Post: #1

So I'm hitting up Las Vegas Aug 27th - Sep 4th, at the time of booking the flight I didn't know that this was the Labor day weekend and one of the major party weekends of the year. Nothing exciting for you guys in the US but as a European you know how the grass is always greener on the other side (and the bush better trimmed).

I've gone over the forum's Vegas threads as well as G's Vegas guides multiple times and I'm letting them influence everything from Hotel selection to my day scheduling.

I'm splitting my stay between The Cosmopolitan (mostly because I hold status with Marriott and will get pampered and points) and THEHotel at Mandalay bay. I would have wanted to stay at either Venetian or Wynn but there's obviously some convention by these hotels this week that had their rates at mad levels for Vegas.

For now this thread is just a lil' placeholder for putting my trip report in as well as nudging any posters to give the town a visit this particular week.

Watch this space...

Post: #2

(06-29-2011 09:44 AM)Vicious Wrote:  G's Vegas guides ... influence everything

The Cosmopolitan ... and THEHotel at Mandalay bay.

Venetian or Wynn

Synopsis of G's advice: Go to a strip club after midnight, smoke, and flash wad's o' cash.

My advice: Be discreet with cash to avoid TSA problems (use casino credit). Get a tan at Mandalay Bay's topless pool. MGM-Mirage-Mandalay have a new point system with automated kiosk's for comps. But the better play is the hit the tables hard and fast, then get a host.

The Cosmopolitan will reimburse $100 of losses: Cosmo Promotion.

Tropicana will reimburse $200: Tropicana Promotion (#10).

I stayed free at Venetian last week. Their pool was shaded in the morning.

Wynn's topless pool was poorly designed, and they had to tell some women to cover up due to an adjacent party.

Post: #3

"Synopsis of G's advice: Go to a strip club after midnight, smoke, and flash wad's o' cash."

That is a pretty full proof plan.

However I would go after 3am.

I have never been the weekend you are going (and would avoid like the plague, that that is neither here nor there since you are going), but I think the Gentleman's Club would be the move.

If I was going to Vegas that weekend, I would go all in on The Spearmint Rhino.

(Interestingly enough, it has been forever since I have entered a Gentleman's Club.)

That being said, I am sure your first trip (you did say that right?) to Las Vegas will be pretty unforgettable.

Have a great trip.

Post: #4

(06-29-2011 12:28 PM)kimleebj Wrote:  My advice: Be discreet with cash to avoid TSA problems (use casino credit).

Actually, I asked that question a few weeks ago to a friend who works at TSA and he told me it's okay and you will have no problem unless you carry more than $10,000 with you.



EDIT: check this out

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/news...orting.pdf

Post: #5

kimleebj & G:

I hear you on the Gentleman's club. Get this though (copied from another thread). I have never been to a strip club/Gentleman's club in my life. It's not a moral choice, there's simply not any classy such clubs in Scandinavia. So the question is whether I should even bother with the pros of LV when it's virgin territory for me. Just watching does nothing for me. If I go it's to pluck a performer or two. Though my experience with pros are nil.

kimleebj:

Can't get the Cosmo link to work.

Regarding the topless pool, forgive me if I sound elitist but to pay to enter a topless pool and be among hordes of other guys pretending not to stare sounds... dodgy to me. I guess I'm spoiled with the Scandi beaches.

Likewise, I've never been a gambler because I'm too good at maths (which makes you realize that the house always has an edge). I could do poker but I guess there's plenty of sharks in Vegas that could skin you.

Post: #6

(06-29-2011 05:38 PM)Vicious Wrote:  kimleebj & G:

I hear you on the Gentleman's club. Get this though (copied from another thread). I have never been to a strip club/Gentleman's club in my life. It's not a moral choice, there's simply not any classy such clubs in Scandinavia.

It's so amazing to see all the cultural differences brought up in this blog/forum.I couldn't even imagine Vicious reality Growing up.
In Latin America you pratically aren't considered a man before going to a Gentleman club.We grew up frequenting this places since school.It's like a ritual passed on by father to son. Shocking.

Post: #7

Vicious, you are from Sweden, right? It would therefore surprise me if you do not play Blackjack, as you can basically play that in any bar/club in Sweden (but cannot buy decent alcohol in a supermarket...). At least for me, Blackjack is always the game of choice and you can employ strategies etc. so that you can steer the game somewhat. It's not all down to luck like in other games. Having said that, when I was in Vegas I only played for two hours on my very last night in town, walked away with a nice profit and hit a club. You can do so much more in Vegas than just gambling.

Post: #8

(06-29-2011 03:57 PM)Pete Wrote:  Actually, I asked that question a few weeks ago to a friend who works at TSA and he told me it's okay and you will have no problem unless you carry more than $10,000 with you.

You won't have any problems even if you carry more than $10K, but you need to fill up the special Custom form. This, however, is easy - you go to Customs, tell them how much you carry, give them the passport, and they fill up the form for you, you sign it and they take it back. Been through that twice. Note that 10K includes not just to cash, but also traveler checks.

Of course it only applies when you travel internationally (i.e. leave from, or arrive to US). If you travel within the US, nobody should give a fuck how much cash you carry.

Post: #9

(06-29-2011 03:57 PM)Pete Wrote:  TSA ... told me ... no problem unless you carry more than $10,000.

That's exactly the problem. Your link explains it is legal to carry any amount of cash within the U.S., but some ignorant TSA people will hassle you anyway, even for lesser amounts.

My broader point is that affluent people use credit cards and checks, not "wads of cash". Outside Vegas it gets difficult to spend $100 bills.

(06-29-2011 05:38 PM)Vicious Wrote:  I have never been to a strip club ... Just watching does nothing for me.

Can't get the Cosmo link to work.

to pay to enter a topless pool and be among hordes of other guys pretending not to stare sounds... dodgy to me.

I've never been a gambler because ... the house always has an edge.

I agree with you about strip clubs - it is like visiting a bakery just to look.

Sorry about the dead link. Just search for "Cosmopolitan Promotion". Cosmopolitan will reimburse up to $100 of losses (and $200 for Tropicana), so you can literally gamble with no risk of loss, and a good chance of gain. Let me know if somebody else posts an easy way to save $300 on vacation!

I don't know about the current Mandalay Bay topless pool social atmosphere. When they opened it was slow and used for private pot smoking. Hopefully it is more social now. Ideally it should be laid back where a social European guy finds it natural and casual to see nude women. Younger, hotter, and more insecure women will be at the regular pool.

It's a good idea for you to avoid gambling. But joining the slot clubs and doing minimal machine play (enough to qualify for a free buffet) will get you on mailing lists for free and discount rooms.

Post: #10

"My broader point is that affluent people use credit cards and checks, not "wads of cash". Outside Vegas it gets difficult to spend $100 bills."

Not really.

In most countries it is a lot easier to use CASH than credit cards.

Post: #11

(07-01-2011 10:48 AM)kimleebj Wrote:  

(06-29-2011 03:57 PM)Pete Wrote:  TSA ... told me ... no problem unless you carry more than $10,000.

That's exactly the problem. Your link explains it is legal to carry any amount of cash within the U.S., but some ignorant TSA people will hassle you anyway, even for lesser amounts.

I won't carry more than $1000 in cash into the country. When I need more I'll just bite the bullet and absorb the $5 fee from withdrawing cash from an ATM. I hear the fee is even lower at Walgrens/Rite-aid etc.

Quote:

(06-29-2011 05:38 PM)Vicious Wrote:  I have never been to a strip club ... Just watching does nothing for me.

I don't know about the current Mandalay Bay topless pool social atmosphere. When they opened it was slow and used for private pot smoking. Hopefully it is more social now. Ideally it should be laid back where a social European guy finds it natural and casual to see nude women. Younger, hotter, and more insecure women will be at the regular pool.

It's a good idea for you to avoid gambling. But joining the slot clubs and doing minimal machine play (enough to qualify for a free buffet) will get you on mailing lists for free and discount rooms.

I'll check out those loss reimbursements. And thanks for the advice on joining the player's club. If I can just memorize the basic strategy table for Black Jack I might give it a go.

The dodgy thing in my mind about topless pools is the cover for entering. That should keep the kids out however which is a positive thing.I think I'll adapt some of Lumiere's beach game for the pools. Being in good shape (though not at VKempiresofdirt level) will help me. The whole thing about how topless pools being something common for me could also be used in conversation to differentiate myself from the the horny oglers that will likely be plentyful at the topless pools.

Generally my game will be mostly day/evening as, like G, I am not much of a nightclub person.

Post: #12

Hey Vicious if Fisto is still in Vegas it might be worth looking him up. He gave a pretty good rundown on the city and has tight game. Viva Las Vegas, Baby!! Been there a few times. The place is pretty amazing.

Post: #13

(07-01-2011 10:48 AM)kimleebj Wrote:  That's exactly the problem. Your link explains it is legal to carry any amount of cash within the U.S., but some ignorant TSA people will hassle you anyway, even for lesser amounts.

If you ever been hassled by TSA, stay calm and ask for a supervisor. Those entry-level people only receive minimum training, and do not know all the rules. Their supervisor, however, does.

A couple years ago I was flying to Ontario with my parachute in carry on. Got a dirty look from a machine operator, told her this is a sport parachute. She said I cannot carry it to the airplane, and must check it in. Asked her to call the supervisor, who came in three minutes, looked on it and told her, "so what? yeah, it is legal". He even made a quick seminar out of it showing other TSA agents how a parachute looks when it goes through the X-ray machine. No problems at all.

Quote:My broader point is that affluent people use credit cards and checks, not "wads of cash". Outside Vegas it gets difficult to spend $100 bills.

Checks???
The only people I have seen using checks for regular purchases (i.e. in stores, restaurants etc) here in US were really old grandmas. Never heard or seen anyone actually using checks in Europe either, people there mostly use cash and debit cards (and direct debit for bank transfers).

And even in US I always carry money in $100 bills as they take less space. Never had any issues with them, even in shitty dive bars everyone is happy to accept it.

Post: #14

I'm sorry, but I think going to Vegas and NOT going to a nightclub is just crazy. Not because the clubs are that amazing, but because all the girls in there want to fuck. Girls from all over the US flock to Vegas every weekend to let loose and get crazy. If you go to a popular club and approach like a madman, you WILL get laid. Don't make Vegas harder than it needs to be.

-LS

Post: #15

(07-01-2011 07:55 PM)oldnemesis Wrote:  

(07-01-2011 10:48 AM)kimleebj Wrote:  That's exactly the problem. Your link explains it is legal to carry any amount of cash within the U.S., but some ignorant TSA people will hassle you anyway, even for lesser amounts.

If you ever been hassled by TSA, stay calm and ask for a supervisor. Those entry-level people only receive minimum training, and do not know all the rules. Their supervisor, however, does.

A couple years ago I was flying to Ontario with my parachute in carry on. Got a dirty look from a machine operator, told her this is a sport parachute. She said I cannot carry it to the airplane, and must check it in. Asked her to call the supervisor, who came in three minutes, looked on it and told her, "so what? yeah, it is legal". He even made a quick seminar out of it showing other TSA agents how a parachute looks when it goes through the X-ray machine. No problems at all.

Quote:My broader point is that affluent people use credit cards and checks, not "wads of cash". Outside Vegas it gets difficult to spend $100 bills.

Checks???
The only people I have seen using checks for regular purchases (i.e. in stores, restaurants etc) here in US were really old grandmas. Never heard or seen anyone actually using checks in Europe either, people there mostly use cash and debit cards (and direct debit for bank transfers).

And even in US I always carry money in $100 bills as they take less space. Never had any issues with them, even in shitty dive bars everyone is happy to accept it.

I should add, that any small biz in America loves when you pay CASH.

Tax free purchases. And mad pro-bono sh*t.

Paying with a credit card is for dorks that like to pay full price.

And look weesh while doing it.

Post: #16

(07-01-2011 09:14 PM)lilseezie Wrote:  I'm sorry, but I think going to Vegas and NOT going to a nightclub is just crazy. Not because the clubs are that amazing, but because all the girls in there want to fuck. Girls from all over the US flock to Vegas every weekend to let loose and get crazy. If you go to a popular club and approach like a madman, you WILL get laid. Don't make Vegas harder than it needs to be.

If I find myself at 00.30am without at least 2 strong leads for the night then I will most likely go to The Marquee, XS, Tryst, Body English or Tao to do some nightclub gaming.

In my experience however I find that I meet higher quality talent in areas where people are more relaxed and where I can hold a conversation. I suspect, but correct me on this if I'm wrong, that G's experience is similar here.

My game is simply not well suited for the high-energy clubs, it is more like a slow dance - strong on innuendo, wit and intellect (to an extent this disqualifies many girls, for good and bad). It is exactly the kind of game that a lot of knuckledragger's describe as phony european when in fact to me it is very real and true.

Post: #17

(07-02-2011 03:01 AM)Vicious Wrote:  

(07-01-2011 09:14 PM)lilseezie Wrote:  I'm sorry, but I think going to Vegas and NOT going to a nightclub is just crazy. Not because the clubs are that amazing, but because all the girls in there want to fuck. Girls from all over the US flock to Vegas every weekend to let loose and get crazy. If you go to a popular club and approach like a madman, you WILL get laid. Don't make Vegas harder than it needs to be.

If I find myself at 00.30am without at least 2 strong leads for the night then I will most likely go to The Marquee, XS, Tryst, Body English or Tao to do some nightclub gaming.

In my experience however I find that I meet higher quality talent in areas where people are more relaxed and where I can hold a conversation. I suspect, but correct me on this if I'm wrong, that G's experience is similar here.

My game is simply not well suited for the high-energy clubs, it is more like a slow dance - strong on innuendo, wit and intellect (to an extent this disqualifies many girls, for good and bad). It is exactly the kind of game that a lot of knuckledragger's describe as phony european when in fact to me it is very real and true.

By all means chat up some ladies in the casinos and hotel bars during the day and early evening, but in Vegas I don't think you'll see as much success like this as in more chill cities. For Americans (the majority of people you'll meet there) Vegas is all about getting wild and crazy, not lounging around having an intellectual conversation. The majority of girls you meet in Vegas won't care about intelligence - they'll care about money, getting drunk, and fucking. My style sounds a lot like yours, but one must adapt to the environment they're in. In Vegas, that means being aggressive at clubs and grinding on the hunnies. You MAY succeed your way, but you WILL succeed this way. Your choice amigo.

-LS

Post: #18

(07-01-2011 10:06 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  I should add, that any small biz in America loves when you pay CASH.
Tax free purchases. And mad pro-bono sh*t.

Yeah, I just found it couple years ago that here in CA you can negotiate a "no sales tax" deal with a small biz when you give them green bucks.

Post: #19

(07-01-2011 11:50 AM)Vicious Wrote:  If I can just memorize the basic strategy table for Black Jack I might give it a go.

Print a basic strategy table off the internet. If you forget, then buy one at the gift shop. You can use them at the table. This is good, because it slows the game down. You can also ask the dealer for help on tricky decisions. If you enter a crowded table just before a shuffle and play slowly, then you will get only around 30 hands per hour. Make the first few bets $100 as you get rated, and then drop down. Then they will rate you at $100 for 60 hands per hour. Enjoy your free drinks and ask for a buffet comp when you leave.

Outside Vegas, everybody tests $100 bill for counterfeits. They limit my cash when I purchase luxury cars (so I use a check). Some places don't even take cash anymore. Rich people (Bill Gates and Warren Buffet) do not carry much cash.

Here is a notorious TSA cash incident.
Ron Paul Supporter Detained for $4700 in Cash

Post: #20

(07-02-2011 04:24 PM)lilseezie Wrote:  By all means chat up some ladies in the casinos and hotel bars during the day and early evening, but in Vegas I don't think you'll see as much success like this as in more chill cities. For Americans (the majority of people you'll meet there) Vegas is all about getting wild and crazy, not lounging around having an intellectual conversation. The majority of girls you meet in Vegas won't care about intelligence - they'll care about money, getting drunk, and fucking. My style sounds a lot like yours, but one must adapt to the environment they're in. In Vegas, that means being aggressive at clubs and grinding on the hunnies. You MAY succeed your way, but you WILL succeed this way. Your choice amigo.

-LS

One of my plans was to recruit talent from the pool to a couple of pre-evening drinks in my suite(s). Since the places I'll be staying at are resorts I was hoping the girls would be in vacation mode and recruitable even before dinner time. BUT, if you're saying that this won't work in Vegas then I'll take it into account. Nightclubs or grinding have never been my forté but I guess it'll have to be come late Aug. I guess alcohol might be the catalyst here.

(07-02-2011 05:00 PM)kimleebj Wrote:  Print a basic strategy table off the internet. If you forget, then buy one at the gift shop. You can use them at the table. This is good, because it slows the game down. You can also ask the dealer for help on tricky decisions. If you enter a crowded table just before a shuffle and play slowly, then you will get only around 30 hands per hour. Make the first few bets $100 as you get rated, and then drop down. Then they will rate you at $100 for 60 hands per hour. Enjoy your free drinks and ask for a buffet comp when you leave.

You can actually have a strategy sheet by the tables? I'm surprised not everyone is doing it...

And when I gamble I'll probably avoid drinking, I get way too bold after a couple of martinis. Everywhere except in the casino is this a good thing. I'm going to have to google how the Vegas comp ratings work. Seems to be a science of its own.

Post: #21

Oh... and $100/hand Black Jack. You think highly of my bankroll.

Found that Cosmo promo btw, unfortunately it was only good until July 31th.

Post: #22

(07-02-2011 04:24 PM)lilseezie Wrote:  

(07-02-2011 03:01 AM)Vicious Wrote:  

(07-01-2011 09:14 PM)lilseezie Wrote:  I'm sorry, but I think going to Vegas and NOT going to a nightclub is just crazy. Not because the clubs are that amazing, but because all the girls in there want to fuck. Girls from all over the US flock to Vegas every weekend to let loose and get crazy. If you go to a popular club and approach like a madman, you WILL get laid. Don't make Vegas harder than it needs to be.

If I find myself at 00.30am without at least 2 strong leads for the night then I will most likely go to The Marquee, XS, Tryst, Body English or Tao to do some nightclub gaming.

In my experience however I find that I meet higher quality talent in areas where people are more relaxed and where I can hold a conversation. I suspect, but correct me on this if I'm wrong, that G's experience is similar here.

My game is simply not well suited for the high-energy clubs, it is more like a slow dance - strong on innuendo, wit and intellect (to an extent this disqualifies many girls, for good and bad). It is exactly the kind of game that a lot of knuckledragger's describe as phony european when in fact to me it is very real and true.

By all means chat up some ladies in the casinos and hotel bars during the day and early evening, but in Vegas I don't think you'll see as much success like this as in more chill cities. For Americans (the majority of people you'll meet there) Vegas is all about getting wild and crazy, not lounging around having an intellectual conversation. The majority of girls you meet in Vegas won't care about intelligence - they'll care about money, getting drunk, and fucking. My style sounds a lot like yours, but one must adapt to the environment they're in. In Vegas, that means being aggressive at clubs and grinding on the hunnies. You MAY succeed your way, but you WILL succeed this way. Your choice amigo.

-LS

It is not like everyone in Las Vegas is going completely bonkers with faux hawks, Ed Hardy and lower back tattoos 24-7.

Vicious, you can play the mellower role in Las Vegas, especially at the higher end casinos.

There are tons of people there for conferences, all age groups and all walks of life.

The Casino bars and "ultra lounges" (really gay term by the way, but thats what they call them there) are literal goldmines.

Just to set the record straight, I dislike the nightclubs in Las Vegas because the people are weesh. It is not because they are difficult.

The people just seem like the kind of people that would be waiting in line for a club in South Beach or LA. Sort of middle America on a night out.

And with such good Gentleman's clubs which are guaranteed to have 100's of fly girls, why bother with the clubs?

But maybe that is just me. Then again, I like topless girls.

Post: #23

Vicious, I think 'Parasol Up-Parasol Down Lounge' at Wynn will suit your style of game and personality. It's an open bar/lounge in the middle of the Wynn hotel. It's a good spot to post up sometime early evening (7pm-12am slot in Vegas). You'll be able to work good conversation, actually hear yourself, and it's a classier joint without all the ed hardy/afflication douchebags and tattooed masses. There's a lot of flow and foot traffic around it. I believe G has mentioned this spot before, so he can add some insight.

Post: #24

(07-03-2011 03:38 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(07-02-2011 04:24 PM)lilseezie Wrote:  

(07-02-2011 03:01 AM)Vicious Wrote:  

(07-01-2011 09:14 PM)lilseezie Wrote:  I'm sorry, but I think going to Vegas and NOT going to a nightclub is just crazy. Not because the clubs are that amazing, but because all the girls in there want to fuck. Girls from all over the US flock to Vegas every weekend to let loose and get crazy. If you go to a popular club and approach like a madman, you WILL get laid. Don't make Vegas harder than it needs to be.

If I find myself at 00.30am without at least 2 strong leads for the night then I will most likely go to The Marquee, XS, Tryst, Body English or Tao to do some nightclub gaming.

In my experience however I find that I meet higher quality talent in areas where people are more relaxed and where I can hold a conversation. I suspect, but correct me on this if I'm wrong, that G's experience is similar here.

My game is simply not well suited for the high-energy clubs, it is more like a slow dance - strong on innuendo, wit and intellect (to an extent this disqualifies many girls, for good and bad). It is exactly the kind of game that a lot of knuckledragger's describe as phony european when in fact to me it is very real and true.

By all means chat up some ladies in the casinos and hotel bars during the day and early evening, but in Vegas I don't think you'll see as much success like this as in more chill cities. For Americans (the majority of people you'll meet there) Vegas is all about getting wild and crazy, not lounging around having an intellectual conversation. The majority of girls you meet in Vegas won't care about intelligence - they'll care about money, getting drunk, and fucking. My style sounds a lot like yours, but one must adapt to the environment they're in. In Vegas, that means being aggressive at clubs and grinding on the hunnies. You MAY succeed your way, but you WILL succeed this way. Your choice amigo.

-LS

It is not like everyone in Las Vegas is going completely bonkers with faux hawks, Ed Hardy and lower back tattoos 24-7.

Vicious, you can play the mellower role in Las Vegas, especially at the higher end casinos.

There are tons of people there for conferences, all age groups and all walks of life.

The Casino bars and "ultra lounges" (really gay term by the way, but thats what they call them there) are literal goldmines.

Just to set the record straight, I dislike the nightclubs in Las Vegas because the people are weesh. It is not because they are difficult.

The people just seem like the kind of people that would be waiting in line for a club in South Beach or LA. Sort of middle America on a night out.

And with such good Gentleman's clubs which are guaranteed to have 100's of fly girls, why bother with the clubs?

But maybe that is just me. Then again, I like topless girls.

You dislike the Vegas clubs because the people are weesh? Yes, there are a lot of douchebags there, but there are also douchebags at every club in every city throughout the world. Obviously by advising Vicious to go to a club I realize he's not going to be amongst the world's classiest people. But it's my understanding that he hopes to get laid, and by going to a Vegas club he's going to be around many attractive women from "middle America" who are down to fuck.

I will argue all day that one's chances of getting laid in Vegas are far greater at a nightclub than at a strip club, at least on a regular guy's budget. Anyone disagree?

-LS

Post: #25

Agent_GQ -

Yes. Parasol up and Parasol down. Just thinking about them brings a smile to my face.

They both got mentioned on my favorite Las Vegas Spots: http://www.thegmanifesto.com/2010/06/las...pound.html

lilseezie -

I see your point.

I guess one of the reasons I don't like Las Vegas clubs is because they are "oversold". Again, the people are that go are people that would wait in line in other cities. It kind of has a "SuperBowl of Partying" for regular people! vibe that I can't stand.

However, I will argue all day that one's chances of getting laid in Vegas with a really hot girl are far greater at a Gentleman's Club than at a nightclub, at least for a guy with a reasonable budget and a Custom Suit with Game.

Also, the main point of my post was that Vicious doesn't need to go to the clubs in Las Vegas. You made it seem in your earlier post that Las Vegas is tribal tattoos, Juicy Couture sweatpants, "grinding on the hunnies" and Affliction shirts non-stop.

A smoother side of Las Vegas does exist.

Actually it is pretty easy to find if you stay out of The Palm and Hard Rock.

But maybe that is just me. Then again, I like topless girls.