june 12 - 17

Stayed at Sam's Town for 3 nights and moved over to the Orleans for two which was just right for a trip to the city of sin. Sam's Town sends the flyers which give 3 free nights and it is hard to pass up but they are definitely far from the strip or other casinos even with their shuttle--which ends about 10:15 or so. However, that time frame fits as during my stay I must of been addressed as "young fella" or "youngster" at least 15 times. Of course at the Orleans, it was "hey old guy" or "grey headed stranger"; which explains the early bus route cessation at ST. Got to go to bed early to get up at dawn to grab a place in line for the graveyard specials. First, the buffet at ST is similar to a good cafeteria---maybe Middle School level--with soft foods and few spices. It was adequate and it came with the room so the price was right and performed the service if you shopped carefully. Lots of assisted walkers and canes. But few milk drinkers even with the obvious need for skeletal strength. Anyways, the coffee shop has moved away from using 1/2 and 1/2 and now is providing the almost dairy product of pretend. Not a good thing on my list. The service and food are still the same though--poor and bland. But filling. Ohhh, where is Mary's Diner with the "real" milk shakes? Craps had 20x odds at 5 $ tables but lost 225 $'s over the 3 days. Witnessed one roll (am told I arrived about 10 minutes into it) by a lady for about 30 minutes (much of which was spent by the pit boss telling a dealer how to pay out some crazy denomination bets). Each time she rolled, two guys at my end were wagering 10 $'s and following with 150 $ odds. This woman rolled every number but "3". She rolled at least 3-"10's" and 3-"4's" with multiple "9's" thrown in all the while with these guys heavy on the action. Others were involved as well (full table) but these guys were the heaviest. She finished, they colored for 3850 $'s and 2596 $'s total and LEFT. Funny, they didn't look that bright either. Although they didn't tip the spectators, it was a treat to witness such activities in person. Won about 100 $'s on BJ -- double deck--dealer hits soft 17--about 65 % penetration--double on any two cards--can't resplit aces. Fun but methodically up and down. The Coronas flowed and were ever quick to be refilled. One thing about ST is good drink service at the tables ESPECIALLY if tipped. Ended up with a bill for 24.50 in non-comped food charges. So I guess it cost me 149.50 for the three days....ok, so almost free.
Went to the Orleans and had no problem checking in....room 933 in the old tower....39.95 rate matched by Orleans from original 54.95 rate but lower found on the internet. The EVEN numbered rooms face the strip, odds the pool and mountains. Couldn't find the elusive Cheap'O LV sewing kit but I did look. Easy to be comped there for food at the coffee shop or the buffett. Breakfast buffett was surprisingly good for the price and you could have made to order omlettes which is rare for the cheap side of buffets. Enjoyed REAL cream after the long hiatus. Coffee isn't coffee unless it's 1/2 creamed. Craps was only 2x odds....they don't shout half as loud when points hit either. Had a power outage the second day for 1/2 the casino while the other half was on auxilary power. All the suits got a bit warm while the cocktail waitresses stated they weren't bothered at all as finally they weren't cold in their working clothes. Me either. Won at BJ (same as ST but no peek BJ) and lost at craps....sound familiar? But up about 200 $'s. Only had charges for 54 $'s for one of the nights and food. Orleans shuttle allows you to travel until 12:30 to Barbary Coast and Gold Coast. Utilized it for access to ESPN zone to retrieve 20 $ gift card and cooler offer. Also, being so close ventured to the MGM and played the ponies. Stayed for 3 beers (45 minutes) and hit a 60-1 and 22-1 parlay but only had 2 quarters on each. Ended up about 25 $'s up from this mechanical jewel. Great crowd too. Played poker at the Monte Carlo and Orleans this trip. Gained experience but came out about 50 $'s down overall. THAT made me feel like I won. Monte Carlo is said to (according to a dealer) offer a reduced rate for 5 hours play per room. Of course we asked and he did say 5 hours per room. Single occupant, double, triple, etc. So two can play for 2.5 each and get the rate. Rate depends on day of the week and month (obviously) but sounded worth a call (1-800) to check out next time we plan a trip.
Went to Wynn and saw the Fashion Show mall "cloud" (flying sphere?) as well. Very intriguing and detailed. Nice golf course and easily navigated site. I did not submit for the credit report and thus could not venture capital nor reserve a tee time. Walked back to BC and took the shuttle when need be. Ate at the restaurant in Palms for Mexican food which was quite tasty and good (lunch). And cheap!!
All in all a trip of much fun and only came out about 100 $'s down including paying a lot of cash for items and food which usually went on the charge card in trips previous. Makes for a cleaner bill at the end of the month.
Traffic was horrendous due to construction and just too damn many cars but did notice a lack of Asians this trip. Usually I witness the group following the guy with the sign and chatter as they progress from one site to another. Perhaps they were all time sharing for a free show. Foot traffic did not seem as congested. Overall, a good trip even though I never made it downtown. I did notice plenty of trash-cans on the strip to partake in downtown frolicking if I so desired, but apparently I wasn't overly imbibed. I'll save it for downtown next time.

 

Damn I think you lookn pretty damn good for an "old guy!"

 

That was a pretty damn good trip report there, young fella...

Mikey

 

thanks for the report

Very nice report 'middle aged fella'. How 'bout them Spurs! Glad you had a good trip. Maybe we'll meet up there some time?

later, GVJ