Part five in my series of money-saving tips for your Vegas vacation involves gambling. Following are just a few ideas for making your gambling budget go a little farther on your next trip.
Gambling
Budget your gambling money AND stick to your budget - Set a limit before you begin gambling - like $200 per day or $40 per session, for example - and stick with it no matter what. This will keep you from going to the ATM for more money, or delving into your next day's gambling funds to continue trying to chase wins. When you've used your gambling money, you're done for the day, so find something else to do with your time. There are lots of things to see and do in Vegas, so you'll never be bored...even when you have no gambling money left. See my post: "A few of my favorite 'free' things to see and do" from June if you need a few ideas to get you started.
Use envelopes to divide your daily gambling funds - Before you leave for Vegas, put each days' gambling funds in a separate envelope and label each of them "DAY 1", "DAY 2", etc. I use this technique for each trip to ensure that I do NOT go beyond my daily budget and spend more than I'm willing to part with. In addition, you should keep non-gambling monies separate from your gambling funds so that you don't spend all your money gambling and have nothing left for food, entertainment, and transportation.
Take your winnings home - Something else I do: If I win of $100 or more on any machine in a slot machine bonus round or while playing VP, that money goes back home with me. Yes, seriously. I put it into a separate envelope so that I'm not tempted to put it back into a machine or spend it on something else. This way I always know I'll be going home with a little bit of money if I manage to hit a nice payout.
Consider lowering your bets or denomination - If you feel you go through money too quickly when you're gambling, think about taking your bets down a notch or two. Playing blackjack? Go down to $5 per hand, or head to smaller casinos like O'Shea's or Casino Royale to find $2-$3 blackjack games. Playing video poker or slot machines? Stop playing $1 or 50-cent games and play 25-cent, 5-cent, 2-cent, or even penny games. Most of the machines are now multi-denominational, and you can change the denomination of your game without changing seats in many cases. Also be sure to check the machine's denomination before you start playing so you don't risk more than you're willing to on a single bet.
Play max lines, but not max bet - When playing slot machines, especially the video reel slots with bonus games attached, be sure you always play the maximum number of lines for the game to get the most out of the winning combinations. You don't have to play the maximum bet, though; many of the video reel slot machines with bonus rounds will not engage the bonus rounds without the maximum number of lines played, but will still pay out winning combinations with even one coin bet per line. So, you could play for very little cash while still taking advantage of the bonus features.
Play downtown or off-Strip for better payback on video poker (VP) or blackjack games - The Strip is dominated by lesser pay tables because of the large corporations that own them, such as Harrah's Entertainment, MGM-Mirage, Wynn, and the like. The corporations know many people visiting Vegas may not want to venture too far away to find better gambling options because they're unfamiliar with the city or don't have transportation, so they're willing to play lesser games than go looking for the better deals. Gambling at local's casinos (for example, the Station casinos, Sam's Town, and downtown casinos) will give you better pay tables to choose from because they are geared towards keeping their local customers happy and offer the good payouts to keep their guests coming back again and again.
Learn to play live poker, but avoid no-limit games - The popularity of poker is higher than ever before, and low-limit games can be found in casinos all over the Las Vegas area. You can play for long periods of time with a small investment, and you can earn comps for free buffets or lunches more quickly than playing slots or video poker. In addition to being a Vegas bus guru, my friend Dewey is also a big poker player, so you may find some great tips in his blogs, as well: http://vegasbirthdaybash.blogspot.com/ and http://www.pokerbluegill.blogspot.com/.
Set your loss limit and stick with it - Don't go with the "one more $20 bill" mentality. If you decide to only gamble $40 in a certain casino, that's what you need to do. After that it's time to move on to something else.
There are so many gambling options in Las Vegas these days that you can certainly find something that will fit your budget and still allow you to have a great time. Walk around the casino before you start gambling to make sure you've found a game that you feel comfortable playing at a denomination you can afford. After that, it's all up to Lady Luck.
Tomorrow's tips: Entertainment
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 4 of 9: Food!
Here is part four in my series of tips for saving money in Vegas. Remember that this list does not include every possible way you could save some cash for other things, but it is meant to give you some ideas and help spur you into thinking of some great ideas of your own.
Food!
Buffets:
Look for a good, midpoint place to dine - Midpoint buffet dining means that the price is middle of the range and not overly expensive nor is it dirt cheap. A midpoint lunch or dinner buffet will probably run about $10-$20 per person. A buffet in this range should offer lots of quality in its food as well as quantity in its offerings. An example of a delicious midpoint buffet on the Strip would be the Harrah's Flavors Buffet.
Consider an all-day buffet - If you're planning on staying around the same area all day long, you might consider one of the all-day buffets currently being offered at select hotels around Las Vegas. For about $25 (depending on the hotel), you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner for one all-inclusive price. A good way to take advantage of this offer would be to eat breakfast, go out and do your sightseeing and gambling, and come back for dinner at the buffet again later on. Skipping the lunch option still gives you two buffets for one price, and that's not a bad deal price-wise. The buffets that offer this all-day option are constantly changing, so be sure to check with your hotel or look for the signs advertising this deal before you make your decision.
Head to the buffet before the changeover - Basically, you're taking advantage of two buffets for the lower-priced one. Go to a late breakfast before the breakfast-to-lunch changeover and increased price and you'll be able to pay the breakfast price and stay for the lunch buffet, as well. Same goes for dinner; if you head in before the lunch price changes for dinner, you'll be able to take advantage of the lower price for the dinner buffet and get to select from the lunch options, as well. I do this more often than not because I LOVE both the Bellagio and Wynn buffets, but I like to pay the lower $14.95 and $19.95 prices for the lunch offerings and stay for dinner. When I eat at these two buffets in particular, I like to sit and enjoy the atmosphere and people-watch, too, so I'm not in any rush to get my food and get out.
Restaurants and other dining options:
Forgo the fancy dinners - Celebrating a big milestone or anniversary at a great restaurant is a must for some people, but consider a less expensive option for your dining pleasure if you're traveling solo or trying to economize.
Consider the prix fixe menus offered at some restaurants - Like the all-day buffet options, the offerings and locations are always changing, but the current economy has made this a staple of the Las Vegas dining landscape. For example, places like The Mirage's Stack and Kokomo's restaurants currently offer a price-fixed menu for $29 (not including drinks, tax, or tip) and give you your choice of appetizer, entree', and dessert from a preset menu. Not a bad deal if you've always really want to dine at one of these restaurants but didn't want to spend tons of money on your meal. I've heard good reviews all around for the prix fixe menus, and I hope they continue to be offered as alternative dining options so that I can try them myself!
Share a meal - Granted, some restaurants will charge you a fee (usually $2-$3) to share a meal, but if you're not a big eater and you prefer sharing your meals at home, do it. Most restaurants indicate the sharing charge right on their menu; if not, be sure to ask before you order so that you're not surprised by the bill or find out you're not allowed to share meals at that particular restaurant. I find this is a very good thing to do when dining at places with a reputation for serving lots of food: Grand Lux, Cheesecake Factory, Peppermill, or Hash House a Go-Go are examples of places with really big portions that are just begging to be shared.
Make appetizers your meal - Another good option if you're not a big eater, of if you're just wanting a smaller meal to tide you over until later. I do this locally at chains restaurants like Chili's all the time, but I find myself doing it over and over again at restaurants in Vegas, too. See my reviews of the Trevi restaurant in Caesars Palace or Grand Lux Cafe' at The Venetian for my more recent appetizer-only meals.
Check out the graveyard specials - A lot of hotel cafes offer graveyard specials for late-night dining at a great price. For example, the Cafe' at Harrah's offers a Steak and Eggs Special for $5.99 from midnight to 6:00 a.m.; a great deal if you like to stay out late and eat before you head up to your room.
Make lunch your big meal of the day - Maybe have coffee and a bagel for breakfast, then have a big, enjoyable lunch. You'll be so stuffed that you'll skip the higher-priced dinner options altogether, too.
Economize on breakfast and lunch for a bigger dinner - Along the same vein, eat something small for breakfast and lunch and have a splurge on that dinner buffet you've been waiting for - but don't forget to get there before the changeover to dinner prices to really save!
Avoid chains or fast-food restaurants - For whatever reason, these seem to be higher priced in Vegas and not a great value at all. For example, the Subway at O'Shea's might seem like a good option, but the price for a 6" sub is around the price of what a 12" sub would cost you in your hometown. Look for the deals,specials, and unusual offerings and save the chains for when you get back to civilization.
Bring some of your own supplies in your checked luggage - If you can't do anything without coffee first thing in the morning, a small 2- or 4-cup coffee maker and a supply of coffee for that early morning cuppa could be what you need to pack. Also, consider some healthier snacks like nuts and dried fruits that travel well and will keep you from being tempted by those over-priced goodies in the mini bar or the gift shop when you're desperate for a quick snack before bed. Just remember that you can't take any food in your carry on luggage through Security, so all food items must be checked to avoid being confiscated.
Have a rental car? Stop at the grocery store, Walgreens, or CVS before you check in - Pick up some of your favorite basic snacks and drinks (including liquor, if you're so inclined) before you get to your hotel. Once again, you're saving yourself from the temptations of the mini bar and the gift shop, and you'll have the things you like from the moment you settle in.
Consider your own meal makers if you have an in-room fridge - You could even go so far as getting peanut butter and jelly or lunch meats and some bread to make sandwiches if you'd like to really keep your food costs down. An in-room fridge also allows you to bring back your leftovers and safely store them for later if you hate wasting any food.
Some of these may be considered a little extreme by some, but they are tried and true methods used by more than just a few people who want to spend their money elsewhere in Vegas.
Next on the list: Gambling!
Food!
Buffets:
Look for a good, midpoint place to dine - Midpoint buffet dining means that the price is middle of the range and not overly expensive nor is it dirt cheap. A midpoint lunch or dinner buffet will probably run about $10-$20 per person. A buffet in this range should offer lots of quality in its food as well as quantity in its offerings. An example of a delicious midpoint buffet on the Strip would be the Harrah's Flavors Buffet.
Consider an all-day buffet - If you're planning on staying around the same area all day long, you might consider one of the all-day buffets currently being offered at select hotels around Las Vegas. For about $25 (depending on the hotel), you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner for one all-inclusive price. A good way to take advantage of this offer would be to eat breakfast, go out and do your sightseeing and gambling, and come back for dinner at the buffet again later on. Skipping the lunch option still gives you two buffets for one price, and that's not a bad deal price-wise. The buffets that offer this all-day option are constantly changing, so be sure to check with your hotel or look for the signs advertising this deal before you make your decision.
Head to the buffet before the changeover - Basically, you're taking advantage of two buffets for the lower-priced one. Go to a late breakfast before the breakfast-to-lunch changeover and increased price and you'll be able to pay the breakfast price and stay for the lunch buffet, as well. Same goes for dinner; if you head in before the lunch price changes for dinner, you'll be able to take advantage of the lower price for the dinner buffet and get to select from the lunch options, as well. I do this more often than not because I LOVE both the Bellagio and Wynn buffets, but I like to pay the lower $14.95 and $19.95 prices for the lunch offerings and stay for dinner. When I eat at these two buffets in particular, I like to sit and enjoy the atmosphere and people-watch, too, so I'm not in any rush to get my food and get out.
Restaurants and other dining options:
Forgo the fancy dinners - Celebrating a big milestone or anniversary at a great restaurant is a must for some people, but consider a less expensive option for your dining pleasure if you're traveling solo or trying to economize.
Consider the prix fixe menus offered at some restaurants - Like the all-day buffet options, the offerings and locations are always changing, but the current economy has made this a staple of the Las Vegas dining landscape. For example, places like The Mirage's Stack and Kokomo's restaurants currently offer a price-fixed menu for $29 (not including drinks, tax, or tip) and give you your choice of appetizer, entree', and dessert from a preset menu. Not a bad deal if you've always really want to dine at one of these restaurants but didn't want to spend tons of money on your meal. I've heard good reviews all around for the prix fixe menus, and I hope they continue to be offered as alternative dining options so that I can try them myself!
Share a meal - Granted, some restaurants will charge you a fee (usually $2-$3) to share a meal, but if you're not a big eater and you prefer sharing your meals at home, do it. Most restaurants indicate the sharing charge right on their menu; if not, be sure to ask before you order so that you're not surprised by the bill or find out you're not allowed to share meals at that particular restaurant. I find this is a very good thing to do when dining at places with a reputation for serving lots of food: Grand Lux, Cheesecake Factory, Peppermill, or Hash House a Go-Go are examples of places with really big portions that are just begging to be shared.
Make appetizers your meal - Another good option if you're not a big eater, of if you're just wanting a smaller meal to tide you over until later. I do this locally at chains restaurants like Chili's all the time, but I find myself doing it over and over again at restaurants in Vegas, too. See my reviews of the Trevi restaurant in Caesars Palace or Grand Lux Cafe' at The Venetian for my more recent appetizer-only meals.
Check out the graveyard specials - A lot of hotel cafes offer graveyard specials for late-night dining at a great price. For example, the Cafe' at Harrah's offers a Steak and Eggs Special for $5.99 from midnight to 6:00 a.m.; a great deal if you like to stay out late and eat before you head up to your room.
Make lunch your big meal of the day - Maybe have coffee and a bagel for breakfast, then have a big, enjoyable lunch. You'll be so stuffed that you'll skip the higher-priced dinner options altogether, too.
Economize on breakfast and lunch for a bigger dinner - Along the same vein, eat something small for breakfast and lunch and have a splurge on that dinner buffet you've been waiting for - but don't forget to get there before the changeover to dinner prices to really save!
Avoid chains or fast-food restaurants - For whatever reason, these seem to be higher priced in Vegas and not a great value at all. For example, the Subway at O'Shea's might seem like a good option, but the price for a 6" sub is around the price of what a 12" sub would cost you in your hometown. Look for the deals,specials, and unusual offerings and save the chains for when you get back to civilization.
Bring some of your own supplies in your checked luggage - If you can't do anything without coffee first thing in the morning, a small 2- or 4-cup coffee maker and a supply of coffee for that early morning cuppa could be what you need to pack. Also, consider some healthier snacks like nuts and dried fruits that travel well and will keep you from being tempted by those over-priced goodies in the mini bar or the gift shop when you're desperate for a quick snack before bed. Just remember that you can't take any food in your carry on luggage through Security, so all food items must be checked to avoid being confiscated.
Have a rental car? Stop at the grocery store, Walgreens, or CVS before you check in - Pick up some of your favorite basic snacks and drinks (including liquor, if you're so inclined) before you get to your hotel. Once again, you're saving yourself from the temptations of the mini bar and the gift shop, and you'll have the things you like from the moment you settle in.
Consider your own meal makers if you have an in-room fridge - You could even go so far as getting peanut butter and jelly or lunch meats and some bread to make sandwiches if you'd like to really keep your food costs down. An in-room fridge also allows you to bring back your leftovers and safely store them for later if you hate wasting any food.
Some of these may be considered a little extreme by some, but they are tried and true methods used by more than just a few people who want to spend their money elsewhere in Vegas.
Next on the list: Gambling!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 3 of 9: Transportation
This is the third installment in my series of money-saving tips and suggestions for adding a little frugality to your Las Vegas trips. This list is not complete by any means; rather, it is meant to give you some ideas for your own trip and encourage you to look for ways to make some money-saving choices of your own.
Transportation
Share a taxi - Been chatting with someone on the plane? If you're heading to the same location and feel comfortable traveling with someone else, you should consider sharing the cost of a cab ride to your hotel destination. If you choose to do this, though, please be safe! Follow your instincts about sharing a cab with a stranger. If you're not comfortable with them, don't get into a cab with them. Ever.
Study rental car prices before your trip - So you've booked a car for your trip a couple of months in advance. Don't stop looking at those rental car prices! Rental rates are known to change from week-to-week and sometimes from day-to-day. Re-booking your rental is a smart way to save some cash if you see the price go down significantly. Of course, make sure that you're not paying a cancellation fee, or the savings could be negated.
Think about the airport shuttles - This is probably your cheapest option, but the time involved to get all the passengers and their luggage loaded, make the stops at ALL the hotels for the other guests before you get to your hotel (and it always seems like yours is the last stop), unload the people and their luggage, and get underway again could be considerable. Give yourself at least an hour and a half for the trip, but don't be surprised if the trip takes longer because of any holiday or rush hour traffic you may have to contend with.
Consider a rental car if you're staying downtown or far off-Strip - The cost of a cab ride to the downtown area or to one of the farther out hotels is very high; think along the lines of at least $30-$40, depending on where you're staying. Plus, you'll get there much quicker than taking a shuttle from the airport. For the price of a taxi ride from the airport (and the one you'll eventually take back to the airport for your flight home), you could rent a compact car and save money on all the potential cab rides to your other planned destinations, which could really add up and put a big strain on your finances.
Use the bus to get around - Using the CAT bus or the Deuce on the Strip is a great way to get around very cheaply, especially if you get a 24-hour bus pass. Again, don't forget to check out Dewey's bus tips to make sure you've got everything covered: http://vegasbirthdaybash.blogspot.com/2009/08/everything-i-know-about-riding-bus.html.
Take the monorail - In my "Seven Ways to Get Around Vegas" post a few days ago, I mentioned the monorail and how a lot of people forget about it or give it a bad rap. A 24-hour pass or 3-day pass is very affordable if you do a lot of traveling from one end of the Strip to the other. The walk involved to get to the monorail stations is a good way to stretch your legs, so don't complain; you know you need the exercise.
Consider renting a limo for parties of 7 or more - The biggest cabs in Vegas can only hold 6 people maximum, but most of them are only able to hold 5. If you have a larger party, you're going to have to split up to get to your destination. Whether you pre-book a limo from the airport or decide to take a limo from one end of the Strip to another when you go out to a nice restaurant with your party, a limo could be more affordable than two taxis. From the airport, you're looking at about $50 + a tip; from the valet area of any of the major hotels, it'll probably be about $35 + tip as the limo drivers are always willing to negotiate if they're not waiting for someone else. Plus it's a comfortable, relaxing, and affordable way to ride if you split the cost per person.
Use the free hotel shuttles for the outlying casinos - Also mentioned in my "Seven Ways to Get Around Vegas" post was a link to the free shuttles that are currently running between hotels, and here it is again for your convenience: http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/transportation/shuttle.html. In addition to those, there's a free shuttle from the Fashion Show Mall to the new M Resort that you can use - schedule provided by LV4E member 2Westie here: http://www.blonde4ever.yuku.com/topic/7552/t/M-Resort-shuttle-schedule.html. Be aware that this shuttle is subject to availability; in other words, if the seats are filled by M Resort guests, you'll have to wait for the next one.
Walk - You'll save money and get lots of fresh air and exercise. Yes, even on vacation. I've said it before, this is my primary way for getting around the Las Vegas Strip. Why? I can go at my own pace, I can stop and take pictures and videos along the way, I get to people-watch, I can stop and gamble if I find something interesting to play, and I can generally just enjoy the scenery. It's not a bad way to get around, and it's preferable to me when making a trip that's at a bit of a distance but not worth wasting cab money on. And when going solo, it's a great way to kill some time and work up an appetite for the next great buffet or free drink. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and keep yourself hydrated when you walk in Vegas day or night and you'll have a great time.
Again, there are lots of other ways to get around Vegas, so look into some of your favorites and see if there are discounts or coupons you could use to get a break on the money you'd probably like to spend elsewhere on your vacation. Above all, do what is good for YOU, and enjoy your time in Sin City.
Next up: Food deals and ways to save when eating in Vegas.
Transportation
Share a taxi - Been chatting with someone on the plane? If you're heading to the same location and feel comfortable traveling with someone else, you should consider sharing the cost of a cab ride to your hotel destination. If you choose to do this, though, please be safe! Follow your instincts about sharing a cab with a stranger. If you're not comfortable with them, don't get into a cab with them. Ever.
Study rental car prices before your trip - So you've booked a car for your trip a couple of months in advance. Don't stop looking at those rental car prices! Rental rates are known to change from week-to-week and sometimes from day-to-day. Re-booking your rental is a smart way to save some cash if you see the price go down significantly. Of course, make sure that you're not paying a cancellation fee, or the savings could be negated.
Think about the airport shuttles - This is probably your cheapest option, but the time involved to get all the passengers and their luggage loaded, make the stops at ALL the hotels for the other guests before you get to your hotel (and it always seems like yours is the last stop), unload the people and their luggage, and get underway again could be considerable. Give yourself at least an hour and a half for the trip, but don't be surprised if the trip takes longer because of any holiday or rush hour traffic you may have to contend with.
Consider a rental car if you're staying downtown or far off-Strip - The cost of a cab ride to the downtown area or to one of the farther out hotels is very high; think along the lines of at least $30-$40, depending on where you're staying. Plus, you'll get there much quicker than taking a shuttle from the airport. For the price of a taxi ride from the airport (and the one you'll eventually take back to the airport for your flight home), you could rent a compact car and save money on all the potential cab rides to your other planned destinations, which could really add up and put a big strain on your finances.
Use the bus to get around - Using the CAT bus or the Deuce on the Strip is a great way to get around very cheaply, especially if you get a 24-hour bus pass. Again, don't forget to check out Dewey's bus tips to make sure you've got everything covered: http://vegasbirthdaybash.blogspot.com/2009/08/everything-i-know-about-riding-bus.html.
Take the monorail - In my "Seven Ways to Get Around Vegas" post a few days ago, I mentioned the monorail and how a lot of people forget about it or give it a bad rap. A 24-hour pass or 3-day pass is very affordable if you do a lot of traveling from one end of the Strip to the other. The walk involved to get to the monorail stations is a good way to stretch your legs, so don't complain; you know you need the exercise.
Consider renting a limo for parties of 7 or more - The biggest cabs in Vegas can only hold 6 people maximum, but most of them are only able to hold 5. If you have a larger party, you're going to have to split up to get to your destination. Whether you pre-book a limo from the airport or decide to take a limo from one end of the Strip to another when you go out to a nice restaurant with your party, a limo could be more affordable than two taxis. From the airport, you're looking at about $50 + a tip; from the valet area of any of the major hotels, it'll probably be about $35 + tip as the limo drivers are always willing to negotiate if they're not waiting for someone else. Plus it's a comfortable, relaxing, and affordable way to ride if you split the cost per person.
Use the free hotel shuttles for the outlying casinos - Also mentioned in my "Seven Ways to Get Around Vegas" post was a link to the free shuttles that are currently running between hotels, and here it is again for your convenience: http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/transportation/shuttle.html. In addition to those, there's a free shuttle from the Fashion Show Mall to the new M Resort that you can use - schedule provided by LV4E member 2Westie here: http://www.blonde4ever.yuku.com/topic/7552/t/M-Resort-shuttle-schedule.html. Be aware that this shuttle is subject to availability; in other words, if the seats are filled by M Resort guests, you'll have to wait for the next one.
Walk - You'll save money and get lots of fresh air and exercise. Yes, even on vacation. I've said it before, this is my primary way for getting around the Las Vegas Strip. Why? I can go at my own pace, I can stop and take pictures and videos along the way, I get to people-watch, I can stop and gamble if I find something interesting to play, and I can generally just enjoy the scenery. It's not a bad way to get around, and it's preferable to me when making a trip that's at a bit of a distance but not worth wasting cab money on. And when going solo, it's a great way to kill some time and work up an appetite for the next great buffet or free drink. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and keep yourself hydrated when you walk in Vegas day or night and you'll have a great time.
Again, there are lots of other ways to get around Vegas, so look into some of your favorites and see if there are discounts or coupons you could use to get a break on the money you'd probably like to spend elsewhere on your vacation. Above all, do what is good for YOU, and enjoy your time in Sin City.
Next up: Food deals and ways to save when eating in Vegas.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 2 of 9: Accommodations
This is the second installment in my series of money-saving ideas for your Vegas trip planning. These ideas are taken from some of my own personal experiences and include the valuable input of some of the wonderful members over at LV4E.
Accommodations
Find reduced-rate rooms for your stay - Using sites like TravelZoo, Priceline, or a Vegas-related site like i4vegas (http://www.i4vegas.com/) to find deals on hotels on or off the Strip can save you a lot of money.
Visit during the "off-season" - Finding deals during the slower months - especially July, August, and December - can save you a lot of money. The hotels are always trying to fill their rooms, and they are willing to cut you a break if they have rooms to spare. The key is to be willing to change your reservation up to a couple of weeks out from your departure date if you find a great deal on a room.
Consider sharing rooms with friends and family - Share the price of a room to save yourself some cash. A room with two queen beds usually goes for the exact same rate of a room with a king bed, and you can spend your savings elsewhere.
Think about hotels located off the Strip - The bigger, fancier hotels are mostly located on the Strip, so finding a hotel off-Strip is probably cheaper. Places like The Orleans, Gold Coast, and Tuscany are just some of the great options away from the hustle and bustle. Do your homework and check out the competing properties before you make your decision.
Downtown is a whole other city - and a whole other experience - If you've never visited downtown, maybe your next trip would be a great time to try it out. Besides the much lower room rates, most of the hotels are within walking distance of one another, and access to Fremont Street and the Fremont Street Experience is available from most hotels. Another bonus: many of the downtown hotels have recently undergone or are undergoing renovations, so you're getting a great "new" room for a much lower price.
If you have comped (complimentary) rooms, use them - You've gambled in Vegas before, so if you get an offer to come back and stay for free, do it! Taking advantage of free rooms is a plus for you because you're staying on the hotel's dollar. Of course, gambling in their casino will hopefully get you more offers for free rooms in the future - and so on, and so on...
Consider moving between hotels during your stay - If you have a couple of hotel choices you can't quite choose between, or if you get an offer for free rooms for only part of your say, think about moving between hotels to take advantage of free offers and/or reduced room rates at other hotels. During my last trip, I had three nights comped at Paris, and ended my trip with a reduced room rate (and $50 free play) at Bellagio. I was able to stay at two hotels I'd never visited before, and I paid only $89 for a total of four nights at very nice places.
Once again, these are just a few ideas for you to consider when you start planning your next Vegas trip. Hopefully you'll find some inspiration somewhere among the paragraphs.
Next up: Tips for saving on your transportation costs.
Accommodations
Find reduced-rate rooms for your stay - Using sites like TravelZoo, Priceline, or a Vegas-related site like i4vegas (http://www.i4vegas.com/) to find deals on hotels on or off the Strip can save you a lot of money.
Visit during the "off-season" - Finding deals during the slower months - especially July, August, and December - can save you a lot of money. The hotels are always trying to fill their rooms, and they are willing to cut you a break if they have rooms to spare. The key is to be willing to change your reservation up to a couple of weeks out from your departure date if you find a great deal on a room.
Consider sharing rooms with friends and family - Share the price of a room to save yourself some cash. A room with two queen beds usually goes for the exact same rate of a room with a king bed, and you can spend your savings elsewhere.
Think about hotels located off the Strip - The bigger, fancier hotels are mostly located on the Strip, so finding a hotel off-Strip is probably cheaper. Places like The Orleans, Gold Coast, and Tuscany are just some of the great options away from the hustle and bustle. Do your homework and check out the competing properties before you make your decision.
Downtown is a whole other city - and a whole other experience - If you've never visited downtown, maybe your next trip would be a great time to try it out. Besides the much lower room rates, most of the hotels are within walking distance of one another, and access to Fremont Street and the Fremont Street Experience is available from most hotels. Another bonus: many of the downtown hotels have recently undergone or are undergoing renovations, so you're getting a great "new" room for a much lower price.
If you have comped (complimentary) rooms, use them - You've gambled in Vegas before, so if you get an offer to come back and stay for free, do it! Taking advantage of free rooms is a plus for you because you're staying on the hotel's dollar. Of course, gambling in their casino will hopefully get you more offers for free rooms in the future - and so on, and so on...
Consider moving between hotels during your stay - If you have a couple of hotel choices you can't quite choose between, or if you get an offer for free rooms for only part of your say, think about moving between hotels to take advantage of free offers and/or reduced room rates at other hotels. During my last trip, I had three nights comped at Paris, and ended my trip with a reduced room rate (and $50 free play) at Bellagio. I was able to stay at two hotels I'd never visited before, and I paid only $89 for a total of four nights at very nice places.
Once again, these are just a few ideas for you to consider when you start planning your next Vegas trip. Hopefully you'll find some inspiration somewhere among the paragraphs.
Next up: Tips for saving on your transportation costs.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 1 of 9: Travel/Flights
I've been working on a list of things that will (hopefully) help to save you some cash and allow you to do more things with less money on your next Vegas trip. Whether there's a recession or not, taking a trip to Vegas doesn't always mean spending a lot of money; there are ways to economize and still have a great time.
Some of the folks over at LV4E recently started a similar list of ideas for saving money on Vegas trips, and I decided to add their great tips and suggestions to mine and give you a comprehensive, budget-conscious list of ideas for making your trip a little more wallet-friendly. Once I started the list I saw that it was going to be a bigger project than I originally thought, and I have decided to divide it into nine separate postings. This post is about possible ways to save money on your travel and/or flights.
Saving money on travel and flights
Watch for sales on flights - If you travel in July, August, or December, you'll find that flights are cheapest during these times. July and August are typically very hot, but if you come from a warm climate you can probably handle 104-108 degree average days. Plus it's always about 72 degrees in the casinos! I like traveling in July because there are a lot fewer people around than in March or April, but those months are nice, too.
Drive instead of fly - Consider your gas, time, and possible food and accommodation costs here. If it's cheaper to drive you and your family or friends to Vegas as a group and you have the time, do it. Pooling your resources and saving money on flights for a large group is quite possibly more cost-effective if you're all coming from the same location.
Use airline miles, reward credits, sky miles, etc. - Are you saving them for a rainy day? Consider using them now. And if you have one of those "friends fly free" promos, go for it! The money saved on that second airline ticket could be used for something else, instead.
Ask for airline gift cards for your birthday, Christmas, or anniversary presents - Why not? I do it all the time, and it's a gift I love to receive, over and over again. There's no shame in getting what you really want for Christmas!
Avoid large conventions - There are a lot of conventions in Vegas, and there are conventions almost year-round. Avoiding them - or at least avoiding the bigger ones - will help you save some money because the flights will probably not be as full and room rates are more likely to be lower to attract visitors. Another plus: you won't have to fight for a table at the cafe' or wait in lines that are far too long for normal people. Find a listing of the current Las Vegas conventions here:
http://www.lvol.com/conventions/index.html
Use sites like TravelZoo or Priceline to get a good deal on airfare - It's harder to find direct flights this way, but you can certainly save some money when booking airfare if you're not too picky.
Consider taking carry on luggage to avoid luggage fees - Most major airlines charge a fee for even the first checked bag now (except Southwest). If you're taking a shorter trip of 4 nights or less, consider taking carry on luggage to avoid a fee each way.
Use the hotel's amenities instead of packing your own - In the same vein as the carry on luggage, save some room in yours by using the hotel's free shampoo, conditioner, etc. instead of packing your own. You save money, save room in your suitcase, and you don't have to worry about getting through Security with less than 3 ounces of each of your liquids in a quart bag.
Downsize your clothing and shoe options - Another packing issue: taking too much stuff. Realistically, how many times do you go back to your hotel room to change clothes in one day? Yes, if you're going to a show or nice dinner, it's understandable. Consider interchangeable items like khakis or jeans, neutral-colored shirts, and shoes that go with more than one outfit. Again, you're saving room and can take a carry on bag, instead. The general rule for packing clothes for any trip is to choose what you want to take and then put half of it back. Most of us are guilty of over-packing, anyway.
These are just a few ideas to get you started thinking of your own money-saving possibilities. They may not be right for every person or every situation, but they work for many of us who travel to Vegas frequently.
Next up: Tips for saving on your hotel accommodations
Some of the folks over at LV4E recently started a similar list of ideas for saving money on Vegas trips, and I decided to add their great tips and suggestions to mine and give you a comprehensive, budget-conscious list of ideas for making your trip a little more wallet-friendly. Once I started the list I saw that it was going to be a bigger project than I originally thought, and I have decided to divide it into nine separate postings. This post is about possible ways to save money on your travel and/or flights.
Saving money on travel and flights
Watch for sales on flights - If you travel in July, August, or December, you'll find that flights are cheapest during these times. July and August are typically very hot, but if you come from a warm climate you can probably handle 104-108 degree average days. Plus it's always about 72 degrees in the casinos! I like traveling in July because there are a lot fewer people around than in March or April, but those months are nice, too.
Drive instead of fly - Consider your gas, time, and possible food and accommodation costs here. If it's cheaper to drive you and your family or friends to Vegas as a group and you have the time, do it. Pooling your resources and saving money on flights for a large group is quite possibly more cost-effective if you're all coming from the same location.
Use airline miles, reward credits, sky miles, etc. - Are you saving them for a rainy day? Consider using them now. And if you have one of those "friends fly free" promos, go for it! The money saved on that second airline ticket could be used for something else, instead.
Ask for airline gift cards for your birthday, Christmas, or anniversary presents - Why not? I do it all the time, and it's a gift I love to receive, over and over again. There's no shame in getting what you really want for Christmas!
Avoid large conventions - There are a lot of conventions in Vegas, and there are conventions almost year-round. Avoiding them - or at least avoiding the bigger ones - will help you save some money because the flights will probably not be as full and room rates are more likely to be lower to attract visitors. Another plus: you won't have to fight for a table at the cafe' or wait in lines that are far too long for normal people. Find a listing of the current Las Vegas conventions here:
http://www.lvol.com/conventions/index.html
Use sites like TravelZoo or Priceline to get a good deal on airfare - It's harder to find direct flights this way, but you can certainly save some money when booking airfare if you're not too picky.
Consider taking carry on luggage to avoid luggage fees - Most major airlines charge a fee for even the first checked bag now (except Southwest). If you're taking a shorter trip of 4 nights or less, consider taking carry on luggage to avoid a fee each way.
Use the hotel's amenities instead of packing your own - In the same vein as the carry on luggage, save some room in yours by using the hotel's free shampoo, conditioner, etc. instead of packing your own. You save money, save room in your suitcase, and you don't have to worry about getting through Security with less than 3 ounces of each of your liquids in a quart bag.
Downsize your clothing and shoe options - Another packing issue: taking too much stuff. Realistically, how many times do you go back to your hotel room to change clothes in one day? Yes, if you're going to a show or nice dinner, it's understandable. Consider interchangeable items like khakis or jeans, neutral-colored shirts, and shoes that go with more than one outfit. Again, you're saving room and can take a carry on bag, instead. The general rule for packing clothes for any trip is to choose what you want to take and then put half of it back. Most of us are guilty of over-packing, anyway.
These are just a few ideas to get you started thinking of your own money-saving possibilities. They may not be right for every person or every situation, but they work for many of us who travel to Vegas frequently.
Next up: Tips for saving on your hotel accommodations
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Trip Report - July 11-14, 2009
This trip report was previously posted on Las Vegas4Ever, but I decided to repost it here in it's entirety for your reading pleasure. Individual sections have been taken out for my hotel, restaurant, and show reviews, so a lot of this information is duplicated in other posts. If you choose to read on, I hope you enjoy it because it is a LONG report!
This trip was definitely my favorite one so far! People who know me know that I’m a planner and list maker by nature, but I definitely needed to have a plan for this trip because of the meets and shows.
Believe it or not, I actually slept pretty well the night before I left. That is unusual for me, but I think my body knew how long I’d be up and that I’d need the energy to get from place to place and enjoy everything that day. I was up at 6:00 a.m. Texas time and went to bed about 3:00 a.m. Vegas time (5:00 a.m. Texas time). It was a long – but very enjoyable – first day.
Saturday, July 11th
I picked up my mom and cousin at my cousin’s apartment at 9:15. I decided to drive and park in long-term parking this time because I usually get stuck with a $45 cab fare on the trip back to my house, and it’s not my favorite thing to spend money on. It worked out great and I’ll be doing it again.
I had crammed my bag of Mega Meet beads and the bracelets for Blonde and Tania into my carryon bag and almost didn’t have room for my purse. The TSA agent gave the bag a couple of looks before it was finally passed through, probably trying to figure out what the heck I was trying to smuggle!
Our plane was supposed to land at 12:20, but we made up time somewhere in the air and landed at 11:48. I parted ways from my traveling party at the airport. They had checked their luggage for their week-long stay at Harrah’s, and I only had carryon items and was headed for Paris for three nights with a double booking at Bellagio on the third night. No line for the taxis, either. I had a quick cab ride that cost $14.90 + tip, but I don’t think the driver said a word or moved his head during the entire trip. Oh, well. Lots more talking later!
Check in was super-quick! I walked right up and handed the lady my reservation sheet. She confirmed three nights comped in a non-smoking room with a king bed. I asked if there was anything immediately available, since I didn’t know how late I’d be returning to the room (I didn’t think it would be 3:00 a.m.!), and she said she could put me in a room on the 5th floor if it was okay with me. Absolutely! She handed me keys to room 501, thanked me for staying at Paris and gave me directions to my room, and I was in it by 12:20. Thirty-two minutes from touchdown to room video!
I’m used to IP and Harrah’s, and I really liked my room at Paris. It wasn’t an upgraded room, but I had a great view of the pool and the Eiffel Tower (no bushes, Jack!) in a classic blue room. Peath, thanks for trying, but I think I checked in too early for whatever upgrade they might’ve had for me. I took photos and a video, and put away my things so that I could head down to Harrah’s to meet my mom and cousin for lunch at the Café.
It was hot out on the Strip, but it didn’t feel as hot as the weather I left behind in Texas. I got myself down to Harrah’s and enjoyed a yummy lunch of a club sandwich, fries, and iced tea while they had breakfast. Harrah’s was crowded all over, but not so bad that you couldn’t walk around, and I decided to sit with them for a little VP before I went over to The Mirage to pick up my ticket for LOVE on Sunday night. I fed $40 into two machines playing DDB VP in short order, with nothing at all to show for it. Bah! I decided to head over for my ticket then instead of spending more money so quickly.
As soon as I walked up to The Mirage, I saw they had changed it even more since March: there is now some sort of bar right outside the main door across from Harrah’s on the right, and there are no more gift shops just inside the door. The gift shops have been replaced with three or four little food and drink spots, including one that appears to be under Britney Spears’ ownership (scary).
There was no line at all at the LOVE Box Office, and I got my real show ticket and two 2-4-1 drink coupons for Revolution Lounge (which I gave to Tania and V at the meet). I walked around to see what new machines were there and found the JAWS machines that were mentioned here, so I tried $20 in one. As I always do with new slot machines, I started with all lines at the minimum bet until I could see what was going on with the bonuses, etc. I hit 10 credits once for that $20, so I gave up. Not hitting anything at all turned me off of those machines immediately. There are other things to spend my money on! I walked around checking out new slots and watching other people play a few things here and there. The Mirage was crowded, too, and it was pretty loud in there.
The pre-Mega Meet time had finally arrived!
I walked into The Piano Bar and identified the usual suspects immediately. It is true what’s been said on some threads already: it’s amazing how you get to “know” people online from their avatars and posts, and how much the real people are exactly like their online selves. That is a good thing, indeed. I had to start out giving hugs all around, and I was so glad to be able to finally meet everyone after talking to them for SO LONG.
Like Blonde said in her report, we attempted to go upstairs at 5:00 p.m., but it was a no go. I think she used her feminine wiles to get them to send the elevator down quickly, because as soon as we headed back to The Piano Bar, I went back to put a note on the elevator and found they’d sent someone down for us! I started back to tell the group we could head up again, and was surprised by Tania and V standing there. More happy hugs and greetings! I feel like I’ve known Tania for years, and she’s crazier in person than she is on the board if that’s possible – and I mean that in a good way!
Tables were rearranged in short order, and a Harrah’s host (Bruce) came up and introduced himself while I was filling out nametags and getting money together for socalgirl (Terri). Peath had contacted her host, who was on vacation, but Bruce brought us the goodies Blonde mentioned and thanked us for coming and said to ask for anything we needed. Thanks, Peath!
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After that, the meet started in earnest, and there was lots of happy chatter. Blonde gave me and Tania our wonderful gifts and I made sure that everyone got one of the Mega Meet necklaces that I had made. Blonde, thanks again for making me feel so special. Planning this meet was fun, and I loved it.
There were a lot of photos taken – cameras were flashing all over the place! I know BCCanuck (Denis) was taking photos left and right, and Tania was actually taking photos over her shoulder without looking. When I wasn’t taking the photos Mercin wanted, he just took my camera and shot them himself. Oh, he’s a card, that Mercin!
Jack opening the bag with the horse apples in it was hilarious! I didn’t think Blonde would really stick her nose in there, but she did, and I made sure to get a photo of that, too. I do what I can for all of you! I selected Denis’ gift – two Vancouver magnets and a commemorative pin for the 2010 Winter Olympics. I collect pins, so it’s a great addition to my collection. The gift exchange was a great idea that Denis came up with, and I’m glad we had so many great gifts to choose from. Thanks, Denis!
I want to thank Mercin for keeping us on track. He was a great help to Blonde and me both with all the moving of meet stuff from place to place. In between trying to get around to meet everyone, hand out Harrah’s beads and nametags, and actually get to my drink at the other end of the table, he kept “suggesting” things to me. “This is just a suggestion…” he’d start, and we did the gift exchange and photos before too many people got away because he’d remind me of what we should be doing.
I also want to thank Terri for coming up with the wonderful idea of the silver Las Vegas bracelet from Brighton’s and taking the time to get it for Blonde. It was a great idea, and all of us felt it was a wonderful gift for someone who does much for us here on the site.
Eyesofquantum and her new hubby had to leave and get their boys before we got a group photo with them. I’m glad she stopped by and we got to see her wedding photos, but we missed getting any photos of her (unless someone took some that I’m not aware of). Also, I didn’t get to really talk to antiquegambler, ilvegaslover, Denis, SMG, or Paul and “the two Jacks” at all before the meet started breaking up. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to get to talk to you guys! Ilvegaslover, thank you for bringing me my special crane-covered crane – I think it helped me with my Free Play at Bellagio on Monday, but that’s a story for later.
When I left the meet at 8:40 to get to Phantom of the Opera on time, there were only a few people left, and I think our first Mega Meet was a great success. It was a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to doing it again…in cooler weather…
Phantom of the Opera was fantastic! I was in row HH, seat 8, which is almost dead-center and far enough back from the stage so that I could see the entire setup and enjoy the chandelier falling. I sat next to a really sweet older gentleman, Ed, and his 14-year-old daughter, Darcy, who were great company before the show. I learned that he is living in Vegas for a very critical daily cancer treatment, and his daughter comes up to visit when she can to see shows and spend time with him. Talking with her, I found she is a lot like Hayley in her likes and dislikes, and she also goes to a private school in Texas. Darcy is Ed’s “late in life” daughter, and you can tell they have a close bond. I’m glad I got to meet them.
I didn’t find the theater too cold, but that may be because I was a little farther back from the stage. There was so much going on for a 95-minute show that I don’t think I had a minute to think about being cold, and it was fantastic. The chandelier is truly the centerpiece of the show – it goes from being in four pieces and suspended above the audience to a wonderful centerpiece for most of the show and a heart-stopping effect as it crashes to just feet above the audience. The role of The Phantom is performed by Anthony Crivello, and he is an amazing singer. Kristi Holden as Christine and Andrew Ragone as Raoul are also fantastic performers, and I would love to bring Hayley back to see the production on a stage that was made for it. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. I paid $60 for my ticket from one of the many online sales I heard about here, and I would’ve paid twice that without feeling any pain.
As I walked out of the theater, I turned on my phone to check for any messages. I wasn’t even entirely out of the theater when I heard Claire yell my name. And all this time I thought I was the loudest person in the world! She and Mary were waiting for me, and we started our long trek towards the Bellagio, where we were meeting Blonde for a little gambling time. As it was about 11:40, the Strip was packed with the young and the beautiful (as well as the strange and the weird) trying to get into the clubs. Crazy! I saw a new fashion statement that I don’t understand: tube socks with sundresses in 107-degree heat? Not just one girl, but several. I’m talking about those crazy white tube socks with colored stripes from the 70’s. Apparently they’re back, and they’re being worn by young girls everywhere with otherwise cute outfits. Yuck!
We finally made it to Bellagio and met up with Blonde. It was definitely hard to find a spot to gamble together, but we tried our best. Claire and Mary only lasted about an hour before they headed back, but I’m really glad they got to stay for a while. Claire, you’re a trooper! I know you were really tired and needed to sleep, but I’m so glad you got to come along. I hope we get to spend more time chatting at another meet.
Blonde introduced me to some of her favorite machines, some of which totally confused me, but we had a lot of fun trying to figure them out. That little shamrock guy she was talking about was too funny to watch, and I think I should’ve just taken Blonde’s money instead of letting her putting it into the machines. Yes, I turned $20 into $175, so I ended the day on a positive note.
I finally called it a day around 1:30, said goodbye to Blonde, and headed back to Paris. When I got there, I looked for Mercin at the blackjack tables, but he has since told me that he spent a bit of time playing poker instead of blackjack, and that’s why I missed him. Too bad I missed you, Mercin – I hope there’s a next time, ya big ol’ sweetie!
I spotted another interesting slot machine that was some sort of Hot Hot Penny variation and played it for almost an hour before I finally dragged myself upstairs. What the heck made me stay down there? I played on the same $20 that whole time, but I should’ve been sleeping.
Sunday, July 12th
At 7 a.m. I woke up to housekeeping knocking on the doors. Granted, I had the privacy hanger on my door and they weren’t knocking on mine, but I’m a light sleeper, and I was done sleeping. I got up and got ready for the day. My mom and cousin apparently had the same idea, because they called me at 8 a.m. to say they were already up and ready if I wanted to go to breakfast early. Why not?
We headed to the Flamingo Brunch Buffet and found no line at 8:30. We got a table by the windows overlooking the habitat and enjoyed a relaxing brunch for $19.99. I really enjoyed the view, the mimosas (I had three), and the French Toast Casserole - that was really, really good stuff. Some of the hot foods weren’t all that hot, but everything was good and they had a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items. I don’t know if I’d go again depending on my dining choices, but I liked it. I could have a complete breakfast of that casserole and the mimosas if you let me. We decided to walk through the habitat before we split up again, and it was still pretty nice out – not too hot yet.
I headed down to Wynn to work my way back up the Strip. I gambled for a bit at Wynn before going to Palazzo, and I ran into Claire and Mary as they were coming into Wynn for breakfast. Sadly, that was the last time I got to see Claire before I left. I’m keeping the hope that we’ll meet again!
On to Palazzo, where it was really, really cold! It didn’t matter where I was at, I was freezing everywhere! I didn’t last very long in there before I just couldn’t stand it anymore, so I headed on to The Venetian. Walking through the shops, I thought I saw ShelbyMustangGuy walking towards Palazzo. I’m pretty sure it was SMG, but he was on the opposite side of the shops from me, and I didn’t want to scare him (or freak him out) if I yelled across to him.
I stopped and watched some of the Venetian street performers and took some great pictures of costumes in a shop window. I’d be afraid to see how much they cost, but they were gorgeous! Once I got into the casino, I was a little more comfortable and I found a Gold Fish machine that let me play for awhile without freezing. I finally decided I couldn’t stay awake anymore and headed back to Paris to take a nap around 2:30. I didn’t get Blonde’s text message until later – what is up with my phone not immediately giving me messages in Vegas?
I got up and got ready to meet my mom, my cousin Diane, and my Vegas cousin Eddie and his wife for dinner at Battista’s. I didn’t realize how close it is to walk through the shops at Paris, through Bally’s, and out the door by the sports book to get to the light directly across from Battista’s – definitely a much cooler walk that trekking down the Strip! We had a nice, leisurely dinner and did lots of catching up. It’s rare that we can get together in Vegas, so there’s a lot to talk about when we can. We were there for over 2 ½ hours, and that’s a lot of talking!
After dinner, I headed down to The Mirage for the 9:30 LOVE performance. I couldn’t believe the number of people who were in line at the box office getting their tickets for the 9:30 show at almost 9:00 p.m.! I was glad I’d gotten mine the day before. I looked for Tania and V when the crowds came out of the theater after the 7:00 show, but I never saw them. It was crazy in there!
For this show, I chose a seat on the front row of section 305 so that I could be higher up in the audience. When I first saw the show two years ago, I had a seat in the 5th row on the floor. I really enjoyed the show from the higher vantage point, but I found myself missing the intimacy of the floor seat. When I go back for a third show (oh, I will be back!), I’d like to sit on the floor again. This is just such a wonderful show, and I enjoy every little bit of it. It’s another show I’d love for Hayley to see. I was going to get her a shirt, but they started at $44! The Phantom shirts were much more reasonable, so I just got a LOVE program, instead. When I was looking at the names of the performers, I found an interesting one from England: Jolly Goodfellow. Seriously! I wonder if it’s his real name…
After the show, I decided to head back to Paris for some gambling. The Strip was packed again – lots of people walking everywhere, and there was a big crowd watching the fountain shows at Bellagio. It doesn’t seem like Vegas is suffering to me.
I got lucky and found a WOZ seat at Paris – I think I sat there for about 3 hours playing up and down on the same $20. After that, I started playing random machines all over the place: Gold Fish, DDB VP, Top Dollar, Blazing 7’s. Then the machines were just sucking up my money, so I decided to call it a night around 2 a.m.
Monday, July 13th
Once again, I woke up at 7:00 a.m., but no housekeepers woke me up this time. Apparently I just can’t sleep in Vegas! I got ready and headed downstairs to play some more WOZ slots before the breakfast meet. MikeZona found me there, and I cashed out so we could head over to MAG where Doris was waiting. I’d already gotten a text from Claire that said she wasn’t feeling well, so we were just waiting for Tania and V. I tried calling Tania, but she didn’t answer and her voicemail wasn’t set up. We waited just a few minutes and decided to head in. I advised the seating hostess of the change of plans and asked for patio seating, and we got a great table right by the railing.
I had the Blueberry French Toast, and it was awesome! I totally forgot to take a picture of it. Doris had the Mushroom Omelet, and Mike had the Strawberry Waffle. We all tried to finish our breakfasts, but the portions were pretty big. I’m looking forward to going again. We sat and chatted for quite a long time, and I was so glad that I finally got a chance to get to know them both a little better. I didn’t get to talk to either of them at the Mega Meet for very long, and we barely got a chance to talk when we first met during my October trip, so it was great to be able to sit and relax with them. They were so sweet and even bought me breakfast – thanks again, Mike and Doris! I had a great time. Mike, I hope you didn’t sunburn your head too badly. The sun was definitely starting to shine over the building by the time we left.
After breakfast I walked down to the Tix4Tonite shop at the Hawaiian Marketplace to get a ticket for the Titanic Exhibit at Luxor. With my $2 off coupon that Westie posted, my ticket cost was $13.75 (original cost was $30 per person) – a great deal! I walked down to Luxor and exchanged my coupon at the box office for a real ticket.
This was something I’ve wanted to see for a long, long time, and I really enjoyed the exhibit. The way everything is laid out – from the boarding and the beautiful scale model of the Grand Staircase, from the ice warnings and the calm, moonless sky to the subsequent disaster – it was well thought out. I was surprised to see a 22-foot piece of the Titanic’s hull on display, and seeing where it was located on a teeny, tiny part of the boat really gives you an idea of how HUGE the ship was. Also, being able to feel how cold the water was and touching an “iceberg” was very humbling. My passenger’s name was Eva Miriam Hart, 7 years old, and both she and her mother survived the sinking while her father perished.
Next I walked to Excalibur and found another Hot Hot Penny machine that was giving bonus rounds like crazy. I checked in at home and found that I’d become an aunt again – my husband’s youngest brother and his wife had their first baby that morning – and had a couple of “free” drinks before moving on to New York/New York and MGM. Not a whole lot of gambling at either place for me. The Hitchcock machines were taken at NY/NY, and MGM never lets me win anything. I decided it was time to start the trek down to Bellagio to check in for my double-booked last night and see if they could get me into a room.
By the way, City Center has a couple of buildings that FINALLY have names on them, but it still looks so incomplete overall. I swear I don’t think it’ll ever be totally finished!
I walked into the Bellagio lobby around 2 p.m., and there was no line at the front desk. I was able to check in immediately and got a king room on the 11th floor (11009), and went up to check it out and cool off a little. Beautiful - gorgeous all around! My room had a pool view, and it was still a great view because I couldn’t see City Center at all. I took photos and a video, but I was reluctant to leave and get my stuff from Paris. I finally managed to pull myself away to go get myself totally moved into this gorgeous room.
I messed up my bed at Paris, packed my bags, took the amenities from the bathroom, and left a tip for the maid. Let me say that carrying my bags across the Strip is not the most entertaining thing I would think of to do on any given day. Luckily the lights were all with me, and I made a quick trip back into the shade of Bellagio just as “Luck Be a Lady” started up on the fountains. Ah, happiness!
After putting my stuff away and freshening up, I headed down to the player’s club to activate my $50 Free Play. I didn’t know I was also receiving a VIP line pass for the buffet and the Café with my offer, but I was happy to have it! Saving that for later…
I sat down at a Hitchcock machine, put my special crane-covered crane on the buttons and plugged in my Free Play. Immediately I started hitting bonus rounds one after the other, and I finally cashed out at $175 after about 2 hours of playing. Awesome job on the Free Play!
My mom and cousin met me near the shops because they always get lost in Bellagio, and we headed for the buffet together. That line pass came in handy immediately, because the line was about 70-80 people long at 6:30 p.m. We walked right up and were seated in a quiet corner with no waiting. Another great thing!
Bellagio’s buffet was just awesome, as usual. The sushi bar, the tons of meat and seafood options, all the yummy sides, salads, and desserts – I could’ve easily gained a ton of weight if I had tried everything I wanted to. I loved their Beef Wellington, the split King Crab legs, the herbed polenta, grilled asparagus, grilled scallops, and shrimp ceviche most of all. For dessert, I kept to the bread pudding and crème brulee because I tried so many other things.
After dinner, I took my mom up to see my room. I think she wanted to stay, because I had a hard time getting her out of there again! I finally convinced her it was time to go gamble, and we tried to find some Gold Fish machines side-by-side. They weren’t paying off very well for us, so we walked over to the Conservatory to check it out. I always love the Conservatory, but once again it seems like they are re-using the same elements over and over again, so it’s nothing new. Still, it smells so good in there I could walk around all day just people-watching.
My mom and cousin went back to Harrah’s a little while later, and I headed back to the same Hitchcock machine I played before. Once again, I put my special crane on the machine and started playing. This time I cashed out $125 for my $20, and I decided to call it a night on my good luck. The combination of my walking back and forth in the heat earlier in the day, being stuffed at the buffet and all the free Bailey’s and hot chocolates was making me very sleepy.
I’d forgotten all about Bellagio’s turn down service, so I was surprised when I opened the door to my room and heard soft jazz music playing. Now THAT’S the way to come into your hotel room! I almost didn’t see my Bellagio chocolates because they put them on a little corner of an end table. I was happy to leave the TV on the jazz channel, put on my fluffy Bellagio robe, and just RELAX in that uber-comfortable bed while updating my trip notes. I could do that every day!
Tuesday, July 14th
My last day in Vegas. I had a great night’s sleep – the best I’ve ever had in Vegas, even though I was still up at 7:30. I decided to head down to the Café for breakfast and use my line pass if I needed to, but I didn’t need it. There was no line at all, and I sat at the counter to enjoy my breakfast. I ordered the Bellagio Classic Omelet: 3 eggs, Maine lobster, diced asparagus and tomatoes with mozzarella cheese. Delicious! With coffee, my total came to $21.62 before tip.
After breakfast, I decided to try the Hitchcock machines one more time to see if I had the same lucky streak on “my machine”. I was doing okay and holding my own, but there were three women who sat down at the other end of the row, and they proved to be annoying pretty fast. I’m guessing they were all related; they looked like a mother and her daughters, and they had the same sort of Southern accent. It didn’t matter what they did on their machines, they weren’t happy with the results. If they didn’t get bonuses, they complained. If they got a bonus, they complained that they weren’t getting more credits or that bonuses were boring. They were freaked out by the surprise Hitchcock in the corner and complained about that, too. I decided I’d enjoyed their company enough and cashed out.
I gathered up my stuff and checked out of my wonderfully comfortable room via the TV. I had a hard time packing all of the amenities into my bag from both Paris and Bellagio, but I managed with NO room to spare! I checked my bags at the bell desk and headed over to do a little tour of Bill’s, Flamingo, IP, and Harrah’s. I was just playing hit-and-run everywhere, nothing special.
At Harrah’s I played a Triple Sevens machine while I waited for VegasSun to show up at 1:30. It turns out she was playing a Happy Days machine nearby, so she was already waiting for me! Hugs again, and she introduced me to her husband – what a cutie! We played Star Trek side by side and failed to hit any bonuses at all. The other two machines were hitting all kinds of bonuses, but we couldn’t do a thing. We had a nice little visit and chatted for over an hour. It was great to finally meet her, because I think we are a lot alike. I’m so glad she was able to make it over, because I know they were both jet lagged from their early morning flight. Hopefully we’ll be able to get together again.
After VegasSun and I parted ways, I walked to Caesars because I was meeting my mom and cousin yet again for a late lunch before I left for home that evening. We had intended to eat at Mesa Grill, but they have a limited menu between 3 and 5:30 p.m., and we couldn’t find anything we liked on that menu. We decided to walk through part of the Forum Shops and see if anything else caught our eye. The Palm – nope. Spago – nope.
Finally we came upon Trevi right by the main fountain, and we decided to stop in after looking at their menu. We ordered appetizers and desserts, and it was all very good. We had Antipasti, Fritto Mitto (tempura-coated calamari, shrimp, and vegetables), and Polenta Fries with Marinara for appetizers, and a selection of three sorbettis and three gelattis for dessert. We chose lemon, watermelon and strawberry sorbettis, and pistachio, chocolate chip and tiramisu gelattis for our tasting. The tiramisu and lemon were the best. In the end, we were mixing flavors together to get new combinations, and the other flavors were better that way. With three iced teas, the total came to $64.32 before the tip. I would definitely love to eat there again.
After lunch, we parted ways for the final time, and I hit the Hot Hot Penny and Gold Fish machines for a while. I did much better on the Hot Hot Penny machine, but finally had to tear myself away to head back to gather my bags at Bellagio.
Cab fare back to the airport was exactly the same as the trip to Paris: $14.90 + tip. What are the chances of that? I reprinted my boarding pass (Hayley checked me in from home the night before) and I was through security quickly. My plane was on time departing, and I landed in San Antonio at 12:35 a.m. Off to get my car, pay my parking fee, and head home. I got home at 1 a.m. and my hubby and Hayley were surprisingly still up and waiting.
In the end, I came out ahead by over $200, so it was a winning trip for me. In addition to the money, I enjoyed two great new hotels, two fantastic shows, met some wonderful people, and I’m looking forward to doing it again sometime. What could be better than all that?
This trip was definitely my favorite one so far! People who know me know that I’m a planner and list maker by nature, but I definitely needed to have a plan for this trip because of the meets and shows.
Believe it or not, I actually slept pretty well the night before I left. That is unusual for me, but I think my body knew how long I’d be up and that I’d need the energy to get from place to place and enjoy everything that day. I was up at 6:00 a.m. Texas time and went to bed about 3:00 a.m. Vegas time (5:00 a.m. Texas time). It was a long – but very enjoyable – first day.
Saturday, July 11th
I picked up my mom and cousin at my cousin’s apartment at 9:15. I decided to drive and park in long-term parking this time because I usually get stuck with a $45 cab fare on the trip back to my house, and it’s not my favorite thing to spend money on. It worked out great and I’ll be doing it again.
I had crammed my bag of Mega Meet beads and the bracelets for Blonde and Tania into my carryon bag and almost didn’t have room for my purse. The TSA agent gave the bag a couple of looks before it was finally passed through, probably trying to figure out what the heck I was trying to smuggle!
Our plane was supposed to land at 12:20, but we made up time somewhere in the air and landed at 11:48. I parted ways from my traveling party at the airport. They had checked their luggage for their week-long stay at Harrah’s, and I only had carryon items and was headed for Paris for three nights with a double booking at Bellagio on the third night. No line for the taxis, either. I had a quick cab ride that cost $14.90 + tip, but I don’t think the driver said a word or moved his head during the entire trip. Oh, well. Lots more talking later!
Check in was super-quick! I walked right up and handed the lady my reservation sheet. She confirmed three nights comped in a non-smoking room with a king bed. I asked if there was anything immediately available, since I didn’t know how late I’d be returning to the room (I didn’t think it would be 3:00 a.m.!), and she said she could put me in a room on the 5th floor if it was okay with me. Absolutely! She handed me keys to room 501, thanked me for staying at Paris and gave me directions to my room, and I was in it by 12:20. Thirty-two minutes from touchdown to room video!
I’m used to IP and Harrah’s, and I really liked my room at Paris. It wasn’t an upgraded room, but I had a great view of the pool and the Eiffel Tower (no bushes, Jack!) in a classic blue room. Peath, thanks for trying, but I think I checked in too early for whatever upgrade they might’ve had for me. I took photos and a video, and put away my things so that I could head down to Harrah’s to meet my mom and cousin for lunch at the Café.
It was hot out on the Strip, but it didn’t feel as hot as the weather I left behind in Texas. I got myself down to Harrah’s and enjoyed a yummy lunch of a club sandwich, fries, and iced tea while they had breakfast. Harrah’s was crowded all over, but not so bad that you couldn’t walk around, and I decided to sit with them for a little VP before I went over to The Mirage to pick up my ticket for LOVE on Sunday night. I fed $40 into two machines playing DDB VP in short order, with nothing at all to show for it. Bah! I decided to head over for my ticket then instead of spending more money so quickly.
As soon as I walked up to The Mirage, I saw they had changed it even more since March: there is now some sort of bar right outside the main door across from Harrah’s on the right, and there are no more gift shops just inside the door. The gift shops have been replaced with three or four little food and drink spots, including one that appears to be under Britney Spears’ ownership (scary).
There was no line at all at the LOVE Box Office, and I got my real show ticket and two 2-4-1 drink coupons for Revolution Lounge (which I gave to Tania and V at the meet). I walked around to see what new machines were there and found the JAWS machines that were mentioned here, so I tried $20 in one. As I always do with new slot machines, I started with all lines at the minimum bet until I could see what was going on with the bonuses, etc. I hit 10 credits once for that $20, so I gave up. Not hitting anything at all turned me off of those machines immediately. There are other things to spend my money on! I walked around checking out new slots and watching other people play a few things here and there. The Mirage was crowded, too, and it was pretty loud in there.
The pre-Mega Meet time had finally arrived!
I walked into The Piano Bar and identified the usual suspects immediately. It is true what’s been said on some threads already: it’s amazing how you get to “know” people online from their avatars and posts, and how much the real people are exactly like their online selves. That is a good thing, indeed. I had to start out giving hugs all around, and I was so glad to be able to finally meet everyone after talking to them for SO LONG.
Like Blonde said in her report, we attempted to go upstairs at 5:00 p.m., but it was a no go. I think she used her feminine wiles to get them to send the elevator down quickly, because as soon as we headed back to The Piano Bar, I went back to put a note on the elevator and found they’d sent someone down for us! I started back to tell the group we could head up again, and was surprised by Tania and V standing there. More happy hugs and greetings! I feel like I’ve known Tania for years, and she’s crazier in person than she is on the board if that’s possible – and I mean that in a good way!
Tables were rearranged in short order, and a Harrah’s host (Bruce) came up and introduced himself while I was filling out nametags and getting money together for socalgirl (Terri). Peath had contacted her host, who was on vacation, but Bruce brought us the goodies Blonde mentioned and thanked us for coming and said to ask for anything we needed. Thanks, Peath!
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After that, the meet started in earnest, and there was lots of happy chatter. Blonde gave me and Tania our wonderful gifts and I made sure that everyone got one of the Mega Meet necklaces that I had made. Blonde, thanks again for making me feel so special. Planning this meet was fun, and I loved it.
There were a lot of photos taken – cameras were flashing all over the place! I know BCCanuck (Denis) was taking photos left and right, and Tania was actually taking photos over her shoulder without looking. When I wasn’t taking the photos Mercin wanted, he just took my camera and shot them himself. Oh, he’s a card, that Mercin!
Jack opening the bag with the horse apples in it was hilarious! I didn’t think Blonde would really stick her nose in there, but she did, and I made sure to get a photo of that, too. I do what I can for all of you! I selected Denis’ gift – two Vancouver magnets and a commemorative pin for the 2010 Winter Olympics. I collect pins, so it’s a great addition to my collection. The gift exchange was a great idea that Denis came up with, and I’m glad we had so many great gifts to choose from. Thanks, Denis!
I want to thank Mercin for keeping us on track. He was a great help to Blonde and me both with all the moving of meet stuff from place to place. In between trying to get around to meet everyone, hand out Harrah’s beads and nametags, and actually get to my drink at the other end of the table, he kept “suggesting” things to me. “This is just a suggestion…” he’d start, and we did the gift exchange and photos before too many people got away because he’d remind me of what we should be doing.
I also want to thank Terri for coming up with the wonderful idea of the silver Las Vegas bracelet from Brighton’s and taking the time to get it for Blonde. It was a great idea, and all of us felt it was a wonderful gift for someone who does much for us here on the site.
Eyesofquantum and her new hubby had to leave and get their boys before we got a group photo with them. I’m glad she stopped by and we got to see her wedding photos, but we missed getting any photos of her (unless someone took some that I’m not aware of). Also, I didn’t get to really talk to antiquegambler, ilvegaslover, Denis, SMG, or Paul and “the two Jacks” at all before the meet started breaking up. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to get to talk to you guys! Ilvegaslover, thank you for bringing me my special crane-covered crane – I think it helped me with my Free Play at Bellagio on Monday, but that’s a story for later.
When I left the meet at 8:40 to get to Phantom of the Opera on time, there were only a few people left, and I think our first Mega Meet was a great success. It was a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to doing it again…in cooler weather…
Phantom of the Opera was fantastic! I was in row HH, seat 8, which is almost dead-center and far enough back from the stage so that I could see the entire setup and enjoy the chandelier falling. I sat next to a really sweet older gentleman, Ed, and his 14-year-old daughter, Darcy, who were great company before the show. I learned that he is living in Vegas for a very critical daily cancer treatment, and his daughter comes up to visit when she can to see shows and spend time with him. Talking with her, I found she is a lot like Hayley in her likes and dislikes, and she also goes to a private school in Texas. Darcy is Ed’s “late in life” daughter, and you can tell they have a close bond. I’m glad I got to meet them.
I didn’t find the theater too cold, but that may be because I was a little farther back from the stage. There was so much going on for a 95-minute show that I don’t think I had a minute to think about being cold, and it was fantastic. The chandelier is truly the centerpiece of the show – it goes from being in four pieces and suspended above the audience to a wonderful centerpiece for most of the show and a heart-stopping effect as it crashes to just feet above the audience. The role of The Phantom is performed by Anthony Crivello, and he is an amazing singer. Kristi Holden as Christine and Andrew Ragone as Raoul are also fantastic performers, and I would love to bring Hayley back to see the production on a stage that was made for it. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. I paid $60 for my ticket from one of the many online sales I heard about here, and I would’ve paid twice that without feeling any pain.
As I walked out of the theater, I turned on my phone to check for any messages. I wasn’t even entirely out of the theater when I heard Claire yell my name. And all this time I thought I was the loudest person in the world! She and Mary were waiting for me, and we started our long trek towards the Bellagio, where we were meeting Blonde for a little gambling time. As it was about 11:40, the Strip was packed with the young and the beautiful (as well as the strange and the weird) trying to get into the clubs. Crazy! I saw a new fashion statement that I don’t understand: tube socks with sundresses in 107-degree heat? Not just one girl, but several. I’m talking about those crazy white tube socks with colored stripes from the 70’s. Apparently they’re back, and they’re being worn by young girls everywhere with otherwise cute outfits. Yuck!
We finally made it to Bellagio and met up with Blonde. It was definitely hard to find a spot to gamble together, but we tried our best. Claire and Mary only lasted about an hour before they headed back, but I’m really glad they got to stay for a while. Claire, you’re a trooper! I know you were really tired and needed to sleep, but I’m so glad you got to come along. I hope we get to spend more time chatting at another meet.
Blonde introduced me to some of her favorite machines, some of which totally confused me, but we had a lot of fun trying to figure them out. That little shamrock guy she was talking about was too funny to watch, and I think I should’ve just taken Blonde’s money instead of letting her putting it into the machines. Yes, I turned $20 into $175, so I ended the day on a positive note.
I finally called it a day around 1:30, said goodbye to Blonde, and headed back to Paris. When I got there, I looked for Mercin at the blackjack tables, but he has since told me that he spent a bit of time playing poker instead of blackjack, and that’s why I missed him. Too bad I missed you, Mercin – I hope there’s a next time, ya big ol’ sweetie!
I spotted another interesting slot machine that was some sort of Hot Hot Penny variation and played it for almost an hour before I finally dragged myself upstairs. What the heck made me stay down there? I played on the same $20 that whole time, but I should’ve been sleeping.
Sunday, July 12th
At 7 a.m. I woke up to housekeeping knocking on the doors. Granted, I had the privacy hanger on my door and they weren’t knocking on mine, but I’m a light sleeper, and I was done sleeping. I got up and got ready for the day. My mom and cousin apparently had the same idea, because they called me at 8 a.m. to say they were already up and ready if I wanted to go to breakfast early. Why not?
We headed to the Flamingo Brunch Buffet and found no line at 8:30. We got a table by the windows overlooking the habitat and enjoyed a relaxing brunch for $19.99. I really enjoyed the view, the mimosas (I had three), and the French Toast Casserole - that was really, really good stuff. Some of the hot foods weren’t all that hot, but everything was good and they had a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items. I don’t know if I’d go again depending on my dining choices, but I liked it. I could have a complete breakfast of that casserole and the mimosas if you let me. We decided to walk through the habitat before we split up again, and it was still pretty nice out – not too hot yet.
I headed down to Wynn to work my way back up the Strip. I gambled for a bit at Wynn before going to Palazzo, and I ran into Claire and Mary as they were coming into Wynn for breakfast. Sadly, that was the last time I got to see Claire before I left. I’m keeping the hope that we’ll meet again!
On to Palazzo, where it was really, really cold! It didn’t matter where I was at, I was freezing everywhere! I didn’t last very long in there before I just couldn’t stand it anymore, so I headed on to The Venetian. Walking through the shops, I thought I saw ShelbyMustangGuy walking towards Palazzo. I’m pretty sure it was SMG, but he was on the opposite side of the shops from me, and I didn’t want to scare him (or freak him out) if I yelled across to him.
I stopped and watched some of the Venetian street performers and took some great pictures of costumes in a shop window. I’d be afraid to see how much they cost, but they were gorgeous! Once I got into the casino, I was a little more comfortable and I found a Gold Fish machine that let me play for awhile without freezing. I finally decided I couldn’t stay awake anymore and headed back to Paris to take a nap around 2:30. I didn’t get Blonde’s text message until later – what is up with my phone not immediately giving me messages in Vegas?
I got up and got ready to meet my mom, my cousin Diane, and my Vegas cousin Eddie and his wife for dinner at Battista’s. I didn’t realize how close it is to walk through the shops at Paris, through Bally’s, and out the door by the sports book to get to the light directly across from Battista’s – definitely a much cooler walk that trekking down the Strip! We had a nice, leisurely dinner and did lots of catching up. It’s rare that we can get together in Vegas, so there’s a lot to talk about when we can. We were there for over 2 ½ hours, and that’s a lot of talking!
After dinner, I headed down to The Mirage for the 9:30 LOVE performance. I couldn’t believe the number of people who were in line at the box office getting their tickets for the 9:30 show at almost 9:00 p.m.! I was glad I’d gotten mine the day before. I looked for Tania and V when the crowds came out of the theater after the 7:00 show, but I never saw them. It was crazy in there!
For this show, I chose a seat on the front row of section 305 so that I could be higher up in the audience. When I first saw the show two years ago, I had a seat in the 5th row on the floor. I really enjoyed the show from the higher vantage point, but I found myself missing the intimacy of the floor seat. When I go back for a third show (oh, I will be back!), I’d like to sit on the floor again. This is just such a wonderful show, and I enjoy every little bit of it. It’s another show I’d love for Hayley to see. I was going to get her a shirt, but they started at $44! The Phantom shirts were much more reasonable, so I just got a LOVE program, instead. When I was looking at the names of the performers, I found an interesting one from England: Jolly Goodfellow. Seriously! I wonder if it’s his real name…
After the show, I decided to head back to Paris for some gambling. The Strip was packed again – lots of people walking everywhere, and there was a big crowd watching the fountain shows at Bellagio. It doesn’t seem like Vegas is suffering to me.
I got lucky and found a WOZ seat at Paris – I think I sat there for about 3 hours playing up and down on the same $20. After that, I started playing random machines all over the place: Gold Fish, DDB VP, Top Dollar, Blazing 7’s. Then the machines were just sucking up my money, so I decided to call it a night around 2 a.m.
Monday, July 13th
Once again, I woke up at 7:00 a.m., but no housekeepers woke me up this time. Apparently I just can’t sleep in Vegas! I got ready and headed downstairs to play some more WOZ slots before the breakfast meet. MikeZona found me there, and I cashed out so we could head over to MAG where Doris was waiting. I’d already gotten a text from Claire that said she wasn’t feeling well, so we were just waiting for Tania and V. I tried calling Tania, but she didn’t answer and her voicemail wasn’t set up. We waited just a few minutes and decided to head in. I advised the seating hostess of the change of plans and asked for patio seating, and we got a great table right by the railing.
I had the Blueberry French Toast, and it was awesome! I totally forgot to take a picture of it. Doris had the Mushroom Omelet, and Mike had the Strawberry Waffle. We all tried to finish our breakfasts, but the portions were pretty big. I’m looking forward to going again. We sat and chatted for quite a long time, and I was so glad that I finally got a chance to get to know them both a little better. I didn’t get to talk to either of them at the Mega Meet for very long, and we barely got a chance to talk when we first met during my October trip, so it was great to be able to sit and relax with them. They were so sweet and even bought me breakfast – thanks again, Mike and Doris! I had a great time. Mike, I hope you didn’t sunburn your head too badly. The sun was definitely starting to shine over the building by the time we left.
After breakfast I walked down to the Tix4Tonite shop at the Hawaiian Marketplace to get a ticket for the Titanic Exhibit at Luxor. With my $2 off coupon that Westie posted, my ticket cost was $13.75 (original cost was $30 per person) – a great deal! I walked down to Luxor and exchanged my coupon at the box office for a real ticket.
This was something I’ve wanted to see for a long, long time, and I really enjoyed the exhibit. The way everything is laid out – from the boarding and the beautiful scale model of the Grand Staircase, from the ice warnings and the calm, moonless sky to the subsequent disaster – it was well thought out. I was surprised to see a 22-foot piece of the Titanic’s hull on display, and seeing where it was located on a teeny, tiny part of the boat really gives you an idea of how HUGE the ship was. Also, being able to feel how cold the water was and touching an “iceberg” was very humbling. My passenger’s name was Eva Miriam Hart, 7 years old, and both she and her mother survived the sinking while her father perished.
Next I walked to Excalibur and found another Hot Hot Penny machine that was giving bonus rounds like crazy. I checked in at home and found that I’d become an aunt again – my husband’s youngest brother and his wife had their first baby that morning – and had a couple of “free” drinks before moving on to New York/New York and MGM. Not a whole lot of gambling at either place for me. The Hitchcock machines were taken at NY/NY, and MGM never lets me win anything. I decided it was time to start the trek down to Bellagio to check in for my double-booked last night and see if they could get me into a room.
By the way, City Center has a couple of buildings that FINALLY have names on them, but it still looks so incomplete overall. I swear I don’t think it’ll ever be totally finished!
I walked into the Bellagio lobby around 2 p.m., and there was no line at the front desk. I was able to check in immediately and got a king room on the 11th floor (11009), and went up to check it out and cool off a little. Beautiful - gorgeous all around! My room had a pool view, and it was still a great view because I couldn’t see City Center at all. I took photos and a video, but I was reluctant to leave and get my stuff from Paris. I finally managed to pull myself away to go get myself totally moved into this gorgeous room.
I messed up my bed at Paris, packed my bags, took the amenities from the bathroom, and left a tip for the maid. Let me say that carrying my bags across the Strip is not the most entertaining thing I would think of to do on any given day. Luckily the lights were all with me, and I made a quick trip back into the shade of Bellagio just as “Luck Be a Lady” started up on the fountains. Ah, happiness!
After putting my stuff away and freshening up, I headed down to the player’s club to activate my $50 Free Play. I didn’t know I was also receiving a VIP line pass for the buffet and the Café with my offer, but I was happy to have it! Saving that for later…
I sat down at a Hitchcock machine, put my special crane-covered crane on the buttons and plugged in my Free Play. Immediately I started hitting bonus rounds one after the other, and I finally cashed out at $175 after about 2 hours of playing. Awesome job on the Free Play!
My mom and cousin met me near the shops because they always get lost in Bellagio, and we headed for the buffet together. That line pass came in handy immediately, because the line was about 70-80 people long at 6:30 p.m. We walked right up and were seated in a quiet corner with no waiting. Another great thing!
Bellagio’s buffet was just awesome, as usual. The sushi bar, the tons of meat and seafood options, all the yummy sides, salads, and desserts – I could’ve easily gained a ton of weight if I had tried everything I wanted to. I loved their Beef Wellington, the split King Crab legs, the herbed polenta, grilled asparagus, grilled scallops, and shrimp ceviche most of all. For dessert, I kept to the bread pudding and crème brulee because I tried so many other things.
After dinner, I took my mom up to see my room. I think she wanted to stay, because I had a hard time getting her out of there again! I finally convinced her it was time to go gamble, and we tried to find some Gold Fish machines side-by-side. They weren’t paying off very well for us, so we walked over to the Conservatory to check it out. I always love the Conservatory, but once again it seems like they are re-using the same elements over and over again, so it’s nothing new. Still, it smells so good in there I could walk around all day just people-watching.
My mom and cousin went back to Harrah’s a little while later, and I headed back to the same Hitchcock machine I played before. Once again, I put my special crane on the machine and started playing. This time I cashed out $125 for my $20, and I decided to call it a night on my good luck. The combination of my walking back and forth in the heat earlier in the day, being stuffed at the buffet and all the free Bailey’s and hot chocolates was making me very sleepy.
I’d forgotten all about Bellagio’s turn down service, so I was surprised when I opened the door to my room and heard soft jazz music playing. Now THAT’S the way to come into your hotel room! I almost didn’t see my Bellagio chocolates because they put them on a little corner of an end table. I was happy to leave the TV on the jazz channel, put on my fluffy Bellagio robe, and just RELAX in that uber-comfortable bed while updating my trip notes. I could do that every day!
Tuesday, July 14th
My last day in Vegas. I had a great night’s sleep – the best I’ve ever had in Vegas, even though I was still up at 7:30. I decided to head down to the Café for breakfast and use my line pass if I needed to, but I didn’t need it. There was no line at all, and I sat at the counter to enjoy my breakfast. I ordered the Bellagio Classic Omelet: 3 eggs, Maine lobster, diced asparagus and tomatoes with mozzarella cheese. Delicious! With coffee, my total came to $21.62 before tip.
After breakfast, I decided to try the Hitchcock machines one more time to see if I had the same lucky streak on “my machine”. I was doing okay and holding my own, but there were three women who sat down at the other end of the row, and they proved to be annoying pretty fast. I’m guessing they were all related; they looked like a mother and her daughters, and they had the same sort of Southern accent. It didn’t matter what they did on their machines, they weren’t happy with the results. If they didn’t get bonuses, they complained. If they got a bonus, they complained that they weren’t getting more credits or that bonuses were boring. They were freaked out by the surprise Hitchcock in the corner and complained about that, too. I decided I’d enjoyed their company enough and cashed out.
I gathered up my stuff and checked out of my wonderfully comfortable room via the TV. I had a hard time packing all of the amenities into my bag from both Paris and Bellagio, but I managed with NO room to spare! I checked my bags at the bell desk and headed over to do a little tour of Bill’s, Flamingo, IP, and Harrah’s. I was just playing hit-and-run everywhere, nothing special.
At Harrah’s I played a Triple Sevens machine while I waited for VegasSun to show up at 1:30. It turns out she was playing a Happy Days machine nearby, so she was already waiting for me! Hugs again, and she introduced me to her husband – what a cutie! We played Star Trek side by side and failed to hit any bonuses at all. The other two machines were hitting all kinds of bonuses, but we couldn’t do a thing. We had a nice little visit and chatted for over an hour. It was great to finally meet her, because I think we are a lot alike. I’m so glad she was able to make it over, because I know they were both jet lagged from their early morning flight. Hopefully we’ll be able to get together again.
After VegasSun and I parted ways, I walked to Caesars because I was meeting my mom and cousin yet again for a late lunch before I left for home that evening. We had intended to eat at Mesa Grill, but they have a limited menu between 3 and 5:30 p.m., and we couldn’t find anything we liked on that menu. We decided to walk through part of the Forum Shops and see if anything else caught our eye. The Palm – nope. Spago – nope.
Finally we came upon Trevi right by the main fountain, and we decided to stop in after looking at their menu. We ordered appetizers and desserts, and it was all very good. We had Antipasti, Fritto Mitto (tempura-coated calamari, shrimp, and vegetables), and Polenta Fries with Marinara for appetizers, and a selection of three sorbettis and three gelattis for dessert. We chose lemon, watermelon and strawberry sorbettis, and pistachio, chocolate chip and tiramisu gelattis for our tasting. The tiramisu and lemon were the best. In the end, we were mixing flavors together to get new combinations, and the other flavors were better that way. With three iced teas, the total came to $64.32 before the tip. I would definitely love to eat there again.
After lunch, we parted ways for the final time, and I hit the Hot Hot Penny and Gold Fish machines for a while. I did much better on the Hot Hot Penny machine, but finally had to tear myself away to head back to gather my bags at Bellagio.
Cab fare back to the airport was exactly the same as the trip to Paris: $14.90 + tip. What are the chances of that? I reprinted my boarding pass (Hayley checked me in from home the night before) and I was through security quickly. My plane was on time departing, and I landed in San Antonio at 12:35 a.m. Off to get my car, pay my parking fee, and head home. I got home at 1 a.m. and my hubby and Hayley were surprisingly still up and waiting.
In the end, I came out ahead by over $200, so it was a winning trip for me. In addition to the money, I enjoyed two great new hotels, two fantastic shows, met some wonderful people, and I’m looking forward to doing it again sometime. What could be better than all that?
Transportation in Vegas: Seven Ways to Get Around in Sin City
Getting to Las Vegas is just the first step to having a great time in a wonderful city, but how do you get around once you're there?
Depending on what your plans are and the type of budget you have for your vacation, you might decide to take the cheapest route possible in order to maximize your spending money for other pursuits. On the other hand, if you're visiting for a special occasion or celebration, you may have grander things in mind and want to go all out when you go from place to place. Either way, there are seven popular options for your trip (there are no doubt more ways to get around and see Vegas, but we're going with the most popular ones here).
Take a cab - This is one of the most popular options by far. From the airport to your hotel, from your hotel to a club and back again, whatever you need to do - there are plenty of taxis to go around. At the airport, follow the signs to the taxi stand outside. Where the lines were once long and the wait was painfully slow, the current state of the economy has made it easier to get a cab than ever before. That's not to say that you won't ever find a line, but you are more likely to have a shorter wait time. Be aware that the wait times for cabs immediately after shows let out and those outside the popular clubs are likely to be longer than other cab lines around the city.
Reserve a limousine or town car - If you're in town for a special occasion, this is not a bad option. There are several companies to choose from if you look at any of the Las Vegas information sites, but two of the ones I have used are Bell Trans (http://www.bell-trans.com/) and Presidential Limo (http://www.presidentiallimolv.com/). The drivers are polite, always ready to help, and willing to make additional stops for their customers. I say this because a lot of people don't make the trip down to the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign if they are taking a cab because of the cost. As long as you're within your paid time, cab drivers are more than happy to make the stop for you - and that's how I got my great photo at the top of my blog! In addition, you can negotiate the price of a limo ride for a large party from most of the hotels to another destination for dinner, clubbing, etc. by speaking with the doorman at your hotel. I have done this, too, and it was well worth a $35 ride plus tip for seven people to keep the entire party together, out of the sun, and off their aging and aching feet (and it was much more enjoyable than taking two separate cabs for our large party).
Rental cars - from the airport or from your hotel. Not only are you able to rent from any of the traditional rental car companies such as Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, et al, but many of the hotels offer the ability to rent and return a rental car directly from their lobby. (Check with your hotel for the rental agencies available and the exact terms and conditions of the rental and return.) This is a great option if you are planning on taking a scenic road trip during a small part of your vacation and do not want to pay for a rental car for your entire trip. Plus the convenience of returning the car at your hotel is an added bonus for those who have other things they'd rather be doing while on vacation. For the more adventurous types, check out the Dream Car Rentals - but be aware of the sticker shock that comes with renting something like this: http://www.dreamcarrentals.com/
Shuttles - Whether you decide to take a shuttle from the airport to your hotel and back or when traveling between hotels and casinos that are too far apart to walk between safely or comfortably, shuttles are a big part of travel in Las Vegas. At the airport, shuttles are available for a fee; follow the signage to get to the correct exit for your shuttle. A2ZLasVegas has a great listing of all the shuttle companies currently available from the airport: http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/transportation/airshutt.html. Also, many hotels offer free shuttles between hotel properties that are on-Strip and those that are off-Strip, such as the one between Harrah's and Sam's Town, or between Harrah's and the Rio. Check out the A2ZLasVegas guide to free shuttles in Las Vegas: http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/transportation/shuttle.html.
Get on the CAT and Deuce buses - Taking a bus in Las Vegas is one of the cheapest forms of transportation, especially if you get a 24-hour pass. Check out the CAT bus schedule for routes and schedules: http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/transit/route/index.cfm. Don't forget to check out my previous post regarding Dewey's hints for "Everything I Know About Riding the Bus" - the man knows what he's talking about!
Take the monorail - Opened in 2004, this often-maligned transportation system still has a few kinks in it. The downside to the monorail: the walks to the monorail stations can be long and somewhat confusing, and they only provide service to one side of the Strip. If you can overlook those faults, it's often cheaper than a cab ride and not a bad option for those who don't mind a little exercise to get to the stations. A single ride pass is $5; a 24-hour pass is $13 and a good deal if you're planning on riding several times during a shorter time period. A 3-day pass is $28 and a great deal if you plan to do a lot of traveling between the far ends of the Strip during your stay. Check their website for terminal information and hours of operation: http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/transit/route/index.cfm.
When in doubt, walk it out - By far my favorite way to get around Vegas. Why? Because it's the best way to see the city, day or night. My best piece of advice is this: Wear comfortable shoes and take your camera. The walk can be invigorating and refreshing if you've been cooped up inside for too long, and it can be entertaining and informative if you want to actually see the city and watch as humanity passes you by in every color, shape, and form. Day or night, walking along the Strip or on Fremont Street in downtown Vegas is very safe even when you're traveling alone, but I wouldn't stray too far from familiar territory off-Strip or to lesser traveled areas for safety's sake. Stick with the crowds and keep to the common areas for a safe and entertaining time.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your trip!
Depending on what your plans are and the type of budget you have for your vacation, you might decide to take the cheapest route possible in order to maximize your spending money for other pursuits. On the other hand, if you're visiting for a special occasion or celebration, you may have grander things in mind and want to go all out when you go from place to place. Either way, there are seven popular options for your trip (there are no doubt more ways to get around and see Vegas, but we're going with the most popular ones here).
Take a cab - This is one of the most popular options by far. From the airport to your hotel, from your hotel to a club and back again, whatever you need to do - there are plenty of taxis to go around. At the airport, follow the signs to the taxi stand outside. Where the lines were once long and the wait was painfully slow, the current state of the economy has made it easier to get a cab than ever before. That's not to say that you won't ever find a line, but you are more likely to have a shorter wait time. Be aware that the wait times for cabs immediately after shows let out and those outside the popular clubs are likely to be longer than other cab lines around the city.
Reserve a limousine or town car - If you're in town for a special occasion, this is not a bad option. There are several companies to choose from if you look at any of the Las Vegas information sites, but two of the ones I have used are Bell Trans (http://www.bell-trans.com/) and Presidential Limo (http://www.presidentiallimolv.com/). The drivers are polite, always ready to help, and willing to make additional stops for their customers. I say this because a lot of people don't make the trip down to the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign if they are taking a cab because of the cost. As long as you're within your paid time, cab drivers are more than happy to make the stop for you - and that's how I got my great photo at the top of my blog! In addition, you can negotiate the price of a limo ride for a large party from most of the hotels to another destination for dinner, clubbing, etc. by speaking with the doorman at your hotel. I have done this, too, and it was well worth a $35 ride plus tip for seven people to keep the entire party together, out of the sun, and off their aging and aching feet (and it was much more enjoyable than taking two separate cabs for our large party).
Rental cars - from the airport or from your hotel. Not only are you able to rent from any of the traditional rental car companies such as Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, et al, but many of the hotels offer the ability to rent and return a rental car directly from their lobby. (Check with your hotel for the rental agencies available and the exact terms and conditions of the rental and return.) This is a great option if you are planning on taking a scenic road trip during a small part of your vacation and do not want to pay for a rental car for your entire trip. Plus the convenience of returning the car at your hotel is an added bonus for those who have other things they'd rather be doing while on vacation. For the more adventurous types, check out the Dream Car Rentals - but be aware of the sticker shock that comes with renting something like this: http://www.dreamcarrentals.com/
Shuttles - Whether you decide to take a shuttle from the airport to your hotel and back or when traveling between hotels and casinos that are too far apart to walk between safely or comfortably, shuttles are a big part of travel in Las Vegas. At the airport, shuttles are available for a fee; follow the signage to get to the correct exit for your shuttle. A2ZLasVegas has a great listing of all the shuttle companies currently available from the airport: http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/transportation/airshutt.html. Also, many hotels offer free shuttles between hotel properties that are on-Strip and those that are off-Strip, such as the one between Harrah's and Sam's Town, or between Harrah's and the Rio. Check out the A2ZLasVegas guide to free shuttles in Las Vegas: http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/transportation/shuttle.html.
Get on the CAT and Deuce buses - Taking a bus in Las Vegas is one of the cheapest forms of transportation, especially if you get a 24-hour pass. Check out the CAT bus schedule for routes and schedules: http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/transit/route/index.cfm. Don't forget to check out my previous post regarding Dewey's hints for "Everything I Know About Riding the Bus" - the man knows what he's talking about!
Take the monorail - Opened in 2004, this often-maligned transportation system still has a few kinks in it. The downside to the monorail: the walks to the monorail stations can be long and somewhat confusing, and they only provide service to one side of the Strip. If you can overlook those faults, it's often cheaper than a cab ride and not a bad option for those who don't mind a little exercise to get to the stations. A single ride pass is $5; a 24-hour pass is $13 and a good deal if you're planning on riding several times during a shorter time period. A 3-day pass is $28 and a great deal if you plan to do a lot of traveling between the far ends of the Strip during your stay. Check their website for terminal information and hours of operation: http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/transit/route/index.cfm.
When in doubt, walk it out - By far my favorite way to get around Vegas. Why? Because it's the best way to see the city, day or night. My best piece of advice is this: Wear comfortable shoes and take your camera. The walk can be invigorating and refreshing if you've been cooped up inside for too long, and it can be entertaining and informative if you want to actually see the city and watch as humanity passes you by in every color, shape, and form. Day or night, walking along the Strip or on Fremont Street in downtown Vegas is very safe even when you're traveling alone, but I wouldn't stray too far from familiar territory off-Strip or to lesser traveled areas for safety's sake. Stick with the crowds and keep to the common areas for a safe and entertaining time.
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your trip!
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