Inspired by Benue’s comment on another trip report, I decided to write.
Quote
Originally posted by: Benue183
Trip reports are so few and far between, I so look forward to them and check daily to see if some kind soul is going to share their trip with us. It's 11 degrees here right now, I would love to be somewhere warm.
Originally posted by: Benue183
Trip reports are so few and far between, I so look forward to them and check daily to see if some kind soul is going to share their trip with us. It's 11 degrees here right now, I would love to be somewhere warm.
NYE in Laughlin and a Vegas Quickie
Dec 30-Jan. 2
Driving outside of Kingman, AZ near Blake Ranch Road, I saw something this desert girl doesn’t see very often. White flecks were dropping from the sky hitting the car’s windshield. I almost got off the interstate at Blake Ranch Rd to take photos of the snowstorm hovering over the mountains northwest of Kingman. I knew it was going to be a great trip because from that point forward the storm went to my right and to my left. It rained a bit on the road to Bullhead City. That storm also dissipated and went to my right and to my left. I caught a few rays of sunshine on my drive to Laughlin.
Knowing if I had a snowball’s chance of getting an upgrade on a busy holiday weekend, arriving early was the key. I arrived at 9:30 am wearing my biggest smile. The line was fairly long at diamond check in and a lady out front offered to help me. I asked if there were any complimentary upgrades. She explained 1200 high rollers were arriving that day and all the better rooms were blocked out. She typed and typed and typed finally finding a king non-smoking river view room on a high floor in the North Tower. Although the room wasn’t ready, we did the paperwork and I was told to come back in an hour or so.
My original plan was to call the Golden Nugget and see if I could be seated for their Sunday bubbly brunch. Since it was overcast, windy and cold, I didn’t want to go back outside. On my way to find something to eat, I got distracted by the machines. I have this thing for machines that have a major and minor progressive. I sat down at one with a minor of $43 + change. It needs to hit by $50. I had a really nice conversation with the lady sitting next to me. Two bloody mary’s later, it hit at $48.50. I don’t remember how long it took or how much I fed the machine, but I was determined to hit it. It was a matter of principle. I played some other slots and lost. I then played a penguin machine that I heard people winning on earlier. I started with $44 and cashed out at $180. I’m not exactly sure what I hit. On an 80 cent bet, the penguins showed up, gave a bunch of wild symbols, for a $55 win. But wait, they came back, added more wilds and gave me an additional $80. I probably played for 15–20 minutes more at max bet before cashing out at $180.
By now the casino and check in area were crazy busy. A charter arrived from San Antonio and there were long lines at registration. One of the things I noticed were more staff and management type people assisting customers. It seemed to help expedite things.
Both The Twiddles and I received the same NYE offer, 3 nights and a choice of dinner with Dick Arthur Magic Show or dinner and band. There were 2 seating’s for each. We chose the 9pm dinner and magic show. One could pick up their tickets (wristbands) beginning at 4 pm Sunday or during set hours on Monday. I chose to stand in the long line as it was cheaper than gambling. Because it was New Year’s, they served inexpensive bubbly to those standing in line. Later Sunday evening, they had a table outside diamond registration with a sign saying the bubbly was for the diamond and seven stars guests. Anyone could take a glass. I’m guessing there weren’t very many players who weren’t diamond or 7* that weekend.
Regarding the North Tower as some might say “dreaded tower.” Being that there were very few kids on property, it wasn’t that bad. I saw more people with small dogs than I did with kids. The only time the elevators were congested was my last night when a tour bus arrived. Granted, I didn’t have the beautiful suite I had in August. However, the room was more than adequate, seemed a tad larger than the Central Tower rooms and had a flat screen TV mounted to the wall. The bathrooms are the same. Being the river view rooms in that tower face north, it was the perfect place inside to watch the midnight fireworks over the river.
Sunday dinner was at Baja Blue. I had the citrus glazed tilapia. I don’t remember what everyone else had. We all enjoyed our meals. I don’t remember everything I played as I didn’t take notes. I played penny spin poker deluxe, spin poker and slots. I also played some new slot where you can play one of 4 games or 4 games at the same time. What’s different is there are 4 games to choose from. You can play buffalo, pompei, or two others whose names I don’t remember or 2 buffalo and 2 of something else. You can also move the order of the games around. It was fun. Until about 30 minutes before quitting for the day, I was up and down. I’d win, loose, win, loose, get back to even and cycle through again. I really enjoyed playing the 4 game-machine. I played until I pretty much went through Sunday’s bankroll, called it a night and was in bed by 10:30.
NYE Day: Vegas Quickie or Vegas Quiche as I like to call it – my shortest Vegas trip ever.
I left Laughlin a little early to allow extra time just in case. When I arrived, there were several parking spaces in 4E at MGM. I walked into the hotel with a lady who said she had to move her car from NYNY to MGM. 3.5 hours later, that parking area was full. I lucked out on the parking but couldn’t find Emerils. I found Wolfgang Puck, Nob Hill, the buffet, Starbucks and several others. I’m grateful P answered his phone, came and got me as it would have been difficult to describe how to get to Emerils. I had the best lunch with my Vegas Friends. You know who you are and THANK YOU!!! P & J also escorted me through the lobby so I could easily navigate my way back to self-parking.
I assume LV Blvd was crazy busy. However, I navigated my way in and out of MGM without driving on the Strip. The drive back to Laughlin was easy peasy. I arrived in plenty of time before the evening festivities.
I didn't intend for this to become a novel. I'll post the rest shortly.
(scroll down for the conclusion)
