Flight #2022 Albany to Vegas on Southwest
We arrived in Vegas just after 5pm on what we both agree was the quietest and most pleasant flight ever. The initial seat juggling at our end of the plane included playful banter that began with “Yankees baseball” and finished with me being singled out as the token Canadian. I countered by commenting that “at least I wasn’t from Vancouver
Our luck began with a complimentary upgrade to a SUV which would accommodate not only our luggage, but my cousins who would be arriving on the 28th to join us for a week.
Off to CVS we went and stocked up on H20 and a few other goodies. Both of us were shocked at how empty the streets were (at least off Strip). Where was everybody?
I am a simple girl who enjoys the smallest of perks, one being the Emerald Parking at Sam’s Town. Checking in, we were presented with the Silver Card to defray our vacation costs. Woohoo.
Some sort of beauty pageant was going on as we could see lots of young girls in tiaras, sashes and gorgeous dresses.
Food became #1 priority and The Buffet at Sam’s $10 during the week was “okay”, certainly no “M” but I must say they carried the most chocolaty of moist cakes I have ever had.
Angels watch over as two tables down from us a teenager began chocking. I stood up to help, but the waitress swooped in and did the Heimlich and cleared her to safety. I overheard the Mother say that tomorrow her daughter was graduating. It was a surreal moment to say the least.
Exhausted beyond belief, we strolled the Casino and then called it a night.
My morning started around 6am when I began writing in my journal and checking emails. I also had birthday lotto tickets that needed to be scratched. The shower beckoned and I quickly came to life with some hot water and then headed out the door to play solo for a bit.
I found a small bank of VP on the second floor and I nestled into the middle seat happy as can be. The sounds of the “fake” birds and the sunlight from the park coupled and the relatively quiet gaming floor was next to heavenly. The $100 that I deposited quickly became $150 and I was getting my fair share of play waiting for James. My first 40AK was 6’s which unfortunately would set the stage for an unlucky gaming day for me.
Just as I got into a nice groove racking up points on the Coast Card, to my left sat down an angry male button slapper. I attempted to block him out and continue to play, but I just couldn’t do it. I totally lost my focus. Cashing out, I walked further to find our favorite bank of VP machines only to find they were out of order. I turned back and landed at a nickel VP progressive and held my own until the waitress brought me a hot cup of coffee and James was able to track me down.
We had the breakfast buffet then played more before the both of us needed a cat nap. I made a video of the Mystic alls and relaxed and then we set out to Anne’s to pick up our tote that she keeps between trips. After that we hit Terrible’s Bougainvillea Café (not to be mistaken for their horrid buffet!). Lovely meal as always then we both lost our $10 match plays before hitting the Post Office to mail something to his Mom. A trip to Target (bye bye Walmart – you are banned from our lives because of too many negative experiences). The shopping carts are completely plastic and we were amazed by the ingenuity around the desert heat. I imagine years of unwanted DNA being left on metal carts from scortched fingers, etc., brought this into play. Anyhow, I got my Archer Farm Organic coffee and away we went.
Southpoint was the next stop where I would get slammed by VP as I was there to get my birthday points. The free spin sported me a comped movie ticket and James got points. Before leaving he realized that he has $10 in free play, so he used it up.
I found it quite warm wherever we went and was glad that I could remove my sweater.
Back to Sam’s Town we went and unloaded the tote and hit the Player’s Club for new cards for me. There was less than an hour left for today’s promo and we banged it out right away on VP for three free draws for a total of 15000 points to be added to our Coast Card.
Then it was time to hit Calamity Jane’s for some ice cream and then bed. For whatever reason, my coffee flavored treat was gratuit! Lucky me. James insists that the server was making “googly” eyes at me. Really! Really? Oh…Really#*& What are we? In Kindergarten?
The 10pm Mystic Falls
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So, it is now Thursday at 6am and I hear we have new neighbours. Inconsiderate is the first word that comes to mind. The kids pounded the walls for 20 minutes and the adults yelled over one another coupled by doors slamming and kids running the hall. ~ GOOD MORNING ~ James said that this began around 2am . Welcome to “Slam’s” Town.
Ugh…the pool is closed on what could be the hottest day of the summer in Vegas. We had to laugh at the irony. The front desk advised us that they hoped the pool would reopen around noon .
We took off our suits then played VP for a bit before grabbing some food at the Deli. I had a turkey on rye with vegetable soup and James only ate half of his roast beef and soup. He wasn’t hungry.
Played some more, then came up to ring Anne. She and Steve had plans for the night, so we continued to play then had Mexican around 5pm (Willy & Jose’s). The food was great. I had the Red Burrito and James had the Three Taco combo plate. Their homemade salsa was awesome. I love a lot of cilantro and this stuff hit the spot. On the far side of the restaurant was a group celebrating a birthday. The staff approached with some sort of dessert that was adorned with a candle and sang this catchy tune “This is your birthday song. It won’t last very long. Cya”. It was done very fast and almost everyone in the restaurant broke into hysterics. Funny. I thought it was brilliant.
Our Silver Card took care of the meal, we left a $7.00 cash tip and then away we went for a few hours of VP.
I hovered up and down with $100 on single line VP eventually cashing out even. James was down, but cashed and played the remaining money on fun penny slots like Kitty Glitter, Gems, Open the Vault and a Quick Hit. Then we called it a night by curling up in front of the tube and catching Burn Notice.
James went to the Deli and got some food before checking out. Good old Silver Card. My stomach was doing flip flops so a simple fruit cup was all I asked for.
We left “Slam’s Town” after James sorted out the bill with the front desk. It was supposed to be $0 and wasn’t. Someone made an error when checking us in. It was resolved and away we went.
While getting ready the neighbor’s kids kept ringing our doorbell until I finally lost my patience (which rarely happens). I opened the door and politely asked them to stop.
Our next stop was the Bank which was NOT a good thing. The first few days were brutal to the bankroll.
James stopped after that at the Flamingo to get the Diamond Show List. I waited in the SUV still feeling green under the gills. I asked James to take me to CVS so I could get some Gravol. Dear Canadians, here is a shocker – our fellow Americans do not sell it or carry it. UGH>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I didn’t know what to do so I got some other anti nausea pills that would later make me sicker than a dog. Who knew?
MSS had a body in their security hut. What is the world coming to? They never have a live person checking the garage, but today they did. James parked in the taxi spot while I waited and he ran into the front desk to get us a pass so that we could get into the garage.
As has been the case the last few trips, our room was not ready yet. I got settled into a VP machine while James ran over to meet Mike.
I played for a while getting only two scratch cards, $2 – 6’s and the other for $2 – K’s. I lost $200 then switched to a penny Da Vinci machine. James and Mike appeared in time to witness my incredibly lucky multiple bonus within bonus hits on that machine.
My third $100 turned into $130 and I cashed out while James tried again to get us into a room that was ready. Mike headed back and finally we got a room on the 17th floor. We made our way back to the parking garage and got settled into the room.
We had a bite to eat at the Cal Café (one of our favorite spots) and then an email came in for James to hang out with Anne and Steve at the Silverton around 7pm .
I slept in and we hit the Cal Snack Bar. James had the chili fries and I had the chicken katsu. Running late for Crapsfest as a text came through. James, Mike, Rhonda, Norm, me and Jason were in attendance. Norm had to go so the rest of us hit up some grub at the 777 Brew Pub for some social time.
After that we hit the bar top VP (dessert was virgin pina coladas) Yummy.
Later on some excitement came our way as someone slipped a cigarette into a trash can. Smoke billowed out and we alerted the floor staff who got one of the security guards who quickly moved it outdoors.
VP and Penny Slots, lose, lose and lose. Parted ways with Mike and then we were up to our room calling it a night.
We had breakfast at MSS Buffet. We were seated right away with Emerald Card. Out of the corner of my eye I see a group of people and instantly realize that the stately woman they were talking to was none other than Maya Angelou. It struck me as odd, but realized that a large portion of the patrons down here had no idea who she was. Smart lady. I didn’t want to bother her as a small group of people was occupying her private meal time. I did get James to snap a quick photo as discretely as he could. Later on we would come to find out that Oprah was having a birthday party for her that day. Not sure where in the city, but today is Maya’s birthday!
Silver Card took care of our meal costs while we stayed at MSS as usual and we left generous tips.
We walked off our breakfast and played for a bit before taking a break.
Better judgment led us away from the deep fried Twinkies and Oreos despite our constant talk about trying them someday.
Our evening ended in such an incredible way. We hit a combined 51 Quads. 8 of them were Aces for me. 5 Aces for James. 1pm we sauntered down the hall to 777 for a late night snack. Before hitting the restaurant there were two prostitutes in the ladies room having a conversation. If only their mother’s knew. The “men” were waiting outside for them and I shook my head as I passed by.
We had a great meal at 777 then went back to do another $100 in VP. Our points were excellent today and around 2:30am we decided to call it a night/morning.
James took me to the Cal Snack bar before he left to have lunch with Gary
$300 VP – the first $100 went in about 10 minutes – triple play VP .25
I switched to single line and did alright for half an hour before deciding to cash out at $80.00
Put in another $100 and cashed out at $161.25 out
$300 in and $161.25 out plus six scratch cards.
Up to the room I went and got changed for our night out. James got back around 2:30 and we managed a power nap before headed to Thomas and Mack at 3:45pm . This might be a shocker to some, but I agreed to go to a live wrestling event WWE RAW. I am a closet (not anymore) wrestling fan. We had seats 118 N / 4 and 5. James got our tickets in advance and they included parking, so we were all set. A ridiculously expensive snack from the vendors and we were in our glory. Okay, maybe not, but I sure did enjoy myself. What an interesting crowd.
The last match of the night was John Cena and R Truth and we bolted to beat the mass exodus. Off to Terrible’s for a tiny pit stop and away we went to the Cal 10:00pm ). I had breakfast and James had one of his favorite’s the hot turkey sandwich.
We played the $161.25 TITO and then cashed it at $50 with a few scratch cards.
Night night at just after midnight .
I am sitting in a beautiful room at Sun Coast
Backing it up a bit, we woke at MSS and caught a last Silver Card meal at 777. James had the filet mignon sandwich and I had the cheese burger.
Away we went and stopped at Flamingo. Vinny Favorito and George Wallace were both on holidays until the 5th of July. So keeping Rick and Wendy in mind, Human Nature tickets it is! Over to Imperial Palace
A quick stop at the Tropicana where I signed up as a new card player and churned $200 into $400 in short order in the HL Room on a $1.00 DDB machine.
Off we went to the airport to pick up Rick and Wendy.
We all piled into the SUV then made a stop at Pawn Stars and our timing could not have been better. The long crowds had just subsided for the day. It was fun to walk the store that we watch on television and I was amazed at how much memorabilia they had for sale.
A long adventure to avoid traffic and then we finally ended up at the Sun Coast
It was a long travel day for Rick and Wendy so they called it a night and James and I scouted out some VP and penny games before calling it a night -$250 for the day.
James caught Letterman and we crashed shortly after midnight .
Ah, we slept in. I shut off the alarm that I had set for 7am . Up at 9am we ordered room service which unfortunately came an hour later.
I headed down to the pool to meet our tanned guests around 10:30 where we made our plans for the rest of the day. The pool is located on the 2nd floor and has an elevator and stairs for convenience. It was quiet down there but I see that there are plans to make a bar and perhaps a party scene at some time in the near future. It reminded me of the Silverton before they beefed up the pool area.
Rick and Wendy and I got comped tickets to the Bridesmaid at 1:15 . The Sun Coast
While we were at the movie, James had hit a Royal. Kind of interesting because Rick and Wendy are good luck charms for us on vacation. When they are around, we hit big. They are available for hire at a nominal fee of course.
The four of us hit the Café for food. James had a $10 food voucher and the rest was charged back to our room. We were brought in by a Host and both rooms, food, etc., were taken care of. The Chinese menu was too tempting, so the four of us ended up having great meals.
Quick change and then we came down to get ready and off to the show. Played on Wendy’s card so that she could get her 3 bonus draws and food voucher. Played dollar VP and hit a few quads. $100 in and $340 out with 400 points met. All done very quickly and away we went.
Time enough to hit Harrah’s Diamond Lounge where we had drinks and snacks. I got the time wrong for the show, so 7:30pm was very doable. The Human Nature show was as good as we remembered and sure was a hit with Rick and Wendy.
Back to Sun Coast 10pm cut off so he did not get any bonuses on his card.
Had a nice breakfast at around 8:30am in the Sun Coast
We parked the SUV in the garage in case our room wasn’t ready.
Executive check in. Our lovely host met us and we introduced her to Rick and Wendy before heading up to our rooms on the 4th floor.
James and I walked over to the Mall while Rick and Wendy hit the pool for a bit.
When we got back, we churned the free play into good wins and then called it a night. Aquarius had a great promo when you hit 5000 points you get $25.00 cash.
Our supper was at the Aquarius Buffet and then we walked on the boardwalk up to Golden Nugget where free play came back with us as profit.
Rick and Wendy had stopped at the Mall as well and were stocked with goodies. They also had signed up along the way at different Casino properties and came back with some “souvenirs”. They really enjoyed the Riverwalk.
We played a bit more and then called it an evening.
Met Rick and Wendy down at the pool and then dumped the bags in the SUV before grabbing one more meal, this time at the Café for breakfast. We walked to the RiverEdge and Wendy got a new ring. Although we stopped in at the Watchman, there were no purchases this time around.
We all got ice cream and cold drinks for the road compliments of the VIP check in at Aquarius.
One more stop at the Mall so Rick and Wendy could do a lap. They got some shoes on sale. We were on our way with a stop for our clean laundry $23 and then a side visit to Sam’s Town where James gave them a 60 second tour. I stayed in the car for a super power nap.
Check in at Flamingo was INSANE. Diamond line was incredible and slow with people flowing outside of the glass doors. James went first and got the Go Room for Rick and Wendy and we took the “tired” room. Let me describe this one for you. Turn on your smell-o-vision for a bit – think of a temporary morgue, mixed with cheap cigars, mold, and filth. Bingo…welcome to our room! Our intention here was to give Rick and Wendy the full scope of off strip, Laughlin and the Vegas Strip. Before checking in, they understood right away why we shy away from the manic Strip. Giving them the nicer room would off set the misery of the crowds, etc. I’ve never seen anyone more grateful. Super glad they liked it and the awesome view.
We met up in the Diamond Lounge for snacks and ended up getting four free tickets to Donny and Marie thanks to a waitress. She asked what our plans were and if we had ever seen D&M. A quick glance around the table and the guys were interested, so Wendy and I hugged her, left a big tip and away we went. Even though the seats were for balcony, it wasn’t a sold out show so we were given a table of our own at the back of the theatre. I really enjoyed the performance and it brought me right back to my youth as I recalled watching them on tv.
At 10:30pm we were up in the room chilling watching Fox 5 news as they discussed the whole flash flood issues.
Met at the pool with Rick and Wendy. They told us all about the strict rules and the obnoxious attitudes of the staff. The place was a mad house and not at all a place to relax. At 10am they crank the music so loud that you cannot hear yourself think. I must be getting old.
It was agreed that we would have the Rio Buffet again after all these years. It also would give R&W a chance to see yet another property. There is a circular room that is for Diamond/Seven Stars only and we were seated in there. The Buffet was quite different than what I remembered from years ago. They could beef up the dessert section, that is my only observation.
A walk around the property and then we drove across the road to the Palms for Rick and Wendy to sign up. They ran through their free play and ended up $28 between the two of them. Hard Rock was next on the list but they did not want to accept the ACG coupons. James got his $5 chip and said hello to the fellas in the pit and away we went.
Up to our disgusting room at the Flamingo we went while Rick and Wendy walked the Strip until 9:30pm . While they were out we went across to Caesars and got tickets to Absinthe and then over and got Legends tickets. These were all comped.
I missed seeing Anne the other day, so James and I met up with them at Viva’s for 7:30pm . Unfortunately, Steve and Terry were M.I.A. this time. Stacy, Stephen and Jason were there. The night flew by as we all looked at our watches in shock as it was 10pm when we departed.
The Silverton always seems to be a “giving” place for us and we decided to zip by there on our way back to the Flamingo. James had free play here and we played in our favorite spot (secret) – and I ended up hitting a Royal! Woohoo… We played only a wee bit longer before making our way back to the Flamingo and into bed around 12:30 .
We were at the pool by 9:30am to meet R&W. It was not as busy but very hazy. A woman from Etobicoke (Michelle) came over and introduced herself as she must have heard the Canadian accent from one of the four of us. They exchanged pleasantries and her mother was making fun of her behind her back as you can tell Michelle is “quite the talker”.
James left for Pinball Hall of Fame and R&W and me hit the Café at the Flamingo for breakfast. Skipping the line with a Diamond Card is probably the most valuable of perks. Twenty somethings in line crabbed and voiced “another Diamond card!”. Although, Evil Harrah’s” has their own way to keep the impatient “ME” generation happy by offering them an opportunity to pay more to skip lines. For those of us who earned our Diamonds, this is a huge slap in the face and presents an argument for not renewing our status.
Anyhow, after we ate, they left to walk the rest of the Strip and got some sign up bonuses while I did our 50pts for the promo*. I managed to do so on a .25 VP triple play machine and cashed out with a $133.75 profit and $70 cash back*
I made my way back to the morgue and caught a nap while waiting for Jeff and Denise to call. We were to help them get Barry Manilow tickets. When I woke up, the computer told me that perhaps that their flight was not going to arrive on time. Keeping the cell phone with me just in case, intuition told me that perhaps they were unfortunately not going to be in town to catch Barry.
A nasty storm blew in just after we hit the Caesar’s Diamond Lounge prior to Absinthe. I knew then that D&J’s flight was probably not going to be on time.
Like everything else in life, the progression to having younger inexperienced staff take over your business is a killer in so many ways. While standing in a pool of water in a lightening storm in the desert we were “yelled” at by the young staff members of the Absinthe show to suck it up and get out from under the drink tent. After all we were told to be there early when we got our tickets. Hmmm… It was chaos in so many ways. People who could not fit under the tent grabbed the big umbrellas off the tables to keep themselves protected from the pouring rain only to have staff members come along and rip them out of their hands and take them away. I sincerely hope someone had a video cam running. I was just too disgusted to comprehend the whole situation otherwise I would have done so myself.
The manager came out to explain that for safety reasons, they could not let us into the big tent until the brunt of the strong storm passed us by.
Once the doors were opened, the somewhat organized line became non existent as everyone rushed to the tent. The four of us stood looking at one another along with a few other couples who were shaking their heads in amazement.
Anyhow, we did manage to make it inside and Wendy firmly secured us four seats together at the back. Let me impress a point here. There is NO NEED to line up here. There is ample seating and they can and will put out more chairs as needed. You can take photos during the show but with no flash. The show was worth it and if you get a chance to see it before it is gone, it is well worth it’s weight in gold. $75 is fair.
We piled into the SUV after the show and headed down to FSE at the request of R&W. James had free play at the Four Queens. I put through $100 but left with $0. We met up after 1 ½ hours and headed back to find the Flamingo valet full (but not for Diamond or Seven Stars!)
The whole “Pet Relief Area” thing is gross. On more than one occasion we sat waiting for our vehicle in the valet area watching owners let their dogs go on the grass anywhere outside and not the specific section which is assigned for the dogs. This is a stupid idea in so many different ways.
The temperature dropped to the mid 70’s but the air is humid. Night night at 12:38am.
Had breakfast at the Flamingo Buffet. It was full of kids and families and I struggled to find something “hot”.
To escape the mania we decided to get out of town and show Rick and Wendy Primm. They once had a package from Canada
A quick nap back at Flamingo and I made last minute dinner reservations at The Range @ Harrah’s thanks to our Diamond card. We would get a nice window seat and this would be by far the nicest atmosphere and meal that we presented R&W with. Like Vegas does to all of us, we hoped to leave them with a little something and wanting more. I explained that there are so many awesome restaurant experiences in this City that it would be near impossible to hit them all in a lifetime. Next time around I am hoping that we can take them to the VooDoo Café at sunset.
Our meal was comped $170 (after tax taken off). R&W left the tip as usual as part of their trip.
Off we went to the Legends Show. Tonight’s performance would feature “Stevie Wonder”, “Bobby Darin”, “Steven Tyler”, “Elvis” and “Lady Gaga”. I believe this may be the third time we have seen this, but it never fails to entertain. Rick and Wendy loved it as well.
Ugh…in Canada
Had an 8am breakfast at Flamingo’s Café with Rick and Wendy and then got the car loaded and headed to the airport. We dropped them off and wished them a safe flight and then rang Jeff and Denise to meet up at Silverton for lunch. Because of the debacle of their flight, etc., I suggest we swing by The Hotel to pick them up.
Both of them appreciated the tour of the Silverton and the four of us caught up with a meal at the Café with comps. A $5 Keno ended up being $0, but I still enjoy playing.
We dropped them off and headed to BOA for a deposit before heading to Laughlin. I almost cried when we were presented with a suite # 4068
Played VP with good wins, but continued on to practically even before heading to bed an midnight .
Breakfast at the Café then we spent the day relaxing. Around 6pm we hit the Buffet before heading over to the Golden Nugget and had great luck winning back some of the Aquarius losses.
James played BJ and won $650. I won $15 after playing with $120 for the entire evening.
We had lunch at the Café (Mindy waitress) then shopped next door. I got some Armani perfume then we stopped at Burke's but the terminal was down. Leah put our purchases aside and we said we would call later and come over once things were fixed.
Outback in the Aquarius for supper (IVAN our waiter). The wait was long but the meal was decent.
More play before calling it a night with a pit stop at the gift shop.
At the pool when it opened at 9am but it was not peaceful by any means. I moved into the shade to finish writing and not get scorched. Screaming children are not my idea of peaceful enjoyment. Here comes more. Ugh. As James reminds me “it isn’t YOUR backyard”.
We received an invitation to a VIP party today as part of our check in. It was in the little lounge behind the bar on a lower level facing the river. I love the colors in the quaint room with a purple sofa, brightly colored chairs of orange, etc and the view was of course next to heavenly. We had some of the fare and a few drinks before heading out. Nobody our age was there and with mostly locals, we felt oddly out of place. Not many younger people achieve higher status here that was pretty evident.
We lost $750 all day and that was noted in the charts that James carefully keeps.
A quick pool visit, VIP breakfast, played and then packed
We had dinner at the Café – James had the Prime Rib and I had the Signature Wrap
Up to the room to put the extra sandwich into the fridge then back down to the mania. James played Spin Poker and I did .05 10 line VP for a change.
The place was packed with party goers who were there for the night club that opened outside by the water.
We had our last VIP breakfast at the Aquarius. (They had a separate section set aside with nice white linen tablecloths, more selections of a private buffet to compliment the standard one, and more staff).
Our Host covered ALL charges and after a 30 minute wait in the valet with the mass exodus, we were on our way.
A stop at Harrah’s for a promo then back to LV.
Sam’s Town Room 570. Again, we were lucky to have the Silver Card for this short stay. Norm and Andrea met up with us for Mexican.
While we waited for the restaurant to open, I put $100 into VP and cashed out at $200 and James $100 in and $0 out. Leverage always works in our favor. We were originally scheduled to stay at Red Rock by a Host but collectively decided that with a decent budget for a few days we could end this trip with money in our pockets, so the luxurious Red Rock got tossed for another stay at Sam’s.
It was much quieter here and I believe the waterfall is off? The four of us had a great meal being served by our waiter Maverick.
Parted ways around 6:30pm and then of course we played more VP. James had $75 in free play loaded on his card. I played $100 in and cashed out at $80. He played $100 in and out at $95.
Up to our room at 9pm for bankroll preservation.
Breakfast at the Firelight Buffet…argh…cold and unappealing but it was food. What can I say? The only plus here was the fresh omelette section that was quite busy.
We played VP for a bit then headed to the RIO to continue our promo with “Evil Harrah’s”. On the way back we picked up our laundry $24.00 and stopped at McDonalds.
Back up to our room at Sams we packed away our clean clothes and I fell into a long nap.
In a bit we tidied up and hit the Firelight Buffet which ended up being decent. It was certainly busier than before. Hit the slots until 11pm .
We lost $650 today, but up $2900 for the trip. The goal was to come home with no less than $2500. With a day left, this was very achievable.
Sleep took over and we missed the breakfast buffet cut off at 10:30am .
Off to the Deli we went where I had a loaded omelette, hash browns, rye bread toast, a Naked Tropical Juice and a fresh cup of coffee. James had a Mountain Dew, fruit cup and hot dog. Silver Card took care of the damage.
Played our remaining budget of $400 on $1 VP. Less than one hour and we were wiped out except for some decent points achieved.
A side trip to Anne’s where we dropped off the tote on the way to drop off the rental SUV.
Bye bye Vegas. We are on our way back home and will arrive in Albany 1am and thankfully have a room at the Best Western to rest our heads.
