Won't bore you with the blow-by-blow, but here are some observations: Flew on Allegiant from Cedar Rapids for $39 each way. I live 145 miles from CR, so this was questionable, but in retrospect, would probably do it again for same price. Being retired does make in difference in time management and priorities. The more I fly with Allegiant, the more impressed I am. They have replaced SWA as my fave low-cost airline. In another cost-cutting measure, booked Circus-Circus for $18/night (plus $4.95 resort fee) through hotels.com. Another T2V member turned me on to hotels.com and I've found it to be helpful. Check it out sometime. Resort fee was a waste, but for $18 is it even worth complaining? I was reluctant to stay at CC, but after reading "Super Casino", I kinda wanted to go back to the roots of the MGM empire. We were put in a corner room on the 18th floor of the Skyrise tower. Rooms are similar to the Plaza, but bathrooms are superior and beds more comfortable. Frankly, I had no complaints. Another plus was easy access from elevator to street level parking without having to step foot in the casino. I'm usually not too critical, but the CC casino and environs are depressing. Among Strip properties, it has to be the lowest level joint going. Another component of CC that you can't find elsewhere is an RV trailer park. And, don't forget the myriad of seperate housing units, known as Manor rooms. In CC's glory days, they were packing 'em at nearly 100% occupancy and rooms were built for quantity, not quality. Since we had a rental car, used some Station 2-1 buffet coupons. Nothing new to report other than there is not much new while buffeting at Stations. With the heavy traffic load, one wonders if it is worth it to drive to places like Sunset, Sante Fe and Red Rock for a meal. Hooked up (no, not in a sexual manner) with a long-time poster here and avid coupon trader, WildcatFan. Like some many on this board, WildcatFan is a class individual and it was a pleasure to have a drink with him at the Sahara. Only thing wrong with the picture was Sahara offered $1 bottles of Miller, but charged me $3.50 for a glass of Pepsi. Over the years, one of the unexpected pleasures of being a member of this board is meeting fellows such as WildcatFan, or Turtleman, who I met the trip before. As usual, the highlight of the week was spending time at the Wynn outdoor table games playing BJ, drinking pomegranate juice and enjoying the weather and the pool vibe. It's my favorite place in Vegas. Plus, the cards were favorable. However, the week I was there was when Wynn announced cuts in staffing among dealers and pit bosses. There was definitely a somber mood among staffers. Not only that, but the dealers have seen their monthly tokes drastically drop the last year or so. What's nice about being friends with some of the dealers and pit bosses is discussing this in a frank and open matter. Instead of a superficial relationship, I feel we can share what going on in our lives with one another. Was going to play at the outdoor BJ at Encore, but it was like a ghost town at their tables. I'm wondering if outdoor gambling will ever catch on there. Also gambled at one of the better Strip deals going - $5 BJ at the Bellagio. They always have two $5 tables (3-2) going. The reason for this is to have tables with at least one seat accessible to handicapped folks. Not sure if this is true, but was told the reason limit was so low is so that it wouldn't be discriminatory to the handicapped. Never made it up to Mt. Charleston, even though FalconRob recomended a good hike. For exercise each morning, ran 10 miles around the Hilton and Convention Center loop. It's one of the few places you can run long distances without crossing streets. If you're a runner and staying in general proximity, you may want to consider this route. Made it downtown for a short while one nite. Surprised to see a $5 craps tables at the Golden Nugget, which I managed to lose a little money at. But for $5, hard to resist throwing the bones. Pretty decent Arrowsmith tribute band as a part of the "Summer of 70s" FSE theme. Lately, it seems like so many more people asking for handouts. But then again, not much difference than what takes place on the Strip. `
Trip Report Comments Chef ;Sounds like your a reasonable person and you enjoyed your Vegas trip.Don't you think it is "crazy" that you have to pay a 27% resort fee at a joint like Circus Circus?Also I would refuse to pay $3.50 for a glass of Pepsi unless I was enjoying a lounge show or something comparable.Enough of those would offset your airline savings which had some inconvenient features to it. Best of Good Health To You
$80 RT air is really sweet - but that 145 mile drive? Yikes!! Circus used to have a good steak house, but it's probably been a decade since i was there.
Allegiant has add-ons, his fare was higher I fly Allegiant. If you can gamble on the flight times and actually wait until the last week or two you can score some good deals. If you are feeling really lucky, you wait until the day before and see that you can score. I don't do that. His $80 round trip was more like $180. Which is still a nice fare. There is the airport security fee which is never included in the price. There is a seat charge if you want a specific seat. I always BUY the exit row. You must be careful on their website because they always have things checkboxed for you so you have to uncheck. Like the re-schedule the ticket fee.
