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Super Cheap Little Downtown Trick...Feb1-4.

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by Rumdranker, Feb 18, 2015.

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  1. Rumdranker

    Rumdranker Grateful Lurker

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    My Trip Report

    OK. Here we go my first attempt to publish a trip report.

    (I'm not sure how I should do this, I'm nervous, my palms are sweaty....I enjoy everyone else's different syles so much....F-Bomb...I'll do it my way.....you can love it or leave it alone...I hope you love it though.)

    Background: My wife (here by known as wife) and I have been to Las Vegas 3 times. The last time was our honeymoon March of 2014. (I took notes for a TR, but....maybe one day). After our virgin trip in 2011 I became an addict, a Las Vegas addict. I joined a support/enabler group, shout out to VMB!

    We are 5 hrs from BWI. While feeding my habit in Dec I found a package deal via Spirit $250 for the wife and I round trip and 3 nights at The D. I booked within 24 hrs. And the countdown began. And the research began. And the deal finding and the plan making began.
    [​IMG]

    We hit the road Saturday after dropping the kids off (thank God for the Network). It was about 5 pm. Arrived in MD at 11 pm no issues. Stayed with family and got up at 5am and used the BWI Express parking lot. $12 a day. They pointed us to a spot and brought the shuttle to the trunk. We were at the gate by 7am. We literally broke a fast with a Marylander omelet. We were having so much fun that we were just paying for the check when they announced the final stages for boarding our flight. Thanks to my forward thinking i had upgraded us to the BIG front seats. We were the last ones to board except a couple that got on after doing the concourse dash. Spirit gets a bad wrap but my first experience was a pleasant one. We caught a few zzzs and I cut coupons from the one of the two ACGs I had. Enjoyed the the view. [​IMG][​IMG]We're here!
    We pop out of the plane and i see people gambling at the gate. "Look at these poor schmucks" i lovingly mumbled. The day before we left I double booked a car reservation with Advantage to go along with the original one from Fox. Glad I did, cheaper, one less shuttle and upgraded to Charger. By now my excitement level is 8, wife is at 6 but I still love her.

    First stop is Hooters Hotel and Casino to get wings with buy one get one coupon and for match play / free play. Gambling coupons were so so, Wings were pretty good. When we tried to walk in the restaurant the hostess asked us if we had a reservation. I almost laughed in her face as she told us it was otherwise first come first serve. I turn my head and saw a monsterous line forming up and then it dawned on me... Super Bowl! They had talked where they were charging $15/half hour maybe per hr? The vibe is pretty cool, but we need to head to our post up location to watch the game. So we zipped over to the Orleans at the rear bar. Found two seats and commenced to tipping, sipping and stogie puffing. I put my wife on Vodka, Malibu rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice she would drink these for the remainder of our trip. I started with Jack or Jim and Coke and by the end of the trip I was up to Makers and Coke or on the rocks. Our first look at the sportsbook revealed a long ass line, we had no dog in the fight and decided that betting wasn't that big of a deal. Just before kickoff I checked again and was able to place a few bucks on the Patriots(per the wife). And some other prop bets.

    After the game we were starting to get a little tired so we headed to home base to finally check in at the D. Room on the 23rd floor. Noticed that the elevators had a new system instead of call buttons you punched in your floor number. At times during our stay there was a long wait, at other times not bad at all. Side note, on the last day they were beginning construction of a new elevator shaft, an employee said that they were going to add two new elevators. For a total of 6.
    By now it's like 9 p.m. And the wife is fading fast. She wants to take a nap and then go back out with me. I want to go out now and sleep later. I'll tell her to sleep while I go eat. I run down and grab some Mickey D's, come back up to the room eat and watch TV shower and then its lights out for me Superbowl day is done.

    I wake up early having the most wonderful dream, but I'm not dreaming, lol. We are dressed and on Fremont Street by 730 AM. The panhandlers are out and so are the exercisers and those just strolling along like us. I breathe it all in, I love it. We decide to have breakfast at dupars what has become a tradition for us. Once inside the Golden Gate we decide to play for a little bit, before we eat. Will use the match play and some free play but nothing to write home about. I have a little bit of luck on the Buffalo machine. There is a waiter there, not our waiter but he was servicing a table just in front of us. His movement was so graceful his demeanor so professional my wife decides to give him a tip. Our service was good as well and so is our seat, a booth in the back. I had an omelet, she had the French toast it was wonderful. We took another stab at some slots in the Golden Gate with no luck. We then walk down to the El Cortez stopped along the way and took pictures at Heart Attack Grill.[​IMG]
    At the El Cortez we mostly played blackjack what they slightly older crowd. One lady was over 70 and kept giving me s*** in a joking way. Another couple had been at the Superbowl in Phoenix the night before and will finishing their trip up in Las Vegas. They were Seahawks fans though so they could only muster so much happiness. We were also visited by a foul gentleman who decided to take his chips and run as soon as he got them over a miscommunication with the dealer whom by the way was treating well even though she wasn't letting us win. We tried to wave off his bad vibe, but it stuck around like smog and we were felted quickly after. Next we decided to continue our walk down to the Container Park, we have never been here before and decided to check it out, I thought it was OK has some shops that didn't really catch my interest but the general layout was cool and so was the stage and grassy area at the end. [​IMG][​IMG]I had purchased a Travelzoo voucher for use at Capo's Italian restaurant during lunch. I paid about 20 bucks for it and it came with two entrees to salads and 2 soft drinks. We have been to Capo's before but never for lunch. Once again I'll server was excellent and the food was some of the best I've had in my life. My wife concurs. If you've never been here, you should check it out its claims to have an old school theme which it does. Last year for dinner they had a lounge singer. Very dark inside with a secret entrance. [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

    Next up Drags and High Rollin. ...
     
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2015
  2. sybgal

    sybgal VIP Whale

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    Really enjoying this report.....can't wait for the rest!
     
  3. Rumdranker

    Rumdranker Grateful Lurker

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    After lunch at Capo's my wife visited a nail salon in the same shopping center, while she was there I visited a cigar shop in the same shopping center. Maybe later I'll add the name of it because the guy was really friendly and I could definitely hang out there. The humidor wasn't huge but he had a varied selection which I appreciated. With my wife fresher than ever and myself with some new goodies to try we hopped in the Charger and went back downtown. I valet'd at the D again. The wife was tired so she went down for a nap, I was not so I headed down to the Four Queens in search of Chicago Brew Pub and Cigar Lounge. I found it of course, and enjoyed some drinks and a cigar while plinking away at some VP. I'm not a huge video poker player, but I do have some practice apps on my phone. I didn't eat here but they have half price appetizers during happy hour was the last from 4 p.m. To 6 p.m.. I saw a few people order the filet mignon sliders and they looked pretty tasty. I'm putting them on my to do list. With thirst quenched and cigar where the meal appeased I headed back to the D together my wife and freshen up. We were going to see some guys in drag. Since our first visit the wife has wanted to see Frank Marino's Divas performed at the LINQ theater inside the LINQ Hotel. Now granted during our first visit it wasn't called the LINQ Hotel, but you get the point. I did not want to see the show at all, but I'll do what it takes to keep the wife happy so I decided I could sit through it. I had pre pre-purchased the tickets via Travelzoo and had the Ticketmaster app on my phone. I had no problem getting to the lake hotel, but I have major difficulty locating the valet parking. There were some signs that I followed but being that the Linq hotel and the LINQ shopping area also has valet I wasn't 100 percent sure I was going the right way. You have to go around the back side and this area is still under construction but eventually I found my way to a gentleman who would park my car for me I was glad to see him and I tipped them a few bucks told him we were going to see the show and he gave me directions.

    We were a bit early so we decided to get a bite to eat we walked over to the Flamingo after the wife shot down the idea idea of Hash House a Go Go. Inside the Flamingo we shared a slice of pizza fries and a shake from Johnny Rockets, the pizza came from some other joint. After a light dinner we went to the theater. They had trouble printing my tickets using the Ticketmaster system, but they eventually wrote something on a piece of paper and let us inside. The show in my wife's opinion was great, it didn't really appeal to me, but I thought that the host who was another person besides Frank Marino did an excellent job and I really admire his work I must say. I also thought that some of the costumes and makeup were really good.

    After the show we decided to use our Groupon for the High Roller including an open bar. We had done the High Roller last year just after it opened in April, but I really want to see you this trip at night. And the open bar I thought wagreat bartender and enjoy ourselves. I had about three Jack and Cokes and maybe a beer.[​IMG]
    It was time to roll back down to the D. We get out the car from valet and about 10 minutes into the drive I notice that I was feeling pretty buzzed never called the Jack and Cokes I had consumed on the high roller. I thought back to my less responsible days and decided I need to tighten up. So I locked it down and got it back to the D safely and into the valet. No drunk bumps for me. I have experience.

    After parking the car we walked down to the Plaza to have a look around and then over to Main Street Station to play a little blackjack. No big wins so we're back to the room losers but feeling pretty good.

    Next up. Getting naked.
     
  4. Rumdranker

    Rumdranker Grateful Lurker

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  5. Kickin

    Kickin Flea

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    Fun read so far but I can't believe you live 5 hours away from the airport. That is crazy as hell. Getting to the airport is almost as long as your flight across the country! Your love for Vegas is strong. :nworthy:
     
  6. Godflesh

    Godflesh Tourist

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    Thx, for the TR. Luv the Pics
     
  7. wpete

    wpete High-Roller

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    Love your style. Great report.
     
  8. pac1971

    pac1971 Tourist

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    Great report so far! Can't wait for the rest!
     
  9. garyho222

    garyho222 Tourist

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    Great report! We just booked the big front seats for our August trip and was hoping someone had experience with them.
     
  10. Rumdranker

    Rumdranker Grateful Lurker

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    My love for Vegas is strong. ..but my love of deals could be just as strong. I only drove to BWI for the savings. RT from my home airport is $400. The package after the upgrades and baggage fees was only $460 for 2 people.

    I estimate I saved half our bankroll by making the drive.

    We are road warriors too. 12 hrs to Niagara Falls...did it.

    In my travel schemes I've even considered flying from home to PHX, Salt Lake City, or LAX and then driving into Las Vegas.

    And one day, maybe when we're retired, we'll make a cross county run from the East to the Las Vegas.

    Whoa I'm sorry dude. ... yeah that Excalibur beam shooting from my eye sockets[emoji298] [emoji298] . ..i get like that sometimes. ...when i think someone is listening to my Vegas monologs.
     
  11. tvon

    tvon VIP Whale

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    So far my neck hurts! :ssst:
     
  12. journaljim

    journaljim Low-Roller

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    I love this report. Looks like a great time!
     
  13. Rumdranker

    Rumdranker Grateful Lurker

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    Tuesday - nudity

    Up and dressed by 7am and stroll down Fremont to the Nugget. Enter near the huge slot machine, last year we had a decent hit so we took another stab. Insert a $20 cash out $40+. Hey! Free breakfast.
    [​IMG]
    Take the huge coins to the cage and get cash. Then upstairs to breakfast buffet to use a BOGO coupon $12? savings. Food is decent kinda expected better for the 5 star of DN, over priced, but still a good value with the coupon. I had an everything omelet best dish imo. By now i had noticed there was a concrete convention in town. The table behind us had some guys with northern accents discussing the business and then one of then starts spewing off about some jobs a buddy did and the amount of cash he's got stuffed in his house and who the cash is being hidden from. I'm thinking a mouth like that gets a guy fitted for cement shoes back in the day. Vegas, cash stories, cement industry my head is swimming with Mob stuff. That mixed with the view of the pool we had gave a nice ambience.

    We decide to take it easy today and my wife has got enough into vacation mode to try the spa I found on Groupon at the Imperial Palace, off strip. $22 for two passes. She had some reservations about going because the first half of the experience is all nude. Downstairs is gender separated and includes shower area, hot and cool tubs (the largest I've seen), steam shower, locker room, a quiet room and TV lounge. Upstairs is coed and had a multitude of treatment rooms including a jade room, red clay ball room as and cold room. The treatment rooms are heated. We overcame our inhibitions and really enjoyed our time her about 3hrs. We gave it a 8/10 and was our first spa experience. We plan to go back.

    Next up my online researchers uncovered Happy Feet foot spa home of the $20 rub. (No tug) This spot is of the beaten path in a sketchy area but man....
    After some GPSing and detective work we found the place. Told the receptionist we had no reservations. She asked if we wanted male or female and before we could answer she told us LiLi and Kevin would be out shortly. They led us to a dimly lit open room with soft music playing and then they proceeded to F^*# us Up! In a good way....Lili soaked my feet in warm water as she massaged my head working her way to my feet before she flipped me over and climbed all over me using her fingers, palms and even elbows to ease my tight work hard to make $ for Vegas (and the kids) muscles. I glance over at my wife and Kevin has her top off, bra undone and is pulling her pants down! Her back stress is just above the buttocks and they us towels to cover you.
    We tipped 100% and floated back to The D. Then we had to take a freakin' cab back to the spot to get the rental car.

    Next up last full night.
     
  14. Rumdranker

    Rumdranker Grateful Lurker

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    Man this TR stuff takes some effort. Shout out to all those who have written a trip report, I encourage everyone to do so I think we're fans of all of them even the bad ones like mine LOL.

    After our luxurious spa and massage we went back to the room to rest for a bit. Then we went out to the MGM Grand Casino and Hotel to use a MLife bogo for buffet dinner. It was a treat as always and I even took a page from the $20 trick and laid $2 on the receptionist to get a line pass. The line wasn't too long, but it made me feel like a boss. And that's what is all about. I tried the osso bucco for the first time. I thought was pretty good and tender, I'm in Vegas eating like Stone Barrington, sweet. We had stayed at the MGM during our honeymoon last year and had a great time. But this time they got none of our gambling dollars as this was a cheap trip. I don't know exactly what it was but I remember having the feeling that something was going on there the loss of limos in the valet area. Belly full we toasted back to the D so went to play around on Fremont Street for a while. Made a trip back to the Four Queens this time with the wife in tow more drinks more cigars more VP. I thought that the crowd would subside after Superbowl Sunday but alas they stuck around and it looks like like a lot of people are enjoying Vegas with me. Of course Fremont Street had their performers some I recognize from past trips, my wife liked the DJ on stage I think she was called the Dancing DJ. The gambling pretty much sucked this trip so I'm leaving most of it out. We hung around a few places Golden Gate again Main Street Station Las Vegas club nothing good was going on who wound up back at the room sleep time.

    Wednesday - leaving day
    We got up around 9 or so packed up the room and rolled out to Fremont Street for a last hurrah before we got out of town. First out was Binions where we took a picture with a million dollars and had breakfast at Binions Cafe. I have heard rumors that this place was closing down and one of the employees confirmed it, but after getting back home I call them and they were still open. Not exactly sure what to make of it but I'm glad is not closed cuz we really enjoyed our breakfast. Will use some free play and match play coupon at Binions I think one of us one one of us lost. And then we had to go back to the D to officially check out. We have to the car and drove over to downtown Grand. We valeted the car again and went inside for the first time. The layout was pretty nice and the vibe was pretty cool we joined The Players Club and ended up with enough to shirts and decks of cards for all the kids. We also spoke to the concierge and they will kind enough to let us print out boarding passes. A little thank you tip and we were on our way walking down to the Plaza & Las Vegas club for coupon usage.

    Next stop we drove to Tuscany suites on the other side of Las Vegas Boulevard. This was our first visit so we join The Players Club and presented them with our coupons, the pit boss demanded to see our card that came with the ACG book. Not a problem I'll bring it back out to the car and got them and we proceeded to turn our match play into about a hundred fifty bucks between the two of us. All the other employees were friendly and we made a little cash so we will go back sooner or later.

    Continuing the run we went out to Ellis Island. Had a few drinks I managed to make a couple bucks off the free play and match play. Its low budget, my kind of scene. The run continued to the Gold Coast and then to the Rio. We had no coupons for the Rio, we went for the seafood buffet. My wife insist on going each trip, but after this one she said we'll probably skip next go around. The coupons at the buffet saved us 20 bucks. Final spot on this coupon run was palms. We stayed here once a couple of years ago really like the room (a suite in Palms Place) the casino is laid back.

    All gambling is done we take a car back to advantage. Drop it off with no problems in about an hour later I have an email copy of the receipt. 98 bucks for 4 days. Shuttle back to the airport and we are at our gate by 930 for an 11 p.m. departure. I make $20 last at the VP machine for about an hour. Just like those poor schmucks I saw 4 days ago. Slept 90% of the flight back to BWI. End of an excellent trip now all we have to do is drive home....

    Observations
    1. Vegas was busy as hell, not sure if it was due to the Super Bowl or the fact that the economy at least for Vegas is back on the rise.

    2. Speaking of economy one negative thing I noticed this trip is how down downtrodden some of the citizens of Las Vegas are once you get away from the strip. Lots of people walking around not necessarily panhandling but the fact that they are on foot probably means they don't have a car. When filling up the rental car I noticed a gentleman put about 1 gallon worth of gas in his vehicle I wanted to give my change to him about eight bucks worth but for some reason I hesitated and lost the chance. When you're balling out of control on vacation give some back.

    3. Didn't have as much luck gambling as we had on past trips, and we did a lot of hit and run and bouncing around. Next time I would like to settle in for a little bit longer at certain places to get my Blackjack on.

    4. I've yet to meet a fellow VMBer in Vegas. Still looking forward to it.

    Thanks for reading.
    [​IMG]
     
  15. Iamrice

    Iamrice High-Roller

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    Nice one!

    Thanks for posting it!
     
  16. robron

    robron Low-Roller

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    Great report, I'm glad you took the time to post it.
     
  17. journaljim

    journaljim Low-Roller

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    Well Rum, too bad we missed each other by only a couple weeks. My wife and I would have gladly met you for a drink or dinner. Thanks again for the great TR!
     
  18. Trixi

    Trixi Tourist

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    Thanks for taking the time to write. Really enjoyed your report! :clap:
    Too bad you weren't getting much love in the gambling department but you did the right thing in not chasing and finding other things to enjoy. You gave me a good idea for my (most likely) solo trip this summer; do a budget spa day! Was it the Linq Hotel's spa that was pretty good and cheap?
     
  19. smooth899

    smooth899 Low-Roller

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    I think he was referring to the Imperial Spa (not Imperial Palace spa). It is on Sahara across the street from the Commercial Center. It's a great Korean spa and only $20 to get in (massages, services, food at the restaurant, etc. are extra). It's a great place to spend a day and cure a hangover! Here's a link to their website: http://www.theimperialspa.com/aboutus.php
     
  20. gambler

    gambler VIP Whale

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    This has been a great report Rum. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

    Your description and the picture of you guys enjoying this restaurant had me intrigued. (I loved your wife's hat btw).

    Is this website the same restaurant? Capo's Restaurant and Speakeasy? It sounds like an interesting place.

    http://www.caposrestaurant.com/
     
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