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Gold Strike, CP, Aria, & Golden Gate 11/19-11/26

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by cvkelz, Nov 18, 2016.

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  1. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    My Trip Report

    Our annual trip to Vegas is upon us, and I cannot wait. It has been a rough year.

    We head out tomorrow morning around 8:00AM, dropping off our doggie at the vets to board her and then gassing up the van for the big trip. The goal is to be on the road to Vegas by 8:30.

    Our friend is having a Thanksgiving party at her parents’ house in Tehachapi at 2:00PM so our plan is to pop in there for a couple of hours and get back on the road by 4:00PM.

    Saturday night we are planning to stay in Jean, NV at Gold Strike.
    Background: Years ago, we used to stay there quite often because it was cheap and we loved the old school machines and the free arcade downstairs. However, the last time we stayed there was over five years ago and they only had a smattering of machines and one place to eat open. It was touted as a buffet but they only had like two options on what you could get. We figured it was on its way to demolition town and haven’t been back.
    We have read recently that they are under new management and making improvements so we figured “what the heck?” might as well see what it’s looking like now. It’s only one night if we hate it. J

    Sunday we pack up and head in to Caesar’s for two nights.
    Background: Two years ago I signed up for the CET Total Rewards credit card and have used it faithfully as I would my debit card. Groceries, gas, dining, bills etc. Since it is money I am going to spend anyway, I just pay it off at the end of the month with my checking account so I don’t have any interest and there is no annual fee. Last year I earned enough points to pay for our stay at the Flamingo and some shopping in the gift store. This year it will be paying for our two nights at Caesar’s. I highly recommend getting the card for anyone on the fence about it. It has really come in handy. We normally would never be able to afford this hotel without it.

    On Tuesday we pack up and are doing one night at Aria.
    Background: This night is courtesy of the MyVegas game on Facebook. I’ve played on and off for years and since they were getting so skimpy with their comps, I never really cashed any in the last couple trips. End result was enough points to get a weeknight room at Aria. I’m really excited about this as I’ve heard nothing but good things about the rooms. Wish we could afford to stay longer than one night.

    Wednesday it’s time for us to start paying with our OWN wallets so we are heading downtown to stay at the Golden Gate.
    Background: Almost every trip for the last couple of years we have always said we would stay the last night there because we never had and always wanted to just to say that we did. However we ended up cutting those trips short by a day and always cancelled our reservations. This year we are finally going to do it.
    I opted for a suite since it is the only suite that we would be able to afford in Vegas, for the last three nights. ;)

    Our loose goals for this trip are(in no particular order):

    · White Castle at Casino Royal

    · Shake Shack at NYNY

    · Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains

    · Dinner at NOBU

    · Cosmopolitan

    · Ice Cream at The California

    · Harley Davidson Café

    · The Mob Museum

    · The Burlesque Museum

    · Early morning Fremont St crawl

    · Group slot pull at Mirage

    · Frank’s Tiki Lounge

    · Big Ern’s BBQ

    · Getting my husband’s ear re-pierced

    · Possible Spa treatment at Ceasar’s



    That is all I can think of right now and only a few of those are locked in deals, the rest are if we have the time/money.

    Mostly I’m looking forward to relaxing. I’ve filled up my Ipad with movies and my Kindle app with the rest of the Harry Potter books I haven’t read yet and want nothing more than a day of just laying in bed, reading and watching movies.

    We aren’t really big gamblers anymore but we do enjoy some slots and black jack and the husband plays craps as well as video poker. We prefer take out to dining in a restaurant as we have a bad habit of eating our big meal right before bed.

    Having said that, this will be my first attempt at a live trip report, I hope to have lots of pictures to share but probably not a lot of slot/chip porn and the food pics will probably be in take out containers. :feedme:
     
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  2. DaiLun

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

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    A very full itinerary. Sound like mine, with the exception of the hotel changes. I don't know how you can change lodging three times and at the same time say that "I'm looking forward to relaxing" . . . . .

    Have fun and Good luck!!!!!
     
  3. Fet297

    Fet297 113 survivor North Vegas

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    Good luck as I look forward to following your adventures.

    P.S. I hope the fires that were near your home this year missed you and your area is recovering as best as can be expected?
     
  4. Niteshade

    Niteshade VIP Whale

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    Have fun!!
     
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  5. mrstealth

    mrstealth VIP Whale

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    Have a great trip!
     
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  6. JericaKimber

    JericaKimber Tourist

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    If you are talking about the Harley Davidson Cafe on the strip they closed their doors forever some time around Halloween. Other than that sounds like a fun and busy trip. Good luck.
     
  7. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    Hahaha, yeah. It's been a good many years since we've done this many hotel changes. We are just doing prepacked backpacks for Jean and probably Aria. The real relaxing will begin in downtown where I know I will be parked for three nights.

    Thank you so much. The fire got within four miles of our house before it changed directions. It took them over a month to get it contained. It was crazy, but I am super grateful to have not lost our house. It really brought our small community together as well.


    Thank you so much for the heads up. I had no idea. Well, that is one thing to cross off the list! :p

    Also thanks for the well wishes @Niteshade and @mrstealth

    Time to finish last minute packing and love on my dog before attempting sleep.
    I will probably post a few test pictures via my phone in a bit just to make sure they work on our new phones.
     
  8. Irishwake

    Irishwake Low-Roller

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    We prefer to change hotels in the middle of our stay also.
    It feels like a new vacation starting. BTW, I believe the Harley Davidson cafe closed a couple weeks ago.
    Have fun.
     
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  9. Geogran

    Geogran VIP Whale

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    @cvkelz
    Sounds like just the right combination of thoughtful planning and 'go with the flow' activities. Looking forward to following along and wishing you great fun, relaxation, and lots of good lady luck smiling down on you! :thumbsup:
     
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  10. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    [​IMG]
    "Mother, why are the suitcases out again?"
     
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  11. TIMSPEED

    TIMSPEED Money’s on the way, with CashNetUSA

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    cute doggeh...
    Goodluck!
    We stopped in at Jean, back in September, and it was DEAD empty, and also seemed super small and scarce of machines...
     
  12. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    Thanks she is our angel.
    I am worried that there won't be much in Jean, but I'm not TOO worried about it. LOL I figure that if there is nothing there, that will be the first part of relaxation in our trip. :) Dinner at Denny's and in bed by nine. LOL!.
     
  13. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    Don't win all of the money out there before i get there. See ya at the slot pull. Safe travels.......

    :peace: :beer:
     
    Annual CCA (Casino Collectibles Association) Show at South Point
    Long Overdue Stay At The Golden Nugget
  14. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    LOL! No worries @MikeOPensacola, We plan on a lot of naps before we get to the money winning. Old people. ;-)
    I'm looking forward to the slot pull!!!
     
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  15. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    [​IMG]

    On our way!!!
     
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  16. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    [​IMG]

    We are here in Jean.
    Gold Strike is now called Terrible's Roadhouse although they have not changed any of the outside signage.
    We checked in(there was a line if you believe it) and came up to the room to find a much nicer room than I remember them. The only problem we found was the tv remote was missing.
    A quick call downstairs rectified the situation quickly.
    From the small amount we have seen of the casino, they have games in the front, but what used to be the major part has been taken over by a display of "movie cars". About eight cars that were used in movies are all roped off.
    When we go downstairs to gamble, I will take pics.
    Right now we are relaxing in the room for a bit.
    It was a long day.
    I am glad we stopped at our friends party in Tehachapi, but it made for a 12 hour day.
    I took a quick video of our room. Let's see if this works.

    More updates after we recharge our batteries and have drinks. :)
     
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  17. Miller12pack

    Miller12pack High-Roller

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    Sounds like you are having fun. I remember being in Jean years ago with my sister and we had a good time. Enjoy the peace and quiet, because you know once you get to Vegas, it will be crazy.
     
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  18. TIMSPEED

    TIMSPEED Money’s on the way, with CashNetUSA

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    yup, all the Fast and Furious cars and the delorean
     
  19. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    The arcade at Gold Strike is no longer free. :(
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    We gambled a bit tonight but we are just tired so I after checking out the movie cars, we got some grub at Denny's and headed up to the room.

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    Continued...
     
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  20. cvkelz

    cvkelz Extremely Low Roller- like, I barely roll at all.

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    So I headed to Denny's for our dinner and got there while they had a few ppl wanting to check out.
    I grabbed up a menu and waited no problem.
    When it was my turn she indicated she had to go do something for another patron.
    I told her no worries, I was on the first day of my vacation, I had all the time in the world.
    She disappeared for about two minutes and came back.
    I placed my order while joking with her. A burger and milkshake for my husband and pot roast melt for me.
    I paid with a five dollar tip.
    She asked if I wanted any extras. I said just ketchup, she raised her eyebrows and asked "ranch?"
    I fell in love.
    When I came to pick up my order, she kicked the door open from the kitchen with her foot and approached me with a bag of food and Two milkshakes.
    She told me that she made me a second one on the house since I was on vacation, and she made it properly, starting with vanilla and then adding the Oreos.
    She was a kick in the pants and I loved it.
    While I was waiting for the food I filmed this performance of the band. They mostly did 70s songs, but this was a treat.
     
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