Unintended Mark hilarity when discussing how Mirage volcano sometimes is inoperative: "Sometimes that happens with volcanoes." So true. Mt. St Helens was once down for 235 years.
I’m still sad about Mirage closing. The smell when you walk in, the atrium botanical garden and waterfall, the decent gaming and food. I don’t think the Hard Rock is going to be better, sadly.
Stayed there twice last year because I was comped. It’s not bad but did need to go. Hopefully treasure island, flamingo, and that nasty casino royale are is next
FYI at Harrahs there are a lot of lounge chairs available other than the eight or nine right in front of the pool. Towards the back of the pool area they have at least 20 more for free. I went in that area and had a great time sunning, eating and drinking. No need to pay for a reserve area😊
That Strat pool on top of the tower was the originally part of Bob Stupak’s Vegas World expanded original tower. It was incorporated into the Stratosphere development expansion. For several years that was the “European Bathing” topless pool for adults.
Loved your “worst pools” segment. I have another. Right before lockdown, stayed at Gold Coast. The tiny pool in the back of the blinking CASINO sign was memorable. Every table next to the chaise lounges had an ashtray on it. I was so flabbergasted that I took a picture, as evidence. I thought this was bad, but once inside the room, there was hardly any light next to the bathroom mirror, and I was going out and needed to put on my makeup. I ended up climbing on the sink, kneeling on a pillow and semi straightening myself out to put on my makeup. Pix are available.
About that roof pool at The Strat: We moved to Vegas in 1993 and stayed at Vegas World when the Stratosphere Tower was being built. We got two cheap three-day junkets and ran them together while we were looking for a house to rent. I remember going up and out to that pool, which was fully functional and open to all hotel guests since it was the only one before the additional hotel was added on. Staying at Stupak's place was quite the crazy adventure. The maintenance staff changed out our window air conditioner every two days because they were all decrepit, noisy and kept failing.
We always stay at the Venetian . One of the best things staying there is at night walking across the street to the Mirage . Walk up the side walk and relax to the waterfalls . I will miss the Volcano but I'll miss the whole entire layout w the falls the most .. Now we can appreciate the Wynn's falls and the little water show
There's a small pool at The D too. Everyone goes to Circa so it's always empty. I kind of like the tiny pool, though...no one is ever there and it's nice and quiet. If you just want to get some sun and swim around a bit, it's lovely! I'd use the California pool for sure.
The pool at Casino Royale is tiny, only a few chairs and it's in the shade most of the day. It's a great place to take a book and a couple of cans of beer in your ice bucket to just soak and relax for a while.
I like the idea of more drone shows. Like you said in the video, they do not take up space on the ground and can be used for eye catching promotions for casinos or other events.
Restaurant Week is great! I've been to others in other cities I've lived, and to the one here in Vegas last year. Most places have something that the Chef wanted to make, but it doesn't fit into their normal menu. So we got to try new things. In Vegas though, most of the places didn't seem to know what this event was. They didn't have the special menu or couldn't find them or one place had to call the owner to figure out what I was talking about then told me they could make something close to what the website listed for them. So that was a mixed bag, but still a fun experience and got to try a lot of new places/foods. Thank you for mentioning this event in your video - the money goes to a good cause.
Great time to visit Station Casinos and Red Rock. That's what hubby and I did in late May. It was great. The backyard at the George is choice ❤ for sports fans.
I agree with you Shawn, everyone should visit Las Vegas. It just sucks to arrive with F1 construction everywhere on the strip and some views are blocked
We sat through traffic on and off strip all of last year and on the back streets as well, thanks to F1. And that was before, during and after the race. Traffic sucks, views are blocked, takes forever to go nowhere....and if you're fine with all that, I suggest staying for 2 to 4 extra days so you can do all the things that you used to be able to do in a regular 2-3 day trip. I'm serious.
Maybe I can catch a drone show next weekend when I'm in town. The road construction sounds like socal. By the time they finish they need even more lanes. I will definitely come by and watch the volcano 1 last time this summer on one of my trips. I am playing a WSOP event next week and watching a band, Francelle that is coming in from Nashville to play at Gilies at TI. Despite all the negative changes... 1 constant is my excitement for my next trip to Vegas!!!
The rooftop pool on top of the Strat was the original pool for Bob Stupek's Vegas World. When they expanded and became the Stratosphere it later became a 21 and over topless pool as others have commented on.
5:27 IMO the Paris pool is great, the Tower only blocks the Sun late in the day. We stay at Paris 3 times a year and just left, the entire pool had sun 11am - 3 pm. I know this becuase we had to search for open chairs and ended up on different sides of the pool on different days...I would guess around 5pm the Tower might block the sun. I shouldn't even write this as the pool is absolutely packed now with the extra rooms in the Versailles tower. We saw work on the walkway from Versailles to Paris which will connect on one side above the pool area ( right below our pool/strip view room in the Versailles tower) and the rooms facing the strip will all have balconies which are nearing completion
The pool on top of the Strat was an “adult only-topless” pool. Funny story, one time I was in their family pool and this lady thought that she was at the adult pool and she dropped her top. I couldn’t believe that she didn’t notice all the kids in the pool. There was a group of young boys who acted like they weren’t looking but they definitely were.. unfortunately the lady’s tatas looked like leather saddle bags… But it was a very funny and unforgettable moment. And I about forgot but some old man who was not in a swimsuit but rather he was in a suit and a tie came flying out there, snapped a pic or two and took off running! That was the funniest part… 😂
Practically every time I've been in town the Mirage volcano has been broken. Been coming to Vegas pretty regularly for almost 30yrs and I think I've only seen it 2 or 3 times. And now when I'm there in October it'll be gone forever. I has a sad. Between that and when TI killed the pirate show.... Need a return of the sidewalk spectacles!
Damn that treasure island show in early 2000s was so good. I remember seeing it a couple times when I was a kid. Now I’m 31 and went to Vegas so many times the last couple years that I’m burnt out haha
@@markostermann6632 - The Sphere is great inside and out. U2 shows were stellar, (was never a fan, but the shows were just so great) Postcard From Earth is fantastic, and the exoskeleton of the Sphere is fun to look at and to watch. Overall Vegas is slipping quite a bit, despite seemingly great gaming and occupancy numbers, IMO.
Here's a thing I have noticed lately in the Rewards department. When I search for comp dates through MGM Rewards and Caesar's Rewards, I'm seeing fewer and fewer comp nights available with MGM but getting way more open comp dates with Caesar's than I ever have before. Any ideas on why? I've been spending more time staying at MGM properties as they had, in the past, been giving me better rates and comp nights. Now it seems to have switched around and Caesar's is giving me more comp nights available than I ever have before. I am a low level spender but I'm now having comp nights available at Caesar's Palace now, which I've only rarely been able to get in the past. Interesting.
I noticed it too so I crunched up the numbers (I have expertise in numbers theory, combinations & probabilities) & made some calls. While the algorithms are trade secrets, here are the details I could decipher: The base algorithm for both companies dispenses offers based on predicted occupancy rates & allocates tiers of non peak dates for which you can get offers, plus it determines the number of comp dates they offer. They utilize algorithms based on probabilities with a pessimism coefficient (programmed as a numerical coefficient) towards its occupancy rate. The higher the coefficient, the more it thinks it won't hit the occupancy targets hence the more "loose" it becomes with offers. This coefficient number accounts for weather, events, global holidays, player retention, etc. This coefficient is different for each property within each ecosystem. This coefficient is a multiplier & entered in a complex equation where your behavior as a player is quantified. From there, MGM & Caesars start to have differences: Caesars uses an algorithm with more focus on the statistics, less numerical variables/metrics that define your behavior, and a higher pessimistic coefficient (looser offers). Its discount is also more percentage based rather than linear flat value rebate. MGM uses a more linear system. Its comp algorithm allocates a discount value range (i.e. 70$ to 90$ off non peak day based on your tier based on pre-sale value of a room) PLUS flat rate rounding value (5$ to 40$ additional discount depending on property). If these exceeds the pre-sale price of the room, then you get the comp. If not, you get a discounted price. Now here is what MGM did: MGM massively bumped up the flat rate, pre discount, prices of its mid-tier rooms in early 2023, with some properties being impacted more than others. For instance, Mandalay Bay pre-sale room rate can be multiple times more expensive than Bellagio for some dates. MGM Grand bumped up prices. Park MGM kept its prices. MGM has recently made the pre-sale values a bit cheaper but not by much. That's why MGM rooms are noticeably more expensive than their Caesars counterparts, even when both are discounted. Here is the problem: MGM runs many sales throughout the year, so we almost never pay full price on their rooms whether on Expedia, its own site, etc. Some of its sales cannot be added with offers, and when that happens, MGM shows the lower price which is the sales price, not the offer price. With higher & higher pre-sale room rates, each exceeding linear offer discounts, you feel like you are getting less and less free rooms. Sometimes your offer price ends up being higher price than the current sale price, so MGM just doesn't give you that offer at all. Other times you may sometimes feel that you are not getting a good deal just because the initial room rate was sooo high to the point that sticking a linear MGM discount won't even dent the price. Meanwhile Caesar uses a more aggressive, multiplier based discount model hence better discounts.
The rooftop pool at The Strat was the 21+/toptional pool. It was called Radius & then Wet21. It stayed open until 12 AM, had a crazy menu & had a frozen colada they served in a coconut. Damn I miss 2014-2017 Strat.
I am in Vegas this week and was walking up by Saraha. They’re putting in one of those uber plywood fences around that lot like they put up around trop.
Restaurant Week(actually 12 days) looks pretty cool and worth checking out! That snake video is funny. It's highly appropriate that some America's Got Talent reject is a busker on Fremont Street! I went to an EDC Week pool party at the Stratosphere a few years ago and although the pool is small and unimaginative it was still cool being at a rooftop pool! Unfortunately Stratosphere security was less than intelligent and sucked! I mentioned on another creator's post, the possibility of 2 NBA teams coming to Vegas, but the only team, technically losing money is the Brooklyn Nets and I don’t see them moving, especially since they moved there in 2012. It seems the NBA is pretty set on returning a team to rainy Seattle too. Maybe Portland could be a dark horse team to move to Vegas!
That first video of the kung fu fighting, look at the guy in brown behind everyone spraying mace in everybody’s face. That’s why the drunks fell… lol He might be security for a store or something
Love has had super-poor attendance since the post pandemic era started. Saw it several times. SO empty. Around 35% to a maximum 60% of all available tickets sold.
I understand the reserved pool stuff. It is all about people letting their bratty children run free and ruin everything. The roads here are SO BAD lately. I take back me saying people were just complaining, it was a nightmare. LVRJ talked about it today
I know about The Strat! That’s the radius wet lounge “party” pool area. I think it might be topless. I was there 2 years ago, had a DJ, bar, 21+ up. TERRIBLE hours. It closed at 5 or something.
It will be sad to see Mirage go and we will no longer see the volcano. The volcano was a landmark! It is sad that Vegas does not hold on to its history and just wants to destroy and rebuild! Vegas doesn’t need more arenas! The traffic is already is so congested with the arenas they have right now! Just to travel by car for half a mile takes 45 minutes on Las Vegas Blvd on a Friday or Saturday night!
Rio should 100% do a drone show. Perfect resort for it with their new lights, and it’s off-strip, so it's a good free attraction there. I think the rooftop pool at the Strat is/was their Wet 24 pool? Maybe an adults-only pool? I'm going to miss Mirage, I was only there once, and it had this very classic Vegas feel to it, compared to others I’ve stayed at. Yeah it was showing it's age, but it had class, too, and it never felt massive and too big. I always thought Hard Rock should’ve left the Mirage to have its own branding and aesthetic…."The Mirage at Hard Rock,” and then just had the new “Guitar Hotel” be the Hard Rock LV with its own branding and aesthetic. I'm always a fan of more properties, so in favor of the proposed new tallest tower and NBA arena on the north end of the strip. I’ve heard, though, that it’s supposed to be a very exclusive, ultra-luxury 5-star hotel...so not likely a property for the masses.
Good thing about that pool is that you could BYOB. Last time I was at Venetian pool, it was $35-40 per frozen drink with tax and tip. A few hours at the pool was more than some of the finest steakhouses in town.
That top golf pool is pretty great. Free to anybody so if you got that horrible California pool you can go there. And certain bays come with a huge pool cabana area
We enjoyed the talent at Fremont Street Experience, but saw nothing like that people-swallowing snake! Sadly FSE has a poverty element too. The Strip does too. Cities all over struggle with homelessness and poverty, not just Vegas. I'm ranting, but homeless people ARE people too! It's great to see restaurants play a role, and help make Vegas a healthy community.
Regarding Love: There are too many elements that would be impossible to replicate week after week in different venues (set pieces that enter and exit via the floor elevators, performers that enter in multiple places from the roof, atmospheric control that allows them to utilize and maneuver fog perfectly every show). I’m hoping they find another permanent home to renovate.
I was staying at main Street station casino, and they said they shared the pool with the Cal.. I go over there no one was there.. but it is a tiny pool.. I've seen better pools at people's home . I had brought a cooler with some drinks . Security came, told me to get rid of it because of the glass bottle.. I'm like I'm the only one here lol
I need to check out more pools that are actually in Las Vegas city limits (I've only stayed at the Golden Nugget and the D downtown as well as went to Stadium Swim at Circa, and have yet to stay at some Station casinos and other resorts as well)...............but when it comes to Paradise/Strip resort pools specifically my Worst Pool choices are clear. It's a toss-up between the Circus Circus and the Treasure Island pool as the absolute worst. I say "toss-up" because though I get a more skeevy vibe from the former, it at least has more of an identity whereas the latter is atrociously boring and has an awful concrete-to-pool ratio. I'm not sure if when Steve Wynn originally envisioned and built the Treasure Island if its pool was much better at the time and had far better theming, but at any rate under Ruffin both his resorts have horrendous pools. If I were to round out my Top Five Worst Strip Pools list, I'd put Excalibur's at #3, Paris's at #4 and New York New York's at #5 with how boring and overcrowded each of them get (although I will admit it's kind of cool seeing the roller coaster serpentine above you at the latter). I'm staying at Harrah's for the first time in August as well and I imagine their pool is likely going to be a contender for the Worst list but we'll see as a good crowd can REALLY elevate a lousy pool setup much like at LINQ's pool. And I also feel I HAVE to add Aria's pools as a Dishonorable Mention because for a five-star resort, they're pretty pathetic IMO. As for Top Five Best Strip Pools: definitely Encore's European pool as my #1. Then I'd put Flamingo's standard pool at #2, Sahara's Ultra Azilo pool at #3, Mandalay Bay's pool complex at #4 and Wynn's standard pool at #5, with Honorable Mention going to Park MGM's underrated lush and lively pool complex. I'll be staying at the Fontainebleau in August so if I'm quite impressed or blown away by their pool complex I'll broadcast that, but that's my Top Five among all the places I've stayed. 🥰
My husband and I have MANY friends in Vegas, most work on south strip. The things these wonderful people had to go through just to get to work during F1 is infuriating. But they’re such great people - I’m more irritated about it than they are. 🤷♀️
All of the people I know that work on the strip hated the endless traffic and F1 as well. We spent tons of time there and going 1 mile could take close to an hour or more. It's horrific. NOT fun for employees, and certainly not fun for visitors. Vegas chases every trend, every dollar and has turned most every visit for us into a real shit show. Vegas soured it's #1 fan and most frequent visitor. I'm sure I'm not the only one either.
@@realrocker777Agree! My husband is an F1 fan and even he said at the get go that he wouldn’t be attending because it just isn’t an event that the city can handle without inconveniencing locals and visitors alike. Such a shame, but apparently none of that matters to the powers that be. 😡
The drones are a great idea to try to bring the people to RIO. I’m impressed MGM donated meals, I guess they need some write offs. If I played Golf, I would definitely use the pool especially if it’s hot after the game. I feel for the locals and the traffic and construction F1 will start to inconvenience them. How funny that snake was swallowing the lady 😂😂 Love ❤️ Vegas and you guys, keep up the good work.
FELLAS! Don’t be knocking the “Hideaway Pool” at Topgolf Las Vegas! There are private cabanas, a swim up bar, lounge chairs, etc. There are lots of people, men and woman in the pool on the weekends and a great spot for locals on the weekdays without needing to book a hotel or pay an outrageous fee. It’s free to anyone over 21 and great for friends of people who come to golf and only want to swim. Let me know if you want a cabana rental and I’ll be happy to book one for you, so you guys can change your tone! 😜
Anyone who knows the history of Vegas and has been there over the past 60 years will know that the opulence of Vegas does not come cheap and over the top classy restaurants, casino designs and all amenities are te norm. Very much like ‘casino Royal’ visitors dressed up for dinners, in the casinos and wore furs toThe big shows . Yes, things change, but if I am going to the greatest 24/7 party cities in the world ,I like to look good. Unfortunatly, it looks like a massive tailgate party walking down the strip , especially on Freemount street., add the increase in crime and intimidation on the strip and that’s your future Vegas. A new trend is to stay off the strip Green Valley Ranch, Durango, M etc away from the madness and go to the strip a couple of times in the evening.
I would have thought Mirage would have waited for AFTER F1 to close.... just hope with them starting demolition that it doesn't effect THE TRACK OH, NO... not a loose manhole cover !!!!!!
The owls were part of the drone show at EDC a few weeks ago. (The owl is the mascot for the production company behind EDC.) ruclips.net/video/waU7NtW1DhY/видео.html
In a tsunami yes, in our crap economy not so much. I sure hope that losing the mirage and volcano are not huge mistakes its always sad when you are forced to lose something you like to get something new. I used to feel that way about Disneyland and Knotts berry farm amusement parks with their limited acreage. That roof top pool at the Strat is an outdated remnant from when it was bob Stupak's Vegas World it was cool back in the day especially the afternoons in the summer lots of shade, they had a bar set up and some cocktail waitresses. not all of us could afford to stay at Caesar's palace back then and get fed cold grapes from goddess cocktail waitresses by the beautiful pools. It was a nice way to recharge before going out for another wild evening on the town. i wish they would put in a gigantic people mover from one end of the strip to the other like Disneyland had where it never stops it could slow down at all the stops enough to get on and off but never stop moving.
I hate to correct you (not really), but there are 10 loungers around the Cal pool . . . number 10 is half-hidden under the building overhang . . . appears to have been moved from its designated spot as lounger number 4 on the right hand side of the shot. I'm available for video continuity work.
I haven't been to Freemont Street in almost ten years and after seeing that video of people fighting, I'm staying away from it for good. Lol! The pool at Harrah's looks very sad. Speaking of bad pools, I'm very disappointed with pools at FB, they're so small and we couldn't find good seats when we hung out there back in April. They should've made those pools bigger like Resorts World.
Unintended Mark hilarity when discussing how Mirage volcano sometimes is inoperative: "Sometimes that happens with volcanoes." So true. Mt. St Helens was once down for 235 years.
I'm glad the Rio Hotel is getting renovated and the drone show looks amazing.
Rio's looking great!
Mark: “It’s sweaty ball season “!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤦♂️😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣I'm 💀
Loved how Shawn just slowly shook his head while looking at the camera. 😂😂😂
I’m still sad about Mirage closing. The smell when you walk in, the atrium botanical garden and waterfall, the decent gaming and food. I don’t think the Hard Rock is going to be better, sadly.
That smell unfortunately is mold. MGM gave up on maintaining the Mirage a long time ago. Hopefully Hard Rock shows it some love.
Stayed there twice last year because I was comped. It’s not bad but did need to go. Hopefully treasure island, flamingo, and that nasty casino royale are is next
Hard Rock is going to be amazing!!
4:03 "What's the point of having it" They gotta do something to justify a resort fee. lol
FYI at Harrahs there are a lot of lounge chairs available other than the eight or nine right in front of the pool. Towards the back of the pool area they have at least 20 more for free. I went in that area and had a great time sunning, eating and drinking. No need to pay for a reserve area😊
That Strat pool on top of the tower was the originally part of Bob Stupak’s Vegas World expanded original tower. It was incorporated into the Stratosphere development expansion. For several years that was the “European Bathing” topless pool for adults.
Away All Boats! Invariably the only movie on TV when I’m in a cold and lonely hotel room.
Loved your “worst pools” segment. I have another. Right before lockdown, stayed at Gold Coast. The tiny pool in the back of the blinking CASINO sign was memorable. Every table next to the chaise lounges had an ashtray on it. I was so flabbergasted that I took a picture, as evidence. I thought this was bad, but once inside the room, there was hardly any light next to the bathroom mirror, and I was going out and needed to put on my makeup. I ended up climbing on the sink, kneeling on a pillow and semi straightening myself out to put on my makeup. Pix are available.
About that roof pool at The Strat: We moved to Vegas in 1993 and stayed at Vegas World when the Stratosphere Tower was being built. We got two cheap three-day junkets and ran them together while we were looking for a house to rent. I remember going up and out to that pool, which was fully functional and open to all hotel guests since it was the only one before the additional hotel was added on. Staying at Stupak's place was quite the crazy adventure. The maintenance staff changed out our window air conditioner every two days because they were all decrepit, noisy and kept failing.
We always stay at the Venetian . One of the best things staying there is at night walking across the street to the Mirage . Walk up the side walk and relax to the waterfalls . I will miss the Volcano but I'll miss the whole entire layout w the falls the most .. Now we can appreciate the Wynn's falls and the little water show
There's a small pool at The D too. Everyone goes to Circa so it's always empty. I kind of like the tiny pool, though...no one is ever there and it's nice and quiet. If you just want to get some sun and swim around a bit, it's lovely! I'd use the California pool for sure.
Man the D's regular pool could be on the worst list. It is basically sitting out on the side of a street.
We saw the drone show live from our balcony at the Cosmopolitan, very cool indeed.
Great videos, thank you.
"High tide raises all boats," is the saying. LOL Love you guys! Keep it up!
LOL I kinda like your quote better than the actual quote!
The pool at Casino Royale is tiny, only a few chairs and it's in the shade most of the day. It's a great place to take a book and a couple of cans of beer in your ice bucket to just soak and relax for a while.
I like the idea of more drone shows. Like you said in the video, they do not take up space on the ground and can be used for eye catching promotions for casinos or other events.
Thanks for the show!
Good for Rio. Despite being 'off strip' that area will fill in and Rio should make a comeback.
6:06 I believe that is Radius Wet Lounge. I think it was adult / topless at one time but I'm not sure if it's still top optional.
Wow, the drone show over Rio looks great!
Restaurant Week is great! I've been to others in other cities I've lived, and to the one here in Vegas last year. Most places have something that the Chef wanted to make, but it doesn't fit into their normal menu. So we got to try new things. In Vegas though, most of the places didn't seem to know what this event was. They didn't have the special menu or couldn't find them or one place had to call the owner to figure out what I was talking about then told me they could make something close to what the website listed for them. So that was a mixed bag, but still a fun experience and got to try a lot of new places/foods. Thank you for mentioning this event in your video - the money goes to a good cause.
Great time to visit Station Casinos and Red Rock. That's what hubby and I did in late May. It was great. The backyard at the George is choice ❤ for sports fans.
That area is so sweet - love it back there.
I agree with you Shawn, everyone should visit Las Vegas. It just sucks to arrive with F1 construction everywhere on the strip and some views are blocked
We sat through traffic on and off strip all of last year and on the back streets as well, thanks to F1. And that was before, during and after the race. Traffic sucks, views are blocked, takes forever to go nowhere....and if you're fine with all that, I suggest staying for 2 to 4 extra days so you can do all the things that you used to be able to do in a regular 2-3 day trip. I'm serious.
Maybe I can catch a drone show next weekend when I'm in town. The road construction sounds like socal. By the time they finish they need even more lanes. I will definitely come by and watch the volcano 1 last time this summer on one of my trips.
I am playing a WSOP event next week and watching a band, Francelle that is coming in from Nashville to play at Gilies at TI. Despite all the negative changes... 1 constant is my excitement for my next trip to Vegas!!!
Have a great trip!
My first trip to Las Vegas was in 2000(I think). We stayed at the at the Strat and I remember visiting the pool on the top floor.
The rooftop pool on top of the Strat was the original pool for Bob Stupek's Vegas World. When they expanded and became the Stratosphere it later became a 21 and over topless pool as others have commented on.
5:27 IMO the Paris pool is great, the Tower only blocks the Sun late in the day.
We stay at Paris 3 times a year and just left, the entire pool had sun 11am - 3 pm.
I know this becuase we had to search for open chairs and ended up on different sides of the pool on different days...I would guess around 5pm the Tower might block the sun.
I shouldn't even write this as the pool is absolutely packed now with the extra rooms in the Versailles tower.
We saw work on the walkway from Versailles to Paris which will connect on one side above the pool area ( right below our pool/strip view room in the Versailles tower) and the rooms facing the strip will all have balconies which are nearing completion
The Strat’s rooftop pool is/was the adult only “European” aka top optional pool.
You need kung fu guy to get you one of those California lounge chairs on a hot day ! #wulffdendad
The pool on top of the Strat was an “adult only-topless” pool. Funny story, one time I was in their family pool and this lady thought that she was at the adult pool and she dropped her top. I couldn’t believe that she didn’t notice all the kids in the pool. There was a group of young boys who acted like they weren’t looking but they definitely were.. unfortunately the lady’s tatas looked like leather saddle bags…
But it was a very funny and unforgettable moment.
And I about forgot but some old man who was not in a swimsuit but rather he was in a suit and a tie came flying out there, snapped a pic or two and took off running! That was the funniest part… 😂
I was a Security Manager at the Strat and that pool is a 21 and over pool. Like a day club.
Like the drone show idea
Practically every time I've been in town the Mirage volcano has been broken. Been coming to Vegas pretty regularly for almost 30yrs and I think I've only seen it 2 or 3 times. And now when I'm there in October it'll be gone forever. I has a sad. Between that and when TI killed the pirate show.... Need a return of the sidewalk spectacles!
Damn that treasure island show in early 2000s was so good. I remember seeing it a couple times when I was a kid. Now I’m 31 and went to Vegas so many times the last couple years that I’m burnt out haha
I think the Sphere brings a bit of that but would love properties to bring some of it back.
@@markostermann6632 sphere is $100 for a cheap ticket
@@markostermann6632 - The Sphere is great inside and out. U2 shows were stellar, (was never a fan, but the shows were just so great) Postcard From Earth is fantastic, and the exoskeleton of the Sphere is fun to look at and to watch. Overall Vegas is slipping quite a bit, despite seemingly great gaming and occupancy numbers, IMO.
Here's a thing I have noticed lately in the Rewards department. When I search for comp dates through MGM Rewards and Caesar's Rewards, I'm seeing fewer and fewer comp nights available with MGM but getting way more open comp dates with Caesar's than I ever have before. Any ideas on why? I've been spending more time staying at MGM properties as they had, in the past, been giving me better rates and comp nights. Now it seems to have switched around and Caesar's is giving me more comp nights available than I ever have before. I am a low level spender but I'm now having comp nights available at Caesar's Palace now, which I've only rarely been able to get in the past. Interesting.
I noticed it too so I crunched up the numbers (I have expertise in numbers theory, combinations & probabilities) & made some calls. While the algorithms are trade secrets, here are the details I could decipher:
The base algorithm for both companies dispenses offers based on predicted occupancy rates & allocates tiers of non peak dates for which you can get offers, plus it determines the number of comp dates they offer. They utilize algorithms based on probabilities with a pessimism coefficient (programmed as a numerical coefficient) towards its occupancy rate. The higher the coefficient, the more it thinks it won't hit the occupancy targets hence the more "loose" it becomes with offers. This coefficient number accounts for weather, events, global holidays, player retention, etc. This coefficient is different for each property within each ecosystem. This coefficient is a multiplier & entered in a complex equation where your behavior as a player is quantified. From there, MGM & Caesars start to have differences:
Caesars uses an algorithm with more focus on the statistics, less numerical variables/metrics that define your behavior, and a higher pessimistic coefficient (looser offers). Its discount is also more percentage based rather than linear flat value rebate.
MGM uses a more linear system. Its comp algorithm allocates a discount value range (i.e. 70$ to 90$ off non peak day based on your tier based on pre-sale value of a room) PLUS flat rate rounding value (5$ to 40$ additional discount depending on property). If these exceeds the pre-sale price of the room, then you get the comp. If not, you get a discounted price.
Now here is what MGM did: MGM massively bumped up the flat rate, pre discount, prices of its mid-tier rooms in early 2023, with some properties being impacted more than others. For instance, Mandalay Bay pre-sale room rate can be multiple times more expensive than Bellagio for some dates. MGM Grand bumped up prices. Park MGM kept its prices. MGM has recently made the pre-sale values a bit cheaper but not by much. That's why MGM rooms are noticeably more expensive than their Caesars counterparts, even when both are discounted.
Here is the problem: MGM runs many sales throughout the year, so we almost never pay full price on their rooms whether on Expedia, its own site, etc. Some of its sales cannot be added with offers, and when that happens, MGM shows the lower price which is the sales price, not the offer price. With higher & higher pre-sale room rates, each exceeding linear offer discounts, you feel like you are getting less and less free rooms. Sometimes your offer price ends up being higher price than the current sale price, so MGM just doesn't give you that offer at all. Other times you may sometimes feel that you are not getting a good deal just because the initial room rate was sooo high to the point that sticking a linear MGM discount won't even dent the price. Meanwhile Caesar uses a more aggressive, multiplier based discount model hence better discounts.
I'm platinum on MGM and Inam definitely seeing far fewer comp night offers in the app for second half of this year... kind of wild.
Seems like "Love" would be perfect for the.....Hard Rock! I mean . .beatles? Music? What am I missing?
The Rio drone show could be absolutely amazing if they spent the time and $. And something that can be new all the time.
The rooftop pool at The Strat was the 21+/toptional pool. It was called Radius & then Wet21. It stayed open until 12 AM, had a crazy menu & had a frozen colada they served in a coconut. Damn I miss 2014-2017 Strat.
It's called WET24--because it's on the 24th floor.
I am in Vegas this week and was walking up by Saraha. They’re putting in one of those uber plywood fences around that lot like they put up around trop.
Restaurant Week(actually 12 days) looks pretty cool and worth checking out! That snake video is funny. It's highly appropriate that some America's Got Talent reject is a busker on Fremont Street!
I went to an EDC Week pool party at the Stratosphere a few years ago and although the pool is small and unimaginative it was still cool being at a rooftop pool! Unfortunately Stratosphere security was less than intelligent and sucked!
I mentioned on another creator's post, the possibility of 2 NBA teams coming to Vegas, but the only team, technically losing money is the Brooklyn Nets and I don’t see them moving, especially since they moved there in 2012. It seems the NBA is pretty set on returning a team to rainy Seattle too. Maybe Portland could be a dark horse team to move to Vegas!
Mark, don't be hating on Laughlin pools. Our chairs are free!
Fair point - the beach is still the spot there imo though
Yeah, and the pool at the Aquarius is actually rather nice. It was renovated a while back.
The chairs are free, the drinks are cheap and the people are great.
Like 50 bucks each way from North Dakota on allegiant. Yeah I should go see the volcano one last time
Pool at the Cal is for kids and the occasional adult looking to cool off. Us folks who stay there enjoy the pool availability.
Disneyland Paris brought back the Electrical Parade in drone form, maybe they can bring back the Mirage Volcano in drone form, too?
Love your show…I only get to Vegas once a year but watch you show twice a week…it keeps me excited for my annual trip. Keep up the great work!
Thanks! So glad to hear that.
That is awesome - thanks for watching!
The top pool at the Strat is just the adult pool for hotel guests. It has a full bar and club music.
That first video of the kung fu fighting, look at the guy in brown behind everyone spraying mace in everybody’s face. That’s why the drunks fell… lol
He might be security for a store or something
“A rising tide raises all boats”
There it is!
“A rising tide lifts all boats” :)
Yeah that last guy was from America's got talent😂
They should move LOVE to replace a non-performing revenue-losing Cirque show on the strip.
Love has had super-poor attendance since the post pandemic era started. Saw it several times. SO empty. Around 35% to a maximum 60% of all available tickets sold.
They cut out portions of the show and cut a lot of performers as well. We saw the show recently and it sucked. Really disappointing.
@@realrocker777 Sad to hear! Really enjoyed the show.
I understand the reserved pool stuff. It is all about people letting their bratty children run free and ruin everything. The roads here are SO BAD lately. I take back me saying people were just complaining, it was a nightmare. LVRJ talked about it today
I know about The Strat! That’s the radius wet lounge “party” pool area. I think it might be topless. I was there 2 years ago, had a DJ, bar, 21+ up. TERRIBLE hours. It closed at 5 or something.
That Fremont Cobra was a crack up boys 🤣 Great Show🍻
Wild for sure - glad you enjoyed
@5:52 The Strat pool at the top used to be a "topless pool" for adults back in the day. Have no idea what it's used for now
It will be sad to see Mirage go and we will no longer see the volcano. The volcano was a landmark! It is sad that Vegas does not hold on to its history and just wants to destroy and rebuild! Vegas doesn’t need more arenas! The traffic is already is so congested with the arenas they have right now! Just to travel by car for half a mile takes 45 minutes on Las Vegas Blvd on a Friday or Saturday night!
Amen!
Rio should 100% do a drone show. Perfect resort for it with their new lights, and it’s off-strip, so it's a good free attraction there. I think the rooftop pool at the Strat is/was their Wet 24 pool? Maybe an adults-only pool? I'm going to miss Mirage, I was only there once, and it had this very classic Vegas feel to it, compared to others I’ve stayed at. Yeah it was showing it's age, but it had class, too, and it never felt massive and too big. I always thought Hard Rock should’ve left the Mirage to have its own branding and aesthetic…."The Mirage at Hard Rock,” and then just had the new “Guitar Hotel” be the Hard Rock LV with its own branding and aesthetic. I'm always a fan of more properties, so in favor of the proposed new tallest tower and NBA arena on the north end of the strip. I’ve heard, though, that it’s supposed to be a very exclusive, ultra-luxury 5-star hotel...so not likely a property for the masses.
I actually love the Cal pool. Not big enough for a bunch of kids or not alot of pissing in it. I will take that pool over any other.
Good point on the pee water
@@markostermann6632 LOL
Good thing about that pool is that you could BYOB. Last time I was at Venetian pool, it was $35-40 per frozen drink with tax and tip. A few hours at the pool was more than some of the finest steakhouses in town.
2 double vodka sodas at omnia a couple years ago was $160 before tip lol so that’s about the same price as ur drinks
Good point
That top golf pool is pretty great. Free to anybody so if you got that horrible California pool you can go there. And certain bays come with a huge pool cabana area
That does sound pretty sweet
Idk about easiest to tear down. That's alot of gas lines lol. 12:34
The Linq pool is nasty. We walked down to it and walked back to our room lol
Lol I mean it’s the Linq so what did u expect? I stayed there a couple times, it’s a great price for the location but that’s about it
You missed out on some amazing people watching though
You guys falling behind on your videos?! Wasn’t there supposed to be one out on Friday? Or Saturday? 😎
Yeah where is the show from Friday? It just never happened.
We enjoyed the talent at Fremont Street Experience, but saw nothing like that people-swallowing snake! Sadly FSE has a poverty element too. The Strip does too. Cities all over struggle with homelessness and poverty, not just Vegas. I'm ranting, but homeless people ARE people too! It's great to see restaurants play a role, and help make Vegas a healthy community.
Used to be a toplesspool at strat
The strat pool is the adult pool, but it closed this year.
I rather hear about the quietest pools
Don’t short change the loungers. There were 10. One in the shade
That snake is a comedian named Sethward. He auditions for America's Got Talent every year.
High tide raises all ships!
Regarding Love: There are too many elements that would be impossible to replicate week after week in different venues (set pieces that enter and exit via the floor elevators, performers that enter in multiple places from the roof, atmospheric control that allows them to utilize and maneuver fog perfectly every show). I’m hoping they find another permanent home to renovate.
I was staying at main Street station casino, and they said they shared the pool with the Cal.. I go over there no one was there.. but it is a tiny pool.. I've seen better pools at people's home . I had brought a cooler with some drinks . Security came, told me to get rid of it because of the glass bottle.. I'm like I'm the only one here lol
I need to check out more pools that are actually in Las Vegas city limits (I've only stayed at the Golden Nugget and the D downtown as well as went to Stadium Swim at Circa, and have yet to stay at some Station casinos and other resorts as well)...............but when it comes to Paradise/Strip resort pools specifically my Worst Pool choices are clear.
It's a toss-up between the Circus Circus and the Treasure Island pool as the absolute worst. I say "toss-up" because though I get a more skeevy vibe from the former, it at least has more of an identity whereas the latter is atrociously boring and has an awful concrete-to-pool ratio. I'm not sure if when Steve Wynn originally envisioned and built the Treasure Island if its pool was much better at the time and had far better theming, but at any rate under Ruffin both his resorts have horrendous pools.
If I were to round out my Top Five Worst Strip Pools list, I'd put Excalibur's at #3, Paris's at #4 and New York New York's at #5 with how boring and overcrowded each of them get (although I will admit it's kind of cool seeing the roller coaster serpentine above you at the latter). I'm staying at Harrah's for the first time in August as well and I imagine their pool is likely going to be a contender for the Worst list but we'll see as a good crowd can REALLY elevate a lousy pool setup much like at LINQ's pool. And I also feel I HAVE to add Aria's pools as a Dishonorable Mention because for a five-star resort, they're pretty pathetic IMO.
As for Top Five Best Strip Pools: definitely Encore's European pool as my #1. Then I'd put Flamingo's standard pool at #2, Sahara's Ultra Azilo pool at #3, Mandalay Bay's pool complex at #4 and Wynn's standard pool at #5, with Honorable Mention going to Park MGM's underrated lush and lively pool complex. I'll be staying at the Fontainebleau in August so if I'm quite impressed or blown away by their pool complex I'll broadcast that, but that's my Top Five among all the places I've stayed. 🥰
My husband and I have MANY friends in Vegas, most work on south strip. The things these wonderful people had to go through just to get to work during F1 is infuriating. But they’re such great people - I’m more irritated about it than they are. 🤷♀️
They should have just had F1 pass through the Strip in 2 locations, without going ON the Strip.
All of the people I know that work on the strip hated the endless traffic and F1 as well. We spent tons of time there and going 1 mile could take close to an hour or more. It's horrific. NOT fun for employees, and certainly not fun for visitors. Vegas chases every trend, every dollar and has turned most every visit for us into a real shit show. Vegas soured it's #1 fan and most frequent visitor. I'm sure I'm not the only one either.
@@realrocker777Agree! My husband is an F1 fan and even he said at the get go that he wouldn’t be attending because it just isn’t an event that the city can handle without inconveniencing locals and visitors alike. Such a shame, but apparently none of that matters to the powers that be. 😡
I heard you can Park at top golf an use the pool
No Criss Angel downtown either 😞
MTM should get into the arena proposal business, looks like a front for business spending for miles.
snake man = fun!
As long as the prey is in on it! 😂
The drones are a great idea to try to bring the people to RIO.
I’m impressed MGM donated meals, I guess they need some write offs.
If I played Golf, I would definitely use the pool especially if it’s hot after the game.
I feel for the locals and the traffic and construction F1 will start to inconvenience them.
How funny that snake was swallowing the lady 😂😂
Love ❤️ Vegas and you guys, keep up the good work.
Yay, no Hilton or Hyatt news.....
The pool on the top of the STRAT used to be a 21 and over pool where bikini tops were optional.
Dang I missed the memo!
Still is an adult pool
@@Milestomemoriesyou didn’t miss anything I promise you. It was not a younger crowd 😂
FELLAS! Don’t be knocking the “Hideaway Pool” at Topgolf Las Vegas! There are private cabanas, a swim up bar, lounge chairs, etc. There are lots of people, men and woman in the pool on the weekends and a great spot for locals on the weekdays without needing to book a hotel or pay an outrageous fee. It’s free to anyone over 21 and great for friends of people who come to golf and only want to swim.
Let me know if you want a cabana rental and I’ll be happy to book one for you, so you guys can change your tone! 😜
I put it on the list to talk about next week - good info - thanks!
@@markostermann6632 Sounds great, thank you! Thanks for your videos, they're the BEST!
@@thecoolestblackman Appreciate you watching and glad you enjoy them
Anyone who knows the history of Vegas and has been there over the past 60 years will know that the opulence of Vegas does not come cheap and over the top classy restaurants, casino designs and all amenities are te norm. Very much like ‘casino Royal’ visitors dressed up for dinners, in the casinos and wore furs toThe big shows . Yes, things change, but if I am going to the greatest 24/7 party cities in the world ,I like to look good. Unfortunatly, it looks like a massive tailgate party walking down the strip , especially on Freemount street., add the increase in crime and intimidation on the strip and that’s your future Vegas. A new trend is to stay off the strip Green Valley Ranch, Durango, M etc away from the madness and go to the strip a couple of times in the evening.
With 'America's Got Talent' dead at Luxor, it would be great if 'Love' took it's place.
I would have thought Mirage would have waited for AFTER F1 to close....
just hope with them starting demolition that it doesn't effect THE TRACK
OH, NO... not a loose manhole cover !!!!!!
Tmobile Arena is good enough for the NBA. Snobs. NO. MORE. ARENAS!
Liked
Cal pool, I was burst into flames even with an entire bottle of sunscreen on.
Some shade is needed
The owls were part of the drone show at EDC a few weeks ago. (The owl is the mascot for the production company behind EDC.) ruclips.net/video/waU7NtW1DhY/видео.html
They have Schweddy balls at Top Golf?
In a tsunami yes, in our crap economy not so much. I sure hope that losing the mirage and volcano are not huge mistakes its always sad when you are forced to lose something you like to get something new. I used to feel that way about Disneyland and Knotts berry farm amusement parks with their limited acreage. That roof top pool at the Strat is an outdated remnant from when it was bob Stupak's Vegas World it was cool back in the day especially the afternoons in the summer lots of shade, they had a bar set up and some cocktail waitresses. not all of us could afford to stay at Caesar's palace back then and get fed cold grapes from goddess cocktail waitresses by the beautiful pools. It was a nice way to recharge before going out for another wild evening on the town. i wish they would put in a gigantic people mover from one end of the strip to the other like Disneyland had where it never stops it could slow down at all the stops enough to get on and off but never stop moving.
Been to the Beatles LoVe 16 times. One last time next Tuesday! You will be missed. ❤❤❤😢. Great and memorable. Every time.
Don't knock the cal pool. You can go there, BYOB and have total privacy.
Great point.
Only one show this week? 😟You guys should have made today's show an hour long special!😤
We’ll make it up to you next week!
I hate to correct you (not really), but there are 10 loungers around the Cal pool . . . number 10 is half-hidden under the building overhang . . . appears to have been moved from its designated spot as lounger number 4 on the right hand side of the shot. I'm available for video continuity work.
Happy to give you some joy today.
The top golf pool is probably so the husbands can golf while the wives swim. Just a thought!
It looks pretty nice.
I haven't been to Freemont Street in almost ten years and after seeing that video of people fighting, I'm staying away from it for good. Lol! The pool at Harrah's looks very sad. Speaking of bad pools, I'm very disappointed with pools at FB, they're so small and we couldn't find good seats when we hung out there back in April. They should've made those pools bigger like Resorts World.
What happening to all the Mirage workers?
They received severance packages. I think it was $2K per year of service.
I arrived Tuesday afternoon after a 10 hour flight from Amsterdam.
Awesome - have a great trip!
What do you do when it's 115 degrees there?
How do you mess up a pool? If you build it they will come.
Have you ever seen the pool at the Suncoast? Its the size of a residential pool but has a Tuscan theme. Very small area.