We arrived in Vegas on Sunday around 4:00 PM. Checked into the Stardust, where we asked for an upgrade. We were offered either a mini-suite or a room up high with a strip view and we took the latter. (In retrospect, how nice could a mini-suite be in this place anyway!) We were also given free tickets to Enter the Night (never used them) and to the buffet. As some of you may recall, we usually end up doing way too many dinner buffets, and this year we promised ourselves we would avoid them (with the exception of the Rio). So, after we got settled, we decided to... use the buffet coupons to have a quick dinner so we could walk around and play!! "Free" is just about the right price for the all-new Coco Palms buffet. Yeccch! The funny thing is, they have ads all over the place for this buffet. Mike liked the blackened roughie, but other than that, it was dismal. The coffee looked and tasted like dirty dishwater.
After a walk down the strip, we split up to do some gambling. While Mike had some luck at the Stardust, winning at Blackjack, I was unimpressed with the Video Poker offerings and ended up at the (yikes) Frontier, playing some Nevada Bonus Poker.

Monday morning, we opted for the breakfast buffet at the Frontier, as we had enjoyed it last year. Well...things change. The service was horrendous and the food barely adequate. Yes, they have Eggs Benedict, but they were overdone.

We then walked up to Bellagio. Beautiful!! Love the canopies over the table areas in the casino. Yes it is manufactured class, but it works. We visited the art gallery and were similarly impressed. Mr. Wynn has assembled some very very nice pieces in there, and the recorded stories about the artwork is a nice touch.

Walking back up towards the Stardust, we felt the need for ice cream so we stopped at the Girardhelli place at Harrah's (yum!). I then checked out the (unimpressive) pool at the hotel while Mike made some calls, and then tried to convince someone to make up our room (it was after 3:00 by the time this was accomplished - a problem we have encountered everywhere we have stayed in LV except Bally's).

Dinner was (at the suggestion of a couple of people here) at the Black Spot Grille @ Treasure Island, and was very good, as well as reasonably priced ($32). Then on to the Barbary Coast, which over the years has become our favorite place to play. After checking out the Mets' progress on the big screen TV in the lounge (over Magraritas), I played some FP Deuces while Mike played Blackjack and earned us a comped breakfast at the Victorian Room for the next day. Back at the Stardust, I found some 9/7 DB and hit quads twice, while Mike divided his time between BJ and Craps.

Tuesday - The Victorian Room @ the Barbary Coast is a lovely change from buffets! The decor is very nice and our waitress was great! Check out the coffee cake, best I have ever had! (Apparently it is provided free of charge with your regular order, too!)

On to Paris - Tres Bien! Very very clever and well done! Love all the signs - best was "Les Toilettes," which provided endless amusement. After winning $5 on a Ten Play VP machine at Casino Royale, it was time to check out the Venetian. This had at one time been the most eagerly anticipated of all of the new places, at least by me, and I must say, it is the least impressive of the four, although it is nice. It is also massive. Madame Tussauds is wonderful, though, and well worth the $12.50 admission price. The best were Liz Taylor and Prince - Sinatra, oddly enough, not all that good. Got a nice picture of Brad Pitt and me!!

Dinner was at The Steak House at Circus Circus, which was very nice and priced not too badly at all - $62 for two salads and T-Bones, a glass of (good) wine and coffees. Also got a complimentary Tiramisu as we had mentioned my upcoming birthday.

Back at the Stardust, Mike was told he needs four hours of play to get a comp to their crappy buffet! We are liking this place less and less.

(continued in replies)

Wednesday - My birthday! We rented a car from Resort Rent-a-Car at the Stardust, and probably paid too much but opted for convenience. We got a Corolla, which really made us appreciate our new Camry back home!

Had the breakfast buffet at Sam's Town, which was good and at $3.99 total (had a 2 for 1) was a good deal. Great variety.

Mike played Deuces Wild while I played 10/7 DB (love this place!).

We then checked out the Reserve - this place is also very nice, too bad it is so remote. The decor is beautiful, but I could not win even though they have a huge inventory of FP Video Poker.

Finally made it to the Liberace Museum on this, our fifth trip. While he is/was not my cup of tea (I prefer Nirvana), this was a pretty fun place. The costumes are amazing, one weighs over 200 pounds.

After getting our room made up at 4:05 (!!!), we showered and headed downtown to Hugo's. (Thanks for the suggestion, JMT!!!) This place was beautiful, and the service was incredible. The food was also wonderful, and at $92 (including a half bottle of a good Beaujolais), probably a lot less than Emeril's would be for a similar meal. (Mike prefers Emeril's and wants it duly noted.) Mike got another T-Bone, I got Touradoes of Beef, and they also make your salad tableside from a huge cart, which was a lot of fun and a great salad as well.

In between dinner and coffee, Mike got on his knee, presented me with a beautiful (and early) diamond anniversary band and asked me to remarry him in our favorite city next May. I said yes! Our waiter meanwhile captured the entire thing on camera at Mike's urging.

Got a complimentary piece of excellent carrot cake with our coffees!

Back at the good old Stardust, I lost at VP despite hitting four Kings. Mike ended up at Circus Circus playing single deck Blackjack and getting comped for it. So much for the Stardust and their 4 hours of play.

Note - while our housekeeper was making up our room at 4:00, her buddy wandered in and asked her (this is in front of us, keep in mind!) if she wanted to go have a smoke. When our housekeeper declined because she still had a few rooms to do (including ours!!), her friend commented that she had one room left, and his red (urgent) "please make up room" sign had been up all day. Wow - what customer focus!!!

Thursday - Breakfast buffet at Circus Circus (hey it was comped and it was not as bad as I expected!!). Then on to Mandalay Bay (and our only CAT bus ride of the trip, a personal victory for Mike who hates the thing!!). I did not expect much from this place and I have to admit, it is gorgeous. The casino is very open and spacious, which is also nice (too bad the games stink at these nice places!).

On to the Tropicana to see the Casino Legends Hall of Fame with free tickets. This place is a blast, very interesting, a lot of cool stuff, including melted piles of chips from the MGM fire.

At the MGM Grand we had to check out the Lion Habitat. While it is not nearly as extensive as we expected, the lions are beautiful and there were three babies who were adorable.

At the Excalibur, we finally had the opportunity of a lifetime... you guessed it, we had our first Krispy Kremes!!! Excellent!

We then did our annual trip to Coca Cola World and of course tasted the horrible Beverly drink from Italy again, and had a woman there harrassing everyone she saw to try it! We also did M & M World.

Dinner was at Tres Lobos at the Stardust and was pretty good. Then after spending an hour or so at Circus Circus (Mike was right, the place is not so bad and they have 10/7 DB), we headed to the Desert Inn to see Don Rickles. The DI is the class of the entire city. While Bellagio has to force its class, the DI does not have to do a thing, the place just oozes it. We felt very underdressed. Don Rickles was funny enough, but he has done the same act for how long now???

Friday - our last day! Already!!

We did the buffet at Sahara for breakfast so Mike could get right to his beloved Speed World. He did two races, and while he had no opponents in the first one, he won the second!!! Averaged 132 MPH! He has mentioned the idea of a non-gambling trip where all he does is this race all day and night. I have nixed this idea.

After dragging Mike out of Speed World, we headed to the Stratosphere and played some VP. Mike, a very occasional player of VP, hit his first Wild Royal, as well as turning $25 into $100 at the Roulette table.

We also visited the top of the tower for that incredible view, but even Mike declined to try the roller coaster.

Mike headed back to the hotel for a rest while I visited Nickeltown at the Riviera. Found a Red White and Blue machine that kept hitting three sevens.

As Harrah's Gold Card holders, we were able to join the Rio players club and get free buffet coupons, so we did that for dinner. Now, THIS is a buffet! Take note, Coco Crap!

Played at the Barbary Coast while Mike watched the Mets game. We then took in a couple of the fountain shows at Bellagio - man, is that great! We then walked all the way to Circus Circus and played. At the end of the night, after belonging to the Ringmaster club for 2 days and playing maybe a total of 3 hours, I got $5 cash back. At the Stardust I cashed in for for $7 cash back.

On Saturday we headed home. I miss it already. Can't wait til May!

Cathy (and Mike) in Boston

Great trip report, Cathy. And what a nice husband to surprise you with that early anniversary present, and on your birthday. Congratulations and Happy Belated Birthday as well. It's always nice to spend your b-day in LV. In my case, it helps me forget it <g>.

A few years ago we stopped at the Liberace Museum and enjoyed it. My daughter and I had a lot of laughs in there, so I know what you mean by it being a fun place to go.

Thanks for the positive review of the Tropicana's Casino Legends Hall of Fame, as I have been meaning to get over there.

The Desert Inn is a gem, isn't it? I really like their rooms and the quiet atmosphere is nice for a change once in awhile. All the staff there is very friendly, and they really make you feel like they appreciate your visiting there.

Would you stay at the Stardust again? If not, where do you think you might stay next time?

Cathy,

Thanks for the trip report and HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Tell Mike he will get used to the CAT buses if he rides them enough. We usually try not to use them during rush hours. We also like Sam's Town to gamble and stay. Their free shuttles make it possible to get most places in LV. We read where The Reserve may be removing most of their full pay VP machines snd agree that it is remote.

Good Trip Report, Cathy. You certainly made
the rounds!

Appreciated the evaluation of the restaurants and buffets you visited, although it appears you could not keep your vow to avoid buffets!

Glad you enjoyed Hugo's. It's one of our favorite places. Are they still giving the
ladies a red rose?

Dick 10/11/99 10:25am PST

Cathy,

Thanks for the report. I've carried passes fro the exhibit at the Trop my last 2 trips and never get around to using them. Haven't eaten at the Steak House for a few years but remember it being very good. Thanks for reminding me. Next time take the suite, I'd like to hear what it's like.
Happy BD!

jm

Hi All glad you enoyed the trip report. For us, there will be no "next time" at the Stardust. This was an experiment (how bad could it be to stay at one of the older resorts, down on the north end of the strip?) that failed (bad!). We will not be leaving "our neighborhood" again (on past trips we have stayed at Aladdin - hey it was our first trip and we didn't know any better - Bally's, Flamingo and Harrah's. With the exception of the old Aladdin, the Stardust can not hold a candle to any of 'em. What got my goat was their telling Mike he needed four hours of play to earn a breakfast comp to that lousy buffet, the day after he was comped at the Barbary Coast for less than 1 1/2 hours of play! I think the problem (well one of them anyway) with the Stardust is that they are convinced that they are on the same playing field with places like the Flamingo and Bally's, possibly even the Mirage, and I feel that most people would tend to put them in the same category with places like Circus Circus rather than in that group (agree/disagree?).

As for our next trip, we have already decided we will be staying at either the Mirage (depending on what their rates are like in May) or the Barbary Coast. If anyone remembers the Mystery Tourist review of the BC in Casino Player a while back, he raved about the place. And we love their casino, and are now sold on the coffee shop/restaurant as well. AND we found out right from the horses' mouth (by talking to the woman at the reservations desk) that they not only offer nonsmoking rooms but an entire n/s floor, so we have no reason to avoid staying there now. Unless we one day decide to try Sam's Town, we will be sticking with the mid-strip area from here on in. Learned our lesson the hard way, although we still had a wonderful time.

Would love to hear from anyone who has stayed at the BC and also from anyone who has stayed in a standard room at the Mirage.

Cathy in Boston (waiting for the game to start)

Cathy,
Let me get this straight.....
Your husband gave you a diamond anniversary band for your birthday? But isn't that an anniversary present? The way Sue figures, he still owes you a big birthday gift! The way I see it, your husband is a pretty sharp cookie! LOL

Thanks for the great trip report, we sure have read some jems lately, and your is right up there with them.
So May's the next trip, or are you going to sneak another one in before that? A trip before that would make a real nice birthday preasent....don't-cha think? [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Cathy - Thanks for the wonderful trip report. Man your husband is romantic. That was a great suprise.

Concerning KK donuts, we have several outlets here in my hometown and I never even stop by. Will have to go now that you reminded me how good they are.

Concerning the Gambler's Hall of Fame, I had that on my list this time but did not make it. Will definately have to go next time.

Thanks for the great report.

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Doye/KY

Cathy,
Thanks for a great trip report. Glad to hear you had a happy birthday. Isn't Vegas a great place to celebrate a special occasion? And to get a diamond anniversary ring too!!! How romantic.

Concerning the Mirage hotel rooms. I have stayed there 7 times, so I guess I am qualified to comment on them. <vbg> There is nothing wrong with their rooms, but they are basic hotel rooms, nothing fancy. The bathrooms are EXTREMELY small. (Read that two people cannot fit in the bathroom at the same time.) There is a small dressing table with a lighted make-up mirror as you enter the room. The closet has mirrored doors and there is a light inside the closet. There is a small wall safe inside the closet. There is a small round table and 2 chairs near the window. I have also stayed at Bellagio, and the rooms are basically the same, only slightly larger. The bathroom is much larger, with a tub and shower stall. Since you will be celebrating a special occasion on your next visit in renewing your wedding vows, I might suggest staying at Caesars. Michael and I stayed there last week and we loved it. If you stay there, tell them that you are celebrating your anniversary and they might upgrade you to a petite suite. Now that's a room. You will have one and one-half baths, including a shower stall for 2 and a large jacuzzi tub.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com

Cathy,

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! Your hubby scored big points as far as I'm concerned! What a lovely way to surprise you! I hope that your next trip will be as special as I think it will be!

Thanks for a terrific report...it's been so long since my last trip that this is the only way I can get my fix!

Trina

Cathy,
Thank you for the wonderful trip report. I was sorry to hear how disappointed you were with the Stardust. We stay there often and were even given one of their new suites this past March at no charge. It was one of the nicest rooms we have stayed in in Vegas. Nicer than our room at Bellagio.
We haven't tried Coco Palms buffet at the Stardust and now that I have read your report I don't think I will.
We've stayed at the Mirage several times and the rooms are nicer than the basic Stardust rooms but the bathrooms are smaller.
You sure did a LOT of walking.
Again, thank you for your report.
Gale

Hi Everyone!

Well, Lee, I have to say, as far as I am concerned, Mike is all paid up on gifts til Xmas! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

As for the Mirage - wow, I do not like the sounds of the rooms. As for Caesar's, while that is a nice idea, we do not even have slot cards with them so I don't know how much they
would charge us for a room in early May. I would just as soon stay at the Barbary Coast for $60 than to stay at one of the fancy places for $100+.

Anyway, glad everyone enjoyed the trip report!!!

Cathy in Boston

Cathy, Count me in on enjoying your trip report. Excellent report!! You visited and reported on so many casinos.

I am so glad you enjoyed Hugo's Cellar. I love the place although I haven't been there in so long.

I've had problems with Stardust before saying they were going to charge so much for a room and then charging more. I like Sam's Town too but it makes me wonder that they are owned by the same people.

Still, sounds like you had an enjoyable trip. Hope you will be out again before your next birthday and anniversary.

Yes, your husband sure sounds like a gem to me <s>.

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB




[This message has been edited by gailsacco (edited October 12, 1999).]

Cathy, you really got around. Thanks for posting a very interesting report.
I can't win on those full pay machines at the Reserve either. Makes you wonder that no one seems to win on them yet they are suppose to be full pay machines.
If you get free passes to Enter the Night again you might want to see it. It is not a bad show and for free it is a good deal
Glad you have fun.
There are some great restaurants at the Barbary Coast. Micheal and Drais are first class but VERY expensive.


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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

I really enjoyed your trip report, even if I did get tired thinking about some of those long walks. Just kidding, but it did remind me of some of my similar walks on the strip. Like John mentioned, I would also suggest you see Enter the Night if you get free tickets again. Pretty good show, especially if free.

Cathy, Thanks for the report. FWIW, I like buffets, and I like eggs benedict, but the two just don't mix well. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img] You gave an interesting review of the Stardust...I've just never found a compelling reason to visit the place.