Orleans Aug. 12-17

The cast of this trip included 7 women, ranging in age from mid-thirties to late forties. Only one is married, the rest, save one, are all divorcees. Dangerous!??

We flew from Buffalo, NY (drove down from Kitchener, ON) via Southwest. I did print everyone their "A" passes, so we were able to sit in a group.

My first impressions of the Orleans was that the entrance/lobby couldn't compare to strip properties, but that the room was great, large and nicely appointed. The staff was also very friendly, and we were met with virtually no line at check-in. We all got strip-view, no extra charge. Each traveller was given a passbook with a lot of free coupons: drinks, desserts, day spa pass, percentages off meals, etc.

First night we all ate at Sazio's, an Italian restaurant. Kind of a cool place - since we were eating before 6 pm, we were able to take advantage of the 50% appetizers they offer from 3-6pm, plus we could use the 20% off the meal from the funbook, and ended up well fed and "watered" for $12.00 a piece. I recommend this restaurant. The food was great and the portions were generous.

We stayed in the hotel the first night to gamble, and this was my best gambling night of the trip. I was winning on a number of the machines - the "Double 7" one paid me $400.00, another (maybe a Diamond quarter machine, I forget) paid me $200.00, and I even won close to $200.00 on Dick Clark's New Years nickel machine!

Another from the group, the night later won $500.00 on a dollar Wheel of Fortune, and $250.00 on the 25 cent version. I didn't win much after that first night, a few small payouts here and there, but I was just happy that the first night basically paid for the rest of my trip meal/show/gambling-wise.

I played the tour guide role for the few that haven't been to Vegas before. It was easy to hop on the shuttle to get to the strip. Its a continual run to The Barbary Coast from the Orleans and runs from 9:30 am until midnight (or 12:30 am). There is also a shuttle that runs to the Gold Coast which worked well for the girls who decided to go to The Rio and The Palms one night (they are just across the street from The Gold Coast.)

Day 1 on the strip was the day we were to go see Big Elvis at The Barbary Coast (he is there from 3- 6 pm weekdays). What a great show he does! He has a beautiful voice and is such a gracious man. We did the other "usual" stuff while walking the strip - ie. popping into a few casinos to play a bit here and there - overall no one had ANY success on the strip properties gambling. Only The Orleans seemed to favor us from time to time. Later that day I was to go see Wayne Brady at The Mirage. A ticket screw-up on their end meant that the two of us that went were given front row seats for this sold-out show! What a great time that was! The man is so clever and very cute too! Came back to the hotel and ate at The Prime Rib Loft with one of the girls (recommended.) I can't remember what the other 5 girls did that night.....

We ate breakfast at the hotel every morning - the Courtyard Cafe is decent and is open 24 hours, and the French Market Buffet is very reasonable ($5.99) and had a very good variety. Really good cheese blintzes!

More of the strip the second full day there - did the free Imperial Palce photo (worth doing), and saw the bird show at The Tropicana. Of course we watched the fountains at Bellagio (there was also a little fountain show in the conservatory), saw the (single) tiger at The Mirage....

Saturday we were all to go to Fremont street in the evening, but after our nice meal at Don Miguel's (Mexican) back at home at The Orleans, I just became so lethargic, I "puppied out". One other girl did too, but the rest cabbed it up there. They enjoyed, but said it was pretty hot there - makes sense that the air wouldn't move around much under that roof, and with all those lights....Also had a guy harrassing one of the girls and he had to be forced to leave her alone with police help. They stayed a couple of hours and the came back to the hotel and ended up have a great time at Brendan's, an Irish pub. I guess the girls got involved with some highland dancing competition and won some free drinks. The band enjoyed their enthusiasm but had to watch out for Joyce who kept trying to peer up their kilts! The girls didn't know that Cathy and I were having some success on the slots while they were gone! Cathy was up about $300.00 I think, playing Double Triple Diamond (?) She had a favorite machine, which later in the trip also paid her out $370.00.

Sunday, some pool lounging for some of the girls early, and then some went to see Mystere at Treasure Island. I knew they would love it! Some of us took the van I rented that day to go up to The Riviera to see Jay White, a Neil Diamond impersonator. It was "OK", but I though that at even half price (got tickets earlier that day at Tickets2Nite), it wasn't really worth it.

The next day we headed for Hoover Dam, something I hadn't done before, and then followed the scenic drive through the state park to The Valley Of Fire. That is a 2 hour drive, but well worth it if you have the time. Being from Ontario Canada we just don't see scenery like this! (We have beautiful scenery, but oh-so-different!) Our van was a 7 passenger, so we all tumbled in and the girls packed a cooler with beer to go. I, unfortunately, was the driver so had to miss out on that fun! I was happy though that I was spared having to pee so badly that I would be willing to squat in the dessert on the side of the road for relief like a couple of the girls had to! It was wild to see the oasis in the middle of the dessert, but scary when you read the sign that said not to allow any water to enter your nose as it contains something that could be fatal! When we reached the Valley of Fire, we couldn't all help but be awestruck. It was then an hour back to Vegas. Incidently, practically no traffic that whole trip - seriously. We might have seen 6 vehicles along that 2 hour route there. Just a long winding road through the dessert. Kind of a good break from the bustle of the city.

Some of the girls went the the Voodoo Lounge at The Rio the last night - Cathy and I were becoming hooked to "our area" at the machines and opted to hang out there instead. We had all eaten at Canal Street, and that's the only restaurant at The Orleans that I would hesitate to recommend. The atmosphere was nice, but the food was pricey, not all that great, and the service there was slow even though the restaurant wasn't that busy. The desserts (free with coupons) were excellent though.

We all lounged around the pool the last morning before our check out around noon, and then made a trip to the Outlet mall for a quick shop before home.

Overall, had a great trip. I have never gambled as much as I did this time (and I surely wouldn't have if I hadn't done well day one). I loved Wayne Brady and the trip to The Valley Of Fire. Did not find it unbearably hot, but I guess it was a little cooler than usual for mid-August (it was mid 90's for the most part when we were there.) I would be happy to stay at The Orleans again. Hard to beat what they offer for the price.

 

Sounds like a good trip was had by all. Nice Report. It is always nice to get away for a drive and do something Non-Vegas like Hoover Dam, etc, I know what you mean about no traffic when travelling on desert highways. A few years back we drove to Laughlin one day, same thing maybe 4 cars the whole trip there.

I am in Ontario as well, 70 miles north of you. I usually fly via Detroit or Buffalo, as the cost is so much cheaper than Toronto. I seem to do better cost-wise booking air and hotel seperate rather than a package deal that can be booked.

Glad to hear some good things about Orleans, I am hoping to go in November, as I booked a room at a great rate in May. Won't be able to use the pool though - too cold probably. Did you use the Spa at Orleans? Always nice to win some loot the first day...

Good report

RossW

 

Great Trip Report! Sounds like you all had a great time.

 

No, never did check out the spa at The Orleans....not sure why not really, just ran out of time! Oh, and I forgot to mention one of the most pleasant dining experiences - 4 of us ate at "Mon Ami Gabi" (Paris) and watched the Bellagio fountain shopws from there. Get the filet if you go and like beef!

 

trip sounds wonderful and all had an enjoyable time.
my ???? where was those machines located that you were winning on sounds like I need to get to those machines as soon as we check in. What a great start to you trip. I hope I do as well in December. Thanks for the report kellyon4. I have been wondering about the Orleans but it sounds like it will be okay.

 

Very nice report...hard to believe that everyone likes the Orleans until you actually stay there. It's just a good place. Hmmm...dangerous 30 and 40 something divorcees...why wasn't I there? Time for my Ontario trip report.

 

You know, "the girls" and I really didn't meet too many guys this time around....I think we spent too much time at the machines! Last year I met someone at the bar at the Flamingo and minutes later I agreed to be his date for a wedding he had to attend on site in 15 minutes time! The rest of the group weren't so sure I was making a wise decision, but I have to say that spontaneous date was fun and the wedding was quite lovely!

39forevr, we liked the machines close to the business center....right in the corner as you enter where the elevators are....25 cent Diamonds and Double Triple pay....also liked a ...hmm...I think it was a "Sizzling 7's", one that has a side reel that will give you a "Mystery Nudge", or bonus credits on the 4th wheel....didn't pay off hugely, but consisntly and often. Was hard to lose money in that machine.

 

Glad to hear more nice things about Orleans, especially since I'm booked there in December!