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dec 25 -31

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by bubbakitty, Jan 1, 2016.

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  1. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    My Trip Report

    This is a short summary of our trip December 25 – December 31.

    We go at this time as my wife is still pushing the grindstone quick hard and her spring and Christmas breaks are about the only times we have available which are more than three days.

    Flight out on SWA was good and timely with drinks ordered but no coupons collected. Perhaps an oversight and perhaps it was the season. But we ended up with two unexpired as it was a rinse and repeat upon the return.

    Cab ride was interesting as we were told it was a mess (at 3:30 p.m. on Christmas) and we needed to take the highway. We chose the lights and sights going down Paradise to Flamingo and fighting it from there. Told the driver upon our first meeting that we would be thrilled with 26 $ to get there and he could keep all he wanted in tips. He said no way but would see what he could do due to the traffic congestion and our choice of routing. Oh well. Lo and behold it was 21 $ with a 5 $ tip as traffic had magically dissipated from his last foray into the area. I hate cab drivers for the most part as they are so superior in presentation of the “facts”.

    Stayed at the Gold Coast for two nights comped with 50 $ dining credit per day and 100 $ free play. Turned the free play into 92.50 $ and ate less than the food offered but were not malnourished upon departure. Had the mandatory dinner at the Prime Rib Loft @ Orleans Saturday night which was still quite good for the money (points) it cost to purchase. A couple of changes to the menu were noticed but nothing which would cause us to not return in the future. No T-bone anymore and a change to the preparation of the tempura vegetables as an appetizer.

    Hit a royal on Saturday @ .50 cents and was like “wow”. I know of the discussions previously as to tipping etc. but the attendant was gregarious and quick so she got 40 $ and the waitress who was attendant to our desire to stay hydrated got 20 $. I kept the other 1940 $ in the daily envelope. I was somewhat lubricated and a bit shell-shocked at the win although my wife was more than animated. Anyway she hates when I hit something big as she is the vp aficionado in our family (the cats really don’t care) and I just play to play. But winning is fun too.

    We went to the island bar and proceeded to get more lubrication and in about 15 minutes after changing machines from my right to my left then back to the right and then back to the left (after some mutterings which wouldn’t be so well received on Christmas day—but it was Saturday now), she settled in on the left and hit the spade Royal for 1846.53 $. Yikes, I thought. I was about to offer my machine as it was paying somewhat consistently to taking my money and moving onto the machine she had just scored upon. In hindsight that would have been suicidal. I had to go pee. She was paid and grinning upon my return (and I can take care of business pretty quickly). Two royals in less than an hour (we never had that in one trip so again we had some shock waves floating about).

    Also noting other posts about the frequency of cocktail servers in Vegas, I noted at both the Gold Coast and Main Street Station (and during about an hour at the California) we were generally solicited by the waitress within a 7-10 minute time period. We are 1 $ a drink tippers whether alcohol related or just water / cranberry juice. So it wasn’t like the big $ tip and then they come regularly after that. I don’t think this trip was any different in service from past trips; it was just the first time I had actually paid attention to the frequency of the offers for “complimentary” drinks of choice.

    I had gotten a car from the Enterprise on Flamingo down from the hotel for Saturday and Sunday to return on Monday using the weekend offer of 9.99 $’s a day which usually comes in just North of 40 $ for Friday – Monday. Friday being Christmas they were closed so I had to enter new dates which were accepted for the weekend offer but only included the Saturday –Monday vs. Friday-Monday. It turned out to be 33 $. Hyundai Elantra with 33K miles which was your basic cloth seats no frills model. No frills included the windows not operating which we did not discover until we tried to roll them down to enter the MSS parking lot Sunday. Flashing the card at the attendant seemed satisfactory to him and we were given the raised bar salute as we passed.

    We get the car to offset dealing with the cab situation and to also allow us to travel to the Summerlin area (Lake Mead Blvd. and Rampart) for the traditional breakfast at the Omelet House which tastes homemade (I want to live in THAT home) and gives us a break from the casino fare. Again, it did not disappoint.

    Check-in at the MSS was easy at 11 a.m. without problem. Room 1002 was high enough at the end of the hallway facing the parking lot and freeway. The freeway noises seemed tolerable as it was somewhat consistent and rhythmic and except for the occasional high end motorcycle race or train whistle it was nothing to worry about (for us). We also like the end of the hall if possible as traffic is minimalized from the elevator

    Play at MSS was dismal for the bankroll but admittedly we played at a higher level (50 cents and a $) than our usual 25 cent level so whose fault was that. But we didn’t bankrupt the bankroll or anything we just didn’t have the luck we had previously enjoyed (and in reality how could we maintain that level).

    Last day we found the nickel 9/6 DDB poker near the entrance which leads out the intersection between Cal and MSS. We played with our backs to the door. There were like 6 machines. Of course my wife hit two hands out of four with 2’s and then 4’s with kicker for a total of 1600 nickels and made her quite happy although only 20% of her joy had it been quarters. I played the tradition numbers on nickel keno which my since departed mom would always do to our amazement and hit 5/5 for 800 nickels which was typical of her result much to everyone’s amazement. She seems to be attentive to my efforts each trip as there is usually a win if not too greedy.

    Ate at the Redwood Grill and the French Onion soup is to die for (still). Served by a guy who could possibly be Wayne Newton’s off-spring if evaluated by the do of the hair alone. Very competent and well satisfied upon completion. Had the bone in rib eye and the significant other had the petite filet.

    Failed to make the TimSpeed meet-up due to it being about 11:00 p.m. when I realize the meet up had already taken place. Age has its detractions and memory / planning are a couple of my shortfalls.

    Only green wristband I saw was on the left wrist of Ty while he sat by his lovely wife at the bar. I was glad to see he was alive and his wife not grieving due to my fear of his untimely death during his foray into the Red Rock area. I looked for him daily (i.e., psst, hey buddy, you got a wrist band on there) but did not see him until Wednesday a.m. All was good.

    I will attempt to attaché some pictures but not sure.

    Some observations:

    Noticed the Gold Coast sports book was closed from 3-5 a.m. with different closing hours on weekends. This was discussed earlier about the Orleans book hours which I did not notice this trip.

    It was cold each day but tolerable except Saturday when it was windy and thus colder with the wind-chill and all that. But we toughed it out and it was not because we were tough.

    Followed an earlier posters suggestion and went by the player’s club each evening prior to retiring to obtain breakfast comps for the a.m. and had no problem doing so (Buddah?). That tip worked out well for us as we had no food comps for this stay at MSS. Did have 25 $ free play that ended up being 15 $ once done.

    Seems I don’t know how to order meat anymore as I used to get medium rare and it would be satisfactory with a warm pink center and minimal juice. Now I order medium and get a cool pink center with more than minimal juice and somewhat chewy result in texture of the cut. This was true with prime rib and the rib eye both. Might just describe what I would like in my steak and let the waiter(ess) tell me what degree of cooking to order next time.

    MSS reminds us a lot of Binion’s in the late 80’s earliest of the 90’s. VERY personable and it is quite possible to visit and never leave the property (if you include the California with sports book and Redwood Grill as part of the property).during your visit to seek any additional needs. Although we do make it a tradition to head over to the Pizza Rock for a fix once a trip.

    Jose was on vacation most of our stay but returned at some point and is a jovial as ever. Olegg made some great drinks; one is a stoplight; green on the bottom, yellow in the middle and red on top (layered liquor) which apparently did the trick as my wife did not know me or her place in life upon completion of said drink. Another bartender said Whoaa, it had like 3 different liqueurs in it and the results could be interesting (since she is a lightweight drinker). If out on your feet and 8 hours of follow-up snoring is interesting then she was correct.. It is interesting to ask either Jose or Olegg to make something good and watch what they come up with. It is how we discovered the Washington Apple and this stoplight thing as well as a “signature” drink Olegg made with raspberry vodka and triple sec with lime juice from his Bellaggio days. Damn, to reproduce that for a relaxing afternoon on the deck in the middle of the heat of a Texas summer. Can’t wait!

    Also Fire Rock is an IPA from Hawaii which is in a bottle and available on the floor or at the Boar’s Head bar. 4 sips would be my guess. Not sure of the alcohol content but it did the trick.

    Took the WAX back to the airport on NYE with plenty of time to spare. As we were leaving they were gearing up on the strip and Downtown for the festivities which made us happy to be leaving. Our 4$ ride was timely and always interesting due to the riders we shared the trip with. Flight home was good and crowded but everyone was tired. Got the car, hit the road and hit the hay a bit after 2:00 a.m.

    Between Brenda and Ipo all charges were covered including 154 $ they charged in September when I tried to reserve the 30th which was not covered by the three day comp offered which we used for Sunday-Tuesday. Had about 150 $ in food charged to the room as well. So we flew with points on SWA and paid about 50 $ out of pocket for food off premises during our stay. We were happy.

    That’s all I can think of which would be fit to print. I am sure I left out a bunch of stuff but then I am sure there is a bunch of stuff I can’t remember.
     
  2. Rodent Pack

    Rodent Pack S.S. Minnow

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    Sounds like a great trip. Thanks!!!

    I'm pretty sure SWA comps drinks on a few holidays throughout the year :beer:
     
  3. breanna61

    breanna61 Super Moderator

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    Very nice his and her Royals; congratulations!!
     
  4. sybgal

    sybgal VIP Whale

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    Congrats on the nice hits!! Sounds like a great time .....thanks for sharing with us. :)
     
  5. Tree DA

    Tree DA High-Roller

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    Great tip on the fire rock. I love that beer and I love mss. Usually get the house beers but will definitely snag a couple fire rocks later this month. Thanks for posting!
     
  6. FullPay

    FullPay When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro

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    How great to have two nice hits so early in the trip. I haven't been to the Prime Rib Loft in years, nice to know it's still worth a visit. Never tried Redwood, but I love a good French Onion soup, may have to put it on the list for next trip. Thanks for posting.
     
  7. Ty

    Ty ?

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    BK, nice TR.

    It was good to see you and your cute wife. Congrats on the nice VP hits.

    I tried to send you a Maker's Mark Wednesday evening when I noticed your wife playing at Boar's Head. I assumed you were with her but the bartender said you were playing craps.

    Ty
     
  8. whitefox

    whitefox Low-Roller

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    Great report, thanks for sharing!
     
  9. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Thanks for posting and congrats on the two Royals! Sorry we had to postpone our trip and missed you. Dinner at the Redwood would have been great!
    SWA does comp drinks when flying on the 6 major holidays. We flew on Thanksgiving day but the FA would only comp the first drink. We've flown on all the holidays and usually have two drinks. This was the first time they only would buy the first one and made us use a coupon the #2.
     
  10. Candydave

    Candydave mid-roller

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    Sounds like you had a good trip. Congrats on the two Royals.
     
  11. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    image.jpg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg

    the royals; the ipa, the omlette house menu (need a microscope) and a dealt straight flush....the ddbp had nickel dime and quarter level.....how could this be so difficult to recall the process?.....
     
  12. bubbakitty

    bubbakitty Doing retirement again and happily so....

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    Forgot a couple of things. They now have safes at the Gold Coast which are inside the closet. We stayed in 804 so can only speak to that room but assume they are all there or coming. Size and style is the same as Orleans.

    Also if you play craps at MSS look for a big black bald guy (a B-3G) (linebacker type) but friendly that played both the boxman and "suit" in that particular pit. His name (on nametag) was Jeff. Asked him to make a reservation for us (who DO you call prior to the restaurant opening?) and he did so for 2 over the phone in the pit....it was past 5 and the restaurant was open at the time. 9 was the earliest so we took it. He then walked around the table, handed me my card and told me he included a 50 $ credit as well. Unsolicited. Was betting 30$ 6&8 at the time so not like black chips all over the table. It was much appreciated and he seemed like a good natured guy.
     
  13. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Nice hits and report! Good to hear about the nickel 9/6 DDB. I could use every bargaining chip I can get to get the gf downtown.

    And that spade royal is a thing of beauty. Can't wait to hit something that big on one card. Best I've done so far is a king high straight flush from a lone king for 250 nickels, meh.

    FYI, that kona fire rock is their pale ale. You could argue it's strong enough to be an ipa though. It's 6% abv. I haven't had it in years. May have to give it another try after giving the draft line up a visit of course. :beer:
     
  14. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Future reference...you can use the house phone at CAL and ask for dinner reservations if it's before the restaurant is open. I don't know if you can pick up the phone at MSS to make res at CAL. But, your way worked out better!
     
  15. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

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    Nice report. Congrats on the royals.

    Drank a lot of that Fire Rock on my Hawaii trip last year. Good stuff.

    As trig noted, it is branded simply as a Pale Ale, and I find that pretty accurate. Not as hoppy as modern IPAs.
     
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