Following are some exerpts from my July, 2010 TR from Reno, where I recently returned after another delightful stay at the Atlantis.
I also was happy to be in the same vicinity as some of my missing bankroll, left there on a few previous occasions.
Though the Atlantis does not head my list of favorite charities, I do
have some compassion for the tough times being experienced by many
casinos in the area, and therefore have decided to chalk up the recent loss to a "charitable donation". {{O:
A brief synopsis of the TR for those short on reading time or interest:
1.) I lost. Quite a bit.
2.) It was VERY hot in Reno - Upper 90s, but fairly low humidity.
3.) I had a pleasant, relaxing vacation.
4.) Outside of airfare and tips, the Atlantis stay was totally comped.
5.) Tips, including shuttles, dining, maid, beverages, special services etc., averaged in excess of $40.00 daily.
6.) It was well worth the cost for gratuities. The service was excellent.
For more details, read on......
Thursday:
Get away day at last. No VP has crossed my fingers for almost seven weeks! I'm more then ready for this new adventure!
I arrived at the O'Hare American Airlines "Preferred" Security Line, in plenty of time for my 9:50am flight to Reno.
For the first time since the new nusiance "full body scan" x-ray system was implemented, I was selected to be the "profiled" victim. I guess that this was "Get LOL Naked On The X-Ray Screen Week!
As I stood, arms out-stretched, in front of the scanner, I watched my purse, with my Reno bankroll inside, glide down the security belt, and come to stop at the end of the belt. Anyone light-fingered passer-by could have grabbed it. I insisted that a TSA person watch my purse, until I was through being scanned. I've read too many stories about careless travelers having their bags stolen by thieves, who lurk at the end of security belts. They quickly snatch unattended purses, computers etc. and run off, before the passenger notices his belongings are gone. I noticed that two TSA people quickly began watching my purse and wheelie, from both sides of the belt. My only concern now was not to to get too hugh a dose of radiation. Also, having heard rumors about how much the X- Ray showed, I was happy that I heeded my Mom's oft repeated admonition, "to always wear clean underwear".
I boarded the plane with the first "priority group" and waited a moment, with my wheelie, in front of my bulkhead aisle seat, for a tall, young man to board and help put my wheelie in the overhead bin. Instead an older couple boarded, right behind me, indicating that they were seated in the middle and window seat next to me. I explained apologetically that I was waiting for a tall, young person to help stow my bag, as I was too short to manage it on my own. With that, the other old lady, who was quite old but NOT little little, hoisted my wheelie over her head, with one hand, giving me a pitying look in the process.
I thanked her and complimented her on her strength. I also decided that if she wanted the entire shared arm-rest, I was not going to engage in a war of elbows!
The plane arrived at Cannon right on time and I soon caught the shuttle to The Atlantis.
When I arrived at VIP check-in, I learned that my host was not due back until the next day. This time however, the perfect arrangements she had made were in the computer, and I was soon unpacking in my favorite room on the 25th floor of the Concierge Tower. Quickly, I was ready for the casino adventure to begin.
The second thing that I did in the casino, after first checking that all my favorite machines were still there, in the same locations as I had left them previously, was to check my point (comp) balance from my last trip in February. I was delighted to see that I still had many comp dollars in my account to spend on good food, sundries and gifts.
My first play that day was on an M/G dollar prog. bank with a $4880 meter. I opted for 9/6 JOB as the best game on which to get maximum bang for my Bennie. The other choices were Illinois Deuces, 9/7 DB and 9/6 DDB. This bank has ten boxes, five on each side.
I was playing in good luck, enjoying a smooth ride, and still having a bit of "dollar excitement". Not to lose my Bennie before I finished on the last machine was very cool. I cashed out modestly ahead.
Next I wondered over to the "Local's Prog. Bank", where the great play is .25c 10/7 DB. The prog. meter was at $1100 +, but the bank was without players (OR smokers) on a Thursday afternoon. I played there for a couple of hours, losing a bit due to a dirth of quads.
I decided. that I was hungry, as my airport Starbucks coffee and sandwich were long gone. I opted for the Deli, my favorite of the lower end Atlantis eateries.
I was surprised to learn, from the good waiter, that it is now possible to order half of a corned beef sandwich with either a bowl of soup (except for matzo ball soup which is $2.00 extra) or a house salad, for $9.00, instead of a whole sandwich (with fries, slaw or potato salad for $12.00. This is a very good option for me, as I cannot possibly finish even half of one of their gigantic sandwiches. I also decided to try the Deli onion rings with Ranch dressing dip ($2.00 additional with a sandwich) as I had observed someone at the next table being served that treat, and it looked delicious. I was only able to consume a few of the large, lightly breaded and almost greaseless rings.
After eating a huge Kosher dill pickle, and some pickled califlower, carrots and celery, served to each table in a relish bowl, I managed to finish only half of the half sandwich. The lean, but juicy corned beef, which was served on excellent Rye bread, arrived with a selection of four different types of New York style Deli mustards, in various degrees of sharpness. A thoroughly satisfactory repast once again.
NY Deli 4 Stars (out of 5)
After that large, late lunch, (which also served as dinner due to the
size and the hour), I went to a non-smoking area, across from the Java cafe, for a session of 50c 16/10 NSUD. In addition to NSUD, it was also possible in that area to play .25c - $2.00 9/6 JOB, 8/5 BP, and 9/6DDB.
These games are also available in 3/5/10 play, .01c - 05c 100 play, plus STP and M/S. A very nice, if not complete selection of the games found
in the smoking areas.
At 5:30pm, it was hors doevres and cocktail time in the Concierge Lounge.
I went to the lounge to check my e-mail on one of the two lounge Internet computers, imbibe a cool glass of white Zinfandel, and check out the food.
I was very happy that I was still too full from the late lunch to eat anything, as the snacks were of the spicy South-West and Mexican type, one of my least favorite cuisines.
I did indulge in a Chocolate Eclair, a few strawberries, and a steaming cup of cappucino.
After dinner I went back to the Local's Prog. bank for some more play. There were quite a few locals playing by then, but there were still two open seats, one on each side of the bank . The prog. meter was showing $1179.00+. I looked for smokers and ashtrays, and seeing none on one side, sat down there.
After losing another chunk of bankroll, too quickly, I decided to go back to the 50c NSUD machine.
Things did not improve financially in the Non-smoking room. After a lot of yawning and eye rubbing, I began to feel that I was not playing as
well as usual, and decided to call it a night shortly before 9:00 pm.
Friday:
I was back at the Local's Bank at 5:45am. The meter was flashing a nice $1189 RF. No other players were at the bank, or within sight on the casino floor, at that early hour.
I played 10/7 DB until 7:00am without much of anything good happening. I had three RF4 draws, twice while breaking a flush, and got nothing in return each time; Not even a high pair. I also could not find a cocktail waitress, to fortify me in this battle, with some strong coffee. When a smoker plopped down next to me, despite ten other available seats, I gave up min,e and ascended to the 25th floor for a very breakfast.
After downing orange juice, fruit and granola topped yogurt, a toasted English muffin, and two cups of "whipped" coffee, (Free) while watching the Dow tank on the large screen lounge TV, I took a few moments to read e-mail and call EH. I then decided I was fit to face more of the rigors and challenges of the day.
Near the area that offers the bank of $1.00 10/7 DB progs., I found a
bank of $1.00 9/6 JOB progs. The royal meter was a tad over $5K. An end machine called to me sweetly; The meter even seemed to be winking in my direction. This was one of my better sessions, and I cashed out a winner.
At noontime, I met my host for lunch in the Deli.
We both ordered our favorite Deli salad, a great tasting, chunky chicken salad with grapes, walnuts and cranberries accompanied by delicious banana bread. ($10.95) We also had Mango-flavored iced tea. ($3.00) A refreshing and yummy lunch for summer dining!
After lunch I played various VP games until the hors doevres hour approached. I spent at least two hours chasing the .50c NSUD $500 ducks, but did not manage to line up all four of them on the same screen, nor even have much luck with lesser hands.
After the deuces fiasco, I decided to try some 100%+ machines, which
are contained in an octagonal bank of neck-stretching uprights near the "Sundry Shop".
playing machines on this banks nets the player very few points. Since I had more points (comps) that I would use, it was a viable play for me. I
play on this bank sans my player card. The risk/reward aspects of this play, seem to dictate this.
Of the available games, which included 10 coin .05 FPDW and FPJW, and 10 coin .25 10/6 DDB, 10/7 DB, LWD, 9/6 JOB with a Seq. RF or 400 coin SF, I selected 10 coin quarter, 10/6 DDB. I played on that bank for some time, without seeing a quad.
In the same area, and conveniently located right next to a Lady's Room, I sat at a .25c 9/6 JOB prog. with the RF meter showing $1098. Nothing doing there either, though the machine did keep me occupied for quite a while.
I walked over to the large Sport's Bar between the Deli and the Sport's Book, and perused the .25c prog. games available in that area. The prog. on all the games (9/7 DB, 8/5 BP, IL Deuces, 9/6 DDB and 8/5 A&F) was only viable if ten coins were played. At five coin play, the royal paid $1000. The re-set for ten coin play was $2000. At that time the prog. was at $2300+. Noting the option for 8/5 Aces and Faces, I decided to try that game. I always liked this game very much at Binions, and usually can't find it in any of my regular casinos.
At 5:30, still quite full from a lunch, I went up to the CL for a snack plate in lieu of dinner.
That evening the chafing dish contained mini-pigs-in-the-blanket and egg rolls. There were also large platters featuring a variety of cheeses and crackers, fresh crudites' with a tangy dip, rolls and butter, fruit and french pastries. Hot and cold, hard and soft beverages were also available. This was a substantial evening meal for me.
Later, during a three hour VP session, I divided my time between the downstairs N/S area and the N/S Sky Terrace. I played only 50c NSUD. I finally gave up for the evening, after this up and down day, in favor of
comfortable bed.
\~End Of Part One\~