh yea, I forgot to add: Although you can WALK anywhere in Vegas with an open container of alcohol (as long as you are not causing a disturbance), NO open containers in vehicles by ANYBODY, unless your idea of a good party is snuggling up with your cellmate Bubba in the Clark County Detention Facility!
They are serious about their open container law, and since traffic on the strip moves so slowly, the bike cops ride between the lanes looking into the cars to see if you have a drink or a beer. Great way to ruin your party!
And for you potheads out there, Nevada has a strict ZERO TOLERANCE policy! Posession of even a seed is a FELONY! JUST SAY NOOOOOooooo!

gamalicious

10-13-2005, 09:55 AM

Pops904, frienddelilah, llund, everyone else, thanks! I really appreciate the help.

I'm thinking about taking the advice of renting a car for the last two days i'm there. I figure by then i'll be bored with losing money or have actually lost all of my money, and all of those off-strip places and prices will fit me just right.

Plus, I really want to go to the In & Out burger. Never been to California, won't go for a long while yet, and I've seen "The Big Lebowski" too many times to not be curious. Not to mention my friends that live in California. Thanks again all!

~The Stupid Kid

JillHawkins

10-15-2005, 06:02 AM

Stupid kid?? I think not!
DON'T rent a car, you are 22, healthy? Walk. I am 50, have been going to Vegas 2X per yr.for 8 yrs. now, and have NEVER rented a car. I drink tons, chill and walk tons. I also take the CAT buses, $2 each way and better yet,tell the driver to give you an all day transfer for $5. It's good for 24 hrs. Monorail stations are so so far back from the strip that they are rather inconvenient. You'll see interesting people on those buses but we've never had ANY trouble. And you can go all the way downtonw, or ride out to Hard Rock or anywhere the buses run, all for $5 a day. Nobody checks for sobriety on bus or street. I have a 22 yr. old son and would not want him DUI in Vegas (or anywhere else)

Cheap eats? Ellis Island, great drink service and well within 5 min. walking dist. from back of Bally's. Ask for what is NOT on the menu, 24/7, I love it there.
ALSO, for late night, the Imperial Palace has some great specials in their small restaurants, go up the escalator. Steak and eggs is great and is less than $5. Also they have a great pizza shop up there. And there is a good Mexican place beside Flamingo in a little 'strip mall' type area, right on the strip. It's a deal like at a SUBWAY , where you tell them what to add into your tortilla. Great food. There are also Subways and McD's, but buffet once a day works as well and is about as cheap.

Don't know CRAPS, sorry. But as for booze, SLOTS of FUN has Corona's for a buck all the time, next door Westward Ho has 99 cent margaritas that kick ass.
AND, for a buck tip, just sit down by a machine when you see a server coming by and order one up. Just be kind and tip and you'll get no complaints. Have a great safe trip!! Stupid kid? makes me laugh, wish I'd have had the guts to go west to Vegas when I was 22!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

gamalicious

10-17-2005, 07:10 AM

Hey Jill,

Sounds like you're a fun mom to hang around! Thanks for the advice and have a great time when you're in LV!

~The (not so?) Stupid kid

crisndeefromde

10-24-2005, 08:00 PM

Have a great time is the first suggestion. Rental car may be out of the question. We rent from Dollar at the Bellagio and no one under 25 gets one from them. We have heard of others renting them to younger adults but massive expensive. Use the bus as suggested. We will be out there for New Years as well and going to the CES afterwards and from what we are finding out thus far, no such thing as cheap eats on the New Year Eve so we may have to hunt you down for some pb and j! Stay safe.

KenoCaryl

10-25-2005, 05:06 AM

Wonderful Cheap dinner at Ellis Island...You can walk from Excalibur...
Steak, salad,Veg. Baked Potato....Very good for the price...24/7 Not on the Menu...Just ask for it...Sign up at the Players Club, and you will get $1.00 off on your dinner....They brew their own Beer, and habe great Homemade Root Beer....
Have fun! :D KenoCaryl

JerriAnn

10-29-2005, 09:06 AM

I know the Luxor, MGM, and Monte Carlo has an eating courts with McDonalds and all the other fast food.
Luxor is up stairs. The hotels never advertise they have
fast foods but they are there.

We usually eat twice a day. OR at least I do. My husband
and son lives to go to Vegas to get at fancy restaurants .
We eat breakfast and then either at the buffets or fancy
restarants. I prefer to spend my money on the slots.
And shows.

We are going out New Years Eve too. Probably will be our first and last time to go on those days. My son wants to
go out to see what it is like on New Years eve. Too much money and too many people I am sure. Maybe we will see you. LOL:) :)