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.

Casino Hopping to Palm Springs

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by GamblingGolfer, Feb 25, 2018.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. The Rumor

    The Rumor VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Messages:
    6,182
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    I didn't realize you could get rice with the steak. huh.
     
  2. GamblingGolfer

    GamblingGolfer VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2011
    Messages:
    1,704
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    @The Rumor - yeah, the rice is actually quite good.

    Final update - after a try at Flintstones at Luxor in the morning (of course, no luck), we packed up and headed to Orleans.

    Aside - our biggest 'win' of the trip was getting this first floor room. Steps to the casino and coffee; the 'elevator' was even closer (yes, an 'elevator' for floors 1-5, not an "inclinator"), and we scored first row parking spots on the top floor of the parkade twice (!).

    Anyway, breakfast at Copper Whisk, paid mostly with points. Threw a Jackson into a VP machine, then Willy Wonka. Figured a $10 deficit was a win .... then bought cheap 60 oz bottles (vodak and rum) at their gift shop. Good prices and an discount with the Boyd card.

    A 4 hour drive to Palm Springs and we're esconced in the condo for a month. Good weather and good golfing (hopefully).

    GG
     
  3. luridludicloco

    luridludicloco High-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2016
    Messages:
    606
    Location:
    too darn far from the Strip
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    74
    Nice driving trip and Vegas stay. I hope you find better VP in Palm Springs than what you played at Seven Feathers. I think I would have played that machine, though, as I don't remember ever playing a BP game with 1 for two pairs, that would be a first for me :D. Have a fun and lucky month.
     
  4. The Rumor

    The Rumor VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Messages:
    6,182
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    I think Golden Gate has one as well. A legendarily bad game.
     
  5. GamblingGolfer

    GamblingGolfer VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2011
    Messages:
    1,704
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Thanks, B'rat ... yes, a horrible game, but hoping for the progressive' hit' with the free play. We're now in PS ... haven't been to Aqua Caliente yet, but will at some point.

    GG
     
  6. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2013
    Messages:
    31,301
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    Golden Gate bar and D Long Bar both offer it. But they also offer 7/5 ACE$ Bonus (98.25%) as their 2nd best bartop choice. The strategy is virtually identical to regular 7/5 Bonus except you break Aces Full if ACE$ can be spelled in order with no gaps.
     
  7. luridludicloco

    luridludicloco High-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2016
    Messages:
    606
    Location:
    too darn far from the Strip
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    74
    No updates on this trip, I guess because Palm Springs is not Vegas, and this is a Vegas trips forum. I have two questions related to Vegas, though. If you are taking a month's break from daily life to go on vacation, why Palm Springs and not Las Vegas? Las Vegas is close to many attractions, and has about the same weather. Perhaps food and stay are cheaper in Palm Springs? Perhaps Palm Springs is closer to God? Somewhere I read some Spanish explorer called the Palm Springs area La Palma de la Mano de Dios, and there originated part of the name. The second question is, will you spend a day or two in Vegas on the drive back to Canada? Anyway, hope your are having luck with those slot critters. :D
     
  8. GamblingGolfer

    GamblingGolfer VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2011
    Messages:
    1,704
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Thanks, B'rat - yes, interesting question. The weather in PS is usually a lot better than LV .... it's "high desert" vs PS as sea level/rain shadow from SoCal. We prefer golfing every second day/walking the other two. I just can't handle the daily gambing which is what you do in Vegas. There is a casino here which we'll prob visit once/maybe twice.

    Anyway, not sure I've answered your questions .... we will drive straight back at the end of March.. either two or three days, but no Vegas.

    And remember, we'll be in NYC on Oct. 2-4 this year if you're around .....

    Cheers, GG.
     
  9. The Rumor

    The Rumor VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Messages:
    6,182
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    I go to LV to party and gamble. If I’m just going to hang out why is LV clearly better than Phoenix or the Coachella valley?
     
  10. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2003
    Messages:
    29,784
    Location:
    A nice place
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    Casinos aside, the Coachella Valley and Vegas aren't nearly as akin as desert locales would seem, and serve up different experiences in a vacation experience, particularly during "high season" when Vegas is relatively frigid and windy, and Palm Springs and environs are enjoying near-perfect weather. The CV is a prime second- and third-home market, with all that entails, and while it certainly has its marginalized populations -- it is an ag center, after all, with all that goes with that -- and not every community looks like Rancho Mirage or Indian Wells, it also lacks the depth of a gritty underbelly side that is so prevalent across Vegas and so close to the surface. The mountain-desert interface is more immediate and accessible in greater PS, and it's stunning national park is right at hand. On average, I would guess desert accomms fetch a higher price on average than Vegas since it is, and long has been, a true destination-resort locale. It's not overrun with TV-name restaurants but has a food scene as diverse and deep as Vegas'. Shopping, hiking, biking, kids activities, golf -- Vegas has better peak-tier golf but our desert has broader representation -- culture, outdoor activities ... the CV is killer.
     
    • Love Love x 1
  11. The Rumor

    The Rumor VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Messages:
    6,182
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    As you note, the mountains are so close...it is a beautiful place. Even just driving around PS is spectacular. And the weather is better in Dec-Feb.
     
  12. GamblingGolfer

    GamblingGolfer VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2011
    Messages:
    1,704
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Thanks, @The Rumor and @ken2v - yes, PS area is usually at least ten degrees F warmer than LV at this time of the year (albeit, this year is an exception with the jet stream aiming low pressure areas at SoCal, with some precip making it into the Coachella valley ... ;(

    Certainly more expensive in PS for a month, with condo rentals for anything decent at least $100/day. However, as you say there's so much more to do. Over the years, our Vegas visits have moved from all day gambling to golf/pool/evening gambling, with shows mixed in.

    As @ken2v says, a lot more golf options in Coachella. We were invited to play Morningside (high end gated community) one day, with Tahquitz (local, muni type course) the next. As Canadians, we are certainly aware of the 30% surcharge on our dollar.

    Lots of friends here in the valley, too (as well as inviting family/friends to share our second bedroom in the condo.

    Cheers, GG.
     
  13. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2003
    Messages:
    29,784
    Location:
    A nice place
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    Yep, we love the Coachella Valley. I've spent more time -- days, nights -- in the valley than any other place on the planet not called home. Way more. And it is SO great to see Palm Springs rebound. Just awesome. I've written more guidebooks about Vegas than our desert, but our desert from way back has been the getaway. (And that is no slight to AZ, which we adore, as well, or Bend, where we hope to move some day.)

    Cool you got a shot at Morningside!!
     
  14. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2003
    Messages:
    29,784
    Location:
    A nice place
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    From our perspective, not clearly.

    Have you spent much time in Tucson? That's another option for a hanging out getaway. Downtown has really bootstrapped itself with a hot food and bar scene, and the U district is fun, but then you can park yer arse up in the foothills at a place like Loews Ventana or Westward Look and just chill.
     
    • Love Love x 1
  15. GamblingGolfer

    GamblingGolfer VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2011
    Messages:
    1,704
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Yes, our friends have a membership at Morningside and a condo across the street at The Springs. Beautifully conditioned course ... 140 acres of lush grass. Quite generous landing areas, with a fair bit of sand (I was in four of them) and ponds to avoid. I've been working on a new grip/set up (coach is Bryn Parry, a very successful local/Vancouver pro who has made the cut in the Canadian Open and played some Web) so was quite pleased with a low 80s round on a course I'd never seen.

    GG
     
    • Like Like x 1
  16. M_ILIS

    M_ILIS VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2012
    Messages:
    1,954
    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    41
    I'd love to hear all the courses you play, GG, either as you play 'em or one big list at the end of your trip. Enjoy your time in the desert!
     
  17. GamblingGolfer

    GamblingGolfer VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2011
    Messages:
    1,704
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    @M_ILIS - we pre-bought six rounds at Cathedral Canyon (via underpar.com). About a 1/3 saving per round. It's now part of "JC Golf", who own other courses in SoCal. They do have a card you can buy which gives you access to all their courses. CC is decent ... water on at least 12 holes. We like it b/c we can book any time (versus GolfNow which is usually restricted to post noon times).

    Tahquitz is similar (less water). Better prices if you are a valley (CA?) resident. They usually include two drinks and a meal with their price.

    We've played Shadow Mountain (Palm Desert) a few times. Shorter (our better halfs like it), but in good condition.

    Our condo is near Indian Canyons - two courses, South and North. "North" is a PS original (from the 50s, probably), with holes winding through condos, etc. "South" is much newer and more spectacular. It's usually at least $10/round more expensive than North. They're quite popular and don't discount price very much (pushing $100 in prime time).

    Fire away if you have any questions about them. Not sure we'll play any others this trip.

    GG
     
    • Like Like x 1
  18. The Rumor

    The Rumor VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Messages:
    6,182
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    I haven't yet, but AZ is on the list. I'm in a stage in my life where I don't get a trip like this every winter, but I would like to try Tucson at some point. I'll shoot you a note whenever we get the next one of these scheduled.
     
  19. luridludicloco

    luridludicloco High-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2016
    Messages:
    606
    Location:
    too darn far from the Strip
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    74
    Interesting replies. I did not know the weather in PS is usually a lot better than in LV, I remember the weather was part of the reason I got hooked on Vegas. My curiosity came upon after reading another thread on visitors attendance to LV decreasing recently. Perhaps these replies explain a little part of the reason, many people are going someplace else nearby. By the way, for many people gambling is not the main reason to go to LV. I remember meeting a family that went to their house in Henderson a few times a year, and gambled little, most times not even visiting the Strip.

    Like Vernon Duke, I like autumn in New York, a city with lousy weather, but some nice days sometimes, even weeks, in the fall and spring; it is too early for me to know where I will be in October. We'll keep in contact...
     
  20. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2003
    Messages:
    29,784
    Location:
    A nice place
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    We are seeing tangential "evidence" that Vegas is declining. This happens like the rinse/repeat advisories on a shampoo bottle when it comes to Vegas' history.

    We aren't going "someplace else." We've always gone a lot of places. And Palm Springs and Co. didn't just materialize three weeks ago; it has a far deeper history than Vegas when it comes to American getaway spots.

    As for gambling, even for so many of us who enjoy Vegas and who gamble relatively little or maybe not at all, take gambling out of Vegas and Vegas goes away. Period. Take away the handful of tribal casinos in the CV ... and the "drop" is a blip on the radar screen. For all the shopping, ultra lounges, and whatever else is such a big part of modern Vegas, gambling is THE brain, lungs and heart of its existence.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.