December 2006 LV TR
Glossary of terms:
C: My wife and couponomist in arms
POV: Pocketbook of Values
ACG: American Casino Guide
MP: Matchplay
We chose American Airlines this trip because I had some vouchers I
received from customer relations from a saga July of 05 in San Juan,
PR. The only flight available was via LAX where we had to transfer
to a commuter jet. Note to those flying out of the AA commuter
terminal at LAX: bring something to occupy (and feed) yourself as
there are essentially no amenities or outlets with the exception of a
few toilets and a couple payphones.
Once we arrived at LAS, we hopped on the Dollar shuttle where I
bemoaned the fact that this is the last time we'll be able to use the
company-specific shuttle since the consolidated facility will be open
during our next trip in '07. Those who've experienced this "service"
at other airports can appreciate my feelings. If you've never had
the pleasure of a consolidated facility be prepared for huge mobs of
people waiting for infrequent shuttles and a much longer drive to
your rental car
.I think the shuttle at PHX takes you halfway to
Flagstaff. Ah, I can't wait to sit at the shuttle stop at McCarran
while inhaling diesel fumes in 110 degree weather in the dead of
summer. Joy! As is my (frugal) custom, I headed to the shuttle
stops to retrieve an abandoned luggage cart rather than pay the
rental fee. American was efficient in delivering the bags to the
claim area where C was waiting. At the Dollar facility, I again
passed on the upgrade bribe due to my disgust with the oil companies
and their cartel-like pricing of fuel. Why pay more for a larger
vehicle that will consume significantly more fuel? Not the way to go
for this frugal LV player. I ended up with a piece of junk Chrysler
product
but then again all Chrysler products I've rented from Dollar
have been junk.
ELLIS ISLAND
Coupons:
As is our tradition, we again stopped at EI first where we met
Greeklandjohnny of VPFree and BJ21.com. He enjoyed my driving so
much during our initial coupon run the year before, he begged to ride
along again. After running some MPs on their garbage BJ game, where
sweaty Pete (the pitboss) said nary a word, we bellied up to the bar
where old friend (insert sarcasm) Manny was tending to guests. We
don't qualify as guests to Manny since he's always sneered at us in
the past. Well in the past, he at least offered service. This trip,
he made brief eye contact and completely ignored C. Keep in mind, we
always offer a gratuity when using the ACG coupon for four free
drinks but Manny is just that kind of guy. I guess he expects $1 for
each of the 8 bottled waters he serves us. Um, no. I finally got
the attention of the other bartender and we were on our way, but not
before a stop at Metro Pizza.
Dining:
Metro Pizza is now our lunch stop since Barley's stopped giving away
free pies (with coupon) at the end of '05. Thursdays it's BOGO
slices at Metro, so we scored two and were on our way. Flavor and
freshness are always very good at this outlet but the amount of
grease is excessive. I had to spend a couple precious minutes of the
coupon run de-greasing my slice before I judged it worthy of
consumption.
TERRIBLES
Coupons: Couponomy here isn't nearly as sweaty as it was in years
past. Just be sure you aren't planning on redeeming any chips here
on Friday afternoons as the line at the cage is sick due to the
numerous locals cashing their paychecks. Hello? Has anyone in
management here heard of chip-only line for couponomists on a
timeline? Kudos to Stations for this nice perk.
Misc:
We played our first ever session at Terribles during our last visit
in July of this year. They were running a 5x pts offer with coupon
which was a great deal when redeeming for various giftcards.
Unfortunately, I didn't realize it took three days for points to
post, so I had to sit on them until this trip since we left last
Summer prior to the pts getting posted to my account. The plan was
to redeem all the points earned upon arrival to town for some Wal
Mart giftcards. To my horror, Terribles devalued their points by 50%
if redeeming for giftcards to retailers or for gas. After the
initial shock wore off, I regrouped and decided to redeem the points
for restaurant row operators, which I was planning on distributing to
various suits, pitbosses and hosts I know around town. Well, that
plan was quickly shot down when I was told they were out of mostly
all cards with the exception of some $100 ones. I can appreciate the
value of greasing various casino employees, but I'm not that generous!
HARD ROCK
Coupons: Well, the gravy train 6 pack coupon offer has now been
toughened. Redemption is limited to once per account, per year,
though the sheet does now contain a $25 matchplay and $10 in free
slotplay. I redeemed the ACG coupon for the 6 pack in July and it
was like pulling teeth to get them to allow redemption of the POV $10
freeplay coupon this trip. Playing MP's in the pit was limited to
only BJ.
FIESTA HENDERSON
Coupons: Played a POV MP here without a problem and actually netted
a sweep as C and I both won our coupons.
Misc: The new parking garage and casino addition are very nice. The
addition also features high ceilings and spacious aisles. Remodeling
was going on throughout the main floor and it appears most of the old
Reserve décor will soon be a thing of the past.
PALMS
Coupons: This joint now earns the distinction of coupon sweat shop
of the trip. The one, and only, casino in all of Vegas this trip
that actually enforced the "must tear out in front of employee" rule
from the POV. Either brush up on your acting skills or keep the
coupon in the book.
Food: Had a meal at Garduno's with list member luvnluk. As always,
the portions were huge, the service was prompt and the food was
acceptable. If you're looking for a quick meal, while still getting
full service, this is among the best choices near the Strip. I used
the POV 50% off coupon without a problem and I'd like to thank
luvnluk for using his points to cover the cost. On another day, we
made a snack stop and had grabbed a B&Jerry's cone.
VP: Played one hand on both our cards to keep our points active and
left.
RED ROCK
Dining: We met listmember EZFromNwOn and his bride, Ellen, at Salt
Lick BBQ for dinner on the first night of our trip. I'm a fan of BBQ
but C is not so she was skeptical about the meal. The experience was
outstanding from service, timing and product quality. The server
maintained a positive attitude and happily accepted our order which
contained numerous substitutions. I had the turkey, beans and mac-n-
cheese and all was well received. Prices were very reasonable and
portion sizes were generous. All four of us exited the outlet raving
about the meal. No, it's not upscale, no it's not surf-n-turn but if
you're a fan of BBQ, this is a must. Many thanks to EZ for picking
up the check.
Misc: I had heard numerous comments about how nice this property was
but I still have to say I was very impressed at the layout and
quality of the furnishings at this resort. Seats were comfortable,
aisles were spacious, lighting was adequate
even the machine cabinets
were of high quality. No detail was overlooked at this casino. I
played a single game of craps to grab a souvenir $1 chip to add to my
collection and managed to win the tip money at Salt Lick. Life is
good!
SANTA FE STATION
Coupons: We made our usual stop at this property to play a couple
MP's. I had an opportunity to double and, like at every Station
property, they allowed me to double for the coupon. I banked a win
and we walked out on the plus side.
Misc: The recent expansion is now open and casino access is a breeze
from the new parking garage. The expansion area bared a slight
resemblance to FH with the wide aisles and high ceilings. As we
walked out, we waved at the big photo of Jumbo John (my good friend
who nabbed the JJ here back in '02) and wife Amy.
TEXAS STATION
Coupons: Played both the POV and Casino Player coupons here without
issue. As with all Stations properties, there was no sweating the
coupon play. A dealer called over a pitboss to question the validity
of the CP coupon (apparently they don't see many of these) and the PB
okayed it, smiled and appeared sincere while wishing us good luck. A
far cry from the sweaty attitude experienced at many other casinos in
town. Note to casino personnel: if you're going to make guests feel
uncomfortable playing a coupon, why bother offering it? The coupons
are to get new players in the door. Make them feel unwelcome and
guess what? They won't come back and play without the coupon.
Dining: We made two separate stops at their food court. Once at
Fatburger and once at Panda. This was my first time eating a
Fatburger (yes, 20+ trips to LV and never had a FB). It was pretty
tasty but ridiculously overpriced IMO. I'll take In-N-Out over FB
any day.
FIESTA RANCHO
VP: For the first time in a while I didn't give them any action. I
enjoyed the 9/6 JOB Multistrike and with their removal saw no reason
to sit and grind at quarter deuces when I could be pounding the .10
8/5 SA 10play at Rampart which was our next stop. Coupon play with
the POV prompted an announcement of "Coupon play" by the dealer.
RAMPART
Hotel: Unlike our all our trips the past few years, we weren't
spending the first two nights at Barbary due to them being soldout.
I debated various options while planning the trip earlier in the Fall
and decided to call a host at Rampart since they don't send mail to
out of towners. I dialed up Donn Knepp based on the name listed in
the VPFree database and he could not have been more pleasant. He
researched my play (and C's) from a previous trip and offered us two
comp nights at their hotel, the JW Marriott. I had high hopes for
this hotel since JW is Marriott's signature line of
properties...unfortunately we were a bit disappointed. We arrived at
the porte cochere and had to find a valet to park the car and no bell
service was offered which resulted in us having to schlep our bags to
the registration desk. At a four star property this is unacceptable
and the front desk agent apologized profusely and offered to assist
us with the bags herself. At the room on the third floor, we were
disappointed with the view along with the overall upkeep. The detail
upkeep was overlooked in many areas (numerous scars on the walls,
slightly worn furnishings and fixtures that didn't operate
properly). Bedding was very comfortable and you'll need the rest for
the megaresort-like walk to the casino from your room.
VP: I spent considerable time pounding the dime ten play Super
Aces. Add in their various daily promotions and this is a sweet play
for a couple hours each day. The added enjoyment of the platform of
the game made this a play I'll add into our LV rotation each trip.
Coupons: We each played the ACG 50 coin 4OAK bonus coupons on the $
NSUD and will miss the fact that one of the best coupons in the book
is not available in the 07 edition of the book
.a HUGE decrease in
the EV. We also played the table MPs from ACG and POV.
CANNERY
Dining: After securing a name of a good host (thanks Jean!), I
placed a call and arranged for a discretionary comp to Vino's. This
Italian outlet listed very reasonable prices on the Cannery website
so I figured we'd try it out. Overall, I'd rate the meal a "C"
mainly due to service that was not attentive and food quality that
was quite average. Portions were sizable but nothing was memorable.
C had the lasagna which was served lukewarm in the center and I had a
chicken dish which lacked a notable flavor. If you have a comp, give
it a shot but I couldn't recommend anyone paying cash for a meal
here.
VP/Coupons: I spent most of my time on the $ 8/5 BP progressive
which was over $5K through most of the trip. I realize this is still
a marginal play but when you add in the ACG 50 coin coupon and the
daily giveaways, it's a great play. As with the Rampart 50 coin 4OAK
coupon, this one is no more. I heard some locals (with names we'd
all recognize) were really pounding this coupon at Rampart so both
casinos cancelled it. Yet another example of LV locals slaughtering
the cow rather than milking it. What a shame...
ARIZONA CHARLIES (both locations)
Coupons: Played a couple MPs at both locations. Yes the clientele
is just as shady and, yes, the smoke levels are just as thick at both
locations.
JERRY'S NUGGET
Coupons: As I always do, I made a futures wager with my POV MP
sportsbook coupon. I noticed Arizona NCAA hoops championship at 30:1
and jumped on it for both my coupon, and C's. Unfortunately it
wasn't until I returned home that I realized the clerk only added the
MP on my bet and not C's (which was placed second). That oversight
might end up costing me $150 as ARZ has a heckuva shot at the tourney
(now down to 12:1 at a large online book).
BIGHORN
Coupons: The 07 ACG had coupons for this joint and I had never been
so we decided to give it a look. I pulled it up on Yahoo Maps and
saw it was in a less than desirable part of town (near Poker Palace)
so we made a day run here. The pit had, I believe, a total of four
tables and I bet there weren't many more than 100 machines in this
hole in the wall joint. I briefly checked a few VP paytables and it
was all shortpay garbage. No reason to stop here.
LONGHORN
Coupons: Played the POV free ace and $10 MP here and, as has become
a custom, the break-in dealer did not play the coupon properly. When
they mispay you, scoop up the money and run. 
VP: I made a quick lap around the floor but did not see the All
American they used to offer. I might've missed it but it would
appear that AA is now a dinosaur in LV (unless it's still at Greek
Isles). RIP.
NEVADA PALACE
Coupons: We played the ACG MP here since this dump was easily
accessed after crossing the street from Longhorn. I gotta say pretty
much everything about this place is depressing. I did notice
signage that resembled the Cannery-like jacket giveaway for
December. Those jackets were gaudy enough at Cannery, let alone the
ones without a logo at NP. Management can't pull the plug on this
place soon enough.
WYNN
Dining: C and I attended a mini advantage player VP meet at the
buffet with VPFree list members greeklandjohnny , Jerry in Windsor
and Jean Scott. I'd like to pause and thank Jean and Tom for
graciously offering a comp to the buffet. Note to large parties
eating at the Wynn buffet; split up or they'll knick you for an 18%
gratuity. Jean objected (rightfully so!) to this forced tax but we
quickly bucked up and got the tip covered. Without question, the tip
fee was worth the price of admission but it was a matter of
principal. 18% is for servers who bring you your food, not just
refill your fresh squeezed orange juice. We had a grand time eating
their wonderful spread. We were there for the weekend brunch which
provided the opportunity to sample a wide variety of products. I've
become quite a fan of their BBQ chicken pizza and was disappointed
when the cook said he didn't have the ingredients to make one. A
quick visit with one of the head chefs and two BBQ pizzas were in the
brick oven for all of us. It's service like this that sets the
premium buffets apart from the others. I could go on about other
items on the buffet but there's no real reason to. Simply stated,
it's outstanding. Nuff said.
BARBARY COAST
Dining: greeklandjohnny and I both received the winter offers from
BC and neither of us was successful in securing a room. We later
found out that Coast had put up a bunch of rodeo personnel at their
various properties, including BC which didn't have the rooms to
spare. No problem as one quick call to Lisa Vios and we were
promised the food comp and freeplay on the offer. Odds that the old
slot director, Ozzie, would've honored this offer: +1000. Johnny and
I considered a trip to his new home (I think it's Orleans) to
say "hi" to Ozzie in our special little way but decided against it.
We made a trip to the Victorian Room where Chinese was ordered all
around. While the other items on their menu are generally average,
the Chinese selections are wonderful. High quality, properly
prepared and in sizable portions. If you haven't had their hot
mustard, please ask your significant other to have the video camera
ready when you take your first bite. This stuff gets me every time.
VP: I spent all my time on the 5play NSUD quarters. It's hard to
believe that the sweaty BC now offers among the best VP on the Strip
but I give them a thumbs up. Step up to the plate while you can
still get strikes to hit because Harrahs will soon screw this place
up.
FLAMINGO
Misc: We had a bit of extra time one day so we decided to join the
ploppy masses and play in the Winterfest slot tourney. If my memory
is correct, I think the EV was something laughable like $5 each but
what the heck. C&I got side by side machines and proceeded to engage
in this mindless activity. I can't help but shake my head at some of
the ridiculous things these slot ploppies do (talking to their
machines, rubbing them, etc etc) and entertained myself by watching
them as I pounded the spin button. About ½ way in, I look over and
notice C has a darn good score. I watch closer and notice her
machine is INSTANTLY adding credits, unlike all the other machines
which rolled. Knowing an AP when I see one, I keep quiet and C
proceeded to place first in the round of 40+ entrants which netted a
win of ~$100 but she also qualified for the final round later that
day. I found out greeklandjohnny also made the finals when I called
him to report C's good fortune. Knowing there wasn't enough time to
incapacitate GLJ in time for the tourney, I wished him good luck and
told him he owes me one if he scores the "good" machine while I keep
my trap shut. Neither he nor C secured that machine so it was a
blind luck free for all. C ended up finishing in the money, for a
total win of $380 on the tourney. Not bad.
PARIS
Dining: We decided to checkout the Paris buffet for the first time.
The plan was to arrive in time for breakfast but since we keep night
owl hours we didn't arrive until 11A. Service at the Diamond line
was immediate though the attitude of the clerk left something to be
desired. We both declared disappointment in both the quality,
freshness and selection of this buffet. I'd read numerous glowing
reviews of this outlet and I gotta think Harrahs bean counters put
the squeeze on food costs which led to the decline. About the only
positive was that it only cost about $15 in comp points since we used
POV coupons. No way would I pay cash for this buffet.
CAESARS
Dining: A meal at their food court was selected on our day of
departure. In a nutshell the meal was
.very Harrahs-like. Not bad,
not great
just kind of there. I ate at the Chinese outlet which was
very overpriced and very under flavored. The potstickers were deep
fried yuck!
VP: As has now been reported on numerous forums, there are several
$1 9/6 JB machines in the mini-HL room in the Palace casino. These
machines are worth playing if you're in the area.
Hotel: My intent was to hit 7* before getting to Vegas but I fell
short at 97K tier prior to arrival. At the Diamond check-in the
clerk stated I had a room in the Palace Tower. Me: Excuse me, ma'am,
but I had a room confirmed in the Augustus Tower. Clerk: Sir, we
have a petite suite blocked in the Palace Tower. Will that be
acceptable? I quickly give her the affirmative and we were on our
way to the suite at the end of the hallway. Upon entry, we were
pleased with the available space in both the bath and bedroom. The
his and hers baths were adjoined by a shower for two and let's just
say there's plenty of space for `fun in the shower' as Jean would
phrase it. The room was slightly worn and not as nicely appointed as
an Augustus Tower room, but I'd take the Palace suite over the base
room in Augustus.
Misc: I played in their $75K slot tourney. They ended up getting
more than the advertised entrants and actually added equity to the
tourney equal to the additional spots. I gotta admit that this
surprised me. The gift was actually semi-useful; a nice pack of
Godiva hot chocolate with a quality thermos. I only won $100 in the
tourney but it beats the minimum of $50. I can still hear that
goofball in the toga saying, "Hail Caesar."
The parking situation continues to be a major negative at Caesars.
In years past, we'd go straight to the roof and always find a space
close to the doors. No more. On more than one return, I had to park
at least 200 yards away. Add in the walk through the casino to the
Palace and Augustus towers and this is a LONG trek. It was so bad
that we ended up parking at Barbary most of the time during our stay
at Caesars.
OVERALL thoughts: It's now requiring serious effort to knock down
consistent wins around town. We had to bust tail 12+ hours a day and
only play when the edge was significant due to the lack of straight-
up plays that can now be found. Construction around the valley was
simply atrocious. East, west, north, south; it didn't matter where
you were. In 20+ visits, I've never seen it even close to this bad.
A trip in December used to guarantee smaller crowds but I couldn't
tell. I'd hate to make a visit in February or March when the
ploppies really flock to town. Add in the soon to open consolidated
rental facility and Vegas looks even less attractive. I'll be
returning to Reno in a couple weeks for the first time in over a year
and I'm sure it'll reinforce my opinion that Vegas continues to trend
downward.
