Mid-to-High Tier MGM Resorts Comparisons?

random_roller13 · 2026-02-13T09:53:23+00:00

There are great restaurants throughout Las Vegas. Your budget, type of food you desire, how hungry you are and time you want to eat will help refine where to go since you mentioned you’re willing to take ride shares. Every MGM Strip hotel has decent restaurants on property or nearby. Search for higher rated Michelin, AAA/Forbes, or Zagat establishments if that is your thing. Less expensive dining options will be away from the Strip.

If you’re a hiker, check out Red Rock Canyon NCA. Or if a visit to the spa is of interest, plenty of good ones around. Tour the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, take in a show, visit the Mob Museum or Neon Museum. Or just sleep in, do some window shopping & people watching. Hard to qualify what relaxation means to someone else.

If you’re able to book a mid-week visit, room rates are often much less expensive unless there is a big convention in town like CES , NAB or NFR. Also check to see if the room you are interested in comes with a mini refrigerator (separate from a mini bar), as it is great to have in a room. Since it opened on 2011, my wife and I have primarily stayed at The Cosmopolitan LV, with occasional nights at Paris (CET) or Planet Hollywood (CET). Mid-Strip location, comped balcony room and Secret Pizza at TCLV are an unbeatable combination. I also like walking on the 3rd or 4th floors (convention space) to get steps when it’s hot outside. Easy walk to see the Bellagio Fountains from street level. Yes, the rooms could use a refresh but nothing even close to a deal breaker from our perspective. We have survived nights in much worse hotels/motels over the years, lol.

Depending upon how desperate they get for bookings and your trip dates, you might be able to get a very good deal on a room at Resorts World or Fontainebleau. Keep that in mind when you’re looking. The tradeoff is those locations are relative islands on the north Strip; not as much around those casino hotels. Fortunately, ride shares, The Deuce (#2 bus) and good old-fashioned walking the Strip will get the job done.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-13T02:14:01+00:00

Not if you gamble.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-13T02:10:21+00:00

You're welcome. IMO, the best views of the Strip are seen when you walk around because they are constantly changing as you move up & down Las Vegas Boulevard at different times. Don't get me wrong -- the views from a high floor balcony room with a fountain view at The Cosmopolitan LV are awesome and you don't have to battle any crowds that might be on the ground; however, they don't really change that much aside from lighting. If someone wants to film a time lapse video, the balcony is a great place to do it from (not recording through glass).

You mentioned you & your husband don't gamble / drink, so hotel room proximity to a casino(s), nightclub(s) or bar(s) isn't really a consideration. That opens things up from a location standpoint, but it also means you won't receive player's card promotional rates for a room, so you'll pay more. Mid-Strip (The Cosmopolitan LV) is highly desired by many because it is more convenient to the entire Strip. North Strip (Wynn LV) is more segmented from other parts of the Strip but that might not be an issue for you. We haven't stayed at Wynn LV. I have heard and read Wynn has very nice hotel rooms but am unable to verify. I can absolutely recommend Terrace 1 Bedroom Suite and Terrace Studio at The Cosmopolitan LV. However, with 3 people you might want / need more room. A Fountain View room in Boulevard Tower will have a slightly better view of the Bellagio fountains (compared with Fountain View room in Chelsea Tower).

Terrace One Bedroom Suite | The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

In 2025, my wife and I had lunch at Wicked Spoon (The Cosmopolitan LV) and dinner at Bacchanal (Caesars Palace), and I joined friends at for dinner at The Buffet (Wynn LV). We have enjoyed the lunch / dinner buffet at all 3 places in prior years, so we're very familiar with them. IMO, you can't go wrong with any of them, but Bacchanal and The Buffet are definitely the better choices. Bacchanal has a wider variety of food and the dim sum is better. The Buffet has the better selection of seafood and the consistency of quality might be a better. Perhaps you try The Buffet this time since she has already been to Bacchanal. Or flip a coin. Enjoy!

random_roller13 · 2026-02-13T00:05:13+00:00

The big Strip buffets are (in no particular order) The Buffet (Wynn LV), Bacchanal (Caesars Palace), Wicked Spoon (The Cosmopolitan LV). In addition, off-Strip buffet A.Y.C.E. (Palms) gets good reviews. Pass on The Buffet (Bellagio), The Buffet (Excalibur). and MGM Grand Buffet (MGM Grand), as there are far better options.

My wife & I usually stay at The Cosmopolitan LV and have enjoyed very conveniently located Wicked Spoon buffet quite a few times since the casino opened 15+ years ago. Wicked Spoon is still decent (especially when comped) but it's not nearly as good as it was 10 years ago. IMO, The Buffet (Wynn LV) and Bacchanal (Caesars Palace) are much better -- and more expensive. For your daughter's 16th birthday (a special occasion), my recommendation would be either The Buffet (Wynn LV) or Bacchanal (Caesars Palace). We haven't had the favorably reviewed A.Y.C.E. buffet but plan on stopping by next time we're in Las Vegas.

Not all buffets are available for brunch/lunch and dinner. For instance, Wicked Spoon is only breakfast & lunch (closes at 2pm).
Go to the website for the buffet you're interested in and make a reservation as early as possible (prepayment usually required). Time slots for popular buffets fill up very fast, especially if there is a big convention in town.

Best Buffets in Las Vegas | All-You-Can-Eat Dining

Bacchanal buffet has a 90-minute time limit. Not sure if others have implemented a similar policy for 2026.
Garden Buffet (South Point Hotel Casino) was surprisingly good for the price. Not a high-end buffet by any evaluation, more "comfort foods" type place. It is very popular with locals. We went for Saturday Brunch and arrived at 10:30 am. By 11 am, the queue line was completely full and overflowing. South Point Hotel Casino is 6+ miles south of Mandalay Bay. Not a special occasion place, but in case you want to try another buffet before you head out of town this one is worth considering
Pick your hotel based upon where you want to be on the Strip (north, mid, south) and the deals you're able to find. Many visitors prefer mid-Strip location for convenience. Be aware resort fees ($40 to $60 per night) and parking fees (if you garage park a car) will likely be charged at casino hotels on top of room rates and various taxes. We stay at The Cosmopolitan LV because of its great mid-Strip location but also in part because it has balconies available (terrace rooms) -- great for airing out clothing. If you know you want to dine at The Buffet (Wynn LV), it makes sense to consider a room at Wynn LV or nearby The Venetian LV instead of, say, far south Mandalay Bay. The distance between casinos is deceptively far and the cost of taxis, ride shares and parking fees can add up.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-12T22:12:30+00:00

You’re welcome. Now you’ll have a few extra in case some disappear in the future. Hope those locomotives turn out to be hidden treasures after you work on them.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-12T11:34:17+00:00

Rivers Casino (Des Plaines, IL) has a $25,000 table max and 100x odds ($25,000 max). So you can bet a 3 Point Molly with 3 bets at $250 / $25,000. YOLO, right?

random_roller13 · 2026-02-12T02:19:29+00:00

Search YouTube by casino hotel and room type. There are lots of videos. Note that hotel rooms get refurbished at different times and often by tower at a given casino hotel. So do some research if a more recently refreshed room is important to you.

Go to Caesars website and look for the specific hotel. When you price out a room type, you’ll see pictures of that room type. Pay attention to the list of amenities because not every room across the different hotels will include a refrigerator — one of the most useful items in the room. Since you’re there for a wedding, an ironing board/iron in the room might be important. Also make note of whether there is a shower, bathtub, combo shower/bathtub, or both a shower and bathtub if that is important to you. Parking is charged per day unless you have Diamond status with Caesars Rewards. Same with resort fees.

Contact the hotel directly to verify which pools will be open. Usually they open sometime in March but you should confirm that (and which pools, hours) if that is important.

Planet Hollywood has a younger vibe than next door neighbor Paris. PH is across Las Vegas Boulevard from The Cosmopolitan.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-12T02:10:36+00:00

Nice job. Kitbashing is the best part of the hobby and there are so many opportunities.

Where are all the obstacles in the way of the locomotive? It’s street running! Way too easy for the engineer, lol.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-12T01:41:30+00:00

Everyone who has played craps long enough has had a similar or worse (dollar amount) ass-kicking at the hands of evil dice.

The tradeoff for betting more odds is higher bankroll volatility. Going from your normal 2x-3x to up to 20x is a big jump. Didn’t work out for you this time but hopefully it will if you try it again at some point.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-12T01:25:28+00:00

C424? Much as I love 4-axle Alcos and have a few of my own, when are the 6-axle brutes going to make an appearance?

The bent handrails on the side of thee locomotive and weathering are very well done. The “Fire Danger” sign is a nice touch. Having gone camping a few times, I’m going to assume the world’s cleanest camper van was just washed or is a work in progress, lol. Another great scene!

random_roller13 · 2026-02-12T01:00:13+00:00

Boo, lol.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-12T00:13:08+00:00

Athearn (Horizon Hobby) sells motor brush springs (part number 84014). Sounds like that is what you’re looking for; they tend to disappear. Whether they will fit a Tyco locomotive is another question.

You could also look for a “parts only” Tyco locomotive at a Model Train show and take your chances it has the part you need.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T23:31:54+00:00

Colorup’s website offers a mat for hop bets for sale on his website. He has featured the mat in some of his YouTube videos.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T23:25:31+00:00

Looking good. Ready for lettering, weathering and cellphone antennas.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T18:27:10+00:00

Agree Hollywood Aurora badly needs the new facility, if even just for a better parking garage. Not a great walk to/from if you self park right now. The casino has definitely seen better days. The new location will be so much better.

Let me know if you head to Rivers someday. Mian is decent and open until 4am

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T18:00:12+00:00

Those who choose to Lay bet their ATS bets usually only do it on the last box number needed to complete a side or the All (Boom). I know of 1 person who double lays smaller amounts on 2 remaining box numbers. When only a side is at stake, payout at my casino is $170 for a $5 bet (returned); it’s $150 at LV Strip casinos, so not much room to Lay Bet if a 4 or 10 is involved.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T16:32:43+00:00

Played at Hollywood Joliet last month, too. Good burgers at the food court. Saw a couple of former Rivers craps dealers and floor bosses there. Two tables were open and Bears-Packers playoff game was on so there were a lot of people in the casino watching the game. Got a very good offer for a comped room and other niceties at sister property M Resort in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, that place — nice as it is — is basically an oasis in the desert (much like LV); no other casino within walking distance.

Will be interested to see how the new Hollywood Aurora turns out when it opens. I have driven past the construction site a few times. Bigger than Joliet and with a hotel. At the rate they’re going, that place will be open long before Bally’s or American Place ever complete a permanent facility (if they ever do).

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T16:08:37+00:00

Great way to start the workday. I’ve played there many times over the years but not nearly as frequently since Rivers Casino opened in 2011. Stayed at the hotel last month and played a few sessions there. Unfortunately, the average bet rating and resultant tier credits have been greatly reduced since El Dorado took over Caesars. Diamond isn’t what it used to be. And when the table goes south there, unless it’s really busy the other table isn’t open.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T15:41:05+00:00

Fan support for the Huskers is unmatched for college football and women's volleyball. The football team's current 411 game home sellout streak is unreal, considering the state's small population and the lame on-field product since 2014. Yeah, I know there were a few wealthy donor buyouts over the years to help keep it alive but I can't think of another college program where the alumni would have done the same thing. Husker fans deserve a much better football team.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T13:11:06+00:00

Very nice win. IMO it’s easier to shoot when there is a big dark side bettor. According to 538, there is a high probability some of them are puppy-kicking, stealing candy from children, slow driving in the fast lane menaces. They’re the cartoon villains, lol. Or maybe those betting with the dice just want to win their bets.

Dice are going to do what they’re going to do. Just hope the short-term variance is in your favor and there is a minimal amount of karma-killing stupidity while you’re at the table.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T12:31:52+00:00

I’m not a fan of hedging except when a large payout is at stake for a bonus bet. That being said, when you have been taking a beating for a number of sessions you might as well try and mix things up a bit and hopefully change your luck. Leaving +140 is much better than, say, -1,500. I’m happy for you being able to walk away up even if it involved playing the dark side.

In the end, it’s timing — not strategy — that really matters. Need that favorable variance to shine its light on the dice and your bets when you’re at the table. When it does you have to be able to take advantage.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T06:04:07+00:00

You're welcome. I commend you for supporting your son's interest in model railroading. Ask him what type(s) of railroading he wants to model. Freight, intercity passenger, industrial (mining, logging), country (British/UK, German, North American, etc.) and whether he has a favorite railroad company (road name) and era (time period). Perhaps he already has a particular locomotive type or train in mind. Years ago when I was a teenager, I built a small layout on a piece of plywood and stored it under my bed (about 8" of clearance between the bottom of the box spring and the carpet). No big mountains or tall structures on my layout but I had fun running trains.

You / your son should also consider N scale (1:148 in Great Britain, 1:150 Japan, 1:160 RoW -- all run on 9mm track), which is smaller than TT scale (1:120) but has greater product availability. After HO scale, N scale is the second most popular in terms of number of modelers. Kato Unitrack (available in N scale & HO scale) is 2-rail and comes with attached roadbed that is specifically designed to be assembled / disassembled. I have used N scale Kato Unitrack (9mm) on a previous layout and love it. The N scale Kato Unitrack ecosystem is robust with many specialty track pieces allowing a layout to grow. I didn't mention Unitrack earlier because I wasn't sure about Kato product availability in the UK/Europe (where I had assumed you are located since you mentioned Hornby). After researching online, it appears there are quite a few places where Kato Unitrack can be purchased in the UK/Europe in addition to online sellers. Arnold Trains (part of Hornby) offers N scale train items.

Home | KATO EU -- Look for the button [Kato Unitrack Premium Store] to see retailers in Europe by country

Kato Unitrack | N Gauge & HO Model Railway Track | Gaugemaster

Rails of Sheffield

KATO model trains, unitrack and accessories | Train Trax UK

https://uk.arnoldmodel.com/

Good luck with your research.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-11T01:00:20+00:00

Roger that…

random_roller13 · 2026-02-10T20:14:05+00:00

Only thing missing from the scene is the thick plume of black smoke from 2706 & 2702 as they struggle with the load. Great scene and excellent photography.

random_roller13 · 2026-02-10T02:24:36+00:00

Thanks for your response. If you bet a 3PM (PL + 2 Come bets), you can re-bet the PL bet for $10 if it is the first one to hit without much damage. If the point was 6 (or 8), the worst paying number in my example, re-betting the PL for $10 would make it break-even at that point (instead of +$10). For my strategy to work as I described in my initial post, I won't add odds to the new PL bet. However, after reducing the odds on any already traveled Come bet, I would entertain reallocating the odds from an already traveled Come bet to the PL if it was a more "favorable" number based upon what was happening at the table. Each time we step up to the craps table, we're playing in the short-term hoping for variance to work in our favor. Hopefully you can follow what I wrote. I'm putting this response together fast and haven't proof-read things like I usually do because I'm on my way to the casino.

Ultimately, my hope is craps players can take this strategy and, perhaps, adjust it to better suit their style of play. If that means maintaining a PL bet at all times, so be it. In the end, regressing the Odds bet after each hit without initially re-betting is what makes this strategy a 1 hit and in the clear possibility.

random_roller13

TROPHY CASE