I've been wanting to write this post for a while, but never seem to get around to it. Here are some helpful hints on where to eat, stay and play without dipping in to your brothel budget.
STAY:
- The South Point is one of the best so called Locals' Hotel in town. They are technically located on the Strip, but not really. They're on Vegas Blvd and Silverado Ranch road, so even though you could take the bus there, a car definitely comes in handy. The room rates fluctuate quite a bit, but it's not uncommon to see $49.00 on a weeknight, plus a 14 dollar resort fee (unfortunately, resort fees are the norm all over town). Depending on which site you listen to, it's rated either 4 or 4.5 stars. I've stayed there a few times, the room are large, modern and very clean. If you don't mind being a good 15 minutes from center strip, this is a good deal. My only nitpick would be the place is very, VERY bright. Why? I have no idea. Also, they play host to the PBR (Professional Bull Riders Assoc.), so on any given weekend you will see tons of 10 Gallon hats. Personally, I enjoying playing and chatting with the Country crowd.
- The Silverton, also further down Vegas Blvd (on Blue Diamond Road, the same road that turns into 160 and takes you out to Pahrump), is somewhat similar to The South Point, only smaller, more boutique. They cater to the same southern/red state crown (they even have a huge Bass Pro Shop in the hotel, complete with gun range). They also have a large aquarium filled with sharks, stingrays, etc. There is no party vibe at all, but if you're looking for a mellow, well priced place to rest your weary head, this is worth a look.
- If you're a Total Rewards member, you'd be surprised how low the rates for some Caesar properties can drop. Especially for Bally's, The Rio and The LINQ (Formerly Imperial Palace, briefly called The Quad but that name was scraped because Asians consider 4 an unlucky number and wouldn't play there). They (The LINQ) have been completely remodeled, if you stayed there when they were IP, you honestly won't recognize the joint. Only downside is the resort fee which, at $25.00, is sometimes almost equal to the room rate.
The Rio, located about a mile off the strip, across the street from The Palms, usually has very good rates (even without the player's club discount) and they run free shuttle service to their center strip sister properties (Harrahs, Bally's/Paris).
Just a head's up though, unlike my 1st 2 suggestions, which I think most of you guys would prefer over a more youth/party orientated hotel, Caesar properties tend to attract a younger, louder crowd. It makes for nice eye candy, but with that comes smoke & noise. Plus, with the exception of The Rio, all their properties are much larger and involve way more walking.
- Downtown/Fremont Street - Everybody knows about the Golden Nugget, definitely the most luxurious hotel in that area. But, unlike in years past, the gap isn't as wide as it once was. Formerly knows as Fitzgerald's, The D has been transformed from decrepit to hopping. Can't personally vouch for the rooms, but pricing ranges from 27 to 60 dollars for a weeknight; given the atmosphere down stairs, it's hard for me to imagine it isn't a good choice for a few nights. Ditto for The Plaza (which currently is offering 20% off thru 1/31/16.
Please note, you'll sometimes see very low rates for the El Cortez, just make sure they aren't talking about one of the older, original rooms (I think they're called Vintage). Also, though not actually part of the Fremont Street Experience (it's across the street, as is The Plaza) the area around this hotel has seen a real transformation over the last 2 years; lots of clubs, tons are partying locals on Friday & Saturday nights - especially the first Friday of the month (creatively called 1st Friday, a huge event with a focus on Art and Food Trucks. Not sure how soundproof the hotel is, but seeing how they opened in 1941 (once owned by Bugsy Siegel), I'm guessing not very.
EAT:
- In a town with lots of great deals, The Coronado Cafe in South Point has some of the best (I swear, I don't work for them), particularly their Grave Yard menu with items like a $3.95 Cheeseburger Deluxe or $4.95 Steak & Eggs -
http://southpointcasino.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/LateNiteSpecialsDura.pdfThey also have several other restaurants to chose from, all different cuisines and ranging from casual to upscale.
- Vegas is all about the Buffet, but unlike days past (think the one from National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation), they've gone very upscale with some charging around 50 dollars for dinner. Personally, as someone who cooks as a hobby and considers himself a foodie, it's definitely worth it. The Wynn Buffet in particular, and if you go at around 3:00 you can pay the lunch price yet enjoy the dinner menu.
- Another good one, although much more casual, is the Rio World Carnival Buffet. You can do the same pay-for-lunch-but-enjoy-dinner thing here (some places are hip to it and separate the two meals with an hour in between them), but an added bonus for Nevada residents is 25% off (used to be 50%, now that was a GREAT deal!). Just show your state issued ID and a Total Rewards card (free). If you don't live in Nevada, you can try to show them that you're a SIN member, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. This is a really good buffet, and even at regular pricing it's a great value.
- If you are REALLY hungry, another option is Caesar's Buffet of Buffets -
https://www.caesars.com/las-vegas/buffet-of-buffets - The price has unfortunately crept up in recent years (was only 35 bucks when I first moved here a few years back), but even at $55.00 it's still a solid bargain. Basically, for one price, you get to eat at the Rio buffet mentioned above, as well as four others (Paris' Le Village and Planet Hollywood are both excellent choices) as many times as you want (or can) within a 24 hour period. If you do dinner/breakfast/lunch/dinner (believe it or not, some squeeze in even more than 4 visits), the per meal price averages out to maybe the best dining out deal ever.
You can also add Caesar's Bacchanal (very gourmet, and although I personally prefer Wynn, people rave about this place) and/or the Rio's Seafood Buffet for an additional charge.
- If you have a car, the Red Rock & Green Valley Ranch, both part of the Station casino chain, with these two being their "fancier" properties, offer probably the best buffet value in town -
https://www.sclv.com/Dining/Buffets.aspx. With their player's card, dinner is around $14.00, lunch 5 bucks less. And the quality, especially at Green Valley, is pretty high. Breakfast here is a truly great bargain.
- Speaking of Stations, their Grand Cafes always have good deals, including a late night menu that rivals the South Point. Again, your best bets are Red Rock & GVR, same priced special as their sister properties, but much nicer. Currently they all offer a 3-course meal for $9.99.
https://www.sclv.com/Promotions/Dining-Promotions.aspx Good luck beating that.
- The Hard Rock's Mr. Lucky has a pretty good off the menu special, often called the Gambler's or Seven Seven Seven special. For $7.77, with a beverage purchase, you get a steak, 3 grilled shrimp and choice of potato. It used to come with a really good salad and no drink requirement, but that changed a year or 2 back. So, while good, it's no longer a great deal. But you will see tons of almost naked eye candy during your meal, so it's like dinner and a show for around ten dollars. They used to have all-you-can-eat- prime rib for a comparable price, but not sure if it's still available. Never hurts to ask though.
- Though I've never had it, Ellis Island has a similar special, prime rib as well I believe -
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45963-d553418-r92294936-Ellis_Island_Casino_Brewery-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html. I've never had it. The place is very much a dive (people seem to love that about them). And they had issues with the Health Dept a few years back. BUT people swear by this place. And the ribs at the BBQ place are said to be really good. Not my scene, but I'm in the minority.
- Most don't come to Vegas to eat at a chain restaurant, but Buca Di Beppo (like a better version of the Olive Garden) has a deal where they give you a free pasta when you join their e-club -
http://www.bucadibeppo.com/. The choices are Spaghetti, Baked Ziti or Fettuccini Alfredo. Buca serves food family styles, so even though this offer is for a small, it's designed to feed 2 people. No other purchase is necessary. They have a place on Flamingo & Paradise and one inside Excalibur.
- Also at Flamingo & Paradise is the Silver Seven Hotel/Casino. They used to be called Terribles, which anyone who has ever hit the houses in Pahrump will recall they have a location there as well. And the same dining specials are available (10 dollars for steak or ribs, plus a few other options). I probably should have mentioned them in the STAY section as well, room rates are usually around $30.00. Just be warned, they're located pretty close to Ellis Island and share a similar clientele. Plus side, only a block from the Hard Rock.
- When in the mood for a cocktail or two, your best bet is to avoid the pricey casino bars and enjoy a comped beverage while playing (even slots). Top shelf libations for the cost of a buck or two tip = a great perk.
PLAY:
- The following places have $3.00 Blackjack although getting a seat can sometimes take a while. Hooters, El Cortez, Sam's Town, Fremont, Binions, Circus Circus.
- $5.00 Blackjack can be found at most of the places above plus The Orleans, South Point, Silverton, The M, Gold Coast, all the Stations, most downtown places (although the more upscale ones may only offer it during off hours, if at all) The Palms, The LINQ (sometimes), Rio and NY NY (the last 4 are all 4-star properties, so being able to play there at such low limits is pretty cool).
- ALWAYS get a Player's Club card, especially at places like Stations Casino and Boyd Casinos (The Orleans/Gold Coast/Sam's Town/Fremont) where even a little play will usually result in offers and comps (now at the time of play, but rather through mailed offers). Also, most offer some free slot play just for joining.
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http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/ is a good website which highlights deals as well as all that is happeningin town at any given time.
If any of you ever have a specific question, please never hesitate to ask.
