Headed to Vegas

[BAMA21]

I'll be leaving in a few days (Monday the 26th) for a week (five days and four nights) in Las Vegas. I plan to play as much as possible. I'm just not sure how much that will actually be. I am traveling this time with my wife, her parents, and possibly, her brother. I'd like to play six to eight hours each day; and I'd like to spread the schedule around and play some late nights, early mornings, mid mornings, early afternoons, and evenings, at least until I figure out what times work best for me. I also plan to move around a good bit, hitting the best of the places I have played before, along with trying out several other casinos that I have not yet sampled. Again, I may narrow that a bit after I find the ones that are working for me.

I'd love to hear any advice anyone has on specific attractions (gambling or not), food, casinos, games, etc. I have been to Vegas twice before; which makes me still pretty much a newbie.

My loose plans so far are to devote a day to playing downtown and a day to playing the low-limit and/or good rules spots on the strip. We're staying at Sam's Town on the Boulder Strip, so I'll be playing a decent amount there and/or at Arizona Charlie's. If any of the above work really well early, I'll end up focussing on that later in the trip.

I am mostly interested in single-deck and double-deck games. I'd prefer to play 3:2 with decent rules, but will play SuperFun21 instead of a shoe game or a 6:5 regular game. Other than the blackjack payout, the most important rules to me are late surrender, double after split, and stand on all 17s, in that order. I don't want to play shoe games unless they have very good rules or very low limits.

Again, any help would be appreciated. And of course, when I return, I'll give the full report.

[Jester]

I am overdue myself, as it has been a few years. As far as food goes, there are tons of good restaurants, but I will list just a couple: Buca di Beppos (sp?- chain with excellent Italian family or mob style cuisine), Garlic Cafe, Circus Circus had a pretty decent and cheap buffet, Dive! was a neat distraction (submarine-themed bar/restaurant), etc. I am now drawing a blank on more.

I am mostly familiar with the Old Strip area: Caesars, Mirage, Treasure Island, etc. As far as just checking out some neat things, the fountains at the Belagio are cool, as is walking through the Mall at Caesars, along the canal at the Venetian, the Tigers at Mirage (not sure if they are still there after the Roy-Montecore problem, the Volcano, the Sirens at Treasure Island, maybe a show (Cirque de Soleil or whatever), etc.

The Hilton Las Vegas (at the LV Conv Ctr) was a bit run down, but had loose slots (relatively speaking) and decent tables. I found decent BJ play at Caesars, Mirage, and Treasure Island, although a couple years ago the CSMs were creeping in, so it could be all bad now. Across the street from those, you could have fun at Casino Royale, where they actually let us count out loud!! It was relaxed and a load of fun.

If you are into the outdoor/nature thing, I would highly recommend taking a ride down to the Hoover Dam, Lake Meade, Valley of Fire (excellent day of driving/hiking), and Red Rock Canyon.

Not sure if I am telling you stuff that you already know, but just trying to help a little...

[Mikeaber]

There is a free shuttle from Sam's Town to the California Club on Fremont. Not sure how late at night it runs. But, Fremont at night is a trip in itself. Plenty of free outside performances both on stage and out in the middle of Fremont. Definitely worth checking out.

You know about Plaza. But check out El Cortez Single Deck. Also a pretty good Single Deck game at 4-Queens. Binion's is supposed to have some good Single Deck also. I've played $5 double deck at Binions but the rules are not as good as at the Plaza and I think they raise the minimums in the evenings....at least on the weekends. Plaza never changes the table minimums. You can always find $5 tables at the Plaza.

Las Vegas Club also has some funky 21. Decent rules. Single, Double and 6-deck games.

[TonyDee]

the Plaza is the only Casino left stands on all 17's! Apparently Mandalay Bay has S17 as well (rumour). Only thing is that the Plaza has $5 minimums where as MB are all green tables.

Good luck on your search and be sure to report back to where the good casinos are on the strip. I am curious to found at where 6 deck shoes are.

[Mikeaber]

Originally Posted by TonyDee

the Plaza is the only Casino left stands on all 17's! Apparently Mandalay Bay has S17 as well (rumour). Only thing is that the Plaza has $5 minimums where as MB are all green tables.

Good luck on your search and be sure to report back to where the good casinos are on the strip. I am curious to found at where 6 deck shoes are.

Plaza has 6-deck as does Las Vegas Club. I'm not sure about 4-Queens.....I only walked past their tables and think that they might have been 8-deck.

I haven't found that 6-deck are at all uncommon.

[lagavulin62]

bama,

very interested to know how the trip goes, looking forward to your post report. last time I was in vegas we visited the liberace museum. next door is his italian restaurant that was opened I believe just before his death. it has pretty good food at reasonable prices. can't remember the address but it's on the eastside of town. I should have a chance to look over the casino reports before you leave monday and will post what looks good, at least on paper, for dd games. been so busy lately. I didn't even get a chance to comment on the 70 year old ladies downtown. (that may have been mike that posted that?)

mike

[Mikeaber]

And, just what may I inquire is your problem with 70 year old ladies? <LOL>

Originally Posted by lagavulin62

bama,

very interested to know how the trip goes, looking forward to your post report. last time I was in vegas we visited the liberace museum. next door is his italian restaurant that was opened I believe just before his death. it has pretty good food at reasonable prices. can't remember the address but it's on the eastside of town. I should have a chance to look over the casino reports before you leave monday and will post what looks good, at least on paper, for dd games. been so busy lately. I didn't even get a chance to comment on the 70 year old ladies downtown. (that may have been mike that posted that?)

mike

[lagavulin62]

oh nothing at all, they are great for good conversation. after looking at your first post I see that it was my mistake, I should be referring to them as "70 year-YOUNG ladies". shame on me!

[Mikeaber]

That's a hoot! I've had a LOT of fun playing (Blackjack) with 70-year-young ladies <LOL> It's all good.

[BAMA21]

Thanks, gang. I do appreciate the tips.