TR - Vegas for a Friend's Wedding

Wednesday (6/27): We arrived at the STL airport at 6 PM and had no problems getting through security in about 20 minutes. Headed to the lounge at the airport and had a couple drinks before boarding while watching the Cardinals game. Boarded the plane, which was wide open. Very comfortable ride. Of the 135 seats available, only 80 were taken. We each had a seat in between us. Had a few drink coupons and made use of them, and the flight attendant was very nice. Landed in Vegas about 20 min (9 PM) ahead of schedule, but had to sit on the tarmac because our gate was still occupied by another plane. Wasn’t mad or anything, but that’s no fun when you’re in Vegas and ready to go! Take a cab to the 4 Queens and ask to skip the tunnel and the driver obliges. Check in at the 4Qs was quick and easy, and we were given a room on the 16th floor in the north tower. Room was nothing special, which is what I expected. Seemed like your standard Holiday Inn room, but in need of a renovation. Water pressure was low and the shower hummed the whole time. My wife was exhausted from working all day so she went straight to bed while my good friend, his girlfriend, and I went out to gamble and have some drinks. We walked outside onto Fremont St. to see what “The Reflex” band playing on the 3rd St. stage was like. Turns out it was more like a production than a band that you’d see in a bar. Lots of choreographed dances performed by the male singers and the female dancers. We decided quickly that we’d rather go gamble. So we headed into the 4Qs, and spent most of the night playing VP. I lost 20 bucks all night, which was pretty much a win to me! My buddy ended up $150 after playing blackjack, and his girlfriend had a nice win playing roulette, up $300. At 5 AM, we finally headed to bed.

Thursday (6/28): We wake up at 9 AM and get ready to head to the Mirage. We catch a taxi and have a nice ride down the strip. No new developments on the Sahara, Fontainebleu, or Stardust. We arrived at the Mirage at approximately 10:30 AM, to find a decent sized line to check in. Wait was probably 15 min to reach the desk. I got up to the desk to see Gabrielle, who was very nice. I tried the $20 trick, and after a few minutes of phone calls, she was able to give us a nice upgrade! We were given a room on the 24th floor with a strip view. There were dual sinks, a walk-in shower, and a nice sized tub. King bed and two closets on each side. There was a desk and a nice comfy lounge chair. The view was amazing, looking right out at the Venetian, Palazzo and just to the north the Wynn and Encore. Also looked straight down at the Volcano, which we actually did not see from our room at all. Too busy. Once settled, my buddy and I walked to Walgreens right by the Venetian and picked up some beer for the room. We were able to sneak this into the pool all weekend by just putting the cans at the bottom of our ladies’ pool bags. We then would just get some chairs (not in the front row) and quietly pour them into our souvenir cups that we bought. Didn’t work out too bad, saved us some money over the weekend, but also did buy our fair share of drinks from the pool because we were sick of making the long trip back to the room. We stayed at the pool basically all day, until about 5 PM. Pool was beautiful, fairly crowded. Nice atmosphere. We then went back to the room for a short nap before joining our friends at Cravings buffet. It was $35 each with 18% gratuity included in the check. Was let down by the buffet. Not a great Chinese selection, and the pizza was dry. I did like the Kung Pao chicken and the asiago cheese bread. After dinner, we went to Rhumbar to meet up with all of the guests attending the wedding. It was a nice atmosphere and we had great service. We then went to 1OAK with all of the guests attending the wedding. The bride and groom had worked out an arrangement with the Mirage to get us free admission and no wait in line. That worked well, but clubs aren’t my scene really. My wife and I danced a bit, but it immediately got packed within 20 min of opening. I had fun, but was ready to leave about an hour in. Plus, 10 bucks for a bottle of beer is also not my scene. So all of the guys got together and headed to Casino Royale across the street. We didn’t gamble at all, but just stood around and drank $1 Michelob lights all night. My buddy actually went up to the bar and bought 30, and the bartender had no problem giving them out. After standing around and talking until about 4:00 AM, we decided to walk through the Venetian and Palazzo which was cool. Then everybody decided it was time for bed at 5:30.

Friday (6/29): Spent almost all day at the pool again. We were able to get 7 seats together. My buddy’s girlfriend went down first thing in the morning and grabbed them. Worked out nicely. Pool entry all weekend was much more lax than I expected. Just flash your key to the attendant and head right in. The lifeguards did keep a close eye on those in the pool getting too far out in the middle with drinks. At night, my wife and I along with two couple friends headed to STACK. Another let down. Service was terrible. Our waiters were Tommy, Heidi, and I can’t think of the third’s name. Very slow service and not friendly at all. I had the Kobe burger and Mac and Cheese and it was okay. The prices were okay ($100 total for my wife and I), but the service was terrible. Before paying our bill, Heidi came out and gave us our check, which we assumed she would split by couples. I guess we shouldn’t have assumed. When we asked her to do this, she got snippy and had an attitude, and then said that she has to get it approved by the head of the Mirage. Well apparently the head of the Mirage thought it was okay. So we left and headed out for our VIP Club Tour that we bought on Groupon. It was fun, but as I said before clubbing isn’t really my scene, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. We went to 1OAK, Haze at Aria, and Vanity at Hard Rock. 1OAK and Haze had the best atmospheres, but were really packed. Vanity was just okay. Drinks again were crazy expensive. We ended up in bed about 3:30 AM.

Saturday (6/30): My wife and I went to the Wicked Spoon for Brunch at the Cosmopolitan. Great food again! We were there last time we were in Vegas and made it a point to return. We were not let down. $29/person for brunch and amazing food. Especially enjoyed the French Toast and Gelado (PB&J and Caramel Candy Bar Crunch). Cravings at the Mirage should take note. Another day spent at the pool. Returned to the room about 6 PM to get ready for the wedding which started at 9:30 PM. About 6:30 two buddies and I went down to gamble. We played video poker at the Sports Bar and did okay. The bartender was a nice guy (older, skinny), and we didn’t have any problems getting drinks as long as we were playing. Did okay there, ended up down 20. Then, our group at apps (I had chicken nachos) at BB Kings, and they were great for a decent price. We then went out for the wedding, which was a blast. The backdrop of the Mirage waterfall was awesome. There were about 70 people. After the wedding, the reception was at the Paradise bar at the pool. Another great time with lots of dancing. After the reception, my buddies and I went over to Harrah’s to gamble and had a good time. Ended up in bed at 5:30 AM.

Sunday (7/1): Checked out using the TV and had no problems. Walked around the Mirage a little more and stopped in the Sugar Factory. Bought a little candy, but the guy working there was pushing us to buy this lollipop holder. He was like a car salesman and wouldn’t let up. Didn’t enjoy that and didn’t buy the lollipop holder. Hopped in a cab to McCarran and the post-Vegas depression set in. Flight was delayed a bit and also overbooked, but only by one. We went and told the lady working the Southwest desk that we’d stay if she could allow 2, because we were off Monday, but she said no. Anyways, direct flight home is good, and arrived on time because we caught a nice wind.

Overall, it was a success! Spent a lot of time at the Mirage, and next time would like to venture out a little more and gamble at some other places. The Mirage is great though! Would definitely stay there again. Would like to check out the Carnegie Deli, Kokomos, and Japonais next time.

 

i'm having my wedding in vegas next year, so i am curious about your experience (from the perspective of a wedding guest). did you think it was bothersome or inconvenient to go to vegas for a wedding? or did you see it as an opportunity to go to vegas and you just happened to go to a wedding while you were there? sounds like you had fun!

 

I may be slightly biased because I love Vegas, but I thought it was awesome! I think all involved had a great time. I liked it a little more because I wasn't in the wedding party, so I didn't have to attend the rehearsal dinner or morning getting ready time, which I appreciated. When in Vegas I'd much rather do stuff on my own. I did have some of my best friends there which also helped make it a great time. To answer your question though, I did not find it inconvenient or bothersome to attend a wedding in Vegas. Like I said, not being in the wedding party, I only had to go to the wedding on Saturday night. Where are you going to have yours?

 

ah ok, i see. thanks for the input! well most of the people coming to the wedding have never been to vegas. i was worried because i too am biased and would love to go to vegas for any reason! luckily, my wedding party won't be bothered with too many wedding activities. there is the rehearsal dinner the night before and yes getting ready in the morning. also, we're having our bachelor/bachelorette parties there as well.

 

I think you'll have a blast and I'm sure your wedding party will, too! Especially the first timers. Hopefully they give themselves some time to do the site seeing, etc. Enjoy!

 

thanks!

 

Great trip report and good score on the upgrade! I want to try Japonais but still have not made it yet.

 

Thanks for posting. That's a lot of pool time, clubbing, dancing & no sleep!

 

Yeah I agree, I would have liked to do more gambling and walking around on the strip, but was having too much fun at the pool! I could pass on the clubs!

 

I think it depends on what type of wedding you are having. My wife and I went to a wedding at Luxor last month that was planned in 2 months and it wasn't worth it for her and she was in the wedding haha. I enjoyed it but that's because i just love vegas. It didn't help that the wedding we went to was at the luxor and was a basic in and out in 5 minutes deal. If it would of been at the Mirages like the original posted it probably would of been worth it for my wife.