fwtxbevo
Tourist
My wife and I left DFW Tuesday morning right before the ice storm hit, and took a half-full US Airways flight that arrived in Vegas around 8:30a. After getting our luggage, we boarded an empty Gray Line shuttle to T.I. where we were not allowed to check in until 11a. We played a little slots and VP, before trying my third $20 trick attempt in the last three years. I am now 3 for 3 as I was upgraded from a basic room, to one on the 36th floor (top floor) with a view of the south strip, as well as being given the now standard bottle of complimentary champagne that I have read so much about! The room, 36028, was very nice but the bathroom was not up to par in my opinion. Very comfortable beds and the maid service was great. Walked over to Ceasar's and ate at Bobby Flay's restaurant, Mesa Grill. Food was good and the service was even better. Headed back to T.I. and discovered that Tuesday and Wednesday nights were two for one at Mystere for hotel guests. I purchased two for that night close to the stage, and throughly enjoyed the show.
Wednesday, we started our morning at the T.I. breakfast buffet which was about average, before leaving to tour the strip for the day. Took the beating that is the Deuce down to Mandalay Bay, and walked our way back, hitting almost every hotel, with the exception of Bill's and the Flamingo. Had lunch at my favorite little pizza place inside NYNY.
We missed the Monte Carlo last year since it was closed for the fire, but went inside this time to look around. I have to say I was very impressed with this place, from the large, open casino, to the dining options, this is a place I would consider for future trips.
Got back to T.I. where I played about two hours worth of 3 Card Poker and Craps, before returning for more slots and VP. This was my first time to play 3 Card Poker. It was ok, but no where near the excitement of my favorite, Craps. There was a $5 table open, so I played wrong for the first time just to see what it was like. I finished a little ahead, but it was not fun at all to play the dark side.
After a nap, it was dinner at Samba Brazilian Steakhouse in the Mirage where the food was great, but the portions were way too much for a guy pushing 50 and a lady pushing 40. The waiter even admitted that a group of firemen from NY were the only one's he has ever seen finish their entire meal. He added that the scraps go to a pig farm outside of town to feed the hogs for pork used in the restaurant. Talk about full circle! After dinner, it was a nice walk to the Bellagio for a few drinks in the Fontana Bar to listen to the band and watch the fountains. I can never get enough of those fountains!! Gamed our way back to T.I. while visiting PH, Paris, and Bally's.
Thursday was our last full day in town, so I ventured off to Fremont, while the wife went shopping next door at the Fashion Mall. I walked through the Encore before getting my revenge on the Deuce for the ride downtown when the bill acceptor would not work. Free ride! Encore, Wynn, Palazzo, are all very eligant, but boring to me. Made it to Fremont by late morning and walked through just about every hotel with the exception of El Cortez and Lucky Lady. No gaming, just sight seeing before the bus ride home- had to pay this time.
We planned to eat at Isla in T.I. and go to Christian Audigier's club for our final night, but decided to go to the Venetian first for drinks and some gaming before returning to T.I. for dinner and dancing. After the Siren's show, we walked over to the Venetian where we went to Tao for a couple of cocktails. I then hit the Craps table where I did very well, before proceeding to Dos Caminos in the Palazzo for dinner. This place came highly recommended by the staff at Tao no less, and I must say, it did not disappoint. After dinner it was back to Tao, where I sweet talked my way to the front of the line. Danced awhile before heading back to T.I. for the night, and a great end to our vacation. I must say, the Venetian is fantastic, and the staff, from dealers to waitresses to player's club people, are in my opinion, the friendliest of any property on the strip.
As for this trip, I liked T.I., but I sure would like to arrange a stay at the Venetian in the future if the price is right! Tao is very fun, and even if you don't like the club scene, go for a drink. I gamed more this trip than my three previous one's as I gain more confidence at the tables. Slots and VP are really not for me. I like the interaction with the other players at the tables. All in all, a great vacation and a very fun time as usual!
Wednesday, we started our morning at the T.I. breakfast buffet which was about average, before leaving to tour the strip for the day. Took the beating that is the Deuce down to Mandalay Bay, and walked our way back, hitting almost every hotel, with the exception of Bill's and the Flamingo. Had lunch at my favorite little pizza place inside NYNY.
We missed the Monte Carlo last year since it was closed for the fire, but went inside this time to look around. I have to say I was very impressed with this place, from the large, open casino, to the dining options, this is a place I would consider for future trips.
Got back to T.I. where I played about two hours worth of 3 Card Poker and Craps, before returning for more slots and VP. This was my first time to play 3 Card Poker. It was ok, but no where near the excitement of my favorite, Craps. There was a $5 table open, so I played wrong for the first time just to see what it was like. I finished a little ahead, but it was not fun at all to play the dark side.
After a nap, it was dinner at Samba Brazilian Steakhouse in the Mirage where the food was great, but the portions were way too much for a guy pushing 50 and a lady pushing 40. The waiter even admitted that a group of firemen from NY were the only one's he has ever seen finish their entire meal. He added that the scraps go to a pig farm outside of town to feed the hogs for pork used in the restaurant. Talk about full circle! After dinner, it was a nice walk to the Bellagio for a few drinks in the Fontana Bar to listen to the band and watch the fountains. I can never get enough of those fountains!! Gamed our way back to T.I. while visiting PH, Paris, and Bally's.
Thursday was our last full day in town, so I ventured off to Fremont, while the wife went shopping next door at the Fashion Mall. I walked through the Encore before getting my revenge on the Deuce for the ride downtown when the bill acceptor would not work. Free ride! Encore, Wynn, Palazzo, are all very eligant, but boring to me. Made it to Fremont by late morning and walked through just about every hotel with the exception of El Cortez and Lucky Lady. No gaming, just sight seeing before the bus ride home- had to pay this time.
We planned to eat at Isla in T.I. and go to Christian Audigier's club for our final night, but decided to go to the Venetian first for drinks and some gaming before returning to T.I. for dinner and dancing. After the Siren's show, we walked over to the Venetian where we went to Tao for a couple of cocktails. I then hit the Craps table where I did very well, before proceeding to Dos Caminos in the Palazzo for dinner. This place came highly recommended by the staff at Tao no less, and I must say, it did not disappoint. After dinner it was back to Tao, where I sweet talked my way to the front of the line. Danced awhile before heading back to T.I. for the night, and a great end to our vacation. I must say, the Venetian is fantastic, and the staff, from dealers to waitresses to player's club people, are in my opinion, the friendliest of any property on the strip.
As for this trip, I liked T.I., but I sure would like to arrange a stay at the Venetian in the future if the price is right! Tao is very fun, and even if you don't like the club scene, go for a drink. I gamed more this trip than my three previous one's as I gain more confidence at the tables. Slots and VP are really not for me. I like the interaction with the other players at the tables. All in all, a great vacation and a very fun time as usual!
