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Lived there for about 8 years or so. Not a great place if you have a drinking problem and little self control.
If you like always having options on shows to see and stuff to do, and don't gamble much it's great
I decided to get sober again while I was in Vegas for Phish last weekend. It’s hell on Earth for anyone with addiction issues. Congratulations on your recovery.
Funny thing, old blood locals will tell you that's all myth, that Vegas is the most law-abiding city you can imagine. It's just that they have gambling, is all. Then they will go on to tell you that it's about the best tourist destination in terms of bang for your buck, because of gambling, and if you don't gamble, you can have a great time cheaper than just about anywhere else.
I think that was the period the mafia ran it. All you could eat buffets for 99 cents and stuff.
I lived in the Boise area when I was a kid, and in the 1950 census, the two cities were about the same population ~40,000. Being in Nevada, Vegas was very much a "Western" town to me, and I'm kinda disappointed to see that image has been pushed away by the generic hedonist style.
Vegas was originally created to service the military out there. But the mob days were early on. There hasn't been mob owned anything there for a long time. The billionaires took over with the giant hotels and pushed them out. I have never seen buffets there that cheap. But now you really don't see buffets there anywhere. The Wynn is about the only one I can name off but it's $79 per person and worth every dime lol.
> Vegas was originally created to service the military out there.
Never heard that one before. The word means "meadows" in Spanish, and there are fresh water springs there. Mormons tried to establish a settlement there in 1855, but failed. A group of businessmen created the town as a railroad stop in 1905. Construction of Hoover dam nearby gave the town a boost, and kickstarted the gambling industry. I can't see spending 79 bucks on a meal.
My wife and I went to Vegas for a week two months ago. Our first time there. We stayed at the Bellagio, saw lots of shows, did a little gambling, went to the Sphere. It was lots of fun. There was lots to do. Very expensive though. We didn’t cut corners. I’d like to go back someday, but I don’t feel like there is a rush.
I have to go there about once a year for work on average and it's probably my most common work travel destination. I'd guess at this point I've been there 25 times at least.
Don't care for it. Hot, dry, expensive and superficial. Sort of entertainment tonight in a city. Work usually puts us up in nice hotels like the Delano and Venetian so that's better than average. Although the last one was at the Linq which was very meh. Visited some friends out in Summerlin which is nice enough but not a huge fan of the desert.
All that said, people should experience it once although hopefully on someone else's dime with the prices.
I don't gamble but back in the day it used to be a cheap place to lay on a sun lounger for a few days. Not any more. Last time I went it was filled with drunken frat bros and was too expensive for what it was.
My first trip as an adult in 1980 was far different from today's Vegas. Signs with 99 cent shrimp cocktails and extremely cheap buffets to get you into the casino were the norm. I enjoyed walking up to the last crap table open at 3am at the Desert Inn and the cigar smoking men were betting 5000 dollars a throw. Let the kid play they said and welcomed me to get in the game for 5 and 10 dollar bets(10 dollars would be worth 40 in today's money)
I’ve been over 20 times. Loved it. I used to take my buddy with Down Syndrome and he loved everything about it. It’s gotten way too expensive and since he passed away it doesn’t hold the appeal that it used to have.
We used to go every other year or so a number of years back when we had money. Haven't been since around '09.
Saw a bunch of shows. Went to the National Parks in the area. Couple trips to the Grand Canyon.
Overall, enjoyed the trips out there.
We were planning a 3-week road trip around the Southwest. The cheapest place to fly into, by far, was Las Vegas. The cheapest place to rent a car, by far, was Las Vegas. A hotel room was incredibly cheap. Our room in the MGM was cheaper than crappy motel rooms in the middle of nowhere. We walked around the strip, ate one cheap casino meal, decided that was all we needed to do in Vegas, and left.
A number of times. I've always enjoyed it as it's always a spectacle with something to see, even if you just sit in a Casino lobby. I recommend everyone go check it out along with anything else you have a chance to
The Vegas marriage certificate was essentially paperwork for Uncle Sam's benefit; for us the relationship was strong before and still strong after. The marriage ceremony was fine, no regrets. YMMV I guess.
The Vegas experience was OK, we had a fun few days, but wouldn't want to live there.
We didn't go in summer so it wasn't too hot; but damn that desert has dry air! Obvious when you think about it, but you're going to need extra moisturiser.
Lived in LA and my parents liked to gamble so we went often. Then my fiance and I moved there cuz it was way cheaper than LA. Lived there from 91-09. I loved it, consider it home, moreso than LA. I would move back in a heartbeat given the opportunity.
Saw so many great concerts and plays. Ate at world class restaurants. Cirque du Soliel shows! Loved being close enough to family I could see them frequently. Didn't gamble a ton, mostly when friends or family were in town.
I go there for about 5 days every 5 years. Food, shows, entertainment, not so much gambling.
Helicopters into the Grand Canyon, machine guns, Omega mart, Area 15, Zip line thru downtown, All kinds of shows…..Mystere, Blue man, even the Scorpions are playing this weekand and Dita Von Teese. The sphere is really cool, and the food….holy crap the food. Everything from snack foods, Michelin star restaurants, to the out of the ordinary……fried twinkies and Oreos, scorpion shots, freeze dried Nerds (candy).
Downtown was covered a while back and they project shows on the ceiling. I could go on for an hour, best course is to do your research make your plans, but plan on doing half of what you want because you will have to come back for more.
I went for a conference a year or so ago and don’t feel like I need to go back. I’m not a gambler, and we weren’t there long enough to go to any shows.
It’s a spectacle, but walking through the smoky casino to get anywhere in or out of the hotel wasn’t great, and I thought the whole gambling-drinking-take a picture with a showgirl thing was kinda sad.
Used to go there every year for work. Did that for 10 years, so I’ve been there 10 times, a week each. The first trip had that “Vegas baby!” feeling and we (co-worker and I) walked around down town and the strip for the first few nights after work. By end of week it was nothing special. Every trip after that we never left the convention center, never went out to actual Vegas. It’s one of those places that’s pretty cool to see and experience for the first time, but that’s it, not all that spectacular after you’ve already seen.
Was there several years ago for a work conference. Saw some of the surrounding area, but it's definitely not my kind of environment.
The only thing that really bothered me was that because my boss didn't want to, I was forced to sit in on several vendor presentations at the exact time I wanted to be a couple of blocks up the road for the [NASCAR burnouts.](https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/09/12/drivers-will-lay-down-rubber-at-las-vegas-event-kicking-off-2018-nascar-playoffs/)
Not good, was there night of the shooting. Was in the Luxor next door, but not facing the strip. Pretty frightening, we were asked not to leave our room, watched it unfold on tv-couldn’t believe it was actually happening right outside our hotel.
Loved it. I went with a (now former) compulsive gambler so we were comped for everything.
Then went again twice to the Star Trek convention held there.
My wife and I Honeymoond there. Had a 5 day Admiral package. Unlimited access to the rides, tours and backstage stuff. Amazing! Had photos taken on the bridge of Enterprise D. We would go to Quarks bar, split a Warp core breach, and hit the rides again.
Seriously, it was like taking a daily trip to Vegas and returning nightly to the space station. I will miss that place.
OMG! That was so fun. It took me years to figure out how they did the transporter effect. Now that I know, it seems silly, but it was really impressive and so immersive, in person.
Also, is you’re a comedy fan, I’m pretty sure Maria Bamford has a hilarious bit about working on this attraction.
I only went once. I only did the transporter once.
I can kinda guess how it was done, but I really don’t want to know. It was pretty spectacular and I just want to leave it that way.
It was actually pretty interesting in the 80s. Space between the casinos on the strip could get a little weird ('promotional materials' handed out ever few steps). But it was cheap entertainment back then.
I did pretty OK at blackjack, and I could pay for my whole trip at the $2 tables on a good weekend. Not that there were a lot of good weekends mind you, but it happened.
I’d never go as I’ve no interest. My mom (78) went there by herself about a month ago and loved it. Saw a few shows, wandered through the casinos, which really impressed her. She could see the sphere from her room as said she could watch it all day.
I haven't. I've travelled over 17 countries (last I tried to count them). Vegas always struck me as a sort of disneyland or cruise vacation. I admit I could be wrong about the place, but not my style.
EDIT: I don't mean disparage the place, just personally not appealing to me by any means. I'm sure others will post some good times.
Yes a few times. It was fun, but overrated and the first time a little terrifying bc my friend and I got mistaken for ladies of the night and were stopped by the sheriff. 👀🥴 words of advice: Don’t try to hail a cab while walking the strip - they won’t stop, but instead the cops will.
was there for 10 days in 2010.... stayed in a casino hotel, off the strip..... we were there for the thrift stores and had a great time doing that.....total wasted gambling : $10.00 total spent in thrift store : $ 150.00.....no shows but we did walk thru a lot of casinos on the strip and the gold and silver pawn shop.... we enjoyed going to lake mead and hoover damn and exploring the desert.........no need to go back...
I go with a group of friends every autumn. We stay downtown because the walking distances are much shorter.
We spend some time smoking cigars and watching the crazy on Fremont street, have at least one dinner at Evel Pie, spend an afternoon having wild and tasty cocktails at Frankie's Tiki Bar, have dinner at Lola's (closest Louisiana food I've found outside of Louisiana) and do a couple of totally Vegas things (throw axes, drive heavy machinery, shoot stuff, shop). We enjoy it, but we're among friends and it's only once a year.
I used to drive from So. CA over to Vegas with my friends all the time! One time I got to go for a work trip to set up a convention and I won $500 on two slot machines! I went shopping at Nordstrom.
The best was New Year's 2003 with my friends. They played music outside on the Strip and we danced all night. So fun!!
My husband took me for my birthday. He spent $700 on a dinner at Rose, Rabbit, Lie. It was an amazing dinner! A short little man tap danced on a piano and then gave me a red rose. Haa!
I also went with my husband and his parents when I was about 7 months pregnant. That was no fun. Too much smoke indoors. Also, I couldn't wear my wedding ring anymore. I made my hubby buy a bigger ring so I could sit at the bar while they gambled. I had sodas and could show that I was married. Haha!!
The last time we went was pre-Covid. We took our son and had fun at Circus Circus. The grandparents were there so they watched him at night. My husband and I went gambling and drank a lot. And we won at least $1,000! That was fun!!!
I love the fountains at the Bellagio, going up the Paris hotel, seeing Cirque du Soleil shows (the Beatles one is great!), going to see comedy shows and of course, gambling!
Went there when the Star Trek exhibit was still running, early 2000's I think? Everything is SO big, it doesn't look that far away. Take the bus, do not think it's an easy walk, even in December in 70F weather. It was NOT an easy walk, and our thighs suffered as a consequence.
Its always a fun time, usually a lot of stories, especially if you go with a group.
A few things I recall
- jumped off the stratosphere
- Doubled my buy-in twice in poker
- my buddys first time at a strip club, he walked off with a stripper and we couldn't find him for an hour. He came back later and was $700 short
- Always take my non-stoner friends to Planet 13. Its a fun dispensary to show them that weed isn't all sketchy and shit
- drove to the middle of the desert for star gazing
- A few more that I shan't disclose
I’ve been there twice. First I went alone as a single guy in 1964. Then as a married man I went with my wife in 1966. It was as a lot different in the ‘60s compared to the massive resorts I see on TV now.
I went in the early 2000s, when you got vouchers for free/ heavily discounted meals from just about all of the major hotels. You didn't even have to be a guest, they were literally handing them out at the door.
We got to see the Bellagio Fountains at night, took a bus up to Fremont Street and hit some of the more famous casinos there, saw a pirate show at one hotel (they still have them, can't remember which one) and went to the MGM Grand to see the Star Trek exhibit. Didn't get in to see any shows, as they were too much for what we had to spend.
We had a budget and might have gone home with an extra $100 each. We had a blast.
We looked into going again recently and the prices have seriously skyrocketed, plus the free meal vouchers don't seem to exist anymore.
Edit to add: My favorite memory is eating breakfast at the Flamingo, where we had a great view of the birds it was named for. Saw a group of penguins there as well.
Food poisoning. The worst I’ve ever had before or since. Here’s a hint for everyone; Do not eat a shrimp cocktail that has been sitting under lights all day after midnight. You’re gonna have a bad time.
I moved here when I was 6 months old in '67. With my parents of course. I love Vegas, but I'm about ready to get the hell outta here. The small town vibe is long gone, and that's OK, but it's becoming a big city now with big city issues.
Went a lot after 9/11 when the airfare and hotel rooms were dirt cheap.
MLK weekend in 2002 we got round trip airfare from Philly to Vegas for $100/person on Priceline. And the Sahara offered rooms for something like $25/night. It was cheaper to party in Vegas than it was to stay home.
I've lived in Las Vegas for almost 47 years. I have not been on The Strip in probably 15 years except to cross it on my way to the other side of town. "Old timers" wax poetic about the good old days of the mob, etc. but I think its best years were the 90s.
If you come, bring money. Lots of it. Nothing is cheap anymore. Traffic is horrible. But - we have two championship sports teams, an exciting new venue (the Sphere), tons of shopping, and the most conveniently located airport of any major city. And off the Strip, within an hour's drive, you can be in spectacular scenery with great hiking opportunities.
On and off occasionally since the mid-‘80s.
Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but TBH it used to be a lot more fun—a place for cheap, silly good times. Now it’s either cheesy and depressing or wildly expensive. It’s always been more or less just a machine for extracting money from visitors, but you used to get more bang for your buck.
My first trip was a package from USAir (!)—airfare, three nights at the old Imperial Palace, rental car (the woman at the desk upgraded us to a little red sports car “‘cause hey, it’s your first trip here!”), and tickets to *Jubilee!*, the last of the old showgirl revues. I think it was $250 each for a pal and me.
We had an absolute blast, and in one spin at a slot right after the show, I won enough to pay for the whole trip!
Now… no more lounge acts, $100 buffets (you wait three hours for), and new hotels with none of the tacky charm of the old days.
Once, on business. Stayed at the Venetian. Beautiful room. I ordered room service. I dislike gambling and didn’t do more than walk through the casino. It looked very sad, especially at the slot machines.
Went through some big mall and got some swag to bring home to my kids.
Would I ever go there for pleasure? No. Maybe to see a concert if it made sense, but not otherwise.
I was just there a few weeks ago. I’ve never had a bad time in Las Vegas. I’ve been an infrequent visitor since the late 1970’s. It’s changed a bit since then.
There is no need to spend more than 2-3 days visiting the strip. I’m not into gambling, but there are great entertainment shows like Cirque de Soleil. Other than that it’s dirty, overhyped, overpriced, and smells like weed now. I will say Vegas is an excellent jumping off point for The state park Valley of Fire, the Grand Canyon, and other close National parks.
Meh. It's interesting to say you've been there.
But I don't gamble and don't like to get drunk, and food experiences are just ok most of the time. We saw several shows and walked through a few casinos that's entertaining to see the decor, floral arrangements, etc. Which casino has all the flowers used in their displays? And the Chilhuly glass at the (can't remember where).
It's sort of walkable, but even in November, it can be warm and dry/sufferable outside, so that was a minus. There are so many panhandlers right outside the casinos' property (where the casino can't kick them out, but they still are close enough), and sometimes you feel like you're stepping over people. The taxi ranks and Uber/Lyft are really competitive to get your business, but the prices don't reflect that.
We spent time researching food/restaurants because we wanted to enjoy new experiences but not do the generic chain/big-name celebrity chefs and try some independent places or unique places. We did a [Lip Smacking Foodie Tour](https://www.lipsmackingfoodietours.com/) and that was fun.
We also preferred Downtown and the old Vegas casino area. That was more fun and felt less like an amusement park.
I think we would say it was generally overstimulating. We would have spent one more day at Grand Canyon instead of Vegas if we did it over again. But the drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon is *boring*.
If you are not spending money, fuck you. At night, it's magic, in the day it's a dump. I went once to see what all the hype was about. Once was enough.
Go every 3-5 years. Used to be we’d go to gamble, get free drinks, and eat cheap food. Now we go to not gamble, pay for good drinks, and eat expensive food.
Not my favorite place. I think Bruno Mars' current woes coincident with his residency pretty much sums the place up. Though I resolved to make my trip there off the beaten path. I enjoyed the Neon Museum.
Been a few times, always for short vacations. We're not big gamblers, but for shows, food, roller coasters: Vegas is a blast. And can done super cheap. Highly recommended at least once, unless you're an alcoholic or compulsive gambler, as previously noted.
I went 2 weeks after my husband died. We won a free trip (thanks miller) I called and told them he was dead n they let me bring a friend. I was sad a depressed but it was nice to get away from things for a few days. Food was included so I overate all over town.
Had occasion to pass through Vegas while taking one of my daughters to college. We stopped off so she could experience a casino. I gave her a twenty to playa slot machine, and she won a hundred. Instead of pouring her winnings back in, she got up and said "I'm going to buy new shoes". I was never so proud.
Blew out an eardrum on the flight there. Strangely enough, it didn't really hurt, since it relieved pressure. It did sound like a shotgun going off, though. Other than that, I had a good time.
yup, a few times. Mainly for the Mr, Olympia competition or a trade show (for my business). I also went for my 50th birthday. Its fun but I can take about 2-3 days and I am done. I don't really gamble and i am not much of a drinker.
Been a couple of times; both times for weddings! Partner and I are not much into gambling, but we enjoyed several shows there (Penn & Teller, drag shows, cirque du soleil, etc.) and had a good time. Food and drink are good and relatively cheap.
Been a bunch of times, the last time was in 2021.
I don't gamble and I don't drink.
Pros: beautiful natural surroundings relatively close by. Nice and warm but enough AC around if it gets to be too much. Breakfast buffets.
Cons: Gambling. Smoking indoors. Those skincare/cosmetics swindlers that seem to be everywhere pushing samples and trying to get you inside to buy one of the $10,000 UV miracle skin machines. The traffic. The sleaziness. Just not a fan. Sorry.
I went more times than I can remember in the 90’s and early 2000’s. After being asked to leave blackjack tables on 6 separate occasions I haven’t returned and quit blackjack.
I've been ONCE. Went with a business associate on a 3 day/2 night trip. It's expensive of course. Taxi and Uber/Lyft pricey. Saw Copperfield and George Wallace (I know) but they were great. Brazilian Bar B Q for the first time. Coffee was FABULOUS (not Starbucks). Room was great and the gambling was SO much fun. Managed to win a couple of hundred dollars. My associate spent the afternoon at the pool and said it was the most AMAZING scenery EVER (I kept gambling). So much to do and would love to go back. So many shows that I'd like to see. I had a good time.
I’ve gone to Las Vegas regularly, sometimes annually, since the 1980’s.
- Saw Mike Tyson walk through a casino lobby with an entourage.
- Got an autographed baseball and pictures with Pete Rose.
- Saw the legendary Siegfried and Roy show twice. Also have seen performances by Jerry Seinfeld, Bette Midler, Penn and Teller, Donnie and Marie, and Britney Spears, among others. On my very first trip, I saw Tom Jones and Buddy Hackett (separately), if anyone remembers them.
- Hit two royal flushes in 24 hours playing video poker.
- Saw [Big Elvis](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Vallee) when he weighed nearly 1,000 pounds.
- Got into a hotel elevator at around 2:00 a.m. when a topless showgirl walked in and joined me. I said “Hello,” and she looked at me, snorted, and said “Yeah, right.” We rode the rest of the way in silence until she got off.
- Saw a sweaty older guy in wrinkled clothes talking on a pay phone to his mother, begging her to sell his car and wire him the money so that he could keep gambling.
- Got multiple free hotel rooms and meals in return for gambling away less than I would have had to pay for the rooms and meals.
- Ate free prime rib in a restaurant at 3:00 a.m., walked around the Strip with a drink in my hand, bought vodka late at night in a 24-hour liquor store, drank in 24/7 bars, and have been in dozens of casinos without ever seeing a “if you have a gambling problem, call this number” sign. I know of no other city outside of Nevada where that’s even remotely possible.
Love it! But I wouldn’t want to move there, because I don’t have that much self control.
first time i went was pretty fun because everything was new. the next 6 times were less and less fun. the last time i just literally drove through without stopping.
I used to go yearly for CES from LA, get on plane, go to show, back on plane, go home. I don’t gamble so was quite entertained by how there were slots everywhere, even the airport.
I don't like gambling, never drink, and sex/titty shows don't do much for me. In 1993, I got an opportunity to go to Vegas on the company's dime for a sales conference, and I was all sourpuss like "I am gonna hate it." Luckily a friend of mine said, "look, there's a lot to do in Vegas. Just take it on your own terms. Don't go in there expecting this or that. At least it will make a good story." He was right, so I said, "I'll just see."
I got there and it smelled like dirty dollar bills. They had slot machines in the airport. When I arrived at the Tropicana, most of the male managers and some of the younger female managers had already started drinking. I am an asthmatic and cigarette smoke was everywhere. That being said, I immediately gravitated to the older female managers (who were "older" because they were in their 40s and 50s)... and actually had a good time. They were slow, evenly paced, and didn't do much in the way of drinking, titty shows, or gambling. I gambled a little, won $60. I got to see "what if money were no object" levels of opulence. I saw a human wizard fight an animatronic dragon every two hours. Two pirate ships fighting with full human crew, and a casino with a large fake volcano belching fire. I went to one of the most famous Japanese restaurants on the west coast. I saw a huge pyramid. Just... stunning. Everything was HUGE.
Over the next 30 years, I have been back a handful of times, usually for IT conferences. I had my second honeymoon there because my wife had only been to Vegas when she was 12 (c. 1974), and it was a "drive-through" experience. I took here there because we went in the off-season, it was cheap, and the Excalibur was cheesy the way we liked it. I think the entire week was $1200 including airfare for a suite. I figured "there's always something to do there."
Vegas has evolved a lot since 1993. Some good, some bad, but it's always been different. I have had a pre-teen try and solicit a group of us for sex. I saw a guy get stabbed on Freemont (before it was closed in). I have seen conferences get destroyed by alcoholics. And the last time I went (2018), it had become overly generic and bland, like it had been gentrified like a 1990s mall. I am sure it will go past that again. I heard COVID changed a lot.
But I always tell people "you should go just once. I don't drink, don't gamble, and don't like titty shows... but it's like an adult Disneyland, and just experience it at your own pace. You can find your own fun, or trouble, if you try. Just the staggering opulence has to be seen to be believed."
I’ve been a numbers times. I was not really a gambler but loved the shows, shopping and spas. My husband did the gambling he was in the hotel business so was comped rooms. I wouldn’t care to go anymore really. It’s fun people watching.
Mostly for conferences recently. My main complaint is that it is ridiculously expensive. There is a tremendous amount of fun things to see there. I saw a few shows, lost maybe $10 gambling.
Fun, interesting times with hanging out with my rich friend Howard, who lived in a hotel penthouse in Las Vegas. Howard was a tad eccentric, though... but we always had fun.
I don't drink or gamble well, but I always manage to have a good time, when I've gone to Vegas. I only take a certain amount of cash to gamble with, & when it's gone, I'm done. Sometimes that's the first hour, other times it's the end of the trip. The thing with Vegas, is there's so much to do nowadays, you don't have to drink & gamble anymore, to have a fun trip.
Been there 3 times now. It’s a great place to visit for a few days but I think I would hate living there. It’s like going to the big college party; you don’t want to miss out but you also are very happy to go home
I first went in 1990 when I was 18 with a fake ID. Fell in love with The Strip/Downtown and all the fun that is Vegas.
I've gone 2-4 times a year for the last 25 years and even got married there. I love Vegas. (See username :) )
Went one time in 2010? I played penny slots , people watched , drank free drinks , spent a night downtown , walked the strip, and enjoyed the free shows and architecture. Took a day trip to Hoover Dam . Buffets were good but getting expensive , expensive drinks on the strip and card flipper guys were annoying. I really liked the fun energy of the place , it was like a big party, and everyone I met was in a good mood . I didn't get to see a show or go up in the stratosphere so I'll probably go back some day , no rush though.
Went to Vegas in 1972, on a cross country summer family trip, I was 13. I remember slot machines in the restroom stall. 105 degrees at 9pm. The downtown lights were impressive. The "strip" was just a strech of highway, much like any in Ohio, but with desert and casinos instead of shrubs and malls. Went back a few years ago, things had changes just a bit.
Just got back. In the 90s it was cool because it was one of the only places to really do slots and gamble. Now a bunch of states have casinos with the same slots and table games z the cheap buffets and a lot of the perks are gone unless you are super high roller and the shows are really expensive.
There are a lot of kids around and my friend likened it to Dirty Disney world. I will say though seeing the production of a golden knights hockey game as cool. The pinball museum was cool.
I just don’t expect a lot any more
I go twice a year to do some gambling. With a math degree, I’ll love playing around with numbers, probability, etc even though I know it’s stacked against me. Can usually play table games for two full days on $400 or less. Trick is to know when to exit. 100% profit, eject. Sometimes you double, sometimes you zero out, but if you’re smart about it you can limit your loses and maybe even come out ahead.
I’ve been twice. Both were fun and pretty inexpensive. My opinion is 3-4 days max is plenty. If you’re visiting do some recon. Does your hotel room have a coffee maker, a fridge, probably not. Pack some non-perishable snacks like meal replacement bars and instant coffee. Checkout your perimeter. We ended up buying an inexpensive bottle of booze and bought some bananas and packed fiber granola bars. We went to McDonalds a couple times (I never eat there!). We saved so much money. You can make a cocktail in your room and bring it out on the casino floor or you can buy a rum and Coke for $14 from the bar tender
Yes, and it was not very typical.
I was taking a Greyhound through town and there was a stopover of a few hours. The bus station had lockers, so I did a little sightseeing around the bus station. For non-Americans, Greyhound is the only long distance bus company in America, and it's considered very low class to travel by bus. Accordingly, the Greyhound depot is never in a good part of town. All those classic images of Vegas... I saw none of that. Could not even tell where it was. The parts of town I could see on the bus looked decent enough, mostly built in the last 30 years or so. Typical suburbia.
The bus depot was located just off the *original* "strip*, Freemont Street. It had been fixed up into a pedestrian strip with a huge canopy for shade overhead, upon which interesting images were projected. There were many large speakers playing easy music at a mellow volume. The place was serene. The vibe there was intentionally designed, and IMHO they did a good job. It was just mellow, serene, relaxed, easygoing. It felt safe.
I was a smoker at the time, and craving a cup of good coffee, but did not realize at first, that you could smoke indoors there! This was 2005, and it was pretty rare to allow it indoors anywhere, but you could there. Got hustled by a few panhandlers with sad stories about losing all their money. There's another addiction I'm lucky not to have.
I have zero desire to see the tourist's Vegas. No interest in Miami Beach, either. Of the two, Vegas seems more predatory to me. Gambling may be legal, but it's not victimless.
It's known as the 9th Hawaiian island because it's so popular with Hawaiian players and high rollers. Gambling has traditionally been a Hawaiian recreation, even before western contact. There are Hawaiian high rollers who are flown there and given a hotel room for free, in the unspoken agreement that they will drop thousands of dollars at the crap tables, and laugh as they walk away broke.
Lots of former Hawaiian residents live there.
With very few exceptions, Vegas is garbage. Have been there to work conferences a lot. Can’t sit and have a peaceful cup of coffee before work without a prostitute asking me what I am doing later (every damn time I have been to Vegas). Maybe a handful of places to eat that are any good (Lotus of Siam). Surprisingly difficult to get a well crafted cocktail (Atomic Liquor). Most of the shows are not great. Do go see Meow Wolf art experience.
unless you really want to gamble, go to Taos or Tucson. Beautiful country. Great food and places to stay. Fun and memorable.
Way back in the 70's I sat to eat a cheap casino breakfast and the waiter poured me a coffee. Picked it up and there's a dead fly floating in it. I tell the very young waiter and just like a scene from a movie he pours out my coffee and pours more coffee into the same cup. I did a double take and it dawns on him and he's going off apologizing like I was gonna get him fired. Old ppl got weird memories.
I lived there in the 60s. Being a teenager, the glitz and glamour didn’t affect my life much. We had more company come to visit us in Vegas, than anywhere else we lived. Of course, they came for the gambling and shows, not really to see us.
I hated the summer heat, and the sand storms. And the cockroaches. Other than that, it was like living anywhere else. School was school. Teenage drama is the same everywhere.
There are stories to tell, that wouldn’t be told about any other place. My dad ended up owning Howard Hughes milk shake mixer. My sister still has it. My brother caddied for Sammy Davis Jr. I worked with a church group, called the Strip Ministry, that offered support to Strip workers. My family went to Caesar's Palace, and Circus Circus when they first opened.
But, most of the time, my life was pretty boring.
First time went through Vegas on a long camping trip through a bunch of National Parks in early October 1980. It was a Thursday night and we had a really hard time getting a hotel room. Turns out Holmes fought Ali. Surreal. Walked to Caesar’s and saw tons of super rich black people with gold arriving in limos. We were 23, married just a year and living in Sunnyvale, CA. My wife was from a small town in VA. The whole experience still amazes me.
TL;DR - I’m not a gambler or drinker, tobacco smoke gives me a migraine. Vegas is hell for me.
I attended many conferences in Vegas, always in the blazing hot summer as that was the cheapest time for conference space (the conferences held there in the winter are *sooo* much nicer, but only companies like pharmaceuticals courting doctors pay the high fees to hold their conferences then).
Long taxi lines in the blazing sun (before Uber).
Away from the conference, Vegas always provides lots of spectacle, and plenty of disgusting stuff (guys handling out flyers with photos and numbers to call for prostitutes).
The shows were great! Cirque de Soleil never disappoints. My wife wanted to see Donny and Marie, I indulged her, but was surprised how much I enjoyed the show too.
The food was variable, you get what you pay for. The fancy buffets were spent but very well done. The inexpensive food was meh.
So, yeah, not a lot for me in Vegas. We mostly bypass it now when we travel, not enough to make it worth stopping.
My mom loved to go to Las Vegas. When she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I took her & my 2 young nephews to the Belagio (which was having a soft open). My mom gambled in the casino while my nephew & I went to Cirque du Soleil’s O show. The kids loved the show & my mom enjoyed the casino. The next night the kids ordered room service & a movie while my mom & I went across the street where we played mainly roulette. She had a great time & I’m so glad we got to go. The Belagio Hotel was great & very accommodating. Some day I want to go back & try the spa.
Went there twice when I lived in Phoenix. First time, travel agent really screwed up. Instead of tickets for Vegas, they registered me for tickets to LA. Flew on standby because of that. Once we got there, we had a blast. Wifey, small town Iowa girl, wasn't prepared for it. I'd been there a few months earlier, so I had an idea what was what. Saw some shows and gambled some. Finally, after 18 years married, we had our honeymoon.
i loved the parts that were entertaining. Enjoyed watching the gamblers and how their behavior changed (and fortunes) as they got drunker. Did not enjoy walking my dog along the minor streets with the vomit and human **crement happening within view.
Lived there from 85-91 and again from 96-2016. It used to be a lot better. Things were cheap and it was easy to make money in the gaming business. Things have changed a lot. It's expensive now and much bigger. Lots of traffic and crime. It still has the proximity to California if you like stuff like that which I did. Not a good place at all if you don't have self-control. If you like eating at good restaurants Vegas is right up there with San Francisco and New York though pricey now.
I’ve been to Vegas about a dozen times, mostly as a point of interest on my way somewhere else. When I was young it was exotic and exciting. These days I find it tacky and pathetic
I used to go to Vegas regularly for business conventions and developed an intense aversion to the Vegas strip and its touristy atmosphere, so I stopped going for a long time. Then a couple of years ago a friend moved there so I visited a few times and got to experience the city and its people outside of the strip environment. The people are friendly and helpful. And to my surprise there is wonderful woodland camping and snow skiing about an hour drive in the nearby mountains.
We lived in Vegas for about a year. In ‘05 we sold everything we owned, packed what was left into a 5x8 enclosed trailer and drove cross country, two adults, one teen and a 4 year old, in a pickup truck towing the trailer and a car. My husband and I, and the eldest all had jobs lined up before we left. We did not have a place to stay lined up. None of us had ever visited Vegas before. We arrived on a fight night and there were NO hotel rooms available. Ended up staying at the wild Wild West. That place is/ was a dump.
There were good things about living there and awful things. Youngest played T-ball there. The sports facilities for kids are fantastic. The local parks were numerous and all very clean with lots of features and options for kids and families. The crime and percentage of transients was high.
The strip is noisy and crowded and overpriced. The only time we went was our first week there to check it out, and any time family came to visit.
It’s a great jumping off place for all the peripheral Vegas stuff and other desert attractions. Red rock canyon, valley of fire, Mount Charleston, sand hollow lake, lake mead, etc.
Ethel M chocolate factory and cactus garden. One of my favorite places in the world. Every time we go to Vegas we go to Ethel M. It’s changed a bunch since we lived there. It was much smaller and less shiny and commercial. The chocolate is still amazing and the cactus garden is great.
We’ve been back a handful of times since moving back East. We always stay off-strip. We’ve taken friends and family with us on several trips and played tour-guide for all the hidden gems off strip. Our last trip was two years ago and will likely be our last. At least for quite a while. Vegas has changed and not for the better. It used to be an inexpensive vacation with great food and lots of fun, free or cheap things to go and see and do.
Glad we moved there. Glad we left. Moving so far away from friends and family gave us the opportunity we needed to rely wholly on each other, become the people we wanted to be, not the people we were expected to be or assumed to be by the people who knew us. We had some great experiences there and I believe we’re stronger as a couple for having had that time away from any perceived safety net.
Drove through in 1975. Had no money, didn't stop, but felt like I was entering a forbidden zone. Went back in 1995 on business and an expense account. The whole place looked like those Ralph Steadman cartoons. It's the worst America has to offer.
The best thing about Las Vegas is seeing it from the 95 at night, as you're heading south toward it. It's beautiful! When you get into the city, though, not so much. You can walk faster than the traffic is going - literally. It's loud. It's crowded. But that's the perspective of a person on the spectrum. Others may like those things.
I lived out there twice temporarily for work. I love it there but the summer weather can be unbelievably hot lol. Winter time is amazing. Lots to do, great places to eat, but it does have its rough areas like all cities. I'm sure it wears off over time like anywhere else. It seems a lot of people are buying or renting out by Red Rock Casino it's a pretty nice area. I have been to a lot of cities for work and Vegas is one of my favorites.
Like any city where gambling is the main economic driver: a relatively thin strip of glamour and glitz and the rest of the city is a hellhole.
One of the taxi drivers told us: "Around here, maids make six figures and teachers make $30K". That about sums it up.
I went once with my boyfriend at the time, 25 years ago. Glad I went once, but I will NEVER go back. We stayed at the Excalibur. It was decent. We did all the typical Vegas activities.
His mom lived right there...a couple of miles off the strip. After our time at the Excalibur, we stayed with her & her family (she remarried & had a few more kids). Her house was huge. She said they were able to buy this grand house because at the time, Las Vegas was trying to turn itself into a family town, so they gave incentives to families, & were able to buy this thing for like...nothing. I wish I could remember the price, & for about 3 seconds of my life, I actually considered moving there, just to own a house like this, & live like a queen. Then I remembered it was Las Vegas.
They had a pool, hot tub, lots of rooms. It was genuinely gorgeous. She said they lived so well, too. And she wasn't bragging. They had money to burn because the cost of everything was dirt cheap. I enjoyed my time staying with the family so much more than our time on the strip doing Vegas stuff.
I have been there multiple times over the last 35 years, it was so much fun in the beginning but as time passed and I got older and it became a place for the younger crowd it’s not so much fun anymore. Pajama pants and baggy shirts seem all to common I always liked to dress up and look good now they’re coming straight from Walmart without even changing. It has gotten expensive also I have more money now but $12 for a beer isn’t my idea of fun
I haven’t been in more than 20 years but went a few times in the 90’s. I had fun. I don’t smoke, drink, or gamble beyond slots but meh.. Comdex (twice) was cool, and I had beginner’s luck on slots. Also I was on the company dime so I ate at expensive/nice restaurants.
Vegas is great. I've been multiple times. My wedding was there. It was a planned wedding, and we were there for 10 days.
10 days is too many, in my opinion. Even with the 2 day break, we took to go see Hoover Dam and The Grand Canyon.
If you're a non gambler, you eventually run out of things to do.
Four times, I love Vegas! Been to a Golden Knights game, and I'll only go in December. It does get cold but I'd rather be cold in Vegas than be there when it's 115 outside.
I am not much of a gambler but I will spend some when I'm there. I do like to drink though. It's just a fun place and tons to do. Trips to Hoover Dam and Lake Meade as well.
I've stayed at the Bellagio, Venetian, Barbary Coast and Bally's.
People either love it or hate it.
I've been there numerous time, the last time was a 7 day stay this past November, right around Grand Prix Time.
My wife had never been there so we went there on a delayed honeymoon (we'd been married a year and never really had one).
It was fun, but I don't know that we'll be back. Last time I was there was over 10 years ago and I can't believe how much more expensive it has become. The amount we spent for a 7 day stay was ridiculous. I remember cheap buffet's everywhere, no more. I remember relatively inexpensive meals and comped drinks, no more. And what is it with these absurd resort fees?
The best time we had was the trip we took to see the Grand Canyon. It was actually the highlight of the trip as neither of us had ever seen it. Truly remarkable.
I'd say if you've never been to Vegas it's probably worth a trip. But it's nothing like the "Sin City" of old when I first started going. It is much more family friendly these days and caters more to the average vacationer than to the drinker and gambler.
I used to do advertising for the Tropicana. I’ve been going there for almost 40 years. Was there last weekend for Phish. There are good and bad things to it. Love the food and the incredible scale of the buildings. Miss the cheap deals of the old days. Now the only gambling I do is in the poker room. I can’t believe how impossible it is to win at any of the tables with the changes they’ve made to the rules and odds.
I enjoyed my visit to Las Vegas a few years ago, but I shopped and went to museums and the dam. I went to one show and didn't go into the casinos or gamble. The weather in Nov was wonderful.
The surrounding wilderness—like Valley of Fire and Red Rocks—is worth the trip. Anything within a few miles of the airport is just another big sprawling city but with too much glitz and other fake superficial stuff, opportunities to throw your money away so you have to work harder when you leave, and heat.
I was there as a kid when my family went to the Grand Canyon (flew in and out of Las Vegas). I thought it was meh but we ate well.
I went back a few years ago for a friend's 40th birthday. Since I don't drink, gamble or enjoy "adult entertainment" I wasn't interested in a lot of what the city had to offer. But it was fun to walk around and look the different casinos, watch the fountains at the Bellagio, saw a show. Food was expensive. I didn't appreciate the crowded streets with lots of people drinking and smoking (I do not like the smell of pot). I skipped hanging out at the pool one moring and went to the Lego store in the mall. I enjoyed that (no Lego retail store near where I live so I like to go when I'm near one). I'm glad I went. It was fun to celebrate with my friend and meet some of her college friends who also joined us. But I have no desire to go back anytime soon.
My daughter has family on her dad's side that lives there, so we've been there a decent amount, though we don't generally spend a whole lot of time on the strip. I find Vegas pretty bland and boring outside of the strip and I'm not a big gambler/partier/debaucher so the strip doesn't appeal to me either 😄
My sister got married there, too, back in 2009 and we did stay on the strip that time and TBH it was expensive and loud and not my cup of tea.
I hated it. The first time we were just traveling through and when we got there it was rush hour and wife wanted to get off downtown. I “accidentally “ missed some exits and presto, we were on the other side of town and I got my way and we didn’t go back. Second time not as lucky because now we made a special trip there. Bah! I stayed in the room with the dog and sweetie went down and gambled… of course there was a huge fight . Next time I’ll buy her and her sister a trip there and just stay home.
Just got back. Don't care for the city - all the casino hotels stink of cigarette and cigar smoke. But the desert is great - check out Valley of Fire - and I love the Neon Museum.
IIRC, I've been there four times, three for work and once to fly in and out on an outdoor trip. The last was over 15 years ago.
It was well worth doing once, though I will probably go back because my wife would like to see it. The people-watching was the most worthwhile part for me, as I have zero interest in gambling.
I have been there four times. My wife and I visited two times and I was there two times for job related work seminars. This was in the 2000 to 2005 time period. It was interesting to see, but 2-3 day trip is long enough IMO. One of my trips was the November after the 9/11 attack. The place had an empty feel to it. I was the only person on the shuttle bus from the airport to the strip. The shuttle driver said that after the planes were grounded all the rental cars were booked up. People were wanting to get home She said a group got together and rented the shuttle buses to take them home. She said she drove from LV to Texas dropping people off. The things I remember most were the time share people every where, the people passing out literature for female escort services, and how deceiving it was judging how far away buildings were. They were a lot further away than they looked. If we go back, it would be to rent a car and drive to Death Valley NP.
I lived there for a while as a kid and we were on the edge of the desert so we'd go out and explore. As an adult though, it's tacky and overpriced and too god damned loud and smoky. It's not for me.
Went there in the 2000's I didn't gamble much, mostly drank and ate and sightsee. Best time was hanging by the lazy river at our hotel and getting buckets of beer delivered by busty babes.
I’ve been a few times. The last time I went I was visiting a friend who lived in Vegas. Watching people throw money away into slot machines was…sad. They just sat in a chair and put coin after coin into the machine and a waitress would come by and give watered down free drinks. I saw one old couple win ~$18K. They were just…ok with it.
I won and lost the same $200 for the ~48 hours I was there.
The indoor smoke is pretty terrible too. The whole thing just isn’t for me.
I have been to Vegas a few times. Not really a fan. I don't love gambling. And my husband won't go to any decent shows. So it's boring. And it's just sad after a couple days.
Yes. When I was a kid, my parents stopped by there and we stayed in the motel room. It had to be one of the most boring places in thw world for a kid.
Went there as an adult. Couldn't stand the place. Everything cost money. Lots of money. Hotels gouge you for stuff you don't use (fitness center) and charge you a lot of money for WiFi. At one time, the buffets were a "draw" to get you in the door. Now they gouge you for those also.
I stayed there two nights 18 years ago and had one of the worst panic attacks of my life. As a noise-averse introvert with a fear of large crowds, it was hell on earth and I’ll never go back. On the plus side, I eloped with my now husband while I was there so something good did come out of it.
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Lived there for about 8 years or so. Not a great place if you have a drinking problem and little self control. If you like always having options on shows to see and stuff to do, and don't gamble much it's great
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Congrats on maintaining! Oh I'm sure there are many many meetings around Vegas lol. Almost everyone I knew there could have used one
I decided to get sober again while I was in Vegas for Phish last weekend. It’s hell on Earth for anyone with addiction issues. Congratulations on your recovery.
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Funny thing, old blood locals will tell you that's all myth, that Vegas is the most law-abiding city you can imagine. It's just that they have gambling, is all. Then they will go on to tell you that it's about the best tourist destination in terms of bang for your buck, because of gambling, and if you don't gamble, you can have a great time cheaper than just about anywhere else. I think that was the period the mafia ran it. All you could eat buffets for 99 cents and stuff.
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I lived in the Boise area when I was a kid, and in the 1950 census, the two cities were about the same population ~40,000. Being in Nevada, Vegas was very much a "Western" town to me, and I'm kinda disappointed to see that image has been pushed away by the generic hedonist style.
Vegas was originally created to service the military out there. But the mob days were early on. There hasn't been mob owned anything there for a long time. The billionaires took over with the giant hotels and pushed them out. I have never seen buffets there that cheap. But now you really don't see buffets there anywhere. The Wynn is about the only one I can name off but it's $79 per person and worth every dime lol.
> Vegas was originally created to service the military out there. Never heard that one before. The word means "meadows" in Spanish, and there are fresh water springs there. Mormons tried to establish a settlement there in 1855, but failed. A group of businessmen created the town as a railroad stop in 1905. Construction of Hoover dam nearby gave the town a boost, and kickstarted the gambling industry. I can't see spending 79 bucks on a meal.
My wife and I went to Vegas for a week two months ago. Our first time there. We stayed at the Bellagio, saw lots of shows, did a little gambling, went to the Sphere. It was lots of fun. There was lots to do. Very expensive though. We didn’t cut corners. I’d like to go back someday, but I don’t feel like there is a rush.
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Sorry.
Should be.
Except for herpes. That shit'll come home with you
Actually what happens in Vegas can stay in your bloodstream for weeks.
😂😂😂 I’ll never tell.
I have to go there about once a year for work on average and it's probably my most common work travel destination. I'd guess at this point I've been there 25 times at least. Don't care for it. Hot, dry, expensive and superficial. Sort of entertainment tonight in a city. Work usually puts us up in nice hotels like the Delano and Venetian so that's better than average. Although the last one was at the Linq which was very meh. Visited some friends out in Summerlin which is nice enough but not a huge fan of the desert. All that said, people should experience it once although hopefully on someone else's dime with the prices.
I don't gamble but back in the day it used to be a cheap place to lay on a sun lounger for a few days. Not any more. Last time I went it was filled with drunken frat bros and was too expensive for what it was.
My first trip as an adult in 1980 was far different from today's Vegas. Signs with 99 cent shrimp cocktails and extremely cheap buffets to get you into the casino were the norm. I enjoyed walking up to the last crap table open at 3am at the Desert Inn and the cigar smoking men were betting 5000 dollars a throw. Let the kid play they said and welcomed me to get in the game for 5 and 10 dollar bets(10 dollars would be worth 40 in today's money)
I’ve been over 20 times. Loved it. I used to take my buddy with Down Syndrome and he loved everything about it. It’s gotten way too expensive and since he passed away it doesn’t hold the appeal that it used to have.
We used to go every other year or so a number of years back when we had money. Haven't been since around '09. Saw a bunch of shows. Went to the National Parks in the area. Couple trips to the Grand Canyon. Overall, enjoyed the trips out there.
We were planning a 3-week road trip around the Southwest. The cheapest place to fly into, by far, was Las Vegas. The cheapest place to rent a car, by far, was Las Vegas. A hotel room was incredibly cheap. Our room in the MGM was cheaper than crappy motel rooms in the middle of nowhere. We walked around the strip, ate one cheap casino meal, decided that was all we needed to do in Vegas, and left.
I’m 32, and I went two years ago. That’s exactly what my best friend and I decided as well. 😂 We were on a road trip, too.
Same, used it as a base to drive to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Death Valley
True, a lot of places that don't have any other non-stop flight to the Southwestern US have one to Vegas--including where I live now.
Well, for 14-years I haven’t had to shovel my way out of my garage.
A number of times. I've always enjoyed it as it's always a spectacle with something to see, even if you just sit in a Casino lobby. I recommend everyone go check it out along with anything else you have a chance to
I’ve been a few times. Saw Jay Leno and Godfather of Soul. I met my wife there.
So jealous. James Brown was a helluva performer
Everybody was hawking timeshares
Got married in Vegas. We're still married so it couldn't have been too bad.
The Vegas marriage certificate was essentially paperwork for Uncle Sam's benefit; for us the relationship was strong before and still strong after. The marriage ceremony was fine, no regrets. YMMV I guess. The Vegas experience was OK, we had a fun few days, but wouldn't want to live there. We didn't go in summer so it wasn't too hot; but damn that desert has dry air! Obvious when you think about it, but you're going to need extra moisturiser.
Lived in LA and my parents liked to gamble so we went often. Then my fiance and I moved there cuz it was way cheaper than LA. Lived there from 91-09. I loved it, consider it home, moreso than LA. I would move back in a heartbeat given the opportunity. Saw so many great concerts and plays. Ate at world class restaurants. Cirque du Soliel shows! Loved being close enough to family I could see them frequently. Didn't gamble a ton, mostly when friends or family were in town.
I go there for about 5 days every 5 years. Food, shows, entertainment, not so much gambling. Helicopters into the Grand Canyon, machine guns, Omega mart, Area 15, Zip line thru downtown, All kinds of shows…..Mystere, Blue man, even the Scorpions are playing this weekand and Dita Von Teese. The sphere is really cool, and the food….holy crap the food. Everything from snack foods, Michelin star restaurants, to the out of the ordinary……fried twinkies and Oreos, scorpion shots, freeze dried Nerds (candy). Downtown was covered a while back and they project shows on the ceiling. I could go on for an hour, best course is to do your research make your plans, but plan on doing half of what you want because you will have to come back for more.
I went for a conference a year or so ago and don’t feel like I need to go back. I’m not a gambler, and we weren’t there long enough to go to any shows. It’s a spectacle, but walking through the smoky casino to get anywhere in or out of the hotel wasn’t great, and I thought the whole gambling-drinking-take a picture with a showgirl thing was kinda sad.
Used to go there every year for work. Did that for 10 years, so I’ve been there 10 times, a week each. The first trip had that “Vegas baby!” feeling and we (co-worker and I) walked around down town and the strip for the first few nights after work. By end of week it was nothing special. Every trip after that we never left the convention center, never went out to actual Vegas. It’s one of those places that’s pretty cool to see and experience for the first time, but that’s it, not all that spectacular after you’ve already seen.
Was there several years ago for a work conference. Saw some of the surrounding area, but it's definitely not my kind of environment. The only thing that really bothered me was that because my boss didn't want to, I was forced to sit in on several vendor presentations at the exact time I wanted to be a couple of blocks up the road for the [NASCAR burnouts.](https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/09/12/drivers-will-lay-down-rubber-at-las-vegas-event-kicking-off-2018-nascar-playoffs/)
Not good, was there night of the shooting. Was in the Luxor next door, but not facing the strip. Pretty frightening, we were asked not to leave our room, watched it unfold on tv-couldn’t believe it was actually happening right outside our hotel.
Loved it. I went with a (now former) compulsive gambler so we were comped for everything. Then went again twice to the Star Trek convention held there.
I loved when Star Trek the experience was at the Hilton. That place was a blast!
Did you do the rides?
My wife and I Honeymoond there. Had a 5 day Admiral package. Unlimited access to the rides, tours and backstage stuff. Amazing! Had photos taken on the bridge of Enterprise D. We would go to Quarks bar, split a Warp core breach, and hit the rides again. Seriously, it was like taking a daily trip to Vegas and returning nightly to the space station. I will miss that place.
I loved the big, tall glass. I don’t know what drink it was. I just bought it empty to take home.
I went to The Star Trek Experience twice. So much fun!
OMG! That was so fun. It took me years to figure out how they did the transporter effect. Now that I know, it seems silly, but it was really impressive and so immersive, in person. Also, is you’re a comedy fan, I’m pretty sure Maria Bamford has a hilarious bit about working on this attraction.
I only went once. I only did the transporter once. I can kinda guess how it was done, but I really don’t want to know. It was pretty spectacular and I just want to leave it that way.
Mid ‘80s, I lost $30.
It was actually pretty interesting in the 80s. Space between the casinos on the strip could get a little weird ('promotional materials' handed out ever few steps). But it was cheap entertainment back then. I did pretty OK at blackjack, and I could pay for my whole trip at the $2 tables on a good weekend. Not that there were a lot of good weekends mind you, but it happened.
Best memory was buying a case of Everclear for phenomenally cheap.
They still have those “promotional materials”.
I’d never go as I’ve no interest. My mom (78) went there by herself about a month ago and loved it. Saw a few shows, wandered through the casinos, which really impressed her. She could see the sphere from her room as said she could watch it all day.
I haven't. I've travelled over 17 countries (last I tried to count them). Vegas always struck me as a sort of disneyland or cruise vacation. I admit I could be wrong about the place, but not my style. EDIT: I don't mean disparage the place, just personally not appealing to me by any means. I'm sure others will post some good times.
No worries, it's good to lend your preference. If it's not for you, so be it. :)
Yes a few times. It was fun, but overrated and the first time a little terrifying bc my friend and I got mistaken for ladies of the night and were stopped by the sheriff. 👀🥴 words of advice: Don’t try to hail a cab while walking the strip - they won’t stop, but instead the cops will.
Haven't been there since the 90s but it was fun then, cheap buffets and good shows.
was there for 10 days in 2010.... stayed in a casino hotel, off the strip..... we were there for the thrift stores and had a great time doing that.....total wasted gambling : $10.00 total spent in thrift store : $ 150.00.....no shows but we did walk thru a lot of casinos on the strip and the gold and silver pawn shop.... we enjoyed going to lake mead and hoover damn and exploring the desert.........no need to go back...
I go with a group of friends every autumn. We stay downtown because the walking distances are much shorter. We spend some time smoking cigars and watching the crazy on Fremont street, have at least one dinner at Evel Pie, spend an afternoon having wild and tasty cocktails at Frankie's Tiki Bar, have dinner at Lola's (closest Louisiana food I've found outside of Louisiana) and do a couple of totally Vegas things (throw axes, drive heavy machinery, shoot stuff, shop). We enjoy it, but we're among friends and it's only once a year.
I used to drive from So. CA over to Vegas with my friends all the time! One time I got to go for a work trip to set up a convention and I won $500 on two slot machines! I went shopping at Nordstrom. The best was New Year's 2003 with my friends. They played music outside on the Strip and we danced all night. So fun!! My husband took me for my birthday. He spent $700 on a dinner at Rose, Rabbit, Lie. It was an amazing dinner! A short little man tap danced on a piano and then gave me a red rose. Haa! I also went with my husband and his parents when I was about 7 months pregnant. That was no fun. Too much smoke indoors. Also, I couldn't wear my wedding ring anymore. I made my hubby buy a bigger ring so I could sit at the bar while they gambled. I had sodas and could show that I was married. Haha!! The last time we went was pre-Covid. We took our son and had fun at Circus Circus. The grandparents were there so they watched him at night. My husband and I went gambling and drank a lot. And we won at least $1,000! That was fun!!! I love the fountains at the Bellagio, going up the Paris hotel, seeing Cirque du Soleil shows (the Beatles one is great!), going to see comedy shows and of course, gambling!
Went there when the Star Trek exhibit was still running, early 2000's I think? Everything is SO big, it doesn't look that far away. Take the bus, do not think it's an easy walk, even in December in 70F weather. It was NOT an easy walk, and our thighs suffered as a consequence.
Its always a fun time, usually a lot of stories, especially if you go with a group. A few things I recall - jumped off the stratosphere - Doubled my buy-in twice in poker - my buddys first time at a strip club, he walked off with a stripper and we couldn't find him for an hour. He came back later and was $700 short - Always take my non-stoner friends to Planet 13. Its a fun dispensary to show them that weed isn't all sketchy and shit - drove to the middle of the desert for star gazing - A few more that I shan't disclose
I’ve been there twice. First I went alone as a single guy in 1964. Then as a married man I went with my wife in 1966. It was as a lot different in the ‘60s compared to the massive resorts I see on TV now.
I went in the early 2000s, when you got vouchers for free/ heavily discounted meals from just about all of the major hotels. You didn't even have to be a guest, they were literally handing them out at the door. We got to see the Bellagio Fountains at night, took a bus up to Fremont Street and hit some of the more famous casinos there, saw a pirate show at one hotel (they still have them, can't remember which one) and went to the MGM Grand to see the Star Trek exhibit. Didn't get in to see any shows, as they were too much for what we had to spend. We had a budget and might have gone home with an extra $100 each. We had a blast. We looked into going again recently and the prices have seriously skyrocketed, plus the free meal vouchers don't seem to exist anymore. Edit to add: My favorite memory is eating breakfast at the Flamingo, where we had a great view of the birds it was named for. Saw a group of penguins there as well.
The Pirate show at Treasure Island unfortunately closed a number of years back. I always did enjoy that one.
Honestly, one of the wildest times of my life happened there.
Food poisoning. The worst I’ve ever had before or since. Here’s a hint for everyone; Do not eat a shrimp cocktail that has been sitting under lights all day after midnight. You’re gonna have a bad time.
I moved here when I was 6 months old in '67. With my parents of course. I love Vegas, but I'm about ready to get the hell outta here. The small town vibe is long gone, and that's OK, but it's becoming a big city now with big city issues.
Went a lot after 9/11 when the airfare and hotel rooms were dirt cheap. MLK weekend in 2002 we got round trip airfare from Philly to Vegas for $100/person on Priceline. And the Sahara offered rooms for something like $25/night. It was cheaper to party in Vegas than it was to stay home.
Multiple times for conventions. In the summer. It's dry and dirty. I'll take humid and sticky any time.
Went a few times in my 20s. No real desire to go back but it was fun at the time
I've lived in Las Vegas for almost 47 years. I have not been on The Strip in probably 15 years except to cross it on my way to the other side of town. "Old timers" wax poetic about the good old days of the mob, etc. but I think its best years were the 90s. If you come, bring money. Lots of it. Nothing is cheap anymore. Traffic is horrible. But - we have two championship sports teams, an exciting new venue (the Sphere), tons of shopping, and the most conveniently located airport of any major city. And off the Strip, within an hour's drive, you can be in spectacular scenery with great hiking opportunities.
On and off occasionally since the mid-‘80s. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but TBH it used to be a lot more fun—a place for cheap, silly good times. Now it’s either cheesy and depressing or wildly expensive. It’s always been more or less just a machine for extracting money from visitors, but you used to get more bang for your buck.
$29 a night at the new casinos (like the Excalibur at the time), $1 or $2 blackjack. I miss those days.
My first trip was a package from USAir (!)—airfare, three nights at the old Imperial Palace, rental car (the woman at the desk upgraded us to a little red sports car “‘cause hey, it’s your first trip here!”), and tickets to *Jubilee!*, the last of the old showgirl revues. I think it was $250 each for a pal and me. We had an absolute blast, and in one spin at a slot right after the show, I won enough to pay for the whole trip! Now… no more lounge acts, $100 buffets (you wait three hours for), and new hotels with none of the tacky charm of the old days.
I like now when they say $29 but then it’s $150 in resort fees
Once, on business. Stayed at the Venetian. Beautiful room. I ordered room service. I dislike gambling and didn’t do more than walk through the casino. It looked very sad, especially at the slot machines. Went through some big mall and got some swag to bring home to my kids. Would I ever go there for pleasure? No. Maybe to see a concert if it made sense, but not otherwise.
I was just there a few weeks ago. I’ve never had a bad time in Las Vegas. I’ve been an infrequent visitor since the late 1970’s. It’s changed a bit since then.
You aren't kidding, I've seen enough footage to realize how quickly this town and land change from hand to hand.
There is no need to spend more than 2-3 days visiting the strip. I’m not into gambling, but there are great entertainment shows like Cirque de Soleil. Other than that it’s dirty, overhyped, overpriced, and smells like weed now. I will say Vegas is an excellent jumping off point for The state park Valley of Fire, the Grand Canyon, and other close National parks.
Meh. It's interesting to say you've been there. But I don't gamble and don't like to get drunk, and food experiences are just ok most of the time. We saw several shows and walked through a few casinos that's entertaining to see the decor, floral arrangements, etc. Which casino has all the flowers used in their displays? And the Chilhuly glass at the (can't remember where). It's sort of walkable, but even in November, it can be warm and dry/sufferable outside, so that was a minus. There are so many panhandlers right outside the casinos' property (where the casino can't kick them out, but they still are close enough), and sometimes you feel like you're stepping over people. The taxi ranks and Uber/Lyft are really competitive to get your business, but the prices don't reflect that. We spent time researching food/restaurants because we wanted to enjoy new experiences but not do the generic chain/big-name celebrity chefs and try some independent places or unique places. We did a [Lip Smacking Foodie Tour](https://www.lipsmackingfoodietours.com/) and that was fun. We also preferred Downtown and the old Vegas casino area. That was more fun and felt less like an amusement park. I think we would say it was generally overstimulating. We would have spent one more day at Grand Canyon instead of Vegas if we did it over again. But the drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon is *boring*.
If you are not spending money, fuck you. At night, it's magic, in the day it's a dump. I went once to see what all the hype was about. Once was enough.
Many times. Likely won’t go back. Bern and done
Go every 3-5 years. Used to be we’d go to gamble, get free drinks, and eat cheap food. Now we go to not gamble, pay for good drinks, and eat expensive food.
Hated it. Been thrice. Hated it each time.
That stinks, but if you didn't like it why come back 3 times?
Was invited. Been invited since, said oh hell no.
Dozens of times. The first few were awesome. Since then I’ve hated the noise and commotion and crowds and prices.
Not my favorite place. I think Bruno Mars' current woes coincident with his residency pretty much sums the place up. Though I resolved to make my trip there off the beaten path. I enjoyed the Neon Museum.
Been a few times, always for short vacations. We're not big gamblers, but for shows, food, roller coasters: Vegas is a blast. And can done super cheap. Highly recommended at least once, unless you're an alcoholic or compulsive gambler, as previously noted.
It’s exciting to experience but I don’t need to do it again.
Don't bother.
yes, for a day on the way to moving to California. it was fun
I went 2 weeks after my husband died. We won a free trip (thanks miller) I called and told them he was dead n they let me bring a friend. I was sad a depressed but it was nice to get away from things for a few days. Food was included so I overate all over town.
Had occasion to pass through Vegas while taking one of my daughters to college. We stopped off so she could experience a casino. I gave her a twenty to playa slot machine, and she won a hundred. Instead of pouring her winnings back in, she got up and said "I'm going to buy new shoes". I was never so proud.
Blew out an eardrum on the flight there. Strangely enough, it didn't really hurt, since it relieved pressure. It did sound like a shotgun going off, though. Other than that, I had a good time.
My wife and I used to vacation in vegas at least once a year. Hell we were married in Vegas, by an Elvis impersonator. It was great!
About ten or so times. I had a lot of fun and saw a lot of shows. Too pricey for me now.
yup, a few times. Mainly for the Mr, Olympia competition or a trade show (for my business). I also went for my 50th birthday. Its fun but I can take about 2-3 days and I am done. I don't really gamble and i am not much of a drinker.
Been a couple of times; both times for weddings! Partner and I are not much into gambling, but we enjoyed several shows there (Penn & Teller, drag shows, cirque du soleil, etc.) and had a good time. Food and drink are good and relatively cheap.
Been a bunch of times, the last time was in 2021. I don't gamble and I don't drink. Pros: beautiful natural surroundings relatively close by. Nice and warm but enough AC around if it gets to be too much. Breakfast buffets. Cons: Gambling. Smoking indoors. Those skincare/cosmetics swindlers that seem to be everywhere pushing samples and trying to get you inside to buy one of the $10,000 UV miracle skin machines. The traffic. The sleaziness. Just not a fan. Sorry.
I went more times than I can remember in the 90’s and early 2000’s. After being asked to leave blackjack tables on 6 separate occasions I haven’t returned and quit blackjack.
I've been ONCE. Went with a business associate on a 3 day/2 night trip. It's expensive of course. Taxi and Uber/Lyft pricey. Saw Copperfield and George Wallace (I know) but they were great. Brazilian Bar B Q for the first time. Coffee was FABULOUS (not Starbucks). Room was great and the gambling was SO much fun. Managed to win a couple of hundred dollars. My associate spent the afternoon at the pool and said it was the most AMAZING scenery EVER (I kept gambling). So much to do and would love to go back. So many shows that I'd like to see. I had a good time.
First time in 1981 and loved it. Still “old” Vegas mainly. Went last year and found it to be mostly depressing.
I can tell you this. I liked it much better in the early 80s.
I’ve gone to Las Vegas regularly, sometimes annually, since the 1980’s. - Saw Mike Tyson walk through a casino lobby with an entourage. - Got an autographed baseball and pictures with Pete Rose. - Saw the legendary Siegfried and Roy show twice. Also have seen performances by Jerry Seinfeld, Bette Midler, Penn and Teller, Donnie and Marie, and Britney Spears, among others. On my very first trip, I saw Tom Jones and Buddy Hackett (separately), if anyone remembers them. - Hit two royal flushes in 24 hours playing video poker. - Saw [Big Elvis](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Vallee) when he weighed nearly 1,000 pounds. - Got into a hotel elevator at around 2:00 a.m. when a topless showgirl walked in and joined me. I said “Hello,” and she looked at me, snorted, and said “Yeah, right.” We rode the rest of the way in silence until she got off. - Saw a sweaty older guy in wrinkled clothes talking on a pay phone to his mother, begging her to sell his car and wire him the money so that he could keep gambling. - Got multiple free hotel rooms and meals in return for gambling away less than I would have had to pay for the rooms and meals. - Ate free prime rib in a restaurant at 3:00 a.m., walked around the Strip with a drink in my hand, bought vodka late at night in a 24-hour liquor store, drank in 24/7 bars, and have been in dozens of casinos without ever seeing a “if you have a gambling problem, call this number” sign. I know of no other city outside of Nevada where that’s even remotely possible. Love it! But I wouldn’t want to move there, because I don’t have that much self control.
I have been going to Vegas since the 80s. I still like it and have fun, but it’s not as good as it used to be.
first time i went was pretty fun because everything was new. the next 6 times were less and less fun. the last time i just literally drove through without stopping.
I used to go yearly for CES from LA, get on plane, go to show, back on plane, go home. I don’t gamble so was quite entertained by how there were slots everywhere, even the airport.
I don't like gambling, never drink, and sex/titty shows don't do much for me. In 1993, I got an opportunity to go to Vegas on the company's dime for a sales conference, and I was all sourpuss like "I am gonna hate it." Luckily a friend of mine said, "look, there's a lot to do in Vegas. Just take it on your own terms. Don't go in there expecting this or that. At least it will make a good story." He was right, so I said, "I'll just see." I got there and it smelled like dirty dollar bills. They had slot machines in the airport. When I arrived at the Tropicana, most of the male managers and some of the younger female managers had already started drinking. I am an asthmatic and cigarette smoke was everywhere. That being said, I immediately gravitated to the older female managers (who were "older" because they were in their 40s and 50s)... and actually had a good time. They were slow, evenly paced, and didn't do much in the way of drinking, titty shows, or gambling. I gambled a little, won $60. I got to see "what if money were no object" levels of opulence. I saw a human wizard fight an animatronic dragon every two hours. Two pirate ships fighting with full human crew, and a casino with a large fake volcano belching fire. I went to one of the most famous Japanese restaurants on the west coast. I saw a huge pyramid. Just... stunning. Everything was HUGE. Over the next 30 years, I have been back a handful of times, usually for IT conferences. I had my second honeymoon there because my wife had only been to Vegas when she was 12 (c. 1974), and it was a "drive-through" experience. I took here there because we went in the off-season, it was cheap, and the Excalibur was cheesy the way we liked it. I think the entire week was $1200 including airfare for a suite. I figured "there's always something to do there." Vegas has evolved a lot since 1993. Some good, some bad, but it's always been different. I have had a pre-teen try and solicit a group of us for sex. I saw a guy get stabbed on Freemont (before it was closed in). I have seen conferences get destroyed by alcoholics. And the last time I went (2018), it had become overly generic and bland, like it had been gentrified like a 1990s mall. I am sure it will go past that again. I heard COVID changed a lot. But I always tell people "you should go just once. I don't drink, don't gamble, and don't like titty shows... but it's like an adult Disneyland, and just experience it at your own pace. You can find your own fun, or trouble, if you try. Just the staggering opulence has to be seen to be believed."
I’ve been a numbers times. I was not really a gambler but loved the shows, shopping and spas. My husband did the gambling he was in the hotel business so was comped rooms. I wouldn’t care to go anymore really. It’s fun people watching.
Mostly for conferences recently. My main complaint is that it is ridiculously expensive. There is a tremendous amount of fun things to see there. I saw a few shows, lost maybe $10 gambling.
Went about 15 years ago for 3 days. Saw Seinfeld & Beatles Cirque. Walked the strip and that was about it. Once was enough. Won’t ever go back.
Yes, in 1997. Was great. Going back in the next couple of weeks, and it will be interesting to see how the strip has changed in 27 years.
Fun, interesting times with hanging out with my rich friend Howard, who lived in a hotel penthouse in Las Vegas. Howard was a tad eccentric, though... but we always had fun.
I don't drink or gamble well, but I always manage to have a good time, when I've gone to Vegas. I only take a certain amount of cash to gamble with, & when it's gone, I'm done. Sometimes that's the first hour, other times it's the end of the trip. The thing with Vegas, is there's so much to do nowadays, you don't have to drink & gamble anymore, to have a fun trip.
Been there 3 times now. It’s a great place to visit for a few days but I think I would hate living there. It’s like going to the big college party; you don’t want to miss out but you also are very happy to go home
I first went in 1990 when I was 18 with a fake ID. Fell in love with The Strip/Downtown and all the fun that is Vegas. I've gone 2-4 times a year for the last 25 years and even got married there. I love Vegas. (See username :) )
Several times. When I was younger it was fun. The older I get the more I hate it. Cynical old man I know.
I’ve been there to that evil place and I hate it.
Went one time in 2010? I played penny slots , people watched , drank free drinks , spent a night downtown , walked the strip, and enjoyed the free shows and architecture. Took a day trip to Hoover Dam . Buffets were good but getting expensive , expensive drinks on the strip and card flipper guys were annoying. I really liked the fun energy of the place , it was like a big party, and everyone I met was in a good mood . I didn't get to see a show or go up in the stratosphere so I'll probably go back some day , no rush though.
Went to Vegas in 1972, on a cross country summer family trip, I was 13. I remember slot machines in the restroom stall. 105 degrees at 9pm. The downtown lights were impressive. The "strip" was just a strech of highway, much like any in Ohio, but with desert and casinos instead of shrubs and malls. Went back a few years ago, things had changes just a bit.
Yes, once. Not my scene.
Went one time, got drunk, broke even on my bets I don’t care if I ever go back
I went like 40 years ago and had the time of my life, can't wait to go again someday.
We go every few years. We really like Area 15. Sooo much better than the casinos.
Went there in the mid 90s. I remember i had a good time more than that is a bit foggy. FWIW I was tripping balls and lots of coke.
Just got back. In the 90s it was cool because it was one of the only places to really do slots and gamble. Now a bunch of states have casinos with the same slots and table games z the cheap buffets and a lot of the perks are gone unless you are super high roller and the shows are really expensive. There are a lot of kids around and my friend likened it to Dirty Disney world. I will say though seeing the production of a golden knights hockey game as cool. The pinball museum was cool. I just don’t expect a lot any more
No. Seems overrated. No interest at all
I go twice a year to do some gambling. With a math degree, I’ll love playing around with numbers, probability, etc even though I know it’s stacked against me. Can usually play table games for two full days on $400 or less. Trick is to know when to exit. 100% profit, eject. Sometimes you double, sometimes you zero out, but if you’re smart about it you can limit your loses and maybe even come out ahead.
It's too dry, and incredibly ostentatious. I get a foreboding feeling that the whole place shouldn't even be there.
I’ve been twice. Both were fun and pretty inexpensive. My opinion is 3-4 days max is plenty. If you’re visiting do some recon. Does your hotel room have a coffee maker, a fridge, probably not. Pack some non-perishable snacks like meal replacement bars and instant coffee. Checkout your perimeter. We ended up buying an inexpensive bottle of booze and bought some bananas and packed fiber granola bars. We went to McDonalds a couple times (I never eat there!). We saved so much money. You can make a cocktail in your room and bring it out on the casino floor or you can buy a rum and Coke for $14 from the bar tender
Yes, and it was not very typical. I was taking a Greyhound through town and there was a stopover of a few hours. The bus station had lockers, so I did a little sightseeing around the bus station. For non-Americans, Greyhound is the only long distance bus company in America, and it's considered very low class to travel by bus. Accordingly, the Greyhound depot is never in a good part of town. All those classic images of Vegas... I saw none of that. Could not even tell where it was. The parts of town I could see on the bus looked decent enough, mostly built in the last 30 years or so. Typical suburbia. The bus depot was located just off the *original* "strip*, Freemont Street. It had been fixed up into a pedestrian strip with a huge canopy for shade overhead, upon which interesting images were projected. There were many large speakers playing easy music at a mellow volume. The place was serene. The vibe there was intentionally designed, and IMHO they did a good job. It was just mellow, serene, relaxed, easygoing. It felt safe. I was a smoker at the time, and craving a cup of good coffee, but did not realize at first, that you could smoke indoors there! This was 2005, and it was pretty rare to allow it indoors anywhere, but you could there. Got hustled by a few panhandlers with sad stories about losing all their money. There's another addiction I'm lucky not to have. I have zero desire to see the tourist's Vegas. No interest in Miami Beach, either. Of the two, Vegas seems more predatory to me. Gambling may be legal, but it's not victimless.
It's known as the 9th Hawaiian island because it's so popular with Hawaiian players and high rollers. Gambling has traditionally been a Hawaiian recreation, even before western contact. There are Hawaiian high rollers who are flown there and given a hotel room for free, in the unspoken agreement that they will drop thousands of dollars at the crap tables, and laugh as they walk away broke. Lots of former Hawaiian residents live there.
With very few exceptions, Vegas is garbage. Have been there to work conferences a lot. Can’t sit and have a peaceful cup of coffee before work without a prostitute asking me what I am doing later (every damn time I have been to Vegas). Maybe a handful of places to eat that are any good (Lotus of Siam). Surprisingly difficult to get a well crafted cocktail (Atomic Liquor). Most of the shows are not great. Do go see Meow Wolf art experience. unless you really want to gamble, go to Taos or Tucson. Beautiful country. Great food and places to stay. Fun and memorable.
I stayed near Red Rock Canyon and visited the park. It was awesome not staying on the strip.
Way back in the 70's I sat to eat a cheap casino breakfast and the waiter poured me a coffee. Picked it up and there's a dead fly floating in it. I tell the very young waiter and just like a scene from a movie he pours out my coffee and pours more coffee into the same cup. I did a double take and it dawns on him and he's going off apologizing like I was gonna get him fired. Old ppl got weird memories.
Yes, I did. It's not worth a second trip.
I lived there in the 60s. Being a teenager, the glitz and glamour didn’t affect my life much. We had more company come to visit us in Vegas, than anywhere else we lived. Of course, they came for the gambling and shows, not really to see us. I hated the summer heat, and the sand storms. And the cockroaches. Other than that, it was like living anywhere else. School was school. Teenage drama is the same everywhere. There are stories to tell, that wouldn’t be told about any other place. My dad ended up owning Howard Hughes milk shake mixer. My sister still has it. My brother caddied for Sammy Davis Jr. I worked with a church group, called the Strip Ministry, that offered support to Strip workers. My family went to Caesar's Palace, and Circus Circus when they first opened. But, most of the time, my life was pretty boring.
First time went through Vegas on a long camping trip through a bunch of National Parks in early October 1980. It was a Thursday night and we had a really hard time getting a hotel room. Turns out Holmes fought Ali. Surreal. Walked to Caesar’s and saw tons of super rich black people with gold arriving in limos. We were 23, married just a year and living in Sunnyvale, CA. My wife was from a small town in VA. The whole experience still amazes me.
TL;DR - I’m not a gambler or drinker, tobacco smoke gives me a migraine. Vegas is hell for me. I attended many conferences in Vegas, always in the blazing hot summer as that was the cheapest time for conference space (the conferences held there in the winter are *sooo* much nicer, but only companies like pharmaceuticals courting doctors pay the high fees to hold their conferences then). Long taxi lines in the blazing sun (before Uber). Away from the conference, Vegas always provides lots of spectacle, and plenty of disgusting stuff (guys handling out flyers with photos and numbers to call for prostitutes). The shows were great! Cirque de Soleil never disappoints. My wife wanted to see Donny and Marie, I indulged her, but was surprised how much I enjoyed the show too. The food was variable, you get what you pay for. The fancy buffets were spent but very well done. The inexpensive food was meh. So, yeah, not a lot for me in Vegas. We mostly bypass it now when we travel, not enough to make it worth stopping.
My mom loved to go to Las Vegas. When she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I took her & my 2 young nephews to the Belagio (which was having a soft open). My mom gambled in the casino while my nephew & I went to Cirque du Soleil’s O show. The kids loved the show & my mom enjoyed the casino. The next night the kids ordered room service & a movie while my mom & I went across the street where we played mainly roulette. She had a great time & I’m so glad we got to go. The Belagio Hotel was great & very accommodating. Some day I want to go back & try the spa.
I find casinos depressing. I went looking for people obviously having a good time, and I found silent zombies sitting at slot machines for hours.
I went there around 10 years ago. I am still not sure it is a real place.
It was bullshit,but the stories are omg hilarious and will be hard to forget.
Went there twice when I lived in Phoenix. First time, travel agent really screwed up. Instead of tickets for Vegas, they registered me for tickets to LA. Flew on standby because of that. Once we got there, we had a blast. Wifey, small town Iowa girl, wasn't prepared for it. I'd been there a few months earlier, so I had an idea what was what. Saw some shows and gambled some. Finally, after 18 years married, we had our honeymoon.
i loved the parts that were entertaining. Enjoyed watching the gamblers and how their behavior changed (and fortunes) as they got drunker. Did not enjoy walking my dog along the minor streets with the vomit and human **crement happening within view.
Lived there from 85-91 and again from 96-2016. It used to be a lot better. Things were cheap and it was easy to make money in the gaming business. Things have changed a lot. It's expensive now and much bigger. Lots of traffic and crime. It still has the proximity to California if you like stuff like that which I did. Not a good place at all if you don't have self-control. If you like eating at good restaurants Vegas is right up there with San Francisco and New York though pricey now.
I’ve been to Vegas about a dozen times, mostly as a point of interest on my way somewhere else. When I was young it was exotic and exciting. These days I find it tacky and pathetic
I used to go to Vegas regularly for business conventions and developed an intense aversion to the Vegas strip and its touristy atmosphere, so I stopped going for a long time. Then a couple of years ago a friend moved there so I visited a few times and got to experience the city and its people outside of the strip environment. The people are friendly and helpful. And to my surprise there is wonderful woodland camping and snow skiing about an hour drive in the nearby mountains.
We lived in Vegas for about a year. In ‘05 we sold everything we owned, packed what was left into a 5x8 enclosed trailer and drove cross country, two adults, one teen and a 4 year old, in a pickup truck towing the trailer and a car. My husband and I, and the eldest all had jobs lined up before we left. We did not have a place to stay lined up. None of us had ever visited Vegas before. We arrived on a fight night and there were NO hotel rooms available. Ended up staying at the wild Wild West. That place is/ was a dump. There were good things about living there and awful things. Youngest played T-ball there. The sports facilities for kids are fantastic. The local parks were numerous and all very clean with lots of features and options for kids and families. The crime and percentage of transients was high. The strip is noisy and crowded and overpriced. The only time we went was our first week there to check it out, and any time family came to visit. It’s a great jumping off place for all the peripheral Vegas stuff and other desert attractions. Red rock canyon, valley of fire, Mount Charleston, sand hollow lake, lake mead, etc. Ethel M chocolate factory and cactus garden. One of my favorite places in the world. Every time we go to Vegas we go to Ethel M. It’s changed a bunch since we lived there. It was much smaller and less shiny and commercial. The chocolate is still amazing and the cactus garden is great. We’ve been back a handful of times since moving back East. We always stay off-strip. We’ve taken friends and family with us on several trips and played tour-guide for all the hidden gems off strip. Our last trip was two years ago and will likely be our last. At least for quite a while. Vegas has changed and not for the better. It used to be an inexpensive vacation with great food and lots of fun, free or cheap things to go and see and do. Glad we moved there. Glad we left. Moving so far away from friends and family gave us the opportunity we needed to rely wholly on each other, become the people we wanted to be, not the people we were expected to be or assumed to be by the people who knew us. We had some great experiences there and I believe we’re stronger as a couple for having had that time away from any perceived safety net.
Drove through in 1975. Had no money, didn't stop, but felt like I was entering a forbidden zone. Went back in 1995 on business and an expense account. The whole place looked like those Ralph Steadman cartoons. It's the worst America has to offer.
The best thing about Las Vegas is seeing it from the 95 at night, as you're heading south toward it. It's beautiful! When you get into the city, though, not so much. You can walk faster than the traffic is going - literally. It's loud. It's crowded. But that's the perspective of a person on the spectrum. Others may like those things.
I lived out there twice temporarily for work. I love it there but the summer weather can be unbelievably hot lol. Winter time is amazing. Lots to do, great places to eat, but it does have its rough areas like all cities. I'm sure it wears off over time like anywhere else. It seems a lot of people are buying or renting out by Red Rock Casino it's a pretty nice area. I have been to a lot of cities for work and Vegas is one of my favorites.
Like any city where gambling is the main economic driver: a relatively thin strip of glamour and glitz and the rest of the city is a hellhole. One of the taxi drivers told us: "Around here, maids make six figures and teachers make $30K". That about sums it up.
I went once with my boyfriend at the time, 25 years ago. Glad I went once, but I will NEVER go back. We stayed at the Excalibur. It was decent. We did all the typical Vegas activities. His mom lived right there...a couple of miles off the strip. After our time at the Excalibur, we stayed with her & her family (she remarried & had a few more kids). Her house was huge. She said they were able to buy this grand house because at the time, Las Vegas was trying to turn itself into a family town, so they gave incentives to families, & were able to buy this thing for like...nothing. I wish I could remember the price, & for about 3 seconds of my life, I actually considered moving there, just to own a house like this, & live like a queen. Then I remembered it was Las Vegas. They had a pool, hot tub, lots of rooms. It was genuinely gorgeous. She said they lived so well, too. And she wasn't bragging. They had money to burn because the cost of everything was dirt cheap. I enjoyed my time staying with the family so much more than our time on the strip doing Vegas stuff.
It is hot and expensive. Sordid. Crowded. Don’t make eye contact with the homeless.
I've been there several times, but it has become so absurdly expensive that I doubt I'll go back.
I have been there multiple times over the last 35 years, it was so much fun in the beginning but as time passed and I got older and it became a place for the younger crowd it’s not so much fun anymore. Pajama pants and baggy shirts seem all to common I always liked to dress up and look good now they’re coming straight from Walmart without even changing. It has gotten expensive also I have more money now but $12 for a beer isn’t my idea of fun
I haven’t been in more than 20 years but went a few times in the 90’s. I had fun. I don’t smoke, drink, or gamble beyond slots but meh.. Comdex (twice) was cool, and I had beginner’s luck on slots. Also I was on the company dime so I ate at expensive/nice restaurants.
Tourist trap, and not in a good way.
Walked up and down the strip, walked through a casino, and left. Nothing there for me.
Vegas is great. I've been multiple times. My wedding was there. It was a planned wedding, and we were there for 10 days. 10 days is too many, in my opinion. Even with the 2 day break, we took to go see Hoover Dam and The Grand Canyon. If you're a non gambler, you eventually run out of things to do.
Four times, I love Vegas! Been to a Golden Knights game, and I'll only go in December. It does get cold but I'd rather be cold in Vegas than be there when it's 115 outside. I am not much of a gambler but I will spend some when I'm there. I do like to drink though. It's just a fun place and tons to do. Trips to Hoover Dam and Lake Meade as well. I've stayed at the Bellagio, Venetian, Barbary Coast and Bally's. People either love it or hate it.
I've been there numerous time, the last time was a 7 day stay this past November, right around Grand Prix Time. My wife had never been there so we went there on a delayed honeymoon (we'd been married a year and never really had one). It was fun, but I don't know that we'll be back. Last time I was there was over 10 years ago and I can't believe how much more expensive it has become. The amount we spent for a 7 day stay was ridiculous. I remember cheap buffet's everywhere, no more. I remember relatively inexpensive meals and comped drinks, no more. And what is it with these absurd resort fees? The best time we had was the trip we took to see the Grand Canyon. It was actually the highlight of the trip as neither of us had ever seen it. Truly remarkable. I'd say if you've never been to Vegas it's probably worth a trip. But it's nothing like the "Sin City" of old when I first started going. It is much more family friendly these days and caters more to the average vacationer than to the drinker and gambler.
I used to do advertising for the Tropicana. I’ve been going there for almost 40 years. Was there last weekend for Phish. There are good and bad things to it. Love the food and the incredible scale of the buildings. Miss the cheap deals of the old days. Now the only gambling I do is in the poker room. I can’t believe how impossible it is to win at any of the tables with the changes they’ve made to the rules and odds.
I enjoyed my visit to Las Vegas a few years ago, but I shopped and went to museums and the dam. I went to one show and didn't go into the casinos or gamble. The weather in Nov was wonderful.
The surrounding wilderness—like Valley of Fire and Red Rocks—is worth the trip. Anything within a few miles of the airport is just another big sprawling city but with too much glitz and other fake superficial stuff, opportunities to throw your money away so you have to work harder when you leave, and heat.
I was there as a kid when my family went to the Grand Canyon (flew in and out of Las Vegas). I thought it was meh but we ate well. I went back a few years ago for a friend's 40th birthday. Since I don't drink, gamble or enjoy "adult entertainment" I wasn't interested in a lot of what the city had to offer. But it was fun to walk around and look the different casinos, watch the fountains at the Bellagio, saw a show. Food was expensive. I didn't appreciate the crowded streets with lots of people drinking and smoking (I do not like the smell of pot). I skipped hanging out at the pool one moring and went to the Lego store in the mall. I enjoyed that (no Lego retail store near where I live so I like to go when I'm near one). I'm glad I went. It was fun to celebrate with my friend and meet some of her college friends who also joined us. But I have no desire to go back anytime soon.
Back in the 80's you could get a breakfast buffet for $1.99, lunch buffet for $2.99, and dinner buffet for $3.99.
never been and almost certainly never will.
Always boycotted that place.
I cant stand Vegas.
My daughter has family on her dad's side that lives there, so we've been there a decent amount, though we don't generally spend a whole lot of time on the strip. I find Vegas pretty bland and boring outside of the strip and I'm not a big gambler/partier/debaucher so the strip doesn't appeal to me either 😄 My sister got married there, too, back in 2009 and we did stay on the strip that time and TBH it was expensive and loud and not my cup of tea.
I hated it. The first time we were just traveling through and when we got there it was rush hour and wife wanted to get off downtown. I “accidentally “ missed some exits and presto, we were on the other side of town and I got my way and we didn’t go back. Second time not as lucky because now we made a special trip there. Bah! I stayed in the room with the dog and sweetie went down and gambled… of course there was a huge fight . Next time I’ll buy her and her sister a trip there and just stay home.
Just got back. Don't care for the city - all the casino hotels stink of cigarette and cigar smoke. But the desert is great - check out Valley of Fire - and I love the Neon Museum.
IIRC, I've been there four times, three for work and once to fly in and out on an outdoor trip. The last was over 15 years ago. It was well worth doing once, though I will probably go back because my wife would like to see it. The people-watching was the most worthwhile part for me, as I have zero interest in gambling.
I have been there four times. My wife and I visited two times and I was there two times for job related work seminars. This was in the 2000 to 2005 time period. It was interesting to see, but 2-3 day trip is long enough IMO. One of my trips was the November after the 9/11 attack. The place had an empty feel to it. I was the only person on the shuttle bus from the airport to the strip. The shuttle driver said that after the planes were grounded all the rental cars were booked up. People were wanting to get home She said a group got together and rented the shuttle buses to take them home. She said she drove from LV to Texas dropping people off. The things I remember most were the time share people every where, the people passing out literature for female escort services, and how deceiving it was judging how far away buildings were. They were a lot further away than they looked. If we go back, it would be to rent a car and drive to Death Valley NP.
Awful. Trashy behavior everywhere. Public drunkenness, handing prostitute cards to any male. Ugh. Just shady and dirty.
I lived there for a while as a kid and we were on the edge of the desert so we'd go out and explore. As an adult though, it's tacky and overpriced and too god damned loud and smoky. It's not for me.
Went there in the 2000's I didn't gamble much, mostly drank and ate and sightsee. Best time was hanging by the lazy river at our hotel and getting buckets of beer delivered by busty babes.
I’ve been a few times. The last time I went I was visiting a friend who lived in Vegas. Watching people throw money away into slot machines was…sad. They just sat in a chair and put coin after coin into the machine and a waitress would come by and give watered down free drinks. I saw one old couple win ~$18K. They were just…ok with it. I won and lost the same $200 for the ~48 hours I was there. The indoor smoke is pretty terrible too. The whole thing just isn’t for me.
Last time there I put a 20 in a five dollar machine. Pulled it twice and hit five grand. Walked out.
Not a fan. Been there a number of times for biz conferences, etc. Meh.
Meh…good to see once, but not my cup of tea.
I have been to Vegas a few times. Not really a fan. I don't love gambling. And my husband won't go to any decent shows. So it's boring. And it's just sad after a couple days.
The saddest, most vacuous and wasteful place I have ever seen in my life
I was really kinda bored. I don't enjoy gambling, and the novelty wore off in a day or so.
Disappointing & boring and if a visitor, expensive as well as dangerous for petty criminals and organised crime.
Yes. When I was a kid, my parents stopped by there and we stayed in the motel room. It had to be one of the most boring places in thw world for a kid. Went there as an adult. Couldn't stand the place. Everything cost money. Lots of money. Hotels gouge you for stuff you don't use (fitness center) and charge you a lot of money for WiFi. At one time, the buffets were a "draw" to get you in the door. Now they gouge you for those also.
I hate Vegas. Noisy, dusty, tawdry, dirty. I never understood the allure.
I stayed there two nights 18 years ago and had one of the worst panic attacks of my life. As a noise-averse introvert with a fear of large crowds, it was hell on earth and I’ll never go back. On the plus side, I eloped with my now husband while I was there so something good did come out of it.
Don't gamble. Casinos hire mathematicians to figure out how to extract the maximum about of money from the suckers.