Well here we are again, another trip to Las Vegas and another report!
(Birmingham, UK to Chicago then Las Vegas)
The trip started out terrible, got worse, then instantly went GREAT!!
We started out leaving the airport terminal 10 mins late. (not too bad)
The plane then trundled to the very end of the runway, waited 2 mins or
so, then the pilot came over the intercom telling us that we have an
engine problem and must return to the departure gate for repairs.
(Oh Dear, things of plane crashes fill your mind. Then thoughts of not
taking off at all)
We sat at the gate for 2 hours and 3 minutes with the air conditioning
turned off, geez it got so hot. There was a generator light fault that
needed repair, perhaps they eventually removed the bulb??
Eventually took off and had another nice Atlantic crossing. Consequently
we arrived in Chicago 8 hours later, with 3 minutes to clear customs,
immigration and have the long trip on the tram to the other side of the
airport for the flight to Las Vegas. We were obviously put on a later
flight. This then entailed a longer stop over in Chicago.
We arrived in the 'Playground in the Sun' a little over 5 hours late,
landing in the dark.
The view over the strip at night has got to be one of the most beautiful
sights in the world. Everything is as black as black, then right in the
middle of nowhere you see all the lights, amazing indeed. If you have
the choice of arriving at night on your next trip, then please do it.
Caught the cab to Caesars, ($8:10 + tip) arrived at the checkin desk
around 10:30 pm. My body clock was at 06:00 am the next day by now,
consequently I was feeling pretty well shattered. The clerk said that
our room wasn't ready!
He said, "Here you go Sir, have a free meal comp" (Restaurant NOT buffet!)
Wooohooo!! Things are looking better now.
"Your room should be ready in an hour Sir,
go have a meal and come back then."
As we had eaten on the plane and were very tired, we opted for a small
sandwich snack at the IP.
Returning to the checkin desk at 11:30 pm we were told that the room was
still not ready. I had my hand in my pocket with a $20 bill ready to try
the old "Have you got some where nice?" routine. As it was on the way out
the man at the next window was looking for a room and was told "I'm very
sorry Sir but we are absolutely fully booked" He asked about suites and
was told again "I'm very sorry Sir but we are realy absolutely fully booked"
My hand quickly shot back in my pocket ($20 saved!!)
I then asked about availability of ANY room as we were very tired after
the flight and we needed some where to sleep. The reply was this:-
"I'm sorry Sir but there realy isn't any where else available, here have
(another) restaurant meal comp"
"Just one moment Sir" and away he went for 30 seconds or so, He returned
and said
"Well Sir the best I can offer is a complementary deluxe room at the
Flamingo for the night, Limo ride overthere, breakfast, and as I only
have the use of one hand I had a free taxi ride back across!!!!"
Wooooohooooooo!!!!! (Sounds of the song "Things can only get better"
playing in the background)
Next day checked out of the Flamingo, while in the line I was talking
to a lady who was also comped and she tried to check in at 2:30 am.
Must have been very busy the night before at Caesars?
After a lot of hassel we got a room in the Roman Tower.
The words "Class" and "Luxury" are a vast understatement. I took loads
of pictures. It was too beautiful to put into words.
The only problem was that there was only one king size bed, and as I
took my mother for a birthday treat it seemed inappropriate, so I
contacted the front desk and they moved us to the Forum Tower (was
Olympic Tower) Twin beds but just as nice.
The shower was big enough for 4 people to go at the same time!!
Food at the restaurant was absolutely superb. Service, excellent.
Checked out after 2 days then onto the Monte Carlo.
This place is also 'Classy' in its own right.
Had a room in the right hand section overlooking the strip, facing
MGM and NYNY 23rd floor on the right hand end. GREAT VIEW.
One predominant thing strikes you everytime you enter the building. The smell.
It smells beautiful, I think that they must put some form of perfume
or 'smelly' thing in the air conditioning unit in the casino? Certainly
no smells of cigarette smoke or anything else filled the air.
Food was again superb, both in the buffet and restaurant, and the
service was excellent.
Over the week I didn't gamble much, the low point was in NYNY where
I sat at a 'War' table and promptly lost $40 in under a minute, at $5 a
go!! AVOID this game.
I drew a King he an Ace
Me a Queen him a King.
Me a Ten him a Jack.
And so on!
I made trips to the Belz and other shopping area's. Rode on the free
shuttles, Looked in the Casino's along the way. Saw 3 shows..... You
know, did all the "Touristy Things" Bought loads of things to take home.
Saw 3 shows. Jubilee at Ballys : Excellent Show well worth the $50 a
ticket. (Get the $10 coupon from the Flamingo. Good for 2 people)
Folles at the Tropicana : New show, but very very little of the
'Vegas Show Girls' more along the lines of 'Grease' or 'Saturday
Night Fever' It was 'nice' in it's own way, but I wouldn't run back to
see it again.
Jubilee yes, Folles no.
The third show was Lance Burton.
This is one 'Hell of a Show' We had front row, seats 4 & 5 left of center.
Great view, but as others have said, you can see some of the 'sleight
of hand' tricks.
Example, he waves a 'cape' and produces a goose. Where we were sitting
he waved a black bag and shook a goose out of it. Shame.
A couple of highlights: The 'Corvette' tricks were SUPERB (I wont spoil it)
All I will say is that I was about 10 feet from the action and I could not
see how they were done, and I looked very carefully indeed!
One other funny thing, Lance came along the front row talking to all
of us (me included) then 'picked' a lady 4 seats from me. Took her on
stage and made her and the car disappear. Lance 'returned' without the
lady, everyone clapped, it went very quiet and a voice in the next seat
shouted "Make my wife disappear!!"
The laughter lasted over 3 minutes!! The answer was a 'Sorry, No'
This is a show that I would gladly pay the $40 per ticket
again for, and definitely will on my next trip April 98
Upsides :
Free Flamingo room, and meal comps.
Free Limo ride.
Jubilee, Lance Burton, great food,,,,, oh yes. As in my other report,
I met the fellow collecting for the 'war wounded and disabled' again,
outside the Casino Royale this time.
I (again) waved my right hand saying "I gave at the office!!!"
I was almost choking with laughter by the time he asked me!
(Hee hee, I had a serious accident at work resulting in the loss of 3
fingers and other bits.)
Click for pictures. (They are a bit nasty.)
Downsides :
Went down Fremont around 4pm and I felt very un-easy about
walking round. Don't know why, but it just didn't 'feel right.' I was
relieved when I boarded the return bus.
Also while walking one block past the Strat going to a 7-11 store,
I again felt 'Very un-easy' and this was at 3pm.
I've never had this feeling in Las Vegas before, but,,, well you know.
I can't really add any more that hasn't been told by others, except that
whether you are a big gambler or a 'cheap skate' (like myself) Las Vegas
is one hell of a place to have a vacation. I don't know why, but you just
seem to get a "Buzz" 24 hours a day.
I took $1100 and returned with $17.62. What a GREAT time. I am already
planning next year's trip!!
I hope that you have as much fun as I did when you take your next visit.
Comments etc,, Mail Me.
Bob.
More to follow in future updates.
If you visit then please send me Mail telling me what you think?
