Looking for a little sage advice

[mcewan13]

Yo Vegas Pros! I've been doing some research for an upcoming trip and recently stumbled across this forum. ...looks like there's a tight crew here that knows what they like and how to get down right in Vegas. I even found the Nassau vids. Right on!

What I'm after: I'll be in Vegas 9.20-9.27 for Interbike. The first two days I'll be out in Bootleg Canyon for the Outdoor Demo, but the remainder of the week I'll be at the Sands. I'm thinking I need to stay mid-Strip to shorten hung-over travel time and save $$ on cab fare. ...or at least give it to the tables instead!!! I'm also looking for a good pool scene as my wife will be joining me this trip and isn't interested in the convention. The hotel casino is less important as I'll be likely gambling very little until the last couple nights of our stay. I'm kinda thinking about the Flamingo bc of its location and pool scene, but I'm worried about it being too ghetto.

Backstory: Mid-30s still partying like mid-20s. Not a complete noob, but I've only got three previous Vegas experiences. First two were w/ large groups of guys - learned to get a suite; call dibs on the couch; recruit in clubs; use limos instead of cabs and hide my wallet before passing out. ....hooker stole two wallets at 5am one night; dude who brought her in was made responsible and has never lived it down!!! Third trip was for biz - learned to avoid drunken female superiors to avoid later reprisals; learned to fly solo; learned that flirting w/ rich cougars = good perks.

I've stayed at the Strat once - hated it - and Caesars twice. Used the 20wich to get a a nice upgrade both times.

All input much appreciated!

[Cisco419]

Flamingo would be a good spot, its not really all that bad... kinda hit or miss though. Another one I've heard good things about was Bally's, I'm staying there over LDW and I will give a full report once I get back but I'm sure you'll probly book before that. But those are 2 good spots in the dead center that are reasonably priced!

[dnix]

Define "good pool scene"

[mcewan13]

Good pool scene. Good vibe/tunes/service. Little to no kids/families/bluehairs. ...sorry Gma if you're on here!!!

Most - if not all - of the crew I'm working with are at Harrahs, but my understanding is that its pool is just a big concrete bathtub w/ nothing to look at. The pool at the Strat was like that and it was a downer. The pool at Caesars was nice, but the last time I was there it was a bit too crowded w/ kids. I've got two of my own and love them dearly, but I see Vegas as an adult retreat.

I'm thinking about trying to do Wet Republic on Sat or Rehab on Sunday although I'm not sure I'd get past the velvet ropes at Rehab - sixpack's long gone and been replaced w/ a partyball!

Does Ballys have a decent pool?

HTH

[rock28]

I know what your saying about the kids. Go on vacation from work and the kids. I dont want to be answering phone calls or typing up jobs when im at the pool, and i dont want someone elses kids splashing water into my drinks.

Go to wet republic, just get there early and you shouldnt have to much of a problem.

[mcewan13]

Cisco, If I do the Flamingo, do you know if the 20 trick will get me a bump from a deluxe room to a GO room? I've heard the older rooms are pretty worn down and the remodeled GO rooms are decent.

[dnix]

Tschiwt just stayed at Ballys. Maybe he can enlighten you about the pool. Heres some pics of harrahs pool.

[Cisco419]

Cisco, If I do the Flamingo, do you know if the 20 trick will get me a bump from a deluxe room to a GO room? I've heard the older rooms are pretty worn down and the remodeled GO rooms are decent.

Accorning to the site frontdesktips.com you have a 70% chance I think

[mcewan13]

I decided to do the Mirage instead of the Flamingo. Pool seems nice enough and there's better reviews about the Mirage just about everywhere. Price was less than $50 more for a 7 night stay. Any tips on staying at the Mirage? Any specific upgrades to ask for at check in? ...or any warnings for checkout? I don't believe the Mirage charges the bogus "resort fee" but I think they do charge an "energy fee."

Cheers,
.matthew

[nyc2vegas]

try the $20 sandwich for an upgrade, it sometimes works at mirage, at least ask for an updated room....its a good spot im sure youll like it

[tschwicht]

Ballys pool on Saturday was fun they had a house dj (nothing special) and some contests and stuff. Decent age crowd but then Sunday was complete opposite. No music and all old people. I didn't really care as I was so out of it I wasn't talking to anyone anyway. I'm guessing it's hit or miss. Nothing special, but good to relax. I like the Flamingo's pool much more than Ballys. Good luck!

[JBVegas]

I have stayed at the Mirage 17 times and the best way to get an upgrade is to say “would it be possible to get a free upgrade?” If they give you one, then tip them, that’s when the tip is a thank you, not a bribe.

[mcewan13]

Thanks JB. I was thinking along the same lines. I will be celebrating my bday and anniv over this trip and I'm hoping that I'll get a observant desk clerk who takes notice of the date on my ID. I'd much rather tip a nice person who hooks me up than bribe someone.

[Cisco419]

Thanks JB. I was thinking along the same lines. I will be celebrating my bday and anniv over this trip and I'm hoping that I'll get a observant desk clerk who takes notice of the date on my ID. I'd much rather tip a nice person who hooks me up than bribe someone.

I think they generally look at that or at least ask you what your celebrating

[Danny Vegas]

I decided to do the Mirage instead of the Flamingo. Pool seems nice enough and there's better reviews about the Mirage just about everywhere. Price was less than $50 more for a 7 night stay. Any tips on staying at the Mirage? Any specific upgrades to ask for at check in? ...or any warnings for checkout? I don't believe the Mirage charges the bogus "resort fee" but I think they do charge an "energy fee."

Cheers,
.matthew

I stayed there in May for the first time. I usually do Mandy, but Mirage gave me a crazy deal. I'd actually liked it, and would stay there again.

Get down by the pool early to get a chair, or just wait for Bare to open and go there. That's what we did. It had a nice chill vibe during the week, on Friday it got a little crazy in the afternoon which was good, and the service was ridic.

I do not recall any phantom fees of any sorts when I checked out.