1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Reno/Tahoe 12/24-12/26/2016. Is 2016 over yet?!?!?

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Trip Reports' started by DaiLun, Dec 26, 2016.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. DaiLun

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

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2014
    Messages:
    13,085
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100

    My Trip Report

    TR Reno/Tahoe 12/24-12/26. I'm glad this is the last trip of 2016

    Well, it started by getting up at 4:30AM on Saturday the 24th and straightening up the house. GGWU (FedEx) failed to deliver the Mastercard gift cards on Friday, so I was left with only "half" of the Christmas presents for my hosts. Oh well, something is better than nothing. Originally, I had intended on giving Mastercard gift cards with the box of Jinju chocolates, but I had such a horrible trip, that the box of chocolates and the dim sum would have to do. I'll cover them back at Chinese New Year . . . .

    Of course, they arrived Saturday and I had to call and ask my neighbor to bring them in since FedEx just left them there.

    Woke my son up at 6:45AM to get on the road. Stopped at a dim sum bakery in Sac to pick up stuff for my hosts. Dropped him and Christmas presents off at my ex-wife's, and then continued on to pick up the rental car. Got upgraded to an intermediate. All I cared about was "would my tire cables fit if needed?" Sure enough they would. Enterprise suggests "not" installing cables/chains because any damage would not be covered, even with LDW insurance.

    Left Sacramento at 10:30AM, and a 120 mile drive took about 3 hours. There were issues on the roads, and when I got to the top of the summit, they told me that I needed to put on chains, and directed me off the exit.

    While I was waiting there, the inspectors drove by and told me, you can go up without chains. Good! Saved $30.00

    I got into Reno at 1:30PM, delivered the dim sum to my hosts, picked up my promo chips, took out a marker, and started playing.

    About 1 hour into it, I had made 1000TC, with very little to be happy about, this was the limits of my success:

    Wonder 4

    upload_2016-12-26_17-2-40.png

    Wonder 4 again

    upload_2016-12-26_17-3-41.png

    Tales of Hercules for $310

    upload_2016-12-26_17-6-44.png


    Red Dragon, Gold Dragon for $256

    upload_2016-12-26_17-5-7.png

    Otherwise, no luck anywhere.

    Went up to the room, they had given me a suite. It was a big two room suite. Now, I don't complain with the type of room they give me in Reno, and the reason for that is my FBC is taken care of on the front end, and the play requirements are "lower". I have $60 in food in Tahoe, and $125 in Reno, all up front. The Tahoe comps have gone down because of the "short play" trips that I gave them in October. I'll build them back up starting in January.

    Now, my original plan was to:

    1) take a nap
    2)drive to Tahoe for dinner buffet
    3)collect the day's promo chips
    4)See a movie (Rogue One or Passengers were on my short list)
    5)Pick up the promo chips at Tahoe for the 25th
    6)Drive back to Reno and sleep.

    However, my plans went awry because I couldn't take a nap. Sometimes when I go to a gambling venue, it "effs" with my metabolism, and I can't take the afternoon nap like I usually do. So, sensing that was going to be the case this trip, I got up and drove to Tahoe at 5:15PM.

    Made it to Tahoe by 6:30PM. I was supposed to be using chains or snow tires over Hwy 58 to Tahoe, but the roads were clear and dry. I just made sure to watch my speed.

    Got to Tahoe, had them call my host, but she was escorting a group of Chinese guests to the Chinese concert in Reno, so I ended up leaving the gift in the VIP services room.

    Picked up my promo chips, and got vouchers for the next days promo chips. Went to the HL slot booth and played Sassycat's favorite machine Triple Double Strike. No luck there, put in $400, and cashed out for $100.

    Went to the Wonder 4 and did hit the tower jackpot, but it only paid about $100. Went over to play Dragon's Fire.. Hit the bonus for $600. That put me up about $100 at Tahoe. Decided that it was time to take a break and eat dinner.

    Went upstairs to the buffet, the line was "hella long". 1.5 hour wait. However, I used my 7* privileges and cut to the front of the line.

    The buffet was crowded, but I had a good meal. I asked to sit in my favorite waitresses section. Norma is her name, and she takes very good care of me when I eat at the buiffet. Prime Rib, crab, and a bottle of wine (to take home), since I had $28 left over from my $60 comp.

    Note: Harrahs Tahoe doesn't have a "off site" liquor license, so they have to open a bottle of wine in order to serve it, so you can't get a "unopened" bottle of wine. No matter, I'll just use it for cooking.

    AFter dinner, I was done gambling for the day, and was going to take in a movie. I got to the theater, and the next showing of Rogue One was at 9:30PM, which would have worked out perfectly if I had taken a nap.

    Decided to skip and go back to Reno, since the Roads weren't going to get any better.

    When I got back to Reno at about 9:30PM, I made a Steakhouse reservation for tomorrow, which was a good thing, since they were eventually "sold out", being one of the nicest restaurants in Reno.

    Bought a small bottle of Seagrams 7 help me get to sleep, and started writing this TR. The Seagrams is starting to kick in, so I'm gonna turn in. Tomorrow's another day. Probably Breakfast at Atlantis.

    Next day:

    Well, that (sleep) didn't last long. Woke up at 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep, so I went downstairs and ordered a pastrami on rye with swiss cheese and took it back to the room. Ate the sandwich and then got tired and went to sleep.

    Woke up at 9:30AM, and decided to take a "break" from gambling, so I walked down to the multiplex and saw Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in 3D. The 10:20AM show was pretty empty. IMHO, the movie was very, very good. See it oif you can, but IMHO, 3D is not a necessity.

    Went back to Harrahs and played some more, my dinner reservation was at 5:30PM, so I didn't eat lunch. The misery continued, only hit this one on Buffalo Stampede.



    $540, unfortunately, that was the highlight of the day.

    At 5PM, it was time to go to the room to get ready for dinner.

    Now, if there's anything positive about Harrahs Reno (and Kevin, the GM is trying his hardest to improve the property), it's the Steak House. I first ate there 35 years ago, and it still maintains a high quality, excellent dining experience. So, since there wasn't any slot porn to provide, I wanted to take pictures of all the food that I had.

    I had a $125 comp for one person, and since I didn't drink, the object was to bring home plenty of leftovers.

    It's a good thing I made a reservation

    upload_2016-12-26_17-16-39.png

    Here's pictures of the Gingerbread House that they had made up:

    upload_2016-12-26_17-17-35.png
    upload_2016-12-26_17-17-59.png

    Here's a picture of the dessert cart

    upload_2016-12-26_17-19-29.png

    For dinner

    I had:

    Appetizer (Filet mignon with Thai Chili, cilantro, and red pepper

    upload_2016-12-26_17-16-8.png

    1/2 dozen Oysters
    upload_2016-12-26_17-18-40.png

    Lobster Bisque

    upload_2016-12-26_17-20-10.png

    Spinach Salad

    HSH_SpinachSalad.jpg

    Raspberry Sorbet (palate cleanser) offered with chanpagne, which I declined

    HSH_RaspberrySorbet.jpg

    18 oz. Prime Rib Medium Rare

    upload_2016-12-26_17-20-38.png

    Asparagus

    upload_2016-12-26_17-21-19.png

    Black Rice

    upload_2016-12-26_17-21-1.png


    Egg Nog Creme Brulee

    upload_2016-12-26_17-21-44.png

    I even had enough left over for a box of truffles.

    Total bill: $125.00 on the nose, and since it was a comp, taxes were not charged. I left a $45 tip, and brought home plenty of leftovers. Prime Rib dinner and lunch for at least two days.

    At this point, it was time to take a nap. I had determined that my course of action was to:

    1)Nap from 6PM until 10PM
    2)Drive to Harrahs Tahoe
    3)Get the two days promo chips (one for the 25th, and at 12:01AM, the one for the 26th
    4)Drive back to Reno, and collect the promo chips from the 26th
    5)Sleep until about 4:30AM
    6)Drive back to Sacramento and drop off the rental car

    Everything went according to plan. Had the same miserable luck that had been dogging me for 2016, but collected all of my promo chips

    This (plus the 600 or so I'll be getting in January) is what I have to start 2017 with

    Tahoe $2085

    upload_2016-12-26_17-25-8.png

    Reno $1680



    My plan for the birthday trip is to "double dip" in Reno/Tahoe again, and play Blackjack to earn funds for the New Orleans trip.

    Thanks for reading. I hope 2017 is a better year, or I'll be looking for a new hobby.
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2016
    • Like Like x 4
  2. meyers67

    meyers67 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    May 30, 2013
    Messages:
    1,742
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    Great trip report (as usual).

    Where is the movie theater in Tahoe? I've never seen it.

    Have you had the steakhouse at Atlantis? In my opinion, it rivals the best Vegas steakhouses.

    Can't wait to hear how you convert those chips to $$$. Hopefully you get close to 100% value.
     
  3. DaiLun

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

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2014
    Messages:
    13,085
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    The movie theater in Tahoe that shows current releases is

    Heavenly Village Cinemas
    Heavenly Village, 1021 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

    But the showtimes are really "effed" up. Plus, you have to pay for parking. I'd rather go to the movies in Reno, a much better selection of cinemas. Of course, that doesn't work if you're staying in Tahoe without a car. . . . .

    I have about $300 in comp money at Atlantis. Haven't eaten at their Steakhouse yet . . but it's just a matter of time. The problem is, I get $125 in food vouchers everytime I go to Harrahs Reno . . . so it's a no brainer to eat at their Steakhouse.
     
  4. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2013
    Messages:
    31,300
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    Pay for parking for a movie theatre there? Ugh.

    Nice report! Hope the gambling goes better next trip!
     
  5. BayouBengal

    BayouBengal VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2014
    Messages:
    3,172
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    There's one near me that charges. Pretty lame. Not sure they validate though.
     
  6. Richard Alpert

    Richard Alpert LOST

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2015
    Messages:
    11,271
    Location:
    The Island
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    14
    The Empire must be in charge of parking there!

    @DaiLun--Thanks! Great report of another [Han] Solo Trip!

    RICHARD
    (Lando's stunt double)
     
  7. Srvanwyk

    Srvanwyk Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2012
    Messages:
    262
    Location:
    Iowa
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    17
    Love the steak house at Harrahs Reno. Service, food ambiance it's awesome.
     
  8. kkinwi

    kkinwi VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2016
    Messages:
    2,175
    Location:
    Northern WI
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    80
    Enjoyed your report.....we have not been to Reno for several years but so enjoyed the steakhouse at Harrah's!
     
  9. Drewm1972

    Drewm1972 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2016
    Messages:
    3,258
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    20
    Man that's lot of food for one person!!! Lol but it did look really good!!!
    I was at my local casino and had
    • JAPANESE A5 WAGYU FILET 8 OZ* it was$240!!!! I used my express comps since it was MGM property it was very rich flavor
      Never been to Reno ... but enjoyed your TR Thank you
     
  10. Simpatt

    Simpatt Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2015
    Messages:
    265
    Location:
    London, UK
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    20
    Thanks for the TR! I'm heading to SFO from Dublin today then driving to Tahoe....hoping the roads are open and I don't need chains on my rental car. I've never used chains before so can I pick them up somewhere near the airport?
     
  11. DaiLun

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

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2014
    Messages:
    13,085
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    At the current time, (0530, 1/11/2017) both I80 (Reno) and US50 (Tahoe) are closed.

    Chains/cables are available at any local auto store.

    If you've never used them , and because the rental agencies it's probably best to have the licensed chain installers put them on/take them off.

    This map site will show you current road conditions.

    http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
     
  12. FABismonte

    FABismonte Tell my wife I am "about even."

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2009
    Messages:
    3,793
    Location:
    Silicon Valley, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    88
    In additional to weather and closed roads raised by DaiLun, some rental car companies have restrictions on damages caused by chains. Also to the extent you are relying on supplemental insurance from your credit card, there may be chain exclusions from coverage so please consider those issues before you head to Tahoe.

    Given the uncertainly of the weather, you may consider pricing the cost of a four wheel drive vehicle rental which usually is an exception to chain controls.
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2017
    • Like Like x 1
  13. DaiLun

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

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2014
    Messages:
    13,085
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    Thanks for re-emphasizing that. Enterprise car rental definitely has an exclusion for chain/cable damage. I had tire cables car on this past trip and was fortunate not to have to use them.
     
  14. FABismonte

    FABismonte Tell my wife I am "about even."

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2009
    Messages:
    3,793
    Location:
    Silicon Valley, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    88
    Thanks DaiLun:

    Have fun in your Harrah's Tahoe trip coming up. Is this the trip you finally deploy all those accumulated promotional casino chips?
     
  15. DaiLun

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

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2014
    Messages:
    13,085
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    Yep, the is the "prep for New Orleans 2017 trip." I will have about $4300 in chips (between two casinos) to play with. The only question now is:

    1)flat bet at $50, $75, or $100
    2)Use a progression like Rycelover's 1326

    My main goal is conversion from promo chips to hard cash, so selection 1 might be more prudent.
     
  16. FABismonte

    FABismonte Tell my wife I am "about even."

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2009
    Messages:
    3,793
    Location:
    Silicon Valley, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    88
    How about a hybrid? Flat bet $25 for say $3000, then try a progression. I like 1-2-3-6 myself
     
  17. Simpatt

    Simpatt Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2015
    Messages:
    265
    Location:
    London, UK
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    20
    Thanks for this advice that's exactly what I did. I otherwise wouldn't have gotten into Tahoe on Wednesday night!
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.