Vegas - the Strangest City on the planet !

I sit here in this strange city, the 7th day here with a few more days to do - on my forth visit here in the past decade and my 2nd in the past 14mths. The pool here has a great view of the planes landing at McCarren - just a few hundred metres away as this hotel sits at the end of the runway. Staying here off Strip - as our last Casino stay resulted in a 15 minute walk between the carpark and hotel room - and then forgetting each day where I parked the car)

It's HOT. 40 degree days here - and it's not even Summer - that comes in another few months. Well at least I'm getting to swim, given the lack of summer we had in Sydney (sorry... is it still cold and wet in Sydney at the moment ??)

If you've never been here - then try and get here ..... just once.... or twice ! Come and experience this adult 'madness' It's like being in a Fellini film....... Satyricon comes to mind.

It's the land of the morbidly obese, piling themselves into the cheap buffets. Do you want to pig out >>> - there's a special for $44 for 24hr 'pass' to get fat at several casinos (even now I feel 'fat' since I've not been to the gym for the past few weeks...... help !!!!!). Even today we had once of the worst buffets ever and this was only the 2nd whilst we've been here (Palace Station - yuk !!) and this morbidly obese couple piled food onto their first plate, only to request diet Coke for their beverage. And if you're too fat - there's always a cart / scooter to get you around Wal-Mart or the casinos. Fast food - yep, there' on nearly every corner of all shopping areas. And it's so cheap : $3.30 for a double burger at In-N-Out. It's pure fantasy here. Swarms of people endlessly walking down the Strip, in and out of air conditioned casinos, with the smell of cigarettes not too far away. What person sits in front of a poker machine ? Here its the ancient, there are ones with their scooter sitting next to the machine.

There's the endless trucks going up and down the Strip advertising 'adult services' - and the card-slappers (how do I explain this ?? - mainly mexicans wanting to hand you a card - slapping it before trying to hand it to you)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010...racks-allowed/

Venture off the Strip and Vegas is an eye opener. A mate has just recently moved here - and after 2 mths he still doesn't have a car !! You can't survive here without a vehicle. Of course - you can gamble at the petrol... sorry... gas station. There's a few Westfield type malls here ... but in the main there's the strip malls everywhere. . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strip_mall That's where you have a Wal-Mart.... a Best Buy.... a Ross / Marshall ..... Office Max store all in the same centre.... but there's NO way that you can walk to the next store.... you have to DRIVE and move you car to the next store. There trouble is that these strip malls are EVERYWHERE. Let's go to Target.... no !!! You have to drive to another strip mall. Food - that's in another mall. And there's so many closed shops. Come and join us in this centre with Wal-Mart: yep the store with everything cheap and you can compete with them. If you're a shopper - you'll love this city : the amount of clothes here must be keeping China employed for years. There's so much stock - but granted you only need shorts and a Tshirt to venture around.

Climate Change.... Global Warming.... hell that doesn't score a mention here - there are houses everywhere - you couldn't survive without aircon here. We've seen few solar panels. And as I mentioned - you need a CAR. My choice of vehicle to survive here is a SUV. It makes it a bit easier to navigate the freeways - roads that we can ONLY dream of in Sydney.

And did I mention that it's HOT. BLOODY HOT. And that you car / SUV is going to be in the main in an 'out in the open' car park.....heating up.......and melting a few things in there as well. You could be swimming in a casino pool - joining the so called 'beautiful people' in 3 feet of water. That's as deep as it gets folks. At least there's those casino drinks - or those tourist yard glasses (*opps they're plastic)

Then there's the strangest thing about this place : the almost endless queue of cars leaving this place on Sunday and Mondays back to LA. 15 miles of traffic trying to get out of the place. Thankfully we are here for another few days and are leaving midweek - hopefully missing out on that traffic jam.


Just thought that I would share a few of my thoughts on this 'strange place'. I love coming here - it's strange, weird, loud, outrageous and downright adult. (But I couldn't live here .... did I mention that it's hot ???) Oh and I don't gamble.

I'll be there at the end of October. Hope it's under 40 around then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shireboy

… it's strange, weird, loud, outrageous and downright adult…

Now what does 'adult' mean?

Las Vegas is a hoot ! and everyone should pay a visit.

I have been about 5 times now - Flamingo (couple of times ), Luxor , Caesars Palace, Treasure Island.

Its tacky and so over the top its hilarious.

and yep those 24hr pass buffets and all the lard arses lining up. But there are also top fine dining restaurants as well.

Last trip we laughed at all the people doing the Gondola at Venetian. I mean for fucks sake your inside a builiding with fake sky and shops
all round you and you are taking a romantic ride in a Gondola with everyone watching you !

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark_

Now what does 'adult' mean?

it means that you need to be over 21 to drink here Even I - at 47 - had to produce ID to purchase alcohol

It's an adult Disneyland - without Pluto and Mickey - unless they work in the adult trade off Strip.


As for the 'gay scene' : I've found it to be on par with Sydney (eg : TERRIBLE and OTT PROMISES). The Luxor is promoting these Temptation Sundays : http://www.qvegas.com/230-upcoming-e...tation-sundays

please...... the chances of seeing guys with these abs at the Luxor pool ......

I've found Charlies to be OK - a bit country.

I hear they have a replica of every great building of the world and there's an Eiffel Tower built at 50% scale.
I heard Celine Dion performs there; are there any real stars there?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark_

I heard Celine Dion performs there; are there any real stars there?

She's here at the moment. As for 'real stars' - there's Carrot Top. David Copperfield. Donnie and Marie. oh ... and Human Nature. So - no is the answer.

All I know is that the outlet stores are supposed to be good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phazz

All I know is that the outlet stores are supposed to be good.

have an empty suitcase with ya Phazz.

I havent been for a few years so havent shopped in the newer ones but there is a large Premium Outlet further out and I always bought up heaps.

And remember to go into any Ross Dress for Less or TJ Maxx you see. They get all of last seasons stuff and its at ridiculous prices. Looks like rough KMart type store but you go through and it will be from Bonds to Versace all on the racks.
Besides clothes they have shoes , accessories, linen, sports bags etc. I got Colombia walking shoes for something like USD39
and here they were close to $200 and who gives a fuck if last seasons !

I've already looked up the Malls for Santa Fe , Seattle , Venice Beach for my next trip.

i'd spend only 3 nights max in vegas. it's a waste of time. i prefer enjoying san francisco or new york for a 10-day single-city vacation. i'd never stay for more than 2 nights in LA.

there's this Thai Restaurant on Sunset just a few streets from here on a strip mall - it has a video signage - however it's a tad 'uncomfortable' driving past it ..... it's called PING PONG.

Just the images of those Thai ladies on the video screen - and wondering why they decided on 'ping pong' just makes my stomach churn

Quote:

Originally Posted by wysi

i'd spend only 3 nights max in vegas. it's a waste of time. i prefer enjoying san francisco or new york for a 10-day single-city vacation. i'd never stay for more than 2 nights in LA.

been to San Francisco 4 or 5 times and always find it a snoozefest.

LA just depends on where you stay , same as Sydney. Santa Monica , Beverly Hills , West Hollywood all fun places and I just love the theme parks plus the malls.

New York has the most amazing energy you feel just walking in the streets.

Same Same Media Player

Safe Step Walk In Tub - Pat Boone Thanks You - YouTube

more strangeness from this place = wonder what Pat Boone has been up too ???


(what about the amount of wasted water >>>>>> ???)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheOldie

have an empty suitcase with ya Phazz.

I havent been for a few years so havent shopped in the newer ones but there is a large Premium Outlet further out and I always bought up heaps.

And remember to go into any Ross Dress for Less or TJ Maxx you see. They get all of last seasons stuff and its at ridiculous prices. Looks like rough KMart type store but you go through and it will be from Bonds to Versace all on the racks.
Besides clothes they have shoes , accessories, linen, sports bags etc. I got Colombia walking shoes for something like USD39
and here they were close to $200 and who gives a fuck if last seasons !

I've already looked up the Malls for Santa Fe , Seattle , Venice Beach for my next trip.

I'm only taking one suitcase, but my flight allows for 2. I find it hard to find clothes for my height, so I don't know if i'll be buying enough to warrant an empty suitcase. But we'll see

Do you think 8 days in Vegas is too much out of a 6 week trip? I'm deciding between Luxor, Excalibur and Imperial (although I think they are renovating). Would prefer Tropicana but they are more expensive at this time of year for some reason, compared with when I booked my dad's accommodation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phazz

Do you think 8 days in Vegas is too much out of a 6 week trip? I'm deciding between Luxor, Excalibur and Imperial (although I think they are renovating). Would prefer Tropicana but they are more expensive at this time of year for some reason, compared with when I booked my dad's accommodation.

depends.

8 days just in Las Vegas would be way too much for me.

If you can afford it do an overhight trip to Grand Canyon . You can do it in the one day but its a long day. Staying overnight is great as you can watch Sunset and like I did next morning and grabbed a coffee and watched the walkers / mule rides start down the Canyon.

You can do day tours to other National Parks - Bryce and Zion I think. Plus Hoover Dam.

If you do cut back then try and cut out Fri/Sat nights as rates double/triple.

Found Luxor a dog ! Excalibur is on the corner and opposite is MGM and New York New York.

What prices for Planet Hollywood ? or have a look at Treasure Island as they are more central but only by a block.

Or my old fall back Flamingo. Also very central. Dated and about 3 stars but generally good rates.

Last trip we stayed a couple of nights in Las Vegas , got one way tour to Grand Canyon , stayed overnight at Maswik Lodge, then got the Greyhound service to Flagstaff and stayed there a couple of nights and then did full day tour out to Monument Valley -
amazing ! then Greyhound from Flagstaff to Phoenix Airport and flew out. Was not expensive at all.

The Grand Canyon/Monument Valley thing sounds good actually.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phazz

The Grand Canyon/Monument Valley thing sounds good actually.

We can talk.

Monument Valley was a very long day but once you got there ! and the local Indians take you out in their trucks and the views are straight out of a Cowboy movie ! the Greyhound Bus rides were cheap.

I'll dig up some info for you.

Website says Greyhound ticket is $100 from Vegas to Flagstaff. Flight from Flagstaff to LA is $86.

P.S. thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phazz

Website says Greyhound ticket is $100 from Vegas to Flagstaff. Flight from Flagstaff to LA is $86.

P.S. thanks

Do a tour from Las Vegas. The coach ones and you just tell them that you are getting off at Grand Canyon , that way you get the running commentary on the Coach tour , drive over Hoover Dam , lunch at some train depot then into the Canyon and guided tour around the rim. Then they drop you off as the coach then just drives straight back to Las Vegas and its around 5 hrs or so.
Boring !

Maswik Lodge was cheap. Like a big log cabin motel. Was cute.

Then next day get the Greyhound to Flagstaff. Lots of cheap hotels and we stayed at Hilton or Hilton Garden Inn.

Next day get a full day tour out to Monument Valley which returns you to your hotel in Flagstaff and then the Greyhound
the next day or to Phoenix airport and yep the fares are cheap but be careful as most airlines charge to check in a suitcase !!!!!!
while a few of the budget/web airlines dont. Usually its $25-$35 USD per case.

Oh and you want South Rim as thats where the accommodation is. Cute village.

West rim has that dreadful walk out over the Canyon thingy and nowhere near the Village. Also the Greyhound picks up from the Village
as you will see.

The South Rim is about $140 USD but I think worth it. As if you just got Greyhound service it just straight to Grand Canyon. The tours go past Lake Mead and photo stop for Hoover Dam ( we drove over it ) and then into the Canyon and the coach takes you to the various view points otherwise you are fumbling around on your own if just did the Bus.

I'll relay the information to my friends. They are also considering Roswell and Death Valley.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phazz

I'll relay the information to my friends. They are also considering Roswell and Death Valley.

I wanted to do Roswell ! just for the nerdy UFO stuff but will be travelling on my own so have settled for Santa Fe and I may add in Durango ( to see Mesa Verde ) then meet up with friends in Seattle.

brrrrrrr............. what the hell ???!!!

arrived home this morning - and i've had trackies and sloppy joes on !!


please help me get back to the warmer city Gee - give me the 40+ days there compared to the cold.



As for the hotel suggestions : much depends on whether you will be using a car during your time in Vegas (I tend to drive around most of the day - shopping !!)

Luxor : cheap and nasty - and the car parking garage can be a good mile away from the rooms. And then there was the hassle of trying to remember where I parked it each day thank god for the noise that the US cars make.

Excalibur : on the corner - it has some 'new' rooms - but at least its kinda handy.

Imperial : yuk !! They are renovating the place when I was there the other day.

Tropicana : supposedly renovated (ie paint job) - the pool is lousy - granted most of the pools are small and barely deep.

I stay off strip - La Quinta - but there is a whole range of chains that have decent hotel room s plus a basic breakfast and free wifi (casinos will charge you a small fortune for that). And most of these chains are non smoking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phazz

I'm only taking one suitcase, but my flight allows for 2. I find it hard to find clothes for my height, so I don't know if i'll be buying enough to warrant an empty suitcase. But we'll see

MIGHTY P******************SSED OFF WITH DELTA on this !!!

Never again will I fly with that lousy airline. Last year they were ok - but this time around they were the pits. Came back this morning - and lets see, a few hosties on a 14hr flight - 2.5 meals they serve - and they couldn't be arsed on providing our water during the rest of the time. Waking us up 6hrs into a night flight for a crappy bread roll - 2 slices of egg and cucumber : you have to be friggin kindding !!

I never rely on Airline food especially Economy. If lucky enough to be Business I still eat at the Airport first. Have only ever had a few good meals on a flight.

Probably the best was a Qantas flight to Honolulu and catering was on strike. We got BBQ Big Rooster Chicken packs and they came around with bags of oranges/apples and ice cream.

And agree Shire give me 40 degrees any day over this miserable cold weather.

I'm flying V Australia. We are going to be in Vegas for Halloween, which is why it's probably so expensive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phazz

I'm flying V Australia. We are going to be in Vegas for Halloween, which is why it's probably so expensive.

Vegas is only expensive under the following conditions :

1. Friday and Saturday nights - but that's mainly the big names / casinos. That's where they get their $$$ from local travellers.

2. Conferences - mainly the BIG ONES like CES (Consumer Electronics Show). (or when the Adult Industry Show is on - now that was an 'experience' - an Adult expo at the old Sands !!)

3. Summer holidays - again - much depends on the days and hotel / casino location.


Halloween 2012 is on a Wednesday night - could be 'special' in Vegas - but I doubt it - 'cause NO ONE WALKS IN VEGAS !!

http://www.hardrockhotel.com/las-veg...12/26/20121027

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phazz

I'm flying V Australia. We are going to be in Vegas for Halloween, which is why it's probably so expensive.

PM me your dates Phazz for Las Vegas.

Our systems scan all the hotels availability in about .5seconds and can let you know whats available.

Wow.. You have given a lot of information about the best places that I can visit around the world. it also help us to choose what area will be going to visit.