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Rent a Car. If you are planning to leave your hotel for more than one night, it's worth it to rent a car, especially if you plan on golfing. Taxi's can run up to $45.00 each way depending on where you are traveling to. You can get an economy-size car for $25.00 a day. |
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Las Vegas Strip Trolley. Many people are unaware that there is a trolly that runs the entire length of the strip. It runs from 9:30am-2am daily and stops at all the major Strip locations from Stratosphere at the north end to Mandalay Bay at the south end, making a loop. One low fare rate can ride you as far as you desire. Call for more information 702-382-1404. |
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Parking. All casinos and hotels have free parking for their guest on the Las Vegas Strip. Valet service is found at most hotels as well. Tip the Valet and return when finished gambling. If you're in the Old Town Section of Las Vegas, some casinos may charge for parking. If you have your ticket stamped in the casino, the parking will be complimentary. |
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What to Wear. You could say "anything goes" for dress in Las Vegas. You may see a cowboy in jeans and boots, next to a woman in her wedding dress. All I would say is - where sensible shoes. It's hard to realize that if you are going to walk to the next casino over, you may be walking a few blocks. |
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Tours. (A) The Grand Canyon is a very popular tour from Las Vegas. This tour is approximately 8 hours long, and if booked with a tour group, you will be traveling by bus. And don't forget, just because the weather is sunny and warm in Las Vegas, this may not be the case at the Grand Canyon. Bring a sweatshirt or sweater just in case. (B) The Hoover Dam is another popular tour located closer to the Strip, approximately 45 minutes away. (C) Plan your own trip including a Lake Mead paddleboat cruise. |
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Sam's Town Shuttle. If you are staying on Boulder Highway at Sam's Town, the hotel provides a FREE shuttle to the strip. Free shuttle buses make your trip to Sam's Town from the Strip and Downtown quick and easy. You can take the shuttle to or from the following locations: Las Vegas Strip: Stardust, Bourbon Street Hotel, Harrah's; or Downtown: California/Fremont, Main Street Station. |
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Trams. Why walk from Casino to Casino?? It looks like a great idea until you do it. Especially in the hot summertime!! There are a few monorails that make this walk a thing of the past. Examples are a) Mandalay Bay - Excalibur (stopping at Luxor) b) Treasure Island and The Mirage c) Bellagio and Monte Carlo (closed while construction is being done) d) MGM Grand - Sahara (This was originally only to Bally's, but the extension will include stops at many other casinos along the way to the Las Vegas Conventions Center and The Sahara.) This monorail has just opened for business and costs about $3.00 per ride. The route will include stops at: MGM Grand, Bally's, Flamingo, Harrah's / Imperial Palace, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas Hilton, and the Sahara. |
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Traffic and Crossing Streets. Las Vegas is notorious for its traffic. Crossing streets can become hazardous if you do not look--and look again before crossing. Never cross anywhere but at a light. Make sure to look for traffic even if you are crossing with a signal. Traffic comes out of nowhere - especially out of the driveways of the casino. |
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Cell Phones and Casinos. Yes, cell phones are the easiest way to stay in touch with everyone--your friends at another hotel and your office back East. But remember, most casinos frown upon the use of cell phones near the tables or slot machines. You will be asked to leave the Sports Book if you use your phone in that area. Use a walkie talkie and you will find that this signal will be better than a cell phone signal in most casinos and restaurants. |
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Gambling Novices. Even after years of gambling, I would still say I am a novice at certain games. My best suggestion is if you are new to a game, see if the casino is having lessons - this will help you feel more confident when you hit the tables. If there are not any lessons available and you want a cheat sheet, there are credit card sized "helpers" available at most gift shops. You can also ask the dealers. They are there to help. The better you do, the better they do. The happier you are, the longer you will gamble. It's a win-win situation. |
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Free Drinks. Free drinks flow in the casinos like water. All you have to do is be gambling and you can ask the cocktail waitress for a drink. You don't have to be a high roller to get the free drinks - waitresses are in all areas of the casino, including the slot machines. Make sure to tip your waitress--better you tip, the better the service. |
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Limos from the Airport. If you have always wanted to arrive at your hotel in a limo, you can for only $4.00 - $5.00 a person. Many Limo companies have limos at the airport that you can take to the hotels. The only downfall is that you may have to share the limo and not be the first one dropped off at your hotel. |
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Players Clubs. Just like Frequent Flier Miles, players clubs are worth the few minutes to sign up. You don't need to spend a lot of money to get rated at a casino, and if you are going to be gambling, it is a definite MUST. When you are ready to leave just stop by the COMP desk and see what you have accumulated. You never know - you may get a night free or free breakfast. The casinos may also send you discounts and free things in the mail (such as tickets to one of the casino show). |
