Las Vegas thread and MSE guide 2009

pebblesmax

The Bellagio Fountains

ferf1223 wrote: »

I suppose it's the same as those who cannot understand why we spend so much time (and money) playing the slots...but it's something that has value to us - usually just entertainment value, but sometimes actual monetary value...we'd much rather have $350 for the slots and eat for $10 at Ellis Island BBQ than spend $10 on the slots and $350 for a meal...but others think that's just a wacky idea...so to each their own and all.

Tony's more the spend $10 on slots and $10 on food at Ellis Island. He watches me on the slots, but rarely puts his own money in a slot machine. (Funny how when I win, it's our money.):rotfl:

sew109

The Volcano @ Mirage

That’s me too at home its fish and chips or Pizza Express (only if we have a voucher) and we really push out the boat ever other month and go for a sit in curry and may even have half a larger with it. However when in Vegas we will have one expensive meal this is probably the only time in the year we have an expensive meal (unless we manage to snag an invite to a wedding or wake) best one we have had was about $350 at Eiffel I loved it everything about it but I don’t clamber for it back home.

stoneman

The Bellagio Fountains

Well here we go, this might be a bit long so skim through if you like.
I may make references on here that sound like we have lots of money, nothing could be further from the truth.
I am a stonemason and Tracy runs an ebay business, but I am very savvy at getting things for nothing, or very little.
day 1
leave for Heathrow at 8am for 12pm flight. Being New Years day the roads are very quite and we make it to the car parking compound in about 2 hours.
Checked for our AA flight to JFK and made our way to the Cathay Pacific lounge for some breakfast, shower and pre flight drinks. This is a perk of being AAdvantage platinum members, which we managed to get by doing their platinum challenge. Because of this status we were also able to grab exit row seats online.
We were an hour late leaving as a woman on transit to Rome came off of the plane we were do to fly out on and died on the skybridge of a heart attack, Poor soul. Manage to arrive at JFK on time and visit the Admirals Lounge for a couple of drinks. We find out that our request to be upgraded to first class on the JFK-LAS leg has gone through (we used miles acquired on our last trip for this).
Nice flight, 6 hours in total. Arrive in Vegas about 7pm and collect bags, then off to get the car. We used Thrifty, maybe by name but not nature. Why does this seem to be the thing that takes the longest time, there are only 3 people in front of me but it takes 45 minutes to get served. We wanted a Dodge Charger and it came in at £140 for the 8 days. Went to pick the car and Tracy sees a Dodge Magnum which she likes the look of so we grab it, much more boot space for her luggage!!
Arrive at Caesars and put $50 in passport for possible upgrade to Augustus tower. We were told that there was no room that night but could fit us in after that. Instead we were treated to the dreaded classic room. The bellboys call it motel 6 tower. We got this at $550 for 7 nights using the LCI deal, and no they didn't ask for my card. Anyway its getting late so we decide to just stay in Caesars for our first night.Now I am what you might call a social smoker (I know, bad term) I only smoke while drinking, no other time, so since the smoking ban in pubs I have virtually become a non-smoker. I was looking forward to playing some video poker and having a beer and fag. Well, would you believe it, I find the only bloody bar in a casino that you can't smoke at, my luck. Anyways, we play a bit of slots and head to bed.
Day 2
Over to Flamingo for coffee and muffins for breakfast. We like going there in the mornings,it's so peaceful. Went shopping, Fashion Show, Pallazo, Wynn. We usually only eat one meal a day, can't cope with all the food, so stopped at Spago in Forum shops. We get our room changed to Augustus tower, one of the larger Augustus rooms as it's one that sticks out, 44th floor, North strip view. Out for the evening at 8 even though we feel very tired. Over to Bellagio for Tracys' favorite drink, the Lemon Drop. Play a bit of VP but lose about $30. from there over to Planet Hollywood where I play some craps and win about $150 and Tracy plays penny slots. She can make $20 last all night on VP and still make a couple of dollars profit. Head back at about 10:30 as we are dead on our feet.
Day 3
After a morning run it's Off to IHOP at Las Vegas outlet mall for breakfast. We have breakfast special of eggs, sausage, hash browns and coffee cake pecan pancakes between us for $6.99.
It's Wal-Mart run today, we need to get stuff to take home and some nibbles for the room. Tracy loves the fat free chocolate milk and egg nog. We get a fridge delivered to our room to keep the stuff cool. I first thought that the hotels charged for these, but they are free to rent. We decide to have a walk around the Boulevard outlet mall before the mystery adventure, what a complete and utter dump!!! Do the mystery adventure at 1pm and have a ball, what a great way to spend 2-3 hours in Vegas, and keeps you out of a casino for a bit. You really want to do this.Just a warning, if you don't have a car it will cost you the best part of $20 to get to the place in a cab so factor that in.
We head over to PF changs at PlanetHo for dinner at 6pm. very disappointed with the service, our meal took over 1/2 hour to come out and we only ordered 3 things, the special chow mien, lemon chicken, and spicy chicken. Anyway, the meal was excellent as always, and a snip at $40 for the 2 of us. Straight out into Planetho and I proceed to lose $150 on craps, but Tracy still plods on with her penny slots.
Day 4
Can't remember what we did for breakfast. Had a trip out to Town Square shopping centre and Frys to have a look around. We found a really good spot there to watch the planes come in to land, The furthest area of the car park and you get them coming right over Had dinner at cheesecake factory at forum shops. I had the meatloaf and Tracy had Lemoncello pie. One tip, ask for the lunch menu portion of things and they put a little less on your plate and charge $5 less. Weather has turned really cold now, bitter at night.
We walk over to Palazzo in the evening but can't find any VP bartops less than $1. Shame, we used to get the best comped drinks on the strip there, so we walk through to Venetian and find the same thing. We decide just to pay for a drink at the bar and a bottle of Bud and French martini runs me $22.00!! We overhear the bartender telling someone next to us that they have to play $3 per hand of VP to get a comped drink, I hope that the rumors of Sands group going bust come true, what are these people on. Off to TI and enjoy better bar service at Isla bar but still get a bit of hastle about playing more credits for a comped drink at the sports bar.
Day 5
Grab coffee and pastries at 7-11 and drive out to Red Rock. Along the road we found all these crosses so asked one of the guides what they were. This is the Americans version of us putting flowers on lamp posts where someone has died, but they really go for it here. We pay the $5 to enter the scenic route, well worth it as there are some really good walks you can do. This area takes in Calico hills where you can see the different rock formations
Dinner was at Austins Steak House at Texas Station. We used a restaurant.com voucher for $25 off. Nice service, I counted 4 people looking after us. Tracy has roast chicken and I have the special rib-eye, we share a jacket potato and a portion of mushrooms. This is the second steakhouse I have been to, the other being the one at Circus Circus, I would give the edge to Circus if only because you get a salad and potato in with the price, which was a little cheaper.
Over to Bellagio and PlanetHo in the evening, craps gods still playing up and I struggle to get anything going, Planetho is very quiet and there is no chance of changing tables if you get a cold run because there is no one at the other tables. Play for a full hour and not one cocktail waitress. I have been told in the past the the PH waitress are self employed, so when they make their money they just go home, and if there are no punters they go home as well, I really am going to start giving this place a miss.
Day 6
Paris buffet breakfast. IMHO this is the best one in town. We mooch around till 2pm when Tracy has spa treatments at Luxor. She has tried most in Vegas and rates this the best for the price. While she is pampering I decide to play craps. I watch a really hot table but can't get on, they are standing 2 deep watching. Anyway, the shooter 7's out and some guys cash in thousands and don't tip the dealers, what is that all about. so I'm on. First roll craps, second roll craps, then a point is made, then 7's out. Almost the same for the next shooter. So in 5 minutes I am down $100. I move to another table and the same thing, I am beginning to think I am jinxed, I pass my turn to shoot as I always do, my luck shooting is dreadful. I have a real thing about it, haven't thrown dice in a year. Anyway, next shooter has a real run and I keep pressing my bets, so in 1/2 hour I go from $200 down to $350 up.
we decide to head back to Luxor in the evening as there are loads of VP bar tops there and the place looks really nice now that they have finished the refurb. Try to get tickets for Carrot Top but he's on holiday till the following week. Play some VP but lose a few dollars so hit the craps again. We join a hot table with this guy next to me rolling and he is never in this world going to seven out, we are coining it in, so I get brave and start piling money on, I must have $300 on the table, then on the next table just as our guy rolls they yell "7 out" and our shooter's dice flip off a chip and land on 7. everyone is stunned, even the dealers. It was really freaky. So I lose $300 on that roll but made about $500 before that, so we are well up.
Day 7
Golf today so we do a bit of early shopping at the Wholefood Market at Town Square to pick up some supplies to eat around the course. We decide to have breakfast there as they have a great self service area where you can get loads of things. They also have outside seating that will be great in the summer as it's south facing, the food is really different from the normal Vegas fayre, fresh and wholesome. Go for walk around Miracle Mile shops, Tracy buys a couple of dresses from Betsy Johnson.
We head over to Angel Park golf club and I renew my yearly membership that gets us $35 a round golf when ever we play. This costs me $149 but is well worth it for the amount we play. They let me have it at the locals rate as I have been going there for about 5 years now. We play really well, the sun is shining, the weather has warmed up, what more could you want. One thing about Vegas golf, you need to bring plenty of balls. Because of them trying to cut down on the amount of water they use as soon as you are off of the fairway you are onto rock, no rough, so your ball goes pinging around all over the place and you lose most of them. We have KFC for tea on the way back.
Went over to Wynn tonite, now I vowed a couple of years back never to go there again after some really bad waitress service, but this time it is totally different, they are on us like flies, we hit a couple of 4 of a kinds so we are up and had a few drinks as well.
Day 8
We have to move out of Caesars today as the CES is starting and we can't justify $400 for one nights stay. We packed last night so have some breakfast at the Healthfood Market again and checkout at 11. We do more shopping, CVS and Sephora run for make-up, Tracy goes back to some shops to buy some stuff she had her eyes on earlier. We have dinner at Grand Lux Palazzo Tracy has chicken sandwich thing and I have the Grand Club which is toasted so hard my gums bleed trying to eat it.
We move to our next hotel, The California downtown, well for $39 for the night that everything on the strip is $400+ it was worth the shot. it's been years since we were downtown, now I remember why. It is tired and old. I like the retro look with all the lights, but they have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the area to try and drum up business, so much so you can't see anything through all the rubbish. Some would say it is more to the true Vegas feel but I don't like the old Vegas feel, I like nice restaurants, comfy casinos that don't smell of smoke, pretty cocktail waitresses, call me a snob if you like, but there you go. The room is OK but I wish we had stayed at the Howard Johnson on the Strip.
Over to have a look at Encore. what a nice place, really bright colours, really pretty waitresses, loads of them, and lots of quarter slots. we played there for ages, didn't win anything though Tracy orders a Lemon Drop and it comes in a proper cocktail glass, not a tumbler like in Wynn the night before. Every 5 minutes the girls are on us asking if we need topping up, they will be seeing a lot more of us!
Day 9
Time to go home, we pack up and head for the airport at 7:30am for our 10am flight with AA. we get there and the flight is delayed till 2pm. We have first class seats to Chicago and then business to LHR (again using miles and topping up with money) so, luckily we had parked the car in the short stay to get our luggage in, we drop off the bags, grab the car and head back into Vegas, a nice surprise. We have breakfast in the nice coffee place in wynn called Sugar and Ice, we have 1 portion of bread and butter french toast between us and still can't finish it.
We then mooch around Wynn playing penny slots and having Amaretto cremes wondering why we spend so much time rushing around, it was really nice.
Off to the airport and get told that our flight to ORD is running late and when it lands they have 15 minutes to get everyone off and us on or the plane goes no where as the crew will time out. Well we all run like mad, the plane is a mess, we are all on and then proceed to sit on the tarmc for 1/2 hour, they lied!!!
Arrive in ORD amongst a snowstorm, sit in the Admirals Club for a bit and watch our plane get de-iced, it's covered in snow. Leave an hour late as they have to de-ice us again while we are on the plane!!!
Trip home uneventful but glad we had business class, managed to get 5 hours sleep on the flight and arrived back at LHR feeling good. no jet lag to speak of either, usually takes a few days to get back on track but this time we feel good.

sew109

The Volcano @ Mirage

ferf1223 wrote: »

It is a great site, and you can get an idea how insanely big the Grand Lux menu is by looking under Venetian...it's also on Grand Lux's website...it's crazy - why I usually know beforehand what I want or it will take me AGES to decide and anyone with me will starve to death in the meantime.

They also have the Peppermill Menu (and photos) under American...though they don't tell you that the portions are massive, even by American standards.

Maggaianos fanatstic we had our wedding reception there and been back since great value good food http://www.usmenuguide.com/maggianoslv.htm

Wedgy2k

MORPH3US wrote: »

Hi guys,

Just about to book a few nights in Ballys and wanted to check what the cancellation policy is if I book direct with the hotel on their "72 hour special" offer....

The policy says

"***Subject to availability and rates may vary. Not valid for groups or conventions. Offer is non-transferable and may not be combined with any other Harrah's Entertainment offer or event. Offer must be cancelled 72 hours prior to arrival. Management reserves all rights. Full deposit required. 2NT min/2NT max. Guest must sign up for Total Rewards card to redeem offer/inclusions"

So is that a 100% refund if I cancel at least 72 hours before?

Hi, no problem
I cancelled Ballys yesterday, i booked via Fatwallet friends and family promo code and was debited the full amount $473.07 (6 Nights 17th Feb)
I revieved a full refund
So today I re-booked today via Fatwallet friends and family promo code (6 Nights 7th Feb) and again was debited the full amount $396.77

But at least i'm still going (Some really good advice from ferf1223)
We have had to give Virgin £260 to move our flights, £100 per flight move fee and £30 increase in the fare for the new flight times.

But this has preserved my brothers life a little longer and we are going! He promises to pay the fees (At leasts he saved a bit on the Hotel!) Still can't believe he forgot to get his Boss to approve his leave :mad: , but hey I've worked though it (JUST)
+ Ray Romano is on the night we get there

Cheers

Wedgy2k

WestHamDaz

I have emailled Maggianos regarding the possibility of hosting around 20 of us after our wedding in june.

ferf1223

The Bellagio Fountains

From TravelZoo today:

Gold Coast from $24 (says 50% off offer)...dates to 26.03.09, must book by 23.01.09.

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/las-vegas-hotels/515121?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email_top20

And various show deals (including Jersey Boys):

$20-$25 -- VIP Seats to "Defending The Caveman" at Excalibur, 50% OFF
$36.75 -- "Fab Four Live" at Planet Hollywood includes FREE Drinks
$44.95 -- "V: The Ultimate Variety Show" at Planet Hollywood (reg. $89)
$45 -- Comedic antics of "Penn & Teller" at Rio Las Vegas, 40% OFF
$59-$90 -- Entended offers for 5 Cirque du Soleil shows (up to 50% OFF)
$68.90 & up -- "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular" at The Venetian, $40 OFF
$99 -- First time discount for Musical Hit "Jersey Boys" at the Palazzo, Over $40 OFF
$128 -- Last Chance to See Elton John's "Red Piano"

http://shows.travelzoo.com/las-vegas-shows/

ferf1223

The Bellagio Fountains

Ok, wait...'last chance to see Elton John's "Red Piano"'?

Figures...the shows you always put off seeing and always assume will be there...

This from Caesar's website:

"Don't miss your last chance to see this cultural and musical icon as he closes out his spectacular five-year run at Caesars Palace. Only three engagements remain at The Colosseum..."

I didn't realise.

I am annoyed.

twinmumagain

Stoneman, great diary!

Whats a VP bar top?

ferf1223

The Bellagio Fountains

stoneman wrote: »

Well here we go, this might be a bit long so skim through if you like.

Thanks for a great read (and love bonus of photos throughout). You'll have to try to teach us your airline tricks as it sounds like you do make the best of what's out there if you know how to get it.

That Augustus Tower room is absolutely massive, isn't it? We didn't make it that high in our upgrade attempt...thought our Palace Tower room was pretty nice, but that's just crazy, though I wonder if the carpet would make me dizzy!

I would like to get more into VP and do tend to practice on WinPoker before we go...but I'm just lazy I think...and maybe a bit stupid...because I just can't keep straight what I should do in each case, no matter how much I practice...and since I know you shouldn't play if you don't know what you're doing, I usually give up.