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.

Relocation Scouting: LINQ 5/2-5/7.

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by gs32794, May 9, 2021.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. gs32794

    gs32794 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2017
    Messages:
    1,899
    Location:
    LV, NV
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    22

    My Trip Report

    This trip was really very different from any other I've taken to Vegas. My sister is looking for a place to transfer in a year or two. She went to college in Arizona and wants to go back to the desert. Her company does not have any locations in Arizona, but there are three in Las Vegas. Our focus was to be on her company's locations, looking at 55+ apartment communities, and dining at places with alot of vegetarian options. Unusual for me in that there would be no shows, little gaming and pool time, and that there would be a rental car.

    Forgot to add, we were in Vegas together once before. In 1988, we stayed downtown for 2 or 3 nights at the Gold Spike. We were out west looking at colleges for her. This was her first time back since then.


    FLIGHTS

    I had credits left over from 3 cancelled trips last year. I was unable to use the Allegiant because of our chosen travel days. Used United going out and American coming back. I had enough credit to pay for my tickets and my sister's one way. When I originally booked the flights, we would change both ways in Chicago with a 90-105 minute layover. A 2 hour flight and a 3 hour flight. Then came the April schedule changes. Going out we flew from Greensboro to Dulles (1hr) and then non-stop (5hr). On the return we changed in Charlotte (4 hr) with nearly a 3 hour layover for the 40 minute flight to GSO.

    Other than the routing everything went well. All flights were on time. We had babies on all flights and I would say there was a total of 20 minutes screaming and crying totaled among the flights. United had more flight service. Drinks and a snack pack with coffee later on. American just handed a snack pack with a water at the beginning. However, the AA Airbus 321 we were on had the most spacious and comfortable seat I've experienced in a long time.

    Screenshot_20210502-094600_Gallery.jpg
    20210502_130910.jpg
    20210502_130925.jpg


    AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION

    Because I had heard that there were problems getting the regular ride share I got a Lyft XL. Took 9 mins for pick up. Quoted $29. Got tunneled, but it was still the quoted price. I had them take me to Harrah's so as to avoid entering the Linq from the strip. Return trip, got a cab from Harrah's. $27. Koval to Harmon to Paradise. They were quoting $15 for a regular Lyft, but I didn't want to chance it. We had to get to the airport with enough time to eat there. (Harrah's Food Hall and Linq Nook didn't open until 6am)


    HOTEL

    The LINQ. This is my second time staying here. We chose it solely for COVID reasons. The individual HVAC units are the old school motel kind that exchange air with the outside. I requested District 3 on a low floor so as to use the Super Secret elevators ( https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/index.php?threads/linq-district-3-super-secret-elevators.183522/#post-2213508 ) to reduce exposure time to others in an enclosed space. Plus I got 5 nights for $42 out of pocket. If covid were not in the picture, we'd have stayed at Bally's.

    I don't mind the barn door. Unlike other places. It's not translucent, it doesn't block a sink or expose a closet when you use it. (I find it funny that nobody ever complains about the barn doors in the base rooms at Aria.) It's been about 3 years since I stayed at Linq, both times my rooms had a shower curtain in addition to the glass panel. I like this just fine. It has a little more of an upscale look than just a shower curtain and you don't get water on the floor. I wish Harrah's would adopt this.

    There were some maintenance issues. The shower valve leaked enough to result in reduced but still (just) ok water pressure. One of the bolts in the toilet seat was pretty loose causing it to slide an inch or so to the side, but not dangerous. The fridge (which I rarely use) was randomly but frequently making a loud racket. I unplugged it. None of these impacted my stay enough to have to deal with maintenance. As far as housekeeping, the room was clean; however, the carpet along the baseboards could use a vacuuming with a crevice tool. The furniture, lamps, curtains and carpet were in much better shape than I expected since it's been a while since Linq was redone.

    We parked at Harrah's just in case there was flooding at The Linq's garage. There wasn't, but better safe than sorry. The Harrah's garage was really pretty close and it wasn't a problem to walk the few extra yards.

    20210502_164220.jpg
    20210503_080057.jpg
    20210503_091056.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-125603_Gallery.jpg
    20210506_072911.jpg
    20210506_072903.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-134555_Photos.jpg
    20210503_080000.jpg

    Pool tip: If you are a sunbug like us, get a lounger on the patio behind the bar. There was sun from the 9am opening onward. If you want shade for as long as possible get one between the hot tub and the hotel.

    Screenshot_20210509-125826_Gallery.jpg



    GAMBLING

    Because of COVID restrictions, I haven't worked much in the last year. Therefore, I didn't have a bankroll. I spent maybe $30 from my pocket and used 4 MyKonami $25 free plays which I converted into $81 cash. Because we had other priorities on this trip I didn;t have time to go to Ellis Island or Palace Station for better VP. The majority of the quarter BP I could find was 6/5. Yikes. Looks as if the full pay machines in The Cromwell are gone. VP was cold for me this time. The best hand I got was drawing to 4 aces on one line in Nickel triple play. I had maybe 2 FH in the whole trip.

    All of the old school WOF was pulled from upstairs at The D. Sigma Derby was down (of course!) The Vue bar had 7/5 BP, but I did not have time to play. My favorite slot machine from my past 3 or 4 trips was still at Aria and turned on. A penny IGT Double 3x4x5x. It was the kindest to me in converting the FB to cash, earning $30 off the $25 FP. The most I made off one machine was a WOF at the airport smoking lounge. Netted $32 on it.

    20210507_065408.jpg




    RESTAURANTS

    TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

    This place was great. If you're looking for a break from steaks and crab...Head to the Forum Shops just inside the entrance near Mirage. My sister had a vegan shiitake and spinach pizza with almond ricotta. It really packed some major flavor. I had a kale salad. It was so fresh and delicious. It was the best dish I had on the trip. In fact, it was so good I forgot to take pictures until it was all gone.

    20210502_174039.jpg
    20210502_171811.jpg
    20210502_172101.jpg



    PUBLIC HOUSE

    My 3rd time here. It's one of the MyVegas rewards that are good for solo travelers as it's not a BOGO. Caesars Salad and Buffalo Wings. I had some of her salad with my wings. Salad was good as usual, but wings were a tad rubbery. As usual, service is scattered. It's better at the bar (there were no available bar seats), but not a whole lot better.

    20210503_171901.jpg
    20210503_171953.jpg


    THE BAGEL CAFE

    A quick, late breakfast on the way to look at an apartment. Excellent bagels. She had egg and I had chicken salad. Half sour pickles. They have so many NY deli items. I want to come back and explore the deli cases.

    20210504_091457.jpg
    20210504_093254.jpg
    20210504_093318.jpg
    20210504_091631.jpg
    20210504_091648.jpg
    20210504_091645.jpg



    HONEY SALT (Summerlin)

    Early dinner on the patio at Honey Salt. I had a Caesar salad and steak frites. Had to do more gristle trimming than usual (Bavette's, MAG) but part of this trip was so my sister could experience better vegetarian dining options than we have back home. The steakhouses don't really offer much variety for her. I figured this was my chance for steak. Flavor was good and texture was fine. She had had an exotic mushroom and broccolini white pizza. We were there for happy hour and the wine was good and affordable. Very pleasant experience.

    Screenshot_20210505-080232_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210504-182749_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210504-182844_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210504-182828_Gallery.jpg



    FIREFLY

    Like Honey Salt, many recommendations for Firefly on the boards and groups. The one on Paradise is closed, so we went to the Southwest location for a super lunch. We chose plant-focused tapas: broccolini with goat cheese and toasted almonds, green apple and manchego salad, and firefly salad. The vinho verde was the perfect complement.

    20210503_124040.jpg
    20210503_124045.jpg
    20210503_124053.jpg
    20210503_123545.jpg


    Edited to add:
    JOLLIBEE

    I had heard about Jollibee on a YouTube review of restaurants in and around Waikiki. This was a couple of months after returning from a trip there, and I was bummed to find out that this Filipino chicken restaurant was at the Ala Moana Center, merely two long blocks away from where we stayed.

    Even though I had just had a just-right lunch at Firefly, I really wanted to try this chicken. I purchased the smallest dinner which was a two piece and selected mashed potatoes because that is what was in the YouTube review.

    The chicken itself was almost exactly perfect for me. Very simply breaded with flour and a little salt and pepper. I did have to add extra pepper to bring it up to where I like it. The potatoes were okay. But the gravy/dipping sauce really enhanced the flavor of the chicken. I can only imagine how much salt or MSG was in that. However, I preferred it without the gravy because it was the simplicity of the chicken that I was really appreciating.

    Screenshot_20210509-192153_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-192211_Gallery.jpg



    FLOWER CHILD (Summerlin)

    Early lunch at Flower Child. Shrimp and shiitake teriyaki bowl for me and spicy Thai tofu wrap for sis. Food was very good. I added some tamari to cut the sweetness of the shrimp teriyaki.

    Screenshot_20210509-135000_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-135017_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-135033_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-135231_Gallery.jpg



    LE THAI

    I was hot and decided for something cool and crisp for dinner: green papaya salad. We also got Pad Thai. (Forgot to get a pic.) We shared both. Overall, food was not as good as past two times. Could be because we came at an off time (4:30). I always have just ordered Singha without even looking at the beer list. Was thrilled to find Tiger Beer. Love it but haven't had it since I visited Malaysia.

    Screenshot_20210509-135134_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-135146_Gallery.jpg



    NACHO DADDY (Strip location)

    Our last Vegas lunch was traditional nachos (me) and vegan fajita salad (sis). These nachos are the best I've had in decades. I'm not saying that other restaurants weren't.... but ND was the only place where I noticed them really sanitizing surfaces between customers.

    Screenshot_20210509-135629_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-135704_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-135718_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-135608_Gallery.jpg



    GORDON RAMSAY BURGER.

    Last dinner in Vegas was my 2020 Diamond dinner. It was tough finding a place with vegetarian options for my sister. GRB had it covered. She had the backyard impossible burger and I had the stout burger. 2 burgers and 3 glasses of wine came to $94. It was a good experience, but a little greasy for me. Stopped into ABC to get a Jaeger shot to settle my stomach. GRB didn't have it.

    Screenshot_20210509-140033_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-140057_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-140112_Gallery.jpg




    BURGER KING (D Concourse)

    An ignominious end to fantastic Vegas dining. $10 Burger King in the D Concourse. Needed a $15 Jaeger to cut the grease & settle my stomach. Luckily I netted $32 on airport slots , so I'm still up $7 at this joint.

    Screenshot_20210509-140126_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-140138_Gallery.jpg



    PRIMM & 7 MAGIC MOUNTAINS

    One morning we went to Primm and Seven Magic Mountains. I actually got her to play some VP at Whiskey Pete's. Notice the social distancing on the slots. Someone on VMB had mentioned the Bonnie and Clyde car. We got to see that.

    FB_IMG_1620584084012.jpg
    FB_IMG_1620584093243.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-141231_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-141258_Gallery.jpg
    FB_IMG_1620584105696.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-141206_Gallery.jpg


    7 Magic Mountains was roped off for some sort of maintenance.

    Screenshot_20210509-141105_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-141128_Gallery.jpg


    Edited to add:
    MADAME TUSSAUDS WAX MUSEUM

    I had been here once before, but I went alone and rushed through it in about 15 minutes. This time, with someone else with me, we spent about 45 minutes. There were quite a few faces I didn't recognize and a few names that I didn't. I only have my photograph made with the two people in the museum that I have actually met in real life. This was a MyVegas BOGO.

    Screenshot_20210509-190159_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-190232_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-190302_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-190324_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20210509-190405_Gallery.jpg 20210509_190513.jpg



    NEXT TIME

    There were quite a few things that we wanted to do this trip and just didn't have time for. Those include Stratosphere Tower, Pizza Rock, Southpoint and the hot dog cart, and Area 15. Also, I had wanted to go to Peppermill and Ellis Island. This was the first trip since 2000 that I didn't make it to at least one of those two on a trip.
     
    Last edited: May 15, 2021
    • Like Like x 11
  2. carolineno

    carolineno VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2013
    Messages:
    4,839
    Location:
    Boston
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    777
    Informative report! Thanks for taking the time.

    I’m very curious as to how the apartment hunting went. I can’t wait to retire but sadly I will have to wait a few years at least. I can very much see myself starting out retirement in Vegas so if you have any great leads please share!
     
    Ladies getaway, somewhere on the strip with a pool :)
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. HornHighAceDuce

    HornHighAceDuce Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2020
    Messages:
    107
    Location:
    South Bay, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Thanks for the off strip dining experience and secret elevator info. Hope your sis's apt hunting was fruitful.
     
  4. smerrian

    smerrian View from Bally's

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2014
    Messages:
    8,343
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    Thanks for the vegan tour, lol. Looks like a lot of good dining options under the vegan umbrella. I'd love to hear more about apt hunting, which places you liked, which you didn't; which areas of town you liked, which you didn't.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  5. joespoolhall

    joespoolhall VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2010
    Messages:
    3,582
    Location:
    Seattle, Wa
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    60
    You pack a lot in for sure.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  6. crap808

    crap808 Tourist

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2016
    Messages:
    82
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    8
    Which 55+ communities looked good?
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  7. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2013
    Messages:
    31,307
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    28
    Nice report!
     
  8. pebbles

    pebbles Micro Roller.

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2004
    Messages:
    4,849
    Location:
    Cumbria, UK and Alicante region, Spain
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    34
    Thanks for your report. Great info on the vegan dining. Would love to hear more about the apartment hunt.
     
  9. gs32794

    gs32794 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2017
    Messages:
    1,899
    Location:
    LV, NV
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    22
    To Those who have asked about how the apartment search went, I am going to get with my sister, compare our experiences, and come back and make a post. I think she took some pics during these tours. If so I'll make sure to include them.

    @carolineno @HornHighAceDuce @smerrian @crap808 @pebbles
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Love Love x 2
  10. gs32794

    gs32794 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2017
    Messages:
    1,899
    Location:
    LV, NV
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    22
    • Like Like x 2
  11. VeddaLasVegas

    VeddaLasVegas High-Roller

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2006
    Messages:
    743
    Location:
    Tampa Bay, Florida
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    38
    Enjoyed your report!
     
  12. rooster42000

    rooster42000 Goat of all Goats , My Hero

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2012
    Messages:
    15,290
    Location:
    Miramar , Florida
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Nice report. :clap:
     
  13. kkinwi

    kkinwi VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2016
    Messages:
    2,177
    Location:
    Northern WI
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    80
    Very good info! Thanks!
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.