Trip to Vegas

[Devon97]

I am using my sky miles to go to Vegas so the flight will be covered.
Should I go to LV during the O weekend? Would the rates be any lower for the hotels then?

Croatch I know you are in Vegas. Whats your take on timing and lodging?

[larger_format]

September/October tend to be PEAK travel times in Vegas.

But like everywhere else the economy is on shaky ground
so you could find rooms $59 and up

[larger_format]

notice how two major Bodybuilding Shows  THE ARNOLD(IFBB) & THE USAs(NPC)
take place during the worst time of the year in their regions

February/March in Columbus, Ohio
July in Vegas  (but it's a dry heat)

and the Nationals occasionally take place before the worst travel weekend of the year pre-THANKSGIVING

somebody has a deal

[Devon97]

Thanks for the info. I am guessing staying on the strip will cost the most?

[stuntmovie]

Devon, Ask me! I am the all-knowing wise ass of all things Las Vegas, while Tommywishbone may be a bit more knowledgeable about the hooker details.

Here's some basic shit for ya to contemplate before coming to LV.

FIrst of all , Bring Money. Lots of money!

Come for the Olympia. You'll have a great time or at least something to talk about or complain about when you get back home and start posting on GetBig.com.

If you do come for the "O", don't be the least bit shy. Shake hands with everyone including the guy or gal who parks your rental car, the guy who opens the door for you to enter the casino, the guy who takes your luggage, and whomever else looks like they may be associated with your trip or with the the Olympia specifically.

Do that and I can guarantee ya that doors will open and you'll have a lot of good shit to talk about when you get back home. Most of the competitors are damn good folk and if you understand what they are going through the moment you meet them, you'll understand the less than enthusiastic greeting you receive in return. Understand that and you'll come close to understanding the person you are talking to.

Competitors go thru hell to get up there on that stage.

Stay at the host hotel... The Orleans. Book early and get the cheapest rate. Call twice! Reserve a room for Thursday/Friday/Sat nites without mentioning the Olympia. Then call back and reserve a room mentioning the Olympia and cancel the higher priced reservation. You can cancel room reservations without penalty in LV up to 24 to 48 hours before your arrival date.

If you are too damn broke to stay at the Orleans, call the Wild Wild West down the road a piece and stay there. It's a dump, but it's a cheap dump and within a mile from the Orleans.

Meals are relative cheap in LV so don't worry about chowing down while you are here. Figure about $8 to $15 for various mealtimes throughout the day. more if you want to dine at a fancier place, but the meal won't be any different when it hits your stomach.

Don't rent a car if you are staying at the Orleans. The promoters will provide transportation to and from the Expo.

I recommend the Expo and the Prejudging only if you want to save money. The finals is boring as shit and too damn expensive unless you have friends competing.

Got any specific questions? - Just ask here and one of us expert yahoos will provide the info.

Expect to have a great time if you have some extra dollars to spread around. No better place to have fun than in this fancy shithole in the desert.

NOTE:You can count on the Orleans room rates that weekend will be pretty close to the following...

Thursday nite -   $80 - $90
Friday nite     - $140 - $150
Saturday nite - $140 - $150

Plus tax and some unknown fees that the LV hotels are coming up with. Figure about $450 or a bit less for the three nights that weekend. Best to  book early though.

[bigmikecox]

Spearmint Ryhno!!!! 

[Devon97]

Devon, Ask me! I am the all-knowing wise ass of all things Las Vegas, while Tommywishbone may be a bit more knowledgeable about the hooker details.

Here's some basic shit for ya to contemplate before coming to LV.

FIrst of all , Bring Money. Lots of money!

Come for the Olympia. You'll have a great time or at least something to talk about or complain about when you get back home and start posting on GetBig.com.

If you do come for the "O", don't be the least bit shy. Shake hands with everyone including the guy or gal who parks your rental car, the guy who opens the door for you to enter the casino, the guy who takes your luggage, and whomever else looks like they may be associated with your trip or with the the Olympia specifically.

Do that and I can guarantee ya that doors will open and you'll have a lot of good shit to talk about when you get back home. Most of the competitors are damn good folk and if you understand what they are going through the moment you meet them, you'll understand the less than enthusiastic greeting you receive in return. Understand that and you'll come close to understanding the person you are talking to.

Competitors go thru hell to get up there on that stage.

Stay at the host hotel... The Orleans. Book early and get the cheapest rate. Call twice! Reserve a room for Thursday/Friday/Sat nites without mentioning the Olympia. Then call back and reserve a room mentioning the Olympia and cancel the higher priced reservation. You can cancel room reservations without penalty in LV up to 24 to 48 hours before your arrival date.

If you are too damn broke to stay at the Orleans, call the Wild Wild West down the road a piece and stay there. It's a dump, but it's a cheap dump and within a mile from the Orleans.

Meals are relative cheap in LV so don't worry about chowing down while you are here. Figure about $8 to $15 for various mealtimes throughout the day. more if you want to dine at a fancier place, but the meal won't be any different when it hits your stomach.

Don't rent a car if you are staying at the Orleans. The promoters will provide transportation to and from the Expo.

I recommend the Expo and the Prejudging only if you want to save money. The finals is boring as shit and too damn expensive unless you have friends competing.

Got any specific questions? - Just ask here and one of us expert yahoos will provide the info.

Expect to have a great time if you have some extra dollars to spread around. No better place to have fun than in this fancy shithole in the desert.

NOTE:You can count on the Orleans room rates that weekend will be pretty close to the following...

Thursday nite -   $80 - $90
Friday nite     - $140 - $150
Saturday nite - $140 - $150

Plus tax and some unknown fees that the LV hotels are coming up with. Figure about $450 or a bit less for the three nights that weekend. Best to  book early though.

Great  info stunt!

Let me ask ......If I do stay at the Wld West would I need a cab to get to the Orleans? WIll the Expo be held inside of the Orleans? I am planning to stay 4 nights, do you suggest I arrive a day early or stay a day late?
Never been to Vegas before. Whare do you and JohnnyVegas lift?

[chainsaw]

Go During the convention.  this place is boring otherwise.  Strip Clubs aside, it is all slot machines, and blackjack tables, and I guarantee you this, they will all still be here during the "O".  I'd wait.

Stay at a cheaper hotel, they have beds and tv's just like the rest. 
And if you're gonna stay in you're room, why come?

[stuntmovie]

Devon, the Wild Wild West is located just west of  I-5 (the major freeway through Las Vegas running from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City) on Tropicana and is right across the street from In and Out Burger which is just about adjacent to the freeway.

The Orleans (host hotel and contest site) is about ¾ mile further west up Tropicana.

So the Wild Wild West is actually just about midway between Las Vegas Blvd (The Strip) and the Orleans Casino/Hotel. An easy walk in either direction.

It’s the ideal place to stay if you want cheap accommodations for the Olympia. If you book early you can get a Wild Wild West room there for $40 midweek and $60 weekends plus tax.

I’d arrive on Thursday, check into the Wild Wild West and then walk up to the Orleans to join in on the Olympia activities that Thursday evening. Next day hit the Expo at the LV Convention Center which is a couple of miles northeast. (The Expo is not held in the Orleans.)

You can get to the Expo by catching one of  the free rides from the Orleans to the Convention Center or by simply walking about a mile to the Strip and hopping on the monorail which will drop you off in front of the Convention Center. A great way to avoid the traffic but you’ll have to pay approximately $10 for the round trip. (You can get a Day Pass for $9 or six rides for $20).
 
Check the monorail out here  → http://www.lvnvmonorail.com/

Do your best to avoid hopping in a cab. They are expensive and they get tied up in traffic along the Strip.

The Wild Wild West is definitely NOT first class but it is cheap and convenient for all Olympia activities and the traffic between the WWW and the Orleans will not hinder you if you elect to hail a cab in either direction.

I’ve never stayed there or eaten there but I hear that they serve one of  the best hamburgers for the  price in town.

But if you are bringing a girlfriend, I strongly suggest that you book a room at the Orleans.

[stuntmovie]

Here's a bit more regarding Hotel room prices in Las Vegas.

Room rates are established by Supply and Demand. If there is a major convention in town, there is a big demand for the hotel rooms, so the rates are raised accordingly.

Even if a convention is held a few miles away, every hotel raises their room rates accordingly. Sometimes doubling or even tripling their standard rates. And each and every hotel in town knows exactly how many participants each convention expects to draw.

The Olympia is big enough to produce a room-rate  increase throughout Las Vegas, so in many cases it is best to book a room early. As the room availabilities decrease, the room rates increase.

This may be important too - Most of the major hotels allow you to cancel a room reservation 24 to 48 hours prior to your scheduled arrival, so you can always cancel a room reservation if you find a better price after you have made that reservation. But make sure you inquire about the cancellation policy when you make that reservation.

If you have big money, consider a Fantasy Suite at the Palms.

[ManBearPig...]

some friends of mine whenever they go they rent out some weird/exotic car.

where do you go for that?

[Croatch]

I am using my sky miles to go to Vegas so the flight will be covered.
Should I go to LV during the O weekend? Would the rates be any lower for the hotels then?

Croatch I know you are in Vegas. Whats your take on timing and lodging?

Why would you base a trip around seeing a bunch of juiceheads?

[muscleforlife]

I took Stuntmovies advice for last years Olympia.

I was alone and had a great time.  Didn't do any gambling at all!
And the competitors were very friendly, took pics with tons of them.

Sandra

[stuntmovie]

A couple of GetBiggers have been asking about Pool Parties here in town.

Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel is definitely the best. Held ever Sunday during the summer months. I haven't been there at all this year so it might be best to give them a call if you want to attend a Rehab Party. Ask if non-hotel guests are invited and then ask the cost of admission and other specifics. Best to get there early if you want to get inside and find a good squatting area.

This is the first year I've seen billboard ads for Wet Republic at the MGM Grand Hotel. A phenominal pool area but I have no idea how the Wet Republic is working and when it is held. Best to give the MGM a call before making a decision on which one to attend.

Another pool party that is promoted well is at the Palms, but you'll have to give them a call to get the specifics. ext month they are promoting a pool party at which everyone (guys and gals) are asked to wear sexy underware. The posters asks the guys not to wear "tighty whities" but by the way it is stated, that seems to be encouraged. This hotel/casino is a major young people spot so I believe that this one will be a major sell-out.

Here is part of the ad they are using to promote this event at The Palms .......

JOIN US on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th, 2008 as Maverick Illustrated magazine attempts a Guinness World Record for the "World's Largest Underwear & Pajama Party".
 
ALL MEN & WOMEN (with underwear or pajamas) are invited .....to come party with us and set a world record for the "World's Largest Underwear & Pajama Party" on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER. 12th, 2008 @ 12:00 Noon: (at the Palms Pool).
 
The Palms Casino Resort (Pool) is our host location for Maverick Illustrated's "World's Largest Underwear & Pajama Party".  The Palms Casino Resort is located in the capital of entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada at:  4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV. 89103.
 
The Palms is known for its young, vibrant and ooohhh so sexy clientele. The Palms Pool Area will be the ultimate party destination for Maverick Illustrated's "World's Largest Underwear & Pajama Party".  Scantilly clad girls are a BIG HIT at the Palms Pool and Maverick plans to bring an abundance of beautiful girls in their skimpy underwear to party with us!
 
Guys: .....this is your chance to come party with us and see all the wonderful gorgeous girls in their skimpiest underwear and have a blast watching the festivities & hopefully being a 'Maverick Man' with the ladies!
 
Our Guinness World Record event is for ALL MEN & WOMEN:  21+ years of age.
 
 ALL MEN & WOMEN: simply bring your underwear or pajamas to be a part of this great mega underwear bash and to be in our Guinness World Record for the "World's Largest Underwear & Pajama Party".

For men: .....you will need to wear either: your Pajamas, Boxers, Boxer Briefs or just Briefs, also called your "Tighty Whities". (Guys, we really hope you wear boxers or boxer briefs, rather than those tighty whities! Please guys! LOL) 
For women: .....you will need to wear either: your Pajamas, Bra & Panty sets, Cotton Panties and Bra Tops or your BabyDoll sets. (as much as we would want to, please make sure that your Bra & Panty sets are not too transparent!)  We wouldn't want all those guys to not be able to stare you in the eyes, while talking to you!

End of advertisement.....

And here's a photo of the billboard ad seen around town to promote Wet Republic at the MGM .....

[Devon97]

Why would you base a trip around seeing a bunch of juiceheads?

Its not the juice heads Im there to see my friend. Its the girls : )

Do you still lift at the LVAC?

[stuntmovie]

Rod, you can rent one of those exotic cars on the Strip in the vicinity of the Harley Davidson Cafe, but I suggest you look around and get a good deal. There are many such businesses in LV. Or simply go to the Wynn Exotic Car Shop in the Wynn hotel and take one out for a test drive and get lost for a couple of hours. You gotta pay a few bucks to get inside though. (Good luck!)

[Bluto]

that is some cheap hotel rooms there. in a lot of european countries you cant get a decent room for less than 300 dollars.

[Devon97]

Bluto, Have you been to Vegas?

[Croatch]

Its not the juice heads Im there to see my friend. Its the girls : )

Do you still lift at the LVAC?

Hi Mandy.

[stuntmovie]

Here's more information that anyone who is coming to LV for the Olympia really needs but for you guys who must depend on the cheapest accomodations in the host hotel (The Orleans) area, this may come in handy.

The Wild Wild West (WWW) is one of the least expensive places to say within the vicinity of the Strip. Figure $40 for Sun/Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs and $60 on Fri and Sat.

WWW is not a fancy place by any means and definitely not for the ladies who prefer nicer accomodations.

I'll toss some pictures I took while in the area this afternoon to give fair warning of just what this place looks like.

[stuntmovie]

This first shot is the electric sign enticing one and all to come inside ......

Actually I hear that the food here is not that bad. Checked the menu and dinner prices are in the $10.00 range.

[stuntmovie]

With a little encouragement from the standard Las Vegas "meal deal" devised years earlier to get you inside in the hopes that you'll hit the tables or risk your hard earned pennies on the slots...

[stuntmovie]

And then there's the hotel ..... Not really much too look at on the west side where they are either in the process of building something up or tearing something down.

[stuntmovie]

But it looks better from the inside court-yard area.

[stuntmovie]

And then there's the Wild Wild West Casino ....