First time to Vegas and need advice.

[CenturionCajun]

I'm in the midst of planning a semi-spontaneous trip to Vegas sometime in June this year. Nominally it's the celebrate my friend Haley's 21st birthday. She has her heart set on going to a big club in Vegas so I'm trying to make that happen. That's how I ended up finding this site.

Everyone here seems to know quite a bit about what goes on there so I thought I'd submit myself for some advice. At the moment plans are in flux so it could be a minimum of her and me or up to three guys and three girls. The girls are all around 21 and still in college. Although they do model part time so they are all quite attractive. I'm sure that will help with the getting in to the club and such since us guys are pretty standard.

So, basically I want the basic advice about how to plan a good night out on the town. I'm not super rich but I could probably put the funds together for at least one night of insanity. Thanks in advance for any help.

[AK2Vegas]

Welcome to the site. You've presented a very open ended question so we'll need you to narrow it down some.

Have any of you been to Vegas or are you all virgins? What days are you going (mon-thurs, thurs-sun etc) and do you want to go all out each night? What kind of party do you like? Are you asking for hotel advice?

In June the pool parties will be in full effect so keep that in mind. If you're looking to really save money, you could get a table for the 3 guys and have the girls meet up with you inside.

We'll need pics of the girls. (OK, not really I just want to see these modeling hotties)

Lastly, keep in mind that planning a Vegas outing for 6 people is a major undertaking, do not take it lightly. I can vouch for this and so can others here.

(Don't forget those pics)

[Chuck]

Lastly, keep in mind that planning a Vegas outing for 6 people is a major undertaking, do not take it lightly. I can vouch for this and so can others here.

(Don't forget those pics)

Truth! I've got a group of 6 going in a couple weeks, have been to Vegas many times, and still spent about a month putting everything together. Hopefully will have the final details finished up in a day or two.

Everyone on here has been absolutely amazing. First bit of advice, don't get sucked into a vip service. You've come to the right place. Just start laying out some specific ideas/details and reviewing some of the recent threads. If you go to my profile, click on statistics, and read through the treads I've been posting on you'll find a ton of information easily since I've been doing the exact same thing for the past month.

[Chuck]

My plan to show our noobs a good time:

1st day: Presidential limo from airport, In n Out Burger, Liquor store, hotel, walk to The Pub @ Monte Carlo (see some sites on the way), fremont street, back to strip and wing it. Maybe checkout the new Senor Frogs or a spot with a view like ghostbar, voodoo, or mix.

2nd Day: Pool, drink, spa, shop, dinner @ Mon Ami Gabi, Limo charter, gBS @ TAO

3rd Day: not planning anything ahead, probably hit Cosmo @ some point, may do another club if the noobs are feeling it

[CenturionCajun]

So, would you say that a three day stay is the optimal time in which to soak up the Vegas experience? Honestly I've never been to Vegas, the two guys going with me have been on business and the one girl went for a one day in and out on her birthday. I'm not looking to make anything amazing happen but I want it to be enjoyable and memorable. If we can get one good night out on the town I'll be happy.

[Chuck]

So, would you say that a three day stay is the optimal time in which to soak up the Vegas experience? Honestly I've never been to Vegas, the two guys going with me have been on business and the one girl went for a one day in and out on her birthday. I'm not looking to make anything amazing happen but I want it to be enjoyable and memorable. If we can get one good night out on the town I'll be happy.

My first trip was my honeymoon (6 days). Had a blast, but was definitely ready to go by day 6. After about 5 trips the past few years with the last in October for 4 nights I've concluded 3 nights is the sweet spot. Our first trip we tried to do everything. Bad plan in hind-sight....it's impossible. More frequent short trips are the way to go in my opinion.

[LongIsland2Vegas]

As mentioned on this thread already, what days do you plan on going? I'd recommend a Fri-Sunday for your first time and return home Sunday night or Monday morning. Once you select the days you want to go I think everyone can tell you where to go out. Pool parties during the day and clubs at night. I personally prefer the pool parties, but still do both. There are lots of ways to get by without having to pop bottles and still have an enjoyable time. The Palms offer an all access wristband, which gives you entry to all 3 clubs in the Palms for like $50. You can also purchase a wristband with open bar for a few hours for a bit more. Tao offers a wristband for $100 or less that gives you access all weekend to Tao, Tao Beach, and Lavo. Marquee, Xs, Surrender all sell pre sale tickets to the clubs, and Marquee also had a wristband that gets you into every event for the weekend including the ones at Marquee Day Club. Like I said lots of ways to have fun, but I think you need to start with what days you're looking at.

[AK2Vegas]

So, would you say that a three day stay is the optimal time in which to soak up the Vegas experience? Honestly I've never been to Vegas, the two guys going with me have been on business and the one girl went for a one day in and out on her birthday. I'm not looking to make anything amazing happen but I want it to be enjoyable and memorable. If we can get one good night out on the town I'll be happy.

Well hell man you're asking a Vegas junkie this question lol.

(and we don't know how hot your friends are either...I digress)

I don't your budget or if you've already booked your hotel, but I'll try to just go with the whole package as I see it. I'm assuming that time and money are finite resources, and I'm going to assume that all six of you are going, and lastly that flights are cheaper from WV than from AK.

The average (and I use that term very loosly) JC.com AOD party-smash-kill the town-epic lifetime adventure schedule is Thursday-Monday night, flying back to boring old real world Tuesday day time. (Also, we rage, we are hardcore, our preparties have preparties and many times people don't last through those I don't know if this works for you or not, but it's what many of us do/have done/will do again. But I'll also assume that you're going to go for a three day adventure Friday-Sunday, fly back Monday daytime.

Presidential Limo is a great way to start the trip. If all six of you are going, and split 6 ways, I think it is about 15-20 per person pick up and drop off from the airport and they'll take you to the store to load up on supplies. For Vegas Virgins coming into McCarren and having the dude holding the sign is a treat. They'll have roses for the ladies, bottled water and cheap champagne. Or you could cram three to a cab and save a few dollars, have to wait in the cab line, and then fight through the repeat of that on the way back to the airport. We always get a limo.

It is my strong opinion that the property sets the tone for the trip. There are a multitude of options in Vegas, espeically for those wanting to 'save a few dollars'. Don't do it. I believe that you should stay at a Strip Property, with a casino. There is something that delivers VEGAS as you step off of that elevator, get smacked in the face with cigerette smoke and hear the jingle of the slot machines. Don't be deterred by saving money on this. There are a number of ways to save money on hotel rooms and they can be found all over this site. There is a good reason why people on this forum stay consistantly at nice properties over and over again.

Staying at Hooters with it's stained floors and tiny bathrooms vs staying at Planet Hollywood or TI is not worth 20-40 bucks a day. Trust me. The Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo and City Center and Cosmopolatain will take your breath away in comparison. Even other options like Mirage and MGM are fantastic options. If you have a price range people on here will be eager to help you out. (Frontdesktip.com as well for info on the sandwich tip).

The Palms and Hard Rock, while nice, are not worth the extra $20 per day that the cabs will cost you to get to the strip whereas if you stay at Monte Carlo you're already there. Also, be prepared for walking. A lot. The maps do not do the place justice. It is a lot of walking...

For people that haven't gone to them, the shows, specifially the Cirque Du Solei shows are awesome. I liked Ká a lot and it is well worth the money. Many times if you book at an MGM property they will comp you tickets, shop around. There is also a service called Tix For Tonight (red kiosks all over the strip) that sell discounted tickets. I highly recommend. I don't know your budget, but they range from 50-200 per person.

I would recomend a nice dinner if your budget can afford it too. There are many many many places to eat in Vegas and I think it's worthwhile to eat well at least one night of the trip. I warn you against the buffets. You can combine dinner and show packages too. Some of the places are pricey and some you'll need a mortgage for but I think it's a good addition to a vegas trip. (Once you start partying with AOD memebers you won't have time to eat and it's always good to reflect.)

The pool parties are off the chain. Many of the better properties have pool parties and they should comp you (I think) admission to the pool parties. Depening on your budget, you can rent daybeds, chairs, or cabanas and really do the pool scene right. They're like the clubs, but with more light, less clothes and the heat acts as a drunk catalyst.

Lastly the clubs. You'll get all sort of opinions here (and this is, once again, where budget comes into play) but if you cannot afford to do bottles each night, I would recommend you concentrate on one special night and do it then. I'm assuming you've read this site enough to know how bottle service works and it's costs so I won't rehash them here, but be sure to budget for one night of epic fun at one of the tier one clubs (again, found at the tier one properties) and make it a night to remember.

Don't forget to budget for food, sundries, alcohol (97% of us do a store run before we get to the hotel), cab rides, shows, nice dinner(s), bottle service, day life, exhibits, and gambling. Many/most of us (I speak for AOD meetups) are partying so hard there is little time for gambling, but it is fun and you should get some time in on the tables. But budget for it. I don't think there is a worse mistake than for a noob to gamble away Saturday and Sunday's fun money Friday night and end up just walking around the strip with a beer. #FAIL.

Soooo....my opinion, having no knowlege of you, flight prices from your local, your party style, your budget, or how hot your girlfriends are goes as follows: (and this is loose and depends on your dates, which DJ's are playing etc.)

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Leave Monday

Hotel: Monte Carlo, Planet Hollywood Towers, MGM Grand
Friday: Tao Beach, KA, Surrender
Saturday: Liquid, Nice Dinner, Marquee
Sunday: WET Republic, bottle service at XS
Monday: Limo to airport

Post Script Edit:
While I was typing up this long response, people have already chimed in. In order to really help you out, it'd be good to know what you want to do and how much you want to spend. But rest assured if you act like this will be "that one weekend in June back in ought 12" it will be. You'll have a blast.

[ccc]

+1^, this is the truth. Research is your friend when planning a Vegas trip.

[It was all a dream]

I dont know, i think hot girls are not necessary in the slightest. If you friend xs and surrender most of the girls i see in their weekly pictures are average, this has been my experience at the clubs too. I am not saying their are not knockouts around because there always are but i do not think it helps you AT ALL unless its a bachelorette party and all of the girls are knockouts. After all if youre a 1/1 ratio what good does that do anyone else. you dont help the ratio at all. You are neutral. This has no real advice but dont expect doors to FLY open because you have a few cute girls with you. Money talks bullshit walks the strip with a 5ft margarita all night.

[Dynasty]

Good info, cant wait for June 1-3

[BMoreLas]

Money talks bullshit walks the strip with a 5ft margarita all night.

[WT661]

Vegas clubs are about numbers and not really what you "look" like. Theyre not turning down people because of what their face looks like. LOL.

They want capacity crowds and there's not a bouncer at the door picking who will come in or not. If you pay or get in a guestlist, you're getting in.

My advice is to keep it simple. Dont overplan so many things on your first trip. I'm no Vegas expert and do it crazy like many other members on here. But I'm there every 4-5 weeks to party it up. We usually keep it simple and we have just as much fun. We go for 3 days at a time but only do 1 or 2 nights out and chill rest of the time.

Look at the club schedules on Facebook, this site, Spyonvegas, and the club websites on which DJs are at the clubs on the certain days you are there. Plan which you want to see.

[Maanz84]

So, would you say that a three day stay is the optimal time in which to soak up the Vegas experience? Honestly I've never been to Vegas, the two guys going with me have been on business and the one girl went for a one day in and out on her birthday. I'm not looking to make anything amazing happen but I want it to be enjoyable and memorable. If we can get one good night out on the town I'll be happy.

Well hell man you're asking a Vegas junkie this question lol.

(and we don't know how hot your friends are either...I digress)

I don't your budget or if you've already booked your hotel, but I'll try to just go with the whole package as I see it. I'm assuming that time and money are finite resources, and I'm going to assume that all six of you are going, and lastly that flights are cheaper from WV than from AK.

The average (and I use that term very loosly) JC.com AOD party-smash-kill the town-epic lifetime adventure schedule is Thursday-Monday night, flying back to boring old real world Tuesday day time. (Also, we rage, we are hardcore, our preparties have preparties and many times people don't last through those I don't know if this works for you or not, but it's what many of us do/have done/will do again. But I'll also assume that you're going to go for a three day adventure Friday-Sunday, fly back Monday daytime.

Presidential Limo is a great way to start the trip. If all six of you are going, and split 6 ways, I think it is about 15-20 per person pick up and drop off from the airport and they'll take you to the store to load up on supplies. For Vegas Virgins coming into McCarren and having the dude holding the sign is a treat. They'll have roses for the ladies, bottled water and cheap champagne. Or you could cram three to a cab and save a few dollars, have to wait in the cab line, and then fight through the repeat of that on the way back to the airport. We always get a limo.

It is my strong opinion that the property sets the tone for the trip. There are a multitude of options in Vegas, espeically for those wanting to 'save a few dollars'. Don't do it. I believe that you should stay at a Strip Property, with a casino. There is something that delivers VEGAS as you step off of that elevator, get smacked in the face with cigerette smoke and hear the jingle of the slot machines. Don't be deterred by saving money on this. There are a number of ways to save money on hotel rooms and they can be found all over this site. There is a good reason why people on this forum stay consistantly at nice properties over and over again.

Staying at Hooters with it's stained floors and tiny bathrooms vs staying at Planet Hollywood or TI is not worth 20-40 bucks a day. Trust me. The Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo and City Center and Cosmopolatain will take your breath away in comparison. Even other options like Mirage and MGM are fantastic options. If you have a price range people on here will be eager to help you out. (Frontdesktip.com as well for info on the sandwich tip).

The Palms and Hard Rock, while nice, are not worth the extra $20 per day that the cabs will cost you to get to the strip whereas if you stay at Monte Carlo you're already there. Also, be prepared for walking. A lot. The maps do not do the place justice. It is a lot of walking...

For people that haven't gone to them, the shows, specifially the Cirque Du Solei shows are awesome. I liked Ká a lot and it is well worth the money. Many times if you book at an MGM property they will comp you tickets, shop around. There is also a service called Tix For Tonight (red kiosks all over the strip) that sell discounted tickets. I highly recommend. I don't know your budget, but they range from 50-200 per person.

I would recomend a nice dinner if your budget can afford it too. There are many many many places to eat in Vegas and I think it's worthwhile to eat well at least one night of the trip. I warn you against the buffets. You can combine dinner and show packages too. Some of the places are pricey and some you'll need a mortgage for but I think it's a good addition to a vegas trip. (Once you start partying with AOD memebers you won't have time to eat and it's always good to reflect.)

The pool parties are off the chain. Many of the better properties have pool parties and they should comp you (I think) admission to the pool parties. Depening on your budget, you can rent daybeds, chairs, or cabanas and really do the pool scene right. They're like the clubs, but with more light, less clothes and the heat acts as a drunk catalyst.

Lastly the clubs. You'll get all sort of opinions here (and this is, once again, where budget comes into play) but if you cannot afford to do bottles each night, I would recommend you concentrate on one special night and do it then. I'm assuming you've read this site enough to know how bottle service works and it's costs so I won't rehash them here, but be sure to budget for one night of epic fun at one of the tier one clubs (again, found at the tier one properties) and make it a night to remember.

Don't forget to budget for food, sundries, alcohol (97% of us do a store run before we get to the hotel), cab rides, shows, nice dinner(s), bottle service, day life, exhibits, and gambling. Many/most of us (I speak for AOD meetups) are partying so hard there is little time for gambling, but it is fun and you should get some time in on the tables. But budget for it. I don't think there is a worse mistake than for a noob to gamble away Saturday and Sunday's fun money Friday night and end up just walking around the strip with a beer. #FAIL.

Soooo....my opinion, having no knowlege of you, flight prices from your local, your party style, your budget, or how hot your girlfriends are goes as follows: (and this is loose and depends on your dates, which DJ's are playing etc.)

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Leave Monday

Hotel: Monte Carlo, Planet Hollywood Towers, MGM Grand
Friday: Tao Beach, KA, Surrender
Saturday: Liquid, Nice Dinner, Marquee
Sunday: WET Republic, bottle service at XS
Monday: Limo to airport

Post Script Edit:
While I was typing up this long response, people have already chimed in. In order to really help you out, it'd be good to know what you want to do and how much you want to spend. But rest assured if you act like this will be "that one weekend in June back in ought 12" it will be. You'll have a blast.

I just wanted to thank you for this post. I've been reading this forum for a while (never posted) in planning for my BFF's bachelorette in May. This really helped!

The one thing I'm sad about is that we didn't book a hotel, we booked a condo (The Jockey Club). I wanted to stay at one of the major hotels but the rest of them wanted to save money. Majority rules LOL.

I'll definitely be looking into booking the Presidential Limo.

Thanks again!

[AK2Vegas]

So, would you say that a three day stay is the optimal time in which to soak up the Vegas experience? Honestly I've never been to Vegas, the two guys going with me have been on business and the one girl went for a one day in and out on her birthday. I'm not looking to make anything amazing happen but I want it to be enjoyable and memorable. If we can get one good night out on the town I'll be happy.

Well hell man you're asking a Vegas junkie this question lol.

(and we don't know how hot your friends are either...I digress)

I don't your budget or if you've already booked your hotel, but I'll try to just go with the whole package as I see it. I'm assuming that time and money are finite resources, and I'm going to assume that all six of you are going, and lastly that flights are cheaper from WV than from AK.

The average (and I use that term very loosly) JC.com AOD party-smash-kill the town-epic lifetime adventure schedule is Thursday-Monday night, flying back to boring old real world Tuesday day time. (Also, we rage, we are hardcore, our preparties have preparties and many times people don't last through those I don't know if this works for you or not, but it's what many of us do/have done/will do again. But I'll also assume that you're going to go for a three day adventure Friday-Sunday, fly back Monday daytime.

Presidential Limo is a great way to start the trip. If all six of you are going, and split 6 ways, I think it is about 15-20 per person pick up and drop off from the airport and they'll take you to the store to load up on supplies. For Vegas Virgins coming into McCarren and having the dude holding the sign is a treat. They'll have roses for the ladies, bottled water and cheap champagne. Or you could cram three to a cab and save a few dollars, have to wait in the cab line, and then fight through the repeat of that on the way back to the airport. We always get a limo.

It is my strong opinion that the property sets the tone for the trip. There are a multitude of options in Vegas, espeically for those wanting to 'save a few dollars'. Don't do it. I believe that you should stay at a Strip Property, with a casino. There is something that delivers VEGAS as you step off of that elevator, get smacked in the face with cigerette smoke and hear the jingle of the slot machines. Don't be deterred by saving money on this. There are a number of ways to save money on hotel rooms and they can be found all over this site. There is a good reason why people on this forum stay consistantly at nice properties over and over again.

Staying at Hooters with it's stained floors and tiny bathrooms vs staying at Planet Hollywood or TI is not worth 20-40 bucks a day. Trust me. The Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo and City Center and Cosmopolatain will take your breath away in comparison. Even other options like Mirage and MGM are fantastic options. If you have a price range people on here will be eager to help you out. (Frontdesktip.com as well for info on the sandwich tip).

The Palms and Hard Rock, while nice, are not worth the extra $20 per day that the cabs will cost you to get to the strip whereas if you stay at Monte Carlo you're already there. Also, be prepared for walking. A lot. The maps do not do the place justice. It is a lot of walking...

For people that haven't gone to them, the shows, specifially the Cirque Du Solei shows are awesome. I liked Ká a lot and it is well worth the money. Many times if you book at an MGM property they will comp you tickets, shop around. There is also a service called Tix For Tonight (red kiosks all over the strip) that sell discounted tickets. I highly recommend. I don't know your budget, but they range from 50-200 per person.

I would recomend a nice dinner if your budget can afford it too. There are many many many places to eat in Vegas and I think it's worthwhile to eat well at least one night of the trip. I warn you against the buffets. You can combine dinner and show packages too. Some of the places are pricey and some you'll need a mortgage for but I think it's a good addition to a vegas trip. (Once you start partying with AOD memebers you won't have time to eat and it's always good to reflect.)

The pool parties are off the chain. Many of the better properties have pool parties and they should comp you (I think) admission to the pool parties. Depening on your budget, you can rent daybeds, chairs, or cabanas and really do the pool scene right. They're like the clubs, but with more light, less clothes and the heat acts as a drunk catalyst.

Lastly the clubs. You'll get all sort of opinions here (and this is, once again, where budget comes into play) but if you cannot afford to do bottles each night, I would recommend you concentrate on one special night and do it then. I'm assuming you've read this site enough to know how bottle service works and it's costs so I won't rehash them here, but be sure to budget for one night of epic fun at one of the tier one clubs (again, found at the tier one properties) and make it a night to remember.

Don't forget to budget for food, sundries, alcohol (97% of us do a store run before we get to the hotel), cab rides, shows, nice dinner(s), bottle service, day life, exhibits, and gambling. Many/most of us (I speak for AOD meetups) are partying so hard there is little time for gambling, but it is fun and you should get some time in on the tables. But budget for it. I don't think there is a worse mistake than for a noob to gamble away Saturday and Sunday's fun money Friday night and end up just walking around the strip with a beer. #FAIL.

Soooo....my opinion, having no knowlege of you, flight prices from your local, your party style, your budget, or how hot your girlfriends are goes as follows: (and this is loose and depends on your dates, which DJ's are playing etc.)

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Leave Monday

Hotel: Monte Carlo, Planet Hollywood Towers, MGM Grand
Friday: Tao Beach, KA, Surrender
Saturday: Liquid, Nice Dinner, Marquee
Sunday: WET Republic, bottle service at XS
Monday: Limo to airport

Post Script Edit:
While I was typing up this long response, people have already chimed in. In order to really help you out, it'd be good to know what you want to do and how much you want to spend. But rest assured if you act like this will be "that one weekend in June back in ought 12" it will be. You'll have a blast.

I just wanted to thank you for this post. I've been reading this forum for a while (never posted) in planning for my BFF's bachelorette in May. This really helped!

The one thing I'm sad about is that we didn't book a hotel, we booked a condo (The Jockey Club). I wanted to stay at one of the major hotels but the rest of them wanted to save money. Majority rules LOL.

I'll definitely be looking into booking the Presidential Limo.

Thanks again!

Jokey club would count under my criteria. It's connected to the Cosmo, one of the most swank hotels in Vegas.