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Showing posts with label things to do in las vegas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things to do in las vegas. Show all posts
Thursday, October 28, 2021
RAIDER'S ALLEGIANT STADIUM LAS VEGAS TOUR: Checking out the DEATH STAR

I know what you're thinking. How come there's REBELS on the endzone. That's the name of the College Football team over at UNLV or the University of Las Vegas. But, let's not really dwell into that. We're here to check out the Allegiant stadium. It's the stadium specifically built for the NFL team RAIDERS. Also known as the DEATH STAR, this place is just humongous.
 
On no event days, ALLEGIANT STADIUM TOURS are scheduled. When you visit, you could park for free. Better to book your slot a week or two out in their website so that you could pick a time. If not, you might be able to get a walk in slot or you could just visit the official team store. (If you do the tour, there's a discount for whatever you buy at the store).

So when you enter the north side of the stadium, the store would greet you. Just follow the sign to the left side and enter up the escalators to the receiving area. There, they will give you lanyards and you could buy a few refreshments and wait for everyone in your group.

Once everyone is there, you would be accompanied by a couple of staff. Remember, this is a walking tour so wear comfortable shoes as it will roughly take an hour or so to get around. They will then bring you up the escalators to a landing where you will see the torch. The glass panels facing the strip actually opens up. Plus, the standing area's table has wireless charger for your phone as well.
The tour would then lead you to a hallway filled with art works and also towards the coveted suites. Unfortunately or fortunately, this is were all the good stuff starts. It's here that you get access to places that are off limits during events and game days.
On the way, you could see famous paintings that were collected just for this stadium. Aside from that, there are areas to buy some refreshments and even the press center.
Speaking of suites, we were almost this close to the 50 yard line but was unable to enter because they were renovating it. Instead, we had a peak into one of MGM's suites on the 45th line. Bummer.
Once you enter, you have access to private washrooms, a bar, tables and chairs plus flat screen tvs and other things to pamper you.
If you really want to see the action, there are stadium seats that are accessible in those suites. The only thing that's quite unique though for the owner's box would be these white chairs. Theirs are the only ones that have a different color from other suites.
Afterwards, you get to see the Champions club were the VIPS could mingle. We just passed through the twitch room, and was led to the Raiderettes locker.
The press room was up next but we were shown the trophies that were won by the raiders. Here, we watched a film for a good 5-10 minutes. We were able to relax our feet as well.
Just through a couple of doors, we were led to the locker room. The locker room was really spacious and modern. Each player has a digital lock box for their belongings as well as other stuff.
Here's me with a closer look at one of the lockers. Derek Carr is the current quarterback for the Raiders.
Aside from the locker room, we passed through the medical area of the team. They have an xray and even a cold and hot jacuzzi.
Would you believe that some of these tubs have moving "treadmill" for the players to walk on?
The field itself is quite unique. Since the Raiders play their games on natural grass, they had to "train" the grass in. What you see here would be the cement flooring with astro turf for the Rebel's game. The Raider's has an automated "train like" system that's 4ft high that would allow their grass field to be brought in from the outside. Talk about expensive.
Just behind those white doors would be the grass area were they let them absorb the sun. There, they are taken cared of.
From the bottom, you could definitely see the top. This is the view from the field.
It's just amazing how money could be spent on such a thing.
And another look on the other side.
After the tour, you're given a discount at the store. Also, if you chose to get the tour with the drink add on, the staff would lead you back to the trophy area to enjoy your beer and buy some snacks.
If you ask me, it was worth it. A little expensive but quite nice if you think about all the access you get.




Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. paid for my ticket.

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Monday, May 24, 2021
MANDALAY BAY STAYCATION: Las Vegas is Open

 

Noted to be the south most hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, Mandalay Bay Hotel has its own style and charm. As with any casino + hotel + resort, this place aims for you not to leave the compound and enjoy all its offering. Of course with accessibility, this would lead to a significant price tag. A week or so ago, I was able to stay in this resort and enjoy its offerings. Here's a little bit of room tour/experience.

Mandalay Bay is an MGM property. As such, it offers a STAY WELL version of their room. This means that your room has some upgrades that would make your visit a cleaner and more relaxed stay. Mandalay is a little bit of an upgrade from MGM Grand in terms of rooms. The MGM is more accessible while the Mandalay tends to be a family oriented place to visit. With the wave pool and shark reef aquarium, it targets family visits. 

Well enough of that. My friends and I checked into our respective rooms. There was a little hickup with their reservations. Thankfully, it got fixed. They weren't charged for their upgrade but it was a little bit of a hassle as we got in late and tired. I was upgraded to their floor without me asking. I did leave a tip for the front desk for her service.  The room in itself is quite normal except for the "stay well" features.

 

The features include an air purifier, diffuser, and even a vitamin c water purifier for your shower area.  Since we brought bbq for dinner in my room, it was notable that the smell didn't linger. I guess the purifier did work it's charm.

Washroom wise, the toilet was separated by a door. The shower was on a corner and not with the tub. Unfrotunately, there was no television in there.

 

 


  The bar was fully stocked but you should already know that it would cost you an arm and a leg for these items. Thankfully, ice was still free. Better to just pack your luggage with drinks and snack from the local grocery to save some dollars.


The view though was pretty good. It's not to lit up that you might have a hard time sleeping.
The pool is another reason to stay here. If you're staying at the Mandalay Bay you have access to the Beach. It's a collection of pools. A lazy river, a heated wave pool with sand, and a couple of normal pool. If you're staying at the Delano or the Four Season, you have access to private pools just for their guests.
The place opens up at 9am and closes at 6pm. There's a lot of seats that you could go for since it's 100%capacity already. Some though are by reservation. You have to pay for the cabanas and some of the premium seats. Towels are free of course. A few minutes before 9am though, a line could be seen forming. You just need to show your hotel room key card for you to gain entry.
There are of course food and drinks available. There are wait staff that roam around. You could also go to the stalls themselves.


VEGAS IS DEFINITELY OPEN. There are a lot of visitors that roam the strip. Hotels and restaurants are ramping up their employment drive because of the demand. There are now a lot of places that are opening up as well. 
Mandalay Bay Hotel is one of them. The place is relaxed although the casino isn't as complete as other places. It's a definitely a must try to visit but honestly, I might go for something else next time.



Disclaimer: paid for my stay. wrote this based on my experience.
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Monday, April 8, 2019
HOOTERS HOTEL LAS VEGAS REVIEW: MORE THAN JUST CHICKEN

 Some friends has been asking me where I stayed in Las Vegas. I told them, I went for an affordable yet clean and comfortable hotel. When I told them that I stayed at THE HOOTERS HOTEL, their faces were full of questions. Believe it or not, this restaurant chain has a Las Vegas Hotel right at the end of the famous strip. It's located just in front of the MGM grand making it quite ideal for a tourist to check out and stay at.
As you enter, you might notice that there is a distinct smell of cigarette smoke. If this bothers you, remember to reserve a room on the non-smoking floor. Also, it's because the first floor has a number of slot machines and table games were you could play.  
Check-in time isn't as strict as other places. As long as you get there an hour or two or if your room is prepared, they can definitely give you the card. 
 ROOM wise, it was pretty basic. It is a 3 star hotel after all. The a/c is pretty old but still works fine. The television has all the basic cable needs. The toilet is pretty basic but clean. Unfortunately, they don't have a bidet here. I guess most hotels in the US doesn't have those.
 Since I went during the Winter, the pool was closed. Unfortunately, it could get a little too cold for a swim. In terms of dining, they have a number of establishments on the ground floor. Of course, there is the HOOTERS restaurant that is always packed during dinner. There's a diner type restaurant as well. If you forgot to bring toiletries or other essential needs, they have gift shop that doubles as a convenient store.
 Always go for their wings and if you're a fan, don't forget about the pickles.
The place isn't really as glam and wonderful as other hotels on the strip. BUT, if you're looking for a clean room and isn't as expensive as the other hotels, this would be your bet. It's one of the few hotels in the area that has free parking spaces (no need to validate your stubs).  Also, it's walking distance to the strip. For me, this is the perfect place to sleep in especially if you don't want to pay extra for something you could easily get.




HOOTERS HOTEL
115 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109


Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Paid for my stay and meals.
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Monday, February 4, 2019
TEKKA BAR AND SECRET PIZZA: QUICK BITES IN COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL, LAS VEGAS

 Traveling alone has always been a thing with me. Last time I did this was when I visited LAS VEGAS for the very first time. I really didn't know anything and was really giddy about the trip. One of the few things I did enjoy about it was the freedom to choose where to eat. IN Vegas, food quality is never a problem. Granted that it may be quite expensive, there are some places that could make your taste buds jump but not lighten up your pockets.
Located in the COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL in LAS VEGAS, Tekka Bar is one of the few "stalls" in this mini food hall. It's basically a counter top Japanese Sushi Restaurant. IF you get pass the casino on the first floor head on up and you get to see the different stores and restaurants that might help you through the night.
 You sit down and order what you want from the staff. They create it for you and place it on top of the napkins. I know it's a bit simple but the quality of the seafood was spot on.
 It may be a little bit too much for some, but it's a steal for me. Going for the foursome, you get 4 different types of rolls. It's a set already and they serve it in order. One after another. The chef checks on you and only makes the next roll when you're done or about to finish with the one they just served.
 
You could definitely eat with your hands but I'd rather use my chopsticks. Although, they don't cut the rolls for you into small bite sized pieces, you could still handle it.
On the other hand, an affordable and open up until late would be SECRET PIZZA.
 
You go through a long hallway with no signs and you end up in a small pizza place. It has a few chairs that could be used by a few but it's basically where you get your carbs fix just before going home. They're open up until 5am, so it's a good place to visit after everything.
 Pizza slices aren't as expensive but are quite simple as well. It's pretty good considering the price. Others just get a whole box of pizza on the way to their hotel rooms.
If that's not enough, you might want to visit Eggslut as well. It might be overhyped for some, but why not? Have a bite and check it out.


TEKKA BAR
SECRET PIZZA
EGGSLUT
The Boulevard Tower, 3708 S Las Vegas Blvd Level 2, Las Vegas, NV 89109


Disclaimer:Paid for my meals. wrote this based on my experience.
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