NY NY 7/1/06 - 7/8/06 w/vegas virgins

I have been a watcher on this site for awhile but just getting back from Vegas wanted to describe the trip and some things that I feel people should know. First we (hubby and I) have been to Vegas 4x now and took 2 Vegas virgins (I'm surprised I can still walk) but had an unbelievable time.

Day one

Up at 4:00am to get away from the worst year we have ever had. Can't wait to get to the airport in Lafayette LA and just go. American is on time and a two hour lay over in Dallas we are in Vegas at 11:00. Didn't even bother checking in at the airport wanted to try the 20.00 trick. Took pictures with our Vegas Virgins A & M then headed to NY NY. We have stayed there before and really like the place. We have also stayed at MGM but thought it was too much for us. We went to the clerk and she had no upgrades until the next day .. but would take care of us then. We stayed the first night in the Empire Tower the first night with a semi view of MGM and Excaliber. Not happy but we were supposed to get at 20.00 trick upgrade the next morning. Ate at the American Grill -- if you haven't been there its a great place to eat inexpensively in Vegas. We ate there quite a bit as food wasn't our goal ... beer and gambling was. Our first night was a Saturday and wanted to show A & M the piano bar at NY NY. They now charge 25.00 per person for a chair after 7:00. I was not happy but we got seats at the bar on the outside and had a ball. It was around 1:00 when we found our room. Didn't do much gambling.

Day 2

Went with A to get out upgrade around 7:30 they put us in a box facing Excaliber I called down and made a fuss with the front desk and ended up in the Century Tower on the 31st floor (one of the only things I won on the trip). Had a great view of the MGM and the North side of the strip. After finally unpacking went through some hotels and lost some more money. Had a ball watching our friends see the hotels. Its always fun watching someone else see them for the first time. Was told numerous times on the vacation no matter how many times you explain Vegas it just doesn't make sense until you see it. Went to the North side of the strip had dinner at Magaritiville and had a blast. Good place to eat only a 45 min wait on a Sunday so we just had a few beers and headed back to the room. We are now both down a bit but A & M are still up on the slots

Day 3

Went to Hoover Dam. They are putting a freeway and a 9 ft wall up over the dam to be down in 2007. So if you are planning a trip and want to see it do it soon because the road will be closed next year. We love the dam and we are very upset about what they are doing but unfortunately understand. We took the dinner cruise from Lake Mead and was shocked when my name was called to go to the 3rd deck. We have been married 10 years in June and he had arranged (with everyone but me knowing) us renewing our vows. It was incredible. If you get a chance to to the Lake Mead Cruise take the time as they treated us wondefully. The ceremony was something I will never forget. The Capt had become an ordain minister even though he can preform marriges. The words he said was incredible. We left Lake Mead late and very drunk but made it home.

Day 4 - Red Rock Canyon and Red Rock Canyon Casino. Also did Bonnie Springs. I really love this area its gorgeous and its worth the trip if you have time and a rental car. Red Rock Casino is gorgeous but way above what I would spend I enjoy the strip and the atmosphere but might try it one night before the strip thats about it. Slots were tight and drinks from the cocktail waitress were not coming. But a gorgeous hotel.

Day 5

Again more sight seeing. We did do the Madame Trussads Wax Museum. That was very very cool. Got some neat pictures. Johnny Depp was going to be there on Friday but they expected a mad house and we didn't want to get into that. Sidebar --- is it me or is Venetian the hardest casino in Vegas to navigate. Hubby and I got lost there back 3 years ago and the 4 of us got lost again --- I'm sorry I do not like this hotel its pretty but I saw the convention center and don't know how I got there. Hubby started hitting on the MGM 5 cent machines (finally) but not enough to mention not our trip.

Day 6

Got tickets to KA -- we have seen Zumanity and wanted to go to that but the tickets left were not that great. This was a great show went to the late show 10:30 and would go again. We now have a great waitress around the nickle slots at the big red apple bar in NY NY. She knew what we were drinking and always checked on us.

Day 7

Pool and souvenier day. The pool at NY NY isn't all that great but it was nice enough. Got 4 chairs and sat out there for about 4 hours. Drinks are 9.00 and one rum runner put hubby and I in a coma at the pool Very strong. Went to American Grill again for dinner and went to gamble. In NY NY they have dime machines back by the High Roller room hit over 100.00 woo hoo. Stayed up until about 12:30 had to get up at 4:00.

Last Day

Up at 4 left and had to come home bummer.

Notes

NY NY is a great hotel. They have get waitresses and the band is great. Piano bar got a little expensive but its still fun.

Hooters Casino - forgot to mention this. This is still Sam Remo with a face lift. The worst casino I went in to. Won't got back. We did have fun at the Martini bar (women drink for free on Wed) stayed there for a bit but the rest of the place is a dive.

All in all a great time. Can't wait to go back.

 

Hi. I have a quick question in regards to the Piano Bar in NYNY. Is the $25 per seat charge just on Fri & Sat or is it every night. My boyfriend and I love to go to piano bars. We went on at the Stardust on Thanksgiving weekend and it was a lot of fun. Not that I am cheap, but can't see paying $25 to sit down.

BTW, great trip report. I can't believe you had the energy to write after just getting back.

 

They told us it would only be Fri and Sat but it was also other times during the week. It may have been more since it was a holiday weekend I'm not sure

 

Piano Bar

There is also a piano bar at Harrah's and the last time we were in Vegas (last year) they didn't charge a cover to get into the bar.

 

Thanks for info. I have heard about that one too. I am staying at the Luxor from 7/29 to 8/2. NYNY is within walkable distance to the Luxor and that is why I question the coverage charge. But, how was the one at Harrah's? Not sure if you are into piano bars at all, but any input you could give would be great.

 

Piano Bars

We went to the piano bar at NY NY and it was wall to wall people. We usually stay in the middle of the strip so the piano bar at Harrah's is handy. I have never been there when it was standing room only (people stand at the entrance which is off the casino and watch). We usually stand and watch until a table is free. They have twin girls that are fun to watch and they play on certain night (you might check Harrah's website for info).

 

We are going to Red Rock in Sept......but have heard that Bonnie Springs in now a DUMP and very sad and unkept animals,....did you find that ????
Going with 2 friends who have never been to Vegas either and will be VERY busy for 4 days. This will be my 10th trip, so I have seen almost everything (if that's possible )

 

Thanks for the TR. You certainly did some travelin' heading to the dam & Red Rock. Maybe because I've never been to San Remo & had low expectations, but I was fine with Hooters ... I mean I felt a decent vibe in the casino. I agree about Venetian - does nothing for me. $25 to sit in a piano bar??? :Þ Harrahs did not charge at all. It was crowded however but you can watch from outside in the casino or stand back by the bar. Here's a pic from the bar looking out at about 2:00am Sunday night in March.

 

Bonnie Springs is very dumpy -- the animals were very very sad and it seemed kind of dirty in that area. The old time shows were cute and it was a nice change from the strip.

 

Well I certainly won't give them any of my monies then......