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aug 12-17

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by chef, Aug 19, 2007.

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  1. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

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    My Trip Report

    I'll keep it short and sweet so as not to bore anyone with repeat info that may have been mentioned in my previous '07 TRs.
    Flew on Allegiant from Rockford, IL and stayed at Sam's Town, South Point, ElCo and the top of Mt. Charleston .
    The highlight was Mt. Charleston. Weather was perfect (70 degrees for hiking, 45 for sleeping). We camped in the grassy meadow portion of the South Loop trail. Views at the top (11,918 ft) stretched over 100 miles in any direction. It was cool seeing dusk settle over the Vegas and lights starting to come on, while to the west, the sun was still visible.
    This hike can be done in one day, though. The 17-mile round trip will take about 7-9 hours.
    First time staying on Boulder Hwy (Sam's Town) and probably won't again. It's too out of the way. Room was okay, though - kinda reminded me of Orleans.
    The strangest sight of the trip occured at 5:30 am at Sam's. We were leaving the parking garage and saw a fork lift hauling a pallet filled to the brim with prepared salads. Not sure where the driver came from, but it seemed odd to see the all those salads being transported via fork lift at such an early time.
    Second strangest sight was sitting at Ellis Island playing BJ at 5:30 the next morning and seeing the person next to me playing $300/hand. Didn't expect that at EI, especially so early. The $300 palyer appeared to be a prostitute. Was told later that she plays at that level quite often.
    First time at South Point, as well. It too is in the boonies, but atleast is straight shot up LV Blvd to the Strip. Quickest elevators I've ever encountered in Vegas - never had to wait more than five seconds to go up or down. For $49, rooms were tremendous value. Comparable to PH, but roomier.
    For me, the locale was perfect for running. Compared to staying on the crowded Strip or downtown, I could be practically out in the country in minutes. I will be back to the South Point.
    Used the ACG 2-1 room offer for ElCo and even got upgraded to Tower. Another superb value play. Our room even had an antique writing desk - the type that has all the different small drawers and a shelve that opens out into a writing surface.
    In front of hotel was the new Fremont East Entertainment District. Cool-looking street signs, a big red high heel and martini glass, much improved sidewalks and streets. This area has potential.
    Since we had wheels, I made a couple matchplay (and free slot) runs along Boulder Hwy, north Vegas and the Rampart casino. Can't beat these MPs and free slot play. I made $250, giving me a +$640 for the year. At the Rampart alone, I've pocketed about $170 this year.
    Bear in mind, I have the POV, 3 ACGs and have made a few trades.
    The rest of the regular gambling was up and down. Stayed too long playing $50 BJ at the Wynn. Started out ahead at crap tables, then lost most of bankroll at BJ, won it all back, lost it again, won 1/2 of it back and eventually lost it all. A gambler needs discipline and I didn't have it. Otherwise I would have walked away with most of my intial stake back in my pocket. Apparently, I was having to much fun at the outdoor tables to quit while the quitting was good.
    This will be one of many Vegas gambling lessens learned over the years.
    Getting back to the MPs, I got a kick out of going to all these small locals' joints like Poker Palace, Bighorn, Longhorn, Jerry's Nugget. It's a nice change of pace from glitz and glamour of Strip. Where else but Vegas can you start your day by playing $1 BJ at a dive like Poker Palace and a few hours later be at the Wynn occasionally playing for as much as $100 a hand.
    On the buffet front, kudos to a place that surprised me - Sante Fe Station. We had just gotten off the mountain and wanted something simple for lunch. Since Sante Fe was the first place we came to, we decided to give it a whirl.
    I thought it would be average. Was I wrong. This place has all the earmarkings of the classier Stations buffets. Quality lunch offerings.
    On two previous trips, I had put a plug in for Red Rock's buffet. Sante Fe is not far from RR in quality and appearance.
    Speaking of Red Rock, I was a bit disappointed with the dinner buffet this time out. For example, the spicy oriental halibut I was looking forward to was not present. Some dishes were mislabeled. The prime rib was overcooked, bread products were unappealing and dry, etc.
    It was still a decent buffet, but someone needs to pay attention to the little details. Of course, I ate there after my losses at the Wynn, so perhaps my outlook wasn't the cheeriest either. Still, let's get this buffet back on par.
    Tried South Point's buffet for the first time and found it to be quite satisfactory for the $6.45 lunch price. I did a visual on the dinner buffet the night before and couldn't tell much difference between the two. For the price, I would suggest sticking with the lunch.
    The lunch buffet at PH was as good as ever. I'll still keep it ranked No. 3 behind Wynn and Bellagio. I even noticed an upgrade in their dessert selction. Shucks, I could make a meal out of the middle eastern selection, alone.
    The Plaza $7.77 buffet has expanded into the old diner. They've even added a pasta station and cheeseburger/chili dog station. Using the ACG 2-1, this buffet will fill you up at bargain-basement prices. I've got to admit, I had fun making a meal out of bacon cheeseburgers, fries and salads.
    They charbroil the burgers and make 'em up any way you want them.
    The only non-buffet meal was a very good 7 oz ribeye, eggs, hash browns and toast for free at South Point. The coupon book has a free graveyard special in it.
    Used a Dollar mid-size and put 311 miles on it. Sorry to sound like such a wimp, but was in bed every night before 10:00 pm and usually up around 4:00 am.
    Another highlight was spending time with growing number of Vegas friends I have met over the years. There are about a dozen locals I know quite well and it does my heart good to see them every couple-three months.
     
  2. tnkc

    tnkc High-Roller

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    Thanks for taking the time to post your report. I've never thought too much about checking out the local joints, but they sound interesting and I might have to give them a look one of these days.
     
  3. RossW

    RossW North of the 49th

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    Thanks for the report chef.

    I bet that would be a neat trip, the camping and seeing the Vegas lights from the mountions. I've wanted to stay at Sams as well somtime, but maybe it's nothin' to really write home about.....:blah: Thanks for the tip.

    When's the next trip?

    RW
     
  4. IllMarty

    IllMarty Orangutan

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    So Andy, with all that play at Wynn, are you planning on staying there in March? Nice TR buddy!

    Marty
     
  5. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

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    Ross,
    I'll be back out the week before Thanksgiving on the Allegiant $7 one way special.
    Outside chance I'll do a quickie solo the end of Sept, as well. Actually, I was kind of hoping to sneak out to see you and ken2v during Rosstock in Sept, but work schedule is too busy.
    Marty,
    At my level of play, I'd be happy to get a buffet out of the Wynn. However, I should have about four hours of play at $50/hand.
    Sorry, I'll be missing you guys at Martyfest this weekend.
     
  6. Beach Crazy

    Beach Crazy Hostess With the Mostess

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    Nice report Andy, sounds like another great trip.

    So how do you eat all those buffets and stay so slim? :wink2:
     
  7. HoyaHeel

    HoyaHeel Grammar Police & Admin

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    Did you miss the hiking & running part of the report?

    It's great to read reports of people doing the non-traditional "Vegas" stuff. Next time we rent a car we'll have to think about some of those off-Strip casinos. We thought about South Coast during our drive back from Primm but decided not to stop....
     
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