Las Vegas Fun!!

Cool at the Mirage

2008-07-12T13:02:00.003-05:00

Back from my latest Vegas vacation. I was there over the July 4th weekend, staying at the Mirage Hotel. I did not take any photos this time. The Mirage is currently in the process of renovating their rooms. I was in a tower deluxe room on the 26th floor. But the room had not been renovated yet. One of the secure features of the tower deluxe rooms is your room key is needed for the elevator to operate. The room was very nice, but in need of some repair and upgrade. The Mirage was trying to have all the rooms done by August. Not sure if they will make it by then.

Of course it was very hot. But that is what you expect in the middle of summer. Just stay out of the sun and it is not too bad. Cool drinks and air conditioning work quite well to make you forget the scorching heat.

This was my first time staying at the Mirage, been in the casino many times. Never had great luck at the casino, but I do like the variety of slots and many table games. Did have some good luck on this trip. The "White Lilly" and dollar version of "Deal or No Deal" were fun to play and did hit for some modest gains. Always much more enjoyable playing the slots when you get to play the bonus games. I prefer the new dollar version of "Deal or No Deal" to the penny and nickle slots. The bonus round is much more like the tv show. The "White Lilly" is a penny slot. I had good luck with frequent hits for thousands of credits and the bonus spins a few times. On one spin I hit for 32,400 credits!! That is the best one spin I have had on a penny slot!!

I also had some luck on another penny slot called " Lil Ladybug". Had some hits there for thousands of credits. But only made the bonus round once. Did well at Caesars Palace on the dollar slots and at MGM on their dollar slots. But with all this good luck I still came home a loser. But I had more than half the money I took in my pocket. Being there for six days, I think it was not too bad.

I had my usual meals at the Bellagio and Mirage buffets. My two favorite buffets. I had a few meal at the "Caribe Cafe", the Mirage 24 hour coffee shop. The food was good, I really liked the soups for a quick light meal. Service was good, never seemed too busy. A new restaurant, the "BLT Burger" at the Mirage opened July 1. Burgers, fries and shakes are the main dishes here. But I tried the chili, was very good. and the chocolate milkshake was very good. It cost about $15 for the burger, fries and drink. It was very busy at dinner and night. It was a good place and fun atmosphere for a casual meal.

With the price of gas, I think paying $6 for the airport shuttle bus is the way too go. The taxis will charge at least three times that for a strip hotel. And depending on the traffic and driver, can be more. You might take a few more minutes to arrive at your hotel, but your saving money and not wasting it as soon as you arrive.

As always, it was a fun vacation, and always ready to go back!! Good luck too everyone!!!!

Summer Air Fares, Not Cheap

2008-04-28T00:16:00.004-05:00

You better be active in searching for your late spring and summer air fares. With the additional costs for fuel, extra luggage and even some seats. Yes, USAIR is going to try to collect fees for some window and aisle seats on many of it's flights. The prices are changing daily, but I am not finding anymore low fares, at least from Pittsburgh. I find the fares on the air line websites are usually better or about the same as the discount travel sites. But bargains and deals are often not widely publicized, you have to keep looking.

Hopefully the hotel rooms in Las Vegas will be lower this summer to help lower the travel costs. I have found many decent room rates already for the summer months. Many at the Flamingo, Harrah's, Las Vegas Hilton, Imperial Palace, Luxor, and Monte Carlo. You can also find decent rates at the MGM, Mirage, and Ballys. The high end places like Caesars and Bellagio still holding out for the big spenders. So, just like managing your gambling bankroll, you need to manage your travel expenses. Save that money on travel for more fun in Vegas!!!

If your a slot club member, check with the hotels to see what offers and money saving deals you have available. Saving you money on your room, shopping, restaurants and shows. Take advantage of what you can, you earned it with your time and money!!

For me, making separate reservations for air fare and hotel is the least expensive way. I usually make my reservations on the USAIR website. For the hotel, I check all the offers I receive and in the mail and online and go where I have the best deal. For others, it may be best to make a combo hotel and flight deal together. Just keep looking, usually a decent offer is there to be found!!

Black Summer Crush Rock House of Blues

2008-04-19T22:24:00.003-05:00

In March I went to a rock concert at the House of Blues in the Mandalay Bay. I went to see the band "the Black Summer Crush". They are from the Los Angeles area. They opened the night with the band "Candlebox" the headliner act. The Crush concert was excellent!! They really rocked and played very well. They have a very good lead singer in Thomas Flowers, a very good hard rock voice! With their songs "I want more, Lucky Girl, Angel and Between the Lines", the house was a rockin! All the band members performed very well and really enjoyed playing for the audience. I am looking forward to their first cd coming out later this spring or early summer! I hope everyone will take a listen to their music!! I traveled 2,000 miles just to hear them play at the HOB, it was worth the trip!!!

The House of Blues has a very nice venue. The stage area is small but not cramped. You can stand just a few feet from the stage if your down on the floor area. I was about fifteen feet from the stage, it was loud, but not too loud. A very good small club atmosphere. And the decorations for the concert area continue with the House of Blues motif. The prices for many of the shows here are a good value. Three bands for $36.00 is not band! If your looking for some live music next time your in Las Vegas, take a look at the House of Blues. They do have blues and many rock bands performing there. A very good variety. And of course, you can also get a good meal there before or after the show!!

Keep the blues a rockin!!!!!

Pink flamingos at the Flamingo Hotel

2008-04-13T23:21:00.002-05:00

Flamingo tropical gardens

2008-04-13T23:14:00.004-05:00

Yes, they do have real pink flamingos at the Flamingo Hotel. The gardens are at the back of the hotel by the swimming pools. They also have a couple patio areas where you can sit outside with a nice beverage to relax and enjoy the gardens. It is much more peaceful and quiet there. Nice place to take a break from the busy casino or strip. Nice to walk around in the shade from the palm trees on the hot summer days. There are other types of birds to watch,and the koi fish swimming in the water. Doing the afternoon they also have a parrot show, which you can get your photo taken with. Or visit the statue of the infamous Bugsy Siegel and the the plaque about him starting the hotel. So if you need a place away from everything, stop here for a nice relaxing break!!!

Flamingos at the Flamingo Hotel

2008-04-13T23:11:00.002-05:00

View of Mandalay Bay

2008-03-13T23:36:00.002-05:00

Grand Tower room at MGM

2008-03-10T00:30:00.003-05:00

Grand Tower room at MGM

2008-03-10T00:27:00.003-05:00

Grand Tower room at MGM

2008-03-10T00:23:00.005-05:00

MGM Grand Tower Very Nice

2008-03-09T23:06:00.002-05:00

During my last visit to Las Vegas I stayed the first three nights at the new Palazzo. The second three night of my stay were at the MGM Grand in the Grand Tower rooms. I arrived a bit early so my room was not available when I checked in. I used the invited guest line which was not very long to wait for service. I checked my luggage till my room was ready. The bell desk is close to the check in desks, so all very easy and quick. A couple hours later my room was ready. The elevator for the Grand Tower rooms is just around the corner from the front lobby or through the area where the MGM Lion progressive slots are located. I have heard from other people about how large the MGM is and the long walks to your room. But mine walk was not too far. But I can see how it would be a long walk if your located at the far ends of the towers.

My room in the Grand Tower was very nice. Nice, not luxurious like my suite at the Palazzo. The room had one king size bed and was more than enough room. The mattress on the bed was very comfortable. Something many people have commented on in Las Vegas forums. The bathroom was very nice, everything in good condition. Had an excellent view from my room of the NYNY hotel, the Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Tropicana. And the mountains in the distance with the rain clouds. Yes, it did rain a couple days on this trip.

No luck gambling at the MGM. The slots were not being kind, taking my money a bit too quickly. I do like the variety of slots at the MGM. A very large casino with different types of slots and table games in the different areas of the casino. But at night, early evening till around 11pm it was very crowded. Too crowded for me, people everywhere, hard to find a path to get though the casino.

The MGM has a good location for the south end of the strip. Easy to walk too the NYNY, Luxor, Mandalay Bay and Tropicana. Also Hooters, which as of this posting is about to be sold and redone as a more upscale hotel and casino. See if those plans actually happen. The NYNY and Luxor where both remodeling their casinos. So expect some noise and closed off areas. I did not gamble in either of them. I did gamble at the Mandalay Bay and had a little luck. But not enough to make me a winner.

The MGM was a very nice place to stay for a few nights. I enjoyed my stays at both MGM and the Palazzo. Hopefully will see them again!!!

Wynn Hotel from my Palazzo Suite

2008-03-05T00:04:00.004-05:00

Living room in my Palazzo Suite

2008-03-04T23:58:00.002-05:00

Palazzo is Grand

2008-02-26T00:53:00.002-05:00

The new Palazzo is a grand and elegant hotel. The rooms are very similar to the rooms at the Venetian. The separate areas for the bedroom and living room give the room a feeling of great space. Very nice to unwind and relax doing the busy days. With a large screen tv in both areas, and a smaller tv in the bathroom, your game is always on. The bed was very comfortable with very nice soft linens and pillows. The bathroom is very large and with all the amenities you would need. However the mini bar is priced beyond belief. They charge $5.00 for a soda, $8.00 for a candy bar!!! And the beer and wine are much more! Makes the walk for a snack seem well worth it.

The lobby was very elegant and luxurious. With the centerpiece being the large crystal sculpture. Many fresh flowers adding brilliant color to the granite and marble. However, the check was a bit a slow. They should of had a few more people working to take care of the people checking in. I used the line for invited guests, and it was slow to move.

The casino is not as large as the Venetian. But it has a higher ceiling and is lit brighter. Gives a very open feeling and easy to see to different areas of the casino. Easy to find your way around the casino. They have a good mix of the newer slot machines a good variety of table games. Also an escalator in the casino to the luxury shops above. All of the shops and restaurants are not yet open. Most should be open by the end of spring.

Check out the Palazzo web site for more information on the lists of shops and restaurants. With the short walk between the Palazzo and Venetian you have many options for gambling, eating, shopping and entertainment. This is now my favorite spot in Vegas!!!

My room at the Palazzo Hotel.

2008-02-24T19:35:00.003-05:00

View of crystal sculpture in the lobby of the Palazzo Hotel.

2008-02-24T19:31:00.002-05:00

Waterfall between the Venetain and Palazzo Hotels

2008-02-24T19:29:00.003-05:00

Hail Cher, Bette and Paris

2008-02-10T18:43:00.000-05:00

The one and only Cher will be starting to perform at Caesars Palace starting May 6. Cher will perform in the Colosseum just like Celine and Elton and Bette. The price for this ultra glitzy, spectacular production will cost between $95 and $250 plus fees and taxes. These are the prices listed on the Caesars Palace website. It looks like Cher will be performing her 90 minute show three or four times a week. So check the dates and make your reservations soon!

With this big announcement, lets not forget that Bette Midler starts her Ceasars Palace performance run on February 20. The prices listed are the same as for the Cher concerts. The Bette Midler show is also intended for mature audiences. The tickets are selling well for this show, so try to make your reservations early is possible!!

And we cannot forget Elton John!! He is still performing his "Red Piano" show at Caesars. Three great performers at the same great venue.

Another big name, but not the big talent is Paris Hilton!! Again she is making headlines and drawing attention for herself. On February 13 Paris will be at the LAX nightclub at the Luxor. She will be launching her 2008 Paris Hilton clothing collection. Complete with music, DJ's and partying!! Then on Friday, February 15, she will be hosting the "A Day Late" Valentines party again at the LAX club in the Luxor. And to finish her busy week, Paris will perform with the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls show for her birthday bash February 16. This is one stage performance where Paris should perform well!!!

Here is the link to the LAX and Pussycat Dolls nightclubs:http://www.purelv.com/ also the link to several other nightclubs. Take a look and fill out the form to have your name on the guest list!!

Palazzo and MGM, Free is Good

2008-02-03T16:12:00.000-05:00

Just made the arrangements for my next Las Vegas vacation. I will be staying at the new Palazzo tower for three nights and the MGM for three nights. All six nights are complimentary. Nice not having to pay for your hotel room. As usual I will be flying out of Pittsburgh on US Airways. Flight was under $400 round trip, not too bad for Pittsburgh. I will be in Vegas the week of February 17th. The weather should in mid fifties to mid sixties. That's not too warm, but much better than here!!

This a prime example of why you should join the players clubs and use your players club card. In December I received a letter from the Venetian inviting me to the new Palazzo for $149 a night. Then at the end of January they sent me an e-mail saying I was upgraded to the complimentary room. This was goo for either the Palazzo or Venetian. I usually spend most of my time at Harrah's casinos or MGM. But I always stop in at the Venetian and Planet Hollywood to give some action. This lets them know I am still active and keeps my players club accounts alive. You don't always have to gamble a bundle of money to receive good offers. Join all the players clubs you can when you are in Las Vegas. Or, you can join them online from your home computer. Take advantage of the deals they offer, save money where you can!!

Hopefully I will be able to take a few good photos of the Palazzo to put on here when I return. Win or lose, will be a fun trip!! Luxury for a few days is a nice way to escape and relax!!!

Fire at the Monte Carlo

2008-01-25T23:36:00.000-05:00

The fire Friday morning at the Monte Carlo Hotel was contained to the roof if all three if the towers. Most of the fire was the foam facade on the roof, and this was the debris seen falling off to the ground. Welding work was being done, but as of Friday night, that had not been named the official cause of the blaze.

The alarms sounded in the hotel and casino. Everyone made their exit without too much trouble. There were a few minor injuries doing this exit. No damage was done to most of the hotel rooms, restaurants, shops and casino. But I would think with the thick black smoke and the water used to put out the fire some damage was done. Some of the penthouse suites on the top floor must have extensive damage from smoke and water. It will take a little time to find out how much water damage was done.

The hotel guest were moved to the NYNY and MGM hotels. I would imagine repairs will be quickly done do have the hotel running full steam ahead with the super bowl weekend arriving next week.

Even on vacation and holidays we need to keep alert and aware of what is happening around us. Always best to be prepared!!

Betting line favors the Pats

2008-01-21T21:52:00.000-05:00

The super bowl hype is already in full swing. Two more weeks we have to listen to all the hype, pre-game analysis and endless stories about nothing. But of you a fan of the Pats or Giants you like all the attention to your team . The game may be being played in Arizona. But much of the action will take place in Las Vegas. The sports book makers have the Pats a 12 point favorite as of today. But that is subject to change a little over the next two weeks.

If your planning on going to Las Vegas for the super bowl weekend, I hope you made your reservations months ago. The weekend rates at the hotels are much higher than usual for this very large public event. People will flood the Las Vegas strip hotels for the football game and to place their bets. If your betting, get to the sports books as soon as you can. If you wait till just before the game you may not be able to make your bet. When I was there a couple years ago for the super bowl, the sports books had very long lines three or four hours before the game started. The lines at Paris and Bally's were too long to wait in. So i made my way over the Barbary Coast to make my bet. And it was crowded also. Of course this is now Bill's Gamblin Hall. But still pretty much the same place.

All the major casinos are good places to watch the game. In the sports books on the large screens or in many of the bars and lounges. The hotels are not allowed to advertise that they may have special events or areas to watch the game. The NFL prohibits this. So look around in the hotels and casinos for special events that may be going on for the game.

Place your bets, watch and enjoy the game. Have fun and lets have some big winners!!

The new Palazzo tower

2008-01-14T23:34:00.001-05:00

The Palazzo finally opens!

2008-01-14T23:05:00.000-05:00

Palazzo, the brand new resort-hotel-casino will finally have it's grand opening on the weekend of January 17--19. The new towers of the resort will have over 3,000 rooms, all suites. Many new fine dining restaurants and high end shopping stores. Barney's New York, well known for their men's and women's apparel, will have a large two story department store located in the new Palazzo. The large casino, over 100,000 square feet with a square layout, hopefully making it easy to navigate.

The grand opening event on January 19th is a concert by Diana Ross. Tickets start at $121.50 for the concert. Wayne Brady and the cast of the "Jersey Boys" will also be there to perform. The "Jersey Boys' is the new show production which will be performed at the new theater in the Palazzo. This production from broadway is about the rags to riches tale of Frankie Valli and the Fours Seasons. Including all their hit sings we all know.

The Palazzo will have over a dozen new restaurants for everyone to enjoy. The types of restaurants include French cuisine, Italina cuisine, Mexican cuisine, American steakhouse and seafood, Asian cuisine and another Grand Lux cafe. Nothing quick, easy and cheap!

The slot club at the Venetian, the new Club Grazie, will be used at the Palazzo casino. Club Grazie was just started at the end of 2007. So if you have an old slot club card from the Venetian, time for a new one. All the rooms, stores, and restaurants may not be open until early spring. But time now to stop in and take a look at the new hotel-casino open on the strip!

A Bellagio Christmas

2007-12-24T21:05:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T20:59:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone!!! Thanks to all who have taken the time to view my blog this year! This is my first attempt at a blog. Been much more work and time consuming than I thought it would be. But it has been fun, and a learning experience. Learning all the new terms and how to put things on the blog. I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas day and may all your wishes come true!!

Good luck to all and let's have some big winners in the New Year!!