Hello again,
We are Bobby -78- Retired (BW). General Manager of Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association
(1968-2006) and Martie, (MJ) Retired Workers' Comp. Adjuster for the Texas School Districts.
We are residents of Smithville, Texas, 45 miles SE of Austin, 105 miles NW of Houston and 110
miles NE of San Antonio, Smithville is a quiet little town of 4,000. We moved from Austin that had
970,000 people in November of 2017 after five decades.
This will be our second trip of 2018 and our 50ish trip to Vegas since 1996.
TRANSPORTATION:
We used Super Shuttle with drivers Tad and Evan, from Smithville to the South Terminal at
Bergstrom IA Austin and on our return to Smithville. We paid extra for individual pickup and
limo in lieu of regular shuttle. Pleased with the service and will use it again.
We used Personal Sedan in Las Vegas for pickup at the airport and return at the end of our
visit. A plus was JT our favorite limo man was our driver both ways. It was very good to see
him as he is recovering from a recent medical issue. Service was very good, will use them
again.
We flew Allegiant because it was $100 cheaper than Southwest and times of flight were very
good even though the return flight was at 8A.M., oh well.... Allegiant uses the South
Terminal which is more user friendly. We will continue to compare prices between SW and Allegiant.
Will not book seats in rows 2 or 3 on the left side in the future.
HOTEL:
We stayed at the D, with a fully comp'd room 402, nice room, nice location. Wife said
she heard music late at night, but I was fast asleep. I am not griping about a free room, but
housekeeping missed cleaning one day and failed to leave toilet paper twice. For some
unknown reason a charge of $292. was placed on our credit card, when we talked to the
Casino Host her attitude was everyone makes mistakes ho humm....Charge after 8 days
has not been removed. Overall experience at the D is still very good. Yes we all make
mistakes. Will continue to use the D.
FOOD:
We certainly are not foodies, we received approximately $200. in free food vouchers from the
D and Golden Gate and spent very little of our own money on food. At the D Grill, McDonalds
and Magnolia at the 4 Queens and for snacks for the room. Food and services were okay.
GENERAL:
As usual coming to Vegas has my senses at their highest. Downtown crowds continue to
grow, on Friday and Saturday night Fremont Street and the Casinos were packed.
Did not watch any light shows, will correct that next time. Downtown continues to impress.
BARTENDERS AND COCKTAIL SERVICE:
4 Queen Great with Allen, Nathan and Dominic, the D good with Jason, Lucky, Rafael and Chevy,
Downtown Grand was okay, Fremont, El Cortez not so good.
GAMBLING:
Best gambling trip in the last three years, we came back up $1,500.00. BW hit 17 4 of a kind,
the best being 4 A's with a kicker $1.00 Double Double Bonus at the 4 Q. MJ hit 9 4 of a kind,
we played mostly Double Double Bonus. We had more winnings at the 4 Q, we gambled
more at the 4 Q because of the 10/6 in lieu of 8/5 or 9/6 at the D, plus Vue Bar was
packed from morning to night. On our last full day June 5 we checked to see if we had any
free play at the D and 4Q. Nothing at the D but BW had $120.00 and MJ had $260.00
at the Queen. WOW! MJ had 8 nice hits at the D & 4Q on slots, she played a lot of
1 cent and 5 cent Triple Double Diamond. her best hit was $800.00 twice. Gambled
at the D, 4Q, Grand, Golden Gate and El Cortez. MJ won $200.00 on Richie Rich at the
Airport.
DEREK SIGHTINGS:
When you are in the D there is a good chance you will see Derek Stevens, he has helped
bring Downtown back to its glory. I like his style. Our first sighting was an afternoon
early in June he was at the end of the Long Bar talking to some of his staff suits, BW had
already had several Makers Marks, so he walks up and sticks out his hand and says
"Hi Derek I'm Bobby White you are doing a good job", then walks out with a goofy
grin on his face. I am sure he is asking his suits who this cornpone is and why does
he keep talking to me. Alright yes I am goofy. The second sighting was the next
morning at breakfast at the D Grill. Fortunately for him and MJ I did not attempt any
conversation.
RANDOM THOUGHTS:
Next trip probably late September for our Anniversary.
Will use either Allegiant or Southwest whichever has the better rate or times.
Will use Super Shuttle & Personal Sedan.
Will stay at the D, gives us the best deal.
Coffee Bar at the D elevators, super. David does a good job.
Will gamble at which casino provides the best play.
BW will gamble mostly video poker and MJ will play video poker and slots. 4Q best this trip
will try Craps next trip.
Bartenders at D very good, the 4 Q were great.
Will try other downtown Casinos, maybe a day at the strip.
Love It WOW! VIVA LAS VEGAS
Will stay 5 nights instead of 7.
Bill breaking machine at the D gives you a choice on what type of change you want ($100 will break into 5 $20 or 4 $20 and 4 $5)
Thanks for reading,
Bobby and Martie
