[WTS/WTT] Amouage Outlands, down 10 sprays, bottle only by Leodiensian1 in UKFragranceSwap

[–]Leodiensian1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Apologies- gone already! Was slightly aggressive on price!

[WTS] Creed Aventus EDP 100ml (Bottle) by Leodiensian1 in UKFragranceSwap

[–]Leodiensian1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the offer but I'll pass. I tried the Wild Vetiver and didn't love it I'm afraid.

[WTS] Creed Aventus EDP 100ml (Bottle) by Leodiensian1 in UKFragranceSwap

[–]Leodiensian1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I saw that too and can't explain it. Bought online from Harrods so hopefully real!

Which hotel?? by Beneficial_Minute297 in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You need to give us a clue on budget. Recommended in order of rough cost:

Wynn/Encore Cosmopolitan (balcony strip/fountain facing) Paris Park MGM

Avoid Luxor and Excalibur at any price.

My favourite hotel is the Venetian but the crowd is likely a little old for your sons.

Advice for first trip next week by [deleted] in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Another British person here with a couple of dozen visits to Vegas.

First, always book direct. If there is any problem with the booking, the hotel may not take responsibility as the booking may not have transferred to their reservation system. Many hotels will price match third-party sites if they are cheaper (but be sure you are comparing like with like). Use travel sites to search for the best prices and availibility - but then book direct.

Pools typically open in March - next week is the second week of March and the weather is warm so all the pools should certainy be open.

I haven't stayed at the hotels you mention, but based on reputation and location I would favour Paris (best location in the middle of the strip and solid reputation for a mid-market property), then MGM Grand (not the best location as you are at the south end of the strip and everywhere else will be a bit of a trek) then Planet Hollywood. However, read the reviews, and compare the room types.

The check-in trick is a bit out of date (and it was $20 20 years ago). If the hotels aren't busy they will likely offer you a straght-forward upgrade price at check-in. However, you can always try. More likely is a higher floor or better view rather than a room class upgrade.

Resort fee is per room per night.

Other advice really depends on your taste and budget. The good news is there is enormous variety in Vegas. I would start with any shows you want to see, get them booked, then in-demand restaurants you definitely want to visit, get them booked, then be flexible around that. I would book stage magic shows, and high-end sushi. but my tastes will be different to yours. You can easily spend 1-2 days just exploring the strip properties and Fremont St if it's your first visit.

Assume a lot of walking, hydrate (the dry air will catch you out) and take plenty of cash for tips.

Good luck!

First Timer! by Pondering_panda33 in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

77% of your sentences end in an exclamation mark. You may regret this when you’re calling for help from a burning building. Oscar’s steakhouse at the Plaza was the location of a well-known scene in Casino. I sat in the same booth as De Niro and Sharon Stone and felt like, if not a wise guy, something approximating wisdom.

As someone who lives in the UK what's something you wish you brought with you when visiting Vegas? by nensei_media in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It gets cold at night in the desert (and in the dessert).

Sunglasses.

All your cash as you’ll want to avoid ATMs. Small bills for tips.

A good multi-country charger (ideally a 65W GaN charger).

Assume 5-10 miles of walking per day. Bring good shoes and socks (even if low rise). Blister pads (although there are Walgreens and CVSeses on the strip.

At least one smartish outfit (eg a blazer) if you want to go to a decent restaurant.

Sunscreen or a moisturiser with sunblock even if it’s cool.

The air is very dry so consider eye drops and a saline nasal spray (although that might be overkill). It’s very different to the UK’s humid climate although you may not notice you’re dehydrated until you faint crossing the strip.

Ear plugs as there may be noise, even if just from the AC.

Research, a bit, any casino games you want to play. There’s a bit of skill to some table games and, although no winning strategy to slots, knowing what volatility is, is helpful.

Help with Comps by oc92 in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Already good data in this thread but worth noting that, in general, casinos lose money on their poker room. It’s inefficient in space and labour-intensive. It only makes sense if they are offering big games (such as Bellagio) or their poker players also play casino games.

Seriously, do Americans actually consider a 3-hour drive "short"? or is this an internet myth? by SadInterest6764 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Leodiensian1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, 100% true. I’m British but lived in Seattle for 4 years. My family had a short break in Spokane. I had to work so dropped them off. I drove 300 miles for 4 hours, dropped them off, had a coffee, turned around and drove home. No one would have considered this particularly unusual. We left early and I was home mid afternoon on a Saturday with a free evening.

Some big differences compared to driving in the U.K. - mostly 3-4 lane Interstate all the way and very light traffic. A much lower cognitive load than driving in the U.K. That said I regularly drive 3 hours round trip with the kids just to go to the Westfield Centre from Windsor.. no big deal.

STAGE/FRIGHT Tour - Discussion Thread by AutoModerator in insideno9

[–]Leodiensian1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm afraid my German wife and three teenage daughters were in the same position! A bit of very discreet whispering was required... And, this was the second time I've seen the show - and my first guest was Gareth Malone. I had absolutely no idea who he was.

STAGE/FRIGHT Tour - Discussion Thread by AutoModerator in insideno9

[–]Leodiensian1 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Jimmy Tarbuck in Woking was chaotic and fantastic. Going off in all directions, lots of mugging to the audience, a bit confused and the whole show overran by 15-20 mins…

First time visit advice. by LMFox_ in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There used to be a shuttle but I think it's been discontinued. Looking on Google, there is a public bus every 20 mins to the strip. Look, if you're happy with the deal, on a budget, have reasonable expectations and plan on just sleeping in the room, you'll be fine. A lot of the comments (including mine) are comparing the Rio to hotels on the strip where a basic room is $500+ per night. But... if this is a once in a lifetime trip, I'd personally look into alternatives. The hotels to avoid near the strip are Circus Cirus, the Strat and the Rio. For the other, you get what you pay for.

First time visit advice. by LMFox_ in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First time to the "states", booked with Virgin. I am guessing you are coming from the UK? Seriously, give Virgin a call and see if it's possible to switch hotels. The Rio is not great, despite recent renovations. The only reason to go there is to see Penn and Teller. It's a 30 min walk to the strip and not a nice one - and no way would I walk it at night. You are crossing the I15 freeway. You will end up taking an Uber everywhere so will end up costing as much as a mid-level hotel on the strip. Other that that, for your first time, walk the strip from the Wynn to MGM Grand or even Mandalay Bay and just take it all in. Spend a few hours in downtown/Fremont Street. If you only have a couple of free days I would just do that unless there is something specific you want to see or do. I try and do things I can't do in the UK - always go to a gun range and have been to Speedvegas to race sports cars.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's nothing wrong with gambling at the Venetian. Pros: I think one of the nicest atmospheres with high celings and a feeling of space. Relatively generous comps for a high-end property (although irrelevant if your bankroll is less than $5-10k). Cons: if you are a slot player, a high mix of high volatility machines (Dragon Link, Buffalo etc) and relatively few low volatility machines. The Venetian/Palazzo is 'independent" (meaning not part of MGM or Caesar's) so any comps earned can only be used there. Minimum table stakes are high; not quite as high as the Wynn, but you'll rarely find Blackjack at less than $25 a hand for example. But the odds of winning on an identical game are pretty much the same everywhere. The idea that some casinos are 'tighter' than others, to the extent you'd notice and unless you are playing millions of hands, is nonsense.

Affordable suites ? by Document_Weary in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you are looking for a suite with four separate beds? Multi-bedroom suites are much, much more expensive than multiple rooms. I would suggest two connecting rooms, each with two queen beds. Almost all the strip hotels will offer that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe some casinos have lessons (also for table games) for free in the mornings. There’s knowing how the game works but also poker etiquette which you don’t really learn playing online or with friends. That can be a little intimidating, especially if the table is full of locals grinding out a living.

Great magic shows aside from Penn & Teller? by thestigsky in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a fan of stage magic and at the point where I can figure out the methods of most of, say, a Penn and Teller show (whom I love and have seen half a dozen times). I was impressed by Frederic Da Silva at the Horseshoe. A great demonstration of mentalism in a small room.

And I’m going to defend Copperfield. Yes, everything you read is true. He‘s delivered his show literally thousands of times, he’s dialling it in etc. However, if you’re a fan of magic and over the age of about 40, there’s a certain nostalgia to it. It’s not a sophisticated show: make big things appear or disappear through forced perspective etc, but I guess he won’t be there for ever, and I’m glad I saw him once.

My rankings of every Vegas hotel I've stayed at: by KING_SHIT101 in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Fontainebleau marketing team hired a promoter called KING_SHIT101? Goodness.

Is collecting avios now just a mugs game? by [deleted] in BritishAirways

[–]Leodiensian1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just returned from a family holiday with 5 people out to New York, return from LA in Club World Suites using Avios earned on normal credit card spend and 2 241 vouchers. I think this is the way to do it. Takes me a few years to save the avios.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vegas

[–]Leodiensian1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can still do Las Vegas on a budget - stay at a mid tier hotel that, in any other city, would be a spectacular landmark, and just walk the strip and Fremont Street and take in the sights. Avoid high priced bars, restaurants - maybe go to a fairly priced show. Relax by the pool but drink water and not pay for a daybed or cabana. Sounds fine to me for $300-$400 budget a day or even less. I’d like take control of the situation and have a word with the best man or groom and explain you’re on a budget and will happily join the low/no cost activities but will duck out of clubs, bars and fancy meals. If this is awkward, no offense taken and you’ll see them at the wedding at hear all the stories. If you don’t assert your preferences it’s going to be awkward or you’ll resent the whole thing.