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TR 4/22-4/29 MonteCarlo and SP with the elderlies

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by Tammy58, May 5, 2014.

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  1. Tammy58

    Tammy58 Frugal Slot Jockey

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    My Trip Report

    This was my 14th trip and our 3rd trip taking the elderlies with us...MIL 85 and D 75.

    ** Elder Report** Neither have been in good health the past few months. Starts out at the airport with D not able to stand in line at the skycap without holding onto me...call for the wheelchair and the blue pass. By the time we get to the deli to buy a sandwich to take on the plane the MIL is out of breath. She has been having this problem for a few months now...generally super healthy even at 85. Turns out D has been diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis. She rented a scooter at MC but went without one at SP...got wheelchair service at the airport both ways. The MIL was winded and was in bed on Thursday of the trip. Her symptoms IMO have all been pointing to congestive heart failure...thought we were going to have to send her to the hospital on that Thursday :eek: but she spent the day resting. She goes back to the doctor for the umpteenth time in the past 2 months the day after getting home...turns out she has a lung half full of fluid. Not positive of the cause of that yet, but she took a bad fall 2 months ago and it is possible that caused it. They sucked the fluid out of her lung and seems to be doing fine now. They have come with us the past 3 years...if they don't remarkably improve, this will be the last trip for them. They didn't complain and acted like troupers but I stressed out over them the entire trip. Vegas is not for the unambulatory.

    Flights....Southwest nonstop from BDL....that's north of Hartford CT. We considered prices to be high but as of this writing, prices are even higher...so I will not bitch about paying $378 rt. Great flight times, full plane as always. Great boarding numbers, paid for EB and the 4 of us had A 31, 32, 33, 34 on both legs...funny how that turned out. Uneventful flights both ways...pretty much on-time. :thumbsup:

    Pick up luggage at LAS ...me and the elderlies head for the cab line while hubby does his OJ Simpson imitation to the car rental center. We had decided the elderlies cannot handle hauling luggage. Cab to Monte Carlo no tunnel. HUGE wind that day (tuesday April 22) when waiting for the baggage guy to get us a scooter the wind tried to blow my luggage down the road. *** There was a post a little while ago about this. The baggage guy told us that he would not be the one bringing up our luggage, HINT HINT...I kinda laughed since I had just read about this on here and he pulled it on us.***Long line at check-in but went rather quickly. We had booked a pay for Diamond Suite for a reasonable price. The elderlies had a strip view room booked. Desk person disappeared for awhile and I couldn't figure out why...turns out she was trying to do something about the “smoking” issue. I booked a smoking suite as always and like my last 4 trips...there were none available. I didn't make an issue but she was trying to do something on her own I guess. She finally came back and told me that she received permission for me to smoke in the suite and that they would send an ashtray up. Okay...now you nonsmokers know why your rooms smell like smoke. Had suite 27001, sure it was a bit dated and there was a stray mark here or there but NOT terrible by any means. We would be more than happy to stay here in one of those suites again. I posted a video on youtube since a video of this suite was very hard to find. The elderlies strip view 2 bed room only had 1 chair in it. They called for another chair and one was brought in. They seemed very happy with it. :peace:

    We stayed at MC from Tues – Sat...Sat changed to South Point our favorite. We were at SP at 10:30 am and being a Sat...Fri was sold out so we had to wait for our rooms. Ours was available at 12:30 the elderlies had to wait until 1:30. We had our usual 1 bedroom suite thanks to a host at SP that takes good care of me. So I arrived with 3 nights 1 bedroom suite comped, $40 resort credit, $65 free play and dinner for 2 at Primarily Prime Rib. Good deal. After charging some food to the room we checked out with a $0 balance and still had a few pts left on my card toward next trip. :nworthy:

    Rental Car was Dollar, the hubbies favorite now...it does cost us a few dollars more than Alamo, but he loves the bypass the counter service. Yes, others have straight to the car service but their rentals cost a lot more. Tuesday to Tuesday rental full size ran us $234...highest we have ever paid but not out of line with the other companies I was watching for the same time period.

    CVS for drinks/ snacks.

    Gambling worst trip in the past 3 years. Guess we were lucky the past 2 years. We had a few trips at CET props back around 2007-2010 that were just as bad as this trip. Monte Carlo was totally...”thank you for that $20 bill but no we will not give you 2 coins in return” We must have cranked enough cash through the slots however, at the end of the trip the mlife desk comped us 3 nights in the suite, 3 nights resort fee plus some of our food. More than satisfied with that since we weren't winning we obviously were not cranking as much through as the last 2 trips. In the end we stayed in the suite for 4 nights including an expensive thurs and fri and it cost us a total of $240. :nworthy: More than fair in our book. I played all slots this trip and the dh played a lot of VP. We only played at Aria, MC, NYNY and MGM while on the strip. After all these years this was our first time setting foot in Aria. We have been down the other end of the strip for a number of years plus the fact that it is in our opinion set too far back from the sidewalk. Both the dh and myself actually liked playing there and it is convenient to MC.

    Wednesday we parked at Harrahs and walked the parking garage shortcut to Venetian to pick up our Human Nature tickets. Massive line with 1 person working the box office. More workers showed up eventually and we got our tickets. Then hiked through Harrahs/Quad to the Linq. Stopped for a slice at Flamingo's pizza place down near the buffet. Best pizza we had all week. It was windy and we were tired so the Linq just didn't excite me. We walked all the way down to the Sky shop because I wanted to buy some tshirts and souveniers...by the time I walked down and looked around I decided it was all crap and bought nothing. :cry: We were planning on riding the High Roller but you know what happens when you get old and tired? You get there and say...nah, we don't feel like it. :rolleyes2:....Both the dh and myself considered O'Sheas to be a “joke”...oh lets, make a room with some tables and a bar...it's just part of the Quad. O'Sheas is now just a distant memory. Get back to MC only to get a message that the Human Nature show for tonight has been cancelled...WTF? Couldn't they have known it 2 hours ago when we were standing in line for the tix? Oh well, we have seen it before...we were just going back because the dh really liked it and we thought the elderlies would enjoy it.

    Food- sandwich to split on the plane, MC Dinner buffet ty MyVegas, MC Breakfast buffet ty, MyVegas, Aria Dinner buffet- food was okay, selection was strange. Best part was the cook to order pasta station...We woud NEVER pay that price for that buffet... but it was edible TY MyVegas, MC Breakfast buffet again ty MyVegas, $75 Pub Credit....dh had the Prime Rib Dip he loved it, I had the fish and chips very good. He tried a flight of stouts, he liked the Alaskan...he got to drink them all since I don't do Stouts. Went back to the pub the next day, I had the worst burger ever (dried up sawdust, don't think it was real meat)...dh had the clam chowder and the chicken and dumplings he loved both. There was a trip to Nathans somewhere, in our book you can't go wrong with a dog and fries...a slice of sbarro pizza (been years since I ate at one...wasn't very good, Flamingo much better)...and Mickey D breakfast twice. So in other words we didn't spend squat on food.:evillaugh

    Food SP- Dinner at Pimarily Prime Rib, great as always. Dh had the pea soup, mashed and English cut prime rib, I had salad, mashed, South Point cut. Cheesecake for me chocolate cake for the dh...a must for us when staying at SP. Ate at the Del Mar deli, huge servings to split and good as always. Steak n Shake food okay, but we love the shakes and atmosphere. My burger for $4 was much better than the Pub at MC. Breakfast buffet was edible and cheap. Coffee place for breakfast 2 days for juice and danish. Ate at Big Sur Oyster Bar twice...I had Scallops and Shrimp, dh had clam chowder and Shrimp Scampi...next time I had a salad and bowl of Clam Chowder dh had Shrimp Scampi....we enjoyed it very much. Only no no here was I ordered their Big Sur salad...bowl of lettuce with 3 grape tomatoes w/ balsamic dressing...next time I will get the caesar. Live and learn. Well PPR was free and we had $40 resort credit plus the points we ran through the machines...We paid for the deli and coffee place with cash...and that's it...the rest got charged to the room and covered.:thumbsup:

    Slots at South Point were of course better than the strip but still I still did not do as well as the past 3 trips that we stayed there. Either everyone is tightening up OR I am just in a super unlucky funk right now...could be half and half lol....

    Suite at SP was the same as the past 5 trips. We love having the free stocked fridge, dining table, couches, huge bed. View of the I 15 and up to Silverton this trip. The elderlies were in a 2 bed city view room...they enjoyed it but truthfully you can barely see the strip buildings from that far away...I don't think I would recommend upgrading for city view...mid view is just as good.

    Not much more to say about SP...it is home for us. We did not take in any shows this trip. DH and they elderlies went to the south outlets as usual...me and the dh did take one day to drive around and look at houses and mobile home senior parks that we have been checking out on the web. Still hoping to retire out there in 8 years. This trip we didn't use the car as much as we usually do. We didn't want the elderlies to have to walk far. Neither of us really cared to do extra things, which is abnormal for us. Normal would be to drive downtown and around town, sightseeing...off to Boulder Hwy, we were supposed to go to Hoover Dam but once again didn't drive out. It was super windy and mostly in the 70s. I'm not a fan of highways when it is super windy and it was actually chilly at times. We just didn't “feel” like doing a lot...I think we were more concerned about the elderlies than we admitted to ourselves.:confused2:

    Afterthoughts

    Monte Carlo – We stayed there back in 98 and have played there often. We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel. Just big enough without being “too” big. Very professional and friendly staff everywhere. Sure the furniture is old but the complaints I have read in the past are IMO over the top. Even needing a redo this hotel is nicer than Flamingo or Harrahs ( our usual places) by a long shot.

    NYNY has never been one of our favorites but we enjoyed it this trip. We still wouldn't stay at Aria due to it's long walk to the sidewalk but we will play there again if staying at MC. Vibe is rather nice.

    I'm getting old, have gained weight and can't walk like I use to anymore. Our norm over the years would be to walk the strip everyday. I can't do that anymore...it does change the experience.

    So trip #14 is in the books. I know this report sounds depressing, negative...but it really didn't feel that way while we were there. The elderlies made me worry which did take some of the fun out of things, and the gambling was worse than it had been in a few years which removes a little more fun...No matter we will return...we do love it out there.

    I know this report is a bit “scattered” sorry about that. I just wanted to get it written up before I forgot everything. I will try to post links to the suite videos...I have trouble with that sometimes :)
    Monte Carlo Diamond Suite [YOUTUBE]watch?v=vnHfZMtVal8[/YOUTUBE]

    SouthPoint 1 bedroom Suite [YOUTUBE]watch?v=b-aJImAfgF8[/YOUTUBE]
     
  2. weluvvegas

    weluvvegas Casino Countess

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    Great report, thanks for sharing! Sorry the slot Gods were not very kind to you this trip. What denomination do you play mostly? We really enjoy the NYNY/MC/Aria area…we are staying at MGM and NYNY this week but I can foresee a lot of time at MC and Aria – we like to play there and it’s a very convenient walk from the NYNY.
     
  3. btodd

    btodd High-Roller

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    Great report! I leave in a couple days to celebrate my 50th. My Mom ( my usual Vegas companion ) will be with me. She broke her hip NYE ( dancing!) not very mobile yet. She is stewing about her lack of mobility. We have been to Vegas enough that I am OK with a slower pace. Hopefully will work. Long story short, I related very well to your worry about the elderlies.
     
  4. wisconsin willie

    wisconsin willie Tourist

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    We Get Older

    I very much enjoyed your trip report. I remember when my wife and I took our first trip to Vegas and walked the entire strip both ways in one day. she unfortunately wore sandals that day and you would not believe the blisters she had. We are now in our mid sixties and scheduled for our fifth trip. I have considerable back pain now and also have difficulty walking. Our trips became less active as we grew older but the special moments and romantic times are always there. The great lesson we have learned is always be adaptable.:thumbsup:
     
  5. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

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    I've come to enjoy your reports... thanks for sharing. Very honest and realistic take.
     
  6. bjpcyclone

    bjpcyclone High-Roller

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    Enjoyed your report, thanks for sharing. We, too, have called the Monte home for the past half a dozen trips and I agree with a lot of what you said.

    Just got back from there a two weeks ago and, as I posted in my trip report, I felt it was losing some of its "value" (increased prices, worsening drink service, etc). We may try NYNY next trip.
     
  7. M_ILIS

    M_ILIS VIP Whale

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    I can't believe you posted about your husband murdering two people at the car rental counter, but otherwise sounds like a nice trip! I love Primarily Prime Rib and to have it comped would be even better!
     
  8. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    Excellent trip report! Thanks for taking the time to tape the rooms. I've only stayed in standard rooms at both resorts. I really liked my South Point room (among the top standard rooms in Vegas, IMO) and look forward to staying there for a (too short) portion of my trip. I'll try to seed future comp offers playing 9/6 JOB.

    Thanks also for the review of South Point dining. I've only gone as far as the hot dog cart in my brief former visits, but I'll try Big Sur (and maybe PPR the next day if they're open) and try the scallops and shrimp & a chowder.

    I wasn't impressed with the new O'Sheas or Linq either, though it wasn't fully open during my last trip (want to check out Brooklyn Bowl next trip).
     
  9. Suekel

    Suekel VIP Whale

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    It took me a minute to get it, but then I actually laughed out loud. :nworthy::nworthy:
     
  10. Tammy58

    Tammy58 Frugal Slot Jockey

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    ROFL yeah, I am really showing my age with the OJ Hertz reference :) At least it wasn't Samsonite luggage with the gorilla in baggage claim!
     
  11. mdee

    mdee VIP Whale

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    Great Trip Report! “The Elderlies” haha! Sounds like a cool sitcom or animated cartoon.
    First question is why did you have boarding positions? You should have been able to pre-board if they needed help or were in Wheelchairs.
    Monte Carlo rooms – Funny I usually take videos or snap picts first thing. Including the bathroom so I’m glad I’m not the only one who does that!
    Back to “The Elderlies”. You didn’t talk about them much. What activities do they enjoy most? What would they do when you and DH were off shopping?
    PS: Watched South Point video and the room looked nice! Has a similar floor plan layout to what MC had to offer which was interesting to me.
     
  12. The Furry One

    The Furry One Low-Roller

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    Thanks for the report, enjoyed reading it. As we are inevitably getting older and less mobile too it's especially nice to hear others of a less mobile disposition still enjoying Vegas ... hope the elderlies surprise you with a nice improvement in health and can make at least one more trip with you.

    Furry
     
  13. Tammy58

    Tammy58 Frugal Slot Jockey

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    mdee...the elderlies had already booked their flight with EB 3 mos before the trip. The back issue only came up in the last 6 weeks. THEY are the ones who wanted the outlet mall lol...D has to go to the Vanity Fair store even if it is on her hands and knees...that is all they did at the mall this trip due to the not breathing and back pain. The elderlies are slot junkies like the rest of us...more so since they can probably afford it more ;) As far as the MC suite...I was surprised also at the size. Very hard to find videos and the pics I saw made me think the living/dining area was similar to the Executive at Harrahs...it is much bigger. We are out of shape 50+ so we always go for the suite now. We can't make more than 12 hours in the casino and walking around without the feet, legs back giving out. Through a smarter vegas promo we only paid $112 the first 2 nights for the suite...much more for thurs and fri. The SP suite, first year we went there we had a normal room booked and paid $50 night extra at checkin to upgrade....we ran quite a bit through their slots (both play on my card) and they started sending us offers...now my offers say city view room but I email a host and she still gives me the suite for 2/3 nights....I have no idea what our ADT is or what standards an off strip place like SP uses compared to the strip. Needless to say no other casino hotel in Vegas gives us an upfront suite...so we take it :wink2:

    As for other activities...when the elderlies can't handle walking around or this year, scooting around...they bring knitting, books, with them...we always get them a strip view room so they can sit and look out the window. They are pretty easy to please and get along with. Just don't take the MIL's "Monkey Machine"....tickled her to death that MC had one still....aka The Empire....D has a husband but he hates to travel so she will hop a trip anywhere with anyone.
     
  14. sette313

    sette313 Tourist

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    Great Report....thanks for sharing! I am a fan of SP also...I usually have good luck there. I will have to sign up for their players card next month...hopefully to get a free night or two for the next trip.
     
  15. jpw711

    jpw711 Is that your cat?

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    Great report as always!

    Did you play pennies reels on the way to the elevator (on the right side as your walk towards it) you were hitting on last trip?

    What's the dress code at PPR? Our offer next week includes a comp to the Silverado Steak House, BUT if PPR is shorts friendly, I'd rather take the downgrade in favor of leaving the long pants at home.:thumbsup:
     
    No reason to go home yet.
  16. Tammy58

    Tammy58 Frugal Slot Jockey

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    JPW, I saw everything from dressed up to nice jeans at PPR. I think you could get away with nice shorts. The restaurant is nice and the waiters are stuffy, but the prices are good LOL....I tend to judge eateries by their prices. I never ate at the steakhouse or Michaels....their menus are too expensive for me ;) Yes, I played those $2 max bet penny machines...they are still at the front of the casino...I didn't win on them any where near as much as last year. You're dropping more coin than me...my summer mailer is still for Don Vitos or PPR. Still says City View room...since yours is for the Steak House did you get a suite comp again?
     
  17. jpw711

    jpw711 Is that your cat?

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    Rats, guess I'll have to pack long pants. Probably not, as room service at the dining room table (or couch) is more realistic.

    Yes, two night in a suite, host added on the other night, 50 resort credit/50 FP, 25% off spa, night life entries, along with the steak house.

    Any new machines of interest?
     
    No reason to go home yet.
  18. buzz_king

    buzz_king Low-Roller

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    Silverado

    JPW - I am sure I have worn nice shorts to Silverado Steakhouse on more than one occasion.
     
  19. gambler

    gambler VIP Whale

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    Thanks for your report Tammy. I had to laugh every time you mentioned the elderlies. Such a great name!

    I enjoyed your video of the Southpoint suite. Pretty much the same as the suites at Suncoast - right down to the pictures in the bathroom.

    Thanks for sharing.
     
  20. fenway68

    fenway68 VIP Whale

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    Tammy, thanks for the report...are you from the "413"??? grew up out that way, and traveling to MC as well in 28 days with Dad who still lives in the 413...

    We usually travel out of BDL, but I am down near NYC, and I insisted Dad trek down my way as the non-stop options are more plentiful out of JFK. We have never been able to get a decent fare from SW.

    Hope "the elderlies" are doing better..Dad (70) had some health issues on a trip a few years back, and I would not leave his side, even though he turned out to be fine, it dampened the trip for the first two days...

    thanks for the TR
     
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