We have been going to Vegas usually once a year for 5-7 nights usually in December when hotels are more reasonable but this last December airfare was extremely expensive so we vacationed in Florida. My husband and I each received offers from The Orleans for 2 free nights and $10.00 food credit and decided to check airfare to go in February for 4 nights. We fly SW and fly out of Cleveland or Columbus depending which airport has better rate and direct flight. Round trip airfare $562.80 for the both of us leaving Feb.11th and returning Feb.15th. We booked the Silverton for Feb.11th and then booked The Orleans for 4 nights with the hope that Thursday airfare would drop and then we would rebook and return on Thursday instead of Wednesday but didn't happen. We both wanted a day or two off before having to return to work on Saturday.
Saturday Feb.11th
Flew out of Columbus had boarding passes B3 and B4 with the $10 early booking fee on SW. This is the first time we didn't have A boarding pass when we have done the early booking fee. Husband likes to sit in the front of the plane. I prefer an aisle seat. We knew the flight was full because we asked at check in. So I had a window seat and husband middle seat, watched movie on IPAD and some music videos to pass the time on plane. Arrived on time, got baggage and off to rental car shuttle. Rental car from Dollar and we had free upgrade to a mid-size so picked a Kia Soul. We then checked in at the Silverton-rm 3026. Nice view of pool area. We enjoy going to shows but usually don't go on first night due to time change and not knowing if we will get sleepy but decided if we could get an aisle seat and decent seats we would get Richard Marx tickets. Used ACG coupon and got 2 tickets for $55.
Time to get some food. We decided to go to The M Studio B Buffet. It's about 3:30pm and we don't have any line and get right in. $73.49 for the both of us. I enjoyed the crab legs and the prime rib was excellent, all the food we tried was good. The service wasn't the best, we got our beverages and was never offered or brought any more beverages.
Richard Marx show was acoustic and with 20 string orchestra at The Orleans. I was surprised by the age ranges, there was younger people and people I'm sure that were 70's-80's. We are in our late 40's. Concert was very enjoyable and Richard is still good looking.
Back to the Silverton to play some slots and then to bed.
Sunday Feb.12
Had breakfast at Sundance Cafe $21.60. We each had special which included 2 eggs, 2 pieces bacon, 2 pieces toast, 2 pancakes, hashbrowns and your choice of coffee or juice-we each had juice.
Enjoyed the aquarium and looked at Bass Pro Shop. Did the laser shooting range-the sights were way off so didn't have much fun. Checked out of Silverton-had already paid $66.08 for rm when booked so only owed for resort fee which I think was $5.99. Headed to strip and went to Bellagio to see Chinese New Year display and fountain show.
We had lunch at the Cosmopolitan Pizzeria after we finally found it. We each had a soda ans slice of pepperoni pizza for $16.50. The pizza was alright but we wouldn't go back again. Was ready to move on and husband playing pinball game and had 2 free games left and man with 2 boys came in and left them with free games. Place was busy with people streaming in and out. Not many places to sit and eat your pizza.
Checked in The Orleans got rm 1237-had nice view of mountains. We enjoy staying at The Orleans and they are the only place we have ever been offered free rooms. I know alot of people don't like the bathrm set-up but doesn't bother us. The one thing I don't like is their tv's-when you turn them on the volume is always loud even when you have had on and had volume turned down prior to turning off. One thing about hotels in general that I don't like is not enough lighting.
Off to Ellis Island. We are meeting friend, Ruthie who husband used to work with who lives in Vegas now. We go ahead and sign up for BBQ place for dinner even though they are not open yet and then do some gambling-slot machines. We had coupon from ACG and MRB for $10 slot play after playing $10 but then you didn't receive until next day. Once Ruthie showed up we used coupon for 4 free drinks, usually Ruthie has alcoholic drink but had been sick and on meds so she had diet pepsi, husband doesn't drink so he had 2 rootbeers and I had strawberry daiquiri, waited about 20 minutes after Ruthie showed up and our number called for BBQ. Ruthie and I each had the half of chicken dinner and Chris had 1/2 chicken and ribs combo meal-the meals come with 2 small cobs of corn,baked beans,coleslaw,sourdough toast-was very tasty. Total for the 3 of us using coupon was $20.50. Enjoyed visiting with Ruthie walked her to her car and headed out.
Our entertainment for tonight is The Vegas Show at the Saxe Theater at Planet Hollywood. $125.36 using coupon. We were in Section 2 Row D seats 113 and 114. Show was entertaining with signing,dancing,magician,comedian, and 2 guys-I'm not sure what they would be called-they showed strength and agility. The comedian brought 4 men up from the audience and it was so hilarious, I haven't laughed like that for a long time. Would definitely recommend this show. Ret'd to The Orleans and did some slot playing and went to bed.
Monday Feb.13
Off to Terrible's. Had received 2 free buffets,$10 free play for me, $5 free play for Chris and free gift from gift shop which was Terrible's bag like what you would use at grocery store. Used 2 free buffets for breakfast-nothing fancy and not the selection of other buffets but food was good that we had. We then used our free play which you had to put $1 in to initiate free play. I did not keep track of gambling wins and losses very well but Chris ended up $100 up and I $40.
When we are in Vegas I like to go to the Paul Frank store at the Fashion Show Mall. I like the monkey-Julius. They had a sales section 40% off that I got a wallet and matching handbag that I'm going to use for my lunchbag at work. Also got some gloves,notepads,band-aids. Also did some shopping at Hard Rock on strip,M&M's World, Coca-Cola store.
It's lunchtime, In-N-Out burger for cheeseburgers and fries. This place is always busy. Go back to the hotel for awhile.
This will be our evening downtown. We were going to try Pasta Pirate but wait was to long so we tried Aloha Specialties, I had teriyaki platter and can't remember what Chris had or the exact price but was around $19 with ice teas. Was surprised that they only take cash-not to many restaurants like that anymore. Afterwards we went to Lappert's for ice cream. we each got chocolate macadamia nut-yummy.
Entertainment for the evening was free. Watched 2 of the light shows. Chris enjoyed watching lady bartenders dance on outside bar while listening to DJ Lady Go Go playing music. Always enjoy watching the guy who uses the cans of spray paint and does amazing paintings. Haven't bought one yet, maybe someday. Chris used $10 MRB coupon for free play at 4 Queens and then we went to El Cortez and used MRB and ACG $10 free plays. Ret'd to hotel.
Valentine's Day-Tuesday Feb 14
Ate at the Courtyard Cafe at The Orleans for breakfast, charged to rm to use food credit. We each had special which had 2 eggs,2 pancakes,2 pieces of bacon and sausage,hash browns.
Went to Ethel M's and cactus garden. First time we have been to there and I haven't bought any chocolate to take home. Next to the Pinball Hall of Fame. We have 2 mini M&M's containers that we fill with quarters and once filled put away to use here and at the Excalibur game place. Chris would be happy to stay here all day and he's always getting free games. Meanwhile my quarters are disappearing fast. Stopped at the Gun Store and Chris got a t-shirt with zombies on the back and on the front was certified zombie killer. Do not remember which day but we also stopped at the Zombie Apocalypse Store, was interesting. They had survival food and supplies and self defense products. Next stop Excalibur to play some other games. Chris won me a small stuffed animal which I gave to little girl.
Back to the hotel to check e-mail. Had hotdogs from cart by sports betting for lunch. Chris went to business center to print out boarding passes for flight home. Was going to eat at Mexican place for supper but they are closed so will try Blondie's. We each had Chicken Caesar Wrap and shared sweet potato fries $31.31. Food very tasty.
Entertainment for the evening at the Imperial Palace, Human Nature using MRB coupon $89.47. We were at section A, table 13, seats 9 and 10. Awesome show. Have wanted to see this show for awhile but usually is dark when we go in December. They are going to start US tour so I wonder how much time they will be in Vegas now. Personally I don't care for seating at tables-not comfortable and feel crowded. After show back to hotel.
Feb. 15-Going Home Day
Ate breakfast at The Orleans buffet charged to rm to use the food credit. Ended up owing $8.71 after food credits to the Orleans. Had nice variety of foods for breakfast. Decided to park at Bill's on the strip. Walked through Caesar's and the Forum shops to see aquarium and then walked down to Mirage and walked around awhile then ret'd to the hotel and packed up checking out shortly after noon. Played slots for awhile. Time to gas up and return rental car and get to airport. At the Rebel station you get 5 cents off per gallon using your B connected players card. Gas $25.40. Rental car $92.14. Got to airport and checked in and flight was to leave at 5:05pm and was told would be delayed until 5:25pm and flight full. Had boarding passes A 45 & 47. Was surprised when they started boarding plane about 4:40 and thought maybe we would leave on time but had to wait for transfer luggage and on our way back home at 5:30pm. Flight did get back on time. Sent Chris to catch shuttle to get car while I waited for luggage-this worked well-he pulled up with car few minutes after I got luggage. At Columbus airport they have several different parking areas-we parked in the green which was $4/day so our total was $20. We finally made it home at 1:45am.
This seemed like a short trip. I haven't posted a trip report since I don't know when. I didn't keep track of the gambling but can tell you we had planned on each of us gambling $100 each day and had specifically got $900 of travelers checks thinking each day we would each cash one for gambling. We ret'd home with $600 of traveler's checks which we put in bank to pay for everything we charged which was most of our food,shows,car,gas. We paid cash for tips,waters,sodas,daily paper and other incidentals. I really enjoy and look forward to reading other trip reports to get ideas of different places to eat,shows,things to do. I'm not much of a writer but decided better than not posting anything. Thanks to all who post and answer questions! We are hoping to go back in December.
Saturday Feb.11th
Flew out of Columbus had boarding passes B3 and B4 with the $10 early booking fee on SW. This is the first time we didn't have A boarding pass when we have done the early booking fee. Husband likes to sit in the front of the plane. I prefer an aisle seat. We knew the flight was full because we asked at check in. So I had a window seat and husband middle seat, watched movie on IPAD and some music videos to pass the time on plane. Arrived on time, got baggage and off to rental car shuttle. Rental car from Dollar and we had free upgrade to a mid-size so picked a Kia Soul. We then checked in at the Silverton-rm 3026. Nice view of pool area. We enjoy going to shows but usually don't go on first night due to time change and not knowing if we will get sleepy but decided if we could get an aisle seat and decent seats we would get Richard Marx tickets. Used ACG coupon and got 2 tickets for $55.
Time to get some food. We decided to go to The M Studio B Buffet. It's about 3:30pm and we don't have any line and get right in. $73.49 for the both of us. I enjoyed the crab legs and the prime rib was excellent, all the food we tried was good. The service wasn't the best, we got our beverages and was never offered or brought any more beverages.
Richard Marx show was acoustic and with 20 string orchestra at The Orleans. I was surprised by the age ranges, there was younger people and people I'm sure that were 70's-80's. We are in our late 40's. Concert was very enjoyable and Richard is still good looking.
Back to the Silverton to play some slots and then to bed.
Sunday Feb.12
Had breakfast at Sundance Cafe $21.60. We each had special which included 2 eggs, 2 pieces bacon, 2 pieces toast, 2 pancakes, hashbrowns and your choice of coffee or juice-we each had juice.
Enjoyed the aquarium and looked at Bass Pro Shop. Did the laser shooting range-the sights were way off so didn't have much fun. Checked out of Silverton-had already paid $66.08 for rm when booked so only owed for resort fee which I think was $5.99. Headed to strip and went to Bellagio to see Chinese New Year display and fountain show.
We had lunch at the Cosmopolitan Pizzeria after we finally found it. We each had a soda ans slice of pepperoni pizza for $16.50. The pizza was alright but we wouldn't go back again. Was ready to move on and husband playing pinball game and had 2 free games left and man with 2 boys came in and left them with free games. Place was busy with people streaming in and out. Not many places to sit and eat your pizza.
Checked in The Orleans got rm 1237-had nice view of mountains. We enjoy staying at The Orleans and they are the only place we have ever been offered free rooms. I know alot of people don't like the bathrm set-up but doesn't bother us. The one thing I don't like is their tv's-when you turn them on the volume is always loud even when you have had on and had volume turned down prior to turning off. One thing about hotels in general that I don't like is not enough lighting.
Off to Ellis Island. We are meeting friend, Ruthie who husband used to work with who lives in Vegas now. We go ahead and sign up for BBQ place for dinner even though they are not open yet and then do some gambling-slot machines. We had coupon from ACG and MRB for $10 slot play after playing $10 but then you didn't receive until next day. Once Ruthie showed up we used coupon for 4 free drinks, usually Ruthie has alcoholic drink but had been sick and on meds so she had diet pepsi, husband doesn't drink so he had 2 rootbeers and I had strawberry daiquiri, waited about 20 minutes after Ruthie showed up and our number called for BBQ. Ruthie and I each had the half of chicken dinner and Chris had 1/2 chicken and ribs combo meal-the meals come with 2 small cobs of corn,baked beans,coleslaw,sourdough toast-was very tasty. Total for the 3 of us using coupon was $20.50. Enjoyed visiting with Ruthie walked her to her car and headed out.
Our entertainment for tonight is The Vegas Show at the Saxe Theater at Planet Hollywood. $125.36 using coupon. We were in Section 2 Row D seats 113 and 114. Show was entertaining with signing,dancing,magician,comedian, and 2 guys-I'm not sure what they would be called-they showed strength and agility. The comedian brought 4 men up from the audience and it was so hilarious, I haven't laughed like that for a long time. Would definitely recommend this show. Ret'd to The Orleans and did some slot playing and went to bed.
Monday Feb.13
Off to Terrible's. Had received 2 free buffets,$10 free play for me, $5 free play for Chris and free gift from gift shop which was Terrible's bag like what you would use at grocery store. Used 2 free buffets for breakfast-nothing fancy and not the selection of other buffets but food was good that we had. We then used our free play which you had to put $1 in to initiate free play. I did not keep track of gambling wins and losses very well but Chris ended up $100 up and I $40.
When we are in Vegas I like to go to the Paul Frank store at the Fashion Show Mall. I like the monkey-Julius. They had a sales section 40% off that I got a wallet and matching handbag that I'm going to use for my lunchbag at work. Also got some gloves,notepads,band-aids. Also did some shopping at Hard Rock on strip,M&M's World, Coca-Cola store.
It's lunchtime, In-N-Out burger for cheeseburgers and fries. This place is always busy. Go back to the hotel for awhile.
This will be our evening downtown. We were going to try Pasta Pirate but wait was to long so we tried Aloha Specialties, I had teriyaki platter and can't remember what Chris had or the exact price but was around $19 with ice teas. Was surprised that they only take cash-not to many restaurants like that anymore. Afterwards we went to Lappert's for ice cream. we each got chocolate macadamia nut-yummy.
Entertainment for the evening was free. Watched 2 of the light shows. Chris enjoyed watching lady bartenders dance on outside bar while listening to DJ Lady Go Go playing music. Always enjoy watching the guy who uses the cans of spray paint and does amazing paintings. Haven't bought one yet, maybe someday. Chris used $10 MRB coupon for free play at 4 Queens and then we went to El Cortez and used MRB and ACG $10 free plays. Ret'd to hotel.
Valentine's Day-Tuesday Feb 14
Ate at the Courtyard Cafe at The Orleans for breakfast, charged to rm to use food credit. We each had special which had 2 eggs,2 pancakes,2 pieces of bacon and sausage,hash browns.
Went to Ethel M's and cactus garden. First time we have been to there and I haven't bought any chocolate to take home. Next to the Pinball Hall of Fame. We have 2 mini M&M's containers that we fill with quarters and once filled put away to use here and at the Excalibur game place. Chris would be happy to stay here all day and he's always getting free games. Meanwhile my quarters are disappearing fast. Stopped at the Gun Store and Chris got a t-shirt with zombies on the back and on the front was certified zombie killer. Do not remember which day but we also stopped at the Zombie Apocalypse Store, was interesting. They had survival food and supplies and self defense products. Next stop Excalibur to play some other games. Chris won me a small stuffed animal which I gave to little girl.
Back to the hotel to check e-mail. Had hotdogs from cart by sports betting for lunch. Chris went to business center to print out boarding passes for flight home. Was going to eat at Mexican place for supper but they are closed so will try Blondie's. We each had Chicken Caesar Wrap and shared sweet potato fries $31.31. Food very tasty.
Entertainment for the evening at the Imperial Palace, Human Nature using MRB coupon $89.47. We were at section A, table 13, seats 9 and 10. Awesome show. Have wanted to see this show for awhile but usually is dark when we go in December. They are going to start US tour so I wonder how much time they will be in Vegas now. Personally I don't care for seating at tables-not comfortable and feel crowded. After show back to hotel.
Feb. 15-Going Home Day
Ate breakfast at The Orleans buffet charged to rm to use the food credit. Ended up owing $8.71 after food credits to the Orleans. Had nice variety of foods for breakfast. Decided to park at Bill's on the strip. Walked through Caesar's and the Forum shops to see aquarium and then walked down to Mirage and walked around awhile then ret'd to the hotel and packed up checking out shortly after noon. Played slots for awhile. Time to gas up and return rental car and get to airport. At the Rebel station you get 5 cents off per gallon using your B connected players card. Gas $25.40. Rental car $92.14. Got to airport and checked in and flight was to leave at 5:05pm and was told would be delayed until 5:25pm and flight full. Had boarding passes A 45 & 47. Was surprised when they started boarding plane about 4:40 and thought maybe we would leave on time but had to wait for transfer luggage and on our way back home at 5:30pm. Flight did get back on time. Sent Chris to catch shuttle to get car while I waited for luggage-this worked well-he pulled up with car few minutes after I got luggage. At Columbus airport they have several different parking areas-we parked in the green which was $4/day so our total was $20. We finally made it home at 1:45am.
This seemed like a short trip. I haven't posted a trip report since I don't know when. I didn't keep track of the gambling but can tell you we had planned on each of us gambling $100 each day and had specifically got $900 of travelers checks thinking each day we would each cash one for gambling. We ret'd home with $600 of traveler's checks which we put in bank to pay for everything we charged which was most of our food,shows,car,gas. We paid cash for tips,waters,sodas,daily paper and other incidentals. I really enjoy and look forward to reading other trip reports to get ideas of different places to eat,shows,things to do. I'm not much of a writer but decided better than not posting anything. Thanks to all who post and answer questions! We are hoping to go back in December.
