This is the video that of the Las Vegas Strip flooding on our recent trip. The massive storms that were expected never materialized on this trip until this moment. We left Crystals/Aria and it started to rain. We went into the Cosmo for a very quick drink and came out to what you see in the video.
This is taken from the walkway into the Bellagio from The Strip on the Cosmo side of the property. The walkway into the Bellagio was also flooded and the crews were pushing the water away as we took this video.
Many people have asked if this caused the temperature to drop or if the rain caused humidity. The temperature did not noticeably drop, nothing more than your normal rainstorm. The rain did however cause a rise in humidity which is something you just don’t get in Las Vegas.
There is still plenty of free parking in Vegas. Not all are convenient or located right on the Las Vegas Strip but it’s easy to get to the The Strip from practically anywhere in Vegas. Besides outright free parking some resorts or casinos offer free parking for being members of their players club. This usually entails hitting their second tier which really doesn’t take much to achieve. We will discuss the free parking locations in Vegas and then talk about how you can achieve free parking through players rewards.
Free Parking in Vegas
The Strip
Wynn Las Vegas and Encore
Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
Venetian/Palazzo Hotel & Casino
Tropicana Hotel & Casino – may charge for parking when there are events at T-Mobile.
The Shops at Crystals – valet parking during business hours and no overnight parking allowed.
Fashion Show Mall – only during business hours and no overnight parking allowed.
Northern Strip
The Strat Hotel & Casino
Sahara Las Vegas
Circus Circus
Resorts World
Off Strip
Oyo Hotel & Casino
Free Parking at MGM Resorts and Casinos
There are two ways to achieve free parking at MGM Resorts and Casinos in Las Vegas. Both ways involve reaching Pearl Status with their players club program. Pearl is the second tier of the MGM Rewards Program. Pearl is relatively easy to acquire through either spending or gambling and once achieved is good the year it was achieved and the following year. Pearl Status can also be achieved by getting the MGM Rewards Mastercard. The MGM Rewards Mastercard is a “no fee” credit card which automatically gives you Pearl Status.
Free Parking at Caesars Resorts and Casinos
Much like MGM, free parking at Caesars Resorts entails reaching status in their players club program. Free parking is available to those that reach Platinum Status. Platinum Status can be achieved through either gambling or spending or by getting the Caesars Rewards Visa card. The Caesars Rewards Visa card is also a no fee credit card.
Parking for Locals
Sadly free parking for Nevada Residents on The Strip is a thing of the past. At time of writing this Caesars Resorts (excluding Planet Hollywood) offers 3 hours free parking for locals but this seems to be a promotion that isn’t always active.
Fremont Street and Downtown
If you are staying or visiting Fremont Street you may be able to get free parking in a couple of ways. Many casinos downtown offer free parking for guests. Others will also waive parking fees by getting your slip validated for eating or gambling at their premises. This may not apply when there are events on. It’s best to contact the hotel you are staying at or visiting for more information.
Las Vegas is ever changing. We try to keep our lists updated as best as possible. Please see our other Las Vegas Guides to help you make your next trip a great one.
Enjoy this collection of vintage Vegas photos. It doesn’t take long for Las Vegas to change. The Las Vegas strip is always changing with new bars, restaurants and resort casinos. Thankfully we can look back at old school Las Vegas through nostalgic vintage photos.
Las Vegas is known for it’s attractions, shows, gambling and luxurious resorts but also love the food choices. When we visit Las Vegas we love trying different restaurants and trying different foods. While we are not high end foodies we do try to visit different venues. We present some of our personal photos of food and drinks from the various restaurants and food places we have visited in Vegas. We present our collection of Las Vegas food porn.
Las Vegas Food Porn
We present photos of the restaurants and places we have visited in Las Vegas to sample food. Some of the places listed may no longer be in business. Restaurants can change pretty quick in Vegas.
Carnegie Deli at The Mirage
The Carnegie Deli The Mirage is now closed but it was a stop we enjoyed on our trips. The server suggested we split our clubhouse sandwich and we are glad we did. It was massive.
Heart Attack Grill on Fremont St.
The first place we ate at in Las Vegas. The Heart Attack Grill. Burgers, fries and a few drinks. If you don’t finish your food you get a paddling from one of the servers.
The Hexx
One of the best people watching patios in town and the food is a home run. Chicken Sandwich, fries and a Vodka Caesar.
In-N-Out Burger at The Linq
Our first experience with In-N-Out Burger. We enjoyed the food but didn’t see what all of the fuss was about. We have had better and we have had worse. Still it’s worth it to give it a try.
LVB Burger at The Mirage
LVB Burger is no longer in business at The Mirage. We ate there a couple of times and I enjoyed their gourmet burgers. I do not recall what this monstrosity was called but it did the trick after a night of drinking on The Strip.
Sliders from The Still at The Mirage
The Still Sports Bar at The Mirage in Las Vegas is one place we stop at often in Vegas. The atmosphere is great for grabbing quick bites and drinks and the staff have always been amazing. The Burger Sliders are our go to but we love the wings as well.
There are lots of different tourist scams in Las Vegas. Many of the scams might be obvious but some of them are pretty clever. Nothing is free in Las Vegas and if it sounds too good to be true it’s probably a scam.
A few years back we were walking into the Planet Hollywood Mall. We were asked if we wanted a coupon book. I know that the mall offers shopping booklets with coupons so I said sure. The man wasn’t with the mall and immediately began harassing us to go to a time share presentation. A scam.
Tourist scams are everywhere in Las Vegas and here are a few of the more common scams.
Tourist Scams in Las Vegas
Update Sept 5th, 2023
We just got back from Vegas and have heard a few stories of people approaching you asking you to take out your phone to get directions or an address for a place they are to meet a friend or to borrow it to make an emergency call. Do Not take your phone out and just walk away. They are trying to install apps or use your apps to steal money.
Card Slappers – The Card Slappers are all over the Las Vegas Strip. They will hand you a card advertising an escort or call girl. Contrary to what many people think, prostitution is illegal in Vegas. Most times the escort is not going to provide you with a service. They are there to rob you. They may slip you something in a drink or excuse themselves to freshen up while they steal your items.
Free Dinner Scam – The scam involves a good looking person chatting you up and gaining your confidence. They will tell you about how they scored a big win at the tables and want to take you out for dinner. They will do the old dine and dash and leave your holding the bill for dinner.
Time Share Presentation – These people are all over the Las Vegas Strip. They will offer you free tickets to a show or dinner if you listen to their presentation. You will get some crappy seats to a show. You will have wasted your day and they will do everything to keep you there and get you to sign up. It’s not worth wasting an entire day in Las Vegas to get a pair of nosebleed seats.
Casino ATM’s – So not a scam in the general sense but beware of the fees. Some of the bank machine fees in Casinos are 3x a normal ATM. Try and get your money elsewhere.
Water Vendors – This should be a no brainer. Do not buy water from a person off the strip. I have seen them. The coolers are filthy and people report they have filled them up with tap water.
Don’t Gamble on the Street – I have never seen them but apparently Three Card Monty and other games take place in Vegas. These are obviously not fair games. You have no chance of winning them.
Distraction – Stay focused in the Casino. The scammers will work in pairs. One will distract you by dropping something or bumping into you. The other will steal your purse, bag or even try to get your tito slip.
The Long Haul – Taxi cab drivers are notorious for trying to long haul you from the airport. Read more on our post Long Haul Taxi Scam.
Pick Pockets – There are professional pick pockets everywhere in Las Vegas. They will work in teams. One will distract you while the other loots you. They look for people flashing money, cell phones or other valuables. They also look for somebody that appears or is drunk. Keep you wallet and purses closed and close to you and do not flash your valuables out in the open.
CD Scam – These guys usually hang out on the bridges along the strip or around the escalators. They will ask you if you want a free CD of their terrible music. They will ask you your name and sign the CD Case and then be very aggressive in trying to get you to buy it because they ruined it by putting your name on it. Just keep walking and ignore them.
Mentor Scam – These scammers will approach you in a casino and bar and tell you a tale of how they reached some kind of financial goal or got rich and then promise to teach you as a mentor for a fee. It’s a scam obviously.
Fake Marijuana Stores – Marijuana stores are not allowed on The Strip or on Fremont St. The stores that have popped up are CBD stores and they are not selling THC. They package their material and even will tell you that they are selling THC. It’s a scam. Use Google and find a real Dispensary. I have personally use Planet 18 and The Reef, both highly recommended.
How to Deal with Scammers in Las Vegas
The easiest way to deal with the scammers is to simply ignore them. When they try to hand you a card, a cd or booklet just keep walking. They won’t waste their time on you.
If you engage them then they will focus on you and begin their targeted harassing grift. If you acknowledge them they will press you. So don’t do it.
If a scammer begins to engage with you tell them you are on your way to the airport and walk away. They have heard this a million times and will usually go away.
I have personally yelled at them with a loud voice to leave me alone. They don’t want to create a scene, especially with Vegas police so they will go away.
If you feel threatened just walk into the nearest store, casino or business. They won’t follow you in there. If so grab a security guard, they are everywhere in Vegas.
I am spending my birthday in Vegas and I am wondering if there are any deals of freebies? This is a common question for Vegas travelers. We have a list of current birthday deals and freebies in Las Vegas. Many of them entail you signing up for membership cards, an email list or online newsletter. If you follow our guide you should be able to get yourself a few specials and birthday freebies.
Updated June 2023
Shameless Self Promotion
There is not shame in self promotion. Tell everyone it’s your birthday and see if they offer any special deals or freebies available. Let people know you are in Vegas to celebrate your special day.
When making your hotel reservation make sure they put a birthday note on your reservation and mention it upon check in. They may give you an upgrade when making the reservation or when checking in. For example, we were given a room on the 53rd floor with a strip view at the Aria.
Mention it to your bartender, waitress or hostess. You may just get a free drink, entree or dinner.
Sign Up For Players Club Cards
Sign up for players club cards and their email lists. They will email you promotions for your birthday. It may something as small as a free drink or it could be freeplay credit. Last year I was given $10 free play plus a bonus of $30 for any stay during my birthday month. If you don’t get a special via email I would still go to the players club ask if there are any promotions or freebies.
Sign Up For Email List or Fan Clubs for Restaurants
Many restaurants will give you a 2-1 coupon or freebie on your birthday simply for signing up for their email list or fan club. If they ask you for your date of birth when signing up you will more than likely get a freebie.
Hash House a Go Go offers a 2-1 Dinner Free Dessert Coupon for joining their Facebook Club. Coupon has an expiration date.
Holsteins sent me a free alcohol shake for joining their Club (halfway down the page).
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria offers a free pizza on your birthday. I just signed up so I cannot confirm what they offer as of yet. They also offer a $5 off coupon but it expires within a month of signing up.
Hexx sent a coupon for a 1/2 price signature drink or free appetizer with entree purchase.
Lettuce Entertain You puts $15 in your account every year for your birthday that does not expire and is good at several Las Vegas restaurants.
Margaritaville sends you a birthday coupon when you sign up for their “Fins Up” club. The coupon is $10 off $30
Bin702 located in the Container Park will offer a free drink during the week of your birthday. Go to website and a box should open allowing you to sign up for club with your birthday information.
BOGO free entrée at Magnolias restaurant at Four Queens in the month of your birth.
BOGO free entrée at Binions Cafe in the month of your birth.
These are just a few examples of freebies you can get in Vegas from joining restaurant clubs or email lists. If you plan on going to a restaurant check their website for a list and join it. If not mention to your server that it is your birthday and see if they give you something.
Vegas Specific Birthday Freebies
These are the Vegas specific freebies that have been reported on various websites, chat boards and forums. I can’t speak for the validity of them so please report any that are not active.
The Eiffel Tower at Paris is free on the day of your birthday.
Excalibur offers $20 Free Play through the week before and after your birthday.
Luxor offers a free spin $5 – $100 within a week of your birthday. Reports of offering $10 loaded onto players card so no more spin.
Park MGM offers $25 Free Play.
Ellis Island offers $10 Free Play on the day of birthday.
Sahara offers Free Play and possible other food discounts during birthday month. Also $10 FP for new sign ups.
Four Queens gives a two-for-one dinner voucher for Magnolia’s during your birthday month.
Orleans earn 1 point and swipe for prizes at kiosk booth.
Wynn: $10 Free Play within 48 hours of b-day (not sure if still active).
The Plaza has a number of bday offers including discount rooms.
Both Wynn and MGM are sending emails for FreePlay during birthday month but it might be tied to Tier Status
This update of our Las Vegas Photo of the Week we bring you a shot of the Eiffel Tower at The Paris. We happened upon this mid morning in December as we were crossing the bridge from The Cromwell to Bally’s Casino. The sun had set just perfect behind the Eiffel Tower and reminded us of some ritual or event from an apocalypse movie. We have some great GoPro footage of the event but haven’t had time to clean it up yet.
Video walkthrough of a Resort King Room at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. This is a basic room at The Bellagio that we recently stayed at. Our room number was 9031. This Resort King Room is located in the Main Tower with a pool and mountain view. This is a typical room that you would get at The Bellagio with no upgrades.
As we were not concerned with any upgrades or did not care about the view we used Mobile Check In process to avoid the long line at check in and get our room earlier than 3:00. We checked in before noon and our room was ready within the hour. The room is automatically assigned so again I would suggest using this only if you are not concerned about upgrades or view.
Resort King Walkthrough at The Bellagio in Las Vegas
The basic room at The Bellagio is very stylish. You get a nice roomy seating area near the window with two comfortable chairs. The bed is nice and soft. You get a separate soaking tub and stand up shower. Only one sink though which was the only let down. Look in the closet for your Bellagio bath robe.
Bellagio Las Vegas Pro Tips
The Main Tower is closest to the Front Lobby. The rear tower (Spa Tower) can be quite a hike from the main lobby.
The North Valet is close the elevator banks for the Main Tower and using this is arriving in ride share and taxi will save your a longer walk.
The Conservatory is less busy a night giving you a better opportunity to take photos unobstructed.
There are limited inexpensive food choices and even more so a night. If you are heading back to your room and looking for a late night snack you would want to grab something before heading back to the hotel.
At the rear of the hotel is a Free Tram that will take you down to the T-Mobile Arena.
A stay at The Bellagio is definitely an upscale experience. The room and amenities will make you feel pampered and spoiled from the moment you arrive. It is however quite busy with tourists from other hotels stopping by to see the fountains, conservatory or property in general. We found the casino a little hectic with the site seeing gawkers. Overall we enjoyed our stay and we hope you do as well.
A Vegas Vacation is a unique travel experience. The weather can be hot during the day and it can be quite cool at night depending on the time of year you visit. The properties are massive in size which means lots of walking. Having the proper gear and supplies for a trip to Vegas is important. We will Lets just assume that you will bring a bathing suite and shorts, that’s is given. Lets look at some of the essentials to pack for a Vegas Vacation.
Realistically, you don’t have to load all of this stuff up on the plane with you. You can pick up many of the items listed below at a Walgreen or CVS store. Just don’t buy they from your hotel or casino store, they are way over priced.
Clothing Essentials
Comfortable Shoes – We were logging anywhere from 6 to 10 miles a day on our last Vegas trip. There is no way you want to do that in a pair of uncomfortable shoes. I bring a pair of walking type shoes for daytime gawking and a pair of dressier shoes for fancier dinners or functions.
Jacket or Long Shirt – One, it can get cooler at night and secondly you might need a long shirt if you are going anywhere with a dress code.
Long Pants – Same reason as above.
Hat – That sun can get to you if you are sitting around a pool or just walking up and down The Vegas Strip. If you plan on being outdoors bringing a sensible hat just makes sense.
Sunglasses – Again the sun is merciless in Vegas and who is kidding who, you might want to hide those bloodshot eyes the next day.
Toiletries
Sunscreen – No brainier here. You have to keep that skin protected in the hot Vegas sun.
Lip Balm – You might forget about this one but my lips always get chapped in Vegas. Hotels are dry at the best of time add that to the dry desert air and it’s extra dry.
Nasal Spray – It happens every trip. My nose dries out in the dry desert air and when it does it’s uncomfortable. Nasal Spray is on the list this year.
Pepto Bismol – I prefer the Pepto tablet. They are easy to carry around and they do the trick when I get that “buffet tummy”.
Headache Pills – This one is self explanatory. Who hasn’t had a sore noodle in Vegas?
Ear Plugs – If you are unfortunate enough to get a room over top of a night club you will be glad you packed these.
Misc
Water Bottle – Some people like to have their own water bottle to carry with them. Vegas is one those towns where drinking water is important.
Solo Cups – I usually grab these when I get to Vegas. I like to pour a drink from the hotel room and take it with me or when I buy one on the Strip pour it in the cup.
Beer Koozie – I have a Beer Koozie in the pocket of every jacket I own. They keep your hands dry and your beer cold.
Small Cooler – Most hotels do not have a fridge you can use. They are stocked with snacks and drinks. We bring a small collapsible cooler that we can fill with ice to keep our drinks cold.
Tech
USB Plugs – More and more hotels in Vegas have usb plugs in the room but it’s not guaranteed. I throw a few of these in my bag.
External Batteries – When you are away from your room for longs periods of time taking photos or posting on social media you can drain your battery on your phone or camera fast. You can find small portable batteries or even phone charger cases on Amazon fairly cheaply. We have noticed more USB Charge stations over the past couple of years.
Documents
Drivers Licence or Passport – I was at Ellis Island on my birthday and my drivers licence expired that day. They would not give me a card or let me use my coupons because the computer would not accept my information. It’s important to make sure you have your information up to date and handy. I am not a fan of walking around with my Passport but some clubs and bars will not accept a drivers license and require a Passport.
You are headed to Las Vegas and you are looking for that perfect place with a great view to enjoy a drink. This review of the best bars in Vegas with a view should help you. There is nothing like having a cocktail and getting looking over the Las Vegas Strip. Surprisingly there aren’t as many places to get a good strip view as you would think. For a town with as many sights and lights as Las Vegas you would think you would have dozens of options but that’s not the case. Still there are some real solid options to get a drink and enjoy the Vegas skyline. We were going to set a price range for each place but just count on expensive. A view isn’t cheap in Vegas, or is anything else.
Updated 2018/09/03 – The Mandarin Oriental has been purchased by The Waldorf Astoria.
Best Bars in Vegas with a View
Many people ask what is the best time to witness the Vegas skyline and that really is a matter of preference. During the day you really get an idea on how massive the buildings and attractions are. It’s something that at night is almost hidden or obscured by the lights. At night obviously the lights are an amazing sight to see and a must do when in Vegas. A third great time is at sundown itself. There is something really special about watching the strip lights come on as the sun dips behind the horizon. We will show you a few photos of each prospective.
Skyfall Lounge at The Delano
The Skyfall Lounge sits atop of the 64th floor at The Delano at the south end of the Vegas strip. The lounge gives you an amazing 180 degree of Vegas from the south. The video above is not ours but it gives you a great shot of the view.
Location: 3940 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89119
The Foundation Room sits on the 63rd Floor of Mandalay Bay at the south end of the strip. Not exactly a club or a bar it’s described as more of a high end lounge. The photo above is a typical view that you will expect to see from the balcony view. Your view is looking down towards MGM and up the strip towards the bend at The Paris. There is a cover charge which you reportedly do not have to pay if you dine there.
Location: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Hours: Daily 5 pm – Close
Dress: Smart Casual which means no shorts, sandals, hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sports apparel, tank tops, sneakers and athletic shoes.
Cover: $30, Reported free access if you dine at the restaurant.
The Mandarin Bar has been renamed to The SkyBar as the property has been purchased by The Waldorf Astoria. The SkyBar is located on the 23rd floor of the The Waldorf Astoria hotel which sits just in front of the Aria Hotel and Casino. While it may not sit as high as the two bars to the south the view is stunning. The glass to ceiling walls give an impressive view. There is also a tea room located next door if you are looking for a different experience with a view. Not our video we found this gem on YouTube.
Location: 3752 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158
Hours: Sun – Thurs (4:00 – 1:00 am), Friday – Sat (4:00 – 2:00 am)
Dress: Casual but not set. People report that you don’t want to be undressed as in flip flops and a tank top.
Does a 360 degree view from the 107th floor of the Stratosphere have you interested? You won’t catch another view of Vegas like this. The Strat is located fairly north of the strip and not a good idea to walk to at night. It’s a short Uber or Lyft. Admission is free and it’s highly recommended to visit at happy hour and see the sun set over Vegas.
Location: 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
The VooDoo Lounge is located off the strip at The Rio Hotel and Casino. The photo above is from our 2015 trip. We did VooDoo Zipline package from Groupon and had free entry to the bar. You get a great view of the strip from the rear.
Location: 3700 W. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103
High Roller is a 550-foot tall Ferris wheel located at the back of the LINQ Promenade. We are including it because you can do the Happy Half Hour all you can drink package or from views buy a drink in the bar and take it with you. It takes a half an hour to rotate and you get a 360 degree view of Vegas from the west side of the strip. We have done the ride during the day, dusk and night. We enjoyed them all.
Location: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hours:
Daytime Pass – 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Anytime / Night Pass – until 2:00 a.m.
Dress: None
Cover: See website as there are different packages for day/night and drinking package. See Groupon or Travel Zoo for deals.
These are probably your best go to lounges, clubs and attractions for getting a great view of Las Vegas while enjoying a cocktail. There are many other places along the strip where you can get a lower view. Check out places such as The Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris and The Giada at The Cromwell and the Beer Park. Please let us know if we should add any more places.
