Everything Las Vegas: Members Corner

Trip Report

Just returned from my latest Vegas trip (May 29-June 2). Even though I was just there in January, Vegas visits can never be often enough!
May 29–Flew nonstop AmericaWest from Phila–on schedule, but terribly cramped seating. Stopped at Ellis Island Casino for their cinnamon-vanilla french toast (always good). Stayed at Excalibur for 4 nights. Booked the rooms a couple of months ago. Kept checking the rates on Excalibur’s website and called as the rates dropped. They will give you the lower rate just by telling them that you see a lower rate on the website. Hotel ended up almost half of the original booked rate.
June 1–Visited Clark County Wetlands Park–nice park with a 1.7 mile concrete walkway. Tip: Take drinking water and wear comfortable shoes. Then it was off to check out the Bellagio Conservatory and Fountains. Found it kind of funny that I came from PA to Vegas to see the Liberty Bell in the conservatory. Took advantage of the free offer for newsletter members to see Spotlight free at Bourbon Street Casino–glad we didn’t pay. The show was pretty lame, and had less than 20 people in attendance. Off to The Peppermill for dinner–portions too huge. Tip: Share an entree.
June 2–Omelet House for half decent breakfast. The Celebrity Impersonator Convention was at the IP and offered the public admission to a talent showcase from 12-2. The performers each had 4 minutes to do their thing. The show lasted from about 12:30 until 4:10. There was some real talent there and quite a lot of fun! Off to The Orleans to see Harry Shahoian (my favorite Elvis impersonator) in Rock This Town Live. Some of the other Legends in Concert performers also showed up and were given stage time–an unexpected treat.
June 3–Visited Elvis-A-Rama museum. The museum was okay, and did enjoy two Elvis impersonator shows (Joey Franklin and Johnny Edwards), one at 2:00 and one at 4:00. Mandalay Bay’s buffet for dinner was excellent, as always! Tropicana’s Comedy Stop to see three comedians. The headliner was so great that I was laughing so hard that I was crying.
June 4–Pack and return to Philadelphia, nonstop via Southwest Airlines. The flight was on time, and the seating much more comfortable!
Already planning my next trip! Always look forward to reading the newsletter. Good job! Thanks for all the tips!
Moira

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Members Corner EditionPart One

We were in Las Vegas during NASCAR week in March. Stayed at Harrah’s which is always a delight. Machines were tight but with all the NASCAR going on we had a wonderful time. We always take one day and evening and go downtown. We have played at the Freemont everytime we go (twice a year) and never ask for anything as far as comps. I knew from their website we had enough between the two of us for a nice meal. Went to the booth and ask for a comp on our points and this guy took my card and slid it through and said
you are going to have to have more than this to get anything free. I ask how much we had and he said between the two of you you have 5 points. He made me feel like a cheap person. I was shocked so we left in a hurry. Got back home and looked up our points and we have 1863 and 2594. I emailed the casino about this and they never answered. Need some help as we plan to go again in Oct. and would like to eat a light supper downtown. The year
before after many years of playing at the old Binion’s Horseshoe and had a wonderful free meal. Ellis from Kansas

New Blackjack Option

I’m not so sure this option is as attractive as your source suggests: even if the statistics suggested are correct–and I’m skeptical for reasons given below–if the outcome is essentially 50-50 that the player will lose or push vs. winning, then receiving half what you might win is really shortchanging the player, since standing on 20 vs. a dealer’s face 10 value card offers you a 50% chance of winning, a smaller chance of pushing, and a still smaller chance of losing. Hence, only receiving half of what a win might bring (which will occur half the time) is a poor payoff.
Finally, just think for a moment of a single deck game, in which only you and the dealer are playing:
you have received two 10 value cards, the dealer has one. The question now becomes, what are the odds that the dealer’s hidden card is also a ten value, and what are the odds that if it’s less than a seven, the dealer can get a combination of cards that total 10 (you tie) or 11 (you lose)?
The first question is easy to answer: there are 16 cards with a 10 value, 42 that are not. You are ruling out 4 of those cards, the aces, since otherwise the dealer would have a natural.
Hence, the odds of that hidden card being a ten are 13 (16-3 already played):38, or roughly 1:3.
If the hidden card is a 7-9 (12 cards), then the game ends, and you win even money. The odds of this occurring are 12:42 or 1:3.5.
Finally, what are the chances that if the dealer has a 2-6, he can end up at 20 or 21? Here I’ll admit that I have to sit down and do some serious calculating. However, I doubt that the odds are enough to bring the net result to the 50-50 proposition the Stardust tells you is the case.
Still, though the Stardust has always had a better than average game for the Strip, I don’t think this new option is as attractive as you have been led to believe.

Best,
Steve

Members Corner

Had a great stay at the Golden Nugget. First, the
good news. The GN has replaced the air conditioners
in its rooms (at least the one we had in the North
Tower) and it was quiet and kept the room meat locker
cool. Played in my first slot tournament and it was a
lot of fun and very well organized. If you get a
chance - play. Unfortunately, I didn’t win.

The bad news. The meal comps at the GN are no longer
open ended but have a specified dollar amount
depending on where you are eating. The amounts are
large enough to have a nice dinner but rule out the
free $70 entrees and expensive wines.

jim

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Dining Special June 2005

Don Miguel’s at the Orleans and the Buffet at the Orleans (inexpensive) are both very good.

Green Valley Ranch Buffet is also very good.

For an inexpensive buffet the Silverton is not bad and the casino has been redecorated and looks very good.

Bambolinos at the Rio is always very good. Beats waiting in that line for the buffets.

Binions Coffee Shop has gone down hill. Wait for food was very long and could not help notice almost everyone left most of the food on their plate.

trip to vegas

DEAR STEVE,
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR INTRODUCING US TO BOB COHEN. I CALLED AND TALKED TO HIM. HE SAID TO LOOK HIM UP WHEN WE GOT TO THE I P HOTEL I DID THAT, THEY PAGED HIM AND I MET HIM IN PERSON, HE IS A VERY NICE PERSON. HE DID SAY AS SOON AS WE KNOW WHEN WE ARE GOING AGAIN TO CALL HIM .THANKS AGAIN FOR THE INTRODUCTION. P.S. I HIT A JACKPOT THAT PAID FOR THE TRIP PLUS.
THANKS AGAIN,
MARY, FRAN AND JUNE.

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 513
HI STEVE

YOU ASKED ME TO DO A REVIEW IN LIGHT OF MY “SPOTLIGHT” DEBACLE AND SO HERE IT IS. FIRST, I NEVER EXPECTED TO GET INTO AN “E-MAIL” MATCH WITH WILL ROYA. UNDERSTANDABLY HE MAY BE DISCOMFORTED BY THE FACT THAT HIS SHOW HAS FAILED. I DID NOT KNOW THAT. I SIMPLY, UPON ENCOURAGEMENT FROM YOUR WONDERFUL NEWSLETTER, ATTEMPTED TO BE A CUSTOMER. I NEVER “DEMANDED” A SHOW FOR ONE OR ANY SUCH THING. I DID HOWEVER MENTION TO THE TICKET GAL, “WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE SHOW MUST GO ON?” ANYWAY I HOPE WILL CAN GET HIS ACT TOGETHER AND I FEEL FOOLISH ABOUT WHAT I HAD TO GO THROUGH TO SEE A SHOW THAT DID NOT HAVE THE COURTESY TO BE HONEST UNTIL 10 MINUTES BEFORE SHOWTIME THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SHOW.

STAYED AT TERRIBLE’S WHICH CERTAINLY LIVED UP TO ITS NAME. IT MADE ME MISS THE KEY LARGO MORE AND MORE. THE ROOMS ARE DECENT AS LONG AS YOU STAY UNDER $50/NITE. THEY WERE ASKING UP TO $140 ON THE WEEKENDS AND IT SURE IS NOT WORTH IT. IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PUT UP WITH DOOR LOCKS THAT DON’T WORK PROPERLY (I HAD THREE DIFFERENT ROOMS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS) AND TUBS THAT DRAIN TOO SLOWLY THEN YOU WILL BE FINE HERE. THEIR ATTITUDE WAS THAT THEY ARE REDOING CERTAIN WINGS INTO SUITES AND THEY AREN’T GOING TO WORRY ABOUT THE SITUATION NOW (GREAT WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO GET TOP DOLLAR). THEY HAVE A NICE POOL AREA EXCEPT THAT THE POOL IS FREEZING AND NO MORE THAN 4 1/2 FT. DEEP. THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SWIM WHICH NO ONE WAS. TOWELS MAY BE SCARCE AND THEY DO NOTHING TO MAKE THAT AREA MORE ENJOYABLE I.E. OFFER DRINKS OR FOOD OR NICE MUSIC. THE SLOTS ARE A DISASTER AND THE PAYOFFS NEGLIGIBLE. THE BOUFFET WAS SO SO BUT THE BOUGAINVILLEA CAFE HAD VERY GOOD FOOD. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM HERE, ONLY ASK FOR THE GM, MR. DiFIORE, WHO IS THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM THERE (OR CARES TO.)

AS FOR ENTERTAINMENT, SPOTLIGHT WAS AN OBVIOUS DISASTER. MAC KING WAS OKAY AND LARRY G. JONES (WHILE BEING VERY ACCESSIBLE) HAD A GOOD SHOW, ALTHOUGH I NEVER REALIZED THAT MIKE TYSON SOUNDED SO MUCH LIKE DR. RUTH. THE SCINTAS WERE FINE ALTHOUGH A TAD BIT TEDIOUS AT TIMES. THE SISTER SEEMS TO BE MORE LIKE A BREATHER ACT FOR THE BROTHERS RATHER THAN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE SHOW. THE BEATLES SHOW WAS OKAY AND IF YOU WANT TO MEET A LOT OF BRITS, THAT IS THE PLACE TO GO. BARRY MANILOW WAS FINE AND MORE HUMBLE THAN I EVER REMEMBER HIM BEING. THE SHOW IS OVER FOR THE SUMMER BUT WORTH THE MONEY. LASTLY, WE WILL ROCK YOU WAS A VISUAL DELIGHT AND THE SONGS WERE GREAT ALTHOUGH THE CONCEPT OF ATTACHING THEM TO A PLOT WAS A WEE BIT DISCONCERTING.

AS FAR AS CASINO PLAYING, I DID GREAT. BECAUSE OF THE LOUSY SLOTS AND ATTITUDE AT TERRIBLE’S, I WENT ELSEWHERE. I WENT TO THE BELLAGIO AND IN TEN MINUTES ON LESS THAN $10.00 I WON A THOUSAND DOLLARS ON A SPIN. I DUPLICATED THAT SEVERAL DAYS LATER IN RENO. ALL TOLD I PLAYED A TOTAL OF ABOUT 1 HOUR AND WON ABOUT $2400.00. WELL IT SURE PAID FOR MY MEDIOCRE ROOM, FOOD AND SHOWS. LASTLY, I DID THE ELLIS ISLAND $4.99 STEAK DEAL AND FOR THE MONEY YOU CAN’T BEAT IT AND THE FRIENDLY STAFF MADE IT ALL THE MORE ENJOYABLE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. LARRY

RE: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Members Corner

Gosh, maybe we should go see Barry Manilowm to. I could use goose
bumps!

RE: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Members Corner

Hi, Steve
Elizabeth and I just got back from our 36th Vegas trip. We stayed from May 25-June 6 at the IP. I know a lot of your readers love IP but we were not happy at all. At check in we met “Benjamin” and as always I slipped him a twenty between my credit card and drivers license. We asked for a high room with a view of the strip. (I don’t think they have any) Anyway, he said the SWA Vacations package had the R.O.H. room which wasn’t much and we needed a deluxe. I said whatever he thought and he said it would be another 180.00 for the stay. We did it. When we went up to the room, we noticed we had a room near the elevators which is good because whenever we go, Elizabeth packs like she is packing for a world tour. 17th floor (there weren’t but 18 and a P.H.) When we opened the room door I thought typical room, nothing special but we could live with it. I headed to the balcony opened the door and walked out to find our balcony was entirely covered by the big E of the Imperial Palace which we found out that night was equipped with blue back lighting. We didn’t complain but were not happy.
We later went to the buffet and I’ve gotta say Steve, it was pitiful. I am a pretty big guy, and when they seated us in the booth, I couldn’t even get it. Being a Fire Marshal of 32 years by profession, I knew there was suppose to be a minimum of 22 inches between back of booth seat and table and it was on 12 inches which was fine for Elizabeth and her little 140 pound self but I am running 325 so it was comical to see me try and get it.
A positive note, we got the premium seats and Legends which is a wonderful show.
We went to the IP luau and we were surprised to find it was a lot better then any of our 5 Hawaii trips. Food was better, entertainment was better, drinks were bottomless and they give you drinks in a coconut shell which keeps them good and cold. I had two shrimp cocktails that were loaded with tiger shrimp and regular shrimp and would cost at least 20.00 each if you bought them somewhere.
Elizabeth and I burned up the slots all weak and then spent our comp money and the perfume and gift shop at the front main entrance of the hotel near the Karioki lounge.
I guess the stay was so so but we are use to Mirage, NYNY, MGM, LUXOR etc and weren’t really impressed with the IP except for the shows and comps.
We most likely will not stay there again although I must say the dealertainers were great and the hotel staff is very friendly. Almost like a cruise as far as that goes.
As far as the slow elevators, If you walk around behind the main elevator bank, there are a few back there the staff use and seem to be quicker.
Also there are a few behind the little walk up bar toward the front
Parking was a pain. When you put your car up it takes awhile to get in and out of the parking garage. It doesn’t have a main drive down row. The distance you drive up is the distance you drive back down. Some Hotel garages have a main exit drive you can get out quicker like LUXOR
Another thing we found out. The Harrah’s band plays continuously till 3:00 a.m. in the morning. Harrah’s had the best buffet in the area in our opinion although the staffs attitudes sucked. They have always had bad attitudes there. Why I don’t know.
That’s about it for this trip Steve, but thought you should know that IP isn’t the best, just the cheapest this trip.
We are headed to Maui again (6th time) Oct. 2-12 but will be back to vegas hopefully for Christmas. I am retiring Christmas this year after 32 years Fire Marshal in Tennessee and we are thinking of moving out there.
Thanks for all you do to keep us informed.
Fire Marshal JIM

Just want to say thanks.

Steve, I just wanted to drop you a line to say thanks for getting me the information on Bob Cohen at Imperial Palace. Bob is one of the nicest people. Bob really took great care of my wife and myself. We had a great time. I will try to write a report on my trip for the newsletter as soon as I can. Again, thanks.

Art

RE: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Members Corner
Dear Steve:

We were in Las Vegas from April 30 to May 7 and stayed at the IP. Had beenin touch with Bob Cohen prior to our trip. He took very good care of us.Everything I asked for he had all lined up. There is one type of room thatwe like and it was ready and waiting for us. He also arranged for a latercheck out on Saturday (2:00pm) so we did not have to hurry in the morning.

We had met Bob on our last visit to the IP and he is such a nice man. I sent him a gift card to show our appreciation because I think he did a great job for us and I don’t think enough people appreciate the hosts. All you have to do is mention Bob Cohen and you are treated like royalty. We had asked about a small refrigerator and how much it would cost. They said it was $7.50 and I didn’t know if that was for a day or the whole week. The check in person said it would be no charge because they knew Bob would OK it. I was willing to pay the charge, but again they said no need.

We have been staying at the IP for a number of years. This is the first time we had contacted Bob Cohen. We had always received good service but if you know Bob you receive great service.

The IP has turned into a fun place to stay. The slots seemed a little
tighter, but that was true of all the Casino’s we played in. This trip we had the worst luck we have ever had.

We did enjoy our stay and hope to return in October. We will be staying at the IP again. Don’t really care to stay at the large hotels. Too big and too pricey.

Mary Ann from Ohio

Las Vegas observations

Las Vegas observations June 9th thru 15th. Harrah’s is offering free pictures with a red, blue or gold showgirl. Similar to the Imperial Palace photo but you get the photo right there with very little wait. The showgirl is very cold however as she is standing under a airconditioning duct. LaPlaya lounge is now a karaoke lounge. No dueling pianos while I was there? World Series Of Poker early rounds is being held in the Rio convention area. It is a couple hundred yard walk all the way in the back. Its downhill part of the way but that means you have to go uphill coming back. Its in an open 300 by 500 room with a single large wattage light over every table. There were no bleachers to view the action that I saw. You are restricted to the outside so if who you want to see is in the middle he or she is not viewable. I boarded the Tram for $3.00 [price increase coming at the end of the year? ] at Harrahs for a round trip just to see how it was working? Offers a very nice view of the new golf course behind the Wynn. This is an elavated view that is very good. Will have to play course to get a better view. Maybe next trip. Station is very modern with trams arriving on a lower leval every 10 minutes or so but still a 100 feet or so in the air. Tram is very clean on the outside but the seats are cloth covered plastic which was well worn and torn in the car I was in. Walked from Harrahs to the Wynn [half mile or so] and wanted to take a cab back. 100 people waiting in line so I had to walk back. 2 points of observation at the Wynn. I went to club card desk to get a players card. Yes I knew about the 500 points to start it working. They slid the red card across the counter to me without doing anything on the computer. I asked don’t you want to see my drivers license? They said bring it back when you get 500 points. Made me feel small which isn’t all bad as I am a well rounded 300 pounds. I played craps at a $15.00 table. Gave them my card to be an unknown person to be rated. Until you get that 500 points you will be unknown to the computer. They tried to fancy up the craps table by putting lights like you would see hanging over a pool table. Covered almost all of my end of the table. Must have bee another at the other end???? It was at eye level and very fancy. Dealer asked me if I thought this was unusal in any way.? He then showing me where they had installed several minature cameras inside the lights so they could see what was happening on the table in the camera room. He said ?????? they were installed by 2 different sets of people. One trying to make the place look good but blocking the eye in the skys view of the table surface. They wern’t conserned about all the fun things that can occur on a craps table. Must not trust us or the dealers. Hope this wasn’t to long to put in the newsletter but the free picture deal is worth checking out. Keep the newsletter going as I enjoy it a lot. Kerry

Thanks Steve!

Hi Steve,

I know you are currently enjoying a wonderful time in
Las Vegas but I wanted to say thank you so much for
the link to Amy Hollin’s site - VegasDuSoleil.com. I
got my calendars and fridge magnets in the mail and am
truly pleased.

The calendars are on good quality glossy paper and the
pictures are magnificent and a great tribute to the
city. It’s really well produced. The fridge magnets
are very nice, too! They have a very nice selection to
choose from and are of good quality as well. Thanks
again,

Gord

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Steve’s Trip Report

Steve,
I went to the Wynn after the first hooplah was past and only stayed for a little while but was impressed with it’s beauty and I tell everyone I can to be sure and check out the bathrooms. I have never seen any more beautiful.
Linda

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Steve’s Trip Report

Steve, I went to Dishes at T.I. and spoke with Mr. Katz. He is a very nice gentleman and gave me his card and told me not to wait in line whenever I go to the buffet. I told him you sent your regards. He knew imediately who you were and was thrilled that Bob and I had decided to try Dishes on your recommendation. He knew you were going to be in Vegas that up coming week.
Bob and I were both pleased with the new buffet and actually ate there two times.

Sandy

Re: vegas show

Steve, just got back from our trip and it was awesome! We’d like to thank you for some of the reccomendations from the newsletter. Please post these for other readers:

*The Larry G. Jones show at the Plaza hotel, downtown, is excellent! He’s so talented. And, if you get a coupon that’s at the cashier’s cage, the show’s free with one drink. Then we ate at the Main Street Station buffet for dinner, and stayed downtown for the light show at night.

*Ellis Island’s steak special is just about the best we’ve ever had! $4.95 for a 10 ounce filet, potato, green beans, and soup or salad. And you MUST get the root beer! It’s homemade!!

*According to us, the Bellagio has the best breakfast buffet. And it’s well priced!

*And the best free entertainment - The Bellagio fountains. Get some fast food, drive over, and you can sit there for hours.

Hope this helps some of the readers. Again, thank you for all of your reccomendations!! -Phil Berman

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Members Corner

Steve,
Thanks for your suggestion for members to check out Dice Angel by Brian Rouff. It was great - takes the reader straight to Vegas from page one right through the last page. Great craps action in the book, Mr. Rouff has obviously thrown some dice. You’re in the know about all that is Vegas Steve - is there a psychic who can help players win? If so, will you give us that name and number? If not - everyone just read Dice Angel.
Thanks,
GS - newsletter member from the deep south who rarely gets to Vegas

about one of your members

I just wanted to tell you I have been reading Dee’s trip report and I emailed her with some questions and she has been so helpful. She is a very nice lady.

I just wanted you to know and to say Thank you for putting the trip reports out there.

Dorothy

Show info

I saw the Platters/Drifters/Coasters show at the Congo Room at Sahara this week- While the Congo Room is the same as it was 40 years ago, it’s very small size means no bad seats. With no assigned seating, tipping the maitre de and/or the person who shows you to your seat will get you a great seat! The show is just great, can not imagine anybody over the age of mid 40’s not loving this show!!!!!!!! The monorail drops you right at Sahara’s back door!

Monorail notes- the 10 trip ticket for 20 bucks is a deal. The ticket is sharable, so you can use it for all members of your party at the same time, and is good for 12 months!

Eric

ellis island

just got back from vegas, spent the week of the 4th there,stayed at the venetian, very nice although my wife and i think that on our next trip we will stay at the IP or the Westward Ho. Now i am from TEXAS and we take our steaks very seriously, we ate the stak at ellis island and it had to be one of the best steaks that i have ever had and at $4.95 it was a hell of a deal. I strongly reccomend(sp) that everybody eat there.

Food

Hi Steve,

I’ve been getting your newsletter for some years now and never written to you. Now I feel I have to report on Chinese food in the Las Vegas area. My husband and I discovered Chinatown in Las Vegas around 5 years ago. We lived in New Jersey at the time and every trip to Vegas included dinner at Chinatown. Now we live in Bunkerville, NV (80 miles NE of Las Vegas, approx. 1 hour away) and still make the trip to Chinatown when we want authentic Asian food. They are located on Spring Mountain Road. It is a whole area of many different Asian restaurants. It seems to be a well kept secret but one worth discovering.

Please tell your readers to venture from the Strip and try this little area for some great authentic dining and really reasonable prices.

Gloria

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Steve and Eileen’s Trip Report

Noticed your comment about “losing comps at Harrahs” and I thoroughly
agree with your response. “Totally Stupid”. My experience was staying at
Harrahs last Dec. for the rodeo, and they took my Diamond Card away,
since I had not stayed there all year, but had played there. What a
bummer. So, now I am not a customer of Harrahs(Vegas). But sure have
been getting a lot of mailings!!
By the way, had a terrible comp room, and I didn’t even use the rodeo
tickets(bad). Bought some at entrance. Thanks for letting me vent my
steam!!
Larry

Tip for your readers

Hi Steve,
I’ve been reading your newsletter for years and really enjoy it. Here’s a little tip for anyone planing to stay at the Bellagio. If you want a “Strip” view ask for a room that ends in an evan number from 44 to 70 and as high as possible. This will give you a great view of the Strip as well as the water fountain show.
My wife and I had room 7066 on our last trip and had a view of the Eiffel Tower at Paris as well as the water show, breathtaking!

Paul

Congrats

Congratulations on the marriage of your son. My “baby” gets married on July 30, and in true family tradition she is honeymooning in Las Vegas. She contacted Bob Cohen and is staying at the IP. She was impressed at how special he made her feel. Best of everything to you and Eileen. Mark

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 521
You know that you are really being unfair to your readership. The wonderful reviews that appear in the current issue are right out of Showbiz Weekly, a publication that has never written anything negative about anything in the city since it started. The magazine only cover shows that advertise…enough said.

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Steve’s Trip Report Hi Steve,

Just wanted to say hello and let you know what a nice time Jeff and I had when we met for brunch. Its always fun to put faces with the names of people you meet on line. Man the Hilton is the bomb!! am thinking of staying there out next trip. We did make it up to the IP sunday before we left but it was soooooooo crowded you couldn`t even walk though, so we didn`t stay too long there.
Did want to tell you that we went downtown friday after we left the hilton and a couple that was eating with us (I can`t remember their names but was from pittsburg do you know them if so if you have their e-mail addy could you pass it along) well they told us to go to the Vegas club for there 5 minute free slot play for new slots players and can you believe it Jeff came in 3rd and won 100$ too cool huh. So I wanted to thank them and let them know we won. All in all we did pretty good I hit for a straight flush on 3 card poker and that put us ahead for a minute!! Well you have a nice and safe holiday and I will ttys.
Debbie and Jeff

Sams Town Awards
Steve,

Somebody must be stuffing Casino Players ballot box or people haven’t been there lately and still think of it as it was in the past. I’ve been coming to Vegas for more than 25 years and have lived here the past 2 years. I have also been a Casino Player subscriber for many years. Sams Town was a great locals casino in years past, but they are no longer, in my opinion. I was a regular there, but things have changed and I have found much better local casinos where to gamble, eat and be entertained. I stopped in again the other day on a Tuesday evening and almost all of their $5 blackjack tables were 6-5, which any expert will tell you not to play. There low end video poker is terrible, you might find a few decent ones if you look. Their Steak & eggs special is awful. The steak is about the size of the heel of a shoe and almost as tough. Yes their rooms are nice and so is Mystic Park, but I’m there to gamble and occassionally eat. I will still stop in once in a while to see if things change, but for now I go elsewhere and others should too, until they get back to the way they used to be.

Charles

Comments

Just a few comments..heading for my second visit to LV next week (the
17th-22nd)..I have been going to LV for over 30 years and have yet to be
compted anything..have cards to just about all the casinos, but I guess that
I do not gamble enought to rate….Don’t care for the shows..too vulgar for
me..I do enjoy the great food available and the luxury of the casino
lodgings..occasionally visit Reno on the way down from the Seattle
area..reminds me of what downtown LV used to be..seldom stay at the same
place more than once..except my old favorite, now long gone, the
Hacienda..will be trying a different one this time, the San Remo….last
visit in March was at the Orleans and that was quite good. As long as they
haave a pool and the rooms are clean and decent, it is the price that
counts! The worse place I ever stayed at was on a free offer many years
ago..Vegas world! That place was rancid! Now it is called the Stratosphere,
but cannot get myself to go there! It was worse than the Wild west..at least
the WW was clean!

I would like to thank you….

Hello!

We chatted earlier this week about getting a room in Vegas for next weekend. I was the one staying at the Stratosphere, because I couldn’t get a Friday night room at the Hilton if you remember. I did what you suggested about calling and speaking to a manager about my being told that rooms were not available, and yet they were. It worked! (Those slot club cards do actually carry a little more weight than I thought.) We are not only staying there, we got fairly terrific room rates also! I remember you said the weekend was rather pricey; we got $99 rates on Thursday (sort of high for Thursday I thought) and Saturday, $109 on Friday and $49 on Sunday! I canceled at the Stratosphere timely enough to get our deposit back from them. We will still go down and play their $2 or $3 black jack tables as we have enjoyed their gaming area often.

I wanted to thank you so very much for your LV “tip” and let you know how very much I appreciated your being so kind as to take time to talk with me. I hope you enjoy your upcoming Las Vegas vacation later in August (as I know you will for sure). We plan to check out the gambling at Wynn’s while we are there at least.

Once again, thanks for being so hospitable and talking with me. We will of course enjoy our 4 nights there as always; but this will be even more special because we are staying where we love to stay! All thanks to you of course….

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Gail and Rich

Heidi Knapp Rinella

When I go to Vegas, I go for the games, and maybe a little for the restaurants. But I’m both cheap and impatient with standing on lines, so it’s unlikely I will dine at any of the places Ms. Rinella reviews, but thanks for providing her prose, which was delicious.
Best,
Steve

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Copyright 2005

Posted on September 1st, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Member's Corner