First Time Las Vegas Visitor
Travel By Commercial Airline:
(This article is written by a cheap budget traveller.) Our choice of airlines was Southwest Airlines which had discount vacation packages from the major cities. The Las Vegas Hotel Casino selected was the Imperial Palace on the strip. This trip departed from Austin, Texas on a Saturday Morning at 7:40 AM.
If you haven't flown before, it is simple. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your plane takes off and put you car in "Long Term Parking ($6.00 a day)". A free shuttle will take you to the terminal from the parking lot. Check in at the Southwest Airlines Counter with your luggage and picture ID (Driver's License). Tag all your bags with the small identification tags found in the boxes as you enter the ticket counter line. (Do Not Leave Valuables in your checked luggage if you want to see them again! Leave you bags unlocked.)
After the Southwest Airlines Checkin, go to the Airport Security Line. You will have to take off your shoes, belt and empty everything into a box for inspection. Next go to the Departure Gate for your flight. If you don't remember it, look on the overhead monitors and find your flight. When boarding starts, stand in the line (A, B, or C) as indicated on your Boarding Pass. Sit in any vacant seat on the plane.
Upon arrival in Las Vegas, follow the overhead signs to "Baggage Pickup". You will be taking a Tram to another Terminal for baggage pickup and to leave the airport. After picking up your baggage, go to the Exit shown for Shuttle Buses. Buy a Shuttle Bus (Small Van Type Vehicle) ticket to the hotel you are staying at. (Round Trip: $11.50 for Strip Hotels. The attendant will point you to the shuttle bus.)(I usually tip the driver about $2.00 but it is not required.)
CALL THE SHUTTLE BUS COMPANY WHEN YOU GET TO YOUR ROOM TO SCHELULE YOUR RETURN TRIP TO THE AIRPORT. EARLY IN THE MORNING BEFORE 7 AM ALLOW AT LEAST 2 1/2 HOURS. TRAFFIC GETS HEAVY DURING THE DAY SO 3 HOURS IS REASONABLE. ALSO THE Las Vegas AIRPORT IS VERY BUSY.
Hotel
Check in at the Imperial Palace counter located to the left as you enter the building. If you arrive before 3 PM, the hotel will check your luggage at the door free. ($1.00 per piece of luggage is a normal tip, but you don't have to tip.) The rooms are accessed from elevators in the rear of the hotel past the casino.
You are now ready to enjoy Las Vegas! Start will a short walking tour through your hotel to get acquainted. Don't be suprised if you get lost in your hotel. There are maps on the walls. Avoid rushing to gamble until you get oriented and can check out a few casinos.
Food:(Low Budget)
The simpliest and most convient way is to eat at the Buffet in Imperial Palace. (Buffet Costs: $10.00 Breakfast, $13.00 Lunch, and $15.00 Supper)(The Buffet is good at Imperial Palace.)
If you want to save money, check out the area around your hotel. There are McDonald's, Subway's, Denny's, Burger King's and many more within easy walking distance. The "Fashion Show Mall" has a good food court on the top floor (North). The Mall is fun to check out although most of it is out of our price range. Also check out the buffets at other hotels.
NEVER ENTER AN EATING PLACE WHERE THE PRICES AREN'T POSTED!
City Bus System
The City Bus System is called the "Deuce" and is a double decker bus. The bus stops are numerous up and down the Strip and Downtown. You pay $2.00 per person to get on and can ride until you get off for the $2.00. A $5.00 per day pass is also available from the driver. You must have exact change since the driver will not give you change. The Stops are announced by "Casino Name" so know where you are going. Press the button on the pole in the bus to alert the driver you want to get off at the next stop.
Following is a day-by-day plan we have used and enjoyed. It provides a good basic tour of the Strip and Downtown Casinos. It is an economical way to enjoy Las Vegas and leave yourself enough money for a return trip. There are more shows, museums, and things to do than you can cover in a single trip.
FIRST DAY:
Morning:
Start the day by being ready to go at 7 AM and eat an economical breakfast. (
Denny's has good coffee.) This is a wonderful and quiet time to experience Las Vegas. The streets are empty except for a few joggers. The casinos are barely operating and you can pick your machine or table instead of taking the only ones that are not occupied. The casino staff have time to explain things to you and teach you how to play the table games. (If you encounter a table or casino where the staff are not eager to help you, there are other casinos where the staff want you to have a good time.)
After breakfast is a good time to play blackjack, roulette or the machines.
At 10 AM is an excellent time to visit the Imperial Palace's Antique Car Collection on the fifth floor of the parking garage (Separate Elevator). Before you visit, go to the Players Club Booth on the first floor and ask for free passes to the Antique Car Collection. This will keep you busy until lunch.
Afternoon
After a quick lunch, it is time for the pool and a couple of drinks to relax. OR If you want adventure, try walking the Strip in either direction in the 100+ degree weather (Summer) or 50 Degree weather (Winter). If you get hot or cold duck into the casinos. (Try a $1.00 Daiquiri at Casino Royale)
As the sun sets, the free water show "Fountains of Bellagio"in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is worth seeing. You will now have to get ready for the evening.
Evening:
On a three day trip, try three different night buffets. The Imperial Palace (smaller but good food), the Excalibur (large buffet selection), and finish with the Luxor (Romantic setting with excellent food).
If you are up to it, try walking back to your hotel after the night buffet. The night scene and activity level will make the walk seem short. About half way back, enter a casino and play the nickle machines. You will be offered a free drink which makes the walk back even faster. If you get tired the bus is always a few steps away.
Finish the 1st night off with a little gambling in Imperial Palace.
SECOND DAY:
Morning
If the night didn't last too long, try starting again by 7 AM. This time start the day with the buffet at Imperial Palace and a slow breakfast with individual designed omelets.
About mid morning as activity picks up, a good side trip is to take a free shuttle to Sam's Town. About 9:30 AM catch a free shuttle at the rear of Harrah's or Rivera Hotels to Sam's Town. Sam's Town is a local Casino Complex with a relaxed and different atmosphere. It has a very large bowling alley. We bowl a few games ($1.45 per game.) and then try our luck at the nickle machines. The first return shuttle to the Strip is at 12 Noon which we take since the next is 1 1/2 hours later. This gets you back to the Strip for Lunch.
Afternoon
Walk or take a bus to the Fashion Show Mall for lunch. (North end of Strip) Spend some time after lunch strolling the mall and try acting like you have the money to buy something. On the walk back to Imperial Palace, stop at the Mirage Hotel/Casino to sightsee.
From the Mirage go to Caesar's and start with the Forum Shops on the North End. The scenery and shops are great. Stop to see the moving statues. You will probably get lost, everyone does the first time.
Last go to the Bellagio Hotel. The scenery is unique near the checkin counter, then wonder through the beautiful garden area to the west side of the counter. After going through these three casinos you will need a rest!
A visit to your room and a bottle of wine is all you will need to refresh you for the evening. The bottle of wine can be purchased in a shop past the elevators at Imperial Palace for about $9.00.
Evening
Take a bus to Excalibur for the night buffet.
After the Excalibur buffet, take a bus downtown. It says "Downtown" on the front and is the same bus that travels the strip. Downtown there is free entertainment in the street under a two block long canopy. The canopy has an exceptional visual show starting at 8:30 PM. The area is like a giant street party. It is so bright you can take pictures without a flash. Take the "Deuce" bus back to Imperial Palace after you have checked the area out. If you can't find the bus stop, ask any employee in the area.
THIRD DAY:
Morning
An early breakfast at Denny's just north of the Imperial Palace will get you started. After breakfast, take the bus to New York/New York Hotel Casino. This is a great place for pictures. Next go across the street to MGM. I get lost in both casinos everytime I enter. Check out the rest of the strip as you walk back to Imperal Palace. The "HALF PRICE" show ticket stores you will see are legitimate, but street vendors are risky.
Afternoon
Try a quick lunch at the Subway in Casino Royale. The MacKing Comedy Magic Show at Harrah's is held at 1 and 3 PM. The show is $24.95 plus tax. We got a coupon from a street vendor which allowed us to purchase a ticket which included a free drink for $9.99 plus tax. This was a good clean show. Always keep you eyes open for coupons and coupon books which will save you a lot of money.
If you made the 1 PM show, you will have time for a drink by the pool, a couple of hours of gambling, or a bottle of wine before you have to dress for supper.
Evening
Assuming this is your last night in Las Vegas, dress up a little, and take the bus to the Luxor (pyramid shaped hotel near the south end of the Strip) for the night buffet. You can make the buffet as fancy as you want including wine. The waitors will give you special attention. The desserts are unusal and special!
FOURTH DAY:
If you have a four night trip, a good side excursion is to Hoover Dam. The magazine in you hotel room or the ticket booths along the strip can arrange the trip. It will take most of the day but does get you back for the evening meal and gambling.
If you take the Grand Canyon trip, you will be gone from early morning to late night so don't plan anything extra that day. It is also a lot more expensive.
FLYING HOME:
You should have booked the return shuttle at least 24 hours before you need to be picked up at the hotel preferrably upon arrival. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours from when the shuttle bus is to arrive at your hotel and your plane leaves. The same as when you left, check in at the Southwest Airline's Ticket Counter. Make sure you remove the trip tag which sent your luggage to Las Vegas. After checkin follow the signs to the "Departure Gates" on the second floor. You will have to pass security again which is slow. Next take the Tram inside the airport to the other Terminal for departure and follow the Gate Signs.
Costs
Southwest Airlines Vacation Package from Austin, Texas:
Total: $810. for two persons(4 nights) Staying at the Imperial Palace.
Airport Parking: $30.
Airport to Hotel and Back: $23.
Food: $325.
City Bus: $40. (Using $5. per day pass.)
Drinks and Snacks: $80.
Gambling: Set Your amount in Advance.
Our total trip cost was approximately: $1500.
Return to Top
If you haven't flown before, it is simple. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your plane takes off and put you car in "Long Term Parking ($6.00 a day)". A free shuttle will take you to the terminal from the parking lot. Check in at the Southwest Airlines Counter with your luggage and picture ID (Driver's License). Tag all your bags with the small identification tags found in the boxes as you enter the ticket counter line. (Do Not Leave Valuables in your checked luggage if you want to see them again! Leave you bags unlocked.)
After the Southwest Airlines Checkin, go to the Airport Security Line. You will have to take off your shoes, belt and empty everything into a box for inspection. Next go to the Departure Gate for your flight. If you don't remember it, look on the overhead monitors and find your flight. When boarding starts, stand in the line (A, B, or C) as indicated on your Boarding Pass. Sit in any vacant seat on the plane.
Upon arrival in Las Vegas, follow the overhead signs to "Baggage Pickup". You will be taking a Tram to another Terminal for baggage pickup and to leave the airport. After picking up your baggage, go to the Exit shown for Shuttle Buses. Buy a Shuttle Bus (Small Van Type Vehicle) ticket to the hotel you are staying at. (Round Trip: $11.50 for Strip Hotels. The attendant will point you to the shuttle bus.)(I usually tip the driver about $2.00 but it is not required.)
CALL THE SHUTTLE BUS COMPANY WHEN YOU GET TO YOUR ROOM TO SCHELULE YOUR RETURN TRIP TO THE AIRPORT. EARLY IN THE MORNING BEFORE 7 AM ALLOW AT LEAST 2 1/2 HOURS. TRAFFIC GETS HEAVY DURING THE DAY SO 3 HOURS IS REASONABLE. ALSO THE Las Vegas AIRPORT IS VERY BUSY.
Hotel
Check in at the Imperial Palace counter located to the left as you enter the building. If you arrive before 3 PM, the hotel will check your luggage at the door free. ($1.00 per piece of luggage is a normal tip, but you don't have to tip.) The rooms are accessed from elevators in the rear of the hotel past the casino.You are now ready to enjoy Las Vegas! Start will a short walking tour through your hotel to get acquainted. Don't be suprised if you get lost in your hotel. There are maps on the walls. Avoid rushing to gamble until you get oriented and can check out a few casinos.
Food:(Low Budget)
The simpliest and most convient way is to eat at the Buffet in Imperial Palace. (Buffet Costs: $10.00 Breakfast, $13.00 Lunch, and $15.00 Supper)(The Buffet is good at Imperial Palace.)If you want to save money, check out the area around your hotel. There are McDonald's, Subway's, Denny's, Burger King's and many more within easy walking distance. The "Fashion Show Mall" has a good food court on the top floor (North). The Mall is fun to check out although most of it is out of our price range. Also check out the buffets at other hotels.
NEVER ENTER AN EATING PLACE WHERE THE PRICES AREN'T POSTED!
City Bus System
The City Bus System is called the "Deuce" and is a double decker bus. The bus stops are numerous up and down the Strip and Downtown. You pay $2.00 per person to get on and can ride until you get off for the $2.00. A $5.00 per day pass is also available from the driver. You must have exact change since the driver will not give you change. The Stops are announced by "Casino Name" so know where you are going. Press the button on the pole in the bus to alert the driver you want to get off at the next stop.Following is a day-by-day plan we have used and enjoyed. It provides a good basic tour of the Strip and Downtown Casinos. It is an economical way to enjoy Las Vegas and leave yourself enough money for a return trip. There are more shows, museums, and things to do than you can cover in a single trip.
FIRST DAY:
Morning:
Start the day by being ready to go at 7 AM and eat an economical breakfast. ( Denny's has good coffee.) This is a wonderful and quiet time to experience Las Vegas. The streets are empty except for a few joggers. The casinos are barely operating and you can pick your machine or table instead of taking the only ones that are not occupied. The casino staff have time to explain things to you and teach you how to play the table games. (If you encounter a table or casino where the staff are not eager to help you, there are other casinos where the staff want you to have a good time.)After breakfast is a good time to play blackjack, roulette or the machines.
At 10 AM is an excellent time to visit the Imperial Palace's Antique Car Collection on the fifth floor of the parking garage (Separate Elevator). Before you visit, go to the Players Club Booth on the first floor and ask for free passes to the Antique Car Collection. This will keep you busy until lunch.
Afternoon
After a quick lunch, it is time for the pool and a couple of drinks to relax. OR If you want adventure, try walking the Strip in either direction in the 100+ degree weather (Summer) or 50 Degree weather (Winter). If you get hot or cold duck into the casinos. (Try a $1.00 Daiquiri at Casino Royale)As the sun sets, the free water show "Fountains of Bellagio"in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is worth seeing. You will now have to get ready for the evening.
Evening:
On a three day trip, try three different night buffets. The Imperial Palace (smaller but good food), the Excalibur (large buffet selection), and finish with the Luxor (Romantic setting with excellent food).If you are up to it, try walking back to your hotel after the night buffet. The night scene and activity level will make the walk seem short. About half way back, enter a casino and play the nickle machines. You will be offered a free drink which makes the walk back even faster. If you get tired the bus is always a few steps away.
Finish the 1st night off with a little gambling in Imperial Palace.
SECOND DAY:
Morning
If the night didn't last too long, try starting again by 7 AM. This time start the day with the buffet at Imperial Palace and a slow breakfast with individual designed omelets.About mid morning as activity picks up, a good side trip is to take a free shuttle to Sam's Town. About 9:30 AM catch a free shuttle at the rear of Harrah's or Rivera Hotels to Sam's Town. Sam's Town is a local Casino Complex with a relaxed and different atmosphere. It has a very large bowling alley. We bowl a few games ($1.45 per game.) and then try our luck at the nickle machines. The first return shuttle to the Strip is at 12 Noon which we take since the next is 1 1/2 hours later. This gets you back to the Strip for Lunch.
Afternoon
Walk or take a bus to the Fashion Show Mall for lunch. (North end of Strip) Spend some time after lunch strolling the mall and try acting like you have the money to buy something. On the walk back to Imperial Palace, stop at the Mirage Hotel/Casino to sightsee.From the Mirage go to Caesar's and start with the Forum Shops on the North End. The scenery and shops are great. Stop to see the moving statues. You will probably get lost, everyone does the first time.
Last go to the Bellagio Hotel. The scenery is unique near the checkin counter, then wonder through the beautiful garden area to the west side of the counter. After going through these three casinos you will need a rest!
A visit to your room and a bottle of wine is all you will need to refresh you for the evening. The bottle of wine can be purchased in a shop past the elevators at Imperial Palace for about $9.00.
Evening
Take a bus to Excalibur for the night buffet.After the Excalibur buffet, take a bus downtown. It says "Downtown" on the front and is the same bus that travels the strip. Downtown there is free entertainment in the street under a two block long canopy. The canopy has an exceptional visual show starting at 8:30 PM. The area is like a giant street party. It is so bright you can take pictures without a flash. Take the "Deuce" bus back to Imperial Palace after you have checked the area out. If you can't find the bus stop, ask any employee in the area.
THIRD DAY:
Morning
An early breakfast at Denny's just north of the Imperial Palace will get you started. After breakfast, take the bus to New York/New York Hotel Casino. This is a great place for pictures. Next go across the street to MGM. I get lost in both casinos everytime I enter. Check out the rest of the strip as you walk back to Imperal Palace. The "HALF PRICE" show ticket stores you will see are legitimate, but street vendors are risky.Afternoon
Try a quick lunch at the Subway in Casino Royale. The MacKing Comedy Magic Show at Harrah's is held at 1 and 3 PM. The show is $24.95 plus tax. We got a coupon from a street vendor which allowed us to purchase a ticket which included a free drink for $9.99 plus tax. This was a good clean show. Always keep you eyes open for coupons and coupon books which will save you a lot of money.If you made the 1 PM show, you will have time for a drink by the pool, a couple of hours of gambling, or a bottle of wine before you have to dress for supper.
Evening
Assuming this is your last night in Las Vegas, dress up a little, and take the bus to the Luxor (pyramid shaped hotel near the south end of the Strip) for the night buffet. You can make the buffet as fancy as you want including wine. The waitors will give you special attention. The desserts are unusal and special!FOURTH DAY:
If you have a four night trip, a good side excursion is to Hoover Dam. The magazine in you hotel room or the ticket booths along the strip can arrange the trip. It will take most of the day but does get you back for the evening meal and gambling.If you take the Grand Canyon trip, you will be gone from early morning to late night so don't plan anything extra that day. It is also a lot more expensive.
FLYING HOME:
You should have booked the return shuttle at least 24 hours before you need to be picked up at the hotel preferrably upon arrival. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours from when the shuttle bus is to arrive at your hotel and your plane leaves. The same as when you left, check in at the Southwest Airline's Ticket Counter. Make sure you remove the trip tag which sent your luggage to Las Vegas. After checkin follow the signs to the "Departure Gates" on the second floor. You will have to pass security again which is slow. Next take the Tram inside the airport to the other Terminal for departure and follow the Gate Signs.Costs
Southwest Airlines Vacation Package from Austin, Texas:- Total: $810. for two persons(4 nights) Staying at the Imperial Palace.
Airport to Hotel and Back: $23.
Food: $325.
City Bus: $40. (Using $5. per day pass.)
Drinks and Snacks: $80.
Gambling: Set Your amount in Advance.