Trip Report 3/28 - 4/1

Arrived at the Louisville, KY airport two hours before departure to make sure we had good seats for our Southwest direct flight. If anyone has not ever experienced flying with Southwest give it a try. Personally, I am more of a hassle free type person and for an extra $50 I would prefer an assigned seating carrier.

The flight was longer than normal with the head winds (4:15) but, the killer was the drunk Indiana fans. They were the most annoying drunk people ever and I wished I had not cheered for them at the Duke vs Indiana game earlier in the week (but it was fun going). My Fiance and I gutted it out and tried to sleep.

Arrived at McCarron airport and did the Bally's airport check in. I flashed the $20 trick and received an upgrade to a mini-suite with a small bar and view of the strip for no charge (The Bellagio fountain facing rooms have not been remodeled yet).

After waiting 30 minutes for a shuttle, I got a refund and took a cab. The room was great and the lines to check in were outrageous. I was glad to have the airport check in as an option.

Left for our free Mirage buffet thanks to wagerworks. No problem, simply went to the slot club and told them we had a wageworks buffet and received a free slot card and ticket. The line for the buffet was outrageous so I was glad we could go in the "comp" line (hee hee, if they only knew it was free...).

The buffet was a little disappointing, but free is free and I made the most of it. Off the Casino Royale for some $2 craps. Won a little and head for some Pai Gow at Barbary Coast. Broke even and called it a night (5:30 am for me).

Next day we hit the Bellagio for some free breakfast buffets. Same experience as the Mirage, no problem. Went to the "comp" line and sneaked in. The buffet was above average, but its breakfast and they all seem to be the same to me for that meal.

Did some strip walking visiting some casinos and teaching the wife to be craps at the W. Ho. She fell in love with the game when she doubled her $50 and walked, good for her! Then headed back to the Bellagio for dinner buffets on wagerworks.

The Bellagio dinner buffet is the best I have ever eaten. Everything is first class. The crab was Alaskan King already cracked. The shrimp cocktail was the $20.99 a pound you find in the fish market already divined. The price is $32 per, and even if you do not have it for free, it is worth the money. They even serve free champagne.


After we took the trip downtown via cab and hit the Plaza for some $2 craps. The table was fun, but the dice did not treat us right. So off to some surrounding casinos for some sights then back to Bally's for some shut eye.

Next day we eat at the Barbary Coast for breakfast at the café. Food was ok. Then off to the upper side of the strip. Looked at some sights at Luxor, NYNY, Trop, etc and ate at PF Changs in the Aladdin. Food was pretty good and not terribly expensive.

Then headed to the Stratosphere for a birds eye view of Vegas. The view was great, but really not worth the $8 per to go up. I don't think I would do it again, but glad I can check it off my life's to do list.

After the Strat we headed back to our gem in the ruff, the Plaza for some $2 craps. Same experience as before, but had a great time again.

For dinner we headed to the California just down the street for the Pasta Pirate (You have to make a reservation). I ate there 7 years ago and it was a major hidden Italian gem. I was very happy as the food is still out of this world. The filet with jumbo prawns was great and her spaghetti with meatballs was awesome. You still get a free glass of red wine with dinner as well. Great food with wearing shorts being "ok" is what I like.

After dinner some more craps then back to Bally's for some sleep.

Headed to McCarron early for our 9am flight. No surprises there, except I still do not like the whole Southwest seating thing.

Final Summary:

Food:
Best Buffet: Bellagio - A must at least once. Everything is so great.
Worst Bufett: Mirage - Not much to offer, but at the price it is still a value.
Hidden Gem: Pasta Pirate at the California - Great value, Great Food, My 4 Star Special

Gambling:
Best Craps: Plaza (downtown) always $2 with 10x odds
Worst Craps: W. Ho - $2 with double odds (2x makes it a pain)
Best Pai Gow: Barbary Coast - Just fun People

Will be heading back in September for 5 days next time!!!

 

Hi there,

Thanks for your trip review. Sounds like you had fun! I am heading to Vegas in 2 weeks, and I appreciate your "best and worst of's" .

As for Southwest, I am a Canadian and have had the chance to "experience Southwest" - Detroit to Nashville...What a trip! The staff was excellent!We laughed most of the way. They are down to earth people with a great sense of humor. It was the "funnest flight" that I have ever been on.

Happy to hear that all went well and that you will be going back in September. I am sure that I will want to go for a second, third, fourth time....etc.

lorio

 

Lorio:

Have to admit the flight was fun and the staff was enjoyable. I just prefer not to have to fight to get a good seat...

Have fun in Sin City.

Brian

 

Hey Brian! Thanks for the tip on the restaraunt at the California! Whenever I'm downtown my autopilot always takes me to the buffet at Main Street Station...I will try to remember to give your place a try next time!

T.