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Another Downtown (mostly) trip!

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by tvon, Dec 4, 2015.

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  1. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

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    My Trip Report

    Spent the long weekend (Nov 20-23rd) in downtown LV. Going to post a short summery TR, just pointing out the highlights/lowlights.

    *EDIT - Now with pics.. see below!

    ROOM:
    Stayed at the Golden Gate on a comp. First time i've stayed in the same hotel twice, and two trips in a row. I just am loving downtown and all the new stuff that goes with it. We got the deluxe room at the GG. For the GG, a nice room. Much better than the very noisy "standard" fremont-facing room I had last time. This wasn't quite the suite, but still in the "new" part of the GG. No mini fridge however. But housekeeping was nice enough to find one for us. The comps keep coming for me at the GG and after the D takeover, i'm hoping that will stay the same. Also, was able to use the D's new workout room/gym on the 12th floor. Had to check in with the D's front desk and present my ID and GG room key. They gave me a key that provided access to the 12th floor exercise room.

    GAMBLING:
    Bad. Just bad. Lost everywhere I could think of. However had one great night at the Plaza in the new party pit. Its small near the front doors. Some dealers screwed up alot but it was okay.. i was winning! :) The GG bj has installed continuous shufflers at every table, which was awful for me. Never done well at one of these tables ever. Also the GG didnt have its famous $3 BJ tables at any time of the day. Sad to see that go. I enjoyed the D, as its my first time being there when its not under construction. Tables were decent, play was okay. Hoping to get some offers coming my way. El Cortez is still keeping on the old vegas tradition. Fri/Sat nights had 50c roulette, which is rad! Downtown Grand was not as dead as I remembered it, with the tables moved to the other side of the floor. Didnt play however. At the 4 queens I plopped down at a $5 BJ table and after playing for 10 minutes realized it was a 6/5 table. WOOF!! Lost a quick $50 and peaced.

    FREMONT ST:
    As lively as ever. Got to see the zipline completely finished for the first time, always in use. I didnt go on it, but I liked the new way to ride it. You buy a ticket for a specific time, so no lines. Much more civilized. The night I had built up the nerve to go on it, they were sold out for the night. :thumbsdown: Fremont East was great, but sad that Insert Coins was closed. The praying mantis at the Container park was cool as hell, though the park itself is kind of ho-hum. No outside beverages allowed either. Sucks. Also, sad to see the LVC boarded up but glad it might be something cool soon.

    CONCERT:
    Attended the Rise Against/Killswitch Engage show at the DLV, which is owned by the D. Its actually kind of behind the 4 queens, but across the D. A very cool outdoor venue, taking up a whole city block. Its something downtown really needs. Sound was great and a big turnout. Derek Stevens from the D got up on stage and talked to the crowd. He gets an embroidered jacket for every show he has there. It says the band names, the time, etc.. Then he has the bands sign the jacket. He wears it for the night then he archives the jacket. Very cool. Like what he's doing there.

    NON DTLV:
    Went to dinner at Giada at the Cromwell (see food below). First time in the Cromwell since it was Bill's. Pretty much the same layout with Wynn-esqe touches. Played a little video poker and slots. Dead on a sunday night. Friendly staff however. After dinner got on the High Roller at the Linq. Again, first time at the Linq since it was the IP. Very trippy to see all the changes to the casino and the whole Linq pedestrian avenue. Back to the High Roller.. Pre-paid online for the open bar pod, well worth it! Only 4 of us on the trip, so the bartender REALLY let the drinks flow. A few sips on one of his concoctions then he had another ready. Then shots.. wow. Glad I cabbed it from downtown!!! :drunk: The other couple on the ride, he proposed to his girlfriend at the top! Very cool! Overall, amazing view of Vegas and fun! I highly recommend the high roller!

    FOOD:
    Champagne brunch at the MSS. Got a 2 for 1 coupon from a VMB'er (thanks!). Standard as always, one of my favorite values in vegas. With my comp at the GG, it included a comp at Dupar's. Ate there several times, usually late at night!! Woman working there, I forget her name, was awesome. Must of served us at 3am every night, lol. Also ate at Comida on Fremont East, excellent Mexican with a great Vegetarian menu. Great margaritas too. Hidden gem!! Giada's at the Cromwell was our "fancy" dinner. Its mostly small plates that are priced like entrees. You will not get out of there spending less than $100. Pricey, but worth it for a special night.

    TRAVEL:
    Flight was on Spirit direct from Boston. If you've flown Spirit, you know the deal. Sardine'd in for a 6 hour flight (7 in my case.. headwinds). Uneventful however. Flight home was on Jetblue direct to Boston. It was out of terminal 2 which I have never flown out of in my years of going to Vegas. HOLY SHIT was the line for security long. My guess would be about 700-1000 in line. Only 3 inspection points. I couldnt believe it. Fortunately for me, i have pre-check and was able to breeze through. No line!!! I was early, but even so I still might of missed my flight with that line. I recommend everyone get Pre-check!!


    :thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2015
  2. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    Solid TR, thanks. Too bad the gambling was so-so but it's cool to hear about your room at the GG.
     
    Annual CCA (Casino Collectibles Association) Show at South Point
    Long Overdue Stay At The Golden Nugget
  3. daviddunn

    daviddunn Tourist

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    Thanks for the TR. Since you were comped at the GG, can you give us an idea of your usual play that led up to your comp offers there? Have you received offers from The D?
     
  4. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Thanks for posting a TR!
     
  5. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

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    I usually play the $5-$10 bj tables there. Always cash in for $100, play for maybe an hour to two at a time, twice a day. Vary my bets from $5 to $40. I've been getting mailers for a few years, they've recently included suites (but not for november :thumbsdown: ) I have not gotten anything from the D, but I havent played there as much. The GG and D slot clubs will be combined soon (i assume) so that might have an effect.
     
  6. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Nice report!!! Hope the gambling goes better next time!
     
  7. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

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    Forgot I had some photos on my phone.. nothing extensive mind you. I used to take very detailed pics of everything each trip, the past few i've gotten lax.

    Golden Gate / End of Fremont
    IMAG5252.jpg

    IMAG5254.jpg

    The Plaza Party pit (taken the day after)

    IMAG5255.jpg

    A rare (but very small) win

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    Fremont east, looking towards the canopy. The Market and Fremont Country Club is on the left, El Co to the right

    IMAG5260.jpg

    Flippin' good burgers on Fremont East. Forgot to mention the TR that I went there for lunch. Its going for the In-And-Out/5 Guys angle. Better than most burgers under the canopy.

    IMAG5261.jpg

    Pic from side stage of the outdoor DLV venue, just off Fremont. This is Killswitch Engage. The D parking garage is visable in the background.

    IMAG5226.jpg

    Just how stupid thin the Spirit airline seats are.

    IMAG5201.jpg

    Forgot to mention the match play I got from my Spirit boarding pass at the D

    IMAG5200.jpg

    View from the High Roller

    IMAG5274.jpg

    IMAG5281.jpg

    View flying out, the strip, downtown and then north vegas.

    IMAG5296.jpg

    IMAG5308.jpg

    IMAG5315.jpg
     
  8. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

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  9. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Frontier uses those seats now too I think. They suck, but I'm willing to deal with them to save over $200!

    And hear ya on the pics. My gf used to take pics of everything. After 10+ trips, not so much.
     
  10. wanker751

    wanker751 Dutch Rudder Enthusiast

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    Very good TR. I liked Giada.
     
  11. npom

    npom VIP Whale

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    nice report!
     
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