Our latest trip to LV was our fifth for this year. The town is beginning to feel like home to us. When the plane touched down, Lee Ann and I looked at each other and said simultaneously, Home again! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] We have met many new friends, both visitors and locals. As such, it was with great pride that I was able to show the sites and flavor of LV to my family. For most of them, it was their first visit. My mom had not been there for about 25 years--a great change for her I'm sure! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] The added thrill of surprising them at our arrival made me even more excited with anticipation of Thanksgiving Day.
Wednesday we arrived at the Westin Philadlphia Airport around 10 PM. Check in was quick and the rooms were all suites. We dropped or suit cases (Lee Ann's suitcases) in the room and went to the lounge for a drink. After one drink, we decided to get some sleep since we planned on arriving at the airport by 6 AM. The bed was promoted as a Dream Maker -- extra padding and down comforters and pillows, etc. However neither of us was able to sleep, mostly due to anticipatory excitement.
Thursday morning we arrived at the airport early enough to nab a first class upgrade from National. It was well worth the price since we both could relax and try to get some much needed sleep. I could see already that sleep would be at a premium for this trip <g>.
....to be continued

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

The plane trip was uneventful and I appreciated the fact that it was non-stop from Philadelphia. The only draw back is the lack of reading material or movie to occupy your time. We did manage to get some shut eye though. The baggage claim at the airport was slow. This is where we seem to lose time every trip. We hopped the shuttle to National Car Rental and were the first ones off at the Emerald Isle. It did take some time to clear the gate however, since there was only one booth opened at 11 AM on Thanksgiving Day!! We decided to check into the Mirage before we surprised my family at Harrah's. The VIP line had a few people in it, but regular check-in had a few opened counters. Therefore we opted for the immediate service and were checked in without delay. Figuring that my family would be at lunch, we headed to the Venetian to surprise our friend Andy at the Passman Gallery. Fortunately for him and unfortunately for us, he had the day off...we would return Friday to surprise him. We then headed to Harrah's where I spied my mom and sister-in-law at a coffee bar. They were genuinely surprised as we greeted them with camera rolling. Shortly afterwards, the rest of the clan returned and we exchanged hugs, kisses and various remarks as to our integrity. We decided to head back to the Venetian and maybe visit Madame Tussaud's, but were overruled in favor of the gondola ride. The cost was $10 pp and upon paying, your were given a time to return for your big voyage. The time interval was close to two hours, so we headed to the casino. Lee Ann left me for a VP machine, so I decided to join most of the others for Black Jack. I should have joined Lee Ann, because I quickly lost 1/3 of my bankroll for the day. I just can't seem to win at BJ in LV ever since day one on our first visit at the Luxor three years ago. I left the tables and played a little VP until our set meeting time. The gondola ride was a bit of a dissapointment - not nearly as long as I thought it would/should be. Afterwards, the family had plans for the Improv, so Lee Ann and I headed to Main Street Station for the TalkVegas meet. BTW, the consensus on the Improv was thumbs down. The first comedian was the only good act, and that was only because he picked on my sister through his bit. At MSS we met up with Lee, Sue, Sandy, Ed, Gail, Joe and JMT! Lee mumbled something about being the only one from Pa. that could be trusted. I'm not too sure of that <g>. Our stay was brief (only enough time for 2 Blackchip porters - love that stuff), because we had reservations for dinner at the Pullman Grille at MSS. We arrived a few minutes before our reserved time, but had to wait 30 minutes to be seated. The dinner was good and the service prompt, up until check time. Then it was another 30 minutes until I even saw our waiter. As it turned out, he was in the kitchen figuring out the bill for the table of four sitting next to us. They wanted to pay seperately. If you try the Pullman, definitely order the strip steak and side of mushrooms, but also bring a calculator for your server. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] Next, we headed to the Golden Nugget to check out their slot club and play a little VP. At 9, we caught up with my mom and sister at Binions to show them the Million Dollar Horseshoe display. We then met the rest of the family and played a bit until the 10:00 Freemont Street Experience Show. Once over, most headed back to Binion's. We said our good-byes and played a little more at the Golden Nugget, before heading back to the Mirage to unpack and play a little more VP until 4PM.
BTW, my niece joined the "V, Spill Your Drink" club. She was playing BJ at Binions and knocked over her beer. The pit boss swooped in with a towel and gave the dealer a new deck of cards. Not a bad trick for when the dealer has an Ace showing. <vbg>

[This message has been edited by Michael (edited December 17, 1999).]

Friday, we met at the entrance to the Forum Shops. We did a little window shopping until the start of the statue show. The show was a bust. It had changed dramatically since we first saw it. It basically was an advertisement for the other show further in the mall. Not wanting to walk the distance with my 82 y.o. mom and have to wait another hour for that show, we decided to take the outside people mover to the casino. My family signed up for slot cards and we played for a few hours. I taught my sister to play VP and she came away from the machine with $40 extra in her pocket. They redeemed their points for the "welcome aboard" trinkets offered. We headed to Bellagio for their buffet. Mom and my brother took a cab to save the long walk out of Caesar's. As it turned out, we waited quite a while for them to arrive. While waiting, we watched the dancing waters, and I was finally able to video tape it, after failing to do so on our last two trips. We introduced our host to my family, and asked for two favors. One was for a chance to purchase tickets for "O" for that night, which unfortunately was sold out for both performances. The other was a line pass to the buffet. Not only did we get the pass, but she comped Lee Ann and me. She walked us to the buffet, during which time we caught up on any news. We also found out from her that Bellagio will be offering comps on nickel and above, starting as early as Dec. 16th, but definitely by Jan.1. The buffet was marvelous. The King Crab legs and shrimp were succulent and had great flavor - not watered down like some places. While waiting in line for some shrimp, someone passed by with a full plate of Pepperoni pizza, at which the person behind me commented, why would anyone waste their appetite on pizza. I pointed out that the pizza was baked in a wood fired oven and was very tasty. I did try a piece or two later in my meal - one with sausage, pepper and mushroom and the other with a seafood combo. The other entrees were very good also, especially the veal sausage and the Prime Rib. The only complaint that I may have is the sparse cooked vegetable offering. I did save room for dessert and had a great fresh raspberry cup and a Tira Masu (spelling) offering in an edible chocolate cup. We then waddled over to the Conservatory to view the flower gardens, which once again was done in an array of magnificent color. My family headed back to Harrah's and we went to the Venetian to visit with Andy and set up a time to meet later in the trip. We rejoined my family outside the Mirage to watch the volcano errupt. They said their goodnights and we decided to head to the Flamingo to find Lee and Sue to get their absolution <g>. We asked for them at the Garden Bar and were told they had not been there, so we headed to the Sports Bar at Paris. They were not there either, but we met Alan and Paul. We decided to play some VP at the bar and wait for Lee/Sue's arrival. Alan took our drink orders and within 15 minutes I had two more beers. We joked that we wouldn't be able to make it back to the Mirage and that Lee was such a bad influence on me. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img] I hit 4 aces and cashed out. It was great to finally get to meet those two after all we have heard about them.

After Paris, we returned to the Mirage to play. Feeling a bit tired, I decided to play some mindless slots instead of VP. I sat down at the Top Dollar slot machine that I enjoyed playing during our visit in October. This machine is a 2 coin triple diamond slot with a chance to play for up to $1000 bonus. When the Top Dollar sign appears on the third reel, a game is activated where you get four separate offers at extra cash. Various denominations of money light up and you have the option to accept that amount or go on to the second offer...then the third...then the fourth, which you have to settle for. As well as I did on this game in October, I did nothing on it this entire trip. This night I played 30 spins and got nothing, not even any bars!!
Since I did so bad, I quickly moved back to VP.
Saturday, we grabbed a quick breakfast at Coconuts (a little coffee shop near the ballroom area). LeeAnn had carrot cake, which she said was the best she ever had. It must have been, because she had it the next day too. I had a cherry danish, which was very fresh and tasty. We then hit the VP slots and LeeAnn won the jackpot. We headed over to Harrah's to catch up with the family. LeeAnn related her win and my brother announced his conquest at the craps table the previous night. We made plans to meet later at the Rio where they were going to see Danny Gans. We then headed to the Desert Inn to find JMT, but had no luck. I did manage to get some play time at the VP machines at the bar, but ever since I signed up for a DI comp card, I can't seem to win like I used to on those machines. We then headed to Treasure Island basically to check out their slot club to see if they were changing the policy to include quarter play. We signed up, but were told that 50 cent play was still required and maybe in the spring they would change their policy. I played some $2 Bonus Poker and did quite well. Too bad we had to leave to meet up at the Rio. After playing a little and watching the Parade In The Sky, I gave my mother some lucky beads that I caught from the show and bid her farewell as she and my sister were going to the Danny Gans show and then to bed since they had an early flight Sunday morning. She said she really had a great time and it left me wondering if she would return again some day. LeeAnn and I returned to the Mirage to get dressed for dinner. We had a $100 food credit that we decided to use at Onda. We arrived back at the Mirage close to our reservation time, so LeeAnn went to the room to get changed and I waited for her at Onda. There is a little bar (The Corner Bar) right outside the restaurant which previously was just a common hallway connecting the restaurant entrances. There was a piano and bass duo playing soft music and also offered was light fare and drinks. It had a great view of the casino without all the noise and hubbub. It seemed like an ideal place to meet with another couple for a quiet get together. You do not have to have reservations at the restaurant to have access to this bar. The service was excellent and the food worth going back a second time for. After dinner, we play for a little before going to bed.

[This message has been edited by Michael (edited December 18, 1999).]

Sunday, we checked out of the Mirage and into Caesar's. We then returned to the Mirage for our California Pizza Kitchen fix for breakfast/lunch. As usual the salad we shared was excellent and the pizza very flavorful. Of course, we saved room for the best Key Lime pie outside of Miami!! We then left in search of Christmas lights and decor. We stopped at Ethel M's, but the lights are not on display until the first weekend of December - there's always next year. We headed next to Sam's Town. Here we were not dissapointed. The Atrium was decorated to the hilt. I took many pictures and video. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus were there. We decided to check out their VP and we found some good paying machines on the second floor near the bar. LeeAnn hit 2500 quarters on her fourth hand. We then tried our hand at the progressive machines at the bar since it seemed due to hit - but no luck.
Next stop, Vacation Village, for LeeAnn's Five Deck Frenzy fix. It was not pretty -- both LeeAnn's play and the place itself. We were there in Jan. '97 and it seems more run down than then. The few machines that I would have tried were unappealing, with spilt beer on them or cigarette burn holes.
We then headed back to Caesar's for our dinner at Nero's. In October I had the Prime Rib, so this time I tried the Salmon special. It was very good. Both times I tried the Clam Chowder and I wouldn't hesitate to get it again. Afterwards, we met up with my brother and his family. They enjoyed their dinner at the Range and even took a doggie bag for my sister-in-law's steak. My brother was interested in learning VP so we sat down at the $1 Jacks or Better. He didn't do so well and decided to try craps with his son. At this time, our friend Andy joined us and we played a few hours in the VP area by the steps. After holding my own for a few hours, I decided to try the progressive quarters down near Cleopatra's Barge. The jackpot was over $1300 and I picked a hot machine. I played for 2 1/2 hours and came away with $150. I then walked my sister-in-law back to Harrah's and came back to hit the $1 VP for about 3 more hours til close to 6AM. As a side note, the cocktail waitress in this area of the casino is excellent. Even though I moved from machine to machine and area to area, she remembered me and what drink I was drinking. She even knew where LeeAnn was, and kept me apprised of her significant hits. She even remembered us and our beverage of choice the next night. Her name is Andrea. Since it was time for most to be awakening, we decided to head to bed. You can read LeeAnn's trip report to find out what happened next...I'd just as soon forget about it.


[This message has been edited by Michael (edited December 18, 1999).]

Monday, we headed to Elvis-A-Rama to see what it was all about. If you are a true Elvis fan you would enjoy it. There was plenty of memorabilia, costumes and video displays. They also had a few of his cars and his power boat on display. An Elvis impersonator rounded out the tour.
Next we headed to the Rio to see the Titanic Exhibit. It is located on the second floor of the Masquerade Village where the Russian exhibit was housed. After seeing the Russia exhibit, this one pales by comparison. I was vastly dissapointed at the sparse display. We next met Gail and Joe for dinner at MSS and after some great conversation we bid our fond farewells.
We returned to Caesar's for more play, but no big hits to report about.

Tuesday morning we checked our baggage at Harrah's National Airlines desk and did our upgrade thing. We returned to Caesar's for a few more precious hours of sleep and then checked out. We arrived at the airport 15 minutes before departure, only to find that our flight was delayed. It turned out that the NY to LV flight had equipment problems and didn't make it out of NY. Our flight to Phila. was pushed off to accommodate those returning to NY. Both flights needed to get reticketed for the flight from LV to NY to Phila. As it turned out, we were 4 hours late arriving home, but National was very good about the entire problem and issued vouchers for future flights and meal coupons for use while we waited for our departure.
By comparison, my brother and his wife were flying American. Their flight was cancelled and there was a scramble to arrange alternate fare. They were routed through Chicago on Continental where they would catch another American flight to Syracuse. The plane was delayed to Chicago and they had to be put up for the night at a hotel 30 miles from the airport!!!! They were not offered any apologies or vouchers for future flights. My brother is a player of the "bump", and I'm sure he will let American know of his misadventures. They arrived home 12 hours late, and my sister-in-law had to take a cab directly to work while my brother waited at baggage claim.

The end!

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

[This message has been edited by Michael (edited December 19, 1999).]

Michael,
Thanks for your side of the story! <S> Any chance you 2 are going out in February or April or May?
Let me know your dates if you are. Maybe then we can meet up at one of the bars you tried to catch us at. <S>

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

Enjoyed your trip report. Like most of us, you sure did stay busy during this trip.

Michael: Hey, dej

Lee,
Michael says that our only trip this year is in January. Last year he told me the same story and we were in Las Vegas five times, so don't count us out yet. <vbg>

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

Michael,

Thanks for teh great play by play. National sounds like a winner. Doubt they'll come to Columbus soon.

jm

Lee Ann,
I didn't count you 2 out for the Columbus meet untill you didn't show up! LOL
Planning another Columbus or Cleveland trip.....you 2 game for next time?


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

Lee,
We are sorry we didn't connect at the Garden Bar or Paris Sports Bar. Alan kept filling my beer...and they were going down pretty well too---nice and cold. I can see how you can get in to trouble some nights. My question is - after an hour or two, how can you manage to play a half decent game of VP. <vbg>
Tonight my twin sister called from K.C. and asked Lee Ann about possibly setting a date around President's Day. Is this when you will be going too?
Columbus sounded great...keep us posted for the next trip. We would love to go and were too busy with the holidays and "end of year stuff" at work to go this time.

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

Gregg,
Yes, we had a busy time, however with my family in town Lee Ann and I felt we didn't do as much as usual. We usually like to try one or two shows or new experiences on each trip.
My ultimate goal is to eventually have seen all the tourist traps and shows. This way I could enjoy the amenities of the property I choose to frequent, i.e. relax at the pool, dine in one of their fine restaurants, etc.

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

V,
I was not there when the drink was spilled, so I don't know how happy the pit boss was with the whole incident. I don't know if the hand was completed before the new deck was put into play. That doesn't mean that you can't try an experiment or two of your own...of course you have to have Sue there to spill it onto since you have practiced it before <vbg>.
I don't think it's all that bad that you remember Andrea, after all it's an added perk to get such good service while you help Caesar's pay their bills.

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

Jeff,
There were a lot of problems departing LV that extended holiday weekend. National handled our situation to our satisfaction. My brother wrote a lengthy note to American and also was in touch with his travel agent. He is hopeful for some response. Maybe someday National will come to the Columbus area. They seem to be expanding and will be flying out of Miami by the end of January.

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

[This message has been edited by Michael (edited December 21, 1999).]

LeeAnn,
As you know, Wally has money on us that we will be in LV twice for 2000. I say we take him for all he's got...let's go 12 times next year. But first, you have to promise to hit a Royal each time <g>; and promise that I will do the same <vbg>

You know who!

Michael,
As for my VP play after sitting at either Alan's bar at Paris or Tom's bar at the Flamingo, that may explain why I've never hit a Royal at either bar? <S> After awhile though my play slows down alot!
I'll e-mail you the exact dates of my next LV trip.
As for another road trip to another state for a TV meet, I'll keep you posted. Sue suprised me tonight and said "doesn't one of the people from the BB live in Texas too?" LOL


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

Lee,
Rumor has it that the BB person in Texas is itching to have a meet down in those parts. I've also heard he's offered to fly all us northern folk down there to meet with him <vbg>.

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

Let's see, 12 trips in one year...and I have it in writing too. LOL