Overrated Vegas
Listen folks. Vegas has an amazing menu of choices for gambling, food, and entertainment. And you can break the bank on some of the more popular choices. But, as I learned in high school, popular doesn’t always mean good. So, as you plan your next trip to Mecca, think about these three things…which I imagine some of you might take issue with…discuss, cavort, and enjoy!
Caesars Bacchanal Buffet
Recently a Twitter follower (@sgrnfield) ranted (rightfully so…) about this overpriced and overrated buffet that used up his Diamond celebration dinner credit. From my perspective, I used Reward Credits to treat myself and a friend. The Caesars Vegas BACCHANAL BUFFET was crowded and we ended up at a table in the very back bumped up to a crying baby or two. The food itself had variety but the quality was not overwhelming. Mind you, it was OKAY…but not $29.99 for the weekday early bird brunch or (worse) $57.99 for the weekend dinner OKAY. And, without Diamond or better status, the line to get in during peak times is a bit ridiculous. For a similar rate, I’d much rather go to Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon Buffet ($28-49 with kids at a reduced rate), which has a good diversity of choices, has higher than average quality, is similar in price, and is much more spacious in design. Two-for-one offers are everywhere for this buffet (including with the Las Vegas Advisor coupon book). Our servers at Wicked Spoon are always much more attentive than those at Bacchanal. Granted…I only went to Bacchanal once because it was so disappointing.
Walking
If you are planning your first trip to Vegas, you should plan to walk…a LOT. However, after you had the chance to walk the Strip, there’s no reason to over-exert yourself when there is drinking and gambling to be done. Uber ride-hailing and Lyft allow for quick movement around the Strip and can get you from Encore to Mandalay Bay in minutes. Feel free to walk to the casino next door, but also shell out a couple of bucks and wander more aimlessly on a whim. Even trips Downtown are more reasonable with the introduction of these apps and their service in Las Vegas. Whatever you do…NEVER…EVER…take a cab. You’ll pay more for worse service. Sorry cabbies…not sorry. If you must walk, take some Fireball with you…
Don’t Overplay Penny Slots
I don’t know the original source, but I credit the Five Hundy by Midnight Podcast (with always entertaining and opinionated hosts, Tim and Michele Dressen), with the “bonus, bonus, M*ther F*cker” quip that has become part of my casino visits. Penny slots have the draw of potentially drawing fun bonuses (usually after getting that third bonus symbol…which, when it doesn’t appear demands a choice word or two). The machines today are bright, colorful, noisy, thematic, and like moth to a flame draw an increasingly shiny audience to play the latest and greatest “hot” machine. However, remember, the lower the denomination the machine, the HIGHER the hold…hold, in short, is how much the casinos KEEP from your bets over time. SO, if you’re betting $3 max on a penny slot, you’re generally better off on a dollar slot betting the same amount…and some even have bonuses! Now, sure, these may not have the same allure as the new slot featuring your favorite TV show (DAMN YOU WALKING DEAD), but you know what is alluring? MONEY. So, consider changing up your play a bit to maximize your return.
Related: These Are The Joys Of The Group Gamble
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Give me a shout and tell me…I can handle the feedback good or bad. In fact, I love it! Until next time…
Danny has been going to Vegas since Spring Break 1997. He has been to Las Vegas more than 40 times since. He enjoys Vegas for the slots, video poker, food, drink, pool season and entertainment options...and yet, he isn't there for the people. As a self-proclaimed (and verified) super introvert, he enjoys Vegas because it is the best place on Earth to be alone in the crowd. It doesn't mean he won't have a drink with you at the Wynn Tower Suites Bar...he just might need a nap in seclusion immediately after.
Completely agree about Wicked Spoon. We go there every trip.
Agree too. If you’re going to spend the money, Wicked Spoon is the buffet to go to! (I didn’t know about the coupons though. I will look for them.)
…I’ve got a couple if you want one… 😉
Tiny plates means I can eat more yeah?
Agree with regard to Wicked Spoon. Amazing (comp) dinner there back in May. I’m not much of a buffet person, but took relatives and they also really enjoyed it. I thought the presentation was spectacular, for a buffet.
All sound advice, delivered wittily. That tiny bottle of Fireball is not enough to get you through even one big casino!
You’re telling me! That’s why I bought a 12 pack! 🙂
The Fireball minis are amazing! They happen to have them on NK (Spirit Airlines) now. The promo menu makes me laugh.
Vegas Introvert – Thanks for the info! Heading that way next month and trying to be at least semi-prepared for what to expect. Much bigger pond than I’m used to… I’ve done a bit of reading up on winnings and Social Security Numbers, have you ever had to have your card with you to collect winnings?
Sorry I just saw this! I hope you had a good time. No, I have never needed my actual SS card when I got a handpay. You just need to know the number. Would be curious to hear how your trip went.
Thanks for getting back to me! How funny, I completely forgot posting this! Some of the trip was okay, but to be honest, my travel partner turned into a real asshole after the 24 hours of travel we spent getting there. Ended up on my own at the Mirage for the Beatles LOVE show, which was absolutely amazing, until I had someone slip something in my drink and rob me of literally everything. Getting home to Alaska through McCarran with no ID wasn’t a whole lot of fun either. Next time different travel partner(s) and better laid plans.
Also, to be fair, coming from small town Alaska to the strip all but solo for a week wasn’t a great recipe for success (though it wasn’t the plan either), and everyone I met along the way was hospitable and great company, minus the dude who got my tote bag. There were some wonderful moments, and I will be back. Just going to be far more careful who I go across the country with in hopes of avoiding future outcomes of that sort. And for anyone else reading this – based on what hotel security and everyone I know in the area, including a bartender or two I met at the hotel bar had to say, the experience I had isn’t a terribly common one. Don’t let it deter you from visiting or exploring, just avoid the strip alone at 130 am (especially if you’re a female of the smaller variety) with a big tote bag full of expensive stuff. Thanks for this thread, I enjoyed it immensely. Looking forward to visiting again in the future.