12 days in Vegas

As an Aussie who's been traveling to Vegas since 1999, I figured I'd put some thoughts down on my most recent trip, 12 days from March 24 - April 6. I'd love some input and where I've been critical, please know that the USA still treats it's gamblers a million times better then we do here in Australian, that's why I spend my money there.

Firstly,

The Palms is definitely a place I'll be spending more time at in the future, I can't believe it's taken me until the last couple of trips to stay here. They treat you well, they understand the business and staff are great.

Secondly,

Stayed at Ballys for 5 days and was disappointed. Is this the next CET property to be demolished? Or refurbished? Tired is an understatement, this place would put a glass eye to sleep.

Thirdly,

Shame about the Imperial changing and O'Sheas with it, although I guess I need to get with the times.

Fourthly,

Has the Buffet of Buffets promotion generally ruined the quality while upping the price simultaneously? Breakfast prices are ridiculous, it's as though they've worked out if the make breakfast really expensive, you'll stump up the extra $30 for the 24hr pass. They found a way to pocket $50 up front and moved the liability to the customer who has now outlaid $50 at breakfast, instead of $12. At the same time I found the quality of the buffets to be lower then the Mirage brand and others.

Lastly,

I've got a lot of respect for the cocktail waitresses, it's a really tough job. I love to get a drink and I do tip well, it's a service that's such a novelty that I find it an integral part of my Vegas trip. However this time it seemed as though there were hardly any around? I stayed at 3 casinos and even in the Palms 20-25min waits to even see one weren't uncommon. Have the casinos cut back on this? Maybe it was just a busy time, I know it was March Madness so maybe that was why. Again, I just wondered if it was penny pinching by the casinos, not having a go at the waitresses at all.

Overall, loved my trip and it's good to see the place is getting back on its feet again, hoping to get back as soon as I can.

Welcome to posting here and thanks for the comments about your most recent visit to LV!

Here are my Two Cents in input for you: First, at least at Palms, they actually have some decent Video Poker and not the worst Blackjack. If you haven't tried it, maybe you should check out the Downtown LV Casinos and Hotels as well.

Second, I think that Strip places are more out to gouge people since there are not really (at least at the lower denomination level) many decent enough places (return wise) for gaming and I think that restaurants can be aimed more toward clueless tourists (although it does depend on what a person is looking for -- experience or value or both).

And thirdly, food bargains can be found around LV -- people just need to know how to find them. For discounted buffets, try Tickets4Tonight booths around town (especially on the Strip and Fremont Street).

RecVPPlayer

Thanks for your first post, and I hope more to come!! We usually just do the buffets where I have a coupon from the MRB book or ACG book, saves us a ton of money, and cheaper than restaurants.

I agree that Ballys is tired. I think it looks the same as when I stayed there in 1989!! Although I have stayed there in comped rooms and was treated very well. If it's free, it's for me.

Excellent post and some great observations.

We too just spent some time recently at the Palms and enjoyed it as well. It is within easy walking distance of the Gold Coast which also has some playable video poker.
I am now a former Harrahs/CET Diamond member reduced to Gold status- I find fewer and fewer reasons to play at Harrah's casinos since I like to stay where I do most of my gambling.
For purposes of food, we generally find that there are so many good food options at so many discounts that it is best to be selective about where you eat and how often you eat. We generally eat a large breakfast, light snack mid day and then a later dinner. We usually have comps to cover everything and even a little table time produces comps at most non-strip casinos.
If we are interested in a regular drink service, we will often simply play video poker at the bar. Out on the casino floor we will tip heavy for the first round (like $5 or $10 bucks for our group) and it seems to help with the frequency of cocktail waitress visits.
Good luck,

Paul and Sonya from Iowa

Thanks for all the positive feedback. I'll certainly take it it on board and yes I guess the general sentiment is to do your sightseeing on the strip and your living off it.

You're welcome and I guess in the end that the real question that people have to ask themselves (at least for Las Vegas) is whether or not they want to get as much bang for their buck as possible or whether they are just willing to pay whatever the price is without doing more investigation to see if there is better stuff out there that you can deal with that can save you money and/or allow you to play more or get more for your money.

I mention this because the goal here at LVA is for people to get more out of Las Vegas than Las Vegas gets out of us.

RecVPPlayer

I agree with you with the Palms. Each time I go, I get picked up at the airport, a nice salon suite and love the vibe!!

Only place I have been staying for the last 6 years!!

I agree on CET buffets, I prefer almost all of the MGM buffets over CET. I have also noticed, with the exception of Caesars, CET properties are not as well kept as MGM or others.

Enjoyed the short 12-day TR.

Glad you had a great time and yes Palms is cool place.

Next time you stay at the Palms, walk across the street to the Gold Coast. I have always had great cocktail service there.