Topic Of The Week: Surroundings [Archive]

KENOGURL48

10-29-2007, 05:29 PM

billfarr

10-29-2007, 05:42 PM

I've been in a few places that I would not go back to after dark. After coming back from downtown last month and checking out Freemont East I don't worry about too much going wrong in Las Vegas. Lots of Security and more cameras than Dad's day at soccer camp:). Never felt ill at ease anywhere in Las Vegas but, like any city there are places that tourists should not venture alone but if you stick with a group and don't make too much of a fool of yourself everything will be fine.

BrunoFlipper

10-29-2007, 06:26 PM

I can't go South of NY, NY. Just too many kids at Mervin's joint. That blocks "The Castle", "The Pyramid", and "The Hotel". It's no great loss, I'm more in tuned to Las Vegas Blvd. and Flamingo.

I can drive to South Point, Silverton, those are all south of NY, NY, thats just fine. I just have no feelings for the Hotels designed by the famous architect "Art Van O'lay" of Seinfeld fame (like Mandalay).

Seriously, there is nowhere I'm uneasy going in Las Vegas. If you can hang early at Ellis Island or late at Jerry's Nugget, NO PROBLEM... well maybe from 10th to 15th on Fremont, you've got to get drunker than a Mayor opening East Fremont to drive through there.

Tweeets

10-29-2007, 10:22 PM

The first time I ever went to Sunset Station in Henderson, will be the last time, that place is runned over with teens at night running through it, likes it's the thing too do and they look as if they were looking for trouble, never did I see any security. I also witness that in the New Orleans on 2 occasions so I'll stick with the Gold Coast. I've seen a physical fight go down in the New Orleans about a year ago and it took security awhile to get there, that's a shame.

Omigosh, are you sure you're talking about the Sunset Station? Since it opened in 1998 we have been guests at the hotel 20 plus times and in the casino so many times I can't even recall the number. I have never seen anything close to what you describe.
Teenagers or children of any age are not allowed at the SS or in any casino, unless they are going to a restaurant and then they must be accompanied by an adult; they are not even allowed to walk on the casino floor. Chances are you saw some children rough housing at a restaurant entrance, or the buffet line or running to get to it...and being ignored by their parents.
BTW There seems to be more visible security there than I have seen in many of the othercasinos. You should give it another try. :)

wa8ckt

10-29-2007, 10:26 PM

I also, Seriously, there is nowhere I'm uneasy going in Las Vegas. I know some areas you just don't want to go, as a visitor. Keep with crowds of "us". I'm 65 and can only take on two or three "bums" at a time. Can't say why, but that is the way it is. I guess if I say why I guess I would have to kill you!!! <G> Great city, watch your wallet/purse, keep alert, and keep in crowds. This is a great group. Thanks, John in Caro T-32

spikehb

10-29-2007, 10:34 PM

I am a local. I will NEVER go to a show at the Luxor Showroom again. I went to see Hair Spray shortly after it opened and, although I thought the show was great, the way they designed the seats was ridiculous.

Although I admit to being over-weight, the seats were too narrow and your knees almost hit the row in front of you. average sized people's shoulders were almost touching. All this so they could squeeze more people into the showroom.

Being a local, I have the luxury of picking a mid-week show when it wouldn't be too crowed but I feel for the tourist paying big bucks to be entertained while being uncomfortable.

pateboo

10-29-2007, 11:01 PM

Being a single woman who travels alone, I tend to stick to the main strip. When it starts getting late, I start heading for casinos closer to my hotel. I don't know why, but walking to hotels off of the strip in the dark, even if they aren't that far off from it, makes me feel like I'm going down some creepy alley and will get mugged or worse. :o

tlcrnicu

10-30-2007, 04:25 AM

The very first time we went, we didn't rent a car, having heard how easy it was to walk or cab around LV... (Way back in '94) Long story short, we decided to walk back to the Flamingo at (I really wanted to stay where Bugsy started) at dusk from the Strat. It didn't appear to be that long a way. And in terms of city blocks (we walk NYC all the time on our day trips) it wasn't that far. But when we were around the old El Camino (I think that was the hotel) it was very gritty, dirty, spooky and truthfully pretty ghetto looking. I was pretty anxious and aware every second of our surroundings and my hubby was with me, but I would never walk that area again. We now always rent a car when out there as well, having learned that nothing in LV is as close as it appears!:p

Widge

10-30-2007, 05:47 AM

I will no longer set foot in Planet Hollywood.

The time share slugs at the front entrance are the most agressive anywhere on this or any planet.

Within 20 yards of the main entrance, one of them is on you, they hawk you through the door, where a second one takes over and pesters you for another 20 yards.

They also try to pass themselves off as employees of the hotel by using the approach..."have you recieved your comps yet?"

I used to try to plan a stop there every trip ybecause of the shopping and the fine buffet. Never again.

dreamcatcheril

10-30-2007, 06:14 AM

Years ago, when the hotels were spread out, no problem. You casino hopped by cab.Up one side and down the other.

I won't try casino hopping with the traffic on the strip. Casino walking, no reason unless I am headed to a certain hotel for something special.

I make an effort to stay away from Hotels that were built during the take your kid to Vegas time. I don't need to trip over baby buggys at midnight. Anything south of tropicana blvd except the Trop. is a no go.

Figure Mirage south to the Trop, so the answer to the question is yes.

talanhart

10-30-2007, 07:19 AM

I won't walk to the Western at night! I have done it during the day, but not a night.

lvgecko

10-30-2007, 08:14 AM

We're locals and had been coming to Vegas for vacations for several years prior to moving here. We've been frequenting downtown regularly for the past few weeks due to some excellent comps and decided we'd take in ALL the sights while on these excursions. One week, we went to the Western. I was adamant about going during daylight hours and I'm glad that I was. We won't be going back - I literally felt like I needed to shower after less than an hour in there. I suspect that they have no air handlers, since the doors are always wide open, so all the cigarette smoke seems to just settle on everything.

Another week, we went to the Gold Spike, again in daylight hours. I've read that it is going to be demolished and rebuilt. That is a good thing. We felt so depressed and uncomfortable in there that we didn't even play - and that is saying A LOT!

cindyinnj

10-30-2007, 11:40 AM

Yes, there are two casino/hotels I won't go to again.....

Two years ago I went to see Amazing Jonathan at the Sahara. I wasn't impressed at all with the casino. Very dirty and grimy inside. The slot machines were so gross. Don't think I'll ever go there again, no matter what show is playing.

Also, Circus Circus I'll never set foot in again. Besides the obvious...too many kids...it's also dirty. I heard their steak restaurant (don't remember the name off hand) is very good, but I really don't care to step foot into that place again.

So because of the dirtyness of these two casino's, I've made them off limits... even though their restaurants and shows might be decent.

beach3993

10-30-2007, 12:00 PM

there really isn't anything that turns me off with Vegas about the only thing is I won't walk from Harrah's to Wynn again man that is way too long but only because I'm not really a "walker" so to speak. But other than that nothing really turns me off with Vegas. Oh by the way I went to Planet Hollywood my last trip and had no problem with anything in fact I had a blast at PH and will definitely return again and yes I really liked their Buffet too!!:)

ChicChas

10-30-2007, 12:15 PM

The question being if I would not go to a casino or restaurant because if its location, I can say no. Although I have never rented a car when in Vegas, I've been with people who do. Consequently, I have visited a number of places off strip or away from downtown that require a car to reach and hope to continue to do that. In fact, my next solo trip, I might even rent a car and focus on the local's places.

To expand the question, as some respondents have, to other reasons not to visit a casino, the only two that I make a point of avoiding is Circus, Circus and The Plaza. These places are just plain skanky.

There may be others that fit that category that I haven't visited yet. So check back with me in a year or so.

CassidyDiva

10-30-2007, 12:40 PM

We stay at the Imperial Palace because its the most centrally located. We never get to the shows at the Luxor or beyond because the transportation is bad (I use a scooter for my disability). I'd love to see Carrottop & Ronn Lucas, but unless I go to MGM- cross the street to Excalabur, get to that monorail, it's a big hastle, especially at night!:eek: I can't wait til the monorail is completed!

Steve

10-30-2007, 12:44 PM

I would never not go to an show/dinner due to the area. If I were at all apprehensive about going I would take a cab door to door.

The only time I was nervous was walking from The Strip to The Greek Isles as it was very dark and we were the only people on that street.

As far as casinos go, the only place I felt uncomfortable was at The Plaza.

Steve

iam4nd

10-30-2007, 05:49 PM

Pretty much won't go downtown for anything anymore. Just find it kind of seedy and don't care to be there. Just our opinion---your mileage may vary.:)

patinomaha

10-30-2007, 06:43 PM

I have been to Las Vegas about 16 times since 1995. I know that is not a lot of visits compared to some people, but I have made a few personal choices not to visit or revisit some locations.

My first would be Circus Circus. I have only been there once, and it was on our first trip in 95. I was turned off right away by the way the place looked. Just dingy and dirty. I wandered for a little bit and found my way to the poker area. I was seated pretty quick, but the dealer was less than friendly. Also, he was wearing a pink shirt that had velcro where the buttons should be. To complete the look, you could see his big hairy belly button when he would reach around the table. That is the only time I have been in CC. I will not be back.

Second, I would have to say Hooters Casino. It just reeked of wings and rednecks. Not my scene, but I guess others disagreed. I would have bet that it would be closed down by now. Really small casino and a pretty bad selection of games. Even the Hooters girls as dealers did not help my opinion. Plus, it was a pain to get to from MGM.

Third would have to be Downtown. I know there are probably some really good points about downtown that I do not know about, but I prefer the strip, and I do not care to learn about what downtown has to offer. I would only go DT for the Center Stage at the Plaza. But now that that is gone, downtown is dead to me. But with that being said, on my trip this winter, I will be meeting several friends at the Fitz. I am looking forward to hanging out with some good friends, but I am not looking forward to the Fitz or any other downtown area. I have already started trying to talk them in to meeting at Red Rock or at least going out to RR instead of staying downtown for the day.

That is just my 2 cents...for what's worth...

MHIROTSU

10-30-2007, 08:04 PM

Do you let Las Vegas surroundings affect you personal choices?

Absolutely. If I'm staying downtown, I always walk along Freemont Street. But if I'm staying on the Stip, I hardly leave the hotel. Sounds like it's backwards from everyone else.

Has a casino location or a restaurant location caused you not to go patronize that particular place?

Yes, but for real bad reasons. Top of the World is a restaurant I want to try. But, that would require a trip to the Stratosphere. I don't like the Stratosphere. Though Stupak doesn't own the Stratosphere any longer, I'm still boycotting that place because of him. Long story.

Mike

planetbass

10-31-2007, 02:40 AM

I'm lucky - in 9 visits I had only one moment that made me nervous, and it wasn't in a hotel, casino or restaurant.

There was a 24-hour record store on LVB just north of where Main Street joins it (I think, not been there for years if it even exists now...) and some guys approached me at night asking for money.

Nowadays I'd go everywhere - the parking garage at the California makes me a *little* edgy but that's my imagination working overtime...

I hope that the person who had a bad experience at the Sunset Station gives it another try - I've never been aware of much security presence but I've never needed them and always had a good time there.

Kaytieeldr

10-31-2007, 04:14 AM

Not so far. Being a solo female in Las Vegas does have its advantages - neither the "flippers" nor the time share people approach you :D

There are places I don't go based on traffic - I get enough of that at home, and yes, I do know the back roads. It's just often not worth the trouble. But since I have a rental car, I do even go places relatively far from the Strip.

YSinAppleton

10-31-2007, 06:56 AM

I have been nervous only once, that was when we were walking to MSS downtown. It was just two of us (females) and we saw a few people who made us nervous. On our way back we took the walkway. As to porn slappers mentioned a few times on here, they don't bother me when I am with my SO. He speaks fluent German, so as we pass he just tells them in German that we don't speak English. They leave us alone. On our girl trips every April they don't bother us either.

manduss

10-31-2007, 10:01 AM

Q: Has a casino location or a restaurant location caused you not to go patronize that particular place?

A: Of course it does. Why do you even need to ask? Most of my trips are Strip based and I don't usually get a car so if it is too far off-Strip, I probably won't go there, regardless of how great the place might be. I will go to places like The Palms, Gold Coast, Palace Station, etc since they are a short taxi ride away, but places like Green Valley and Red Rock are for the rare occasion that I have a car (on the last trip I rented a car specifically to go to GVR & Red Rock (Canyon and Casino)). I went to Sam's Town a few years ago and enjoyed it, but I have not been there since. It is too far away for me.
Even on the Strip, the Riviera is too far out of the way (and not really Monorail friendly). I have only gone there when I had to be there for business. I'm interested in some of the shows, but I can get similar shows with similar prices at more convenient casinos.

sonntex

10-31-2007, 10:28 AM

Places I wouldn't go? Not really.

When I'm with hubby, I just hook my fingers in his belt loops and hang on for dear life as he barrels his way thru. He's not a big man - 5'11" - 175#, but hey, he's a Texan - he don't take no guff. Just give 'em a swift kick with a boot.

Now when I'm in town with my daughter, we are a little more careful. My blonde, blue-eyed, girl-next-door cutie attracts a lot of attention. One night there was a little cat-calling and grab-a**ing going on as we passed Margaritaville. But for the most part, we feel pretty safe and go wherever we want.

But I go solo quite often, as well. That's a different story. I do stay close to home base at night. I do always have a car and the most adventurous I get is to drive from Paris to Rio or Harrahs in the wee hours of the morning. I never park in a garage on solo trips; always use valet.

But as far as an area keeping us from going to a show or restaurant - nah! If we really want to do something bad enough, we find a way.

ASTIDIXIE

10-31-2007, 10:38 AM

Well of course!
I travel alone when I come to Vegas so I have to be more careful than people traveling with others.
I do wander a bit but I try to either take the free shuttles if I want to go off strip or I will just stay on the strip.
But on occasion I have been known to take the bus to Fremont Street and wander around.........lol :rolleyes:

irelandvegas

10-31-2007, 03:05 PM

I have been to vegas many times, and one of the strangest ( maybe slightly ) walks i had was from the Hilton over to Sahara/ LVB along Riviera Blvd to the strip. It was middle of the afternoon, was alot of construction along the route, but some how it seemed too hot and too desolate in many ways. Just kind of creeped me out, and i imagined never walking that route at night. My guess is when your around so many people and so much action that "empty" places can take on a very diffrent vibe. Maybe it was the huge blank wall convention center leaving no alternative routes. I toured the whole Circus Circus, Riviera area and realized somehow the route fit the destination.

Just a little bit, i felt that same vibe back behind MGM when taking a short cut to Monorail station after seeing a movie ( m&M/ Cokezilla complex) and it was the same lack of people that changed the mood.

thedude

11-01-2007, 11:12 AM

Probably won't go back to the Rio. Stayed there in August and had terrible service, food and attitude by management staff at the "World Buffet." Have been a loyal customer for the past 10 years, but won't be going back again. There are too many places that want you to stay and play. It is a shame that the Rio has forgot who helps pay the bills.:(

flamingofun

11-01-2007, 11:23 AM

Us girls play it safe & stay on busy area's of $trip. I feel safe even by myself. One afternoon we walked from Hilton to Stratosphere & ended up in a getto type area. Downtown in June 07 was so scarey/sleezy we left after 8:00 light show. City needs to clean it up again. VIVA

Rgiffen2

11-01-2007, 01:43 PM

I avoid the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It used to be a fun place but now its so darn cooler than thou. Its full of young barely legal wannabe hipsters who do nothing but pose, talk on cell phones and walk around drinking. The place no longer cares about the gamblers.

The last time I was there, there were ummmm....working women making appointments in the rest room. I don't freak out easily, but that sort of made my skin crawl. I think I had a purel moment.

Rose
Get Your Vegas On! (http://getyourvegason.blogspot.com/)

hchafee

11-05-2007, 08:21 PM

I will never go back to Greek Isle. We went there to see the show and they were working on the wheelchair accessible bathrooms. They had accessible employee bathrooms but wouldn't let us use them!!! We walked from there to the Strip and it was creepy and the sidewalks were very broken and uneven. Never again!:(

tryon4

11-08-2007, 10:36 AM

We love Vegas and travel just about anywhere in the city. However I would not travel below Fremont Street going towards Boulder Highway.
Many a morning I leave the hotel for coffee and a drive and travel down the strip to Fremont Street then turn onto Fremont towards Boulder. That area of the city is scary.

Rosa Elliott

11-11-2007, 11:49 AM

The Buffet at the Hilton - over priced and the food was terrible, they advertise free wine and beer with your meal, the wine was terrible and the beer was like water.

Past the Main Street Station down towards Jerry's Nugget, once you get past the freeway the entire block is full of homeless folks sleeping in tents on the side walk. Stopped at the 7/11 to get gas, the whole area is very dirty in fact disgusting, not very safe at all.

Never had a problem at the Sunset Station, although the food is not as good as it use to be.

Cheers~!:)

Tweeets

11-11-2007, 05:18 PM

Never had a problem at the Sunset Station, although the food is not as good as it use to be.

Cheers~!:)

Hm...that surprises me. We've eaten in all of the restaurants more than a couple of times, I think the food is consistantly good. The one bad meal I can recall having was in the cafe when I ordered Huevos Rancheros, it came with horrible tasting, runny refried beans, they were enough to feed a family of 6...and I had ordered it sans beans. :D

VegasBride

12-21-2007, 08:28 AM

Omigosh, are you sure you're talking about the Sunset Station? Since it opened in 1998 we have been guests at the hotel 20 plus times and in the casino so many times I can't even recall the number. I have never seen anything close to what you describe.
Teenagers or children of any age are not allowed at the SS or in any casino, unless they are going to a restaurant and then they must be accompanied by an adult; they are not even allowed to walk on the casino floor. Chances are you saw some children rough housing at a restaurant entrance, or the buffet line or running to get to it...and being ignored by their parents.
BTW There seems to be more visible security there than I have seen in many of the othercasinos. You should give it another try. :)

I, too, have stayed at Sunset Station on many occasions and have never seen the problems you described. In fact, I don't recall seeing any kids at all.
I definetly would go back there again, in a heartbeat.