wiley
11-05-2005, 10:48 PM
Great trip!
Sunday, 10/23: Drove to the Avistar parking service lot outside JFK airport. We've used their service a couple of times before and have been very happy with it. We had a coupon from the "Entertainment" book for 25% off. Their bus dropped us at JetBlue at 7:30 a.m. Checked in, went through security, had breakfast, took off promptly at 9:15. Real smooth flight. I watch the Food channel most of the way. They were featuring shows about chocolate that day. Arrived on time in LV, 11:40 a.m.
While Hubby waited for the suitcase, I got on line to get our room (at Bally's) at the Caesar's check-in at the airport. It was pretty crowded with people checking in for all Caesar's properties. I had the $20 bill folded in my palm w/ my credit card, but when I asked about the possibility of an upgrade, I was told that all Bally's players get the North Tower. They had one king, non-smoking room available at that time, and I took it. As I've written in another discussion of Bally's rooms recently, it was large, clean, pretty, and very quiet - and no view. We were very happy with it.
Took Showtime shuttle to the hotel - convenient and reasonable.
Although we usually don't have lunch in LV (we eat early dinners for two reasons: there are fewer lines and alot of shows are early - 7:30 or so), we were still on NY time and and very hungry. Went to the Zanzibar Cafe in Aladdin for the famous Pink's hot dogs, but got carried away and ordered the chili cheese dogs. I thought it was really good, but Hubby prefers Nathan's hotdogs (a New Yorker through-and-through). The check came to $22 including 2 sodas @ $2.50 each.
I have a thing about liking to pick up our show tickets as soon as we arrive (I know we don't have to), so we took the monorail to the Hilton to get the Barry Manilow tickets, a Strip Trolley to the Stardust for the Steve & Eydie tickets, walked across to the Riviera for La Cage tickets.
For $20 we bought a 10-trip monorail ticket which we could both use. Found the monorail to be a great way to get around, even though it's quite a walk to some stations.
Walked to TI and played some slots. No winnings, but I did get a Silver Strike $10 token. Weren't hungry enough for dinner, but went to Isla for some sangria and "classic" guacamole. I had a beef empenada that contained toasted almonds and dried cherries, and I agree with Dave P. that it was delicious. Hubby had shrimp ceviche, which was also very good.
Went back to the Riviera and thoroughly enjoyed "An Evening at La Cage". We had a 2-for-the-price-of-1 coupon, which they let us use even when we ordered by phone. Frank Marino was great as Joan Rivers as were the performers who played JLo, Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, Bette Midler, Cher, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, and the rest of the cast.
Took the bus back, getting off at Bellagio just in time for the Fountain Show (the first of four times we saw it). Went into the Jean-Philippe Patisserie to see the chocolate fountain and have dessert. Shared an "Impulse" pastry - very rich, very chocolatey, very good. With two cups of coffee, the check was $12. Had heard about three women who each had a pastry and coffee and had a bill of $43, but we didn't find it that expensive.
Monday, 10/24: Breakfast at the Paris buffet. $28 for the two of us. Got there 8:30 a.m. and were seated within 10 minutes. I particularly liked the mini-quiche and the cheese blintzes with warm dark cherries. Hubby had a mushroom-onion-pepper-cheese omelette with bacon and sausage (among other things). Totally good experience
Went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, getting a little discount as (young) seniors. The view was amazing, and the pictures I took from there came out very well.
Crossed The Strip and went into Mirage to visit the Sigfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Beautiful animals and setting, and the dolphins were very entertaining. Trying to take pictures of the dolphins is a challenge as they're pretty fast, but I got a few good ones. Stopped to touch the Fountain of Longevity.
Stopped at IP to have our (free) picture taken at their $1,000,000 slot. It was a good picture and they actually give you 2 copies. Played some slots, and I won another Silver Strike $10 token (each casino has its individual token).
Hubby went back to Bally's to play some horses, and I walked through the Fashion Show Mall and Wynn. Wynn is beautiful, but personally I prefer Bellagio.
We were going downtown Mon. night. Taking the advice in the monorail booklet, took the monorail to the Sahara and the 108 bus to Freemont St., a fast, reasonable,and easy trip. At Golden Gate, found they now have a "big" shrimp cocktail for $2.99 in addition to the 99 cent special. We each had a big shrimp cocktail ( bigger in overall size and in the size of the shrimp - it was very good) and shared a hotdog. With two sodas it came to $13.00
Someone had recommended the quarter slots just inside the entrance at La Bayou. We thank you - played the quarter WOF for a while, winning a little. The young women giving out tickets for prize drawings were nice. Unlike the report by NeverEnufVegas, we didn't find that it smelled bad at all. It is a fun, little, old, downtown joint.
Saw Gordie Brown and very much enjoyed his right-on rapid-fire impressions of everyone from Bruce Springsteen to W. A solid hour-and-a-half of entertainment. We had a coupon for $5 off each ticket. They didn't let us use it when we ordered by phone because they said we might forget to bring the coupon with us. However, they did deduct it when we picked up the tickets. We had hoped to hear the Lon Bronson Band as well, but they're no longer at the GN.
Took the bus back to Bellagio, caught another Fountain Show, had dessert in Paris at the Lenotre pastry shop - shared a Charlotte Cecile and had capaccino=$10. Good pastry, but not as good as Jean-Philippe.
Played some penny slots in Bally's and hit a jackpot: I won 20,000 pennies on a Blazing 7's (that's $200, but 20,000 pennies sounds better). I did not lose it back, but bought shirts for the grandchildren (and me) and a nice souvenir for us.
Tuesday, 10/25: Breakfast at La Creperie in Paris. Noticed that today at 8:45 there was quite a line for the buffet. Hubby had a vegetarian crepe, and I had one with spinach and mushrooms. Yummy.
A weather advisory had been issued for severe thunderstorms with big hail, and we heard that surrounding areas did have that, but we just had a little light rain for a couple of hours. Outside of that, the weather was beautiful for our whole trip - low 80's and dry.
Walked to the Venetian and got tickets for the gondola ride (indoors). $15 each if you share the gondola with another couple, $30 each for a private gondola. We shared with a cute young couple from Tampa who were on their honeymoon. Mario the gondolier sang three songs - beautiful! He told us he had come to LV in 1977 to perform in shows, and did for a long time. Now he is the senior gondolier, working M-F 9-4.
Hubby went to the race book, and I window shopped through Caesar's and watched the Atlantis show. Couldn't find the slots where Caesar talks to you. Went to Bellagio to see the Conservatory, always beautiful, and bought a box of fancy potpourri for my sister-in-law.
Went to Aladdin, had a mango margarita, walked through about half of Dessert Passage. In the casino, found the penny Andre Agassi slots, which have fun bonus rounds. Played a while and cashed out my original $.
Met Hubby at Bally's, walked to Harrah's, took the shuttle to Rio. Went to the seafood buffet, using $10 off coupons from the Rio website - no line at 5 p.m. Enjoyed the baby lobster tails, stuffed clams, mussels, sushi, ribs, shrimp, and saved a little room for the mini fresh fruit/vanilla cream tart in a chocolate shell, key lime pie, and the almond pastry that tastes like baklava. Yeah, we liked it! Loved the mardi gras atmosphere, the floats in the parade, the performers. Watched once from the floor in the slot area and again from the second floor balcony where we were able to catch beads. Would like to have gone up to the 51st floor for the view, but there was a private party going on. Took the shuttle back to Harrah's, and, being tired, took the monorail to Bally's.
Wednesday, 10/26: breakfast at the Bally's coffee shop - good oatmeal served with raisins and brown sugar. Played some slots, and in the afternoon went to the wildlife sanctuary at Flamingo to see the penguins fed at 3 p.m. It's a really nice place to take a break. Stopped in Barbary Coast to hear Big Elvis and really enjoyed his act. He sure does sound like The King!
Walked to Ellis Island for dinner. 5 p.m., no line. As always, excellent steak dinner. Had heard that seniors who sign up for slot cards get a coupon for 2-for-1 dinner, but that's only Tuesday and Thursday. Can't complain for $4.95. Hubby did well on a deuces wild VP machine, including getting a royal flush.
Took the monorail to the Hilton for the wonderful Barry Manilow show. The audience absolutely loved him! He even sang some of the commercials he did. It was great! We had the $85 seats, front of the balcony, and they were very good seats. Leg room, however, is very tight. Found the Frank Sinatra slots, but they were VERY stingy. Monorail back to Bally's. Had dessert in Paris - mango sorbet for me and rum raisin gelato for Hubby.
Thursday, 10/27: can't believe it's time to call Showtime shuttle to arrange ride to the airport tomorrow. Ellis Island breakfast - cinnamon-vanilla French toast for me, pancakes, eggs, and sausage for Hubby. Good food, and $7.00 bill (including coffee).
Played Andre Agassi slots again - yes, I'm a fan of his. We both played a long time, but didn't cash out in time (usual story). Walked to Tropicana for $1.50 margaritas and to watch Air Play (15 minute free entertainment over the slot area w/the Tiffany ceiling. The performers were good - enjoyable show.
Took the tram from Excalibur to Mandalay Bay. We thought there would be a bird show near the aquarium in the lobby at 2:30 p.m., but it didn't take place. Back to Bally's, where Hubby went to the race book and I went to We-R-Nuts to get some of their mixed nut brittle (really good!) and a box of truffles for our daughter.
Had dinner at Battista's Hole in the Wall, as I've posted under restaurant reviews.
Going to the Stardust for the Steve & Eydie show, we took the new double-decker bus to the Riviera first to touch the bronze of the showgirls' derieres for luck.We can't say enough about the show!! It starts with a montage fo photos and video clips from when they were children to Steve on Arthur Godfrey's "Talent Scout" show to Steve Allen. They sang together and alone, kidded around, told jokes - a two hour non-stop show. Their voices are beautiful and you can feel the love. To all who say,"Are they still around?" - their first song is "We're Still Here". A great show!
Friday, 10/28: Had a smooth flight back to reality, hope we get to LV again soon. Didn't get to Main St. Station and the art gallery at Bellagio, both of which I'd hoped to see, but they're on the list for the next trip.
This ran really long - we did alot and had a great time - hope you enjoy reading about it.
PS: does anyone remember Sassy Sally's casino downtown? That's a story from our first trip to LV about 8 or 9 years ago - I'll post it next time.
Sunday, 10/23: Drove to the Avistar parking service lot outside JFK airport. We've used their service a couple of times before and have been very happy with it. We had a coupon from the "Entertainment" book for 25% off. Their bus dropped us at JetBlue at 7:30 a.m. Checked in, went through security, had breakfast, took off promptly at 9:15. Real smooth flight. I watch the Food channel most of the way. They were featuring shows about chocolate that day. Arrived on time in LV, 11:40 a.m.
While Hubby waited for the suitcase, I got on line to get our room (at Bally's) at the Caesar's check-in at the airport. It was pretty crowded with people checking in for all Caesar's properties. I had the $20 bill folded in my palm w/ my credit card, but when I asked about the possibility of an upgrade, I was told that all Bally's players get the North Tower. They had one king, non-smoking room available at that time, and I took it. As I've written in another discussion of Bally's rooms recently, it was large, clean, pretty, and very quiet - and no view. We were very happy with it.
Took Showtime shuttle to the hotel - convenient and reasonable.
Although we usually don't have lunch in LV (we eat early dinners for two reasons: there are fewer lines and alot of shows are early - 7:30 or so), we were still on NY time and and very hungry. Went to the Zanzibar Cafe in Aladdin for the famous Pink's hot dogs, but got carried away and ordered the chili cheese dogs. I thought it was really good, but Hubby prefers Nathan's hotdogs (a New Yorker through-and-through). The check came to $22 including 2 sodas @ $2.50 each.
I have a thing about liking to pick up our show tickets as soon as we arrive (I know we don't have to), so we took the monorail to the Hilton to get the Barry Manilow tickets, a Strip Trolley to the Stardust for the Steve & Eydie tickets, walked across to the Riviera for La Cage tickets.
For $20 we bought a 10-trip monorail ticket which we could both use. Found the monorail to be a great way to get around, even though it's quite a walk to some stations.
Walked to TI and played some slots. No winnings, but I did get a Silver Strike $10 token. Weren't hungry enough for dinner, but went to Isla for some sangria and "classic" guacamole. I had a beef empenada that contained toasted almonds and dried cherries, and I agree with Dave P. that it was delicious. Hubby had shrimp ceviche, which was also very good.
Went back to the Riviera and thoroughly enjoyed "An Evening at La Cage". We had a 2-for-the-price-of-1 coupon, which they let us use even when we ordered by phone. Frank Marino was great as Joan Rivers as were the performers who played JLo, Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, Bette Midler, Cher, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, and the rest of the cast.
Took the bus back, getting off at Bellagio just in time for the Fountain Show (the first of four times we saw it). Went into the Jean-Philippe Patisserie to see the chocolate fountain and have dessert. Shared an "Impulse" pastry - very rich, very chocolatey, very good. With two cups of coffee, the check was $12. Had heard about three women who each had a pastry and coffee and had a bill of $43, but we didn't find it that expensive.
Monday, 10/24: Breakfast at the Paris buffet. $28 for the two of us. Got there 8:30 a.m. and were seated within 10 minutes. I particularly liked the mini-quiche and the cheese blintzes with warm dark cherries. Hubby had a mushroom-onion-pepper-cheese omelette with bacon and sausage (among other things). Totally good experience
Went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, getting a little discount as (young) seniors. The view was amazing, and the pictures I took from there came out very well.
Crossed The Strip and went into Mirage to visit the Sigfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Beautiful animals and setting, and the dolphins were very entertaining. Trying to take pictures of the dolphins is a challenge as they're pretty fast, but I got a few good ones. Stopped to touch the Fountain of Longevity.
Stopped at IP to have our (free) picture taken at their $1,000,000 slot. It was a good picture and they actually give you 2 copies. Played some slots, and I won another Silver Strike $10 token (each casino has its individual token).
Hubby went back to Bally's to play some horses, and I walked through the Fashion Show Mall and Wynn. Wynn is beautiful, but personally I prefer Bellagio.
We were going downtown Mon. night. Taking the advice in the monorail booklet, took the monorail to the Sahara and the 108 bus to Freemont St., a fast, reasonable,and easy trip. At Golden Gate, found they now have a "big" shrimp cocktail for $2.99 in addition to the 99 cent special. We each had a big shrimp cocktail ( bigger in overall size and in the size of the shrimp - it was very good) and shared a hotdog. With two sodas it came to $13.00
Someone had recommended the quarter slots just inside the entrance at La Bayou. We thank you - played the quarter WOF for a while, winning a little. The young women giving out tickets for prize drawings were nice. Unlike the report by NeverEnufVegas, we didn't find that it smelled bad at all. It is a fun, little, old, downtown joint.
Saw Gordie Brown and very much enjoyed his right-on rapid-fire impressions of everyone from Bruce Springsteen to W. A solid hour-and-a-half of entertainment. We had a coupon for $5 off each ticket. They didn't let us use it when we ordered by phone because they said we might forget to bring the coupon with us. However, they did deduct it when we picked up the tickets. We had hoped to hear the Lon Bronson Band as well, but they're no longer at the GN.
Took the bus back to Bellagio, caught another Fountain Show, had dessert in Paris at the Lenotre pastry shop - shared a Charlotte Cecile and had capaccino=$10. Good pastry, but not as good as Jean-Philippe.
Played some penny slots in Bally's and hit a jackpot: I won 20,000 pennies on a Blazing 7's (that's $200, but 20,000 pennies sounds better). I did not lose it back, but bought shirts for the grandchildren (and me) and a nice souvenir for us.
Tuesday, 10/25: Breakfast at La Creperie in Paris. Noticed that today at 8:45 there was quite a line for the buffet. Hubby had a vegetarian crepe, and I had one with spinach and mushrooms. Yummy.
A weather advisory had been issued for severe thunderstorms with big hail, and we heard that surrounding areas did have that, but we just had a little light rain for a couple of hours. Outside of that, the weather was beautiful for our whole trip - low 80's and dry.
Walked to the Venetian and got tickets for the gondola ride (indoors). $15 each if you share the gondola with another couple, $30 each for a private gondola. We shared with a cute young couple from Tampa who were on their honeymoon. Mario the gondolier sang three songs - beautiful! He told us he had come to LV in 1977 to perform in shows, and did for a long time. Now he is the senior gondolier, working M-F 9-4.
Hubby went to the race book, and I window shopped through Caesar's and watched the Atlantis show. Couldn't find the slots where Caesar talks to you. Went to Bellagio to see the Conservatory, always beautiful, and bought a box of fancy potpourri for my sister-in-law.
Went to Aladdin, had a mango margarita, walked through about half of Dessert Passage. In the casino, found the penny Andre Agassi slots, which have fun bonus rounds. Played a while and cashed out my original $.
Met Hubby at Bally's, walked to Harrah's, took the shuttle to Rio. Went to the seafood buffet, using $10 off coupons from the Rio website - no line at 5 p.m. Enjoyed the baby lobster tails, stuffed clams, mussels, sushi, ribs, shrimp, and saved a little room for the mini fresh fruit/vanilla cream tart in a chocolate shell, key lime pie, and the almond pastry that tastes like baklava. Yeah, we liked it! Loved the mardi gras atmosphere, the floats in the parade, the performers. Watched once from the floor in the slot area and again from the second floor balcony where we were able to catch beads. Would like to have gone up to the 51st floor for the view, but there was a private party going on. Took the shuttle back to Harrah's, and, being tired, took the monorail to Bally's.
Wednesday, 10/26: breakfast at the Bally's coffee shop - good oatmeal served with raisins and brown sugar. Played some slots, and in the afternoon went to the wildlife sanctuary at Flamingo to see the penguins fed at 3 p.m. It's a really nice place to take a break. Stopped in Barbary Coast to hear Big Elvis and really enjoyed his act. He sure does sound like The King!
Walked to Ellis Island for dinner. 5 p.m., no line. As always, excellent steak dinner. Had heard that seniors who sign up for slot cards get a coupon for 2-for-1 dinner, but that's only Tuesday and Thursday. Can't complain for $4.95. Hubby did well on a deuces wild VP machine, including getting a royal flush.
Took the monorail to the Hilton for the wonderful Barry Manilow show. The audience absolutely loved him! He even sang some of the commercials he did. It was great! We had the $85 seats, front of the balcony, and they were very good seats. Leg room, however, is very tight. Found the Frank Sinatra slots, but they were VERY stingy. Monorail back to Bally's. Had dessert in Paris - mango sorbet for me and rum raisin gelato for Hubby.
Thursday, 10/27: can't believe it's time to call Showtime shuttle to arrange ride to the airport tomorrow. Ellis Island breakfast - cinnamon-vanilla French toast for me, pancakes, eggs, and sausage for Hubby. Good food, and $7.00 bill (including coffee).
Played Andre Agassi slots again - yes, I'm a fan of his. We both played a long time, but didn't cash out in time (usual story). Walked to Tropicana for $1.50 margaritas and to watch Air Play (15 minute free entertainment over the slot area w/the Tiffany ceiling. The performers were good - enjoyable show.
Took the tram from Excalibur to Mandalay Bay. We thought there would be a bird show near the aquarium in the lobby at 2:30 p.m., but it didn't take place. Back to Bally's, where Hubby went to the race book and I went to We-R-Nuts to get some of their mixed nut brittle (really good!) and a box of truffles for our daughter.
Had dinner at Battista's Hole in the Wall, as I've posted under restaurant reviews.
Going to the Stardust for the Steve & Eydie show, we took the new double-decker bus to the Riviera first to touch the bronze of the showgirls' derieres for luck.We can't say enough about the show!! It starts with a montage fo photos and video clips from when they were children to Steve on Arthur Godfrey's "Talent Scout" show to Steve Allen. They sang together and alone, kidded around, told jokes - a two hour non-stop show. Their voices are beautiful and you can feel the love. To all who say,"Are they still around?" - their first song is "We're Still Here". A great show!
Friday, 10/28: Had a smooth flight back to reality, hope we get to LV again soon. Didn't get to Main St. Station and the art gallery at Bellagio, both of which I'd hoped to see, but they're on the list for the next trip.
This ran really long - we did alot and had a great time - hope you enjoy reading about it.
PS: does anyone remember Sassy Sally's casino downtown? That's a story from our first trip to LV about 8 or 9 years ago - I'll post it next time.