I'm sorry it has taken a week + to get this written. I flew into Vegas on Feb.27 and stayed at the Linq for 3 nights. I kind of liked the self check in, but could have used more information as to what I was agreeing to ("stupid resort fee that is subject to change with NO notice), Room was pretty comfortable. But the mini fridge was not cooling properly, so I had to call and get another one sent up that cooled better, but the replacement was right on the cusp of being an unsafe temperature. I needed to refrigerate medication, so this was an issue for me. The wifi was iffy and twice the room key wouldn't let me in the room and it took half an hour each time to get someone to let me into the room and the time it took to redo the card. The cards are so sensitive that if you put them in your pocket with your cell phone or in your purse next to credit cards, it "wipes" the key card. I talked to other people staying at the Linq that had the same issue. Warning customers ahead of time would have been a good thing... I had several meals at Hash House a Go-Go. At times when there was a 30 minute wait to be seated, I was able to sit at the bar and order food with no wait for seating. I ordered the Happy Hour special of "Bucket of Pig" that was very good. Literally, a small bucket of sweet potato fries and 2 slices of boneless pork (similar to a boneless pork chop) and BBQ cream to dip in. For $5, it made a great early dinner. I had the $65 Rossini Burger at the Burger Bar in Mandalay Bay the next night, Kobe Style Wagyu Beef from Australia, Sauteed Foie Gras, Shaved Black Truffles on an Onion Bun. I would recommend getting the Wagyu burger, add the foie gras, and save $30. But do get the Truffle fries, THEY were worth it! I also enjoyed a Mardi Gras meal at Virgil's on the Linq Promenade. Had the Crawfish Etouffee and a Hurricane drink, both excellent and enjoyed some good Blues music (my bill for food and drink, $15). I also had to try an In-n-Out Burger. I really didn't see what the big deal was about them. Good, but not great.
The slots seemed VERY tight at the Caesar's properties. And felt nickel and dimed at every turn. Not to mention very difficult to get drink service at a slot machine. And the gift shops were insane. I was told by 2 different clerks, 2 different hotels, that the liquor on the shelves was not priced (you had to ask for the price) because it changed from day to day, depending... For bottled water, I suggest the ABC stores in the Miracle Mile shops($1 a bottle) or a Walgreens on the strip, if you don't have a car to get around. From now on, I will be staying off strip.
I did enjoy the CSI experience at the MGM. You get to be a forensic investigator and solve 1 to 3 crimes by evaluating clues and evidence. It was a lot of fun. The Big Elvis at Harrah's was a great show, but during the approximately one hour show, I was never approached by a server to order a drink. But the show was very enjoyable. I also visited the National Atomic Testing Museum, Great exhibits and other bits of history (an I beam from the World Trade Center with a memorial plaque). I saw a family all touch the beam and say a short prayer for the lives lost - very moving) The Museum had an Area 51 exhibit as well that was very interesting.
I did spend most of my gambling bankroll at the Casino Royale. They were friendly and attentive as opposed to the monopoly owned big casinos. I did seem to get more play for my money there. I will definitely be gaming at Casino Royale, as well as the off strip and downtown casinos on my next trip. The big casinos didn't seem to care about my business, so I will spend my money where it will be appreciated.
The slots seemed VERY tight at the Caesar's properties. And felt nickel and dimed at every turn. Not to mention very difficult to get drink service at a slot machine. And the gift shops were insane. I was told by 2 different clerks, 2 different hotels, that the liquor on the shelves was not priced (you had to ask for the price) because it changed from day to day, depending... For bottled water, I suggest the ABC stores in the Miracle Mile shops($1 a bottle) or a Walgreens on the strip, if you don't have a car to get around. From now on, I will be staying off strip.
I did enjoy the CSI experience at the MGM. You get to be a forensic investigator and solve 1 to 3 crimes by evaluating clues and evidence. It was a lot of fun. The Big Elvis at Harrah's was a great show, but during the approximately one hour show, I was never approached by a server to order a drink. But the show was very enjoyable. I also visited the National Atomic Testing Museum, Great exhibits and other bits of history (an I beam from the World Trade Center with a memorial plaque). I saw a family all touch the beam and say a short prayer for the lives lost - very moving) The Museum had an Area 51 exhibit as well that was very interesting.
I did spend most of my gambling bankroll at the Casino Royale. They were friendly and attentive as opposed to the monopoly owned big casinos. I did seem to get more play for my money there. I will definitely be gaming at Casino Royale, as well as the off strip and downtown casinos on my next trip. The big casinos didn't seem to care about my business, so I will spend my money where it will be appreciated.
