Lorraine
Low-Roller
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2007
- Messages
- 227
- Trips to Las Vegas
- 6
I received an offer from the Venetian for 4 comped nights that expired at the end of April. I asked my sister and brother in law if they wanted to go early, as we normally do an annual summertime trip, but they couldn’t work it out. I then mentioned the offer to my mom-in-law Sandy and she said “I want to go!†She had never been to Vegas, so I quickly booked the trip and the countdown was on! 
Monday We had an evening flight out of Kalispell via Allegiant Air. This was my second time flying on Allegiant, and I have to say this time around was much better. Flight was scheduled to leave at 8:05 p.m. Once on board a slight delay, the flight attendant said they were waiting on a paper to be faxed from Vegas. Not sure what that was about? But by 8:25pm, 20 minutes or so later we were on the way. Yippee! Last year’s flight was a totally different story! The flight was several hours late getting into Vegas, first issue was the high wind, then once we all boarded, someone thought setting off firecrackers on an airplane would be a good idea! It was the type you throw on the ground and they make a pop sound. Soon the back of the plane was surrounded by flight attendants and the pilot wanting the culprit to come forward . Well, after three attempts of them trying to persuade the person to come clean, they decided everyone and every bag would need to be removed from the plane and searched extensively. As we were deboarding everyone was upset and saying how we should already be in Vegas. Fortunately, after getting off the plane the culprit made a beeline for the restroom and was caught trying to dispose of the evidence. The authorities had a young man about 16 or 17 in handcuffs and they shouted “we got him and he is going to jail†everyone started clapping, hootin’ and hollerin‘, and we were back on the plane. Finally on our way to Vegas. By the time our flight landed it was almost 1 am. That set the tone for last year’s trip and it ended up not being so great. BUT I am happy to say.. that wasn’t the case this year! Yee-haw!
We arrived in Vegas about 9:30 p.m. local time. Airport was fairly quiet for that time of the night and we quickly made it over to the baggage carousel. I prefer to cab it to the Venetian than to shuttle, as I can be impatient and don’t like waiting. Off to the cab line we went, no wait! Cab driver was a really nice guy, I told him it was mom’s first time in Vegas and asked him to drive us down the strip to the Venetian. No problem, he was born and raised in Las Vegas and was happy to tell us what he knew about the casinos and shows. He also mentioned that most people he has been coming in contact with have a very negative opinion of City Center. I didn’t plan on going there this trip and after hearing what he had to say knew for sure I wouldn’t bother to. The cab fare was round 17.00 but this guy was awesome so I gave him 25.00 and thanked him for the good service.
As we pulled up to the Venetian I told mom, we’re home! My sister and I nicknamed the Venetian “home†a couple years back.. we always stay at the Venetian and really enjoy it. The check in line was a tad slow. There were maybe 5 people ahead of us and 20 mins or so later we had room keys in hand. I do want to mention there seemed to be more bellhops/doormen. As soon as the cab stopped they were welcoming us, opening the door and getting our luggage out. I didn’t see that last year, as I had in previous years. It was nice to have them back. Since neither of us had eaten dinner before leaving, the plan was to drop the bags off in the room and head back down to eat. Mom thought the room was fabulous, I had a free view upgrade, and we ended up with room 25-207, it faced part of the Mirage and Treasure Island and we could see the pools below. Now that the Palazzo is there you can’t see the north end of the strip, nonetheless still a neat view, especially at night with all the lights. We headed back down and decided on the Grand Lux, service was good, food was great. I had the chicken madera (sp), mom had some rib sandwich, can’t recall the name of it, but she thought it was good and was impressed with the food. I have eaten many, many times at Grand Lux and have never had a bad meal, definitely a good stand by.
I tend to drink a lot of water in Vegas so after dinner we headed over to the Walgreens. Took mom through the Palazzo, it was really cool to see her excited and just in awe of Vegas. She keep saying I had no idea it looked like this. We got our water and decided to take the sidewalk route back. I looked down and saw change on the ground. Ended up finding 13 cents just outside of Walgreens and told mom it was going to be my good luck charm. I told her I was going to keep the 13 cents in my pocket the whole trip.
We got back into the Venetian and came upon the Grazie Players Club and was surprised to see they were still open. I had some free slot play for my card and we decided to get mom a card. The lady explained that mom would get 25.00 for joining and I would get and additional 25.00 just for referring her. Mom then proceeds to pull 25.00 dollars out of her wallet, thinking she had to pay for the card. I quickly explained no, they are giving you free money LOL “Oh†she said and we both had a good laugh. I make it a point to not gamble on my first day in Vegas. ... I always lose so I usually gamble when I am “feeling the vibeâ€..LOL Headed back to the room and called down for two robes, they were quickly brought up and it was off to dream land.
Monday We had an evening flight out of Kalispell via Allegiant Air. This was my second time flying on Allegiant, and I have to say this time around was much better. Flight was scheduled to leave at 8:05 p.m. Once on board a slight delay, the flight attendant said they were waiting on a paper to be faxed from Vegas. Not sure what that was about? But by 8:25pm, 20 minutes or so later we were on the way. Yippee! Last year’s flight was a totally different story! The flight was several hours late getting into Vegas, first issue was the high wind, then once we all boarded, someone thought setting off firecrackers on an airplane would be a good idea! It was the type you throw on the ground and they make a pop sound. Soon the back of the plane was surrounded by flight attendants and the pilot wanting the culprit to come forward . Well, after three attempts of them trying to persuade the person to come clean, they decided everyone and every bag would need to be removed from the plane and searched extensively. As we were deboarding everyone was upset and saying how we should already be in Vegas. Fortunately, after getting off the plane the culprit made a beeline for the restroom and was caught trying to dispose of the evidence. The authorities had a young man about 16 or 17 in handcuffs and they shouted “we got him and he is going to jail†everyone started clapping, hootin’ and hollerin‘, and we were back on the plane. Finally on our way to Vegas. By the time our flight landed it was almost 1 am. That set the tone for last year’s trip and it ended up not being so great. BUT I am happy to say.. that wasn’t the case this year! Yee-haw!
We arrived in Vegas about 9:30 p.m. local time. Airport was fairly quiet for that time of the night and we quickly made it over to the baggage carousel. I prefer to cab it to the Venetian than to shuttle, as I can be impatient and don’t like waiting. Off to the cab line we went, no wait! Cab driver was a really nice guy, I told him it was mom’s first time in Vegas and asked him to drive us down the strip to the Venetian. No problem, he was born and raised in Las Vegas and was happy to tell us what he knew about the casinos and shows. He also mentioned that most people he has been coming in contact with have a very negative opinion of City Center. I didn’t plan on going there this trip and after hearing what he had to say knew for sure I wouldn’t bother to. The cab fare was round 17.00 but this guy was awesome so I gave him 25.00 and thanked him for the good service.
As we pulled up to the Venetian I told mom, we’re home! My sister and I nicknamed the Venetian “home†a couple years back.. we always stay at the Venetian and really enjoy it. The check in line was a tad slow. There were maybe 5 people ahead of us and 20 mins or so later we had room keys in hand. I do want to mention there seemed to be more bellhops/doormen. As soon as the cab stopped they were welcoming us, opening the door and getting our luggage out. I didn’t see that last year, as I had in previous years. It was nice to have them back. Since neither of us had eaten dinner before leaving, the plan was to drop the bags off in the room and head back down to eat. Mom thought the room was fabulous, I had a free view upgrade, and we ended up with room 25-207, it faced part of the Mirage and Treasure Island and we could see the pools below. Now that the Palazzo is there you can’t see the north end of the strip, nonetheless still a neat view, especially at night with all the lights. We headed back down and decided on the Grand Lux, service was good, food was great. I had the chicken madera (sp), mom had some rib sandwich, can’t recall the name of it, but she thought it was good and was impressed with the food. I have eaten many, many times at Grand Lux and have never had a bad meal, definitely a good stand by.
I tend to drink a lot of water in Vegas so after dinner we headed over to the Walgreens. Took mom through the Palazzo, it was really cool to see her excited and just in awe of Vegas. She keep saying I had no idea it looked like this. We got our water and decided to take the sidewalk route back. I looked down and saw change on the ground. Ended up finding 13 cents just outside of Walgreens and told mom it was going to be my good luck charm. I told her I was going to keep the 13 cents in my pocket the whole trip.
We got back into the Venetian and came upon the Grazie Players Club and was surprised to see they were still open. I had some free slot play for my card and we decided to get mom a card. The lady explained that mom would get 25.00 for joining and I would get and additional 25.00 just for referring her. Mom then proceeds to pull 25.00 dollars out of her wallet, thinking she had to pay for the card. I quickly explained no, they are giving you free money LOL “Oh†she said and we both had a good laugh. I make it a point to not gamble on my first day in Vegas. ... I always lose so I usually gamble when I am “feeling the vibeâ€..LOL Headed back to the room and called down for two robes, they were quickly brought up and it was off to dream land.
You have to use it all on the same machine. Oh well.. she was disappointed to learn she has lost about 15.00. I just had to chuckle and remind her that she didn’t lose anything yet.. That was free money. 
hmmm not so sure I believe that lol. For most of the show he performed sitting down in this huge chair and from time to time would get up and walk around. Being that large I can understand having to sit a lot. I have a few more pounds on me then I did last year and I know my feet hurt more this time walking the strip. The show was good for the most part, they acknowledged a few women in the audience who were having birthday’s . One lady was 91 years young. God bless her! He signed a picture for her, put his pink scarf around her neck and gave her a kiss. She was so thrilled. The only part of the show I really didn’t care for was when his helper/friend/manager who ever he was, sang two songs. In my opinion, he wasn’t nearly as good as Big Elvis and it really took away from the show. It would also have been nice for him to have had a real band instead of tracks but.... for FREE.. You really can’t complain!
up to the room for the rest of night.
I asked Mom if she wanted to do room service today (before our trip I told her we were going to have room service at least once) we choose not to this morning, so along with my lucky 13 we headed downstairs to Ole Faithful aka Grand Lux. I guess I can be a creature of habit, but I really do enjoy their omelets and sitting on the “patio area“ people watching as we eat. This morning it was very busy, there was a big Microsoft convention at the Sands Expo.(at least that is where I think it was, most of the Microsoft people were walking to and from that direction) 
her 4 possible prizes are a non- motorized gazelle type gym equipment, leather chair, rockband system, and a swing. She ends up winning two prizes. Before they call up four more people.. We are told that in between the four people coming up 5 additional people will be called out, but stay in your seat, and after the show come up to receive your special prize. So they call out 5 names and then a picture comes up on the big screen showing they each have won 1000 reward points. I don’t know if that is alot or not? I don’t have a Bally’s players card. Four more people go up to bid, don’t remember the prize for bid but they were all super cheapo things.. I think the most expensive item up for bid was 160.00(massage mat). They play hole-in-one, and the guess the right price game (don’t remember the name) then it’s time to spin the big wheel. They call three more people up to the stage for that. If you end up with the highest total you win 250.00 the other two get a t-shirt. If you get 1.00 in one spin or combination of two spins...you get 500.00. The first guy spins and gets 95 and he ends up winning. “Bob†hands him 250.00 and he is walking off stage.. The producer comes up and whispers and takes the cash out of his hand.. I guess he gets it later...maybe the money is fake..not sure. After the Big Wheel Spin they do two more games, one is Plinko and this older lady makes it up. She has been married for almost 51 years.. God bless her! She has a chance to win 2500.00. She ends up winning 500 and once again when she leaves the stage, the producer takes the cash. Time for the showcase showdown.. They call two more people for that. There is only one showcase to bid on. It included a four day cruise and a new car. I can’t for the life of me remember where the cruise was or what the make of the car was but it was a little white car. “Bob†tells the showcase contestants that the person who comes closest without over bidding wins the cruise.. Then in a very soft and quick voice says.. And if you come within 100 of the price of the showcase you win the rest of the prizes.. I asked mom.. Did you hear what he said.. She said No, so I told her.. She said oh my.. She couldn’t believe how sneaky it was. Anyway... The girl bid 14900 something and the guy 19000 something.. Actually price of showcase.. 14400 something.. oooh so close, she almost had it! They both overbid and walked away with a t-shirt. TD/J called out 2 more names and this time each person won 2500 in reward points. 
Woke up and told Mom we were getting room service today. She agreed, she looked exhausted, we were both worn out from all that walking yesterday. They said it would be about 30 minutes. So I got in the shower and before I was ready there was a knock at the door “room service“ wow that was quick, only took about 20 minutes. So we ate at the table while enjoying the mountain and strip views. There were a lot of helicopters flying today. I told Mom they do tours of the strip and even the Grand Canyon, she said that she would love to do that. I have a fear of helicopters so wouldn’t be doing it, told Mom I would get her a ride if she wanted to . Since it was our last day she decided she would wait until next trip. So that will definitely be on the agenda for her next time. 
.LOL A lot of people were ordering the nacho appetizer, that thing is Huge! so be prepared if you order it. 
and Mom and I both were saying wow ...what a fantastic show I would definitely pay to see this show again, I may even splurge to have a better seat. After the show I had a call from my husband so I was talking and walking and I thought Mom was ready to go so I started walking toward the taxi’s.. I stopped to finish up my call. Then tell Mom okay you ready.. She is like “we are leaving?â€
LOL She has come so far from her “Should I cash out now†days..lol. I am not sure if anyone else ends up with catch phrases from your Vegas trips but the two funniest ones we came home with were.. “should I cash out?†and “I’m getting low†every time Mom would lose a dollar or two she would say “I’m getting lowâ€.. I would say no no you are fine, just keep playing..lol We ended up playing Rapid Roulette for many hours on thursday. That is the only thing Mom wanted to do! 
So he gets on the darn freeway