(I also posted this on the TR Board, but since its about Downtown, thought you may enjoy it. A little long, but detailed)
36 Hours in Vegas: Full of surprises.
Left Atlanta around 9 pm but was able to spend a few moments pre-flight in the Delta Sky Lounge having a drink and bite to eat. Nice start. I strayed away for a bit to take advantage of the cheaper airlines, but glad I went back to Delta. More leg room and the staff is top notch. Plus, the seat back TVs had a ton of movie/TV options.
With about an hour left, had a tense few mins. when the Flight Attendant asks if "we have any nurses or doctors on board." Apparently, a young lady was having a bad reaction to something. She was ok, but they stayed on her for the duration of the flight. Real pucker moment.
Only had a carry on, so getting through airport was easy and ride Downtown was quick. Check in at Golden Gate was another surprise. They were sold out and since I was a late check in (it was 11:30 by now), they put me in a comped suite for the night. I would need to change rooms Saturday, but 1 night in a big room is better than none at all.
I also cashed in 2 nights at Main Street Station in anticipation of my older brother joining me. He had to bail, but I kept the rooms. This would come in handy later, but at a cost.
Spent late Friday night playing at GG and MSS but couldn’t get anything going. GG slots were super tight and the MSS Dealers are just so boring. A lame dealer really makes bad run even worse. I cashed in a $15 food comp at Triple 7's Restaurant. Good food. Bartenders seemed really rushed and busy despite there only being 6 people sitting at the big bar. It was interesting to watch them work at such a fast pace for such a small crowd.
On my way back to the room I gave the GG BJ tables one more chance. There I met a really cool local couple and together we had a strong run for over an hour. Some wins, some drinks, some laughs and then realized its 4 am and I had officially been up 24 hours! Felt like a kid again. Time for bed. Thanks again GG for the Suite.
Saturday: My original plan was to be out by 7 for a coupon run. Yeah, I didn’t wake up till 830. Since I knew I wouldn't be back to check out of the suite by 11, I dropped my bag off in the extra room at MSS.
Side Note: I’ve never felt uncomfortable walking around the FSE. I’m a big dude and stay pretty aware of my surroundings. However, walking to MSS Saturday morning, I sensed something was off. I turned to see a rough looking dude, out of nowhere right up on me. I’m not sure his intensions, but I immediately pulled my shoulders back and tensed up. He turned and went the other way. Again, not sure what was going on, but it was a rare moment that felt off.
I grabbed a cab to Silver Sevens, which was a big mistake. I wanted to take advantage of the MRB "Pay Double on First 21" coupon. 30 mins and a wad of cash later, I couldn’t win. Even worse, I never hit a natural 21. Dealer was old, tired and bored. So, it was a real crap to start my day. I thought, "Ok Mark, go get some breakfast, take a breath and regroup" (using the MRB 50% off coupon and SS points, at least my breakfast was free). When Silver Sevens was Terribles, the breakfast buffet was really good (for an off strip/non flashy spot). Silver Sevens is no Terribles. The Buffet was awful. I won’t go into detail about the lack of choices or quality of food, but considering I had a salad for breakfast is not a good sign. Bonus: it was a champagne brunch, so I tried to get my money back in mimosas. I tapped out at 6.
Left SS angry, full of off-brand Champagne and walked to Ellis Island. Didn’t play much, but it was time well spent talking to the locals and bartender. The MRB Coupons for EI are always put to good use. Side note: they mentioned how much work has been done in curbing the homeless from camping at the bar. He said it was a growing issue and they are taking steps to control it. You could tell whatever they were doing was working.
From EI, made a quick run to the Max Casino. Nothing new to report. I like The Max because its cold and the dealers are cute and fun. Sadly, my lucky machine that has paid off over the last few years was not kind on this trip. Maybe next year.
Next was the famous Stage Door Casino. About now was when news of the Cosmo pool fire was breaking, so the bartender gave us a free "fireball" shot. Well played. I managed to keep the same $20 in the $0.25 Keno machine for almost 2 hours. FYI: Take advantage of the Hot Dog and a Beer. It was $5 and worth every penny. Another good time at Stage Door.
Walked through Cromwell and it was really swanky (read: lots of 20 somethings in their bathing suits). As I was leaving a guy asked if I wanted to take a "TV Survey" for $25. Why not. A chance for me to not lose money for the next hour. They asked a few questions about my TV habits then walked me and another guy to the Mall at Ballys. I never got a weird feeling, but if the guy had walked us to an alley, I was gone. This was legit. You basically sit in front of a TV while they show you print ads for new NBC Fall Programs and you give your impression. This was interesting for about 15 mins, then it got repetitive and boring. I basically flew past the last 20 questions so I could get my $$ and leave.
From the Strip to the Palms where I found my new true Vegas love: Craps! I've always been intimidated by the loud tables and never took the time to learn how to play. Pre-trip, I got a few lessons from a co-worker and put it to use. Once I explained to the dealers that I was still learning, they were happy to help. I would throw down a few bucks for them to play every few rolls. I had a great time, stayed there for a good hour, made a little bit and learned as much as I could.
Side Note: Kudos to the Pit Boss at the Palms. We had a big table playing and group of guys were cursing, yelling and dropping the n-word over and over again. They would yell at each other and yell at the other players and made everyone at the table really uncomfortable (a few players took their money and left). The Pit Boss asked them to clean it up, which lasted about 30 seconds. Finally, the stick guy was told to hold the dice. The pit boss looked at them and said "gentlemen, Ive asked you once, watch your language or we will ask you to leave." This did not sit well. They took one more roll, thankfully hit 7, took their money and walked off cursing. The entire table gave the dealer a round of applause.
Following that, I was hungry and wanted to take advantage of the MRB 50% Off Coupon at the always excellent Palms Buffet. I waited in line for about 20 mins only to find out they don't accept the MRB on Saturdays because it’s a Seafood Buffet. Damnit. I weighed my options and was hungry and ready to sit and relax, so I paid full price. I broke my own rule. But it was worth it.
Took a cab back Downtown to get my new room at the GG and they let me keep the Suite for another night!! From there I hit The Downtown Grand and just killed it at Craps. Full, fun table, everybody was winning and it lasted close to 3 hours. Side Note: NEVER EVER play Double Ball Roulette. If you must, out of curiosity, play $5. I think the house advantage is 99.9%.
By now, it was close to 2 am, I was tired, had a good buzz and wanted to get some rest. My idea was to run back to MSS, grab my bag and sleep at the GG. I sat down at MSS and fell asleep. This would have been ok, but the smoking room was awful. I don't mind smoking rooms, but this one was too much. I woke up after a few hours and couldn't breathe. I got my stuff, checked out at 4 am and went to the GG.
Sunday I was up for real at 630 and walked around the D, Plaza and Golden Nugget. I made some bets at the GN Sports Book and dodged the homeless.
Wrapped up my trip with a comped Shrimp Cocktail and Mimosa at Dupars, grabbed a cab to the airport and that was it for me and Vegas 2015.
Observatoins:
Golden Gate: The Suites are really nice and compared to a traditional room, are huge. However – as expected, not a whole lot of privacy. So, if the deep fried twinkies are reeking havoc on your stomach, you will need to hit the casino bathroom or request your guest go get a drink.
FSE: As expected, lots of homeless. Lots of drunks. Lots of random costume characters asking for money. Really nothing new. Call me old, but SlotZilla is tacky.
Downtown Grand: Another great experience here. I know they have struggled to get some footing, but I hope it works. Classy spot with a cool staff.
MSS: No secret, its old. And Ill repeat it again, unless you are a chain smoker, stay away from the smoking rooms. I don’t smoke, so it doesn’t bother me, but damn. My smoking room was awful. That place needed a bath in a bad way.
Before I leave I make Pre-Trip Plans, heres how I did (post trip comments in BOLD):
Friday: Play around Downtown (GG/Plaza/D) and see whats new before the time change catches up and I crash. – YUP, MADE IT 24 HOURS! I FEEL SO ALIVE
- Saturday is a coupon run. Starting at Silver Sevens for play and breakfast, then to Ellis Island, Max, Stage Door and finally to the Palms for lunch – HOLY CRAP, I STUCK TO MY PLAN!
- From here I dont know if I will cab it to Palace Station (never been) or head back Downtown – STILL A PALACE STATION VIRGIN
- I may hit the California pool for a minute, but more likely to play at the Grand. Hit the GN and throw some money on my Dawgs to take the SEC East then walk through Container Park (never been). Some late night Roulette at the El Co is a must! – NEVER MADE IT TO THE POOL, CONTAINER PARK OR EVEN THE EL CO (A FIRST).
- Want to take advantage of Du Pars for Breakfast Sunday morning before hitting the airport. – SHRIMP COCKTAIL FOR BREAKFAST COUNTS RIGHT?
All in all, this was a great trip. Really happy to have finally bellied up to the Craps table.
Till next time Vegas..
Marko..
