Trip Report- June 10-14 Harrahs- Trip of a lifetime!

This report is long! Be forewarned! A little background on this trip is needed. This trip was originally scheduled for April(During my Spring Break). My mom and I booked this trip to VEGAS one day before she had a severe brain stem stroke. She survived for two weeks and one day before passing away. I rushed home to OHIO from Florida, where I live now, to be with her. I am so glad I got to be with her for the last weeks of her life. My mom was a young, vibrant, beautiful woman (67) and she was still working. The nurses all commented that she looked like she was in her 50's. I was forever hearing how beautiful my mom was. She was beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. I was/am/ devastated and miss her so much. She died a few days after this past Christmas and I think of her every single day. Since we already booked the flight and hotel I asked my brothers and sister (My dad died young (62) also) if it would be okay if I gave my mom's ticket to my best friend of over 20 years. They quickly agreed to this. The timing of the original trip did not work out for my friend. So as luck would have it (or my moms divine intervention) the ticket that my mom had was fully refundable since there was a change in the flight. I then rebooked my moms ticket in my friends name and we switched the flight to June when we were both able to go. My friend (B) had never been to Vegas so I was determined to show her the VEGAS that I love.

Day 1- Since I was flying in from Tampa and my best friend was flying in from OHIO I managed to arrange the flights so that they touched down within two minutes of each other! We were on different carriers so we texted until we managed to meet at her baggage claim. I can't tell you the feelings I had when I finally saw my best friend after 6 months. You see, (B) was there for me after that emergency flight when I found out my mom had a serious stroke. She barely left my side for those 2 weeks and through out the funeral. I was so glad that she was joining me for this trip. I couldn't think of a better person (other than my mom) to share this with. We waved and yelled at each other, dropped our bags, and hugged. It was one of those moments that stay with you forever. From that moment on, it was party time!! Our flights were both uneventful and easy. She hates flying and was happy to land after 4 hours. We quickly grabbed a taxi, line was long but went sooo quick! We arrived at Harrah's quickly. We had a short wait and up to the counter we went. Our desk clerk was so sweet and very friendly. She sold us a 20 dollar a nite upgrade so we could have a room facing the pool. Our room had the plasma tvs and nice linens. It also had a small balcony that we loved to go out on and watch the action at the pool. The desk clerk warned us that the music would be loud in that room. We laughed at her and said that we would be up 'till 5 am anyway so it would not bother us!! We arrived at Harrah's at 11 am and we were able to go right to our room. We quickly unpacked and did a small fashion show for each other. A big part of our trip was about the fashion and what we would wear each nite. We talked on the phone for hours before the trip telling each other about our clothing purchases. It was a blast! We then decided that we were both starving! We walked for a bit and came upon Outback. Now this would never be a food choice for me in VEGAS since there is so much to choose from, but, my friend needs a special diet. She knew that Outback had a special menu for her. We both loved the food, so that turned out wonderful! After lunch we wandered around. I found Casino Royale and REALLY loved it there. The reason I loved it?? IT WASN"T FREEZING!! I am very petite and I am always cold!! That is the only thing I do not like about VEGAS. IT's cold everywhere!! We wandered around playing in Harrah's and at Casino Royale. I stayed about even. My friend isn't much of a gambler so she mostly watched me. I was having the time of my life! I love to gamble! It was mostly slots this trip but I will tell you that I learned how to play Roulette on this trip!! More on that later. Finally, we went up to the room to change for our big first nite out. We got all dressed up, did our hair,etc and we were off to PURE at Ceasars Palace. We walked in and saw that there was already a huge line and the place hadn't even opened yet! We walked up to a doorman and (B) says something to him and I hear him say go get a drink and come back after I get the table reservations in and I will get you two in. So we went to a lounge and got a drink. (B) was watching the line get longer and longer. She was starting to get nervous that he wouldn't remember us so we went back to the VIP check-in area for PURE and stood and drank our drinks. My friend went up to him again and said "Are you going to remember us and he said yes, just give me a little bit." So we waited and sure enough he came over to us and said "okay ladies, right this way. The velvet ropes parted and in we went in front of all those people!!!I think it had something to do with the fact that there were only two of us and we were dressed to the hilt! We danced the whole nite! We didn't buy another drink the whole nite. We met some really nice "people" that bought us drinks and we had a blast! We left at 3 am. My flight left Tampa at 7:20am. I had to be at the airport at 5:20 and had gotten up at 3:45 am that morning. So I had been up 28 hours at that point!! We were exhausted. Back to the room we went. We slept hard that nite!!
Day two is still to come. . . .

 

Oooohhhh, sounds like lotsa fun so far.

My condolences to you and your family, I lost my father March of 2007 to a heart attack, he was only 59 years old. It's been a tough struggle for my mother and I. There isn't a aday that goes by that I dont think about him. Yesterday (Father's Day) was a little rough for me but I managed

I can't wait to hear the rest of your trip! Hurry with the rest!!!!

 

Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Your trip report is great I can't wait to hear more.. its like reading a good novel!

 

What a bitter-sweet report so far!
Ahhhh...to be young, hip and dressed to the nines in Vegas.
I look forward to reading about your next 2 days.

 

I am very sorry to hear about your Mom. I'm glad that your super-supportive friend was the one who got to go with you...just seemed so fitting!

Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip!

 

Wow, thanks everyone for your sweet words about my trip report. I appreciate the support and expressions of kindness.

Drea, my sincere condolences to you on the death of your father. I don't think anyone really knows what a person goes through until they lose a parent or parents. It changes you. Thanks for your kind words!

I will continue the report in the morning.

Thanks again!!

 

Day 2-

We woke up early and decided that breakfast in bed was par for the course after our wonderful 1st day. We ate a fantastic meal!!! I can't rave enough about the room service from Harrahs! The hash browns were to die for. I had the best fresh squeezed orange juice! It was a pricey meal but so worth it! We got up and got ready. Headed out about 10 am. We went to various hotels including Planet Hollywood where I signed up for a players card. I played there a bit staying about even. We went in the surrrounding hotels playing a little here and there. I never got to the Wynn this trip and am very mad! I can't believe I forgot to go! We jumped on the Duece sp?? outside of Planet Hollywood and headed downtown. This is one of my favorite parts of the trip. My friend was terrified of being on the side streets or being there past dark. I was not afraid at all. We went in tons of hotels. We didn't care for the Golden Nugget. We liked Mermaids, Four Queens, and La Bayou sp?. In La Bayou we spotted Betty Boop machines and practically ran to them. My mom colllected anything Betty Boop so we figured that it was an omen. We both put twenties in the machine and played for at least an hour on that money. We had so much fun playing side by side encouraging each others wins. Eventually the money ran out. Mom must have loved that we played those machines!! After a few hours of this I told (B) that I wanted to go to Main Street Station. Why? I don't know. Just sounded fun to me. We asked around and found it on a side street. We walked there with (B) constantly on the lookout. It was so funny. We walked in and simply fell in love with the old time glamour and charm of the place. We felt as if we were in an old time gambling hall. We must have just looked at everything for a good couple of minutes. The sound of the slots lured me away and I began to play. After a few wins I saw an open spot at a roulette table. I told (B) I don't care if I am intimidated I am going to PLAY! I sat down and said "I will buy in for 20" I hoped I used the right gambling term. Sure enough he took my money and gave me 20 purple chips (My fav color) The people at my table had huge (I MEAN HUGE) stacks of chips in front of them and were in quite jovial moods. I caught that spirit right away and began to put out my chips as fast as I could- they move FAST!!! Well guess what? My birthday is June 23 so I put a chip on 23 (THE VERY FIRST CHIP I PUT ON THE TABLE) and it came up 23!! I won 35 dollars woot woot! Everyone high fived me after I told them it was my very first time playing roulette. Everyone began giving me tips and I really began to understand what I was doing. It was a very fun table. I played a few more hands and was up over 20 dollars when (B) said IT"S GETTING DARK!! I was sad to go but she was really afraid. She talked to a waitress who gave us the secret way back to Freemont St. She told us that we would not need to go on the street at all and we could stay inside a casino at all times. We followed her directions and we ended up in The PLAZA I believe. It was there that I spotted Deal or No Deal. It was a penny machine and I decided on this trip(My first trip to Vegas since the invention of the penny slot) that I really don't like penny slots. It just seemed that the pay off was never big enough. It just payed off enough to get your money back but never enough to want to cash out. Anyway, I decided to try the DEAL OR NO DEAL anyway. It was fun when I got to the bonus round and tried to find the money. I ended up winning about 10 dollars. We got back to Freemont st and went into an ABC shop where we got some souveniers and bottles of water -two six packs for 5 bucks! We had a frig in our room so we figured we would tote those bottles back to the room. We grabbed a taxi back because (B) was afraid we would not be safe trying to find the Deuce stop. We got back to our hotel and it was party time! Earlier in the day we had decided to go to TAO. We got all glammed up and off we went in a taxi. The taxi driver was NOT happy when we gave him the destination since we were actually pretty close but I wonder if he has ever tried to walk blocks and blocks and then dance all nite in 4 inch spiked heels?? I bet not! I gave him a big tip and he stopped his whimpering. We went upstairs and we were amazed that there was NO LINE!! We started to walk right in when the doormen stopped us and asked us if we wanted to be on the guest list for tomorrow nite. I was thinking no way- this place is not even hopping, but then he said that Thursday nites were VERY hopping here. So we put our names on the list for tomorrow and in we went. I guess they only open one floor on Wed (The nite we were there) I kept thinking wow this place is small!! We managed to have a fantastic time again! We met all kinds of people and a group of guys that kept telling us that they could expense all our drinks. We didn't argue and hung out with them pretty much all nite. I danced so much that nite! So FUN! We left at 3?? dont really remember. I do remember going downstairs and playing slots a bit before we left. Oh, one of the guys in the group told us to come back to TAO tomorrow nite and I hear (B) say okay????? I didnt want to go to the same club two nites in a row!!! She, however, really liked the place er... something about the place. I told her I would consider it. OF COURSE she talked me into going there again the next night...to be continued.

 

So sorry to read about the death of your mom. I commend you for your strength of character to remember/honor her and keep moving forward in your own life. Thanks for your TR. I look forward reading the remainder!

later, GVJ

 

Day 3-

(B) had booked a Pink Jeep Grand Canyon Tour for this day. She woke up at 6:30 to be outside waiting at 7:30. I, of course, slept right thru her morning routines. She was working on 3 hours of sleep so I was hoping her tour would be wonderful. I want to go to the Grand Canyon too, but, I decided to wait for another trip to Vegas to go. I awoke at 9:30 and got ready to go. I was given the mission of getting Mama Mia tickets for tonite. I rode the monorail to MGM. I got off and walked across the ped bridge and got on the tram from EXCAB. to Mandalay Bay. I was VERY happy that these trams exist since it was SO hot outside. I made it to Mandalay Bay box office and managed to score two tickets for 49 each. I brought a coupon from one of the magazines for 30 off each ticket. Our seats were decent- middle stage but all the way in the back. I did go first to Tixs for Tonite near MGM but they were sold out for Mama Mia. My friend was very happy with the tickets. After purchasing the tickets I walked around M. Bay playing whatever catch my eye. I loved Top Dollar, and some of the wheel spin games. I actually won at M. Bay- 100 here 60 there. I was having fun but left because I wanted to play more in Harrahs since I wanted a comp for next time. I got back to Harrahs and played more staying about even. I went over to Casino Royale (love that place) and managed to win 100 on a bowling game!! I called my friend to see if she was back yet. She wasn't but I went up to the room to start getting ready for our show and going out after. I wanted to be ready so (B) could have the bathroom to get ready. I know that her trip was going to end somewhere around 5:30 but it was running late and she didn't get back until 6:15!! We had show tickets at 7:30 and we were starving! She hugged me when she walked in the door and thanked me for the trip of a lifetime. She said she is so happy she went and that she could cross seeing the grand canyon off her list of life adventures. She LOVED it and went on and on about it! I was so happy she enjoyed it. She got ready as fast as she could but I was getting worried that we would miss the show. Finally at 7:10 we went downstairs to hail a cab. We told the doorman/taxi guy our situation and we off in no time. We got to Mandalay Bay at 7:25!! We made it to our seats somehow just before the lights dimmed. PERFECT! but two problems-were were wearing skimpy little dresses and it was FREEZING in there, also we were starving!! We totally enjoyed the show anyway. What a fantastic show. It gave me goosebumps. Every time a familiar ABBA tune came on we just looked at each other and smiled. It was so good!! Dancing Queen made me want to get up and dance. In fact, at the end of the show, we did just that. S People were dancing everywhere. It was so cute and so fun. I highly recommend going to see this show. I hear the run is almost over. Hurry!! After the show we went to a place in M. Bay something called red,white, blue ?? can't remember. The food was terrible!! My friend w/ dietary problems ended up having a hamburger patty with lettuce!! no special menu for her. She ordered avocado and they never brought it. We went to TAO after that. I wanted to go to Tryst in Wynn but she really wanted to go back to TAO. She won- I was in VEGAS! I was happy doing anything. We arrived to a huge (did I say huge!!!) line and we walked straight up to the doorman and said that we were on the guest list. They let us in but we had to pay 10 dollars cover (our first cover charge) we walked in and saw that they had opened up the other floor. We were in for a shock here! We walked into one room where naked women covered in rose petals were bathing each other!! I am totally telling the truth here. In another area two women on a platform were rubbing on each other(they were part of the entertainment) we tried to get into that room but it was wall to wall people. We could not move in that crowd. We left that room and went to another room where we could dance a bit. We stayed for a while then we slipped away for a bit so I could play slots and get some air. We ended up meeting some guys from the bay area. We talked for about 1/2 hour and went back up to try to find the guys from last nite. We went to the 1st floor and danced. I decided that tonite should be a drinking nite so we would not be hung over for our plane ride. DRINK we did!! SO much fun. I do know that we met up with the guy from the previous evening. He came downstairs to find us. He was in that room that was jam packed the whole time. He took us back up there and we danced in the middle of the jam of people. I had enough drinks at that point not to care how many people were there. It was a blast!! Finally around 2ish ??? we left the club to go back to Carnival Court in our hotel. We danced there until closing. As we were walking back I started talking to this guy that was also just leaving the club. Turns out he's a semi-pro hockey player and he is in VEGAS for a big game. He joins our little group and we head to Bill's Gambling Hall so we could go to Drai's. We get there and since our new "friend" had on shorts and flip flops we could not go in. We ended up walking around for a bit longer until I hit the wall and had to go upstairs. Too many drinks, too many possibilities told me it was time to turn in. Another great day in VEGAS! Day four coming soon.

 

I am sorry for your loss, but what a great way to honor your mom's memory. I'm sure she is very proud of you! I'm truly enjoying your trip report - keep it coming!

 

I also want to join in with the other posters with my deepest and sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. I am sure you had your Mother with you the entire time in thoughts and memories. Keep the details coming!

 

opcorn waiting for day four

 

I'm just sitting here stealing Lorraine's popcorn...waiting for day four

 

Hmmmmmm waiting for day 4

 

I stay downtown, and it is perfectly safe. Your friend had nothing to worry about. The downtown area has changed drasticly, just as New York's Times square has, so areas you wouldn't have dreamed of being in after dark are perfectly fine.

 

So sorry to hear about your mom. Losing a parent is so painful. It makes you feel kind of lost. I still occasionally shed tears from losing my dad who left us in 2002.

Bet on 23, huh? I used to play roulette a lot and that was my number. Always seemed to win for me.

TAO sounded like fun but kind of weird that second night; too bad you didn't make it to Tryst. My son and daughter went there on their last trip and had a blast.

And yeah, I agree about room service at Harrahs. They are very good.

Great trip report. Now let's get on with Day 4.

 

I too wish to add my condolences for the loss of your mother. Your trip so far sounds like a whole lot of fun and I am patiently waiting for day 4.