Who says you can't relax in Vegas?!

I'll keep it short! Sorry, absolutely no bufoonery!

Purpose of trip: Get away for a few days and just chill! My partner(wife gave him a free pass) and I both teach school and just needed to get away. Mission accomplished.

Travel: Southwest-$79 each way! Smooth trip out and back. Nothing major happened.

Hotel: The Orleans- $260 for June 4-June 8.

Shows:
Clint Holmes- pretty good; his band is awesome!
George Wallace: hilarious; even the opening act was great
George Duke and Stanley Clark- for you Jazz afficiandos- we got two free tickets courtesy of The Orleans! Their show was simply amazing. Stanley Clark plays a mean bass guitar!

Food:
Koji- Japanese/Chinese/Sushi inside the Orleans- had BOBO Platter, Pepper Steak, and General Tso's Chicken- all good and not too spicy

Big Al's oyster Bar inside Orleans- Shrimp Etouffe- good, but not like I get here in Texas

Terrible Mike's in Orleans- just the way greasy food should be- good chicken fingers and onion rings

Courtyard Cafe inside Orleans- very good late night vittles

Monte Carlo Brew Pub- Cheese Sticks in Spring Roll- good
Nachos- excellent(imho)
Club Sand.- excellent
Root Beer- way too sweet for me--upset my stomach

Paris Lunch Buffet- grilled sirloin, grilled chicken, grilled sausage, grilled veggies-all very good

Pork Sirloin- meat good- sauce nasty

Leek Mashed Potatos- good
fruit- cold and very fresh- best fruit I have had in a long time

Paradise Cafe in Vegas Hilton(comped)- nothing near Paradise--'nuff said!

Gambling : -$100 @ Black Jack, +$15 @ Pai Gow, +40 @ Ponies
Pai Gow is an easy way to pass the time without using a chunk of your bankroll.
Spent the majority of our time in the Sports/Race Book at the Hilton- free entertainment provided by the locals is priceless! Those old guys smoking the footlong stogies are a riot!

Weather- Dry Heat my arse- 105 is hot, I do not care if it is Houston or Vegas! I may not sweat as much in Vegas, but IT IS HOT!

Observations:
The Orleans- I truly enjoy staying there- great value
Clint Holmes can sing and that band ROCKS!
Free tickets to George Duke and Stanley Clark- incredible!
Food in Vegas- "simply the best"- sorry about the cliche
What is with all of the knuckleheads playing 6/5 blackjack!
Not too crowded and rarely had to stand in line for anything.
Monorail still works and is convient, for us at least.
MGM is just way too massive.

Just In Case:
If you are staying off strip, renting a car and parking in Valet on the strip is really easy. We valet parked at Barbary Coast and Flamingo and really had no problems. Just get a map and learn how to get around without using the strip. The Barbary Coast valet is easily accessible and centrally located.

Had a very relaxing time and am looking forward to my next trip, whenever that is. Took $700 with me and came back with $400! I spent more money on tips, food, and souvies. than I lost gambling.

Once again-thank you all for your input on this board!

Moe

 

I will be checking out Duke and Clark because of your TR. Thanks!

 

I wanna be one of those guys when I grow up.

Glad to hear you enjoyed Clint, or his band at least. He's been on my list for a while.

Nice TR, right to the point.

 

When I stayed at the Flamingo in April, I rode an elevator with George. He made me laugh even on the elevator. He said something like - if I was going to the penthouse he would have to hit me for a handout. (It was funny when he said it).

 

George Duke and Stanley Clark!!! Would love to see that .

Bet they played their asses off!

 

Musicman--unless they were held over, Sunday the 4th was their last night. Check out the link below for the schedule of events at the Orleans. Click on "Entertainment".

http://www.orleanscasino.com

Doc Al- let me know when that day comes and I will be certain to come and enjoy your wit and wisdom.

Bosco- Yes they did! They had a 23 year old on the drums and that guy was simply fantastic. I love listening to Jazz music on the radio, but live Jazz played by true instumentalists having fun on stage is indescribable. I will not soon forget the experience.

 

Great trip report,and sounds like you guys had a great time.
We concur that Clint is a great show,the band is awesone and he performs a great show.We see him on every trip and look forward to seeing him again in July!
Doug and Patty