Background: Bobby (BW) and Martie (MJ) making second trip to Vegas in 2016 and 50ish overall since 1997. We will be joined by young friends, Kristen (KM) and Tommy (TW) Feb. 29 - March 3. All of us were staying at the D. BW and MJ comped four nights $100.00 for the last two (more on this later).
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016
We took a taxi to the airport (noon) with our favorite cab driver Marilyn. We were able to check our bags curbside. TSA check in normal. MJ had TSA-Pre and BW didn't. We had a few beers and shared a sandwich prior to boarding. Our boarding passes were B1 and B2. We sat in row 15 seats D&E on the right hand side, which means there were only two seats so we had no gabby neighbors. (Good!!). We left Austin at 3:40 p.m. ten minutes late and arrived in Vegas at 4:10 p.m. twenty minutes early. We walked to the baggage area (seems we never get the gates with the tram). We were met at the baggage carousel by our Limo driver Guy who was very nice (requested Larry for the 6th time, we never get our requested driver ????). We enjoyed our Champagne as Guy delivered us to the D by the way of the expressway. We checked our bags at the Hotel, the check in went smoothly then we had a few beers and gambled. Prior to going to our room 909 (Ok but nothing special) We had our bags delivered and noted TV was out of order but when notified the next morning the technician advised that the cable box was unplugged. After unpacking we returned to the Casino to enjoy our drinking and gambling. The Casino seemed exceptionally loud. We saw a good light show on Fremont Street featuring Bon Jovi (this is always fun and takes us back to the late 1990's when we stayed at the Fitz).
Gambling wins for day 1:
BW 4K's double bonus .50, MJ 4 2's double double bonus .50, hit $240.00 on China Shores, BW and MJ hit Shaking Trees for $300.00.
Up to room at 11:00 p.m. Tired but smiling.
Monday, Feb. 29, 2016
We woke up at 6:00 a.m. (BW just can't sleep late in Vegas) BW went to McDonalds for coffee and returned to room and ate breakfast bars prior to returning to the View Bar for traditional Bloody Mary's . We walked to Walgreens for trip supplies including a coffee maker. (Employees always very nice). After taking supplies to the room we returned to the Casino and enjoyed burgers and fries at McDonalds. KM and TW arrive at Casino 4:00 p.m. after hugs and drinks MJ plays her penny slots while BW joins the kids at at $5.00 crap table. BW wins $100.00 and tipped the dealer $25.00. The kids are really kicking butt on the crap table, KM really knows how to play craps. (BW really impressed with her knowledge).
Gambling wins for day 2:
BW 4 A's double bonus .50, MJ 4 7's double double bonus, 4 9's double double bonus .50 , 4 9's double double bonus .50, 4 9's double double bonus .50, 4 2's double double bonus .50, 4 10's double double bonus .50 and the biggy for the day 4 A's with kicker double double bonus .50 for $1,000.00. (Tips and extra drinks to celebrate the win). Up to the room at 9:00 p.m with a big smile on MJ's face.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
We woke up at 6:30 a.m. Kids join us for coffee in the room. BW provides the kids with hangover meds. (Can't help but to be everyone's dad). We all had breakfast at the D Grill. Bloody Mary's at the Vue Bar and gambled at the D and Golden Gate prior to taking an Uber to the Stage Door (first time for kids). We drank and gambled and had a hot dog at the Stage Door prior to walking to and through Cromwell. KM first time in Cromwell. In prior years she gambled at Barbary Coast. She was amazed at the change. We then walked to the Flamingo where BW and MJ gambled at Bugsy's Bar and got to say hello to our favorite bartenders Big Steve and Jersey Steve. The kids played $5.00 craps and won again. We said goodbye to the Flamingo and took a taxi downtown. We had a very nice meal at Binions Steakhouse, the view as usual was fantastic (always loved this place). We finished gambling at the Golden Gate and the D. BW and MJ video poker the kids craps and black jack. They continue winning on craps but losing at black jack.
Gambling wins for day 3:
BW 4 3's double bonus .50, 4 6's double bonus .50, 4 A's double bonus .50, MJ 4 3's double double bonus .50, 4 8's double double bonus .50, 4 3's double double bonus .50, 4 K's double double bonus $1.00, and the biggie for the day 4' 2's with a kicker double double bonus .50 for $800.00.
Up to the room at 10:00 p.m. Still smiling.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
We woke up at 6:30, can you say BW had a hangover? coffee and breakfast bars in room, out of room at 9:30 a.m. Bloody Mary's at the Vue Bar. BW talked to a nice young man from Idaho and another nice young cowboy from Tuscon area. I believe you can say that BW loves to talk. All four of us enjoyed a super breakfast at DuPar's (One of BW's favorites). We spent the day and evening gambling at the Golden Gate, Golden Nugget and the D. KM and TW continue to kick butt at craps. BW and MJ watch another beautiful light show on Fremont St. Since BW and MJ were having no luck at Video Poker they decided to gamble video poker together and have a very successful late evening.
Gambling wins for day 4:
Together 4 6's double double bonus .50, 4 10's double double bonus .50, 4 5's bonus poker $1.00, 4 2's double double bonus $1.00 for $400.00, 4 2's double bonus $1.00 for $400.00, 4 4's double bonus $1.00 for $400.00
Up to room at 9:00 p.m. Still smiling.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Woke up at 6:30 a.m. Coffee and bars in room. Received photos of granddaughters from Houston by text. We spoil them and they spoil us. KM and TW make their 7:30 a.m. flight to Austin. (sorry that is the Dad in me). Out of the room at 8:30 a.m. We went to the D Club, BW got $10.00 in slot play and $10.00 food voucher MJ got $50.00 slot play, $50.00 food voucher and $51.00 in cash. At the 4 Queens BW got $20.00 MJ got $40.00 slot play. We gambled at the 4 Queens and the D. Downtown area was super crowded and noisy with the arrival of the NASCAR crowd and the Rugby crowd. We ate lunch and evening meal at the D Grill.
Gambling wins for day 5:
BW 4 5's bonus $1.00, 4 K's double bonus .25, 4 3's bonus .25, 4 Q's double bonus .50, and at the 4 Queens hit the progressive 4 A's with a kicker .25 for a total of $790.00. MJ 4 9's double double bonus .25, 4 K's double double bonus .25, 4 4's double double bonus .25, 4 K's double double bonus .25, 4 2's double double bonus .25, 4 A's double double bonus .25, 4 2's double double bonus .25, 4 K's double double bonus .25, 4 Q's double double bonus .25, 4 8's double double bonus .25, 4 K's double double bonus .50, 4 6's double double bonus .50 and the biggie for the day MJ hit a straight flush .50.
Up to room at 10.m. Still smiling.
Friday, March 4, 2016
This is always a sad day for us knowing tomorrow we will have to be leaving our favorite vacation spot.
Woke up at 7:00 a.m. Coffee and bars in room. We visited on the phone with our beautiful daughter and grand daughters in Houston. We went down and had Bloody Mary's at the Vue Bar. We went shopping for our kids and grand kids. Then BW and MJ get in pursuit of searching for big wins on video poker. BW talked to Big Ray who works security at the D and played college basketball at the University of Iowa. Picking his brain on the teams that should make it to the final four Big Ray's pick was Michigan State and since they are one of the most successful teams in the last ten years BW agrees with him. Long story short BW and son-in-law (Aggie) put both Michigan State and A&M in the final four for a $1,000.00 pot. (see you $1,000.00). The meal of the day was American Coney Islands. During the evening a super nice casino host Robert talked to BW and MJ twice and advised to check with him before we left the next day and he would see what he could do on our room charges.
Gambling wins day 6:
BW 4 2's double bonus .50, MJ 4 A's double double bonus .25
Up to the room at 11:00 p.m. Smile is fading.
Woke up at 7:00 a.m. Coffee and bars in room. We packed and left our bags at the Bell Desk. Vue Bar for Bloody Mary. BW gambled video poker at the Vue Bar. We had hot dogs for lunch.
Gambling wins day 7:
MJ 4 J's double double bonus .25. 4 K's double double bonus .50, $400.00 on penny slot Money Storm and the big win for the day $900.00 on penny slot Five Dragons.
We visited with Robert the Casino Host and he completely comped our room for the entire trip and all food charges to our room and offered a Limo to the airport, we had already ordered the Limo and pre paid for it. We went to the airport at 2:00 p.m. had a nice Limo driver who was an Air Force retiree and he and BW exchanged war stories on the way to the airport. Luck continued when we both got TSA-Pre on the way back. We shared a sandwich at the airport boarding passes A28 and A29 row 11 D & E on left hand side, emergency row with no neighbors. Left 30 min late arrived 30 min. late. Marilyn takes a tired couple home. Arrived home 11:30 p.m.
Thoughts for the trip:
- Came back with 60% of gambling budget.
- Hit 46 Four of a Kinds
- Hit 0 Royals
- Only 5 dealt 4 to a Royal
- The D room and food was okay
- The D bartenders were fantastic
- Robert, the Casino Host super great
- We gambled at the D, 4 Queens, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Fremont, Stage Door, Flamingo and Binions
- Gambling Downtown was okay but one Royal away from coming back a winner
- Still in love with Downtown
- Next trip, May 4 - 10 Robert comped room for 7 nights plus $130 comp dollars plus BW MJ free slot play and
food credit and match play at the D, in excess of $100.00 plus free food and slot play at 4 Queen and Golden
Gate.
- Southwest round trip for two $356.00 (nice).
- Will be in Vegas for the Oaks and Kentucky Derby what would be a good sports book to hang out in the
Downtown area?
- Super impressed with Kristen's knowledge of craps
- VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!!
Thank you for reading,
Bobby and Martie
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016
We took a taxi to the airport (noon) with our favorite cab driver Marilyn. We were able to check our bags curbside. TSA check in normal. MJ had TSA-Pre and BW didn't. We had a few beers and shared a sandwich prior to boarding. Our boarding passes were B1 and B2. We sat in row 15 seats D&E on the right hand side, which means there were only two seats so we had no gabby neighbors. (Good!!). We left Austin at 3:40 p.m. ten minutes late and arrived in Vegas at 4:10 p.m. twenty minutes early. We walked to the baggage area (seems we never get the gates with the tram). We were met at the baggage carousel by our Limo driver Guy who was very nice (requested Larry for the 6th time, we never get our requested driver ????). We enjoyed our Champagne as Guy delivered us to the D by the way of the expressway. We checked our bags at the Hotel, the check in went smoothly then we had a few beers and gambled. Prior to going to our room 909 (Ok but nothing special) We had our bags delivered and noted TV was out of order but when notified the next morning the technician advised that the cable box was unplugged. After unpacking we returned to the Casino to enjoy our drinking and gambling. The Casino seemed exceptionally loud. We saw a good light show on Fremont Street featuring Bon Jovi (this is always fun and takes us back to the late 1990's when we stayed at the Fitz).
Gambling wins for day 1:
BW 4K's double bonus .50, MJ 4 2's double double bonus .50, hit $240.00 on China Shores, BW and MJ hit Shaking Trees for $300.00.
Up to room at 11:00 p.m. Tired but smiling.
Monday, Feb. 29, 2016
We woke up at 6:00 a.m. (BW just can't sleep late in Vegas) BW went to McDonalds for coffee and returned to room and ate breakfast bars prior to returning to the View Bar for traditional Bloody Mary's . We walked to Walgreens for trip supplies including a coffee maker. (Employees always very nice). After taking supplies to the room we returned to the Casino and enjoyed burgers and fries at McDonalds. KM and TW arrive at Casino 4:00 p.m. after hugs and drinks MJ plays her penny slots while BW joins the kids at at $5.00 crap table. BW wins $100.00 and tipped the dealer $25.00. The kids are really kicking butt on the crap table, KM really knows how to play craps. (BW really impressed with her knowledge).
Gambling wins for day 2:
BW 4 A's double bonus .50, MJ 4 7's double double bonus, 4 9's double double bonus .50 , 4 9's double double bonus .50, 4 9's double double bonus .50, 4 2's double double bonus .50, 4 10's double double bonus .50 and the biggy for the day 4 A's with kicker double double bonus .50 for $1,000.00. (Tips and extra drinks to celebrate the win). Up to the room at 9:00 p.m with a big smile on MJ's face.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
We woke up at 6:30 a.m. Kids join us for coffee in the room. BW provides the kids with hangover meds. (Can't help but to be everyone's dad). We all had breakfast at the D Grill. Bloody Mary's at the Vue Bar and gambled at the D and Golden Gate prior to taking an Uber to the Stage Door (first time for kids). We drank and gambled and had a hot dog at the Stage Door prior to walking to and through Cromwell. KM first time in Cromwell. In prior years she gambled at Barbary Coast. She was amazed at the change. We then walked to the Flamingo where BW and MJ gambled at Bugsy's Bar and got to say hello to our favorite bartenders Big Steve and Jersey Steve. The kids played $5.00 craps and won again. We said goodbye to the Flamingo and took a taxi downtown. We had a very nice meal at Binions Steakhouse, the view as usual was fantastic (always loved this place). We finished gambling at the Golden Gate and the D. BW and MJ video poker the kids craps and black jack. They continue winning on craps but losing at black jack.
Gambling wins for day 3:
BW 4 3's double bonus .50, 4 6's double bonus .50, 4 A's double bonus .50, MJ 4 3's double double bonus .50, 4 8's double double bonus .50, 4 3's double double bonus .50, 4 K's double double bonus $1.00, and the biggie for the day 4' 2's with a kicker double double bonus .50 for $800.00.
Up to the room at 10:00 p.m. Still smiling.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
We woke up at 6:30, can you say BW had a hangover? coffee and breakfast bars in room, out of room at 9:30 a.m. Bloody Mary's at the Vue Bar. BW talked to a nice young man from Idaho and another nice young cowboy from Tuscon area. I believe you can say that BW loves to talk. All four of us enjoyed a super breakfast at DuPar's (One of BW's favorites). We spent the day and evening gambling at the Golden Gate, Golden Nugget and the D. KM and TW continue to kick butt at craps. BW and MJ watch another beautiful light show on Fremont St. Since BW and MJ were having no luck at Video Poker they decided to gamble video poker together and have a very successful late evening.
Gambling wins for day 4:
Together 4 6's double double bonus .50, 4 10's double double bonus .50, 4 5's bonus poker $1.00, 4 2's double double bonus $1.00 for $400.00, 4 2's double bonus $1.00 for $400.00, 4 4's double bonus $1.00 for $400.00
Up to room at 9:00 p.m. Still smiling.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Woke up at 6:30 a.m. Coffee and bars in room. Received photos of granddaughters from Houston by text. We spoil them and they spoil us. KM and TW make their 7:30 a.m. flight to Austin. (sorry that is the Dad in me). Out of the room at 8:30 a.m. We went to the D Club, BW got $10.00 in slot play and $10.00 food voucher MJ got $50.00 slot play, $50.00 food voucher and $51.00 in cash. At the 4 Queens BW got $20.00 MJ got $40.00 slot play. We gambled at the 4 Queens and the D. Downtown area was super crowded and noisy with the arrival of the NASCAR crowd and the Rugby crowd. We ate lunch and evening meal at the D Grill.
Gambling wins for day 5:
BW 4 5's bonus $1.00, 4 K's double bonus .25, 4 3's bonus .25, 4 Q's double bonus .50, and at the 4 Queens hit the progressive 4 A's with a kicker .25 for a total of $790.00. MJ 4 9's double double bonus .25, 4 K's double double bonus .25, 4 4's double double bonus .25, 4 K's double double bonus .25, 4 2's double double bonus .25, 4 A's double double bonus .25, 4 2's double double bonus .25, 4 K's double double bonus .25, 4 Q's double double bonus .25, 4 8's double double bonus .25, 4 K's double double bonus .50, 4 6's double double bonus .50 and the biggie for the day MJ hit a straight flush .50.
Up to room at 10.m. Still smiling.
Friday, March 4, 2016
This is always a sad day for us knowing tomorrow we will have to be leaving our favorite vacation spot.
Woke up at 7:00 a.m. Coffee and bars in room. We visited on the phone with our beautiful daughter and grand daughters in Houston. We went down and had Bloody Mary's at the Vue Bar. We went shopping for our kids and grand kids. Then BW and MJ get in pursuit of searching for big wins on video poker. BW talked to Big Ray who works security at the D and played college basketball at the University of Iowa. Picking his brain on the teams that should make it to the final four Big Ray's pick was Michigan State and since they are one of the most successful teams in the last ten years BW agrees with him. Long story short BW and son-in-law (Aggie) put both Michigan State and A&M in the final four for a $1,000.00 pot. (see you $1,000.00). The meal of the day was American Coney Islands. During the evening a super nice casino host Robert talked to BW and MJ twice and advised to check with him before we left the next day and he would see what he could do on our room charges.
Gambling wins day 6:
BW 4 2's double bonus .50, MJ 4 A's double double bonus .25
Up to the room at 11:00 p.m. Smile is fading.
Woke up at 7:00 a.m. Coffee and bars in room. We packed and left our bags at the Bell Desk. Vue Bar for Bloody Mary. BW gambled video poker at the Vue Bar. We had hot dogs for lunch.
Gambling wins day 7:
MJ 4 J's double double bonus .25. 4 K's double double bonus .50, $400.00 on penny slot Money Storm and the big win for the day $900.00 on penny slot Five Dragons.
We visited with Robert the Casino Host and he completely comped our room for the entire trip and all food charges to our room and offered a Limo to the airport, we had already ordered the Limo and pre paid for it. We went to the airport at 2:00 p.m. had a nice Limo driver who was an Air Force retiree and he and BW exchanged war stories on the way to the airport. Luck continued when we both got TSA-Pre on the way back. We shared a sandwich at the airport boarding passes A28 and A29 row 11 D & E on left hand side, emergency row with no neighbors. Left 30 min late arrived 30 min. late. Marilyn takes a tired couple home. Arrived home 11:30 p.m.
Thoughts for the trip:
- Came back with 60% of gambling budget.
- Hit 46 Four of a Kinds
- Hit 0 Royals
- Only 5 dealt 4 to a Royal
- The D room and food was okay
- The D bartenders were fantastic
- Robert, the Casino Host super great
- We gambled at the D, 4 Queens, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Fremont, Stage Door, Flamingo and Binions
- Gambling Downtown was okay but one Royal away from coming back a winner
- Still in love with Downtown
- Next trip, May 4 - 10 Robert comped room for 7 nights plus $130 comp dollars plus BW MJ free slot play and
food credit and match play at the D, in excess of $100.00 plus free food and slot play at 4 Queen and Golden
Gate.
- Southwest round trip for two $356.00 (nice).
- Will be in Vegas for the Oaks and Kentucky Derby what would be a good sports book to hang out in the
Downtown area?
- Super impressed with Kristen's knowledge of craps
- VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!!
Thank you for reading,
Bobby and Martie
