As you know, I'm not known for writing short trip reports, so be warned. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
Wednesday January 26
My latest Las Vegas adventure began on
Wednesday January 26. After work, Michael and I packed up the van and headed to Philadelphia where we would stay overnight at the airport Westin. We had stayed there during our November trip and were very happy with the hotel. After we arrived we decided to have dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was fine, but we were seated next to a table of middle-aged women who giggled and talked so loudly that I thought I was with a bunch of teen-agers at the mall. Didn't really add to the dining experience. Went back to the room after dinner. On our last stay we were on the 8th floor, which is reserved for Starwood guests. This time we were on the 4th floor. Although the room layout is the same, the furnishings in this room seemed to be showing wear. I went to bed dreaming of Megabucks, only to later find out that at about the same time it was being hit for a record jackpot. Oh well, I guess there's always next time. <vbg>
Thurday January 27
Got up early the next morning and went downstairs to check out. Waited quite awhile for the airport shuttle. We were one of the first ones there and when the shuttle finally did arrive, we almost didn't get on because all of the other passengers (all of whom were men, including 2 AA pilots) pushed and shoved their way ahead of me to get into the van. Got to the National airlines check in counter and found out their computers were down and they were only tagging luggage there. We would have to go to the gate to be ticketed. The couple behind us had been scheduled to fly on Tuesday, but couldn't because of the weather. I knew then that the flight would be completely full, since it was close to being full when I checked a few days before. I left Michael with the luggage and bounded up the steps ahead of the elderly couple who had been ahead of us in line. <vbg> Michael arrived just as I got to the head of the line and we checked in. First class was available and we took the upgrade. They even had my favorite seat 2A available, so I knew then that it was going to be a good trip. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] Flight was uneventful, except sat across from a lady who talked and talked and talked so loud that everyone in the plane could hear her entire converstion. (I'm starting to see a pattern here.) Her husband finally couldn't take it anymore and put his blanket over his face and pretended to sleep. She went back to coach to sit with her friends who didn't ugrade. Sorry, but there's no way I would pay for a first class upgrade and then go sit in coach. Shows you how badly this lady needed to talk. <vbg> I was happy because I was exhausted and I wanted to try to get some sleep before we landed.
Landed about 20 minutes early and we headed to baggage claim. While we were waiting for the bags, we walked over to the National car rental desk to check in. We are Emerald Isle members, so we usually don't do this, but we had a coupon for a free day and we were told that it couldn't be handed in at the check out gate. The agent at the airport told us that National has upgraded their computer system and you can now give in any coupon at the gate! Back to baggage claim where we waited 40 minutes for the bags. Luckily our bags were not one of the last ones off the plane like they are many times. Walked out the door to find the National car rental bus waiting. Now I know this is going to be a lucky trip. The driver takes us to the Emrald Isle where you have your choice of cars. This time besides assorted cars to choose from there were a few pick up trucks and a nine passenger van. The driver said "Hey, why don't you take the van, it's the same price", but I vetoed the idea. It's one thing to drive around in a van at home but not in Las Vegas. I thought about how nicely all of my luggage would fit in the back of the pick up truck, but instead settled on a brand new (57 miles) non-white <vbg> Grand Prix.
Headed to the Mirage to check in. Asked for a room upgrade once again and even offered a tip to the desk clerk, but I was told they were sold out. I guess I should have figured on Super Bowl weekend they would be. Guess I'll just have to set the room on fire again next time. <vbg> Went up to the room and unpacked. Michael decided he wanted to hit the casino before we made a trip over to the Venetian to say hello to Andy and to finalize plans for dinner on Saturday. He sat down at a double double bonus machine and I played at the one next to him. Shortly after he got four twos...twice. He was already up for the trip and I had lost $20 before I knew it. I left him to play elsewhere in the casino. I continued to lose, and by now I was down about $100. I found him later at a wild cherry machine where he was up over $200. He had cashed out for $400 at the poker machine. He said he would cash out and we would go to the Venetian. He needed a hopper fill, so I headed over to the Venetian while he waited.
I was catching up with Andy and the rest of the gang when Michael finally arrived. He was feeling very good about himself since he was now up over $600 and I was losing. I told he not to get too smart, because I would win far more than that before it was all over. (Talk about confidence on my part.) All the while I was thinking I better be right, because I hate it when Michael is right. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]
After leaving Andy we decided to get a late lunch. It was about 2:30. I figured it would be a good time in between lunch and dinner and the restaurants wouldn't be too crowded. We decided to try Star Canyon, but found out that they had closed for lunch and dinner didn't start until 5:30. The hostess suggested that we try Taqueria Canonita, also owned by Stephan Pyles, but since we had already eaten there we wanted to try something different. We settled on the Grand Lux Cafe, owned by the same people who own the Cheesecake Factory at the Forum Shops.
The Grand Lux Cafe is open 24 hours a day. We had never eaten at the Cheesecake Factory, so we didn't know what to expect, although I know many people from Talk Vegas have eaten there before and like it. We both had a salad with sliced chicken and candied nuts. I also had a non-alcoholic fruit smoothie drink that was delicious. We split a piece of white chocolate raspberry cheesecake for dessert.
After "lunch" we headed back over to the Mirage to change for the new David Cassidy show at the Rio. We played for awhile at the Rio, without much luck, even though I usually do well there, even with the lack of full pay machines.
It was time for the show so we headed to the Copa room. We had called for our seats about a month ahead of time and were disappointed to find that we were sitting about two-thirds of the way back in the room. I really don't like this showroom. I prefer the theatre type set up at the Orleans, Treasure Island, Bellagio, etc. It's hard to see when you are as short as I am. <vbg> I will tell about my impressions of the show in the entertainment forum.
After the show, we headed back to the Mirage and cranked those video poker machines until the wee hours. <vbg> My luck started to get better and even though I didn't win, I held my own and got some play time so it wasn't too bad.
Friday January 28
After getting ready for the day, we headed down to Coconuts so I could have a slice of their carrot cake, which I had dubbed "the best" on our last trip. Sorry to report I was disappointed this time. The cake was good, but not the best as it had been last time.
We headed over to the Hard Rock to check out their new slot club. I assumed that since they started their new club, you would have to get a new card, so we headed to the Back Stage Pass booth, only to find out that our old cards would still work. We played for awhile, and then went to the sports book bar since Randy had said that Drew Carey has been known to hang out there and we knew that he was in town that weekend. No Drew Carey sitings to report. <vbg>
After leaving the Hard Rock, we were trying to decide where to go next and I came up with the idea of heading over to Sam's Town. I had signed up for the Sam's Town card on the internet and got a message telling me that all we had to do was go to Town Hall and show ID and I would be given my club card. The line wasn't too long, so we waited and when we got to the club rep I told her that I had signed up on line and gave her my license. She could find no record of Michael or me signing up on line. Too bad I left the e-mail confirmation back at the Mirage. So we had to sign up all over again. They don't have joint accounts, so each of us were given a club card. If I would have thought of it, I should have asked for 2 cards for each of us & then wecould have each played on the same card for more points.
We played a few machines and then we decided to find the machine that I won on in November. It payed 2500 quarters for the four deuces and the last time I got the deuces on my fourth hand. Luckily the machine was open and I sat down to play. On my fifth hand I held one deuce and you guessed it, I got the four deuces for $625.
After collecting my winnings, we headed back to the Mirage and changed for our dinner at the Samba Grill. We had eaten there last July and really enjoyed it. We knew how much food they served, so we went hungry this time. The restaurant opened at 5:30 and we made our reservations for then because we had tickets to see Notre Dame de Paris and we wanted to have plenty of time to enjoy dinner and play at Paris before the show.
We each ordered a drink before dinner and my drink was huge, much larger than I remembered from the last time. It was some kind of Brazilian punch thing that tasted so good I drank it much too fast. My head was spinning by the time I finished drinking it. We ordered the Rodzio menu again, where they bring assorted meats to your table. Kind of like a buffet, but they bring it to you. I enjoyed it, but it is not the place to eat if you don't like meat. The atmosphere is fun and different and they have a samba band that plays, although they hadn't started to play while we were eating dinner.
We left feeling stuffed and decided to walk over to Paris. Michael went to pick up our tickets and I went into the sports bar to see Alan and Paul and to see if V and Walt were there. No one was there, so I went to the box office and found Michael waiting in line for our tickets. After getting our tickets, we decided to play for awhile. I really want to like Paris, but I just don't like the way everything seems to be crammed into the space. Michael and I were playing machines back to back and the change girl came down the aisle and had to turn around because her cart wouldn't fit through. I was telling my friend Peter about my impressions later in the week and he agreed, but also pointed out the the real Paris is very crowded together also. I never thought about it like that, but I still don't like how crowded the place is. They should definately get rid of some of the machines.
It was almost time for the show and we decided to go back to the sports bar to see if Veronica and Walt were there now. They were having a drink and playing at the bar and Paul and Alan were there also. Unfortunately we could only stay a few minutes because we were going to the show. Alan, next trip we will stop by to say hello again and hopefully have more time. We went to the showroom to see the show. I will post my impressions of the show in the entertainment forum.
After the show, we headed back to the Mirage where we again cranked those machines until the wee hours. (Talk about a pattern.) <vbg>
Saturday January 29
After getting ready for the day we headed down to the convention area of the Mirage to pick up our gift and get our tickets for the Super Bowl party. The gifts were two really nice sweatshirts and two caps. We went to Coconuts before getting started for the day. I then decided to play a bonus machine I saw the day before and Michael went back to his double double bonus machine. I did much better than he did because I got the Four Aces. (See he should have been quiet on Thursday instead of making fun of me like he did.) [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img] It was then time to change for the Talk Vegas meet at La Piazza. I called home to see how things were and my neighbor told me about the big snowstorm that was headed for the east coast. Sooooo sorry I missed that one. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]
We walked over to Caesars and found the gang already partying at La Piazza. Said hello to V and Walt again. It was really nice to see Ed and Irene and Randy again. A short time later Mike arrived. Mike thanks so much for taking the time to come to the meet. We really enjoyed meeting you. Our friend Andy joined us shortly after 5 and I introduced him to the group.
Veronica and Walt, Michael and I and Andy had dinner reservations at La Terraza that night, but we decided to play for a little while before dinner. Randy joined us in the "Talk Vegas area" of Caesars for some video poker. I sat down at another deuces machine, this one paid 2000 quarters for the deuces. (Daisy, you know which machine I'm talking about). I started to play and a short time later I got the four deuces. V joined me in my victory dance. <vbg> It was time to head to the restaurant for dinner, so V and Walt went ahead to hold the table while I cashed out my 320 credits. Unfortunately, I needed a hopper fill and we had to wait what seemed like forever for an attendant to come. Finally they came and we said good-bye to Randy and headed to the restaurant.
I apologized to the hostess for keeping her waiting. Hot machine and hopper fill I explained and she smiled. She took us to a nice table in the corner. They had one of my favorites, mozarella and tomato salad, so I started with that and had mushroom ravioli for my entree. The food was excellent and I would definately eat there again. Even better than the food was the company. <s>
After dinner we all played at Caesars and then Andy had to leave because he had to work the next day. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img] Since I wasn't really winning on the same deuces machine now, we said good-bye to V and Walt and headed back to the Mirage.
I saw a progressive quarter machine where the jackpot was over $1300 that I wanted to play, but there were no seats, so I found another machine to play for awhile and then headed back to those machines. Luckily there was one machine open and it was an end machine. I decided that this was an omen and sat down to play. Got a four of a kind and played for about 45 minutes. I was holding around 200-250 credits, not really winning anything, just holding my own. I saw I was dealt a flush, so I held all five cards. All of a sudden I heard music play and the buzzer go off, so I knew someone had won the jackpot. I looked around to see who it was and I didn't see anyone's light blinking. I looked at my own screen and then realized that it was MY machine. I had been dealt a royal and didn't even realize it. I was so surprised that I jumped up and said, "I got the royal!" The payoff was $1385. All of the people playing on the other side got up and applauded and said way to go. Everyone was happy for me except for the man who was sitting next to me who noted that I got up and was ready to leave several times and I should have. I explained to him that I wasn't leaving only getting up from my seat to get a more comfortable position in the chair since my legs are so short. Talk about a sore loser. Just after I was paid, Michael came and found me. He yelled at me telling me that he had been looking all over for me. I let him go and then finally told him what had happened. He got a big smile on his face and said that he knew that I won because he could see it on my face. Guess I wouldn't be too good at playing live poker. <vbg> Played some more and then finally called it a night.
Sunday January 30 (Super Bowl Sunday)
We played for awhile at the Mirage and then headed to the convention area for the Super Bowl party. They had an area set aside where you could have your picture taken, but we decided not to do that. Boy, did they have tight security for the party. We gave in our tickets and were given a wrist band to wear so that we go in and out of the party as often as we wished. We continued down the hall through two more checkpoints where we had to show our wristbands and then finally had to show them again to get into the door of the room where the party was. The room was divided into three areas. Around the perimeter were round tables each with twelve chairs. These were tables that should have had 8 chairs...10 at the most, so it was tight. In the center area were comfortable couches with coffee tables in front of them. Finally on the stage was a separate area for the highest of rollers, complete with its own buffet. We of course, were seated in the "cheap seats". <vbg> We found a table with only one other couple seated at it, so it wasn't too bad. There were big screen TV's all over the room, so no matter where you sat you had a good view. There was a margarita bar, a martini bar, a microbrew bar and several regular any-drink-you-wanted bars. We settled for margaritas and then headed to the buffet. I never saw so much food...nachos, pizza, pasta, wings, hot dogs, hamburgers and all kinds of "Super Bowl" foods, as well as carved steamship round of beef as well as other things. Of course there was peanuts, popcorn, candy ice cream and desserts too. Servers also brought some of these things to the tables, just like at a ball park. We stayed for the first quarter of the game and then MICHAEL wanted to leave. He said he thought he should go play because he was going to win. Too bad we left because we later found out that it was a really exciting game.
After we played we decided to go to Bellagio to see our friend LaDora. If you ever want to be able to cruise down the stip and see NO traffic, drive during the Super Bowl. There was no one and I mean no one driving or walking on the stip. It was like a ghost town. As a result, we made it to Bellagio in record time. LaDora was busy, so we played for awhile until she was free. Super Bowl is also a good time to be able to play any machine that you want. The machines were pretty empty. We talked to LaDora and then headed over to the Venetian.
We stopped in to see Andy, since he wasn't working on Monday and we were leaving on Tuesday. After seeing Andy, we went to meet Veronica and Walt at Delmonico's for dinner. We were all pretty full from our respective Super Bowl parties, so Veronica asked the host if we would be allowed to share entrees and he said sure. We gave our name and were seated quickly. Veronica and I spent a lot of time talking instead of looking at the menu, which was duly noted by Walt and Michael. We told them that we had a lot to catch up on since we hadn't seen each other since October. Since we were talking so much we weren't ready when the waiter came to take our order. He was very patient with us. After we finally ordered, V and I ended up changing our minds and the waiter had to start all over again. I finally settled on a tomato salad plate and an appetizer portion of pasta with smoked mushrooms and ham. The waiter was explaining to me how it was made and when he finished I said, "Yes, but will he say 'Bam', while he's making it?" Like he hasn't heard that one before. <vbg> He just smiled and said "I'm sure he would do that for you, but he isn't in town right now, he's in Atlanta for the Super Bowl." Like I said he really had a lot of patience and really deserved the nice tip we gave him. I'm sure they were happy to see us go. <vbg> I would like to go back again and order full dinner, but next time I won't take so long to make up my mind what I want to order.
After dinner we all headed back to the Desert Inn. The machines that I like to play were being played, so I went and found V and sat with her while she played Triple Play Deuces. As she recounted, while she was playing, she got the deuces. Since they had an early morning flight, it was time for Veronica and Walt to go to bed and we decided to head over to the Stardust.
I had signed up online for a slot card at the Stardust, but we found out when we got there (midnight), that the club desk was closed for the night, so we didn't get our card anyway. I noticed that they still have the Five Deck machines, just like at Vacation Village. They are just not progessive now. Of course I had to play. I didn't do too bad and played for quite awhile until we left to go back to the Mirage. Once again we cranked those video poker machines until the early morning hours.
Monday January 31
After getting ready for the day, we played for awhile at the Mirage and then headed over to the Rio to see our friend Peter. We didn't get to see him on our November trip, so it was really nice to see him. We spent about and hour catching up before saying our good-byes.
We left to go to the Reserve. They had Five Deck Frenzy machines there, so I was hoping that they would still have the non-progressive version just like at the Stardust and Vacation Village. Unfortunately, they were gone. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img] I tried a number of different machines. I know the Reserve has full pay machines, but I couldn't do a thing there. Go figure.
We left the Reserve and decided to go see the new Hyatt at Lake Las Vegas. When you turn off from the main road you drive and drive and drive. I thought we would never get there. The hotel itself is pretty, but the grounds still are not landscaped. As I mentioned, we signed up for the slot club. I couldn't believe it when we were told $400 for one slot club point. I ased three times because I couldn't believe it. The host said yes, it was $400 per point. I'm glad Michael was sitting there with me, or I would have thought my hearing was going. <vbg> The casino is smaller than the ones on most cruise ships and was empty. I guess they figure the casino is just an afterthought. I can't imagine tourists leaving the strip to go visit this place. It's too far out of the way and doesn't really have anything to offer for the average tourist, in my opinion.
We left the Hyatt and headed over to Sunset Station, where once again I tried several machines and couldn't win. Michael went to the club desk to see if they had a list of what you could redeem your points for, but the line was very long, so he just forgot it.
We left Sunset Station and went back to the Mirage to change for our dinner at Renoir. Since this dinner was so special, I am going to describe it in the dining forum, instead of here.
After dinner, we went up to the room and changed before heading back down to the casino to play. I played several machines and didn't really do too much and then finally settled on a bonus machine. I was just holding at about 40 credits when Michael found me. Just as he arrived I got four twos. He wanted to know if I would go to the gift shop to pick up gifts for our neighbors who were kind enough to shovel snow for us while we were away. I said sure and just then got four twos again and then four eights. I was up to almost 600 credits and was ready to cash out and Michael said not to, he would go alone. He said when he came back I would have another royal flush. I thought oh sure, I already had one royal, I wouldn't be getting another on the same trip. Well wouldn't you know, right after he left I got another royal in diamonds. I kept looking for Michael and finally saw him coming down the hall. I turned around and looked at him and shook my head yes and he knew right away what I was saying. Instead of saying how great, he looked at me and said, "Now get one more royal and I'll take you to Las Vegas in April". Way to put the pressure on me. I told him it was HIS turn to get a royal, I did my part for the family. <vbg> We continued to play and called it an "early night" at about 2:30.
Tuesday February 1
Today was the day we left for home. We got up early and called the airline hoping that our flight had been cancelled due to a snowstorm, but no luck. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/frown.gif[/img] We took the bags over to Harrah's and checked in. We went back to the Mirage and went back to sleep until it was time to check out.
We took the car back to National and found that they charged us for an extra hour's rental which was $25, almost as much as a whole day. We normally get the weekly rate, but because we had the free one day coupon, we had to rent by the day. Michael called National when we got home and they reversed the charge...this time. So watch the time you pick up and return your rental car or you may be charged extra. We got to the gate exactly 15 minutes before flight take off time. Everyone was already on board so we just walked right on. I was happy to see that Angela would once again be our flight attendant. Flight was uneventful except for a lot of turbulance and once again the people in front of us talking so loudly that everyone could hear their conversation. Oh well, I didn't sleep all week, I guess I didn't have to sleep on the plane. <vbg>
Concluding thoughts
As Veronica mentioned there are now barriers to prevent pedestrians from crossing the street. You must use the bridges. I assume they were done by the individual casinos because each one is different. We did still see two people go over the barriers and start to cross the street. They were stopped by police or security on bicycles.
The tiger habitat at the Mirage is closed for renovations. You have to pay to see them in the Secret Garden right now.
I was a little disappointed in the Conservatory at Bellagio this time. It didn't seem to be as spectacular as it has been in the past.
Found out when we got to the Hard Rock that Van Morrison was appearing there that night. I had checked on the headliners performing during our stay and didn't see his name listed. I would have bought tickets for the show, but we already had tickets for Notre Dame that night.
Saw some new video poker machines this trip. One was called spin poker. This is like a cross between video poker and those new slot machines where you bet on nine lines. They just installed these machines at the Mirage and I also saw them at the Reserve. The first thing is you decide how much your bet will be for. This part I liked. You can play 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, or 50 cents. This is nice because you can start betting low and if you are winning you can start to up your bet without leaving your machine. The next thing you have to decide is how many lines you want to bet on, up to 9 lines. You also have to decide which game you want to play, just like Triple Play. I said hey, I'm doing this for Talk Vegas research, so five cents a line for all nine lines. When you hit draw/deal your five cards will display on the middle line. You then decide which
card(s) to discard or keep. The card(s) you keep will be transferred to the other two lines just like in Triple Play. When you hit draw/deal the reels that you didn't save will start to spin just like a slot machine. You then see what you have won (hopefully). There are the three lines across and then diagonally and some other ways that I couldn't figure out.
All of the bar machines at the Hyatt at Lake Las Vegas had this multiple bet amount thing, but those were 5 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents and one dollar. They were also multiple games. I guess this is so they could have a variety of games in a small space.
Once again we didn't get to do everything that we had planned to do. I guess that just means that we'll have to plan another trip again soon.
Lee Ann
Past, Present and Future Forum Moderator
leeann@talkvegas.com
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