15 CRAZY Las Vegas Scams, Rip-Offs, and Tourist Traps Exposed in 2023



With over 40 million visitors to Las Vegas every year looking for fun and exciting things to do, Las Vegas has its share of scams and ripoffs that you need to be aware of.  In this Las Vegas blog, we share with you 15 of the worst scams and ripoffs in Las Vegas to watch out for in 2023. 

Arriving at the Airport


1. Airport Slot Machines

For many Las Vegas tourists, their visit begins when they arrive at Harry Reid International Airport. You can’t miss the many slot machines inside the terminal beckoning you to take a chance with your luck. The truth is that the slots at the Las Vegas airport have some of the worst odds in Las Vegas. A study conducted a few years ago showed that the airport slots returned just 85% of a player’s money over time, compared to 90-92% on the Strip. 



2. Taxis

Taxis in Las Vegas are generally about 30% more expensive and Uber’s or Lyft’s. In addition, Las Vegas taxis have also been notorious for long hauling passengers (i.e. taking unnecessarily long routes to increase fares).  Las Vegas authorities have now put in place fixed taxis rates from the airport to locations on the Strip – so long hauling fortunately is no longer a significant risk from the airport but definitely watch out on other routes. 



3. "Official" Photographers 

For many visitors to Las Vegas, a photo at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is a must do. Just beware of “official” looking photographers who may attempt to charge you to take a photo. There are no official photographers post to the sign. It’s a scam. You can take your own photo, or ask someone in line for help taking the photo. If you do ask the “official” looking person to take it – we advise negotiating any tip in advance to avoid any awkward situation.


At Your Hotel



4. Early Check-in or Late Check-out Fees

You arrive early and check to see if you room is available. Great new, your room is ready! BUT, there’s a catch.  The hotel won’t let you in before 4:00pm, unless you pay an early check-in fee, which can easily be $50, maybe even more. This is a total scam and ripoff by the Las Vegas hotels. The same is true for late check-out – many hotels are charging high rates for a little extra time checking out in the morning even if no one is coming into room later that day. 

Keep this in mind if you decide to do a split stay – where you stay in multiple hotels during your visit – you will likely have to check-out of the first hotel by 11AM and may not be able to check-in to your new hotel until 4pm. This has happened to us many times and you just need to be ready for it. Perhaps store your luggage at the hotel and head off for an activity before coming back to check-in later in the day.

5. Resort Fees

Resort fees are a controversial subject to say the least. Resort fees allow Las Vegas hotels to publish cheaper hotel rooms rates and bury a significant added cost, which they call resort fees.  Unfortunately, almost all hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and many in Downtown now charge resorts fees. Even if your room is comped, or if you are using credit card or frequent flier points to cover the room cost, you will still likely be charged the additional resort fee, unless you have a certain status with that hotel’s loyalty program. 



6. Hotel Parking Fees 

Most hotels on the Strip are now charging parking fees. During the pandemic, most of the parking fees had been removed, but that is no longer the case. Parking fees are back! Most recently, Resort Worlds started charging for parking as well. Some of the remaining free parking hotel hold-outs on the Strip include Treasure Island, Venetian, Wynn/Encore, and Tropicana. 



7. Hotel Convenience Stores 

You are in your hotel and need some snacks or refreshments. Well, watch out for the “convenient” hotel store. The prices in hotel convenience stores are a major rip-off with prices for even just a small bottle of water often around $5-$6. Many of the hotel stores are also subject to variable or surge pricing based on hotel occupancy. Don’t buy from these stores, instead go to Target, ABC Stores, Walgreens, or CVS on the Strip.



8. Hotel Room Mini-Bar charges

The dreaded hotel mini-bar is a common ripoff at many hotels, and Las Vegas is no exception.  Unless you know that you want to spend the high price and take something from the mini-bar, we recommend that you don’t even open it.  Hotel mini-bars now often include devices that monitor if things are moved in the fridge and, if you move something, it will likely show up on your room charge. Be careful!




9. Poolside Food & Drinks

It’s great spending time poolside at your Las Vegas hotel. Just be away, that Las Vegas hotels typically won’t allow you to bring in your own food and drink to the pool. To make matters worse, poolside food and drinks are generally very expensive. We certainly enjoy poolside cocktails on occasion, but just be aware when ordering your drinks that a big bill may be on its way. 


In the Casino



10. Casino Coin Redemption Tickets

This next Las Vegas scam is aggravating. A few years ago there was apparently a coin shortage, so casinos began to issue you tickets instead of giving you your change when you put your cash-out card into the money redemption machine. Well, casinos never stopped this practice and it is long after any coin shortage that may have existed. This is just a money grab by the casinos, betting on customers never cashing in their coin redemption tickets.  We recommend that you just take your cash out ticket to a cashier’s desk to get you full cash out, change included.



11. 6-5 Blackjack

6-5 odds black jack has become very common on the Las Vegas Strip, versus the more traditional 3-2 odds blackjack.  With 6-5 odds, a $100 bet will pay you $120 versus $150 with 3-2 odds, a big difference. To put it another way, the house edge increases 400% with 6-5 blackjack.  If you want to play blackjack, we recommend going to a casino offering 3-2 blackjack and avoid any 6-5 tables.


12. Triple Zero Roulette

Triple zero roulette is becoming common in Las Vegas, especially on the Las Vegas Strip. We would not recommend playing triple zero and instead find tables offering at least double zero or, better yet, single zero roulette. On a single zero roulette table, the house edge is 2.7%.  On a double zero roulette table, the house edge is 5.26%. With triple zero, the house edge jumps all the way up to 7.69% - NO thank you.  Downtown Las Vegas casinos typically offer double zero roulette tables and some even offer single zero.



13. ATM Fees

ATM fees can be easily be $10 per transaction at Las Vegas casinos – a total ripoff. Watch out for this ripoff. We recommend bringing with you if you can to avoid those fees.  You may also want to contact your bank in advance to check if they cover the cost of ATM withdrawals. 


On the Strip



14. Photos with Showgirls and other Characters

Showgirls and Characters on the Strip will ask you if you want to take a photo with them. Just be aware that these people are working for tips. If you agree to take a photo with them, they will expect a tip. We recommend negotiating the tip upfront to avoid any awkward situations.


15. Time-share Reps

It will be hard to miss time share reps when you are in Las Vegas. They may try to intercept you as you enter your hotel lobby (this is very true at Excalibur and Westgate, for example) or when you are out on the Strip. A time share rep’s first questions is typically, “how long you are in Las Vegas?” Don’t waste your valuable time on your vacation at a time share presentation. You can expect time share reps to be very pushy and we have heard they often become rude when you decide not to buy a time share. Don’t do it!

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What’s New in Las Vegas in 2023

Las Vegas is always changing and 2023 in Las Vegas will be no different. In this blog, we will walk you through what’s new in Las Vegas for 2023. If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas in 2023, we will let you know what is coming and what you can expect during your Las Vegas 2023 visit.

  1. Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing on the Las Vegas Strip

If you have been following Las Vegas news this year, then you will likely already be aware that the Formula 1 Grand Prix is coming to Las Vegas in 2023. Expect massive amounts of F1 promotions, which have already started, to just ramp up even more as we move through 2023.  This is going to be an incredible Las Vegas event in 2023.

Photo credit Formula One

The F1 race will be held November 16th through the 18th  2023. The race’s 3.8-mile track will weave past world-famous landmarks, casinos and hotels along the Las Vegas Strip.  Tickets for the event, as well as packages with Las Vegas casinos, are on sale now. Don’t expect cheap tickets however, as prices are definitely on the high end.  3-Day general admission standing-room only tickets, for example, start at $500.  

2. The MSG Sphere Las Vegas opening and U2

The MSG Sphere in Las Vegas will be the world’s first of its kind, a $2 billion 17,500-seat performing-arts arena that will be among the most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. It has been reported that U2 will open the MSG Sphere. U2’s concerts at the venue will be part of a residency that will be spread out over several months and be performed on non-consecutive days.  The official MSG Sphere opening date and U2 performance dates have not yet been announced.

3. Fontainebleau may finally open in 2023

The long-awaited Fontainebleau is scheduled to open sometime in the fourth quarter of 2023. Our fingers are crossed that this long running Las Vegas hotel and casino development effort will in fact be ready by the end of 2023. We are excited to see the Fountainebleau when it does open. The hotel and casino resort will have about 3,700 rooms, a 173,000-square-foot casino and, of course, dining experiences. In addition, Fountainebleau will have over 90,000 square feet of retail space over two levels and will include 35 luxury retail shops.

4. Durango Station – A new Las Vegas local’s hotel and casino

Station Casinos' newest local’s property, Durango Station, has been under construction since early 2022 and is expected to open in the fall of 2023 or early 2024. Durango Station is a $750 million hotel-casino on a 71-acre site in southwest Las Vegas at the 215 Beltway and Durango Drive. The resort will include about 200 hotel rooms, 2,000 slot machines, 46 table games, a sports book, and four restaurants. 

5. Moon Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip? 

We have not heard much news about the so-called Moon Hotel in Las Vegas since late 2021. The initial plans described a $5 billion moon themed hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, with a massive 735-foot-tall moon. The Moon Hotel would become the second tallest building in Vegas and will reportedly be next to Resorts World across from the Wynn/Encore. Canadian company, Moon Based Resorts, has stated that the property will take 4 years to build and that they plan to open in 2027.  We will update you as we learn more throughout 2023. 

6. Las Vegas Loop by Boring Company (AKA the Tesla tunnel)

In 2022, the Las Vegas Loop opened its station at Resorts World providing a direct connection (via underground tunnels Tesla cars) to the Las Vegas Convention Center.  The Las Vegas Review-Journal has reported that they are working to get the Las Vegas Loop operational by February 11, 2024, for the Super Bowl. When complete, the Las Vegas Loop is expected to include a total of 55 stations from downtown to the Las Vegas Strip, Allegiant Stadium, and also the airport.  

7. Brightline West Las Vegas to Los Angeles high-speed rail connection to begin construction in 2023

BRIGHTLINE West says that it is hoping to begin construction on a Las Vegas to LA high-speed rail line next year.  The project is estimated to cost about $8B and would connect Las Vegas to Los Angeles via a route running alongside the Interstate 15 highway, and would include three stations in the high desert and San Bernardino County areas. If work proceeds as planned, the high-speed rail line could open in 2026 or 2027.


8. Taylor Swift at Allegiant Stadium 

Taylor Swift performs at Allegiant Stadium march 24, 25 and 2 shows added/ photo credit Allegiant Stadium

Taylor Swift is performing two nights at Allegiant Stadium in 2023 on March 24th and 25th. Demand for Taylor Swift tickets apparently crashed the Ticketmaster system. Resale tickets as of the date of this video are starting at $450 for upper level seats at Allegiant Stadium (i.e. the “nose-bleed seats”). Other notable artists coming to Allegiant Stadium in 2023 include Ed Sheeran and Pink. 

9. Garth Brooks new 27-show Las Vegas residency

Garth Brooks is coming to Las Vegas in 2023 for a 27-date residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The residency called, “Garth Brooks/Plus ONE” will also include Garth’s wife Trisha Yearwood. The residency will begin in May 2023 and continue through December. 

10. Depeche Mode at T-Mobile Arena

Depeche Mode is coming to the T-Mobile Arena on March 30, 2023. The tour will be the group’s first in over five years. It will also be the first tour for Depeche Mode since the death of founding member and keyboardist Andy Fletcher in May of 2022. Resale tickets are currently starting at about $225 and up.  Other notable performers coming to the T-Mobile Arena in 2023 include Muse and Maná.

11. Jerry Seinfeld at Caesars Palace

Jerry Seinfeld will be at Colosseum at Caesars Palace for six shows in Las Vegas beginning in April 2023. Tickets are on sale now and start at about $89. 

 

12. Beatles LOVE in Las Vegas continuing through 2023 

As previously announced, The Cirque Beatles LOVE show at the Mirage / Hard Rock will continue at least until the end of 2023. We don’t know yet whether LOVE will extend past 2023 but we will share any additional updates as soon as they are announced.

 

13. The Las Vegas Museum of Illusions at 63 Las Vegas

A Museum of Illusions is coming to Las Vegas. This new attraction will be located on the corner of Harmon Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard at 63 Las Vegas, between the Cosmo and Crystal Shops. The museum, which has already begun construction, will occupy a 15,000 sq. ft. space.  According to reports, the Las Vegas location will be the largest Museum of Illusions built to date and will feature over 70 different exhibits.

14. Emmitt’s Las Vegas at Fashion Show Mall

Emmitt’s Las Vegas has announced plans to finally open at the Fashion Show Mall by early 2023. Emmitt’s is a 30,000 sq ft. restaurant and event venue located at Fashion Show Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip. Occupying the former Sugar Factory, Emmitt’s bills itself as “a first-rate destination for fine dining, live concerts, watch parties and other elite events” in Las Vegas.

15. Ocean Prime at 63 Las Vegas

Ocean Prime, a steak and seafood-steak restaurant chain with 17 locations in most major U.S. cities, is investing a reported $20 million to open its 18th restaurant at 63 Las Vegas, the new complex currently under construction between the Cosmopolitan and Shops at Crystals. Ocean Prime will be the anchor restaurant and plans to open in the spring of 2023.

16. Blake Shelton’s Ole Red at Bally’s Bazaar Shops

Blake Shelton’s previously announced Ole Red in Las Vegas will be located in front of Bally's Grand Bazaar Shops at the intersection of the Las Vegas Strip and Flamingo Road. It will feature a four-story music venue and restaurant, with 700 seats, and a rooftop patio with its own music venue.  

17. Las Vegas Buffets – more reopening in 2023?

Wicked Spoon Buffet at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas

We are big fans of Las Vegas buffets and have been quite frankly disappointed that many of the cheaper buffets (for example, the Station Casino Feast Buffets) and local favorites (such as Studio B at M Resorts) have not reopened. We also had high hopes for the return of the amazing Sterling Brunch at Bally’s but that appears to be permanently closed.

Some of our current favorite buffets in Las Vegas include The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, The Buffet at Wynn, The Wicked Spoon at Cosmo, The A.Y.C.E. Buffet at Palms (especially their all you can eat lobster night), the Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station and the Garden Buffet at South Point.

We will update you throughout 2023, if and when, additional buffets open in Las  Vegas.

18. Major conventions and festivals are back in Las Vegas in 2023

Major conventions are back in Las Vegas and will kick-off 2023 with CES (influential tech conference) on January 5th – 8th at the Venetian Expo. The massive Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC, that attracts upwards of a half-million festival-goers to Las Vegas Motor Speedway will take place May 19, 20, and 21. Life is Beautiful will be back for its 10-year anniversary September 22-24 spread across 18 Las Vegas city blocks.

These are just a few of the many conventions and festivals coming to Vegas in 2023. 

Quick pro trip: Make sure to be aware of the Las Vegas convention and festival calendar when planning your visit to Las Vegas because major conventions and festivals will bring larger crowds and likely more expensive hotel rooms.

We hope our update of what’s new in Las Vegas for 2023 will help you better plan your Las Vegas 2023 trip. Las Vegas is always an amazing place to visit and Las Vegas 2023 will be no different!







15 Exciting Things Every First Timer Must Do in Las Vegas

If you have never been to Las Vegas, your first time in Vegas is a big deal and knowing what to do during your Las Vegas visit can be confusing. Let’s be honest, it will either make you love Las Vegas or hate it. We want you to love it as much as we do. Even if you’re only spending a day or two in Las Vegas, you want to make the most of your Vegas visit and hit some key bucket list activities.

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That’s why we have put together some of the exciting top 15 things to do in Las Vegas when it’s your first time in Vegas.

The famous Las Vegas Sign on the North end of the Las Vegas Strip

Walk the Las Vegas Strip

For first timers, there is nothing quite like experiencing the energy on the Strip from the people, performers, and the sites, by just walking the Strip, especially the Center Strip area. We recommend that you head out in the early evening, as the sky is transitioning from day to night. It’s always an amazing site seeing the Las Vegas neon lights and skyline really come alive as the sun sets.  

Don’t miss the free Bellagio Fountain and Mirage Volcano shows.

The view of Bellagio Fountains from our corner balcony suite at The Cosmopolitan

We always enjoy watching these iconic free Las Vegas shows and, as first timers, you have got to check them out. The Bellagio Fountain Show is quite a show to behold and includes over a thousand individual fountains all timed to music and lights. The fountains run every 30 minutes from 3:00PM to 8:00PM Monday-Friday, and from 12:00 noon – 8:00PM Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, and runs daily every 15 minutes from 8:00PM through midnight 7 days a week. Quick pro tip, the Paris Eiffel Tower lights will flash in sync with the Bellagio fountains during the show, so, if you see the Eiffel Tower lights flashing like crazy, well, the Bellagio Fountain show is going on, or is about to kick-off!

The legendary Mirage Volcano Show.

While the Mirage Volcano Show is going to eventually be removed given that The Hard Rock Hotel has purchased the iconic Mirage, you should definitely check out this piece of Las Vegas history before it is gone.  The Volcano Show fires on the hour daily 4 times from 8:00PM – 11:00PM during the summer months and from 7:00PM – 10:00PM during the winter months. 

Visit Europe while you explore the Strip

Inside the Venetian Las Vegas

You need to check out the inside of the Venetian and the canals. The artwork and attention to detail will transport you to a different experience, well worth experiencing especially as a first timer. You can take a photo at the famous LOVE sign inside the Venetian, visit Saint Mark’s Square, listen to the gondoliers serenading their guests in the canal. And, after that, head over to Paris and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower and perhaps sit down for a crepe inside at a creperie along the Paris street.
Step inside with us and tour the Venetian Right here - FULL REVIEW OF VENETIAN LAS VEGAS

Enjoy the amazing free art displays

The casinos along the Strip also offer some incredible art, right out in the open free for all to see. A couple of our favorites and ones that you should not miss are the blown glass art blossoms on the ceiling in the Bellagio lobby and the intricately carved woolly mammoth tusk in TI (or Treasure Island).  You can even head downtown to really enjoy some of the incredible Life is Beautiful art murals.

Incredible Life is Beautiful Wall Art Mural in Downtown Las Vegas

Don’t miss the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are right across the Bellagio lobby from the front desk. Each season the conservatory is transformed into a new amazing experience and is a must see for first timers in Las Vegas.

Photo of the Bellagio Las Vegas Conservatory Christmas Display

Bellagio Las Vegas

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Christmas Display

Enjoy brunch or breakfast at one of the great restaurants on the Strip

There are many great brunch spots along the Strip to fit every visitors budget and tastes. Our favorite breakfast and brunch spot on the Las Vegas Strip is at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris, right across the street from the Bellagio Fountains. Mon Ami Gabi is a French bistro with excellent food and some of the best street views along the Strip when you sit outside on their patio.  FULL REVIEW OF MON AMI GABI

Outdoor Patio seating at Mon Ami Gabi at The Paris Las Vegas

A quick pro tip - we highly recommend requesting their patio seating, assuming you have the time to potentially wait a little bit. While you can make reservations for inside seating, you cannot for patio seating. We recommend arriving a bit early and getting your name on their patio waiting list. We have not found the waits all that long, and the outside seating is a special experience, especially for first timers.

Check out a true Las Vegas iconic show from Cirque du Soleil

 Las Vegas is the place to see Cirque du Soleil shows. In our opinion, the Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas are simply better than what you will generally find from their traveling shows in other locations.  There are currently 6 Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas each with different themes and storylines.  

  1. O at Bellagio

  2. Mystere at TI (Treasure Island) 

  3. Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay 

  4. Ka at MGM Grand

  5. The Beatles: Love at Mirage, and 

  6. Mad Apple at New York - New York

Spend time poolside at your resort pool or at a day club

Las Vegas resort pools and day clubs are legendary and there are options for every type of traveler. If you are looking for the party scene consider some of the popular dayclubs like the Encore Beach Club, Tao Beach Dayclub or the newer AYU Dayclub at Resorts World.  Alternatively, you can enjoy a more relaxing time at your resort pool enjoying a Margherita.  Just a word of caution regarding the Las Vegas Strip food and drink prices poolside, they are very expensive and can be upwards of $30 for a drink. TOP 10 POOLS IN LAS VEGAS

Explore the fascinating history of Las Vegas at the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum Downtown

An easy Uber ride from the Strip, the Neon Museum’s Neon Boneyard is home to many of the iconic neon lights that had lit up the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown in the past. One of our favorites is the famous Stardust sign, which continues to find a home at the museum. If the history of the mob in Las Vegas interests you, check out the Mob Museum downtown near Fremont Street and, if you go, don’t forget to have a drink at the Underground Speakeasy.

Don’t miss the craziness and fun that is Fremont Street

Enjoy the free shows and music, and perhaps soar over Fremont Street like Superman on the Slotzilla zipline. While there, we also recommend that you head over to East Fremont Street by the Container Park to check out the incredible street murals and the fire shooting Praying Mantis.  Perhaps while you are these, you can eat in one of the local hidden gem restaurants in the area.

Downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street Experience

Visit the Las Vegas Arts District

The Las Vegas Arts District is full of indie art galleries and performance spaces in converted warehouses, and is just a short Uber ride from the Strip.  One of the more popular and coolest venues to check out is the Arts Factory. The Arts District also is home to our favorite BBQ spot in Las Vegas, Soulbelly BBQ so, if you love barbecue, this is even more of a must visit!

Enjoy a special dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Las Vegas

There are many amazing restaurants in Las Vegas and you should treat yourself to a special dinner at one of them. Some of our favorites include classic Las Vegas steakhouses with an old school vibe such as Barry’s Downtown Prime at Circa or Oscar’s at The Plaza, but there are options for everyone. 

Plaza Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Oscar’s Steakhouse

Try some great cheap eats on the Las Vegas Strip

Don’t just eat expensive meals while in Vegas, also save some money and take advantage of some of the best cheap eats on the Las Vegas Strip.  Whether it’s enjoying some tacos at Tacos El Gordo across from Resorts World, late night eats at Istanbul Mediterranean at Bally’s Bazaar Shops, or baby back ribs at Ellis Island, there are cheap eat options for everyone. CHECK OUT OUR TOP 10 LAS VEGAS CHEAP EATS RIGHT HERE

Check out an amazing Las Vegas magic show

Some of the best magicians are resident in Las Vegas and are well worth checking out during your first Vegas visit. Some notable options include: 

  1. David Copperfield At MGM Grand

  2. Shin Lim At Mirage

  3. Penn & Teller At Rio

  4. Criss Angel At Planet Hollywood (Mindfreak)

  5. Piff The Magic Dragon Show At Flamingo, and

  6. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic At Planet Hollywood

Go on an excursion outside of Las Vegas

 If you have time, consider heading outside of Las Vegas to visit some incredible sites such as the Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, or even the Grand Canyon. You will never forget your first visit to these national treasures.

Now that you have an amazing list of must do Las Vegas activities for first time Vegas visitors, start planning and have a wonderful time in Las Vegas! Just remember, there is so much to see and do in Las Vegas that it would be impossible to do everything during one quick trip – so you may want to plan multiple trips!







The BEST Buffet in Las Vegas Returns - Bacchanal Buffet Reveals a Big Makeover and New Menu Items

Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace

Bacchanal Buffet Meats Display | Caesars Entertainment

Where do we begin? How about with a, YES!

We have enjoyed many buffet experiences in Las Vegas. When we heard the news that the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s would be pulling back the red curtains and reopening on May 20, 2021, we were very excited. We put together a video of our Bacchanal Buffet experience, which we released on our Youtube Channel in late 2019. ( See what it looks like before the renovation)

We’ve been waiting for this announcement for a very long time.

With that being said, the Bacchanal Buffet has undergone millions of dollars in renovation to help adjust to the reopening of a new norm of guidelines, restrictions, and more. 

So here are few things we’ve learned regarding the Bacchanal Buffet, their reopening procedures, the new menu items, price structure, and more. 

Caesars Palace | Turn It Up World

Caesars Palace | Turn It Up World

Let’s start with their multi-million dollar refresher. Bacchanal’s seafood, carving, American and Latin kitchens, the entrance, and dining room, have all received significant upgrades and improvements. In addition to an all-new look and feel, more than 30 new dishes have been added to Bacchanal’s already impressive menu. For the first time, Bacchanal is introducing reservations at OpenTable.com

. Those additions include:

  • New dim sum-style food carts that will roam the dining room offering more on-trend dishes like foie gras PB&J, spicy seafood boil bags, Japanese wagyu hot dogs, as well as traditional dim sum.

  • The Mediterranean and Asian kitchens have been re-imagined with updates ranging from a new mezze bar and authentic Roman-style pizza, to a broader selection of Southeast Asian flavors featuring Laotian, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese specialties.

  • Eye-catching desserts like earl grey mousse, salted caramel popcorn, and death by chocolate cupcakes, yuzu tart, ube chiffon cake and more than 10 all-natural gelato flavors.

  • All-new, unique and innovative composed dishes guests would never expect to taste at a buffet like turmeric grilled baby octopus with XO chili jam, cheeseburger bao, chipotle bourbon barbecue oysters and duck carnitas quesadillas.

  • More plant-based and vegan items that will excite herbivores and carnivores alike, such as quinoa-stuffed baby sweet potatoes with fried kale, tomato tartar and coconut-carrot gazpacho.

  • Bacchanal will still feature fan favorites including crab legs, as well as shrimp cocktail, from the all-new seafood kitchen. From the reimagined carving, American and Latin stations, guests can also enjoy prime rib, wagon wheel mac and cheese, street tacos, and more.

 

Bacchanal will reopen with only a dinner option served Thursday-Monday from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. For the first time, Bacchanal welcomes and encourages reservations on OpenTable.com

Bacchanal Buffet Seafood Display | Caesar Entertainment

Bacchanal Buffet Seafood Display | Caesar Entertainment

Now from what we’ve heard regarding pricing are as follows:

There have been several changes regarding the pricing situation fo the Bacchanal Buffet. Currently for the opening;

Thursday - Monday it will be one price $64.99 for 1.5 hours

Now there has been talks of an increase at a later date with variable pricing options on the weekends (Still TBD) Example below ( subject to change).

Thursday and Monday $69.99 for 1.5 hours

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - $74.99 for 1.5 hours

 Now while we’re not sure the ‘Dine Like a Caesar’ option is not available at the opening, we think there’s a good chance that they will be adding that back at some point. 

Bacchanal Buffet is also considering, on the weekends, variable pricing based on length of time. For example, you may be able to choose a one-hour package for $59.99 and up to a two-hour package which will cost $89.99. Stay tuned for more on that. 


Bacchanal has put together an entire QR code system when it comes to the menu items. They even have a QR Code for vegans/vegetarians and one for nut allergy guests as well. 

As of the reopening, they will not be offering a drink package, but they will be serving drinks a la carte of some of their specialty drinks and more. Now we did hear at some point, Bacchanal will probably be bringing back the drink package. 

Bacchanal Buffet Right before the Reopening | Turn It Up World

Bacchanal Buffet Right before the Reopening | Turn It Up World


So, if you have plans to head to Las Vegas and you’re ready to experience one of the best buffets in Las Vegas, then we suggest making a reservation. Although walk-ins are welcome, we do know from dining here on numerous occasions that lines can get pretty long, and because they are so popular, they may be booked up. 

By the way, the head chef of the Bacchanal Buffet shared all of the new menu items with us. Below is that list.

Welcome back, Bacchanal Buffet. If you have more information about this reopening, please feel free to leave a comment below. 

The Buffet At Wynn Las Vegas Reopening June 18 with Major Changes and New Menu Items

The-Buffet-at-Wynn-Las-Vegas-Reopen.jpg
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As Las Vegas has started to reopen June 4, 2020, Dave and I, have been right there from the start. We've been watching as Las Vegas slowly tries to get back to some normalcy. The Wynn Las Vegas has also been there from the beginning. Now let us keep this short and to the point. 

The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas has announced it will reopen on Thursday, June 18. They are still providing an All-You-Can-Eat experience, just a little different. So what can you expect from the first buffet to open on the strip? 

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Reservations

You will first need to make a reservation online, or if you happen to be passing by The Buffet at Wynn, there will be a QR code that will be just outside of the entrance point. 

The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas are highly focused on social distancing, so expect the tables will be spread apart. When you dine there, you'll most likely see folks seated at every other table. 

There will be a QR code you can scan with your phone to bring up the menu, or, I believe, The Buffer at Wynn will provide single-use menus as well, which will be tossed out once finished. 

Service

You will have to give your order to your server. There is no longer a self-serve option. Now, this is still an All-You-Can-Eat affair within the two-hour time limit. So you can provide orders to your server as many times as you want within that time frame. 

Menu

Speaking of menu items. There are several new items added to the reopening menu. For the seafood lovers, you have Old Bay, braised shrimp, and scallops served with a spicy tomato compote; they also have a lobster ravioli with roasted red peppers and fennel finalized with saffron sauce. For the meat lovers, you have lamb chops with truffle spinach and crispy onions. One of our favorite combos, the steak, and lobster, The Buffet at Wynn, will be serving steak and lobster topped with a Bearnaise sauce. 

There will be various desserts on the menus as well. 

Just so you are aware of the price changes and times. 

Hours

Sunday from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Monday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday from 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Price

Weekday brunch: $36.99, Weekend brunch: $48.99

Weekday dinner: $59.99, Weekend dinner: $65.99

Now they still have their limitless pour package. There will be two limitless pour packages for $24.99 and 29.99.

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So finally, after months of closing due to significant concerns of COVID-19, and major service changes ( at the moment, no more of the incredible cooking stations, Wynn Las Vegas is set to bring you an All-You-Can-Eat experience that we believe, many other Las Vegas buffets will follow. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU-3HoYMMPw

The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas Reopens - BREAKING NEWS