Reaching for the Stars – Chapter 10
It’s Thanksgiving week and I’ve decided to spend this year in Las Vegas. In the past as a Diamond member, I’ve always needed to have either an offer mailed to me or one on the online Caesars webpage. However, as a 7 Star member, you’re supposed to be able get a comped room at any time as long as you give a 48 hour notice. I thought this would be a good time to put it to the test. I emailed my host and asked for a room in Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday. I had asked for Ballys, but I received an email back saying Ballys was full but he got me three nights at the Paris. I’m not a fan of the Paris, but free is free and it’s not as bad as the Quad (former Imperial Palace that has yet to remodel its rooms). The room was for Tue, Wed, and Thursday nights. For Sunday night, I booked Rincon as it’s an hour closer to Vegas making my drive in the morning a little easier. For Monday night, I had a free night at the Suncoast and I also booked Sam’s Town for Friday and Saturday night as they offer me two nights per month as well. That rounds out the week.
You might remember in an earlier chapter, I stayed at Rincon and was disappointed that I didn’t receive a suite as I was under the impression 7 Stars always received an upgrade. I learned that only applies if one is available and on this night there were far more 7 Star members staying than there were suites available. This night (and I was only staying for the one night), I was given a Coronado suite, one of the best in the place. It has a large living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom the size of most people’s bedrooms. It was unfortunate I’d only be using the room for a few hours of sleep.
The living room area of the Coronado suite at Rincon
The suite has a large patio with furniture overlooking the nearby mountains
Looking down from the patio is the recently installed lazy river to the pool area
My daughter, Tracy, and her family only live about 30 minutes away, so I gave her a call and invited them to dinner. As a 7 Star member, Rincon gives me two free buffets per day and in addition, I receive a $60 food coupon per week. By combining the two, I was able to get all of us into the seafood buffet for free. As I am learning as I go to the different Caesars properties, the 7 Star amenities vary widely. So far, the only consistent perk as been the free Internet and in-room movies. The buffet at Rincon is excellent and we all had a great time. The very best thing about being a 7 Stars card holder is treating family and friends to many of these benefits.
I left early for Las Vegas the next morning and the 4 hour drive was uneventful. I leave so early that traffic is rarely an issue. My first stop was the M Hotel and Casino where every month I receive a coupon for one free buffet and $10 in free play. I really only give them minimal play so I’m assuming they send these out to everyone who’s a member. The free play was lost in no time, but I did really enjoy the breakfast buffet at the M, still a favorite casino of mine.
It was much too early to check in to the Suncoast so I scoured my movie app to see what theaters opened early. I found the latest Hunger Game movie was showing at 10 AM at the Suncoast theaters, which was perfect as I could see the flick and then just check in. The movie was as good as advertised and check in was easy. I get one free night per month at the Suncoast (I’m sure they’re assuming people will book another night, but I never do) and if you haven’t stayed here, I recommend it. The rooms are very nice with recently installed HD TVs on the wall and a small refrigerator in every room. The floor to ceiling glass walls makes the view outstanding. Internet is free as part of the Resort Fee, but if you’re comped, you don’t even pay that. I did play their progressive 5-plays for nickels and their 9/6 Bonus Deluxe at the bar, but didn’t have any luck. I’m hoping this isn’t some foreshadowing for the trip as I haven’t been winning at anything. Fortunately, I’m not playing a lot, just enough to keep the offers coming in the mail.
The next morning as I was leaving the Suncoast, I decided to finally drop by and take a look at the Tivoli Shopping Center, which is just across the street. I’ve been meaning to check this place out and this morning seemed like the ideal time. It’s small but there is an expansion begun to the north end. It’s a beautiful shopping area that reminds me a bit like the Town Center mall, but with an Italian décor. It seems almost half the stores are high-end restaurants and this morning the only place open and quite busy was the coffee house. There’s also a children’s play area that despite the cold is filled with mothers and todlers having fun on the slides and monkey bars. Summerlin must be a very pleasant place to raise a family.
The Tivoli shopping center across the street from the Suncoast
Inside to Tivoli building is a long spiral staircase where Christmas decorations are beginning.
It was too early to check into the Paris, so I thought this would be a good time to investigate the newly opened Grand (formerly the Lady Luck) in downtown. As is my custom, I parked at the Main Street Station parking lot and made my way across the pedestrian bridge through the California and then to Las Vegas Club where I sat down at the nickel Joker’s Wild progressives, which have again been moved, this time to the center of the casino. I always put a $20 bill into these machines and go after the progressive. I’ve been doing this for years and years. I have never hit the progressive, but I’m a creature of habit. As long as the machines remain (and they’re the old coin fed types), I’ll donate a twenty. It’s just one of those unexplained things I like to do.
The downtown Fremont Experience was just waking up this morning as there are more beggars than tourists. The big Slotszilla, that has the swing line is getting close to being finished and though I didn't like it at the time during its construction (I was pretty vocal about how bad it looked), I see now that it’s going to be a nice addition to an already gaudy Fremont Street array of bars, casinos, and kiosks.
Slotzilla almost ready
I made a stops along the way in the Golden Nugget (played $20—lost) Four Queens (played $20—won $5); Binions (played $20—broke even); and finally the Fremont where I sat down for a session of my favorite game Pick ‘em where there are six machines with the full pay version (only ones in Las Vegas). I put in a hundred and within the first ten hands had two full houses and was up $65. Then I was dealt the most frustrating hand possible, a quad. On any other game, this is a sure fire winner, but on Pick ‘em, you’re required to get rid of one of the cards. Dang it!
To the Pick ‘em player, this is NOT good news
I played for a good hour and got as high as $185 and as low as $25, but when I finally got back to my original $100, I cashed out happy to have at least broke even and having put on a good amount of points that will keep my Sapphire card status with Boyd intact. I hadn’t eaten yet today so enjoyed one of their monster hot dogs at the snack bar and a soda.
I walked down to the Grand, which is two building joined by a pedestrian bridge. The casino is located in only one of buildings. The first surprise was just how small the casino area is and I was trying to remember if was the same when it was the Lady Luck. Being brand new, they had all the latest machines and my first order of business was to get a slot card. Their promotion was simple: new members get from $3 to $1000, which will come up once you first put your card in the machine and your 4-digit PIN. I did just that and then came my second surprise: I won $3 (sarcasm) in free play. However, the last laugh was on me because I played the new Phantom of the Opera machine and walked away with $30. They’ve done a very nice job with the remodel and I’m hoping things go well. I look forward to reading any reports to find out if the rooms are nice. I’ll be curious to see if any offers come my way to at least try it out.
The newly opened Grand in downtown, formerly the Lady Luck
The entrance to the casino, sort of a retro look or they’ve left it as it was back in the day
The registration lobby at the Grand—very pretty, but not very busy
For the longest time, this place seemed destined to fail as it was so far away from the Fremont Experience, now being across the street from the Grand, it might do better. It’s certainly a fun place to have a drink.
I headed back to my car and finally on to the Paris where I would be staying for the next three nights. I parked my car with valet and headed into the Diamond registration area. I was a little disappointed that I was given a basic room (not even offered an upgrade—but to be fair, I didn’t ask for one); however, I have no complaints as the room is close to the elevator and I have a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower and the Bellagio fountains. When I’m alone, suites simply are not a priority for me. The room is fine with a large flat screen TV. The bed is comfortable, but the furniture is beginning to show its wear. I’m not a big fan of the Paris. It’s hard to get in and around the valet of with your car, it’s always too crowded, and I don’t find anything all that great about the rooms, even the P-rooms are no big deal—but that’s just me. This is a favorite for a lot of people—I get that.
The bed in my room at the Paris. It’s comfy.
The TV, closet, and drawers all within the one unit—getting a little dated
The view from my room—it doesn’t get much better than this
The room came with a small book of Caesars coupons, which usually are 2-for-1s and other worthless 10% offs. However, this time they’ve actually added a couple of nice ones hoping you’ll visit other properties. There was a $5 free play at the Quad, a $10 free play at the Rio, and a $10 match play at Ballys. I used the Ballys match play placing it on black at the roulette and won it for a$20 profit. The $5 Quad was used on one of their older Lord of the Rings machines where I hit a Frodo bonus round that was good for $52. Alas, the Rio free play was lost, but overall not bad.
This evening I was to meet some friends (and extended family members) at the Planet Hollywood Diamond Lounge. There will be five of us and one is a Diamond holder, so one person could be his guest and as a 7 Stars holder, I can have up to three guests. When we approached the hostess at the lounge, she told me I could only have one guest. I told her I believe I get three guests. She called over the manager who confirmed that 7 Stars only get one guest. He called a host on the phone. I spoke with him. He said that I can only have one guest and that’s been the case for as long as he’s been here (three years). I asked if he’d give me pass and allow one extra guest with me. He told me he’d look up my play. After a few minutes he said that most of my play is at Rincon (duh, as if I didn’t know that) and that had I played more here at Planet Hollywood, he’d be more likely to bend the rule. I asked that he bend the rule this one time. His tone was condescending this whole time and here was his reply, “Okay, I’ll allow you an extra guest this one time, but don’t ask again, now let me speak with the hostess.” To say I was a little shocked would be to put it mildly. I could not believe I was being spoken to in the manner by a host whose sole job is to take care of diamond and 7 star guests. This will not be end of this story.
We had a good time catching up in the lounge despite my anger boiling under the surface. We said our goodbyes and three of us headed over to the Flamingo to get into a 2/4 poker game (the only Caesars property to my knowledge that deals a 2/4 game). Unfortunately, there were only two seats available, so I declined to hang around and we said our goodbyes. I went back to the Paris and called it a night.
I enjoyed a good night’s sleep and after getting dressed, my first order of business was to walk over to Planet Hollywood and speak with the Host of the Day. I told him I would like to send a letter to the General Manager as well as the Supervisor of Hosts and could I please have their names and the address I could send the letters. He told me that they don’t call them General Managers but the title of president, and the supervisor is titled as vice president. I got the names and the addresses, so they can expect a terse letter from me after I get back home.
I then walked over to the Cosmopolitan because when I was here last I was able to take advantage of the $100 free play if I lost. Even though I wasn’t a new member, the boothling told me that I could still do it as I didn’t before. I did lose the money but didn’t have the time to run the free play though I knew it was good until next year, so today was the day. It wouldn’t be good through any progressive machines and the video poker schedules here are dismal, so I played the four game pennies (buffalo, Pompeii, Fire Flash, and ?). I ran it all through and after I used the $100 free play, I had $99.86. I cashed it out. The Cosmopolitan was absolutely dead on the casino floor. All the table dealers were just standing at their station with their arms folded and the few customers that were there were playing penny games. I have no idea how they’re going to make it. Even though it’s beautiful, I just don’t see the construction price of one and a half billion for this place.
I’ve seen it so many times, but this crystal chandelier still amazes me
Apparently, the 50-tall woman lost her shoe in the Cosmopolitan casino floor
I had the day pretty much to myself so I just walked everywhere looking at things I’ve seen many times before, but for me, it never gets old. People-watching is almost an art form for me. No matter where you walk nowadays in Las Vegas, there’s somebody with their hand out. The beggars are out in force with every sign imaginable. The costumed panhandlers are in front of every casino and the pedestrian bridges are littered with broken down musicians and water sellers. I’m rather conflicted about all of this. On one hand, it’s part of the atmosphere now. We all but expect to have someone slapping a girlie card, thrusting at you; and guys in suits stopping couples asking if they want to see a show for free. But I also understand the freedom to do all of this, but I still don’t like it. All of it would simply go away if people would stop giving them money. With no profit to be made, these folks would find other work, other ways to make a living. I just don’t have the answer.
I hung out at the Paris most the day. I played some online poker (I joined Ultimate Poker as it’s legal to play while in Nevada). I miss the days when I belonged to Party Poker and played all day—okay, maybe it was good thing it became illegal—I played all day. I won a sit-and-go and came in third on another one. Nice. I headed down to the casino as I really should give them some play. There is a bank of quarter triple play machines that have 7/5 Bonus Poker (the best you can find on the Strip), so I planted myself down and played for quite a while. Unfortunately, Caesars can pay their light bill now as I couldn’t catch much of anything. When it was 4 PM, I went over to Diamond lounge and hung out there for next couple of hours, watching a football, chatting with the bartender and filling up with chicken wings (what is it with Caesars and chicken wings?) I had enough food for the day and headed up to the room and called it a night. This was a very uneventful day, but a relaxing one.
It was simply a beautiful day to be walking a people-watching
Thanksgiving. The one scheduled thing I was to do today was to meet Shari (luvstp) and Lisa (MissL7777) at the Diamond Lounge at Caesars at 4PM. I stayed in my room for most the morning and then went on a walk. I went through Ballys past what used to be Bill’s and into the Flamingo. It might be Thanksgiving Day, but Las Vegas is jammed with people. I’m guessing more and more people would rather someone else do the cooking. I sat down at a Lord of the Rings machine and hit Frodo on the first bonus. I was really happy until after the bonus was over I had only won $4.60. I moved on through Harrahs and onto Casino Royale. It was a little chilly today, so the 80% off Las Vegas wear store was doing a brisk business. I sat and watched the weird game, Switch Blackjack, for a while. I still don’t get it. I walked back to the little food court that sells the large hot dog for $1.99. What gets me about this place is the Subway outlet. They sell the usual $5 footlongs for $7.00 and I noticed that the pastrami footlong was a whopping $11.95. I’ve never seen any sandwich at Subway that high. Speaking of price gauging, all of the Caesars gift shops on the Strip sell the $1.00 USA TODAY for $2.00 and the gift shop in the Paris, who doesn’t price any of their items sells a bag of Lay’s potato chips (full retail—that few ever charge—at $4.25) for an insane $12! How much of a salt rush must you have to spend $12 for a bag of chips?
I went next door to the Venetian passing by the newly reopened and remodeled Wax Museum. It was crowded with people and the attendants were at the front entrance giving away 50% off coupons. I was tempted to check it out, but thought I’d wait until I was with someone else—one of those things not to be seen alone. The Venetian was really, really crowded today and I’d say 80% of the people were Asians (is it their summer?). They’ve crammed so many slot machines together in here; it’s honestly hard to walk around. It seems owner Sheldon Alderson has figured out how to stop us pesky video poker players—he’s removed almost all of the machines. I walked the entire casino floor and I could only find six machines located against the wall by the poker room. Three of them were 3/5-play and the other three single lines. All had horrible schedules. Even with only six of these machines in the place, only two of them were being played. For those of you who don’t know, video poker is a game you can actually get a jackpot (Royal Flush). Rarely, if ever, do you see a hand pay to someone playing a penny game or slot machine.
The display between the Venetian and the Palazzo
The Palazzo does still have a few banks of video poker machines, but they’re all short pay and most are the silly bonus games like Hyper Poker and Ultimate X. The Palazzo wasn’t as busy as the Venetian, but I’m still surprised just how many people there are walking around and playing the table games. I did play a few things, but it was lose, lose, and lose.
It was getting close to 4PM, so I made my way back to Caesars and the Diamond lounge. There was already a long line; however, there’s a separate line for 7 Stars and I was the only one in it. I saw Shari and waved her over and then Lisa came as well. I double checked with Lisa to see that she was still Diamond as it seems they’ve changed the ruling and I can only bring in one guest now. She was and they opened the lounge. Another LVA couple joined us, Elizabeth and Bart from Page, AZ who Lisa was expecting. The attendant at the door said it was fine because as a 7 Stars holder, I get up to three guests. AHA!
From left: Shari, me, Elizabeth, and Bart
It was nice to be first in the Diamond lounge as it was full in no time and a waiting list outside. The hot food choices? Chicken wings—jeez. You’d think as it was Thanksgiving, they could have at least made it turkey wings. We had a very nice visit with Elizabeth(ehlomes) and Bart but they left soon to make a dinner reservation. As they were leaving, I was asked to go to the door as there was another LVA couple and the doorman wouldn’t allow them in without my okay—that was strange.
From left: Shari, Lisa, Kathie, and Joaquin
Kathie (kathiemc23) and Joaquin joined us and by this time I was 3 or 4 Lemon Drop martinis in so who knows if I made any sense at all. I do remember that they both are computer geeks (said with admiration) from Tucson, AZ and work for IBM. We a great time talking Vegas stories and such. We finally decided it was time to eat and though I wasn’t hungry at all, we agreed we’d go to the Central restaurant and I’d join them using my 7 Stars card and then slip away. Well, though we were supposed to get priority seating, we stood there for almost 30 minutes. Yes, it’s a holiday and no, we didn’t have reservations. We got tired of waiting and said our goodbyes. Kathie and Joaquin are staying at the Cosmopolitan (who gives their room a big thumbs up) and decided to go back there and find a place to eat. I walked back to the Paris called it a night.
Friday was check out day. I waited until 11 AM (working on this report) and finally made it to the valet. Another perk not to be forgotten about 7 Stars status is that you show your card to the valet booth and you’re car is the very next one they get. The Paris valet is notorious for being so slow at getting your car—one time I waited 20 minutes, but during this visit, my car appeared within five minutes each time to the stink-eye given to me by the people that have been waiting longer.
I drove to Sam’s Town after stopping for a quick breakfast/lunch and thinking I was too early to check in, but nevertheless I gave it shot was given a room facing the atrium just behind the mountain where the wolf howls during the show. Sam’s Town is always decorated beautifully for Christmas.
Sam’s Town Atrium decorated for Christmas
After checking in, I had a couple of hours before I was to meet Lisa and Shari at the Chicago Pizza in the Four Queens hotel downtown. We were going to there to meet LVA member Todd (toddalanhart) who is here from Michigan. I knew that I wanted to play here at Sam’s to not only keep my monthly free offers coming, but I also needed to make sure I kept my Sapphire club status with Boyd. Sam’s has a bank of 9/6 Jacks and 8/5 Bonus machines on the second floor that have a progressive royal on them. It wasn’t all that high, but they’re still full pay machines, so that’s where I always play. Though I ran over 2K through them, I couldn’t catch anything other and one quad along the way and eventually lost.
I went back to my car and drove downtown and parked in the Fremont hotel valet (the best place to park—easy in, easy out and convenient, few people know it’s even there). I had a few minutes so I played the Pick ‘em for a $20—no luck—my gambling this trip has been a bust. I walked over to the Four Queens and got a new club card and found that I had $38 in cash back coming to me, so that was a nice surprise.
I went up to the Chicago Pizza and Todd was already there. We made our introductions and ordered some beer and food. We were soon joined by Lisa and Shari who had been out taking advantage of Black Friday sales. We had a nice visit getting to know one another. Todd is a Harley Davidson rider and told us about the trips he and his brother have taken. I’m disappointed I didn’t grab a picture of Todd, but hopefully next time. I never drink and drive and though I only had one beer, it still makes me really paranoid to get on the road, so I walked around for a good while before heading back to Sam’s. I sat down a second time to the 9/6 and gave it another shot—same result—another hundred down the drain. I haven’t had a Royal and Sam’s in many years—I am so due!
Saturday and it’s my last day in Las Vegas this time around. I honestly have nothing else planned other than to visit Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory. A lot of readers have asked if there’s anything I haven’t seen in Las Vegas—well, here’s one. It’s not far from Sam’s Town in Henderson and located in a commercial district on Cactus Garden Rd. It didn’t take long to know where that name came from because in front of Ethel M’s factory is an amazing garden of every variety of cactus you can imagaine.
The entrance to Ethel M’s Cactus Garden.
The trail takes you on a long, spiny path of cacti.
Inside the factory, you’re allowed to take a small tour as you watch all the workers making the chocolate and forming it and finally putting into boxes. Surprisingly, much of the work is still done by hand and not machines. I can’t imagine working an assembly line doing the exact same thing day after day, all day long. Ethel M's no doubt is good chocolate, but SO expensive! A box of 12 chocolates was $17.50.
The assembly line of chocolate makers doing their thing.
It was only noon and I had the rest of the day when it occurred to me that I haven’t played any live poker this entire trip. I drove out to South Point to play in their 2/4 game. This is the place that I hit my first ever live poker royal with its $1500 progressive jackpot. I certainly didn’t expect for lightning to strike twice, but a guy can always dream.
After consuming the ever popular 75-cent hot dog in the sportsbook, I was able to get a table right away. I bought in for a rack ($100) and for the next four hours, I played poker. I was up as much as $20 and down as much as $2, but battled my way back until I quit with $78. A $22 loss for four hours (and when you consider the dollar tips and the two beers, less than that) is a great entertainment value. While we were playing in the poker room, there was a huge, and I mean HUGE roar coming from the sportsbook. It turns out this was when Auburn brought back a missed field goal for a touchdown with no time left on the clock to win the game. I wish I would have seen it, but it was a thrill just to hear it.
I drove back to Sam’s and had dinner in the TGIF to call it a vacation. It was then back to my room and finishing this report. I’ve just gone over 5000 words—too darn long! So if you’ve braved through this whole thing, thank you for reading. I’ll be taking a good break from gambling during December but will be back for the next chapter and what happens when I take advantage of a special 7 Stars dinner and drawing for a million dollars cash for New Years Eve.
It’s Thanksgiving week and I’ve decided to spend this year in Las Vegas. In the past as a Diamond member, I’ve always needed to have either an offer mailed to me or one on the online Caesars webpage. However, as a 7 Star member, you’re supposed to be able get a comped room at any time as long as you give a 48 hour notice. I thought this would be a good time to put it to the test. I emailed my host and asked for a room in Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday. I had asked for Ballys, but I received an email back saying Ballys was full but he got me three nights at the Paris. I’m not a fan of the Paris, but free is free and it’s not as bad as the Quad (former Imperial Palace that has yet to remodel its rooms). The room was for Tue, Wed, and Thursday nights. For Sunday night, I booked Rincon as it’s an hour closer to Vegas making my drive in the morning a little easier. For Monday night, I had a free night at the Suncoast and I also booked Sam’s Town for Friday and Saturday night as they offer me two nights per month as well. That rounds out the week.
You might remember in an earlier chapter, I stayed at Rincon and was disappointed that I didn’t receive a suite as I was under the impression 7 Stars always received an upgrade. I learned that only applies if one is available and on this night there were far more 7 Star members staying than there were suites available. This night (and I was only staying for the one night), I was given a Coronado suite, one of the best in the place. It has a large living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom the size of most people’s bedrooms. It was unfortunate I’d only be using the room for a few hours of sleep.
The living room area of the Coronado suite at Rincon
The suite has a large patio with furniture overlooking the nearby mountains
Looking down from the patio is the recently installed lazy river to the pool area
My daughter, Tracy, and her family only live about 30 minutes away, so I gave her a call and invited them to dinner. As a 7 Star member, Rincon gives me two free buffets per day and in addition, I receive a $60 food coupon per week. By combining the two, I was able to get all of us into the seafood buffet for free. As I am learning as I go to the different Caesars properties, the 7 Star amenities vary widely. So far, the only consistent perk as been the free Internet and in-room movies. The buffet at Rincon is excellent and we all had a great time. The very best thing about being a 7 Stars card holder is treating family and friends to many of these benefits.
I left early for Las Vegas the next morning and the 4 hour drive was uneventful. I leave so early that traffic is rarely an issue. My first stop was the M Hotel and Casino where every month I receive a coupon for one free buffet and $10 in free play. I really only give them minimal play so I’m assuming they send these out to everyone who’s a member. The free play was lost in no time, but I did really enjoy the breakfast buffet at the M, still a favorite casino of mine.
It was much too early to check in to the Suncoast so I scoured my movie app to see what theaters opened early. I found the latest Hunger Game movie was showing at 10 AM at the Suncoast theaters, which was perfect as I could see the flick and then just check in. The movie was as good as advertised and check in was easy. I get one free night per month at the Suncoast (I’m sure they’re assuming people will book another night, but I never do) and if you haven’t stayed here, I recommend it. The rooms are very nice with recently installed HD TVs on the wall and a small refrigerator in every room. The floor to ceiling glass walls makes the view outstanding. Internet is free as part of the Resort Fee, but if you’re comped, you don’t even pay that. I did play their progressive 5-plays for nickels and their 9/6 Bonus Deluxe at the bar, but didn’t have any luck. I’m hoping this isn’t some foreshadowing for the trip as I haven’t been winning at anything. Fortunately, I’m not playing a lot, just enough to keep the offers coming in the mail.
The next morning as I was leaving the Suncoast, I decided to finally drop by and take a look at the Tivoli Shopping Center, which is just across the street. I’ve been meaning to check this place out and this morning seemed like the ideal time. It’s small but there is an expansion begun to the north end. It’s a beautiful shopping area that reminds me a bit like the Town Center mall, but with an Italian décor. It seems almost half the stores are high-end restaurants and this morning the only place open and quite busy was the coffee house. There’s also a children’s play area that despite the cold is filled with mothers and todlers having fun on the slides and monkey bars. Summerlin must be a very pleasant place to raise a family.
The Tivoli shopping center across the street from the Suncoast
Inside to Tivoli building is a long spiral staircase where Christmas decorations are beginning.
It was too early to check into the Paris, so I thought this would be a good time to investigate the newly opened Grand (formerly the Lady Luck) in downtown. As is my custom, I parked at the Main Street Station parking lot and made my way across the pedestrian bridge through the California and then to Las Vegas Club where I sat down at the nickel Joker’s Wild progressives, which have again been moved, this time to the center of the casino. I always put a $20 bill into these machines and go after the progressive. I’ve been doing this for years and years. I have never hit the progressive, but I’m a creature of habit. As long as the machines remain (and they’re the old coin fed types), I’ll donate a twenty. It’s just one of those unexplained things I like to do.
The downtown Fremont Experience was just waking up this morning as there are more beggars than tourists. The big Slotszilla, that has the swing line is getting close to being finished and though I didn't like it at the time during its construction (I was pretty vocal about how bad it looked), I see now that it’s going to be a nice addition to an already gaudy Fremont Street array of bars, casinos, and kiosks.
Slotzilla almost ready
I made a stops along the way in the Golden Nugget (played $20—lost) Four Queens (played $20—won $5); Binions (played $20—broke even); and finally the Fremont where I sat down for a session of my favorite game Pick ‘em where there are six machines with the full pay version (only ones in Las Vegas). I put in a hundred and within the first ten hands had two full houses and was up $65. Then I was dealt the most frustrating hand possible, a quad. On any other game, this is a sure fire winner, but on Pick ‘em, you’re required to get rid of one of the cards. Dang it!
To the Pick ‘em player, this is NOT good news
I played for a good hour and got as high as $185 and as low as $25, but when I finally got back to my original $100, I cashed out happy to have at least broke even and having put on a good amount of points that will keep my Sapphire card status with Boyd intact. I hadn’t eaten yet today so enjoyed one of their monster hot dogs at the snack bar and a soda.
I walked down to the Grand, which is two building joined by a pedestrian bridge. The casino is located in only one of buildings. The first surprise was just how small the casino area is and I was trying to remember if was the same when it was the Lady Luck. Being brand new, they had all the latest machines and my first order of business was to get a slot card. Their promotion was simple: new members get from $3 to $1000, which will come up once you first put your card in the machine and your 4-digit PIN. I did just that and then came my second surprise: I won $3 (sarcasm) in free play. However, the last laugh was on me because I played the new Phantom of the Opera machine and walked away with $30. They’ve done a very nice job with the remodel and I’m hoping things go well. I look forward to reading any reports to find out if the rooms are nice. I’ll be curious to see if any offers come my way to at least try it out.
The newly opened Grand in downtown, formerly the Lady Luck
The entrance to the casino, sort of a retro look or they’ve left it as it was back in the day
The registration lobby at the Grand—very pretty, but not very busy
For the longest time, this place seemed destined to fail as it was so far away from the Fremont Experience, now being across the street from the Grand, it might do better. It’s certainly a fun place to have a drink.
I headed back to my car and finally on to the Paris where I would be staying for the next three nights. I parked my car with valet and headed into the Diamond registration area. I was a little disappointed that I was given a basic room (not even offered an upgrade—but to be fair, I didn’t ask for one); however, I have no complaints as the room is close to the elevator and I have a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower and the Bellagio fountains. When I’m alone, suites simply are not a priority for me. The room is fine with a large flat screen TV. The bed is comfortable, but the furniture is beginning to show its wear. I’m not a big fan of the Paris. It’s hard to get in and around the valet of with your car, it’s always too crowded, and I don’t find anything all that great about the rooms, even the P-rooms are no big deal—but that’s just me. This is a favorite for a lot of people—I get that.
The bed in my room at the Paris. It’s comfy.
The TV, closet, and drawers all within the one unit—getting a little dated
The view from my room—it doesn’t get much better than this
The room came with a small book of Caesars coupons, which usually are 2-for-1s and other worthless 10% offs. However, this time they’ve actually added a couple of nice ones hoping you’ll visit other properties. There was a $5 free play at the Quad, a $10 free play at the Rio, and a $10 match play at Ballys. I used the Ballys match play placing it on black at the roulette and won it for a$20 profit. The $5 Quad was used on one of their older Lord of the Rings machines where I hit a Frodo bonus round that was good for $52. Alas, the Rio free play was lost, but overall not bad.
This evening I was to meet some friends (and extended family members) at the Planet Hollywood Diamond Lounge. There will be five of us and one is a Diamond holder, so one person could be his guest and as a 7 Stars holder, I can have up to three guests. When we approached the hostess at the lounge, she told me I could only have one guest. I told her I believe I get three guests. She called over the manager who confirmed that 7 Stars only get one guest. He called a host on the phone. I spoke with him. He said that I can only have one guest and that’s been the case for as long as he’s been here (three years). I asked if he’d give me pass and allow one extra guest with me. He told me he’d look up my play. After a few minutes he said that most of my play is at Rincon (duh, as if I didn’t know that) and that had I played more here at Planet Hollywood, he’d be more likely to bend the rule. I asked that he bend the rule this one time. His tone was condescending this whole time and here was his reply, “Okay, I’ll allow you an extra guest this one time, but don’t ask again, now let me speak with the hostess.” To say I was a little shocked would be to put it mildly. I could not believe I was being spoken to in the manner by a host whose sole job is to take care of diamond and 7 star guests. This will not be end of this story.
We had a good time catching up in the lounge despite my anger boiling under the surface. We said our goodbyes and three of us headed over to the Flamingo to get into a 2/4 poker game (the only Caesars property to my knowledge that deals a 2/4 game). Unfortunately, there were only two seats available, so I declined to hang around and we said our goodbyes. I went back to the Paris and called it a night.
I enjoyed a good night’s sleep and after getting dressed, my first order of business was to walk over to Planet Hollywood and speak with the Host of the Day. I told him I would like to send a letter to the General Manager as well as the Supervisor of Hosts and could I please have their names and the address I could send the letters. He told me that they don’t call them General Managers but the title of president, and the supervisor is titled as vice president. I got the names and the addresses, so they can expect a terse letter from me after I get back home.
I then walked over to the Cosmopolitan because when I was here last I was able to take advantage of the $100 free play if I lost. Even though I wasn’t a new member, the boothling told me that I could still do it as I didn’t before. I did lose the money but didn’t have the time to run the free play though I knew it was good until next year, so today was the day. It wouldn’t be good through any progressive machines and the video poker schedules here are dismal, so I played the four game pennies (buffalo, Pompeii, Fire Flash, and ?). I ran it all through and after I used the $100 free play, I had $99.86. I cashed it out. The Cosmopolitan was absolutely dead on the casino floor. All the table dealers were just standing at their station with their arms folded and the few customers that were there were playing penny games. I have no idea how they’re going to make it. Even though it’s beautiful, I just don’t see the construction price of one and a half billion for this place.
I’ve seen it so many times, but this crystal chandelier still amazes me
Apparently, the 50-tall woman lost her shoe in the Cosmopolitan casino floor
I had the day pretty much to myself so I just walked everywhere looking at things I’ve seen many times before, but for me, it never gets old. People-watching is almost an art form for me. No matter where you walk nowadays in Las Vegas, there’s somebody with their hand out. The beggars are out in force with every sign imaginable. The costumed panhandlers are in front of every casino and the pedestrian bridges are littered with broken down musicians and water sellers. I’m rather conflicted about all of this. On one hand, it’s part of the atmosphere now. We all but expect to have someone slapping a girlie card, thrusting at you; and guys in suits stopping couples asking if they want to see a show for free. But I also understand the freedom to do all of this, but I still don’t like it. All of it would simply go away if people would stop giving them money. With no profit to be made, these folks would find other work, other ways to make a living. I just don’t have the answer.
I hung out at the Paris most the day. I played some online poker (I joined Ultimate Poker as it’s legal to play while in Nevada). I miss the days when I belonged to Party Poker and played all day—okay, maybe it was good thing it became illegal—I played all day. I won a sit-and-go and came in third on another one. Nice. I headed down to the casino as I really should give them some play. There is a bank of quarter triple play machines that have 7/5 Bonus Poker (the best you can find on the Strip), so I planted myself down and played for quite a while. Unfortunately, Caesars can pay their light bill now as I couldn’t catch much of anything. When it was 4 PM, I went over to Diamond lounge and hung out there for next couple of hours, watching a football, chatting with the bartender and filling up with chicken wings (what is it with Caesars and chicken wings?) I had enough food for the day and headed up to the room and called it a night. This was a very uneventful day, but a relaxing one.
It was simply a beautiful day to be walking a people-watching
Thanksgiving. The one scheduled thing I was to do today was to meet Shari (luvstp) and Lisa (MissL7777) at the Diamond Lounge at Caesars at 4PM. I stayed in my room for most the morning and then went on a walk. I went through Ballys past what used to be Bill’s and into the Flamingo. It might be Thanksgiving Day, but Las Vegas is jammed with people. I’m guessing more and more people would rather someone else do the cooking. I sat down at a Lord of the Rings machine and hit Frodo on the first bonus. I was really happy until after the bonus was over I had only won $4.60. I moved on through Harrahs and onto Casino Royale. It was a little chilly today, so the 80% off Las Vegas wear store was doing a brisk business. I sat and watched the weird game, Switch Blackjack, for a while. I still don’t get it. I walked back to the little food court that sells the large hot dog for $1.99. What gets me about this place is the Subway outlet. They sell the usual $5 footlongs for $7.00 and I noticed that the pastrami footlong was a whopping $11.95. I’ve never seen any sandwich at Subway that high. Speaking of price gauging, all of the Caesars gift shops on the Strip sell the $1.00 USA TODAY for $2.00 and the gift shop in the Paris, who doesn’t price any of their items sells a bag of Lay’s potato chips (full retail—that few ever charge—at $4.25) for an insane $12! How much of a salt rush must you have to spend $12 for a bag of chips?
I went next door to the Venetian passing by the newly reopened and remodeled Wax Museum. It was crowded with people and the attendants were at the front entrance giving away 50% off coupons. I was tempted to check it out, but thought I’d wait until I was with someone else—one of those things not to be seen alone. The Venetian was really, really crowded today and I’d say 80% of the people were Asians (is it their summer?). They’ve crammed so many slot machines together in here; it’s honestly hard to walk around. It seems owner Sheldon Alderson has figured out how to stop us pesky video poker players—he’s removed almost all of the machines. I walked the entire casino floor and I could only find six machines located against the wall by the poker room. Three of them were 3/5-play and the other three single lines. All had horrible schedules. Even with only six of these machines in the place, only two of them were being played. For those of you who don’t know, video poker is a game you can actually get a jackpot (Royal Flush). Rarely, if ever, do you see a hand pay to someone playing a penny game or slot machine.
The display between the Venetian and the Palazzo
The Palazzo does still have a few banks of video poker machines, but they’re all short pay and most are the silly bonus games like Hyper Poker and Ultimate X. The Palazzo wasn’t as busy as the Venetian, but I’m still surprised just how many people there are walking around and playing the table games. I did play a few things, but it was lose, lose, and lose.
It was getting close to 4PM, so I made my way back to Caesars and the Diamond lounge. There was already a long line; however, there’s a separate line for 7 Stars and I was the only one in it. I saw Shari and waved her over and then Lisa came as well. I double checked with Lisa to see that she was still Diamond as it seems they’ve changed the ruling and I can only bring in one guest now. She was and they opened the lounge. Another LVA couple joined us, Elizabeth and Bart from Page, AZ who Lisa was expecting. The attendant at the door said it was fine because as a 7 Stars holder, I get up to three guests. AHA!
From left: Shari, me, Elizabeth, and Bart
It was nice to be first in the Diamond lounge as it was full in no time and a waiting list outside. The hot food choices? Chicken wings—jeez. You’d think as it was Thanksgiving, they could have at least made it turkey wings. We had a very nice visit with Elizabeth(ehlomes) and Bart but they left soon to make a dinner reservation. As they were leaving, I was asked to go to the door as there was another LVA couple and the doorman wouldn’t allow them in without my okay—that was strange.
From left: Shari, Lisa, Kathie, and Joaquin
Kathie (kathiemc23) and Joaquin joined us and by this time I was 3 or 4 Lemon Drop martinis in so who knows if I made any sense at all. I do remember that they both are computer geeks (said with admiration) from Tucson, AZ and work for IBM. We a great time talking Vegas stories and such. We finally decided it was time to eat and though I wasn’t hungry at all, we agreed we’d go to the Central restaurant and I’d join them using my 7 Stars card and then slip away. Well, though we were supposed to get priority seating, we stood there for almost 30 minutes. Yes, it’s a holiday and no, we didn’t have reservations. We got tired of waiting and said our goodbyes. Kathie and Joaquin are staying at the Cosmopolitan (who gives their room a big thumbs up) and decided to go back there and find a place to eat. I walked back to the Paris called it a night.
Friday was check out day. I waited until 11 AM (working on this report) and finally made it to the valet. Another perk not to be forgotten about 7 Stars status is that you show your card to the valet booth and you’re car is the very next one they get. The Paris valet is notorious for being so slow at getting your car—one time I waited 20 minutes, but during this visit, my car appeared within five minutes each time to the stink-eye given to me by the people that have been waiting longer.
I drove to Sam’s Town after stopping for a quick breakfast/lunch and thinking I was too early to check in, but nevertheless I gave it shot was given a room facing the atrium just behind the mountain where the wolf howls during the show. Sam’s Town is always decorated beautifully for Christmas.
Sam’s Town Atrium decorated for Christmas
After checking in, I had a couple of hours before I was to meet Lisa and Shari at the Chicago Pizza in the Four Queens hotel downtown. We were going to there to meet LVA member Todd (toddalanhart) who is here from Michigan. I knew that I wanted to play here at Sam’s to not only keep my monthly free offers coming, but I also needed to make sure I kept my Sapphire club status with Boyd. Sam’s has a bank of 9/6 Jacks and 8/5 Bonus machines on the second floor that have a progressive royal on them. It wasn’t all that high, but they’re still full pay machines, so that’s where I always play. Though I ran over 2K through them, I couldn’t catch anything other and one quad along the way and eventually lost.
I went back to my car and drove downtown and parked in the Fremont hotel valet (the best place to park—easy in, easy out and convenient, few people know it’s even there). I had a few minutes so I played the Pick ‘em for a $20—no luck—my gambling this trip has been a bust. I walked over to the Four Queens and got a new club card and found that I had $38 in cash back coming to me, so that was a nice surprise.
I went up to the Chicago Pizza and Todd was already there. We made our introductions and ordered some beer and food. We were soon joined by Lisa and Shari who had been out taking advantage of Black Friday sales. We had a nice visit getting to know one another. Todd is a Harley Davidson rider and told us about the trips he and his brother have taken. I’m disappointed I didn’t grab a picture of Todd, but hopefully next time. I never drink and drive and though I only had one beer, it still makes me really paranoid to get on the road, so I walked around for a good while before heading back to Sam’s. I sat down a second time to the 9/6 and gave it another shot—same result—another hundred down the drain. I haven’t had a Royal and Sam’s in many years—I am so due!
Saturday and it’s my last day in Las Vegas this time around. I honestly have nothing else planned other than to visit Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory. A lot of readers have asked if there’s anything I haven’t seen in Las Vegas—well, here’s one. It’s not far from Sam’s Town in Henderson and located in a commercial district on Cactus Garden Rd. It didn’t take long to know where that name came from because in front of Ethel M’s factory is an amazing garden of every variety of cactus you can imagaine.
The entrance to Ethel M’s Cactus Garden.
The trail takes you on a long, spiny path of cacti.
Inside the factory, you’re allowed to take a small tour as you watch all the workers making the chocolate and forming it and finally putting into boxes. Surprisingly, much of the work is still done by hand and not machines. I can’t imagine working an assembly line doing the exact same thing day after day, all day long. Ethel M's no doubt is good chocolate, but SO expensive! A box of 12 chocolates was $17.50.
The assembly line of chocolate makers doing their thing.
It was only noon and I had the rest of the day when it occurred to me that I haven’t played any live poker this entire trip. I drove out to South Point to play in their 2/4 game. This is the place that I hit my first ever live poker royal with its $1500 progressive jackpot. I certainly didn’t expect for lightning to strike twice, but a guy can always dream.
After consuming the ever popular 75-cent hot dog in the sportsbook, I was able to get a table right away. I bought in for a rack ($100) and for the next four hours, I played poker. I was up as much as $20 and down as much as $2, but battled my way back until I quit with $78. A $22 loss for four hours (and when you consider the dollar tips and the two beers, less than that) is a great entertainment value. While we were playing in the poker room, there was a huge, and I mean HUGE roar coming from the sportsbook. It turns out this was when Auburn brought back a missed field goal for a touchdown with no time left on the clock to win the game. I wish I would have seen it, but it was a thrill just to hear it.
I drove back to Sam’s and had dinner in the TGIF to call it a vacation. It was then back to my room and finishing this report. I’ve just gone over 5000 words—too darn long! So if you’ve braved through this whole thing, thank you for reading. I’ll be taking a good break from gambling during December but will be back for the next chapter and what happens when I take advantage of a special 7 Stars dinner and drawing for a million dollars cash for New Years Eve.
