My plans so far!

Question

Flying in for my 40th apr 10th with little brother (27)

Never flown Aer Lingus long haul so will hold my breath.

presidential pick up with stop at LV sign and spin down as far as Wynn and back to Cosmo.

Have a twin fountain view room with balcony.

Likely going to eat on site thurs- maybe superfrico or STK

Friday possibly Mad Apple.

Saturday-early dinner on patio at Spago. Eagles at sphere after.

Sunday- freemont and ?oscars for dinner

Monday- daybed at cosmo. R+R plus sunshine drinks.

Tuesday- 7pm flight.

Gambling wise- brother doesn’t gamble. I’m “formally” a poker player.

Play to play predominantly Blackjack (although not really sure on this sad 6:5 affair)

Will hit up Aria for some poker. I have heard it’s a tough game but a lovely poker room. May also consider the Wynn and the Horseshoe.

Plan to try some craps and possibly some Baccarat- although my understanding is this is pretty steep min bets now.

Slots- never got it at all…. Will probably try a bit. But have never understood it given its 💯 chance with essentially no player input

Not sure what we will do to fill the day on Tuesday with a 7pm flight.

Don’t want to have a too crammed schedule- little bro isn’t too keen on filling an itinerary…. But I’ve warned him that you need to have some plans in vegas other than the bar.

Any “must do/sees” you would recommend for him (apart from the obvious ones- this is my 4th trip, although first in 10+ years)

Rolll on T- 14 days

Answer

It sounds like you're in for a great trip to Las Vegas! You've got a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and gambling lined up, so it should be an exciting 40th birthday celebration. Here are a few suggestions to help enhance your plans:

For your gambling plans, it’s good to know that Las Vegas has a wide variety of games and settings. While 6:5 blackjack isn’t ideal, many casinos still offer 3:2 tables, especially at the higher-end places like Wynn, Aria, and Bellagio. As for poker, Aria's poker room is indeed a lovely venue, and while it can be tough, it’s a great place for serious players. The Wynn poker room is also very reputable. You might want to check out the Horseshoe for a different vibe, but it’s known for being a little more relaxed in terms of competition. For craps and baccarat, yes, you’re right that the minimum bets can be steep at some places, but many casinos offer lower minimum tables during off-peak hours. It’s worth checking when you’re there.

As for your downtime on Tuesday, if you want a more relaxed, yet still Vegas-esque experience, consider the following:

The Neon Museum – This is a must-see if you haven’t been. It’s a cool, artsy way to experience the history of Las Vegas through iconic neon signs from old casinos and hotels. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours and get a feel for the city’s rich history.
The High Roller at The LINQ – If you want a leisurely, unique activity with a fantastic view of the city, the High Roller observation wheel is a great choice. The daytime ride offers spectacular views, and it’s a good way to relax before your flight.
Caesars Palace Forum Shops – Even if you’re not into shopping, these shops are very cool to walk around in. The architecture is grand, and you can even catch the Fall of Atlantis show while you’re there.
Pinball Hall of Fame – For something fun and quirky, check out the Pinball Hall of Fame. It’s a nostalgic trip where you can play vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games.

If you’re looking for something more laid-back, I’d also suggest spending some time at one of the luxurious pool clubs (like the Cosmo’s pool or the Venetian pool) where you can relax, sip on some drinks, and maybe catch some sun before heading to the airport.

In terms of things to do on your birthday weekend, since it's your fourth time in Vegas, I’m assuming you've seen the big attractions like the Bellagio Fountains and the Strip. But some other suggestions for something "off the beaten path" could include:

The Mob Museum – If you haven’t already, the Mob Museum (National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) is a fascinating and interactive look at the history of the mob in America.
Area15 – A cool, immersive experience space that's home to Meow Wolf and other interactive art exhibits. It’s a short ride from the Strip, but it's definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something a little more unusual and visually stunning.
The Venetian Gondola Ride – If you want to do something quintessentially "Vegas" but a little more romantic and relaxing, the gondola ride at The Venetian is a great experience, and you can enjoy the beautiful indoor canals or the outdoor ones by the hotel.
Cirque du Soleil Shows – If you haven’t yet, there are multiple Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas that are highly regarded and very unique, like O, Mystère, or Ka. The shows are all spectacular, with unbelievable acrobatics and immersive sets.

As for your brother, since he might not be as keen on a packed itinerary, let him take the lead on some of the more relaxing activities like visiting some of the hotel lounges, grabbing a drink at one of the rooftop bars, or exploring different casinos. For the “non-touristy” stuff, you could also consider taking a day trip out to Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon for a quick escape from the city (both are only about 30 minutes away from the Strip).

Overall, it sounds like you’ve got a fantastic trip planned, and there’s no shortage of things to do, whether you want to focus on your gambling, enjoy some of the more laid-back activities, or explore some of the hidden gems of Las Vegas. Enjoy your 40th, and have a blast with your little brother!

My plans so far!

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