Mar 22

Vegas, Baby! Vegas!

It’s true. Four of my girl friends and I are headed to Las Vegas on Thursday for a girls’ weekend (Spring Break ’09!). The funny part? I’m the only one that’s been there before, and it was for work. (The engineers I was there with couldn’t have cared less that they were in Vegas. It might as well have been Milpitas, California.) This is very convenient, since the whole trip will be an adventure for everyone and almost everything will be new and exciting.

But, that means that none of us really know what to see and do… So I’m asking for your help, Internet. Have you ever been to Vegas? What did you love? What was overrated? What would you recommend we do with our 3 days and 3 nights? So far I’ve heard about dealers in costume at the Imperial Palace, drinks at the Paris to watch the Bellagio fountains, and comedians at Second City in the Flamingo (which is where we’ll be staying). I also found this gem on one website:

As long as the cocktail waitress thinks you are gambling, you can get free drinks. Cocktail waitresses prowl the floors of all the major casinos, giving out free drinks. Place your order and the next time the waitress makes her round she will bring you the drink of your choice. If you leave a tip they’ll come back again to take another order.

Although this is technically free, you really are expected to be actively gambling and leave tips to take advantage of it. It is easy enough, however, to hang out on a slot machine chair or in a sports book and still be able to recieve the drinks. People usually leave about a dollar tip per drink unless they are doing well at the tables or getting drunk.

Thanks for the insight, vegasfreebie.com!

I’m also looking for good sports bar suggestions, as I’m VERY interested in watching some March Madness basketball while I’m down there (the other girls most likely do not share this enthusiasm).

So bring it on! And thanks in advance. :)

There are 6 comments to this post.
Amanda had this to say, Mar 22, 2009 @ 5:08 pm

I must say that I have been to Vegas before, when I was 19. Also, I have printed out a map of the strip and created a color coded key that represents fancy bars, fruity drink bars, breakfast places, restaurants for lunch, and even a miscellaneous category. Omg. What is wrong with me?

mego had this to say, Mar 22, 2009 @ 7:05 pm

I stand corrected. But I’m thrilled you’re as excited as I am! (i.e. NOTHING is wrong with you!)

Blythe had this to say, Mar 22, 2009 @ 7:17 pm

I never expected to be someone who loves Vegas but I’ll admit that I’m a convert. It’s a strange, strange place and I don’t even gamble, but for a couple of days of sunshine, fantastic swimming pool/lounge chairs, fruity drinks, shopping, and great food, it’s hard to beat. Especially for the cheap flights/hotel deals. (In fact, I’m going to be there in a few weeks! So I will be watching this comments section and expecting a post-mortem when you return.)

Free fun stuff:
Pirate battle at Treasure Island
Bellagio fountains
Mirage volcano
Chihuly glass in the Bellagio lobby and flower display (be sure you check this out – it’s well worth a special trip down the strip)

Last time we were there, we ate at Bouchon (by Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame) in The Venetian it was delicious but we had to eat at 4:30 in the afternoon because we couldn’t get reservations any later at the last minute. I’d recommend making reservations at a couple of places in advance – you can always cancel and it seems like restaurants get packed on the weekends.

The Fashion Show Mall (across from the Wynn) has decent shopping that won’t break the bank. The hotel shopping areas are fun but so far I’ve never won huge enough to finance a shopping spree at Louis Vuitton and its ilk. Having said that, there’s a Jo Malone store somewhere (Caesars? Maybe? I’m so helpful) and they sell fantastic and unique fragrances there. Worth a stop.

David had this to say, Mar 22, 2009 @ 8:42 pm

Um… There are also some lions at the MGM Grand. Oh, and if you want to get out and go for a hike or have a picnick check out the Valley of Fire (http://parks.nv.gov/vf.htm).

Liesl had this to say, Mar 24, 2009 @ 3:51 pm

i wish i was going to vegas!

except for that pesky warrant… le sigh.

Emily had this to say, Mar 27, 2009 @ 12:08 pm

You’ll have to fill us in on some of the highlights. I’ve never been but have wanted to go for some time, and with packages out of Missoula or GTF for a couple hundred bucks, including two or three nights hotel, I don’t see how I am not booking to go there. Like, now.

I need a spring break…

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