Vegas - bad times to go?

[Lost Shaker Assault]

(yet another Vegas thread)

A buddy of mine and I are planning an excursion to Vegas in January. We've both been before, but neither of us played much poker at the time (I played one small tourney at the Luxor the last time, about four years ago).

I know that Vegas can be a lot more expensive during particular times of the year, when big conventions and such are going on. How can I find about about these? Are there any in January? Do these affect the poker rooms' limits the way they do blackjack?

Also, while I'm here...

--If two relatively low-limit players are staying together in a room, can they combine their play to get room rates, comps, etc? (For instance, if they require 6 hours play for the casino rate, will 3 hours each do it?)

--Is it usually better to book through the poker host, or through one of the discount services on the Internet? Or even directly with the hotel?

Any other advice appreciated. I'm guessing we'll be staying 3-4 nights, staying somewhere on the Strip, playing between 3-6 and 6-12 Hold'em for 8-10 hours/day (more or less, depending on the luck), and taking in a couple of shows and some good food in between.

Thanks!
LSA

[Lost Shaker Assault]

Also, how are the weekends, compared to the weekdays, at most places as far as poker is concerned? Can one still find a low-limit game with some patience? How much softer/harder are the games?

Thanks again,
LSA

[sucka]

There are definitely slow times (like mid december through early January, excluding New Years Eve) where the rates are cheaper but you just have to go looking to see. There are events that pop up that cause rates to go higher strip wide - like a fight coming to town, a big tradeshow like Comdex, etc... You basically have to do some research to find the best value.

Personally, I dig the Mirage - it's location is great and I love playing there. They sent me a mailer a couple days ago and they are doing $65 a night (weeknights) the week before Christmas - which is traditionally one of the slowest weeks of the year there.

My wife and I and another couple went last year the week before Christmas and the poker room was packed. With the recent boom in poker, I can only deduce that it will be at least as good as last year - probably better. The smaller rooms are just tough to find regular games there anyway. I've yet to see the Luxor, Sahara or Flamingo full on any of my recent trips. I love playing at Monte Carlo, but even there you have to get lucky and show up when they have a relatively full room - most times I've been by I'm lucky if I see 3 tables running.

--If two relatively low-limit players are staying together in a room, can they combine their play to get room rates, comps, etc? (For instance, if they require 6 hours play for the casino rate, will 3 hours each do it?)

As far as I know - the answer is yes. I've personally confirmed this at several places - including the Mirage. It's always best to check though - just call the hotels 800 number and have them transfer you to the poker room.

--Is it usually better to book through the poker host, or through one of the discount services on the Internet? Or even directly with the hotel?

If you want the 'casino rate' you have to book through the poker room to get it. FWIW, the casino rate at the Mirage is $85 weeknights with 6 hours of play and $115 on weekends with 8 hours of play - that's per room of course.

Basically, just call the poker room of the hotel you are going to stay at and confirm the policy with them - they will tell you everything you need to know.

The last time I took a trip out with 2 of my good friends we just decided to stay at the cheapest place we could find on the strip and ended up at the Westward Ho. What a shithole. Granted, we were there 4 days and only spent time there taking a shower (which didn't work at all one day and then no hot water the next) and sleeping (which was hard to do at night because the AC wouldn't come on because it was less than 60 degrees outside and we couldn't open the window out of fear basically) so we though how bad could it be. We didn't spend much time there and it only cost us ~$35 a night, so I consider it to be a good deal if you are going with a crew that's not going to be spending much time in the room.

It's hard to cost-justify it though because we spent a good amount on cabs getting up to the Bellagio/Mirage area as walking really wasn't an option because of road construction.

In short, I'd recommend checking out various casino's websites (www.cheapovegas.com) and checking rates and calling poker rooms.

Good Luck!

[sucka]

LL games are all easily beatable at any room on the strip as many others here can attest to. You'll run across a few solid players at that level, but most suck. You'll have to make some hands though to make $$...

The mid-higher level games obviously vary greatly depending on the time/day. Weekend nights the games get a little more loose. Daytime games tend to be pretty tight. My last trip there I noticed a 180 degree difference in the 6-12 dayshift game and the same game come 9pm.

You can find 3-6 games all over the place. Bellagio spreads 4-8 at the low level. Many rooms spread a 1-4-8-8 type game as well.

[TobDog]

FOr rooms, check out all the sites you can get to, also Homer posted on a few onths ago, I think it is traxelaxe.com It compares all the rates it can find and puts them up for you. If you are just looking for cheap rooms, I was there a few years ago like 2 weekends a month for about 9 months in a row and had good luck at the Gold Coast and Circus Circus, that changes though on availability, but you might be best to get a car so you can drive around, you will probably spend that on taxi's anyway, may as well have your own ride( I know, typical California answer)

[ChipWrecked]

The site travel2vegas (http://www.travel2vegas.com) gives current deals including the L.A. Times ads that anyone can use.

[Lost Shaker Assault]

It turns out that the Consumer Electronics Show is Jan 8-11, so a lot of places are pretty full then. The Mirage was sold out.

We decided to stay at the Mirage, and move our dates a little. One question--if we play tournaments, will they count that time on our requirements for the casino rate? (I don't see it being a problem in any event, but I'm curious.)

LSA

[M.B.E.]

[ QUOTE ]
One question--if we play tournaments, will they count that time on our requirements for the casino rate?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes. Just make sure they initial your tracking card. Also when you play in the tournament they will give you a buffet comp if you ask for it. (Just wait until the tournament director doesn't look so busy.)