1st time Vegas Visitor

[DeniseM]

Hi Fern -

We actually don't stay at any of the high end properties in Las Vegas, but we do like new and fresh. Our favorite place to stay is Grandview, and if we go to a casino, we like to go right across the street to South Pointe.

We like to walk, and we used to walk from the central strip, to the Strat, which may give me a different perspective than you have, because walking through that neighborhood is different than driving there. It used to be an enjoyable walk, but not any more.

 

[RV 16]

Has anyone taken the Pawn Stars/ American Restoration/ Counts Kustoms tour? (1:45pm daily with pick ups at Tropicana, Circus Circus and Treasure Island) If so, was it worth it? Thanks.

 

[PStreet1]

As a fairly frequent tourist in Las Vegas, I think you'll regret not having a car. The public transportation is often full and goes right by those waiting. Walking between casinos is not the experience you would think it is: they are so big it looks like "it's only a casino away; we'll walk" would be a sensible response. In fact, unless you are a good walker, you'll find it is a considerable distance--and that's just to get to the property of the next casino or the one next to the next one. After you get there, you need to walk quite a way to get inside.

Buy "The Un-official Guide to Las Vegas," or go to the library and copy the maps in the back for how to get from place to place without driving on The Strip. It's easy and much faster than trying to use public transportation--and it's on your schedule.

Rental cars are very inexpensive in Las Vegas and you'll avoid having to wait for a shuttle. Parking is free if you use the valet parking. You need to tip the valet, but that's a minimal expense. And of course, if you want to see the Dam and Red Rock Canyon, you'll need a car anyway, so you might as well have the convenience of your own transportation to go to casinos and see the local sights.

 

[Smokatoke]

Silverton Casino is near you and is a very nice Offstrip casino, good comps and decent/good buffet. Same with Southpoint Casino.

 

[timeos2]

While we do tend to visit the Stratosphere & Circus Circus it is true that part of the strip is suffering and is more and more isolated it seems. The Hilton Grand Vacation club there is one of our favorite LV resorts but it has ended up as a virtual island. Hopefully the whole area will recover but it isn't likely to change anytime soon.

 

[Karen G]

The last time I was at the Stratosphere (about six months ago, I think) I was impressed by how nice and fresh it looked inside. We saw Frankie Moreno and really enjoyed his show. We ate at the diner and had a great meal.

Tonight we saw what is now my favorite Cirque du Soleil show: Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay. If you like Michael Jackson songs, you'll love it.

 

[lamb]

Where did you see information about the Pawn Stars/ American Restoration/ Counts Kustoms tour?

Noted earlier as: (1:45pm daily with pick ups at Tropicana, Circus Circus and Treasure Island)

We will be in Vegas in April and planned to visit some of those locations with our boys (fans of the shows). I'm wondering if it is a better option to go independently or via an organized tour. I didn't realize tours were an option. We will have a car while there.

 

[RV 16]

Where did you see information about the Pawn Stars/ American Restoration/ Counts Kustoms tour?

Noted earlier as: (1:45pm daily with pick ups at Tropicana, Circus Circus and Treasure Island)

We will be in Vegas in April and planned to visit some of those locations with our boys (fans of the shows). I'm wondering if it is a better option to go independently or via an organized tour. I didn't realize tours were an option. We will have a car while there.

Vegas.com
Tours tab
Search "other tours" right on top.
Good luck!
Ps. Since you have your own transportation and more than 2 people, you may do better going on your own. Tour states each stop is only 30 mins. Each location.

 

[RV 16]

As a fairly frequent tourist in Las Vegas, I think you'll regret not having a car. The public transportation is often full and goes right by those waiting. Walking between casinos is not the experience you would think it is: they are so big it looks like "it's only a casino away; we'll walk" would be a sensible response. In fact, unless you are a good walker, you'll find it is a considerable distance--and that's just to get to the property of the next casino or the one next to the next one. After you get there, you need to walk quite a way to get inside.

Buy "The Un-official Guide to Las Vegas," or go to the library and copy the maps in the back for how to get from place to place without driving on The Strip. It's easy and much faster than trying to use public transportation--and it's on your schedule.

Rental cars are very inexpensive in Las Vegas and you'll avoid having to wait for a shuttle. Parking is free if you use the valet parking. You need to tip the valet, but that's a minimal expense. And of course, if you want to see the Dam and Red Rock Canyon, you'll need a car anyway, so you might as well have the convenience of your own transportation to go to casinos and see the local sights.

Thank you very much. Have various reasons for not renting a car, but re thinking it actually. I do like the safety of my own vehicle vs. the unknown way to get around. I did purchase a nice "pop up" street map when I was at the airport last month. But really does not show much of the southern end of the strip.

 

[RV 16]

The last time I was at the Stratosphere (about six months ago, I think) I was impressed by how nice and fresh it looked inside. We saw Frankie Moreno and really enjoyed his show. We ate at the diner and had a great meal.

Tonight we saw what is now my favorite Cirque du Soleil show: Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay. If you like Michael Jackson songs, you'll love it.

Thank you! I have restaurant.com gift certificates for the restaurant there and thought we might try it. Been hearing a lot of good things about the Frankie Moreno show.
We have been gifted tickets and private back stage tour for "O", so we are very excited about that!

 

[Karen G]

We have been gifted tickets and private back stage tour for "O", so we are very excited about that!

That sounds like fun! Hope you have a great visit.

 

[Fern Modena]

It doesn't show much of the Southern area of The Strip because it thinks you won't travel South of Mandalay Bay. If you do, you can take Las Vegas Blvd., so not to worry. If you are a member of AAA, they have a Southern Las Vegas Map you can get.

I think I remember you are staying at Tahiti Village, if that is true, and you decide to rent a car, just ask me (here or by PM) and I will give you good directions. You really don't want to go on Las Vegas Bl. thru The Strip after around 2 PM daily, traffic starts ramping up then.

You really should rent a car, because it will save you money because you wouldn't have to book tours for Red Roc and Lake Mead, and you wouldn't have to be dependent on taxis.

If you rent a car, you might want to take the wife to Panevino for your anniversary, or to Todds Unique Dining in Henderson. Both are gourmet, with lower prices because they are local. I love Todd's and go there several times a year.

Fern

Thank you very much. Have various reasons for not renting a car, but re thinking it actually. I do like the safety of my own vehicle vs. the unknown way to get around. I did purchase a nice "pop up" street map when I was at the airport last month. But really does not show much of the southern end of the strip.

 

[VegasBella]

I'm a local and I side more with ricoba regarding the Stratosphere. For views of the Vegas Valley there's really nothing else comparable. I've eaten at the restaurant up there a couple times and the food was so-so, the service was great, the views are unbeatable. It's lower-end compared to some other places on the Strip but it's NOT "in serious decline".

I really find it hilarious that The Peppermill of all places is being hailed as more upscale than the Stratosphere. LOL. If you want good food, eat at the Wynn. Go to The Peppermill for a look at what "Old Vegas" was like (gaudy, low ceilings, smokey, etc).

If you're interested in trying something new and different, you might want to check out Container Park. Fit it in with a tour of Fremont Street and The Arts District. Details: http://downtowncontainerpark.com/

I stayed at Tahiti Village for a stay-cation recently. The pool and lazy river are fantastic. The rooms are acceptable. The spa is only for massages (nothing else). The restaurant (Denny's) is meh - what you expect. The staff is very friendly. The resort is family-friendly. The location is good (not great). You're right near Town Square and the Outlet Mall and both have lots of restaurant options, plus movies, and shopping. Panevino is nearby as well for a more classy meal with an Old Vegas flair. Check out their vegan menu (YUM!)

About Red Rock: I'm not sure renting a car makes sense actually, because you still have to pay to get into the park so a tour might be cheaper, plus it's certainly more eco-friendly to ride with others.

Getting around on the Strip: Tons of people do it without a car. Yes, it's a lot more than it looks but you can probably do it. The buses and monorail work well and tons of people use them. It all just depends on how much you are willing to walk and how well you handle unfamiliar mass transit. Vegas is NOT like NYC or Chicago or anywhere in Europe. Vegas was built after and around the automobile and thus has more similarity to LA. Keep in mind that cabs in Vegas are a lot more expensive than cabs in NYC. (I can't compare to Vermont since I haven't been there).

Have fun!

 

[HatTrick]

My preference is a rental car. Drive where you want--when you want--and use the free valet parking that most hotel-casinos offer. The small cost of gas and a tip for the valet will be much less than cab or monorail fare. And you don't have to drive on the Strip itself to get to most resorts--take a street that runs parallel to Las Vegas Blvd. (Paradise Rd., for instance) and choose the closest intersection to the entrance of the resort. Leave your car with the friendly valet, who will provide directions if you need them, and enjoy the walk to whatever you want to see.

 

[DeniseM]

I really find it hilarious that The Peppermill of all places is being hailed as more upscale than the Stratosphere. LOL. If you want good food, eat at the Wynn. Go to The Peppermill for a look at what "Old Vegas" was like (gaudy, low ceilings, smokey, etc).

Upscale? No one said upscale. The poster wrote "old Las Vegas."

I would describe it as a funky "Old Las Vegas" coffee shop and lounge, where we like to have breakfast.

It is funny to visit there, and then go to the Peppermill in Reno, which started off as as an identical small property, and has grown into a Mega-casino, but still has the identical Fireside Lounge buried deep in it's bowels.

 

[Fern Modena]

You think the difference between the two locations (Peppermill in Reno, which includes a "Mega-casino," and the Las Vegas one, with no gaming license) might be due to the ownership of the Reno location by a group of Italian men? If you think I am using innuendo here, you should read more Northern California history.

After growing a strong and fast friendship with Reno businessmen Bill Paganetti and Nat Carasali in the late 1970s, Albert Jr. and his brother Tom Seeno, now 72, became minority stockholders at the Peppermill Hotel Casino and then added five other Nevada casinos to their list of holdings — which added another dimension to their financial endeavors.

Fern

It is funny to visit there, and then go to the Peppermill in Reno which started off as as identical small property, and has grown into a Mega-casino, but still has the identical Fireside Lounge buried deep in it's bowels.

 

[DeniseM]

Hi Fern - I know absolutely nothing about their history or ownership, except they are both fun places to go.

 

[Ron98GT]

Has anyone taken the Pawn Stars/ American Restoration/ Counts Kustoms tour? (1:45pm daily with pick ups at Tropicana, Circus Circus and Treasure Island) If so, was it worth it? Thanks.

If you haven't been to the Pawn Stars pawn shop, it's a joke. I've been in walk-in closets bigger than that place; they use wide angle lenses to make it seem bigger. And unless their filming you won't see anybody and nothing is going on.


How about the PussyKat Tattoo Parlor, as in Bad Ink. That's another phoney baloney program. My DW's son is good friends with Dirk and he tells us how phoney the show is. His shop is on Maryland PWY, just South of Tropicana, but there's not much to see.

http://www.pussykatvegas.com/


Take a tour of Hoover Dam:

http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/service/index.html


Or a Black Canyon River Raft Trip (no rapids, it's calm):

http://www.blackcanyonadventures.com/


Or how about a tour of the Nevada Test Site. They bus you up there and the different areas where they tested. You also get to see the old control building, room, and display screens.

http://www.nv.doe.gov/outreach/tours.aspx

 

[RV 16]

I'm a local and I side more with ricoba regarding the Stratosphere. For views of the Vegas Valley there's really nothing else comparable. I've eaten at the restaurant up there a couple times and the food was so-so, the service was great, the views are unbeatable. It's lower-end compared to some other places on the Strip but it's NOT "in serious decline".

I really find it hilarious that The Peppermill of all places is being hailed as more upscale than the Stratosphere. LOL. If you want good food, eat at the Wynn. Go to The Peppermill for a look at what "Old Vegas" was like (gaudy, low ceilings, smokey, etc).

If you're interested in trying something new and different, you might want to check out Container Park. Fit it in with a tour of Fremont Street and The Arts District. Details: http://downtowncontainerpark.com/

I stayed at Tahiti Village for a stay-cation recently. The pool and lazy river are fantastic. The rooms are acceptable. The spa is only for massages (nothing else). The restaurant (Denny's) is meh - what you expect. The staff is very friendly. The resort is family-friendly. The location is good (not great). You're right near Town Square and the Outlet Mall and both have lots of restaurant options, plus movies, and shopping. Panevino is nearby as well for a more classy meal with an Old Vegas flair. Check out their vegan menu (YUM!)

About Red Rock: I'm not sure renting a car makes sense actually, because you still have to pay to get into the park so a tour might be cheaper, plus it's certainly more eco-friendly to ride with others.

Getting around on the Strip: Tons of people do it without a car. Yes, it's a lot more than it looks but you can probably do it. The buses and monorail work well and tons of people use them. It all just depends on how much you are willing to walk and how well you handle unfamiliar mass transit. Vegas is NOT like NYC or Chicago or anywhere in Europe. Vegas was built after and around the automobile and thus has more similarity to LA. Keep in mind that cabs in Vegas are a lot more expensive than cabs in NYC. (I can't compare to Vermont since I haven't been there).

Have fun!

Awesome, thank you for all the ideas. Much appreciated. Planning is coming along nicely. We are looking forward to the newly tiled/renovated
pool at Tahiti Village, which they are working on now and will be complete before we get there.

 

[RV 16]

If you haven't been to the Pawn Stars pawn shop, it's a joke. I've been in walk-in closets bigger than that place; they use wide angle lenses to make it seem bigger. And unless their filming you won't see anybody and nothing is going on.


How about the PussyKat Tattoo Parlor, as in Bad Ink. That's another phoney baloney program. My DW's son is good friends with Dirk and he tells us how phoney the show is. His shop is on Maryland PWY, just South of Tropicana, but there's not much to see.

http://www.pussykatvegas.com/


Take a tour of Hoover Dam:

http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/service/index.html


Or a Black Canyon River Raft Trip (no rapids, it's calm):

http://www.blackcanyonadventures.com/


Or how about a tour of the Nevada Test Site. They bus you up there and the different areas where they tested. You also get to see the old control building, room, and display screens.

http://www.nv.doe.gov/outreach/tours.aspx

Thank you for the tips. I have heard Pawn Stars is a small shop. If we do go, I'll be sure share our experience.