TR- Short trip Jul 24-26

Just a few thoughts.....We went to LV 24-26 and then on the San Fran 26-29.

Flew out on SW at noon from Houston. Uneventful flight. I was flying by myself since DH had a big meeting that came up after we booked. He was going to take the 8 pm flight. We were flying on RR so not a big deal for us. However, since he is the gambler it was for him. 8 hours less to gamble and this was a short trip anyway. Landed and took a cab to Ti. I had an awful cab driver-I had 4 bags, two large ones. In the event DH could get out earlier or try to make an earlier flight, I agreed to take all of our baggage so he could just walk on the plane. I guess the cabbie had a hurt hand so he seemed real put out that I had 4 bags. I had to put them in the back myself. Then he proceeded to take me some weird way to the hotel. It cost $24 which I think is high. I did not tip. Anyone else think thats high?

Gave the bellhop my bags, checked in. Room was fine-loved the bed. In fact we are getting a new mattress because of the bed there and later in SF, the one we had at our hotel. So comfy! Standard room with a view of Trump Tower. They were working on the letters at the top while we were there so that was kinda neat.

I immediately went to the pool to relax.As a mom to 2 young boys and who is a teacher with a fast approaching school year, this was definitely me time! It was ok-not the MGM or Mirage by any means but it served its purpose. Lousy drink service though!

Next gambled at nickel and quarter slots and did ok. Up about 100 by the time it was time to get changed for dinner. DH arrived and I met him at Mon Ami for a 10pm res. Great weather that night-really the whole time. Not too hot but hot enough! Dinner was ok. We have eaten here about 5 times and its always been good but it wasnt quite what we remembered. Maybe because it was so late?

Went back and I crashed. Told DH good luck and off he went. Came back around 3 am up $150 from the BJ table.

Next morning, we went back to Paris for the breakfast buffet, which was great as always and to check out the new PH. Loved all the changes and will stay there next time! Gambled some there and enjoyed the vibe! Itwas fun. Walked around the strip and shopped.

Went back to hotel around noon. We gambled at some slots together and I was up 30. He was down 40. Then I went to the pool and he went to Ti Texas Holdem tournament. I was at the pool quite sometime. He was obviously doing well. However, the guests were very friendly and I ended up yakking and drinking with this guy on one side of me and this couple on the other. Around 3, DH joins me. He came in 2nd out of 24! He was pretty excited. So much so that he signed up for the 11 pm. He ends up napping and I am sitting in the pool with the couple yakking. Shes a teacher too so we hit it off. We then notice some "funk" in the pool. Kinda foamy. We move away and the funk congregates around this older, very tan and leathery woman who obviously had to much drink. Shes sitting there, head drooped, eyes closed. She hears us talk about it as we move away. She opens her eyes and looks around at it. Then she kinda shrugs her shoulders and goes back to dozing. We get out. 5 minutes later they close the pool. Someone is being wheeled away to an ambulance and we are told the pool is shutting down because someone threw up in the pool! Yuck! We did laugh our heads off at the old woman! Yuck!

For dinner we went to MIX for a drink. Didnt even order a drink-bad service and just a yucky place I thought. Maybe I am just over that whole scene. Stains on the uncomfortable lounge chairs and I did not care for the dining room. We head to Burger Bar instead and had a great time and great food. DH had the Kobe and I had the turkey burger. Both were great! Head back to the hotel and I get ready for check out the next day. We had an early flight to San Fran and that part of the trip was with DH's company. Its a first class trip all the way with lots of fun things to do. There would be no rest time on that part so I crashed. Dh played in his tournament and came in 10th. He said it was getting late and he new he had to be up early so he was a little riskier and ended up getting called on it.

Overall, check out was smooth and no problems. Cab ride to airport this time was $14. We left with $300. We had time to kill at the airport. DH says he is going to the slots. I said, Lets just leave ahead. He says, Cmon. So we go and on the first quarter he won $50. I had to laugh. That really shut me up. Now we can go, he said!

Just a side note-Fabulous time in SF. We stayed at the Mark Hopkins-that was a great hotel. We biked the bridge with our group across the Golden Gate. I would rec everyone do it who goes. Bay City Bikes is the outfit we had. You start at Fisherman's Wharf and over the bridge to Saulsalito. Saw Alcatraz, spent all day Friday on the bay sailing. But the real highlight was the Giants game Fri night. Part of our group was going to the game. We get our tickets and find our seat. No Way! Our group got the Lexus Dugout Club seats for the game. DH and I were row AAA seats 3 & 4. We were right behind home plate! It was a great game and we got to see Bonds hit 754. Heres a link to an AP Photo we found.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/apphoto/photo?photoId=1634178&sportId=10

Totally cool experience! We are actually buying that photo from the AP. We are the couple in the left hand corner. Anyway, overall a fun trip!

 

Great Trip Report...Can't believe the pool had to get closed

I love San Fran, I try to go at least once a year...not as often as I would like to, but love that city

 

Just for future reference, it used to be that guests at the TI had pool privileges at the Mirage. (Since TI was known, maybe still is, as "Treasure Island at the Mirage.) Maybe someone has more up to date info if that's not true anymore.

You'll hate the pool at PH, although the casino/bars have become one of my favorite places to hang out.

 

Ugh that pool story was so nasty! But also wildly hilarious with that leather bag lady too drunk to care. Thanks so much for putting the TR together and sorry you got totally shafted on that cab ride.

 

Sounds like a great trip! And that's a great pic too!

 

Glad you had a fun trip, but sorry about the pool incident.

 

Great TR. My wife and I stayed at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins earlier this year in March. I loved that hotel. I have plenty of martinis at the "Top of the Mark."

 

Nice TR..have stayed at TI as well and have had some bad experiences with their pool as well. Otherwise, I really like the place.

Thanks for shaing !!

Julie