Good Shows, Good Company, great Food -Jan 23-28/2011

Howdy everyone, this TR is quite long...so sit back and enjoy a coffee and I hope, the read!

My gal pal(I'll call her S) and I went to Vegas from Jan 23-28/2011------we hadn't been to Vegas in 14 months, and were more than ready! We had a great time and was so nice to get away out of the cold wintery weather ....even tho the temps rose the week we were away and broke records for a couple dates in January lol But I still was enjoying the warm 65F days and could feel the heat of the sun Here's the TR , I will post each day in its own reply ....... with pictures also (hope they aren't too big) , enjoy!!
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Sunday Jan 23- Up at 4am! Shower, and last minute packing….out the door by 530 am , as flight leaves at 840 am and need at least 2 hrs at airport …Met with S at the airport ….got in line for boarding passes, had tried to do 24 hrs prior but wouldn’t work! Took at least an hour to get thru Customs and Security line…..first time travelling since implemention of the scanners /pat downs……I opted for the pat down, all clear, grabbed my stuff from the buckets , and headed toward gate …..stopped at Tim Hortons for a coffee and muffin ..had a window seat in Row 16 on the wing Flying AirCanada for first time in years , seats had TV screens built into the back of the seats ahead…..plugged in my earphones and alternated with music and TV shows … Flight is approx 2 hrs and 30 mins ….left at 840 am (740 Vegas time) and arrived at 1015 am …… when I spotted the Hoover Dam from the air , I knew we were very very close! Suddenly , I spotted The STRAT , then Mandalay Bay and the rest of the strip as we touched down! I nudged S and said
“Do you hear that?†the sounds of the slots are calling to me , tee hee Finally taxied up to the Gate at Terminal 2, hit the washroom, then outside for a smoke, back to the baggage claim and there came our luggage , together!! WIN! Back outside to the Taxi line, and waited maybe 3 minutes. Told Driver to the Bellagio please and we got tunnelled!! My first time ever ! In 8 trips! Fare was about $ 18.00 plus tip
Got into the checkin line , it was around 11am by this time ….waited and waited, finally a clerk was free..
Wish they had a queue to go thru with ropes, seemed every line went faster than the one I was at
My room was comp’d for 3 nights …..on an offer , which included $100 free play……never have stayed at the Bellagio before so didn’t know what to expect…..clerk tried to up sell a lakeview room for an additional $50.00 per night ….. We passed as I commented this was my first time here as a registered guest so didn’t expect anything too fancy on a comp……she put us into the spa tower , 10th flr and my gosh, what a lovely view !! The room was nice with 2 Queen Beds , softest pillows and mattress….. With a table/2 chairs , sitting area by the window ……. A desk along the wall , and armoire with plasma TV , mini bar, drawers Nice closet with inroom safe
The bathroom was huge with soaker tub, toilet, walkin shower and double sink area…..only thing is was too high! I‘m short and the counter level came up over my belly button area and I had to lean in to brush teeth or use sink , a step stool would have been nice lol Unpacked freshened up and headed down to the casino for that first drink! And slot play …….thru in $20.00 and bam got $50.00 back, Off to find a place to eat, ended up at Snacks …We each at a Burger with potato chips and a soda , . Bit pricey but very filling
Back into the casino and played a bit more…….. Decided to head to Cosmo ….walked out the lobby doors and took the people mover down to strip ……Cosmo was right there ……..poor Jockey Club is definitely overshadowed by the Cosmo Towers on each side! Entered Cosmo from the strip and headed to Identity club to sign up for cards……love the décor and the overall atmosphere…… sort of reminded me of a more upscale PH style of décor…. The Chandelier bar totally blew us away , everyone should at least see this once! Played various slots and came out about even …….then off to Aria/City Centre …..neither of us had been there yet as it wasn’t opened on our last trip to Vegas ….got lost in Crystals lol
But found Aria and played in the casino a bit …….. Came out about even again The Casino is dark but then I found Mirage just as dark (visited there later in the week ) Over to Monte Carlo, hadn’t played in that Casino in a good 3 yrs or so . Hit 2 big Jackpots , one on Hexbreaker 2 for $150.00 , the other on Happy Days for $234.00 Ate at the food court , I had the Chinese , orange chicken with noodles, was so -so , S had Mexican and said it was very good ….. Headed back to the Tram ……was there waiting and S was about 10 steps ahead of me , jumped on and the doors closed, leaving me standing there!! Eeep
I only had to wait about 5 mins for another tram , but it was late (midnight or so ) and not a lot of folks there
Met up with her at the Bellagio end and we headed back to the casino for some play and a last drink and smoke …back to the room as it .was about 1am and we hit the bed hard …ended up about $30.00 . As I drifted off to sleep , I was thrilled to be back in Vegas again!

 

Monday, Jan 24 - Got up around 8am, showered and headed out of room by 9am…to the Casino for Baileys Coffee and smokes …..slots weren’t has generous ! Off to the Café (adjacent to the Conservatory) for Breakfast ……..had a Classic Omelette with lobster and asparagus, with hash browns and roasted tomato on the side, coffee and water …….was 16.00 but huge and filling! Back thru the Conservatory …….they have dressed it up for the Chinese New Year….Year of the Rabbit ……absolutely stunning and gorgeous ……with a huge Junket boat, sitting in water , with 2 big sails, a huge Rabbit with little rabbits frolicking alongside, a huge Chinese God of fortune , with heaps of gold coins at his feet , a set of 4 horses with a warrior in a chariot ……..a pagoda….and beautiful as ever, flower displays of all sorts , from orchids in different colors, to mums, to rhododendrons ……called Carol 1113(from the board) as we both were at the Bellagio, she was doing something so said would try again later ……took Tram to MC and tried to win again , not gonna happen ! Then to CVS pharmacy, got a couple of stainless travel mugs with LV sign on them …..and a calendar (2011) Headed across street to the M n M store , browsed a bit …..checked out Ross, ABC, and Tix for 2nite ….. No shows listed we wanted to see (had tickets already for 2 shows on the Wednesday) Played in MGM , down again! Saw the Lion Habitat , trainer was out with one of them …headed to the Tropicana…..WOW what a nice change since the reno’s …..beautiful casino ……..signed up for their players card - they have a promo running if you lose up to $200 .00 they will match it ……. I was down $110.00 so they gave me $50.00 to play that night and the other $50.00 I can claim within a year J Also had voucher for $16.00 for food, (first ever comp voucher ) and ate at Nikki Café
Ordered the filet mignon wraps with mushrooms, provolone cheese ……with side salad , very yummy
Played more slots we discovered the Penquins game (Lucky Penny) and OMG was it fun, and entertaining! I think its my fav slot right now lol I was disappointed the Vegas Mob Experience wasn’t opened as yet, and never made it to the preview centre ……back over to NY NY , played a bit there but to no avail …..slots weren’t as kind this day as they were the first day. TEASE! Took tram back to the B, and dropped off parcels , down to the casino for a smoke, drink and more slots Off to bed , down about $400.00 blah!

 

Tuesday Jan 25- Headed over to CP, wanted to find shuttle to Rio , apparently they don’t run from CP anymore……played some slots , ate at the Cyprus Marketplace, split a huge bowl of nachos, very yummy
Then strolled thru the forum shops …… huge new H & M store, where FAO Schwartz toy store used to be ….. Caught the Atlantis show had to hit the ATM , the one at the bottom of stairs, as you leave the casino and enter the forum shops is a Bank of America, and only a $2.00 charge …..headed out to the IP , to get our tickets from box office for both Human Nature and Frank Marino’s Divas…..seeing them back to back evening of 26th ……played some slots ….hit well on Money to Burn, about $120.00 $110.00 on one called 2nd Chance …..headed up to HHAGG for late supper ……… OMG what huge portions! I had the chicken and biscuits on mashed potatoes with carrots and green beans……. S had the chicken pot pie….very yummy but couldn’t finish!
Used TR card to pay for portion of meal Headed back over to the B, took the overpass from Bills to Bally, and back across to the B …….caught 3 fountain shows in a row ……Hey Big Spender, Pink Panther and some other operatic one I didn’t recognize…….those fountains still mesmerize me J
Back into the Casino , to play a bit, have a drink and a smoke then to bed Had all intentions of getting to
The Fashion Show mall to shop a bit but darn Casinos got in the way!

 

Wed Jan 26- check out day at the B…on way to Casino for smoke/coffee, stopped by the desk ..got a 1pm checkout time …….went to the Casino for smoke and baileys Coffee and of course to play a bit more …….called Carol again , and she was just getting ready for the day ……went off to BKFST at the Café again …… had a salmon burger with onion rings on the side , coffee and water …… S had the Banana Fosters waffle , both very yummy….. Used Mlife express comps to cover most of the bill again J called Carol again and she would meet us in the casino , and she did ! Actually did find us!! We had a lovely chat /visit for about 45 mins and back up to the room to pack …..over to the CP----we opted to lug our suitcases thru the shopping promenade , over the overpass , down the elevator and across the open area to the CP, rather than to take a taxi …… Checked into the CP , again there on 2 nights comp’d….never had stayed there before, and Marco the desk clerk said we were upgraded to the Palace Tower (from Deluxe Forum tower) ……..holy schmoly, what a hike to the room , I think next time I will get the bell desk to bring up luggage lol Another gorgeous room ……..had view of north strip …..Mirage , TI, Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo …….plus to the left the I-15 and could see Palace Station in the distance The room was big with 2 king beds….. Nice closet space, with in room safe …TV set into armoire , a desk beside it
When you walk into the room , a lovely shelf to put purse the bathroom to the left , and closet to the right
And a vanity with makeup mirror also……the bathroom again was huge, separate toilet area with door, that did run a lot if you didn’t bring the handle back up when flushing , walkin shower that did leak ….double sinks again with much lower counters …….my sink stopper wouldn’t work ! And a lovely Jacuzzi tub for 2 , no we didn’t use it lol Down to the Casino for some slot play and drinks ~ hit a few big jackpots …..
On Wild Queen $279.00 , and found the Penquins again …back to room to Freshen up for shows ….
Decided to eat at O’Sheas food Crt …..had a slice of Hawaiian pizza , blah very bland , no taste S had a subway and said same about that ……. Over to IP …… played abit before Human Nature at 730pm Seats were in 2nd row……. 2nd last table from the wall but overall a very good view albeit a bit loud with the speakers right there lol …… the show rocked …..those 4 lads know how to rock the room
Lots of audience participation and interaction ….they can dance, sing and keep everyones toes tapping and singing along to the sounds we all grew up with (at least us baby boomers) They got everyone up and showed us moves to Stop in the Name of Love was fun! I can see why Smokey Robinson took a chance on as they said *Those 4 white lads from Sydney Australia* who were the most unlikely quartet to play the Motown Sound, but they sure pulled it off fine J They played for about 1 hr and 45 mins!

Back down to the Casino for a drink and smoke before heading back up to the Theater for the 10pm show of Frank Marino’s Divas …..female impersonators …… OMG , again it rocked ……those *ladies* were dressed up as Beyonce(Single Ladies), Cher(medley of hits) , Bette Midler (medley of hits, and the Wind beneath your Wings moved me to tears ) Diana Ross (medley of hits ) Liza - NY NY , Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Madonna , Britany Spears, Tina Turner and Dolly Parton ……..Frank Marino himself, is the emcee and dresses as Joan Rivers…….gave a bit of a comedic monologue at the beginning of show , then introduced each act , in a different gown (Bob Mackie designs ) Was a bit rude n crude at times but very up to date subject matter and very entertaining ….. The finale song is outstanding J

Back out to the Casino to play a bit, then over to Flamingo up a bit more , then back to the CP , for last drinks and smokes and to bed by 330!

 

Thursday Jan 27 --Up by 8am , why can’t I sleep in Vegas ?? Lol Shower and off to the Casino for coffee and smokes (seeing a trend there??) , then to Augustus Café for food, I had the Le Beuof Burger with side salad , S had eggs and sausage both were good Played some slots, then off by cab to the Premium outlets …took the I-15 cost about 20.00 with tip …shopped there for about 3 hrs, got a few good deals …… cabbed back …both cab drivers very friendly and nice …… dropped parcels off at room, then found an internet kiosk to print off boarding passes, (we leave next day sulk !) then played in Casino ……headed to Mirage ……wanted to check out BB Kings , and I had a 2-1 coupon for entrée……..we ordered filet mignon (7 oz) with mashed potatoes and green beans (they must be in season lol ) excellent! Got a drink and listened to the inhouse band, rock the joint …..overall a very good experience…my portion of the bill was Bout $35.00 even after the coupon … I found the Mirage very dark and dreary …..I hadn’t been in there in eons, but didn’t seem very *tropical* Slots were NOT cooperating went thru the $$ like crazy …….back to CP , played Mr Cashman and was up a bit
In bed at 330

Friday Jan 28- last day in Vegas awwwwwwwwwwwww Why does the week fly by! Got up around 9am , hit the shower, packed up , did express checkout ….. Out of room by 11 , dropped bags at bell desk … headed to munch bar for lunch……had a Blue Cheese Burger with side salada, yummy S had nachos
Used TR card again ……off to Harrahs to play a bit ……hit a slot -Jungle Queen or something and cashed out at $200.00! Headed back to CP to get bags…….plane leaves at 630 , got there way too early lol
No line at security , did the body scan, showed something and needed pat down …..gal said could be sequins on my shirt, I said it was my magnetic personality had a bite to eat, played some slots and hit the duty free store……S was kind enough to also claim a bottle of Crown Royal and smokes for me
Flight home uneventful ……. However landed in Calgary in a snow storm and COLD temps ……kind of a shock after having such mild sunny weather all week …… got home about 1130pm and kissed the hubby who was waiting up for me (I had cabbed it home)

Final Thoughts
-Hadn’t been to Vegas in 14 months so it was great to visit once again …
-Didn’t come home with lots of $$$ but wasn’t broke either
-Found food prices were a bit more
-Didn’t hit ONE buffett , I must be getting older and can’t handle a big meal anymore lol
-Cab drivers were pleasant
-Overall service was good , everywhere we went , from dining, to the shows, to the casino floor, altho the drink service was sporadic at times in various casinos
-No bedbugs in the beds (yes I checked)

 

Enjoyed the report and pictures! Thanks for sharing.

 

Nice report I enjoyed it !

 

Nice TR and pictures..thanks for sharing

 

Fantastic report--and want to say it was a pleasure meeting you and S--really enjoyed our visit
Carol

 

was certainly a pleasure to meet you too perhaps we can again one day

 

Nice report.

Thanks for sharing

 

Really enjoyed reading your report. Thanks!

 

Great report! Aren't the Divas a blast? I still crack up when I think about Beyonce. Thanks for sharing your trip with us

 

That was a terrific TR. I enjoyed every minute of it, I was as sorry to see you leave as you were as the times passes way too fast when in Vegas. Glad you had a great trip and with friends to share