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Trip report in small pieces

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by Dewey090, May 28, 2013.

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  1. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    My Trip Report

    I think I've finished publishing all the aspects of my last trip on my blog. They are arranged by category just in case you don't have a year off to read the entire set of trip report snippets.
    I had a losing trip in the gambling although the live poker went fine. The VP just drained me everywhere and I kept pumping it because at the end of last trip I hit two royals that then paid for my trip.
    Below are some hotel notes. It was a frugal trip except for the gambling losses. For a trip of 25 nights I did well to average with taxes and fees and everything below $15 a night. I ate for $11 a night even counting the two checks I picked up for board friends.

    I traveled around with Wild Bill and at times two other poker buddies from my weekly game here at home. Wild Bill and I do have a dandy time in Vegas.
    I am not much of a meet up guy and like the solo meets with folks from all over the world. However, I met a few folks from a variety of discussion boards and they were wonderful. I had an especially fine long day with Lady Fortuna, one of the most positive people in the world. You can't avoid a great time if your companion is just constantly celebrating everything, even the long bus ride on the 202 from the strip to the Eastside Cannery.
    My transportation was again the buses for $33.50 total. The price of one day's gas at home gets me a week of unlimited access to all bus routes and I went often, even finally hit Club Fortune in Henderson.
    MyVegas stoked the show budget so that I saw 16 total shows for $82 cash. That is a record. The best was O. None were actually bad. The hidden gem of a show was Shades of Sinatra.
    So as always I did not lose any more gambling than I would have paid for a similar vacation in another spot. I just can't beat Vegas for price. Even gambling at home costs me more per day.
    Other details can be gleaned from
    http://vegasbirthdaybash.blogspot.com/
    Just look for things marked TR Snippet and see if the topic interests or not. From time to time when the discussion seems the right fit, I'll plug in pieces of my observations in various threads on the board.

    I don't have a lot of photographs but I did take my camera to Bellagio and I like some of what I captured. I'm not a great photographer and the camera is not so hot either.

    http://vegasbirthdaybash.blogspot.com/2013/05/tr-snippet-photo-bits-of-bellagio.html

    The way to navigate is to scroll. When you get to the bottom of the first page, hit "older posts" which will bring you to the second page and so on, skimming a page at a time.

    Anyway, I'm happy to be home and have all these memories recorded before I forget everything.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 28, 2013
  2. gongoman

    gongoman MIA

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    Thanks dewey089 I always enjoy reading your trip reports and getting more info about places that I don't frequent much when in Vegas..I hope sometime I get the honor of meeting you..Remember when u get to chicago area to see your son My comp for you (2 nights at Bluechip Casino) is always ready for ya

    :beer::beer:
     
  3. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Why thanks Gogonman. Very generous. Usually, the rule in Chicago is no gambling even in conversation, unless we just play a bit of a quarter game among ourselves, but I appreciate the offer and the kudos.
     
  4. Huddler

    Huddler VIP Whale

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    Dewey,
    I always enjoy your reports and this one is no exception. I hope to meet you at in Vegas one of these days and play some poker with you. thanks for the TR.
     
  5. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    But the Blue Chip has 9/6 JoB with Super Times Pay for quarters (as does Gold Coast)! haha They also serve a good amount of craft beer, but you gotta pay for it, damn Midwest. :(

    And I read most of your blog for this trip. Tons of detail there; thanks for sharing. I'm guessing those Orleans nickel triple play have pretty good progressive meters? 9/7 DB by itself sounds like one of the worst paytables you played all trip.

    And when you where questioning your poker skill when your buddy could tell you were going to raise, it's probably not a big deal with the limits youre playing. The rake is a much, much bigger deal unfortunately for your limits. :( I would probably try to play 3/6 or 4/8 limit more if you can swing it. Or games that cap at $3 if they exist anywhere. They would if you like to play mix games like I do. :evillaugh
     
  6. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    I agree. I did try to play the 3/6 limit at Mirage but one night I waited forever and no seats. I should have tried the 4/8 at Venesian.

    I am liking that 2-6 spread at Sam's Town as long as I don't just get a table full of locals who play it every day. They cap at $3 but take $2 for promotions, but they do have plenty of those. I like to play limit with Aces cracked. Great insurance and a lowered power for those pocket pairs as folks don't raise with them. They get the bonus $100 but someone else manages a cheap draw to get the pot.

    Sometimes a larger rake makes a better game. It draws in folks who don't do the math while the good raked games keep the tough old tight players. I used to do fine at Flamingo based on table selection, but all the bonus stuff is gone and CET is too stingy on rooms now as well for poker players.

    Bally's 3/6 is not my favorite. I just don't seem to get the rhythm of that game. And there too it is often wait until late even before the game starts.

    Next trip I'm going to play at Sam's Town unless I don't like the opponents and then I'll go play the VP nickles.

    And yes the 9/7 DB is as low as I'll go. Remember with three progressive royals, there is some improvement in the EV. The one I chased this trip was up to $600.
    I just like the game. It is cheap to play and I like the fun of it.
     
  7. carrie_dave_and_cody

    carrie_dave_and_cody Low-Roller

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    I haven't had time to read the trip report yet. I will do that when I get home from work, but my questions for you is where did you see the Sinatra show? That sounds like something my husband would like.
     
  8. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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  9. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    Started reading your report and received a few tips within the first five minutes (Gold Coast shuttle & 4 Queens comps). I'm staying comped at a few of your choices (Orleans and 4 Queens) and have a few more offers to weigh (Cosmo, Red Rock, CET offers and The California). Want to limit it to three stays with a possible fly in night (w/ no unpacking) over 12 nights.

    I'm going to try to seed future comp offers at The D, Eastside Cannery, Sam's Town and maybe one or two more during my August trip. What are your suggestions for best comps on the Boulder Strip or other off strip casinos?

    I've only stayed at Boulder Station (in the late 1990s) but I would like to try Eastside Cannery or Sam's Town. I like to play VP (9/6 JOB, 10/7 DB or FPDW) and Limit Poker (or Poker Tournaments) for comps / reduced rates. I'll play blackjack periodically, but would rather secure comps via Video/Live poker.

    Sorry to hear you may phase out Gold Coast and Orleans for future trips. I heard the Gold Coast room remodels are really nice. Perhaps you can consider a cab ride from downtown or take the Flamingo Bus from a Boulder Strip stay to spend your final week split between Gold Coast and The Orleans before heading back home (Trop/Wax to airport) on a future trip. I also decline maid service until I check out.

    Thanks for posting and I'm glad you enjoyed your healthy, fun Strip-free trip despite some gambling losses.
     
  10. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Cab rides? No,no. I'm a bus guy through and through.
    If I don't keep my expenses down, how can I give all my money away in video poker machines?

    I'll keep the Gold Coast and Orleans in mind, but just now I'm feeling a bit old and thinking I'd rather just roll my luggage from place to place.

    I don't know much about Boulder Highway places other than what I've written. Sam's Town did have a great progressive JOB 9/6 on the second floor and I chased it one morning. Then those Eastside Cannery JOB machines with the 90 for straight flushes are a real find.
    If you seed enough in the Eastside Cannery to get rooms, I think you will like them and while they are isolated, the bus now makes them an extension of downtown.
    I have not been to Boulder in years. They have one of the only smoking poker rooms. I avoid smoke, so that keeps me away. They sure have good rates popping up on the discounter sites, but you have to figure in the Resort Fee which is rather stiff. Resort fees pretty much become deal breakers for me.
    For 10/7 DB you can't beat those progressive full plays at the Four Queens and they come with cashback, freeplay, great three night over the weekend mailed offers and generous coffee in the room. Finding that I can actually stay there and not play to extend my time in one spot and still not affect my trip average play or nix my offers was a great discovery this trip. Part of what moves me from the Gold Coast and Orleans is the ease of the D and the Four Queens booked back to back.
    Glad you liked the posts.
     
  11. BeeeJay

    BeeeJay President of The Red Lobster Hostess Satisfaction

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    sweet report!

    I remember Bill telling us he saw you.

    I am putting my high-end washer/dryer on eBay as we speak and forwarding your "down-by-the-river" washing instructions to my wife. I think if she follows the nudity part to a T it could help the marriage. :beer:

    good stuff as always!
     
  12. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Thanks. Let us know how the nude laundry technique works for you.
    It is just another proof that frugality can be a great adventure.
     
  13. sam

    sam Low-Roller

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    Enjoyed your trip report very much. Lots of details. Thanks for the report on Shades of Sinatra. We are going to see this show next week. You got a very good deal on the price of the tickets. I look forward to seeing this show. It is always nice to have some opinions on the various shows. We look for frugal shows as well. Last year we saw the Coasters, the Marvelettes and the Platters. That particular show was not very well attended as well but was very good. It is a shame when the crowds are so small. Keep up the great trip reports.
     
  14. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    Thanks for your reply. I will likely book California and 4 Queens back to back for the ease of switching hotels. It is the first time booking 6 straight days downtown. I really enjoy breaking up the stay across 2-3+ areas in the valley, but it makes sense to book back to back downtown stays when you are without a car.

    Boyd rates are so cheap across the Valley. The room rates and low/no resort fees are a bargain whether comped or not. I had a reservation at Eastside once, but cancelled due to the isolation. I'll consider staying 3-4 nights next trip. I also do not like Boulder Station or resort fees.

    I'm going to enjoy more live poker as well (vs. long VP or BJ sessions). I loved your recaps of playing conditions. I've done well at the $2-$4 at Binions (should start getting rated there) and will try Golden Nugget (played a few tournaments there).

    I will wait to see if I get an 4 Queens August tournament offer matching my dates before booking the standard three day plus freeplay offer. Between the comps, cash back (0.30% + any Freeplay) and Full Pay offerings, 4 Queens is a great place for comps for low rollers.

    I have at least a decade more of being a wage slave before having the chance to have extended trips beyond 2 weeks. I've learned to enjoy Vegas at a slower pace, and also like leaving the valley for several days as there are many National Parks and towns along the West Coast worth visiting.
     
  15. Kimsa70

    Kimsa70 High-Roller

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    Dewey - I really enjoyed your report! I can barely make it 3 nights in Vegas, and give you props for a such a long, fun trip, where you met some great folks, and had a great time eating and gambling on a budget. And the naked laundry story was a hoot!

    I especially enjoyed hearing about all the food, and how you still managed to stay healthy and within your blood sugar levels..which is definitely a great accomplishment in Vegas. I recently came back from a trip where I had $600 F&B for 4 days, and I overindulged and really felt kinda sick the whole time even though I ate at great restaurants run by today's top chefs. I learned my lesson, and on my next trip, I'm going to stick to my healthy eating Paleo diet and will not only save $, but feel better, too!

    I usually stick to Strip hotels/casinos, but it sounds like there are some great eating options that are a bargain downtown, too.

    Thanks for the great report!
     
  16. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Try calling the main number and asking to speak to a host at the Four Queens. They may know when the tournament is scheduled and if you are invited and they may know before the mailings go out.
     
  17. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

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    Dewey, thanks for this trip report. I'm really enjoying it. You always have wonderful info on how to stretch a dollar and still have a really good time. I don't know why, but, this trip report it hit me how much you crack me up. I agree with the point that you're making, if you have to follow a certain way of eating and you're on a budget...buffets are the way to go in Vegas.
     
  18. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    I'm glad you enjoyed it.
    I found the food was easier than I expected as long as I did not expect organic.
    My trip before this one was before I realized I had the diabetes and I was off the charts when the doctor saw me.
    Radical fast diet dumped the drugs.
    I lost weight on that earlier trip, but the doc said it was because we can lose weight with raging sugar levels.
    This trip I lost the ten pounds I gained over a sedentary winter. I was very pleased with that. I need to lose about 50 more to really be healthy, but if that doesn't happen, at least I can plan on being a fat guy who does not have diabetes issues and avoids cancer. That is my real goal. a number of the superfoods good for controlling diabetes are also good for avoiding the big C.
    Kale for example.
    http://www.undergroundhealth.com/kale-is-the-new-beef/

    I credit kale with my being able to dump another drug, heavy duty Humira for arthritis. It worked, but now the kale seems to make it obsolete.
    I thought the alcohol would be the problem. I have loved getting drunk in Vegas, but I have to say I loved being sober in Vegas too, and in most cases I did not even want one drink because it would not make me drunk. I do love Perrier.

    ++++++++++++
    Hi LolaDoggie. I'm glad to give you a laugh. I got plenty with that laundry piece. At first I thought folks were just not reading much beyond the first couple snippets, but I guess it is one of the funnier pieces.
     
  19. hammie

    hammie VIP Whale

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    Dewey, I just read a report out of Australia that claims Oyster Mushrooms, and a few other foods, can reduce inflammation. They also have great anti-cancer properties as well.

    http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2013/05/29/3769271.htm#.UafMvcu9KSN

    Enjoyed your trip report as well, you will need to pack one of those retractable clothes lines on your next adventure.
     
  20. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Hammie,

    That creative chef at the Veggie House out Spring Mountain road did a very good crispy oyster mushroom. That is all I would eat if I went there again. All his stuff is made from soy products. I was not as thrilled with the faux duck, but it was a good attempt. I used another Groupon there, but ordered way too much. I had some for breakfast cold the next day.

    Thanks for the link, Hammie. I posted it on my Facebook.
     
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