Topics Of The Week: Misc Topics

[Steve]

I did this sort of thing a few times before and we did get a lot of reponses to the topics.

These topics might just be considered general questions instead of specific topics so just copy the question and respond to it.

1-Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon?
Was it worth it and what did you do there. How about the expense
of the trip and other activities while you were there.

2-Has anyone bought anything at a pawn shop in Vegas. I read there
is a super pawn shop on Valley View Blvd.

3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks to players and do you have a particular favorite that you always order at a specific casino?

4-Have any dealers made a lasting impression on you? Why?

5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?

6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?

[SPEEDER]

I took a day trip to the Grand Canyon in 2006. It was one of the local Vegas tour companies. I enjoyed the trip very much.
It was a good ride, probanbly a couple of hours from the Strip to the West Rim. It went through the Joshua Tree forest and we spent some time there. Great photo opportunities. From there to the Grand Canyon and lunch made by a local Indian tribe was very good. We sat in a grassy area near the edge of the canyon to eat lunch. We had a lot of time to walk along the edge and I took some great pics of the canyon. Incredible views all around.
The Indians had set up tables where they displayed and sold their handmade goods.
All in all, it was a very nice, well paced trip. Door to door service, and the total length of the trip was 10 hours.

[legalois]

#1 - Grand Canyon is a spectacular site that should be experienced by all. If there's any way you can swing the extra bucks for a side trip, don't miss it. You can't take a bad picture there and you cannot possibly imagine how insignificant you feel standing at the edge looking down. Go for it.

#3 - The Rum Runners at Harrah's have been so good, that I drink more than usual when I'm there.

Lois

[Sweetshel]

4-Have any dealers made a lasting impression on you? Why?

The dealers at Sam's Town seem to be the most patient and helpful to fairly inexperienced players (I'm not one of those), and the friendliest to everyone.


5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?

I haven't spent a New Year's there yet, but everyone I know who has says this is the best time to be in Las Vegas. I have been there for Thanksgiving week (fairly quiet), over Labor Day (crazy through the weekend, then very quiet the following), the holiday week in February (which is also my birthday) which was just wonderful, and this year I'm adding July 4th and Christmas week.

6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?

The Venetian (their regular suites are just beautiful) so I'm guessing their top of the line suite would be magnificent.

[ASTIDIXIE]

1-Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon?
Was it worth it and what did you do there. How about the expense
of the trip and other activities while you were there.Absolutely! Took a jeep down into the canyon & had lunch along the Colorado River and went back up along the top. After that we went down Route 66. I would love to have the time to do it again.

3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks to players and do you have a particular favorite that you always order at a specific casino?Two.........the Venetian and the Bellagio!

5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?It would be Christmas thru New Years......who could choose just one

6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?First I would have to go to them all and do a comparison......then I would choose by location as well as the suite itself!

[CassidyDiva]

1-Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon?
Was it worth it and what did you do there. How about the expense
of the trip and other activities while you were there.
A) My family took a driving Day Trip there--we didn't stay long. The best part was the driving, when our sattelite navigator kept losing us & finally said "Drive 200 miles East & make a U-Turn!"

2-Has anyone bought anything at a pawn shop in Vegas. I read there
is a super pawn shop on Valley View Blvd.
A) No

3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks to players and do you have a particular favorite that you always order at a specific casino?
A) Any bottled water is wonderful! I Love the Caesars Lable tho!

4-Have any dealers made a lasting impression on you? Why?

5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?

A) New Years Eve, with lots of entertainment!

6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?
A) A Suite at the Bellagio, overlooking the fountains!

[beach3993]

1. Gone to GC but not as side trip It was very nice and fun especially in 16 inches of snow with a little GEO Metro - we were crazy!
2. No
3. I just order Burbon & coke however, in Diamond Lounge I order Grasshoppers, Strawberry Diaquirs and for that Caesar's makes the best!! yum yum and Harrah's Laughlin yeah!!
4. No
5. Holiday - Christmas plus rest of the week It is the best
6. A suite in the new Octava Tower being built at Caesar's - now somebody tell me how I can accomplish that - ha ha:D

[teppy1954]

1. Did the Grand Canyon last year with a smaller bus company. We had the absolute best time. Went out on the overlook. Saw the native american dances Stopped in the Joshua Tree forest. One of the guides allowed our group (six of us) to fire his six-shooter. Visited a old west recreated town. Just fantastic. Try the tour desk at the MGM for these guys.

2 Nope-Pawns are a little seedy for my tastes

3. Binions gets you looped faster than you can say jack robinson.

4. Some of the ladies at O'Sheas are amazing dealers. Very savvy and entertaining.

5. New Years eve

6. Bellagio or Mandalay Bay with the Wynn as a third

[jolo777]

1-Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon?
Not as a side trip but as an individual trip and it was worth it.

2-Has anyone bought anything at a pawn shop in Vegas.
No, but might give it a try some day.

3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks.
Silverton has the best service but Paris has the strongest drinks, Bourbon and 7up mostly but a good margarita with a splash of Grand Marina at the Diamond lounge is great. Oh yea a glass of red wine right before bedtime.most of the day I want my water and plenty of it.

4-Have any dealers made a lasting impression on you? Why?
No

5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?
I have never stayed for New Years Eve and maybe I should before I get too old to enjoy all that excitement.

6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?
A penthouse suite at the new Palazio so I can get a great view of the strip and downtown and the mountains and I am sure anything else that is available to high rollers.

[beckw925]

1-Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon?
Was it worth it and what did you do there. How about the expense
of the trip and other activities while you were there.
Did not do a tour company, just the drive and a quick look - amazing. Love to know good tour operators
2-Has anyone bought anything at a pawn shop in Vegas. I read there
is a super pawn shop on Valley View Blvd.
I have tried, but I am amazed at how high their prices are, even the Super Pawn. No bargaining either. And, surprisingly little selection. We are now on the hunt for a real flea market - like those in NE or So. Cal.
3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks to players and do you have a particular favorite that you always order at a specific casino?
I too am a bottled water person, since Vegas has the highest sodium content in the USA. Mandalay Bay is good, Mirage too.
4-Have any dealers made a lasting impression on you? Why?
The DealerTainers at IP are a blast and the Elvis's are good dealers, fun stuff!
5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?
We always do Christmas, since family lives there. Looking forward to 4th of July with Steve's slot tourney
6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?
Bellagio or Venetian. Paris with a view of the fountains and the Eiffel Tower.

[Judy G]

I have never been to the Grand Canyon and have been to Vegas almost 20 times. I would love to go.
Some dealers at The Orleans were very nice.
Best drinks are Bellagio I guess
I would go over Christmas time to stay in Vegas. It would be awesome and is much cheaper.
If I had a favourite place I could stay, it would be at the new Palms suites, that you can see up top from the outside. They have their own swimming pools and a beautiful view of the strip. Oh to have the money.......

[MHIROTSU]

5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?


First, I won't be going to Las Vegas on New Year's Eve any time soon.

I liked spending the 4th of July there and will hopefully be there for this holiday for Steve's get together. It was quite a few years ago (maybe 15-16 years) when I was last there on the 4th, and was driving near Jerry's Nugget. Many people were sitting on their cars watching the fireworks. So, I did the same. It was a lot of fun.

Mike

[Mr.C]

#1 Yes we did this trip about a year ago. It is a must see adventure, a full day was involved, however. We were picked up at our hotel about 6:30am, traveled to a small airport. We arrived about 7:ooam and had coffee,juice and danish.The people doing the helicoter trip took off. All the rest of us(about 5 bus loads),took off also. It is about 300 miles to the Canyoun. We had a pit stop about an hour and half into the ride. We contiuned on watching the second movie. We had lunch, then entered the park. We spent 2-3 hours just looking from differnt areas. Reboaraded the bus and traveled back the same way we came, stopped at the same pit stop. The bus stops at every hotel that people aboard are at, having my usual luck in Vegas, we were the last ones off!! A full day, but enjoyable. You can find coupons all over.

#2 Yes Pawn shops, not to sell but to buy! Unbelivable bargins, one word of caution do not go alone.

[GILUV2Gamble]

I took a day trip to the west rim of the Grand Canyon via one of the local tour companies. I had the best time. The 18 mile trip into the indian reservation was an experiance in it's self. Wash board dirt road. Traveling at a hair raising speed of maybe 25MPH. It took at least an hour to get to the rim. I got to walk out on the Sky Walk. What a rush and an awsome sight. The only thing is, you can't take cameras nor cell phones out on the walk. :( It was rustic. The way you're supposed to see the Grand Canyon. Give it 5 years it's going to be a Disney Land out there. Big corporations at their best. Yuck:eek:

The dealers at Paris were so comical because they have to do the french lanquage thing. The one dealer instead of say Bon Chance said Bon Appetite when he pushed out the chips
The dealers at Circus Circus were great too. This one dealer was telling stories of his dealing budy Robert No Neck. With his raspy voice I was just rollin on the floor with laughter.
I like the dealers at Red Rock too. They are professional but not automaded. They make you feel comfortable at the table.

[alwinj]

I have been to Laughlin many times but never to the Grand Canyon.....
Never been to a pawn chop in Vegas.......The best drinks have been in
the Orleans Casino....The best Casino to stay is at the Sunset Casino in
Henderson, and the best pit boss is in the same Casino...It's a beautiful
casino because the ceiling is very high and the smoke does not bother
you...and the shopping in the area with the Gallerie, Inn and Out, Walmart,
L & L inn, Longs Drugs............Alwinj aloha jan 2008

[visaman]

2) My last trip to Las Vegas was in 2003, and the shuttle bus driver told us about the great deals to be found at pawn shops, so I thought I would check it out. I was thinking of buying a Rollex on the cheap, and selling it for a profit when I got home.

When the time came, it would also be the hottest day of the year. my cab driver didn't know of any pawn shops, or at least the one I wanted to go to, so he had to ask for directions.

When we got to the place, the clerk showed me a beat up Rollex for $500. Foolishly I was about to buy it, but my credit card was blocked. It was very embarrassing, and I had to take a bus back to the 4 Queens, I phoned my bank, and thank God, they blocked the card, because they thought the purchase was suspious, they also phonedmy home, and my Mom answered and told them I was in Las Vegas.

Once I cleared up the confusion,I phoned the same pawn shop (by mistake), and asked if they had any Rollexes, the clerk said "Only if you have a @##&##%! credit card that works!! Needless tosay I have had a dim view of pawn shops since.

I then phoned a Rollex dealer,and he snottily said that I could get a new one for that price!

I haven't been back to Vegas since. :eek:

[sdreamin]

We have taken a side trip twice to the GC (in a rented car)-once in 1997 and the other was in 2004. The ride is about 4 hours to the South Rim. It is simply amazing and it is a refreshing getaway when the Las Vegas temps are triple digits! There is a bus ride along the South Rim that is the best way to see the different points of interest. Vehicles are not allowed in this area.

We have not spent a holiday in Vegas yet, but we are hoping to spend July 4th this year for the slot tourney with Steve. :D

Have always wanted to go to the pawn shops but we did see a special on the pawn shops in Vegas (Travel Channel I believe) and they showed the customer service reps (aka clerks, employees, whatever!) packing on the hip and I think it talked about how some of the stores are locked and you have to ring a doorbell or buzzer to get in??

So...I would agree with the other posting that I wouldn't go alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

I would most like to stay in a Venetian suite!:)

[JVegas]

1-Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon?
Not a side trip, but our plane was re-directed because of a storm and we flew over almost the entire length of it, awesome.

2-Has anyone bought anything at a pawn shop in Vegas.
No--haven't lost enough in a trip yet to have to go to the pawn shop.

3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks to players and do you have a particular favorite that you always order at a specific casino?
Mandalay Bay has been by far the best for me.I favor just beer, but will get a singapore sling at times. They make a good one.

4-Have any dealers made a lasting impression on you? Why?
The one at the Hilton, because I never had one so gruff, rude and unhelpful. He must have had on heck of a hangover..and not many tips..

5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?
New Years - love fireworks, would even brave the crowd for them. I went at the 4th once, but that was a little to hot for me, I prefer under 110 degrees on vacation...

6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?
sigh, I will never know :' (

jim

[ozarklady]

1. Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to Grand Canyon.

We have taken this side trip two different times - once in early fall and again in early winter. It was the most breathtaking experience! We hiked the many trails and took lots of pictures. Had lunch at at a deli, watched the sunset (gives me goosebumps just thinking about that). Well worth the expense. On the way out of the park a large elk ran right in front of our car. Never thought we would see that - it was quite a surprise. It was a long trip but well worth it.

[wildvt]

We have been to Vegas maybe 20 times but never to the Grand Canyon. In March, we have a side trip of 2 days, 3 nights to CG planned. Rent a car and drive. Fairly expensive to stay at the el Tovar, but why not stay right on the rim? Return to Vegas for a night before returning home. Never been to GC so I think it will be worth it.

Never been to Vegas for New Years, but would love to some day. Vegas is awesome anytime, but especially in the summer.

Who goes to a casino because of the drinks? Go because of the waitresses at Paris or Mandalay Bay. Even the water is good!!!!!!!!!

[Boston_Bill]

Ive flown over the Grand Canyon it and it looks amazing but have never made a side trip.
I think Id like to go to Las Vegas on the 4th of July (does Super Bowl Snnday count? :D).

No dealer has really made an impression on me except for a young lady at the Mirage that showed me how to play roulette the first time and I won 800+ on my first try.

Id love to try a suite at the Palms or the Wynn.

[cindyinnj]

1. I've flown over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. Was amazing!

2. I've never even been in a pawn shop. Let's hope I never have to :o

3. I've never had a hard time getting drinks anywhere, but, I tend to favor Bellagio or Mirage. You don't wait long for the drinks. I always order the same thing every time....Absolute Citron (or Grey Goose) and 7-up. It's the only thing I drink.

4. There was a dealer from Bellagio that was so nice...and funny as hell. He was from Brooklyn, NY. I heard he passed away about a year ago.

5. The only holiday I would spend in Vegas is New Year's Eve! Can't beat that!

6. The high roller suite I would pick would be in Bellagio or Wynn. Of course, with my own butler to boot...;)

[smurf]

We took the helicopter excursion with the brunch at the bottom
of the canyon. It was SPECTACULAR. It was a little pricey but
worth every penney.

[grammy4]

3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks to players and do you have a particular favorite that you always order at a specific casino?

I always found Aladdin/Planet Hollywood to have the fastest service, and they generally remember your drink and come back often. Wynn makes the absolute best Chocolate Martini!!

[Blackjack]

:cool: 1) Never took a side trip.
2) Never went into a pawn shop.
3) Best place for drinks - Bellagio & Venetian. Always drink Vodka & Tonic with lime.
4) Over the years, a couple blackjack dealers were pretty cool. They made things "fun" at the table for everyone. (that's the way it should be all the time)
5) Major holiday - I would have to pick New Year's Eve.
6) If I were a high roller - I would probably want to have a top of the line suite at the Venetian. (Maybe one day it will happen!)

[Dkoehn]

1-Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon?
Was it worth it and what did you do there. How about the expense
of the trip and other activities while you were there.

Took a bus tour. It was a long day there and back on bus. Did get some amazing photos. The expense was about right for a one-time "must see".

2-Has anyone bought anything at a pawn shop in Vegas. I read there
is a super pawn shop on Valley View Blvd.

Nope

3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks to players and do you have a particular favorite that you always order at a specific casino?

Drinks seem so weak and come less frequently than in the past no matter where I am. The only places where I've gotten a buzz from drinking free drinks is downtown at both Binion's and Las Vegas Club, both times at a BJ table. Most fun I've ever had at BJ without winning. :p

4-Have any dealers made a lasting impression on you? Why?

A dealer at the Fitz flirted with me and asked me out and remembered me on subsequent trips. For a middle-aged, happily-married-for-over-a-quarter-century-lady, that was memorable. I always return to the Fitz (with my hubby) looking for "my boyfriend".

5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?

If the room prices weren't so steep I'd love to be there for New Year's Eve.

6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?

Bellagio or Wynn- I've heard they both have superb service and out-of-this-world suites.

[LJG0722]

1. In June 2001, my son was preparing to enter the Marines so he, his two sisters, and I flew into Las Vegas, picked up a rental car and drove to the Grand Canyon. We spent two full days there and it was great. We had a hotel room outside the park and it was reasonably priced. We really enjoyed the side trip and would recommend it to everyone.

2. Never been to a pawn shop.

3. The free drinks at the Venetian Race and Sports Book are very enjoyable.

4. The craps dealers at the Venetian have always been very nice to me and my children.

5. We have stayed so many times at the Venetian but would love to see the high roller suites on the top floor

[Bama]

1-Who has taken a side trip from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon?
Was it worth it and what did you do there. How about the expense
of the trip and other activities while you were there.
No, but some friends who took their children to LV did. They had a blast, staying in the park at the Bright Angel Lodge. It cost a bit more than other places but watching the sun rise over the canyon from the room was "worth it". Rental car prices were not bad and they even enjoyed the drive over through the desert.

2-Has anyone bought anything at a pawn shop in Vegas. I read there
is a super pawn shop on Valley View Blvd.
No

3-Since not all casinos are equal when it comes to free drinks, what casinos serve the best free drinks to players and do you have a particular favorite that you always order at a specific casino?
I've had excellent service at the Flamingo and Bally's but seem to get better service downtown, especially at the Boyd properties (California, MSS, and the Fremont). I usually stick with beer or Cape Cods (vitamin C is good for you!) wherever I go. :D

4-Have any dealers made a lasting impression on you? Why?
Any dealer that is friendly and chats a bit makes an impression....and gets a tip when I leave.

5-If you could spend one major holiday in Vegas, which one would it be?
I've been in Vegas for the 4th of July a couple of times and its just too darn hot. I would like to be there for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Cheaper rates and smaller crowds along with cool temps sound great.

6-If you were a super high roller & were given a chance of a top of the line suite anywhere in Vegas, where would you choose?
Either Bellagio or Caesars Palace. Have not stayed at them (can't afford the rates) and would like to.

[MikeinChi]

Took a Maverick Helicoptors day trip to the Grand Canyon and it was excellent. A bit pricey but I took my parents and it was worth every penny. The ride was fun, the sights were beautiful, and I got a DVD of the view from the copter. A great memory for all of us.

Two dealers have stood out to me all these years:
- Very soon after I first discovered Las Vegas (mid-90's), a young, pregnant woman at Treasure Island whose name was Laurie Ann. She was about 6 months along and was dealing blackjack at one of the lower tables which are handicapped accessible. We had a great group of people at the table and we all shared our life stories. She was a lot of fun and a great conversationalist and taught me a great deal about proper blackjack strategy. I must have been at that table for 5 or 6 hours, until her shift ended. Had a great time and walked away with about $300 profit.
- A few years ago I was with a friend and we had had too many martini's at the Red Square. Somehow we ended up at a blackjack table at Excalibur. The dealer was an older guy named Vladimir and was from Romania. I think he realized we were a bit tipsy and was helping us when we were making stupid decisions while playing the game - almost scolding us like a father would! At one point, he had the cocktail server bring us black coffee (we weren't THAT drunk, it was more like a joke). He looked at me and said, "you very good blackjack player - you just need be more sharper." He was really friendly and very funny. I think we ended up even for the night but had a great time with this guy.

Luxury Suite - Bellagio, definitely Bellagio.

(I should also add - the surliest dealers have been at the Hilton (blackjack) and Caesar's (craps). I wouldn't play at those places ever again.)

[cjm051]

1. Took family to North Rim of Canyon. Spent the night in one of their cabins.
I would definetly recommend. Good break after being in Vegas for a few
days.

2. Drinks at any casino(Diet and Captains)

3. Not a holiday, but would love to be in Vegas for the entire NCAA March
Madness.

4. Suite Choice: Wynn or Venitian

[AppleGreenJade]

Hmmm, been reading the postings and I see that for everyone who answered the question about being a high roller, they said suites at either Venetian, Wynn, Bellagio, Caesars (a couple of people). I ask y'all, why stop at suites? If you're going to dream, dream of the mansions at Wynn, Caesars or MGM...dunno if Bellagio has any. I have never been in any of the mansions, but I know of people who know people who have, and it sounds like I think I could get used to staying there...lol. At MGM, for instance, you get your own personal chef....YEAH!

But, oh well, I guess I'll never get to try it first hand.

[MHIROTSU]

If you're going to dream, dream of the mansions at Wynn, Caesars or MGM.

Doris,

I say you get the "mansion" and invite your favorite friend, ME!

Mike

[AppleGreenJade]

Mike, if I get into the mansions you will definitely be the "friend" I invite. Just don't hold your breath expecting me to get into the mansions.

[MHIROTSU]

Just don't hold your breath expecting me to get into the mansions.

Doris,

That ain't being a very good friend.

Mike

[YSinAppleton]

Bama - was is a cape cod drink? Never heard of it.

1) We have taken a few bus tours. Last April took a bus tour to Laughlin. Wanted to see what it was all about. Enjoyed the day, but really not very impressed with Laughlin. Also, have taken a bus tour to the Grand Canyon and also to Hoover Dam.

2) We seem to have decent drink service where ever we go. Best I would say is the Bellagio or the Venetian.

3) Would love to be in Vegas over Christmas when there are less crowds.

4) My suite choice would be Wynn, the Venetian, or a fountain view room at Bellagio.

[VegasBride]

Went to Grand Canyon as a kid. Have not been back since. But did stop at the Hoover Dam on one of our driving trips. Now we just drive straight through without stopping. Can't wait until the bypass is finished.

The service is great at the Hard Rock. They remember your drink and also remember to come back. My drink at the time was a chocolate martini. They do not make the best one, but it sure was potent. They would return before I even finished it and ask if you were ready for another one.:p

I just remember the bad dealer at Caesars. He was not friendly, didn't talk to the players and acted like we were taking up his time.:mad: Later, I noticed he was pulled from the table, because nobody would sit there. I then went over to Barbary Coast and played for about five hours.

Have been in Vegas for Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, Cinco de Mayo (many times), Mother's Day, Father's Day, and 4th of July (was really disappointed; not many fireworks). I would really like to be there the week between Christmas and New Year's.

Would love to stay at the best Red Rock or Green Valley Ranch has to offer.:)