Large trade shows are no stranger to Las Vegas, as they expect 25 different trade shows that will generate nearly $2.4 billion to the local economy. But, that economy is in need of the CES™, one of the few trade show that is expected to have a stellar attendance. In fact, a record number of new exhibitors, more than 300, are expected to join and already burgeoning crowd of 2,500. All vying to show their latest technology innovations for 2010. With more than 20,000 new products on display, the International CES™ is the world’s largest consumer technology trade show.

If you are attending this year, here are some of the events you can hope to see:

• New Microsoft and/or Apple Tablet ( no Apple is not attending)
• iLounge Pavilion,” where more than 100 exhibitors will be showing iPhone, iPod and Mac-related wares
• eBooks Zone
• Experience 3D zone
• Address from Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer
• Lifestyle Gadgets

These are just a few of the events for the 4 day event. The exhibit hours are:
Thursday, January 7: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, January 8: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, January 9: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, January 10: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Here is the gist, anyone that provides a service to you that make your stay more pleasurable deserves a tip. It’s a simple thing and rewarding that service is expected. A couple of dollars to anyone who is helping you out normally does the trick. Since some people still have problems I have decided to put together a little list so you don’t look like a complete loser.

At the tables

Ok you have just found a spot at a favorite table and you throw down a ‘Ben Franklin” to get the ball rolling. Obviously at this point you are not going to throw anybody a tip for breaking your hundred. But, let’s say you are just learning the game of Blackjack and you want to split 10’s while the dealer is showing a 6. (Yes, this is a BIG no no) if the dealer says nothing and just lets you screw yourself and the rest of the table. No tip but… if the dealer in a very nice way suggests that this is probably not a wise decision, you should listen, and then you should throw the guy/gal a buck or two. This is because they are being helpful, another occasion for tipping that you will see happen quite often is if you are on a hot streak. A LOT of people will tip because there dealer is hot for them or lucky. I usually tip whether I am winning or not as long as I like the dealer, I mean they actually engage in some sort of conversation.

Poker Table

These are slightly different. If you win a pot send a chip over to the dealer. They deal the cards and they have to put up with abuse from the players, A good dealer can split pots and keep the game going while a bad dealer can let things get out of control. Most Las Vegas dealers are very knowledgeable so drop a few chips in their pocket.

Cocktail Waitress

Ok this one I am a little bit opinionated on. If you are getting a free drink and the girl had to walk across the casino and find and remember you when you move around. Throw her a tip for god’s sake. And no a quarter is not enough. Not if you want another drink. I will tip a buck a drink, no matter what it is. Even a bottle of water.

Taxi

Most people get this one, because there are taxi’s in every town and people know to tip them for a good job. Right?

Bellmen

If they are hoisting you bags around and generally make your stay more enjoyable throw them a buck or two. Another thing is that these guys usually have their ear to the ground so if you are looking to find a special event of party , you want to get on their good side. Just a thought.

Buffet

It is customary to tip one to two dollars per person in your party for drinks and the clearing of dishes. Some buffets have eliminated beverage service and have made that self serve as well, for that you tip $1 for the clearing of plates per person in your party.

Restaurants

Now remember what I said at the beginning tipping is for people that make your trip or stay more enjoyable. For some reason it has become almost expected to give a tip at a restaurant whether you had good service or not. I don’t agree. I worked a long time in the service industry an I get it, tipping is a right not a privilege and if I wanted a buck from the guy at the end of the bar I better make sure that his pint stayed full. So if I go to a restaurant I cannot get my coffee re-filled or order a dessert, I know that someone is just punching the clock and is not interested in making my day any better. In these cases I will tip a nominal amount like 5%, why you say because I know that my whole tip does not go to the server, in fact a lot of it goes to the hostess, bus person and kitchen staff and I think that they deserve their money even if my server does not. On the flip side if you put a little effort in and a smile on your face I don’t care if you even bring me the wrong meal I will give you a GREAT tip.

Anyways for what it is worth there is my guide to tipping. The nice thing is this does not have to be a Las Vegas specific guide. It works everywhere.

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First off finding information on this was kind of tricky, I chose the easiest route and grabbed the financial reports off of the Mirages website. Here is how it broke down.

What I found a little shocking is that the majority of the income was not derived from the casino but in what is described as Non-casino revenue. That’s right the Las Vegas hotels make more money from their hotel operations than from the gambling. To make it even a little clearer I added a nice chart.

This definitely confirms what I have been saying for awhile now that the price of a Vegas weekend has gone up a lot. Gone are the days of $1.99 buffets and freebies , if you want something you better be prepared to pay or… follow this blog and we will do our best to unearth specials, deals and general ways to get more bang for your buck.

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The box above is hosted by hotelscombined.com with a simple click of a button it will search 30 sites for the best possible deal at the Tropicana for that exact moment. Definitely a time saver.

So why the Tropicana?

There are many activities in Vegas that will cost you money the right hotel does not need to be one of those things.

The Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas Resort is a hotel right in the heart of the famous strip. Built in the 1950’s this resort set the industry standards for extravagance and prestige. At one time the resort was heralded as being the Tiffanys of the Strip. The Hotel’s paradise Tower is located off the casino floor and is home to the Garden room wings. It has 21 floors and is situated next to the Tiffany Theatre.

Each room in the Tropicana Hotel and Casino Resort boasts of all the comforts of home. Enjoy a refrigerator, ironing board, bed size of your choice and many more deluxe features. There is also a selection of suites that offer an extra room for entertaining and relaxing. The Garden rooms in the resort are a lush escape into an abundance of green foliage, waterfalls and refreshing pools. Here is a little look inside.

The Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas Nevada has 1,877 rooms, seven restaurants and a 62,011 square foot casino. The Casino has all of the traditional offerings that is guaranteed to please every visitor. The slot games include the favorites; Wheel of Fortune, Red White and Blue, Blazing 7’s and plenty more. The resort is completely up to date with all the latest technology. Play video poker in single or multi-hand or enjoy any of the new touch screen games. There is so many slots to choose from you won’t ever wait for your favorite game.

So in short why not the Tropicana? Still not convinced how about a little entertainment line up for you to look over:

• $30000 Time Tunnel Tournaments
  • -Present Tournament:ES0839 August 30 – September 1
  • -Future Tournament:ES1009 October 4 – 6
• $10,000 Fifties Rock & Roll Slot Tournament-August 23-25, 2009
• $20,000 Dining Experience & Blackjack Tournament -September 10-13, 2009
• THE SOPRANO’S LAST SUPPER (Tuesday – Saturday at 7:00pm)
• Hypnosis unleashed (9:30pm 7 Days a Week)
• Bobby Slayton (Tuesday – Sunday at 8:00pm)
• Xtreme Magic starring Dirk Arthur (4:10pm & 7pm Wednesday – Monday)

Finally I have saved the best til last use the code at Travelocity to save some additional bucks
Take $25 Off 3+ Night Hotel Stays in Vegas with Travelocity (Minimum $400 Spend). Use PROMOCODE: 25STAY at Checkout!

I also have found a nice list of resources for you use. These should help answer any questions you may have about The Tropicana.

• Vacationing in Vegas Made Easy | Angelina Jolie Blog – When planning your Vegas vacation it is easy to become frustrated. There are so many options on what to do and where to stay that can easily overwhelm you. The internet is a holiday planner’s best friend.

• TROPICANA HOTEL Las Vegas, Nevada – 1957 on Flickr – Photo Sharing! – TROPICANA HOTEL Las Vegas, Nevada – 1957 by Vintage Vegas. – Vintage Vegas Collections. To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player. …

• Vegas Vacations at its Best – The Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas Nevada has 1877 rooms, seven restaurants and a 62011 square foot casino. The Casino has all of the traditional offerings that is guaranteed to please every visitor. The slot games include the favorites; …

• The Family Can all Find Something they like at the New York Hotel … – The Amenities of the Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas Nevada (0); Win the Jackpot on Your Next Vacation (0); Vegas Vacation Ideas (0); Vegas and Vegas Style Vacation Casino and Hotel Ideas (1); The New Casino Experience in Tropicana Atlantic …

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