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Booked a GN stay: a few notes and questions

Discussion in 'Downtown Hotels' started by bdlee73, Jun 25, 2015.

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  1. bdlee73

    bdlee73 Tourist

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    Decided to scratch the Vegas itch for a solo trip after a year+ absence. Was thinking of the strip, but wow I just can't justify the weekend prices! Going July 24-27 and the Nugget turned out to be the best price: $200 + resort fees for 3 nights in the Carson Tower.

    I don't mind the Carson Tower - unless you have mobility issues, the whole "long walk to your room" thing is overblown. After all the drink and food, a nice walk is good. I wanted a nice pool for my summer visit and don't mind the size and crowds of the GN pool. It has a nice energy and anyways I'll probably spend more time in the water to stay cool. Of course I'll also be happy downtown since I like to play craps and BJ not not at strip minimums. Also not so sure I can relate to the strip crowd anymore. I'm turning 42 and not much into the club scene.

    With that said, a few questions/notes:
    Thinking of doing the Hideout for a day, do they completely restricts entry unless you pay for a lounger? I'm ok with doing this for a day.
    How is Gold Diggers? By downtown standards, does it get a decent crowd?
    I'm also thinking of checking out the Fremont East bars - do any specialize in indie/alternative music?
    The distinctive dining menu at Vick and Anthony's sounds like a win! It's on my list.
    Does anyplace still offer beginning poker classes? It's still on my bucket list to play for "real" at a casino but not so sure about just jumping into a game.

    Looking forward to downtown again!
     
  2. mwig

    mwig VIP Whale

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    I don't think there are poker classes offered anymore. I know the Nugget did that for a while years ago. If you play a limit game (pretty sure the Nugget always offers 2/4) the win or loss will be very minimal. If you prefer no limit you could always play the 1/2 game and only buy in for $50 or $100 to get a feel for the game without risking much. These are tough games to beat downtown. You don't get the casual players that the conventions bring on the strip.
     
  3. kevthegrad

    kevthegrad Tourist

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    We just stayed at the GN June 10 - 15, look for the trip report later today.

    I cannot say enough about Vic and Anthony's steakhouse and the coupon for $49.95 per person is just insanely good. The quality of the food and the price. WiN WIN .

    Check out the bar outside the poker room - Robert and David are two of our favourite bartenders and such good guys.

    The Hideout does completely restrict entry unless you pay. For the record the pool in there looks like it is the size of a bathtub and it is directly beside the enormous line up for the water slide, so I'm not so sure it feels like a 'hideout' given there are normally a dozen kids and teens standing directly at the entrance looking in.
     
  4. bdlee73

    bdlee73 Tourist

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    Good point re: the hideout and the slide queue. Perhaps I'll stick with the unwashed masses in the main pool.

    Glad to hear you enjoyed Vic and Anthony's and look forward to the trip report.
     
  5. kingpasty

    kingpasty High-Roller

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    Do yourself a favor and get a Landry's Select Club card. They're $25 but you'll get that much in credit that you can use at any Landry's restaurant (i.e. Vic & Anthony's) so it's essentially free. Flash it at check-in and you'll be given a free upgrade! Gold tower room will be much nicer than Carson Tower.
     
  6. bu$hman

    bu$hman Guppie trying to become a whale

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    +1. Caveat, regarding that upgrade...it happens "based on availability." kingpasty is correct, though, it (Landry's Select Card) is essentially free. Plus, you get points on dollars spent. Spend $250.00, get $25.00 "free food money." Plus, you get $25.00 "free food money" during your birthday month. Here is hoping you get that upgrade. Me, I am booked for the Gold Club Room, and hope to get bumped up to a suite, or, at least the Rush Gold Club Room.
     
  7. kingpasty

    kingpasty High-Roller

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    I booked Rush Tower and got bumped to a Junior Corner Rush Tower Suite.
     
  8. bu$hman

    bu$hman Guppie trying to become a whale

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    Booked Rush in the past, but never saw an upgrade. I do love the Rush rooms (the bathroom is really what stands out for me.) Like the "roominess" of it.
    What were your thoughts on the corner suite? A little bigger?
     
  9. kingpasty

    kingpasty High-Roller

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    It was bigger, but I really didn't use the extra space. We essentially just used the couch to throw our shit on. I really wish they would've made the bathroom larger instead, with a jetted tub and stand up shower. Overall nice room though.
     
  10. bdlee73

    bdlee73 Tourist

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    I did not book direct with GN - so not sure if they'll do the upgrade. I booked through Southwest for about $100 less than direct with GN - suppose I can still check on the low rate guarantee. Another thing is that the Landy's site only shows the upgrade as an option with the "Presidents Club": http://www.landrysselect.com/SelectClubFeatures/PresidentsClub.aspx

    I may still get the card since it will be "free" plus July is my birthday month so another $25.
     
  11. bu$hman

    bu$hman Guppie trying to become a whale

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    Their President's Club is for the "big spenders" (certainly not me.) You are correct, as the upgrade is specific to Pres. Club members, but, sometimes, things are slow to change. Try this link:https://www.landrysselect.com/ClubFaqs.aspx

    Sign up quickly, as I am not certain, but I think there may be a waiting period on the "birthday month." Flash the card at checkin, even though you booked through SWA. The worst they can say is that you are not entitled to the upgrade.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2015
  12. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

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    We've had about 50% luck getting an upgrade with the Landry's card, and it didn't seem to matter whether we'd booked with them or through a third party (which we often do). It seems to be more a function of who helps you at check in and how booked up they are. Same with the VIP check in. We've been told we couldn't check in at VIP even though we showed our Landry's card, and we've been welcomed at VIP check in by showing it. No consistent thread to any of it, just the luck of the draw.
     
  13. kingpasty

    kingpasty High-Roller

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    Well we were turned down for early check-in at the Rush registration, but went to the regular VIP check-in and were given a room. Go figure. Same upgrade at both though...
     
  14. bdlee73

    bdlee73 Tourist

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    This type of inconsistent service can be frustrating - hope it's addressed.

    I went ahead an joined. Since my birthday is in July I'll at least end up ahead and maybe I'll get the upgrade - or not!
     
  15. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

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    bdlee73,

    Since your birthday is in July, you should at least have $50 of food credit ($25 for joining and $25 in your birthday month) that you can use at the GN.
     
  16. bdlee73

    bdlee73 Tourist

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    Signed up for the card the other day - birthday bonus was loaded today! Next step is to see what happens at check-in with an upgrade. Is it typical to present the card + $20 and ask what's available? The gold tower is sold out at least one night of my stay - so only hope is an upgrade to the Rush Tower. Regardless, I'm already $25 ahead.
     
  17. bu$hman

    bu$hman Guppie trying to become a whale

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    Typical? No. However, I normally book with GN direct, so I should not have to make the $20 sandwich. In your case, you might want to have it available, as you did not book direct. However, then the "power of the card" is moot. Others, I am sure have, and will, chime in when booking via a third party. Best of luck. Let us know how it works out.
     
  18. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

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    I've never done the $20 trick at the GN, as I've read repeatedly that it usually isn't accepted. I just present my Landry's card and inquire whether an upgrade is available. As I've said, doesn't seem to matter through whom I made the reservation as much as who I get at the front desk and how full they are. Success rate has been about 50% either way. Just be pleasant and inquire nicely, don't act entitled or expectant. Just be pleased if you get it and accepting if you don't.

    Also, don't be shy about asking if you can have the coupons once they're done checking you in. I've had 100% success with this, even though when booking through a third-party site I'm not supposed to get them.
     
  19. bu$hman

    bu$hman Guppie trying to become a whale

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    What he said.
     
  20. dirtrat

    dirtrat Tourist

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    People are saying they are getting the free upgrade with the Landry's Select Club card but I see no where in the benefits page or FAQ where it says you get an upgrade. Are people just assuming this card gives them the upgrade? Maybe the GN just has vacant rooms and is giving these upgrades for free. Just curious as I just reserved two nights on the 17-18th of July and ordered the Landry's card. If they don't state they give free room upgrades for this card, what would be the reason to show them this card at check in? I've been downtown many times over the years but this is my first time staying downtown.
     
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