[Z K]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Vegas is only a 2-night town for me. Behind the facade is a frankly, very depressing and shitty town. There is no "legitimate" economy there, it's a pretty poor place outside of Henderson. Henderson aint that great either.

Same here. I never want to stay very long. The first few days are great then you feel like everything is on repeat and you need to leave all the fakery.

For what I spend in Vegas, I can fly to Europe or Asia, have a great time and have an authentic experience.

[2000cs]

I’ve been a few times for work and pleasure, and as I type this I’m between flights on my way home from Vegas. I’d be fine to never go again. Depressing seeing all the old folks tethered to the machines, way too much smoke and smoking, and a pretty average experience for what I consider high prices (food and drinks, anyway. Shows are priced about right). Crowded and for me generally uncomfortable, and I HATE the feeling of always being driven thru a casino, even to get some water. Obviously not my scene.

[Crimson92]

Used to like Vegas. Mandatory work conferences have ruined that.

There's only so much Vegas I can take now.

[Teeone]

I go once a year in general. I agree that March madness is a good time to go. It does get old after 3 days, so I generally go for 3. A show or two, People watching, 24 hour partying and poker tables and some sports betting are always on the agenda. I always do well and/or am lucky playing cards in Vegas, at least as compared to casinos in Michigan. More players wanting to have a good time like myself I think.

[Grumpy Old Man]

Originally Posted by spdandpwr

I'm a huge Las Vegas nut, going at least 3 times a year (so I guess not THAT huge). Anyway, I was checking in to see who else here shares the same passion -- or, if I'm crazy spending precious modification money on casinos / gambling / booze / etc

Booze is your friend.....me and my buddy landed about 2 hours ago. Waiting for another buddy who's flying in from Edmonton and then off we go.....what could possibly go wrong.

Funny thing, I never pictured myself coming to Vegas but then a few years back my sister in law dragged us. I always have a good time but I think all of the posts previous are about spot on. We'll catch a few shows, maybe some nightclubs although were all a bit older so looking for a 40+crowd. Any suggestions?

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Old Man

although were all a bit older so looking for a 40+crowd. Any suggestions?

The original strip, Golden Nugget. Sadly, that is where I am relegated these days myself.

We went for my birthday a few years ago. BIL-IL sprang for a limo from the airport, so I got started on the alcohol early.

Next morning, I was in the first group to do the supercars at the speedway. Was one of the few who picked my laps on the inside track to be in the Porsche. When the instructor asked for hands to see who picked it, he shook his head in approval and mentioned something about people who really wanted to drive. I couldn't catch the Lambo on the straight, but went flying past once we got curvy.

[Grumpy Old Man]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

The original strip, Golden Nugget. Sadly, that is where I am relegated these days myself.

We went for my birthday a few years ago. BIL-IL sprang for a limo from the airport, so I got started on the alcohol early.

Next morning, I was in the first group to do the supercars at the speedway. Was one of the few who picked my laps on the inside track to be in the Porsche. When the instructor asked for hands to see who picked it, he shook his head in approval and mentioned something about people who really wanted to drive. I couldn't catch the Lambo on the straight, but went flying past once we got curvy.

I stayed at the Nugget a few years back with my wife when she was here on business.

[RickFLM4]

We haven't been there in a while but like it ok. Just too far to travel for 3-4 days of vacation given that we don't gamble much and can catch shows and have great dinners lots of places. Still it's nice to have all of it in such a compact area and get the whole experience once in a while.

[capo180]

I like Vegas, at my age (27) it's awesome for a long weekend 2 times a year or so. I don't really gamble. Just go from day club/pool party to night club to after hours club and repeat.

Great place to meet up with my friends that are all scattered across the country too.

[nlkccom]

Originally Posted by R3dliner

I'm always there for SEMA/AAPEX week for work but never have any personal time to myself. Always want to see some shows. Always stay at Wynn, Venetian. Stayed once at SLS and hated it. Treasure island isn't a bad lower tier hotel.

I love Vegas but let me tell you the thing I absolutely hate. Why's my lips so chapped all the time while I'm there????

Haha! My eyes are always dry when I'm in Vegas. Constantly putting eye drops. Hate it.

[nlkccom]

Love Vegas. Was there last week for CES. Totally got my geek on on the latest tech.

[Dang3r]

Vegas is ok but Im not a fan of it.
Had a stay last year for 5 days, my personal highlight was the full VR Star Wars action within 20 minutes somewhere into the caves of the Venetian.
As read here, if you're mobile and using the car to explore the darker Vegas you're encountering a lot of dirt, poor ppl and other things a big city would offer aside of the glam. Battlefield LV was a cool spot, watched the Blue Man Group at Luxor and made a trip to the Hoover Dam. My last stay was over 20 years ago.
All in all, if you're not located into the US, once in a lifetime LV is set for sure just to see it. Thats maybe the same for you when coming over to Germany to visit the Octoberfest in Munich. Lots of Germans never would go because its at the end a big tourist trap and commercially overdone.

[Jhanksm3]

Vegas is really what u make it. I lived there from 2010 to 2014 and i can tell u its way more fun to visit. There is alot more to do than just party and like mentioned before there are alot of food options. Its central to alot of other cities. I go at least 3 times a year now and it doesn't get old just have to switch up the things you do

[N54Yankee]

Been to Vegas several times over the years. It doesn't impress me much at all.
I live a half hour from the original City that never sleeps, NYC.
Better restaraunts, great shows including top Broadway, night clubs, countless good bars, variety of professional sports concentrated in a 10 mile area, MSG, unmatched architecture, museums galore and gambling if you know where to go. Not that I go out to gamble, I'm content with occasional poker games with my buddies.

Walking around Vegas seem to see inordinate number of older, fat people with teeth missing, waddling around who seem to scrape up spare dollars all year long to take a weekend to Nevada to give a go to as many all you eat buffets as they can squeeze in and then hit the slots for a chance to hit it rich.
Oh and not to forget the heat. The last time we went there it was 110*, when I stepped out of Luxor about noon I thought my head was going to burst into flames.
Vegas to me is nothing more then a phony, amusement park like conglomeration of attractions to lure in cash. No history, no ambiance and no sincerity. IMO

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by spdandpwr

I don't smoke and I don't go there to gamble, I have Atlantic City for that. Here's why I go to Vegas:

• World Class Shows -- every person I've brought to see Absinthe has loved it
• Best Nightclubs in the U.S. (in fact, it's one of the few thriving Nightclub scenes)
• Amazing food; legit every world-famous chef has a restaurant here
• You can have fun just people watching
• Dayclubs / pool parties are amazing

To your point about it be depressing, I feel that way at some of the lower-tier properties. But, if you stay at the Wynn, Venetian / Palazzo, Aria, Cosmo, or Bellagion, you avoid a lot of that stuff...

Recently went (end of November) and found it interesting. I do agree that the highlights were the food, shows (saw O which was incredible) and people watching lol.

In the same vein, the people watching was a bit sad. I think the day club scene would be a great time but time of year clearly prohibited that. The night club scene was madness, unable to get in anywhere. There's clearly a way to navigate that scene that I just don't know about.

The main thing that irritated me was purely how insanely expensive EVERYTHING was. It got to the point where I just couldn't stomach buying even a bottle of water. I spoke with some locals and they were telling me that prices have skyrocketed in recent years. I think this is a response to the fact people have money to spend. Unfortunately I don't think i'll be going back.

[awilki0101]

I run a festival in downtown Vegas every year so I make many trips for meetings, site visits, then 2 straight weeks preparing and running the festival so I see my fair share. I enjoy a couple nights of good dinners on the strip and if I have time a show or two but for the most part I am over it. Not sure I would go on a personal trip.

[spdandpwr]

Originally Posted by jhanksevo

Vegas is really what u make it. I lived there from 2010 to 2014 and i can tell u its way more fun to visit. There is alot more to do than just party and like mentioned before there are alot of food options. Its central to alot of other cities. I go at least 3 times a year now and it doesn't get old just have to switch up the things you do

THIS!!! If you mix-up what you do, it's much more enjoyable. I always research new exciting things to try. And, I strongly recommend the race track.

[BMW F22]

Not a fan. I’d go there now and then for food and shows and even then it’s rare (last time was maybe 5 years ago). Don’t gamble, don’t smoke, or care for hookers so it’s almost pointless for me. Also, one could easily blow $1,500-2,000 there in a single weekend. I’d rather spend that money traveling to Europe or Asia for a week or two.

[PshhhhhMW]

Originally Posted by pgviper

Recently went (end of November) and found it interesting. I do agree that the highlights were the food, shows (saw O which was incredible) and people watching lol.

In the same vein, the people watching was a bit sad. I think the day club scene would be a great time but time of year clearly prohibited that. The night club scene was madness, unable to get in anywhere. There's clearly a way to navigate that scene that I just don't know about.

The main thing that irritated me was purely how insanely expensive EVERYTHING was. It got to the point where I just couldn't stomach buying even a bottle of water. I spoke with some locals and they were telling me that prices have skyrocketed in recent years. I think this is a response to the fact people have money to spend. Unfortunately I don't think i'll be going back.

It's definitely a lot more expensive lately. The biggest change I thought was the most ridiculous was charging for self parking.

Originally Posted by P1et

food is average at best.

That seems to be the theme at any party-oriented destination I've been to lately; South Beach, Mykonos, Vegas, etc. The only good eat spots are complete dives, far away from all the action, but have awesome/reasonably priced food.

Vegas used to be so much fun when it was more affordable to go. ~8 years ago it was stupid simple to book a 4 night trip w/ round trip flights included through Southwest Vacations from Baltimore for less than $400/person...literaly a no-brainer. Now, as someone mentioned, it costs just as much to go to Europe for a week, so unless you're within driving distance, etc. it's a tough pill to swallow.

They charge for self-parking now?! That's so stupid.

Also, as someone mentioned, the air is definitely dry there so invest in a tiny/portable humidifier...best purchase I made in a while.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

I have a lifelong friend that's a bigwig in Vegas so I always have fun there. That being said I can't say I'm a fan. I hate gambling; and it's much more materialistic than NYC.

[qba335i]

Nashville > Vegas

I love girls in daisy dukes or summer dresses matched with boots.

I had my fun time in Vegas, but I can honestly do the same stuff in Chicago.