Las Vegas, known as “Sin City”, is facing increasing risks to tourists due to its large tourist area and tight security measures. Law enforcement is cracking down on crime, as losing tourists means losing much-needed tax dollars. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo stated that the state of Nevada has lifted the mask mandate for inside casinos, resorts, restaurants, bars, showrooms, and meeting spaces. However, there is a medium risk in parts of Las Vegas, with violent crime three times the national average and theft at 66.
The majority of flight delays and cancellations are weather-related, with conditions like precipitation, wind, and fog affecting safety. Las Vegas is a safe tourist destination with no travel restrictions or advisories, but has a lower crime rate than the average. To stay safe, visitors should stick to the Strip or Fremont, but be aware of crossing streets, which are the most dangerous aspects of both areas. If there are long-term access issues or closures that may affect future visits, they will be posted and linked to the best resources for information.
📹 20 Dumb Rookie Mistakes to AVOID in Las Vegas! 😵
In this video, we take a look at 20 dumb rookie mistakes to avoid in Las Vegas! Cab Zone Prices: …
What I wish I knew before going to Vegas?
This guide provides top travel tips for visiting Las Vegas, focusing on getting bearings, understanding distances, staying on The Strip, being aware of resort fees, avoiding weekends and public holidays, walking the Strip, enjoying free attractions, and wearing comfortable shoes. Las Vegas offers something for everyone and every budget, making it a great destination for those looking to live big or be a millionaire. To plan your first trip to Vegas, consider these practical tips:
- Get your bearings: Remember that distances are bigger than they look at first sight.
- Stay on The Strip or nearby: Beware of resort fees.
- Avoid weekends and public holidays: Walk the Strip and enjoy free attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes to avoid discomfort and ensure a comfortable experience.
- Be aware of resort fees: Be aware of resort fees and avoid spending on weekends and public holidays.
What will happen to Las Vegas in 2050?
Las Vegas, NV, is projected to experience an average of 38 days per year over 108. 9ºF by 2050 due to climate change. This increase in heat waves and fire risks is causing significant damage to the city’s infrastructure. Of 290 census tracts, 79 have more than a quarter of buildings with significant fire risk, while 46 have more than half. Property owners can take steps to mitigate their risks from wildfires. Fire risk depends on proximity to vegetation, with densely developed urban areas having a lower risk of burning than areas adjacent to wildland.
Climate change increases wildfire risks by creating hotter, drier conditions for fires to spread. ClimateCheck ratings of fire risk are based on projected weather conditions and U. S. Forest Service models simulating fire behavior.
Is it safe to visit Las Vegas right now?
The Las Vegas Strip is generally considered safe for tourists due to its high police presence, especially around major resorts and casinos. However, visitors should remain vigilant and take basic safety precautions, especially being mindful of pickpockets. To protect themselves, tourists should stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially during the night. Be mindful of their belongings and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Use reputable transportation, such as taxis or rideshare services, at official, well-marked pick-up locations.
Avoid confrontations and seek assistance from security or law enforcement if necessary. Stay informed about your surroundings and ask hotel staff or security for guidance if you have concerns or questions.
Is $100 dollars a day enough for Vegas?
Vegas can be a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a budget-friendly trip, excluding hotel and travel costs. By focusing on dining options and exploring free activities, you can enjoy a great time without breaking the bank. Some affordable dining options include the Las Vegas Strip, which offers a variety of food options at affordable prices. Additionally, many restaurants offer happy hour and later night dinner deals, offering discounts before 6pm and again after 9pm.
Some of the best cheap places to eat in Las Vegas include the Bellagio, which offers a variety of dishes at affordable prices, and the Las Vegas Hilton, which offers a variety of dining options at affordable prices.
Is Las Vegas safe in 2024?
In 2024, Las Vegas reported 2, 815 violent crime cases, a significant decrease from 2023. The Metropolitan Police Department achieved a clearance rate of 65. 79, a 64. 20 reduction from 2023. The city also reported 286 cases of violent crimes, with a clearance rate of 42. 31, a 77. 52 decrease from 2023. The fluctuating trend in crime rates is influenced by socio-economic factors and law enforcement efficiency.
Is it safe to go to Vegas at night?
Las Vegas is considered one of the safest places to explore in the world due to its tight security measures in casinos. The Strip offers a self-contained economy that encourages people to spend time and money playing. Security cameras and illuminations are present everywhere, and Las Vegas Boulevard is punctuated by a police presence. To stay safe at the slots and tables, tourists should keep their wallets in their front pocket rather than back and wrap a thick rubber band around it to make it harder for thieves to access. This will help prevent theft and ensure a safe gaming experience for all.
Can I still go to Vegas?
Nevada lifted its indoor mask mandate on February 10, allowing casinos, shows, hotels, and restaurants to open. Governor Steve Sisolak praised the state’s better preparedness for the pandemic, citing at-home testing kits and decreased cases and hospitalizations. Hotel websites should be checked for Covid safety measures.
Is Las Vegas still popular?
Las Vegas, known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, is a popular destination for business conventions and the hospitality industry, boasting over 40. 8 million visitors annually as of 2023. The city is also a top-three destination for business conventions and a global leader in the hospitality industry, with more AAA Five Diamond hotels than any other city. Its tolerance for adult entertainment has earned it the nickname “Sin City” and has made it a popular setting for literature, films, television programs, commercials, and music videos.
Situated in 1905 and officially incorporated in 1911, Las Vegas was the most populated North American city founded within that century. Population growth has accelerated since the 1960s and into the 21st century, with the population nearly doubling between 1990 and 2000. The name of the primary city, “Las Vegas”, is often used to describe areas beyond official city limits, particularly in the unincorporated communities of Paradise and Winchester. The area was named Las Vegas, which means “the meadows” in Spanish, due to its abundant wild grasses and desert spring waters.
Is it safe to walk around Las Vegas Strip?
The Las Vegas Strip is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of attractions and activities. The Strip, which runs from Mandalay Bay Beach to the Sahara Hotel, is a four-mile stretch of the Strip, which is recommended to be covered in at least two days due to its dense packedness. If you prefer to stay out of the sun or rest your feet, the monorail runs along the entire Strip, from the Sahara to the MGM Grand. A single ride costs $5. 50, but a pass is recommended for a full trip, which ranges from $13.
45 for a 24-hour pass to $57. 50 for a full week. The monorail operates from 7 AM to midnight on Mondays, 7 AM to 2 AM on Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 7 AM to 3 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Free shuttles and trams also run between hotels and casinos on the Strip, but these are mostly located in the southern part. If you want to make it all the way up to the Sahara, the monorail or hoofing is recommended.
Is Vegas still a good place to visit?
Las Vegas is a glitzy, glamorous, and hedonistic city with a plethora of attractions including casinos, shows, bars, and betting. To fully enjoy your visit to the Strip, it’s essential to be prepared.
Is Las Vegas tourism declining?
In 2023, Las Vegas attracted nearly 41 million visitors, a 5 increase from 2022.
📹 LAS VEGAS TRAVEL GUIDE: 13 Things to Know Before You Go
Everything YOU need to know before you travel to Las Vegas Nevada. Las Vegas is BIG, so is the Strip. Downtown Las Vegas is …
Checking the room door upon leaving is such a great tip. I was victim of this when we walked away with the door closing behind us not realizing it bounced back open at Caesars. We returned after a wonderful night to discovery our luggage and all our clothes were gone. Thankfully we had all of our major valuables with us and well it’s Vegas you can buy new clothes. And for the record Caesar’s security was not helpful at all and literally did nothing.
My husband and I recently traveled to Vegas and were talking about how cool it would be to see you while we’re out and about, and not even a couple hours into our trip we saw you and Mr. Ruby filming at the Bellagio! You can see me turn and wave as we’re walking away in the background of your shot! We love your articles so it was a great way to start our trip! 💓
A lot of great tips. I just traveled here. We used cabs everywhere that we went. I didn’t check the receipts until the last evening in town. That is when I finally noticed the $3.00 taxi fee for using a credit card. It’s just for using a credit card. That’s it. We probably spent nearly $50 in taxi/credit card fees. Never again. It’s cash only next time.
I always find it amazing how many people vacation or take cruises without researching websites like yours first. There is NO REASON for people to show up with no clue how many ways there are to mess up your trip by not perusal a few articles first. This was a great one!! I’m sure it’ll help those who travel to Vegas or anywhere.
Hi Ruby! As we are locals, we go to the Strip pretty frequently. You are absolutely on point with these rookie mistakes. The people touching the revolving doors drive us crazy as well, as do the jaywalkers. We saw a lady next to us almost get hit by a bus. I also don’t think the resort fees are a scam. Even if you add them to the advertised room rate, it is still quite a bargain. Which brings me to an additional rookie mistake. Before you make your reservations, check the rate calendars. If something big is happening in town, those hotel rates can go through the roof! As a nurse, I also have to say STAY HYDRATED! We see so many people walking the Strip in the heat with those yard-long drinks. Don’t make the mistake of not drinking enough water. You don’t want to spend the rest of your trip feeling sick and not enjoy all the fun things you had planned. Thanks for all you do! Linda
As someone who lived in Vegas for a decade and spent ALOT of time there before living there, my main tips are as follows – don’t go during the summer. It gets absurdly HOT, like 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit hot, and you could get heatstroke and badly sunburned. Also, prices skyrocket during the summer, particularly on weekends. If you go on the off season, like maybe late November- March, you will pay less and it will be alot cooler. Also, make use of Fremont Street, too. It’s alot cheaper than the strip, generally, but it’s not in as good of an area. Honestly, it’s much less known by tourists and is alot of fun as well. Lastly, there isn’t all that much for young kids to do in Vegas, it’s geared for adults. There are certain shows that you do NOT want to take your kids to (the Cirque Du Coleil show at… I THINK it was MGM Grand…. was a VERY adult, VERY “mature audiences only” show not suitable for young kids). DO YOUR RESEARCH on shows you want to see before just picking a show at random to go see and hoping for the best. I know that, unless they have changed their repertoire for the worse, Blue Man Group is something for people of all ages. You might not think it would be some mind blowing act, but honestly, I saw it a couple times and loved it. I took my mom one of the times and she walked out loving it. Another kid friendly act is the show at Excalibur. That one is equally awesome for the kids. So my advice is it may be best to have the kids stay with grandma and / or grandpa for a few days, or maybe their auntie or uncle, while you parents go to Vegas.
Not drinking enough water. Remember, you’re in a desert, and humidity levels can get down very low. Even when the temps are in the 60s and 70s, you can still dehydrate if you’re partying all day or even just walking from casino to casino. Also, don’t throw away those annoying slot machine tickets that are less than a dollar. Save a bunch of them and either cash them out in the casino cage or load them all into a random slot machine. The latter will total them all up and you can then cash out a single ticket. Note: this only works if you are combining tickets from the SAME casino. Casinos don’t cash each others tickets, even if they are part of the same company.
I still recommend cabs, even if cabs are a little more money. The flat rate has really changed things, the prices have been close. 1) Cab line at the airport is close and very convenient. The Ride Share pick up and drop off is a little walk. Cabs are allowed to pull up to the terminal. In the summer, it can feel like a long walk. 2) Many strip properties give preference to taxi’s vs. ride share. Taxi’s are generally allowed to pull up to the same vicinity as hotel valet and many hotels have taxi lines with taxi’s ready in seconds. Many hotel require ride share to drop off/pick up near their property’s general parking garages. This adds another walk. And I have had to wait 10-15 mins for a ride share during busy times. But out front, there are 20 taxi’s waiting.
I have admittedly made 1 or 5 of these mistakes. I love your thoughts on walking through casino’s. I learned this the hard way as well, after walking up multiple non functioning escalators. The inside escalators are always working. Also, I love snacks in my room, so a trip to CBS/Walgreens/Target for snacks is always a great idea. Helps you to avoid the $5 snickers in the mini bar. I also bring a collapsible water kettle, which can help me make tea, coffee, oatmeal for breakfast, or ramen for a late night snack. I’m not cheap, but I don’t always want to leave my room early in the morning or late at night, and room service is ridiculously priced and not great at most hotels.
Omg! I’ve totally done the “it’s just over there, let’s walk”. That was between the then Las Vegas Hilton and the Strat which is a very scary part of town. It was at night and my partner wasn’t too happy but thankfully we made it through safely. I now call anything anywhere, “Vegas close” and take a cab or ride share.
Love this! I’d have to add a rookie tip for my fellow Europeans: bring layers of clothing in summer!!! You’ll be freezing inside the hotel room and the casinos when it’s 40ºC and dry outside because they crank up the air-con, compared to what we’re used to (not sure why, since it makes staying indoors also unpleasant). Summer is one of the best times of the year to visit Vegas, don’t let that ruin your experience.
Great article and very helpful! My first time in Las Vegas in 2000 was with my father and two young sons. We walked from the Strat to New York New York in one day in July because my very conservative father didn’t want to pay for a taxi. We ended up taking a shared shuttle back to our hotel. What were we thinking! Never again. Now that I’m a local we stay and play in ONE hotel/casino. No walking around. Also because we are locals we bring our own small coffee pot and cups to avoid the lines and high costs. Also bring granola bars for first thing in the morning if you take meds or vitamins in the morning it might be awhile before you get to a restaurant.
One thing you didn’t mention and I feel it should be here is MAKE RESERVATIONS! Hotels, shows, and restaurants sell out FAST! Hell’s Kitchen for example will be booked for an entire weekend in like 20 minutes. I used to live in Vegas and I can’t tell you how many times people didn’t get to see the show or eat the restaurant or stay where they wanted because they didn’t make reservations.
My wife and I decided to walk from the Paris to the Rio. You are so right, properties look close but they are not. Oh I forgot to mention that this occurred in July. I think the high temp that day was 185F. We took a cab back, and everywhere else in town after that. Hopefully your article will benefit others, you are doing God’s work.
The coffee hack is a big one. I work on the strip sometimes and Starbucks is massively expensive. I’ll usually just get a regular small black coffee and starbucks will run me 5 bucks for that. The center bar or sportsbook is like 2 bucks sometimes. Another quick tip is make sure you get a receipt when you stay at a room. Ive had some hotels not release the deposit especially if its a lower deposit like 50 bucks. Sometimes you have to call and ask and also make sure you have a receipt to prove you stayed there.
The tip about distance between places on the strip is 100% correct. Only been once, got dropped by UBER at the mirage and walked to the Wynn then back to Bellagio, it’s a long way for an oldie. The ONLY reason I went was to see the Fountains at Bellagio but enjoyed the whole trip so much we are going back again this year.
Lots of solid advice here! Great reminder about portions; most food orders are huge and easily sharable, even if you have a good appetite. It’s a good thing to remind myself I can always order again if I want more. You can easily spend a full day exploring one resort, so your point about walking the Strip is right on. Consider picking a part of the Strip to explore instead of trying to walk the whole thing, or take a tour by bus or even limo.
Stayed at the Sahara last year. I was able to order from the Starbucks there on the mobile app while in my room and it was ready by the time I came down on the elevator, even when there was a line. Also the prices are higher than a non hotel Starbucks, but the bonus points for free items are the same. If you’re a Starbucks regular you may want to accumulate points if you know you’re headed to Las Vegas in the near future.
Great article. One suggestion is to make sure and get a player’s card even you don’t plan on gambling. We got one at Mandalay Bay for MGM Rewards and turns out because my spouse is a veteran, we were upgraded to a higher card which gave us free parking at all MGM properties. AND they also include the spouse! I wouldn’t mind paying “resort fees” if it included parking and coffee, but most don’t.
I’ve been to Vegas once in 2007. Made the mistake of trying to hail a taxi on the strip while in a time crunch. Tried 3 times and gave up. Ended up walking fast a good distance outside early September…not crazy hot but was a bit sweaty at my destination. Great exercise in runners but felt a bit foolish when someone finally told me taxis cannot stop on the strip. It was a lot of live and learn before smartphones became popular and platforms like YouTube came along. ❤ from Victoria, BC.
I am no longer a rookie but the coffee & “I’m a local” hacks were gold! And I DEFINITELY learned the “distances are farther than they appear” my first visit. I vividly recall filling my hotel room trashcan with ice and water and submersing my feet at the end of the day! 🙂 Lesson learned. Great article! Tip I would add – look for happy hour specials on the strip. In my experience restaurants that have them don’t freely offer the happy hour menu, you have to ask – but it’s well worth it!
I knew the domination – $1 slot – but I didn’t know how that slot worked when I went last month. My ignorance led to me gambling away $47 to only win nearly $2300. My first bet was only for $2 but the second bet (I was trying to figure out what the buttons do!) was for $45. Ignorance can be bliss, I guess. I went back to my room immediately. I figured that there was no topping that bit of good luck. I then volunteered to give up my seat on my flight home as I was in no hurry. Ka-ching! Another grand in my pocket in compensation! I have new kitchen range being delivered tomorrow! Woot Woot! I don’t usually gamble in Vegas as I enjoy exploring more than the thought of gambling and I doubt that I will change my habits or mind. But I had a reason to enjoy the strip that trip and I did. I really, really did.
I’ve never forgotten my first trip to Vegas as an adult, with my friends. I thought the free drinks while gambling were free, no tips required. 😳 So after getting my first one with a smile and saying, “Thanks so much!” She stared and me, then eventually stomped away and said something like, “Thanks for NOTHING!!!!” Whoops. I didn’t even have any cash so I think I went to find some cash then tried to track her down. Felt really bad! (This was a long time ago, way before helpful YouTube articles, by the way!)
I stayed in a hotel last week that has a sign on the door “Make sure you have your key card. Doors lock automatically” Imagine my surprise when I woke up in the middle of the night and the door was not locked. the lock was sticking out. The door did not in fact close completly after me NONE of the time I was there. Great Tip!
WOW!!!!! Great Ruby. Thanks for sharing. Alot of people will be traveling to Vegas this Summer so these tips are awesome. Heres an idea for another article. Hows about 20 things you need to know when coming to Vegas in 2023. Such as buying cheap water and snacks at CVS & Walgreens. Another one is beware TimeShare people trying to scam you. Another one is brings comfortable shoes and be ready to walk ALOT.
The absolute best advice here is the walking distance on the strip. I’ve had a friend a TI and I was at NYNY. They said they were walking and see us in 30 minutes. Almost an hour and a half later they showed up. Just take a cab if you’re going more than 2 properties away. SOLID advice. The strip is deceiving distance wise and it’s not a straight shot. You have to walk in and out of casinos. Take cabs, Ubers, or trams.
Our first trip about 20+ years ago – stayed at the Excalibur (first mistake), looked out the window and said lets check out the pirates show at Treasure Island – it’s right down the road.. So we walked there (second mistake)… And yeah – who hasn’t hit done the denomination mistake at least once! Cheers y’all!
That was excellent. I’ve been to Vegas many times but people really need to know about the added fees to a room. They didn’t do that 20 years ago to my knowledge but today it is so bad. I was helping someone reserve a room and I couldn’t believe the fees. The other item you covered was the distance between resorts, wow it’s insane. I was there in 1988 and you could get a real good idea about bldgs but by the early 2000’s it was very hard. Thanks for your hard work.
The one I really relate to is that everything is farther away than you think. The buildings are huge; that makes them look closer than they are. I also use the Deuce for getting around during the day. It’s slow, but the air conditioning is great. I wonder if you can cover tipping cab drivers. I never know how much makes sense.
Great tips! I prefer cabs in Vegas. As you stated, the cabs take you to the front door of the casino. Most casinos have the Uber and Lyft pick up ang drop off areas in the back out of the way areas of the property. Just feels crappy coming into the back door of the hotel/casino as opposed to going in the nice front. And when you are picking up a cab, the valets at the hotels are very nice and helpful in getting you a cab. And please remember to tip them ! And don’t forget the monorail. If you’re willing to walk a little bit from the monorail line to and from the strip, you can save a ton of money. You can get a great deal on a multi day pass.
Make sure to always check that the chair is DRY before sitting to play slots. Vegas has a lot of gamblers who just piss in the chair instead of getting up from the machine to go to the restroom. Restaurants charging “concession” fees is getting out of hand. Check your receipts! Most will take off the concession fee if you ask nicely.
Haha! Everything looks closer than it is. One time my Wife and I walked from the Jockey Club to the Peppermill for drinks and food. It was so hot. We ended up taking a cab back. Pay attention to this tip. I have walked all over the strip. We will be there in a week. 6/2/2023! WooHoo! Thanks for the article!
Great info Ruby. One mistake I made was not knowing the price of certain beers that may be classed as premium beers. Being from the UK, beer and spirits are not that expensive and spirits tend to be cheaper than beer. Bought a few pints of Stella in Blondies one year whilst perusal the Football (Soccer) We were flabergasted when the bill for 1/2 a dozen beers came in at over $100. ouch. Stay safe enjoy. Steve C.
2 things for newbies: The Strip looks very nice with all the lights and big franchise stores and restaurants, but it could be very sketchy from one moment to another. There are areas that are simply abandoned, with poor lighting and every near store closed. Simply going around the corner can show you a very different part of the city. So be very careful. Most of the “free” spectacles and atractions around the Strip are free for a reason. Some simply are not worth it. It’s very easy ending up walking long distances across the Strip, going trough hotels and casinos to get to one of these and wait for the specific time to start and ending up very dissapointed ans wasted time and energy. The Bellagio Fountain is cool, but other than that….
We take advantage of the Tram each visit! I hate when folks say “Oh, it’s around the corner”…NOTHING in Vegas is “around the corner”🥴It’s a long haul everywhere we walk! Buying electronic devices is a HUGE NO NO👎🏿👎🏿 I made that mistake in 2019…my daughter made that mistake last year and once we got back home…NOTHING WORKED! We will be back in July…staying at The Bellagio ❤❤❤❤
great tip about the coffee. So true about the distance between hotels. Please make sure you have plenty of water too if you are walking even a short distance. It is extremely hot in the summer time. Resort fees are ridiculous. We pretty much never use anything like the pool or work out room. At the very least they need to lower them. They make more than enough money. If we do go swimming thanks for the idea of water proof phone case!
Love the articles but one thing Ruby. Every spinning door I have ever used, you have to push. I don’t see any signs there either, so of course people are going to be confused. But it’s like the states where you can turn on a red light (unless noted), and people from states where it’s against the law are just sitting there.
Do not, I repeat, do not park at the Strat. Parking is $7 right off the bat, even if you park for under an hour. We went in to go to the thrill rides at 10 AM, just to learn that they dont open until 2 PM. After being harassed by their promotional sales agents in the lobby, returning to our car and then waiting for 30 minutes in a bottleneck, we were boiling to learn that they charge for parking under an hour. Just shameful.
Walking tip is true. My husband and I stopped at way too many bars and thought we could take pictures at the Las Vegas sign with many cameramen willing to take our picture for a hefty price to right back Circus Circus. We did it but stopped multiple times, debated on another Uber, feet hurting. The strip is much longer than expected 😂 but O still had a great time and my feet recovered.
In Nevada all cabs are required to have $1,000,000.00 insurance per person in the car, Uber and Lyft drivers are only rehired to have liability. They do have a minimal coverage through the company, but it’s not much and they don’t pay unless forced. I always use a cab, no one will ever convince me that weekend teenage Uber/Lyft drivers have full coverage that protects me and my family. I don’t recommend the cheaper option, but I’ve also had a few friends that were involved in car wrecks in Vegas while passengers in Uber cars, so look it up yourself and then decide.
I just came across this article, and I would like to add that you should never, ever, ever leave children unattended. I see adults do this in so many places so often, and it really concerns me, especially when they do it in places like Vegas. Vegas is huge and busy and unfortunately has its share of sketchy characters. It’s fine for kids to go to the arcade in the casino while you gamble….etc., but an adult should always be with them at all times, and the adult needs to keep a close eye on them.
My advice to rookies. 1. NEVER bring your entire gambling budget to the gaming floor. 2. Pace yourself on day 1. 3. Don’t get shit faced on your last night. Flying hung over sucks. 4. Buy new socks, underwear, and toothbrush b4 your trip. Bring your old stuff, use, then throw away. Gives you room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
Along the lines for tipping. A lot of new folks may or may not know how to tip table games dealers. Here are a few suggestions: *Ask them if you can place a bet for them *Tip them after a win. This is big with roulette. *Tip them prior to leaving their table Table games dealers, like most service employees, work for tips. Also, if you don’t know a game, ask the dealer, they can help you get acclimated to the game. Most are real easy and a lot of fun!
20 worst mistakes. We just moved to Las Vegas and there is one thing I can say about tipping; some don’t plan on the cost of tipping. And it’s a coulture thing out here. We always have at least a hundred in 5s and 10s. That is our tipping budget. We don’t touch it. If we have anything left?. . . We won! Like your articles Ruby.
I live in Tucson Arizona and we have a couple casinos and when I went for the first time. I made that exact mistake of not knowing the denominations and how it works so I put a 20 in thinking hey “20 spins for one dollar let’s see what we can do” and it was two 10 dollar bets with no return 💀💀💀 learned REAL QUICK lol
Also, those in skirts, I recommened wearing the skin tight pants (spanks, longer boots shorts, etc) underneath. It is very easy to get an uncomfortable rash…especially when it gets hot. And don’t underestimate that heat. Anything in the sun can burn you. This includes steering wheels, change you left in the car, car door handles, etc.
I went to Vegas several years ago for 2 days with a mate from work. We found a good deal online at Harrahs for a room under $20 per night including the buffet breakfast. We made breakfast our one meal for the day and ate as much as we possibly could. We then snacked on bagels on the street if we got hungry. We walked everywhere and didn’t sleep for the 2 days we were there. We only went back to the room to shower and change about every 12 hours. I found the Luxor to be a great place to drink for virtually nothing. I played a one cent machine for one line at a time. We picked the Luxor because the uniforms the girls were wearing were spectacular. Had a great 2 days.
Duece Bus! That’s my tip. We walked a lot the first day. Took the Duece Bus a lot the second day ($8 day pass). Walked to the Sphere for a brilliant U2 concert on the third night. We went on the week of Super Bowl. Not crowded at all Monday – Thursday morning and it was very clean with extra security. We had a blast! Nacho Daddy was our go-to for food.
The strip is over for us. Feels like Disney World now with all the kids. I could make a list of 10,000 reasons why to avoid the strip. We really fell in love with Green Valley Ranch. A slower paced, much less busy resort with excellent food options. Sure, I’ve heard Station comps aren’t the best, but all we did for two days there was win, unlike the strip casinos.
Hi Ruby, just subscribed to your articles. They are great! Ruby question for you: the in-room safes — are they safe to leave cash and your valuables? Specifically at Harrahs? Heard stories about some cleaning staff having the master code (or key) to unlock the safe. Thanks in advance for responding Ruby!
Thank you for the really good information! There was one thing I noticed you missed when it came to resort fees if you travel a lot and have a loyalty program with a cruise line or restaurant check to see if they have a tier matching with one of the hotel chains. For example Royal Caribbean group tier matches with MGM and saves you the resort fees plus gets you preferred rates.
Hello. I am from London, the United Kingdom via Australia. Can you explain Tipping to me? Sure we have tipping in the aforementioned countries but it is not mandatory. it is just a gift to the server for their good service. From what I can understand about the USA, especially Las Vegas is that I need to tip for everything and it is mandatory. Allegedly If I buy a drink at a bar. I have to tip the barperson. Allegedly If a waiter or Waitress takes my order In a restaurant I have to give them a tip. Allegedly If someone brings me water for my meal in a restaurant I have to give them a tip. Allegedly When I check into my hotel I have to give the receptionist a tip. Please give a guide to non-Americans on this tipping business. I am not a cheap Charlie. Sure I will tip the bell boy if he helps bring my luggage up to my room. All I want to know is where do I draw the line?. For example, If someone compliments me on my clothes in the street do I need to give them a tip?.
Been through Vegas seveal times. Stayed with friends. Went to a few casinos. Friends had dropped us off and picked us up. Then spent the rest of our time hanging out. The street buskers can be rude, told them we were local, they moved on. Easiest way for us when we travel is act like a local, no one bothers us. 😊
If you do like walking, you can play a game called weave around the slow, brave, curvy people, and strollers. (Why people bring kids to Vegas I have no idea.) Also if you don’t mind the exercise the stairs outdoors are less crowded than the escalators. If you go to the front of the fountains to watch, put your arms out on the cement railing, and hold your place, you may get pushed or crowded, if you don’t create your own bubble.
For visitors driving in Las Vegas…do not attempt to turn left on or off ‘the strip’ of Las Vegas Blvd. It is easy to plan a route that makes right turns only. Park your car on Thursday night and don’t take it out again until Sunday. It is really handy to have a car to visit off strip casinos, but get to know the streets/highways that run parallel to Las Vegas Blvd and use those instead.
A small but important one that will change things for travelers with sensitivity to light: remember this is a desert. You will need sunglasses or life will be miserable and you’ll spend time trying to get used to being outside and inside, especially when visiting common hotspots. If you want to spend money on good ones, you need photochromatic lenses. These really “self-tint” because they have fluid in the lenses that are sensitive to UV light. Get a reputable brand like Serengeti but do NOT get plastic lenses. Those are fake and will not work. The only “negative” is trying to get used to them. They will clear up when you walk into a building away from the sun and once outside, they start to get dark. But it’s handy not having to constantly shift them onto the top of your head all the time.
As a side note if you are renting a car – you can save a ton of money by doing it off strip because the airport is going to add a few hundred in fees. That said – if you do this – remember that car rentals off strip are not 24/7 and may be closed on sundays… so if its a mid week trip it may be worth considering… I also find its a lot easier to just drop off the car off strip and take the uber to the Airport.
Even as a veteran slot player, it’s easy to make the mistake you mentioned of playing a machine with a higher denomination than you realized. I think we’ve all done that at some point. It only takes one spin to blow more money than you thought! A tip I have similar to that is beware of where the max bet button is! In your haste of betting quickly, you may inadvertently hit that button. It can be found on the machines like the Game King machines where you can play keno or article poker. Great tip you had Ruby about making sure your hotel door is latched and your valuables are in the safe. Even though the cleaning staff is, on the whole, great at leaving your stuff alone, for piece of mind lock up those things that are irreplaceable, like credit cards, money, plane tickets, etc. Your trip will be ruined if you’re that one person who gets vandalized!
Very good list! A couple of things I’d like to add, though: #1. “ride-share” drivers will try to solicit you for cash rides. Do NOT get in their car! If you do, you’ll be riding in an uninsured vehicle. Their insurance, when they have passengers, is only effective when they get those passengers from the app. This brings us to: #2. A lot of those drivers don’t have the correct insurance or the required business license.. They don’t want to pay the extra fees. So, to be safe, ask to see both, before you let the driver take you anywhere. If you don’t, and they don’t have both, you’ll be paying your own medical bills, if there’s an accident. #3. There’s lots of characters, (Mickey Mouse, transformers, etc.), to take pictures with, on the strip and downtown. It’s not free, though. So, get the price BEFORE taking the picture. They are negotiable, don’t forget that. #4. When it’s extremely busy, at the airport, take a cab. No matter how long the line is, it’ll be quicker than getting a ride-share and you won’t be paying $80, for a ride to the strip, which is what ride-share charges, when it’s extremely busy.
Great coffee tip! Especially since most of the strip properties don’t have in-room coffee. Another tip: Unless you’re going for a specific high-end restaurant, like Carbone, eat off strip! Even just a couple blocks off the strip the deals are spectacular. Not sure I agree with the tipping premise, however. $1 or $2 per drink is certainly acceptable, but if I’m playing $20 blackjack or craps, I’m certainly not going to tip $20 for a beer, or even a bourbon.
As an Australian @ 3:40 go to Coles or Wollies and buy a small or medium jar of Nescaf, Vittoria or a small can of Internation Roast Coffee ECT. A small/medium as you’r going to dump what’s remains. This way you can have a Decent Cupper & Not have to start the day drinking that Sludge Americans try to pass as coffee.
The RTD runs a bus 🚌 right from one of the terminals to EVERY AREA OF VEGAS- the best being terminal a; I believe where the bus is down on ground level under the ramps and garages where the limousines park. There is a RTD vending machine there where one can buy a plastic pass card from the machine card or cash for $8 /24hr pass. *(, starts upon purchase with card or upon activation on your phone RTD application option- which is what I used last time I was there) – little did I know El Cortez has no problem checking people in early and an airport shuttle of their own!!! -*(check your hotel to see if they have a shuttle of you’re reserved)
I chuckled at the resorts are farther than they look…. That is the first thing I tell people when they say they are going to Vegas. I don’t recommend the city bus either. My wife and I were going to a show at the Strat leaving from around the Luxor. I thought we would save some money and take the bus. We barely got there in time. Between the stops and the time it took for the driver to throw the tweaker that snuck on off the bus…. Ugh. Finding the monorail stations is a challenge for me. It’s like they are hidden. Which they probably kind of are. I would for sure watch a Ruby article about finding all the monorail stops. Thanks Ruby and Mr. Ruby. You two make awesome articles.
Ruby, love your articles…I believe you left out some very important folks regarding tipping…..Housekeeping….they are the forgotten crew that keep the guests coming…if not for the housekeepers, where would you stay? Even if I call down for blanket or extra towels, I give that person a 3-5 dollar tip, and when I check out I always leave 10-15 dollar tip in the room since they generally don’t come into rooms until you check out unless requested. I find it disappointing that folks tip 20% for bad service/food in the restaurants, and bars, but where they lay their heads, they leave the change left in their pockets in the room as a tip, so sad, the housekeeping staff are generally the least paid folks on staff, and in a tipping town, they are generally over looked. as a rule, I leave my Housekeeping tip out when I first check in, and I have whomever is with me to do the same….that way, it’s there, and done. Some great tips for Vegas visits you gave, but you left out one. Thanks for your articles, stay safe❤
When I visited LV in 12/16 I noticed the wait lines to cash out @ some casinos were as long as 30 yards long (no kidding). That was because the premium or highest level of the casino card holders always can jump the line ahead of everyone else on the long line for the 2 or maybe 3 cashiers working. There were no separate cashier(s) just for these exclusive card holders. If that is still true with some casinos then gamblers MUST check the length of the cashier lines before gambling @ that casino. Agree?
Thanks for the great article. My advice would be to consider going off the strip for some savings and fun gambling (maybe do a one day car rental?). The Red Rock Resort is a fantastic hotel with an amazing smorg and a great variety of slot machines. There’s also some great shopping nearby. Also in the Summerlin area is a Costco if you are yearning for something, great golf courses and great hikes in Red Rock canyon. We love the Suncoast Casino – good bingo, sports book, slots and sometimes some goldies-oldies entertainment.
man I miss Vegas. I was there a few years ago and I’ll go back in a couple of years. I’m not a big at gambler and I same a lot of money. I love shows, I do some sight seeing and I look around in the cool hotels. Last time I stayed at the Luxor so I was able to take the public bus to the hotel. I usually take the shuttle bus when I stay at the Circus Circus. It’s cheap and when you go around trip you save a dollar or two. To get around Vegas I walk or take the public bus. I eat cheap in Vegas. I usually go to McDonalds for breakest and get my oatmeal and start off healthy. Another way I save money is I don’t drink. When i was younger even in my 40’s before I had a bad back I could walk from Circus Circus to the Luxor and that area. Boy I miss that. Walking is so good for your health and it saves you money and it makes you feel so good. But I still do some walking. As much as I’ve been to Vegas I’ve never gone to a pool. I usually do things on the strip and sight see. and the last time I went was Oct. and too cold as it was in the 60’s.
You are so smart and explain things so easily. Great amazing advice. I love the professional way you create your articles. I especially love your Buffett reviews as you have a very special way of explaining the food and tastes and how things are prepared and displayed. You are just such a joy. Mr Ruby you are a lucky man.
Depending on the hotel.. some do require the use of your key card to access the elevator and some even have a separate card other than your rooms key card. I liked it for safety reasons but many times my card failed to work. Sometimes the security guard monitoring the elevators would scan me up and other times I had to go to the desk to get a new card or have mine reactivated (I learned that the computer inactivates cards for no reason).
been to vegas 10 times from phoenix and lived their briefly. Stay hydrated for sure, i always get a water with my drink whatever bar i am at. I always use my room safe and check door, i always leave the tv on at a good volume as if someone is in there. I also by booze for the room at the total wine on south end, then you dont have to buy drinks unless at a bar at a rest……GOOD tips though for rookies
One other question when you’re leaving and valet comes to get your luggage from your room, they set it up so you tip twice for the same luggage service. The guy comes to your hotel room, takes the luggage, I tip him and he says, I’ll meet you out front of the hotel. You go down to the entrance and he’s handed your luggage to another valet who greets you puts your luggage in the cab for you and stands there so you tip him too. Two valets for one set of luggage. How to get around multiple tipping? Thanks!
Never leave your rented scooter outside your room. Not even to go in to use the bathroom! It only took someone 2 minutes to scoot off with our scooter. We caught him and called down to the security desk to tell them what happened, and it was like a swat team everywhere. He said he was only borrowing it. We were told that there are people who do this for a living to give to the competition to use for customers. The Mirage never did tell us what happened to the guy to tried to steal our scooter. I also had mine set on slow and he could not get very far at all. He had to have been following us around waiting for us to leave it for a second. It was gone that fast.
I have done a few of these, but always on purpose. I like some exercise, so I walked from Allegiant Stadium to the Rio, and from The Sphere to the Rio. A nice hike indeed. I did it at night so it wasn’t too hot. And I also think resort fees are a total scam and money grab by the property charging for things you probably wont even use.
The reason why they don’t get rid of resort fees, even though it would be more convenient and easy just to give people the correct price they need them to pay upfront. It’s a way of short changing third-party bookers because they have to give them 10% of what the hotel room cost and they don’t have to share resort fees
Once, tried to walk from the Denny’s next to MGM Grand back to what was then Bally’s ( now Horseshoe). I realized way too late that I bit off more than I could chew, as it was quite hot in the morning back in 2021. By the time I got to the CVS by the resort, I was about to collapse from the sweating and the heat. Never again, and, keep in mind, at 60, that was dangerous. Also, a rookie mistake that was missed: show tickets. If they aren’t sold at the box, the sites that have them have some unexpected fees, so be careful!!
Vegas is such a rip off. At the Belagio I got out of the shower and threw a small towel by the fridge and it bumped into a bag of almonds they had sitting on top. It tripped a sensor and I was charged $20. I immediately called the front desk to tell them that I didn’t want them and it was an accident, but nope, “sorry”. I also ordered room service but it started taking way too long (over an hour and a half). I got sleepy and dozed off and I took over 30 seconds to wake up and answer the door, and the room service guy completely lost his shit and scolded me because he “didn’t have all day”. We had our wedding there at the fountains and while it was absolutely gorgeous and a wonderful ceremony, the aggressive tipping requests got old. For example, after we got pictures taken by the photographer around the gardens and beautiful hotel, he was like “I know your mom prepaid for this photography package, but did she leave the tip envelop with you? I just want to know so I can buy groceries tonight.” Crap like this genuinely ruins the experience. My advice for anyone going is to look at how beautiful and extravagant the casinos are and remind yourself that none of them were built by all of the winners.
Hi, I’m new to your website. Love it already! I’ve been to Vegas 3 times and absolutely Love It. I did not know about the waterproof phone cases you can purchase from Amazon. One mistake I made was trying to walk to a location that seemed right across the street. You are right, take a taxi or an uber
I played a $1 machine once that was on $2 bets and I did not notice. Put in a $100 and hit max bet,,,noticed I had 40 cedits after 1 spin and freaked out. I thought I lost $60 in 1 spin. lol Actually I lost $10 and had $80 left but I did not know that at time. I then hit lower bet and got machine up to 120 credits and thought it was $120. Hit cash out and got $260. I then realized what was happening.
A secret gem is the Hilton Elara at the Miracle Mile. All condo rooms with full kitchens, some with 2 bathrooms. I enjoy coffee in the morning in my room and drinks in the fridge. And its great for making your own breakfast or lunch. A real money saver. Go to grocery store when you arrive, stock of on coffee, drinks, breakfast sandwiches, etc.
Jaywalking tourists drives me crazy as well. Pedestrian accidents is one of the most higher traffic fatalities here in Vegas. Also, I commute by bus to and from work 5 days a week and I always dread the weekends as I work the graveyard shift at Aria. Before the sidewalk closure of the Bellagio fountains due to F1 construction, that area is just a sea of humanity and don’t even talk about the traffic. Pre-F1 craziness, I would usually get on the Deuce and drop off at Eataly (Park MGM) but at this point in time, I can walk faster than the traffic. I get off at the Flamingo corner of the Horsehoe construction and cross over to Caesars cut through Bellagio, through Cosmo into the Crystal Shops and through the Aria casino floor and off to work I go. Well, I leave home veeeeery early at 8pm and just chill at our EDR or take a nap up until I clock in.