11/5-11/10 (Live??) DT for BB's 50th, The Big Smoke and...

Cast of Characters

MK: This will be my 4th DT LV trip in 12 months...all without the wife. She is awesome. I wish she could go (no, really, I do...no, really) but work, kids and life wouldn't allow it. A few notes about me: I LOVE DT! As a frequent visitor to Reno, NV, since my college days DT has the same vibe for me. A little dirty, a little sketchy, the average Joe's (low roller) hangout; not all the pomp and posing that I see/feel on/from the Strip. I like the smaller crowds, the ability to jump from casino to casino or hit a local bar/restaurant within walking distance. No offense to the Strip crowd; like to visit and see the new sights but DT is my home base.

BB: The reason for this adventure: my (big) brother's (BB) 50th birthday. We had talked about celebrating his son's 21st in LV in a few years then thought why not his 50th. Although the Big Day is not until the end of the year, this was one of the weeks that worked for our schedules. Even better, being that he was the one who steered me toward my love of cigars, we will be attending The Big Smoke at The Mirage on Friday. Loves to get his gamble and drink on but has not been to LV in many, many years. Excited to show him DT.

IRONM: My normal/recent partner in DT LV crime could not make this trip so it appeared it would only be a family affair. However, about two weeks ago, a good friend and old neighbor that I don't spend nearly enough time with sent me a text. I mentioned LV and that there is always room for one more. We always talk about gambling trips but have never made it happen. Well, IRONM said he was available, his birthday is this week and he would see if he can make it happen. I gave him the moniker IRONM (ironman) for several reasons, one being he is flying in Wednesday afternoon and leaving Thursday morning. We will meet up around 9 pm Wednesday night for a fun-filled, sleepless night DT.

LVS: My big sister and LV resident. Love hanging out with her and visiting the niece & nephew. It's funny that I am her "go to" for news on LV. When I am in town I am showing her the new sites. She too has recently developed a thing for DT so we will have the weekend together. Putting her up at the 4Q in exchange for a ride from the airport and some groceries and red cups.

M & D: Mom and Dad will be making the drive from AZ to spend time with 3 of their 4 kids and to celebrate BB's #50. Another opportunity to show a set of newbies DT. Somehow I don't think they will appreciate it as much as their children. They will spread their time between ST and DTG.

Travel

I've been to Vegas 25++ times over the years, primarily as part of family trips which include visiting LVS who resides there. Such trips entail an 8+ hours drive through the central valley of CA and the CA/NV desert. For me, this drive is heaven. A cup of coffee, Springsteen (or recently, Gaslight Anthem) playing continually and the pedal to the floor and the 8 hours is actually enjoyable. Since this will be my 4th trip in 12 months I looked into maybe flying this time. In early August I was able to book RT on SW out of NorCA for $200 total. Throw in the $40 voucher I had gathering dust and the decision was easy..."grab your ticket and your suitcase..." The brothers are arriving Wednesday evening and hitting DT by 9 pm.

Accommodations

Planning a trip 3 months in advance I didn't want to rely on future comp offers and have to pay full rates for the other nights. My DT history includes The D and DTG. After repeated bad experiences with elevators and plumbing at The D I said "not on this trip." I really like the vibe of the DTG and have always enjoyed my stays. With news of better VP and knowing my BB, I thought this would be our best bet/value. I was able to find a deal on Travelocity that even the travel agent wife said she couldn't match. A few weeks later, an even better rate came about so we are booked at DTG for $260 plus $90 resort fees = $350 for 5 days.

Comps

As a low roller the fact that a casino is willing to send me offers has been great. I have noticed that the value has tapered off but I will take whatever I can get. This trip I only have about $50 in FP spread between 4Q, D and DTG (told you I was a low roller...lol) and enough for a comped burger (but no fries). I was able to take advantage of some room offers to spread the love to my family. 4Q BOGO offer for Friday and Saturday night for $62 so LVS can party with the brothers and not drive home. Also booked two comped nights at DTG for Sunday and Monday for the parental units. They brought me into this world (and will probably pick up a dinner tab or two) so I will be introducing them to all the grandeur of DT LV. As far as IRONM, less than two weeks ago we couldn't find any DT rooms available and those on travel sites were $150+. Someone is sleeping on the floor...or not sleeping at all.

Gambling

I was introduced to the joys of VP this past year and have been hooked ever since. I stick with DDB quarters and it has been "bery, bery good to me." Always play LIR every trip and a little BJ. I also have a favorite slot (Hex Breaker) that I will seek out at every casino and sit with a cigar for an hour or two. Bankroll: for the past year or two I have started a "slush fund" that I refer to as "The Stash" that fund my LV trips. It's comprised of prior winnings (RF last spring!!!), side jobs, "extra" monies that come my way for various reasons. I am a responsible adult, husband and father and would not want my LV "issues" to prevent me from fulfilling my duties as said adult, husband and father (ok...stop laughing). The Stash is still healthy mostly due to being rather conservative with the bankroll knowing that another LV trip could (will) be only months away.

Drinking

As a lover of craft beer, I readily admit to being a beer snob. If the CW only has the usual Bud, Miller, Coors, etc. offerings I may choose to pass and sip a Jack on the rocks. That said, MSS and 4Q are frequent hang outs given their excellent (for a casino) offerings of craft beers. Will definitely spend some quality time at Boar's Head, 777 and Chicago Brewery; if time permits would love to do the brewery tour at Banger Brewery. Also researched the bar scene down Fremont beyond the canopy. Many interesting options and have yet to be disappointed. Ideal break: rooftop patio, cool breeze, cigar and a good local beer...

Eating

Not too picky when it comes to food. A large coffee and breakfast sandwich from McDonald's is the cure-all for a LV morning. Hoping to check out Du-par's for their pancakes and will stop by MTO Cafe again--excellent and hearty breakfasts. Will use my dining comp at The D Grill: always a good meal and the service was great. Again, 777 and Chicago Brewery for happy hours, apps, pizzas, etc. VERY disappointed that Pasta Pirate has closed; it had become a given for dinner on each of my last 3 trips. Another on my list and recommended by LVS is Le Thai.

That's a "brief" summary to set the stage. Many good intensions with this TR so I hope it goes as planned....

...bottom line...I'm here to celebrate BB's 50th...I've got the plans, but he calls the shots...

 

Good luck! Have a great trip!

 

...a quick and easy flight from NorCA. Unfortunately, BB's flight was delayed by an hour so the festivities will be delayed a bit. A quick and easy deboarding, walk to baggage claim and retrieving my bag without much of a wait. Pretty quite in LAS tonight. Bypassed the most expensive Wendy's I've ever seen and going to check out the Liquor Library...only in Vegas can you buy your supply of refreshments before your bags arrive...

 

Good luck!
and 8 hours to Vegas, you HAVE to be close to Modesto (or within a 60 mile radius..as it takes us 7 hours if we're going FAST)

 

I bought a 10 nugget value meal at that Wendy's for $12 yesterday. Didn't realize it til I checked my credit card today.

 

Good luck!! Enjoy your trip and win big. Looking forward to the rest of your adventures

 

TR (live...lol) virgin...a difficult undertaking...sorry for the lack of posts...but havin a great time...cocktails!!!

 

It's tough to do that's for sure. I knew I wouldn't be able to do it live. I'm too wordy.

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

Live? Yes please, with pics.

Have fun.

 

…well, I overestimated the amount of free time (none) that I would have to write a live report. My apologies. Despite BB’s delay our arrival in LV went smoothly. LVS picked us up at the airport and deposited us at DTG. The front desk guy was very friendly. A $20 sandwich got us upgraded to a bigger room (premium from deluxe) which provided us a lot more room to move around. A very nice room, no real view but clean and comfortable. We met up with IRONM who had arrived earlier in the day. Thanks to LVS for the supplies; after a quick unpacking we poured 3 stiff Jack and Cokes and hit DT.

 

Started the trip out a winner. IRONM placed a bet on the Kings to cover over Denver, which they did. It’s only a $9 win but a good start. Off to the D for some LIR and VP upstairs. Thanks to the first 4OAK of the trip it was a push. As noted in other threads, the D girls dancing skills and enthusiasm leaves much to be desired but I guess its better than looking at “Jake from StateFarm” dealing cards to you. Sat upstairs at the Vue Bar with BB and played more VP and tried a German hefe style beer they had. Pretty good but a bit sweet; the only none boring beer available.

 

Headed to El Cortez for some BJ, VP and Hex Breaker. Two more 4OAK kept me above water. BB and I had a fun session of electronic roulette; made some money and a great chance to talk and catch up on life. It was time for food so we headed to 4Q and had pizza, garlic knots and beers at Chicago Brewery. Everything was good as expected but it was odd not to be sitting at the bar playing VP. Nice to be able to finish our cigars and eat at the same time…not many places around like that.

 

I never stay at the D too long. I lose interest quick. Great hit on the 4OAK.

 

We finished the night/morning at DTG where despite a 40AK I took a beating. IRONM went to bed at 4 to catch a few winks before his 10 am flight. BB and I made it back to the room just after 7 am. I walked IRONM out and he caught the WAX ($2) to the airport. I few McDonalds burritos and I was in bed at 8.

 

A power 3 hour nap and we were at the pool. Love DTG pool. A perfect day and not crowded at all. We relived our ping pong rivalry with a few games, dipped in the pool and just relaxed for about an hour. Headed over to MTO Café (Restaurant.com gift certificate) and had a late lunch of coffee and their Hangover Burger. Excellent bun, thick patty and a fried egg on top. Refueled we made a stop at the Plaza. It still smells in that place but not nearly as bad as in the past. Played WOF $1 slot for the first time ever…no luck. Next stop MSS and Boars Head bar for VP. We played for 5+ hours had “a few” beers and hit 3 4OAKS. BB experienced his first real VP season. Despite his first 4OAK he took a real beating. “Unfortunately” I missed out on the nice lady next to me propositioning BB. BB said kind enough to decline for the both of us. Love the Boars Head but the Cleveland/Cincinnati game was not on their TVs (no NFL Network) so we had to catch the last quarter at 777. We won our Browns bet and had a few apps and more beer. We then headed back to the hotel to “get ready” for the evening.

 

Started off downstairs with BB at BJ and me at the Furnace Bar. 4-5 hours later with 2 4OAKS at the bar and 2 at a different machine I was ready to roll. BB said to go ahead without him so I headed to GG. I think this is my new favorite place for table games. Good music, the dealers and dancers were really into it and having a good time. It was fun watching security tossing people as things would sometimes get a bit crazy. It was getting late/early so a knew I should head back but not before a little VP at the 4Q bar near the entrance. Well, that turned into a few beers, a cigar, a straight flush and 2 4OAKS.

 

Proposition face to face this time by a young lady that I wasn’t sure if she was really drunk or was having a stroke. After politely declining she went bat-shit crazy getting in my face and talking with even more incoherent nonsense. I calmly looked at the bartender and said “it’s time.” A minute later 5 security guards were there to assist the now yelling and screaming nut job out the door. Yikes!! It’s after 7 so I head out to grab a burrito at McDonalds before bed. I see an apparent homeless vet and offer to buy him a burrito. He was greatful and before I could get 10 steps toward the DTG I had a brilliant idea. I need to cash this karma in NOW!!! Off to the second floor at The D for a quick hit of VP. I hit a 4OAK that put me in the black for the day and only down $200 for the trip. Found BB crashed out in the room. He took another beating. Hopefully Big Smoke tonight will brighten his mood. Another morning with a 3 hour nap and I am up, writing this and ready to go back at it.

 

Spent about 30 at the pool again today before getting ready for the night. Got LVS checked in at 4Q...nice and clean; smallest room I've ever seen and would think it would be tight for two people...

 

...took the Deuce to the Stratosphere for happy hour at Lounge 107...decent food and cocktails...hard to complain at 1/2 price...now back on the Deuce heading to the Mirage for the Big Smoke...

 

Yeah baby!!!