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Get away-So Cal Casinos v Vegas

Bear Down

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The Mrs and myself have a 2 night pass from the kids this weekend. Looking for a hard hitting getting away. With all of these Covid protocols in place, I am unsure if Vegas is the right spot and the whole barrier/masks Vibe is even worth the let down. I am looking into Local So Cal Casinos, but I've heard some have a food requirement with cocktails (maybe old info) and with Room prices higher than Vegas, not sure if staying local benefits us versus the drive to Vegas. Weather in So Cal will be better than Vegas. Day Clubs in Vegas are opening this weekend, but with only table/cabana reservations and no general admission.. spending $500 to sit/drink/listen to music in cloudy weather isn't on my radar this weekend. Any recent experiences/suggestions from any of the inmates? Pala Casino is intriguing and I might be headed that route. We've considered Palm Springs area, but Rates are just stupid.
 
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shintoooo

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Harrah’s in Valley Center is not bad. Similar to Vegas. Masks inside unless you’re actively drinking or eating. Casino is nice but small. However for a two night stay, it’s enough. Indoor dining is open but you have to make reservations ASAP. Pool is heated as well.
 

SoCalDave

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^^^This or Pechanga it's a lot bigger than all the others.
 

bluebleeder

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I agree with the suggestions above but would add Chumash. Nice drive up the coast, Solvang down the street, wineries everwhere.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 

Beerme

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Harrah’s in Valley Center is not bad. Similar to Vegas. Masks inside unless you’re actively drinking or eating. Casino is nice but small. However for a two night stay, it’s enough. Indoor dining is open but you have to make reservations ASAP. Pool is heated as well.
We did this with a bunch of couples before and had a blast. Obviously pre-covid, but it was the closest feel to Vegas and it was a nice peaceful drive getting there.
 

DrunkenSailor

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I'm money ahead at Harrah's in valley center. Cool place. Not sure with covid though.
 

Rondog4405

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The mask bullshit is gonna be in play everywhere you go in so cal and nevada. If I was in yore shoes I'd be on my way to vegas or Laughlin.. cali casinos suck..especially from a gambling perspective.. plus you cant squeeze any free drinks outta them..
 

Gonefishin5555

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In Vegas weekend of feb 20. Restaraunts open with reservations. Saw a comedy show at Tropicana. Caesars was crowded. Gambling minimum limits were higher and really wasn’t much fun. Venetian was nice. The outdoor entertainment stuff as you walk the strip was closed and it was pretty ghetto crowd. If you can find a pool situation that doesn’t cost an arm or leg should try that. Also my car broke down and I limped home.
 

Done-it-again

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Was in Vegas last week with the fam. Had no problems and everything was open for kids to do. Not sure if clubs are open, but strip had lots of people on the weekend, dead during the week. Made reservations for restaurants we wanted without issue, some on limit seating some not.

It reminded me of a Steve Miller band concert i was at long ago, never been to a Bob Marley so cannot compare. Must have been a MJ convention around lol. Shit is everywhere.
 

dribble

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The Hard Rock in South Lake Tahoe is nice and they’re not mask Nazis there. There’s a lot to do nearby and the restaurants on the California side are all open now. Quick flight to Reno and then a 30 minute drive to Tahoe. Frankly I’ve never been into the way Vegas bleeds money from you at every turn.
 

Bear Down

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good feed back and its appreciated... Vegas seems to have more options on activities and since the stay in Vegas for 2 nights will run me the same as a 1 night stay in Palm Spring/So Cal Casino, I will probably go that route... Day club minimums are $500 for a table, with cloudy weather...ehh... but It seems like I have some good dinner options and probably a better vibe/buzz that will hold us interested for 2 days. I found this place off the strip I've never stayed at "Tuscany Resort" might give that a whirl, otherwise Old town Vegas will be our buoy....
 

shintoooo

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good feed back and its appreciated... Vegas seems to have more options on activities and since the stay in Vegas for 2 nights will run me the same as a 1 night stay in Palm Spring/So Cal Casino, I will probably go that route... Day club minimums are $500 for a table, with cloudy weather...ehh... but It seems like I have some good dinner options and probably a better vibe/buzz that will hold us interested for 2 days. I found this place off the strip I've never stayed at "Tuscany Resort" might give that a whirl, otherwise Old town Vegas will be our buoy....

Just make sure you make reservations for dinner. The restaurants are slammed.
 

Done-it-again

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Just note that every Saturday has been windy. We did the Eiffel tower Friday nigh and the workers told us they had to close the past few Saturdays due to wind. Woke up Sat to wind, closed down the Ny Ny roller coaster and the Eiffel tower.
 

shintoooo

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any suggestions for a steak house..

The Palm at Caesars shops is good and won't break the bank. If you want something nicer, Prime at Bellagio or Mastro's at the Crystal shops.
 

Done-it-again

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We enjoy Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris eating on the patio at night (its a French bistro)
Old town at Binion's Steakhouse cool old town Vegas vibe.

Always want to try SW steakhouse at the Wynn
 

Bear Down

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Just note that every Saturday has been windy. We did the Eiffel tower Friday nigh and the workers told us they had to close the past few Saturdays due to wind. Woke up Sat to wind, closed down the Ny Ny roller coaster and the Eiffel tower.
that was my biggest hesitation...weather shows high 70's but cloudy and windy.... Which in Old Town, takes the mustard off the hot dog a bit.
 

Nordie

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I avoid the strip like the plague these are some off the strip options, maybe 20 minute drive


This place was on DDD, not really a steak house, but the food is amazing.
 

Water Romper

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would you consider Laughlin? Aquarius has been good to us. A bit slower pace than Vegas
 

boatpi

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As of March 15th , All of Nevada opening mush more. Conventions begin in late May. Bigger shows as of March 15 too.
 

Javajoe

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Don’t laugh, but one of the best steak houses which is actually fine dining is called The Steak House in the middle of Circus Circus. Old School Mafia Style. Very elegant, great steaks, waiters in tuxes, etc. Got turned on to it by a group of people years ago at the Wynn pool who meet every year and go there. Check it out on line. I think that’s the only reason I have entered Circus Circus
 

Bear Down

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Decided on downtown Vegas. As Shintoo mentioned getting a reservation is key, times were limited. I was thinking Laughlin, but with this being a rare "kidless" getaway...I wanted to get mom back in the pre kid mode of hanging out with trophy husband.. It will be a good time of total debauchery ....
 
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Water Romper

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Well, if its Vegas, then Freemont is the way to go (IMO) Love the "old school" vibe of that part of town. Cant say if the gambling is any better than the strip but you will have fun. Just remember, play "8" on roulette ;)
 

Bear Down

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Well, if its Vegas, then Freemont is the way to go (IMO) Love the "old school" vibe of that part of town. Cant say if the gambling is any better than the strip but you will have fun. Just remember, play "8" on roulette ;)
Glad you didn't say how much... will do for good faith since that was Rex Grossmans # that led my boys to SB XLI...
 

HBCraig

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I avoid the strip like the plague these are some off the strip options, maybe 20 minute drive


This place was on DDD, not really a steak house, but the food is amazing.
Old Ranch House is legit. Used to go there a lot when I had my vegas house
 

HBCraig

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@Bear Down
If you are downtown tty Hugo's Cellar. Totally old school.
I have had really good steaks at STK and Jean George's
 

Bear Down

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@Bear Down
If you are downtown tty Hugo's Cellar. Totally old school.
I have had really good steaks at STK and Jean George's

That is where we are staying this weekend.. they were booked up when we decided yesterday... hopefully when we get there tonight we can ask in person to be put on a list... definitely my type of spot since I love the Del Rey and Steak and stein
 

HBCraig

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That is where we are staying this weekend.. they were booked up when we decided yesterday... hopefully when we get there tonight we can ask in person to be put on a list... definitely my type of spot since I love the Del Rey and Steak and stein
You are downtown?
 

Bear Down

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Very nice

If yiu can't get in to the aforementioned places try the steakhouse at the top of Binions
This is where I really want to go...but its closed until 3/17... from what it shows online...
 

dribble

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Don’t laugh, but one of the best steak houses which is actually fine dining is called The Steak House in the middle of Circus Circus. Old School Mafia Style. Very elegant, great steaks, waiters in tuxes, etc. Got turned on to it by a group of people years ago at the Wynn pool who meet every year and go there. Check it out on line. I think that’s the only reason I have entered Circus Circus
Circus Circus had the best steakhouse in Reno. They closed it and opened a Chinese Buffet.
 

Nordie

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Downtown, take a walk to Carson Kitchen, not a steak house dinner, but their food is amazing, I recommend the butter burger, and their bacon jam as an appetizer.
 

beaverretriever

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I may be partial as I live in the Las Vegas area, but nothing compares to it in terms of gaming, things to do, pools, nightlife etc; not just in the US but the world. My cousin worked in that dump the Pachanga (known to be one of the better Cali casinos) for about 20 years and I can tell you it is like a Motel 6 compared to even the half ass hotels around here.

It will be 81 and sunny here tomorrow (Saturday) seems like kick ass weather to me. I was on the strip the other day and its packed and great to see people out. Nothing like Vegas in the world in my opinion.
 
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