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Mandarin and Encore: down then up

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by Ortizme, Feb 16, 2015.

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  1. Ortizme

    Ortizme Tourist

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    My Trip Report

    This trip started as a business conference... Was supposed to stay two nights at Mandarin (conference at Bellagio), followed by two nights at Encore. I had planned to play Shadow Creek, but the crap weather in New York canceled my flight and I left a day late. My colleagues said Shadow was beautiful but their caddy was not good and the whole experience was not worth the $500. I wish I had a chance to make my own judgment!

    Anyway, I'll fast-forward through the first two days (business), other than to say Mandarin was really nice and serene, with the high-quality service you'd expect. The beds were comfy and the rooms were neat. The spa and fitness center were small but enjoyable--relaxing and convenient. Ate lunch at Mozen Bistro, which was excellent but not over-the-top, I need to go back great. Bellagio did a really nice job with the conference. Last, ate dinner one night at Tao, which was delicious and a fun time.

    On to Encore, where I guess my higher level of play the last few trips has been recognized (or they're loosening their standards)... I think I averaged 10,000 points a day the last few trips (for which I did not file trip reports--sorry!), playing probably 75% VP from $10 to $25 per hand and 25% slots, from $3 to $15 per spin (total bets). This one I came in with a comped Tower Suites standard room, $300 free play, and $100 a day food and beverage credit (last trip was $200 a day, which was lost on me as I was there solo). This also came with access to the VIP lounge, which is super nice and handy, and this trip I got a ride to and from the hotel (limo to, and Rolls from!). Check-in was in the VIP lounge--very private and makes you feel important!

    The room faced North, by request. Really no different in the standard rooms at Encore--just higher service level at TS. As always, gorgeous room.

    Basically I didn't play much the first night--dropped $500 in 30 mins playing $5 VP in the high limit room at Wynn (their Deuces Wild has a good pay table, where straight flush pays 8x and 5 of a kind pays 16x... Better than what's on the outside).

    My full day of play came the day after. I played pretty much all day, with barely one 4-of-a-kind. It was bad. I blew through my initial $2k cash early, then another $2k by late morning... Took out another $2k and hit the spa and relaxed for a few hours before blowing through that late afternoon. I did qualify for and participate in the daily slot tournament at Encore, which was enjoyable but I finished near the bottom. I had dinner at Andrea's, ate at the bar which was pretty boring and the food was meh.

    Newsworthy note: an older gentleman sat down next to me at high limit in Wynn and hit a royal on $25 for $100k--his first hand when he sat next to me! He did say he had been playing and losing all day. Given his mildly indifferent reaction, he must be a big player. He was a nice guy, though.

    Now, I can't remember the last time I was close to hitting my ATM limit of $5k in one day, but here I was. I took out the last $900 for the day, plus $300 (the max) from another small bank account. VP was just not hitting. It was early evening, I was down to about $200 left, faced with the prospect of finding something else to do until the morning, and BAM I hit 4 3's playing $5 bonus poker for $1k. A few minutes later I switched to $2 bonus poker at hit 4 Aces for $800. With that $2k shred of dignity I called it a night and went to bed on the earlier side.

    A great night sleep and I was up around 6am, recharged with my small victory from the night before. I hit the gym for 30 mins and then showered and packed for my 12 noon departure. I was back at it by 7:30am, where I was holding my own, hitting a deuces royal on $5 for $625. Moments later I was dealt three deuces and BAM hit the fourth for $5k! What a rush--it's always great to win, but it's even better when you're down and that brings you back!

    What a difference between the two days. I took a break from VP after that win and played 25c Cleo II ($15 per spin). I got a bonus after a few pulls and the total jackpot was $1,400! Could I be UP for the trip?! I burned through my free play and yielded about $200. Just before checkout I played Cleo, $1 9 lines x $2 per line, for $18 per spin. I hit three bonus rounds and $200 in became $1900 cashed out (no W2G!).

    Rolls to the airport was sweet. Now the unpleasantness, easy checkin for flight, easy boarding... We sat on the runway for 30 mins then pilot says the "check engine" light came on and we had to go back to gate. 2 hours later, all fixed, back to runway, light comes back on! Back to gate. Enough of this, I leap out of my seat and leave the plane. I was the first off and got rebooked on the red eye. Bummer.

    But... 5 hours more in Vegas! It was like I just arrived! Cab to Wynn with a pocketful of cash. Yes, I gave a bunch back. But, I still brought home way more than I thought I would have the night before!

    In a show of class, Wynn brought me back to the airport in the Rolls again. Flight back was uneventful.

    I earned about 15,000 points on the first part of the trip, then another 4,000 during the "bonus time". I hope the offers are repeated next time. Hope to return in March or May.

    Thanks for reading--
     
  2. Flowers

    Flowers VIP Whale

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    Congrats on the hits near the end of the trip and for writing. I am booked at Encore for three nights during my April trip and I'm PAYING for the nights (at a good rate of $129/night). I can't wait!
     
  3. abrolsma

    abrolsma Low-Roller

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    Awesome hits at the end. I feel like the ones that bring you back are slightly more sweet than the "quick starts". But then again I am a masochist.

    Thanks for sharing!
     
  4. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

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    Awesome!!! I'm glad you were able to hang in there long enough to make it back.

    Ditto on "thanks for sharing!!"
     
  5. REELmoneySlotFan

    REELmoneySlotFan High-Roller

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    What a great comeback at the end of the trip. A way better feeling to leave Vegas with your pockets filled with cash instead of doing the walk of shame :)

    Great TR, thanks for sharing!
     
  6. kramer99

    kramer99 Tourist

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    Nice report and a great comeback!

    Any more details about their spa? What amenities? Is the spa include for all guests?
     
  7. Lanai18

    Lanai18 MIA

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    Great report and awesome finish, glad to see you made the nice comeback.
     
  8. Ortizme

    Ortizme Tourist

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    Kramer: anybody can use the spa, it's included if you get a treatment like a massage, or $40 a day by itself. I just pay the $40. The whole place is gorgeous. There's a reading room w a huge tv and water and tea to drink, a locker room, steam and sauna, two hot tubs and two cold tubs, a host of fancy showers (like in those shower commercials), a tranquility room for quiet relaxing with coffee, tea, and soft drinks, and regular wc and showers. It's a nice break from the craziness downstairs!
     
  9. progrocker2112

    progrocker2112 Watch out for this guy

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    Didn't this happen in the film Casino?

    Thanks for the TR!
     
  10. Sam in Ut

    Sam in Ut High-Roller

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    Hope you got some free towels. Lol. Great comeback!
     
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