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Trip Report July 2013
July 8 - Day 1So the plane landed at LAS when I glimpsed my favorite skyline and couldn't help but take a quick picture as we taxied towards the gate.
Yes, although I'm a New Yorker, Las Vegas has my favorite skyline.
I grabbed my carry on and headed through Terminal 3 to the nearest exit. It always makes me happy to see this sign at the airport.
I took my place at #5 and hopped in to the cab. "Where are you headed?" said the cabby. "Please take Swenson...to the Flamingo!" I replied. I noticed there were no touristy 24/7 Guide books in the cab and the cabby explained they all seem to vanish at night. He was more pre-occupied with talking on his cell phone than making conversation while I looked through the window with eager excitement to get to the Flamingo and check in.
Looks so small, and everything looks so close together doesn't it? From the cab window it seems that way but it is a beast to walk it all.
The cab total was about $22.50, I tipped 5 bucks.
Check-in at The Flamingo was a breaze, hardly any wait. No complimentary upgrades were available but they did manage to put me on a high floor to avoid construction noise. That's a win in my book! This time I would be staying in a FAB Luxury Room, not the GO Luxury I've been accustomed to, however it would be a new experience nonetheless. As a plus they put me on the 27th floor, executive level so there was no Donny and Marie wrap on the windows which means great picture taking.
I walked into the room and snapped some pics. It was what I expected in a FAB Luxury.
I realise I didn't take any pics of the bathroom, it's nothing special (no tv in the mirror unfortunately) but you can see the bathroom and everything else in the room tour video here:
Now earlier I mentioned that there was no Donny & Marie window wrap this high up, and this is a good thing. In my previous stays I was below the 27th floor and any pictures I took of the view were obstructed due to the Donny and Marie ad all over the windows, which meant no panaramas or clear shots. Not a problem this time!
Of all the pictures I took this trip, this is my favorite one! This was actually taken on my last day of this trip when I remembered that my camera phone takes panoramas. For the bigger version of this picture, click here
As you can see, this is not a bad view to have at all.
After I unpacked my things and filled up the ice bucket it was time to head downstairs to the casino and begin the chase of the elusive royal! I lost that first $20 quite promptly! I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach and that's when my stomach reminded me that I hadn't eaten in 8 hours. I had planned for some time to try out KGB Burger at Harrah's so off I went!
I ordered 'THE Cheddar Cheeseburger' medium.
The meat is wrapped in crisp slices of fried chedder, how can this go wrong?
I read mixed reviews about KGB but I really wanted to like this burger. I wanted to like it sooo bad! On the first bite I was like "mmm food!" but somewhere between the 2nd and third bite I was missing Five Guys Burgers and Fries. That's when I realised this burger was not as good as Five Guys Burgers & Fries. It was kinda dry, there were bits of bone in the meat. I know KGB makes many different burgers and I do plan to visit them again but I'll try a different burger next time. Maybe they were having an off day? *shrugs*
After my meal, I headed out to Harrah's casino and popped a $20 into a classic 3 reel slot, won nothing. I decided it was time for one of my Vegas traditions: $1 Michelob at Casino Royale.
I grabbed my $1 Michelob and pulled out a $20 and selected a random slot machine. My $20 lasted an hour if not more. As I slot hopped, I left my Casino Royale card in one of the slot machines which I realised about 2 machines later. I went back to the machine and found it there. I asked the players club people at the Casino Royale to punch a hole in my card. This isn't rocket science, every player's club does this if you ask. They said they have no hole puncher for their cards (which is what they said last time, 6 months ago when I asked) so I stopped using the card altogether. Maybe on my next visit I will bring them a hole puncher. Think of the vauleable service it will provide thier customers! Such a simple solution!
With the $20 all gone at Casino Royale, I went to the Venetian (I love that place).
I kept saying I should sign up for the Grazie card, so I finally did. They gave me a Carnevale coupon book, a tee shirt and the grazie card with a hole in it! See Casino Royale? That's how it's done!
Not only was there a hole already in the card but they included a gold looking chain for it. I didn't want to carry everything on me for the rest of the night so I made a mad dash back to the Flamingo to drop everything off and then headed right back out to the strip (and the heat) and headed to T.I to catch Mystere with only 15 minutes to spare before start time!
Using Cirque Du Soliel's "Summer of Cirque" promotion I was able to get my ticket for $50 off when I made my purchase in May. I had read in that Mystere is a good first CDS show to see if you haven't seen one before and being that tomorrow night I was going to see Criss Angel: beLIEve, I wanted an actual cirque experience first. Glad I did...btw. More on that later.
Before the show started I was able to snap this pic of the stage (that blue area) from my seat.
I was very happy with the view and the advice I had gotten that "sitting up close is too close" for a cirque show because so much happens not just on stage but above it, that you want to have distance from the stage to take it all in.
Mystere was fan-freakin-tastic! I had such a great time! The word "wow" kept coming out of my mouth uncontrollably during the show. The performers were amazing, the aerialists, the feats of strength, that wacky older guy, a 300 pound baby, the live musicians were crushing it (this is a good thing). I will never forget this as my first CDS experience. I highly recommend it!
After Mystere, I took a stroll through the Venetian/Palazzo...
...and then headed out along the strip..
It was time for another one of my Vegas traditions: Gelato at the Fountains!
I got my Mango and Vanilla Gelato at Palio Pronto at the Bellagio, conveniently located just inside the Bellagio from the Flamingo Rd. entrance (under the walkway). There were tons of kids and families in line but I waited patiently and soon enough I was served. I went outside, nice cold gelato in hand to watch a fountain show.
Song was 'Luck be a Lady" like last time, so it must have been 10pm. That cold delicious gelato was soothing to my overheated soul. There's just something about having a nice gelato in the Vegas heat while watching a fountain show!
After the fountain show I played a slot or 2 at the Bellagio. Nothing to report here, this would be pretty much the norm for slots and VP for the rest of the trip. It was around now where I had a premonition that my luck was not going to get any better during this trip--then again I was kind of due for a not-so-lucky trip. My last 2 trips to Vegas I returned home up $800 or more of the casino's money. This time though...it looked bleek, plus I arrived in Vegas with a much smaller budget than I originally planned. This was when I said to myself "Well, might as well take a load of pictures on this trip." Since I was at the Bellagio, this was a good place to start...
I wanted to visit Aria's casino as I hadn't been to Aria in a couple of years and the last time I was there was a brisk walk through. I looked everywhere for the tram to Aria and when I found it there was a sign that said it was closed...
...but it wasn't closed just yet. It was only 10:40pm I still had a little over an hour before it closed, so I hopped aboard!
At Aria I got a beer and water, cost was 11 bucks. I was really tired by now, must have been last night's lack of sleep. I walked around the casino, it's bigger than I remembered it initially, and I really liked the atmosphere of it. I played couple of slots and decided to head back to home base.
Got this shot as I left..
I took the tram back to the Bellagio just in time before the tram closed. Whew! Onwards towards the Flamingo.
home base sweet home base...
At the Flamingo, I continued chasing that elusive royal and had small wins here and there. There were a few full houses and 3OAKs and I pretty much played it up and down to nothing before heading to the room.
Night time view from my room, panoramic shot
Good night Las Vegas, another day awaits.
Day 2: Jul 9
Woke up, showered and headed downstairs. It was time for my morning coffee and I like my morning coffee with a slot machne. I headed to Pink Bean where I usually get my Flamingo morning coffees but they were closed, and so was the food court. Odd. I remembered seeing a Java Detour near the lobby area so I figured I'd give them a try. I was not dissapointed, they make a nice coffee! You add your own milk and sugar and what have you, but they make a great brew. This is where I will be going for coffee when at the Flamingo for now on. With coffee in hand, I figured it is never too early in the day to chase the elusive royal, however the royal felt it is never too early in the day to be elusive. So I tried my luck at a couple of slot machines, but I had no wins to report.
All coffee'd up, I headed towards the LV Monorail station at the back of the Flamingo.
I had the monorail all to myself.
Lots of LINQ construction
that big A frame will hold the wheel
I got off the monorail at the MGM Grand...
I did a quick look at the Lion's Share machine, I was gonna take a picture but there was a family of people gathered around. The jackpot has over 2 and a half million bucks just waiting to be won and one day, I'll win it! I made my way to the lobby and grabbed this shot before heading out.
This lion doesn't have to roar to make a statement
I walked across the bridge to the NY NY and made reservations at Gallagher's Steak for 4pm dinner. Reservations made, check! Headed towards Mandalay Bay monorail as I would be heading to Luxor to pick up a ticket.
In the heat of the hot Vegas sun, crossing the bridge from NYNY to Excaliber I heard 4 magical words: "ICE COLE BAHTAY WAHTAY!" Yes! I gave the guy a dollar and recieved a nice refreshing ice cold bottled water. Those bottle water people are life savers! Some had said donations only, some did not. The tram took me to Mandalay Bay, I walked across the platform and took the tram to Luxor.
At Luxor, I got in line at the box office to redeem my MyVegas ticket for "Criss Angel: beLIEve". I was also considering Bodies the Exhibition but I just wasn't in the "walk and stand at an exhibit" mood. Instead I toured around the Luxor, considering for a future stay. I would like to stay in the pyramid atleast once. I pretty much chilled out and played some VP until it was time to head back to Gallagher's. I stopped at Excaliber on the way back to NYNY and had a very long VP session there and looked at the time, ah 15 minutes to get to Gallgher's!
Back in the NYNY
I made it back to NYNY with 5 minutes to spare, and enjoyed the sounds of the saxophonist/singer who was entertaining at "the bar at Times Square" He was very talented! I strolled up to Gallagher's and was seated. So excited to eat here again! I have eaten here once per trip every time I am in Vegas, so this would be my 6th time. I ordred what I usually order when I'm here, 'The Cowboy Ribeye' medium. I remember back in 2009 a good friend of mine had pretty much payed for my Vegas trip and said I should order this, and I remember saying there was no good reason to pay $45 for a steak (I was a Vegas virgin and inexperienced fine dining back then. Ah my youth.). He insisted and long story short, I have been coming here ever since.
The staff at Gallagher's take great care of you. Top notch service. I enjoyed the ambience of the place as always and soon enough my steak arrived. The meaning of life on a plate.
Food porn. Cow chicka cow cow.
Those onion curls complement the texture and flavor of this steak so well, it's a great combination. I was a patient and thorugh lover--umm--diner. An hour and 15 minutes later of pure unadulterated bliss, I had a full and happy belly. I thanked the waiter, tipped well and walked away with a contented smile. I was in a glee-filled daze as I sat at a 'Bet Your A$$' slot and then a Hot Shots Progressive slot and watched my $20's dwindle away. No matter to me, I had just eaten the real jackpot of the day.
It was just about time to go see "Criss Angel: beLIEve" so I headed back to Excal, to the tram, to Mandalay, to the other tram, to Luxor. I walked in to the theater and was directed to my seat. There were signs everywhere about not taking any pictures, but my seat was decent enough that I wanted to take a picture of the view, so using my stealthy ways, here's a pic from my seat.
Now..I had read many bad reviews of this show which is why I decided to use MyVegas points for this. Those points cost me nothing. Being that I am a fan of Criss Angel's TV stuff (Mind Freak) I figured I would still like the show somewhat. Then the show happened. Now, I say this as a fan of Criss Angel when I say...the show was dissapointing.
There was nothing 'MindFreak' about it, there wasn't anything 'Cirque' about it. When Criss Angel does stage magic it loses a certain something, it cheapens his brand. What I liked about MindFreak (his TV show) was he did spectacular illusions that always left me guessing, it gave me that "Wow, how did he do that?" feeling. I didn't get that with 'beLIEve'. You can see the cables and harness that made him "levitate". 'Mindfreak' was street illusionist Criss Angel. 'beLIEve' is stage magician Criss Angel. They are the same person, but a completely different experience. It just wasn't the same. I didn't see anything 'Cirque du Soliel' about this show either. The video promos show a larger cast, a big bunny running around, etc. That didn't happen. There was a big bunny on stilts that walked across the stage at one point but there was nothing "cirque performance worthy' about it. I had great seats that usually cost $119 per ticket, but as I used MyVegas loyalty points it was free. Atleast I didn't lose money, but I can't 'beLIEve' I wasted LPs on this show. I will watch Criss' new show on Spike TV when it airs though, I think he has more control of various elements for television, but my ass wont be in the seats for another one of his stage productions. At the very end of the show he came out and said "Take all the pictures you want!" Well, here's that.
After Criss Angel, I headed back towards the tram, it was dark outside now.
The one good thing about the Criss Angel experience was getting this shot afterwards
I caught excal tram back to excal and grabbed another ice water on the bridge to NYNY. I headed to the Monte Carlo and caught the Aria tram to Bellagio. It was time for more gelato from Palio Pronto and a fountain show.
The song played was "God Bless the USA" (Proud to be an American), so it must have been 10:30pm. "This Kiss" was the fountain show as I was in line for gelato.
The best things in life, are still, free
After the fountain show I headed back towards home base.
snapped this shot on the way
I played VP at Flamingo, still chasing that elusive royal and after an hour or so I still had $12 out of my original $20 so I went to the high limit slots and turned that $12 into $22. I left the High Limit slots and promptly lost my profits playing Hot Shots. How could I not play Hot Shots? Worth it? Yes.
It was late and I was tired so I headed upstairs for bed.
Tomorrow is another day, Las Vegas.
Day 3: Jul 10For most of the morning, I woke up and drifted back to sleep. When I finally woke up for good I didn't feel like rushing out to the strip. I felt woozy and a little achey, like I was hungover but I didn't have any alcahol the day before. Maybe it was all the heat, or the bad air quality from the Carpenter 1 fires. Oh wait, I didn't mention that yet, did I?
Smoke form the Carpenter 1 fires seen from my room
The Carpenter 1 fires were a pretty big deal and were already happening when I got to Vegas on Monday (although the smoke was worse on Monday than what is shown in the pic above taken Wednesday). So maybe it was a combination of that and all the walking around I had done in the past couple of days...but I definitely wasn't in a rush to go anywhere. I relaxed in the room a bit, watched some TV, enjoyed the a.c., listened to some music, caught up on email and social networking and just...relaaaaaxed. It is a VACATION after all :) Since I'd be leaving the next day I got started packing so I wouldn't have to worry about it later.
Today was supposed to be Downtown Day, but based on how I was feeling and on my budget, I knew I wanted do Downtown right so it will have to wait for next trip.
As I was packing I found the Carnavale book I was given when I signed up for the Grazie card at the Venetian. I went through it and found some coupons for I <3 Burgers and gelato a Cocolini. This is when my plans for the day began to take shape. A new burger experience AND a new gelato experience? Bring it!
I headed downstairs to the wildlife habitat to snap some pics and to go up and see Bugsy.
Back inside I got a delicious iced coffee from Java Detour and played electronic craps (that craps game with the big dice in the bubble). It was fun and I watched my $20 play up a bit and then play down to zilch. I took a stroll over to the Venetian and snapped some pics along the way.
I enjoyed the sights and sounds of Carnevale and just took my time and enjoyed the atmosphere of the Grand Canal Shoppes and St. Marks Square. The Venetian/Palazzo is always a good place to walk around and take in the atmosphere. At this point my stomach was ready for food. With my Carnevale Coupon for 15% off, I headed to I <3 Burgers at the Palazzo. No waiting in line, and I was seated promptly. I presented my coupon and Des'ree (the waitress) noted it. She was very attentive and did a great job. I decided on ordering the Dante burger.
There is a bottom bun somewhere
Ground Angus, blue cheese, caramelized onion and roasted garlic aioli. It was sooo delicious! From the first bite to the last I was in my own happy tasty world. With a full and happy belly I paid the check, tipped well, and headed out to more Carnevale activities.
After some VP at the Palazzo, I wandered across the Sands Ave Bridge.
I decided to have a stroll in WYNN since I've never played there before. I signed up for the Red Card which gave me $10 in free slot play. My loss of that free play was swift. I toured around the Wynn for a bit. Wynn is very elegant. Kind of Venetian/Palazzo/Bellagio-esque. I'd like to stay at Wynn one day...when I can actually afford to stay there. ;) I did manage to see the "Lake of Dreams" though, very nice but it's no Bellagio Fountains.
I hadn't seen a volcano show at the Mirage since 2010 and it was always on my "to do again" list. I looked at the time and I would need to get to the Mirage in 20 minutes to catch the show, so I walked from Wynn, took this pic of The Palazzo...
I cut through Palazzo, cut through Venetian...took this pic...
Walked over to the volcano, bought an ice cold bottled water, and enjoyed the show.
After the volcano show I went back to the venetian to use my scoop upgrade (Buy one scoop, get upgraded to a 2nd scoop) coupon for gelato at Cocolini. My scoop decision was a very difficult decision as Cocolini's has so many flavors! I got one scoop of pistachio and one scoop of vanilla. I would be comparing the Vanilla from Cocolini with the vanilla at Palio Pronto.
Although Cocolini's vanilla was good, it lacked a certain richness that Palio Pronto's vanilla had, but it was still very good. I don't think there is any such thing as "bad" gelato. I will definitlely go back there and try other flavors (like cantaloupe). As I was eating the gelato I tried "people watching" but I have come to discover that people don't really interest me enough to watch them. No offense.
I headed to the Venetian gift shop and was glad to confirm that they do sell the Venetian scent at the gift shop for $22. I didn't purchase it, but it is good to know. I really like the Venetian scent. I snapped some shots as I made my way to the lobby...
Did I mention that I love this place?
This floor makes me want to play Q*bert
I went to the Mirage and played some video poker. Maybe it's just me but in the casinos I have been to on this trip, I have seen an onslaught of triple play, 5 play, 10 play video poker. Good ole' fashioned video poker is getting harder to find.
On my way back to homebase for the night, I caught a flare bartender show as I was outside Carnival Court. They were juggling bottles that were on fire. Pretty interesting!
When I got to the Flamingo I was considering playing my very first, real, poker game (you know with like actual physical people at a table). I was going to do Limit Hold'em to get familiar with actual table play/casino poker etiquette. I usually play WSOP online and can hold my own, but I'm still shakey on the human element. The wait list was way too long so I headed up to the room for last minute packing, one last look at the fountains from my window, and for sleep.
I was making a video of the night time view when the fountains sprang into action, it was pretty awesome
Good night, dear fountains
Day 4: JUL 11 - Heading Home
I woke up, showered and checked out of the room. I used the TV check out and was prompted to leave my card in the room.
I checked my bag at the Bell Desk, tipped the guy. I grabbed my last iced coffee from Java Detour and tried chasing that elusive royal again, no luck.
I figured I would catch one last fountain show and as I was crossing the walkway from Caesars to the Bellagio I remembered that fountain shows don't start until 3pm. Oh well. I kept walking and when I exited out of the Bellagio... there was a founatin show! Turns out maintenence was running tests...bonus fountain show! I was watching the show as I was walking to the center viewing position..and then a strong wind arose and the Bellagio Fountains pretty much baptised me! I was splashed by the waters and I felt renewed! It was like a spiritual experience. You can call me St. Vegas! ;)
As I had a little time to kill before heading to the airport, I knew it was time to check something off my to do list: The Eifel Tower Experience. I have been meaning to do that for a couple of years now, so the time was right. The price is $10 before 7pm, plus tax and fees it comes out to $14. I took a few pics.
This next shot was really tricky. I had to balance my phone halfway out of the safety fence in one of those little open squares to get this, but it was worth it. If you have vertigo, or a fear of heights....scroll past this. It is only one picture.
I was up there about a half hour. It was a cloudy day and this affected the picture taking but a worthwhile experience nonetheless, would definitely go again on a brighter day and definitely at least once at night.
After that I walked from Paris through Bally's and headed back to the Flamingo for one last game of video poker. On my way to the Flamingo a couple of rain drops hit me, I never experienced rain in Vegas before, but as quick as it started was how quick it stopped. Oh wells. Back at the Flamingo, I selected that one bank of Nickel Video Poker. It lasted a bit and I eventually played that $20 down to nothing. I went and picked up my bag from the bell desk (tipped again) and headed to the taxi line. The taxi ride to the airport was full of good conversation between me and the cab driver, he was very funny and easy going. When I got in the cab I said "to the airport, shortest way possible" He said "I guess you've been long hauled before?" I said "No, but I always try to phrase things a certain way to help prevent it" and he told me an important saying "For every forest you go into, there is always a snake".
He then said that it always baffled him why cab drivers think they will become millionaires by charging people an extra $10. We talked about Vegas, New York, Atlantic City, cab drivers, people being long-hauled, how to handle losing money, and how not to spend the day gambling when there are so many more things to do in Vegas like enjoying meals an shows as well. "These hotels weren't built from winners" he said. It's a phrase I've heard before but a true one at that.
I made it to the airport in decent time. Cost was about $20, I tipped well.
I went through security and got a whopper at Burger King. It made me miss that amazing Dante Burger from I <3 Burgers. I boarded the flight, and as we taxi'd towards the runway I took one last pic of my favorite skyline.
I sent it a thought-hug with a "See you soon, Las Vegas!" as we lifted into the sky.
Am I already planning my next trip? You better believe it!Thanks for reading along!