8/2 - 8/6 TheHotel at MB

This was a 40th birthday trip for my buddy along with our wives. We’ve been going to Vegas together for the last several years during August or September and this was the most crowded we have ever seen things on the south end of the strip during this time of year. We stayed at the Palazzo during the opening weekend of the NFL season last year and it was a ghost town. I guess the great room deals with free food, etc. are working to keep the hotels pretty full. Every time we walked by the buffet at MB the line was outrageous. They now have the all day buffet pass along with a special promo for free buffet with room purchase when booking through MB.

Car Rental:
We usually always rent a car in Vegas. We’ve been so many times and I lived out there for a short time so, I know my way around fairly well. Dollar the rental company that we always use and have never had a problem with them. There is always such a long line at the rental counter. I don’t understand why more people don’t join Dollar Express and save some time. They didn’t have a full size car at time of rental so; we were upgraded for free to a suv. Very nice.

Hotel:
Check in was a breeze around 3:30 pm on Sunday. Requested strip view rooms and was told none were available. We had a view of the west on the 32nd floor and our friends were on the 12th floor with a distant view of the pool. This was our 2nd time staying at TheHotel. It’s such a convenient place to stay. And the rooms are very nice. Very easy to get in and out with either the valet or via a cab. I also like the short walk to MB sportsbook. It is quite a hike to the pool though.

Show:
We only went to one show during this trip... Gordie Brown at the Golden Nugget. We were able to get ½ price tickets at the ½ ticket booth near the M&M and Coca Cola shops next to MGM. His show was enjoyable. He’s very funny and energetic. Theater seemed to be a little over half full. They have monitors on the side of the theater to help if you are seated on the side. Try and get a center seat a few rows back if at all possible. Worth the trip downtown.

Gambling:
Most of the tables on the south end of the strip were $10 or $15 minimum. It was hard to find any $5 tables as we are low rollers. Last year we were able to find $5 tables all over The Mirage and Treasure Island because it was so slow. We hit South Point a couple of times and had no trouble finding $5 tables there. I really like South Point. Great rooms, quick drink service and friendly dealers.

Misc:
We visited the M Resort on Sunday for their brunch right after we got the car. We were very impressed with both the casino and the buffet. I thought it was one of the best meals of the trip. They had quite a bit of seafood along with free wine and draft beer. Not too bad for $25 per person for a Sunday brunch. Would be a fun place to have a good dinner buffet also as a group of tables face the strip and might be a nice view at night. They are having a promo this month that includes a free t-shirt for signing up for their player’s card.

Monday we went out and hiked a little bit at Red Rock. I would recommend this to anyone that has a car. Only about 30 minutes from TheHotel and a nice diversion from gambling for a while. Stopped by Red Rock Casino on the way back. Very nice place but too far from the strip for me to ever stay there.

Too crowded for me this trip. I enjoy going this time of year because it is usually slow. I dislike the crowds on the strip because there are so many people that expect you to yield to them.

Porn slappers seemed to be out again in full force.

Played craps at Casino Royale on their $3 table and had a blast playing the darkside. I think I was the only player at the table that placed bets for the dealers and tipped them even though I lost money. Had some guy playing ask me where I was from and I told him ‘Dallas’.. He then asked me if I owned a ranch and I replied ‘no, but I’m J.R. mother ______!’. My wife didn’t like my reply too much. I’d had a couple too many beers by then. Does everyone think that most people from Texas have a truck, wear boots and have a horse?

We all had a blast and can't wait to go back!

If anyone has any questions or comments please fire away. I’m not much of a writer if you can’t tell.

 

Nice TR...loved the Rancher comeback !

 

i get that damn ranch question or do you ride horses everywhere all the damn time!!!! gald you had a great trip!

 

Nice trip report.. love the ranch comeback! I'm not too far from South Fork.. don't own a horse, drive a truck or get my kicks by goin' muddin'.. lol Glad you had a nice time.

 

Nice report! Enjoyed reading it. I've stayed at THEhotel last June and be heading back in December

Concerning Texas: You'll have to admit that it's the typical image of Texans don't you?

I'm heading to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio & Austin in October so I'll hope that they at least sell a real cowboy hat like a Stetson somewhere

 

Great report!

Quick Question - we're staying at The Hotel in Sept and renting a car - is it pretty easy to park near the entrance to The Hotel, or do you still have quite a walk from car to room? Thanks!

 

wha?? don't have an oil well in the back yard either??
we get the same here in Alberta lol altho its usually not a ranch style house but igloo inquiry lol

Great TR glad you had fun nice place to spend a bday

 

Kuch1000 - Yes, it is very easy to valet near the entrance and you have a very short walk. The valet is free (they appreciate gratuity) amd usually pretty quick. This convenience is one of the things I like most about this hotel. I'm not aware of any other strip property that has such a short walk from the valet to the elevators. Have fun!

 

88 - Thanks for the Trip Report.

Yeah, we all drive pick-ups, wear stetsons, ride horses and either live on or work on a ranch, oh, and most of us have an oil well or two! I did ride a horse once. Hated it.

later, GVJ