Mirage/Orleans 6/15 - 6/22 - TR

This was a trip to celebrate my dad's 80th & also since we left on Father's Day - to celebrate that holiday as well. Just my parents & I. We all love Vegas and have been there countess times.

Sunday -- Left Denver at 8:25 AM. Flight was full and very smooth, in fact if I hadn't looked out the window seconds before we landed I wouldn't have been aware. Probably the smoothest landing ever. However, we had 2 of the rudest stewardesses I have ever had. I actually some one of them roll her eyes at a passenger. I made a comment out loud about how rude and the girl sitting next to me agreed. Went to get the baggage & after waiting about 15 minutes the carousel next to ours began to ring indicating luggage was coming out. Although the airline listed wasn't ours, no other information came up. On a hunch we checked the luggage coming off -- yep it was ours. Yet no one ever announced the change or bothered to update the screens on the carousel -- typical for Vegas. Got a cab & off to the Mirage. At 10:30 AM we were both able to check in and were told the rooms were clean. Both rooms were on the 8th floor in undecorated rooms. Went to the coffee shop for lunch. Food was good. Gambled some -- the only slots I did well at were Wizard of Oz -- that is my favorite slot. Didn't win every time, but several times I won $100 + in just the bonus round (would cash out those vouchers and put in a $20). Went up to my room, unpacked & took a nap. My parents did their own thing that night. Got up later grabbed a snack from the Roasted Bean, wandered around the Mirage and then Harrah's where I ran into my parents. I made it a fairly early night -- probably up in my room by midnight or so.

Monday -- Woke up at 7 AM! Yes, 7 AM! The hammering & sawing from the work being done on other floors woke me up and I couldn't go back to sleep. At 7:30 I went down to the front desk. They apologized & said they were working on the 7th floor. As soon as a room was available they would call me. I went back up packed and got ready for the day. Met my parents at 11:30 and we went to lunch at PF Chang's @ Planet Hollywood. Very good. Gambled there (lost) and went to the Bellagio. Took a walk through the conservatory and had a scoop of berry gelato that was so good!!! Gambled there & lost. Back to the Mirage and rested. That night we went to Maggiano's for dinner (very good) then over to the Wynn. Oh -- they did change my room about 3:30 that afternoon. New room was up on the 23 rd floor with a strip view (my old room also had a strip view) and this was renovated. After the Wynn we went to Bally's. My parents had tickets for Jubilee. I hung out there & gambled. Didn't win, but was able to cycle the same $20 through numerous machines. We left there about 12:30 and I went to bed -- exhausted. Had been up since 7:00 & no nap.

Tuesday -- Had the breakfast buffet @ Wynn. It was okay. Nothing that made me go back for seconds. My dad thought it was the best buffet in Vegas. We had plans to gamble there, then to Palazzo & Venetian; but he was coming down with a cold and wanted to take a nap. We had the cab drop my mother & I off at TI. Played a very friendly Wizard of Oz slot and some 21 (where I had a very nasty exchange with another player). I've had players that I didn't care for, but never exchanged words with them. We did a little shopping and went to catch the tram back to the Mirage but it wasn't working. No sign so whatever the cause was it just happened. We walked back via the back way. It was hot, but a pretty walk. Did some more shopping at the Mirage and some gambling and I went upstairs to rest. That night I had tickets to see Barry Manilow @ Las Vegas Hilton. He was wonderful. Had 6th row center seats. Before the show I was killing some time and playing Deal or no Deal -- not a fan of this slot but it was there. I put in a $20 and was doing ok. It's on a carousel so you can't see the other screens. The man to my left came over to me and started ranting how you can't win on this slot & and it's a scam and you have to play max coins to get anything. I just stared at him. I asked if that was the case then why was he playing it? Well he's a local (what difference does that make) and he got suckered in to it. I felt like telling him I wasn't there to break the bank just waiting for a show. He went & sat down, but then came over to tell me again what a terrible game it was. So again I asked him why he was still playing it. He really didn't have an answer. At this point I was up $10, so I cashed out and changed areas. After the show did some shopping at the Manilow store & grabbed a cab to Bill's. Gambled my way back to the Mirage. No big wins.

Wednesday -- Plan today was the Cheesecake Factory. When we arrived in the Forum Shops though we were right in front of Spago's. We hadn't eaten there in a while so switched our plans. Normally I order one of their pizza's, but the crab sandwich caught my eye. Big mistake! Just horrible (as was the waiter/service). They took it off the bill and as soon as my parents were done -- out of there. Stopped in Coach as I was looking for a purse for evenings (the one I brought I found out was too big). Of course I found one (love Coach) but it was $200 and for a bag that would be too small as a day to day bag I had trouble laying out the money. Left thinking if I started winning I would come back. (I really loved that bag though). Went to the food court @ Caesar's (I've never been there before) and had an okay slice of pizza. Then we were off to Monte Carlo. My parents were going to see a movie across the street, so I was going to stay there & gamble and then we'd all meet up. During this time my mother calls to tell me the movie was starting late due to some tech problem, so not to wait for them. On my way out I passed a shop and found a great purse for only $98 SOLD! Got back to the Mirage and laid down. Dinner that night was at the California Pizza Kitchen -- I am in love with their Caesar salad with shrimp. YUM! Did some gambling at Harrah's and Mirage.

Thursday -- Had breakfast @ the coffee shop @ the Mirage. Played some video poker with my mom -- could not hit anything. This was a travel day. My parents were going home & I was moving for 3 nights to the Orleans. Their flight didn't leave until 6 PM, but I was losing money & since we had checked out no room to go spend time in, so I grabbed a cab & left for the Orleans. Except for being there once a long time ago to gamble this was my 1st time there. Much different from the Mirage (in so many ways). Checked my bags and went to check in -- no wait. Was given a room on the 8th floor and when I got there I realized that the room hadn't been made up yet (I'm not 100% sure that the people still weren't there). Went back down to the front desk (after getting lost & walking around the entire casino), got the same check in girl and told her my story. She seemed genuinely sorry and moved me to the 12th floor. This one was clean. Room was okay, just different from the Mirage. Had my bags brought up and decided to reorganize my suitcase since I had to partially unpack again. This led to me cleaning out my purse and lo & behold I find a $100 voucher from the Mirage & a $5 chip -- looks like there is a strip visit planned for me the next day. This made me feel better. Had Subway for dinner that night (and ate while I played Wizard of Oz) that was fun! I hadn't planed on Subway but everything else was busy. Played some 21 and finally cashed in a win (plus a win on Wizard). Went to bed around midnight.

Friday -- Left the Orleans about 9:30 and grabbed a cab for the Mirage. It was so nice to be back. Cashed in the chip & voucher and put 1/2 back in Wizard. Couldn't do much so went to Harrah's, but I was hungry and wanted McDonald's (I know in Vegas). It was 10:30 and they don't serve lunch until 11. Damn! Hit the slots at Harrah's (did nothing) and ended up at Burger King (McDonald's poor brother) but it scratched the itch. Actually won a few bucks on yep Wizard of Oz. Left the strip about noon and back to Orleans. Hung out in my room reading, sleeping & watching tv. Got ready for tonight's concert & the reason for the stay at Orleans) Michael Bolton. Had 2nd row seats just left of center -- show was fantastic! After the show went to the coffee shop for dinner (it was now about 10:00 and I realized that I hadn’t had anything to eat since Burger King at 11 AM). Ordered the French dip & fries. When it came the roll looked hard & the meat looked undercooked & tough. Took a tentative bite and it was delicious. Roll & meat were tender, the meat was moist & the au jus was great. Also came with fries. Very good. After that hit the Wizard of Oz for a little while -- however between the Mirage bed being too firm, the Orleans bed being too soft & the chairs at the Wizard slots being too straight I had developed quite a painful backache and had to cut my time short. Hit the 21 tables for a slight win. Went to bed about 1:00.

Saturday -- last full day -- Slept in the latest of the entire trip -- 10:00. Plan today was to go see Sex & The City @ the Orleans, playing at noon. Didn't leave my room until noon and didn't feel like going to the movie. Went to Big Al's Oyster Bar for lunch -- had a bowl of clam chowder & although it could have been a little hotter & a little spicier it was still very good & a shrimp cocktail. Went & hit Wizard again but my back made me quit before I had planned. Played a few more slots & was losing. Bought the paper & went to the bar, had a drink, read the news & people watched. About 3:00 went to my room. Watched TV & took a nap. That night was the 2nd of 2 Michael Bolton shows. This one was also wonderful (even better than the first). After the show went to Subway for their pizza (and ate it while playing slots). Took some coordination but it worked. Tried to get to Wizard of Oz but they were full (they only have 4) so played 21. After changing tables already down 1/2 of my $100 buy-in, ended up cashing in $175. Went to bed about midnight, since I had to be up early Sunday morning.

Sunday -- Was up & getting ready by 7 AM. Tried to check out via the TV but it wasn't working, so dragged my luggage to the front desk. It occurred to me AFTER that I could have paid my bill there & then with cash and not have to deal with it later. Damn! Would have been nice to have that taken care of. Grabbed a cab and off to the airport. Checked in and through security with no problems. Had plenty of time until my flight, so it was a choice of Cinnabon or Starbucks. I don't like to eat a lot before I fly (just in case) but I want something. Since I normally have Starbucks 3-4 times a week (although I've been home 6 days now and haven't had ONE Starbucks yet - what is wrong with me???? I figured Cinnabon although delicious is pretty much sugar, but at least with Starbucks you get some milk . So I went with Starbucks & 2 croissants and settled in to wait for my flight with my IPOD. Flight was called (Frontier both ways) and since I must have the aisle seat (long legs) I wait to see if anyone else is sitting in my aisle before I buckle up & get my book out. Soon all seats were filed in and the guy across from me in the middle seat taps me on my arm & asks if I would mind switching seats so he can sit with his wife who is next to me. He had the dreaded middle seat, but I thought "if it was me, I'd hope that person would change seats", so a little begrudgingly I said yes.

Did they talk during the flight -- no; did they watch a movie/play cards -- no. They slept. Oh well. My headphones for the TV weren't working, so I opted for my IPOD and the rest of my Starbucks. All was fine until the pilot started his descent. The stewardess came on & said the pilot is expecting turbulence (uh oh) and they will be doing their final walk through. There are 2 kinds of turbulence. One is a slight swaying which can almost be relaxing (like being on the water) and then there is the kind we had. Not the worst I've ever experienced, but definitely bumpy. However, sitting in the middle seat, with the turbulence, and even though the air was on it was WARM, plus we had to turn off all IPODS, DVD's, etc., and nothing really to occupy my mind, I'm starting to not feel great at this point and really glad I didn't have the cinnabon. I kept thinking what if I really get sick. Middle seat, plus the seat belt sign is on, plus the plane is pretty bumpy at this point. Uh Oh! Luckily I didn't get sick and 30 seconds before touching down I felt better. But we never heard a word from the cockpit such as: how long until we land/current time/weather/baggage carousel. Wonder if they forgot we were there.

Finally land! I was in row 17 and no kidding, it took almost as long to get off the plane as it did to fly there -- or perhaps it just seemed that long. I called my folks to let them know I was there so they could pick me up and my mom told me they were planning on us going out for lunch when they picked me up! NO!!!!!!!!!! I said that I was tired and would pass on lunch. Really she asked me, was I sure? Trust me!

Got my bags and was grateful for slightly cooler weather/cloudy skies & a slight breeze in Denver.

Came back with just under 1/2 of my money.

Highs: Flight out -- minus the stewardess.
Wizard of Oz (specially when I won)
Shows -- especially Michael Bolton!!!!
Being together for my dad's 80th


Lows: Flight home.
Not seeing Bellagio Fountain Shows
Meal at Spago

No idea when my next trip to Vegas is. Normally I go in August & December. August is out and if I have my same job in December -- that month is out. Last year I went in January that might be doable. But I might also be going to MD (not a pleasure trip).

I know it seemed like I spent quite a bit of time in the room, but with a combination of staying a week and not winning every time I played I had to watch my money.

Debbie

 

Thanks for a very well done trip report Debbie!

 

Great, detailed report. Orleans is my favorite place to stay. If you go again be sure to try the Prime Rib Loft - great food. Thanks for posting!

 

fun trip report, i enjoyed reading it because you did everything I didn't lol, so it's always fun to get ideas from people who do the exact opposite. Glad you had a good time, you totally make me wanna go play the wizard now, even tho I have never seen that one!

 

Thanks for the well written TR. Seems you got to do a lot of fun stuff.

later, GVJ

 

Nice TR!

 

Hey, nice TR. We spent a little more time in our room this trip too for the same reason. What where the major differences between the Mirage and Orleans? We stayed at the Mirage this last trip and have been thinking of staying at the Orleans.

 

<<<What where the major differences between the Mirage and Orleans? We stayed at the Mirage this last trip and have been thinking of staying at the Orleans.>>>

The Oreans is off strip and fairly isolated. There are shuttles to Bill's & other
Coast casino's, but nothing within walking distance. The Orleans is much more a family place. When I was there the circus was at the arena there so probably more kids than usual. Although the rooms were nice (and GREAT water pressure in the shower) they are much older than the Mirage. There was an iron, ironing board & safe (but no mini bar). Nice gift shop right by the elevators though.

Dining options more family friendly than Mirage & everything on the main floor easily accessible. Hotel is well marked. Bowling & movie theatres upstairs.

I can't say anything bad about the Orleans, but I am still a Mirage lover.

 

Thanks for the report!