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Trip Report January 2013
Jan 14 - Day 1So the plane landed at LAS at about 12:35pm, my first time to Terminal 3. I grabbed my carry-on and made my way to the taxis. Didn't have a long wait at all. The air was cold and crisp which I never experienced in Vegas before (I usually go in July). I told the driver "Take Swenson please..." and when he turned around to ask where to take Swenson to I said "to The Flamingo". I used this variation last time, a great way to avoid saying "no tunnel". Turns out he used to live in my neighborhood, Rockaway Park, NY. He asked how Sandy affected things and I explained how the boardwalk is gone, a lot of busnesses either aren't coming back or are rebuilding and talked the neighborhood and damage it recieved. I got to the Flamingo in decent time, trip came to about $22 (including a $5 tip).
I arrived at the Flamingo and got in the Total Rewards check-in line. It was 3 hours before check-in time but I figured if the room isnt ready I'll just check my bags with the bell desk. I was in line only 5 minutes. At the counter I asked the check in lady if there was a complimentary upgrade available. She asked what I had in mind and I said a GO Luxury. She was able to comply. As a thank you I pulled $20 out of my wallet and tipped her after I recieved my room keys. I had originally booked a FAB Luxury, but I really wanted the whole TV in the mirror, modern bathroom I had last time, thus why I asked to upgrade.
My room was on the 26th floor, and very quiet.
My view was similar to what I had last time, a view of the east side of the strip from the Cosmopolitan to the Mirage. The pictures below are video stills from my room tour video since the camera's pictures kept focusing on the screen and obstructed the view. The way it is with the views from the Flamingo that have that Donny and Marie banner on the window, it always looks better in person than it does on camera. The pictures are below:
You can also view the room tour here:
In the room, I popped on the TV in the mirror to Channel 30 (one of the touristy channels) and began unpacking and getting myself sorted. After I unpacked I went downstairs to the Tropical Breeze Cafe and had the Filet Mignon and eggs. It hits the spot in a pinch. With a full belly, it was time to head to the Mirage to pick up my Terry Fator ticket which I purchased via a TravelZoo promotion. On my way to the Mirage I walked through Harrah's and saw Big Elvis doing his thing at the piano bar.
At the Mirage I saw a "Viva MyVegas Scan N Win" code. Now if you're familiar with playing MyVegas than you might know about the Viva MyVegas app which you can use to scan barcodes at various MGm properties when you are in Vegas. It does require Location Services to be on as they need proof thatt you're in Vegas. So I scanned and won 5,000 chips.
I headed to the box office to pick up my Terry Fator ticket. Now, it was a travelzoo deal, and it was the last row but the price was like $29 so I can't complain. I slot-hopped at Mirage for a bit and played some video poker. I knew it would be colder that evening so I went back to the Flamingo to get my warmer coat.
After the coat change I headed back towards Mirage and cut through Harrah's again. I had time to kill so I figured why not play some slots? I popped in my TR card and the reader said "Accepting New Player" or maybe it was "Accepting New Member" and I thought to myself..."New?" I've used this card plenty of times on my last trip 6 months ago. I noticed my TR score was: 0 points. "I could have sworn I had like 800 points." So I made a mental note to talk to somene at a Total Rewards desk. I played a couple of slots at Harrah's, nothing major to report here but I got to kill some time.
I headed over to the Mirage as the Terry Fator theater opened. Although I was in the last row, the theater isn't huge so it was actually fine. Also there are two screens: one to the left and right of the stage. Here's a shot from my seat:
The picture makes it look further than it was but in reality it wasnt that bad at all. The show was great! Terry Fator is very very talented (as he should be after all, he did win America's Got Talent) and I would definitely recommend this show.
After Terry Fator, I hit up the casino in the Mirage and played Super Respin and promptly lost 20 bucks. After that I wanted to head over to the Bellagio Fountains to catch a fountain show, and it was great! The song played was "Luck Be a Lady" which reminded me of playing My Vegas.
After the fountain show it was time to head over to the Cosmopolitan as I realized that its the only City Centre property I havent paid a proper visit to before. I popped in to the casino and started walking around, I must say I really liked the interior design of the place, very modern and sleek. I walked through the first floor and headed up the the second floor where I walked around some more. At this point I was starving..so I tried to find Secret Pizza, but couldn't. Maybe I was on the wrong floor..I was on the 2nd floor so now that I think of it I think Secret Pizza is on the 3rd floor. Well then, Secret Pizza is on my "to do" list for next time. I followed the signs to Wicked Spoon but they were closed, I believe it was around 10:30pm. So now, Wicked Sooon is also on my "to do" list for next time!
I walked across the pedestrian bridge heading towards the Miracle Mile shops area (but not quite sure this was in Miracle Mile shops) and found Rockin' Taco. I remembered it being mentioned on TripAdvisor so I figured I'd give it a shot. For $2.75 they had the freshest damn tacos I have ever eaten. So, so fresh! I've eaten a lot of tacos, I lived in California for 3 years, but this little place had the most outstanding tacos ever. If you haven't tried them, give them a go! They are right across from Goretorium.
From there I slot-hopped at Planet Hollywood, and was fascinated by the Pleasure Pit and the extreme discipline that table game players must have playing at the Pleasure Pit. The Pleasure Pit is...umm..very distracting ;) Nothing major to report on the slots at Planet Hollywood so I headed to Paris. I was on this classic slot machine for quite some time, I think I won about $60 altogether which I played back in to other machines.
After that I went back to the Flamingo where I slot-hopped, played video poker where I got some 4OAKs. I played a Megabucks machine and won $80. I hung out at Bugsy's Bar and played more VP..nothing major to report and I headed off to bed.
Jan 15 - Day 2
I woke up, showered and went on my way. I headed downstairs and grabbed a coffee at Bugsy's Bar. The bartender said he knew I was from the northeast because I said "milk" instead of "cream" when I ordered a coffee. As I was playing my morning slot, I knew I needed a bigger coffee, the one from the bar was...nice and all..but not substantial. I went to Pink Bean for another coffee..ah much better. I stopped off at the Total Rewards desk and the lady explained that my tier score expires at the end of every year, which is why it said Tier Score: 0 the other night when I first put my card into a machine. Oh well, good to know! I went and played respin and won about $25 which almost covered what I was about to do next: "Da Vinci the Genius" at the Venetian.
When I got to the Venetian I did my usual standing in awe of the cieling that leads from the lobby to the casino:
The first time I went to Vegas, I stayed at the Venetian. The Venetian will always have a special place in my heart because of that. I remember after checking in, looking at this cieling while dragging my luggage and just thinking of all the work and the painstaking detail that had to go into it. Everytime I'm in Vegas I always make it a point to visit the Venetian. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed at the Da Vinci exhibit.
Da Vinci the Genius was fascinating! I find those kind of things intriguing so I enjoyed it very much, in fact I was there for almost 2 hours. There are models of some of his inventions that were built according to Da Vinci's specs by artisans and it was a worthwhile experience to see these things up close. I didn't know he invented the re-breather amongst other things. Really, really interesting to learn about. Some exhibits were hands on but most were hands off. Also showcased were exhibits on The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.
My legs were hurting and I was hungry as I left the exhibit and headed to the Rialto Deli at the Venteian for a roast beef sandwhich, it was ok for the price. Yes, I've had better from my local deli, but still. I nom'd it down, played a couple of slots and then it was off to the next item on my list...Illusions: Jan Rouven at the Riviera.
I walked from the Venetian to the Riviera, it's about a 20-25 minute walk and you know what? I find it is much easier to walk long distances in Vegas when it's cold out than it is when it's say 105 degrees F. I walked by the Fashion Show Mall (which I've never been to yet) and also by Wynn and Encore. I didn't stop in as I wanted to make sure I got to the Riv in good time, which I did. I was early enough to play a few slots and let me tell you the slots at the Riv seemed tight as all hell. Also the place was dead when I got there. It was late afternoon by now. I played some pinball machines to waste some time and then soon enough the place started to fill up.
I went upstairs to the Starlite theater and took my seat (preferred seating deal) for the show. The seats were cramped. They were not theater seats, more like kitchenette seats, and they were right next to each other without an inch to spare. It was uncomfortable, like riding the New York City subway system in that set of 3 seats when you're in the middle. As I wasn't the only one who wasn't of a slim physique in that row, it was pretty much uncomfortable for everyone. The show though was worth it to where you forgot about the seating. Definitely great illusions and tricks; the dancers were good as well.
On the way back from the Riv, I cut through the Palazzo shops, to the Venetian and was looking for food. I got to the second floor of the Venetian and was approached by someone -who I thought was Venetian staff- and they said "Hey are you coming to Vegas again this year?"I said "yeah most likely" They were like "How would you like a free room?" I thought it was some new player's club promo so I said "sounds good, where do I sign up?" They walked me a few feet to the desk where this guy was all amped about Vegas and coming back here and then I looked at the name tag and realized it was a time share thing. I said "Oh this is for a time share, right?" He was like "yes but you don't have to do anything now, just when you come back..." I said "thanks but I'm not a timeshare kinda guy" and walked away.
Food was on my mind like crazy. I remembered seeing BLT Burger at the Mirage and thought I'd give it a shot as I always heard good reviews. I was seated and I ordered the BLT Burger, I figure if it's named after the establishment then it must be good. I was not disappointed. SO GOOD!!
I could barely fit a whole bite in my mouth, but I enjoyed the hell out of it! The service there was great and I tipped well. When I left BLT Burger I felt very content. I slot-hopped at the Mirage for a bit, played some classic slots had small wins here and there but nothing substantial. I went to Harrah's and slot-hopped there for a couple of hours. Small wins here and there as well. Back at the Flamingo I played some video poker for a bit. Now, for one of my hands I held the -Qd- and the -As- then hit DRAW. This happened:
SO. FREAKING. CLOSE.
Not like I would have won thousands of dollars or anything but I'm still a Royal Flush virgin! Ugh! I then played my last $20 into a classic 3 reel slot and won $100 bucks and cashed out. After that it was bed time!
Jan 16 - Day 3
Woke up at 10:30am, showered and was on my way. Went downstairs to Pink Bean, grabbed a coffee. I saw Hot Shots Progressive (my first slot love) and said "How could I not play Hot Shots?" So I played while enjoying my morning coffee and a smoke. I won $100 and cashed out. I played a classic slot or two, and was getting hungry so I had an idea...
Anytime I plan to eat at Gallagher's I can never finish my steak because either:
a) I had already eaten that day and don't have as much an appetite or
b) I have plans for a show and have to leave quick
So I decided that instead of saving it for dinner later in the evening that it would be my breakfast. It was a Eureka moment! It was time to have one of my Las Vegas traditions: The Cowboy Rib Eye at Gallgher's at the NYNY.I hopped the monorail, got off at MGM and walked across the pedestrian bridge to the NYNY. I arrived at Gallagher's and asked if they were open, they said yes but for lunch. Dinner would start at 4pm. I asked if the Cowboy Rib Eye was part of lunch, they said no. I made a reservation for 4pm as it was only 2:35pm.
I played a classic 5 cent slot machine and must have been there for an hour. After that I played Wild Huskies because that game reminds me of my siberian husky at home, who I missed a lot. Then I played another Hot Shot variation, wandered for a bit and found another Viva MyVegas Scan and Win so I scanned and won a Bellagio Deck of cards. Lo and behold it was dinner time. I went back to Gallagher's where I was seated and ordered the Cowboy Rib Eye steak, medium.
Now in all honesty I meant to take a picture of it when it arrived, I really did, but you see when it showed up I was so overjoyed that I completely forgot. It was soooo delicious, just as it always is. Since my last trip I had planned to not have plans until I was done eating that rib eye, and I'm glad I stuck to the plan of no plans! I took my sweet-ass time and really enjoyed that steak. So juicy, so tender and flavorful that to me it doesn't even need a steak sauce. I tipped well and when I left I had a grin on my face for hours.
I slot-hopped a bit at NYNY and then it was time for my next item: The Titanic Exhibition at Luxor.
I crossed the walkway over to Excalibur, walked through the casino and finally arrived at the Luxor. As I was looking at the map to see where I needed to go I was approached "Hey, do you plan on coming back to Vegas this year?" I looked at the name tag and I said yes but that I'm in a hurry and am not interested in any time shares at the moment. She kept on with her sales pitch, as I located where to go for the Titanic Exhibition on the map. I said thanks but no, and I walked away.
The Titanic Exhibition came to $30 using my MLife card. I was given a boarding pass with the name of a passenger who was on board, in the end I could see if he lived or not. The Titanic Exhibition was...I was awestruck. It was one thing to see artifacts raised up from the ship, what was used in the different classes of dining, passenger's belongings, replicas of the rooms, the grand staircase, but the part that got me the most was The Big Piece. I was taken away by it. I couldn't speak if I wanted to. I wanted to touch it SO BAD but that's against the rules, as well as taking pictures. So, since I couldn't take pictures of it, I provided the link below which is an article with pictures of the Big Piece courtesy of Vegas News.
http://www.vegasnews.com/56809/titanics-largest-recovered-artifact-the-big-piece-at-titanic-the-artifact-exhibition.htmlAt the end of the exhibition I looked up the name of the passenger on my card, and thankfully he survived. I toured the gift shop where they had "Titanic Coal" but to me it seemed kind of gimmicky to pay $45 for a piece of coal that was smaller than my fingernail.
After leaving the Titanic Exhibtion, there was so much walking to do, so much walking between Luxor, Excalibur, NYNY and finally MGM Grand to get back on the monorail. I don't know why this end of the strip always wears me out. I did however take this picture when I was crossing over to MGM.
Here's a cropped version of it I did in Photoshop:
I took the monorail to Bally's, cut through the casino and headed to the Bellagio to redeem my deck of cards, and for some gelato! I went to Palio Pronto and got some mango and rasperry gelato. So good! I stepped outside just as a fountain show was starting, this time it was "God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American). A great fountain show with a great finish. I found my way to the Mlife desk (located behind the cashier at Bellagio). I got my cards but it seemed like the guy had to do a lot of stuff just for a deck of cards.
I headed to the conservatory and they had a Chinese Money Tree on display and the decor was very Asian. It was explained to me that this was because of Chinese New Year coming up. Also, the Venetian had a Chinese Tree theme going on, so here's the Venetian one on the left and the Bellagio one on the right.
After what seemed like endless walking since I left the Luxor, I went to my room to relax for a few minutes. All the walking had gotten to me, I was so tired.
While resting I made a video of the night time view from my room.
As tired as I was, I headed back out after giving myself a pep talk which went something like: "Look, I know you're tired but this is your last night in Vegas! Now get out there and go do stuff, you have plenty of time to be tired when you are home!" I splashed my face with some cold water and went back out.
I headed to the Casino Royale to do the $50 free slot play. I signed up for a player's card and burned through that $50 in 3 minutes flat. I then walked over to a classic slot and won $80. I cashed out. I went to another machine and started playing from my own money. Now, apparently there was a "bonus" where you earn "random number x credits" on your Casino Royale card for 3 minutes (which is a clever way to keep people playing at the machine for another 3 minutes). Note that I didn't win more money, just more points. After that cycled through I went to another machine and wouldn't you know it...another bonus-point 3 minute cycle! I cashed out.
Now, it was late and I wasn't hungry but I knew it had been 7 hours since I last ate and decided that I should eat just in case my body isn't telling me that I'm hungry. I remembered that Bill's would be closing next month so I decided to have the $6.99 steak and eggs at the Victorian Room to pay my respects to the place.
Those eggs were delicious!! That's about all I can say, really. I knew the steak wasn't going to be nearly as good as what I had at Gallagher's of course, but see the fat on the steak in the picture? Not even the fat had flavor.
R.I.P Bill's, I hardly knew ye. No seriously, I hardly did. I would cut through Bill's from the strip, maybe grab a pack of smokes from the back but that's about it.
I'm sure if I had spent more time at Bill's over my past visits to Vegas I'd be sad to see it go, as I was for O'Sheas. Sure, when you walked in to O'Sheas it smelled like an abused gym sock that cried while scrubbing itself as it sat on the shower floor hoping to somehow feel clean again, but the food court and beer pong was awesome!
I went back to the Flamingo and played some VP, played up and down. I slot-hopped around the casino just taking in my last night in Vegas. I won $100 here and $150 there and at the final count of the evening I was up about $400 bucks! Exhausted and giving in to my body, I headed off to bed, smiling.
I took a picture of the view as I was laying in bed:
Jan 17 - Day 4 (last day)
I woke up, showered, packed and left a nice tip for housekeeping. Grabbed a coffee in the casino, checked my bags at the bell desk. I began to rapid slot hop! I hit up some slots, won $50 here and $350 there, up $400 on top of last night's $400 so I was leaving Vegas $800 up! Pretty good in my book!
I caught a cab to the airport and sat there at Terminal 3 waiting for my flight to board. Thankfully the view I had from the airport was of the mountains which saved me from looking longingly at the strip with sadness as I was going home. Soon enough my flight boarded and of course, as we took off I looked at the Vegas strip and sent it a "See you soon, Las Vegas!" shout-thought.
Overall my plan was a success: activity by day, show at night and gamble til I pass out!
