Sorry this TR is so late. Been working a lot after my return, as usual, and not spending much leisure time on computer. Did take some notes though, so here goes...
Thurs 2/17:Worked until early afternoon as it was meeting day. Took off and drove south on I-15 to Mesquite after afternoon pt visit and gas and car wash.Stopped at the Casablanca to use free play and stayed too long. Everytime I would decide to leave, I would start to win again! Played about 6 hrs and only lost $40 haha!!! Problem was, had not eaten since bkfst and it was now 1030 at night. Tried to call PHo to alert to late check-in. 411 operator at first only had Planet Dailies #. WTF? Called another operator who put me thru to main # but NO ANSWER AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS!!! WTF? Now, I'm stressin' as I know I will be there after midnight and don't want to be dinged as a no show. Then, the light bulb appeared over my head and I found the comp coupon in my purse and called the 1800#. Told them of my plight and she had no problem changing me to a late check-in.Picked-up some McD's to eat in car but was too salty so only ate a few bites. Was not going to drive back to McD's as the hunger had subsided. Drive to LV was easy peasy lemon squeezy and I pulled into PHo valet at about 1245pm. The valet was for diamond only, as they were full, but a smile got me a ticket and a recommend for the gift shop "in case you need anything or some booze." He then explained the mini-bars were removed from the rooms. Thanked him w/$5 tip and told him would be going to sleep anyways. Stood in line for about 15min as there were only 2 clerks and the 3 groups ahead of me were trying to get last minute comped rooms. Seriously? The registration desk did not have that power and several drunken souls were turned away. I then sauntered up to the counter in my fashionable scrub uniform and announced that I had 3 comped nights and could I have a non-smoking view room? Well, 3 nights were in computer but all non-smoking view rooms were given away by this late hour and I could change rooms tomorrow. Didn't though as room 2350 did not smell bad, was at top floor (nice and quiet) and had nice view of East LV. Only problem, was Kevin Costner JFK room, ughh.Not a KC fan to say the least Got past that disappointment, stripped, washed,collapsed into a heavenly bed for a great night's sleep.
Fri 2/18: Up at 7am, looked at clock, went back to sleep until received 815am text from work! Dammit, I knew I should have turned phone off but was expecting my BFF today. So,since I couldn't get back to sleep, I got up, unpacked, had fabulous shower in nice bathroom. WTF? Stepped on toothpick I didn't see sticking out of carpet edge by tile. Went halfway into my heel but was able to pull out. Did my best to bleed wound and wash w/soap; worked as I never got infection. Hurt like hell though. Went to Planet Dailies for bkfst. Great coffee and food was okay. Had really nice server though. Wierd thing about PHo that I don't encounter at other Harrah's props: can't charge to room except from room w/debit card on file (can at other hotels incl. CP.) And, can't earn TR points w/purchases and dining at Pho like at other Harrah's props. They said they're not linked yet. ???? I still use my TR card for gambling and can use to pay w/points!!!Does not make sense to me. If same company, why not same programs and policies? Not a big deal; just wierd. After bkfst, time to play!!!First,though, a stop at Fat Tuesday's for a Bellini slushie w/extra Peach Schnapps in a sports bottle, YUM! Played around 4hrs and only down $40 again. Good start to this trip!!! Time to head to Silverton where I have 3 comp nights for slot tourney. Texted BFF as I haven't heard from her yet; is she coming after work?W/hubby? I haven't checked my e-mail in a week. Told her I'd be at Silverton. Didn't take overnight bag as I planned to return to PHo's heavenly bed that night. Check-in was fast as usual but had to take room at end of hall if I wanted top floor (more quiet as I was staying there my last night in town.)Left my jacket in room after inspection and went downstairs to register for tourney. Was given schedule(which turned out to be wrong times by 20 min that they had to fix later.) Was given a small box of Sees candy and a blue wrist band for an OPEN BAR!! Now, I don't drink much so I only imbibed 2 large Blue Moon ales by the time it closed at 9pm. Played slots and actually winning and ended up $60! Used my $25 free play that came w/offer. Then, after texting BFF again, went to Mi Casa bar for dinner. Played VP and lost $60 while drinking "free" peach margarita and eating nachos (got too soggy, only ate about 1/3.) Okay, now I'm a bit tipsy so I decide to stay and play; BFF never texting back. Played a "Night and Day" machine that looked like "Sun and Moon" and won $200! Went to Johnny Rockets for burger,onion rings,strawberry shake to take to room. Only ate a little before I knocked shake off night stand onto carpet. About 1/2 spilled out that I cleaned up w/towels. Decided I better go to sleep and conked out in a drunken haze.Oh, forgot to mention a cute German guy at the bar was impressed that we ordered the same ale. Haven't had a date in 16 yrs(self-imposed celibacy until son is raised) but was sorely tempted to flirt w/the leather jacket clad accented hunk!
Sat 2/19:BLOODY HELL!!! HANGOVER HEADACHE FROM HELLLLLL!!!Dragged my butt out of bed, bought toothbrush and paste from mini bar and washed-up. Did not have makeup or change of clothes so it was gonna have to be au-naturel day 1 of slot tourney. Left $5 tip w/apology note to "Nemia" who would be picking up the pink towels (remember the spilled shake?) from the tub. Went to registration/gift shop where I bought some Excedrine and bottled water. Took pills right then and there before heading over to Shady Grove Lounge for am coffee and pastries for slot tourney guests. Bless the gal that introduced herself loudly as "Lola, I'll be announcing the tournament!""And, how are you?!!!" "HUNG OVER!" Wherein a few chuckles by other players ensued. Grabbed some coffee and pastries and had seat in comfy chair. Swear I was hallucinating when I saw Nick Jr. on bar TV. Drunk texting son who verified was a children's show I was seeing. Stayed in my corner for awhile before gettin' more coffee and profusely thanking gal at buffet for saving my life. Had time before 1st round so went to aquarium and said hi to the fishies then played some Brazilian Beauty where I won a few bonus rounds and more $$$! Lori finally texts me and asks if I knew she was coming today as she had e-mailed me? Shit, not only did I not see her e-mail, I had been texting an old home landline #! I had put her #'s into my new phone incorrectly. She was going to arrive by afternoon so I would meet her at Silverton and hang out there between rounds. Went to tourney area for 1st round where I was told all of my times would be 20 min later and my 3rd round seat was changed. Had middle score after 1st round. Played slots and won another $100 on "Day and Night" machine I had won $200 on the night before. Lori arrived as I was seated for my 2nd round (DDB VP round.) She waited at the bar while I figured out how to play VP in a tourney setting. Got 1 4oak and some other good hands for 900 pts (which I found out was a good score and put me in the money at 29th place.) Lori and I retrieved my stuff from the room and headed back to PHo where I took a much needed shower and donned fresh clothes. We then headed over to Fat Tuesday's for slushies then to Lombardi's for dinner which was yummy. Went shopping where I found a Chuck Norris t-shirt for my son and we saw a GIANT STRIPPER on a POLE outside Stripper bar. Didn't go there as we had slushie refills and were pretty drunk. Lori went to room to bed while I stayed up and played for awhile. Only problem was PHo is SO LOUD at night and there were so many 20-somethings standing around and trying to get free drinks but not playing. Did get to see some REAL police,not security, chase a hoodlum thru the casino. Don't know how much I played but still had $$$ in my wallet by the time I fell into bed at 3am.
Sun 2/20: Checked-out of PHo and off to Silverton by 945am; will be staying there our last night. Last round was at 1020 and I did sooooo horribly I just knew I was out of the money. Had good omelets at Sundance Cafe then went to 1pm Bingo session (new thing they're doing Wed/Sun.) Some crazy intense players here, especially one guy who stood up and yelled for the people behind him to shut up! He did this BEFORE the session even started!!! We had to really control ourselves as laughing would only make things worse. The staff running the session had to go calm him down. He even had a false Bingo later in the session. We came close a few times but were so entertained w/those around us that we didn't mind losing. Next, I went to check my score and play a little while Lori made some calls to friends in town. I was almost done when I played my first .40 cent spin on a Kilauea machine and got 50 FREE SPINS with 10X MULTIPLIER for $74 win. I've played this before at higher $$$ and NEVER got the max bonus. Still, happy to win! We then went to Bass Pro Shop to check out sale where I bought a cute sweater. After we got changed, we drove to the Strat to meet a friend at Lounge 107 for 1/2 price happy hour! It was a beautiful place to relax and visit. Since I was driving, I only had 1 martini and gave the other away. Shared the beef sliders which were really good. After parting ways, Lori and I headed to Max Brenner at the Forum Shops for our new tradition:CHOCOLATE MARTINI'S! We sat at the bar and the martini's the bartender made were BIGGER and BETTER than we had when seated at a table last time. We also shared the fondue which was so big we had to take 1/2 back to the room (it had brownies,cookies,marshmallows,bananas,strawberries and dark choc, milk choc, and butterscotch caramel for dipping as well as a little flame for roasting the marshmallows!) After shopping, we headed back to Silverton and to bed.
Mon 2/21:Checked out of Silverton (BTW, placed 54th after 3rd round and tourney paid thru 50th place) and headed over to M for bkfst at HHAGG. I had never picked up my card I had applied for online when they 1st opened. Bummer as I got no freebies as it was considered an established account; Lori took the $5 free play over the coasters. We played while waiting for our table. I got a big bonus on a machine she had only just played the $5 thru; $22.50 for .40 cent spin is not bad! She wanted to get room offers from M but did not play more than the FP! I told her that play won't net free offers but she is not much of a gambler and is probably hoping I would get free rooms for the both of us. We had a great bkfst as usual at HHAGG and parted ways. I played for about 4 hrs w/lots of small wins/losses but overall lost. Really liked casino ambience though and hope I'll get some offers for future stays. Drove home to Utah and an awaiting storm. Lots of holiday traffic going home north.
Summary: I liked my room and bed at PHo but not the loud casino. I probably won't stay there again. I'm too old for the vibe there (only 43 but felt ancient compared to the barely legal crowd loitering in the casino.)Silverton was nice as usual; just hate their bathrooms/showers w/the low shower heads! One thing I noticed, the mini bar is really reasonably priced here. They've updated theirs while other props are removing them. I really like the M and hope I can get some room comps there. I would stay there when I don't have my son w/me as there is nothing for a teen except the pool. We've added Lounge 107 to our must-do list every trip. Was a really good deal and the view can't be beat! I was feeling sorry for myself at being dateless for 16 years (will be 20 by the time Rick joins the Air Force if I stick to my vow of raising my son before I date again.) However, I witnessed so many couples squabbles that I felt much better about being alone w/out THAT ruining my good time. Sorry this TR is so long. Thanks for reading. My next trip will be in April w/my son for Spring Break w/family and friends!!!
Thurs 2/17:Worked until early afternoon as it was meeting day. Took off and drove south on I-15 to Mesquite after afternoon pt visit and gas and car wash.Stopped at the Casablanca to use free play and stayed too long. Everytime I would decide to leave, I would start to win again! Played about 6 hrs and only lost $40 haha!!! Problem was, had not eaten since bkfst and it was now 1030 at night. Tried to call PHo to alert to late check-in. 411 operator at first only had Planet Dailies #. WTF? Called another operator who put me thru to main # but NO ANSWER AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS!!! WTF? Now, I'm stressin' as I know I will be there after midnight and don't want to be dinged as a no show. Then, the light bulb appeared over my head and I found the comp coupon in my purse and called the 1800#. Told them of my plight and she had no problem changing me to a late check-in.Picked-up some McD's to eat in car but was too salty so only ate a few bites. Was not going to drive back to McD's as the hunger had subsided. Drive to LV was easy peasy lemon squeezy and I pulled into PHo valet at about 1245pm. The valet was for diamond only, as they were full, but a smile got me a ticket and a recommend for the gift shop "in case you need anything or some booze." He then explained the mini-bars were removed from the rooms. Thanked him w/$5 tip and told him would be going to sleep anyways. Stood in line for about 15min as there were only 2 clerks and the 3 groups ahead of me were trying to get last minute comped rooms. Seriously? The registration desk did not have that power and several drunken souls were turned away. I then sauntered up to the counter in my fashionable scrub uniform and announced that I had 3 comped nights and could I have a non-smoking view room? Well, 3 nights were in computer but all non-smoking view rooms were given away by this late hour and I could change rooms tomorrow. Didn't though as room 2350 did not smell bad, was at top floor (nice and quiet) and had nice view of East LV. Only problem, was Kevin Costner JFK room, ughh.Not a KC fan to say the least Got past that disappointment, stripped, washed,collapsed into a heavenly bed for a great night's sleep.
Fri 2/18: Up at 7am, looked at clock, went back to sleep until received 815am text from work! Dammit, I knew I should have turned phone off but was expecting my BFF today. So,since I couldn't get back to sleep, I got up, unpacked, had fabulous shower in nice bathroom. WTF? Stepped on toothpick I didn't see sticking out of carpet edge by tile. Went halfway into my heel but was able to pull out. Did my best to bleed wound and wash w/soap; worked as I never got infection. Hurt like hell though. Went to Planet Dailies for bkfst. Great coffee and food was okay. Had really nice server though. Wierd thing about PHo that I don't encounter at other Harrah's props: can't charge to room except from room w/debit card on file (can at other hotels incl. CP.) And, can't earn TR points w/purchases and dining at Pho like at other Harrah's props. They said they're not linked yet. ???? I still use my TR card for gambling and can use to pay w/points!!!Does not make sense to me. If same company, why not same programs and policies? Not a big deal; just wierd. After bkfst, time to play!!!First,though, a stop at Fat Tuesday's for a Bellini slushie w/extra Peach Schnapps in a sports bottle, YUM! Played around 4hrs and only down $40 again. Good start to this trip!!! Time to head to Silverton where I have 3 comp nights for slot tourney. Texted BFF as I haven't heard from her yet; is she coming after work?W/hubby? I haven't checked my e-mail in a week. Told her I'd be at Silverton. Didn't take overnight bag as I planned to return to PHo's heavenly bed that night. Check-in was fast as usual but had to take room at end of hall if I wanted top floor (more quiet as I was staying there my last night in town.)Left my jacket in room after inspection and went downstairs to register for tourney. Was given schedule(which turned out to be wrong times by 20 min that they had to fix later.) Was given a small box of Sees candy and a blue wrist band for an OPEN BAR!! Now, I don't drink much so I only imbibed 2 large Blue Moon ales by the time it closed at 9pm. Played slots and actually winning and ended up $60! Used my $25 free play that came w/offer. Then, after texting BFF again, went to Mi Casa bar for dinner. Played VP and lost $60 while drinking "free" peach margarita and eating nachos (got too soggy, only ate about 1/3.) Okay, now I'm a bit tipsy so I decide to stay and play; BFF never texting back. Played a "Night and Day" machine that looked like "Sun and Moon" and won $200! Went to Johnny Rockets for burger,onion rings,strawberry shake to take to room. Only ate a little before I knocked shake off night stand onto carpet. About 1/2 spilled out that I cleaned up w/towels. Decided I better go to sleep and conked out in a drunken haze.Oh, forgot to mention a cute German guy at the bar was impressed that we ordered the same ale. Haven't had a date in 16 yrs(self-imposed celibacy until son is raised) but was sorely tempted to flirt w/the leather jacket clad accented hunk!
Sat 2/19:BLOODY HELL!!! HANGOVER HEADACHE FROM HELLLLLL!!!Dragged my butt out of bed, bought toothbrush and paste from mini bar and washed-up. Did not have makeup or change of clothes so it was gonna have to be au-naturel day 1 of slot tourney. Left $5 tip w/apology note to "Nemia" who would be picking up the pink towels (remember the spilled shake?) from the tub. Went to registration/gift shop where I bought some Excedrine and bottled water. Took pills right then and there before heading over to Shady Grove Lounge for am coffee and pastries for slot tourney guests. Bless the gal that introduced herself loudly as "Lola, I'll be announcing the tournament!""And, how are you?!!!" "HUNG OVER!" Wherein a few chuckles by other players ensued. Grabbed some coffee and pastries and had seat in comfy chair. Swear I was hallucinating when I saw Nick Jr. on bar TV. Drunk texting son who verified was a children's show I was seeing. Stayed in my corner for awhile before gettin' more coffee and profusely thanking gal at buffet for saving my life. Had time before 1st round so went to aquarium and said hi to the fishies then played some Brazilian Beauty where I won a few bonus rounds and more $$$! Lori finally texts me and asks if I knew she was coming today as she had e-mailed me? Shit, not only did I not see her e-mail, I had been texting an old home landline #! I had put her #'s into my new phone incorrectly. She was going to arrive by afternoon so I would meet her at Silverton and hang out there between rounds. Went to tourney area for 1st round where I was told all of my times would be 20 min later and my 3rd round seat was changed. Had middle score after 1st round. Played slots and won another $100 on "Day and Night" machine I had won $200 on the night before. Lori arrived as I was seated for my 2nd round (DDB VP round.) She waited at the bar while I figured out how to play VP in a tourney setting. Got 1 4oak and some other good hands for 900 pts (which I found out was a good score and put me in the money at 29th place.) Lori and I retrieved my stuff from the room and headed back to PHo where I took a much needed shower and donned fresh clothes. We then headed over to Fat Tuesday's for slushies then to Lombardi's for dinner which was yummy. Went shopping where I found a Chuck Norris t-shirt for my son and we saw a GIANT STRIPPER on a POLE outside Stripper bar. Didn't go there as we had slushie refills and were pretty drunk. Lori went to room to bed while I stayed up and played for awhile. Only problem was PHo is SO LOUD at night and there were so many 20-somethings standing around and trying to get free drinks but not playing. Did get to see some REAL police,not security, chase a hoodlum thru the casino. Don't know how much I played but still had $$$ in my wallet by the time I fell into bed at 3am.
Sun 2/20: Checked-out of PHo and off to Silverton by 945am; will be staying there our last night. Last round was at 1020 and I did sooooo horribly I just knew I was out of the money. Had good omelets at Sundance Cafe then went to 1pm Bingo session (new thing they're doing Wed/Sun.) Some crazy intense players here, especially one guy who stood up and yelled for the people behind him to shut up! He did this BEFORE the session even started!!! We had to really control ourselves as laughing would only make things worse. The staff running the session had to go calm him down. He even had a false Bingo later in the session. We came close a few times but were so entertained w/those around us that we didn't mind losing. Next, I went to check my score and play a little while Lori made some calls to friends in town. I was almost done when I played my first .40 cent spin on a Kilauea machine and got 50 FREE SPINS with 10X MULTIPLIER for $74 win. I've played this before at higher $$$ and NEVER got the max bonus. Still, happy to win! We then went to Bass Pro Shop to check out sale where I bought a cute sweater. After we got changed, we drove to the Strat to meet a friend at Lounge 107 for 1/2 price happy hour! It was a beautiful place to relax and visit. Since I was driving, I only had 1 martini and gave the other away. Shared the beef sliders which were really good. After parting ways, Lori and I headed to Max Brenner at the Forum Shops for our new tradition:CHOCOLATE MARTINI'S! We sat at the bar and the martini's the bartender made were BIGGER and BETTER than we had when seated at a table last time. We also shared the fondue which was so big we had to take 1/2 back to the room (it had brownies,cookies,marshmallows,bananas,strawberries and dark choc, milk choc, and butterscotch caramel for dipping as well as a little flame for roasting the marshmallows!) After shopping, we headed back to Silverton and to bed.
Mon 2/21:Checked out of Silverton (BTW, placed 54th after 3rd round and tourney paid thru 50th place) and headed over to M for bkfst at HHAGG. I had never picked up my card I had applied for online when they 1st opened. Bummer as I got no freebies as it was considered an established account; Lori took the $5 free play over the coasters. We played while waiting for our table. I got a big bonus on a machine she had only just played the $5 thru; $22.50 for .40 cent spin is not bad! She wanted to get room offers from M but did not play more than the FP! I told her that play won't net free offers but she is not much of a gambler and is probably hoping I would get free rooms for the both of us. We had a great bkfst as usual at HHAGG and parted ways. I played for about 4 hrs w/lots of small wins/losses but overall lost. Really liked casino ambience though and hope I'll get some offers for future stays. Drove home to Utah and an awaiting storm. Lots of holiday traffic going home north.
Summary: I liked my room and bed at PHo but not the loud casino. I probably won't stay there again. I'm too old for the vibe there (only 43 but felt ancient compared to the barely legal crowd loitering in the casino.)Silverton was nice as usual; just hate their bathrooms/showers w/the low shower heads! One thing I noticed, the mini bar is really reasonably priced here. They've updated theirs while other props are removing them. I really like the M and hope I can get some room comps there. I would stay there when I don't have my son w/me as there is nothing for a teen except the pool. We've added Lounge 107 to our must-do list every trip. Was a really good deal and the view can't be beat! I was feeling sorry for myself at being dateless for 16 years (will be 20 by the time Rick joins the Air Force if I stick to my vow of raising my son before I date again.) However, I witnessed so many couples squabbles that I felt much better about being alone w/out THAT ruining my good time. Sorry this TR is so long. Thanks for reading. My next trip will be in April w/my son for Spring Break w/family and friends!!!
