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Another awesome trip report... Birthday ed.

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by captainron62, Mar 4, 2014.

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  1. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    My Trip Report

    So we decided to go to LV and celebrate my 40th Birthday. My GF Steph's birthday is 8 days after mine, so it was a dual celebration I guess. I told her she could pick anything she wanted to do Saturday night and I picked going to the Cosmopolitan Hotel to check out Rose.Rabbit.Lie on Sunday night. This would just be a quick three dayer.

    So after a long day at work we head to the airport and get there at 4:45 for our 7:15 flight. The plan was to eat dinner at the airport and be ready for whatever when we land in LV. As we are checking a bag in one of the clerks mentions to the other if he checked and tried to get us on an earlier flight. The clerk 1 basically grumbles and says he didn't and sarcastically replies "Thanks for bringing it up." Clerk 2 tells us that LAS was closed for about 2 hours due to high winds, so SWA still has a plane on delay and we could possibly ride stand by. We say lets give it a try. Long story short, this is the first win of the trip, instead of leaving at 715 and doing an hour layover in Chicage we are wheels up at about 6:00 and on a direct.

    The flight was crazy. We didn't sit together but we both got decent folks to sit by. I actually sat by a teacher whose husband is a principal I know. The flight went until we got around the airport. The pilot announced that we would have to make an extra go around or two because the winds were too high to land. It literally felt like the go around was to LA and back, seemed to take forever. The rain and wind were just pounding the plane. A guy next to me who was a local said in over 90 flights into LAS this was the worst one.
    Needless to say there was much applause upon landing.

    WE took a quick cab ride to the LUXOR, no long haul this time. Fare was around $14 bucks. Walked to the invited guest line as instructed and tried to score an upgrade. We had a tower room but was hoping for a suite. I had my $20 out and they girl saw it and typed away. She said only thing available was a players suite on the first floor. She cautioned that most people dont like to stay that low and it probably isn't worth the $20. I said fine, the tower room will work. Dropped one more time that it was my birthday and I was really hoping for a suite. She said hold on and was gone for like 10 mins. She came back and said she checked with a manager and there was a big convention coming in and all the suites were def gone.

    A quick unpack and we are starved. Neither of us had eaten since lunch time and it was about 10pm. We decided to give the Tacos and Tequila joint a try. We just wanted something quick and close. We walked in and saw they had a DJ, kinda odd but okay. Once seated the music was so loud we couldn't even talk. We decided to get up and walk down to Public House. We got nachos and burgers at Public, the food and service were both excellent. This place does come in on the pricey side, with wine at $10 a glass. It was a good meal though and we left very, very full. I had a chicken sandwich and the GF had a turkey burger.

    WE headed over to the Aurora Bar where I had all the VP luck the last trip. We drank two more glasses of wine and I ended up down $100. There would be no VP luck this trip I guess. We took our last glass up to the room and finished it viewing the city lights.

    SATURDAY we awoke and walked down to Starbucks for a couple coffees. On the way back to the room I stuffed a $20 into a Blazing 7 maching and hit bonus on third spin. I collected the $42 in profit and was on my way. We had eaten so much the night before we still were not hungry. After finishing off the coffees we started walking north on the strip. Our destination was Hash House a Go Go. We got to HH about 1130 and there was an hour to hour 15 wait. We put our names on the list and hit the Casino bar. We couldnt get over the changes to the Casino, they really did an excellent job remodeling this place. Very hip and trendy now with the new carpet and signs and lights. We were both impressed for sure. We sat at the bar and drank three or four mimosas apiece while chatting with some chic from SoCal. I ended up down about $40 or $50 on VP.

    FINALLY we made it to HHand I must say it was worth the wait. I have never been inside but it appeared to be newly remodeled? The service was excellent and the food lived up to its reputation. We were both stuffed and glad it was nice enough to be walking outside as were sure needed it. We ended up exploring around Bellagio and City Center a bit. The weather was super nice, bad rain was forecasted all week, but it must have come and gone earlier than expected because Saturday was sun and clouds and low 60s.

    WE headed back to LUXOR and started to get ready to go to MGM Grand for the Miley Cyrus concert. We had a reservation at PUB 1842. This ended up being a good choice as the food and service were excellent. I had a salmon burger which was incredible and Steph had their peanut butter crunch burger. I got one of their craft beers and she had wine. We were up and out of there quick and in the arena seated for the concert at shortly after 7.

    I didn't really know what to expect as I have never been in the MGM arena but I have to say its an excellent venue! It was easy to get in and out of and the seats were great. We were side stage, but there wasn't a terrible seat in the joint. Miley turned out to be a great performer and singer. I was quite shocked at the number of young kids there. Don't the parents realize what she is about now?? Her hand was in her crotch a good portion of show and it was adult themed for sure. She is an excellent singer and we really did enjoy the show. I only knew a couple of her songs but when she coverd JOLENE I was impressed. We knocked back about 5 or 6 vodkas during the show so by the time it was over we were feeling pretty good. I tried to feed the LION SHARE on the way out but the line was insane.

    miley.jpg

    miley2.jpg

    WE hiked back to the LUXOR and tried some VP. I droped $10 in record time. I quickly realized the VP gods were not speaking to me this trip and suggested we do something else. We started to walk to MIX but the GF said she didn't feel like walking all the way over there. I suggested we sit down at the Blazing 7 machine since it seats two and enjoy a couple more drinks while playing. The cocktail waitress walked over and I ordered us each vodkas and tipped her a ten when she returned. She told us we didn't have to worry about our glasses getting empty and said she would be right back with another. I put a hundo in the machine and played it for quite awhile. Up, down, up down. I started losing and not hitting anything Steph was suggesting I stop and just take the $50 hit. I said no way, gonna run thru the entire hundred just as I planned. Well that was a good call, I got down to $3.25 and hit bonus and cashed out at $178 and change. This would be the last gambling of the trip, I just wasn't feeling it. We headed to the room and called it a night.

    SUNDAY morning we woke up and headed to Mandalay Bay for brunch. $54 or $56 for the twoof us, I forget about the weekend price increase. It was good food, but that is a lot for a brunch buffet anywhere, especially so since MB hasn't jumped on board offering alcoholic drinks in with the price yet.

    Off to the strip and ended up at the LINQ The High Roller was going so we checked it out. We also noticed the ticket sales shop was open next to the High Roller gift shop. Walked into where they will eventually sell tickets and line you up for boarding. The place was staffed and a guy was answering questions. He said they could begin taking passengers as soon as next week. He also offered that they considered Feb 28 @3pm the official opening of LINQ so the wheel would be running during the day and lit at night. A "light show" as he called it would be happening every night.


    highrollerent.jpg

    linqfountain.jpg

    linqsign.jpg

    We strolled around the LINQ and checked out the shops. These are just low end fun kind of shops. Think $12 sunglasses and cheap souvenirs. WE also noticed that the LINQ has their own uniform security sporting Linq patching. There were no "street people" on the premises. The entire length of the faux street was open, no more baricades. Not all the stores were open, but the buildings are complete. We really liked the vibe and it made us look even more forward to our June trip when we are staying at the Flamingo. :beer:

    We headed off to the Luxor both needing a nap before our big night at Rose.Rabbit.Lie.

    We got ready and stopped at the PH buffet before heading across the street to the Cosmo. The buffet did not disappoint, the food was good and wine hit the spot as well. We used a Groupon which made it a great deal.

    ROSE.RABBIT.LIE. We then headed over to watch the 8pm "canto" as RRL calls their shows. I am not going to go much into this as I will later write a seperate review in the shows/ent forum. I will say this, it was incredible and beyond expectation!! The best night we have ever had in LV.



    SOMEHOW, someway we made it back to our room. I would guess about 330am or 400am. I am not sure. I had pretty well lost my bearings and it was a struggle getting to the room. I thought for a minute I may have to request to be wheelchaired. Oh well, you only turn 40 once! :drunk:

    The next day were flying out so just had a quick Starbucks breakfast and went for a little stroll. We walked down to the "Welcome to Vegas" sign and Steph got a funny pic with Elvis.



    standelvis.jpg


    We cabbed to the airport and put another one in the books. I have to see this was one of our best trips. We didn't do a good job of being frugal, it was our celebration weekend so we let it all hang out. I truly do not want to even know how much I spent on alcohol this trip. It was worth it though, we made some great memories and had a blast.

    A few random thoughts. The street people are getting out of control, the costume ones and the performers. It is getting harder and harder to walk the strip. We along with others had to walk out into the street to get by PH. It was just insane. Some of the costumes are just ridiculous as well. These guys should have to be licensed since they are clearing taking money.

    We did not have any bad experiences to report. It was a good trip and there was nothing to complain about.
     
  2. NYPoker

    NYPoker Tourist

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    I guess I'm never gonna play this thing when I'm there :grrr:. Great trip report!
     
  3. gotavegasjones

    gotavegasjones VIP Whale

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    Happy 40th. Seems like y'all had a fine trip. Enjoyed the read. Thanks for posting.

    later, GVJ
     
  4. eisen7979

    eisen7979 Low-Roller

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    Happy 40th, sounds like a great time! For whatever reason I can't see your pictures though. Thanks for sharing.
     
  5. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    I think the pics are working now. It still wont let me post two of them, says they are already uploaded, but wont post.
     
  6. eisen7979

    eisen7979 Low-Roller

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    Now they are working. Great pics, I bet that Miley concert was pretty interesting to say the least. LOL
     
  7. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    Tried again on Sunday, same thing. at least 10 people or so in line. We gave it 10 mins and the guy playing wasn't even done.
     
  8. hillwood24

    hillwood24 High-Roller

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    Great report! Thanks for sharing! I love reading Luxor trip reports as it seems to be my home base these days.
     
  9. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    We have stayed three times since last June. We have never had a problem or a bad experience. The East tower rooms are my favorite. Easiest to get too! They have sent me decent offers for my small time VP play.
     
  10. aaronw915

    aaronw915 Low-Roller

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    Enjoyed the report. Will be out there in May. Was thinking about taking the wife to Rose.Rabbit.Lie. I'm glad to hear that you liked it. I haven't heard any bad reviews of it yet.
     
  11. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    I am going to write a full report tonight on the RRL experience. We watched all three shows, then closed the club down and then did after hours in "the study". It was absoutely unreal!!
     
  12. M_ILIS

    M_ILIS VIP Whale

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    My wife and I are going to the 10pm and midnight shows at the end of the month, so I'm actually trying to avoid spoilers of what the show entails. I'd rather be surprised, so I won't read your review until after our trip. BUT... I am curious about what to expect, budget-wise. We have the tickets already but I'm talking about drinks/etc. at Rose.Rabbit.Lie. Any estimate of what you spent that evening? Thanks and Happy 40th! Sounds like a great trip.
     
  13. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    There won't be any details about what the show entails in my report. I was just gonna answer some questions about how it is worked, the venue, etc.

    As far as the drinks go. Everyone recommends you get one of the RRL flasks. You can choose from either a vodka based or a dark liquor based. They are $45 and you keep the flask. It contains the equivalent of 4 drinks. We went thru 3 of those, two rounds of drinks off tier menu which were $16 a copy, a round of tequila shots and a bottle of champagne. I don't even want to do the math. It was my birthday so we drank a lot more leaving than normal.
     
  14. Funkhouser

    Funkhouser In Charge of the Big Door

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    I am really curious of your opinion. Being 40 something I wonder if it is something myself and wife would like to do as a couple.
     
  15. Vegaslover2

    Vegaslover2 Tourist

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    I'm really interested in reading your take on Rose.Rabbit.Lie also. It sounds unique and I want to hear what it's all about! Thanks for the trip report!
     
  16. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    I will try and get it done this eve. It is def something you and your wife would enjoy. There were 20 some year olds up to 60 somethings and all were having a blast. I recommend anyone make a night of it.
     
  17. 2VegasNuts

    2VegasNuts High-Roller

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    Great report. We were also there last weekend. The street performers are getting out of control. We walked from MGM to Paris in the middle of the day and twice were pushed out into the street just to get around. We also heard that several of the people watching are just shills that are with the performer to start a crowd. At night, the guys with 3 shell game are everywhere. The top of the escalator leading over to Flamingo from Bally's was impassable. We had to take the elevator. We also witnessed a fight over the shell game. Once again, the "performers" of this game have shills who are supposedly playing until some sucker comes up and losses. Las Vegas needs to do something.
     
  18. sco5123

    sco5123 VIP Whale

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    i want to do afterhours in a "study"! :woot:
     
  19. sco5123

    sco5123 VIP Whale

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    Fun report ron. Wow Miley is a good singer? I am really shocked. I will have to youtube it. Wrecking Ball was a sweet song though. I am really excited about the High Roller! I can't wait to try it. Wow it's great that you enjoyed RRL (especially that it was your best night ever in LV!!). I shall see it soon! I also hope to give Mandalay Bay buffet a second chance with my myVegas reward! Enjoy your June trip!!
     
  20. zoey11

    zoey11 Mid roller and Vegas fanatic

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    Glad you had a good birthday and great trip report!
     
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