Archer
Guest
I am back home. My daughter is married and I am broke, but gained 10 pounds. (LOL) Where did five days go….
LOL
The fountains at Bellagio are a must to see, as are the decor and gondolas inside the Venetian. Caesars decor
was also worth the trip but I did not get excited watching the Festival of Fountains. The Bellagio got ripped off for
the $2 million lobby chandelier.
The volcano at the Mirage was boring, but the fish tank behind registration was kewl. The poor old tigers were the
only thing more tired than me. Every time we walked by their "glassed in" cage they took a dump... LOL
Even though we stayed there, we did not have the time to see the Buccaneer Battle at Treasure Island nor did we
have time to get downtown or the Fremont Street Experience.
Rather than the normal trip report, I gave comments.
Gambling was great at Caesar’s, Harrah’s, Bally’s and Orleans and Casino Royale was a dang hoot (I miss the
frozen margaritas) even though overall I lost my shirt, but earned comps.
+++++
Wedding at Caesars - It was kewl.... and my daughter was happy and that is what maters. They were very
professional except the photographer was 1/2 late which delayed everything and had everyone nervous. Also the
chairs reminded me of a funeral parlor and not a wedding chapel.... LOL
+++++
My lady met my X wife and they got along just fine.
+++++
My daughter was truly gonna do the big shot in her wedding gown but she had just spent a zillion dollars at the
Caesar's spa and salon and had a "hair do" that was magnificent and it was her wedding night... LOL ... She loved
the pampered treatment at Caesars except the message guy who kept rubbing her ass.... where is he.. gonna get
him... wait... that is now her hubby's responsibility.... LOL
+++++
Tux Rental http://www.tuxedopalace.com/ good selection and good value – 10% internet coupon and only $5 to
pick up your tux from the strip resort after rental.... the new son-in-law was just concerned when the guy kept fiddling
with and adjusting his pants while still on my SIL...... LOL
+++++
Auto Rental - Alamo You have to take the shuttle bus to their off airport rental site and a long walk from baggage
claim to their shuttle….. THEN a long line at their large yet few attendant check in. I made sure that I knew my way
back to Alamo for the car return but others had a major problem finding it.
+++++
Breakfast – I though I had died and gone to heaven…. Starbucks Coffee and Krispy Kreme Donuts .. OMG…..
They do not have Krispy Kreme that I know of in New England.
+++++
Lodging:
Treasure Island At The Mirage
This was my first trip to Vegas and being an east coast gambler, prepaid for my standard room for me and my lady
plus another for my X wife since we were coming in for my daughter's wedding at another resort. I was supposed to
get a pre-selected corner room (better view, not a suite) as I pre established a significant $ credit rating and was
offered a limo airport pick up. Since I rented a car, I was told to use the VIP check in by the gaming host. Upon
arrival, they all but threw me out of the VIP check in. But once normal registered, the casino then had me to sign the
forms to confirm the gambling limit and was advised by marketing to stay in the given room the first night and they
would take care of me in the morning. Indeed they did ..... They wanted me to pay for a suite upgrade at a
SIGNIFICANT increase higher than I could get on the net, so I said to heck with this and stayed in my standard
room. If I knew this in advance then I would not have been disappointed. By the way, I never met with the gaming
host that I talked to before coming since he was off some of those days and/or worked nights, but asked marketing
to let him know what happened. Stayed four nights: 1st night) asked for an iron - none was delivered to the room...
2nd night) asked again for the iron and only after I found a chambermaid in the hall was one obtained since she
was taking it out of another room.... 3rd night) no ash trays left in this smoking room and was tempted to use the
carpet as it took hours for one to arrive.... 4th night) it was my daughter's wedding and upon late return the ROOM
WAS NOT CLEANED from the prior day ..... I was too tired and we simply went to bed..... When we checked out
the next morning, one girl at the desk was chit chatting with I think her boyfriend while the other had her back to the
guests and only turned to assist the next in line when a supervisor noticed that people were waiting so all of us
waited almost 15 minutes while these two ignored customers. Plus I found the staff general "snotty" even if they just
received the "FOUR STAR" whatever rating ..... My only pay back was that I did not gamble here or eat in any of
their restaurants, but spent 30 HOURS gambling at the surrounding resorts not associated with the Mirage. I
comped for a future stays at other resorts. When I would lose a big bet, I would smile and say to myself, "At least it
did not go to TI"
+++++
French Market Buffet – Orleans - For Dinner
For $10, this is a good buffet. The food was slightly aged and lacked a little in taste, but very adequate. Suggest
you sample different things first to find stuff you like as not all taste as what you expect. The shrimp were not peeled
and limp is my only complaint. For only $5 additional for a bottle of wine made this a great buffet. We were not
hurried and left there satisfied.AND... you can take a half finished bottle of wine with you.... That was kewl ....
+++++
Lotus Of Siam - For Lunch
Because of the Travel Channel rating, I went out of my way to find this place during my Vegas visit. We were seated
in the corner behind some fat guy so all we could do to get in an out of the table. I was not expecting a great
atmosphere, but was expecting the feast on the "Utopia of Thai" food at their lunch buffet. The selections were
limited. The only non veggie dishes were with chicken (not pork or beef or seafood). Others picked out the chicken
and the replenishments to the chicken were not prompt. The food was good, but nothing special. I have eaten at
many "Chinese" buffets that were as good if not better.
+++++
Caesars Magical Empire - Dinner / Theater (Mystere was sold out)
This is a combined dinner and magic shows..... where you eat then go to different rooms for shows. The food was
good..... Go with the beef versus the salmon or chicken. The entertainment thru dinner was kewl as was the the pick
pocket the Sanctum Secorum. The "gay" Sultan was a hoot and the Majestix were a class act at the Sultan's
Palace. The Secret Pagoda sucked after a minute as his card tricks were boring and we could not understand a
word Fernando said in his broken English. The luminaria show at the Sanctum Secorum also was boring. Think we
missed the Seance and we definitely missed isabella the invisable piano player, wherever she was supposed to
be. They are not well organized in assuring you see all the performances, but it would be fun for parents with kids.
For dinner and a total of 30 minute of entertainment over 3 hours, I question this ordeal, but I would only do it if I had
a coupon for this attraction at almost $100 per person.
+++++
Fresh Market Square Buffet – Harrah’s - For Lunch
Cause it was prior rated good and obtained $5 off coupons for the lunch buffet thought what the heck for $5 each
for the two of us. I was PLEASANTLY surprised. The food was GREAT. The shrimp pre peeled and not limp (woo
hoo), a good selection or all kind of stuff and nice deserts. The lobster "thingys" were fair, but I am from New
England. On a buffet, I usually go for only the good stuff (no veggies, just the meats and seafood), but their cheese
mashed spuds were super. The only negative was the prime rib was WAY to well done else I would have given it a
10 rating. The staff were super and their service great, but it was mid week and not crowded and no waiting lines.
We went back another day for lunch since convenient to Treasure Island, it was that good. The second lunch was as
good as the first.
+++++
Ellis Island Restaurant & Casino - For Dinner
Because of local comments, as an out of towner, we went here for the $5 steak special. This is not a place to bring
your kids on impress a first date. Someone was playing the drums on his water glass behind us, which was a step
above the voices heard from the karaoke singing (LOL). Even though not on the menu the waiter knew what I
wanted. Along with the house special root beer, this was a very good meal for $16 for two with tip. A nice size fresh
salad, the steak was good and the real mashed spuds were great, but the fresh green beans were cold and they
did not have the garlic bread. We were too full to have dessert (maybe cause of a prior lunch buffet... LOL). All in all
it is a good value.
+++++
Top Of The World - For Dinner
13 of us ate there for my daughter's wedding dinner and they were not ready for us at our reservation time. We
were not rushed, but the restaurant was only half filled when we were finally seated. Even though the service was
friendly, many courses were messed up with salads missing or who ordered what, etc. Thank gawd you could find
the wait staff to sort it all out. Because of other review comments and thus culinary expectations, I thought we were
paying for the view, the ambience and atmosphere. The food was MUCH better than I had expected. For the price I
would have expected more, but I cannot put my finger on what was missing. I would eat here again, but ONLY for a
SPECIAL occasion and if I was winning at the casinos... LOL
+++++
Will I come back to Vegas....
YUP !!!!!!!!!
Can I afford it ????
NOPE......
LOL
The fountains at Bellagio are a must to see, as are the decor and gondolas inside the Venetian. Caesars decor
was also worth the trip but I did not get excited watching the Festival of Fountains. The Bellagio got ripped off for
the $2 million lobby chandelier.
The volcano at the Mirage was boring, but the fish tank behind registration was kewl. The poor old tigers were the
only thing more tired than me. Every time we walked by their "glassed in" cage they took a dump... LOL
Even though we stayed there, we did not have the time to see the Buccaneer Battle at Treasure Island nor did we
have time to get downtown or the Fremont Street Experience.
Rather than the normal trip report, I gave comments.
Gambling was great at Caesar’s, Harrah’s, Bally’s and Orleans and Casino Royale was a dang hoot (I miss the
frozen margaritas) even though overall I lost my shirt, but earned comps.
+++++
Wedding at Caesars - It was kewl.... and my daughter was happy and that is what maters. They were very
professional except the photographer was 1/2 late which delayed everything and had everyone nervous. Also the
chairs reminded me of a funeral parlor and not a wedding chapel.... LOL
+++++
My lady met my X wife and they got along just fine.
+++++
My daughter was truly gonna do the big shot in her wedding gown but she had just spent a zillion dollars at the
Caesar's spa and salon and had a "hair do" that was magnificent and it was her wedding night... LOL ... She loved
the pampered treatment at Caesars except the message guy who kept rubbing her ass.... where is he.. gonna get
him... wait... that is now her hubby's responsibility.... LOL
+++++
Tux Rental http://www.tuxedopalace.com/ good selection and good value – 10% internet coupon and only $5 to
pick up your tux from the strip resort after rental.... the new son-in-law was just concerned when the guy kept fiddling
with and adjusting his pants while still on my SIL...... LOL
+++++
Auto Rental - Alamo You have to take the shuttle bus to their off airport rental site and a long walk from baggage
claim to their shuttle….. THEN a long line at their large yet few attendant check in. I made sure that I knew my way
back to Alamo for the car return but others had a major problem finding it.
+++++
Breakfast – I though I had died and gone to heaven…. Starbucks Coffee and Krispy Kreme Donuts .. OMG…..
They do not have Krispy Kreme that I know of in New England.
+++++
Lodging:
Treasure Island At The Mirage
This was my first trip to Vegas and being an east coast gambler, prepaid for my standard room for me and my lady
plus another for my X wife since we were coming in for my daughter's wedding at another resort. I was supposed to
get a pre-selected corner room (better view, not a suite) as I pre established a significant $ credit rating and was
offered a limo airport pick up. Since I rented a car, I was told to use the VIP check in by the gaming host. Upon
arrival, they all but threw me out of the VIP check in. But once normal registered, the casino then had me to sign the
forms to confirm the gambling limit and was advised by marketing to stay in the given room the first night and they
would take care of me in the morning. Indeed they did ..... They wanted me to pay for a suite upgrade at a
SIGNIFICANT increase higher than I could get on the net, so I said to heck with this and stayed in my standard
room. If I knew this in advance then I would not have been disappointed. By the way, I never met with the gaming
host that I talked to before coming since he was off some of those days and/or worked nights, but asked marketing
to let him know what happened. Stayed four nights: 1st night) asked for an iron - none was delivered to the room...
2nd night) asked again for the iron and only after I found a chambermaid in the hall was one obtained since she
was taking it out of another room.... 3rd night) no ash trays left in this smoking room and was tempted to use the
carpet as it took hours for one to arrive.... 4th night) it was my daughter's wedding and upon late return the ROOM
WAS NOT CLEANED from the prior day ..... I was too tired and we simply went to bed..... When we checked out
the next morning, one girl at the desk was chit chatting with I think her boyfriend while the other had her back to the
guests and only turned to assist the next in line when a supervisor noticed that people were waiting so all of us
waited almost 15 minutes while these two ignored customers. Plus I found the staff general "snotty" even if they just
received the "FOUR STAR" whatever rating ..... My only pay back was that I did not gamble here or eat in any of
their restaurants, but spent 30 HOURS gambling at the surrounding resorts not associated with the Mirage. I
comped for a future stays at other resorts. When I would lose a big bet, I would smile and say to myself, "At least it
did not go to TI"
+++++
French Market Buffet – Orleans - For Dinner
For $10, this is a good buffet. The food was slightly aged and lacked a little in taste, but very adequate. Suggest
you sample different things first to find stuff you like as not all taste as what you expect. The shrimp were not peeled
and limp is my only complaint. For only $5 additional for a bottle of wine made this a great buffet. We were not
hurried and left there satisfied.AND... you can take a half finished bottle of wine with you.... That was kewl ....
+++++
Lotus Of Siam - For Lunch
Because of the Travel Channel rating, I went out of my way to find this place during my Vegas visit. We were seated
in the corner behind some fat guy so all we could do to get in an out of the table. I was not expecting a great
atmosphere, but was expecting the feast on the "Utopia of Thai" food at their lunch buffet. The selections were
limited. The only non veggie dishes were with chicken (not pork or beef or seafood). Others picked out the chicken
and the replenishments to the chicken were not prompt. The food was good, but nothing special. I have eaten at
many "Chinese" buffets that were as good if not better.
+++++
Caesars Magical Empire - Dinner / Theater (Mystere was sold out)
This is a combined dinner and magic shows..... where you eat then go to different rooms for shows. The food was
good..... Go with the beef versus the salmon or chicken. The entertainment thru dinner was kewl as was the the pick
pocket the Sanctum Secorum. The "gay" Sultan was a hoot and the Majestix were a class act at the Sultan's
Palace. The Secret Pagoda sucked after a minute as his card tricks were boring and we could not understand a
word Fernando said in his broken English. The luminaria show at the Sanctum Secorum also was boring. Think we
missed the Seance and we definitely missed isabella the invisable piano player, wherever she was supposed to
be. They are not well organized in assuring you see all the performances, but it would be fun for parents with kids.
For dinner and a total of 30 minute of entertainment over 3 hours, I question this ordeal, but I would only do it if I had
a coupon for this attraction at almost $100 per person.
+++++
Fresh Market Square Buffet – Harrah’s - For Lunch
Cause it was prior rated good and obtained $5 off coupons for the lunch buffet thought what the heck for $5 each
for the two of us. I was PLEASANTLY surprised. The food was GREAT. The shrimp pre peeled and not limp (woo
hoo), a good selection or all kind of stuff and nice deserts. The lobster "thingys" were fair, but I am from New
England. On a buffet, I usually go for only the good stuff (no veggies, just the meats and seafood), but their cheese
mashed spuds were super. The only negative was the prime rib was WAY to well done else I would have given it a
10 rating. The staff were super and their service great, but it was mid week and not crowded and no waiting lines.
We went back another day for lunch since convenient to Treasure Island, it was that good. The second lunch was as
good as the first.
+++++
Ellis Island Restaurant & Casino - For Dinner
Because of local comments, as an out of towner, we went here for the $5 steak special. This is not a place to bring
your kids on impress a first date. Someone was playing the drums on his water glass behind us, which was a step
above the voices heard from the karaoke singing (LOL). Even though not on the menu the waiter knew what I
wanted. Along with the house special root beer, this was a very good meal for $16 for two with tip. A nice size fresh
salad, the steak was good and the real mashed spuds were great, but the fresh green beans were cold and they
did not have the garlic bread. We were too full to have dessert (maybe cause of a prior lunch buffet... LOL). All in all
it is a good value.
+++++
Top Of The World - For Dinner
13 of us ate there for my daughter's wedding dinner and they were not ready for us at our reservation time. We
were not rushed, but the restaurant was only half filled when we were finally seated. Even though the service was
friendly, many courses were messed up with salads missing or who ordered what, etc. Thank gawd you could find
the wait staff to sort it all out. Because of other review comments and thus culinary expectations, I thought we were
paying for the view, the ambience and atmosphere. The food was MUCH better than I had expected. For the price I
would have expected more, but I cannot put my finger on what was missing. I would eat here again, but ONLY for a
SPECIAL occasion and if I was winning at the casinos... LOL
+++++
Will I come back to Vegas....
YUP !!!!!!!!!
Can I afford it ????
NOPE......
