Trip Report 2/22 - 2/26 JUST BACK!!

TRIP REPORT
Las Vegas , Saturday, February 22 to Wednesday, February 26

Hopefully, this trip report will be of interest and help to you curious types. A word of caution, if you want to read about gambling, not much here. When we pay the quarter machines, we’re high-rolling it! Anyhow, keep reading for some insights on shows, food and other nifty stuff. Lots of rest as this was my first trip in over two years due to major surgery in late 2001. I’m (Allen) 46 and my wife Ann is 47. This was our 6th trip to Las Vegas in 18 years.

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION (Getting There)

We flew from Pittsburgh on Us Airways on Saturday at 3:45 PM to Las Vegas (via Charlotte). We had the connection since we booked the flights using our Frequent Flyer mileage. Can’t complain about the price. Flight left 10 minutes late, but arrived over 5 minutes late in Charlotte. Strange thing, it was the same plane going to Las Vegas, but a different flight number, so we had the leave the aircraft (and take our stuff) only to re-embark a half hour later on the same plane. At least we didn’t have to run to the gate! Got to Vegas about 10 minutes early. Very smooth flight. Got our luggage quickly, and quickly found the shuttle to Dollar Rent a Car (we had reserved through Fastlane, thanks everyone). No wait at all. Had reserved a fullsize, but got a free upgrade to a Premium (Chrysler Concorde, real nice) for not charge. Paid only $87 for 4 days, so this was a really good deal!

FIRST NIGHT

Had reservations at the Fairfield Inn on Paradise for the first time. Since we were arriving on a Saturday at midnight (eastern body time), it wasn’t worth it to pay big bucks for a place to simply crash. Got the room on Priceline for $39. Decent place and room for a night. Had nice free continental breakfast buffet in the morning, which made the price even better. Slept to get used to new time zone.

SUNDAY

Left Fairfield at 7:30 AM after breakfast (still on EST!). Took a drive over to the Palace Station to play some slots (had success there before). Did OK playing nickel machines (Texas Tea) came ahead around $10. Went over to Paris to pick up tickets for Sunday night Olivia Newton John show (more later). Went to Circus Circus for Sunday Brunch at the Steakhouse (not the yucky buffet, we have some class). Brunch was excellent. Great selection of quality foods in a nice leisurely setting. Perfect way to start a day and trip. Had great crab legs (split), shrimp, smoked whitefish and great lox. Had a lox omelette made by the chef. YUM! Ordered lamb chops and Ann order NY strip. Excellent quality and preparation. Highly recommend!!
After brunch we went to check in to our luxury accommodations at the Venetian. I had rooms from Priceline for $110 per night. Had first of many experiences with security precautions with showing ID to get onto property and popping the trunk. Took car to Valet Check in and walked to registration. No wait at 1:30 PM! Checker-inner (?) asked said there were upgrades available for strip view for $35 a night. Since we had Priceline reservations (who knows where they put you!) and I really wanted a room next to the elevator (walking disability), decided to take it. Got a great suite on the 21st floor directly across from the elevators. Great View of the Treasure Island! (within the little lobby area on each floor). (More on upgrade later).

Rested a bit after big brunch, and later explored the property, especially the Grand Canal Shoppes. Very nice, and festive atmosphere. Would return there a lot to just people watch. Picked up our Players Cards.

Since we had tickets at the Paris for Olivia that night, and weren’t that hungry after the brunch, decided to go over there for a light dinner at the Café St. Louis (coffee shop), before the show. I had a chicken salad and French Onion Soup, while my wife had a Cobb Salad. Light and wonderful and sat on the outside. Just like Paris!

The Olivia show was very good. She is really sincere, and sounds the same as she did 27 years ago. (and looks great too!). Her 17 year old daughter also sang with her for a bit.
Had great seats (11th row center) in a very nice theater.
Great first day)

MONDAY

Went back to Paris at 10 AM(like that place) for the breakfast buffet. Great crepes and omelets. Had more lox. (At $25.00 lb, might as well!) Played at Paris a bit and my wife won $40 on a nickel Monopoly. (I lost $10). Went up the Eiffel Tower for a great view.
Walked over the ramp to the Bellagio to visit the Conservatory and enjoyed the Chinese New Year exhibit. Went back to Venetian to prepare for early dinner reservation at the Delmonico. It was simply the best meal we have ever had! I ordered a salad with Arguro(?), walnuts and apples, while Ann had a wilted spinach salad with fried mozzarella. For our entrees, I had the bone-in rib steak, medium rare, while Ann had the pork chop. Sides of country smashed potatoes and broccoli were added. All were excellent and prepared as ordered. Steak melted in mouth and Ann said her pork chop tasted like steak. Great potatoes, must have had a quart of butter and sour cream in them. (did I say, forget healthy?). For dessert we shared an excellent pecan pie with ice cream. Total with tip was $150, a splurge, but well worth it!

That night we had tickets for a 10 PM show of Blue Man Group. First row, in the poncho area! Hard to describe, but simply entertaining. Lots of great satire and mocking of society and art, in a very unassuming way. We got slimed some with some banana stuff, but it was in good fun!

Another good day!

TUESDAY

Wanted a healthy breakfast after Delmonico had clogged our arteries. Went to the Canyon Ranch Spa Restaurant at the Venetian. Big mistake. Was overpriced for the food you got. Two teeny pieces of French Toast and a couple of pieces of fruit for $8 and $5 for a juice. Could have eaten healthy elsewhere for less $$.
Live and learn.

Continued to play at the Venetian. Found a great Bewitched nickel game. We’re baby boomers all the way.I won 2500 nickels on something! Ended up $165 ahead. Paid for our Delmonico dinner. Went to Aladdin Buffet for Lunch. Great buffet, but disappointed there was no lamb choices for lunch. Guess it’s only at dinner. Went to Mirage to pick up our Danny Gans tickets for that night, and then back to Venetian.
Worst part about Tuesday was that it rained all day, windy and 49 degrees. First rain in all our 6 visits.

Had light dinner of soup and sandwich (shared both) at Towers Deli at the Venetian Food Court. Great matzo ball soup (basketball size). Went to Danny Gans show (getting soaked walking over there). Show was fantastic. Had seats in 5th row. Great talent.
Went to Grand Lux after show for the rest of our dinner. Shared a great Grilled Shrimp and Bacon Sandwich and of course cheesecake. Pleasant dreams that night!!!

WED

Our last day. Went to Grand Lux for breakfast, and decided on my healthy breakfast of oatmeal (a better choice than before). Went to the Palms (just OK) and New York New York. Played Megabucks to contribute toward jackpot some, although I came ahead $40.

When I checked out of the Venetian (via TV) was glad to see that they didn’t charge the extra $35 per night for the upgrade. Maybe they were sympathetic to my request for a close room to the elevator due to my disability, or they have new policy to comp low rollers (Had 36 points on my card) Is that good?

Dollar return was great. Attendant took the car to the airport for us, so I could avoid transfers. Found a new favorite rental company!
Plane was on-time!! Arrived in Pittsburgh at 5:30 AM (otherwise, the middle of the night)
Now its recovery time, and planning time for our next trip.
We liked the Venetian a lot, but really liked the Paris atmosphere better. May stay there (or the Bellagio if a good deal is available) next time.

All in all a great trip. Came out about $150 ahead on slots. Got free upgrades on room and car, and great meals and shows. Only in Vega$!

PS Won $60 at the airport slots. Nice going a
way present.

Allen and Ann

 

Great report! I have never had the courage to use Priceline for a hotel although I have used it for airline and rental car. It sounds like you had a great time. That is what we go for!

 

Glad you enjoyed yourself.

I'm having dinner at Delmonico's on Saturday night and I'm really looking forward to it.

The BMG show is hard to describe isn't it...

 

That sounds like a Great trip!!

Thanks for sharing!

T.

 

Don't have to gamble to have fun in Vegas!

Thanks!
Booger