TR - Hotel32/Monte Carlo 12/26/2012 to 01/05/2013

I broke my trip report into sections so those who may only be interested in one section can skip right to that section of interest. I hope you enjoy!


Getting There: Departed CAK about 20 minutes late on Frontier Airlines, this was my first time flying with Frontier. Flight was from CAK to DEN and was relatively smooth with the seat belt light remaining unlit for about 80% of the flight. Had only a 45 minute layover in Denver so I exited the plan and Denver and walked straight across from my arriving gate to my departure gate. Waited for about 15 minutes and the plane started to board, one of the smoothest plane changes I have had in a long time. Flight departed DEN on time and was relatively smooth until we were about 30 minutes out from LAS and the winds started to pick up and we had to land hot into LAS using up most of the runway. Since we were early out gate was not ready so we had a 10 minute wait on the tarmac. My overall impressions of Frontier are they are a decent airline, I would put them a step above South West Airlines, friendly staff but really not going out of their way to impress.

So we depart the plane and it’s off to the races to recover our checked luggage. Waiting on us at the bottom of the escalators was our limo driver John. Very nice guy and talked our ear off which I don’t mind. We only waited 5 minutes before our luggage was plucked from the carrousel by John, who had to wrestle with my large bag as this was a 10 day trip and I packed heavy. He laughed and said I was worse than a women packing…we joked around and off to the limo. My partner had to have a cigarette before we took our limo ride to the airport so we chatted with John (limo driver). Off to our hotel, John took the tunnel but I don’t care as the limo is “free” and I enjoyed the relaxing ride to Hotel32 (Monte Carlo). On our way we spotted In/Out Burger….”hey John can we take a detour”…LOL….yeap we did for the first time In/Out Burger in style….I have to tell you I did like the burgers.

Arrive at Hotel32, bellman waiting on us to help with our bags…John called ahead so they were right there for us (nice touch). Bypass all the lines as usual and right up to Hotel32 for our personalized check in. Checked into a Loft which we have stayed before and as usual the check in process and attention to detail was spot on. The refrigerator was stocked with our requested beverages and a bottle of Ketel One waiting for us to crack it open and indulge. So we settle into our room and down to the casino we go.

Gambling: So it’s like this most people either love the Monte Carlo casino or hate it. I just happen to be one of those people who love it. It could be because everyone knows my name (a little Cheers theme there) and everyone goes out of the way to make me feel like I’m the most important person in the casino (yes I like my ego stroked….LOL no not really but it is nice to have the attention now and then).

So first things first go to Casino Credit to make sure everything is ready to go, didn’t really need to but I like to visit Donna in CC. We talk for about 10 minutes and I get to meet Rich one of the Casino Hosts who is very nice. Told him who my host was and he said if I needed anything during the day when my host was not there to give him a call and he would make it happen. So we are off to a good start…..as usual. My partner wanted to hit the slot which is his thing, I’m a table guy. But I do like to play slots with him so we can spend time together. So we go hit up the Wizard of Oz which is his favorite and we both put in a hundy. Third spin he hits some type of bonus round which has Dorthly, Tin Man, Lion on the screen and he is going nuts as he says this is the best bonus on this game. Something about a Witch Saver or something, I don’t know much about this game. So he continues to play this bonus round and in the end this machine is counting up to just over $500.00 I’m like nice….don’t know what just happened but I can see the $’s counting up…score one. I run my hundy through with little gain and my last spin…nothing. Oh well I’m getting bored, I get bored easily with slots.

So we decide to go to the Ghost Busters slot machine and we both put in a hundy. Now I have fun at this game allot of little bonuses and the music and sounds keep me interested. I don’t hit anything but my partner J hits for $300.00…score #2. We cash out and decide to go outside and hit the strip and walk around for a while.

Upon our return to the Monte Carlo I decide to hit up the Craps Table and J goes to the Wizard of Oz machine. I buy in at the Craps Table for $2K and begin what turns out to be my 4 hour gambling run. I’m up and down for about the first hour, and then this younger kid comes to the table and starts to roll. He hits two points and I’m thinking this kid is on a roll and I notice he is hitting a ton of hardways. I up my game and start throwing quarter action on the hardways when a 4, 6, 8 or 10 is the point. The come out roll this kid rolls and 8 for the point. I put two way quarter action on the hard 8. Next couple of rolls I have my 2 come bets out there. Kid rolls an ace, deuce; I throw a quarter on the ace, deuce straight up for the repeat and rolls it…score. The kid rolls again and rolls a 4, I get paid on my come bet, kid rolls a 9 get paid on my come bet. I press my hard 8 two times, two ways, have $75 sitting two ways now on a hard 8. The stick man and others really start to get into the game now. Kid rolls a 5, I press my hard 8 again two ways one unit, $100 sitting on the hard 8 now. Next roll this kid hits the hard 8, the table goes nuts…I get paid the dealers get paid we are high-fiving and the table is alive.

My partner J comes over to the table because he hears all the cheering and just laughs as he knows how I bet. So this young kid is still holding the dice, I throw a toke his way and tell him I appreciate his good fortune with rolling the bones. I set my pass line bet and my Crap Check and we are off again. Kid rolls a hard 8….now I’m thinking this is too good to be true. I set my pass line odds, put a come bet out and throw quarter action on the hard 8. I also put $5 each on the bonus craps bet….pays 35 to 1 for the first set of numbers, 35 to 1for the second set of numbers and if all numbers are rolled it pays 175 to 1. Similar to the Fire Bet but called the Bonus Craps Bet at Monte Carlo. So this kid rolls and hits a 2….nice as this is one of the harder numbers to roll and I need it for my bonus bet. Next roll this kid rolls a 12…nice again another hard number and now I’m thinking I have a chance at this bonus bet. Kid continues to roll, I’m pressing my hard 8 now to $75 two ways and this kid hits the hard 8. The table erupts again and everyone is going nuts. Dealers are getting paid again and I’m getting paid and filling up my rail. I have to color up some of my chips at this point as I have filled both rails with green chips ($25).

I setup my bets again and the kid rolls a 9. No hardways bets this time, but I do hit an ace duce on the repeat twice with quarter action in play. Kid rolls a couple more time and rolls a 9, everyone is getting paid, except I forgot to mention the dude on the opposite rail as me playing the dark side just getting his butt kicked by this young kid. The dark side play leave empty handed and we all set our bets. At this point this kid has been rolling for 20 to 25 minutes. My bonus bet is still up and the kid hits my first set of bonus numbers, then hits my second set, I’m in the money I’m getting paid 35 to 1 twice and 175 to 1 for all the numbers. This kid is on fire…..he rolls two more numbers before he craps out…total time with the dice 31 minutes….I ask Nick the table supervisor if that was the longest run he has ever seen and he says no. Nick claims he saw a guy roll for 1 hour one time. The record is 4 hours and 18 minutes with a table win of $180,00 according to Google. In the end this was my most profitable run at a craps table to date, so I thought. Until NYE and I was drunk and managed to do another 4 hours run at 4:00 a.m. in the morning and ended up double my winnings of this first session. My NYE session was a similar session as the one I describe above, some young kid comes to the table and holds the dice for 20 minutes, but I’m betting large as the alcohol is allowing my hands to throw chips on the table like I have never done before.

To my good fortune and the hot hands of this kid I ended up ok….I don’t recommend you play craps after a NYE drinking binge. I retire to my room about 8 a.m. to get some sleep. Funny thing was I was not drunk anymore at 8 a.m. as I was drinking bottles of water at the Craps table like I was a camel storing up for a long dessert trip.

I had miscellaneous wins at various slot machines including the hand pay picture below (I'm not a huge slot fan, but will play when taking a break from the tables):

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcsXDFy5cNGznw

Dining: This is a highlight of our dining for this trip.


Dragon Noodle (Monte Carlo) was very good as usual. I had the Won-Ton soup which is my favorite and Kung Pao chicken with the usual side of rice. This place is a solid favorite of mine for the quality of food, location and outstanding service.

Monte Carlo Café ate breakfast here twice and both times the food was good. Nothing over the top but hey how can you screw up breakfast? Both times I had the “Three Eggs Your Way” with the chicken apple smoked sausage, hash browns and wheat toast and coffee. Typical breakfast food but I have to say the chicken apple smoked sausage was very good and the service was top notch. The Café is a very solid choice for food.

The Pub (Monte Carlo Street of Dreams) was your typical “pub” food but the quality was good and the quantity was huge. I had the pulled pork mini-burgers with fries. Don’t let the name “mini” fool you. These pulled pork “minis” were anything but min. The buns were just about the same size as a typical hamburger bun and they served you 4 of them. I could not finish all of them, the fries were really good. J ordered the Philly Cheesesteak “minis” and his were the same, huge portion of food. This place has excellent service and huge portions, but is your typical pub food quality. I would return however and recommend a visit. Oh by the way this place has a HUGE selection of beer and is one of the only places I have found in Vegas to serve my favorite, Hitachino Nest White Ale. The good service, solid food quality and beer selection keeps me coming back.

Monte Carlo “Big Belly Buffet” let me first say that I’m not a buffet person at all, but thought we would give this a try because we were tired and did not feel like going out. My recommendation is that you pass this place by…the food was nasty. Although the food was hot, the quality was on par with a Golden Coral Buffet or Shoney’s buffet (both nasty buffets in Ohio and throughout the south). We have not eaten here in many years but remember that they used to have servers brining your drinks to the table. This has changed you now have to get your own drinks from a refreshment station located in the center of this location. DO NOT RECOMMEND! As many of you know I’m a huge fan of Monte Carlo but they sure missed the mark on this one.

Diego (MGM) Visited Diego twice, the first time I had CARNITAS, SLOW COOKED PORK SHOULDER SERVED WITH BEANS, ANCHO RICE AND TORTILLAS. My partner had BEEF BARBACOA ENCHILADAS SERRANO-BRAISED BEEF ROLLED IN FRESH CORN TORTILLAS WITH OAXACA RED CHILE SAUCE FINISHED WITH A CHEESE BLEND. We also had the fresh Guacamole which was prepared tableside. Both these dishes were amazing, this is not your Taco Bell style food this is authentic Mexican cuisine. The table side prepared Guacamole was out of this world, so fresh and the flavor will tantalize your palate.

The second visit to Diego I “CLASSIC BURRITO” HAND ROLLED DIEGO FLOUR TORTILLA with GARLIC LIME MARINATED CHICKEN. This has to be the biggest Burrito that I have ever seen. I wish I took at picture of this, just be prepared to be hungry if you order this. This choice was spot on also, very good flavor, outstanding choice again! We also ordered the tableside prepared Guacamole.

We were disappointed when Isla was closed at Treasure Island and we had to go on a search for Mexican Cuisine. We are so happy we found Diego…give it a try, very solid, excellent Mexican Cuisine on the strip at a very good prices. Two people can get out of there for around $65.00 to $75.00 and four people can get out of there for around $150.00 with a drink each, dessert and tip included. Ask for a table in Danna’s area, she is one of the best servers that we have ever had. The second time we visited with friends we asked for her area and she remembered my partner and I, she is a sweet heart!

Wolf Gang Pucks Bar & Grill (MGM) This is our stand by; we eat here every visit to Las Vegas. Our trip last year my partner and I met the manager and he gave us his card. He told us to give him a call when were returned to town for reservations. I gave him a call and he remembered me from my last visit and made our reservations. A couple of days later we arrived for dinner and low and behold he was working and personally took us to our table. My partner and I started out with Truffled Potato Chips, Maytag Blue Cheese Sauce. These chips are incredible, if you like blue cheese these are truly amazing. I ordered the wood fired oven pizza, Prosciutto, Kalamata Olives, Oven Dried Tomatoes, Basil Pesto, Goat Cheese. Again no complaints, as usually this pizza is incredible. My partner ordered “Spaghetti & Meatballs”, Spicy Tomatoes, Parsley, Garlic, Pecorino Romano. J said his meal was excellent as usual. Excellent service and solid food choices keep us coming back to this restaurant.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina (Crystals) As stated previously we had friends join us in Las Vegas for a few days. Rich and Jennifer wanted to have lunch somewhere so we decided to give this place a try. I ordered the Wild Mushroom, Bechamel, Fontina, Thyme, Arugula wood fired Pizza. This pizza was outstanding and would highly recommend. My partner J ordered the Butter Lettuce Salad with Lemmon Herb Vinaigrette, Gorgonzola, Bacon, and Hazelnuts & Chopped Egg. He stated that it was very good and would order it again. Rich and Jennifer both ordered a Panini, Roast Pork “Porchetta”, Hot Pepper Relish, Provolone, Arugula and French Fries. Both stated that the Panini was excellent and would highly recommend ordering on our next visit. Overall the food quality was very good, little pricey and the service was excellent after we got past the hostess.

Upon our arrival the hostess told us it would be 25 minutes to be seated. I looked around the restaurant and could only see about 5 couples sitting. I asked her why it was going to take so long and she stated that is the way it was. I asked to see her manager who was very nice and was shocked to hear about our initial experience. He sat us right away, after which I did not see the hostess that was rude the whole time we were eating. Not sure where she went or what was said to her. What made it bad was the couple behind us also heard her. I would return to this restaurant despite this initial negative experience. The four of us with tip was around $120.00.

Blossom (Aria) We made reservations to eat here on NYE, so Rich, Jen, J and I made our way over to Blossom after seeing Zarkana (see review in the show section). We were immediately sat upon arrival at 7:30 p.m. We started off with Shitake Mushroom, Pot Stickers and Tempura String Beans for table appetizers. I ordered the Chicken Breast with Macadamia nut and a side of vegetable fried rice. This dish was incredible and was very tasty. My partner J had the Mongolian Beef, Rich had the Kung Pao Chicken and Jennifer had the Pan Fried Beef with Ginger & Pineapple.

Everyone concurred that the food and service was superior to Dragon Noodle but Blossom is in a different class of restaurant. I would highly recommend this place; this place in my mind is not pricey but be aware that everything is ala-carte. Nothing is included with the main dish, you have to order your sides separate. Also be aware that every drink (soda, ice tea) is a charge, no free refills. Still I think this place is worth a visit and we will be returning in March. The four of us with tip was around $330.00 (we did not have dessert).

Homestead Steak House (Caesar's) This was the first visit to this restaurant and I must say that I was not disappointed. This was one of the best steaks I have every had, not the best but probably the second best. I ordered the "Steakhouse Wedge Salad" which had Maytag Blue Cheese and Bacon on it, it was GREAT. For my main course I ordered the 26oz Bone in Ribeye, Medium Rare along with a loaded baked potato and Roasted Mushrooms. I have to say that the steak was done spot on, the mushrooms were the best I have ever tasted and the loaded baked potato was loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, butter on the side. I will definitely return, keep in mind like most high end steak houses everything is Ala-carte. All in all I would highly recommend this place, not only for the excellent quality of food but for the outstanding service. My partner who is not a big steak fan ordered the Wild Mushroom Risotto and a steakhouse wedge salad. J knew I wanted to try this place so he graciously said he would go and find something on the menu (thank you J!!! ) J said his food was excellent and he would even return..I highly recommend you try this place. For the two of us, meals, ice tea, soda, salads we got out of this place with tip for $365.

Entertainment:

“O” this was our third time seeing this show. Our friends Rich and Jen have never seen this and surprised us with tickets upon their arrival to Vegas on Sunday, December 30th. Lucky for J and I this is one of our favorite shows and have not seen it in a couple of years. The pre-show entertainment with the clowns was entertaining and you could tell those in the audience who had not seen the show before, it was fun watching them interact with the clowns. The acts in the show are breathtaking at times, especially towards the end with the high dive act. Rich and Jen really liked the show and said they were glad they purchased tickets. I would recommend this show to anyone who has not seen it.

“Zarkana” this was our first time seeing this show. I would have to say that you take it a face value and not read anything into it. It does not have a story line or plot and you just look at it for the acts. I found the acts to be interesting and fun. Overall I would say it is about 4th on my list of Cirque shows. My favorites rank like this:

1. Mystere
2. “O”
3. Zumanity
4. Zarkana
5. Ka

Closing Remarks: Many of your know that I do not go to Vegas to “win”. Winning is a bonus to me and this trip I did make some money. Overall this trip was very enjoyable. Ten days in Vegas is our longest length of stay to date. J and I both said we would do 10 days in Vegas again. We were treated like “high rollers” as we always are. I did up my game a bit spending more money than usual and have to say that the pit bosses and dealers noticed. When the table supervisors on Craps changes out the new supervisor noticed me and made a comment or came around the table and shook my hand. Being a large fish in a small pond like the Monte Carlo has its benefits. Our next trip in March we will be staying in the Penthouse Suite in Hotel32 our host advised us of that before we returned home.

If you are looking for a nice place to stay and a great feeling casino, in my mind Monte Carlo is your spot. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Great trip report! Glad you did we'll at the craps tables and its always fun to get on a heater. I love that feature bet with the all or nothing, is it at all MGM resorts did you notice?

Thanks for sharing, very enjoyable read!

 

Love the TR! Especially the craps action play by play...made me want to root for the hard 8 as well!

 

I only noticed this at Monte Carlo as this is the only place I played Craps.

 

I've seen the All/Tall/Small bet at Mandalay Bay (but not all the dice tables there have it)... as well as Wynncore.

Great trip report, I think we'll try Blossom when we're out there in a few weeks, based on the recommendation. Have been considering it for a while now.

Regarding your list of Cirque shows - I noticed Love is not on there - do you not like it, or have you not seen it? For me, your list looks pretty good, except I would put Love at or near the top.

Thanks for the TR!

 

Great stuff, pal! You know I share your love of Monte Carlo and the HOTEL32 LOFT. Best room in Vegas IMO! Thanks for the details on the restaurants. We ate at Brand last trip and liked it much more than Strip Steak in MB. We're going back for a steak again next trip in April.

 

Love is one show I have not seen.

 

Great report.

I must admit I am a MC fan as well. They treat me very well there - the big fish in a small pond comment you made in your TR certainly rings true for me.

I second the Brand comment of a previous poster - the food has always been good at a reasonable price in a nice setting. Generally speaking the staff there and in the attached bar are good value (although the hostesses can be a bit snooty - employed on looks methinks...).

You have me planning to try the Loft on the next trip in April.

Cheers !

 

Nice TR. Loved that you broke it up into sections!

 

Yes, try the Loft you won't be disappointed, let me know if you do and what you think about it.

 

Thank you for the awesome TR! I love how you divided into section. The food section made me drools.

 

absolutely loved the big craps run, awesome and very entertaining TR!!!

 

You make me want to spend more time at Monte Carlo.
Thanks for the report!

 

Will do - just emailed my host to see what impact the Loft will have on my usual deal...!

Your TR has certainly got me excited about getting back