Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with vegas

Getting the most out of CES?

griffey — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:34:53 -0800

What should I know/do as a first time Consumer Electronics Show (CES) attendee? This year will be my first attending CES in Las Vegas. I am attending as Press, and will be covering the event for a library publication that I'm not privy to divulge quite yet...so my focus will be on ebooks, mp3 players, cameras, and other things that libraries might need to care about in the next 12 months. I'll be avoiding the automotive area. :-)

For those that have been several times, any tips? The size of this thing is a bit overwhelming. I'm familiar with Vegas, and am staying in a hotel on the monorail line to get back and forth to the convention center, so I feel pretty well covered there.

Tips for getting the most out of the show itself? Secrets for getting access to things? How do you get the best schwag? I'm really looking for anything "best of" for this beast.

Thanks!

New Year's Eve in Vegas on a few dimes.

pithy comment — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:30:48 -0800

Where can a young couple go on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas for a nice dinner staying through midnight, while spending less than $300? We are staying at Mandalay Bay and currently have a few reservations for the restaurants there (Aureole and China Grill) but they are for earlier in the night and are pretty expensive!

What to see in Vegas

nushustu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:28:05 -0800

What single show should I see in Las Vegas? If I was going to Vegas in the next couple of weeks and could see only one show, what should I see? (I don't know anything about vegas.)

Good place to watch the Pacquiao fight?

yoyoceramic — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:46:57 -0800

Vegas Filter: Where to watch Pacquiao fight? I have 2 guests in town and we would all like to watch the Pacquiao fight. Bars, hotels, restaurants.... where to? What places will be showing it?

Help with Sony's Vegas Pro 9

tenaciousd — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:10:22 -0800

How do I use Vegas Pro 9? I can't find a lot of useful or free info on the web or on Sony's website. I'm in charge of shooting and editing video during my company's conference and meetings, which begin tomorrow. I don't have much experience with either, and I think I kind of jumped in the deep end with Vegas by downloading the 30-day free trial.

I'm not doing anything too fancy...a basic intro, cutting, overlaying the name of the speaker. But I really haven't found any helpful, basic, beginner-level manuals or information. My camcorder is a canon vixia hf200.

Any tips, sites or other resources would be appreciated. Thanks all!

LASIK in Vegas

alchemist — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:59:19 -0800

Lasik Filter: (asking for a friend) I am traveling to Las Vegas in November and staying for 1 week. LASIK recommendations? I am looking into getting Lasik while I am there because the price would probably be a LOT cheaper (euros vs. dollars). Any recommendations for a good doctor/center? Anyone have any good/bad experiences with this in the LV area? I will be staying in a hotel on the Strip and do not plan on renting a car. Any help would be great. I can do follow ups with my opthalmologist when I get back home.

Vegas, Breakfast, Football... choose three.

toxic — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:01:00 -0800

Do you know a good place in Las Vegas to watch NFL football while being served a cloth-napkin breakfast/brunch? I'll be in Vegas this weekend, with three other people. We follow different teams, and enjoy going to a sports bar/book to watch multiple games at once. This week, there are a lot of 10:00 AM games that we're interested in. Now... where do we watch them?

Normally, somewhere like the ESPN Zone would be what we'd be looking for... they serve food, and don't mind if you linger to watch the games (as long as you continue to order drinks). However, we'd also like a solid eggs benedict/omelet/belgian waffle/sauvignon blanc -- not the Sysco-sourced things at ESPN or the typical sports bar.

Does such a place exist in Vegas?

Las vegas honeymoon film?

stepheno — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:30:11 -0800

Help me find this film: a couple get married in vegas, and spend there honeymoon there. The new wife then gambles away their savings in a (drunk?) craze. I remember watching the start of this movie on TV a good while ago, probably late 90s. I seem to remember Tom Hanks being the husband, but a look through his filmography yields nothing. If I recall correctly, it's a romance/comedy/drama style film. You know the one.

I only saw the first 15-20 minutes, which makes things harder again. Any help is much appreciated.

The Talented Mr. Brady

Hugh2d2 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:08:34 -0800

Long shot - On my way to Vegas this weekend. What are the odds I can get my wife to meet her celebrity crush, Wayne Brady? She's a huge fan and I've already dropped some coin on tickets, but I think I could score big if I figured out how to get her face to face with him.

Any ideas on how I would get something like this done?

Looking for a place is Vegas that has scantily-clad waitresses - not a strip club - not a Hooters

alrightokay — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:21:51 -0800

Bachelor weekend in Vegas - looking for a place that has great food and scantily clad waitresses. Not a strip club. Better than Hooters. Would be eating dinner there. The future groom is not interested in naked women - scantily clad women are fine, though! I'm not looking for a Hooters - something a little more upscale. Any help would be really appreciated.

Don't Drink, Don't Smoke. What Do I Do?

tcv — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:53:24 -0800

So, it looks like I'm going to Vegas next week for three days. Uh... I don't like strip clubs. I don't gamble. I don't drink much at all. Is there much I can do besides stare at the hotel walls? Any and all suggestions welcome. Nightmare Mode: I HAVE NO CAR.

How do casinos in Las Vegas get their glasses back?

hutta — Thu, 21 May 2009 09:36:46 -0800

How do casinos in Las Vegas get their glasses back when you walk them down the strip? Las Vegas seems to have no problem with you walking around on the street with any type of alcoholic drink, and there have been a few times I've inadvertently walked out of a casino with a whiskey glass and deposited it in a different casino when it was empty.

I usually feel bad about this, but I see many people doing the same, so I figure there must be some kind of system in place to deal with it. Maybe there is a glassware-sharing program, maybe the casinos agree to sort them and deliver them back to their rightful owners, or maybe losing glasses is just part of the overhead of running a casino and they're just written off.

Need help preparing for a budget vacation in vegas

WizKid — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:31:36 -0800

Need help preparing for a budget vacation in Vegas. We are a couple in out late 20's going to vegas in end of may (Sat to Tue). Planning on staying on the strip and no car. Looking for recommendations on hotels, food, shows, bars, clubs, etc ... (not interested in gambling)
1. Guide book - Thinking of buying The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas 2009. Anything better?
2. Hotel - Currently I'm thinking of Luxor ($50 per night) and they have spa suites and I'm willing to spend the extra money to get it, but found some review on the internet saying that the Jacuzzi is small and it's kind of a rip-off. Any experience with that? Mandala bay seems to be good but $200 for a regular rooms seems little bit too much. suggestions on other hotels welcome.
3. Food - We would like to have one fancy (not super fancy) sit down dinner for a special occasion under $80 for two. is it possible?
4. Food - Other fun places, buffets to eat? Sometime back I saw a program on Travel Channel on $2 shrimp cocktails, $3 huge burgers, etc ... can we find any on the strip? or all these places out of the strip? if so can we get there easily without a taxi?
5. Shows - Any good shows that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? If dinner is included it's a plus. We've been to the Tournament of Knights in Excalibur and liked it. Thinking of going to 'Fantasy' at Luxor.
6. Bars & Clubs - Places where regular people hangout. Doesn't need to go to the hottest club on town with celebrities, just a regular place to have a drink/dance is ok. Doesn't like to stand in a line for an hour and take crap from a bouncer just because of my skin color(I'm a foreigner).
7. Bars & Clubs - What are some bars that are on top floors overlooking the strip? (If I'm correct no matter how great, bars doesn't have lines unlike clubs?)
Any other suggestions welcome.
P.S. - I have gone through most of the past AskMeFi threads.

The where, the what and the how of getting hitched in Vegas, when you have friends coming from overseas.

metalheart — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:30:10 -0800

(Several questions in one. Sorry.) We're getting hitched in Vegas, and friends are traveling from overseas. Help us plan out some basic wedding stuff (like location, wedding bands, etc.), as well as how to make our friends' stay enjoyable. Okay, so this one might be a doozy.

The Australian and I are getting hitched in Vegas, then going to live in the Summerlin area. A few of our friends from various places overseas are going to come to the wedding, which means a lot to us. We're trying to make things very accommodating for those traveling far, and we're looking for some information regarding that, as well as just basic wedding ideas.

Okay, to the nitty-gritty...

1. Where's a good, non-chapel place to get married in October? Bonus points for somewhere pretty and outdoors.
We looked through the plethora of previous questions like this, but most of them resulted in chapel answers for obvious Vegas reasons. We aren't religious, though, and we don't want to have the wedding in a chapel. Our group will be small. 15-25, I imagine.

2. I need a wedding dress lulz.
I don't believe in spending an arm and a leg on something that's only going to be used once. Pretty and simple and appropriate for the October weather. I'm happy to look into fairly unknown designers. I wanted this dress, but I narrowly missed out on it. I may yet get her to design something for me, but I am open to suggestions.

3. Where's a good place--online or off--to get wedding bands?

4. Where should we have an after-wedding dinner?
Saw a similar question on MeFi, but the answers were a bit too casual for us, mainly because part of my family is prudish, fundamentalist Christians, so I'm already pushing the envelope with a Vegas wedding here. Doesn't have to be hugely expensive or anything, just no slot machines by the table or barely-contained ta tas coming to take your order.

5. It's a long way off yet, but anyone know of entertaining things to do or events that will be going on in the weeks surrounding the 28th of October, 2009?
We have a few friends flying to us from Norway, as well as Australia. Big and expensive trip, clearly. We want to make sure they have more than just us to see, so ideas of where they could go with us would be great. :) Any big conventions or events would be welcome. Most of us are geeks and artists.

Thanks, guys!

Non-NABber

goofyfoot — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:10:18 -0800

My partner always meets up with his family at the annual National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, and next week I'm coming along. I may or may not have a ticket. What do I do while they're wandering around NAB? I'm sure NAB will be interesting for a bit - if my fella's dad has a ticket for me - but it's not something I can totally get into for four days.

What are the big highlights of NAB?

What's the best and cheapest laptop rental agency in Vegas?

We're staying in a Motel 6 on Tropicana, because we're bringing our dogs - where can I find a good park to sit in with them?

Best Budget Vegas Tips

hipersons — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:01:58 -0800

My friend and I are leaving for Vegas tonight, but she got laid off this morning! I need your best budget Vegas tips pronto! Yes, she totally needs this vacation even more than she did before, but we're going to need some excellent tips on the best values, cheapest places to party and eat, etc. We already have our digs at the NYNY paid for. Do it up, and thank you!

Find me a Vegas Style Spa in Maryland

petethered — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 02:02:52 -0800

After a trip to Vegas, the desire to visit a spa like the ones there has come over me. The spa in Vegas was sweet. Pay for a day pass and get to use a Sauna, Whirlpool, Steam room, cold dip pool and more... Anyone know of one near Frederick, MD like this? Baltimore and DC would be options, but would prefer one closer.

Buffets? No Way

The Whelk — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:57:18 -0800

Vegas FoodFilter Emergency: BF and I are in Vegas for a confrence and the entire place is giving him a massive stress headache. Any ideas on quiet, off-strip places to eat/recover? Let's say we're going to see Penn & Teller tonight at 9. (we are) Where can we eat afterwards/before that is not crowded, within walking distance, and not super expensive? Restrictions and example below -we don't have a car
-we don't mind walking
-We're staying at the Paris
-So far, every food experience inside a casino has been horrible.
-We don't want to have to wait on a fraking line just get a stupid, soggy buffet.

Keeping my fingers crossed

mbd1mbd1 — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:30:26 -0800

Do I have to show up in person at a casino sportsbook to redeem a winning futures bet? Back in September, I placed a futures bet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. If my team wins the NCAA basketball tournament in April, will I have to fly back to Vegas to redeem my ticket in person? Or can I mail it in, or redeem it online, or something else? Googling for anything gambling related is next to useless. I got Duke at 10:1, by the way - Go Devils!

Shooting Pool in Lake Havasu City, Vegas

SlyBevel — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:22:00 -0800

I want to shoot some pool in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and in Vegas. But I'd like to go to the nicest place possible, in both locales. Recommendations? I'm going on a trip in Feb. that'll take me through Las Vegas (twice) to Lake Havasu City, AZ.

I love to shoot pool. But I hate hanging around in smoky, run-down bars. (Yes, I know that Vegas is smoky, but is there a nice place with lots of nice tables, at least?)

Are there well-maintained pool joints in either city that I can have a nice meal in and shoot a few racks?

(And would anyone be interested in a meetup built around this idea?)

Vegas camping, with views of the city?

kuatto — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:25:37 -0800

I am approaching Las Vegas Nevada from the east via car. Is there any car camping or backpacking in the mountains that ring Las Vegas where one can see the lights of the city, without setting foot in it? Secluded areas would be better! Has anyone done this? I've always thought it would be a cool way to 'experience' Vegas.

Vegas for someone who doesn't like casinos much

drjimmy11 — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:45:02 -0800

Where can I stay in Vegas next weekend whilst volunteering for Obama? I'm flying into Vegas Fri. night and out Mon. morning to work for the Obama campaign. There is a list of special-rate hotels from the campaign.

But, i really don't want to stay at any of them, unless one is more decent than all available info implies (the ones on the Strip like Bally's dont have a good rate for the weekend I'm going, 24th-27th- its like $180 and I'd really prefer to stay under $100.)

Some of the reviews for the others are just brutal, and just the word "Fremont St." makes me want to run for the hills. I would just to stay somewhere clean, quiet, and affordable. I want to avoid that whole desperate, hooker-y, "gambling away your last $5" milieu if I can. I don't know the location of where I'll be working, but I'll be renting a car i think.

I am also strongly considering airbedandbreakfast.com, which was also recommended by the campaign. Anyone have any experience with them?

Or is there another option I'm not thinking of?

Thanks!

Hiring a Las Vegas wedding photographer on 10 days notice?

chudmonkey — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:56:05 -0800

With 10 days notice, can I find a reputable photographer in Las Vegas to work my evening wedding festivities? Specific recommendations welcome, but general advice also needed. With 10 days remaining before my wedding, my in-laws have decided that a photographer is a must. My fiancée and I had previously decided against pro photography, and thus did no research on the topic prior to yesterday. Previous Ask threads have been devoured, but I could really use some specific info to assist my hunt.

Assuming that I find a reputable LV photog of moderate cost, with 10 days notice what sort of hourly rate should I expect - or should I expect a flat event fee? Should I expect surcharges for late night/early morning service?

Assuming that I provide transport, are photogs cool with going to 4 or 5 destinations over the course of an event? If we engaged the photog to take pictures during our dinner or lounge/club visits, what is the etiquette or expectation for them sitting, eating or drinking with us?

What sort of ownership of the resultant photos should I expect? Optimally, I'd like to have access to print-quality digital images (after processing if that's the photog's process) and I'd like to have the right to do whatever I want with them in perpetuity. Should I expect an arrangement other than that?

Thanks in advance for any tips, anecdotes or recommendations.

Vegas, baby, yeah!

msali — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:36:14 -0800

Where should we eat dinner in Vegas on New Year's Eve? My husband and I have had a shitty, shitty year, so we have decided to ring out 2008 in a big way. We're off to Vegas! My man has been there before, but I haven't, and we are looking to find the quintessential Vegas experience. As such, I am looking for suggestions for dinner/activities on NYE. We are not looking for cheap and simple, we are looking at big and outrageous.
Bonus question: I have reservations right now at both the Renaissance and the Hilton. I gotta choose between the two. Suggestions?
Thanks, everyone.

Table for 6 in Vegas

Classic Diner — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:13:27 -0800

Vegas locals, lead me as you only can. I am looking for a place to eat in December that is simply amazing, and I would weep if I missed it. Twice Mefites have introduced me to amazing restaurants I would have never found without their help. The third time is a charm.

Six friends will be in Vegas 12/18-12/21 celebrating my partner's birthday. I've been tasked with finding a mind blowing dining experience. I'd like to say price is no object, but in Vegas, I'm afraid of the gold leaf encrusted brownie foolishness can be found. Where should we eat?

Bonus: is there something so wonderful we just shouldn't miss it?