The rates have greatly risen especially with resort fees nearly citywide.
I am paying for a resort fee what I used to pay just for a night in the room.
I am on a tight budget myself. And I am seriously considering much shorter stays in the future despite a nearly $500 airfare (which I pay about half of due to SW points).
It's true Vegas still represents a relative value to others but not to itself. Vegas is beloved by me not only for the great experience but also for the cost.
It now leans heavily on the great experience. My total resort fees for a typical stay now is the total my entire trip would cost before. It's like I am giving back for all the savings I got from my prior trips. I like to think of it that way.
The hotel situation is difficult but I tend to avoid the food on the strip unless I am staying indoors by choice. Food costs less and tastes better off the strip than on the strip. Or maybe it's about even but it tastes better because the cost is also tasty.
The food is overpriced. I eat $3 pancakes downtown at dupars and $11.99 chicken and ribs at Ellis Island. Best in category anywhere for both in my humble experience. So, thankfully there are deals left to be had.
It's rarely a question about afford (after all, vacations are anticipated as expensive) but rather of justification. If your local hotel went from $200 on average to $350 on average, you might not be able to justify it even if the same type of hotel is going for $450 average in hawaii.
You can say "inflation" but this was quite rapid. Cheapo vegas still exists downtown and off-strip and scattered through the strip (Riv, Ex, Quad, Circus Circus, Stratosphere, Harrahs, Luxor, etc). Not quite the $11 night but still frugal.
However, it has moved from $29 average to $50 average including the resort fee. $50 would get you two nights before. $100 might get you 4 nights but now you are stuck with 2.
Vegas is still IT for me. Sigh.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Vegas Solo Excursion #8: Dec 2013
Holy goodness gracious!! Great balls of fire! I have been in Vegas since 12.6 and my life simply changed last night.
I. went. to. XS.
I am the girl who could not give 2 squats about nightclubs. In fact I had to literally pry myself out of bed to go.
It was so worth it. No words.
I became an EDM convert. They even threw in a hour or so of new And good hip hop as an appetizer which I am all over.
Gorgeous venue but that goes without saying. I actually let a group of girls adopt me this time which only took the experience up a notch.
It actually makes me excited about trying out Marquee! I was even shocked to learn that some pRts of XS were closed. So it gets better than this!!!!?? I will definitely be back in the summer.
I was on the guestlist so I got in free with 2 comped drinks for. $20 value each. But the security guard kept giving me complimentary drink cards and I kept giving them away. He was very protective which was pretty cool. added a new element to nightclubs. He kept coming over just to make sure I was having. good time. The special effects and the strobe lights were everything!!! They even had fake snow coming down at a point!
As you can tell XS was a highlight in my trip! So much so I asked them to put me on the guestlist again. I am staying at Wynn for the next 5 days. They offered me surrendee tickets too at check in so I will go check it out. I have 2 comped nights, 200 freeplay and 2 buffets and discounted rates. So I jumped on it!!!! All over it!! Writing from my phone. more details to come!
Ps how do I easily put up pics from my phone??
FML….I fell asleep at 9:30pm even though I had THREE alarms set up for 9:58p, 10p and 10:40p so I could run and get on the line for the guestlist for XS again. Do you know I overslept until…3:30am? This is why I am here writing this report on my computer. To blow off a little steam. My body is just not cool enough to live it up with these fellow 20-somethings.
Well that’s a nice lead to the beginning of my trip…
Friday, Dec 6
~Fremont~
Bought 15-day bus pass at Walgreens for $34—well-worth it. Thanks Dewey!
I asked for an upgrade at check in but no dice. Checked into three comped nights as well as the 33 spins deal at Blazing 7s (which happens to have a $99 value on the freeplay). In fact this whole week was comped nights, and it still ended up costing the equivalent of what Quad used to cost for the week: $80.
Fri-Mon I was at the Fremont. No charge. Then I had a myvegas at Luxor and Excalibur for $20 and $17 resort fees respectively. Then I stayed at Paris on two comped nights for $22/night resort fees. Yikes! Considering how much I used to pay (and especially the $7 and $15 deals I used to get at the Quad in December), it’s a bit of a rip off…..in my world. Lol
But anyway I still managed to use planning powers to piece together a number of comps, for which I am proud. I also got to check out the Paris as a visitor.
Fremont rooms were quite comfortable and modern—better than I remembered. I would say this downtown room is on-par with nicer hotels if the space weren’t so small and the ceilings weren’t so low…and the bathroom wasn’t so Spartan, and the mood wasn’t so dark, and the Fremont street experience weren’t so loud, and the bed weren’t so low…you know, if it could just change itself, it could be like the nicer hotels really.
On another note, please remind me never to have work left to do when coming to Vegas no matter how long the trip is. Was done with finals but I still had to revise a question for my qualifying exam and OMG my anxiety was so high. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t be comfortable. The flight over wasn’t relaxing. Landing in Vegas didn’t give me my boost. It was just terribly terribly wrong. What makes it worse: I got sick RIGHT before coming to Vegas. So I had to think, work, be sick and be on vacay. Bad combo.
I whipped that 10-page question in a couple days and prayed to the heavens I pass because if not, I have to write 20 pages worth of theory in 5 hours again late next year. Almost lost my life out in these streets.
Trip downtown was fraught with anxiety. I couldn’t be the kid on Christmas.
Hit up Mermaids to start the trip. $1 fried oreos. Tasty. I actually won $7 bucks on a VP machine! Woo! Was feeling better already.
Hit up Du Pars. $3 pancake. Still tasty but, for once, the batter was off (and it did not get better the following night so I did not go back). I go to this place for consistency. Today, the pancakes were more dry in the middle. I have never had this experience at Dupars before. Hoping this won’t happen on my spring trip.Walked around to some of the gift shops, bought waters and headed back to work. How ironic. Work in Vegas? ::::shudder::::
Usually I remember lots of details but this time I am blank. What a blur those first couple days were.
I remember that instead of working through the night, I played some. I dropped $140 in these machines and they gave me nothing. I remember that. I remember a time when Fremont gave me money, at least to keep me in the game. I can’t remember one hit, not even $20 bucks, and you know even that would excite me. Something’s up.
I might have played for like an hour, so I was not expecting to keep the comp in the future. The way I see it: if your casino does not have enough recycling, why should I bother coming back?
I checked the Bconnected booth and I think I had like 3 or 4 hundred coin-in or something and they offered me a free lunch voucher. Woweee! Food was ok.
I intended on partying that night but between another brutal semester of insomnia (and not yet having recovered as I usually do just by landing in Vegas “free of worries” this is key) and still being on the grind and losing and being sick, I stayed in the confines of the room. I graciously let Fremont Street Experience lull me to sleep.
Saturday, Dec 7
It’s 33 spins day! I was looking forward to it.
Started the day with a Main street brunch buffet, charged to room. They had my beloved pound cake! Happiness.
I strolled Fremont and really took my time trying to forget that I had work. Smh
I tried out Lamperts ice cream in California on the way to MSS. It was ok.
The 33 spins thing started at 2:45p and it was slot tournament style. I did not like that. I thought they would just give me the $99 to play anytime. But they give you 1 minute with 11 other player banging on the machines to see if they can get a hit. I did not care for this style. I didn’t win anything too, so I don’t think I would need this offer again. BUT several people hit 2-300 wins that day.
After losing at the 33 spins, I played another $40 as consolation. And the losing continued.
Very good. Back to my abode to finish what should otherwise be taboo in Vegas.
Sunday, Dec 8
The night never ended on Saturday. I headed to the south strip terminal to the megabus to Los Angeles at midnight. I planned a day trip. Too bad I did not know I would not be finished yet with life. What’s better, the outlets and wifi that megabus advertise were coincidentally *not* on this bus! I ended up having to write the rest of my paper at a Mcdonalds in LA in like an hour, with a dying battery, and guess what? NO outlets in Mcdonalds on that famous street either! How wonderful. No satisfaction when I was finished because the experience was unreal. I was completely shell-shocked.
Walked around aimlessly trying to regain some type of sense of self again. Hit up Roscoes.
Far more expensive than I remember it in 2010. I dreamed about it ever since but while it tasted fine, it didn’t quite live up to the hype that I had placed on it from last time.
Hopped on a bus and found myself in Beverly Hills!!! Beverly Hills---that’s where I want to be!! Living in Beverly Hills! Beverly Hills—rolling like a celebrity! Living in Beverly Hills!
That song was on repeat as a strolled the streets of the shops at Beverly Hills. I vowed to come back one day to take a stroll in the residential areas and pick out what I want my future home to look like….even if I only stay for hmmm 3 months.
Not particularly crazy about beaches especially not when it’s cold so I didn’t go to one. I wanted to find those $29 massages but I just couldn’t find them when I wanted them even though I had passed so many while on the bus. The bus drove through fashion district and I got off and found myself walking through Skid Row. The horror. A world onto itself. My heart goes out but still I had to make a run for a bus. I didn’t even bother with fashion district after that…just wanted to get as far away as possible.
I sat at a nearby Starbucks as I waited to watch a show.
I headed to Pantages Theatre, where I was going to watch my favorite show in the universe Lion King the Musical for the 7th time in the 5th city.
It’s touring and it was only $48. If I had been sharper, I could have gotten it on travelzoo for $25 but that sold out quickly. In New York, that tickets is well over $100 everyday and there are no discounts in sight. But what they do in New York, they do it well. This version was excellent as always but nothing compares to Broadway for me.
I enjoyed my day trip to Los Angeles and would make another one in the future.
Monday, Dec 9
Back in the NV and out of the Hills.
Picked up my overnight luggage at bell desk, luxuriated and took at nap at Fremont before heading to Luxor.
I asked for an upgrade but no dice. They would not let me check in until 3pm. I went to Buca di Beppo atExcalibur and had the rigatoni of life.
Took advantage of a $75 50-min massage winter special at Luxor.
My first massage on the Vegas strip totaled at $90. Definite score. The spa was basic. The massage was meh. The service was meh. The masseuse didn’t even smile much…that’s basic stuff. Glad that’s all I spent. Did a 3-miler at the gym and headed home. But I got a chance to relax and I came out rejuvenated and ready for Vegas.
Checked into the pyramid deluxe and boy is that a large room. I got on the inclinator for the first time—cool! Technically I think, apart from décor, luxury and comfort, the pyramid deluxe should be an upgrade from the tower rooms. Why? A view of the inside of Luxor from the pyramid should be viewed as a treat. An atrium view in Sam’s Town is an upgrade. I can fit at least 8 people in a pyramid deluxe. Great space. Poor bedding, horrible ventilation throughout Luxor. I had a dry throat because of it the whole time. Straight ugly décor. Awesome armchair.
Completely knocked out and did not wake up til morning. Technically between traveling, jet lag, a mini day-trip on a bus, switching hotels, packing and repacking (as I actually had *real* luggage this time since I am going home for Christmas), on top of coming down from reeling from all those other things, I was surprised I didn’t go into coma for a few days straight.
I certainly understand why switching hotels with real luggage is a real strain.
Tues, Dec 10
Excalibur here I come. I asked for an upgrade to Tower 2 and got it…with a view!
Fell in love with the arcade. Takes me back to Chuck e Cheeses in my childhood. I figure my cash might be better spent here than on the machines.
Used my free midway games.
Got free popeyes from the promo they are running now. Hit up Buca di Beppo again later in the day for the ziti of life. Great diet.
Saw the AVATAR slots. Signed in and got a username.
It fell short my expectations because I could not win anything even though bonuses were hitting left and right. It was fun to see all the different bonuses and it has at least 7. Probably way more because I got to the 14th level and it kept unlocking bonuses. It certainly isn’t as beautiful as I expected either. The *colors* in AVATAR the movie is what made me adore it. The colors were so rich---I watched it 5 times. It put you in a dreamworld for 3 hours. The colors on this machine were dreary in comparison. There will be different avatar slots I am sure in the future, since the series has so many more movies coming out. Hopefully they make them better and more winnable haha.
But I put in $40 bucks and it lasted an hour and gained me about 120 points so I think it did alright.
Hit the gym for a 3-miler again and toured the spa at Excalibur again.
Luxor and Excalibur have a really nice gym.
Strolled through MGM, saw all the rodeo folk an headed to Ross. Bought 4 blazers and 2 cocktail dresses for $100. Yes! Happiness. Checked out the new Marshalls on the strip as well. Nice things but the prices were much higher.
Wed, Dec 11
Paris was a fail. No upgrade, upgrade for $65/night, and could not view any rooms (apparently they do not do that). I went to their 2 bedroom and the décor was so hideous to me, I switched to their king room which was not much different besides a blue carpet. It made the difference however. Paris standard is below-par to The Orleans. You get a far better room quality at the Orleans in my opinion. I would not pay for this hotel—at least not for the standard room.
Went to Sugar Factory with my Groupon of $40, so I wanted to sample a few dishes. I made a list prior to coming only to learn that like 80% of the menu is gone because the former owner took it with him. Almost everything I wanted to try was gone.What a waste that Groupon turned out to be. I tried their $10 belgian waffle, which was tasty, and their $25 bbq ribs which were tangy and unique...and just plain awkward-tasting. Their $10 fried cheese appetizer was too salty and the sauce was too sweet. Yikes!
I finally know why people said don’t go to Sugar Factory anymore. Next time, I will take heed. The menu was so much larger before. They charged be a $3 cnf fee which I have no clue what that is. With taxes and an $8 tip, I paid $18 on top of my $40 groupon…..yikes! It dawned on me that this groupon and restaurant.com stuff benefits the waiters and waitresses in tips. If not for having to spend the whole $40, I would have just bought a $10 waffle and tipped $3 bucks. The Groupon ended up being completely worthless. But my receipt would have gotten me into Chateau for free if I hadn’t fallen asleep!
Another blur of a day—Paris being a fail and all.
Thurs, Dec 12
Oh, did I tell you that I just did not enjoy the first week very much in general but it has more to do with my choice of hotels? In order to save money, I stayed in hotels or rooms I did not care for. Even though I love Excaliburcontemporary room, they changed the cover on the bed and that messed with my mood too. This disrupts my flow a little because the Ex was a trusty place for me but now there is no room I care for there. Even though I had never stayed at Paris, the pictures of rooms on tripadvisor already showed me rooms I would not care for. But it was for experience sake.
My flow was so disrupted, I barely remember this day either apart from taking a taxi to Ellis Island only to be harassed by these guys near 7-eleven. And then eating the BBQ and it being whitish, dry and tough for the very first time. It was so tough, I sent it back and it came back tougher and I wished I kept the first one. My trusty Dupars and Ellis Island disappointed me this trip for the first time ever. :::cries:::
Oh yeah, and there were all types of construction covering up Paris. I was so discombobulated, I forgot I had a show at 7pm but fortunately I randomly found myself in the right casino at 7pm. Watching Veronic Voices for a second time was definitely a treat! And for $2.50---WOW!
Fri, Dec 13
Fortunately, I checked into the Quad today.
QUAD turned thing around. I was happy and light. I was finally in my Vegas zone. You people do not know what this property does for me. It is an indescribable mojo that just hasn’t left despite the new changes. I need that energy. I need that life.
I was so excited to be there that I even requested the noisy strip-view rooms that have loud music from 11am (yes AM) to 4am from Carnival Court. It was a pure delight to be reminded this is Vegas! Your place sets the mood.
I bought the $20/night weekend nights for a classic room from priceline but once I showed my Gold card at the desk, they let me check in early and upgrade to a deluxe queen. There are aspects of Quad that are a bit of a disgrace but love is love.
Got lots of needed rest with the sounds of Vegas playing in the background. I rested more than I went out and played this trip. This vacay was actually a vacation.
Stopped at Palms theatre with my ticket from dinelv.com, which was good for a premium $17 IMAX ticket. I got to watch the lovely Hunger Games: Catching Fire in IMAX. I can’t wait for the next installment.
I also went to Riviera for the free comedy show through ACG. Good show as always but for the first time there was a recycled comic doing the same exact jokes from last time. Still had me laughing.
Checked out Heart bar and the music just did not sound as good as before. Then I went to Pure and the guestlist line was smooth. Beautiful venue but only one room was open and the appetizer music was definitely too old-school R&B for me. I left almost as soon as I got in, saying goodbye to this nice couple I had been talking to.
Came back to quad and got a 6 minute massages for $2 bucks on one of those black chairs. Relaxing.
Sat, Dec 14
Showed up at Baccahanal buffet for breakfast and there was no line at 7:30am (even though I had prepared myself for massive lines). I used the $5 off coupon from checking in at Paris. Then I used $6 of my points. The total ended up being $15.12. I definitely won this trip. The food was fresh and average, apart from the desserts, donuts and pastries which were really tasty.
I would take the Rio or Planet Hollywood over this---not for price but for taste. I stayed until lunch time just to look and take pics of the offerings but was too stuffed to indulge.
I played at Bellagio’s Avatar slots with $60 and the same happened—lots of bonuses and no wins.
I hit up Ross on the Circus Circus end—3 more blazers for $40. Got a larger luggage from a souvenoir shop for $17.
Watched DIVAS, my fav show in Vegas, and it was great as usual but Frank Marino, the host, was not there and his substitute was just not all that good.
Took a walk through Forum shops and picked up a gelato.
Went to Cleopatra’s Barge this night and the music was amazing and the crowd was great. Lounging until 2am.
Sun, Dec 15
Wynn gave me a 2-double panoramic room of the golf course and all the world of comps as I told you for 5 nights. When I entered the room, I was dumbstruck. I entered the magical wonderful world of Wynn and the all the uselessness of the past melted away.
wynn spa
Hit up the brunch buffet. Nothing to see here. Well actually, as always, beauty is here. But the food was so uninteresting. Everything tasted good but it was so uninspired. For $35.66 (comped), I need inspiration. Why do I say it was uninspired? My favorite thing on the menu was something I rarely care for.
I ate tons of meatloaf and mash. I also enjoyed their white chocolate rice krispie lollipops. Wynn, step it up. Maybe all buffets seem small now too.
I played with my $300 and their $200 on slot machines. The machines were super cold. I played for about 4 hours though. At a point, I was just giving the machines money and I knew it. I would have played more but I recall being a fan of winning.
Best hit was $60 on a red cent progressive. Unbecoming for Wynn. I received $853 coin-in.
Then XS happened, for which I named my report.
Phone was dying with no flash.
Mon, Dec 16
All I did today was soak. Soak up another buffet. Soak up the room and the ambiance. Soak up at the hot tub and the pool, which are extraordinarily gorgeous and played relaxing music like Sinatra and Stevie wonder. They even have all padded chairs. I would pay for Wynn just for this pool setting—a garden indeed.
Though the pool was warm enough, coming out of the water had me running back to the hot tub. Came back to the room to soak some more in an amazingly deep tub, which is probably why I knocked out after watching Legally Blond on TV and missed my guestlist reservation at XS for a second night. It’s not over XS…we will meet again in the future.
On to more wynning….
I. went. to. XS.
I am the girl who could not give 2 squats about nightclubs. In fact I had to literally pry myself out of bed to go.
It was so worth it. No words.
I became an EDM convert. They even threw in a hour or so of new And good hip hop as an appetizer which I am all over.
Gorgeous venue but that goes without saying. I actually let a group of girls adopt me this time which only took the experience up a notch.
It actually makes me excited about trying out Marquee! I was even shocked to learn that some pRts of XS were closed. So it gets better than this!!!!?? I will definitely be back in the summer.
I was on the guestlist so I got in free with 2 comped drinks for. $20 value each. But the security guard kept giving me complimentary drink cards and I kept giving them away. He was very protective which was pretty cool. added a new element to nightclubs. He kept coming over just to make sure I was having. good time. The special effects and the strobe lights were everything!!! They even had fake snow coming down at a point!
As you can tell XS was a highlight in my trip! So much so I asked them to put me on the guestlist again. I am staying at Wynn for the next 5 days. They offered me surrendee tickets too at check in so I will go check it out. I have 2 comped nights, 200 freeplay and 2 buffets and discounted rates. So I jumped on it!!!! All over it!! Writing from my phone. more details to come!
Ps how do I easily put up pics from my phone??
FML….I fell asleep at 9:30pm even though I had THREE alarms set up for 9:58p, 10p and 10:40p so I could run and get on the line for the guestlist for XS again. Do you know I overslept until…3:30am? This is why I am here writing this report on my computer. To blow off a little steam. My body is just not cool enough to live it up with these fellow 20-somethings.
Well that’s a nice lead to the beginning of my trip…
Friday, Dec 6
~Fremont~
Bought 15-day bus pass at Walgreens for $34—well-worth it. Thanks Dewey!
I asked for an upgrade at check in but no dice. Checked into three comped nights as well as the 33 spins deal at Blazing 7s (which happens to have a $99 value on the freeplay). In fact this whole week was comped nights, and it still ended up costing the equivalent of what Quad used to cost for the week: $80.
Fri-Mon I was at the Fremont. No charge. Then I had a myvegas at Luxor and Excalibur for $20 and $17 resort fees respectively. Then I stayed at Paris on two comped nights for $22/night resort fees. Yikes! Considering how much I used to pay (and especially the $7 and $15 deals I used to get at the Quad in December), it’s a bit of a rip off…..in my world. Lol
But anyway I still managed to use planning powers to piece together a number of comps, for which I am proud. I also got to check out the Paris as a visitor.
Fremont rooms were quite comfortable and modern—better than I remembered. I would say this downtown room is on-par with nicer hotels if the space weren’t so small and the ceilings weren’t so low…and the bathroom wasn’t so Spartan, and the mood wasn’t so dark, and the Fremont street experience weren’t so loud, and the bed weren’t so low…you know, if it could just change itself, it could be like the nicer hotels really.
On another note, please remind me never to have work left to do when coming to Vegas no matter how long the trip is. Was done with finals but I still had to revise a question for my qualifying exam and OMG my anxiety was so high. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t be comfortable. The flight over wasn’t relaxing. Landing in Vegas didn’t give me my boost. It was just terribly terribly wrong. What makes it worse: I got sick RIGHT before coming to Vegas. So I had to think, work, be sick and be on vacay. Bad combo.
I whipped that 10-page question in a couple days and prayed to the heavens I pass because if not, I have to write 20 pages worth of theory in 5 hours again late next year. Almost lost my life out in these streets.
Trip downtown was fraught with anxiety. I couldn’t be the kid on Christmas.
Hit up Mermaids to start the trip. $1 fried oreos. Tasty. I actually won $7 bucks on a VP machine! Woo! Was feeling better already.
Hit up Du Pars. $3 pancake. Still tasty but, for once, the batter was off (and it did not get better the following night so I did not go back). I go to this place for consistency. Today, the pancakes were more dry in the middle. I have never had this experience at Dupars before. Hoping this won’t happen on my spring trip.Walked around to some of the gift shops, bought waters and headed back to work. How ironic. Work in Vegas? ::::shudder::::
Usually I remember lots of details but this time I am blank. What a blur those first couple days were.
I remember that instead of working through the night, I played some. I dropped $140 in these machines and they gave me nothing. I remember that. I remember a time when Fremont gave me money, at least to keep me in the game. I can’t remember one hit, not even $20 bucks, and you know even that would excite me. Something’s up.
I might have played for like an hour, so I was not expecting to keep the comp in the future. The way I see it: if your casino does not have enough recycling, why should I bother coming back?
I checked the Bconnected booth and I think I had like 3 or 4 hundred coin-in or something and they offered me a free lunch voucher. Woweee! Food was ok.
I intended on partying that night but between another brutal semester of insomnia (and not yet having recovered as I usually do just by landing in Vegas “free of worries” this is key) and still being on the grind and losing and being sick, I stayed in the confines of the room. I graciously let Fremont Street Experience lull me to sleep.
Saturday, Dec 7
It’s 33 spins day! I was looking forward to it.
Started the day with a Main street brunch buffet, charged to room. They had my beloved pound cake! Happiness.
I strolled Fremont and really took my time trying to forget that I had work. Smh
I tried out Lamperts ice cream in California on the way to MSS. It was ok.
The 33 spins thing started at 2:45p and it was slot tournament style. I did not like that. I thought they would just give me the $99 to play anytime. But they give you 1 minute with 11 other player banging on the machines to see if they can get a hit. I did not care for this style. I didn’t win anything too, so I don’t think I would need this offer again. BUT several people hit 2-300 wins that day.
After losing at the 33 spins, I played another $40 as consolation. And the losing continued.
Very good. Back to my abode to finish what should otherwise be taboo in Vegas.
Sunday, Dec 8
The night never ended on Saturday. I headed to the south strip terminal to the megabus to Los Angeles at midnight. I planned a day trip. Too bad I did not know I would not be finished yet with life. What’s better, the outlets and wifi that megabus advertise were coincidentally *not* on this bus! I ended up having to write the rest of my paper at a Mcdonalds in LA in like an hour, with a dying battery, and guess what? NO outlets in Mcdonalds on that famous street either! How wonderful. No satisfaction when I was finished because the experience was unreal. I was completely shell-shocked.
Walked around aimlessly trying to regain some type of sense of self again. Hit up Roscoes.
Far more expensive than I remember it in 2010. I dreamed about it ever since but while it tasted fine, it didn’t quite live up to the hype that I had placed on it from last time.
Hopped on a bus and found myself in Beverly Hills!!! Beverly Hills---that’s where I want to be!! Living in Beverly Hills! Beverly Hills—rolling like a celebrity! Living in Beverly Hills!
That song was on repeat as a strolled the streets of the shops at Beverly Hills. I vowed to come back one day to take a stroll in the residential areas and pick out what I want my future home to look like….even if I only stay for hmmm 3 months.
Not particularly crazy about beaches especially not when it’s cold so I didn’t go to one. I wanted to find those $29 massages but I just couldn’t find them when I wanted them even though I had passed so many while on the bus. The bus drove through fashion district and I got off and found myself walking through Skid Row. The horror. A world onto itself. My heart goes out but still I had to make a run for a bus. I didn’t even bother with fashion district after that…just wanted to get as far away as possible.
I sat at a nearby Starbucks as I waited to watch a show.
I headed to Pantages Theatre, where I was going to watch my favorite show in the universe Lion King the Musical for the 7th time in the 5th city.
It’s touring and it was only $48. If I had been sharper, I could have gotten it on travelzoo for $25 but that sold out quickly. In New York, that tickets is well over $100 everyday and there are no discounts in sight. But what they do in New York, they do it well. This version was excellent as always but nothing compares to Broadway for me.
I enjoyed my day trip to Los Angeles and would make another one in the future.
Monday, Dec 9
Back in the NV and out of the Hills.
Picked up my overnight luggage at bell desk, luxuriated and took at nap at Fremont before heading to Luxor.
I asked for an upgrade but no dice. They would not let me check in until 3pm. I went to Buca di Beppo atExcalibur and had the rigatoni of life.
Took advantage of a $75 50-min massage winter special at Luxor.
My first massage on the Vegas strip totaled at $90. Definite score. The spa was basic. The massage was meh. The service was meh. The masseuse didn’t even smile much…that’s basic stuff. Glad that’s all I spent. Did a 3-miler at the gym and headed home. But I got a chance to relax and I came out rejuvenated and ready for Vegas.
Checked into the pyramid deluxe and boy is that a large room. I got on the inclinator for the first time—cool! Technically I think, apart from décor, luxury and comfort, the pyramid deluxe should be an upgrade from the tower rooms. Why? A view of the inside of Luxor from the pyramid should be viewed as a treat. An atrium view in Sam’s Town is an upgrade. I can fit at least 8 people in a pyramid deluxe. Great space. Poor bedding, horrible ventilation throughout Luxor. I had a dry throat because of it the whole time. Straight ugly décor. Awesome armchair.
Completely knocked out and did not wake up til morning. Technically between traveling, jet lag, a mini day-trip on a bus, switching hotels, packing and repacking (as I actually had *real* luggage this time since I am going home for Christmas), on top of coming down from reeling from all those other things, I was surprised I didn’t go into coma for a few days straight.
I certainly understand why switching hotels with real luggage is a real strain.
Tues, Dec 10
Excalibur here I come. I asked for an upgrade to Tower 2 and got it…with a view!
Fell in love with the arcade. Takes me back to Chuck e Cheeses in my childhood. I figure my cash might be better spent here than on the machines.
Used my free midway games.
Got free popeyes from the promo they are running now. Hit up Buca di Beppo again later in the day for the ziti of life. Great diet.
Saw the AVATAR slots. Signed in and got a username.
It fell short my expectations because I could not win anything even though bonuses were hitting left and right. It was fun to see all the different bonuses and it has at least 7. Probably way more because I got to the 14th level and it kept unlocking bonuses. It certainly isn’t as beautiful as I expected either. The *colors* in AVATAR the movie is what made me adore it. The colors were so rich---I watched it 5 times. It put you in a dreamworld for 3 hours. The colors on this machine were dreary in comparison. There will be different avatar slots I am sure in the future, since the series has so many more movies coming out. Hopefully they make them better and more winnable haha.
But I put in $40 bucks and it lasted an hour and gained me about 120 points so I think it did alright.
Hit the gym for a 3-miler again and toured the spa at Excalibur again.
Luxor and Excalibur have a really nice gym.
Strolled through MGM, saw all the rodeo folk an headed to Ross. Bought 4 blazers and 2 cocktail dresses for $100. Yes! Happiness. Checked out the new Marshalls on the strip as well. Nice things but the prices were much higher.
Wed, Dec 11
Paris was a fail. No upgrade, upgrade for $65/night, and could not view any rooms (apparently they do not do that). I went to their 2 bedroom and the décor was so hideous to me, I switched to their king room which was not much different besides a blue carpet. It made the difference however. Paris standard is below-par to The Orleans. You get a far better room quality at the Orleans in my opinion. I would not pay for this hotel—at least not for the standard room.
Went to Sugar Factory with my Groupon of $40, so I wanted to sample a few dishes. I made a list prior to coming only to learn that like 80% of the menu is gone because the former owner took it with him. Almost everything I wanted to try was gone.What a waste that Groupon turned out to be. I tried their $10 belgian waffle, which was tasty, and their $25 bbq ribs which were tangy and unique...and just plain awkward-tasting. Their $10 fried cheese appetizer was too salty and the sauce was too sweet. Yikes!
I finally know why people said don’t go to Sugar Factory anymore. Next time, I will take heed. The menu was so much larger before. They charged be a $3 cnf fee which I have no clue what that is. With taxes and an $8 tip, I paid $18 on top of my $40 groupon…..yikes! It dawned on me that this groupon and restaurant.com stuff benefits the waiters and waitresses in tips. If not for having to spend the whole $40, I would have just bought a $10 waffle and tipped $3 bucks. The Groupon ended up being completely worthless. But my receipt would have gotten me into Chateau for free if I hadn’t fallen asleep!
Another blur of a day—Paris being a fail and all.
Thurs, Dec 12
Oh, did I tell you that I just did not enjoy the first week very much in general but it has more to do with my choice of hotels? In order to save money, I stayed in hotels or rooms I did not care for. Even though I love Excaliburcontemporary room, they changed the cover on the bed and that messed with my mood too. This disrupts my flow a little because the Ex was a trusty place for me but now there is no room I care for there. Even though I had never stayed at Paris, the pictures of rooms on tripadvisor already showed me rooms I would not care for. But it was for experience sake.
My flow was so disrupted, I barely remember this day either apart from taking a taxi to Ellis Island only to be harassed by these guys near 7-eleven. And then eating the BBQ and it being whitish, dry and tough for the very first time. It was so tough, I sent it back and it came back tougher and I wished I kept the first one. My trusty Dupars and Ellis Island disappointed me this trip for the first time ever. :::cries:::
Oh yeah, and there were all types of construction covering up Paris. I was so discombobulated, I forgot I had a show at 7pm but fortunately I randomly found myself in the right casino at 7pm. Watching Veronic Voices for a second time was definitely a treat! And for $2.50---WOW!
Fri, Dec 13
Fortunately, I checked into the Quad today.
QUAD turned thing around. I was happy and light. I was finally in my Vegas zone. You people do not know what this property does for me. It is an indescribable mojo that just hasn’t left despite the new changes. I need that energy. I need that life.
I was so excited to be there that I even requested the noisy strip-view rooms that have loud music from 11am (yes AM) to 4am from Carnival Court. It was a pure delight to be reminded this is Vegas! Your place sets the mood.
I bought the $20/night weekend nights for a classic room from priceline but once I showed my Gold card at the desk, they let me check in early and upgrade to a deluxe queen. There are aspects of Quad that are a bit of a disgrace but love is love.
Got lots of needed rest with the sounds of Vegas playing in the background. I rested more than I went out and played this trip. This vacay was actually a vacation.
Stopped at Palms theatre with my ticket from dinelv.com, which was good for a premium $17 IMAX ticket. I got to watch the lovely Hunger Games: Catching Fire in IMAX. I can’t wait for the next installment.
I also went to Riviera for the free comedy show through ACG. Good show as always but for the first time there was a recycled comic doing the same exact jokes from last time. Still had me laughing.
Checked out Heart bar and the music just did not sound as good as before. Then I went to Pure and the guestlist line was smooth. Beautiful venue but only one room was open and the appetizer music was definitely too old-school R&B for me. I left almost as soon as I got in, saying goodbye to this nice couple I had been talking to.
Came back to quad and got a 6 minute massages for $2 bucks on one of those black chairs. Relaxing.
Sat, Dec 14
Showed up at Baccahanal buffet for breakfast and there was no line at 7:30am (even though I had prepared myself for massive lines). I used the $5 off coupon from checking in at Paris. Then I used $6 of my points. The total ended up being $15.12. I definitely won this trip. The food was fresh and average, apart from the desserts, donuts and pastries which were really tasty.
I would take the Rio or Planet Hollywood over this---not for price but for taste. I stayed until lunch time just to look and take pics of the offerings but was too stuffed to indulge.
I played at Bellagio’s Avatar slots with $60 and the same happened—lots of bonuses and no wins.
I hit up Ross on the Circus Circus end—3 more blazers for $40. Got a larger luggage from a souvenoir shop for $17.
Watched DIVAS, my fav show in Vegas, and it was great as usual but Frank Marino, the host, was not there and his substitute was just not all that good.
Took a walk through Forum shops and picked up a gelato.
Went to Cleopatra’s Barge this night and the music was amazing and the crowd was great. Lounging until 2am.
Sun, Dec 15
Wynn gave me a 2-double panoramic room of the golf course and all the world of comps as I told you for 5 nights. When I entered the room, I was dumbstruck. I entered the magical wonderful world of Wynn and the all the uselessness of the past melted away.
Hit up the brunch buffet. Nothing to see here. Well actually, as always, beauty is here. But the food was so uninteresting. Everything tasted good but it was so uninspired. For $35.66 (comped), I need inspiration. Why do I say it was uninspired? My favorite thing on the menu was something I rarely care for.
I ate tons of meatloaf and mash. I also enjoyed their white chocolate rice krispie lollipops. Wynn, step it up. Maybe all buffets seem small now too.
I played with my $300 and their $200 on slot machines. The machines were super cold. I played for about 4 hours though. At a point, I was just giving the machines money and I knew it. I would have played more but I recall being a fan of winning.
Best hit was $60 on a red cent progressive. Unbecoming for Wynn. I received $853 coin-in.
Then XS happened, for which I named my report.
Mon, Dec 16
All I did today was soak. Soak up another buffet. Soak up the room and the ambiance. Soak up at the hot tub and the pool, which are extraordinarily gorgeous and played relaxing music like Sinatra and Stevie wonder. They even have all padded chairs. I would pay for Wynn just for this pool setting—a garden indeed.
Though the pool was warm enough, coming out of the water had me running back to the hot tub. Came back to the room to soak some more in an amazingly deep tub, which is probably why I knocked out after watching Legally Blond on TV and missed my guestlist reservation at XS for a second night. It’s not over XS…we will meet again in the future.
On to more wynning….
Tues Dec 17
It was wonderful waking up at Wynn.
View from Room
What fills my heart about Wynn is the brightness and beauty of the rooms with just the right colors and tones that make it feel so romantic and so cozy. Ahh! How I miss it.
I really had to soak in every moment. What a dream it was to stay at Wynn…and for 6 days and 5 nights no less. For all 5 nights, I might have paid the equivalent of what someone pays for one night on any normal night. Add in the $200 freeplay and 2x buffets…and it was basically comped.
This. Is. The. Life.
That $750 incidental deposit, however, is a monster. Haha.
The holidays were a blur of activity so I am just now getting back to my report and hoping I can recall most of the important details. On this day, I had three more nights (at Wynn) to go!
I started my day off at the pool and what a lovely pool it is!
I spent 3 hours between the hot tub and the pool. Yes, you can enjoy the pool even in December. The pool was very warm but coming out was definitely a shock to the system! Looking at the beautiful waters, I just knew, just knew I had to come in the summer to really see the magic!
I got out and entered the Terrace Pointe Café via the patio overlooking the pool. Ordered the chicken and waffles combo and charged it to the room. I charged *everything* to the room.
It felt good to not have to take my credit card out every time. The food was average. Certainly not worth the $24 dollars or so. The Belgian waffle at Sugar Factory was way better.
Afterwards, I spoke to a slot host about my play the prior day. She was so gracious to offer me a comped buffet for my $853 coin-in . I asked her how the comp system worked for a 5 night stay. She said that a “stay” is 3 nights and it will automatically stop at 3 nights unless I play on the 4th day (at which point it will trigger another “stay”). She said that the points from the play are averaged over the number of nights (or, 3 days if you stop at the 3rd day). I wonder why I even inquired because I figured that wynn would never offer me another comp! That’s why I had to savor every morsel of the experience! My offer was through marketing anyway and apparently had nothing to do with the casino. Go figure.
I was so excited by the woman’s graciousness that I decided to play more! I took out $120 from the ATM and decided to grind out for as long as I could on it!
First I started max betting on the machine that was fair to me prior. Red Cent progressive.
The max bet was $1.50. I got up to $170 before I got all the way down to $80. Then I came back up to $162 and cashed out.
I walked over to my fav Hoot Loot and started banging at $1 per spin for $10 bucks but I was not getting much. So I went to 20 cents to grind it out! I was banging on this machine like a mad ol’ lady. Like money is water. Like the next spin would win. Like I had it like that. No one around knew it was only 20 cents.
Lots of returns on this one after only putting in $5 bucks three different times. I may have grinded 20 cents on this machine for 2-3 hours. This was the bulk of my play. Randomly however I also put up 300 points alone on this machine, which is the equivalent of $450 coin-in. Ladies and gentlemen, 20 cents goes a long way. I was so excited to still be up at $150 a few hours later.
I overheard a lady winning on the Dolly Parton machine behind me with no one in sight. She seemed to sit down, win and leave. I picked my tito out and proceeded to play Dolly Parton. And OMG this machine hit bonus left, right, and center! But it only seemed to hit when I was playing on 50cents. When I tried to go any higher, it would give me nothing. I would put in $5 bucks at a time. Dolly Parton had so many different and frequent bonuses and I would cash out at $30. Add a new $5 bill and cash out again between $20-30. This went on for at least an hour.
I switched to the Dolly Parton next door and continue to hit bonus after bonus. I left there up to almost $200.
Then, I walked over to Encore to see a new view. The red in that casino is enchanting. Everybody said that Encore and Wynn add your points on the same card so it would not be like triggering a new trip/property like other places. So I proceeded to play…and definitely determined why Wynn is a tad more playable.
Everything was cold. Hoot Loot. Dolly. Red Cent. I tried several random others. Nothing. When I got down back to my original $120, I proceeded to do what makes sense. I started increasing my bets on these losing machines. I thought, something has to hit! Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd…..nothing.
Wow, Encore. Wonderful. I do like that the casino looks out onto their European pool. And the Eastside lounge is so rad. And Encore has several pools and a dayclub in the summer but their casino? No bueno.
I had somehow managed to maintain $120 for approximately 3.5 hours at the Wynn, but I aborted the wallet-surgery procedure at Encore at $50 in under 45 minutes. I could have definitely left with $120 if I hadn’t just thought: F it…and just went on playing while losing.
In 4 hours, however, I had done something wonderful. I had done something magical. In fact, miraculous.
I HAD ACCUMULATED 1000 POINTS in 4 HOURS! Yes, ME! Yes, I! That is the equivalent of $1500 coin-in for the 4-hour session. Considering I could have basically walked away with $120 (as I had only gone down to $50 in a matter of minutes towards the end at the loserlike-but-undeniably-to-die-for-Encore), I felt that I had won something for this trip! Amazing. Another highlight of my trip.
Unlike at Wynn, when I boldly walked up to the slot host on duty at Encore and asked if I can get any additional complimentaries, she shot me down and said I had not earned anything and that I should come back when I check out to see if anything can get taken off. That they had already extended me the courtesy of an additional buffet for your trip. I sulked away. Manner of approach people. The lady was so curt. Why don’t people be nice about these things? It may encourage some people, but for others like me? She just lost a happy customer. Where this morning I bubbly played more because the lady so graciously offered me something and was kind in general, I did not feel encouraged to play at all anymore. And that was fine too….because this was the end of my 3rd day.
Either way, Wynn was still getting bank from me. On to Wazuzu. I drowned my no-comp-bludgeoning-session sorrows into an awesome panang curry.
I think it was $16 with chicken and $5 for white rice….and $5 for coke. I think I tipped $10 standard most times. What a bundle. At least this meal was righteous. I wouldn’t say it’s the best curry I have ever had but it’s solid and makes me smile. The portions here are humongous though, so at least you get your money’s worth proportionally! I took enough food home for 2-3 more meals from that one plate.
I headed instead to my room to relax and unwind. Did I mention I love the tub? And you can watch TV from it? Suuuwwweeet.
I just laid in bed flipping through TV features when I discovered movies that you can pay for. They had a list of movies currently in theaters as well. You have to put it in perspective that I rarely watch TV in real life and almost forget the TV is there in the hotel room. So that is why I did not know you could pay for movies from the TV. For $13.99 each, I could watch a nice list of movies. That’s more than paying for a movie in the movie theater. I figured, what the hey! They are taking my dollars and cents every which way. Wynn, take me away!
I flipped off the lights and watched Insidious 2.
Then I paused it to hop on a taxi and head over to the machine that I won $500 on last trip at Tuscany Suites. I started out taking out $40. Lose. Lose. Lose at this Twice the Monkey machine. All the machines around were hitting this night so I could not see why this machine was hitting such small numbers at $2 bets. I took out another $40 and played on it. Nothing. And remember last trip I won $500 on only putting in like $5 or something. I took out yet another $40 and I could not hit anything on any of the surrounding machines. I left semi-deflated because I thought I was going to get a hot one! $120 gone.
I had even accumulated massive points on the Tuscany card but by the time I was done, the slot club was closed so I could not even cash it in. Bummer.
Wednesday Dec 18
I finished up Insidious 2 this morning.
I went to redeem my coveted THIRD buffet comp of the trip (even though I am not so crazy of the buffet) from the oh-so-gracious slot host of Wynn. I also checked again this morning with Wynn instead if I earned any comps from yesterday’s play but the slot host was not around. The people there checked my play and also made a face like “wow you have played nothing” but they were sweet and gracious with their response and told me that they can call a slot host and see if there is any possibility but they do not thin k it’s likely. I was just so thankful with how they handled me that I just kindly thanked them and left and decided not to bother them anymore until check out. Because obviously no one is sneezing at $1500 coin-in(or perhaps 20 cent bets).
I figured since I had tried brunch and lunch already, I should try breakfast…..because you can’t go wrong with breakfast. It was alright. Again, nothing memorable. Nothing worth more than $10 bucks. Certainly not the exorbitant prices for the buffet. But a free meal? A THIRD free meal at that? A THIRD free meal at the Wynn? For a goofy ol’ low roller like me? Thank heavens! The angels are singing.
Back to the room. It was starting to feel more and more like an apartment. I LOVE that and yet it makes the room lose some of its “ethereal qualities”. I guess that’s what happens when you get used to something. When you break a pair in. When you sleep with Wynn day in and day out. It was still magical and heart-warming but the euphoria was dying down and I was definitely getting comfortable. Comfortable has its own beauty.
It just feels like a space that was meant to end up feeling like an apartment too ultimately. The apartment feel makes it feel like home…and home is where the heart is (but we do take our home for granted sometimes)! I think they actually have rooms called “apartments” I think. When I first arrived, I certainly got the disorienting feeling of WE ARE SPECIAL; WE ARE ABOVE IT ALL from the aura of the environment, which is fine and fun in its own right. Because it challenges me to look, act and feel at my best.
BUT it was getting to be so comfortable that I was now walking around in sweats (form-fitting nevertheless but sweats) and sneakers and felt no issue at all. I totally felt blended in and felt no separation, no distinction. I was in the zone. MY comfort zone. Right here at the Wynn. This is the part of the relationship where you feel comfortable enough to *accidentally* fart around each other. OK, so I took the metaphor far. I certainly wore my sweats around to go to the gym, store and check something out at Encore. Came running back for the blazer and skirts. On fire.
I went ahead and bought The Heat on the TV and watched it too while in the room. Then, I headed to Encore spa to do more deep soaking of my life. Gorgeous facility. I thought they closed at 8pm but they were closing at 6pm this particular day so it did not give me enough time to stay but I did take pics! The highlights from the spa alone looks like the hot-stone chairs and waterfall showers and a beautiful lounge area.
I simply walked around and soaked up the vibe of Wynn. I figured if I was going to pay for Wynn, I was going to squeeze all of the juice out of its loveliness!
I really had a RESORT *experience*, feeling completely enclosed in a haven. I had not stepped foot on the strip since I had arrived at Wynn. It was truly a staycation. That is totally worthwhile. A staycation is typically not my style. I stopped by Parason Up/Down and for the water show that was not on when I came by.
Suddenly, I wanted to do something wild! Like go to an uber-expensive restaurant for no reason at all for the experience.
SINATRA! Threw on a semi-professional ensemble and I headed back down to Encore and ordered veal parm for idk $50 bucks. I had seen pics online before coming and I thought it would be a good bet. I felt like a pimp saying ‘charge it to the room’.
Nice, relaxing décor and ambiance. Impeccable service. They even called me by my last name the whole time. Ms. SCO, would you like any dessert? Oh! No dessert? Then here are some complimentary chocolates! Marvelous food. That veal parm was the nicest, most tender piece of meat of life. Nice spices; great taste.
That veal parm officially made my night. Ding!—highlight.
After Sinatra, I had a burning sensation to play some more!! But I certainly would not clock it on my account. I took out on $40 and had a spin at, guess what, Encore. Haha. You think I would have learned my lesson.
But I found a section with all new slots. Especially this 70s dancing slot machine. It was phenomenal. I played at $1 a spin and hit $75.
I put in $5 into the machine after I cashed out the win and I hit $50 on a 50cent spin. Awesome! I had now won back the money I lost from Tuscany the prior night! I had a lot of fun on these machines.
Then, I lined up for Surrender. The bouncers at Surrender were rude to me.
They completely ignored me as I waited online by myself, alone. Even one bouncer walked right by me without even so much as eye contact. It was like I was invisible.
They did not even bother to tell me that I was 45 minutes early for opening time. So I stood there and waited with my back towards them. It’s common courtesy at least to acknowledge someone. When I saw one of them chat up a group of girls nearby 10 minutes later, I felt slighted. Then I felt more slighted when they actually acknowledged the presence of 2 guys who had walked up to another line after me. They did not even bother to tell me I was on the wrong line until the line started getting longer!
So I stood right in front of the whole line right where I was supposed to be. I am glad they said nothing. I wish they would. Bad service…at least for me. Thankfully they said nothing. Otherwise, I would have had to tell them about themselves. I was the first one to enter the club…as was my right. Yes, dammit, my right. Again, no eye contact even as I was allowed in. I handed them my Surrender pass from check in and walked right in. Plain cold. Ice cold. The complete opposite of XS. The night started off on the wrong foot.
And the décor of Surrender made it no better. Nothing like XS. They have pole ladies everywhere though if anyone is interested.
They had this tacky white tent covering the Encore Beach Club Area. I am sure Surrender is much more tolerable and enjoyable during the summer.
The Encore Beach Club Area is ridiculously gorgeous! The DJ was playing horrible song after horrible song. I stood at the bar trying to squeek out an ounce of fun. Pressuring myself to try to sway to the music. Nothing.
Thankfully this tall, cute white guy comes up to me and chats me up. And he is just so funny and sweet. After some greetings, he tells me he works for the club as a promoter and makes next to nothing. He welcomes me warmly and I tell him they were so rude to me—the bouncers. He apologizes for them and says he wish he met me first. And I say I feel the same way…because the night at Surrender up until then sucked majorly.
He told me I was focusing so closely on the DJ, he thought I was engaged to him. I told him I was trying to make my brain like the crap that he is playing and I must have fallen into a trance.
He tells me that I look like the type of girl who likes older guys and he says he knows he is out of luck because he is at the young age of 34 and I tell him wow he read me correctly because my ex was in his late 40s so he’s a little young!
He asks what I do and I tell him I am a PhD student, at which point he says ‘can I marry you?....so I can divorce you? And take the money.’ BEST STATEMENT EVER. I don’t know if you have heard this line before but it just made my night. I told my sisters and friends about it for days afterward. Fortunately I am not one to “get guys” at the club so it was just light banter…and certainly I would have been disgusted by the comment if it were a date or something…but it MADE my night. Where I could have shed a tear, I was smiling for the rest of the night. Because this guy was funny, sweet and goofy. He promised to get me into Encore Beach Club with some complimentary amenities in the summer!! WOOW!! We hugged like old friends and I exited the atrocity.
Thurs, Dec 19
I put in more pool time.
I ate FABULOUS PANCAKES at Terrace Pointe. I remember trying the pancakes here in December 2012 just last year and thinking the pancakes were average. What a difference a year makes.
I think I also enjoy pancakes that are a little more lighter golden so perhaps that is why I enjoyed this one so much. I will definitely be back for plain buttermilk pancakes. They are 3 very large, very filling pancakes with excellent texture. I just wish the syrup were as spectacular as the pancake itself. I think that was probably what made it taste average especially after eating the lovely pancakes at Dupars (Golden Gate downtown) that are like ¼ of the price at Wynn with bursting buttery and syrupy flavors!
For the first time, I explored the strip again since arriving at Wynn. I figured I had to get acclimated to non-Wynn life again…and I tell you it was a bit disorienting but still enlivening. Because there is nothing like seeing the strip after just a little time away!
I had another Veronic Voices show at Ballys for $2.50. Still very enjoyable and I would see it a fourth time too. I have already seen it 3 times. I would see it even at full price (but more than likely I would find a discount)! I walked from Wynn to Ballys by way of Palazzo and Venetian.
A walk through VP reminded me that while ultimately grand, there is no opulence on the strip quite like Wynncore. I enjoy VP as well but between VP and Wynncore, I would choose Wynn every time.
I came back and ate at Wazuzu again. This was turning out to be my favorite restaurant at Wynn so far. I ate their nasi Goreng, which had me craving Chinese food all holiday long.
It’s a fried rice with all types of meats and seafood including a fried egg on top (not shown in photo). So Tasty and slightly spicy at level 2 spice out of 5 levels. I had them bring it out with sweet and sour sauce to sweeten it a little for me. Excellence. Not the best Asian food I have tasted but just solid good food with perfect texture/make/spice with amazing portion size.
Fri, Dec 20
La Cave had been closed the whole time I was here so when it opened today, I asked for a late check out so I would be able to charge it to my room when they opened for the first time this week at noon. They easily granted me a complimentary late check out.
First, I bought more nasi Goreng at Wazuzu to take to-go. I enjoyed it a lot though it was pricey.
Then, I headed over to La Cave to try the beignets. They were so awwwwwwffful. They had this burnt taste that just stayed in your mouth. And the sauces were a nasty texture. I hope I caught them on a bad day because these $9 tiny beignets did not look burned but they tasted burnt. You get 3 huge tasty beignets in the French Market in new Orleans for like $2 or 3 bucks. This was not worth it. I tipped like $10 bucks anyway because I received good service. That is more than a 100% tip lol.
But even after tipping these waitresses went above and beyond. When they asked if I liked the beignets, I told them honestly no (in a sweet way of course). And they said they could call a supervisor and I said that would not be necessary. Then as I left another waitress offered to call the supervisor since they knew it was my first time and she learned that I did not enjoy it. I said no it’s OK. Then they said please just a moment. I waited for a little while and came to them and said it’s alright, I will just go. All the while these ladies had a smile and said don’t worry about the supervisor, we will switch your order for any other dessert. I said it was OK. They insisted. I ordered the chocolate cake with caramel and mascarpone crème in a to-go tray and I ate it way later in the day.
Whoooooooooooooooooooooooo! That’s a nice cake. I am GLAD they insisted! And because of their great service, and that great cake, I will definitely be coming back in the future!
I took out $40 and hit the slots for one last go-round! Dolly Parton at Wynn was still bonusing up every 40-60 seconds. I got up to like $100. I headed over to Encore and hit the new 70s slots and had a BLAST, hitting $40 win on a $5 insert. I left with about $120. Swell.
Before checking out, I head over to the slot host and ask if I can get anything comped off. Since I was only a casino marketing offer with 2 nights already comped and so I had not earned beyond those comped nights, the slot host figured she would comp off $50 of food from my room charges!! Suuuuuuweeeeett!!!
When I checked my list of charges, it showed that they took off $50 from my Sinatra meal!! Ding, ding, ding!!-HIGHLIGHT. ----So that means, at the very least psychologically, that SCO ate at SINATRA for FREE!!!----- F yeah. I was so spoiled by Wynn this Christmas. $200Freeplay, $50 off food AKA ONE complimentary Sinatra meal, 3 buffets, free XS and Surrender, free drinks, comped late check-out, 1000 points earned with $120 (that I more or less kept), and 5 lovely nights in one of the nicest, plushest hotel properties in the world. AHHHHHHHH! My life is redeemed.
Checked in at Flamingo after leaving Wynn. What a downgrade. I am sorry. I am no snob. But the check in desk at Flamingo are always rude to me. And besides, as you all know, Wynn has the key to my heart by Quad is my heart. No easier way to say it but that’s another story. Dealing with Flamingo was a downgrade particularly in service but I certainly enjoyed the room. I got 2 queen beds for a GO room for $19/night, which was an amazing deal/steal. Once I got to the room, I felt so happy and excited.
This is when you know I have a good room. It lifts my mood. It makes me feel like I AM IN VEGAS! I want to hit the strip and yet I enjoy the ambiance of the room.
Love the Go room officially. I even turned on the stereo and started jamming to some tunes on the radio. I got ice and drank water to my heart’s content. I would love to stay here during the summer too. What an amazing feeling. And now, if you don’t get a view of the strip, you can get a view of the ferris wheel.
I went to buca di beppo for dinner at Excalibur. I would have dined at Dupars or Ellis Island but since they disappointed me this trip, I will stick to what has been righteous. They let me order from the cheaper lunch menu since I was solo, which was great. Food was amazing. Service was awful and I told the waiter kindly that he did not greet me, did not ask for my drink, did not check on me when my food came out…in fact, the only person who even bothered to ask for my drink was the supervisor on duty and I barely even knew who my waiter was…So I told the waiter all of this kindly (telling him also that I had come a few times, tipping 30-50% tips simply because the service is consistently great here). He kindly told the supervisor and they comped my dinner as a result. He even came over and chit-chatted later about living near where I live and he was truly a warm person so I believed him when he said it was an off night and he is usually good. Free dinner? WOW. Today was my lucky day.
And it truly was my lucky day because when I checked my email I had learned that I passed my theory qualifying exam! I felt like vomiting, like fainting, like the whole world was caving in, like the world became warbly as if I were drunk, and I became unbalanced. I felt happy but really sick. The news was bittersweet because HOW EXCITING I passed but then OMG IS IT REALLY OVER (a year long ordeal of toil and anxiety…which ended/culminated in a cold sweat on a cold, hard seat in an outletless Mcdonalds at 6am near sunset blvd) feeling. What a memory. I was inCaesars at the Seahorse lounge blanking in and out and letting the wave of emotions subside. I headed out to Cleopatra’s barge and was too overwhelmed so I left.
Sat Dec 21
The good news sank in and I was myself again! I played at Aria inserting $5 worth of singles in different machines and playing 20 cents a spin and I had a blast with that $5. I checked out Gold Coast too for a free buffet fromACG but I could not find the coupon so I left.
I used the ACG coupon for Flamingo spa and just luxuriated for about 5 hours.
I loved dipping in and out of the warm and hot tubs with the hard-hitting jets and the whirl. Fabulous service by the reps. I realized that once you have seen one spa, you have basically seen them all. Most of the fancier ones have more jazzed up surroundings. But a hot tub is a hot tub. I got in for free with my ACG coupon but tipped the nice ladies.
Sunday Dec 22
I chatted on the phone with my sister for several hours today and completely lost track of time. I had a show scheduled at the las vegas little theatre but I did not end up going.
I had MJONE scheduled for this evening. I like the theatrics of the show and had it been cheaper, I would not mind seeing it again. But at the rate that it’s going, I am certainly not dying to see it again and I don’t entirely think it’s worth it. I like IMMORTAL better.
Monday Dec 23
I checked into 2 complimentary nights at Circus Circus through myvegas.
Nice, lovely casino tower king. A trusty room. Still does not scream Vegas for me and I always feel stuck in the room but I love the ambiance. I ended up going back to Wynn for Nasi Goreng at Wazuzu and chocolate cake with mascarpone crème at La Cave.
I also played more at the slots and they were cold. Nothing to see here.
I also went downtown and proceeded to lose further at Four Queens, so I took it as a sign to stop playing for the trip. Because when you lose your money in 4 quick minutes at Four Queens, it’s time to give up. I ordered yummy fried oreos at Mermaids for a buck and left.
I caught a free Riviera comedy show and it was featuring the guy that played Jay Jay from Good Times. He looks so different now but he was very funny! Always a good time at Riv.
Tuesday Dec 24
I went to the indoor amusement park, checked out the free circus acts and played arcade and the midway games. I also proceeded to throw more money at slot machines.
Found avatar slots at Circus Circus and proceeded to get lots of bonuses and no wins. Fun?
Dined on Pizza Hut, which was my first time to get fast food delivered to my hotel. GREAT way to save some money in the future. I spent most of this day lounging and getting prepared for my early am Christmas flight out.
In terms of playing, this was one of the worst gaming trips I have ever had. Usually I pull from the atm every few days because the money is recycling itself but this trip I found myself plucking from the atm twice a day! Nothing was working. I am just glad for the 1000-point-$120-buy-in WIN because that was the biggest WIN this trip (which clearly had nothing to do with profit but it just may have earned me a complimentary meal at Sinatra).
For overall fun, this trip was normal fun. That’s to say that it was very fun as Vegas usually is although the first few days weren’t as much.
But for value, this trip was THROUGH THE ROOF!!! Another score in the books. I can’t wait to check out Encore Beach Club in the summer. And, by the way, XS, I am coming back for you.
It was wonderful waking up at Wynn.
View from Room
What fills my heart about Wynn is the brightness and beauty of the rooms with just the right colors and tones that make it feel so romantic and so cozy. Ahh! How I miss it.
I really had to soak in every moment. What a dream it was to stay at Wynn…and for 6 days and 5 nights no less. For all 5 nights, I might have paid the equivalent of what someone pays for one night on any normal night. Add in the $200 freeplay and 2x buffets…and it was basically comped.
This. Is. The. Life.
That $750 incidental deposit, however, is a monster. Haha.
The holidays were a blur of activity so I am just now getting back to my report and hoping I can recall most of the important details. On this day, I had three more nights (at Wynn) to go!
I started my day off at the pool and what a lovely pool it is!
I spent 3 hours between the hot tub and the pool. Yes, you can enjoy the pool even in December. The pool was very warm but coming out was definitely a shock to the system! Looking at the beautiful waters, I just knew, just knew I had to come in the summer to really see the magic!
I got out and entered the Terrace Pointe Café via the patio overlooking the pool. Ordered the chicken and waffles combo and charged it to the room. I charged *everything* to the room.
It felt good to not have to take my credit card out every time. The food was average. Certainly not worth the $24 dollars or so. The Belgian waffle at Sugar Factory was way better.
Afterwards, I spoke to a slot host about my play the prior day. She was so gracious to offer me a comped buffet for my $853 coin-in . I asked her how the comp system worked for a 5 night stay. She said that a “stay” is 3 nights and it will automatically stop at 3 nights unless I play on the 4th day (at which point it will trigger another “stay”). She said that the points from the play are averaged over the number of nights (or, 3 days if you stop at the 3rd day). I wonder why I even inquired because I figured that wynn would never offer me another comp! That’s why I had to savor every morsel of the experience! My offer was through marketing anyway and apparently had nothing to do with the casino. Go figure.
I was so excited by the woman’s graciousness that I decided to play more! I took out $120 from the ATM and decided to grind out for as long as I could on it!
First I started max betting on the machine that was fair to me prior. Red Cent progressive.
The max bet was $1.50. I got up to $170 before I got all the way down to $80. Then I came back up to $162 and cashed out.
I walked over to my fav Hoot Loot and started banging at $1 per spin for $10 bucks but I was not getting much. So I went to 20 cents to grind it out! I was banging on this machine like a mad ol’ lady. Like money is water. Like the next spin would win. Like I had it like that. No one around knew it was only 20 cents.
Lots of returns on this one after only putting in $5 bucks three different times. I may have grinded 20 cents on this machine for 2-3 hours. This was the bulk of my play. Randomly however I also put up 300 points alone on this machine, which is the equivalent of $450 coin-in. Ladies and gentlemen, 20 cents goes a long way. I was so excited to still be up at $150 a few hours later.
I overheard a lady winning on the Dolly Parton machine behind me with no one in sight. She seemed to sit down, win and leave. I picked my tito out and proceeded to play Dolly Parton. And OMG this machine hit bonus left, right, and center! But it only seemed to hit when I was playing on 50cents. When I tried to go any higher, it would give me nothing. I would put in $5 bucks at a time. Dolly Parton had so many different and frequent bonuses and I would cash out at $30. Add a new $5 bill and cash out again between $20-30. This went on for at least an hour.
I switched to the Dolly Parton next door and continue to hit bonus after bonus. I left there up to almost $200.
Then, I walked over to Encore to see a new view. The red in that casino is enchanting. Everybody said that Encore and Wynn add your points on the same card so it would not be like triggering a new trip/property like other places. So I proceeded to play…and definitely determined why Wynn is a tad more playable.
Everything was cold. Hoot Loot. Dolly. Red Cent. I tried several random others. Nothing. When I got down back to my original $120, I proceeded to do what makes sense. I started increasing my bets on these losing machines. I thought, something has to hit! Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd…..nothing.
Wow, Encore. Wonderful. I do like that the casino looks out onto their European pool. And the Eastside lounge is so rad. And Encore has several pools and a dayclub in the summer but their casino? No bueno.
I had somehow managed to maintain $120 for approximately 3.5 hours at the Wynn, but I aborted the wallet-surgery procedure at Encore at $50 in under 45 minutes. I could have definitely left with $120 if I hadn’t just thought: F it…and just went on playing while losing.
In 4 hours, however, I had done something wonderful. I had done something magical. In fact, miraculous.
I HAD ACCUMULATED 1000 POINTS in 4 HOURS! Yes, ME! Yes, I! That is the equivalent of $1500 coin-in for the 4-hour session. Considering I could have basically walked away with $120 (as I had only gone down to $50 in a matter of minutes towards the end at the loserlike-but-undeniably-to-die-for-Encore), I felt that I had won something for this trip! Amazing. Another highlight of my trip.
Unlike at Wynn, when I boldly walked up to the slot host on duty at Encore and asked if I can get any additional complimentaries, she shot me down and said I had not earned anything and that I should come back when I check out to see if anything can get taken off. That they had already extended me the courtesy of an additional buffet for your trip. I sulked away. Manner of approach people. The lady was so curt. Why don’t people be nice about these things? It may encourage some people, but for others like me? She just lost a happy customer. Where this morning I bubbly played more because the lady so graciously offered me something and was kind in general, I did not feel encouraged to play at all anymore. And that was fine too….because this was the end of my 3rd day.
Either way, Wynn was still getting bank from me. On to Wazuzu. I drowned my no-comp-bludgeoning-session sorrows into an awesome panang curry.
I think it was $16 with chicken and $5 for white rice….and $5 for coke. I think I tipped $10 standard most times. What a bundle. At least this meal was righteous. I wouldn’t say it’s the best curry I have ever had but it’s solid and makes me smile. The portions here are humongous though, so at least you get your money’s worth proportionally! I took enough food home for 2-3 more meals from that one plate.
I headed instead to my room to relax and unwind. Did I mention I love the tub? And you can watch TV from it? Suuuwwweeet.
I just laid in bed flipping through TV features when I discovered movies that you can pay for. They had a list of movies currently in theaters as well. You have to put it in perspective that I rarely watch TV in real life and almost forget the TV is there in the hotel room. So that is why I did not know you could pay for movies from the TV. For $13.99 each, I could watch a nice list of movies. That’s more than paying for a movie in the movie theater. I figured, what the hey! They are taking my dollars and cents every which way. Wynn, take me away!
I flipped off the lights and watched Insidious 2.
Then I paused it to hop on a taxi and head over to the machine that I won $500 on last trip at Tuscany Suites. I started out taking out $40. Lose. Lose. Lose at this Twice the Monkey machine. All the machines around were hitting this night so I could not see why this machine was hitting such small numbers at $2 bets. I took out another $40 and played on it. Nothing. And remember last trip I won $500 on only putting in like $5 or something. I took out yet another $40 and I could not hit anything on any of the surrounding machines. I left semi-deflated because I thought I was going to get a hot one! $120 gone.
I had even accumulated massive points on the Tuscany card but by the time I was done, the slot club was closed so I could not even cash it in. Bummer.
Wednesday Dec 18
I finished up Insidious 2 this morning.
I went to redeem my coveted THIRD buffet comp of the trip (even though I am not so crazy of the buffet) from the oh-so-gracious slot host of Wynn. I also checked again this morning with Wynn instead if I earned any comps from yesterday’s play but the slot host was not around. The people there checked my play and also made a face like “wow you have played nothing” but they were sweet and gracious with their response and told me that they can call a slot host and see if there is any possibility but they do not thin k it’s likely. I was just so thankful with how they handled me that I just kindly thanked them and left and decided not to bother them anymore until check out. Because obviously no one is sneezing at $1500 coin-in(or perhaps 20 cent bets).
I figured since I had tried brunch and lunch already, I should try breakfast…..because you can’t go wrong with breakfast. It was alright. Again, nothing memorable. Nothing worth more than $10 bucks. Certainly not the exorbitant prices for the buffet. But a free meal? A THIRD free meal at that? A THIRD free meal at the Wynn? For a goofy ol’ low roller like me? Thank heavens! The angels are singing.
Back to the room. It was starting to feel more and more like an apartment. I LOVE that and yet it makes the room lose some of its “ethereal qualities”. I guess that’s what happens when you get used to something. When you break a pair in. When you sleep with Wynn day in and day out. It was still magical and heart-warming but the euphoria was dying down and I was definitely getting comfortable. Comfortable has its own beauty.
It just feels like a space that was meant to end up feeling like an apartment too ultimately. The apartment feel makes it feel like home…and home is where the heart is (but we do take our home for granted sometimes)! I think they actually have rooms called “apartments” I think. When I first arrived, I certainly got the disorienting feeling of WE ARE SPECIAL; WE ARE ABOVE IT ALL from the aura of the environment, which is fine and fun in its own right. Because it challenges me to look, act and feel at my best.
BUT it was getting to be so comfortable that I was now walking around in sweats (form-fitting nevertheless but sweats) and sneakers and felt no issue at all. I totally felt blended in and felt no separation, no distinction. I was in the zone. MY comfort zone. Right here at the Wynn. This is the part of the relationship where you feel comfortable enough to *accidentally* fart around each other. OK, so I took the metaphor far. I certainly wore my sweats around to go to the gym, store and check something out at Encore. Came running back for the blazer and skirts. On fire.
I went ahead and bought The Heat on the TV and watched it too while in the room. Then, I headed to Encore spa to do more deep soaking of my life. Gorgeous facility. I thought they closed at 8pm but they were closing at 6pm this particular day so it did not give me enough time to stay but I did take pics! The highlights from the spa alone looks like the hot-stone chairs and waterfall showers and a beautiful lounge area.
I simply walked around and soaked up the vibe of Wynn. I figured if I was going to pay for Wynn, I was going to squeeze all of the juice out of its loveliness!
I really had a RESORT *experience*, feeling completely enclosed in a haven. I had not stepped foot on the strip since I had arrived at Wynn. It was truly a staycation. That is totally worthwhile. A staycation is typically not my style. I stopped by Parason Up/Down and for the water show that was not on when I came by.
Suddenly, I wanted to do something wild! Like go to an uber-expensive restaurant for no reason at all for the experience.
SINATRA! Threw on a semi-professional ensemble and I headed back down to Encore and ordered veal parm for idk $50 bucks. I had seen pics online before coming and I thought it would be a good bet. I felt like a pimp saying ‘charge it to the room’.
Nice, relaxing décor and ambiance. Impeccable service. They even called me by my last name the whole time. Ms. SCO, would you like any dessert? Oh! No dessert? Then here are some complimentary chocolates! Marvelous food. That veal parm was the nicest, most tender piece of meat of life. Nice spices; great taste.
That veal parm officially made my night. Ding!—highlight.
After Sinatra, I had a burning sensation to play some more!! But I certainly would not clock it on my account. I took out on $40 and had a spin at, guess what, Encore. Haha. You think I would have learned my lesson.
But I found a section with all new slots. Especially this 70s dancing slot machine. It was phenomenal. I played at $1 a spin and hit $75.
I put in $5 into the machine after I cashed out the win and I hit $50 on a 50cent spin. Awesome! I had now won back the money I lost from Tuscany the prior night! I had a lot of fun on these machines.
Then, I lined up for Surrender. The bouncers at Surrender were rude to me.
They completely ignored me as I waited online by myself, alone. Even one bouncer walked right by me without even so much as eye contact. It was like I was invisible.
They did not even bother to tell me that I was 45 minutes early for opening time. So I stood there and waited with my back towards them. It’s common courtesy at least to acknowledge someone. When I saw one of them chat up a group of girls nearby 10 minutes later, I felt slighted. Then I felt more slighted when they actually acknowledged the presence of 2 guys who had walked up to another line after me. They did not even bother to tell me I was on the wrong line until the line started getting longer!
So I stood right in front of the whole line right where I was supposed to be. I am glad they said nothing. I wish they would. Bad service…at least for me. Thankfully they said nothing. Otherwise, I would have had to tell them about themselves. I was the first one to enter the club…as was my right. Yes, dammit, my right. Again, no eye contact even as I was allowed in. I handed them my Surrender pass from check in and walked right in. Plain cold. Ice cold. The complete opposite of XS. The night started off on the wrong foot.
And the décor of Surrender made it no better. Nothing like XS. They have pole ladies everywhere though if anyone is interested.
They had this tacky white tent covering the Encore Beach Club Area. I am sure Surrender is much more tolerable and enjoyable during the summer.
The Encore Beach Club Area is ridiculously gorgeous! The DJ was playing horrible song after horrible song. I stood at the bar trying to squeek out an ounce of fun. Pressuring myself to try to sway to the music. Nothing.
Thankfully this tall, cute white guy comes up to me and chats me up. And he is just so funny and sweet. After some greetings, he tells me he works for the club as a promoter and makes next to nothing. He welcomes me warmly and I tell him they were so rude to me—the bouncers. He apologizes for them and says he wish he met me first. And I say I feel the same way…because the night at Surrender up until then sucked majorly.
He told me I was focusing so closely on the DJ, he thought I was engaged to him. I told him I was trying to make my brain like the crap that he is playing and I must have fallen into a trance.
He tells me that I look like the type of girl who likes older guys and he says he knows he is out of luck because he is at the young age of 34 and I tell him wow he read me correctly because my ex was in his late 40s so he’s a little young!
He asks what I do and I tell him I am a PhD student, at which point he says ‘can I marry you?....so I can divorce you? And take the money.’ BEST STATEMENT EVER. I don’t know if you have heard this line before but it just made my night. I told my sisters and friends about it for days afterward. Fortunately I am not one to “get guys” at the club so it was just light banter…and certainly I would have been disgusted by the comment if it were a date or something…but it MADE my night. Where I could have shed a tear, I was smiling for the rest of the night. Because this guy was funny, sweet and goofy. He promised to get me into Encore Beach Club with some complimentary amenities in the summer!! WOOW!! We hugged like old friends and I exited the atrocity.
Thurs, Dec 19
I put in more pool time.
I ate FABULOUS PANCAKES at Terrace Pointe. I remember trying the pancakes here in December 2012 just last year and thinking the pancakes were average. What a difference a year makes.
I think I also enjoy pancakes that are a little more lighter golden so perhaps that is why I enjoyed this one so much. I will definitely be back for plain buttermilk pancakes. They are 3 very large, very filling pancakes with excellent texture. I just wish the syrup were as spectacular as the pancake itself. I think that was probably what made it taste average especially after eating the lovely pancakes at Dupars (Golden Gate downtown) that are like ¼ of the price at Wynn with bursting buttery and syrupy flavors!
For the first time, I explored the strip again since arriving at Wynn. I figured I had to get acclimated to non-Wynn life again…and I tell you it was a bit disorienting but still enlivening. Because there is nothing like seeing the strip after just a little time away!
I had another Veronic Voices show at Ballys for $2.50. Still very enjoyable and I would see it a fourth time too. I have already seen it 3 times. I would see it even at full price (but more than likely I would find a discount)! I walked from Wynn to Ballys by way of Palazzo and Venetian.
A walk through VP reminded me that while ultimately grand, there is no opulence on the strip quite like Wynncore. I enjoy VP as well but between VP and Wynncore, I would choose Wynn every time.
I came back and ate at Wazuzu again. This was turning out to be my favorite restaurant at Wynn so far. I ate their nasi Goreng, which had me craving Chinese food all holiday long.
It’s a fried rice with all types of meats and seafood including a fried egg on top (not shown in photo). So Tasty and slightly spicy at level 2 spice out of 5 levels. I had them bring it out with sweet and sour sauce to sweeten it a little for me. Excellence. Not the best Asian food I have tasted but just solid good food with perfect texture/make/spice with amazing portion size.
Fri, Dec 20
La Cave had been closed the whole time I was here so when it opened today, I asked for a late check out so I would be able to charge it to my room when they opened for the first time this week at noon. They easily granted me a complimentary late check out.
First, I bought more nasi Goreng at Wazuzu to take to-go. I enjoyed it a lot though it was pricey.
Then, I headed over to La Cave to try the beignets. They were so awwwwwwffful. They had this burnt taste that just stayed in your mouth. And the sauces were a nasty texture. I hope I caught them on a bad day because these $9 tiny beignets did not look burned but they tasted burnt. You get 3 huge tasty beignets in the French Market in new Orleans for like $2 or 3 bucks. This was not worth it. I tipped like $10 bucks anyway because I received good service. That is more than a 100% tip lol.
But even after tipping these waitresses went above and beyond. When they asked if I liked the beignets, I told them honestly no (in a sweet way of course). And they said they could call a supervisor and I said that would not be necessary. Then as I left another waitress offered to call the supervisor since they knew it was my first time and she learned that I did not enjoy it. I said no it’s OK. Then they said please just a moment. I waited for a little while and came to them and said it’s alright, I will just go. All the while these ladies had a smile and said don’t worry about the supervisor, we will switch your order for any other dessert. I said it was OK. They insisted. I ordered the chocolate cake with caramel and mascarpone crème in a to-go tray and I ate it way later in the day.
Whoooooooooooooooooooooooo! That’s a nice cake. I am GLAD they insisted! And because of their great service, and that great cake, I will definitely be coming back in the future!
I took out $40 and hit the slots for one last go-round! Dolly Parton at Wynn was still bonusing up every 40-60 seconds. I got up to like $100. I headed over to Encore and hit the new 70s slots and had a BLAST, hitting $40 win on a $5 insert. I left with about $120. Swell.
Before checking out, I head over to the slot host and ask if I can get anything comped off. Since I was only a casino marketing offer with 2 nights already comped and so I had not earned beyond those comped nights, the slot host figured she would comp off $50 of food from my room charges!! Suuuuuuweeeeett!!!
When I checked my list of charges, it showed that they took off $50 from my Sinatra meal!! Ding, ding, ding!!-HIGHLIGHT. ----So that means, at the very least psychologically, that SCO ate at SINATRA for FREE!!!----- F yeah. I was so spoiled by Wynn this Christmas. $200Freeplay, $50 off food AKA ONE complimentary Sinatra meal, 3 buffets, free XS and Surrender, free drinks, comped late check-out, 1000 points earned with $120 (that I more or less kept), and 5 lovely nights in one of the nicest, plushest hotel properties in the world. AHHHHHHHH! My life is redeemed.
Checked in at Flamingo after leaving Wynn. What a downgrade. I am sorry. I am no snob. But the check in desk at Flamingo are always rude to me. And besides, as you all know, Wynn has the key to my heart by Quad is my heart. No easier way to say it but that’s another story. Dealing with Flamingo was a downgrade particularly in service but I certainly enjoyed the room. I got 2 queen beds for a GO room for $19/night, which was an amazing deal/steal. Once I got to the room, I felt so happy and excited.
This is when you know I have a good room. It lifts my mood. It makes me feel like I AM IN VEGAS! I want to hit the strip and yet I enjoy the ambiance of the room.
Love the Go room officially. I even turned on the stereo and started jamming to some tunes on the radio. I got ice and drank water to my heart’s content. I would love to stay here during the summer too. What an amazing feeling. And now, if you don’t get a view of the strip, you can get a view of the ferris wheel.
I went to buca di beppo for dinner at Excalibur. I would have dined at Dupars or Ellis Island but since they disappointed me this trip, I will stick to what has been righteous. They let me order from the cheaper lunch menu since I was solo, which was great. Food was amazing. Service was awful and I told the waiter kindly that he did not greet me, did not ask for my drink, did not check on me when my food came out…in fact, the only person who even bothered to ask for my drink was the supervisor on duty and I barely even knew who my waiter was…So I told the waiter all of this kindly (telling him also that I had come a few times, tipping 30-50% tips simply because the service is consistently great here). He kindly told the supervisor and they comped my dinner as a result. He even came over and chit-chatted later about living near where I live and he was truly a warm person so I believed him when he said it was an off night and he is usually good. Free dinner? WOW. Today was my lucky day.
And it truly was my lucky day because when I checked my email I had learned that I passed my theory qualifying exam! I felt like vomiting, like fainting, like the whole world was caving in, like the world became warbly as if I were drunk, and I became unbalanced. I felt happy but really sick. The news was bittersweet because HOW EXCITING I passed but then OMG IS IT REALLY OVER (a year long ordeal of toil and anxiety…which ended/culminated in a cold sweat on a cold, hard seat in an outletless Mcdonalds at 6am near sunset blvd) feeling. What a memory. I was inCaesars at the Seahorse lounge blanking in and out and letting the wave of emotions subside. I headed out to Cleopatra’s barge and was too overwhelmed so I left.
Sat Dec 21
The good news sank in and I was myself again! I played at Aria inserting $5 worth of singles in different machines and playing 20 cents a spin and I had a blast with that $5. I checked out Gold Coast too for a free buffet fromACG but I could not find the coupon so I left.
I used the ACG coupon for Flamingo spa and just luxuriated for about 5 hours.
I loved dipping in and out of the warm and hot tubs with the hard-hitting jets and the whirl. Fabulous service by the reps. I realized that once you have seen one spa, you have basically seen them all. Most of the fancier ones have more jazzed up surroundings. But a hot tub is a hot tub. I got in for free with my ACG coupon but tipped the nice ladies.
Sunday Dec 22
I chatted on the phone with my sister for several hours today and completely lost track of time. I had a show scheduled at the las vegas little theatre but I did not end up going.
I had MJONE scheduled for this evening. I like the theatrics of the show and had it been cheaper, I would not mind seeing it again. But at the rate that it’s going, I am certainly not dying to see it again and I don’t entirely think it’s worth it. I like IMMORTAL better.
Monday Dec 23
I checked into 2 complimentary nights at Circus Circus through myvegas.
Nice, lovely casino tower king. A trusty room. Still does not scream Vegas for me and I always feel stuck in the room but I love the ambiance. I ended up going back to Wynn for Nasi Goreng at Wazuzu and chocolate cake with mascarpone crème at La Cave.
I also played more at the slots and they were cold. Nothing to see here.
I also went downtown and proceeded to lose further at Four Queens, so I took it as a sign to stop playing for the trip. Because when you lose your money in 4 quick minutes at Four Queens, it’s time to give up. I ordered yummy fried oreos at Mermaids for a buck and left.
I caught a free Riviera comedy show and it was featuring the guy that played Jay Jay from Good Times. He looks so different now but he was very funny! Always a good time at Riv.
Tuesday Dec 24
I went to the indoor amusement park, checked out the free circus acts and played arcade and the midway games. I also proceeded to throw more money at slot machines.
Found avatar slots at Circus Circus and proceeded to get lots of bonuses and no wins. Fun?
Dined on Pizza Hut, which was my first time to get fast food delivered to my hotel. GREAT way to save some money in the future. I spent most of this day lounging and getting prepared for my early am Christmas flight out.
In terms of playing, this was one of the worst gaming trips I have ever had. Usually I pull from the atm every few days because the money is recycling itself but this trip I found myself plucking from the atm twice a day! Nothing was working. I am just glad for the 1000-point-$120-buy-in WIN because that was the biggest WIN this trip (which clearly had nothing to do with profit but it just may have earned me a complimentary meal at Sinatra).
For overall fun, this trip was normal fun. That’s to say that it was very fun as Vegas usually is although the first few days weren’t as much.
But for value, this trip was THROUGH THE ROOF!!! Another score in the books. I can’t wait to check out Encore Beach Club in the summer. And, by the way, XS, I am coming back for you.
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