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Pre-Trip Notes - May/June Version (long)

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by jasonargo, May 16, 2014.

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  1. jasonargo

    jasonargo High-Roller

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Trips to Las Vegas:
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    Well it's tme for another trip, my 3rd of 2014. And as usual I am happy to post for your amusement my voluminous trip notes.

    I am working again, albeit part-time and temporary, but it's actually nearly exactly what I was hoping to find - evening hours and no phone work. Just sit me in front of a computer & leave me alone for 4-6 hours a day. I really am not making any kind of serious income, but at least I have stopped draining the savings, which was my goal.

    So on to the trip! I wanted to head out one more time before the temperatures hit the 105+ range. Coming in on the 28th for 6 nights, which is how I have decided I like my trips now (Wed - Tues). This trip is solo, Lady Friend blew her wad on the March trip.

    Good things happened to make this a low cost outing. Used SW points for one leg, so air is under $150 RT. I have the rental car down to $109 all-in for the whole stay. I received weekday comp offers from the Grand & Plaza for 2 nights each, and used myVegas rewards for the weekend at Circus Circus ($14.50/night resort fee). This will be my 3rd stay at the Grand (love it), 2nd stay at CC (meh), and my 1st stay at the Plaza since the renovation.

    I am a red chip BJ player and primarily $.25 VP player. My goal again this trip is to play the highest VP paytables, preferably over 100% theo with players club added in. Unfortunately I already can anticipate some low paying play - 8/6 JOB at the Grand, 8/5 Bonus progressive at CC, and the new 99% machines at the Plaza. I don't mind playing a bit on these machines in order to "pay back" the comps (and hopefully generate more), but I won't go overboard. I'm hoping to play some BJ to help in that respect as well. I'm a coupon user, promo chaser, and frugal diner. I usually spend $10 or less per meal (not including tax, tip, drink) but I eat very well. No fast food for this boy, I'm in Vegas, baby!

    So as usual, once my trip has been planned I start catching up on trip reports and board posts. Then I compile notes regarding promotions, good deals, changes, and new (to me) stuff in general around town. For the 2nd trip in a row I am going to be on the cusp of a month, so I may miss out on some juicy June promos which haven't been announced yet. Still, I hope that some of you may be able to take advantage of my research so here we go!

    The list starts with downtown casinos, then Strip, then off-Strip. This is information I have copied from board posts, blogs, casino websites, trip reports, and even more unsavory sources. I take no responsibility for the accuracy of the information, and the typos are NOT mine.

    Have fun & good luck!

    -

    Main Street Station - The garage was free but was only available for hotel guests, sapphire and emerald card holders. At least that's the way it was on Sunday and Monday. They were checking cards and turning other people away. We have had many issues with people parking at our facilities that work at the other casinos and people that use our parking to enjoy Fremont Street. This leaves us limited parking for our hotel and casino guests. We refund the charge to guests that either stay, play or eat at the Casino. They changed this a little, its no longer brunch on the weekends, just normal breakfast and lunch at the buffet. Earn 250 points for free buffet breakfast, lunch, or brunch (ACG)

    California - Earn 250 points for free MSS buffet breakfast, lunch, or brunch (ACG)

    The Plaza has a food court with a fast mexican joint. Can't remember the name, but we had 4 breakfast tacos that were excellent for $6.50. Ate Pop Up Pizza twice at the Plaza, couldnt have been happier, very good stuff! Plus they give free refills on drinks, so if you stay there, dont throw your cup away. Effective immediate we have added new VP pay tables to be competitive with other downtown properties. As a start, we now have eight VP machines, located by the Craps machine, that have various over 99% payouts. There are eight slant-tops outside the poker room which is near the craps machine with these 5c/10c/25c games - 8/5 BP, NSUD, 9/7 DB, 9/6 JoB, 9/6 BDlx, 9/6 DDB and 9/7 TDB. The have stickers on them saying "0 points" and "excluded from Royal Rewards promotion". However, our machines still earn comps based on VP play as with all our slots. “Win cards…” We are in the works for this concept as well and expect this promotion to be up and running by the end of May. Downtown only Royal Flush FREE Slot Play Bonus. Basically, hit a Royal Flush with max bet on $1 VP or below and win up to $1000 in FSP based on your tier level. We will be implementing day time $3 BJ and working on new live craps promotions at both properties during the day by mid May. 100 points for entry into daily slot tournament Noon - 8 PM. Suited Blackjack of the day receives 1 Free 6-Pack of Beer or T-shirt! Drawing Saturdays 8:15 PM, 500 points/entry. Hot seat promotion Sundays 3-5 PM. 2-4-1 drinks (ACG)

    A new take on roulette was recently unveiled at Golden Gate casino, downtown, called Riverboat Roulette.

    Golden Nugget - Cadillac Mexican Cantina sits in the space formerly occupied by the hotel’s Carson Street Cafe. Cadillac Mexican Cantina & Tequila Bar has more than 70 varieties of tequila. Right next door Claim Jumper restaurant has opened. $60-4-50 poker chips, 2-4-1 breakfast or lunch buffet M-F, 2-4-1 drink at Rush (ACG)

    Binion's - Motherlode swipe promo, swipe at 5, 40, & 300 points each day for a prize. 2-4-1 burger, 2X points up to 500 (ACG)

    Fremont - Earn 250 points for free buffet breakfast, lunch, or brunch (ACG)

    Four Queens - 55+ 20% off Hugo's, Magnolias, Chicago Brewing, 20% off gift shop excluding food, cigs & alcohol. 2-4-1 entree at Magnolias, 2X points up to 500 (ACG)

    The D - Through July 31, 2014 the D and Golden Gate in downtown Las Vegas will give away 35, seven-day cruises to Mexico as part of the joint slots and video poker promotion, “Reelin’ Your Way to Mexico.” Each month the properties will draw five winning tickets. Winners and a guest will enjoy balcony cabins as they set sail aboard Carnival Cruise’s “Miracle” Ship to the Mexican Riviera for a seven-day cruise. Players can earn tickets towards the promotion at either property by playing slots and video poker, but must be members of the respective players club to participate. Club 1906 members will earn one drawing entry for every 500 points earned in slots or video poker and Club D members will earn one drawing entry for every 100 points earned in slots or video poker. Before each monthly drawing, drums from each property will be combined and a winning ticket will be drawn. Winners will travel on Carnival Cruise Line’s “Miracle” Ship to the Mexican Riviera. Sailing Date: Saturday, Oct.11, 2014. Return Date: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. Port of call: Long Beach, Calif. (Transportation to and from the port of call provided by the D and Golden Gate). Winners receive complimentary hotel accommodations Friday, Oct.10, 2014 for a pre-cruise send off party and Saturday, Oct.18, 2014 for a post-cruise on-your-own stay at either the D or Golden Gate. The earning period for drawing entries is 12:01 a.m. on the beginning of the drawing month through 8:30 p.m. on the scheduled drawing dates. All drawing entries must be redeemed at the players club, filled out completely by the player and deposited in drawing barrel. Players need not be present to win, however no substitute prizes will be offered. $5 freeplay each in May/June, two $5 match play each in May/June (mailer). Push your bet at 22 in BJ up to $25, $5 freeplay for every 50 points up to $100, $10k coin-in for full $100 (ACG)

    The Grand - I picked up a cup of free self-serve coffee in the Art Bar off the lobby (until 10 AM). The much-talked-about game Street Dice will finally debut to the public on Friday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. The gym is only a small room with several machines. Both pool and gym are on the 3rd floor. Block party BOB FM 7-10 PM Fridays in May. Drawings Fri & Sat in May at 8, 9, & 10 PM. Free daily slot tournament 11 AM - 9 PM, additional entries 500 points. $10 freeplay, 10 drawing tickets, free gift through 5/31. (mailer)

    Downtown’s Pizza Rock is a newcomer to the Las Vegas restaurant scene, but has already won us over with its award-winning pizza and, yes, meatballs. There were, however, small pizzas on the happy hour menu, and individual slices were available from a take-out menu. Happy hour is made happier when there’s pizza, so from 3-6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 p.m. till close daily, Pizza Rock makes your night with individually sized pies. You can pick from the award-winning Cal Italia or the simple Frank’s True Italian, but our preference is the meat-laden Molinari, topped with salami, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms and mozzarella.

    One place that barely gets mentioned is Cous cous mediterannean cafe in Neonopolis. If kabobs are your thing, this place is great. The kabob meals are huge, with tons of meat, and very good quality.

    Nacho Daddy 113 N 4th St won best margarita in LVRJ. There’s a reason the restaurant has a scorpion sign outside. At Nacho Daddy’s bar, guests can have opt to have an actual scorpion added to any shot of liquor. I went to Nacho Daddy and had an amazing pork taco. I was hungry and had the taco and some chips with salsa and could not finish the chips. I have read that the nachos are great too.

    $2 off Mob Museum (internet coupon)

    El Cortez - Hit a qualifying jackpot of $200 or more in May and win a gift card for Walgreens, WalMart, Chevron, Shell, Smith's, El Cortez or Zappos. Free Klondike bar on Wednesdays with $25 or higher jackpot. In an effort to continue providing innovative ways for Club Cortez members to access their account information, El Cortez has installed four new touch screen kiosks throughout the casino floor. Members can use the kiosks to find promotional offers and play exciting kiosks games. El Cortez is currently offering the following four promotions at the new kiosks: Spin N’ Win Promotion: Earn 100 slot points in a day and have a chance to spin the virtual prize wheel at one of the MGT kiosks. Spin the wheel and win one of eight great prizes, including $50 in Free Slot Play. Everyone is guaranteed a winner! Voucher expires seven day after issue date; limit one spin per day, Sizzle, Smoke & Sub: Earn 1,500 points in a day and receive your choice of a free pack of cigarettes, a free Jackie Burger Special or a $5 Subway voucher. Voucher expires in 24 hours of issuance; limit one redemption per day. 5X points one day (personal website - both months?).

    Chances are, you’ve never been in a bar quite like The Boozery at downtown’s new Container Park shopping complex. That’s because the entire bar is inside a shipping container. The Boozery is open Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, noon to 1:00 a.m. and Sunday, noon to 11:00 p.m.

    Mandalay Bay - Wincards.

    Luxor to play their 9/5 JOB progressive machines. At the quarter level, I think these are among the best options among the Mlife point-earning machines.

    New York New York - Slot tournament Mon - Thurs 10 AM - 5 PM, earn 250 points per entry up to 3 per day, $1500 freeplay top prize. One note on Southwest they have a coupon on the back of the drink menu that you can take a picture on your phone and then at any bar in NYNY they will give a free drink. The bartenders are supposed to watch you delete the pic but we had at least three free drinks each.

    Double Ball Roulette recently made its debut at the Tropicana.

    Hooters - HOT SEAT DRAWINGS EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 12 PM TO 4PM -Bonus play drawings will award $100.00 of bonus play each drawing, Bonus play drawings will be held every 30 minutes. 5X POINTS ON SLOT MACHINES EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY (VP?)

    Apparently at 7:00 (6:15?) part of the blue man group does a parade progression through the Monte Carlo. Pretty cool thing to watch and even if you’re not going to the show, you might as well swing in to watch it. Lasts for about 10 minutes or so. The show starts in the hotel’s lobby, winds its way through the casino, and ends in front of the Blue Man Group theater. Dragon Noodle at Monte Carlo. Really good. $9.99 lunch special that included soup and entree w/fried rice and a spring roll.

    Max (Westin) - $3 blackjack 11 AM - 6 PM. $.25 roulette & $3 craps 6-8 PM. 2X points all day Mon - Thurs. 1/2 price select appetizers at the bar for players club members M-Th 2-6 PM & M-F 2-6 AM. Sign-up Gift: Get $10 in Slot Play or Table Game Match Play. Bonus Gift: Earn 100 Points on sign-up day and get a special Max gift . Earn 200 points for $10 freeplay or matchplay (ACG)

    Cromwell - The new and first of its kind standalone boutique hotel is now open. The casino features 434 slot machines and 66 table games. The completely renovated casino (formerly Bill’s Gambling Hall/Barbary Coast) located at Flamingo and the Las Vegas Strip, is now open to the public.

    Yes, there is a free slot tournament in the Margaritaville casino at Flamingo on Saturdays and Sundays.

    There is a free slot tournament at Quad on the weekdays. Free admission auto collection (internet coupon)

    Yes the Dennys at Casino Royale has closed down now.

    If you ever make it to the strip, Treasure Island has good DD games. $10 minimums, DAS, BJ pays 3-2.

    Flamingo Pizza $20 Restaurant.com certificate, 3500 Wynn Rd at Spring Mountain, open 10 AM - 6 AM daily, wifi(?), take-out.

    Circus Circus - WinCards. Roulette promotion, see email. Resort coupon book with stay.

    Riviera - $9.99 burger & beer at Wicked Vicky's 11 AM - Midnight. 2 free comedy club tickets (ACG) start time 8:30 PM.

    Palace Station - $9.99 t-bone steak special at Grand Cafe. $.99 margaritas. 50+ Wednesdays free slot tournament 10 AM - 7 PM. New players club $1 = 1 point, "3X points all the time", must swipe for the 3X multiplier.

    Silverton - Mondays 50+ club drawings at 2, 4, & 6 PM, 50 pts/entry, 20 winners each drawing for $100 or $500 freeplay. Also 50% off all restaurants with 50+ sticker. Silverton Rewards Club members who play their favorite machines every Wednesday & Thursday in May can earn 500 points to play the Mini Cooper Mayhem kiosk game where prizes include a 2014 Mini Cooper, free slot play, cash, dining and more. Kiosks are located on the casino floor and points earned must be base points only earned from midnight -11:30 pm on promotion dates, swipe 7:30 AM - 11:30 PM. 10X points Thurs & Friday in May, swipe to activate, Midnight to Midnight, points added within 72 hours (slots only). $15 freeplay each in May & June (mailer).

    South Point - Senior slot tournament Thursday 10 AM - 4 PM, one free entry. Earn 300 points for free buffet (ACG)

    Orleans - Young At Heart Wednesdays: mystery multiplier 7 AM - 7 PM up to 50X, drawing at 4:30 PM, earn 100 points for free dinner buffet or 50 points for lunch, redeem by 7 PM. Visit kiosk to activate multiplier. However, I do have another criticism of Boyd, their UNDOCUMENTED policy of eliminating swipes for multipliers at Orleans on Senior Wednesdays after 4:30PM when the multipliers are valid until 7PM.

    Palms - Happy hour at Simon 7 days 3-6 PM, $6 apps, drinks, sushi. Senior Thursdays 50% off buffet, select items 24/7 Cafe, $4 movie tickets.

    Gold Coast - Young At Heart Wednesdays: mystery multiplier 7 AM - 7 PM up to 50X, drawing at 4:30 PM, earn 100 points for free dinner buffet or 50 points for lunch, redeem by 7 PM. Visit kiosk to activate multiplier. B Connected Card members who earn fifty (50) same day base points may earn one (1) free voucher beginning at 3:00am on Thursdays to be eligible to play in the Free Thursday Video Poker Tournament. Vouchers must be printed between 3:00am and 6:45pm on the Thursday the points were earned. Tournament hours are 11:00am to 7:00pm on Thursdays. Check for Monday senior 5X/tournament for June. Earn 200 points for free buffet, $5 table matchplay (ACG)

    VooDoo Zip Line is now open and accommodates two riders at once. It connects the two towers of the Rio Las Vegas more than 490 feet above the ground. The feet-dangling, adrenaline rush attraction begins on the patio of VooDoo Steakhouse, located on the 50th floor of the Masquerade Tower, and propels riders at speeds up to 33 miles per hour to the adjoining 20-story Ipanema Tower. VooDoo Zip Line is open to the public from noon to midnight Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. Only patrons 21 years of age or older will be allowed to ride after 8:30 p.m. Admission is $24.99 per person (plus applicable service fees) from noon to 5:30 p.m. and $37 per person (plus applicable service fees) from 5:30 p.m. to midnight.

    Ellis Island - 50+ drawings Tues & Thurs at 11 AM, 12, 1, 2, 6 & 7 PM.

    Tuscany - 7X points Monday & Friday. Senior Thursday: 2 for 1 Entrees Valid at Marilyns Cafe and The Cantina (Dine in only), FREE Slot Dollars Earn 500 points for special gift, Get $10 in FREE Bonus Chips With a $50 minimum table games buy-in (Valid once per day), 20% off Tuscany Gardens throughout May.

    Silver Sevens - Nifty Fifty Wednesdays: free slot tournament 11 AM - 6 PM, 5X points on 1st 1000 base points, free swipe, 300 points for additional swipes. 2-4-1 entree (ACG)

    Boulder Station - $9.99 t-bone steak special at Grand Cafe. $.99 margaritas. 50+ Wednesdays free slot tournament 10 AM - 7 PM. New players club $1 = 1 point, "3X points all the time", must swipe for the 3X multiplier. Spring In For Cash Thursday drawings in May at 8:15 PM.

    Arizona Charlies - Cash back for table play - check club for info. Cash Flash 5/15 - 6/13, earn 1000 points to swipe for gift cards, freeplay, drawing tickets, drawings 6: 30 PM Wed, Thurs, & Fri. (both locations)

    Sam's Town - Young At Heart Wednesdays: mystery multiplier 7 AM - 7 PM up to 50X, drawing at 4:30 PM, earn 100 points for free dinner buffet or 50 points for lunch, redeem by 7 PM. Visit kiosk to activate multipliers before playing.

    Longhorn - $5 BJ matchplay (ACG)

    Jerry's Nugget - 4 AM - Midnight Fri & Sat swipe for up to 5X points. 4 AM - Midnight 5X points & $5 matchplay for Seniors on Tuesdays, swipe at kiosk. The return of a popular meal at Jerry's Famous Coffee Shop, their Steak and Lobster for $9.89 served on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight. The 8-ounce steak and 4-ounce lobster tail meal includes vegetable, a choice of potatoes, and soup or salad. $5 table matchplay (ACG)

    Bighorn - $5 BJ matchplay (ACG)

    Silver Nugget - $5 table matchplay (ACG)

    Cannery - 3X points Wed, 4X points Thurs.

    -
     
    Last edited: May 26, 2014
  2. DrLect

    DrLect Winning!

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    Jason --

    You perform a great service by compiling and publishing these lists. I am hoping you schedule another trip for September and re-issue your report just prior to Labor Day. Thank you! :nworthy:
     
  3. robert m.

    robert m. High-Roller

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    Excellent synopsis!

    Thanks!
     
  4. unomas

    unomas High-Roller

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    Thanks for putting this list together, it's a big help!:beer:
     
  5. Criminole

    Criminole Low-Roller

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    What do you think about the 100 coin bonus for 4 of a kind from a couple of places in the acg since you have a car? Don't know what the pay schedules are there (keep meaning to see if I can find them). My trips are much like yours so can't wait to see how it goes!
     
  6. jasonargo

    jasonargo High-Roller

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    I think those quad bonuses were for the Opera House/Silver Nugget in North LV, (40 coins not 100?) but I don't think they are in this year's ACG. The Opera House dropped their paytables a few years back, and I haven't been back in quite a while. Check out paytables at vpfree2.com.

    Silver Nugget cut way back on hours/days for their table pit, so the MP for them is pretty much useless now too. Their paytables were never that great for VP.

    The old North LV ACG coupon run is pretty much a thing of the past. I'll still drop by Jerry's Nugget though, since it's close to downtown & they have a good $5 DD DAS game.

    -
     
  7. Criminole

    Criminole Low-Roller

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    I just got my LVA book today. They are in that book not acg. I get both each trip.
     
  8. jasonargo

    jasonargo High-Roller

    Joined:
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    Just updated the notes. A few notables:

    The 10X points at Silverton does NOT include VP. That's too bad as it would have been sweet. Still, 3% back isn't anything to sneeze at if you're a slot player.

    Jerry's Nugget has brought back the under $10 steak & lobster on the weekends. Sure it's a small, tough steak & a tiny tail but for the money how can you go wrong? And it might not be so bad - I'm going to try it at least once.

    It looks like there are 2 new restaurants where Carson St Café used to be. I probably won't try either one, but it's news.

    New swipe promos at El Co.

    Added the info for the Plaza updates from Fe'Adolphus Curtiss's posts.

    Got my car rental down to $90 for the week for a Standard class through Firefly (same cost as Economy) - 1st time using them, will report on the service.

    Booked a show for free ($9 service chg through Goldstar) for Frankie Scinta at the D for Sunday night. I never saw the Scintas in their original configuration, but they were pretty popular some years back. Some good non-gambling change-of-pace entertainment, and I'm looking forward to some good old Vegas vibe that isn't a "copycat" act.

    I can't sleep, despite doing my best to build up my alcohol resistance. 3-4 hours at a time is the best I can do.

    Wish me luck!

    -
     
  9. symbols

    symbols Low-Roller

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    Interested to hear about this. I often use national, but their rates are not as competitive as they used to be. Just this weekend a friend used them so I was hoping to get a review. Upon arrival they were met with a sign telling them to go to Dollar as their station was closed. Dollar matched Firefly's rate leaving me still curious about Firefly's fleet, policies and service.
     
  10. jasonargo

    jasonargo High-Roller

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    The Firefly site lists their Vegas hours at 0400 - 0130 (4 AM - 1:30 AM). Did your friend get in late at night?

    I have returned Payless before they opened in the early mornings in the past, and it just has a key drop.

    -
     
  11. symbols

    symbols Low-Roller

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    Yes, it was delayed.
     
  12. jasonargo

    jasonargo High-Roller

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    Ok I'm packed & ready to go!

    I rebooked Payless for the car rental after reading some horror stories on another board about Firefly RUNNING OUT OF CARS. Got a compact for less than $4 more than what I had with Firefly. I've rented from Payless twice now with no real issues, and only once was there a long line.

    Hopefully I'll run into Gaggles & the boys Friday night downtown.

    Nobody sleeps!!

    -
     
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