Pre-Trip Notes - 2014 New Year Edition (long)

Pre-Trip Notes - 2014 A New Year Edition (long)

Well another trip is looming, so here are my pre-trip notes for your perusal and enjoyment.

Each time I book a trip I catch up on board posts and trip reports, then copy & paste things of interest as I go along. I also include promotions I may be interested in using during the time I am in Las Vegas.

This trip I am staying downtown at The D on a 2-4-1 weeknight offer, then using MyVegas rewards for Fri & Sat at Circus Circus, then heading downtown to the Grand for 2 comp nights. I originially tried to book the weekend at Four Queens on a 2-4-1, but they said it was blacked out although I could stay if I paid for both nights. No, thanks.

I was originally booked at FlamingO for the last 2, but my Lady Friend let me know she got a mailer from Downtown Grand for 2 free nights in January which I did not. I also saw a post on the board about this offer, so I gave them a call. They said I'm eligible, and even though it included weekends, having already redeemed the MyVegas awards for CC I didn't have the option of changing so I took the weekdays at the Grand. I give up $25 in freeplay at FlamingO, but also drop $36 in resort fees.

I don't recall if I have ever stayed at the Circus, but I'm not too picky about rooms in general. They have me booked in the West Tower, and the lady when I booked the 2nd night said they were redone 4 years ago, and said I should be happy there, so we shall see.

For those who don't know me I'm a red chip BJ and quarter VP player. I use coupons, chase casino promotions, and eat very well for $10 or less per meal (not including tax, tip, or drinks). Let It Ride is my crack cocaine, and I try to keep the urge at bay. I have my trusty new 2014 American Casino Guide ready to go, and will use it with gusto.

I have a couple of goals this trip - play more blackjack and play mostly 100%+ ER (EV + slot club/promos) on video poker. Blackjack was what hooked me on this town, and there are still good $5 & $10 min double-deckers all over to play. The only VP exception I can think of offhand will be Ellis Island, where I play the nickel 7/5 Bonus for a time killer between senior drawings, and possibly some NSUD to fulfill the promo requirements. While the Boar Bar may seem at first like it doesn't qualify, quarter 9/6 JOB with 8 coins added for quads & up ($2 scratch cards) and .1% freeplay jumps it up to just over 100% overall. So my pale ales are not in jeopardy.

We are planning a meet-up at Chicago Brewing on Sun the 19th for the late NFL game. For more details look on the Get Togethers board post. All are welcome.

So here we go, I hope that any of you going to town this month can take advantage of my research. The casinos are listed in groups beginning with downtown, then Strip, then off-Strip. Have fun & good luck!

Disclaimer: This is information copied from trip reports, blogs, forums, casino websites, and other more unsavory sources. I take no responsibility for the accuracy, and the typos are NOT mine.

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Main Street Station - Earn 250 points for free buffet (ACG)

California - Earn 250 points for free MSS buffet (ACG)

The Plaza has a food court with a fast mexican joint. Can't remember the name, but we had 4 breakfast tacos that were excellent for $6.50. 10% off check in January at Hash House A Go-Go, also in Quad (email). 100 points for entry into daily slot tournament Noon - 8 PM. Rollin In The Dough drawings every Saturday 8:15 PM, 10 winners, 500 pts/entry. $5 freeplay, 2-4-1 drinks (ACG)

Las Vegas Club - $5 freeplay, $5 table matchplay (ACG)

Golden Gate - Free calendar (ACG)

Golden Nugget - $100 entry fee slot tournament with drawings for $100 freeplay on 1/16, tournament days 1/17, 18, 19. $60-4-50 poker chips, 2-4-1 breakfast or lunch buffet M-F, 2-4-1 drink at Rush (ACG)

Binion's - 2-4-1 burger, 2X points up to 500 (ACG)

Fremont - Earn 250 points for free buffet (ACG)

Four Queens - Chicago Brewing football promo good through 1/19 (check matched w/ freeplay + $10 matchplay). 2-4-1 entree at Magnolias, 2X points up to 500 (ACG)

The D - $5 freeplay, $10 food credit, $10 match play (email room offer). Push your bet at 22 in BJ up to $25, $5 freeplay for every 50 points up to $100 (ACG)

The Grand has begun honoring comp or discount offers from competing Vegas hotels. Yes, there is an asterisk here. The offer has to be specifically for you and can't be generic. For example, a hotel will need to offer you two free or discounted nights (or whatever the case may be). Show it to the Grand and they'll match it. But, if you have a mass mailing in hand that offers rates from $5 (or whatever) to all that received it, that would not qualify for this promotion. This offer is available through April. To redeem it, you must join or be a member of MY Points and you must present the offer from the competing resort upon check-in. Check for $10 dining & freeplay with stay. Free daily slot tournament 11 AM - 9 PM.

El Cortez - Hit a $200/300 jackpot in January to earn $10 - 1000 freeplay bonus. Also $50 bonus for jackpots over $1200. $2 Bud & $1 hotdogs Sat & Sun at sportsbook 10 AM - 6 PM. 5X points one day & 2-4-1 entree (ACG internet coupon). 5X points one day (personal website). $10 freeplay, 50% off Flame up to $25 (ACG)

Banger Brewing’s grand opening will be Dec. 27th @8pm. Please come out and support Las Vegas’s newest brewery. We will have 8 beers on tap including our dry hopped pale ale, jalepeno hefe, watermelon wheat, and our high gravity IPA. 450 Fremont St, Suite 135

Mandalay Bay - Wincards.

Aria - Julian Serrano for late lunch after 2pm tournament. Serrano’s has a great 3 course lunch special for $19. It is served from 11:30-4pm M-Th. Just as good as Milo’s which we will be going Wed. The lobster gazpacho appetizer is fantastic. The Rib-eye steak was cooked perfect.

Max (Westin) - Earn 200 points for $10 freeplay or matchplay (ACG)

Circus Circus - Ask for Resort Passport upon checkin. WinCards.

Riviera - Wincards. $10 matchplay (ACG)

Palace Station - $9.99 t-bone steak special at Grand Cafe. Fridays in January earn 5 points to swipe & win up to $10k. Sat drawings at 4:15 & 8:15 PM, get 10 free entries daily, win up to $5k. 50+ Wednesdays free slot tournament 10 AM - 7 PM, 6 points/$ on VP (2X).

Silverton - Mondays 50+ club drawings at 2, 4, & 6 PM, 50 pts/entry, 20 winners each drawing for $100 or $500 freeplay. Also 50% off all restaurants with 50+ sticker. Mystery multiplier up to 20X Sundays in January. Saturdays in January swipe & win up to $1000, 500 points required.

South Point - 50+ slot tournament Thursdays 10 AM - 4 PM, one free entry. 2X points on VP Mon 1/20. Earn 300 points for free buffet (ACG)

Orleans - Young At Heart Wednesdays: mystery multiplier, drawing at 4:30 PM, earn 100 points for free dinner buffet, redeem by 7 PM, free t-shirt (same promo at Gold Coast & Sam's Town). Visit kiosk to activate multiplier - Orleans, Gold Coast & Sam's Town. $10 table matchplay, Play $10 get $10 freeplay (ACG)

Palms - $25-4-40 Slot Play Coupons promo. 50+ specials on Thursdays: $4 movie tickets, 50% off buffet & special menu at 24-7 Cafe. Happy hour at Simon 7 days 3-6 PM, $6 apps, drinks, sushi. $10 table matchplay (ACG)

Gold Coast - Saturday drawings in January 8:15 PM, 10X entries Tues & Thurs. Visit kiosk to activate multiplier - Orleans, Gold Coast & Sam's Town. 3X points Sundays in January. Earn 200 points for free buffet, $5 table matchplay (ACG)

Ellis Island - 50+ drawings Tues & Thurs at 11 AM, 12, 1, 2, 6 & 7 PM. Play $10 get up to $100 freeplay, earn 200 points get a free entree, $5 table matchplay (ACG)

Tuscany - Mystery freeplay up to $500 Wed 1/15. 7X points on VP Mon & Fri.

Silver Sevens - Drawings at 7 & 9 PM Fri & Sat, 50 points/entry, 20 winners up to $5k. 3X points Thursdays on VP (also Sat?).

Boulder Station - $9.99 prix fixe at Pasta Cucina includes app, soup or slad, & entree Wed - Sun through 1/31. $9.99 t-bone steak special at Grand Cafe. Fridays in January earn 5 points to swipe & win up to $10k. Sat drawings at 4:15 & 8:15 PM, get 10 free entries daily, win up to $5k. 50+ Wednesdays free slot tournament 10 AM - 7 PM, 6 points/$ on VP (2X).

Sam's Town - Visit kiosk to activate multiplier - Orleans, Gold Coast & Sam's Town. 4X points Thurs & Sun and 7X points Mon & Tues in January on VP. Earn 200 points for free buffet (ACG)

Eastside Cannery - Free swipe daily 1/1 - 1/25, earn 3 more for 150 points, win up to $200. Sat 1/18 earn 300 points & get $10 freeplay.

Longhorn - $5 BJ matchplay (ACG)

Jerry's Nugget - $5 table matchplay (ACG)

Bighorn - $5 BJ matchplay (ACG)

Silver Nugget - $5 table matchplay (ACG)

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