dec 14-18 trip

Lodging: Stayed at Mirage ($69), Stardust (free), Golden Nugget ($40) and Orleans (free). Lately, we've been doing that - trying a different place out each night. Each was nice in their ways.
Dining: Highlight was lunch at the Blue Wave (Japanese seafood/sushi buffet) in Henderson. For $12.95, can't beat it.
The $7.99 dinner buffet at Texas Station was surprising good. They do Tex-Mex better than anyone in town that I've tried. Nice selection.
Best breakfast was Orleans buffet. It's not quite Paris, but it's not far off.
A couple years ago, I really enjoyed Gold Coast's buffet. We went there this time, but couldn't get as excited about it. It hasn't changed, but our expectations have. It's that Vegas syndrome of other places constantly raising the bar in regard to food service and all of a sudden, a place like the Gold Coast isn't that great anymore.
Biggest disappointment was not getting in to GVR's dinner buffet. The line was atleast an hour or longer at 4:30 on a Wednesday night. Apparently that $12.95 price tag is bringing the locals in. Other than Bellagio, GVR buffet is my favorite and it was a bummer not to have time to wait. Maybe that's another reason we weren't that excited about Gold Coast, as we ended up their instead.
Drove out to the Rampart Casino to try their buffet (so-so). Did not see anyone under 60-years of age there.
Finally, tried Fatburger, but will still take In-and-Out over them.
Gambling: We lost most of our sports bets and most of time at the crap tables. I guess these sports bets shouldn't be made for the fun of it, like I was doing. Rather, a person should atleast have some knowledge of the teams.
After taking a hit to the pocketbooks (especially at craps), it puts a damper on the trip. Oh well, there's always next time.
Normally, I'm frugal, but did splurge for a massage at the Palms. Used the 50% off LVA coupon and got it for $50 instead of $100. It was well worth it to use their spa and get the "rub", as they are called by the locals.
This time of year is good to come for price savings, lack of crowds, but I miss that 100-degree summer heat and the pools being open.