He Said/She Said Review: Las Vegas Little Black/Red Book

Las Vegas Little Black Book
by David deMontmollin and Hiram Todd Norman

Las Vegas Little Red Book
by Molly Sullivan, David deMontmollin and Hiram Todd Norman


The Las Vegas Little Black Book/Little Red Book bill themselves as the Guys/Girls guide to the perfect Vegas getaway. Both are co-written by David deMontmollin, currently the Executive Director of Marketing at Hooters Hotel and Casino, (Note: He has an MBA from Arizona State University...so do we!) and the Girl’s guide is co-authored by Molly Sullivan, whom you might recognize from the unspeakably god-awful E! Series, Paradise City.

Now we are generally skeptical of most travel guides, as they are usually woefully out of date, and by trying to be everything to everyone, actually help very little as far as what to actually expect when in Las Vegas. These books are different, solidly aimed at single, 21-35 year olds looking to have a sinful time in Vegas. Today we will be comparing the two, as Guest Commentator Allison and me, VegasRy, have read both, and will share our thoughts on how valuable their advice really is.

Preparation: SHE SAID – No girl, in their right mind, is going to pack one, single pair of shoes to go out in. Be realistic…and on that note, if you do pack the required three pairs, you will not be able to carry your luggage on, as recommended. Bad advice. Keep the group size between 5 and 8, and do not invite the friend that is crying about her recent breakup. Good advice. HE SAID – Plan your trip…with each guy it gets exponentially harder to maintain “the group”. There is so much to do in Vegas, that if you do not plan, as advised, you do not get to experience any of it. Good advice (for the 24 hour trip discussed).

Hotels: SHE SAID – The Little Red Book suggests the coolest, most expensive places in Las Vegas Hard Rock, Palms, Wynn. Of course…they recommend these because that is where you are going to find guys with money…but nice hotel selection, nonetheless. HE SAID – Here’s where the two books differ…while the Red Book suggests the hippest places on the Strip, the Black Book recommends hotels for large groups of guys on a budget. We tend to sway toward the nicer locations, but if you are a 21 year-old on a budget, this is decent advice.

Food: SHE SAID – The restaurants boasting celebrity chefs earn the highest rankings in the Red Book, like Spago, Nobu, Mix and Olives. Of course, the defining “Dining” recommendations come in the list titled Five Restaurants to Meet Mister Right. HE SAID – According to this book there are only two types of restaurants in Las Vegas. High end steak joints and all-you-can-eat buffets. They are one for two, in our opinion, a steak is an integral part of every Sin City trip but buffets are a cheesy Vegas relic. Nowadays Vegas has so much more to offer, do your research before deciding where to dine and make it a memorable experience.


Clubs: SHE SAID – Nightclubs and Ultra Lounges rule the Red Book list. While ranking the top places to be seen, the Red Book authors give such great advice as “Never Pay, Have the Guys Pay for You!” and rank clubs by the general level of attractiveness that it’s male clientele boast (it remains to be seen if the authors are discussing physical attractiveness or the beauty of a fat wallet.) HE SAID – The Black Book recommends avoiding the mega-clubs when in groups of guys. This is good advice for those who do not want to be tied down to one club, or spend $18 a drink, plus a $30 cover charge (if you can even get in). However, if $200 a piece seems worth it, shell out for bottle service. They don’t call it VIP for nothin’.


Opposite Sex: SHE SAID – How to score a guy that will pay for your drinks, give you money to gamble, and maybe even take you shopping!!!! The Red Book authors even delve into what color chips the appropriate “prey” should have in front of him at the Blackjack table, how he should have them stacked, and exactly what spa you should visit pre-going out to get all dolled up to look just like that Paris Hilton. HE SAID – While the book does give advice for where the girls are, and how to break the ice, it never strays into anything too risqué. While it might not suggest the hottest clubs and lounges, avoiding these places also means you steer clear of the Paris Hilton wannabes and other gold diggers who only want you to buy them drinks while clinging on to a desperate hope that some rich man will whisk them away from their Us Weekly-reading lives.

Favorite Quote: SHE SAID – Tie!!

“You never know who you might run into in Vegas; a new friend, a new job opportunity, or maybe even a new boyfriend!”

(When advising on what men to avoid sitting next to at the blackjack table)… “Does his lip twitch and is there a sheen of sweat collecting onhis forehead? Translated…he could be just as nervous in the bedroom!”

HE SAID – Another Tie!

“Limos serve as a great place to hook up. The limo offers a hookup sanctuary that is quick to get to, and you don’t have to spend the night. Just get a girl in the limo for a ride down the Strip and a glass of champagne, and the likelihood of getting some action will increase tenfold.”

and

“Vegas gentlemen’s clubs have women. Lots of women. Lots of hot women who will flirt with you; lots of hot women who will flirt with you and take their clothes off for you.”

Best Advice: SHE SAID – Pick your co-travelers carefully…the group you are with can make or break your vacation. HE SAID – Plan your trip carefully, and if you aren’t willing to shell out the big bucks, stay away from the clubs.

Worst Advice: SHE SAID – Whore yourself out. HE SAID – The words Bellagio and Wynn fail to be mentioned by the authors.

What do you think of the other book? SHE SAID – The Black Book authors have a lot of good advice…if you are a 21 year-old looking to get drunk and find some short-term female company! This book actually wasn’t nearly as offensive as the Red Book, it just came across as much better advice for a younger crowd. HE SAID – The Red Book is jaw-droppingly blatant about its intentions…as if failing to find a rich dude to buy you drinks and take you shopping somehow brands the trip as a failure. A cautionary tale for every male out there…read 5 pages, and you’ll never buy a drink for a strange female again!

Conclusion: While more entertaining and more targeted than most travel guides, these two books have their flaws as well. If you’re a guy, and under 25, the Black Book is for you. If you’re an enormously shallow, single, woman whose hero is a spoiled, Los Angeles socialite…by all means, pick up the Little Red Book!


Buy the Little Red Book (Girls)

Buy the Little Black Book (Guys)