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.

Long awaited return to Vegas for March Madness - March 18-24

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by LAURLUVS2BOWL, Mar 31, 2021.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. LAURLUVS2BOWL

    LAURLUVS2BOWL Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2009
    Messages:
    285
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28

    My Trip Report

    Hi everyone! Haven't done a trip report in years and this will not be the type of report that I used to do. However, I have enough to say about the experiences I had on my recent trip that I decided it's worth writing about. Hopefully at least one of you will learn something new about Vegas and how things are right now.

    When I found out that I'd be getting both doses of Covid vaccine by the end of february, I realized it would be in time for my birthday in early March as well as in time for my favorite time of year to visit Vegas - March Madness! Once that was decided, I started making travel arrangements - I'd be staying from March 18-24, 3 nights at Plaza (for the first time), 3 nights at Orleans (for the millionth time).

    Being on a plane during Covid is a huge adjustment as I'm already not a great flier and the mask certainly doesn't make that easier. At this point, Southwest is using middle seats (though mine was empty both ways) and only offers water, coke/diet coke, and what I assume was sprite to drink. So if you're like me and want to fly as comfortably as possible, bring snacks and buy your drink(s) of choice at the terminal before the flight. The only thing I wish I had was a portable fan as the lack of sufficient A/C on the flights combined with the mandatory mask wearing had me a little dizzy at times.

    Rental car process with Hertz was the same as always. Prices went up significantly as my trip got closer so I'm glad I could book relatively early. Valet is closed at the Plaza but I arrived before 10pm on a Thursday so I didn't have an issue finding parking in the garage (more on this in a minute) which is free for hotel guests. There is a security guard inside the garage entrance and the front entrance doing a mandatory ID check (though it's just a quick glance). All other entrances/exits are closed for this reason.

    The room was fine - equal to most of the rooms I've stayed in downtown at the Cal and El Cortez Tower. The shower area is really small but there's enough room to get in and out with the door closed thankfully. I was in the south tower which is right by the parking garage entrance so that made things easy.

    Now I get to rant about the parking. Where to begin? The Plaza garage is not nearly big enough to accommodate those coming on a busy weekend. There isn't a single employee working the entrance or exit. On top of all of this, the parking was not restricted to hotel guests during the weekend. This led to my spending 30-45 minutes trying to find a spot, which included calling the hotel and being informed about a separate overflow lot by the exit. That lot was terrible. Cars/trailers were parked where they shouldn't be so you couldn't even get out of the aisle you were on without basically going in reverse. I finally found a space but not before my rental car almost got hit by an impatient driver (of which there were a couple dozen more that were all trying to leave the parking area). I then had to walk a couple blocks in the late night cold to get back to the hotel after a long day.

    This is just one example of the mess that is downtown Vegas parking right now. Circa charged $40 for valet over the weekend, so across the street the first day the Cal valet reopened (on fri) they charged $30. They changed it to $15 by Monday. This is instead of always being free in the past. I'm not sure what my other typical option - Golden Gate - was doing. Both El Cortez and the D offered free valet (as it had been and should continue to be) starting the Monday I was there. I know there is always self parking but even that costs money and is not always validated by the casino. Street parking is also a mess due to road construction - so please plan ahead and expect to pay at least on weekends.

    The only off-strip hotels I went to this trip were Orleans, Gold Coast, Ellis Island, and OYO (Hooters). Orleans and Gold Coast's valet was open (and free as it should be) and very efficient as always. All 4 hotels offer plenty of free self parking.

    Some thoughts about gambling. Almost all blackjack tables downtown/off strip had $15 mininums on fri-sun. Some went down to $10 by mon but not all. Neither Gold Coast nor Orleans had a single table below $15 from mon-wed which I thought was completely ridiculous. These are places you used to find multiple $5 tables. El Cortez also notably didn't have much double deck blackjack when I was there after the weekend - mostly single deck for $10. Cal didn't even open their tables on tues til 2pm. I still played quite a bit but just like things can get very good with higher minimums, they can also get VERY bad VERY quickly.

    Also notable was intentionally less full pay video poker. Ellis Island has removed their full pay VP completely from what I can tell, at least at $0.05 and $0.25 denominations. My other usual VP places (Cal, Orleans, Gold Coast, and 4 queens) all still have some but make sure to check your usual machines in each casino before you play.

    Now some good news - food! All of my usual restaurants of choice are still open. Some have removed my favorite dishes either temporarily or permanently. Cal's Market Street Cafe still has Oxtail Soup daily (at certain hours) but no oxtail stew special on fridays which is my favorite. Eureka casino's fat choy restaurant has removed short rib fried rice and changed other things on the menu apparently. Won't go to either until they bring back what gets me there!

    Also important to keep in mind that hours of operation for eateries have significantly changed all over town. Reservations are still recommended at certain places but I only ate at casual places so didn't have to make any. I was very surprised that the Ellis Island cafe had a long wait when I was at the casino a couple times so I didn't bother with them this trip.

    Here is where/what I ate and how I felt about each dish:

    Bagel Mania
    I've been to this place on probably my last 5 or 6 trips. It's pretty close to Westgate and Ellis Island and is open for breakfast and lunch every day. The price is right and the food is solid! Had 2 to-go orders from there during this trip - both were great. No photos but first order was lox spread on an egg bagel, a potato knish, and a chicken salad sandwich on challah. This wasn't all one meal - I was spending all day watching march madness at the Westgate theater and didn't want their overpriced fast food. Second order was another bagel (plain) with lox spread and a plain bagel with egg and muenster cheese. Ate one before I got to the airport on the last day and the other after I got home. Give them a try if you can!

    Blondies @ Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile shops
    Ate here during one of the March Madness viewing parties I went to. Had an egg and cheese quesadilla for breakfast which I really liked - comes with potatoes. Ate some loaded tots (with secret sauce and caramelized onions) a few hours later - not a huge fan. Had a brownie (actually a blondie) for dessert - pretty good, very cookie like.

    fries n' pies (as in pizza pies)
    Went to this place after I left the rental car center because it's about 10 minutes away and on the way into town. first time here - took the cashier's advice and ordered the Californian loaded fries (ranch cream cheese, mozzarella, chicken, tomato, avocado - hold the bacon). They were DELICIOUS - a great splurge to start the trip! The fries are definitely homemade and some of the best i've had in a while.
    IMG_5002.JPG

    McMullans (next to the Orleans)
    Ordered fish and chips here like I always do but apparently I only really like the appetizer version with smaller pieces of fish. Was still good but I'll go back to the appetizer version next time.
    IMG_5087.JPG

    Dupars @ Suncoast
    An every trip tradition even though the downtown location is long gone. I purposefully dined there instead of taking it to-go because I knew the quality would suffer (also apparently costs an extra 10% for to-go) and I made the right choice! Best pancakes I've ever had and was especially appreciative of the social distancing in the dining room.
    IMG_5119.JPG

    Saginaw's Deli @ Circa
    Open 24 hours. They didn't answer the phone so I just went there to order at the counter. Took a while to get my sandwich even though the place wasn't overly crowded. There are good jewish style delis here in Houston so I wanted to get something I couldn't get at home. The sandwich was worth the wait - #19 Hamlin's brisket (w/hot brisket, chopped liver, onion, and schmaltz on warm rye). Pretty messy but filling and tasty. $20 but included a pickle and a good portion of homemade chips.
    IMG_5061.JPG

    Pizza Rock (next to Downtown Grand)
    Got a slice twice during this trip. They will validate your parking ticket for the garage across the street but only if you dine in (i got them to make an exception this time). I think the price of the slices has gone up - nothing lower than $5. Both times were good but I remember it tasting a little better in the past. Still better than pretty much any other pizza I've had in Vegas (in my opinion)!
    IMG_5124.JPG

    Pop up pizza @ Plaza
    Had a couple slices late at night - one cheese and one spinach/mushroom/garlic i think. Both decent. Not as good as some quick places but did the trick since Pizza Rock was closed after 11.

    Shang's Artisan Noodle (down the street from Gold Coast)
    3 words - HAND PULLED NOODLES!!! Not sure if I've ever had them before but the texture is fantastic. Very affordable local place whose noodles (and even some dumplings) probably taste better than those which cost twice as much.
    IMG_5108.JPG

    Rollin Smoke BBQ

    Hole in the wall in a random location south of downtown. As I'm a Texan I'm pretty picky about where I eat BBQ. Glad I gave this place a try! Got the brisket 3 ways (sliced, chopped, burnt ends). They recommend eating there instead of ordering to-go because the brisket can get dry, and i'm glad I did. I didn't love the mac and cheese but will go back for the beef!
    IMG_5125.JPG

    Hikari Japanese Steakhouse (on W flamingo down the street from Gold Coast)
    Went for lunch at this AYCE sushi restaurant but paid the premium price to get sashimi. Had been once before. Sat at the counter where they are preparing the sushi (which means you get the food right when it is ready). Huge variety of all types of rolls - very good quality in my opinion.
    IMG_5089.JPG
    IMG_5090.JPG IMG_5091.JPG IMG_5092.JPG IMG_5093.JPG IMG_5095.JPG

    front yard @ Ellis Island
    Spent a few hours here watching March Madness one day. Had their cookie in a pan w/ice cream - only $6. If you like a half baked warm cookie (which I do), this dessert is for you!
    IMG_5079.JPG

    Blueberry Hill
    I always go to the location on W flamingo near Gold Coast because they have a bakery with homemade cake and pie. The only thing I usually order there is the blueberry pie (w/crumb crust). Greatest thing I've had there - always worth the trip!

    Ronalds donuts
    Made my usual stop here one morning since it's only about 10 minutes from downtown on a good day. The food is always delicious and cheap! Cash only! They are known for having a lot of vegan selections. I'm not a vegan and can't tell the difference. Go early if you want the best selection.

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Company
    2nd time going. Located a mile or so south of the Orleans near I-15. I picked up a 6 pack of cookies up for my parents and I on the day I flew home. Excellent cookies and some unique flavors like banana peanut butter were available that day.

    Mr Mamas
    Ordered breakfast to-go my last day in town. Got the Marty Wrap - eggs, hash browns, pepper jack, avocado, tomato, and bacon (got turkey bacon instead at no extra charge). Very spicy salsa on the side. The order wasn't ready when I got there but they let me wait in the car (instead of having to stand outside on a windy day) and brought it to me within 10 minutes. The food was decent - people love this place and the food is affordable but I wasn't overwhelmed by it. Maybe i'll try something different if I go again.
    IMG_5131.JPG

    Hash Hash a Go Go @ Plaza
    Need a simple breakfast to-go for a decent price one morning. Got 2 scrambled eggs with cheese, tomatoes, and a biscuit at HHAGG in the lobby of the Plaza where I was staying. Very filling and good for the price.
    IMG_5072.JPG

    Thanks for reading! Like I said, I hope at least one thing in this TR helps you on your next trip to Vegas.

    final note - big thank you to @GabrielBFly and @hockeystl for the coupons! They certainly came in handy!
     
    • Like Like x 14
    • Informative Informative x 2
  2. casinokid68

    casinokid68 Caesars Diamond Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2013
    Messages:
    2,934
    Location:
    brooklyn, ny
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    90
    Thanks for the great report, and thanks for making me hungry, with all these great food pictures. The food looks awesome!!:feedme:
     
    • Like Like x 1
  3. VegasBhoy67

    VegasBhoy67 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2016
    Messages:
    251
    Location:
    Bournemouth UK
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    great report thanks
     
    • Like Like x 1
  4. bshowell

    bshowell VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2004
    Messages:
    4,308
    Location:
    DMV
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    16
    Great report. You got a great amount of food coverage.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
  5. BobLasVegas

    BobLasVegas Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2007
    Messages:
    291
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    26
    Nice report!

    Loved the food info!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. HoppinHardWays

    HoppinHardWays VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2018
    Messages:
    1,062
    Location:
    OMA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    What is the sushi roll with the three types of meat inside?
     
    Labor Day!
  7. LAURLUVS2BOWL

    LAURLUVS2BOWL Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2009
    Messages:
    285
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    Pretty sure this place calls it Tres Amigo - Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail (and avocado). I ordered it twice it was so good!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  8. Richard Alpert

    Richard Alpert LOST

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2015
    Messages:
    11,275
    Location:
    The Island
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    14
    Thank you for the excellent report--and congrats on all the fun and food you enjoyed there! :D

    RICHARD
     
    • Like Like x 1
  9. Johnzimbo

    Johnzimbo VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2010
    Messages:
    2,858
    Location:
    DFW
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    We are going to hit up Mr mamas next month, have heard good things but never been
     
    Annual me and Pete
  10. LAURLUVS2BOWL

    LAURLUVS2BOWL Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2009
    Messages:
    285
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    I will go back but may try something different next time. I recommend take out - I went on a weekday morning and even then there were probably a dozen people waiting outside because of capacity limits. Up to you though - one thing I have sadly learned this year is that some (many) dishes taste much worse as take out, especially if you don't have access to a microwave!

    Another note - if you play blackjack at Orleans can you see if they ever have tables lower than $15 during your stay? They sure didn't when I was there (even on weekdays).
     
  11. Johnzimbo

    Johnzimbo VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2010
    Messages:
    2,858
    Location:
    DFW
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    I'll be there mid-week, will try to check limits
     
    Annual me and Pete
  12. HoppinHardWays

    HoppinHardWays VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2018
    Messages:
    1,062
    Location:
    OMA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    It looks good. I can’t say I’ve seen anything in my experience like that, guess I’ll need to look harder.
     
    Labor Day!
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.