First Timer

Best wishes on your trip. There is way too much to do, you will need to set a plan to enable you to see the items you really want to see on this initial trip. We've been going for years, and there are still many things I have not seen/done yet. That's what makes Vegas such a terrific place to vacation.

Agree w/MissL....chat up the check-in person...let them know it's your 1st time in LV and celebrating your 35th anniversary...ask about a free upgrade...if nothing else...they may surprise you with a comped goodie basket in your room.
DD is right about Ethel M's. Our neighbors are kind enough to take in our mail/papers...prefer not to put a hold on them. We always bring them back a box of Ethel M's as a thank you. They love when we go to LV.
Love smerrian's idea for heading out to the dam. I still remember the 1st time we were there. Pretty cool.
We like to dine outdoors at Maggiano's at the Fashion Show Mall...love to people watch, and the food is V.G.
Wishing you both a safe trip, happy anniversary, great gambling & good eats!

Thanks for the replys. Some good advice, I'm sure, and we'll use some of it.
We land at 1:30pm and hope to be at Caesars by about 2:30. Will they try to charge an early check-in fee? Also our stay was comped back in Feburary, and I am a platinum card holder, so we should not pay a resort fee, right?

So, the first night we thought of taking a walk along the strip, then going to the seafood buffet at the Rio. We have $10 discounts from ACG. Good choice for seafood or not? I have read reviews both ways. Also, if we use a coupon can we pay the balance with our Total Reward cards?

Then to Palms and maybe Gold Coast to join thier players clubs and use the ACG coupons for there. I hear they are probably the loosest slots near the strip. What about the $200 rebate at Tropicana? Worth the effort? In my original post I asked about the Hammer/ Bolan shows at Four Queens, that is #7 on the values list. Anyone know how that works?

I'll post the rest of our itenerary shortly and ask a ton more questions. If you like talking about Vegas, you'll get a chance to over the next few days.
Thanks to all,
Tommyoz

I'm pretty sure resort fees are waived for platinum members and I remember reading there is no resort fee for stays booked prior to March 1. If they try to charge an early check in fee, politely decline, store your luggage with the bellman and grab a bite to eat or a welcoming cocktail. Yes, on being able to pay the balance with your total reward points. It's been years since I've tried Rio's seafood buffet and I wasn't impressed. Things do change over time.

Remember, you and your wife are in Vegas, a city that rarely closes. Do what you want, when you want. Try not to over plan and ENJOY!

Back in Feb, Palms had new sign up promotions for out of town players. One promotion was a rebate, where you got some now, the rest in 2 or 3 installments. The other offered free play you could use now based on how many points you earned. Have you looked at slotplaycoupons.com? For $25, new sign ups can purchase $50 in free play at the Palms. If you already have a card, you can purchase $40 in free play for $25.

Cosmopolitan might have some type of free play or rebate for new sign ups. The thing for me with rebates is, will I be able to come back to town to take advantage of them. Some require one to come back a couple of times to redeem the full rebate. You might want to check out the details on the casino's website before making a special trip.