First off, I want to apologize for not taking notes and, therefore, possibly leaving out lots of unimportant detailsAlso, if you're looking for an exciting report, move on. I had to keep this trip on the down low as I am still having an RA flare and, instead of taking more meds, trying to balance activity and rest to control my pain.And, that's why this report is soooooo late. I had severe back/hip pain upon return and have been working (except for 1 day) up until this weekend. My nights after work have consisted of vegging in the recliner and a trip report required too much work!
THURS 7/28:Was supposed to go to office for 2 meetings before hitting the road. Well, 1 was cancelled and I decided that nobody would miss me at the other. Also, I kept getting calls in the am while trying to finish paperwork and had a foreboding that they'd try to put me to work if I showed up.Since my son would be with me, that would not be good. So, instead, I called the office and told them I had to get to LV sooner as friends had already shown up early. Yes, it was a lie, but just a white lie that did not hurt anybodyBack to the report...
On the road by 10am Utah, or 9 am LV, time.We had 4 nights at PHo (3 free from marketing offer and 1 comped when I booked 4 nights online.)I could have double, or even triple, booked for a longer stay but I didn't want to switch hotels this trip. I was too tired before it even started and wanted to take it easy.Had 2 friends I was planning to meet and we decided they'd stay overnight in our room, since only 1 night, and we'd bring an aero bed for my son.That way we could hang out before falling to sleep. Drive to LV, about 2 1/2-3 hrs south of where I live, was uneventful. Son fell asleep part of the way but woke up by the time we drove past the Moapa casino/fireworks store.Not long after, we approached LV and then ended up at the Peppermill for brunch.
This is the second time to the Peppermill for us. The first time was with my mom on a Manilow concert trip. Seemed like the food (omelets, potatoes,bacon,toast) were better that trip. We shared but bkfst was still over $20 before tip. Don't know that I'd return.Was early afternoon so we decided to try for early check-in at the Ho.
Took the back route of Paradise to Flamingo to Koval to Harmon which was quicker than the Strip. When I saw the valet was for Diamond/7 Stars only, I knew they must be packed. I was right as the registration line was long and there were lots of "Women Helping Women" bag toting gals and another group of gals all wearing red suits.A guy in line in front of me was returning to get keys after checking-in even earlier but w/no rooms ready.I don't know why he didn't go to the shorter, Platinum, line as he was already registered (that's what I have done in past) and told him he should. He decided to leave altogether again as he just didn't have the patience to wait.Well, put me 1 step closer! So, I thought, the guy checking me in was so friendly he might give me a great room. I didn't tip but I did tell him I was excited to be back at the HO after he said he was really surprised they'd comped me 4 free nights at such a busy time including the weekend. I said it's because I'd played so much my last stay there.I then asked for 3 keys as a friend might join. He took me aside and whispered,"I don't want her (the women w/the next clerk) to hear but I'm going to move you to a larger room for no charge." He then proceeded to show me a list w/room type and rack rate cost of over $350/night.I smiled and said thanks, took my keys, rounded up my son and luggage, and headed up the north elevators. Well, can't remember room number, but was big alright. Had a partial view of Bellagio fountains, Spartacus room theme, and, wait for it...a HUGE handicapped bathroom. WTF???There was a huge open area, a toilet a mile away to the left, double sinks to the right, and a wheel in shower with a slotted, formica covered seat, hand held shower head, and funky shower curtain.Okay, I thought, no big deal. We can handle not having a tub as we hardly ever use them. And, at least the curtain was clean. And, the hand held shower head had a hook. The upside was the room was close to the elevators and only shared 1 wall; the other side was a utility closet. So, we decided to stay and make the best of it.
My son wanted to unpack alone and then go shopping. I went down to play for awhile and actually won a little. Then, we met and decided to eat at Earl of Sandwich. Well, they were soooooo crowded we decided to try Pinks. Good call as it was dark and cool on the patio with the misters. Both had chili dogs and shared fries. It was okay but I really think my recollection of the Melrose location was much better. We decided to part ways for a little while then met at the room. Had a good night's sleep on pretty comfortable beds and quiet room. However, on to Day Two...
THURS 7/28:Was supposed to go to office for 2 meetings before hitting the road. Well, 1 was cancelled and I decided that nobody would miss me at the other. Also, I kept getting calls in the am while trying to finish paperwork and had a foreboding that they'd try to put me to work if I showed up.Since my son would be with me, that would not be good. So, instead, I called the office and told them I had to get to LV sooner as friends had already shown up early. Yes, it was a lie, but just a white lie that did not hurt anybodyBack to the report...
On the road by 10am Utah, or 9 am LV, time.We had 4 nights at PHo (3 free from marketing offer and 1 comped when I booked 4 nights online.)I could have double, or even triple, booked for a longer stay but I didn't want to switch hotels this trip. I was too tired before it even started and wanted to take it easy.Had 2 friends I was planning to meet and we decided they'd stay overnight in our room, since only 1 night, and we'd bring an aero bed for my son.That way we could hang out before falling to sleep. Drive to LV, about 2 1/2-3 hrs south of where I live, was uneventful. Son fell asleep part of the way but woke up by the time we drove past the Moapa casino/fireworks store.Not long after, we approached LV and then ended up at the Peppermill for brunch.
This is the second time to the Peppermill for us. The first time was with my mom on a Manilow concert trip. Seemed like the food (omelets, potatoes,bacon,toast) were better that trip. We shared but bkfst was still over $20 before tip. Don't know that I'd return.Was early afternoon so we decided to try for early check-in at the Ho.
Took the back route of Paradise to Flamingo to Koval to Harmon which was quicker than the Strip. When I saw the valet was for Diamond/7 Stars only, I knew they must be packed. I was right as the registration line was long and there were lots of "Women Helping Women" bag toting gals and another group of gals all wearing red suits.A guy in line in front of me was returning to get keys after checking-in even earlier but w/no rooms ready.I don't know why he didn't go to the shorter, Platinum, line as he was already registered (that's what I have done in past) and told him he should. He decided to leave altogether again as he just didn't have the patience to wait.Well, put me 1 step closer! So, I thought, the guy checking me in was so friendly he might give me a great room. I didn't tip but I did tell him I was excited to be back at the HO after he said he was really surprised they'd comped me 4 free nights at such a busy time including the weekend. I said it's because I'd played so much my last stay there.I then asked for 3 keys as a friend might join. He took me aside and whispered,"I don't want her (the women w/the next clerk) to hear but I'm going to move you to a larger room for no charge." He then proceeded to show me a list w/room type and rack rate cost of over $350/night.I smiled and said thanks, took my keys, rounded up my son and luggage, and headed up the north elevators. Well, can't remember room number, but was big alright. Had a partial view of Bellagio fountains, Spartacus room theme, and, wait for it...a HUGE handicapped bathroom. WTF???There was a huge open area, a toilet a mile away to the left, double sinks to the right, and a wheel in shower with a slotted, formica covered seat, hand held shower head, and funky shower curtain.Okay, I thought, no big deal. We can handle not having a tub as we hardly ever use them. And, at least the curtain was clean. And, the hand held shower head had a hook. The upside was the room was close to the elevators and only shared 1 wall; the other side was a utility closet. So, we decided to stay and make the best of it.
My son wanted to unpack alone and then go shopping. I went down to play for awhile and actually won a little. Then, we met and decided to eat at Earl of Sandwich. Well, they were soooooo crowded we decided to try Pinks. Good call as it was dark and cool on the patio with the misters. Both had chili dogs and shared fries. It was okay but I really think my recollection of the Melrose location was much better. We decided to part ways for a little while then met at the room. Had a good night's sleep on pretty comfortable beds and quiet room. However, on to Day Two...