First Trip Report 6/21 - 6/28

I loved reading everyone’s trip reports and other threads on these boards before our trip. Thanks to everyone for all the info and opinions.
This was our second trip to Vegas. I didn't keep track of winnings vs loses, so I just wrote a quick summary.

Flights
Uneventful flights to and from Baltimore on Southwest. Beverage service along with cute little snack packs (4 Oreo cookies, peanut butter & cheese crackers and some kind of strawberry fruit things) and peanuts.

Accommodations
We started out at the Fitz (Friday and Saturday) roughly $40 per nite. No complaints really come to mind. It would have been nice to be able to order room service when we first checked in, but I sent the hubby (Kurt) in search of the McDonald’s instead. Next we moved to the NYNY for two nites on WW comps. The room was nice – had a great view of the famed rollercoaster. You could even hear the screams of joy as it whipped by. This place was my husband’s least favorite. It was very crowded, lots of teeny boppers it seemed. The casino employees were not very friendly or helpful. But I think the kicker was that both ice machines on our floor were out of service, meaning he had to go all the way down to the next floor to get ice for my Diet Coke. He really does spoil me! Next we went to Treasure Island for two nites, also WW. This was my favorite so far. Tastefully decorated and I appreciated the “real†bath mat for the bathtub. Kurt just liked the wall of mirrors in the bedroom. Men! Ahhh, our last nite was spent at the Venetian, $99 special. You really feel like someone special staying at this hotel. The service is incredible. I treated myself to a nice bubble bath and drank my aforementioned Diet Coke out of a wine glass. You can take the girl out of the country…

Gambling
Our first trip to Vegas, we mainly played slots. After we returned to Maryland, we read Jean Scott’s book and also bought Bob Dancer’s VP software and strat cards. So this time we tried out hand at the VP. Kurt played JOB and I played DW. We played a little at MSS, NYNY and Venetian, but mostly at the Suncoast. We also checked out the Orleans on Tues nite for their double points. We both got the personal fan freebie, some beads and played long enough for our $10. Overall, our gambling wasn’t too bad. No royals for either of us, but I hit 4 deuces 3x and Kurt’s best hand was a straight flush. We played quarters – I never did get my nerve up to try dollars. Next time, though. Against my wishes, Kurt decided to try the VP at the airport while we waited for our return flight. Although he didn’t hit a royal like a recent poster (Congrats, by the way) he did hit a 4OAK early in a session, so he quickly cashed out. Good man.

Dining
Free buffets at MGM & Mirage. Kurt preferred MGM because of the cracked crab legs, I preferred the Mirage because I felt they had more variety. But we both enjoyed being able to use the invited guest line. The Suncoast buffet was good for the price, and we ended up w/ 2 comps which made it even better. 2 lunches at the MSS brew pub. 2 thumbs up. The only “sit down†dinner we had was at the Grand Lux Café. Very nice. We purchased cheesecake (for me) and chocolate cake (Kurt) from the retail shop next door. Very decadent eating cheesecake for breakfast in your Venetian suite, if I do say so myself.

Overall Comments
We really enjoyed the Suncoast. I think we’ll stay there next time we come out. They have lots of FPVP to choose from and the room we toured was very nice. The one thing I found interesting at the local casinos was the amount of phone calls people get there. Has anyone else noticed that? Someone is always being paged for a phone call. So, does everyone know that Johnny’s at the Suncoast on Wednesdays, so they just call him there? I, like most women, loved the Venetian. I could definitely stay there again. Kurt just hopes we can go back so he can get more pics of me in the bubble bath. “Are you sure everything’s covered with bubbles?†â€Sure honey, just smile.â€

 

Nice trip report, mskrista! Thanks for the info on the Suncoast..I've never visited there, but hear great things about it. I might think about staying there sometime.

Isn't it funny how Southwest has just implemeted this persons of size policy, yet they fed you total crap on the flight? Haa. You'd think they could have stuck an apple or some carrots in there or something not full of fat and preservatives. Hehe.

 

mskrista

Glad you had such a great time. As a long time supporter of the Suncoast, take it from me, you will not be disappointed if you do choose to stay there.

Grenadier

 

Glad you had a good time. I also like the Suncoast a lot. Service was great, slots were generous, and I really liked the atmosphere. I signed up for the slot club and I get special offers in the mail quite a bit. Its one of my favorite local casinos.

 

Thanks for the nice report, Krista. Sounds like you had a good time (especially in the bubble bath !)

I'm glad to hear Southwest gives some decent snacks out. Not that they fly out of Denver mind you... but I wish other airlines would take the hint. I don't care for an elaborate meal, but a piece of fruit (like radicalfem mentioned), some PB crackers, and cookies would be great! I remember Delta used to do these little turkey sandwiches with and apple and brownie or cookie. I like that better than a hot meal (unless it's in first class, of course, but I never fly first class these days).

Did MSS have any full-pay VP? We're going to LV in August (T-29 days!) and are staying downtown this trip. I've played at MSS before, but it was a while ago. How was the atmosphere at the brewpub? I've always wanted to check it out, being a big microbrew fan.

 

Bigdogmom, sorry for the late reply. We played 8/5 VP at MSS. Since we were downtown & don't play perfect strategy anyway, we went ahead and played at MSS. Don't forget about the scratch cards for the natural 4OAK while you're playing. We only hit one for $1, but it's more than you get at other casinos!

The Brewpub is very nice. The food is excellent. They have a few VP machines there as well where I hear you can get the brews while playing, although we didn't try it.

 

Thanks for the info, Krista! I'm just gonna have to mosey over there and try a microbrew and some VP... I love a good microbrew!