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Originally posted by: KayPea
I think the strip attracts the first time visitors as it is synonymous with Las Vegas. After a trip or two people learn if they like the Vegas experience and want to come back for vacations on a regular basis. After a few more trips they hone in on exactly what they do and do not like as far as hotels, casinos, games, restaurants, etc. They also begin to realize that saving a few dollars each trip allows them to afford more trips.
The downtown and locals casinos offer a better deal for the regular visitor, especially the locals casinos as they target the Las Vegas resident who wants a good deal on a regular basis rather than having vacation money to spend once a year.
Also, as the regular visitor is realizing what they want out of Vegas, they are also starting to care less about their appearance to others and having a good time themselves. So rather than sitting at a $50 table at Bellagio while waiting on the latest club to open, they are happier at a $5 table off the strip.
It takes a few years to learn these secrets, thus you'll find the older and wiser patron at these places. Myself, I'm north of 50, but started gravitating downtown in my late 30s.
This response relates to me very much.
See, when I first went to Vegas it was on my honeymoon in October 2009. My wife at the time and I were so busy planning the wedding, we didn't plan on what to do or where to go once in Vegas. So when we got there it was like "WHOOOAAA!! LOOK AT ALL THE TALL BUILDINGS AND THE BRIGHT LIGHTS, WHOOOOAAA!!".
So we randomly walked all over the strip and tried to go inside as many casinos as we could in 2 days time. It was a Sun-Tues trip, so it wasn't busy at all.
Second time we went was in July of 2010, it was hot as hell!! 116f when we got off the plane!!! Walking on the strip at night it topped out at 107f around 10pm!! Never again. Had a better plan on where to go this time, but didn't do much, since walking on the strip in those temps wasn't nice at all. Divorce happend 3-4 months later and that was the end.
Then Jan 2011 went back to Vegas, this time with the new girlfriend, also we drove out there which was a first for me. I LOVED IT!!! Love driving out there. It feels so good to have your own car and go everywhere you want. I have a ritual before I go now. Pack 3 days before, go to the bank and pick up $30 in one dollar bills for valet and it will last me the trip.
Anyway, in Jan 2011 I planned it all out and it was awesome, except for the bad experience at the Rio. Drove to many casinos and had drinks, people watched and gambled!
April 2011 I went again. Very planned out well. Saw Santana concert Wednesday, ate at the fancy MIX resteraunt Thursday and saw Zumanity Friday. An awesome trip overall!
The point of this is, I am still gauging what I like in Vegas. I like going to shows, but it takes up time. Hate having an appointment for something while I am out on vacation. That's what it felt like. I like just driving from casino to casino, have a few drinks, people watch and gamble. Like Kaypea said, I am still seeing what I like in Vegas.
This next trip in September, I will visit some of the old casinos. Riviera, Tropicana, Flamingo, IP etc... $20 blackjack tables get old quick! I will eat at the Mix again (excellent resteraunt by the way) and go to my favorite places, which include the Strat, Aria, NYNY, PH, Belaggio, Cesars and Mirage. Maybe I will have new favorites after visiting some of the older casinos this next trip
