Need BCA Las Vegas tips and tricks

crabbcatjohn

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
First time going to the BCA team event in Las Vegas. Traveling Tuesday - Sunday leaving from Nashville. What kind of travel deals, tips for hotels, eating places, suggestions etc. do you use or prefer ?
 

td873

C is for Cookie
Silver Member
First time going to the BCA team event in Las Vegas. Traveling Tuesday - Sunday leaving from Nashville. What kind of travel deals, tips for hotels, eating places, suggestions etc. do you use or prefer ?
Stay at the venue if you might be playing long days. It's way easier to just walk back to your room. Blocked room prices are OK, especially if you share a room.

As for food, unless you go off-site, you are kinda limited. The Indian food place has a good buffet at a reasonable price. Everything else is Vegas priced. The best breakfast is the Polaris Street Cafe. It's like a 10 minute walk from the venue end of the Rio. Mike Massey turned us on to it and we eat there at least a couple times every year.

You can also get around Vegas by the free buses pretty well. So between matches if you have a day extra, it's good.

If you bring a family, there are a lot of good family shows as well.

-td
 

hang-the-9

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
First time going to the BCA team event in Las Vegas. Traveling Tuesday - Sunday leaving from Nashville. What kind of travel deals, tips for hotels, eating places, suggestions etc. do you use or prefer ?

If it's at the Rio this year again, I stayed at the place across the road from it at the Gold Coast and saved quite a bit of money. Up to you if you want to trade saving a few 100 over a walk to the place. Place was pretty nice, just need to walk across the road and a parking place to get to the Rio. Of course with the size of the hotels, the walk from the door to the tournament area was as long as walking from one hotel to the other hehe.
 

jimmyco

NRA4Life
Silver Member
My only advice is to ask about resort fees when shopping hotels. These can be an additional $40 per night (or higher) to the posted price.
 
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hang-the-9

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
My only advice is to ask about resort fees when shopping hotels. These can be an additional $40 per night (or higher) to the posted price.

I believe Rio does not employ this ripoff tactic.

I think most places if you book through the group rate (say block of rooms for league), they do not charge the resort fees. But those are a pain, "fees" are the new way or raising prices without raising prices, just adding a * to your price LOL
 

crabbcatjohn

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
My only advice is to ask about resort fees when shopping hotels. These can be an additional $40 per night (or higher) to the posted price.

I believe Rio does not employ this ripoff tactic.
Yea i saw them while shopping. Thanks
 

Frankenstroke

2 Gus Szamboti cues
Silver Member
Ellis Island is an affordable place to eat.

My strategy is to play roulette, win $100 - $200 AND QUIT. Then I have enough for
food and drinks til tomorrow. By the way, drinks are free while you are gambling.
 

Nick B

This is gonna hurt
Silver Member
RIO has a free shuttle to the strip. More choices up and down the price point and just more to do and see.

While there if you want to get your "big boy pants on" go to Griffs ($10 cab ride and they also may be operating a free shuttle) and play over there plus the food is great.
 

LAMas

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Off of the strip, the parking is free.

Rio resort fee
Resort Fee at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. 3700 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas NV, 89103. Guests at this hotel may be required to pay the following mandatory fees: Deposit: $50.00 per day. Resort fee: $34.01 per room, per night.

The fees are killing them.
 

jimmyco

NRA4Life
Silver Member
Off of the strip, the parking is free.

Rio resort fee
Resort Fee at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. 3700 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas NV, 89103. Guests at this hotel may be required to pay the following mandatory fees: Deposit: $50.00 per day. Resort fee: $34.01 per room, per night.

The fees are killing them.

Thanks for this info. Guess nothing good lasts forever in sin city.
 

td873

C is for Cookie
Silver Member
I think the rooms blocked for the tournament don’t have resort fees. At least they haven’t for the last few years. Be sure you ask for the tournament rooms and confirm no resort fees when you book.

-td
 

Captain18

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
You can look at the travel sites to see about flight/hotel deals .... but I have found that a lot of time you can do better by booking direct through the airline/hotel especially if you book early... I booked my teams flights a couple months ago on southwest and got round trip for $370 per person (from Pittsburgh). Staying at Rio is very convenient with the event held there.... you can stay "cheaper" but again watch for the resort fees, and the need to rent a car depending on where you stay.
Eating at Rio is semi-expensive ... walking across the street to eat at Gold Coast is a better deal, the buffet is good and good price, plus they have a Subway and TGIFridays.
Also get a players card at everyplace you go... always get a discount on the buffets, and other deals per location some free play, drink vouchers, shirts etc..
 

cardiac kid

Super Senior Member
Silver Member
First time going to the BCA team event in Las Vegas. Traveling Tuesday - Sunday leaving from Nashville. What kind of travel deals, tips for hotels, eating places, suggestions etc. do you use or prefer ?

John,

Along with all the other caveats mentioned by other posters, be aware you can not bring outside food and drink into the tournament area. The convention areas are rented out to a private company who places "guards" at all entrances to the playing area. The ban includes coffee etc. purchased from Starbuck's about 200 feet up the corridor from the playing area. Be prepared for "Vegas" prices on all food and drinks purchased within the event area.

The resort fee at The Rio is waved for BCAPL / USAPL players with a code. By staying at The Rio with the code, the organizers also get a "rebate" on each room booked. Not sure if the "rebate" helps lower player costs or is an additional profit center.

The Gold Coast across Wynn Rd does have lower prices across the board. If you are into Chinese food, please try Ping Pang Pong. Don't expect Americanized food. More traditional. Regardless, it's great!

The Rio is over a MILE from the Strip. Take the Caesar's shuttle if possible. It will be over 100 degrees every day and in the 80's at night. Don't walk unless you're really into it and bring lots of water. Finally, it's Vegas. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you go downtown, stay on Fremont Street and off the side streets. Besides living there part of the year, I've been to the BCA's for twenty five years (or so)! Won't see you there this year though. Didn't qualify.

Lyn

Forgot the most important thing. HAVE FUN!!!
 

crabbcatjohn

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
John,

Along with all the other caveats mentioned by other posters, be aware you can not bring outside food and drink into the tournament area. The convention areas are rented out to a private company who places "guards" at all entrances to the playing area. The ban includes coffee etc. purchased from Starbuck's about 200 feet up the corridor from the playing area. Be prepared for "Vegas" prices on all food and drinks purchased within the event area.

The resort fee at The Rio is waved for BCAPL / USAPL players with a code. By staying at The Rio with the code, the organizers also get a "rebate" on each room booked. Not sure if the "rebate" helps lower player costs or is an additional profit center.

The Gold Coast across Wynn Rd does have lower prices across the board. If you are into Chinese food, please try Ping Pang Pong. Don't expect Americanized food. More traditional. Regardless, it's great!

The Rio is over a MILE from the Strip. Take the Caesar's shuttle if possible. It will be over 100 degrees every day and in the 80's at night. Don't walk unless you're really into it and bring lots of water. Finally, it's Vegas. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you go downtown, stay on Fremont Street and off the side streets. Besides living there part of the year, I've been to the BCA's for twenty five years (or so)! Won't see you there this year though. Didn't qualify.

Lyn

Forgot the most important thing. HAVE FUN!!!

Thanks Lyn. Read many of your posts here over the years. I'm 62 and never been out there so better to ask....lol I'll be there for the teams only. Are any of the Mini's worth playing?
 

cardiac kid

Super Senior Member
Silver Member
Thanks Lyn. Read many of your posts here over the years. I'm 62 and never been out there so better to ask....lol I'll be there for the teams only. Are any of the Mini's worth playing?

Mini's are divided up by Fargo Rate. Yes, it is worth playing in them if for nothing else than preparing for the Diamond table / Cyclop TV ball sets / Cyclop cue ball. Not sure when you are arriving. If you are there on Tuesday, get a couple of team mates and play the 3 man 9 ball team event. Best of luck regardless.

Lyn
 

jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
I think most places if you book through the group rate (say block of rooms for league), they do not charge the resort fees. But those are a pain, "fees" are the new way or raising prices without raising prices, just adding a * to your price LOL

Just about every hotel in Vegas now charges a "resort fee." It can be a hidden charge so it's better to ask how much it is when making your reservation. All the strip hotels are now charging for parking ($12-15 a day) as well. So, you can get a good room rate during the week (Sunday-Thursday), as low as $40-50 a night, but after you add in the extra charges and 12% tax you will be paying more like $90-100 a night. Forget it about on the weekend (Friday and Saturday)! $150-250 is average for major hotels, and they still tack on all the extra charges. Vegas has become a huge gouge now. The days of the good deal are almost all over.

Now a word to the wise. Check on airbnb. You will find much better deals ($50-75 a night) there as long as you have a car to get around. You can also find some good deals on rental cars if you check online. You might have to take uber or lyft from the airport to pick it up. Even better, you can find (also online) condos for rent at prices in the $75-90 price range (all days). Now you are staying in a one or two bedroom fully furnished unit that is much nicer than any hotel and you have a pool (great in the Summer), no resort fee and no parking fees! :wink:

Yes, Lynn is right. The Gold Coast across the street does have a food court with several choices. About $10 a meal there across the board. If you have a car, there is a great Sonic drive-in right down the street from the Rio and many other choices nearby on Spring Mountain (I like Church's Chicken). The best deals on food at the Rio are next to the sports book; a good deli and an Asian food place. The Hash House in the hallway on the way to the tourney is the NUTS! Great breakfast with huge servings, enough for two meals (Moderately priced but well worth it). Only bad part is they close early, like at 1 PM. Why I don't know. Something to do with the terms of their lease. The burger joint (All American Grill) next to the crap tables is okay too, but it's not cheap either.
 
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Joe_Jaguar

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
John,

Along with all the other caveats mentioned by other posters, be aware you can not bring outside food and drink into the tournament area. The convention areas are rented out to a private company who places "guards" at all entrances to the playing area. The ban includes coffee etc. purchased from Starbuck's about 200 feet up the corridor from the playing area. Be prepared for "Vegas" prices on all food and drinks purchased within the event area.

The resort fee at The Rio is waved for BCAPL / USAPL players with a code. By staying at The Rio with the code, the organizers also get a "rebate" on each room booked. Not sure if the "rebate" helps lower player costs or is an additional profit center.

The Gold Coast across Wynn Rd does have lower prices across the board. If you are into Chinese food, please try Ping Pang Pong. Don't expect Americanized food. More traditional. Regardless, it's great!

The Rio is over a MILE from the Strip. Take the Caesar's shuttle if possible. It will be over 100 degrees every day and in the 80's at night. Don't walk unless you're really into it and bring lots of water. Finally, it's Vegas. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you go downtown, stay on Fremont Street and off the side streets. Besides living there part of the year, I've been to the BCA's for twenty five years (or so)! Won't see you there this year though. Didn't qualify.

Lyn

Forgot the most important thing. HAVE FUN!!!

Have had some great dim sum at the Ping Pang Pong. Been two years since being out there though.
 

Joe_Jaguar

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Just about every hotel in Vegas now charges a "resort fee." It can be a hidden charge so it's better to ask how much it is when making your reservation. All the strip hotels are now charging for parking ($12-15 a day) as well. So, you can get a good room rate during the week (Sunday-Thursday), as low as $40-50 a night, but after you add in the extra charges and 12% tax you will be paying more like $90-100 a night. Forget it about on the weekend (Friday and Saturday)! $150-250 is average for major hotels, and they still tack on all the extra charges. Vegas has become a huge gouge now. The days of the good deal are almost all over.

Now a word to the wise. Check on airbnb. You will find much better deals ($50-75 a night) there as long as you have a car to get around. You can also find some good deals on rental cars if you check online. You might have to take uber or lyft from the airport to pick it up. Even better, you can find (also online) condos for rent at prices in the $75-90 price range (all days). Now you are staying in a one or two bedroom fully furnished unit that is much nicer than any hotel and you have a pool (great in the Summer), no resort fee and no parking fees! :wink:

Yes, Lynn is right. The Gold Coast across the street does have a food court with several choices. About $10 a meal there across the board. If you have a car, there is a great Sonic drive-in right down the street from the Rio and many other choices nearby on Spring Mountain (I like Church's Chicken). The best deals on food at the Rio are next to the sports book; a good deli and an Asian food place. The Hash House in the hallway on the way to the tourney is the NUTS! Great breakfast with huge servings, enough for two meals (Moderately priced but well worth it). Only bad part is they close early, like at 1 PM. Why I don't know. Something to do with the terms of their lease. The burger joint (All American Grill) next to the crap tables is okay too, but it's not cheap either.

Parking is still free in the huge Venetian garage last I knew. Says on their website that it still is.
 

hang-the-9

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
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The Gold Coast across Wynn Rd does have lower prices across the board. If you are into Chinese food, please try Ping Pang Pong. Don't expect Americanized food. More traditional. Regardless, it's great!

------------------------

This jogged my memory of that place, went there a few times, it was good. You can get some interesting stuff there like chicken feet.
 
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