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Late, but LONG report

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by annbrown57, May 26, 2013.

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  1. annbrown57

    annbrown57 VIP Whale

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    My Trip Report

    Hello again! Sorry my report is so late, came back to work and the out of state owner came into town for 2 weeks, then it was time for inventory. I think I just found my desk again.

    Just a refresher, this was my first trip to Vegas since 2006 when my husband got sick and then passed a couple years ago. It was my first solo trip anywhere in my life - but all went well due to the wonderful information from the people on this site.

    Back in January I sent an email to the Golden Nugget with my old player's card number & I was still in the system. I told them about my situation and a host emailed back they would be happy to put me up in the Carson Tower & review my play for any other charges made. That sounded good to me, we always enjoyed the walk back to the room after sitting at tables for hours anyway.
    I had a Southwest 7:05 AM flight on Sunday, March 31st, (didn't realize it was Easter when I booked the flight). My son got up at 4:00 AM to drive over and take Mom to the airport. At 7:00 (everyone was already talking about why we haven't boarded) they announce the flight is under a maintenance issue and they will keep us informed. Grrrrr ! Then not even 2 minutes later its everyone get in line and board. Guess it wasn't a big issue. Less than 5 minutes they are closing the doors and asking us to spread out - there are only 43 people on the whole plane - fantastic!

    The flight arrives early - it's only 8:10 AM in Vegas. Just as I arrive at the baggage carousel my bag is the first one off (doesn't take long when no one is on the plane)

    Walk out to the taxis and no one is in the line - jump right in and we're off. My husband & I had always rented a car because we went to so many local places, but I thought this would be easier by myself. Thank you all for the long haul warnings - the first question was if I wanted to take the freeway "it really is quicker". I said no, I had already checked my phone map and all the streets were green. (Keep in mind, this is 8:30 AM on Easter Sunday - the streets were empty & moving easily). I really wanted to see all the changes on the strip.

    So the fare to the Golden Nugget was only $23 plus a $5 tip - he was very informative & friendly about all the changes to the town after we got the route figured! He helped me out of the van & brought my suitcase around and I walked into the lobby and straight up to check in - no one in line! The gal checks me in and I comment on how much the lobby & check in have changed - I then learn I'm at the Rush Tower check in - oops. But it didn't matter to her & she completed my check in to the Carson Tower and told me the short cut back out the doors and angling over to the Carson Tower entrance without walking through the whole casino.

    I was given a room on the 7th floor, I like the less crowded, first bank of elevators and being by myself, I was ignored my the time share people! Had a great view of the mountains, everything was very clean & in great shape.

    Headed down to the casino and looked over the new shark tank & pool - very neat. Went to the player's club to get a new card and dropped $20 in a dollar Double Diamond machine - down to last $2 and got 2 doubles with a double bar for $200 - what a start! (Stopped by for a few more tickets throughout the day.)

    Walked around the casino seeing all the changes and notice the table games I like are in the pit that isn't open yet, so I figure I'll take a walk around outside. Head over to Fremont - have to get a new card as I'm no longer in the system but I get to qualify for the new member free buffet depending on points earned the first 24 hours.

    I headed on over to the D, and I'm an old rock n roller with many concerts in my day, but it's TOO LOUD in there, at least when it's fairly empty this early. I hate having to yell to talk to the dealer. But they still have the Deuces Wild table game so I play it for about an hour, and then move over to Ultimate Texas - end up $300 up as I head back to the Nugget. The music is really too much after a while - but it's the only casino with the Deuces Wild table game, so I'll deal with it for a while.

    Back at the Nugget the second pit is open so I play Texas Hold Em Bonus and then Crazy Four poker for a few hours and I'm getting lots of the bonus hands. I ONLY play $5 chips on each spot option, but I end up with almost $1,300 profit from the tables and $700 from the Double Diamond machine for the day. The guys at work wanted progress reports so I have pictures of the chips & tickets each day if someone could help me get them posted, I would share.

    I asked the pit boss where to get some good seafood, and she sent me to the Chart House over by the Rush Tower entrance. I got the coconut shrimp and it was delicious and the big aquarium behind the bar was very pretty.

    Walked around a little and caught the first light show, then headed to bed - long day.

    Monday, up early & watched the sunrise shine on the mountains (watching a sunrise was always a favorite habit of ours) then head on down. Stop to play some 3 Card Poker - got a straight flush & 2 sets of trips in less than an hour - I've never had a run like this.

    Head on over to Fremont to finish my new member 24 hour points, qualify for a lunch buffet in the next 7 days and head back over to the D. Tables are in the process of opening so I decide to check out the old machines upstairs. Great oldies music and softer on the ears up there. Play for a while but nothing much hitting so I go back down to Ultimate. Still playing on my first $100, and I get a 3-9 off suit. I had been having fun with the dealers & pit bosses, so I asked for 3s and 9s please, and the flop was two 3s and a 9 - a full house! I was thrilled, but then she flipped over another 3 on the river for my first 4 of a kind!!!! I continued to hit a bunch of bonus hands there, and ended up walking out of the D with $600.

    Headed back to the Nugget for Crazy Four & Hold Em Bonus - ended up $1,100 before I went back for more shrimp at the Chart House. Kansas City has the best steaks but we just don't get much for shrimp. Went back on Fremont and watched the performers & lights a while then off to my room. I love being able to put my feet up and just read my book.

    Tuesday, up early, $20 in the Double Diamond for a double and 2 red sevens - $320! Over to Fremont, play a little then use my lunch buffet - decent food.

    Over to the D for a while - $1,800 up then back to the Nugget and getting the bonus hands on all three games - I'd never had a purple chip before ($500), and I got 2! Up $1,400 at the Nugget.

    Went to see Gordie Brown - an excellent show and ended up sitting with a couple from KC too. Got to the room and had an email from my host - said he had just missed me on the tables, the dealer told him I was headed for the show. He said to stop by the host office tomorrow so we could meet before I left.

    Wednesday, up, packed & dropped bags at bell station. I learned long ago about having to leave a good table streak to check out on time. Went down to the D for a while and ate a hot dog at Nathan's - very good. Up a couple hundred then moved back to the Nugget to play for a while. Then went over to VIP and met my host - he comped out everything I'd charged to the room - surprised me since I was leaving with $6,100 of their (& the D's) money. I had only brought $1,500 figuring $200 to $300 a day, and most of it was still in the envelope separate from my winnings.

    Even offered me a ride to the airport, but I told him I was moving to Harrahs on a comp from Kansas City. Told me to call whenever I come back to town and he'll get me set up. Guess I played enough hours even at just red chips - but most of the carnival games take a $15/$25 bet to cover all the plays so I guess it evens out. Offered me lunch (already ate) how about Starbucks? (Don't like coffee). Poor kid - think he was trying to keep me on property once he knew I was staying in town. But I explained my KC Harrahs host had set me up in Vegas to check it out.

    I must give the Nugget kudos for some of the best dealers & pit bosses - very friendly & helpful. But I'm sure that my early playing hours when the tables are often empty or just a couple players helps, along with laying bets for the dealers when I'm winning so much! Even the waitresses were great - and I'm drinking plain ice tea, day & night. They would always brew it up fresh & bring an extra cup of ice.

    Took a taxi over to Harrahs (the Nugget bellman told him NOT to go the freeway, just head down the strip). Again, not much traffic - never sat thru a light twice. There was a big check in line at Harrahs but a lady directing the lines asked if I already had a Total Rewards card (which I had from the Harrahs at home) and she redirected me to the empty diamond line even though I'm just a platinum. I was put in the Mardi Gras tower, 16th floor, with a view of the strip. Really pretty at night, but the AC units by day. I have to say that staying at Harrahs after the Nugget was a big mistake. The Harrahs hotel in KC is very nice, but the one in Vegas has seen better days. Nothing bad - just old and worn out.

    Walked around the casino and played a few slots, the table minimums were at $10 and up so I figured I'd play those in the morning. Went to Toby Keith's, had an excellent chicken sandwich. Back to the room - lacks a "comfy" chair to put my feet up and read. Just has the 2 straight chairs with the table.

    Thursday - got up around 6 and went on downstairs to the tables, minimums were back to $5 and the Ultimate table was open and empty so I sat down at first base. The pit boss Bryan and the dealer Lou and I proceeded to have a great, fun morning. Even the table filled up, everyone was just laughing (and winning!) - makes for a fun day.

    Decided about noon to go across the street to the Mirage and get an Mlife card. Mlife has a collaboration with the Ameristar in Kansas City, they will upgrade your current Ameristar level one level on their players card. Played slots for an hour then went to the tables. Bought in for $100 in red chips on Mississippi Stud and gave the dealer my players card which she called out to the pit boss. I had played about 45 minutes and the floor still hadn't slid my card in his computer. I asked the dealer, she called him over and explained I'd been playing a long time - he glanced at my bets, said we don't rate people playing under quarters, tossed my card back across the table and walked off.

    I'm sure my mouth was as wide open as the dealer's was! She apologized repeatedly - but I assured her it wasn't her fault. Keep in mind, on Mississippi you easily play 3 to 11 chips and I had been getting very good starting hands and playing the max. I told her to let the floor know I was taking my $7,000 back over to Harrahs to play and left. Side note - I sent an email to the Mirage table operations about the incident but have never received even the courtesy of a reply.

    Walked on down to the Venetian, got a new card, played slots & video poker for a while then walked through the shops and then back through the wax museum on the way back to Harrahs. Grabbed a burger & tator tots at KGB - excellent! Went to the piano bar and listened to Fat Elvis for a couple hours - he is really, really good.

    Friday - up early (can't break those work day habits) and down to the tables early again. Can't believe it, but the dealers & floors all remembered my name and opened up the Crazy Four table for me. Soon filled up and having a ball again. I had another really good day then got hungry and went to the buffet for lunch. It was pretty good - very clean & kept stocked.

    Walked down to Paris and played slots - got a triple with 2 star sevens on a Triple Star machine for a $1,350 1099. Then walked across the street to watch the Bellagio fountains. My husband and I use to spend hours watching & listening to the music.

    Took a taxi down to the MGM to see David Copperfield - he still puts on a wonderful show. Walked thru the casino to see the changes, then took the monorail back to Harrahs and watched Elvis again for a while.

    Saturday, last day, but plane isn't until 7:30 PM. Checked out and learned that Harrahs will transfer your luggage to the airport for $10 - worked for me, then I wouldn't have to worry about getting back to Harrahs later!

    Went to the tables for a couple hours, ate at KGB again for lunch and then took the monorail back down to MGM. Walked over to NYNY and wandered thru there, then Excalibur and the walkway over to Luxor. Found a video poker machine that I put $20 in and worked up to $322 before it was time to head for the airport. Again, it was great not having to worry about my suitcase (and yes it did make it home on my flight)

    Grabbed a taxi, walked through security fairly quick then waited for my plane. Good flight home, arriving midnight KC time. My son & his wife were waiting, grabbed my bag and headed home.

    Great trip overall - a few sad memories, but I met so many new people on the tables that just sort of fold you in to their groups for dining so I was never uncomfortable. Since I came back with $4,800 after everything (plane, shows, taxis, food) I already booked another flight for a week in September when Southwest had another sale for $295 RT just after I got back. Had to grab it and the Nugget has already booked me in.

    Thanks especially to Holdem Honey for her encouragement to make this first solo trip. It was definitely different than any previous trip, but a good difference. I've never had such a winning trip, maybe someone was watching over my shoulder. It sure was fun though.

    Have a safe Memorial Day
     
  2. BeeeJay

    BeeeJay President of The Red Lobster Hostess Satisfaction

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    I like your title, its a nice contrast to the "short & early" Gaggles girlfriend is used to receiving!

    also, nice TR!
     
  3. eloisegirl

    eloisegirl Low-Roller

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    So glad you had a great trip on your own - difficult to do it without your husband but I am sure he was with you in spirit. Here's to all the brave ladies who travel on their own! I find people are very kind to singletons and are happy to include you.

    Pretty surprised at the pit boss's behaviour. Good for you for taking your play where it is appreciated!
     
  4. gambler

    gambler VIP Whale

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    Sounds like you had a great trip. There must have been times that were difficult for you so it's wonderful that the gambling gods were on your side! Glad to hear you've already booked the next trip.

    Thanks for sharing with us.
     
  5. jmn3

    jmn3 Low-Roller

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    Nice report...save for the jerk pit boss at the Mirage!
     
  6. Tellafriend

    Tellafriend MIA

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    Well written.

    Thank you for the detailed report. Downtown has made big improvements and the nugget certainly Harrahs !
     
  7. npom

    npom VIP Whale

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    Great report! I was there the same week and also had a wonderful time.
     
  8. Alhanalasa

    Alhanalasa Low-Roller

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    Thank you for posting this report! I'm glad you had a good time. I admire your courage in traveling alone, and happy for your wins! :thumbsup:
     
  9. KellyLovesVegas

    KellyLovesVegas Earthling/retired space nerd

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    Thank you for posting your report. I'm so happy you had nice wins and enjoyed your solo trip.

    It is awesome that you've already booked your next solo trip!
     
  10. btodd

    btodd High-Roller

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    Thanks for the great report! As a couple other people mentioned, it couldn't have been easy. So glad it turned out so well and that you can already look forward to another trip in the fall...........
     
  11. Rumdranker

    Rumdranker Grateful Lurker

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    Thanks for posting. Glad you had a profitable trip. &B-)
     
  12. Blonde_4_ever

    Blonde_4_ever LasVegas4ever.com

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    How lovely that you could return to Vegas and make some new memories.
    Sounds like it was a wonderful trip!
     
  13. UncleBen

    UncleBen Low-Roller

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    Nice trip report.

    Interestingly enough I had a similar experience at The Mirage. I don't mind if there are different rules for getting rated but a bit of courtesy with an explanation wouldn't hurt.
     
  14. Royal Flusher

    Royal Flusher Savvy Gambler

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    Really enjoyed reading your trip report and so glad you had such great luck.

    R.F.
     
  15. zenvegas

    zenvegas High-Roller

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    Great trip report. It looks like someone was watching over your shoulder.
     
    I need a vacation from my vacations
  16. shamrock77

    shamrock77 Low-Roller

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    Really enjoyed your trip report, congrats on the wins. Wondering what was the app you used on your phone to check out the taxi route from airport?
     
  17. annbrown57

    annbrown57 VIP Whale

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    Thanks to everyone for the kind words!

    Shamrock - I'm past the age of computer literacy, but I have an Iphone 4 and it came with an icon marked "Maps" I use it at home to check track to/from work and it did the same in Vegas after it located me. It will mark the roads red for heavy traffic & also show construction areas. You can also give it 2 locations and it will give you 3 routes with time & mileage.

    I have pictures that I was finally able to load into a library in photobucket but I've not been able to get them to show here nor on Las Vegas Advisor website.

    Does anyone have the patience to try and walk me thru the process? I work with accounting programs - I know next to nothing otherwise about computers. Thanks again
     
  18. KyleB

    KyleB Low-Roller

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    Right above the typing box, there is a little icon that looks like mountains. If you have the website url of the picture you want to post, just tap the mountain button and insert the website address and you should be good to go! Hope thus helps.

    Also, great report and congrats on the wins!
     
  19. oldcrabtom

    oldcrabtom High-Roller

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    Very nice report, sounds like you were incredibly lucky..........nicely done...:nworthy:
     
  20. theghost

    theghost Stuck at work, but should find a poker table

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    Great Report, thank you for sharing! Sounds like a fantastic trip
     
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