pre-Love Restaurant for group

We have decided that we will see Love as part of my parents 50th anniversary celebration. We were going to eat at Rosemary%26#39;s the same night, but since we need to hit the early show, we%26#39;ll save Rosemary%26#39;s for another night when we don%26#39;t have to rush.

Now we need a restaurant in, or close to, the Mirage that could accomodate our large group of up to 15 people. We are looking for something mid-range in price, appropriate for an early dinner, and walking distance from the Love venue.

pre-Love Restaurant for group

Why don%26#39;t you have a late lunch or a snack and eat after the show? There are a number of places next door at Caesar%26#39;s and you could have a leisurely meal. If you are going to the 7:30 show of LOVE, you will really need to eat by 5:00 or 5:30 with that many people.

Another idea and I don%26#39;t know how large the limo is but you could go to Casa DiAmore and have their limo pick you up.

pre-Love Restaurant for group

Does anyone know what time we would get out of Love? I thought of dinner after the show, but we have seniors in our group who are used to earlier bed times (even in Vegas!).

I usually do not have a special dinner before shows - rather we eat quick and casual and save special restaurants for other nights. with the time zone changes for us we don%26#39;t want eat big meals after shows. so cheap, like grand lux at The V suits us fine.

I would suggest dining at either your property OR at The Mirage - no wasted time going to yet another location. So pick the property that has the best casual dining you like. CPK can be quick - it is so ordinary, as I%26#39;m guessing you know if from CA.

Why not ask your seniors (TY!) what they prefer - show them the choices on the websites if they aren%26#39;t familiar with them - surely they%26#39;ll tell you what they like

I think your right....no nice dinner on show night. We%26#39;ll pick something casual near the Mirage. CPK would be okay, but we have one down the street.

I am trying to plan all of this as a surprise for my parents, so I won%26#39;t ask their opinion...but I do know what they like!

I meant ';you%26#39;re'; right .....sorry.

Caribe Cafe in the Mirage is open 24 hrs. and is a good place to grab a bite pre or post show. We are the types who like to get a late bite. Caribe has a good variety and is a comfortable setting. Love is a very exciting and up-beat show, so you might be reved up for a little snack.

aliso.....you asked what time you%26#39;d get out of Love. The show is about 90 minutes in length....but I have to warn you that it can take a good 10 minutes or more to exit the theater following the show!!! For whatever reason, this is the one theater in Vegas where everyone seem to get crammed and stuck while exiting!!! If anyone in your group is claustrophobic or doesn%26#39;t like being in a crowd, I%26#39;d suggest hanging back a few minutes before you exit the theater!

It is an amazing, brilliant show....I';ve seen it twice now and absolutely loved it!! A great idea to help your parents celebrate their special day! =)

Harrah%26#39;s has the Range Steakhouse with a view of the strip. The steaks are very good as well as their seafood. They some other items also available their and it is across the street from the Mirage. You can check out their menu on the website of Harrahs which is www.harrahs.com

Horse & Rider Magazine

Does anyone know where I can buy Horse %26amp; Rider Magazine, either Downtown or on the Strip?

I want to buy the November issue.

I will be in Las Vegas next week and would rather buy it there than here in Vancouver because I don%26#39;t feel like paying the extra $2 we are charged here in Canada.

Thanks!

Horse %26amp; Rider Magazine

Contact these tack stores (several in LV) and see if they have it.

www.tackshops.us/nevada.htm

Horse %26amp; Rider Magazine

you gotta laugh

Look at the airport on your way home. The newsstand near the Terminal D gates has an extensive selection of magazines. I know they carry Western Horseman - not sure about Horse and Rider, though.

Probably the bookstore Fashion Show mall will have one, too. Barnes and Noble carries that title, along with about 10 other equestrian themed titles, but I don%26#39;t think there is one within an easy distance of the strip or downtown.

Thanks for the responses. Doesn%26#39;t look like a sure thing although the Tack Directory is pretty cool!

remedy blackheads

Prescription medicine carry-ons

I have my usual vitamins and a couple of prescriptions that I plan to take with me on my trip. One of them is a pain medicine and I no longer have coverage by the doctor who prescribed them. Do I need to get the original prescription, or will they be fine as long as I keep them in the original container? My pharmacist also allowed me to have the non-generic brand as they were out of generics. Do I need to bring any sort of note on my trip?

Prescription medicine carry-ons

www.tsa.gov

Prescription medicine carry-ons

Thank you. :)

Besides the offical website posted by previous poster, here%26#39;s the practical tips.

Keep your prescription medicine in original container with the pharmacy label on it, you will be fine. TSA people will not care or bother to check with your doctor whether you still have coverage with him. Same with Brand or generic, they are not pharmacists, probably wont be knowledgeable enough to discern the difference, so a note is not necessary. The pharmacy label on your bottle is sufficient.

OTC (over the counter) medications such as vitamins and such, again if in original containers will lessen the chance of TSA people wondering what they are (if taken out of container %26amp; put in one of those weekly pill boxes) since then the pills may not be easily identifiable. They may question you especially if a large amount is carried (both non-Rx and prescription). That falls under transportation of perhaps illegal drugs rather than security issue.

Injectables (insulin, hormones etc) which involved needles if you dont have prescription labels ask the pharmacist to give you a copy of the original prescriptions to carry with you.

Overall, I think TSA have done these screenings for a few years now and they understand many travelers do carry medicine with them on board (rather than checking them in); they are pretty fair about it unless something is totally out of the ordinary.

i just took a whole bag of pills ..vitamins , meds etc in origanal container no prob..carried it right on do not take the chance of losing your meds,that could ruin your trip.....

yes, the TSA website says it all.

There is NO need to be concerned with TSA and meds if they are in pill form. TSA is concerned with the ';liquids, aerosols, gels, etc'; products. no pharmacists, no notes, just carry-on what you need. If you do have a medicine in one of the monitored forms just be sure to mention it to the TSA staff when you get to the scanner area - they do NOT counbt towrds your 3-1-1 limits.

Agree with others...also Hefty brand makes quart-size, zip lock bags to use for carry-on items. I am sure there are other companies who also sell them, but it caught my eye since they were in the section of our store where we can purchase items in small ounce quantities as required by TSA. I think they came in a pink box and had a picture of an airplane on the box.

just put ;em in your pocket or in your carryon. They don%26#39;t bother to check. pills

BTW the suggestion earlier is applicable not only in U.S. but most other countries as well. Remember TSA is not the world standard, other countries may well have a slightly different rules on how they viewed medicines. Having the prescriptions labels on minimized unnecessary questions.

And this is info gleaned from dealing with many travelers who had travelled many different countries.

renting vespas-las vegas

has anyone done this? there was a brief mention in our local paper and it sounded fun

renting vespas-las vegas

Las Vegas Blvd is the last place I%26#39;d want to be riding a moped.

renting vespas-las vegas

We did it! I had a ball. We went as far as the Red Rock Canyon sign. Then we went all throughout the neighborhoods, the houses are so different from where we come from. Then we went (I think ) it was Industrial Road over towards the Silverton, and it was a hot windy day and we got outta there quick because when you would pass a big semi or work truck, it would kick up rocks etc. from the desert floor. I loved zipping all over the place, we went in and out of so many casino%26#39;s that day. It IS expensive though, I know the one time we took them for 24 hours, so from 12 noon till noon the next day, and I think we paid over 300.00 after insurance etc. We comforted ourselves, and convinced ourselves that it was probably cheaper getting out of the casino%26#39;s and driving those things around. Anyway it is a nice memory for me, they took our picture and the background is just beautiful. I would love to do it again, just not in July, sitting on a bike on paved road and pulling up next to a bus with all the exhaust etc. it was the July that it was already about 110 degrees. If you have extra money,, I say do it!! Course you are writing from beautiful CA and already get to enjoy beautiful scenery daily!!

Do you have to use a quilt in the cot bed

Strip Helicopter ride

We want to dfo the strip helicopter ride at XMas we dont want to be oicked up we want to drive to the airport and want to fly from the Heliport at McCarran not at Boulder. Does anyone have the name of the compnay that operates out of there ?

Cheers

Strip Helicopter ride

Heli USA.

I think there%26#39;s one other as well but I don%26#39;t know their name.

Strip Helicopter ride

We used Heli USA when we did on 8/11/07. It was over very quickly but was a good view of the strip.

THanks very much

Batali's Restaurants at the Venetian.

Hi, I was wondering if any of you have eaten at either of Mario Batali%26#39;s restaurants. If so, any thoughts (good or bad)? Thanks!

Batali's Restaurants at the Venetian.

I at at the Enoteca and it was terrific.

Batali's Restaurants at the Venetian.

Obviously, I meant ate.

I also ate at Enoteca and found it to be one of the best meals we had while in Vegas - I would highly recommend this spot! For some reason it has gotten slammed in the reviews, however, I question how honest many of them are.

If you like Italian Italian food (as opposed to American Italian) - this is an excellent choice. Great menu of house cured meats, cheeses, veggies/olives, as well as fantastic pizza (the clam pizza has clams in the shell on it!), and we loved the pasta we got.

Enoteca was really good- a little noisy due to it%26#39;s location but I was expecting that. The cheese is wonderfu; and they have a nice wine list. The prices are far better than one would expect for a strip restaurant.

Another thumbs up for Enoteca. I was very pleased with the quality of the food and service there. As ChiTownTourist said, this is real Italian fare, not the drenched-in-marinara Italian-American food most Americans are used to. Very rich and flavorful.

I also agree it can be loud depending on what is going on in St. Mark%26#39;s Square.

That%26#39;s good news. I am actually Italian-American and I loved all of the food I ate in Italy (I have a soft spot for the Italian-American stuff, too!). I can%26#39;t wait to go back to Vegas to try out Batali%26#39;s restaurants. Thanks for the opinions!

Echo, thanks for posting this question. I am go glad Mario has restaurants in Vegas. At least he doesn%26#39;t have a pompos personality like another one that will remain un-named.

Anyway, I appreciate the comments from you other posters too...

Stratton, JackandSally, Chitown and Damama...thanks guys!

Day trips away from vegas

Hey, I am going to be in Vegas for a few days in December and I am thinking about renting a car for a day and doing a sightseeing daytrip somewhere outside the city.

Any ideas or advice?

Thanks.

Day trips away from vegas

Let%26#39;s see here;

Laughlin

Lake Havasu

Hoover Dam

Mesquite

Mt. Charleston

Red Rock

Valley of Fire

Those ideas will get you started.

Day trips away from vegas

Going to the Valley of Fire in a rented convertible would be fun.

Definitely go to Hoover Dam/Lake Mead/Valley of Fire. VOF has sandstone formations that are simply stunning. They will take your breath away. You can just drive from formation to formation but to really apprecaite its beauty you should hike on some of the trails- some of them are short. Just bring plenty of water and wear closed shoes. You can bring food and eat in its picnic area. To me this is a ';must see'; day trip out of Vegas.

http://parks.nv.gov/vf.htm

Red Rock Canyon is another nice place but not nearly as great as VOF. It has a 13 mile loop you can drive on with pull off points so you can get out of the car. It also has hiking trails. It is a favorite with rock climbers. But after VOF- RRC will be a disappointment. I would defnitely suggest VOF first.

Mt. Charleston is nice but it is usually about 20/30 degrees colder than Vegas. It is great in the summer but you taking a risk of running into a snowstorm in the winter. You might even need chains of 4 wheel drive to get all the to the top.In fact-there is a skiing and snowboarding resort up there in the winter. I don%26#39;t know about you but I don%26#39;t go to Vegas to see snow- more like to get away from snow- especially after yesterday%26#39;s snow in Jersey!

';Let%26#39;s see here;

Laughlin - Nothing but casinos and a small outlet mall, save your time, do that isn Vegas.

Lake Havasu - Only worth seeing during Spring Break

Hoover Dam - Well worth the time, best seen at night. Drive on into AZ about 20 miles and then down the dirt road to Willow Beach and you can dip your toes into the Colorado River.

Mesquite - Same as Laughlin without the outlet mall. Heaven if you%26#39;re a golfer.

Mt. Charleston - Very nice after a snowfall.

Red Rock - Lots of red rock formations, on a good day you%26#39;ll see wild horses.

Valley of Fire - Better than Red Rock.

Those ideas will get you started.';

Zion Nat%26#39;l Park in Southern Utah. Well worth the 3 hour drive from Las Vegas. Park in Sprindale and take the tram into the park.

Take a drive around Lake Mead%26#39;s shore, try to figure out what creatures are being kept off the road by the 1 foot tall fence that borders the road.

You can also do Death Valley if you want to do a full day.

I agree with VOF we went there last month and the formations are spectacular.

We stopped off for a picnic in one for the areas and was soon greeted by lots of friends. See the picture below

…photobucket.com/albums/…LasVegas2007139.jpg

I have done all of those trips. My first choice would be Valley of Fire and Hoover Dam. They can be done on the same trip. Second choice would be Death Valley. Don%26#39;t try to do the Grand Canyon in one day, particularly in December when the hours of sunlight are the shortest.

Las Vegas December 08 with two girls 9 and 11

I%26#39;m in Perth Western Australia and travelling to the US the end of next year and will be in Vegas with the kids in early December 2008.

Where would people recommend to stay that would be fun for the klids (I%26#39;m not that interested in gambling but would like to stay on the strip if possible).

Thanks in advance.

Las Vegas December 08 with two girls 9 and 11

Hi Nickoff - many people on this forum will possibly give you a hard time about taking kids to Vegas - even though you mention you%26#39;re not interested in gambling. I suggest doing a search for kids in this forum. Many of the results will suggest Circus Circus, however it is not rated very highly in the reviews or in the opinion of many that may reply. It does have quite a large amusement park built in.

Another option, so I%26#39;ve read, is to stay slightly off stip, in more of a unit type accom which would have not casinos for the kids to be exposed to - unlike the casinos in Australia, in most hotels in LV you need to walk through a smoky casino floor to get to the rooms.

Las Vegas December 08 with two girls 9 and 11

Just to clarify, the reason why everyone jumps on people who take kids to Vegas is not the fact that the parents are gambling.

While that adds to the issue, the real issue is exposing children to the entire Las Vegas environment, e.g. other people who are gambling, smoking, sexing it up, and drinking.

I take my kids to Vegas every year and they love it (6 %26amp; 9).

Dec is cold so with pool not important my kids love Excalibur for its games( like sideshow alley at the Perth Royal Show) downstairs and Circus Circus for its games and adventure dome.

Excalibur a better location as its closer to a number of other hotels with things to see with the kids.

Ledj

QUESTION%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; Why are you comming to Vwgas with 2 kids, if, you are not a gambler?????

Time better spent at Disney world, San Diego zoo,

I am among those who feel that Vegas is a less than ideal destination for children and I would encourage you to reconsider your itinerary in that regard. If you decide to keep Vegas, I would recommend an off-strip hotel such as Orleans which is a little more oriented towards families.

Forget the naysayers, my bet is the Excalibur-Tower II-think this is the one with the pool entrance, you go down the elevator to bottom and you are at the pool. It is heated in the winter so its a free attraction. Also there is Mt. Charleston-need a cr--its 25 miles or so oout north-it has pines, free sledding-take some card board or a saucer/trash can lid maybe. At any rate its a lot of free fun-we always meet alot of locals and tourist families-makes a great 1/2 day away from the strip. Hit a magic show-Lance Burton or MacKing-both are family friendly.Recomend a rent car becasue you can skip alot of the local ';color';like tha panhandlers/porn guys etc. You just valet everywhere and tip them $1-$2 when you pick up the car. There is the Adventuredome at Circus Circus it has rides in a climate controlled area, there are many more things to do porbably more than you%26#39;ll have the time and energy to do, have fun..

There are far better places in the USA fo do whatever you plan to do with your kids in Vegas - shop, rides, animal attractions, parks.

Lmao Patron.

Thanks for all the advise.

Going to Vegas is only part of a longer US visit starting in Hawaii, LA (Disney, Universal etc) through Vegas (Grand Canyon possibly) on our way to spending a white Xmas 2009 with friends in Wisconsin (we don%26#39;t get snow in Western Australia). We also hope to get to New York in the new year and return to Oz via San Fransico.

It was over 15 years ago the last time I was in Vegas and I just thought that it would be great experience to show the bright lights to the kids. As some have pointed, I guess we will be playing dodge with some of the seedier aspects of Sin City but at the same time there must be some fantastic things to see and do for kids.

I%26#39;ll check out Excalliber and Circus Circus and, as suggested, some off strip accomodation. Once again, thanks for all the advice.

Excalibur, Luxor, NYNY or MGM would all be good choices if you are bringing children. I took my kids (ages 8, 11 %26amp; 16) to Las Vegas last Spring and they had a terrific time. See the Forum Shoppes at Caesars, the Stratosphere tower, Manhattan Express Roller Coaster, MGM Lion Habitat, Secret Garden of Seigfried and Roy, the Venetian, Red Rock Canyon, etc.

Fun places to eat with kids include Rainforest Cafe in MGM, Margaritaville at the Flamingo, Cheesecake Factory in the Forum Shoppes, the Brew Pub at Monte Carlo, and Fatburger or In%26amp;Out, to name a few.

Kids can appreciate places that don%26#39;t include a clown, video games or a ball pit. Just make sure you keep it focused on the kids. People who try to have an ';adult'; vacation with the kids in tow wind up making themselves and their kids miserable.

remedy blackheads

';O'; questions

Has anyone recently done the ';O'; Show and Pre-Theatre Dinner Package? If so, you thoughts please. My friend and I are considering the dinner package with Fix. Also, does anyone know how far out they sell tickets - is it always 3 months, or will they be releasing a block of dates soon?

';O'; questions

15m......I just saw O this past May....great show! I didn%26#39;t do the dinner package thing, but Fix seems to get good reveiws on here.

Tickets are usually 3 months out....for O I%26#39;d say to sit either in the Loggia (great seats and it%26#39;s like your own little row...this is where we sat)...or anywhere in the 200 section would be good.

Even if you decide to skip the dinner part, the show itself is fantastic!!

';O'; questions

15m

Planning your next trip? I am hoping to see Elton John when we go out in March. Just waiting for a drop in air fare. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Deb

15m just my opinion but I saw O a few years ago and hated it. The music drove me crazy. I couldn%26#39;t wait to get out of there. Most people love it.

Saw O in Oct and I who bitched for 3 months about the price we paid ($330) for 2 people now understand how they charge that much per person. Fabulous. Wow. Don%26#39;t know how to express this.

Sher

Thanks everyone. I%26#39;ve never been to a Cirque show, husband won%26#39;t go, so my friend and I are planning ahead. She%26#39;s been to Mystere. I%26#39;ll keep watching for tickets but I guess I%26#39;ll have to wait at least a month.

';O'; is wonderful IMHO. We have seen it twice. Once from the ';wet seats'; and once from mid-theater. I loved both views but they were very different. Mid-theater gave you a more complete view of all the action.

Dining at Fix and ';O'; sounds like a winner to me!

xp

international driving license? how to?

how can I drive in USA if i only own a driving license from my own country? Do i have to convert to International license?

international driving license? how to?

Hi

For people visiting from the UK all we need is our driving licence, not an international. I think your licence must be written in english.

Clive

international driving license? how to?

In UK the AA now recommend taking an International Drivers Permit.

This is not a replacement but a one year add on from selected main post offices or AA.

Big PITA

Got one last year but never asked for it

How good or Bad is Circus Circus TWR Room?

I found a good package to Vegas staying on the strip at Circus Circus.

My main concerns are cleanliness and ease of transportation.

How good is Circus Circus for a tower room?

How good or Bad is Circus Circus TWR Room?

I have never stayed at circus circus but did go there i saw alot of kids in the casino area and the casino had a very stale smell and the casino is not on the main strip

How good or Bad is Circus Circus TWR Room?

My suggestion is that if all you can afford is Circus Circus, wait until you can afford better. The carfare to the strip will eat up any savings.

%26lt;shut up...Spike%26gt;

I cant comment on the room, but when I was there in Sept, i found the Casino and Adventuredome to be pretty depressing. The place just isnt kept terribly well, the people dont seem to thrilled to be working there, and the adventure dome was really shoddy (that goes for the whole place, really). It just isnt ';nice.';

But, if all you plan on doing there is sleeping, then i doubt youll have many complaints. Just keep in mind it really isnt close to anything and itll take time and money to get to the best of the strip.

I%26#39;m confused I guess- how is the Circus Circus Casino not on the Strip- or am I misreading what was said? maybe too much wine with lunch today- a celebratory lunch I might add- just found out we are cruising the Greek Isles in May!!

At any rate, I%26#39;ve never stayed in Circus Circus, but when I did go in the casino once or twice ( before deciding not to anymore) I think I entered from Las Vegas Blvd.. didn%26#39;t I ?

I can think of lots of reasons not to stay there- but the location is not all that bad IMHO- really not so far from the much touted Wynn ( geographically speaking - not in any other way of course...)

What would you choose then....

The Sahara or the Riviera instead?

Neither of those .

Try Bally%26#39;s , Bills ,Luxor ~ all have better locale and safer.

You can stay better places for less (or around the same) dollars than CC. Luxor, Bill%26#39;s, Bally%26#39;s, Flamingo all come to mind.

Try to book elsewhere if possible.

This doesn%26#39;t mean you won%26#39;t have a great trip if you stay at CC. I just think you don%26#39;t get very much for your money there.

I am on a tight bugdet and trying to do the entire trip (airfare and hotel) for under $300 bucks from SFO or OAK if possible.

stayed at cc. i had no complaints about the rooms.in-room safes,nice size bathroom. price was nice. but there are a lot of kids,kids,kids,and parents that are not controlling their kids. it is on the strip. have fun--you won%26#39;t be in the room very much,anyways.

Advice on how to reclaim taxes paid

We were in a casino in New Mexico last week and I hit a little jackpot for $1,485. They took over $500 taxes from me right there at the casino and gave me a receipt for the payment. How do Canadians reclaim the tax that is paid in the US? I have heard of a couple of ways, but am looking for the simplest and easiest method. I found a form on the IRS website for an ITIN which I am applying for. I suppose this question has been asked in the past but as you can see, I am a new poster.

Any help would be appreciated.

Advice on how to reclaim taxes paid

www.irs.gov

as you have already found the website - call or e-mail the IRS if you need more help. it is not necessary to pay a third party a % to do thgis for you - many companies offer this service - it is easy and you save the fee these companies charge

if there is a US Embassy near you they could also offer help - although a phone will get you clear and concise instructions.

Advice on how to reclaim taxes paid

Found this info. Form is on www.irs.gov site.

Canadian Tax Treaty

Gambling winnings of Canadian residents are subject to NRA withholding at 30% on the gross proceeds from gambling won in the United States. However, Article XXII of the Canada - U.S. Income tax treaty entitles residents of Canada who are taxable by the United States on gains from wagering transactions to deduct U.S. source losses from U.S. source wagering transactions. Canadian residents should file Form 1040NR to obtain a refund of U.S. taxes withheld from the gambling winnings, if applicable.

I am from Toronto. When I won my ';Jackpot'; in Vegas they deducted the $ and gave me the W5 (?) slip for tax purposes. I used the firm ';Refund management';

www.refundmanagement.com

1 888 272 5559

I too felt threatened by all the IRS forms. I did pay a small fee (can%26#39;t remember how much) But, if they wouldn%26#39;t have helped me I would not have even attempted it on my own. Somethings better than nothing.

I would be careful dealing with companies that promise to get your withholdings back. I have seen a couple of them and both just fabricated your losses in order to get the winnings back. In once case they didn%26#39;t even bother to ask if money was lost that would offset the win.

I can%26#39;t say anything about this specific company but I would just be sure to not allow anything to be filed on my behalf that I knew wasn%26#39;t correct.

The best thing you can do, especially as a slot player, is get the casino to give you a win/loss report which is almost always possible if you were playing on a player%26#39;s card. Provided you actually did lose more money than you won in the year you%26#39;ll get the refund no problem.

I always keep a log of my gambling when in Vegas, I%26#39;ve never won anything that would have been subject to withholdings so I%26#39;ve never had to find out if that would satisfy the IRS. Basically if they ask for something to substantiate your losses and you can%26#39;t come up with something you won%26#39;t get the money.

What%26#39;s your risk of having them ask for proof? Probably not very likely as I doubt the IRS is going to scrutinize $500 but there is always the possibility that they will and you will be SOL. I would certainly not want to have a tax return with fabricated losses filed in my name in that case.

Semanj,

Sorry, I don%26#39;t understand, how did they fabricate the losses if you have to submit the (I think it W5?-T5? form) from the casino to actually put in the claim? I don%26#39;t think grannytosix is speaking of her wins/losses but the actually money that was deducted from her win, at that time.

The only way to get money deducted from your win back is to show that over the course of the year you actually lost more money gambling in the US than you won. So granny won $1,485 on that jackpot. The US still has the right to tax that income and will keep the $500 unless she can prove that she lost at least $1,485 somewhere else. That way her gambling income would be $0 or less and the US would have no income to tax. If they have no income to tax, they%26#39;ll refund the $500.

I%26#39;ve seen a couple of these gambling refund companies simply slap some made up number for your gambling losses on a tax refund and then request the refund. You need bona fide losses in order to legitimately claim the refund, however. For example, if the $1,485 win was the only time granny gambled in the US, she isn%26#39;t likely to see a penny of that $500 withheld.

Semanj550

Sorry, must have been a long day for me but, when you win over $1200 on a single jackpot the US government automatically deductes 30 % from you winnings (on the spot). This amount is fully refundable to us as Canadians (but, if we can%26#39;t fill out the forms you pay someone to do it ). we can get reimbursed.

Nope, not automatically fully refundable. See the following:

irs.gov/businesses/鈥?0.html

Namely the following:

';Gambling winnings of Canadian residents are subject to NRA withholding at 30% on the gross proceeds from gambling won in the United States. However, Article XXII of the Canada - U.S. Income tax treaty entitles residents of Canada who are taxable by the United States on gains from wagering transactions to deduct U.S. source losses from U.S. source wagering transactions. Canadian residents should file Form 1040NR to obtain a refund of U.S. taxes withheld from the gambling winnings, if applicable.';

granny - hopefully the above posts will convince you to CONTACT THE IRS as they are THE experts on all things to do with US taxes.

Do NOT listen to anyone but the IRS.

for clarification - you did not ';pay taxes'; you had money witheld - a huge difference. The IRS will help you.

lol...I just realized that that exact paragraph I quoted was already quoted previously in this thread.

GO Luxury or GO deluxe?

I am booking our comped rooms at Flamingo but reading about both rooms they sound the same....which is better? Thanks

GO Luxury or GO deluxe?

The one word that is in the description of Luxury as opposed to the Deluxe is the word: VIEW.....the GO LUXURY has a view.....highly worth it! I%26#39;m GO Luxury December 6 and 7th! CAN%26#39;T WAIT!

GO Luxury or GO deluxe?

Texas Teejay is totally correct.

Luxury is a strip view. That the kind of room I%26#39;ll have in Jan. 4-8.

Very nice room, very very comfy beds.

Oh ok I missed that somehow......thankyou very much! February come quick! :-)

WOW, luxury.

look out and see Caesars across the street.

Can You see clearly down the strip to MGM?

Can you see clearly up the strip to the Palazzo?

Are you in Vegas to see the buildings out a window or have a good time.

Ask for high floor room, FACING the East for the SUNRISE with a cup of fresh coffee.

Thats LUXURY.

I will be staying in Go Luxury in December. I stayed in a regular GO room last December and it was swanky. I DO like a good view, so looking forward to this next trip even more. Hope my 9pm arrival doesn%26#39;t create a problem.

Luxury it will be thanks everyone!

Teejay - will be anxiously awaiting your TR from Flamingo. We%26#39;ll be headed there Jan. 2-5. We have a comp deal through Total Rewards, getting the week-day nights free, then we%26#39;re paying for the Friday night. We%26#39;ll do that uncomfortable dance of seeing what, if any, voluntary upgrade we get ... and if we don%26#39;t get anything we%26#39;ll be prepared to pay some extra for an upgrade. Since we%26#39;re not Vegas virgins, I don%26#39;t know if the view means a whole lot to us - but then again, if it%26#39;s right on top and facing the Bellagio fountains and Caesars, that%26#39;s hard to beat. I guess it%26#39;s all in the eye of the beholder (or the eye of the beer-holder, depending on the time of day). Reviews are so mixed here about the standard Deluxe rooms and how filthy and out-dated they are, or how adequate and comfortable they are. I guess it depends on how high- or low-maintenance the guest is.

Always good to hear feedback of any kind.

Hey, Fletch! I%26#39;m wishing I were in Vegas RIGHT NOW! I%26#39;m getting so excited and 15 more sleeps just can%26#39;t come soon enough!! I%26#39;ll write a TR, of course!

I%26#39;ve never had a bad or dirty room at the Flamingo and have stayed in both Deluxe or GO rooms. If you find you room not to your liking for whatever reason you might want to ask the front desk for something different. They want their guest to have an enjoyable stay and develop ';casino loyalty'; . I hope you have the time of your life !!!!

How often do most people go to Vegas??

We like to go every five or six months..usually wait for comped rooms and just pay for air...

How often do most people go to Vegas??

meant to say..how often do you go to Vegas...just curious

How often do most people go to Vegas??

I go about the same as you - every 5-6 months. Lately once a year with friend(s) an the other with my husband. Don%26#39;t ';wait'; for comped room offers at Harrahs properties though. I look up some dates and they seem to come up ';comp'; without a specific offer.

We%26#39;ve been going once a year. We can%26#39;t take the time off work to go as often as every 5-6 months. Count yourselve lucky! As for comps....We don%26#39;t gamble enough, so we pay every time.

We go about once a year. I can%26#39;t wait till the day we can take off and just go.

After spending about 3 months in Vegas per year for 7 years-I no longer feel the need to go very often. After those 7 years I went 2 to 4 times a year for as long as 13 days per trip. Now I just go for 5/7 days once or twice a year and that is enough.

We started out at once a year and have been up to 2X for the last three yrs.

Usually twice a year but last year we went 3 and this year we are going for the first time in Dec. Too many Mexico trips!

Just by accident, it has been every 10 months for the last 4 trips. We are hoping to go back in Sept, which coincidently, will be in 10 months since we leave this Sunday!

Well, it started out to be twice a year, then 3 times, but next week%26#39;s trip will make the 4th in a year. Good thing I get 5 weeks vacation per year.

It used to be once a year when the kids were smaller. Now dh and I go three times..and I go with friends at least three times..cha cha cha

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addicted to brazilian waxing

Coupons and American Casino Guide

I just got the 2008 guide. I am not pleased that the coupons are not perforated from each other and from the book. What a pain!! I guess I am getting out the scissors before my trip to LV.

Coupons and American Casino Guide

Just don%26#39;t pack them in your carry on bag. That%26#39;s the scissors, not your coupons.

Coupons and American Casino Guide

If they are the small scissors and not pointed you can carry them on. I did last time and no problem with it, my husband was shocked, he kept telling me that they wouldn%26#39;t let me go through with them. He was wrong.

very good idea! i might just precut them tonight before I leave.

ACG%26#39;s coupons have never been preforated in my experience. Very silly thing to get annoyed over.

Ok be like me and get coupon OCD and cut them out, then group them in different envelopes for the days you plan on using them. Seriously my sister and I went out to lunch a few weeks before going last time and did this. We had 2 books and had swapped multi coupons with other people and organized them all neatly.

I love coupons!!!!! My guide is on its way they shipped it out yesterday I cannot wait to get my hands on it!!!!

THE ACG cuopons do not need to be in the book when you bring them to Vegas. The POV coupons are the ones that cannot be detatched from the book when using them.

You can cut out the ACG coupons and leave the rest of the heavy book at home. Be sure to cut out and bring the ACG ';membership'; card thing too. I%26#39;ve never been asked for it, but you%26#39;re supposed to have it with you when you use the coupons.

Today's the Day!!

Greetings!

My long-awaited trip to Vegas is here! We head out from Ft. Lauderdale tonight and arrive in Vegas just before 11 PM. Hopefully we%26#39;ll get some sleep on the plane, because I know we%26#39;ll want to play when we get there. I%26#39;ve been practicing up on my blackjack for weeks, and pretty much know the charts by heart. Whether Lady Luck smiles on me remains to be seen.

Thank you for all your informative, humorous posts these past several weeks. I%26#39;ve learned so much from you guys.

Take care and Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's the Day!!

I%26#39;ll be there today also, we get in around 8:30 Vegas time. I plan on a couple of drinks on the plane to help with the sleep!!! I want to hit the tables running as soon as we get to the hotel.

Today's the Day!!

Hope you both have a great time and good luck, dont forget your TRs when you get back.

Good luck folks. Have a great trip!!!

Will watch to see how you made out.

LP

Have a happy turkey day and a lucky trip.

GOOD LUCK!!! And please have patience with the poor airline and TSA people at the airport.

Have a GREAT time. We leave next Wednesday. Hope to read a trip report before then !!!

1 week stay: 1 or 3 Hotels??

We%26#39;ll be in Vegas around X-mas (our 2nd time) and i%26#39;m wondering if we should stay at 1 hotel or move around a bit.

We won%26#39;t be renting a car and we%26#39;ll be taking a cab or walking everywhere. We%26#39;re in our mid-thirties and I think that 1 week in the same place is too long. But my husband doesn%26#39;t want to move around too much.

I was thinking of TI for 2 nights, then Bally%26#39;s for 3 and maybe MGM for the last 2 nights.

Is that too much? what do the experts recommend?

1 week stay: 1 or 3 Hotels??

We%26#39;ve done 3 rooms in a week, but personally I would say 2 would be the ideal amount so you%26#39;re not spending a lot of time moving around.

1 week stay: 1 or 3 Hotels??

Why waste time moving from hotel to hotel if you%26#39;re just there for a week?

I don%26#39;t get it!

Its good to split yuor time you dont waste time travelling from say Luxor to TI, but one at either end of the strip is enough I owuld not do 3

I think you should pick one place you want to stay at the most

instead of moving around. We stayed at Treasure Island and

location was great. We stayed in a suite and it was luxurious.

I%26#39;m obviously not the norm on this subject but I will be in Vegas next week and staying 5 days and I%26#39;m staying in 3 hotels. I never stay more than 2 nights in one place. I love trying out new ones and try to make a new one on every trip. If your husband doesn%26#39;t like moving around than at least stay in 2 different hotels. I always rent a car so it%26#39;s easy for me to move around.

Reagrdless of whether you have a car or not, when you add up the amount of time you will spend checking in (especially if there is a line) and checking out, packing and unpacking, that is precious Vegas time that could better be spent doing something fun. I%26#39;d limit yourself to two hotels max, but for myself, I would rather pick one place and just stay there, if it meets my expectations.

HI all, I like the two hotel answers. The strip is sooo long that if you stay in one place you don%26#39;t really get to experience the whole strip. Just too long to walk down. I would stay at something like NYNY or MGM, then maybe move north to the TI or Harrahs or Wynn. DT might even be a fun place to stay if you have not stayed there befroe. One hotel for a week is just too limiting if you want to see Vegas. For just gambling and nothing else. Stay where you gamble.

Cheers,

CS

Seems like alot of people like moving around to different hotels on a stay. I%26#39;m selfish I guess, my Vegas time is too valuable to be spending time packing and unpacking,checking in and out and moving my luggage around the strip. I like finding a hotel, setting up camp and staying in it the whole trip.

If you don%26#39;t mind moving around and enjoy trying out all different hotels on a stay then you should. It%26#39;s your vacation, do what makes you happy.

Have Fun!

I wonder if this is a gender thing. I hate to change hotels.

I don%26#39;t like having to pack, check the room for overlooked items, wait for the bellman, check out, travel to the next hotel, wait in line to check-in, hang around waiting for the bags to be delivered to the new room, make sure the new room is acceptable (views of parking structures, massive A/C units near my windows, ...), unpack, call housekeeping for whatever we need, report to housekeeping or maintenance any defects I%26#39;ve discovered in the new room, etc.

I am supposed to go through all of this trouble [plus a minor expense -- figure $10 minimum for the bellmen at the two hotels, plus $5 for housekeeping for the extra towels and the extra pillows and the ...] for exactly what???

If I am getting a 4 day comp at one hotel and then a 3 day comp at another, OK, I can understand changing hotels. But there has to be a pretty good reason to switch!!

There%26#39;s nothing to pack if you don%26#39;t unpack. That%26#39;s the big waste of time. I%26#39;m not moving into the darn hotel.

Paris or Mirage?

Is there much of a difference between the Paris and the Mirage hotel? Is the fountain view at the Paris better than the strip view at the Mirage? I would appreciate anyone%26#39;s comments on the differences between the two.

Paris or Mirage?

I was underwhelmed by the strip view at Mirage and I would think a fountain view at Paris would be much nicer. Standard rooms at the two hotels are about the same size, but I am under the impression that the furnishings at paris are a bit nicer than the somewhat worn decor at Mirage. The bathrooms at Paris also have been praised a lot.

If you are coming during the warm weather months, Mirage has a beautiful pool area that hopelessly outclasses Paris. I would rate the two properties about the same in terms of location.

If a nice view and an attractively furnished room are your priorities, I would choose Paris. If you plan to spend any time at the pool, I would choose Mirage.

Paris or Mirage?

I totally agree with the view at Mirage we had a Volcano view and it was not all that I wish we hd taken the pool view.

I would highly recommend Paris the hotel is very upscale and

if you can stay there for about the same price as Mirage would

be a great deal. The rooms at Paris are nicer.

Both hotels are very nice IMHO. You can%26#39;t go wrong with either. Do you play the tables? If you do I%26#39;d pick Mirage over Paris. If you%26#39;re just a casual slot player or not really into gambling I%26#39;d take the fountain view at Paris. I like the restaurants at both places.

I%26#39;ve never stayed at the Mirage but we stay at Paris every year.

Very nice rooms and a big beautiful bathroom with stand alone shower.

Thanks to everyone for your responses - they were very helpful

I go with Paris.

We just got back from a 4 night stay at Paris. I really enjoyed the hotel and the location. We had a view of the strip and the Bellagio fountains. In addition you could see the marquee at the Panet Hollywood Hotel. If you%26#39;re a shopper it%26#39;s right next door to the Miracle Mile shops.

The food was pretty good. We opted to eat there several nights, for the convenience. The buffet I found very nice for breakfast and dinner. It%26#39;s a bit pricy, but what isn%26#39;t there.

I thought the location was great. The hotel was beautiful and the staff were very accomodating. You can catch the monorail just outside Bally%26#39;s which is adjoined to Paris.

The only experience I had with the Mirage was seeing the LOVE show there.

I would say if the prices were comparable I would choose Paris.

I%26#39;d go with Paris for location and class...

We had no strip view at the Mirage...we didn%26#39;t request it. I hear that Paris is much better for fountain views a great bathrooms...get the connection...lmao

Inexpensive accommodations in Las vegas

We are 2 women who will be required to stay overnight in Las Vegas, on route to Buffalo,. As we only have about 14 hours in Vegas, we will need an inexpensive hotel/motel room, possibly under $60.00 and with a shuttle to and from the airport. Would anyine reccommend a place to stay, that is clean!!! %26amp; close tot he strip.

Thank you

Inexpensive accommodations in Las vegas

We are 2 women who will be required to stay overnight in Las Vegas, on route to Buffalo...

You mean Buffalo, NY???? You are flying west to Vegas from Toronto then back east to Buffalo???? What airline has a connection like that?

Ok if so, you can always check the rates at Terribles...not sure if there is an airport shuttle though. No matter where you stay even if there isn%26#39;t a shuttle, you can use a taxi cab or limo for transportation although not for free.

Inexpensive accommodations in Las vegas

Would that be a shuttle off to buffalo?

for 14 hours I would not even get a room I woudl get a taxi to a strip resort get the bell boy to take the luggage and keep the slip do all the vegas things and then go back and collect my luggage.

When are you going ? Month and day of the week you may get a deal at Hooters or Tropicana dont think that they have a shuttle but you can getthe bus there though in reality a taxi wil only be about $12

I agree with Sew, I would check my luggage at a hotel and then make the most of my time in Vegas, go back and get my luggage and go to the airport. You will be surprised how quickly time passes in Vegas and how little sleep you can by with there. You can catch up on your sleep later!!

Have a fun and safe trip!

A lot of places won%26#39;t allow a friday or Saturday check in requiring you to stay both days or not at all

Hooters if a week night

Low rates, close to airport, clean rooms, in-room coffee, near a lot to see

Doubletree S of airport if weekend

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LV Marathon

We will be in LV 11/30-12/2. The LV Marathon is 12/2. Do you think this will adversely affect our trip. Should we reschedule?

LV Marathon

The marathon has a website you should be able to find if you google it. It looked like it started pretty early and would cause road closers but not all day long. You should check out the site.

LV Marathon

Thanks. I did check out the website but was curious to hear from others who might have experienced Vegas during a Marathon in the past.

I was there last year during the marathon and stayed downtown. I went down to the Strip around noon the day of and saw no evidence of the marathon at all.

That%26#39;s good to hear. Thanks for all of your help today!

I actually traveled to Vegas specifically for the Marathon in 2005. My husband was supposed to run, but due to injury he couldn%26#39;t. We were not affected by the Marathon at all, in fact the only way you would know it is going on is if you are and early riser or late crasher, in other words, if you stayed up all night. I have traveled to Vegas on other weekends and compared to those, the Marathon is nothing.

Since your last day co-incided with 12/2 marathon run, check your departure time.

South Strip will be closed between 5:30am and 7:30am. The entire route will be finished before noon. Assuming your activities most likely are hotels/casinos areas on the Strip and perhaps DT, probably you will not be affected unless you have an early plane to catch.

I will be in this marathon, but it will be too late to be of use to you then.

Again, many thanks for the responses. This is the first time I have ever joined a forum and I must say it is extremely helpful. Happy Holidays to all and good luck in the Marathon!

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Questions about TI?

What is the best/ cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel?

Do they have internet access? Is it free? Is it wireless?

I might rent a car for a few days. Do they offer free parking?

Questions about TI?

What is the best/ cheapest way to get from the airport to the hotel?

Take the bus-105 to South Strip Transfer Station, then get on the 108 or 109 north. Cab is about $13-15 .

Do they have internet access? Is it free? Is it wireless?

They do have internet but I don%26#39;t know if it%26#39;s wireless. There is a daily use fee of ??$10 ??

I might rent a car for a few days. Do they offer free parking?

Yes, there is free parking and valet parking ($3-4 tip recommended)plus they have a Dollar rental office there.

Questions about TI?

If there are two or more people just take a cab for about $15. Say NO TUNNEL to the driver.

I do know they have internet, although I do not think it was wireless and last time I stayed there it was free.

Yes the parking is free and Valet is very easy to use all you have to do is tip the valet person.

New Gamblers!

Not really big gamblers but seeing previous reviews the 1c slots look fun! are these in all casinos?? staying at the stratosphere??!!

New Gamblers!

There are some in every casino I%26#39;ve been in...sometimes it%26#39;s difficult to find one that%26#39;s not taken.

New Gamblers!

I don%26#39;t play slots, but I have seen 1c slots in every casino I%26#39;ve visited.

I would be that the Strat has them as well.

Have fun!!

';bet';...I would ';bet';.... :)

Why are you asking us if you%26#39;re staying at the Stratosphere. Don%26#39;t you know where you%26#39;re staying?

Penny slots are found in almost all the casinos. Can%26#39;t say I%26#39;ve seen them at the Wynn. But the Stratosphere certainly has them.

no didnt know they had them at strat...hence y im askin ;-)

All the big hotels have them now. Yes it can be hard to snare one when it is really busy. The bonus rounds are fun. I play max bet..sometimes up to 4 bucks a pop..and have had decent wins!..Slotto

You would have a hard time NOT finding penny slots in Vegas these days....they are everywhere!!! and they are fun!!!!

enjoy your trip

shirl%26#39;

Keep in mind there is a reason why casinos are devoting more and more floor space to slot machines. The house edge tends to be rather high (and hence the payout percentage low.) The low denomination of the machines (1c, 5c, 25c) makes people think you can play for very little money - and you can, but what you quickly discover is that all the bonuses and jackpots that win you money usually only apply when you bet ';max credits'; which is usually 5-25 times the game denomination.

I am not telling you not to play the slots, just understand how they work.

Baggage issue...

I found this to be interesting...what the NYTimes has to say about baggage not arriving with passengers.

nytimes.com/2007/鈥?/a>

Baggage issue...

i%26#39;m not taking time to read the article, if it says missing luggage is an issue - it is. of course depends on many factors such as airline, airport, traffic loads, etc

for our leisure travel carry-on only. if we need something like golf clubs or formal wear we ship it to arrive at the hotel the day before we do.

land, walk out door to transpo and off we go - no missed luggage, no delays at baggage claim and most important - if a flight is delayed/rerouted/you have opportunity to switch flights at kast minute you have your luggage with you.

Baggage issue...

One hint- if there are two people flying- each with their own check-in bag-do not put all the clothes for one person in one bag and the clothes for the other person in the other bag. Mix up the clothes in the bags. If one bag is lost you will at least have some clothes for the two of you.

Also a good tip I learned is when going as a couple.....split your stuff up 50/50 in each others suitcase that way if one gets lost you still have clothes to work with. I also bring a carry on. No system will ever be 100% so you have to do what you can to help it not ruin your vacation.

LOL VP......same thoughts here.

I found one of the best ways to reduce the chance of lost luggage is to get to the AP early. The more time the baggage handlers have to load your luggage onto the right plane, the better the chances of having your stuff when you get there. Oh, and I always check my bags at the checkin desk, or make sure that if I have to get it to the Xray machine the people working there see my luggage before I leave it with them.

This article is about issues with the bar codes on the luggage tags!!

: - %26gt;

LOL chacha.

I was merely trying to give you a link to some issues with baggage that doesn%26#39;t involve human handling.

I read it. I had never heard of this until now. Thanks for the link.

While sitting in the terminal waiting for a flight one day I was watching the baggage carts come and go. One rounded a corner too quickly and a few of the bags tumbled off. The bags were not noticed in time by the handlers to make it on the outgoing flight. When they were noticed I saw that they were put on a different plane going to the same destination. Just one of many reasons why your bag(s) may not be there when you arrive.

Most airlines will deliver your missing bags to your hotel when they do finally show up. If they are missing for more than 24 hours you%26#39;re entitled to some sort of compensation.

New Hotel??

Was looking on google earth tonight. I noticed a golf course and large building with pools just North of the Venetian. Is this a new hotel?

New Hotel??

You%26#39;re asking about either Palazzo (New hotel that is a sister property to the Venetian). Or, you live in a cave and just found out about the Wynn.

New Hotel??

thanks,,and no, I don%26#39;t live in a cave, have stayed at the Wynn..

Wynn is the only one with a golf course on the Strip, so it had to be that.

The Palazzo is between the Wynn and the Venetian...it%26#39;s scheduled to open December 20th.

But I%26#39;m thinking you%26#39;re talking about the building of the new Wynn Encore north of the Wynn:

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/wynn.htm

(Did not see any pools though, in my version of google earth)

What you were looking at had to have been Wynn. There is no golf course at Palazzo. I%26#39;m not even sure where the Palazzo pool is going to be as there is no room on the site except on the roof or in front of the building.

Clarification - the Palazzo web site says the pool deck is ';overlooking the Las Vegas Strip';, so it will be on the front side of the building.

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Irish/UK visitors - should I lock my suitcase?

Hi all just wondering if i should put a lock on my suitcase? Is it a case of looking like I have something to hide if it is locked?

Or would you take the chance and not lock it?

Thanks!

Irish/UK visitors - should I lock my suitcase?

Hi

We never lock our cases but we always put one of those luggage straps around the case to prevent burst zips etc. You should not put anything in your case of value just incase you are unfortunate enough to have your case gone through.

Clive

Irish/UK visitors - should I lock my suitcase?

Don%26#39;t lock it - if US Customs want to look inside they%26#39;ll have to force it open. I think you can buy %26#39;approved%26#39; locks at the airport that they have a pass key to.

I never lock my checked in luggage, and I%26#39;ve never had any problems...

We always lock our cases but have nothing to hide.

You shoudld not lock hold luggae to the US, I use cable ties I dont know why as you can cut them but thats what I use now

A friend in Australia works for the Customs service she told me to never lock my bags when travelling...especially the Samsonite type bags with the built in combination locks....

I haven%26#39;t locked my suitcase for about 10 years when flying....and I%26#39;ve never had anything stolen...and we have packed dvd%26#39;s, cd%26#39;s, shopping items, new clothes, shoes, books, souvineers etc, things that would be a sinch to nick...we even brought back a PS3 last year in our luggage and it has all made it just fine every trip.

If Customs or Quarantine need to get into your case for a search they WILL bust the lock, or zip or whatever it is that is preventing them from searching the contents of your bag.

There is 1 type of lock that is approved for travel to the USA which can be opened by customs and it doesnt get ruined...the name escapes me now...maybe someone else might know...but I find it easier to just leave it unlocked and ready to be searched if it needs to be. They will put a note in your suitcase saying it has been searched by Customs...I have only had 1 of these notes in the last 10 years. A large bottle of Vodka caused that problem.

Dont worry about getting your belongings nicked...its pretty unlikely to ever happen. It is better to give Customs and Quarantine free reign to search your luggage and you can be on your way...rather than have your case busted and have to deal with that.

shirl%26#39;

Here is what tsa approved locks look like:

tsa.gov/travelers/…locks.shtm

I use them often. Twice they have been removed from my luggage. There was no indication they searched my luggage but the locks were gone when I got my luggage back.

I did use them last year and security did open the suitcase. I had bottles of liquor wrapped in bubblewrap in the suitcase. The bubblewrap was slit open on all the bottles and one bottle was missing. But they did relock the locks. A paper was put in the suitcase to indicate they had searched it.

If the tsa wants to open your luggage- they will open it any way they have to. If it means they have to break the locks or even ruin your luggage- they will do it.

if you want to lock your luggage use a TSA approved lock - many different styles available from places like www.travelsmith.com and other travel websites, also ebay might have them. easy, cheap and secure

I%26#39;ve never locked my suitcases, and I never put valuables in them.

besides travelsmith here some other approved locks

masterlocktsa.com/apps/tsa/tsa-approved.jsp

The last two times I used the ';TSA approved locks,'; they were cut off by TSA. I%26#39;ve quit using them for that reason on checked luggage.

I do use them on my carry-on luggage. Of course, I remove them when I go through security. However, they do give me a sense of security from pilfering hands when I%26#39;m sitting around waiting on the plane and not paying attention to my luggage under the chair or elsewhere.

Palazzo or Mirage Tower Suite

Looks like I can sneak in a few days right before Christmas when there are some great rates. I would be able to stay at the Palazzo the very first night it is open (12/20). Or, I can get one of the great rates the Mirage is offering on their suites. The price is virtually identical. I%26#39;m think the Mirage Suite will be even more spacious, but then there is something neat about staying in a hotel the first night it is open. Any thoughts?

Palazzo or Mirage Tower Suite

Would it be more of a buzz to you to spend a night @ the Palazzo for the 1st day of its operation...in a new luxurious room and all the hooplah that will go along with it.....or have 1100sq foot of space that you probably dont need @ Mirage filled with older style furnishings and the like...

Only you can answer this question for yourself...but for me...its no question that my decision would be Palazzo...

Mirage will probably run those specials again....but theres only ever going to be 1 opening night stay @ Palazzo.

shirl%26#39;

Palazzo or Mirage Tower Suite

As far as I know, 12/20 is not the ';Grand Opening.'; I believe they call it a soft opening. They start taking guests a few days/weeks before the grand opening to work out some of the operational problems associated with a new hotel. I%26#39;m not expecting ribbon cutting and fanfares.

Please stay at the Palazzo - that way you could give us a first hand trip report afterwards. ; )

Palazzo all the way because (1) I can live vicariously through you, and (2) we stayed one night in a suite at Mirage in October and was not that impressed, especially compared to MB where we usually stay because Mirage is kind of dated now - with that in mind, Palazzo would be new and beautiful!

Have a great trip and make sure to let us all know the goings on when you get back!

I personally think being the first one to stay in a hotel would be a fun experience! No one else has ever stayed in that room before and it%26#39;s not going to ever be as clean as that first night? Besides it%26#39;s great bragging rights to stay that very first night! To me, the Venetian is a wonderful hotel, so it%26#39;s sister property would probably be that much nicer!

The only drawback is the possibility of working out the bugs. I stayed at the Bellagio very early on, and they still hadn%26#39;t gotten out all the bugs. Now it%26#39;s one of the finest properties on the strip!

Palazzo all the way baby...I am sure I will stay there sooner or later...I am just fine with the newly done suites at the Venetian in the original tower. I like to be close to the action...Slotto

newer is always better imho in Vegas. The Mirage room will be bigger, but that%26#39;s it.

I%26#39;ll buck the trend and vote for Mirage. I don%26#39;t stay at any hotel without reading reviews first. But you can%26#39;t read any reviews on Palazzo if you%26#39;re the first to stay there. Now it would be one thing if they were giving you the Palazzo room at a deep discount, but I%26#39;ve seen the rates and they are not that low. So you%26#39;re basically rolling the dice - it might be great at Palazzo or they might have a lot of bugs to work out and employees who don%26#39;t know what they%26#39;re doing. Call me unadventurous, but I like Mirage and I would rather stay there, where I know the service is good than take my chances on the unknown.

I stayed at Aladdin when it was 2 weeks old never again fire alarms going off in the middle of the night, elevators not working, room keys opening all rooms, men with drills no thanks

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Getting Mail Delivered to Hotel

Hi again, thanks in advance for help. I am having my Hatton fight tickets delivered to my hotel (NYNY) for my stay there.

Having never had anything delivered to the hotel I am not familar with the process do I need to make NYNY aware ? Do I get the mail on arrival/checkin ? - Where is it stored ? etc

Brief explanation of the process of arranging for mail to delivered and collection at a LV Hotel is much appreciated

Thanks

J

Getting Mail Delivered to Hotel

yes, make the hotel aware.

call them now and let them know that you are having tickets delivered to the hotel under your name.

when you check in, remind them again that you are waiting for a package.

i have never had mail held for me in vegas, but i have at other hotels. usually the concierge will handle it, and they often leave it up to you to periodically check on it%26#39;s arival although some hotels will deliver it to your room for you.

celine

When does Celines performances end in vegas?

Will there be shows in 2008?

celine

Last Vegas show I believe is the 15th December.

Wife has tickets for the 9th.

Those tickets are like Hen%26#39;s Teeth now so really glad she got the chance to see one of the last ones.

celine

Oh, thats too bad. I%26#39;d really like to take my wife. Maybe if she does a world tour we%26#39;ll have to plan a trip to an overseas destination.

Look up her tour dates for the upcoming 2008 world tour on pollstar.com

ok, thank you.

all info on celine%26#39;s new tour can be found here:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/celine

enjoy.

I saw her on Oprah a week or so ago and it was so good. With her new CD coming out, they said she would be on tour soon. I saw her in Vegas in Sept. and was absolutely thrilled with the show.

MGM or Luxor Spa Suite???

Currently booked at MGM (possibly West Wing room?) for $69 weekday/$79 weekend but just found a good deal for Luxor%26#39;s Pyramid Spa Suite. Should I change to Luxor? I really would like a spa tub!!!

Or any other hotel suggestions?

MGM or Luxor Spa Suite???

I woudl take the spa suite (I would also choose a Grand Tower over West Wing room) where is this deal for the Luxor as I will change my next booking if it tallys up

Cheers

MGM or Luxor Spa Suite???

Luxor is quite a step down from MGM. I would not even consider changing.

I hear what you are saying Ihave stayed at both where as MGM is a nicer property the pyramid spa suites are lovely

MGM has spa suites also and you can probably upgrade to one at checkin for about $30/night above your current rate. The advantage of the Luxor spa suites is that the spa tub is by the window so you can enjoy the view while you soak. However, you will alomst certainly pay more for the Luxor spa suite because you have to book it in advance - they are popular and tend to fill up so they often can%26#39;t upgrade you at checkin.

So if the view isn%26#39;t a big deal to you, I%26#39;d stay with MGM, otherwise, pay the extra money and get the Luxor spa suite.

I stay with MGM and upgrade.

My husband and I just got home from a trip to Vegas. We stayed at the Luxor in the west tower luxury suite. I was able to peak at a spa suite....DON';T change your booking!!! You%26#39;ll be very sorry. The spa suites are old and very worn out. Dark, dirty, and dingy are words I would use to describe the spa suites. The tower luxury suites are very nice, but some posters have stated that the linens are getting worn out and I would say that is also true. The Luxor is also far away from the main action on the strip. Good luck and have a great time.

Thanks everyone!

I am hoping maybe we will get a ';complimentary'; upgrade at the MGM since it is my bday lol ;) How is the spa suite at MGM...is the tub right in the room?

The Spa Suite at MGM is very nice! If you go to their website they have pics and room layouts. Good luck with your upgrade! I am going in March and hoping for the same.

I%26#39;ve stayed in both and to me it%26#39;s MGM all the way.

Personally I%26#39;d choose the Grand Tower room over the West Wing only because it%26#39;s 100sf larger. Not to mention has a seperate bathroom, and shower/bath.

West Wing has been redone to the new look of the MGM, and some like the look. (To be honest I haven%26#39;t stayed in a west wing room, but I always want the largest suite for my money) Check the website for pics and floor plans.

mgmgrand.com/accommodations/grand-tower-room…

Both have the newer beds and bedding.

email

souvenir

whats a cool souvenier idea that doesnt cost a lot?

souvenir

i usually bring back shot glasses with the fabulous las vegas sign on them.

it%26#39;s an iconic symbol that everyone knows and thinks of when they think vegas... and everyone uses shot glasses.

well everyone i know anyways ;)

plus they%26#39;re CHEAP. usually less than a buck each at those bargain stores on the strip.

souvenir

$1 chips from casinos that will not be there too long had Stardust, Frontier, Sands etc and every year hoping for CC

if it will not offend the person you are giving the gift to

the free cards the ';porn slappers%26#39; give out

You will not find them anywhere else but Vegas :)

I agree the $1 chips make great souvenirs. I personally also like the Vegas refrigerator magnets which can get kind of wacky. I like the ones with bottle openers the best, then you never have to search for a bottle opener again because it%26#39;s right there stuck to the fridge.

There are entire stores devoted to selling magnets in Vegas - one at the Forum Shops, one at MGM Grand, and probably a bunch more. They will usually sell you three of them for a few dollars.

Another popular souvenir item is a deck of cards that was used in actual game play at one of the casinos. These are usually available at gift shops for a coupe of bucks. Look through the packs for one that is marked with the date and table number.

How much time spent gambling.....

The time seems to fly by when we are in the casinos and find ourselves gambling anywhere from 6 to 15 hours a day *we love it*. Was wondering how much time a day was spent gambling for others?

How much time spent gambling.....

I love it too but I could never afford to gamble that long unless I was constantly winning. I like to take rather long breaks in between and spread my funds out for the duration of the trip. I probably gamble 2 - 3 hours a day playing slots. Now if I%26#39;m playing blackjack, hours can go by without realizing it and my money tends to last a lot longer.

How much time spent gambling.....

I%26#39;m with you. We typically gamble between 10 - 15 hours a day...usually winning enough to keep us playing within our budget for the day.

I%26#39;d say 3-4 hours tops, and that%26#39;s not all in one sitting. We have too much stuff to see in Vegas to sit in the casinos all day!

For me 10 - 15 hours also. I will play table games mostly and play some slots early in the morning or very late at night. For the most part I am playing craps until my feet and back just plain give out.

Like the others have said...it depends if we are winning. I would like to gamble 10 hours or so a day, but I usually don%26#39;t win enough to allow myself that much playing time.

Mr. Ducky can sit at a table for 4-6 hours but says it makes his back too stiff.

Around 10 hours... but we gamble in between anything! between a show or waiting for a dinner reservation we will have little 1 hour spurts. The longest was 10-12 hours and I didn%26#39;t even notice how much time had gone by until we left by taxi at 8am.

we only gamble after dinner..during the day..by the pool or shopping...so about 6 hours...

Gambling is why I go to Vegas. I just went to the Fashion Show Mall on my last trip for the first time.

I usually spend from 10am to 6pm at Bill%26#39;s Bar and then from 6pm until whenever at the Partytime Bar.

I must be getting older because the last trip I was moving a little slower in the morning and didn%26#39;t make to to Bill%26#39;s until at least noon. I love VP.

I%26#39;m with the Varment on this one. If I%26#39;m playing the slots my money goes real quick. If I want to slow it down, I go play Blackjack.

I try to play more BJ during the day when I can think clearer. (Meaning I%26#39;m not drunk yet). I%26#39;ll play slots for a couple of hours before bed. It doesn%26#39;t take any brain cells to play the slots.

There%26#39;s Always time to gamble no matter how busy we are during the day.

August was my first trip to Vegas. Because I was on a $300 challenge ($200 for gambling and $100 for food), I expected to do a lot of sightseeing and people watching. I got a big surprise.

I was able to play slots 12+ hours every day for 7 full days. I found this to be great. Vegas is cheaper than Disney World and a lot more fun for me.

PS. At home, I play 6-8 hours once a week but nowhere near the action I got in Vegas.

Dot

How to call 800 Numbers from the UK/Europe

You can not call a US 800 (free phone) number using BT or cable phones which can mean expensive international calls to the 702 numbers. Now if you install skype and buy credit for skype out (I think minimum purchase is £10) you can then call 800 numbers and these calls are free they do not bite into you skype out credit (or does not appear to)

How to call 800 Numbers from the UK/Europe

If you use a calling card...you can dial the 800 number...it wont be free...but will be billed @ the regular rate dictated by the calling card....last time I called the USA with a calling card...the total for a 18 min call was 4 pence...

shirl

How to call 800 Numbers from the UK/Europe

i%26#39;m sure it depends on each individuals cell phone plan, they may be an option for many.

my children who live in the UK and france use both landline and cell phones and call the US many times a day, both 800, 888 and non-toll free area codes and pay just pennies per minute. when i am in europe i use my phone and call home daily - cost is neglible, nowhere near what i would call expensive. each persona\s plan is different and options such as skype available. These days we can communicate anywhere in the world for pennies. gotta love technology.

I have sturggeld as neither my BT land line, My Virnin Media landline nor my blackberry (T-Monile) can call 888 0800 Skype works for me ;)

You can dial 800 numbers in the US from the UK, but you are charged for them.

For those without Skype, dial 0844 861 2121 before the 001 and it will only cost 1p/min.

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bmi from manchetser to las vegas

has anybody flew with bmi to las vegas from manchester? is it a good service? got good prics for january.. thanks in at advance..

bmi from manchetser to las vegas

hi there and welcome to the forum

i have never flown with them but here have been quite a few posts on here about them.

type bmi into the search box at the top of this page then click the blue ';go'; button- you should get all the info you need.

bmi from manchetser to las vegas

My Brother in law flew out for our wedding with them and said that he had enouigh room food was OK and drinks were plentiful. All in all he was very happy

thanks for the replys guys, cant wait to get to vegas again, wife shops and i hit the tables..

We flew with them in September and they were fine.

You have the fever I thought I had cracked it stayed away for 4 years went back in September and got it back all ready booked for Xmas, looking to go out for the De La Hoya fight if it happens April/May and then with the boys in Novemeber guess I have catch up to play

Hi northernirish,

We have booked with BMI for May. If you%26#39;ve seen a good price but not booked then i%26#39;d book it without delay - we booked last wednesday at 拢381.50 each , direct and by Monday they were up to 拢588.50 - result!

Be nice to hear back from you after your trip re: how the flight was etc

J

We are just back from flying non-stop from Manchester to Vegas with bmi for the third time.

No complaints, food OK - choice of cottage pie, chicken curry or egg noodles and mushroom sauce on the return journey. Alcohol is payable, but soft drinks are free.

Seat pitch is either 31'; or 33';. Good choice of films on seat-back TV%26#39;s. Both flights pretty much on time.

Flying with them again to Vegas in April.

once again thanks for the replys guys.will pass on all info of my trip to this vast network of travel buffs. booked bmi mainly coz it gets you into vegas 11.50am and your flight leaves at 1.30pm i think.. just need to sort out the hotel now. many thanks.

Just got back from Vegas with BMI direct from Manchester.

One tip that was invaluable to us was to use the night before check in at Manchester Airport. You can go from 7pm - 9pm the night before you fly and will be able to bag extra legroom seats if you are at the head of the queue. We asked for the middle four seats in row 28 which are directly behind a bulkhead. We had more legroom than enough. The two pairs of seats on either side of us by the window are also row 28 and they had even more legroom than ours. You check your hold luggage in there and then so that you only need to be at the airport 2 hours before your flight the following day instead of 3 hours. Believe me, the queue for check in was horrendous on the morning of our flight but we were able to breeze past everyone and go straight through security to the departure lounge.

The flight on the way out was just under 11 hours but was only 9 and a bit on the way back. There was a decent selection of films, documentaries and comedies to choose from. We got one hot meal after about 3 hours of flying then a sandwich about an hour before we arrived. The bar service came round twice but you could go to the galley at the back and buy more drinks if you wanted.

What%26#39;s this about having to pay for drinks? That%26#39;s a bit of a cheek.

I just found this out and had a look at their website and note that it%26#39;s only services from manchester to the USA that have to pay, but not from London.

Anyone know the reason for this?

Is the Rio Wine cellar any good ?????

Quite fancy the idea of going to the wine cellar to see the collection and try a few wines. Has anyone been and do they think it is worthwhile?

Is the Rio Wine cellar any good ?????

Dear NickAAAA,

We went in September 2003 and enjoyed it the experience. The best thing about the cellar was the wine. The ambiance was lacking somewhat but the wine list was varied and the wine steward very helpful. All in all had a good time and will be going again this December. Enjoy, Dr. Carla

Is the Rio Wine cellar any good ?????

Yes I think it is worthwhile for you to go. If you like to sample different wines and it was very interesting.

Thanks for the info, will give it a try.

Definitely worthwhile. Great place to relax, try a flight of wine and some good cheese. One of my favorite places in LV.

Was there in June and really enjoyed it. My husband and I each had 2 flights and a cheese sample - total bill was less than $100 but we didn%26#39;t choose the most expensive flights either. We will be going back again in Dec.

anyone know of any other wine bars with flights/tastings on the menu - if so, are they as good as the wine cellar? thanks

My Wife and I always enjoy the wine cellar at Rio. We ussually order a flight or a bottle witha cheese flight. We ate and drank so much we skipped dinner. The collection is huge. Well worth a visit.

programming

driving school... drive a hummer ... can't remember where

Hi all,

I am certain I have read something on here about driving a hummer on a track or something to that effect.

I do not know what to even type into search, Hummer brought up rentals of Hummers.

or test driving a sports car on a track....

thinking my Brother in Law might enjoy that as he is difficult to buy for and is planning a trip to LV next year. Thought we might get him a gift cert or something to do that.

driving school... drive a hummer ... can't remember where

Google up Richard Petty driving experience. You drive actual NASCARs or just ride along. There is a track in Vegas that does this.

driving school... drive a hummer ... can't remember where

They used to have ';GM The Drive';..or something like that behind the Sahara.....where you could drive a Hummer or a sports car with an instructor (they had a normal track for the sports cars...and obstacle dirt type track for the Hummers)....but that closed awhile ago.

Not sure if there is something else out there......

BIG difference in price between the two. The Petty experience is $109 for a 3 lap ride-a-long. Or $399 for the Rookie experience where you actually get to drive a race car. Up to $4,249 for the most complete driving package.

The GM test track was $10 per lap in a Hummer or Corvette. No longer in operation.

Best way to get him a driving experience is to buy him a $20 red vest, have him wait outside the Wynn or Bellagio and wait for the car he wants to drive to show up. Pretends he%26#39;s the newest valet attendant and off he goes.

Best way to get him a driving experience is to buy him a $20 red vest, have him wait outside the Wynn or Bellagio and wait for the car he wants to drive to show up. Pretends he%26#39;s the newest valet attendant and off he goes.

rotflmao!!!

Thanks Big Brother , but why did you remove a valid question concerning Christmas being asked of two people I know personally. So I%26#39;ll ask it again to keep you on your minimum wage toes.....

Cooper... are you giving your husband Mike a Hummer ( an American made super SUV) for Christmas?

You people need to get your minds out of the freaking gutter.

COTravelfan is right. That is the one you are talking about but it closed nearly a year ago. We did it and it was $10 a person. The men with us really got into this because they have this big dirt hill that you had to drive the hummer over.

Sher

oh doc V, I am ROLFL :)

Not for Mike, this is for my BIL next year for his birthday when my sis and him go :)

we will be there in a couple weeks, coming in on Fri night, leaving Mon morning I think, so, Gabby, we should be up for a m%26amp;G on Sunday now :) Mike is running the half marathon Sun morning, though, should be done by 10, see if I can drag his butt out -- keep in mind that AM the roads will all be closed due to the run, so, not sure if roads open by noon, I expect, but, who knows .... just getting to a M%26amp;G could be challenging if it is far away from where people are staying.

talk to you all later and hope to see some of you in a week or so

Comp Rooms

well i%26#39;ve never gotten comped rooms before, but i got 3 by email from excalibur. now, ordinarily i would not consider excal, although i havent stayed there before, but free is free. anyway, the question is, how do comps work-that is, do they still put a hold/deposit for first night on credit card at booking and then refund at check out? the offer says ';complimentary expenses for this offer are applied to your players club account upon check-in'; what exactly does that mean? i%26#39;m really not stupid i promise, but i%26#39;ve just never used comps before, i dont even know how ';free play'; works as i really havent ever used it although most time when i book, my offers say i get some. help appreciated, b

Comp Rooms

bbrown,

I do not get offers for MGM - hopefully someone will answer for you. With Harrahs properties I am required to use a credit card and the wording on the reservation is below. The credit card is used to make sure you%26#39;re going to show up. Same cancellation policies apply as if you were booking a room that wasn%26#39;t free. A credit card is needed at check in, or a cash deposit, to make sure you don%26#39;t trash the room, and also to turn on your room charging privileges and probably the ability to make long distance calls. I would guess MGM properties are similar.

Hope this helps! ~15m

****

A 72-hour cancellation notice is required prior to your arrival date to receive a refund of your deposit. If you cancel within 72 hours, including reservations made within 3 days of your arrival, you will be charged the 1st night%26#39;s room rate and tax. For Total Rewards customers, this amount will be deducted from your Total Rewards acccount.....

DEPOSITS AND CREDIT CARDS

All reservations must be guaranteed by a major credit card. For general reservations, one night%26#39;s room and tax are charged upon booking; for package reservations, the full package price of room and tax are charged upon booking. Reservations made with declined or invalid credit cards are subject to cancellation.

A $100 per day credit card deposit or $200 per stay cash or debit card deposit will be required at check in. Room charging privileges are enabled with a credit card deposit only.

Comp Rooms

bump

When I book TI thru Casino Marketing whether it be free or casino rate they take a credit card and hold $1. Now my sister booked Monte Carlo on a casino rate and they held the first night charges. (same company different policies) They all however hold a credit card when checking in for a certain amount per day to cover anything you may charge to the room. You can find out what they will hold when you call casino marketing to book.

Free Play at MGM props is used in any machine that takes it. Normally progressives do not take it. At the Players Club desk they will have you pick a pin number. When you find a machine you want to play you put money in along with your players card. Then you use the keyboard on the machine and enter your pin and pick the # for Free Play and it will load it after every spin. This is the same for Point Play except you would pick the Point Play. The Players Club desk will have a little card explaining this.

I book through Total Rewards (Harrahs properties) online and have never had to give a cc at time of booking but on check in we do. Hope this helps:-)

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