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The Grand Geezer's Solo Trip Report

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by K-9treatbaker, Nov 10, 2013.

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  1. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    My Trip Report

    Hello All,

    It is about time, I get this trip report written. Okay, I'm semi old, 56, so a little slack is welcomed.

    Okay, I went to Vegas Oct. 26-Oct. 31st and this was a first solo trip for me.

    Yes, I was a bit nervous, but I landed in Las Vegas, via Southwest, from Orlando, and it went without a hitch.

    I literally zoomed through the airport, found the shuttle counter, located just outside the baggage claim, and got my ticket to the Monte Carlo, one way for 7.50.

    I only had to wait about 10 minutes for the shuttle, and then we were off. Shuttle driver was very nice and had a great sense of humor.

    Check in at the Monte Carlo also went quickly. No one in line. And it was 2:00 in the afternoon. How cool is this. At check in, the desk clerk confirmed I was staying there for two nights, and it was on the MyVegas promotion, and therefore MyVegas was picking up the tab. Now, at this point, I did not question the resort fee of 22.40 per night, because I just figured it would be mentioned at checkout.

    I have to say, I really liked the Monte Carlo. First off, my room was near the elevator, which I asked for, and it was spotlessly clean. Super comfortable bed, really nice bed pillows, and lots of room. Even boasted a nice easy chair. The bathroom was really nice as well. in a word BIG. And it had one of those wonderful mirrors that magnify about 100X and you can see every flaw in your face, but hey, on the flip side of that coin, I could actually see to put my make up on, and yes, I could actually see other things to pluck. Okay, I'm almost older than dirt.

    I liked that the Monte Carlo had a food court as well. Nice place to get a soda or a quick snack and not have to take out a mortgage to pay for it.

    I did eat at the brunch on Sunday, and the cost was 20.99, with my MLife card. It was a better than average brunch in my opinion, but only because they did have cold split crab legs and they were very good. The did have an omelette station, but I hate eggs, so that was out for me. Pastires, ham, hash browns, fruit, bagels and lox were on the buffet and they all were good. Biscuits and gravy also were served and they looked nice and fresh. All of the food I had was good. I basically ate crab legs, ham, hash browns, and a couple bites of pastry. The one thing, I really did not like about this brunch, is the coffee, juice, etc. was all self serve. Okay, call me lazy, but I really don't want to get up from the table for a refill of coffee or juice. I have to do that home. I'm on vacation. Anyway, it was decent.

    I thought the pool at the Monte Carlo was nice. And since they have three pool area's, there were shady spots and sunny spots, whatever one wanted.

    I would definitely recommend this hotel/casino. For me, it just had a nice vibe, and everyone was so nice. Okay, maybe not the vibe the 20 year olds are looking for, but certainly a nice pick for people in the 30's, families, and anyone just wanting to have a nice time and a nice place to lay their head, after a long day of sightseeing and gambling.

    When I checked out, the desk clerk also confirmed that MYVegas even picked up the tab for the resort fee. This was a very nice surprise!!! Winner Winner Chicken dinner. LOL

    On Monday, I took a cab, to Harrah's where I was booked for three days, comped, due to a slot tournament that I was in.

    The cab fare was a mere 8.10. But wait, when the cab driver refused to break a 50.00, I used my debit card, and wait for it..... a 5.00 fee was added to the 8.10 fare, and a 20% tip also was automatically added. The 8.10 cab fare jumped to 14.98. I really did want to challenge the driver about breaking the 50.00, but decided it wasn't worth the hassle. I was on vacation, and I should have had enough sense to have something smaller than a 50.00. A lesson learned.

    Harrah's also had a nice room, not quite as nice as Monte Carlo, but super clean, comfy bed, and nice pillows. And A nice view, overlooking the strip. I did request a room away from carnival court and think a view of the strip was the better part of the bargain.

    I was in the slot tournament for two days and actually won 200.00. The tournament was free, so this was a nice win for me.

    I did have an early dinner at Ellis Island and it was very good. I walked from Bally's to Ellis Island, in the afternoon, and it appeared to be a safe walk. Now, at night, I would not do this. And even in the afternoon, there were a couple of sketchy people, but I made sure I had a determined look and was not bothered.

    I ate the chicken fried steak dinner, used the coupon I had, ended up, only paying 7.50 for the meal, coke included. Huge amounts of food, served hot, and tasty. Server was very nice as well.

    Bartenders at Harrah's were very nice, offered quick service, nice jokes, and really made one feel welcome and like you had known them for years. This was really a plus, since I was solo. I did meet another member of this board for drinks, at Harrah's one afternoon, which was really nice. Pebbles, even invited me to the meet up that was downtown, that Wednesday, but I had to cancel at the last minute. Wasn't up to my usual self that afternoon. LOL

    I ate lunch one day at Main Street Station, and it did not disappoint either. 2.50 gin and tonic's and the burger I had was awesome. I love the 777 brew pub.

    Thursday morning came too fast, and back to Leesburg, Fl I had to go.

    The best part is.... my husband wants to go in 2014 and I am all ready planning our trip, which will be Aug. or Sept.

    And now, my husband is playing MYVegas, so we get more rewards.

    I realize this is a bit long trip report, and I can ramble, but, I wanted to share this with all of you.

    Hope it has been entertaining and helpful.

    Okay, another senior moment..... I had the reward to Beatles Love show and it was fantastic!! I mean a showstopper in my opinion. I really would like to know, how they fly through the air, and make it look so easy. LOL My seat was in the 209 section, I could see everything, and the show again was breathtaking. Yeah, I know, I am repeating myself. This is a must see, in my opinion.

    That's all folks........

    K-9treatbaker
     
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  2. npom

    npom VIP Whale

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    Thanks for the great read! Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
     
  3. sco5123

    sco5123 VIP Whale

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    Definitely a fun read. thanks!
     
  4. ATXTX

    ATXTX VIP Whale

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    Sounds like you had fun - did you gamble other than the slot tournament?
     
    When we Were Young
  5. SW

    SW Well-Known Member

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    Glad you enjoyed yourself. Thanks for sharing!
     
  6. Buddha

    Buddha VIP Whale

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    Hey K-9 .... Nice concise report. I often ramble on & on forever. :)
    And, 56 is not old. My wife and I are in our upper 60's, and get all over town like we're half that age.

    Sounds like you did a good job in planning your activities, and got a couple nice freebies. Sorry you got the small over-charge scam from the cabbie not accepting your $50. Like you said ... lesson learned.

    "Buddha"
     
  7. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    Solo Trip

    Hi Budda,

    I did gamble other than the slot tournament and really enjoyed walking around the strip and even downtown.

    I forgot to mention that I saw a man get arrested in Treasure Island, he tried to steal a ticket from another man's slot machine, when he hit cash out.

    And I saw a horrible, fight just outside of the Stratosphere . I was on the bus, luckily, and the man that started the fight, got off the bus. The man that started the fight, got knocked out cold, laying on the sidewalk, like he was dead, but he wasn't. But he was only moving his fingers, so who knows. Anyway, Metro was called, paramedics etc. and bus driver gave a statement, and we were off.

    It's Vegas....
     
  8. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    Hi Sammowhammo,

    Yes, I did gamble other than the slot tournament. Played slots. I gambled about 40.00 a day (Okay, quit laughing) I am the last of the big time spenders. LOL I do have to say though, everywhere I gambled, I did get enough to keep playing for a couple of hours.

    I had my best luck at Mirage.

    K-9tretbaker
     
  9. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    Note on the credit card machines on the cab, the auto tip can be reduced to zero if you read the prompts. I only know this from conversing with some drivers in Vegas. As for change for a 50, it's more a driver safety issue than anything
     
  10. Blonde_4_ever

    Blonde_4_ever LasVegas4ever.com

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    You almost made it to my meet! You would have been welcome!
     
  11. chitownjohn

    chitownjohn High-Roller

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    Thanks for the TR, it sounds like your first solo trip was a blast. Also thanks for the positive comments on Love, it's on my list of things to do for our upcoming trip.
     
  12. sporty8705

    sporty8705 VIP Whale

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    good read
     
  13. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    Hi Blonde 4 ever,

    I hope to make it to the next meet you all have. But, my husband and I won't be going until Aug/Sept. of 2014. And I am all ready planning our trip. How obsessed is that?

    K-9treatbaker
     
  14. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Thanks for the review. I've heard good things about the Monte Carlo and I liked the 2-6 spread of their poker game when it was full of tourists. Thanks for the post and the details.
     
  15. Ty

    Ty ?

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    Thanks for the report, enjoyed reading it.
    Tye
     
  16. RedRiverRose

    RedRiverRose VIP Whale

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    Great report. Enjoyed.
     
  17. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    Nice TR, sounds like you had a nice time. Good for you!!! :) :peace::beer:
     
    Annual CCA (Casino Collectibles Association) Show at South Point
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  18. LV2GAMBLE

    LV2GAMBLE Certified LOW Roller

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    Thanks for the report. Shhhh....56 is not old Age is relative. Heading to LV in a couple weeks and coming home on DH's 56th birthday. We have tickets to LOVE, which I am looking very forward to. DH, not so much as he claims he is not a Beattles fan, but I think he will be blown away by the show anyway. Thanks for writing and sharing.
     
  19. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    LV2Gamble,

    You both will love the LOVE show at the Mirage.

    Even non Beatles fans will be blown away, with the show.

    What a wonderful way to make a living, flying through the air, and actually not dying. LOL No bad seat in the house either. Although sitting a few rows back I think might be easier on the neck. Enjoy....
     
  20. pebbles

    pebbles Micro Roller.

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    Hi there.. It was great to spend some time with you during your trip. Thanks for the extra coupons too. You did better in your tournament than I did.

    Maybe meet up agin one of these days..
     
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