Green light for sept trip!

Okie dokie then,things falling in place for sept/oct trip(28th-7th). Got the go ahead for using miles on united and just received our usual snail mail mailer from harrahs for the usual 2 free midweek nights at the normal properties namely rio, bally's,flamingo,IP,harrahs and for a charge,ceasrs ,paris and P-ho. We've done rio twice and have decided on harrahs for tues and wed.(4-5) this time.

Home base is going to be P ho towers which we booked awhile ago on timeshare ex.,supposed to be a really nice place,all reviews i've read on TA have been pretty good,but we're easily pleased. We're also adding 2 nights at beginning of trip staying DT at a yet TBD hotel. WHY? namely because we can and also because i'm pretty sure DT will be our future "homebase" for future trips. With the way my feet are and wanting to limit on how much walking i can do,the strip is pretty much out for at least the relatively near future. I'm also thinking and hoping that staying DT will be as enjoyable as i'm thinking it will be. The strip?,been there done that and driving isn't any big deal,so getting around by car is pretty easy.

A question about staying DT for those who frequent the places there. What are the places you like the most? Does anyone have a "homebase" place you always stay? Why a particular one?,just a safe comfy pillow to lay your head on or a little more luxury that you prefer? Any and all comments really appreciated here. Cost isn't a big factor as all seem super cheap, but just looking for a nice place and also comps and future offers would be a bonus.

Just a random thought on video poker. I've never played before,not because of intimidation or anything,but just plain ol' no interest. After reading some about it on here,thought i might give it a shot but i've changed my mind. After reading ad nasuem about all the diff games and strategies and whatnot,it just seems like something i wouldn't enjoy at all.Grinding away at a machine? Just not my cup of tea. I know playing slots is a losing proposition,BUT,we have fun playing them and it can be pretty exciting chasing the bonus rds. Not busting on Vp at all,who knows,might give in and slip a 20 or two in one.

So wish me luck that everything goes off as is being planned and for those who will be in vegas at the same time,hopefully we'll all hook up! LATER!

JOHN

Hey great news jatki99 -

you need and deserve a good trip to LV. My home base is the Riviera, contrary to some of the people who knock it, I find it to be very reasonable. 25-35 a night and go eat and gamble where ever you want. If you stay there ask for a room in the south tower or the Monoco tower, all these room have been redone 32" flat panels and pillow top mattresses.

Have a great trip and win some big money while you're there !

ps - I'll be ther the 25th of sept to the 5th of oct, if you decide to stay at the riv let me know, and I'll buy you a beer!

I'm a 4 Queens person. They have nice rooms, centrally located and they have great food. Cheap eats are easy to find nearby and if you get hot, you can quickly duck into a nearby casino. By the time you get there the Plaza should be open after doing their remodel, so check it out. Note: both Tony Roma's and Flame are very dark inside (it's that 80's thing) so if you go to either to eat, either bring a lighter or a pocket flashlight.

Have fun and enjoy your trip.

DonDiego favors the "El Cortez Hotel and Casino -Las vegas Like It Used To Be". Originally he chose the EC because of the good blackjack which the casino offers, and he found the rooms pleasant, clean, convenient, and suitable for his meager needs. Of late he has been partial to the "new" El Cortez Cabana Suites across E. Ogden from the Casino; nicely furnished, quiet rooms with Security stationed at the entrance, . . . oh, and free fruit and candy at the reception area too.

However, DonDiego should point out that the Plaza Hotel and Casino at Fremont and Main has been undergoing remodeling for several months. It is set to re-open on 1 September with all-new interiors - management purchased the furnishings for the never-opened "Fontainebleau" for pennies on the dollar. And there'll be two brand new dining establishments too. DonDiego will try it out in the Fall.

DonDiego says: "Enjoy !"

John,
Glad to hear your trip is going ahead as scheduled. I understand what you mean about staying downtown as DH has trouble walking long distances also. We have stayed DT for at least part of all of our trips, and will be doing so again next month. The only place we've stayed is Fitzgeralds, and its by no means luxurious, but it works just fine for us. Yes, the rooms are dated, and I don't particularly care for the slots as I prefer to walk across the street to the Fremont, or next door to the FQ. The check in is always fast and friendly and the walk to the room is as short as it gets. You would find the pool to be practically deserted as its not much more than a place to cool off. No party vibe, no drink service - but we go out there to relax and lay in the sun so again it serves its purpose.
As far as dining choices we prefer to eat our meals elsewhere. Magnolias is always a good choice, and we make it a point to have breakfast at least once at MSS. On our bucket list this year is also breakfast at Dupars and dinner at the Flame.
You should have no problem getting offers for free nights after a stay at the Fitz. We aren't VP players either, nor do we play table games. We've been getting free nights since our first four night stay several years ago, and if anything the offers have increased rather than decreased. There are plenty of good places to play within easy walking distance, so if you find you aren't doing so well at one casino you can get up, walk two minutes, and be at another.
Hope you have an enjoyable trip wherever you decide to stay

I agree with all the posters. As long as you are not expecting your room to look like one at Aria you will have no problems. Nice thing is if you staying at the Four Queens or Fitzgerald's or Fremont is the casino's are so close together. You can walk from one to another in less than a minute.

I play mostly slots too but I do play some VP. I would suggest you try Jacks or Better first and get you a strategy card to help you along.

When I first started playing VP I was staying at the Stratosphere and I actually hit two royals playing nickels the first weekend I was there. Two years ago I hit another at the Orleans on 10 dollars free play.

Now I play some quarters but no royal yet.

Just have fun and enjoy yourself. Then let us know how you did when you get back!

Congrats on the trip. I'll be out there Sept 28-Oct 1st. Mandalay Bay all 3 days. My cousin is going the same days I am, but she is staying an extra day. Not sure where she is staying.

John Sura83 is right make sure that you sign up for players cards at the casino's downtown. I always get tons of offers for free rooms at the Fremont. I have four nights comped this trip and I am not a high roller by any means.

Thanks everyone. The plaza is accepting res. Would only be 100 and change for the 2 nights,i was a little surprised how cheap it is figuring it would be a bit more considering the remodel and "grand re-open" time,but that what it showed. It was cheaper than the nugget which we were considering. My wife has left it totally up to me because there is no hotel downtown called "doesn't matter to me" and i'm still on the fence.

Doesn't one of the places down there have a restaurant/bar ala margaritaville on the strip,that overlooks fremont and under the canopy? I always thought m-ville at flamingo was pretty cool for people watching and having a few beers and some munchies.

I'm also looking forward to playing some good B/J and might do some craps again(i'm still not sure how to play the game properly,but we always have doing doing it. I think anyhow?LOL). I'm sure i'll play a little LIR as well and thats a game my wife will actually sit down and play with me,she still gets intimidated at table games,not sure why,but she does.

I'm sure i'll be asking much more soon,thanks again!

JOHN

I think the Nugget has an outdoor area which would fit the bill for you. If not, there is at least one around there that will.