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The Quad.....Nov.4th-Nov.9th

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by waverunner, Nov 10, 2012.

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  1. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    My Trip Report

    OK, so it's still Imperial Palace so sue me. Let me first explain my situation. I am 52 but look like Keannu Reeves (people always tell me that including this past week). I have worked all me life but in June 2011 i had a mild stroke. Never smoked and never drank but many people like me do get strokes apparently, anyways. I have been going to Vegas (i live in LA) for a long time. I used to stay a LaQuinta on the Strip (where NYNY is now). I always drove to Vegas because i used to go rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon. I used to visit Vegas 3 times a year for 6 days per. But things have changed since my last trip in May 2011. I am partially disabled meaning i can't work or drive. I can't raise my right arm above my shoulder, i can't clench my right fist like i normally used to, and my right leg is not as strong and my left leg, although my left leg gives me problems if i walk for two straight blocks. I just have to rest my legs every couple of minutes and then can continue on. No problem walking around my house or walking in the casinos because it's stop and go. But i walked all the way up to Fashion Show Mall, just did it casually and stopping for a few minutes at a time. Went all the way south to Mandalay Bay, used the tram from Bellagio to Monte Carlo, then the Excalibur to Mandalay Bay tram.
    Although i am still young but partially disabled, i am thankful that i can still do most things i could do before and thankfully not as bad a some people who get strokes who are a lot worse than i am.
    I actually took the Lux Bus America (which i did even before my stroke) and recommend this mode of transportation to anyone near LA/Anaheim to Las Vegas. There is a forum on "Getting There" that has more info on Lux Bus.
    Now, let me explain Imperial Palace. I always stay at Bally's/Paris/PH, but since it's been almost two years since my last trip i had "0" points, although i have TR card it was still not a good deal like it normally does (including comps for 5 or 6 nights at Paris/PH. The alternative was Imperial Palace, which i never stayed at and one time a few years ago i had a free pass to the Auto Museum. I knew IP has always been a budget hotel and to most people simply horrendous. But even with the construction i decided to book it since i would be going solo and it would be $20 a night, that's right..$20 bucks.
    I arrived at IP about 1:30pm and the line, although long, went pretty fast thanks to the numerous clerks working. Check-in was right away and didn't see the purpose of the $20 trick in my case. I was assigned room #1029 and Voila!..........it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. The room was clean, the bathroom looked new, the carpet looked worn but nothing smelled, the TV was 19" but the picture was perfect, no safe but that's fine with me, had a King bed so the room looked bigger than it was, my room was right near the Soda/Ice machine, AND, i had a VIEW. I was on the 10th floor which allowed me to see CP and Bellagio from half way up, including CP front entrance. And now for the noise from the construction and Carnival Court. What noise? Maybe the "noise" was being blocked by room designation, never had any problem with CC. And never had a problem with construction noise, i could see the guys on top of the roof (where O'Shea's was) but at least for my room it was non existent. That may change, but for my room Nov.4th-9th never was awaken by either.
    My main reason for going back to Vegas for the first time since my stroke (couldn't have done it without therapy, and have done so much better than before, allowing me to consider Las Vegas once again) was to visit my favorite place in the whole wide world, and to also re-initiate my TR card.
    I play slots and blackjack, but refrained from blackjack for now because my stroke slightly inhibited my ability to beat the house (LOL). I like to play slots but choose certain types. I prefer on quarter machines double diamond etc,..on penny slots i like machines that give you a choice, i especially like the 3x4x5x at max. I had numerous jackpots where the machine goes into ballistic mode (LOL). I never had a hand pay but for the whole week i basically broke even. And having my stroke allowed me to alter my daily gambling habits. I used to gamble during the day and at night, but i've slowed down since that happened and never gambled during the day, just enjoyed being in Vegas, watching the best free live show (the ducks at Mirage, LOL), the Monet's at Bellagio, the scantilly clad dancers at Paris, Bally's, and PH, the Dudes in costumes along the Strip (the "Jack Sparrow" guy was the best, he is by far in a league by himself, he walks, talks, sways, etc. and is a great guy, i met him in front of CP).
    I am so happy i was able to go to Vegas, although i cannot run or jog like i used to, i, for the most part, looked "normal" with just an ever so slight limp, and thankful my being able to live a life on my own......and there are so many people, including those i saw in Vegas who i know are a lot worse than me, in fact i am embarrassed to mention my mild stroke compared to what others are feeling. I am still relatively healthy and just live my life the best i can.
    In closing, just a few observations.
    I prefer the old "Paris" to the new one, why did they take out the fountain on the Strip? Same thing with Luxor, less and less Egyptian themes. Why? I still cannot get into the theme of City Center mumbo jumbo, i bypass it. MGM is remodeling so no Tigers :). There seems to be less porn slappers but more and more people soliciting every thing from CD's to million dollar time shares.
    By the way, the elevators were one of the best i ever had in Vegas. Maybe it was the time of year, or they've mechanically been enhanced, but they were on time within a minute or two including downward. Never had a problem at any time of the day. The carpets in the hallways and the elevators are pretty bad, but considering there will be some remodelling done to welcome in THE Quad, this can be expected.
    The maids and casino staff were very friendly and helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to stay at The Quad when it's finished. I plan on going back to Vegas around late April early May as the TR clerk mention i will still be rewarded for whatever rewards i get offered.
    The weather in Vegas for Nov.4th-9th was perfect, above normal, then on Thursday night if started getting windy and my last day there it was COLD and WINDY, feel sorry for all the weekend travellers.
    Sorry for the long post..........just putting into perspective a long time Vegas visitor who suddenly had a real life medical experience and now hopefully will continue with my love of Las Vegas starting again in a few months.
     
  2. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    Nice report, glad to hear you are able to get out and enjoy yourself!!

    It is also nice to hear someone not complain about every little thing when staying at a budget property. I stay at Flamingo on my guy trips, it always serves me quite well. I am sure you will hear from them after your play. It is a short walk around the property and to the strip, which may interest you.
     
  3. zamboni

    zamboni VIP Whale

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    Wow, someone said the IP's elevators were good. That is first time I have heard that!! Glad you had fun, THAT is the important thing!!
     
  4. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    Thanks CaptainRon, i never expected anything more (especially $20 a night) but i was pleasantly surprised for what i got for the money (or lack thereof).
    It will be nice to see the new Quad when it's finished. This may be my new home when going solo to Vegas.
     
  5. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    I have read all the horror stories on the board about the Elevators and was preparing for the worst. But the realistic fact is the Elevators, at least during my stay (Nov.4th-Nov.9th) was one the best parts of my trip. First of all my room was real close, and being on the 10th floor i was right in the middle. I would leave my room, press the button, and within 2 minutes get down to the lobby in seconds. Very rarely would the elevator need to stop going either up or down from the 10th floor. Same thing going up. No matter what time of day it was the same, very fast, many times i would go up alone and be in my room in a matter of seconds. Maybe it was the time of year (kids in school) or maybe a lot of the people i saw in the casino were staying somewhere else. The horror stories i have heard was that the elevators were very slow and that there would be an angry crowd going ballistic...well, not only was the crowd NOT going ballistic, there wasn't any crowd at the elevators at all.
     
  6. LV2GAMBLE

    LV2GAMBLE Certified LOW Roller

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    Glad you enjoyed your stay. We've stayed at IP a few times and never had ANY issues. For us, the price is right for just a clean place to sleep and shower.
    Good for you, not letting a mobility issue prevent you from having a great time. thanks for sharing. Cheers!! :beer:
     
  7. dbueler

    dbueler High-Roller

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    First of all, congrats on your highly successful first trip since your stroke. Even though I am a wife and mother of 3, if I were re-habing from a medical issue, keeping my 'eye on the prize' of a trip to LV would be the biggest motivation for me! As one who also values my independance and traveling solo, I could feel your happiness in every word and I 'get it'! Good for you!

    Glad you had a nice trip at the IP, I agree with CaptainIron that you should also consider the Flamingo. I adore it there and it's very easy to get around. I have no doubt it will come up comped for your next trip.

    Thanks for taking the time to post. Many of us take our trips to LV for granted, you've reminded us that we should take our time and smell the roses!
    diane
     
  8. bbking

    bbking Tourist

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    Not long at all.Enjoyed the read.Also glad to hear someone not complain about the IP.
     
  9. BackInVegas

    BackInVegas VIP Whale

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    Keep walking

    My wife and I are new to the caregiver life for her father. Do not let those muscles atrophy. It seems he falls at least once a day. Enough about that.

    Keep having fun in Las Vegas.
     
  10. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    Thanks everyone. I just observed my Harrah's TR rewards online. Even though i won't be going back till April/May, it's already showing Comps (Sun.-Thurs) thru January. Just like before when i didn't pay for my room. I figure in January i will get offers for the Spring like i always used to. Will probably take the free offers when they do come either at Bally's, Paris, and PH because that's where i usually spend my time at. I will consider The Quad once again when finished. I was happy i chose IP and couldn't have asked for more, especially at $20 a night. I heard IP will still be open, however, after the holidays it will start to get really hectic, so i don't know if i would choose IP for the next few months to others on this board. The casino and the rooms will be upgraded after the holidays, so my experience in Nov. may not be the same in January and beyond at least till they finish remodeling the inside. It may get worse before it gets better. Please keep that in mind.
    P.S. As others have noted, i also asked a few employees at IP what to expect after the new year and the consensus was although they will remain open it may be too much of an inconvenience for some people until the work done inside is nearly done. At least the employees were honest.
     
  11. sco5123

    sco5123 VIP Whale

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    Yay! I love IP. I miss the Karoake Club, which was the best one in my humble opinion but it did not receive good enough advertising. I also miss the Rockhouse although it was a little too grungy for my taste, it was always FREE for me as a female guest especially in the earlier hours. I loved to go in there and enjoy music, dance, and people watch. Great times! I hope they bring them both back. I am a big fan of the IP rooms--generally they are clean but I really like the white colors, plush-feeling bedding and the velvety head board. Did you get to see the Dealertainers? Certainly a nice touch to IP. Plus, they have Divas, my favorite show. Human Nature is also fairly well-acclaimed. The vibe at IP can not be beat either. It's so alive and electric. People are just having ol' good-time fun.

    I loved your trip report. Even more intriguing considering your story. So glad that you enjoyed it...here's to many many more! Cheers!
     
  12. ATXTX

    ATXTX VIP Whale

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    Awesome TR.

    Tell ya what if we are ever in Vegas at the same time my husband & I would happily play slowed down blackjack with you - dude I am slow & I haven't had a stroke!

    :drunk:
     
    When we Were Young
  13. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    Thank you. Although i didn't gamble in the casino (never liked the low ceilings), i would occasionally watch the Dealertainers going from/to my room. I thought overall they did a good job. But it was very loud, sometimes screeching, once again i think due to the low ceilings.
     
  14. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    LOL. I played a little BJ on the machines but just couldn't get into it.
     
  15. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    Nice TR. I used to love the IP for the cocktail waitresses alone. Some of those gals could have been wearing turtlenecks and they still would have been showing cleavage......:peace:
     
    Annual CCA (Casino Collectibles Association) Show at South Point
    Long Overdue Stay At The Golden Nugget
  16. jgates8

    jgates8 VIP Whale

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    Interesting report! There does seem to be a lot of conflicting info as to whether or not they are going to do anything to the rooms or not. Some sources say yes, others no. If they are going to make the common area so 'cool' I would think they would have to do at least a slight refresh to the rooms. They can't do too much or it would have to be priced too high. The new bathrooms by the daquiri bar are very nice and check-in area is nice and sleek also. Would love to know what they are doing behind the wall where the old restrooms were (to the right of the HHAGG escalators). Almost wonder if that is where the entry area from Linq street will be.
     
    Easter again..:
  17. waverunner

    waverunner ------VEGA$------

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    I think they will touch up the rooms and hallways. My room was fine especially the bath room. But new carpets would be nice, a flat screen TV, and a freshen up of the hallways all that is needed. There will be a new area for Reservations etc, and i'm sure the casino will get a face lift. but i believe the new "Quad" will still be the cheapest hotel for CET properties. And the location is prime for most people.
     
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