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Kinda Sorta Solo, First Time Likely Failed TR - LINQ/Rio, 7/3-8

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by TxTeach79, Jul 1, 2016.

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  1. TxTeach79

    TxTeach79 #VLV

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    My Trip Report

    Welp, What the heck? I've been a long time VMB lurker who just recently started posting, and as I love love love reading trip reports I've decided to dip my tow in the daunting waters and give it a whirl myself! I don't know how committed I'll be to the cause, so I'll start this off by saying the same thing I do on the beginning of most dates - expect to be disappointed and to leave unsatisfied and you can't go wrong!

    So quick parameters - This will be my first "solo" trip to Vegas... booked a couple months back and my usual crew that comes along gradually bailed for one reason or another but I decided to hold strong. Why not? I've done some solo travel before, just never in Vegas outside of one night here or there.

    First trip to town since doing the whole FoundersCard Diamond thing, so that's fun. Not really sure what to expect on that front (saving the dinner voucher for a later trip, but hey, skipping lines!).... got my card on a quick trip last month to the Horseshoe in Bossier City but outside of the Diamond Lounge there (surprisingly legit!) I didn't really do anything Diamondy.

    I'm a very boring gambler even though I really enjoy it... Slots, VP, the very occasional BJ (which likely would have greatly benefited my last marriage), but that's it. I like to wander, eat and drink all of it, people watch, and look at cool stuff. Oh, and I'll take naps like a pro. I'm warning you now.

    I basically followed comped rooms, so I'm split a little bit... my first night on Sunday is at Rio, which I've never stepped foot inside. The rest of the week I'll be at the LINQ, which I've stayed at before and really love. Love that part of the strip, the whole vibe of the place, the promenade, how it's so open and connected to the hotels around it (I know it ain't fancy, but I always have a blast playing at Harrah's), and steps away from Caesars (where I tend to eat and play a lot) and Mirage (my favorite Sportsbook to hang out and watch games at)...

    I have a couple of friends staying at Monte Carlo for the same dates (hence the quotes in "solo"), but they're attractive ladies who are about a decade younger than I (look, we work together. Just stop it. Not worth it.) and are way more into the club scene than I am, so I expect I'll be solo more than not, but who the heck knows - it's Vegas. Oh, and I AM bringing my American Flag blazer for the 4th, so I expect big things regardless.

    Off to a good start - decided to move my flight from a 6pm arrival up to Noon (because why not) and it went smooth as silk, even 48 hours out. No fees, even got some points kicked back my way. Three clicks. I love Southwest. Sooooo, I'll be getting packed and tying up some loose ends around this joint the next 36 or so, and then it's off! I'll be back soon! Or I won't. Who knows. Either way.
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2016
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  2. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    Have a great trip! "Solo" trips with friends in town are great. Lots of time to do your own thing, but meet ups so you don't feel like a total degenerate.

    Enjoy!
     
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  3. TxTeach79

    TxTeach79 #VLV

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    Thanks!!!! And this, (un?)fortunately, is a department I seldom need help in. :)
     
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  4. Richard Alpert

    Richard Alpert LOST

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    Good times! Enjoy yourself, sir!

    RICHARD
     
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  5. TxTeach79

    TxTeach79 #VLV

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    Thank you!!! Will absolutely do!
     
  6. Lady Fortuna

    Lady Fortuna Blessed with luck and ignorance...

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    Looking forward to your trip report. And to the pictures with that blazer. ;)
    I've done the sorta solo trips every time except the first time and I love it.
    Enjoy your trip! And don't forget about us (Vegas junkies) and your TR!!
     
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  7. JosieCat

    JosieCat VIP Whale

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    Sounds like a great trip! You need to take a picture of yourself in the flag blazer and post it. Have fun and I look forward to following along!
     
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  8. TxTeach79

    TxTeach79 #VLV

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    image.jpeg Oh, don't you worry. She's ready.
     
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  9. sam_marques

    sam_marques Vegas Vlogs Youtube / TeamClareVlogs

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    We have the same countdown, I will look out for your blazer!! Have a great trip!
     
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  10. LoveVeGa

    LoveVeGa Low-Roller

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    Nice jacket you have there.
    Coming after 4th of July to the 8 and stay at Venetian.
    If you want to play some craps or Bj or some beers just let me.
    I will have my VMB wristband on..
    Have fun and good luck...:beer:
     
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  11. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Nice suit! Maybe you can find an "Uncle Sam" slot to play! Lol
     
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  12. TxTeach79

    TxTeach79 #VLV

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    Checked in on the SW app (Group A! Legit consider this the first win of the week), got everything good to go, now wrapping up my packing before rolling out in the morning. Got my latest caffeine boost in the most apropos of ways.......

    image.jpeg
     
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  13. breanna61

    breanna61 Super Moderator

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    Love the jacket......now make sure you post a photo of you wearing it please.
     
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  14. TxTeach79

    TxTeach79 #VLV

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    image.jpeg image.jpeg

    Through security in record time, zero traffic on the way here. Time to grab a quick croissant at La Madeleine, a drink, and to hurry up and wait! Friends were on an earlier flight, so they should be landing and headed to the MC just in time to taunt me with texts as I'm boarding.
     
  15. Lady Fortuna

    Lady Fortuna Blessed with luck and ignorance...

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    Good flight, TxTeach79!
     
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  16. TxTeach79

    TxTeach79 #VLV

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    Took a while getting my bag with all the renovations at McCarran, but after an uneventful cab ride over, I've made it to the Rio! First time going through Diamond check in (not entirely true - my ex was Diamond and i checked in with her at Caesars once) was nice... man in a tux handed me a "Blue Hawaiian" while I waited, they were super nice, and I got a bottle of water and a cupcake (I know, right?) when we were done. Grabbed a PBR (because it's a holiday weekend and I'm a by God AMERICAN, dammit) tall boy and went back to the Ipanema elevators to get settled. Have a room at the end of the hall, which is a bit of a hike but I'm all in, because a) i never mind walking indoors and b) windows on two sides!


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    Gonna relax a sec, let the phone get a charge in it, then hit the casino and wander around this place. Gonna check out the view from Voodoo at some point and meeting my friends on the strip later on. We shall see what the night holds! Happy Vegas, everybody!
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2016
  17. Lady Fortuna

    Lady Fortuna Blessed with luck and ignorance...

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    Happy Vegas to you, TxTeach79! I like the report so far!
     
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  18. Geogran

    Geogran VIP Whale

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    Can't wait to see the RWB blazer on the 4th! Hope you get to watch the awesome fireworks!
    Best of luck with the gambling....
     
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  19. TxTeach79

    TxTeach79 #VLV

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    Explored Rio a bit (I've never been here before).... Got down pretty hard and fast on slots, but won it all back and then some (and then some) with some big luck on VP by the Masquerade Bar. Nice start!

    Found out an old college buddy of mine is in town and happens to be right next door (for at least a few hours), so we met up and tried to grab a late lunch at Hash House, but it turns out they're not 24 hours like at the LINQ and are already closed til tomorrow at like 2pm. El Burro Borracho was closed too, so we just hit the sports deli and split a Silver State Club and Chili Cheese Dog, both really good. I'm easy to please, but I think Rio is a pretty fun joint thus far. It's big for sure, and my only complaint would be seeing the cocktail servers but never actually getting one. I made due at bartops. No worries. That said, the miracle of urinal cupholders lives on at the Rio! Onward!


    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg
     
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  20. breanna61

    breanna61 Super Moderator

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    How is your room at the Rio? I'm booked into a remodeled room next week staying at Rio for the first time in a decade and am a bit nervous about it. I'm still hoping they get some cancelations at Cosmo so I can book my comp there but if not, I'm at the Rio for 5 nights.
     
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