Comming to the Olympia ?

[stuntmovie]

I spend most of my time in Las Vegas and just purchased my Olympia tickets this afternoon directly from the New Orleans ticket office.

We're sitting one row behind the most expensive seats and paid $133.25 for each seat ..... (Friday night's Mr Olympia Prejudging which includes the Mr Olympia Judging and the Fitness Olympia Finals and Ms Olympia Finals starting at 7:00 on Friday evening, 28 September). Have not decided yet about Saturday's evening finals.

I've been visiting and residing in Las Vegas since it was run exclusively by the Boyz and know a lot about the town and how it works in the casinos, the hotels, the restaurants, etc.

So if you are planning to come over for the Olympia and have any questions,...... just let me know here and I'll do my best to answer them... and if I can't, there are a couple of others on here who can pitch in and get any and all your answers.

Cheapest meals, cheapest rooms, best dining spots, best sites to see, what to avoid, etc, etc.

Be aware that the hotels ajust their room rates based on supply and demand, so in most cases it is best to book early.

OK, feel free to fire away if you have any questions.

At present room rates in the Orleans are $150 per night on Friday and Saturday nights, but those rates are flexable for the immediate couple of weeks. If you can get an Orleans room for less than 150 those nights, I suggest you book it.

My next post will let you know what it would cost per night in the Wild Wild West that weekend. (One of the cheapest places in town.)

[stuntmovie]

Looking for a cheap place to stay??

The Wild Wild West is one of the smallest hotel casinos in town and situated between the Strip and the Orleans on W. Tropicana Blvd. It's definitely not a classy place but it is among the cheapest .... and a short distance of about a 1/2 mile from the Orleans. (Easy walk.)

At present they are offering rooms during the Oly weekend as follows:
Thursday nite - $39 plus tax
Friday nite - $69 plus tax
Saturday nite - $69 plus tax

These rates will most likely increase as it gets closer to the event date.

The Wild Wild West is spending over 2 million dollars to remodel all of the guest rooms to make the Wild Wild West a more enjoyable place to stay.         Check em out at .....    www.wwwesthotelcasino.co m/

[stuntmovie]

Some of the exhibitors might find it best to book a room in the LV Hilton which is next door to the LV Convention Center (the site pf the Olympia Expo on Driday/Sat/ and Sunday. Here are their current internet rates for a standard room over the Oly weekend. I'd recommend the LV Hilton if you are coming to LV solely to see or participate in the Olympia Expo.

http://www.lvhilton.com/

Thu. - $155.95
Fri.  - $175.95
Sat. - $125.95

[stuntmovie]

Dining spots in the Orleans are all pretty good and relatively cheap unless the change they menu prices which a lot of the hotels do when they "fill up". Many claim the buffet to be among the best in town for the price. They also serve a good slice of Prime Rib in the coffee shop for about 12 bucks and a little pricier upstairs. And Big Al's serves bigger potions than most are able to eat. There is also a TTIF restaurant and a decent Italian place and an expensive sushi joint. Enough places to eat at so you won't have to repeat any over a three day stay.

If you'd like to meet the younger ladies/guys (jet set type) you should consider staying at the Palms which is only one mile north of the Orleans.

The Palms is a great place to hang out if you plan to do a lot of partying before or after the Oly.

If you want to spend the money, I strongly suggest you inquire about the Fantasy Suites and book it and have a party immediately after the Olympia. Everyone would show up just to see the place and party harty. They encourage you to fulfill you wildest fantasy here!

Let me know if you want more info about these Fantasy suites but only if you are prepared to spend the big bucks. -  EXHIBITORS TAKE NOTE !

[benchthis]

where are the whores 

[Alex23]

I first read "cuming to the Olympia"

Hany?

[G o a t b o y]

At present they are offering rooms during the Oly weekend as follows:
Thursday nite - $39 plus tax
Friday nite - $69 plus tax
Saturday nite - $69 plus tax

I wouldn't stay at a place that charges rates that low.  I makes me wonder if they ever change the sheets or spend more that 3 seconds vacuuming more than once a week, since maids cleaning supplies and equipment all cost money which they're obviously not bringing in with revenue. I also wonder how long it will take me to check in or if my bill will be right, since with those rates they can probably afford only one desk clerk. And since maintenance and security also cost money, I wonder if they have much of those?

While I don't need to stay in the Ritz or the Four Seasons at $400 a night, being a frequent traveller I find that in most cases you get what you pay for.

[Alex23]

I wouldn't stay at a place that charges rates that low.  I makes me wonder if they ever change the sheets or spend more that 3 seconds vacuuming more than once a week, since maids cleaning supplies and equipment all cost money which they're obviously not bringing in with revenue. I also wonder how long it will take me to check in or if my bill will be right, since with those rates they can probably afford only one desk clerk. And since maintenance and security also cost money, I wonder if they have much of those?

While I don't need to stay in the Ritz or the Four Seasons at $400 a night, being a frequent traveller I find that in most cases you get what you pay for.

Goat, do you too travel with a black light?

I allways scan my bed cover Sheraton of Ritz.

[G o a t b o y]

Goat, do you too travel with a black light?

No, but I employ common sense...  cleanliness, maintenance, service, and security cost money.  If sufficient money isn't coming in, there's no way they could be adequately providing it.  While with any product an expensive price might not be a guarantee of quality, a ridiculously low price usually guarantees the lack of it.

[Alex23]

No, but I employ common sense...  cleanliness, maintenance, service, and security cost money.  If sufficient money isn't coming in, there's no way they could be adequately providing it.  While with any product an expensive price might not be a guarantee of quality, a ridiculously low price usually guaranteed the lack of it.

Vegas = money coming in from way more than "renting rooms".

Therefore the dubious mid week ridiculous low price.

Bring 'em for cheap and they'll sunk their earnings in your slot machines


Does Shitface/Shithead likes ProPlan?

[Aquiles]

Thanks for the info stuntmovie.

I myself am coming all the way from the Netherlands to see the Mr. Olympia.
I was thinking of staying in de Circus Circus hotel. What are your thoughts about this?

[JediKnight]

Try the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Venetain, MGM Grand, The Palms,, 


   Circus Circus is dirty and old,,,its cheap because the rooms suck and the food is terrible

[Alex23]

Thanks for the info stuntmovie.

I myself am coming all the way from the Netherlands to see the Mr. Olympia.
I was thinking of staying in de Circus Circus hotel. What are your thoughts about this?

Do not... You'll be way up near downtown and will hate it.

You're coming 9000 miles.... don't ruin your trip. Stay anywhere between the Mandalay and the Treasure Island.

[G o a t b o y]

Vegas = money coming in from way more than "renting rooms".

Therefore the dubious mid week ridiculous low price.

Bring 'em for cheap and they'll sunk their earnings in your slot machines

That would make sense if most of the other hotels in Vegas were charging those prices, but it would seem they're not.  If the "going rate" at most hotels in the area is in the $150 range then that's the cost structure and the gambling is already figured in to total facility profitability, and if this particular hotel is charging $39-$69 then they've got to be cutting major corners somewhere.

[Alex23]

That would make sense if most of the other hotels in Vegas were charging those prices, but it would seem they're not.  If the "going rate" at most hotels in the area is in the $150 range then that's the cost structure and the gambling is already figured in to total facility profitability, and if this particular hotel is charging $39-$69 then they've got to be cutting major corners somewhere.

That's true. I've also noticed that same hotel same rooms, prices has doubled in the last 5 years. As the gambling revenue structure changed?

[timfogarty]

I always stay at Whiskey Pete's in Primm.   What's a little 20 minute commute?

[CQ]

I wouldn't stay at a place that charges rates that low.  I makes me wonder if they ever change the sheets or spend more that 3 seconds vacuuming more than once a week, since maids cleaning supplies and equipment all cost money which they're obviously not bringing in with revenue. I also wonder how long it will take me to check in or if my bill will be right, since with those rates they can probably afford only one desk clerk. And since maintenance and security also cost money, I wonder if they have much of those?

While I don't need to stay in the Ritz or the Four Seasons at $400 a night, being a frequent traveller I find that in most cases you get what you pay for.

Same here......

[stuntmovie]

Aquiles, I don't recommend the Circus Circus. I consider it to be the worst hotel to stay in on the Strip.

BUT.... Circus Circus does have two highpoints .......

The Circus Circus Steak House is still one of the better places to eat on the Strip. It's too bad that you have to walk through the hotel to get there.

And, you can still gamble cheaply next door in Slots O Fun as they still offer one $1 Blackjack table  and $2 Craps.

Like the others, I strongly suggest that you book one of the following hotels if you want to stay on the Strip ...... but be prepared to spend a lot more for your room.

Mandalay Bay - Great place with a great wave pool and a new pool casino.
The Hotel at Mandalay Bay (my favorite of them all)
MGM Grand - Big with good restaurants and great pool area.
Caesars - Still one of the finer places on the Strip with a great pool area.
Mirage - Nice hotel and good pool area.
The Wynn - One of the best in the world but eat elsewhere
The Venetian - Good rooms.

[stuntmovie]

Wanna see a show while in town?

Here's some information on the shows that are worth seeing while in Las Vegas.....

The California crowd starts arriving on Thursday evenings and gets relatively crowded around 10:00 PM so it is usually easier to book shows earlier during the ween ... Sundays through Wednesdays.

Here are my top recommendations in the event you want to see a couple of Great Shows while you are here...... (Prices are approximate)

KA - The best show in town at the MGM Grand. Not cheap, but GREAT. Best seats are close up front  - rows 7 - 10, centered if available. $100+.
Mystere - Still performing at Treasure Island. $75+.
Phantom of the Opera - at the Venetian. $75+. I sat in the balcony and felt that I had the best seat in the house because I could see the whole theater transforming and had the best view of the chandelier.
Rive - at the Wynn.
O - at Bellagio.
Monty Python's Holy Grail is at the Wynn but I'm not a Python fan.
And The Producers is at the Paris but I'm not a fan of that show either.

There are a few "Half Price Ticket" places along the Strip that offer cheaper tickets for that evening's performance of some of the better shows in town. This is a great deal providing you find a show that you really want to see that evening and have the time to do so.

Afternoon shows are sometimes exceptionally good ..... The Society of Seven, The Ron Lucus Show, and one very good magician even has an afternoon show in the Orleans Theater which you might enjoy.

One last comment.... Remember that the traffic along the Strip can be one, long, major headache and often comes to a complete standstill during the peak of the traffic hours, so plan to get from one place to another accordingly and give yourself plenty of time if you have someplace definite to be on the Strip when the big hand is on the .........

ANd remember that you have to cross the Strip traffic when driving to and from the Orleans and the convention center. (But I do know a couple of secret passages which avoid all those traffic headaches.)

We mentioned a good number of hotels so far, but I think you'll find it best to book a room at the Orleans and stay within the center of the Oly Action that weekend. Why drive when you don't have to?

[HowieW]

Wanna see a show while in town?

Here's some information on the shows that are worth seeing while in Las Vegas.....

The California crowd starts arriving on Thursday evenings and gets relatively crowded around 10:00 PM so it is usually easier to book shows earlier during the ween ... Sundays through Wednesdays.

Here are my top recommendations in the event you want to see a couple of Great Shows while you are here...... (Prices are approximate)

KA - The best show in town at the MGM Grand. Not cheap, but GREAT. Best seats are close up front  - rows 7 - 10, centered if available. $100+.
Mystere - Still performing at Treasure Island. $75+.
Phantom of the Opera - at the Venetian. $75+. I sat in the balcony and felt that I had the best seat in the house because I could see the whole theater transforming and had the best view of the chandelier.
Rive - at the Wynn.
Monty Python's Holy Grail is at the Wynn but I'm not a Python fan.
And The Producers is at the Paris but I'm not a fan of that show either.

There are a few "Half Price Ticket" places along the Strip that offer cheaper tickets for that evening's performance of some of the better shows in town. This is a great deal providing you find a show that you really want to see that evening and have the time to do so.

Afternoon shows are sometimes exceptionally good ..... The Society of Seven, The Ron Lucus Show, and one very good magician even has an afternoon show in the Orleans Theater which you might enjoy.

One last comment.... Remember that the traffic along the Strip can be one, long, major headache and often comes to a complete standstill during the peak of the traffic hours, so plan to get from one place to another accordingly and give yourself plenty of time if you have someplace definite to be on the Strip when the big hand is on the .........

ANd remember that you have to cross the Strip traffic when driving to and from the Orleans and the convention center. (But I do know a couple of secret passages which avoid all those traffic headaches.)

We mentioned a good number of hotels so far, but I think you'll find it best to book a room at the Orleans and stay within the center of the Oly Action that weekend. Why drive when you don't have to?

Great info! I am serious, this is some of the most useful info related on a  contest I ever read on get big, thanks again.
I may take some of your ideas, get a great seat for the mens PJ and a cheapo for the finals and soak up the atmosphere, etc.  I may stay at the LV Hilton , seems a moderate but decent choice and is on the new tram that follows the main strip? true. 
Your post did more make me reconsider going to the O than anything I ever read. Howard

[stuntmovie]

Thanks, Howard, You made my day!

OK, here's some information on gambling while in Las Vegas. I call it Smart Gambling which shows how stupid I really am.

But I've been a gambler most of my life and know the odds on most of the games and am responsible for teaching all my nephews/nieces how to gamble and have a good time while in Las Vegas, and none of them have even left a casino with aq bigger loss than they could afford. Most of the time they walk out with a biggerr bankroll than they entered with. HONEST!

SO pay attention if you want to do some gambling and have a good time at the tables.

First of all... EXPECT TO LOSE, so never gamble with your next mortgage payment.

AND .... You can only win BIG if you gamble BIG and take a major riski of losing BIG.

If you play at a $5 minimum table and intend to bet that amount each hand, have a gambling bankroll of at least $500 and spread that evenly over each daily gambling session.

If you plan to gamble over a three day period, plan to play with $160 to $170 each day and divide that daily bankroll into two or three daily gambling sessions of $50 to $60 each session. (Figures are approximates only.)

A five dollar minimun and a $60 session will allow you to win or lose over a period of 12 hands of blackjack. If you get 50% ahead, quit for that session and take a break until your next $60 session and do the same as session one.  DItto for session three.

If you are unfortunate enough to lose the entire $60 in one session, just quit and do not go into your wallet. Take a break until the next session at another table or possibly even another casino.

Learn to Rat-Hole. If anyone is intertested, I'll go into that later.

Most important  = You must learn BJ Basic Strategy and stick with it 100% during all your gambling sessions. If you don't know Basic Strategy, get a BS card at the casino gift shop and abide by it precisely. No one really cares if you have to take the time to consult it.

If you play Craps, it's just a matter of being lucky even if you are thoroughly familiar with the odds because the odds are figured out over an unlimited number of dice rolls and anything can happen within a couple of hours of rolling the dice. But don't play Craps if you don't know how to take the ODDS. If you insist on playing Craps without knowing how to take the ODDS (the only bet in LV which does not favor the House) simply ask the dealers for assistance and make those Odds bets.

I seldom lose while playing Blackjack because I don't get greedy and expect a big wind-fall. If I buy in with 50 and eventually have 75, I know it is time to quit. If I stay in for a bigger win, I know I will leave with a big loss. I base this on years of experience as a low limit gambler.

I look at BJ as a social game and enjoy meeting my fellow gamblers at the table and observe how they play ..... I classify them as either Smart or Dumb players and respect either class of player if they are having a good time at the game. If you play and leave the table pissed off, you shouldn't have played in the first place.

Casinos don't built billion dollar empires with winner's money. It's the losers who really own these joints - at least they pay the monthly mortgage.

Last thought ... Are you aware that the casinos only make money at the game of Craps when YOU win?

And some noteworthy advice for Roulette Players .... If you see a roulette table with evey number covered except the "9" ( or any other uncovered number), place a bet on the "9" and stand by for your winnings if it is still the sole number with the least number of chips (bets) on it.

Stand by any roulette table and observe and you will soon learn that the winning number is usually the number with the least number of chips (or  no chips at all) placed  on it.

Best not to gamble at all, but if you don't; you will be missing one heck of a great time.

[stuntmovie]

One other thing .... I don't kinow where they get the money to gamble with but some of the biggest spenders at the tables in this town are young guys and gals in there early 20's. Most of them hang out at The Palms and the Hard Rock and place big bucks on the tables .... mostly blackjack and roulette.

Last month I watched a young guy playing $10,000 a hand at BJ and winning. He tipped the dealer $5,000 a couple of times and left that table with about $300,000 in chips without any noticeable signs of excitement in the least.

One time he placed a $10,000 bet for the dealer but the Pit Boss disallowed it for some reason.

You will be seeing some mighty big arms manuvering for elbow space at the BJ tables during the Olympia,and most of those guys play the game damn well.

[ParisAlexander]

where are the whores 

fremont street

[stuntmovie]

No intent of Pimpen here but most of the ladies you'll be meeting will be ordinary office clerks from LA who come up to LV on Thursday nite and head back to their hometown on Sunday with the intent of having a good time, meeting a few guys and returing home with a little extra cash in their purse.

There are the pros of course, but the majority of you guys won't be meething them (TW just might be the exception) unless you want to hire a "dancing lady" to come up to your room and pay a few buck for the priviledge.

What really "stays in Vegas" isn't much to talk about when you depart from Vegas .... but there are EXCEPTIONS!

My idea of something that should "stay in Vegas" is one hell of a big party at one of the Fantasy Suites in The Palms. We had a party like that once at Caesars Palace after the Nationals a while back (the only time I was "ejected" from a high class casino for having too much of a good time) but since that happened here, it's gotta stay here according to the Mayor or whoever approved that slogan.

You suppliment companys who are involved with the Olympia should set something up in one of the Palms Fantasy Suites if you want to IMPRESS. Not cheap by any means but some of those rooms can hold more than 100 for one impressive get-together.

Last comment ..... Don't Come to Las Vegas Unless You Plan to Spend a Few Bucks and Have a Good Time. And that "good time" to you may simply be sitting by a decent pool with a great book or jumping out of an airplane or spending time with the stars at Tao or simply pukeing on your shoes. Whatever your idea of a "good time" is, you can find it here. And if you can't find it on your own, simply ask the Bell Hop or the cab driver or the guy who parks your car. Just dont come with the intent of having an ordinary weekend. Hell!, you can do that at home!

[stuntmovie]

LV tips for our Canadian visitors!

Canadians are notorious NON-tippers. I guess they just don't tip in Canada. Maybe the tip is included in the price or something.

So this info is mainly for our Canadian guests in LV for the Olympia.

Tipping is a common courtesy in America and it is expecially expected in LV for service rendered.

Here's a general tipping guideline for one and all...

Bellboy - the guy who carries your bags to your room - One to two dollars a standard suitcase is routine and a lot more if they have to lug all the gear you plan to display at the Expo. Bellmen are all handy to answer any questions you may have about your visit to LV and the best of them can set you up with any service you may desire, Just make sure you tip accordingly.

Valet - I'm a cheap SOB when it comes to Valet service. My typical tip is $2 to the guy who delivers my car and sometime a buck or two to the guy who takes it. Here is some good advice...... if you see Only Me getting out of a car in search of a valet guy, run over and take his keys and he'll simply hand you 20 or 40 dollars and walk into the casino. He's a major valet tipper and gets outstanding service with his car awaiting his arrival right outside the front door whenever he decides it's time to leave.

Cocktail waitress at the tables - Your drink is free but you should tip the waitress at least a dollar.

Dealers - I only tip the Blackjack dealers when I am winning by placing a buck or two in front of my bet, If I win, the dealer wins too. If I lose that bet, he suffers the consequences also. When I play Craps I'll throw a couple of bucks to the center of the table and say, "Two way hard eight" loud and clear. That's a buck for me and a buck for them on a role of 4 and 4 other than the "easy 8" or disasterous 7. You will definitely notice a lot of help from the craps crew when you place a couple of bets on their behalf. In roulette, pass a couple of chips to the "dealer" after each big win.

A buck or two to the pool guy who lays out your towel for your sunning session. And a buck or two to the volumptuous lady who chills and peels your poolside grapes and sprays you with cold water from some northern iceberg above the artic circle.

All others should get 15 to 20% for services rendered unless they are total screwups.

Oh, yea - Avoid cabs when the traffic comes to a standstill on the Strip which is most of the time on busy weekends. The meter keeps on ticken even when the engine comes to a standstill.