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.

Eventually Vegas (1/1-5; The D/Cosmo)

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by sageblue, Dec 27, 2019.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. sageblue

    sageblue High-Roller

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2005
    Messages:
    769
    Location:
    New York, NY
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    35

    My Trip Report

    I don’t normally do trip reports, but thought I’d try doing one since I’ve been devouring others in preparation for this trip. This will be my 33rd trip to Vegas, the last being last February. Back in September, friends had suggested going the first weekend of the year, so I bit. I live in DC but grew up in Seattle, so I go home every Christmas. Looking at the calendar, I didn’t see much point flying back from the west coast only to fly out a few days later, so I’m spending a week in Seattle and then left today for a slow journey through Oregon by train, stopping in Lincoln City, Newport, and Klamath Falls, ending up in the Bay Area and then flying to Vegas early morning on the 1st. I loved the Oregon coast as a kid, but haven’t been in over 20 years, so I thought it was a good chance to recharge and relax. [​IMG]

    The first night in Vegas I’ll stay at The D (comped) and then the next three nights at Cosmo (comped). Four friends arrive late on the 2nd, staying at Park MGM, and one arrives the 1st, staying the first two nights at Aria (comped through my MyVEGAS account, where I have more points than I know what to do with) and the next two at Park (his comp). I’m going to put him on my room at Cosmo too so he has access to the spa, which they restrict to hotel guests on weekends, since he’s really looking forward to some relaxing time as well, and he’s not much of a gambler.

    Making this kind of strange trip even stranger, I’m flying to LA from Vegas the morning of the 3rd for a job interview and coming back that evening (hopefully in time for the Neon Museun reservation we had already booked), so even though I’m missing a day in Vegas, it could still be a life-changing trip.

    I may post some pics of note from the Oregon coast, and will try to post highlights during the trip. Other than the Neon Museum, we haven’t made any plans. While downtown, I’d like to do a happy hour run, and I’m sure Ellis Island will be on our list. This trip to Vegas will be my first since being diagnosed with Celiac disease, so that will factor into where and what I drink and eat. I’ve already done loads of research on options, so I’m looking forward to trying new places and new options at old ones. I will miss Secret Pizza tho.
     
    • Like Like x 7
    • Love Love x 1
  2. rooster42000

    rooster42000 Goat of all Goats , My Hero

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2012
    Messages:
    15,290
    Location:
    Miramar , Florida
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Good Luck.:peace:
     
  3. Spivderman

    Spivderman Macallan 17, please!

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2014
    Messages:
    1,154
    Location:
    Spivderville
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    23
    Hope you start 2020 with a bang!
     
  4. smerrian

    smerrian View from Bally's

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2014
    Messages:
    8,343
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    Enjoy what seems to be an incredible trip coming up!
     
  5. Guy_

    Guy_ VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2014
    Messages:
    2,259
    Location:
    Ontario Canada
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    27
    we will be following along
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. Allee

    Allee Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2019
    Messages:
    160
    Location:
    Ohio
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    7
    Will be following along! Have a great trip!
     
  7. duffer1991

    duffer1991 Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2013
    Messages:
    558
    Location:
    Cleveland, Ohio
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    36
    I feel for you with Celiac disease, but thank goodness there are many options for you around Las Vegas. Things are much better now than they were 20 years ago when my ex (who is a sufferer) and I were there.

    I hope you have a wonderful and profitable time.
     
  8. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2010
    Messages:
    2,125
    Location:
    Missouri
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    Will be following along and I hope you have a wonderful time in Las Vegas.

    Good luck on the job interview as well.
     
  9. julia

    julia VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2009
    Messages:
    4,670
    Location:
    NW
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    Love the Oregon coast-have a great trip and good luck with the job interview!
     
  10. kkinwi

    kkinwi VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2016
    Messages:
    2,175
    Location:
    Northern WI
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    80
    Enjoy the train ride....sounds very fun! My BIL follows a very strict celiac diet and LOVES the food options in Vegas!
     
  11. Astribling

    Astribling Alice In Casinoland

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2017
    Messages:
    5,850
    Location:
    Indiana
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    22
    Have a wonderful trip! Happy New Year!
     
  12. sageblue

    sageblue High-Roller

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2005
    Messages:
    769
    Location:
    New York, NY
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    35
    Some sea lion hijinks today in Newport
    [​IMG]
     
    • Like Like x 3
  13. eliza

    eliza Creepy Vegas Friend

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2014
    Messages:
    6,092
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    Sounds like an incredible trip - please do post pics/report on the train journey if you get a chance - that sounds like so much fun.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  14. sageblue

    sageblue High-Roller

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2005
    Messages:
    769
    Location:
    New York, NY
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    35
    Well, I didn't post during my trip, and I didn't take advantage of the happy hours, but it was still a great time!

    On the way to Vegas
    I spent December 27-31 meandering from Seattle to San Francisco, spending nights in Lincoln City, Newport, and Klamath Falls Oregon. I went by train from Seattle to Salem, Salem to Klamath Falls, Klamath Falls to the SF area (with a car out to the coast). It was a nice trip, since I love the Oregon coast. Train travel was slower than it is out here on the east coast, and much less on time, but I was glad I did it, despite a four-hour delay on my SF leg due to a fire next the tracks outside Chico:
    IMG_5186.jpeg
    Highlights on my trip included my oceanfront room in Lincoln City, glassblowing, sea lions, and the Rogue brewery in Newport, and just relaxing in Klamath Falls. Since it was requested, here are some train pics (first of the train from Seattle to Portland, then of the one from Klamath Falls to SF):
    IMG_5092.jpeg
    IMG_5189.jpeg IMG_5191.jpeg

    Vegas
    Wednesday, January 1
    I arrived in Vegas around 9:30 and went to pick up my rental car and had enough time to pick up some tasty grub at the Sunrise Coffee House, which features great coffee and gluten-free victuals near LAS. I then went and picked up my friend C once his flight came in and drove to Aria, where I'd gotten him two free nights through MyVegas. We dropped off his stuff and then drove downtown where I parked at The D, my hotel for the night. We immediately set to gambling and I didn't do well--a theme for this trip. Having spent a few hours banging our heads against a wall, we packed up to go to Four Queens, where we did a bit better. We returned to The D to grab some comped late lunch at The D Grill (fine) before heading to Golden Gate for some quick gambling. Bored there, we headed out to get a cocktail without gambling. Downtown Cocktail Room was closed for the holiday, so we settled for a drink at the largely dead Parlour Bar at El Cortez. Since I didn't have any coupons there, I didn't gamble, but instead ventured to Downtown Grand, where we grinded for a while and I hit a $5 single-number bet on roulette. We realized we were starving again and settled for some grub and great people-watching at Magnolia's
    IMG_5205.jpeg
    before C headed to Aria and I grinded out some video poker back at The D.

    Thursday, January 2
    I was unable to get on Pacific time this entire trip, so I woke up very early and started off with some fun bonus poker at Vue Bar before getting some fruit and bacon at the passable buffet at Fremont for $5 with the ACG coupon. It was around 9, so I decided to drive to the LVA HQ to pick up my coupon book...which wouldn't be ready until the 3rd (when I wouldn't have a chance to pick up the book). Oh well.

    C met me at Cosmo where my next three nights would be spent. I dropped my stuff and we headed for a Strip walk as C had forgotten to pack underwear or socks and wanted to go to Fashion Show. We passed through Mirage and TI, shopped for a bit at Fashion Show, and then crossed the street to visit Wynn and Encore, where we gambled for a hot minute. We wandered back through Mirage to get some MyKonami freeplay and a 2-for-1 drink at the Center Bar (bad bartenders) and then Bellagio where we gambled for a bit.

    My room at Cosmo was ready, so we got my stuff (instead of having it delivered, which one bellman said was taking up to three hours) and headed up to the one-bedroom strip view suite, which I love. I unpacked and realized my suit was not going to be unwrinkled by amateur hands, so I called to get a rush press from housekeeping: staff was in the room in ten minutes to pick it up, and I had it hanging beautifully pressed in my closet that night. I will always come back to Cosmo for that kind of service, in addition to their lovely rooms. I have to say that I was very disappointed by service--drink and otherwise--by the MGM competitors Aria and Bellagio, as well as their lesser properties.

    We proceeded to spend the rest of the day and night at Cosmo, gambling, drinking at the Sportsbook, and having a quick dinner at Holstein's, which was dependable and tasty, thanks to their gluten-free buns. It wasn't a late night because on...

    Friday, January 3
    ...I had a job interview in LA that I left for at 9:30am. When I returned to Vegas at 7, I Lyfted to Cosmo, quickly changed out of my suit, and then Lyfted to the Neon Museum, where I met C and my four friends from Philly (E, J, P, & T) who had gotten in last night. I'm not a huge Tim Burton fan, but the weirdness was mildly intriguing,
    IMG_5223.jpeg
    and I liked seeing some of the signs lit up and seeing some recognizable old friends like the old Ellis Island and El Cortez signs.

    After we had our fill, we went to The STRAT . I hadn't been there in forever, and certainly not since the renovations. It's a clean, well-lit, nice casino--not very interesting, but not offensive either. They had a fun act playing the lounge area, which was nice, but there's not much there really pulling me back.

    C and the Philly boys were staying at Park MGM, but we all love Cosmo, so we went back there and gambled around. E, J, and P got pooped, but C, T, and I powered through and were parked at the quarter Wheel of Fortune machines near the Boulevard Tower elevators, where we were served by the amazing, lovely, friendly, glorious Christi, who took care of us with drinks (raspberry lemon drops!), waters, and great conversation. At about 2:30am, C and T got hungry and grabbed a bite at Eggslut, which was shockingly still open, before going to bed.

    Saturday, January 4
    We all decided to meet at Wicked Spoon, where we got to cut in line because E is a Gold Marriott Bonvoy member (thank God) and I had a ton of good food conveniently labeled gluten-free. We crossed the street to see if Atomic Saloon was at Tix4Tonight (it wasn't) and then popped into PH to see what good shows E could get for free with his Diamond status (not really any). C and I both had the NYNY Times Square drink credit so we went down there and had bad drinks from a bad bartender that were thankfully free. We gambled there for a bit before going to Park MGM, which was as lifeless as usual and as detrimental to my bankroll as ever. I could not get a drink to save my life, so I walked to CVS to get some more cash from the fee-free ATM AND get a White Claw tallboy. Sad.

    It's now a tradition for us to go to the Fireplace Lounge, so we somehow got a Lyft out of Park MGM before the Golden Knights fans coming out of the just-ended game grabbed them all. We got there for happy hour, and I sucked down several creamsicles while watching the Texans manage to cover the spread for the one sports bet I made this trip. We were hemming and hawing about where to eat before we decided to just hunker down and partake of Peppermill's offerings. Tasty and crazy as usual; we're pretty sure we were seated across from a competitive eater...

    Another tradition is to hit up Ellis Island, where they still had their lovely egg nog. I also wanted to go to see the Front Yard, which I was impressed by, though I wished so much of it wasn't taken up by the restaurant. I'd like to visit during the daytime as well.
    IMG_5236.jpeg

    We then returned to Cosmo and gambled in the front area next to the barbershop, where I greatly enjoyed the Game of Life slot machine, as well as some others. Out of nowhere, Christi found us again (she was actually looking for us) and plied us once more with drinks (this time the Cosmopolitan Cosmopolitan), water, and good cheer. We had to get a picture:
    IMG_5239.jpeg
    She serves the cabanas and day beds during the summer, and I'm definitely going to get one if I make it there this summer!

    Sunday, January 5
    C's flight was at 5:30, the Philly boys' at 10:30, but mine not until noon. I decided not to bother getting dressed or gambling, but did what I love to do on my last day at Cosmo and get breakfast in bed.
    59993479050__27C1FD7E-42FC-44CA-8A00-71FB5C8847CE.jpeg
    It's such a great way to wake up and close out another Vegas trip.

    Sundry Observations
    • Gambling sucked. I did do well at The Game of Life and this new one with a little devil that has a wheel bonus. I had some periodic bright spots on VP, so for you VP porn lovers, here are some thumbnails of my bigger ones, three of which were highly unexpected, as you can see:
    IMG_5211.jpeg IMG_5200.jpeg IMG_5212.jpeg IMG_5237.jpeg
    • It started to get pretty busy with the start of CES looming, but it was a good time to go with weather not too chilly and not too many crowds.
    • I didn't eat nearly where I wanted to eat, but that's part of going with the flow, especially with a group. Next trip will have more things scheduled, I think.
    • Service at all of the MGM properties was lacking: either non-existent with floor drink service, or slow and/or surly at the bars. It was really the worst I've experienced.
    • Walking through Wynn and Encore makes me want to stay there again, which I might thanks to the Wynn Slots.
    • I stuck to places downtown where I want to actually stay instead of just gambling around--sorry Plaza, El Cortez, and MSS. I'll be interested to see if my Four Queens offers in particular improve at all.
    Thanks for reading and thanks as ever for all of the information and entertainment I get from this board.
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2020
    • Like Like x 13
  15. BoVegas

    BoVegas Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2017
    Messages:
    267
    Location:
    Smithville, Texas
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    Thanks for TR, good job, 50 +++ d trips to Vegas started in 1994 only started doing TRs 10 years ago & enjoy writing them, neat flying, train, job interview & Vegas The D, Cosmo wow!! Again Thanks.
     
  16. JasonK

    JasonK Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2019
    Messages:
    131
    Location:
    Tulsa, OK
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    7
    Awesome TR!! Thank you for sharing.
     
  17. boxofbirds

    boxofbirds Royally Flushed

    Joined:
    May 23, 2014
    Messages:
    3,252
    Location:
    Seattle
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    37
    Thanks for the report!
     
  18. julia

    julia VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2009
    Messages:
    4,670
    Location:
    NW
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    Glad you posted the train pics--I would love to take that train ride again. Haven't done it in 20+ years. Love that coast!

    I was there the same time as you (1/4-1/6). I had a totally different experience at Park--fine floor cocktail service there and at NYNY. Did not love the center bar bartenders at NYNY; they would never make eye contact. And when my husband realized he'd left his phone, while we did get it back, the first guy who he talked to was totally unhelpful. The CES badges were starting to show on Monday morning...

    Fireplace Lounge sounds nice.
     
  19. Spivderman

    Spivderman Macallan 17, please!

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2014
    Messages:
    1,154
    Location:
    Spivderville
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    23
    So...did you get the job?

    I gots to know.
     
  20. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2013
    Messages:
    31,298
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    Nice report! And crazy you drove to LA for an interview in the middle. Hope you get the job!
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.