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

Hi Steve – as always – thanks for the wonderful newsletter. You do a great job. My friends and I just got back from Vegas for another wonderful trip – May 15-18th. First I want to say – that was too short a trip. We had to come back after three nights because one of the girls couldn’t get off work on Thursday. Flew American out of Dallas for $ 200.00 round trip. Nice flight. Landed on Sunday night – checked into our hotels at the airport – smart move – no lines. I stayed at Bally’s on a full comp. They upgraded me to the top floor, new room, no charge – it was great. Lovely, huge room with granite tops on the vanity and in the bathroom. Huge lounger chair, desk with computer port, dressing area, huge comfy bed, and turn down service. We ate in the Sidewalk Cafe – prime rib special with king crab legs – super food. Mine was free, but my friends only payed $ 13.00 bucks each – what a deal. Played in the new Bally’s poker room every day. What a wonderful time that was. Won every night and the dealers were so nice and easy to play with. I was a little intimidated at first, I play holdem all the time here in Texas, but had never played in Vegas. They made me feel so welcome. What a great poker room I bought in for $ 40.00 dollars and made $ 220.00 the first night playing the 2-4 tables. Nice win. Played the next two days and won $ 160.00 and $ 120.00 both times. Slots were ok, not too tight. Found some fun ones and made a little more there. I couldn’t believe how nice everyone was there. The waitresses were always around bringing water, coffee or whatever, the slot floor people were always friendly, and the comp card place was so easy with the new kiosks. Never stood in line once. Played in a poker tournament at the Flamingo and got 4th out of 64. Went to PF Changs Tues. night – as always the food was super – the Aladdin is changing now to hard rock, not too happy with that, but it was fun that night. Went to the Palms – nothing special. The TV makes it look so great, it was kind of dull. Left after about 45 minutes. All in all though a super trip. I love Vegas. Thanks again.
Jeanne From Abilene, Texas.

members meetings

Hello!

Well, it look’s like I’m going to miss another members meeting by a few weeks as I’ll be back July 10-15th for my 8th visit.

My wife and I and 16 year old son always rent a car and move about alot and see as much as we can in a week. Our routine includes early evening visits to the many skateboard parks that Vegas has to offer as my son is a die-hard skateboarder. One of the more “interesting” things we have done was eat lunch at the Liberty Cafe @ the White Cross Pharmacy on LV Blvd. between the strip and down town. It’s kind of a rough part of town with real local’s in the place. Have you ever been? It’s a trip! And a bit scary too.

At any rate, I love your news letters. And since I’m going to miss you again, I wondered if there is any specific place or event you would like to have a review on while I’m there? I like to write and would get a kick out of having you publish something I wrote. I don’t want to just send in a synopsis of my personal trip though. I’d like to offer your readers a great review and story on something that you think would really be of interest and help.

If you have any ideas just let me know. It would be an honor to contribute a piece to your great newsletter. I like yours the best because it seems very real and personal. Keep up the wonderful work!

–
John
Crown Point, Indiana

Re: Wedding Trip Report

Flew out of Detroit (Toledo lost their connection to Las Vegas) on February 9 to get married in Vegas on Valentine’s Day. Everything went picture perfect until the day after the wedding (more about that later).

We had a limo waiting for us at the airport to take us to Palace Station. Had a gorgeous room the tower and friends who live in Vegas to take us wherever we wanted to go. First stop was to get our marriage license. I was amazed at how many older couples there were in line. We figured it would mostly be couples in their 20’s, and that we would feel out of place (as we were a bit older), but surprisingly, the majority of them were in their 40’s and 50’s. And quite a long line it was, as it was Valentine’s weekend.

With that done, we had over three days to do as we pleased before the ceremony. We gambled a lot, drank a lot, went to the Strip, and had some fabulous meals. I had one of the best meals ever at Pasta Palace in Palace Station. It was the Valentine’s Special.

The morning of our wedding, my daughter had sent to our room roses, champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries. She had been working closely with our casino host Kathy. They put their heads together and the plan came off perfectly. I never had a clue.

We chose to get married at Texas Station. We have such a connection to Station Casinos, that our whole day was planned with that in mind. We have so many fond memories with them over the eight years going to Vegas that we wanted to add one more. We couldn’t have made a better choice. The chapel at Texas was beautiful. It looked as if it were brand new. We were the only couple scheduled to be married there on Valentine’s Day. We had our pick of the time we wanted, so we choose 11:00 AM. Our friends from Vegas took us to the chapel, where we met my husband’s two aunts, who also live there. They were our witnesses. So, we did have family attending. I would not have changed a thing. Everything went like clockwork. We did all the planning through the wedding coordinator, Lupe, by E-mail, fax and phone. Nothing was forgotten, left behind, or lost. Since ours was the only wedding that day, we were told we could go back in and take all the pictures we wanted. I had told the aunts to go crazy with the camera, take as many as you like.

After the ceremony, as everybody we were with liked to gamble, we headed for the casino floor. My husband took his buddy for a Manhattan at the Martini Bar. I found a machine close by, and ordered a drink from the floor cocktail waitress. I realized I had left all my lose change back in the room, so I went up to the bar to get some change from my husband and he said, “See it’s starting already.”

Everywhere we went we were complimented, congratulated and commented on. I had seen so many brides on our previous trips, and had done the same thing, not knowing that some day I would be a Vegas bride. My husband was so proud. He said, “Let’s go to a different hotel, dress up like this in our wedding clothes every year on our anniversary.”

We went to the Fiesta for lunch (they are connected to the Station Casinos, also). Then our friends took us back to Palace Station.

We had a limo reserved for our wedding supper at Sunset Station (again compliments of Palace Station). One of my husband’s favorite restaurants is the Sonoma Cellar. On a previous trip, he had become acquainted with Michael the manager there and he had called and set up a reservation time. My daughter was at work again, behind our backs, and made sure there was a bottle of champagne at our table. It was a great meal, and would highly recommend the restaurant. It is well worth the trip, as it is in Henderson.

Sunset arranged for our limo ride back to Palace. We were still caught up in the excitement of our wedding day, and not ready to call it quits yet. Back out on the floor for more gambling. This was not our best trip winning wise. Neither one of us were big winners. We had been accustomed to a least one of us hitting a jackpot, but not this trip. But all in all, nothing was going to spoil this trip. Until, the next day. I woke up with the flu, and spent the whole day in the room. I didn’t leave until our 6:00 check out time. Our limo wasn’t due to pick us up until 8:30, so I found a couch and got comfortable (actually I was able to fall asleep, after seeping all day in the room) until it was time to leave. Then on to the airport. There is no way to get comfortable there. Those seats are not made for comfort. Finally, we boarded, and I slept all the way home. After all the great meals in Vegas, I was only able to drink two cups of tea and a can to tomato juice that day.

Even with the flu, which took me almost four weeks to get over, I wouldn’t have changed one single thing. I would recommend a Vegas wedding to anyone. It was that perfect.

Thanks for all the great information you provide to Vegas visitors. I look forward to all your E-mails. I was very disappointed when for some reason I wasn’t receiving them. Now thanks to the archives, I can go back and retrieve the ones I missed.

Marilyn
Ohio

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 508

HI STEVE, I ENJOY YOUR NEWSLETTERS AND LOOK FORWARD TO THEM. I HAVE BEEN A PLATINUM PLAYER AT HARRAHS IN ATLANTIC CITY FOR 6 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN GOING THERE FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS, AT LEASE 4 TIMES PER YEAR, AS I AM RETIRED AND AM ON A FIXED INCOME. LAST WEEK I PHONED THEM ABOTHE NEW 6 MONTH POLICY THEY HAVE WITH LOSING YOUR POINTS. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE THEY STARTED THE TOTAL REWARDS. THE PAST 4-5 YEARS, I WAS ALSO GETTING SATURDAY NITE ROOM COMPS, NOW I ONLY GET SUN. THRU FRI. (NOW MY WIFE CAN’T GO AS SATURDAYS IS THE ONLY NIGHT SHE CAN). THEY HAVE ALSO INCREASED THE POINTS FROM 3000 TO 4000 TO MAKE PLATINUM. I ALWAYS LIKED HARRAHS, BUT THEY AREN’T GOOD FOR THE LITTLE GUYS ANY MORE AND I DOUBT I WILL MAKE MY 4000 POINTS THIS YEAR. SHOULD I MAKE A COPY OF MY TOTAL REWARDS POINTS BEFORE I COME OUT THERE AND STAY AT HARRAHS SO I WON’T BE TOLD THAT I HAVEN’T ANY POINTS AS YOU WERE? TONY

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 508

hi there

i just returned form a 5 night stay at TI and we were very disappointed in their new policy to only comp a table game player if the wager is $25 or more.. for my wife and i playing together that means we have to have a$50 bet on the table just to get a few measly comps

they wouldn’t ven aknowledge that we sat at the gaming tables for 4-6 hours at a time

i go to vegas 3 -4 times a year and i wont stay or spend a dime in any mirage property again

Dennis

Re: Harrah’s Reward Comps

We returned from Las Vegas late Tuesday night. I’m happy to say it was one of our better trips we’ve had in the past couple of year$. The horses were quite kind to Bill as was the roulette wheel. The weather was wonderful. Over one hundred degrees and six percent humidity.

In the past few weeks I have expressed my opinions on several topics to the Harrah’s management. I really question their Customer Loyalty slogan. HA!
The answer I got in return concerning the expiration of reward credits was a suggestion to obtain a Harrah’s credit card. Once you use the card your rewards are extended 6 more months from the date of cc use -and all you have to charge is $1.00 to reset your date of expire. Plus for each dollar you charge you get a reward credit. What a scam.

Here’s another good one – Harrah’s info states make sure you check in at their rewards counter when you visit on your birthday month and you will be rewarded with a special prize — Harrah’s treats their loyal customers right. The Sunday of our visit was my husband Bill’s 56th birthday. He checked in at the counter and got a deck of Harrah’s playing cards. Happy Birthday! That was worth the walk back to the rewards center.

I sure would like to see Harrah’s give their place a good spring cleaning. I feel sorry for the cleaning crew…probably like every other major company these days – over worked and under staffed but the place is dusty. The baseboards of the elevators need attention. The lights and frou-frou over the slot carousels are all layered with dust. The brass trim is fingerprint filled and gummy. I can remember visiting Caesar’s 10 years ago and a cleaning supervisor was walking around with a white glove on holding a flashlight making sure the place was spotless.

A funny story…I was in the invitational slot tournament held over the weekend. My first 2 sessions were absolutely horrible and Friday night I was in the 242 spot. Saturday’s session was much better and I finished 114 overall qualifying me for a “special prize”. I went to the counter to collect and the “special prize” is a pair of MauiJim sunglasses. Kind of a strange prize but much easier to carry home on the plane that the Baccarat crystal candy dish I got last fall when I finished 150 in the Halloween Tournament. A woman was next to me also collecting her “special prize”. This gal went ballistic when she discovered the gift was sunglasses. She took off on the poor person handing out the gift. The greedy woman said “My house burned to the ground last week. I lost everything I owned and all I get for my prize is sunglasses?” It became so quiet in the area that you could hear a pin drop. Hello? I think getting sunglasses would have been the least of my concerns.

It looks like Cafe At Harrah’s should be opening soon. Ming’s Table located where Asia once was should be open now. They were doing trial meals Monday evening. The Ming’s Table menu is very similar to Asia but several dollars cheaper. I am sad to see Asia closed. That was one of my favorites.
I would like to see a deli type of eatery at Harrah’s. I find the Winning Streaks food too greasy and wish they would offer some healthier alternatives.

Even after all my complaints we are getting ready to book our trip out for Breeder’s Cup. We will stay at Harrah’s only because of the people who work the race and sports, deal roulette and write Keno. When we walk into their sections after being gone 7 months and are greeted by name it sure make one feel good.

Thanks for all the good work you do putting out the newsletter. It’s much appreciated and enjoyed.

Trish

Re: [EverythingLasVegas]

Dear Steve: Just a quick note to let you know how I look foward to receiving your newsletter every week regarding new doings in Las Vegas. My wife and I try to go twice a year to Las Vegas and we stay at Circus Circus all the time. We have a beautiful room in the main tower, no problem in the casino with children and it may not be the fanciest hotel on the strip, but it’s clean and the children don’t come into the casino just like the other hotels. No matter where you go, There will always be children around. Just enjoy las vegas for what it is and keep writing a fantastic newsletter.
Arnold and Shirley Fort Pierce Florida

Thank You

Steve,
I usually go to Las Vegas once a year in July. I’m a school teacher,
so I have a couple of months of free time before the trip. I normally
start my mornings with a cup of joe surfing the net to find info to
make our trip more enjoyable. I just wanted to let you know how much I
appreciate your newsletter. It has such great information! When I
find something that interests me, I copy that section. I create a word
document that goes with me on the trip. My husband calls it my “Cheat
Sheet”! That sheet has been the beginning of some very wonderful
trips. Thank you for the time you invest in creating Everything Las
Vegas. Good luck to you and Eileen on your next trip. I wish I had her
carma for picking the right machines!
Take Care,
Jules

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 510

I have been receiving you emails for about two years now. I finally went to vegas and read all of your emails before going. I felt I was a veteren!!

I stayed at the bellagio. Paid only $159 a night!! I went to the new wynn hotel.

Left vegas a winner…. won over $1,200!!! nearly paid for my airfare, hotel and all food!! had a blast… things for the emails!!!

marc

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Members Corner Edition:Part Two

Hi Mr.Vegas,

this is my first time writing in, I don’t usually have time to write a trip
report, but go to Vegas at least twice a year.

anyway, just wanted to let you know about KA. We saw it on May 20ish. The
seats are great – speakers in the headrest!

the show was so dull, I honestly fell asleep. Maybe I was expecting too
much.

Mishel
(regular reader of your newsletter)

FYI

I was just thinking back a few years about some of the changes,In Vegas…But I guess the one thing that amuses me most is when Rio first opened. I stayed there all the time from there first week open,and then every trip,after. I rememeber when the fire alarm went off the first trip there and RioRita walking around saying dont worry about a thing …its a false alarm..keep gambling…Thats when there was only 1 tower and only 1 Rio Rita…Then as we were playing blackjack,people coming to the table offering “FREE” tickets to see Danny Gans…Danny wasnt MrVegas back then…Rio was “FUN” then Harrahs came..Prices went UP…service went DOWN,and although I still visit Rio when Im in town,I wouldnt stay there…Just a thought to everyone…Get off the strip and stay downtown…The Nugget is a great buy,,,and classy enouigh for all of us…Fitzs is small but clean and easy to get in and out if youre driving…Try it ..Youll like it !!

Re: Ellis Island coupon

I also read this on another board. That the internet ones, including that Dealers one, not being accepted. Heck I didn’t need a coupon. That $4.95 steak special, including my drink only came to like $5.50, that to me is a very, very good deal, made the long walk from Monte Carlo worth it.

Mel

Re: Ellis Island coupon

Steve,

The Ellis Island steak is a just right size for a meal, the beans are fresh, the salad cold, and you might want to try the homemade rootbeer. While waiting for the table try the wheel of fortune machine facing the restaurant. At minimum it usually pays for our meals at max it set me up for the remainder of the
nights gambling.

China

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 511

To increase business and on the monorail, wouldn’t it make make more sense to lower the price to increase the numbers of riders? We rode it for free when it first opened and it was packed everytime we got on!

Just my opinion! Sheri from Florence

Trip Report
HI Steve,
My wife and I made our annual April trip. We left from Manchester, NH on Friday and expected to be in Vegas by 11:00 P.M. However Mother Nature had other plans for us and we spent the night on a bench in Cincinnati. Left there on Sat AM (First Class) and arrived in Vegas about 10:00 A.M.. It took almost 1.5 hours to get our bags which we were sure were on another plane. Off to get car and they didn’t have our resv. We are Hertz Gold and the problem was straightened out in 5 minutes. Leave McCarran and head to Excalibur. Valet guy recognized us and we were on our way. He arranged for the luggage and took care of the car. Once inside the hotel we went to instant check in and they had lost our Reservation. Again floor person recognized us and shuttled us into VIP check in. Apologies all around, gave us free drink vouchers (to bad we don’t drink) and food vouchers for the restaurants (we do eat).
Room was great, close to elevator and overlooking airport. We were scheduled to go to Members Meeting at IP but opted out as we were over tired.
We go to Vegas at least twice a year and most years 3 times so Vegas has few surprises for us.
Sunday we stayed pretty close to home and firstwife had some luck at the penny slots in Excalibur. Now I know some people don’t like this particular hotel but we love it. Comps are great and easy and there is something to be said for staying at the same place. We do get great treatment (we also know how to tip) and the gambling has always been better than average. Sunday PM we went to Orleans for the buffet which was OK, nothing spectacular but not bad. Then to see The Smothers Brothers Show which was terrific.
Monday we went from hotel to hotel and again firstwife had quite a bit of luck with penny machines. Dinner was at Bally’s Big Kitchen which is always a treat for us. Back to Excalibur and I hit a penny machine for $284.00 and a $.25 machine for $150.00
Tuesday we went to Westward Ho for there $2.39 3/4 lb hot dog and then to the lounge for a free Sunday and believe it or not we ran into Elvis Presley ( I thought he was this dead!!!!). Tuesday P.M. we headed downtown and saw Downtown Gordie Brown at the Golden Nugget. Unbelievable show. This was an evening of pure entertainment. He is no longer there but I hear a rumor he is moving to the Venetian. This is a must see.
Wednesday was not a good day for us, lost almost everyplace we went. Dinner at the Rio World Buffet was #1.
Thursday we started at the Stratosphere and wherever we went we hit little. So it was a pretty good day. Thursday P.M. was The Comedy top at the Tropicana. This is another must see for us. Laugh out loud funny with out being vulgar.
Friday we made our biggest score of the week at Excalibur. Firstwife hit $500.00 on a slot and I hit for $875.00 on a Wild Cherry $1.00 machine. Dinner at Sir Galahads and then off to airport for the red eye back to NH.
We return for 9 days in September and we are counting the days.
Dave & Nancy
Tilton, NH

trip report

We had a 7:00 a.m. flight on Sat. from Indy We arrived at IP at 10:00 a.m., of course it was too early for our rooms to be ready. We got players cards, checked luggage and then went to Harrah’s for the buffet. It was ok, good shrimp, salad and desserts.
Our rooms were ready around 2:00, still not much sleep and this haunted me the entire trip.
We ended up downtown that night, ate at Golden Nugget’s cafe and that was very good. We like to eat at a cafe rather than a buffet or a fancy dinner when in Vegas. Lady Luck is a place we had never gone and there was this coupon in the ACG which turned out to be really a waste of time. Lady Luck is probably the only casino I can honestly say I hate. The smells alone were enough to get out of there.
We were all so tired that we wondered around, went into Binions and the Plaza and took a cab back to IP. I gambled at a dollar machine for about 2 hours and had a good time winning 20 or 30 here and there and all on the same 100 but alas it was gone and I went to bed after losing more playing VP.
The next day after little sleep once again, went to Bally’s and ate at the cafe there which was pretty good but not the best cafe. We then went over to Paris and gambled there for a couple hours waiting until the 2:00 show “We Will Rock You”, lost more there but the show was excellent. I highly recommend it and was totally entertained for 2 hours. I think it’s the best Vegas show I have ever seen.
We left Paris after the show, went back to freshen up and walked to Wynn. It is elegant and very beautiful but they really had no mercy on the wallets. I like Bellagio much better personally. We all gambled at the machines of all denominations and there were no winners. One of our friends wanted to see the Sirens at TI so we went there and waited on a crowded bridge for 20 minutes only to be told it was canceled due to wind and then we were trapped for 30 more minutes trying to get out. It was hideous! Mirage was the next stop and the Carbi Cafe. I ordered onion soup and the spoon was like a knife and cut my mouth@@. I sent back the spoon and told the server to throw it out but there was nothing taken off the bill. That was strange and it seems like the look of that place has changed to be more like Studio cafe at MGM.
We decided the next day we would rent a car and we headed back to IP. Stopped at Harrahs and lost more money there. I think that is the night we were in bed by 11:30 but up at 5:00 a.m. the next day.
We ended up driving to Mt. Charleston that day and it was so great, had a coffee and Bailey’s at the Inn and after a couple hours of sight seeing, headed to the Palms, lost some more money and then to Hard Rock and Lucky’s cafe for the 7.77 special. That was very good and a lot food. I didn’t gamble there, the gift shop was on out to do list though. We went to Sahara and Stratosphere and we all played BJ there and I lost some but dh made up for it and we left after breaking even. After freshening up back at IP we headed over to Margaritaville which I loved. The atmosphere was right up my ally and it was just so much fun.
We gambled at Barbary Coast, Flamingo and O’Sheas but only to lose more money. It was a fun night though.
We ended up going to MGM the next morning for the breakfast buff and it was good as always. The next stop M&M store for kids stuff. Tropicana was next and it was like being on a game show when I used my coupon to get free slot play. It was tacky but I did win after that on a 1.00 machine for 150.00 and dh won at BJ so we headed over the Excalibur. I lost on the slots but won 38.00 on VP. Dh did well there also on BJ. We went from there to NYNY where the roulette table kicked my butt and then to MC for the tram to Bellagio. I went to the Monet exhibit while he played Black Jack once again. I enjoyed the exhibit, very interesting. We left to go to meet up with our friends at the Brew Pub back at MC. Dinner was good but we gambled some and while waiting for our friends before dinner I hit 400.00 on a slot. I didn’t feel like gambling after dinner and dh said he didn’t either so we headed back and went to bed.
The next day was time to leave early so we didn’t gamble at all and ate at the airport. Our friends went to the Titanic exhibit btw and said it was really interesting.

Re: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 511

Regarding Vegas Airport…. many of the upgrades in facilities are alreadyin place including Starbucks, the Ruby’s Diner with all day b-fast and theWolfgang Puck eatery. Visitors might also like to know that there is a new”tram” that runs to/from concourse D. I believe it is only for Continental passengers and is rather convenient. Rather similar to Pitts. PA airport.

I was there for Memorial Day weekend and it was a capacity crowd everywhere.

And no wonder Wynn is so revenue oriented–I didn’t win and didn’t see
anyone else either. Absolutely fabulous in design and layout. Only bad part was trying to leave at the same time a show let out when there is really only one main egress for cabs so…walked to Stardust.

Whoa lots of dust at the Stardust…cocktail waitress yelling who ordered the Bud across slot banks! Glad it wasn’t me. Viva Las Vegas but have to save up for next vacation.

Anyone know what makes the air smell so good at the MGM Grand?
Even the toys and clothes purchased in the gift shop smell grand! Best of luck.

Jodi in Ohio

Members Corner submission

My husband and I just spent four nights in Vegas (May 30 – June 3). We try to get to Vegas at least once a year but it has been almost 18 months since our last trip. Weather was wonderful, especially as we are usually there in January. Other than booking a room, we had no real plans for the week which worked out fine. My goals (play poker in a casino, see one show, and have one nice dinner) were all met. Goal one – play poker in a casino. I play quite a bit on the internet so I know all the rules. However, I really wanted to play against other people. My husband learned that the Palms offered poker lessons at noon each day. That seemed to be a safe way to ease into playing so the Palms was our first stop. Sandy, our dealer/teacher, was a blast. Fast talking but full of good information. I lost $20 but it was worth every penny. For what its worth, this is one of my favorite casinos. By far, the friendliest staff of any hotel/casino I have had contact with in Vegas. Goal two – See one show – I wanted to see either We Will Rock You or Forever Plaid (how’s that for a range!) but I have seen both so I let my husband pick the show. We saw George Wallace – very funny (and I am not a fan of comedy shows so I don’t say this often) and highly recommended. We learned later that tickets were available at the half price booth (Fashion Show mall or M & M store) so be sure to check. Goal three – Have a nice dinner – Husband picked Lawrys which he told me was a steak house. As we went to the taxi stand, we learned from the bell man that it’s a prime rib restaurant; not a steak house. Not my thing. We ended up back at the Palms restaurant Nine. Although no tables were available, we were seated in the bar/lounge area where we were offered the full menu. Again, the nicest, most attentive staff. We spent a day downtown (gotta love the 301/302 busses!) playing bingo at the Plaza and eating 99 cent shrimp cocktails at the Golden Gate. As for gambling – I had a nice run at the MGM roulette table one day and another nice run at an Aladdin craps table another. I am quite a conservative gambler and I tend to play the games were I can stretch out my gambling budget. We spent the early evenings in the sports book betting the ponies from our local track (Charlestown in WV). As for lodging, we stayed at Harrah’s (second time we have stayed there) but I expect it will be the last. No coffee maker in the room, no safe in the room (although they have safe deposit boxes at the front desk) and, most importantly, few, if any five dollar tables. I am not a big spender by any means but it would be nice to gamble in my home casino. My husband had a nice run at Bally’s so that may be our next hotel. Too bad he had a run-in with a craps stick-man at Aladdin as I really like it there. Other random notes – The Wynn is beautiful. Casino Royale has $2 craps tables (even at night!).Aladdin’s breakfast buffet (at $12.99) is still wonderful. Harrah’s (at $10.99) is weak (but the five dollar discount coupon from the carnival court cuties made it passable). Lisanevada

(no subject)

Dear Steve,

Just a quick thank you for your part in my purchase of the Las Vegas Collector Series Calendar. The price and the service provided by the supplier was excellent.

Thanks again……SteveFR

Vegas

Hi Steve: Thank you for all the great info. Just came back from Vegas. Had a wonderful time. Seen the KA show at MGM. I thought it was wonderful show the work that went into it we enjoyed it very much. Stay 2 nights at Riviera and was invited to the Dinner Boat on Lake Mead, it was great , food, drinks and dinner plus a camera all on the Riviera Hotel. Won big at Rampart Casino. Didn’t do very well on the strip. Lost some money at the SunCoast. Thanks for all the great tips.
Rose-Chicago

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

That was an incredibel newsletter Steve, I’m glad I ate before I read it…. even so, I am drooling at the mouth just thinking about all that food………. LOL.

Chris

NOTE:
This Members Corner will soon be posted at my new website:
www.everythinglv.com

Please check out the new site as this will be the future home of the newsletter.

Steve

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————-
Wynn’s Hotel

HI Steve: I just read some of the review’s of Wynn’s Hotel. I think the dogs are a great idea. I sure would feel very safe. But the no buying cigarettes. If I was playing a $500.00 slot machine and I ran out of Cig………I sure would expect the Hotel to give me one pack if I needed to smoke!! Also the strollers!!! still if I was a middle spender I would need my stroller for a kid , just doesn’t seem right. Well when he starts loosing business , I am sure things will change. After all the world is not made up of Adults and non-smokers!!! Also your right about Harrah’s Hotel rewards. If I don’t go back in 6 months to that hotel so be it….and if I loose my points , then for sure I wont go back there!!! Not everyone can get back to Vegas twice a year…. Hopefully some of these Hotels wont step on their own toes…..But that’s alright, maybe the local casino’s will do even better and more people will venture out to there places.

Thanks for listening
Rose

Steve:
I feel every Newsletter is just great. I would like to say one word for the returning visitor to Vegas – Timeshare. I know it is not a good word BUT….. I was a frequent visitor to the Tropicana. It was very reasonable and convenient but cramped for my three boys and my husband and I. We originally went to several timeshare presentations mainly for the freebees. Eventually we bought one. We love it! With a full kitchen and laundry in the unit life is so much easier. If we don’t want to go out for breakfast we can have a bowl of cereal or eggs. And now I bring half the clothes I used to. They also have cocktail parties,raffles, movie nights and other activities which are nice (if you want to participate). It is so spacious it is like having a superior suite in a hotel (which we could never afford). The only problem is the continual “hard sell” to upgrade. If the salespeople would come to realize that they have a great product which could sell itself if left
alone they would be better off. Many people are totally turned off by the high pressure of these salespeople. But I must admit, the facilities are great and we are very happy we bought it.
Pat

Members Corner

Terrific report! Sounds like you had a very busy trip.
I am taking Jet Blue for the first time on June 9th. I’m sure I will enjoy the Direct TV on the long flight. We usually fly Continental or AW from Newark but since the prices were so high, we decided to try Jet Blue and were able to get the flight for $276 for the times were wanted.
I was going to take the Haunted Vegas tour but decided to see the Rat Pack instead. We are also seeing Ka at MGM. I haven’t heard much about the show and am hoping it is as good as the other Cirque shows.
I’ll have to give Dishes a try this trip too. We are also going to try Bradley Ogdens at Ceasars which I heard was good.
There are just so many restaurants I want to try and others I want to return to I would need another week to get them all in.
Thanks again for the great report.
Sandy

Just a Note

I also have rated We Will Rock You very highly (9.5 on a scale of 10). It is one of my favorite shows. I saw the Sunday Matinee show on April 2, and had great seats for $57.50. I consider this show a real value, and had row 7 seats, six seats to the left of dead center. While previously sitting four rows from the top center stage, which were good seats in December, I could really see facial expressions of the actors and actresses on stage which made the show even better in April. This show is good enough that I look forward to seeing it each time I head back for Vegas. My next goal is to somehow talk them into letting me interview Patti Russo (Killer Queen), and Carly Thomas (Oz) along with Paul Cook (lead guitar player) as I think the musical aspects of this production are absolutely outstanding. My next trip is August 7.

I am somewhat discouraged with Harrahs and the six month lose your points rule you’ve mentioned. And now I understand when they raise table limits they are not grandfathering players who were previously playing under the lower table limits. I have played at a lot of tables where they raised the limits, but no casino has ever made the players there previously also play at the higher minimums in my esperience.

The last time out I stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton and Imperial Palace. I think the Hilton is my new favorite hotel. I had a 26th floor room, and the view was outstanding. While I thought the Imperial Palace rooms were satisfactory, I lost table game money so quickly that I didn’t even get tracked for that lost money on my players card. And when I checked out, they double billed me, which put me over on a credit card limit, which shouldn’t have happened. So I was favorably impressed by the Hilton, and a little irritated at the IP. They also took my favorite black jack tables, the Champaign Pit, and turned them from $5 minimums with 3:2 black jack payouts for two decks to $10 minimums, single-deck, 6:5 games which I consider to be a ripoff game.

I am curious. You mentioned a sandwich shop by the Sports Book at LVH. What is the name of it again, and what are their best sandwiches (maybe a meatball sub or something)? On my last trip I saw O, WWRY, X, Larry Jones, Showgirls of Magic, Bite, The Scintas, Erocktica, and The Fashionistas. In addition to the review for these shows, I also wrote a review of the Star Trek Experience on my yahoo group. You always have permission to use any reviews if you want to.

I hope you and Eilleen are doing well.
Take care.
Phil

Trip Report

Vegas trip report for April 23 to April 30. Arrived at Barbary Coast
about noon and unable to check in for a couple of hours. We were
informed that we had been upgraded to a suite for the one night. Upon
checking in we were very surprised as to how nice the rooms were.
Almost made us just want to stay in the room. My wife was dead tired
that night so she crashed at 10:30 pm . I played some video poker at
the Barbary Coast and hit a straight flush which put me ahead a few
dollars. Next day we caught the shuttle to the Gold Coast. Unable to
check in until later we went to the Palms to eat at one of our favorite
places. The Garduno’s Mexican restaurant has the Sunday margaretta
brunch, which we always enjoy. That night we caught a couple of the
free shows at the Rio. These shows are very entertaining and the best
part is they are free. On Monday we went to New York, N.Y. for lunch
at one of their fast food places. My wife loves the clam chowder from
Fulton Fish Market. Then I stood in line for half price tickets and we
got tickets for the Coasters, Platters and Drifters. We caught the shuttle
to the Strip that night and then the Monorail to Sahara. The show was terrific. Each
group sang for 30 minutes and then they all got together for several songs.
A very enjoyable evening. We joined the slot club at the Sahara and they
gave us $10.00 each to play. We lost of course. On tues. back to the
half price ticket office at the Coke sign and I was third in line, the day before
I was lst in line. We got tickets to see George Wallace again and what
a wonderful time of laughther. He is great and I encourage all to see his
show if you get a chance. On wednesday we were able to get those
discounts tickets at Harrah’s to see Mac King. It was just an hour until show time so
we listened to the music outside Harrah’s and caught the show at 2pm.
They have moved him into the Clint Homes theater due to the larger crowds.
During some of the time we are at the Gold Coast we were of course
playing video poker and our luck was pretty bad. We had started staying
at the Gold coast because of the less expensive rooms and our luck was
pretty good there. However, this trip it was a disaster. On Wed. night we
had dinner at the Italian place at Gold Coast (Arriva’s). Another disaster,
the food was alright, however, it took an hour to get our food. The manager
came over and blamed the problem on a new waiter. We were rewarded
with free desert. On our last night we went back to Garduno’s at the Palms
and as always the mexican food is great. We had a little luck there, but,
nothing special. My only good hits all week were a straight flush at Barbary
Coast and another one at Casino Royal. I must say we were very dissapointed at the video poker at the Gold Coast. We had a very enjoyable
week and it seems we never have time to do all we want to do and see. We
arrived at the airport only to find out that our plane out of Atlanta had been
delayed due to bad weather. We arrived back in Atlanta to find it very cool,
windy and raining. We return to Vegas on Sept. 7th and hopefully will have
better luck next time. Larry & Eleanor Robinson, Montgomery, Al.

Show was outstanding as usual.
songs.s

April Trip

Steve,
Love the newsletter. Always get lots of good tips. We were in Vegas for
our annual trip with 4 other couples April 24-29. Got in too late on
Sunday for your get together but hope to meet you and Eileen some time.
The bad thing was that each couple stayed at a different hotel although
one couple was with us at Sunset Station for a few nights. We had 4
nights comped and paid for one. Remodeled rooms are nice, pool area was
not crowded like other hotels, casino floor is always good and food
choices are abundant. Also, had comps for some meals at Sunset and Green
Valley Ranch. Saw “We Will Rock You’ at Paris which was great. Saw ‘O’
at Bellagio and it was okay but not as good as ‘Mystere’ last year. None
of us could figure out the story line. Had comped tickets for David
Brenner at LV Hilton which was a good show but machines were really
tight. One couple got us all buy one – get one free dinner buffets at
Orleans. Hadn’t been there in years but were impressed with changes and
wouldn’t mind staying there. We went down to Sahara as one in the group
heard they had low table minimums. Ended up joining their slot club to
get the free $10 play. Stayed there a few hours, played some Craps with
no luck. Others in the group played Blackjack and won some. Checked out
the Riviera 50th Anniversary and had some cake and tried 3 Card Poker but
got out before I lost more than $20. Not much luck there. I did have
one day where I only lost $15 after playing different slots at different
casinos all day which I consider pretty good. My husband had a lucky
streak where he won a hat in a Riviera drawing and then hit a Royal Flush
on a progressive nickel video poker machine at Green Valley Ranch for
$663. I expected bells and whistles but only got credits added to total
on ticket in/ticket out machine. Except for my hooping and hollering no
one would have even noticed. This was the biggest win out of the 10 of
us for the trip. We tried the much hyped ‘Cravings’ buffet at Mirage but
were very disappointed. Breakfast was way too typical, twice as
expensive as Sunset Station and redecorated room is industrial feeling
and noisy and food stations lining the walls are not convenient.
Wouldn’t go back again. Used comps for breakfast buffet at Paris which
was wonderful as usual. Next time we hope to fit in a dinner buffet
there to see if it is just as good. We wanted to go see the new Wynn’s
on Friday before we left but the crowds never thinned out so it will have
to wait for next year. The group likes to end up the night listening to
Cat Daddy at Bally’s. They put on a good show and really get the
audience up and dancing. Always a good way to wind down the day. What
could be better than spending 5 days with 8 of our closest friends and
having some laughs? Life is good.
Gail from Chicago

RE: [Everythinglasvegas] Everything Las Vegas: Issue # 505

In your email newsletter from today, I enjoyed your humorous line below, although you didn’t KNOW it was humorous:

“People who visited Wynn Las Vegas are reporting extremely tight security, from armed security guards to bomb-sniffing dogs.”

***Let me tell you HOW secure Wynn’s new place is… NOT:

I went to Wynn’s 2 days ago, May 11th for the first time as I just got into Las Vegas and wanted to see the new place. I was in my Dodge pick-up.

I wasn’t sure exactly where to enter so I drove until I found an entrance with a bunch of security guards. I stopped and rolled down my window and they waved me on and yelled, “Don’t stop here, why are you stopping? Drive forward. Let’s go!”

(I wanted to say, “Sorry, I thought this was your job, I was mistaken.”)

So I entered and followed the road and ended up driving through a bunch of construction guys to the back of the casino where they had a huge open-air warehouse. Nobody was around. There was an entrance for security and lots of cars there.

There were boxes with unopened casino desks, chairs, computers, and lamps piled, maybe 50 of each, there was all sorts of building equipment. 3 jackhammers were right by my door where I stopped to look over all this and realize I had been directed – Directed? No, I was TOLD to drive directly through their well-guarded, gated, protected-by-diligent terrorist-fighting security guards directly to the middle of their construction area still taking place where the 3 jackhammers alone would have been a quick $3,000 on eBay. I could have loaded up and driven right out of there with as much stuff as my pick-up would haul and – not only would they not question me I assume, they would DEMAND that I stop holding up traffic when I enter and exit by asking stupid questions such as, “Is this where I’m supposed to enter?”

I thought about telling security inside when I finally made my way around the one-way side of the casino where I EVENTUALLY came to the customer self-parking area. But I decided against it… this is one of those problems that seems to correct itself as soon as they let the wrong guy in…

Greg Perry
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Trip Report 4/20-26/2005

Hi Steve and Eileen,
Vegas Trip 4/20-26/2005 Thanks again for putting the get together…well together. I was so glad to finally meet you two as well as some other Vegas fanatics.
Bad start….get to check in at airport, Counter person says “Well there’s good news and bad news, your fight out of Grand Rapids, MI is delayed approximately one hour due to storms….good news… your fight out of Chicago is also delayed an hour. While we waited at home airport we discovered that Tony Danza is flying with us. He came to a college here for a surprise interview with a student for an assignment she was working on. We actually ended up arriving in Las Vegas only a half hour after the scheduled time, so not that bad really. We were going to try the shuttles this trip..we thought we wouldn’t mind cruising/stopping down the strip on our way in….Wrong. We walked out after getting our luggage and bought a ticket ($5 each) for CDL. Big mistake. We were told to “Stand right there”… we did. We were the first people there. More and more people lining up and no shuttles came. Then one pulls up a few numbers away.. It gets mobbed…we waited over 30 minutes with a few other people who were just as upset as we were. We got our money back and went to taxi line. Lots of people there but we moved constantly and were on our way in about 15 minutes. Definitely worth the extra $15 in fare and tip ($25 cab ride total to hotel). We will never use this company….CDL There were other shuttles that seemed to move quite often and were far better organized at least in appearance.
Stayed at Circus Circus. First time ever. Had a real nice room, in Main Tower, very well decorated/clean. When we booked this trip the company only had Manor rooms available so at check in we asked to be moved if possible. The clerk had no problem with it, switched us with no extra charge. We handed him a $20 for the upgrade and he immediately asked “Is there anything else you need, like coffee maker, refrigerator?” Since we had brought our own coffee maker we said a fridge would be nice. When we got to our room we sat our bags down and I noticed a sign on table. “This is nonsmoking room” OH NO… we both have the habit. So we leave our luggage and go down to front desk. We tell the clerk and he says “No problem, you can smoke I will note on reservation card and send up some ashtrays for you too.” We got back on elevator (short walk to room) and met a service person with our ashtrays and matches at our door. Wow thats service….but it gets better we open the door and refrigerator is already there plugged in. All staff was very friendly.
As for gambling this time, we didn’t hit anything real big at one time …was able to play at a few machines for a while and build a nice cash out amount ($10.00 in $100.00 out a couple times and once $10 in $300 out).
Best gambling fun: Slots of Fun.. One night Jim played a Let it Ride table for over 5 hours on $100.00 and left with $63. I finally joined him after a few hours and played for about 2 hours. Started with $100 left with $130. Had alot fun all the dealers were real nice/social.
Best meal: We went with our friends that live in Vegas to an absolutely great Mexican restaurant. Bonito Michoacan. It is at 3715 South Decatur. Had so many choices and live music playing. Beautiful decor. The four of us all had different dishes and every one of us couldn’t say anything bad. Alot of food for the money too. Total meal was $64 dollars, only one of had any alcohol and that was 2 bud lights)
Of course we had a great time and can not wait to go again.
Thanks for all the work that you both put into this newsletter and all its extras!
Janet

Trip Report

Dear Steve,

I really enjoy your newsletter, especially the members’ corner. I also
very much appreciate your hard work. I go about twice a year and the
following is my contribution:

Vegas Trip 5/13-16.

Although my friend, Sharon, and I go to Las Vegas fairly often, we have a
pact to go together every five years. It’s always an adventure. Here are
the highlights:

*** none of the slots on the strip are accepting $10 bills due to some
counterfeit activity****
They all apologize for the inconvenience******

Pulled into the Flamingo at about 11PM on Friday night. I’ve never stayed
there before and, interestingly, haven’t really been in there since my first
visit in the mid 80’s. This hotel and casino does not look its age. We
were given a recently renovated room which we found to be very clean and
comfortable.

Went right out to eat the $4.95 steak dinner at Ellis Island, based on
reviews in this newsletter. Food was great, service was acceptable,
restaurant was clean and comfortable. Get the salad dressing on the side,
though. Walking between Flamingo and Ellis Island does not give one a real
strong sense of security but I didn’t feel unsafe either.

Came back and gambled at our hotel. Found a 25 cent Top Dollar machine that
was very good to me. The next morning, I found a small coffee bar next to
our elevator banks and, a few steps away from that, I was outside enjoying
my coffee watching the flamingos and penguins up close. A lot of people had
the same idea. Left Sharon at the hotel–she wasn’t feeling well–and
went out to lunch with a local friend at Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza on Sunset.
Did some shopping and went back to the hotel. I love doing some local stuff
while I’m there.

Saturday night, we went to Margaritaville for dinner. Lots of fun. We had
a 45 minute wait so Sharon went to their souvenir shop and I stood outside
on the boat/terrace thing and watched people on the strip. She’s the fan–I
just passed the time. The decor of the restaurant is cool and there’s
always something going on. Video screens all over the place showing Jimmy
Buffet music videos and concert footage (what a surprise). Every time the
song, volcano, comes on there’s a little performance by some of the
employees. Don’t want to ruin it for anyone by saying any more except that
the best seats for this are on the lower level. Also, there is more general
fun going on down there. Food was good–prices were very reasonable (if
you don’t drink, you can eat dinner for about $15 per person). I ordered a
“perfect margarita” and it did not disappoint. Also excellent was our
appetizer–crab, shrimp and mushroom dip. The entree portions are large
enough so that you don’t need an appetizer but that one was really worth it,
if you’ve got the stomach room.

After dinner, we went across the street to see the new forum shops. They
have a spiral escalator there. It’s somewhat unsettling to ride on it but I
have escalator issues anyway. Went up to the third floor to Ferrara’s cafe.
If you’re from New York, this is the real deal and I haven’t had one of
their cannolis in over 27 years so it was time. Everything in their bakery
looks and, I know for a fact, tastes amazing. I suggest that your readers
make that their dessert stop, just as New Yorkers do when they dine out in
Little Italy. They have about 20 different flavors of gelato and you can
get taste samples. The new addition to the Forum Shops is rather
impressive.

After that, we walked over to Treasure Island as Sharon wanted to see The
$10 Boutique. I think they should name it “The I Wouldn’t Pay More than $5
For Any of This Boutique.” Sharon bought a few things. Go figure.

Sunday, some friends joined us for the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues
at Mandalay Bay. It’s a buffet breakfast. Food was good but don’t expect
it to be like the buffets at the megaresorts. This was rather modest by LV
standards. They had the usual breakfast fare, some salads, side dishes such
as rice and beans, a carving station, and a nice desert table. You can
overeat there but it’s easy not to. The entertainment was awesome.

That afternoon, we checked into Wynn. One word: OHMYGOD. I probably could
go on for three pages but I will say this instead: They are doing thousands
of things right and a few things wrong. I’m in the hotel business in San
Diego so I can tell your readers that it takes about 6 months for a new
hotel to shake out. Things don’t get fixed right away because a knee-jerk
reaction could make it worse. You will hear some criticism but, overall,
they have the right idea and many of the ideas are very subtle–most people
really will not notice them. Best thing about this hotel is that all the
employees are very happy to be there. From the beginning, the service was
peerless. My reservation (and there was an issue on my side of the deal)
was as seamless as it could have been. Marsha Kip handled this so I
recommend just asking for her. I am a reservation agent and I know a fellow
professional when I meet one. Rooms are large, comfortable and very
inviting. I loved the casino. I never felt like I wanted to gamble at the
Bellagio but this one made me feel very relaxed and I actually found a
dollar poker machine that was showing me some love.

Security is ubiquitous. They are at almost every doorway, elevator, and
escalator on the casino level. All the employees, including security, were
friendly and responsive. The one issue that sent me into orbit was the
valet parking. The drop off is outstanding. The pick up has some
logistical problems of which they are aware. The valet attendants share the
guests’ frustrations. Self-parking is actually very convenient and it
affords one a better exit strategy than the valet service.

Additionally, when you check into the hotel, your room key is also your
casino points card so 1) you don’t have to stand on a line in the middle of
the casino to sign up–you can hit the ground running–and 2) you don’t have
to turn in your keys when you check out. I liked this idea. The slot
machines have an extremely cool feature. Each machine has a video screen
and every 15 minutes or so a progressive bingo game comes on. You don’t
have to do anything–just watch the screen–or not–it will tell you if you
win, I’m sure. It is kind of fun to watch. So, as long as you’re gambling,
you’re in it.

We ate breakfast the next morning at the Terrace Pointe Cafe, their coffee
shop. Lovely room, pretty food, good service. Ask for Sylvia’s table.
‘Nuff said.

Anyway, I’m rambling. Next trip is a 24 hour burn on June 1. Staying at
Bally’s with my cousin. If anything new or good occurs, I’ll write again.

Lori, San Diego

(no subject)

Welcome back Steve & Eileen. Sorry we missed you guys again as we started our 2nd Vegas trip this year on the 30th. We picked this week so we could see the new Wynn property. Although we didn’t stay there we did go over there 2-3 times during the week to check it out, so most of this trip report will be dedicated to this new resort.
We arrived Sat. evening around 10PM. After unpacking at the Bellagio, we decided to take a ride over to the Wynn casino. By this time it was probably close to midnight but the traffic was still backed up from about the IP all the way to Wynn’s place. They had traffic cops directing traffic at the entrance and there is an island that forces the right hand lane to enter the hotel entrance. If you are self parking you need to stay in the center lane until you get past the hotel entrance than go to the right hand lane and the next turn is for the garage. Anyway we finally made it to the garage and there were only a few parking space left. Nice touch at each garage entrance there is a sign that tells you how many open spots there are at that level. Even though it was well past midnight the place was still packed. As you might expect since the hotel is fully occupied and there we plenty of visitors looking about. Both my wife Robbie and I thought the place had a lot of similarity to the Bellagio, which isn’t so bad. We didn’t play too much on Saturday as the table limits were high and it was packed. We walked about and eventually decided to eat at the cafe. Although it wasn’t especially crowded, the service was a bit slow. Other than that we thought the place was very nice.
On Sunday we were back at the Wynn place in the afternoon. We did some celebrity sitings, ( Robert Wagner & Jill St.John, Wink Martindale) I’m sure there were plenty more but we didn’t see them. We did stop and have a drink at the circular bar located toward the reception area. Great place to relax and people watch. Drinks were great and service very good. Note of interest to the male members, great cocktail waitress uniforms and the prettiest girls on the strip. As you walk about the property there is a water attraction near the back which we didn’t get a chance to see but I heard people talking about it. There are several waterfalls in the back and a large outdoor seating area off the ice cream shop where you can sit and watch the waterfalls. They have a large poker room and the restaurants line the outer areas of the casino. Lots of restaurants all fairly higher end. They have two restaurants downstairs near the water attraction much like the Prime and Picasso at the Bellagio. Also like the Bellagio a small aisle of upper end shops.
Now a bit about the gaming, we signed up for the slot club which was very quick as they gave you the form to fill out while you were in line and then immediately gave you a slot card, took every bit of 3 minutes. We decided to check out the video poker and to my surprise we found some 9/6 machines, somewhat unusual for a strip casino. We started to play and I got onto a machine that wouldn’t let me quit! About three hours later I cashed out for $60 exactly 3 times what I started with. If your playing and have your slot card in the machine every so often they have a bonus bingo game. It works like this, there is a small video screen in the built into the machine, when the bonus game starts you here some cheering and a call for “Let’s play bingo”. There are three potential ways you can win. If you get four numbers in the upper left corner the prize was about $60. If you make an “X” pattern you win about $600. If you get a “W” pattern you could win about $8000! Not bad for a free game. Anyway it was a lot of fun as every machine in the row was playing bingo at the same time. After my marathon run on the video poker, I played some craps but here I donated about $50 to the casino. We ended up at the blackjack table and after about an hour we were ahead by about $150.
On Tuesday we decided to try the Wynn buffet. They did a clever job of locating the waiting area for the buffet as you really can’t see how many people are in line as you approach the entrance. We decide to go early to avoid the crowds and we got there around 5pm and were able to walk right in. There are a fair number of cooking stations and a very good variety of various foods. There is a large Asian section as well as an Italian section, and a cold seafood section along with salads. The shrimp were absolutely gigantic and the carved prime rib was excellent. Two minor complaints, the split crab legs we OK except they had a large fork to use instead of a pair of tongs, which made it pretty tough to get them on your plate. The other issue was a somewhat limited desert variety although they did have gelato. All in all I think it was on par with the Bellagio and somewhat better than Cravings.
Final thoughts on the new Wynn property, very nice, much like the Bellagio, some new innovative things like the bingo game, nice layout to the casino, not so big as you get lost in it like the MGM.
With regard to the rest of the trip, as usual we had a great time. The weather was fantastic, and aside from the crowds around the Wynn resort the rest of the casinos weren’t overly crowded. A couple of highlights, Robbie likes to play monopoly at the Bellagio and she wasn’t having much luck. We stopped in at the Venetian and she immediately got a monopoly spin and landed on Boardwalk for 500 credits, continued playing and hit a couple of chances for a few hundred more credits and cashed out at 700. I did well on my sports bets on baseball and basketball playoffs but not so good at the crap tables. We did good at blackjack winning on most of our sessions and only getting killed on one. They have reopened the monorail between the Bellagio and the Monte Carlo although it enters the Bellagio at the rear of the new spa tower instead of by the parking garage. We had a car so we drove out to Lake Las Vegas one afternoon and the Green Valley Ranch, nice diversions from the strip. Once again we managed to enjoy the lunch special at Commanders Palace with the 25 cent martinis, great deal! Well, so much for a great trip, sorry we missed you and Eileen but maybe next time. We really enjoy your newsletter keep up the good work.
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