Prelude ~ if you want to read about big wins or dislike long trip reports, this novel isn't for you.
I admit, I’m too lazy to look up the origin of the term “March Madness.” I imagine somewhere crazy busy and the party atmosphere of Vegas March 21-24 fits the bill.
The offer: 3 nights comped at Rio and 4 days of college hoops viewing parties
The purpose: To celebrate the Twiddles 27th wedding anniversary.
Cast of Characters: The Twiddles, Me, S1&J2, C, P and J, J and S, and some random strangers.
History: I’m not sure why, however, since the beginning of the year, I’ve received a handful of sports themed offers from CET including the Big Game, College Hoops and Kentucky Derby viewing parties. I called Mrs. T while on my way to Vegas for Super bowl weekend to let her know I was on the road. She proceeded to tell me Mr. T. was admitted to the hospital the day before. “So, why didn’t you tell me?” “I didn’t want you canceling your trip. I’m not worried. . “ He came home a few days later and is okay.
Once I got home, I realized my college hoops offer was for the same weekend as their anniversary. I asked Mrs. T. if she thought he would be well enough to go to Vegas for their anniversary and suggested she go online now and try to book a complimentary room at Paris. She did. I also suggested they spend the night before we left at my home so we could get an early start as it would be easier for them to keep to their morning routine. Once these logistics were set, we decided to come home through Laughlin and spend 3/24 at Harrahs Laughlin.
The Trip:
For those not familiar with my trip reports, The Twiddles or Mr. & Mrs. T. are my mom and her husband. S1&J2 are friends who live here in Phoenix and whose name is protected to protect the innocent. March 21 was their last night in town and we met for dinner and drinks.
I wanted to get an early start and we were on the road by 8 am. With 2 quick stops on the road, we made really good time and arrived at Paris around 12:45 pm. I valet parked the car and went with them to check in. Mrs. T. chatted up a storm letting the front desk associate and anyone else in earshot know it was their anniversary. Since they were assigned a room fairly close to the elevator facing the fountains, there was no room upgrade. However, the lady helping them said she’d be right back and handed them a box with 2 napkins and plastic utensils.
In their conversation with the lady at check in, I thought I heard they were on the 18th floor. As we walk toward the elevators, Mrs. T. says they’re on the 11th floor. We go upstairs, find the room and I point out the key needs to go in up and down vs. pulling it in and out at eye level or thereabouts. I try the key. It doesn’t work. They both try the key and no luck. Again, I ask what room number? She insists 1181 and flashes the paper at me. I look at the paper. She’s looking at it upside down. They’re in room 1811. We laugh, go upstairs and find the correct room. Somewhere in this process, I explain how different elevators are assigned to different floors.
So now, I’m on a mission. I hoped to get a glimpse of Frankie Valle receiving his star on the Paris walk of fame before running over to PHo to pick up my tickets for the college hoops parties. Its way too crowded and I all I can see is the tops of other people’s heads. I give up and walk over to PHo to pick up the college hoops tickets. Although, my viewing party was moved to Harrahs, I was told to pick up the tickets at PHo and could get them up before checking into my room at Rio. I get to PHo, the ladies find my reservation and inform me I need to collect the tickets at Harrahs. I meander my way through the crowds and get to Harrahs in time to collect my tickets. They explain the rules and regs, give me my wristbands and send me on my way. I ask about Sunday. I need to pick up Sunday’s at Flamingo because I’ve been assigned to that viewing party. Finally, mission accomplished. While at Flamingo, I sit down at a Napoleon & Josephine slot machine and ended my free spin drought.
At this point, I want to get my car, go to Rio, chill for a bit and officially start my Vegas vacay. I’m on a mission, walking through Paris to get my car. I hear voices calling my name. Lisa , Lisa LISA! They continue. It’s Mrs. T. followed by Mr. T and the floor person helping them find some machine gets into the act. LISA, LISA, LISA. We laugh. It’s another Twiddle moment and maybe you had to be there. . . I let them know I will call in the morning and wish them a good night.
The valet at Paris confirms how to go the back way so I didn’t have to drive on the strip. I’m in the middle lane on Flamingo. It’s not moving as there’s a fender bender a few cars ahead of me. I finally get to Rio, whew; valet parking and diamond registration aren’t busy I’m assigned a remodeled room in the Masquerade Tower with a pool view, 30th floor. The floor plan’s different from any other room I’ve stayed in at Rio. The sleeping/sitting area was smaller and the dressing and bathroom area was larger. The bed was super comfy. Because I’m diamond, they arranged to have housekeeping bring up complimentary coffee for the keurig.
Enough of the boring details:
I chill for a bit, freshen up and hit the casino. I win $150 or so playing random slots, then take the shuttle to Bally’s. Once off the shuttle, it appears crossing Flamingo at Audrie would be quicker than walking back to the strip going with the crowds over the pedestrian bridge. As I get to Audrie, I’m trying to decide if I can cross on the close side of the intersection or go over to the crosswalk.
There’s 1 guy on the close side. I figure if he can cross there, so can I. I know, I know, only in Vegas . . . I walk up to the light and see him flip off a car. He immediately says, “Sorry, not you.” I was flipping off my friends. He friends come over from where one should cross the street. He asks me to flip them off for him. I say, I can’t do that. He asks again. We proceed across the street. Somewhere between the sidewalk and the little island piece, I revert to my college days, raise both hands and gesture. These 4 or 5 guys thought it was great. It’s then very apparent we’re crossing on the wrong side of the street so we run across. Once across, they invite me to join them for jaeger shots at the dive bar next to Battista’s. I politely decline as I am meeting friends. I have about an hour to play at Flamingo before meeting S1&J2 for dinner at Battista’s. For the record, I was 100% sober.
Flamingo has nickel spin poker, spin poker stp, stp and build a wheel poker. While playing 5-play build a wheel poker, I was dealt a full house and won back everything I lost playing the other games. I have this thing for slot machines that have minor and major progressives. While looking for the Napoleon & Josephine machine I played earlier, I noticed the minor on a machine I call the beer lady was $47.25 or so. It needs to hit by $50. I begin to play varying my bet. I get the bonus starting with 25 free spins that repeated a couple of times and hit the minor for $49 something. I won around $150 on that machine.
I’m looking forward to hanging out with S1&J2 and having my first meal at Battista’s. The reviews I read online were all over the place. The garlic bread is to die for. After a couple glasses of the cheap red, it doesn’t matter. Skip the cheap white, not drinkable. My salmon was very good as well as the cappuccino. Battista’s is what it is and I would go back especially with fun friends. Next stop, watching the fountains of Bellagio and my favorite song, Time to Say Goodbye, was being played.
Per my recommendation on a previous trip, S1 said the cosmo she had at the Cosmo was the best cosmo she ever had. You can probably guess where we went next.
We found seats just outside the Chandelier bar. Drinks were on me as they treated me to dinner. S1 and I drank cosmos while her hubby, J2 , drank beer. Our server said bartender Shane still worked there and was off that night. Somewhere between round 1 and round 2, a group of well-dressed business people sat in the seating area across from us. The guys were wearing suits with perfectly pressed shirts and ties and the lady was equally dressed. J2 said they were a group of attorneys. He seemed somewhat fascinated with knowing this yet he didn’t want to go over and ask them. In my inebriated state, I walked over and asked one of the guys if they were attorneys. He laughed, said no; said they were scummier than attorneys, they were used car salesmen. We laughed.
J2 is an attorney and seemed infatuated with that group. He even asked the server if she knew if they were attorneys. She didn’t know. Said the reason he could tell they are attorneys is because they were wearing expensive suits but not expensive shoes, LOL. I say, it takes one to know one.
After saying our good-byes, I went into Bellagio to see the conservatory. Half of it was blocked off as they were working on it. I don’t know if anyone else has this challenge, but every time I go into Bellagio to see the free conservatory, it is expensive. That night didn’t disappoint. I had one good spin playing 50c on WWII and tanked on everything else I touched. While playing WWII, the guy next to me was playing a 2 cent slot at max bet, $6.00 per spin. He had a phenomenal bonus round and had over $1k in the machine. I didn’t see him cash out or put other money in the machine. During the time I played $40-$60 at 50 cents a spin, it appeared he played back everything. Other than his bonus round, I didn’t see anyone else hit anything. After 2 trips to Vegas this year, I made my annual donation to MGM properties.
Friday:
I have business to tend to and begin my day in the business center. Around noon, I meet the Twiddles for a lovely brunch at Paris. The night before, they saw Anthony Cools. Because of the potty humor, Mrs. T. referred to the show as being dirty, yet they both thoroughly enjoyed the show. After brunch, I wanted to play the new Moolah machine at Paris. I had 90 cents left of my $20 when I got the bonus. Not sure how many spins, but I made $48.00 on the free spins. We hung out in Paris for a while, planned when to meet on Saturday then said our good byes.
Next stop Harrahs as I wanted to check out the college hoops. Before going upstairs to view the games, I gambled. I was having Bellagio luck until I played a slot called Mustang Money, I think. You need at least 3 of the instant money symbols to get the free spins. I bet up, got the spins, repeated and got some good combinations with the wild symbols. Happily, I won back what I lost at Bellagio.
I’m a very observant person and tend to take in all the sights. In a ballroom filled with people plastered with TVs and viewing screens, I tend to pay attention to everything around me except what is being played on TV. I was more into watching the people watching the game listening to them talk about betting then I was into watching the game. I’m glad I checked out the college hoops event and also glad I had real food earlier at Paris. I stopped in the DL at Harrahs so I could enjoy a cocktail in a quieter setting.
Later that evening while in Rio’s DL with 1 TV in sight, I became engaged with the game being played. I played some, made a donation, watched the 10 pm Masquerade show in the Sky and called it a night.
Saturday, I planned to meet C at Caesars, give him my hoops tickets and have brunch at the new buffet. Since I wasn’t hungry, I texted C and asked if he would be willing to meet at Rio. We had a brief mini meet and he was going to try to meet up with me and the Twiddles that evening. Meeting C was the highlight of my day as the gaming sucked and sucked big. I played the VP machines that were generous in February, nothing. I played slots that previously been generous, nothing. I played new machines, nothing, nada, nope. Back to the room to regroup and take a long break.
Around 2:30 I took the shuttle to Bally’s. Because Flamingo was backed up, the driver went the long way under I 15 and through Caesars. I’ve been to Vegas NYE and for Super Bowl Sunday. I saw more people walking around Sat. afternoon then I remember seeing walking around during the day any other time I’ve been in Vegas. I thought about dining at the new Gordon Ramsey burger place at PHo, but I didn’t want to listen to the TVs and ending up at Mon Ami Gabi. I was seated in the atrium room. By this time, to me, the excitement of March Madness had worn off.
Afterwards, I converted some of my reward credits to slot play at Bally’s. The cashier asked if I was related to some singers with the same last name. No, I replied. I’m related to the poor ____’s, the ones who like to gamble or are saving for their kids’ college tuition (my nephews). We laughed. The vouchers didn’t work in the 25c progressive so I played low level slots and entertained myself until it was time to meet the Twiddles. I caught the tail end of a fountain show while outside of Paris and walked around by the valet so I could scope out where to meet them Sunday morning. Although it was just before 7, there were signs of Saturday night in Vegas. Some driver leaving the valet area rammed into one of the poles. The valet guys made sure the pole was okay before they let him leave. He hit the pole so hard I thought he hit the car in the next lane. There was this young couple walking where the guy was holding up his girl as she couldn’t walk on her own. And, in the ladies room, there was this girl singing I’m going dancing, I’m going to the club, and I’m going dancing.
Saturday was the Twiddles big date night. Per my suggestion, they celebrated their anniversary at the Eiffel Tower restaurant, charged the meal to their room so they could use points at check out, and saw the 10:30 performance of Jubilee. Said the seats I got them were excellent. I met them at Paris’s DL for pre-dinner drinks. C. was going to try to meet up with us and it didn’t work out. He was off-strip and thanks to the traffic and congestion, he wouldn’t have arrived before the Twiddles left for dinner. On Sat., the gaming pretty much sucked for the Twiddles. Later that night, the energy in the casinos seemed to change. I think everyone was where they wanted to be as the casinos were a tad less crowded and the machines loosened up a bit. There was a lot less traffic when I took the shuttle back to Rio. I played for maybe 30 minutes and called it a night.
I played for a short while Sunday morning before check out and had a small win. The Twiddles were ready early and we took the scenic route, surface streets, to Green Valley Ranch where we had brunch with some of my favorite people J & P and J & S. It was great seeing them and catching up. Mr. T. played 2 of the new Wizard of Oz machines, won on both and was a happy camper. I’m not exactly sure how Mrs. T did, but I made a $30-$60 donation.
Vegas losses equal suites in Laughlin. I checked in first and asked the Associate if there were any complimentary upgrades. She said, let me see where we have you. They had me in a suite, 19th Floor, North Tower. Because I have a suite, Mrs. T. wants one. She starts chatting away, blah, blah, blah, before I’m finished doing the check in paperwork. I remind her that there’s nothing the lady can do until it’s her turn. The first thing the lady says is let me see where they have you. They assigned the Twiddles to a suite in the Central tower. Score! It was kind of a shame that we only got to use the nice rooms for 1 night.
When all was said and done, I donated $20-$30 to Harrahs Laughlin. They keep sending me fsp and food credits. I don’t know how the Twiddles did Sunday night. Monday morning, Mrs. T. was on a roll and won around $150 with some hit and run slot play. She was happy. We stopped at the outlet mall and she bought shoes with her winnings. I woke up feeling I might have luck before leaving yet I let a little incident piss me off.
I attempted to use the internet kiosk as I quickly wanted to go through my emails and it didn’t work properly. I wanted to let the hotel know so they could put a note on it informing other patrons it was out of order. I stopped at the front desk and Irene told to go to the gift shop as the kiosk was there responsibility. I tell the cashier what happened. She tells me to call the 800 number. My main concern was letting them know so another patron would not have the same negative experience. Either I didn’t explain this well or she didn’t hear me and again said to call the 800 number. At this point, I wasn’t asking for a refund of my $5.00. This repeated and she said I needed to talk to a supervisor. I said call one. She said I’ll see if so and so is available. So and so came by and told me to call the 800 number. I became really pissed off and said all I want to do is let someone in this hotel know the frickin machine isn’t working right. I was so pissed that I walked away and walked outside so I could calm down.
At breakfast in the Beach Café, they gave us a comment card. I wrote a novel almost as long as this trip report. I explained to the cashier my novel had nothing to do with the food or service at the Café then proceeded to take it to the front desk. I gave the novel to Irene and asked her to please give it to the person in charge and again explained all I wanted to do was let the hotel know it didn’t work so someone else wouldn’t have the same experience. I’m not sure how someone at the 800 number could put a note on the machine saying “out of order. “
I don’t usually become wagged out over small things. My frustration came from trying to be helpful then being told the only solution was to call an 800 number. How can something that seemed so simple to me become so complicated?
As tradition has it, we conclude our trips with a stop at the Aquarius. Mrs. T. won. Mr. T said he was even. I lost trying to get the item bonus on the pawn stars machine. I got one item and needed one more to fill up the row of items. I finally got tired of feeding the machine and it was time to leave. The drive back to Phoenix was uneventful.
In Kingman, we found a new place to buy gas. At the Smith’s gas station, regular unleaded was $3.46 a gallon.
Although this was a losing trip, it was a very fun trip. The T’s and I got along very well and I loved seeing my Vegas friends in Vegas.
Until next time,
Adios.
I admit, I’m too lazy to look up the origin of the term “March Madness.” I imagine somewhere crazy busy and the party atmosphere of Vegas March 21-24 fits the bill.
The offer: 3 nights comped at Rio and 4 days of college hoops viewing parties
The purpose: To celebrate the Twiddles 27th wedding anniversary.
Cast of Characters: The Twiddles, Me, S1&J2, C, P and J, J and S, and some random strangers.
History: I’m not sure why, however, since the beginning of the year, I’ve received a handful of sports themed offers from CET including the Big Game, College Hoops and Kentucky Derby viewing parties. I called Mrs. T while on my way to Vegas for Super bowl weekend to let her know I was on the road. She proceeded to tell me Mr. T. was admitted to the hospital the day before. “So, why didn’t you tell me?” “I didn’t want you canceling your trip. I’m not worried. . “ He came home a few days later and is okay.
Once I got home, I realized my college hoops offer was for the same weekend as their anniversary. I asked Mrs. T. if she thought he would be well enough to go to Vegas for their anniversary and suggested she go online now and try to book a complimentary room at Paris. She did. I also suggested they spend the night before we left at my home so we could get an early start as it would be easier for them to keep to their morning routine. Once these logistics were set, we decided to come home through Laughlin and spend 3/24 at Harrahs Laughlin.
The Trip:
For those not familiar with my trip reports, The Twiddles or Mr. & Mrs. T. are my mom and her husband. S1&J2 are friends who live here in Phoenix and whose name is protected to protect the innocent. March 21 was their last night in town and we met for dinner and drinks.
I wanted to get an early start and we were on the road by 8 am. With 2 quick stops on the road, we made really good time and arrived at Paris around 12:45 pm. I valet parked the car and went with them to check in. Mrs. T. chatted up a storm letting the front desk associate and anyone else in earshot know it was their anniversary. Since they were assigned a room fairly close to the elevator facing the fountains, there was no room upgrade. However, the lady helping them said she’d be right back and handed them a box with 2 napkins and plastic utensils.
In their conversation with the lady at check in, I thought I heard they were on the 18th floor. As we walk toward the elevators, Mrs. T. says they’re on the 11th floor. We go upstairs, find the room and I point out the key needs to go in up and down vs. pulling it in and out at eye level or thereabouts. I try the key. It doesn’t work. They both try the key and no luck. Again, I ask what room number? She insists 1181 and flashes the paper at me. I look at the paper. She’s looking at it upside down. They’re in room 1811. We laugh, go upstairs and find the correct room. Somewhere in this process, I explain how different elevators are assigned to different floors.
So now, I’m on a mission. I hoped to get a glimpse of Frankie Valle receiving his star on the Paris walk of fame before running over to PHo to pick up my tickets for the college hoops parties. Its way too crowded and I all I can see is the tops of other people’s heads. I give up and walk over to PHo to pick up the college hoops tickets. Although, my viewing party was moved to Harrahs, I was told to pick up the tickets at PHo and could get them up before checking into my room at Rio. I get to PHo, the ladies find my reservation and inform me I need to collect the tickets at Harrahs. I meander my way through the crowds and get to Harrahs in time to collect my tickets. They explain the rules and regs, give me my wristbands and send me on my way. I ask about Sunday. I need to pick up Sunday’s at Flamingo because I’ve been assigned to that viewing party. Finally, mission accomplished. While at Flamingo, I sit down at a Napoleon & Josephine slot machine and ended my free spin drought.
At this point, I want to get my car, go to Rio, chill for a bit and officially start my Vegas vacay. I’m on a mission, walking through Paris to get my car. I hear voices calling my name. Lisa , Lisa LISA! They continue. It’s Mrs. T. followed by Mr. T and the floor person helping them find some machine gets into the act. LISA, LISA, LISA. We laugh. It’s another Twiddle moment and maybe you had to be there. . . I let them know I will call in the morning and wish them a good night.
The valet at Paris confirms how to go the back way so I didn’t have to drive on the strip. I’m in the middle lane on Flamingo. It’s not moving as there’s a fender bender a few cars ahead of me. I finally get to Rio, whew; valet parking and diamond registration aren’t busy I’m assigned a remodeled room in the Masquerade Tower with a pool view, 30th floor. The floor plan’s different from any other room I’ve stayed in at Rio. The sleeping/sitting area was smaller and the dressing and bathroom area was larger. The bed was super comfy. Because I’m diamond, they arranged to have housekeeping bring up complimentary coffee for the keurig.
Enough of the boring details:
I chill for a bit, freshen up and hit the casino. I win $150 or so playing random slots, then take the shuttle to Bally’s. Once off the shuttle, it appears crossing Flamingo at Audrie would be quicker than walking back to the strip going with the crowds over the pedestrian bridge. As I get to Audrie, I’m trying to decide if I can cross on the close side of the intersection or go over to the crosswalk.
There’s 1 guy on the close side. I figure if he can cross there, so can I. I know, I know, only in Vegas . . . I walk up to the light and see him flip off a car. He immediately says, “Sorry, not you.” I was flipping off my friends. He friends come over from where one should cross the street. He asks me to flip them off for him. I say, I can’t do that. He asks again. We proceed across the street. Somewhere between the sidewalk and the little island piece, I revert to my college days, raise both hands and gesture. These 4 or 5 guys thought it was great. It’s then very apparent we’re crossing on the wrong side of the street so we run across. Once across, they invite me to join them for jaeger shots at the dive bar next to Battista’s. I politely decline as I am meeting friends. I have about an hour to play at Flamingo before meeting S1&J2 for dinner at Battista’s. For the record, I was 100% sober.
Flamingo has nickel spin poker, spin poker stp, stp and build a wheel poker. While playing 5-play build a wheel poker, I was dealt a full house and won back everything I lost playing the other games. I have this thing for slot machines that have minor and major progressives. While looking for the Napoleon & Josephine machine I played earlier, I noticed the minor on a machine I call the beer lady was $47.25 or so. It needs to hit by $50. I begin to play varying my bet. I get the bonus starting with 25 free spins that repeated a couple of times and hit the minor for $49 something. I won around $150 on that machine.
I’m looking forward to hanging out with S1&J2 and having my first meal at Battista’s. The reviews I read online were all over the place. The garlic bread is to die for. After a couple glasses of the cheap red, it doesn’t matter. Skip the cheap white, not drinkable. My salmon was very good as well as the cappuccino. Battista’s is what it is and I would go back especially with fun friends. Next stop, watching the fountains of Bellagio and my favorite song, Time to Say Goodbye, was being played.
Per my recommendation on a previous trip, S1 said the cosmo she had at the Cosmo was the best cosmo she ever had. You can probably guess where we went next.
We found seats just outside the Chandelier bar. Drinks were on me as they treated me to dinner. S1 and I drank cosmos while her hubby, J2 , drank beer. Our server said bartender Shane still worked there and was off that night. Somewhere between round 1 and round 2, a group of well-dressed business people sat in the seating area across from us. The guys were wearing suits with perfectly pressed shirts and ties and the lady was equally dressed. J2 said they were a group of attorneys. He seemed somewhat fascinated with knowing this yet he didn’t want to go over and ask them. In my inebriated state, I walked over and asked one of the guys if they were attorneys. He laughed, said no; said they were scummier than attorneys, they were used car salesmen. We laughed.
J2 is an attorney and seemed infatuated with that group. He even asked the server if she knew if they were attorneys. She didn’t know. Said the reason he could tell they are attorneys is because they were wearing expensive suits but not expensive shoes, LOL. I say, it takes one to know one.
After saying our good-byes, I went into Bellagio to see the conservatory. Half of it was blocked off as they were working on it. I don’t know if anyone else has this challenge, but every time I go into Bellagio to see the free conservatory, it is expensive. That night didn’t disappoint. I had one good spin playing 50c on WWII and tanked on everything else I touched. While playing WWII, the guy next to me was playing a 2 cent slot at max bet, $6.00 per spin. He had a phenomenal bonus round and had over $1k in the machine. I didn’t see him cash out or put other money in the machine. During the time I played $40-$60 at 50 cents a spin, it appeared he played back everything. Other than his bonus round, I didn’t see anyone else hit anything. After 2 trips to Vegas this year, I made my annual donation to MGM properties.
Friday:
I have business to tend to and begin my day in the business center. Around noon, I meet the Twiddles for a lovely brunch at Paris. The night before, they saw Anthony Cools. Because of the potty humor, Mrs. T. referred to the show as being dirty, yet they both thoroughly enjoyed the show. After brunch, I wanted to play the new Moolah machine at Paris. I had 90 cents left of my $20 when I got the bonus. Not sure how many spins, but I made $48.00 on the free spins. We hung out in Paris for a while, planned when to meet on Saturday then said our good byes.
Next stop Harrahs as I wanted to check out the college hoops. Before going upstairs to view the games, I gambled. I was having Bellagio luck until I played a slot called Mustang Money, I think. You need at least 3 of the instant money symbols to get the free spins. I bet up, got the spins, repeated and got some good combinations with the wild symbols. Happily, I won back what I lost at Bellagio.
I’m a very observant person and tend to take in all the sights. In a ballroom filled with people plastered with TVs and viewing screens, I tend to pay attention to everything around me except what is being played on TV. I was more into watching the people watching the game listening to them talk about betting then I was into watching the game. I’m glad I checked out the college hoops event and also glad I had real food earlier at Paris. I stopped in the DL at Harrahs so I could enjoy a cocktail in a quieter setting.
Later that evening while in Rio’s DL with 1 TV in sight, I became engaged with the game being played. I played some, made a donation, watched the 10 pm Masquerade show in the Sky and called it a night.
Saturday, I planned to meet C at Caesars, give him my hoops tickets and have brunch at the new buffet. Since I wasn’t hungry, I texted C and asked if he would be willing to meet at Rio. We had a brief mini meet and he was going to try to meet up with me and the Twiddles that evening. Meeting C was the highlight of my day as the gaming sucked and sucked big. I played the VP machines that were generous in February, nothing. I played slots that previously been generous, nothing. I played new machines, nothing, nada, nope. Back to the room to regroup and take a long break.
Around 2:30 I took the shuttle to Bally’s. Because Flamingo was backed up, the driver went the long way under I 15 and through Caesars. I’ve been to Vegas NYE and for Super Bowl Sunday. I saw more people walking around Sat. afternoon then I remember seeing walking around during the day any other time I’ve been in Vegas. I thought about dining at the new Gordon Ramsey burger place at PHo, but I didn’t want to listen to the TVs and ending up at Mon Ami Gabi. I was seated in the atrium room. By this time, to me, the excitement of March Madness had worn off.
Afterwards, I converted some of my reward credits to slot play at Bally’s. The cashier asked if I was related to some singers with the same last name. No, I replied. I’m related to the poor ____’s, the ones who like to gamble or are saving for their kids’ college tuition (my nephews). We laughed. The vouchers didn’t work in the 25c progressive so I played low level slots and entertained myself until it was time to meet the Twiddles. I caught the tail end of a fountain show while outside of Paris and walked around by the valet so I could scope out where to meet them Sunday morning. Although it was just before 7, there were signs of Saturday night in Vegas. Some driver leaving the valet area rammed into one of the poles. The valet guys made sure the pole was okay before they let him leave. He hit the pole so hard I thought he hit the car in the next lane. There was this young couple walking where the guy was holding up his girl as she couldn’t walk on her own. And, in the ladies room, there was this girl singing I’m going dancing, I’m going to the club, and I’m going dancing.
Saturday was the Twiddles big date night. Per my suggestion, they celebrated their anniversary at the Eiffel Tower restaurant, charged the meal to their room so they could use points at check out, and saw the 10:30 performance of Jubilee. Said the seats I got them were excellent. I met them at Paris’s DL for pre-dinner drinks. C. was going to try to meet up with us and it didn’t work out. He was off-strip and thanks to the traffic and congestion, he wouldn’t have arrived before the Twiddles left for dinner. On Sat., the gaming pretty much sucked for the Twiddles. Later that night, the energy in the casinos seemed to change. I think everyone was where they wanted to be as the casinos were a tad less crowded and the machines loosened up a bit. There was a lot less traffic when I took the shuttle back to Rio. I played for maybe 30 minutes and called it a night.
I played for a short while Sunday morning before check out and had a small win. The Twiddles were ready early and we took the scenic route, surface streets, to Green Valley Ranch where we had brunch with some of my favorite people J & P and J & S. It was great seeing them and catching up. Mr. T. played 2 of the new Wizard of Oz machines, won on both and was a happy camper. I’m not exactly sure how Mrs. T did, but I made a $30-$60 donation.
Vegas losses equal suites in Laughlin. I checked in first and asked the Associate if there were any complimentary upgrades. She said, let me see where we have you. They had me in a suite, 19th Floor, North Tower. Because I have a suite, Mrs. T. wants one. She starts chatting away, blah, blah, blah, before I’m finished doing the check in paperwork. I remind her that there’s nothing the lady can do until it’s her turn. The first thing the lady says is let me see where they have you. They assigned the Twiddles to a suite in the Central tower. Score! It was kind of a shame that we only got to use the nice rooms for 1 night.
When all was said and done, I donated $20-$30 to Harrahs Laughlin. They keep sending me fsp and food credits. I don’t know how the Twiddles did Sunday night. Monday morning, Mrs. T. was on a roll and won around $150 with some hit and run slot play. She was happy. We stopped at the outlet mall and she bought shoes with her winnings. I woke up feeling I might have luck before leaving yet I let a little incident piss me off.
I attempted to use the internet kiosk as I quickly wanted to go through my emails and it didn’t work properly. I wanted to let the hotel know so they could put a note on it informing other patrons it was out of order. I stopped at the front desk and Irene told to go to the gift shop as the kiosk was there responsibility. I tell the cashier what happened. She tells me to call the 800 number. My main concern was letting them know so another patron would not have the same negative experience. Either I didn’t explain this well or she didn’t hear me and again said to call the 800 number. At this point, I wasn’t asking for a refund of my $5.00. This repeated and she said I needed to talk to a supervisor. I said call one. She said I’ll see if so and so is available. So and so came by and told me to call the 800 number. I became really pissed off and said all I want to do is let someone in this hotel know the frickin machine isn’t working right. I was so pissed that I walked away and walked outside so I could calm down.
At breakfast in the Beach Café, they gave us a comment card. I wrote a novel almost as long as this trip report. I explained to the cashier my novel had nothing to do with the food or service at the Café then proceeded to take it to the front desk. I gave the novel to Irene and asked her to please give it to the person in charge and again explained all I wanted to do was let the hotel know it didn’t work so someone else wouldn’t have the same experience. I’m not sure how someone at the 800 number could put a note on the machine saying “out of order. “
I don’t usually become wagged out over small things. My frustration came from trying to be helpful then being told the only solution was to call an 800 number. How can something that seemed so simple to me become so complicated?
As tradition has it, we conclude our trips with a stop at the Aquarius. Mrs. T. won. Mr. T said he was even. I lost trying to get the item bonus on the pawn stars machine. I got one item and needed one more to fill up the row of items. I finally got tired of feeding the machine and it was time to leave. The drive back to Phoenix was uneventful.
In Kingman, we found a new place to buy gas. At the Smith’s gas station, regular unleaded was $3.46 a gallon.
Although this was a losing trip, it was a very fun trip. The T’s and I got along very well and I loved seeing my Vegas friends in Vegas.
Until next time,
Adios.
