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Las
Vegas Trip Report… March
2006
Key facts:
This was our First Trip.
8 of us went (4 couples).
Date of visit: Friday 17 March to Tuesday 21 March
4 days isn’t long enough
4 days isn’t long enough
4 days isn’t long enough
4 days isn’t long enough
oh, and 4 days definitely isn’t long enough!
Stayed at Gatwick Hilton the night before (16th) and my brother-in-law calculated
that he’d done £300+ before we’d even left the bloody Country! It was a great night,
but the next morning wasn’t so great for some of our party (some sore heads!).
DAY 1 - Friday
Anyways, up 7am for our 10.45 flight to Vegas (yipppeeee). After the 10’ish hour direct
flight we landed at 13.10 local time (already getting late by our body-clocks). We
were all VERY excited by this time – what jet-lag? The only bad thing about the flight
is that Virgin run out of beer half way, and ALL ALCOHOL 2 thirds of the way! WHAT!
The 6 of us travelled together (the other couple travelled separately) so we opted
for the mandatory limmo from the airport to the Bellagio – and why not….
After a short-ish drive we arrived at our hotel on the main strip…………..OMFG ! WOW.
This place is just HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE !!!!!!!!!
We checked in, did all the usual (no, not that !) and went to meet the 4th couple
in our group (who were already there). Having met up, we explored the Bellagio Casino.
OMG – for anyone that hasn’t been…….this place is awesome (can I use a bit of your
name Ali ?). Huge Casino. Huge Number of tables. Huge amount of money being gambled.
Huge – Huge – Huge !
We then popped next door to Ceasar’s Palace – we arrived about 30 minutes later. The
size of these hotels and the grounds is totally unbelievable. 15 minutes after leaving
our hotel we looked to the left and we were still in front of it !......We………….finally,,,,,,,,,,,,,,arrived
at Ceasars and went in to explore. Another huge casino, etc etc. We grabbed 8 drinks
from the bar and went for another wander around the casino.
We then ended up in the forum shops which once again was huge, unbelievable, etc etc.
The sky ceiling is really clever and feels really strange.
We then venture over to the Mirage and wander around yet another huge hotel, massive
casino area, yet another bar, and finally settling into a Brazilian restaurant. I
can’t remember the name of it but I would recommend it to anyone who goes to the Mirage.
It is in the middle (ish) just past the white tigers but on the way to the dolphins
and the elephant – as you do in a hotel !
Anyway, the restaurant was fab. We all chose the “special” which comprised of us parting
with $35 per head for non-stop, eat-as-much-as-you-like quality barbecued meats (not
a lot of good if you are a veggie!). They bring out huge (that word again!) skewers
with the meat on to your table and they carve off whatever you want. And guess what…………..THEY
KEEP COMING BACK ALL NIGHT !
The only bad thing about this visit was that we were all completely knackered (as
our bodies now think it is something like 4am) so we couldn’t really fully appreciate
the lovely grub. Anyway – we did our best !
We then went for a stroll and found the huge (again!) fish-tank behind the whole length
of the Mirage reception. VERY impressive!
Finally, we retired to bed about 8.30 local time (4.30am for us?) as we were absolutely
and totally knackered !
………………………………………………………………………………….
DAY 2 – Saturday
Up at 7.30 (……………what !). Went for the breakfast buffet at the Bellagio. $17 each
from memory. The usual eat as much as you like egg, bacon, sausage, fruit, etc and
the not-so-usual noodles, beef, broccoli, mash potato, 28 different puddings, etc
etc etc. OMG OMG OMG.
I have to admit I just had to have broccoli and mash with my eggs and bacon. Followed
by some healthy fruit obviously, and the even more obvious strawberries and cream
!
We then walked down the strip (in fact I think we crawled after that breakfast !),
and ended up getting the Excalibur tram to the Mandalay Bay. Hotel looks fab (gold
windows etc). For some reason we then ended up with a beer (around 11am ?!?), played
a few machines in the casino and then went to the fish/shark place – VERY disappointed
with that place. We keep marine fish etc at home so have high expectations. Overall
– not impressed. In and out in about 10 minutes. Doh !
Btw, 2nd day and I STILL haven’t played poker !
Did the Luxor and the Excalibur on the way back. Nothing particular to report.
MGM Grand next visit. TOP, TOP PLACE. Cool Card room in the middle. Played some machines.
Had a couple of beers. Saw Ali’s Lions (still on top of walkway, STILL asleep).
We then went to the New York New York hotel. The 8 of us all enticed each other to
go on the huge roller-coaster around the outside of the hotel. 200+ feet up, etc.
No-one dare bottle due to the peer pressure. I of course wasn’t scared at all. Yeah
– right! This ride (the Manhattan express) is awesome! (that word again). We got some
fantastic on-ride pictures which say it all. The look of imminent danger ! THIS IS
A MUST IF YOU GO TO VEGAS !
We then walked back down to the strip, enquiring about the Grand Canyon helicopter
ride on the way, and ended up in the Harley Davidson bar and restaurant for – guess
what….more drink and MORE FOOD ! OMFG !..... The afternoon started with cocktails
etc and ended being one of those sessions.
After this we trundled down to the Aladin Poker room to check out some real action.
I Confirmed the advert that I’d spotted elsewhere, that they do in fact host “SnG
Sunday” which amazingly enough was in fact on Sunday (the next day).
$60 entry. 1000 chips. 25/50 blinds doubling every 15 minutes. If you don’t hit hands
you’re dead (or u need to get lucky!). Did a bit of rail-birding and then we then
went back to our rooms for a post Harley-Davidson lunch kip.
All met up again at 7.45pm and went for some drinks (yes more!) at the Monte Carlo.
Very nice looking hotel. No gimmicks like many of the others.
At about 9.30, we then all went our different ways to various shows that we’d all
booked. We wanted “O” but it was fully booked up until the Wednesday after we left
! The worst choice was Barry Manilow – THAT WAS NOT US I CAN ASSURE YOU.
Anyway, another great night had by all – ending up in a 2am retirement. We were due
to meet in the Coyote Ugly car afterwards but we found out the next morning that none
of us made it !
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Day 3 – Sunday
Up at 8.30am. Breakfast at Ceasars. Very nice – a bit more “normal” (no noodles, or
broccoli, etc). Walked down to the Imperial Palace and after a brief visit and several
references to Blackpool we rapidly left. Past Harras – looked nice - and then into
the lovely Ventetian. Another WOW.
Lovely looking Hotel. Nice shops and stuff. We then went on a Gondola ride – as you
do – through the middle of the hotel. SURREAL ! (a new word).
Then across the road to Treasure Island. Had a look round. Got told off for videoing
in the Casino. Oops.
Around lunchtime we returned to our hotel for a rest and then I went over to the Alladin
to play a few SnGs. My good lady was going to play but bottled at this stage so stayed
in the room for some kip.
Structure of SNGs as follows: $60 entry. 1000 chips. 25/50 blinds doubling every 15
minutes. They pay out to top 2 with $350 for 1st and $150 for 2nd. Deals are allowed.
General observation number 1 is that you have to hit hands as the blinds go up soooooooo
quickly. If you play the standard tight game initially u find yourself anted down
to 600 with blinds at 100/200 so you’ve only got 1 move in your bag (well 2 if you
include folding).
Summary of first 2 games as follows:
First game. Hit a few hands. Played well (I would say that). Folded at the right time,
etc etc. Got down to last 4. All-in with pocket Tens on button and run into JJ on
the BB. Oops.
Second game. DID NOT PLAY ONE HAND ! OMG. Deal / fold, deal / fold, etc. Blind go
up, AND UP. Fold, fold. Fold. Finally forced all in with filth and lost to slightly
less filth. DOH!
Returned to room a bit glum (although the free beers at the table had helped a little
!).
Updated the Mrs Golden on the SnGs and convinced her to return for a game.
Both entered the same SnG and were drawn seats side-by-side, with Mrs GoldenBalls
to my right. Both ended up short-stacked. Mrs GoldenBalls then moves all-in. I look
down and see AK so do the obvious and re-raise all-in. Oh dear – this could be trouble
! All others fold. She flips over JQo to my AKo. Oh Good. Flop comes 89T. Deep joy.
At least I’d have somewhere to sleep tonight !
A few hands later I look down to see A8s. An low-stacked all-in blind-steal hand if
ever I’ve seen one. The trouble is another player beat me into the pot (happened to
be Mrs Golden but that was irrelevant) so I folded. Yanky chap calls with 33 (!!!!)
and takes my wife’s chips with Kx. I WASN’T AT ALL ANNOYED BY THE FACT THAT THE FLOP
CONTAINED 2 ACES !......Anyway, we were both finally anted down and I was priced into
calling on BB with J6o to go out 4th.
(Mrs Golden had gone 5th).
Oh well. End of poker for today. Back to room to get ready for tonight’s fun…
We all met in the Bellagio reception at 7pm and then got taxis to the Stratosphere.
Got the lift 840+ feet upwards and took in the fabulous view of the strip, and the
rest of Vegas. THOROUGHLY RECOMMEND THIS. Had a couple of drinks then went up to roof
view (which was even better) and also saw the mad rides. OMG. No way! Suggest put
in “Stratosphere Rides” into google if you’ve not seen these!. Awesome. I of course
was up for the rides but none of the others were, so I didn’t want to hold them up……Yeah,
right !
We then got some cabs heading for Downtown.
Our taxi ride on the way was awesome as the taxi driver was clearly in training for
the next NASCAR race. OMG. Where’s the fricken seat-belt!
Anyway fortunately we arrived safely and pulled up outside the Golden Nugget – WOW,
then saw Binions (got to be done) and the 4 Queens. The whole downtown feel is great.
Completely different that the main strip. I preferred it.
We went to top of Binions and had some steak. Over-priced and crap service but had
to be done. They even put on 18% service charge but we took that off !.....Then down
to the Casinos for more gambling. I won on Roulette in Golden Nugget and Mrs Golden
won on the Video Poker machines.
Then went outside for the 11 o/c (or was it 12 o/c, I can’t remember) light show on
Freemont Street. Fantastic. We got the one involving Martians and space ships. Coolio
!
We then grabbed another (somewhat safer!) taxi and headed for Ballys as we’d heard
that there was a live band there tonight. The Band were great – 3 older guys and you
would not believe the top sounds coming from the stage and their mouths. Brilliant
mix of sounds.
We were treated to some quality dancing by 1 local idiot who thought he was Michael
Jackson. A white guy, about 50 in black leather and a Hat. Muppet. I cannot explain
how hilarious this guy was, but I can assure you that anyone would have paid good
money to see him dance. He was then accompanied by another nutter (and even older
guy) who pranced around the dance floor like a psycho. We were in tears. It was bloody
brilliant.
We also spent much of our time there observing this “lady of the night” (we concluded)
being approached by at least 10 different guys – dancing & groping with most of
them – whilst we were there. She finally went off with the chosen one. Lucky him.
Yuk.
About 3.30am we then went back to the bar at the Bellagio (next to the Poker Room).
Had a couple more drinks (like we needed them!).
About 4.30 headed back to room, stopping to play a little Blackjack on the way . Down
/ up / down / up / up more / down / up / DOWN. you know the score.
WHAT A GREAT NIGHT THO !
………………………………………………………………………………………
DAY 4 – Monday
LAST FULL DAY – DOH !
Wanted to do the Grand Canyon but run out of time so ditched that idea (until next
time!).
Wide awake at 9am after about 3 and half hours sleep! Got Taxi to MGM as we wanted
to enter the 10.30am Multi in their Poker Room. We decided to can the idea in the
end as we thought we’d end up rushing breakfast. The right decision as we didn’t finish
breaky in the MGM until after the tourney had started.
Quick bit of shopping in New York New York and then got taxi to the Paris hotel to
check out the SnG poker action. We were told that Bally’s held SnGs so headed next
door. Sadly they didn’t have the SnG action that the Alladin had on the previous day
so we then went back to the Alladin and me and Mrs Golden registered for the 1.30pm
$60 Multi (84 runners at the start). Bit of shopping before game started and then
took our seats.
Mrs Golden went out having raised with AK, flopped AKx, got all her chips in and then
lost to a middle pin outdraw on the river ! DOH.
My chips were eaten-up by 3 hands over the course of an hour……QQ run into AA. AK flopped
Kxx and lost to flopped trips, and then ATs on the BB; decided to trap the muppet
in the small blind by just checking after all folded to him. Flop came 68T so I get
my chips in and he flips 79. Marvellous.
Tried to get in room but Mrs Golden had taken the key and was sparko so went back
down and played Blackjack for an hour or so. After some success I returned to our
room and this time the door was answered (more success!). I then had a quick kip whilst
Mrs Golden commenced initial case packing activities.
Then got ready and met some of the rest of the gang for taxis to the Rio around 7.30pm.
Another really cool Hotel, bar, casino, etc. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING IN
LATE JULY !
Had a few drinks then went to the Casino to see the show of Floats whizzing around
the Casino. Weird. Then went off to the Friore Steakhouse for a lovely “last night”
meal. Thoroughly recommended. I didn’t fancy eating in the GAYLORD INDIAN next door.
Then played the Video Poker machines in the Rio and had some more success. Then got
cab across to the Bellagio Fountains just in time to see the Viva Las Vegas water
show.
Went across to Barnaby Coast, and then Ballys. Walking back we bumped into one of
the other couples so went back to Paris with them. About to leave (again) at around
2am and they announced a 3am tourney, which I felt obliged to play in as it was our
last night. I promised to walk Mrs Golden back to the safeness of our room but by
the time I got there I couldn’t be bothered to venture back over the road. Woulda
been fun, but it is soooooooooooooo far.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Day 5 – Tuesday
Up at 7.15am and taxi across to the Wynn for breakfast (very nice !). Then went to
the Forum Shops at Ceasars to get some stuff for the kids and other family members
& friends. Returned to our room for final packing.
Left our hotel at midday’ish, and got settled in the airport bar for a few pre-flight
sharpeners. They had KNOB CREEK whiskey on the top shelf but decided against it !
Flight left Vegas at about 4.30pm and I felt a little jaded due to the pre-flight
consumption so kipped a little on the way. Arrived back “home” at around 10am local
time on Wednesday having missed a “proper” night’s sleep (another one!), and having
to face the whole day ahead.
Anyway – what a fabulous trip. I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t been just
for the experience.
4 days just wasn’t long enough (Yes Ali, I know you told me that….) but dumping our
3 kids on my mum for longer seemed to be taking the P*ss.
I would recommend a week, but I think 10 days would be just right. That would allow
more time to a) play more poker, b) see more sights like the Grand Canyon and c) have
a rest !
SUMMARY OF MY THOUGHTS ON HOTELS :
Preferred Hotels from the visit:
Ceasars (our likely venue for next visit)
MGM Grand
RIO (hopefully in July !)
Other good ones:
Wynn – bit far out ?
Venetian – just cos it was a gondola ride thru the middle !
Bellagio – for the fountains and the plush rooms.
New York New York – looks cool + roller coaster.
Downtown – just because.
Stratosphere – for the view.
Oh……and then there was the Imperial Palace. Hmmmm.
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