Taking a trip to Las Vegas is a little like developing your own personal style. At first, you might stay here for two days, blow your money on slots, and wander up and down the strip acquiring nothing but a pair of blisters. And then you learn. What happens there is allegedly supposed to stay there, so with as little explanation as possible, here’s what’s actually worth it and what’s not, broken down into categories. Good luck.
Style
- Wearing a suit on the flight there – Yes
- Going tieless – Yes
- Wearing a suit at night – Yes
- Feeling out of place in a suit because even at the nice hotels plenty are in sweats and crocs – No
- Navy suit – Yes
- Light Grey suit – Yes
- Summer Suit – Well, in summer, yes. It gets brutal there.
- Black suit – Not unless you want to look like a casino employee.
- Lighter brown lace ups – Yes. All weekend.
- Black lace ups – Nah
- Dark denim – Yes
- Navy Cotton Sportcoat – Yes
- White, well tailored dress shirts to wear with just about everything – Yes
- Sweaters – No
- Wallet – No
- Card case/slim wallet & subtle money clip – Yes
- Wearing a suit on the flight home – No
The one pair of shoes you need in Las Vegas: Comfortable brown lace ups.
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Travel and Accommodations
- Arriving on Friday and leaving on Sunday – No
- Arriving on Thursday and leaving on Monday – Yes
- Staying at a crappy hotel so you have more cash to gamble – No
- Staying somewhere nice and gambling much less than most – Yes
- Calling ahead to request a non-smoking room on a non-smoking floor – Hell yes
- Paying for your trip, minus expenses, up front in cash – Yes
- Having a cab budget, because that casino “just down the street” isn’t as close as you think – Yep
- Bellagio – Yes
- Aria – Yes
- Mandalay Bay – Yes
- Paris – No
- Imperial Palace – No (but it is centrally located with cheap tables)
- Cesar’s Palace – Nah
- MGM Grand – Yes
- Venetian – Yes
- The Flamingo – What, you a Donnie and Marie fan?
Part of the Bellagio decked out for Chinese New Year. It’s well worth it to stay somewhere nice.
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Food/Drink
- Buying booze at the Casino bar – No
- Free Mixed Drinks while gambling – No
- Free liquor on the rocks / neat while gambling – Yes
- Tipping the cocktail waitress extra for bringing free top shelf stuff while gambling – Yes
- Pacing yourself with club soda / water while gambling – You better
- Buying/bringing a small bottle of favorite liquor for your room – Yes
- Bringing Apples/Bananas/Protein Bars/other snacks for your room – Yes
- Stumbling drunk into the weight sensor equipped mini/snack bar in your room – Aw crap.
- Buffets – No
- Basic sandwiches and salads from casino cafes – Yes
- Julian Serrano at Aria – Yes
- Del Monaco at the Venetian – Nope.
- Olives at the Bellagio – Yes
- Shibuya at MGM Grand – Yes
- Todd English P.U.B. – No. Beer selection is decent though.
- Hash House A Go Go at the Imperial Palace – Yes
Skip the buffets. Save your cash (and calories) for nice dinners in the different casinos.
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Gambling
- Craps – Yes (practicing for free can help.)
- Craps with a group of friends so you can take over half a table – Absolutely
- Blackjack – Maybe
- Slots – No
- Placing a reasonable wager at the Sports Book – Yes
- Watching your game and enjoying free drinks at the Sports Book – Maybe the best gambling value in Vegas.
- Poker Rooms – Not if you’re in Las Vegas with a date.
- Friendly $10 Craps table dealers – Yes
- Ornery $5 Craps table dealers – No
- Staying somewhere nice but spending a little time gambling somewhere cheaper – Yes
- Old Downtown Las Vegas / Freemont Street – Yes
Gambling. Yes. But do other things. Many, many other things.
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Other Activities
- Bellagio Fountains set to Sinatra – Yes
- Bellagio Fountains set to Faith Hill – No
- Window shopping ridiculously expensive luxury brands – Yes
- Asking to try on a super expensive watch while window shopping – Yes
- Asking to try on a super expensive suit while window shopping – No
- Bottle Service at a club – No
- Bottle Service for a group in the below zero Vodka Vault at Red Square while wearing mink coats – It ain’t cheap, but yes
- Exploring the individual casinos – Yes
- Seeing a show – Yes
- Spending a good chunk of your time gambling – No. There’s so much more to do.
At least make sure you’re dressed well when you walk in.
What else? Most of us have been to Las Vegas a few times, with the 1st time being filled with mistakes, and subsequent trips being when we put what we learned to good use. Leave all your Las Vegas knowledge below.
Just this morning, I was trying to decide weather to crack open my wallet to attend my buddy’s bachelor party in Vegas next month. My cheapskate self is balking at the cost, but it’s something I’d love to do. Perhaps the timing of this post is a sign…
I like your style, Joe. Nail on the head for most of it.
One thing I’ll say about dining out – every celebrity chef has a restaurant out there and many of the recreations of their, say, New York or LA establishments miss the mark a little. And you pay a lot for the name. If dining out is important to you, do a little yelp research and pick 2 or 3 special meals that you’ll be sure to remember and just let the rest fall into place.
Re-read this guide right before I go to Vegas next time – Yes
Nice article, but what’s with the Travel & Accomodations section? For me there’s a lot of entries that just say “- Yes” or “- Nah” that don’t match up to anything. Am I the only one?
Mimosa brunch @ The Bellagio – YES!
VIP Bottle service when you are rolling 8+ deep – YES
Bottle service at The Bank – Yes
Bottle service at Pure – Yes
Cabana at Wet Republic – Yes!
I could write this same type of article for New Orleans. With the right info from the right person you learn that these cities have so much more to offer. Thanks Joe.
Best biscuits and gravy in the world at Egg Works/The Egg and I – yes!
Incredible sandwich at Capriotti’s – Also yes!Glitter Gulch on a Wednesday night – Hell no!
Cirque–
O: yes
Zumanity: didn’t see it, wife didn’t like it, too crass
Ka: blech; they threw the set designers a bone and let them go crazy.
Criss angel: sucks
Mystere: yes
Beatles love: yes
Elvis: wasn’t there last time I was out.
The three that are good are very good.
La reve (related to, but not cirque): yes, also very good.
Def worth it to get the best seats you can. Don’t sit in the back. Spend the money for up close; not a ripoff. If you’ve been to a lot of cirque shows, maybe sit further back for a different perspective…but not at first.
Please do. I’m heading there for a bachelor party and could definitely use some insight.
You nixed the bottle service at the club, but I’ve heard it’s difficult, next to damn near impossible to get into a (decent) club as an unescorted guy without it…Incorrect?
yes…bottle service is expensive but most drinks at a club is going to run you 8-15 dollars anyways (8 for a beer). if you are in a group of 3 or more, get a bottle and save yourself some money. Most clubs are also going to run you 40-50 bucks to get in anyways. Trust me it is worth having a place to sit if you are going to be out late.
Stayed at the W for a similar bachelor trip, which was great — right next to Harrah’s, and a short walk from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. Personally I stay clear of Pat O’s for the most part, but there are great places that you can find out of the way of the bead-wearing/test-tube-shot-taking types. That and Rick’s 😉
haha. ok, let me get a break in the day and I’ll see.
Most Importantly:
Bourbon Street one night – Yes.
Bourbon Street EVERY night – NO.
I dont understand why you said no to Paris hotel. Its a decent hotel, and it is also directly in the middle of the strip. Your able to access anything from there. Also, every time I go, I never get a taxi. Part of the fun is walking up and down the strip just to see what you see. Don’t get lazy, walking is good for you. Cesar’s Palace is a great hotel to stay at. Especially if you are into sports gambling, great atmosphere, great pools to relax at and catch many beautiful women. Also, they their Cesar’s shops, which is a mall inclosed in Cesar’s Palace hotel.
Only thing I’d say is that I much prefer to gamble (sports mainly) and do the pool scene over going to _any_ clubs in Vegas. Maybe it’s because there are plenty of overpriced clubs in NYC and I’m generally not a fan of them over a good bar.
Also, I’m of the opinion that you don’t need much more than a weekend in Vegas. Different strokes I guess.
I am a daily Dappered reader – have been for some time. I didn’t realize it until now but the site’s been lacking exactly this type of post. I love the clothes, but I can’t always buy clothes – for sure, I can’t always go to Vegas either but the “How To” matter of fact style of the site has translated perfectly here to the wide world of travel. Bravo, Joe!
Great timing for this article. A bunch of buddies and I were just discussing what different sorts of things to do in Vegas during a bachelor party in a few months. We are wanting to find something in addition to the drinking and gambling…
We had discussed skydiving, and Beatles Love and also a car drifting class that I found on Groupon.
I’ve never understood the appeal of a place like Vegas. I can pay people to take my money from me right here at home if that’s what I’m going for.
Perfect article. I am in the process of planning my trip to Vegas in a few months with the girl.
Plans:
-Arriving Thursday, Leaving Monday
-Cosmopolitan (most likely)
-Cirque: Mystere
-Blackjack and Scotch
-Italian, Sushi, Steak and Wine
-Window Shopping (Audemars/Panerai watches for me)
-Spa
-Pools
Doubt ill be “clubbing” with the girl – would prefer nice wine bar.
i think the importan thing is this: you are going to spend money at vegas, so pick your poison….it is either going to be on gambling, food, booze or shows. Go half/assed on some parts but at least go BIG for one part, spend the money and enjoy yourselves!
I might just be projecting my own dislike of clubs onto the bottle service comment, but I took it more as “skip the clubs”
Skipping Tom Colicchio’s Craft Steak restaurant- Yes
Catching Penn & Teller- Yes
Gambling at O’Shea’s – Yes. But don’t tell anyone you were there.
Garlic fries at Stripburger- Yes.
There’s shopping, sightseeing, and shows to experience as well. Once you’ve done all that, the place gets old real quick.
If you’re into great cocktails, do not miss Bar Tonique. It’s about a 10 minute walk from Bourbon Street and they make amazing drinks that aren’t as expensive as the nicer hotel bars.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (it’s a bar).
Skip the nightclubs and get bottle service at Encore Beach Club at the Wynn on a Sunday. Ridiculous eye candy and having a table on the edge of the pool is akin to throwing chum in the water. They also get cream of the crop DJ’s, Kaskade was there last time I went.
I like Cesar’s so much I got married there.
I’d rather visit NYC for shopping, sightseeing, and shows.
Just saw Elvis a month ago, couldn’t recommend it highly enough. We grabbed seats in the fourth row and it was an absolutely incredibly experience.
If you can, check out Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man in Caesars. The food was fantastic, and the desserts were the best I’ve ever had.
The only knock I have on your list is, Downtown/Freemont St = no. No no no no no
Literally just made the decision to go to Vegas this summer with a large group of friends. Perfectly timed article
Generally agree. I’ll add a few more of my own comments here:
Hotels you overlooked that are a nice balance between cost and quality: Mirage and Treasure Island.
Cirque shows: The most recommended are Mystere, Ka, and O
Not a big club person. Anyone have recommendations for better bars that are less dancy/clubby? I hear the after hours at Drai’s is good.
Generally agree. I’ll add a few more of my own comments here:
Hotels you overlooked that are a nice balance between cost and quality: Mirage and Treasure Island.
Cirque shows: The most recommended are Mystere, Ka, and O
Not a big club person. Anyone have recommendations for better bars that are less dancy/clubby? I hear the after hours at Drai’s is good.
Go to Las Vegas — NO
Good luck getting into Drai’s. You need to know someone, look like a model or be ready to heavily tip the doorman.
Caesar’s Palace…I say yes.
baccarat? yes.
Great article. Needs a sex/women section.
This is great! I am going to Vegas for birthday at some point, so I will use this then.
Fantastic write up Joe! I’ve got a few more suggestions for the food and beverage round: SW Steakhouse: For a very classic Vegas steak dinner, it’s what I’d like to imagine hanging with Sinatra would have been like. (Red meat, neat whisky ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶m̶o̶b̶s̶t̶e̶r̶s̶) Joel Robuchon (and the L’Atlier) & Mix: If you want to take true advantage of the world class (and Michelin star rated) culinary institutions that Vegas can offer then you need to get into one of these places. Expensive? Ridiculously so, but I guarantee that bottle-service Belvedere will be forgotten long before a meal at one of these places will. Casa Fuente: Purveyors of many of the finest cigars Vegas has to offer and possibly the most delicious mojitos and Caipirinhas anywhere. The idea of a laid-back open lounge in the middle The Forum might sound contradictory however if your night out just ended with brunch then opportunity for some peaceful people watching might be just what you need. Also: Cappriotti’s: Delaware-imported sandwich chain that’s by no means exclusive to Vegas however, it might just be the best cheap meal to be had.
Fantastic write up Joe! I’ve got a few more suggestions for the food and beverage round:
SW Steakhouse: For a very classic Vegas steak dinner, it’s what I’d like to imagine hanging with Sinatra would have been like. (Red meat, neat whisky ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶m̶o̶b̶s̶t̶e̶r̶s̶)
Joel Robuchon (and the L’Atlier) & Mix: If you want to take true advantage of the world class (and Michelin star rated) culinary institutions that Vegas can offer then you need to get into one of these places. Expensive? Ridiculously so, but I guarantee that bottle-service Belvedere will be forgotten long before a meal at one of these places will.
Casa Fuente: Purveyors of many of the finest cigars Vegas has to offer and possibly the most delicious mojitos and Caipirinhas anywhere. The idea of a laid-back open lounge in the middle The Forum might sound contradictory however if your night out just ended with brunch then opportunity for some peaceful people watching might be just what you need.
Also:
Cappriotti’s: Delaware-imported sandwich chain that’s by no means exclusive to Vegas however, it might just be the best cheap meal to be had.
When the first guy fell down to the trampoline, I was sure I had just witnessed a gruesome death.
Elvis was great.
Vdara — yes. Right in City Center between Aria and Bellagio, no smoking, no casino, all suites. Affordable luxury, great views of the Strip, the fountains or the desert on request.
Michelin star splurge — With a date? Yes. Guy Savoy was a treat, and they have abbreviated menus if you’re not into the 4-hour meal (though you gotta try it just once in your life).
Knowing your amenities — yes. Flip through your hotel’s guide. Vdara gives out super nice robes, slippers and Aveda products on request.
Tipping your maid and stuff-getter — always.
Asking the cab driver to take you “someplace cool.” — never.
Sorry, but I don’t really get wearing a suit on the flight there. I don’t think McCarran airport is a place to you need to impress anyone. Plus, I’m sorry but I’m gonna wear something way more comfortable than a suit for a 4 hour plus flight. I agree that bottle service most of the time is a waste. But if it’s a special occasion and you’re with a big group of people, it’s worth it. We got bottle service at Pure when I went for a bachelor party with a group of about 12. It wasn’t cheap, but it was a party for my best buddy and it was one of the most fun nights of my life.
Some of us like to leave our city at some pt, so Vegas gives us an option 😉 That being said, gambling is more entertainment cost than anything. If you don’t like it, that’s great (and financially outstanding) for you. For me, I love it. And that’s the reason why Vegas stays a rare destination for me.
…wait, what’s wrong with Faith Hill?
Sex – yes
Women – Yes
done.
The idea of wearing your suit on the flight out is that you don’t have to pack it and thus you avoid wrinkling your suit prior to your arrival. Typically I vote for dressing pretty well on flights anyway (I severely dislike the tracksuit / mesh shorts / sandals travelers — wear jeans, closed-toe shoes and a real shirt for the benefit of the rest of us), but you can be comfortable without being sloppy.
Baccarat – only if you are playing against an evil man with an eye-patch
I’m pretty sure the yeses and nos for sex and women remain the same whether you are in Vegas or not.
I second the bottle service recommendation.
You’re better off splurging a little bit and not having to worry when there’s a bunch of you then all crowding around the bar.
And get a ‘LillyPad’ at Encore’s beach party. There’s no fee for the table service, only a bar minimum (you’ll drink the minimum anyway, trust me).
My 2 cents: If you do choose to stay at one of the older hotels on the strip (like the Flamingo), for the love of god get an upgraded room. The 2nd tier rooms at Flamingo are actually pretty nice (TV in the bathroom mirror!), but the cheapest rooms are terrible. Same goes for Paris.
Also, seems like Paris has pretty excellent customer service, if not the best hotel/casino. They didn’t have a nonsmoking available, which was not an option as the gf has a smoke allergy. So, when we pointed that out, they upgraded our room to a corner suite with a view and dropped the price below what we were going to pay for a lower quality room.
And if you’re there with a lady, bring a bottle of bubbly for the room.
Great recommendation Matt. Love that place. Also, “Other Joe” If you want the Local’s Bourbon Street, head over to Frenchmen street. Plenty to do over there.
There’s an exception to the buffets = no rule:
The Buffet at the Bellagio – YES
Great list though — went to Vegas last summer for the first time and am going again this summer.
People watching at vivalasvegas.net – Yes.
Pub is a yes … for happy hour.
http://drivinginertia.com/772/searching-for-happy-hour-deals-in-las-vegas/
Did you get a free one? And… how was your bartender?
“I’d rather visit NYC for shopping, sightseeing, and shows”
They’re nothing alike. If you don’t like to gamble, there’s millions of other things you can do in vegas. I struggle coming back home every time I go and every time I return, there’s always something new to do. New york doesn’t compare
The buffet at the wynn > bellagio
As a recent local (just moved away) I have to chime in. Now the place to be is Cosmopolitan/Aria/City Center. Chandelier Bar at City Center is what a center bar is supposed to be, classy, great drinks, no cover, low on white belt – dragon tshirt wearers, high in attractive women in dresses. Cosmopolitan also hosts great concerts at the pool, Mumford and Sons last year was a blast. The other option is Wynn/Encore. I will definitely second the Lilly Pad vote in the summer. Also, Flamingo while mocked above has a great location half way between the two above locations and was recently renovated with a cool modern bachelor pad feel in the rooms. Just ask for one of the newly renovated rooms. The rest of the property is still a pit. However, in the summer, the Flamingo pool is where a lot of the “local entertainers” tan, as locals are allowed in free. Just my two cents.
I have to agree with some of the above post… Bottle service if you are with a good sized group is well worth the money. Budget it into your weekend for at least one night.
…you’re kidding, right? The Gaudiest City in the World (a title hotly contested by Dubai) vs. the Greatest City in the World?
Man you guys are missing it. It’s not about Vegas. It’s about who you roll with.
Well done, Joe.
Would have liked to have seen a daytime/pool party section on here, but overall great post.
This is certainly a sign.
My wife and I are going to Vegas in early May. We have friends that live there so we are saving cash by not staying in a hotel.
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We also have a week and I doubt Vegas will hold our attention all that time since we don’t drink, gamble or party. Food and shows will be our vice. But we still need some ideas.
I think we will make the drive to LA and spend 2 days with friends there. Hopefully hit the Garment District. Any tips on finding and haggling for deals? What to watch for and what to avoid?
Any other things close by for a day trip?
Everything.
Three times in a row I read that as “meat whiskey”.
I thought Bobby Flay’s restaurant in Vegas was pretty awesome. Had brunch there the last time I was in Vegas.
Hey Joe, I really enjoyed this post. I was always wondering if a suit was overkill in Vegas, if it was more appropriate to have a blue blazer and jeans or chinos. I was wondering if you could do a similar post for Miami, I will be going there in September.
Goto Lucy’s- off of bourbon.
Cheap hookers in hotels with thin walls. Please no!
The Cosmopolitan: YES.
+1 for Encore Beach Club. Best pool party in Vegas, or even on earth.
Wynn/Encore has the best nightclubs in all of Vegas (XS, Surrender and Tryst). That’s if you’re in to house music. Deadmau5, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, A-Trak, Steve Aoki, Lil Jon, the members of Swedish House Mafia and many others have residencies there.
Marquee at the Cosmopolitan has an insane room for house music with Kaskade being their most famous resident. Their hip hop room is great too with Eric D-Lux from Power 106 (Los Angeles) as another famous name.
I can go on about Vegas, but this article pretty much nails it.
However, why not the complimentary cocktails while playing some video poker to kill some time?
PS – I’m not much of a strip club kind of guy, but the Spearmint Rhino.. Damn, peer pressure and that place.
Del Frisco’s on Paradise Road – Marv Albert: “YES!!!!!!”
First: London? Paris? Hong Kong? Tokyo? Little presumptuous to proclaim nyc is the Greatest City in the World. Second: nyc and las vegas are apples and oranges, so Chris is right, they don’t compare.
I’ve been to Vegas my fair share of times (8 and counting. A convention for work is there every year.) and I will let you in on a secret that will save you money in the long run and have you rolling in style like a big shot…. Book your stay at a Penthouse suite! Preferably at a nicer hote. (We literally stay at the Bellagio Presidential Suite every year. The rate will be high, unless you stay frequently, but it pays for itself. And here is why (at least at the Bellagio):
Free limo to and from airport. And your entire stay. Private VIP guest check in lounge. (looks like employee entrance) Private VIP drink lounges through out casino floor and lobby. (These are hidden and the doors are unmarked) Alcohol provided in suite. Free concierge 24 hrs a day. that will be able to
Get you on any and all list for every club on the strip. Covers are taken care of
You call when you arrive, go straight to front of line
They will give you the cell # of the doorman/bouncer that night. call when you arrive
Free VIP tables at clubs. with bottle service at very discounted prices.
Same for restaurants
Private table/gambling rooms (if you’re into that
The fact you have one of the best rooms in all of Vegas! Its about 3000sq ft
Plus, it works wonders for your confidence to say “We are staying at the Presidential Suite at the Bellagio.”
Plus you get this awesome view:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=622144755034&set=a.585880997894.2152190.27319143&type=3&theater
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=622144171204&set=a.585880997894.2152190.27319143&type=3&theater
I’m not making any of this up or trying to be ‘cool’. just trying to help
and like Joe said, dress to impress! Act like you belong…
Loved the cosmopolitan. One of the bars in the middle of the casino is a ‘mixology’ bar. I asked for the most bullshit drink they had, and the girl made me something off-menu. You eat a berry (not a miracle berry, but similar), and the then the drink (a sort-of Tom Collins with some more lemon) sizzles on your tongue like pop rocks. Craziest drink I’d ever had.
Don’t forget Casa di Amore for the best Italian food in Vegas. Not in any hotel nor on the strip, when you call Casa for a reservation, the limo will pick you up from your hotel or wherever you are and it’s no charge–so tip generously.
This restaurant was frequented by the Rat Pack and it’s just a little place so make reservations early, the day before is even better.
Wonderful, authentic Italian food, great liquor, wine and beer selection. And CANNELLO@fad085e56c0bfc913eff10a691b515e6:disqus
living in lost wages for 20 yrs the list is on point, i would recommend joes stonecrab in caesars, cosmopolotan hotel (book and stage for free shows), if you come in winter bring a cardigan. hash house a go=go is THE ISH. Bring a BIG bottle of alcohol to your room. Most importantly, the clubs dont get poppin til 2am, dont show earlier than midnight
Knowing this was exclusively intended for a gentleman, after I tweeted I received request for the same “Style” information for the lady traveler. Any suggestions?
So which sports book is the one to go to? It seems like there’s more than one?
No one has mentioned the $20 trick to ideally get an upgrade when checking in?…This is where you sandwich $20 dollar bill between your credit card and license when handing it to the check in clerk…Many have reported the that the majority of popular strip hotels will give you the upgrade IF available…But have low expectations and if it doesn’t happen you will get your $20 back…
Haha, didn’t see this until 6 months later, but perfect reply.
Any progress on the New Orleans post?
i agree, btw. PUB is great because it’s like a normal bar in this sea of zany shit. a little oasis you can pop in off the street for a solid beer.