I don't know where to send updates for the VPFREE database, so please if the administrator doesn't see this, forward it to him / her.
Now, on with the show.....
We hadn't been to AC in several months, too many other demands on our money<G>. Anyhow, went down for my birthday, and stayed at Bally's for the first time. It won't be the last time, I'll tell you that. We were as impressed with Bally's rooms (not the casino unfortunately) as we are with any other place we've stayed. We were in the "Premium Tower" whatever that means. Room 4226. Their best feature is the pool, 8th floor (I think), All I can say is "HOLY COW!!!" 7 separate hottubs, very spacious, heated pool, steam room, aroma-therapy room, decorated like a tropical forest. ABSOLUTELY worth the $10 per day per room that is charged to hotel guests. I'm GLAD they charged to use it, keeps the crowds down I think. See, there is another pool in the Claridge tower that guests get to use for free, all the folks who want to save that $10spot to gamble with will go there. There were several people in the area with us, but there was so much room that nobody was in anybodies way. I highly recommend it. I can't report on the Spa, didn't go in. There is an extra charge for entry, and then ala-carte for massages and such. Someday I'll get a massage, Gambling didn't go well enough this time. <G>
Since the database showed nothing playable in my price range at Ballys we went to Caesars. Hadn't ever spent much time in there so we didn't really know where we were going. I had printed out the database page and was in search of the .25 JOB's. Well, we wandered around for about and hour, and couldn't seem to connect (we didn't know what elevators went where, nor could we find the Emperors club) so I asked TWO different slot attendants to direct me to them, they looked at me like I had two heads. I told them what machines I wanted to find, they still had no idea. I showed them the database page I printed out, I might as well have handed them a blank piece of paper. So, now this is a vendetta, I'll find these machines or die trying. I did find some, there may be more. I never did find the Emperors club, or 3rd floor elevators to the restaurants. Please see below for updates, or clarifications on machine locations. Note: Toga Bar makes a HORRIBLE pina colada.
Hit Showboat, nothing really new to report there, but didn't explore too much. They are usually our "home base" so I knew exactly where I was going, and made a bee line. I could have saved a lot of time and just mailed them a check. But no sense in crying over spilled milk. <G>
We used the Harrah's shuttle and found the service to be ok. The busses were FULL!!! Don't be surprised if you have to wait through a bus or two to get on. They, although a very cost effective way to get around, are also the S-L-O-W-E-S-T way. If you have any need to be anywhere on a schedule, take a jitney or a cab. I swear, we got on the bus at Caesar's, and arrived at Harrahs 1 hour later. Bus was comfortable, had TV for us to watch, nice driver, etc..... but a freaking hour??!! The driver said they have plans to update the service to alleviate the problem of having to wait so long for a bus with an open seat and the long time it takes to get anyplace. Currently they are on routes, and run a 55 minute loop, They are toying with the idea of canceling the routes, and putting the busses in a continuous loop of all the Harrahs properties. That would be much better. That service I would even pay for. Another thing, don't be surprised that you are asked for ID along with your TR card when you get on. Especially if you look a little scruffy, like some of us probably do after a few days of vacation ( I know I don't shave<G>). Some drivers are doing this to keep the "locals" from hitching a free ride with a found TR card. ID and card don't match, you don't ride.
Harrahs, the only things to report there are that the new buffet is HARD to get into as we've already discussed. Also, that reflections is now closed on (I think it's Mondays but I don't remember from like 12am to 6am). Also the deli is open. Didn't eat there, but a lot of people were. Fantasia Reef is no more. Might be back, but right now it's all boarded up. VP here was better to us, hit my second ever St. Flush, and like 2 minutes later my wife hit her first ever, we both got several other small pays to keep us alive. Note: Xhibition bar makes a very good pina colada.
Resorts, saw the legends in concert show, 2 comp tickets with a coupon, very good show, I really enjoyed it. I just wish we could have been sitting closer to the Brittany Spears impersonator, she was cute!<G> Also saw a comedy show at Borgata, still $20 per ticket, the show was very good. Can't remember the guys names, but they were all good, especially the ventriloquist, he was BRUTAL to the audience, You don't want to be in the first 4-5 rows when this guy is on, but he was very funny and everybody took it as intended, all in fun.
We also looked around the new Pier mall. VERY impressive, but what I looked at was way out of my price range. Nice walk though, nicely decorated. It's set up almost like you never left the boardwalk. The fountain is cool. Music and light shows were very nice. I'm still pissed we didn't get to see the Ballagio show when we were in Vegas, but maybe this VERY scaled down version will tide me over until I can go back. <G> Lastly, if you are thirsty while watching the show, suck water out of the fountain. Under no circumstances should you buy ANYTHING from the vender on the 1st floor near the fountain. 2 soda's and 2 muffins was like $12.00.
Now for the 9/6 VP machines I WAS able to find.....again, they may be the same ones in the database, and there may be more that I didn't find.....anyhow here goes.
CAESAR'S
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(2) .25 uprights (in a bank of crappy games, good ones are the last 2 all the way to the right of bank). These are located on the wall to your left if you are standing with the Keno area to your back.
(Several <at least 5>) .25 Slant tops between escalator and Toga bar. If you stand up from your machine you can look over it and see the toga bar a few feet away, and the escalator will be behind you. I think these are progressive.
BALLY'S WILD WILD WEST
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(1) $1 Near the Boardwalk entrance, to the right side just as you enter the casino.
HARRAHS
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(5) .25 (multi-denom I think) Uprights - Same that were there before I think, just with the boarding up of Fantasia Reef everything is re-arranged, same general area though. So, if you stand with Xibition bar to your back, and the ladies room to your left you should be heading for them, they are pretty close (few giant steps) of the self redemption machine for that area. They are red faced and say "Draw Poker".
That's all I can think of for now........
Take Care, and go hit the royals that I didn't get on this trip;
Darrin
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