I am not really a trip report kind of guy but I thought I would fill you in
on a few observations that Olivia and I had on our recent stay the weekend
before Christmas.
Being before Christmas we were a little short on gaming (aka gambling $$)
money but we used it as an occasion to use coupons and offers (American Casino
Guide & LVA.)
Stayed at the Orleans on the annual 2 free nights promotion and found the
hotel to be quite pleasant, great rooms, very good buffet (2 for 1) and good
restaurants (2 for 1 fajitas) Don Miguel's. good drinks especially with Orleans
Fun Book at check in. Gaming as always Olivia did great at 4 am while I
slept in and she got us coffee and tea winning on Monopoly machine.
Missed the midnight Wranglers hockey game, but would love to check out the
Orleans arena sometime, and I also noticed a lot of really tall guys walking
around the hotel as a result of a college tournament at UNLV, Vegas I am sure
is a good home team advantage for ant home team!
Walked up and down the strip and noticed that besides the MGM-Mirage
properties (Bellagio & Mirage) and Caesars not much Christmas decorations about,
seemed like last year there was more.
Went to Fashion Show to buy socks and the place was a zoo, Merry Christmas
all, although I was amused that we saw one of the people we work with there (6
hr drive to shop-huh huh), Wynn Vegas across the street is going up quickly
as they work on the mountain-I am really excited about this and look
forwarding to visit when open-Hey I wonder if Mr Wynn's voice will great us like it
used to at his other properties-I kinda' liked that.
Caesars new plaza looks great as does the new Porte-cochere (sp?) and the
new Caesars mall expansion is amazing (beautiful and high end shopping) no
parking here so I parked at the Mirage. Had the lunch at the Palm, a great deal
and would recommend it for those who want a quality meal at a reasonable price
and quality dinning (Business lunch $18 inc entree, soup/salad,potato's,
tea/coffee.)
More free drinks at Gold Coast and Barbary Coast (Fun Book), Olivia hits 4
of a kind while just sitting at a machine waiting for me to get our free dog
and beer (Am Casino Guide.)
We were having such a good time that we stayed a third night at The Palms
and since we has our coupon from the LVA still an even better idea. The Palms
has some of the best, most comfortable beds in all of Las Vegas-Honey I'm
moving in! It has been a two years since I last stayed here and it has only gotten
better. Good video poker and food court here, once again at check out total
bill with coupon was $53, (this included room, late night desert and buffet
charge-with 2-1 coupon).
Additional thoughts, Vegas is still east to drive about in but the work on
Spring Mtn is a debacle, and the opening of Frank Sinatra Drive makes driving
easier around the strip though.
On the way home stopped at Mall at Stateline to buy some Christmas gifts at
the Old Navy Outlet, William-Sonoma Outlet and at Tommy Bahama Outlet (my
favorite.)
The weather was fantastic, didn't seem as cold as last year and is quite a
change from the July/Aug temps.
Had a great time and we always enjoy this city, and thanks to all of those
people on the list that have espoused the virtues of coupons-I am now a
convert.
Rob & Olivia
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