Just got back and while I’m not the glib trip reportist many of you are, I really enjoy reading your trip reports and thought if I can add even a moment of enjoyment or new information to readers of this board then I’ll give it a shot.

Second caveat…I’m only 24 hours back and it’s practically a blur already. Thus a day-to-day report is impossible (my hats off to those of you who keep written or mental notes). This report will be categorized with highlights of my trip. So here goes and hope you enjoy…

Flight
Continental out of South Florida through Houston. Uneventful and on time for all four legs (not a bad start to the trip). First time going through Houston and was caught off guard at how busy and large Houston airport is. So many trucks on runway it looked like a freeway. Also surprised at being given food/snack on each flight, plus two beverage services per flight. Four sandwiches offered; no sandwiches taken. Hate airline food, but nice touch in these troubled airline times. Only complaint — luggage took nearly an hour to get. Apologies were relayed over PA system. Seemed there were 3 flights coming in and two going out even at 11 pm.

Car Rental
Chose Dollar using my Fastlane membership. Pure breeze. Arrived at Dollar at 11 pm. I was offered a van (reserved intermediate). Since this trip was with my mom (84 years young) and sister (with knee problems) declined the van and within 60 seconds a Sebring rolled up. Hopped in and was off. By the way thanks to those of you who advised me to modify my reservations with the exact pick up and drop off times. Cost me a few dollars more but it relieved my anxieties considering the delays getting our luggage.

Hotel
Orleans for six nights. Couldn’t beat price ($40 weekday, $99 weekend) and ease of parking. First night got a room in the new tower. Dropped off luggage in my room and called my sister’s room only to hear squeals. Seems ants were crawling around the baseboard and nightstand. Called housekeeping who came up with spray. All was well with the ants, but…an hour after going to sleep in my room (about 7 am) was awaken by a weird scratching noise in the wall. In my sleep-deprived blur, and I’m sure thinking about the invasion of the ants in my sister’s room, thought for sure it was some larger critter scratching it’s way out of the walls. Went downstairs later that day and changed rooms. Was told the scratching was probably one of the many construction noises on the property. New old room was much better. Upside of rooms in new tower –better water pressure and lighting. Downside of older rooms — sinks set so far off edge of bathroom counter that short people like me have to enter a spitting contest to brush their teeth! (Anyone else have this problem?) Oh, well. Still love the Orleans

Hotels Visited
Lots and lots. We’re a vagabond family. Love visiting all kinds of properties. Boulder Station, Sam’s Town, GVR, Suncoast, Palace Station, Wynn, Caesars, Harrah’s, Casino Royale, Barbary Coast. Even checked out Tuscany (nothing special, lousy coffee shop) and Main Street Station for the first time (MSS gets a thumbs up). As for Wynn most everything’s been said on the board, but to reiterate two positives that might not have been mentioned — the drinks are first rate and the bathroom sinks are awesome (okay, I seem to have a fettish for bathroom sinks…sorry lol)

Shows
Only one show this time and I know for some of you it’s going to be a big UGH. But saw Clint Holmes…again…for the fifth or sixth time. Okay so I’m a CH groupie. But I was raised by parents who adored Frank and Sammy and to me Clint is a throwback in the best sense of the word with a set of lungs unequaled. Needless to say I loved the show.

Food
Nothing special. Used coupons traded on this board for use at Stations — Boulder for one breakfast and GVR for breakfast (okay) and dinner (very nice, especially the stone crabs and clams). Two people for $16.99 can’t be beat. Ate at China Spice at GVR. Loved it last year, was unimpressed this time around. Won’t go again.

Gambling
I’m a pretty low roller, slots and video poker. But I had my moments of glory. First at Casino Royale. Picked up my bonus sheets at the slot club (received coupon in the mail). One of the coupons was for $25 for a 4OAK on a 25 cent video poker. Sat down and within the first 10 pulls hit four deuces on DDB. Got so excited I forgot about the coupon and played on. So while beating myself up as I continued to play what do you know…hit another four deuces. Called the floor person over and got my $25 bonus. Sweet. Hit two more 4OAK (though couldn’t hit 4s, 5s, 6s, or 7s which would have been another $25) and cashed out $150. Second best hit was at Suncoast. Usually play Triple Play DDB nickels. For some reason played Five Play Deuces Wild. First spin get dealt 4 deuces and kicker for 2000 coins per hand. Cash out $254 on one spin. Very happy. Other good hits on King Pin (each bonus bowling game payed $50 on a 30 cent investment), $150 win on Money to Burn (sister hit all five Money to Burn symbols at Wynn for $400 win), and a $100 win on Mr. Cashman.

Side Trip
Each trip toVegas we try to explore the surrounding area with an eye toward deciding whether the family will relocate to or near Vegas in the years ahead. The jury’s still out. Coming from a lush tropical environment to the starkness of developments with no grass or foliage is disconcerting…not to mention the prices for houses. We did Laughlin last year (and enjoyed that area). This year we took a day trip to Mesquite. Lovely town. Some beautiful housing developments. Grass yards which, humorously, looked oddly fake set against a desert landscape. Guess I can’t win. Gambled at the Oasis and did lousy, but two thumbs up to Mesquite.

Well that’s it. Hope this report was more interesting than long and boring. Don’t know when the next trip to LV will be, but already looking forward to it. Thanks for reading

Posted by hilary777 on LVTalk