Should every body visit Las Vegas at least once in their lives?

krudler · 27-03-2013 02:45PM

homemadecider wrote: »

At the risk of being excommunicated from AH... I don't like M&Ms! Also I only have a minimal love of buckets.

Well now I don't know what to think anymore.

Cienciano · 27-03-2013 02:46PM

krudler wrote: »

Yeah I wasn't that pushed about making the trek over to it, the helicopter ride is well worth doing, you fly low over foresty land then it just disappears under you as you cross over the canyon.

That's the weirdest sensation ever. We landed at the edge. Taking off you're low enough, but you fly over the edge and all of a sudden you're miles up. Hard to explain, but gives you the willies.

LizT · 27-03-2013 02:47PM

FTA69 wrote: »

It's also worth mentioning that the place is devoid of any culture. The only food you'll get is either high-end dining á la Gordon Ramsey etc or else In'N'Out Burger; there's very little independent restaurants. The only coffee you'll get will be Starbucks and the like and the only shows you see will be brash and celebrity-orientated. The pubs there are sh*te, with video poker being embedded onto the actual bar and crap fruit machines banging in your ear. There's little or no local music scene or anything of that nature; the place is lacking in anything resembling art or literature. I don't think I saw one gallery or library in my time there and I was driving all over the city. Apparently 5,000 people a month odd move to Vegas and 3,000 odd leave it. I imagine living there would be a boring and depressing place after the novelty wears off.

I really want an in n out burger now

Jayo11780 · 27-03-2013 02:50PM

Spent first 5 days of honeymoon in Vegas and definitely recommend it - Although it's true what people say 4/5 days is plenty there.
Lots of class hotels/pubs/clubs/shows to see.

When we arrived it was mid-August and 51degrees C out :eek::eek: - Far too hot!
Took helicopter tour of grand canyon/hoover dam all that - really worth seeing!

whatever you want out of a holiday - Vegas has it - Go and see it!!

krudler · 27-03-2013 02:52PM

Cienciano wrote: »

That's the weirdest sensation ever. We landed at the edge. Taking off you're low enough, but you fly over the edge and all of a sudden you're miles up. Hard to explain, but gives you the willies.

yeah that's it, the earth just vanishes beneath you, its all helipad, road, tress, trees, trees oh holy sh!t nothinginess!

homemadecider · 27-03-2013 02:55PM

Jayo11780 wrote: »

whatever you want out of a holiday - Vegas has it - Go and see it!!

This has really opened my eyes - I never knew Las Vegas had unspoilt beaches, outdoor craft markets, indigenous tribes, expansive jungles to trek in, wild animals to view on safari and remote areas with no tourists! This place sounds amazing!

cson · 27-03-2013 02:56PM

LizT wrote: »

I really want an in n out burger now

Nicest Burgers ever.

stimpson · 27-03-2013 02:56PM

LizT wrote: »

I really want an in n out burger now

Those are good burgers, Walter.

Hazys · 27-03-2013 03:04PM

I hate when people say Las Vegas has no culture or history (usually the same people who say America has no culture) and it's only tacky. Culture isn't just some french speaking lad cycling on a bike, with garlic around his neck, singing les miserables. Culture to me, is a way of living that is unique to any other way of living and there is no place in the world as unique as Vegas

One of my favorite parts of Vegas is flying into the place (always get a window seat when flying into Vegas). At night its amazing. Flying from the East Coast, you see nothing for hours then suddenly all you see lights upon lights, energy and its exciting. In the day time, its even more prevalent how in the middle of nowhere Vegas is. For a long time you see nothing in the landscape to suggest human life exists. There is fantastic views of mountains and rivers, the only evidence of human life is this silver lining in the dessert which is a massive aqueduct that shines back up at you as it runs through the wasteland.

Its a city in the middle of the dessert which realistically should not exist. There should be no water, humans shouldn't be able to live there and certainly not have such massive levels of excess. The history, foundation and popularity of the place is very intriguing and per the title thread of the thread "Yes, people should should see this spectacle". Go with it, its built for fun.

The Backwards Man · 27-03-2013 03:05PM

homemadecider wrote: »

This has really opened my eyes - I never knew Las Vegas had unspoilt beaches, Mandalay Bay

outdoor craft markets, EVERYWHERE

indigenous tribes, Hualapai Tribe

expansive jungles to trek in, MGM Grand

wild animals to view on safari Flamingo

and remote areas with no tourists! Nevada Desert

This place sounds amazing!

Cienciano · 27-03-2013 03:07PM

LizT wrote: »

I really want an in n out burger now

Great fast food chain. The beauty of it is the tiny menu. Just do a few things, but do them well.

The Backwards Man · 27-03-2013 03:15PM

In N Out is horrid imo. Go to Holsteins or somewhere like that and get a proper burger.

Three Seasons · 27-03-2013 03:20PM

aoraki wrote: »

This times 100. Was there for a few days myself and I thought it was a sad souless cheap tacky sleazy kip of a place myself. Having said that, I was there on business and not pleasure, but I still was able to go out on the town in the evenings after I was finished work. I'd say if you decided to get married there, you would seriously seriously regret it. My only regret (and it's a big one) about that Vegas trip was not visiting the Grand Canyon. That may have changed my opinion of the place.

Each to their own though, but I wouldn't go back there in a fit. Even if you were set on going to the US, there are far better places there to visit IMO.

A friend I mine got married in a nice little town about a 45 minute drive from the strip. Has to be the best wedding I've ever been to, the scenery alone was breathtaking.

Kold · 27-03-2013 03:29PM

FTA69 wrote: »

-Won nearly a grand on Blackjack and bought a sh*tload of tracksuits

What the actual f*ck.

In the same post you criticise other people's fashion sense?

Dave! · 27-03-2013 03:33PM

Never been to America, so I'm looking forward to the massive servings of food in Vegas! Probably try take on a couple of food challenge things

Kinski · 27-03-2013 03:37PM

Hazys wrote: »

I hate when people say Las Vegas has no culture or history (usually the same people who say America has no culture) and it's only tacky. Culture isn't just some french speaking lad cycling on a bike, with garlic around his neck, singing les miserables. Culture to me, is a way of living that is unique to any other way of living and there is no place in the world as unique as Vegas

Different senses of the word culture. When someone says Vegas, or Australia, or wherever, has 'no culture', they just mean it doesn't have a strong tradition in areas such as the arts, like literature, music etc. (even the popular music scene there is associated with kitschy versions of past-it performers such as Elvis.)

krudler · 27-03-2013 03:38PM

Hazys wrote: »

I hate when people say Las Vegas has no culture or history (usually the same people who say America has no culture) and it's only tacky. Culture isn't just some french speaking lad cycling on a bike, with garlic around his neck, singing les miserables. Culture to me, is a way of living that is unique to any other way of living and there is no place in the world as unique as Vegas

That, Americana is a culture onto itself, the story behind Route 66, the small towns along the way, the history behind Vegas and its ties to organised crime etc is fascinating to me, same as Chicago or LA.

The Backwards Man · 27-03-2013 03:39PM

Kinski wrote: »

Different senses of the word culture. When someone says Vegas, or Australia, or wherever, has 'no culture', they just mean it doesn't have a strong tradition in areas such as the arts, like literature, music etc. (even the popular music scene there is associated with kitschy versions of past-it performers such as Elvis.)

Have to pull you up on that one.

Elvis might be dead but he's not past it. Ok?

27-03-2013 03:40PM

I've been a couple of times, and I pretty much hated it. It's possibly the most overrated place on earth, but each to their own. I saw Chris Angels 'believe' show and was very unimpressed, same for one of the many Cirque du Soleil shows constantly running in several venues. Vegas is trying to plug itself lately as a family holiday destination, but the signs for strip clubs on the highway coming in from LA leave you in no doubt about the reality of Sin City. Its a town for drinking, gambling, clubbing and anything else you fancy is readily on sale. Everything about the place is designed to part you from your money. It's not what I'd consider a family vacation spot.

If you want artifice, bright lights and big noises, then Vegas is fine for a couple of days. I can't imagine anyone enjoying more than 3/4 days though, it burns you out even if you're not a drinker and/or gambler. The fakery gets to you after a while.

I stayed in the Venetian the last time, and everything the Americans loved about it, I hated.

Tip: if you want to see Venice, it's not in Nevada.

Three Seasons · 27-03-2013 03:42PM

Candie wrote: »

I've been a couple of times, and I pretty much hated it. It's possibly the most overrated place on earth, but each to their own. I saw Chris Angels 'believe' show and was very unimpressed, same for one of the many Cirque du Soleil shows constantly running in several venues. Vegas is trying to plug itself lately as a family holiday destination, but the signs for strip clubs on the highway coming in from LA leave you in no doubt about the reality of Sin City. Its a town for drinking, gambling, clubbing and anything else you fancy is readily on sale. Everything about the place is designed to part you from your money. It's not what I'd consider a family vacation spot.

If you want artifice, bright lights and big noises, then Vegas is fine for a couple of days. I can't imagine anyone enjoying more than 3/4 days though, it burns you out even if you're not a drinker and/or gambler. The fakery gets to you after a while.

I stayed in the Venetian the last time, and everything the Americans loved about it, I hated.

Tip: if you want to see Venice, it's not in Nevada.

What in particular was fake apart from the Newtown?

pabloh999 · 27-03-2013 03:52PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

It's like someone saying they went to Mosney ang hated it in the 80s and saying don't like Dublin because of it.

Its absolutely nothing like that whatsoever

27-03-2013 03:57PM

Three Seasons wrote: »

What in particular was fake apart from the Newtown?

Everything from the rictus smiles of the staff to the phoney set ups of Venice and Luxor. Everything comes at a price, and not even the door is held open without the expectation of a tip. Common courtesy is at a price, but the food is free to keep you and your money in the hotel. It's all an illusion, albiet a bright and glossy one. If that's your thing, then great. Loads of people have a fantastic time in Vegas and good luck to them.

Its a business and its geared to making money. But you are not a valued guest, you are a valued wallet and I find the very scale of the exploitation dehumanising. However, lots of people don't mind or notice that, and they are very welcome to visit and enjoy Vegas, but if I can avoid it I won't be bothering to go there again.

Its just a question of taste, its not to mine although it is to others. We're all different, thankfully.

http://listverse.com/2010/02/09/10-tricks-casinos-use-on-you/

The Backwards Man · 27-03-2013 03:57PM

pabloh999 wrote: »

Its absolutely nothing like that whatsoever

It really is though. I accept that Vegas isn't for everyone but judging a city of 600,000 people on a single street that actually isn't even a part of the city is a bit silly.

Maudi · 27-03-2013 03:59PM

Yamanoto wrote: »

When tips constitute a large wedge of your take-home, you're inclined to treat Bob n' Betsy like they're the Sultan of Brunei.

so?

Xavi6 · 27-03-2013 04:02PM

BabysCoffee wrote: »

The club pays him to bring in punters

Indeed but the poster put me in the schmuck category. I don't see how getting into naked lady heaven for free makes me one of those. If anything it should be the opposite.

Anyway, everyone should try Vegas at least once imo. I'll be aiming to do it every ten years as part of a trip to the US. Between internal flights and hotel prices you can easily do it on the cheap.

The Backwards Man · 27-03-2013 04:02PM

Candie wrote: »

Everything from the rictus smiles of the staff to the phoney set ups of Venice and Luxor. Everything comes at a price, and not even the door is held open without the expectation of a tip. Common courtesy is at a price, but the food is free to keep you and your money in the hotel. It's all an illusion, albiet a bright and glossy one. If that's your thing, then great. Loads of people have a fantastic time in Vegas and good luck to them.

Its a business and its geared to making money. But you are not a valued guest, you are a valued wallet and I find the very scale of the exploitation dehumanising. However, lots of people don't mind or notice that, and they are very welcome to visit and enjoy Vegas, but if I can avoid it I won't be bothering to go there again.

Its just a question of taste, its not to mine although it is to others. We're all different, thankfully.

http://listverse.com/2010/02/09/10-tricks-casinos-use-on-you/

No matter where you go, no matter what you do, your wallet is valued more than your well being. Vegas is just a bit more up front and honest about it, and tries to give you more bang for buck into the bargain.

LizT · 27-03-2013 04:03PM

Cienciano wrote: »

Great fast food chain. The beauty of it is the tiny menu. Just do a few things, but do them well.

And the secret menu. Animal fries are amazing.

27-03-2013 04:05PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

No matter where you go, no matter what you do, your wallet is valued more than your well being. Vegas is just a bit more up front and honest about it, and tries to give you more bang for buck into the bargain.

That's your perception, but it's not mine.

I don't believe many places in Vegas aim to give you value for money. The aim to create the perfect atmosphere to part you from it. Which is fine, if you keep that in mind.

krudler · 27-03-2013 04:15PM

Candie wrote: »

That's your perception, but it's not mine.

I don't believe many places in Vegas aim to give you value for money. The aim to create the perfect atmosphere to part you from it. Which is fine, if you keep that in mind.

On the flip side of that though, I spent about 300 dollars over the 3 nights I was in Vegas (of my own money, I did win 100 bucks and blew it as well) I've spent more on a weekend out in Dublin. Food is crazy cheap, you can get comps for clubs easily enough, drinks are free in all the casinos, just bang a few quid into a slot machine and get your booze on. This notion that you'll get ripped for for a fortune in Vegas simply isnt true.

27-03-2013 04:19PM

krudler wrote: »

On the flip side of that though, I spent about 300 dollars over the 3 nights I was in Vegas (of my own money, I did win 100 bucks and blew it as well) I've spent more on a weekend out in Dublin. Food is crazy cheap, you can get comps for clubs easily enough, drinks are free in all the casinos, just bang a few quid into a slot machine and get your booze on. This notion that you'll get ripped for for a fortune in Vegas simply isnt true.

I never said it was, although loads of people get sucked into spending far more than they intended to. And the more of those free drinks they have the more their guard is down.

If all that is what you want out of a holiday, then Vegas is a good match for you. But there are loads of people that drinking and clubbing doesn't really appeal to, so the notion that everyone can go to Vegas and have an unforgettable time isn't true either.

Or maybe not, I did have an unforgettable time. Not for good reasons though. It's just not my thing.

Should every body visit Las Vegas at least once in their lives?

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