Trip Report Seven Nights in Las Vegas Beginning October 17, 2013
My wife and I left from Boston via JetBlue non-stop and got in about 3:30 PM. With Dollar Express we rented a car for the week with rates starting at about $280 for a midsize, but after many re-bookings got it down to $178.
After arriving, we ate at Bahama Breeze along Paradise (good food at reasonable prices) before checking into the MGM Signature for three nights on a Travelzoo deal. On our first night, we stayed in and watched the ALCS game. We couldn't get the TV operational as someone had removed the batteries from the remote. After begging and screaming we got someone to replace the remote and watched the end of the game (Sox 4 to 3). The Signature was very nice and from our 16th floor had a view of PH, City Center, Monte Carlo, and MGM. We were in the tower closest to MGM (Tower 1) and although the distance was long to MGM, the enclosed walkway had people movers to get you to and from MGM quickly.
One issue was no self-park exists at the Signature Towers. I hate valet. I feel as though my car is being held hostage and it typically takes longer to valet than to self-park. Moreover, since we use the car frequently and are in and out a lot, tipping is then required multiple times per day. Also I don't worry about leaving things in the car when I self-park, but feel less worry-free when valet is involved. Also I worry about any damage valet may do to a rental car as technically it violates the terms of the rental agreement to allow any one else to drive the rental car.
Overall the room was nice (we had a studio) and it included kitchenette, double sink bath with separate shower and tub and toilet room. It included a TV in the bathroom. Since it was supposed to have kitchen utensils and a coffee-maker we bought coffee and creamer (as well as other supplies) at Albertson's before checking in. In the morning, however, we found out no coffee filters and the unit contained only one coffee cup and one spoon. After two or three calls to the front desk they finally brought us a second coffee cup and spoon. You'd think housekeeping would notice the missing batteries and remote battery cover missing and had a checklist to ensure no utensils were missing when the previous user checked out?
The last four nights were at Palm's Place where I got a SmarterVegas deal for $59 per night plus resort fee. It came with a $40 food credit at Simon's restaurant. They studio units were a smaller here and not as plush as Signature. Moreover, the hallways and common areas were extraordinarily dark: it was hard to see where you were going and even to read the room numbers posted on the hallway walls. The walls and floors coverings were dark charcoal and the lighting sparse. It reminded me of "spookyworld" funhouse decor rather than a hotel/condo lobby or hallway.
Palms Place Condos are connected to the Palms Hotel and Casino similarly to the Signature connection to MGM with a long enclosed walkway with automated people movers. I've stayed at other resort condos in Vegas such as Elara, Wyndham Grand Desert, and Holiday Inn Desert Resort in Vegas and I liked Elara best overall, though my wife prefers Wyndham Grand.
Entertainment
When I go with my wife, the trip is always entertainment-heavy. Friday night we saw Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and band, along with Jeff Beck at the Palms. Wilson and his band was fantastic; Jeff Beck not so much; technically great but he has become more of a jazz/fusion musician (of which I'm not a big fan) than a rock musician. My and wife I couldn't connect emotionally to his music. We left after about four of Beck songs as did a few others. He seemed a bit enamored with himself.
Saturday night saw Steve Vai at Mandalay Bay and before entering the show in the MB sportsbook saw a Red Sox grand slam in the ALCS to essentially salt that game away. Although I was hoping Vai would be different than Beck, it was much of the same self-indulgent "guitar god" music, but at least Vai attempted to connect with the audience and had more of a sense of humor about himself.
Sunday night saw LV Live Comedy Show at V Theater (Goldstar comped tix). Only about 30 people showed up to see the performance. The first comic seemed unseasoned and lacked confidence. The second comedian was funny and connected with the audience.
Monday night saw Brad Garrett at his namesake Comedy Club with Dom Irrera as the opening act. Both Irrera and Garrett were hysterically funny.
Tuesday Night we took the night off. Wednesday night we planned to go see The Fab (a decent Vegas-based Beatles tribute band at Mizuya Lounge at Mandalay Bay with no cover) ... but as Red Sox fans, opted instead to stay in the condo and watch the first game of the World Series (8 to 1 Sox: mostly due to the Cardinal's poor play in the field).
During the afternoons with my wife on Friday did a walk around the Fashion Show Mall. Other days did the Bellagio Conservatory, Outlet Mall north, hung by the pool (excellent weather in the high 70s all week), and did a trip to the M Resort to pick up some free sign-up slot play with my wife.
Gambling
The vast majority of gambling was done alone in the mornings. I had matchplays and freeplays (MPs and FPs) from ACG, LVA MRB, and other sources.
Started out very early Friday AM at Circus Circus (CC) playing 50c Aces and Eights video poker progressives that pay 100.25%+ (with perfect play). The + is for the added progressive return, up at the time from $2,000 to $2,200 on the royal, and up from $25,000 to $30,000+ on the sequential royal. After about two hours of play, however, I dropped $200.
While there I also got the $45 of chips for $30 Wincard deal and after a few hands of blackjack (BJ) cashed out with $95 of winnings above my $30 investment, and then won another $20 on a $10 MP on roulette. I also walked across the street to the Riviera and on a Riviera Wincard of $30 in chips for $20 netted another $60 at BJ and another $20 on a $10 MP on roulette. I then went back to playing Aces and Eights VP at CC and won $235 on that session leading up to lunch.
On Saturday morning trekked to downtown Henderson to the Rainbow Club Casino to see if the rumors were true that their 50c FPDW VP was now gone. Unfortunately, it was true and my previous fond memories as late as last December will no longer continue there. It had been one of my primary VP haunts on previous trips. With nothing of interest to play there, I drove north on Boulder Highway and picked up $10 of free slot play (MRB) at Sam's Town which resulted in no gain. Since I was there already I got a Dunkin' Donuts coffee and played their 25c FPDW VP. As a result of getting four deuces, I managed to cash out with a $100 gain.
Via Desert Inn Road I then headed back to the Strip and decided to try the MRB online FSP MP coupon at NYC Bar. After a very long drive west on Spring Mountain Road and after walking in, I changed my mind. On the way back I also decided to try to get Free Slot Play for club signup at Bar 702 also on Spring Mountain Rd., but in both cases it looked like they needed the $10 more than I did, so passed on both of those opportunities.
That day, my wife thought that the ALCS game was scheduled for 1:00 PM Vegas time (I think it was originally). So we drove out to Red Rock Casino to watch the game in their very large and nice sportsbook "theatre". After getting there and eating we found out that the game would not begin until 5:00 PM. Since we had no plans for the afternoon, instead I drove her to church for an early 2:30 PM Saturday service at the church on LV Boulevard next to Encore. While she was there, I played another $10 MP at the nearby Riviera and won $20 betting "odd".
On Sunday morning, I went back to CC to play Aces & Eights VP, but lost $400 very quickly, putting me in the hole for the trip $70. Since we had checked into Palm's Place in the afternoon, that evening my wife and I each played our online $40 for $25 (actually $23.75 with discount) slot play coupons at the Palm's. Playing the one cent, fifty-play JoB VP machine I only managed to cash out about $20 for a $4.00 loss.
On Monday morning I played 25c FPDW at the Palm's and won $200. I then went on a MP and FSP run including Goldcoast, Tuscany, Hard Rock, Ellis Island, Hooters, and Orleans for a $50 gain. Later in the day, my wife and I drove to "M" resort and each got some freeplay for signup. I got $10 which I converted to $10 cash playing 25c Bonus Poker VP.
On Tuesday morning, I lost another $100 at CC on Aces & Eights VP, and then did a downtown coupon run. I hit LVC, the Plaza, Binion's, 4Queens and Elco for a $75 gain. I then played 25c Pick-A-Pair VP aka Pick'Em at the Fremont and unbelievably hit a four-of-a-kind on about my 10th hand for $125 and left with a $120 profit. Later, I played more VP at the Palms, but lost $37.
On Wednesday morning I went back to CC and lost $65 on Aces & Eights VP, but won $20 on another Riviera MP. From there, I picked up my remaining $10 of FSP at Ellis Island and converted that to $15. After returning to the Palms, I also played a $10 MP and won $20 and then won another $60 on FPDW VP.
I am now up about $300 for the trip.
With our flight leaving on Thursday afternoon in the morning, I once again played 25c FPDW VP at the Palm's and with the help of four deuces, made a $210 gain.
In the end, for the trip overall, I won about $500 gambling.
Food
As indicated we ate at Bahama Breeze Thursday night and Capriotti's Friday afternoon for lunch. Friday night after the Brian Wilson Concert we went to the Peppermill and shared an enormous fruit platter that included banana bread and ice cream (even had leftovers that we took back to the condo). In addition to the $40 credit at Simon's that we used for a lunch, I also had a $50 restaurant.com certificate for the Carve restaurant at Eastside Cannery, and a $50 gift certificate for Maggiano's.
Saturday for lunch we ate at the Red Rock buffet using an MRB 2-for-1 coupon and $4.00 of points for a total cost of $4.00 for the two of us. Very enjoyable buffet with a great salad bar, Chinese food, and desserts to name a few highlights. After the Steve Vai concert at Mandalay Bay took the tram to Excalibur and then walked to NYNY hoping to get a deli sandwich at Greenberg's Deli. Got there at 10:15 PM on a Saturday night they closed at 10:00 PM. I still can't believe that a restaurant on the strip would close at 10:00 PM on a Saturday night. Anyway instead we went to the America restaurant there (essentially a 24 hour coffee shop). I had a Reuben which was good and my wife had soup.
Sunday for lunch we ate at the Grand Lux at Palazzo and as usual the meal was great and reasonably priced. For dinner we just grabbed sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich at PH before the comedy show at the V Theatre. As usual the food was very good and the prices reasonable. We used a coupon for a free brownie that we got on-line for joining their e-mail list.
On Monday we had lunch at Maggiano's. I used a gift certificate I had gotten for a present recently. Our food was excellent. I had chicken parm with spaghetti. That evening after the Brad Garret show we had a late meal at the Palm's 24/7 café and I used an online $5.00 off coupon at <
www.destinationcoupons.com/Nevada/Las_Vegas/las-vegas-coupons.asp> and some Palm's points. I think I had an asparagus and egg omelet which was very good.
Tuesday evening we once again ate at the Palm's 24/7 Cafe where I had a decent prime rib special for only $8.95 and we used the MRB 50% off coupon against our entire bill.
Wednesday I began the day with a Peppermill coffee to go and we had lunch at Simon's using the $40 credit. The food was good.
The plan for dinner was to go to the Carve restaurant at Eastside Cannery where I had a $50 Restaurant.com certificate requiring a $100 purchase. I tried to use it last December, but the week we were there, they were closed for the week. Prior to going we watched most of the first game of the World Series and caught the rest at the bar at E Cannery before going into the restaurant at which we had an 8:30 PM reservation. After being seated, the waiter brought over a very brief, special menu and indicated on Wednesday night they offered a $20 buffet. I said we wanted to order off the regular menu and he said they did not offer the regular menu on Wednesday night, only the buffet. Even if we wanted a buffet, the basic $40 charge for two would not have gotten us close to the $100 minimum to use the restauarant.com certificate. More important, my wife does not like buffets. So this was the second time I've attempted to use the certificate and twice have been foiled.
I had heard Billy Bob's Steakhouse next door at Sam's Town was decent, so we went there instead. I had the steak and lobster special and my wife had a chicken dish. It was alright, but I don't think it would be worth the long drive from the strip without some special incentives. It seemed to be frequented by regular locals who received special incentives from mailers or were mostly paying with player's club points.
Before leaving for the airport on Thursday afternoon, we once again ate at the Palm's 24/7 café. I had a ½ lb. burger with sweet potato fries, which was very good. Again, I used another $5.00 off destination coupon.
Since Jet Blue has free TV on the plane and carries Fox we were able to see the entire Game 2 of the World Series during the flight home to Boston (though the Sox lost that game 4 to 2). About midnight we landed at Logan/Boston airport and made the one hour drive home.
Thanks for reading this
ST
