Just got back late last night from 6 nights in my favorite city, Las Vegas. The weather was sunny, but a bit cool, and the nights were cold. I had expected this. This was a solo trip for me.

Flew TED non-stop from Dulles.

First 2 nights were at Harrah’s. My room was nice, but nothing special. Did have a coffee maker, however.

Harrah’s has lots of coupons available for 1/2 price shows, plus $5 off their newly remodeled buffet, Flavors. I ate a lunch at Flavors, and my food was good. Sushi and pizza have been added.

Enjoyed another lunch at Toby Keiths, I Love This Bar and Grill which is upstairs by the monorail entrance. Lots of football fans there during the playoffs. Had a 1/2 lb burger with all the trimmings.

Room and meals at Harrah’s were comped.

Met a friend and her family from Florida for dinner on two occasions at The Grand Lux in the Venetian. Everyone raved about their choice and the service was excellent.

Moved to Bally’s for day 3 and 4. I used to stay at Paris, but the last two times I have stayed at Bally’s. The decor of my Bally’s rooms resembles Paris quite a bit. My room had a light blue velvet sofa and granite desk. Very comfortable bed and pillows.

I was there for a Waterford crystal promotion. Was given a choice of Waterford, and I chose a good-size bowl. I wrapped it carefully and put it in my suitcase and it survived the trip. I believe a bowl of this size is usually $200+, so it was a nice perk.

Had a Paris buffet dinner, which I always enjoy, and a nice meal at the Sidewalk Cafe. Since the changeover to the Total Rewards card, employees bent over backward for me as a Platinum cardholder.
Showing my card at the buffet (as a line pass) I was immediately ushered to the cashier. Then I was passed off to a man who greeted me by name and shook my hand and introduced me to the woman who walked me to my table. At the cafe, at least 4 different employees checked on my well being while I was eating. Even the manager stopped by to say hello. I think because the concept of tiered cards is new I got this treatment, but it did make me feel special.

Room and meals at Bally’s were comped.

Day 5 and 6 were spent at the Stardust. This is apparently the last year for this hotel and I will miss it. But, I always like new hotels, too, so I expect I will give Echelon (or whatever it is called) a visit or two.

Ate all my meals at the cafe, seated at the counter. The counter is a perfect spot for solo diners and there is no wait ever. One night, feeling under the weather with a cold, I had the Japanese soup (sorry, can’t remember the name) which was filled with shrimp, chicken, pork, noodles and veggies in a broth. It did help me feel better. Another night, had their steak and lobster dinner (about $10) with coupon, and, although not outstanding, it was just fine.

Room and meals at Stardust were comped, plus received $100 cash at check-in.

Gambling is why I go to Las Vegas. This trip I didn’t even see a show.
I spent much time in front of penny slot machines and some nickels.
Overall, I had lots of small wins which added up and came home with me.
I did win $200 on a Hot Hot Penny machine, and $150 when 4 dueces were dealt to me on a nickel triple play. Lots of other wins were in the $50 - $100 range. My budget was $200 a day, but I didn’t spend that much.

I usually don’t schedule my trips so close together, but I will return for a 7 night stay from February 22-March 1. 2 nights at Rio to pick up a $100 Visa gift card, 2 nights at Stardust and another $100 cash, and 3 nights at LVHilton to play in a slot tournament. The real reason for going is to play in the first ever World Bunco Championship Tournament held at Paris. 1000 women from around the world will compete and the top prize is $50,000. Although I really don’t expect to win, it should be a great experience.