19 March – 2 April 2008
As we had accumulated miles from previous flights with United we were able to book our journey from Heathrow to San Francisco and San Francisco to Heathrow as economy plus and use our miles to upgrade to business class.
Wednesday 19 March
Took off from Edinburgh at 8.55am and arrived at Heathrow at
9.55am. Made our way to the Flight Connection Centre and to get our boarding
cards for our next flight to San Francisco (for some strange reason we hadn't been able to get
them at Edinburgh) and took the opportunity to change our return flight to an
earlier time as we didn't feel we had enough time to change flights in San
Francisco. Originally we only had 53 minutes - now we have a couple of hours
which is better and they also have a business class lounge in San Francisco so
we'll be able to use that now. We then walked through to the business class lounge and
helped ourselves to the free tea/coffee, croissants, jam, biscuits, cakes,
cheese & biscuits, and muffins. We then managed to watch the new super
aeroplane (Singapore Airlines) taxiing and taking off. We then helped ourselves
to vodka and bitter lemon for me and a lager and white wine for Jim. I found a
free computer and sent a couple of emails.
Before we know it, it was time to board and we walked straight to the gate and onto the plane. We were served champagne before take off and then once we were in the air, I had a vodka and tonic followed by a Baileys and Jim had wine and more wine! Our meal came next - salad with garlic sauce, asparagus with couscous. Then the main course of filet mignon with Borderlaise & cepe mushroom sauce followed by Haagan Dazs Ice Cream.
Before we know it, it was time to board and we walked straight to the gate and onto the plane. We were served champagne before take off and then once we were in the air, I had a vodka and tonic followed by a Baileys and Jim had wine and more wine! Our meal came next - salad with garlic sauce, asparagus with couscous. Then the main course of filet mignon with Borderlaise & cepe mushroom sauce followed by Haagan Dazs Ice Cream.
I
then started to watch Lions for Lambs but it was boring and I was tired so had
a nap instead. When I woke up, I watched Becoming Jane and then Mr Magorium's
Wonder Emporium. Then it was time for sandwiches and fruit with a scone, clotted cream & jam
with a cup of tea. We landed safely and cleared immigration and then claimed our
luggage and cleared customs. We handed our luggage in again and went through
security to our next flight. We were late taking off and our flight to Las Vegas lasted 1 hour. Arrived
safely and booked the Showtime shuttle bus. It took ages for it to full up so
we didn't get to check in to our hotel till nearly midnight. Our room wasn't
spectacular but it was clean and the bed was comfortable. Had a quick walk down
to Walgreens for water then a quick go on the slots before falling into bed
exhausted. We'd been up for 27 hours!
Thursday 20th March
We were awoken by noisy people in the room next to us at
4.45am and then woke up again at 6.30am so decided to get up and have showers.
After a quick breakfast at McDonald's in our hotel we headed off to try to
catch the 206 to get to Red Rock Casino. We walked down LV Boulevard until we
eventually caught the 206. The bus took us right to Red Rock Casino and we had
a walk round the whole casino and even went up to the parking garage to film
and take photos of the red rocks in the distance. At 2pm we decided to eat at
their buffet with a 2 for 1 coupon from the ACG. It was delicious and we ate
too much as usual.
After that we caught the 206 back to LV Boulevard and walked back to our hotel. By this time we were exhausted so we slept for a couple of hours before getting ready for the night. We started off in the Golden Nugget and walked through to see The Tank and then we finally found The Hand of Faith - the biggest Golden Nugget in the world.
We watched all the light shows and played slots in Binions all night till 3.30am.
After that we caught the 206 back to LV Boulevard and walked back to our hotel. By this time we were exhausted so we slept for a couple of hours before getting ready for the night. We started off in the Golden Nugget and walked through to see The Tank and then we finally found The Hand of Faith - the biggest Golden Nugget in the world.
We watched all the light shows and played slots in Binions all night till 3.30am.
Friday 21st March
Woke up after 4 hours of sleep and couldn't get back to sleep so we got up and had the breakfast buffet in the Plaza with a 2 for 1 coupon (ACG). We thoroughly enjoyed it as we hadn't eaten a meal since the buffet lunch at Red Rock yesterday afternoon. Had a walk down Fremont Street to pick up some 2 for 1 coupons from the Tourist Office above Walgreens before returning to our hotel to sit beside the pool for an hour.
We booked tickets to the afternoon show in our hotel with the free coupons that we'd collected earlier and went to the show at 2pm. The show was called Viva Las Vegas and consisted of dancing girls, a singer, a comedian with 2 trained dogs and a parakeet, a female magician from Budapest and another comedian. Unbelievable show for free and they didn't even ask you to buy an overpriced drink! When we came out from the show we went for a walk to The California Hotel and then found the DTC (bus depot) and bought a bus timetable for 25c. We then visited the El Cortez. It was really smoky so we didn't stay long.
Woke up after 4 hours of sleep and couldn't get back to sleep so we got up and had the breakfast buffet in the Plaza with a 2 for 1 coupon (ACG). We thoroughly enjoyed it as we hadn't eaten a meal since the buffet lunch at Red Rock yesterday afternoon. Had a walk down Fremont Street to pick up some 2 for 1 coupons from the Tourist Office above Walgreens before returning to our hotel to sit beside the pool for an hour.
We booked tickets to the afternoon show in our hotel with the free coupons that we'd collected earlier and went to the show at 2pm. The show was called Viva Las Vegas and consisted of dancing girls, a singer, a comedian with 2 trained dogs and a parakeet, a female magician from Budapest and another comedian. Unbelievable show for free and they didn't even ask you to buy an overpriced drink! When we came out from the show we went for a walk to The California Hotel and then found the DTC (bus depot) and bought a bus timetable for 25c. We then visited the El Cortez. It was really smoky so we didn't stay long.
We then had a snack in McDonald's and then got changed ready to go and see our next show - Defending the Caveman at the Golden Nugget. The theatre was freezing and the show wasn't that great so we couldn't wait for it to finish. We then played the slots in Binions and the Plaza to end the night. Got to bed at 2.30am.
Saturday 22nd March
It was another noisy night with someone hammering then
voices raised in the next room at about 6am. Managed to get back to sleep till
9.30am then we got up and walked to Main Street Station and used one of the
Fremont Street Experience 2 for 1 coupons for what we thought was breakfast but
turned out to be champagne brunch.
We then caught the shuttle bus to Sam's Town and saw the Mystic Falls Water Show.
We played slots and managed to win the biggest bonus we've ever had. Taking off our losses we were in profit by $140!
We caught the shuttle bus back to downtown and wandered into all the casinos that we hadn't visited yet - Las Vegas Club, Golden Gate, Fremont, & 4 Queens. Bought some souvenirs and then came back to our hotel. We showered and had a Subway for our dinner in the room. We then went out for the night to the 4 Queens, Binions and then back to our own hotel. Got to bed at 2.00am.
We then caught the shuttle bus to Sam's Town and saw the Mystic Falls Water Show.
We played slots and managed to win the biggest bonus we've ever had. Taking off our losses we were in profit by $140!
We caught the shuttle bus back to downtown and wandered into all the casinos that we hadn't visited yet - Las Vegas Club, Golden Gate, Fremont, & 4 Queens. Bought some souvenirs and then came back to our hotel. We showered and had a Subway for our dinner in the room. We then went out for the night to the 4 Queens, Binions and then back to our own hotel. Got to bed at 2.00am.
Sunday 23rd March
Got up at 8.30am and packed our cases for our move to the
Imperial Palace. Had a McDonald's breakfast in our room before having a walk
down to Fitzgerald's. Found a stone labelled The Blarney Stone near the players
club so gave it a rub for luck.
Went back to our hotel and checked out. Took a taxi to the Imperial Palace and checked in at 12 noon. When we got to our room it wasn't made up yet so Jim went back down to complain. They allocated us another room but it wouldn't be ready till 3pm and to compensate gave us 2 free breakfast buffets and 2 free dinner buffets. We sat at a table right at the back of the hotel near the bus depot and took it in turn to stay with the luggage and go for a walk. Jim brought us coffee from McDonald's and a cup cake from the gift shop to keep us going. We got our new room at 3pm and lo and behold it wasn't made up either. We left our luggage there and went back down to the key pick up. Again more apologies and 2 more free dinner buffets! We then went for a walk to Harrah's, Casino Royale and The Venetian. Came back to our room (now made up) and unpacked then got changed and went for one of our free dinner buffets. Soup, chicken, beef stroganoff, turkey, steak, carrots and mashed potatoes followed by orange cheesecake and chocolate angel delight with ice cream and toppings. Jim had soup, NY steak, pork chop, lasagne, chicken, carrots, coleslaw and mashed potatoes followed by chocolate angel delight with toppings.
We then walked over to the Bellagio to see about tickets for O but there was a long queue so we decided to go back in the morning. Then we had a wander round Caesar's Palace before coming back to our hotel to play slots.
Got to bed at 1am (an early night for us for a change).
Went back to our hotel and checked out. Took a taxi to the Imperial Palace and checked in at 12 noon. When we got to our room it wasn't made up yet so Jim went back down to complain. They allocated us another room but it wouldn't be ready till 3pm and to compensate gave us 2 free breakfast buffets and 2 free dinner buffets. We sat at a table right at the back of the hotel near the bus depot and took it in turn to stay with the luggage and go for a walk. Jim brought us coffee from McDonald's and a cup cake from the gift shop to keep us going. We got our new room at 3pm and lo and behold it wasn't made up either. We left our luggage there and went back down to the key pick up. Again more apologies and 2 more free dinner buffets! We then went for a walk to Harrah's, Casino Royale and The Venetian. Came back to our room (now made up) and unpacked then got changed and went for one of our free dinner buffets. Soup, chicken, beef stroganoff, turkey, steak, carrots and mashed potatoes followed by orange cheesecake and chocolate angel delight with ice cream and toppings. Jim had soup, NY steak, pork chop, lasagne, chicken, carrots, coleslaw and mashed potatoes followed by chocolate angel delight with toppings.
We then walked over to the Bellagio to see about tickets for O but there was a long queue so we decided to go back in the morning. Then we had a wander round Caesar's Palace before coming back to our hotel to play slots.
Got to bed at 1am (an early night for us for a change).
Monday 24th March
Another night of broken sleep. Outside our room there are 4
huge fans from the air conditioning. Even though they are on ground level and
we are on the 14th floor we could still hear them on and off all night and they
kept us awake. Jim phoned the front desk at 6.40am to complain but no-one came
to see us. We eventually got up at 8.30am got dressed and went down to
reception to ask what could be done. The chap was very understanding and has
put us down for a room change at 2.00pm.
Had breakfast in burger King and then went over to the
Bellagio to book tickets for O. We managed to get seats for Sunday at 10.30pm.
We then wandered through to the conservatory and had a look at a wonderful
chocolate/cake shop which had a huge display of cakes and running liquid chocolate!
We then came across a model of what the planned City Center is going to look like.
Then we crossed over to Planet Hollywood and walked through the Miracle Mile shopping arcade and then walked through the casino.
We came back via Paris
and Bill's where we watched 5 people trying to catch dollar bills as they flew around inside a glass cubicle. We got chatting to 2 black girls and one of them was picked to go into the cubicle and she won $294! We then collected our new room keys and received 2 free lunch buffets for our inconvenience. We packed and transferred rooms to a beautiful suite (room 1102) very similar to the one we had last year only it had been refurbished. Result!
Unpacked and had a couple of hours sleep before using our free buffet vouchers. We then took a walk to the Flamingo and then on to Bally's where I won $70.59 on a bonus round.
We then came back to the Imperial Palace to play a little more before heading to bed at 1.30am.
We then came across a model of what the planned City Center is going to look like.
Then we crossed over to Planet Hollywood and walked through the Miracle Mile shopping arcade and then walked through the casino.
We came back via Paris
and Bill's where we watched 5 people trying to catch dollar bills as they flew around inside a glass cubicle. We got chatting to 2 black girls and one of them was picked to go into the cubicle and she won $294! We then collected our new room keys and received 2 free lunch buffets for our inconvenience. We packed and transferred rooms to a beautiful suite (room 1102) very similar to the one we had last year only it had been refurbished. Result!
Unpacked and had a couple of hours sleep before using our free buffet vouchers. We then took a walk to the Flamingo and then on to Bally's where I won $70.59 on a bonus round.
We then came back to the Imperial Palace to play a little more before heading to bed at 1.30am.
Tuesday 25th March
Had breakfast in Subway in Casino Royale and then sat at the
pool for an hour. We then took the monorail and dropped in at the Hilton before
heading north to the Sahara. We swiped our club cards - no win unfortunately -
and then went over to the internet cafe we used last year - $6 for an hour. We
had a look round the biggest gift shop in the world before taking the monorail back
to our hotel. We chilled out for a while and then got ready for the night. Took the monorail back to the Sahara for our 2 for 1 dinner
buffet (ACG). We then got the monorail back to Harrah's and played slots there.
Our $20 didn't last long so we moved to the Imperial Palace and got much longer
for our money. Got to bed at 2.45am.
Wednesday 26th March
Got up at 9.20am and took the monorail down to the MGM
(still on our 24 hour pass). Had breakfast in the McDonald's in their food court
then walked over to Excalibur and got the tram to Mandalay Bay. Had a wander
round, took some photos and walked through to the Luxor and then back to
Excalibur.
Then it was on to New York New York before finally catching the monorail back to the Imperial Palace before our pass ran out. We then joined Bill's players club so we could get an entry into the Cash Blast. Unfortunately, we didn't get picked so no catching dollars for us today. Then we spent an hour at the pool before having a siesta and shower. We then took the shuttle bus from Bill's over to the Gold Coast to have our 2 for 1 buffet (ACG). It's one of the nicest buffets that we've dined in.
Had a look round the casino then walked over to the Palms to join their players club and get $10 in free slot play (ACG). Made a profit of $11. We then walked to the Rio and watched the Masquerade in the Sky
before catching the shuttle bus back to Harrah's and coming back to the Imperial Palace to play slots. Got to bed at 2.45am again.
Then it was on to New York New York before finally catching the monorail back to the Imperial Palace before our pass ran out. We then joined Bill's players club so we could get an entry into the Cash Blast. Unfortunately, we didn't get picked so no catching dollars for us today. Then we spent an hour at the pool before having a siesta and shower. We then took the shuttle bus from Bill's over to the Gold Coast to have our 2 for 1 buffet (ACG). It's one of the nicest buffets that we've dined in.
Had a look round the casino then walked over to the Palms to join their players club and get $10 in free slot play (ACG). Made a profit of $11. We then walked to the Rio and watched the Masquerade in the Sky
before catching the shuttle bus back to Harrah's and coming back to the Imperial Palace to play slots. Got to bed at 2.45am again.
Thursday 27th March
Had breakfast at the Imperial Palace buffet with our free
vouchers and had porridge, cooked breakfast, fruit and orange cheesecake (my
favourite). We then sat by the pool for an hour before having an afternoon
siesta (the late nights are definitely catching up with us). We got ready and walked to the new hotel - The Palazzo. Had
a good look round and joined the players club and received $10 free play (ACG)
- $6.50 profit.
We then went on to the Wynn. Jim joined the players club and we got $10 free slot play there too. We accumulated 50 points on the card with a trick we learned on www.openvegas.com forums. (Bet $30 on red $30 on black and $2 on zero on a video roulette slot machine. Do this so many times and you accumulate 50 points and then you get 2 free buffets! We then exchanged the points for the buffets and joined the queue at 7pm. We were seated by 7.40pm and enjoyed a very nice buffet (wouldn't have paid $33 plus tax for it though).
We then went on to the Wynn. Jim joined the players club and we got $10 free slot play there too. We accumulated 50 points on the card with a trick we learned on www.openvegas.com forums. (Bet $30 on red $30 on black and $2 on zero on a video roulette slot machine. Do this so many times and you accumulate 50 points and then you get 2 free buffets! We then exchanged the points for the buffets and joined the queue at 7pm. We were seated by 7.40pm and enjoyed a very nice buffet (wouldn't have paid $33 plus tax for it though).
We then walked back to the Imperial Palace and played slots.
Had an early night tonight at 1.30am.
Friday 28th March
Had a much needed lie in till 10am today. We had coffee and
a doughnuts in Betty's Diner in the hotel then spent over an hour at the pool. We
then showered and got ready to go to Boulder Highway. Bought a $2.50 day pass
each on the CAT bus and took the 202 to Boulder Highway and changed to the 107
and got off at Arizona Charlie's. Joined their slot club but couldn't use our 2
for 1 buffet voucher for lunch as we were too late. Jumped on the 107 again up
to Boulder Station and had their lunch buffet for $5.99 plus tax each - another
delicious meal.
Played a few slots before catching the 107 down to Sam's Town and changed to the 202 to take us back to the strip. Watched the Bellagio fountains 4 times before returning to our hotel.
Played slots and drank too much. Didn't get to bed until 4.00am - much too late.
Played a few slots before catching the 107 down to Sam's Town and changed to the 202 to take us back to the strip. Watched the Bellagio fountains 4 times before returning to our hotel.
Played slots and drank too much. Didn't get to bed until 4.00am - much too late.
Saturday 29th March
Got up at 9am and went for our free brunch in the Imperial
Palace at 10am. Ate too much then spent an hour at the pool. Came back to our
room and fell asleep till 2pm. Got changed and took the 105 to the SSTT where
we changed to the 217 to take us to Silverton Casino. Used the $10 free slot
play and had a look round the hotel including the 117,000 gallon aquarium.
We just missed the next bus (they only come once an hour) so we went back in and had a walk round the Pro Bass Shop next door. OMG what a shop. It is huge and I mean huge. If you want to hunt, fish, shoot or buy a boat it's the place to go.
We just missed the next bus (they only come once an hour) so we went back in and had a walk round the Pro Bass Shop next door. OMG what a shop. It is huge and I mean huge. If you want to hunt, fish, shoot or buy a boat it's the place to go.
We
spent the next hour wandering around it and caught the next bus and transferred
to the 105 and got off at Flamingo Road and had a look round the Tuscany Suites
before having a 2 for 1 buffet (ACG) at Terribles. We then caught the 202 bus back to the strip. Had a quick $5 an a slot to get a
free drink and took it up to our room. I read my book for a couple of hours and
had an early night. Jim went down to play slots for a while.
Sunday 30th March
Got up at 9.45am and had coffee and a doughnuts at Betty's Diner again before spending an hour at the pool. We then took the 202 bus and changed to the 108 to go up to the Sahara to use the internet. There were no computers available so we nipped across to the Sahara to swipe our club cards - no wins again. Went back to the internet after half an hour but it was still busy so we decided to visit the Premier Shopping Outlets. Wandered round the shops and then took the bus back to the internet. Managed to get 2 computers together for an hour and after we'd finished surfing the net we went back to the Sahara for their $6.99 buffet ($13.99 without a club card). Took the 108 bus down to Terribles and just missed the 202 so we decided to walk instead. Just as well we did as there was a big hold up in the traffic as they had closed off 1 lane then 2 lanes nearer the strip. We beat the bus that we just missed and also caught up with the bus before that! Finally got back to our hotel and just had time for a short rest and a shower before going to the 10.30pm performance of O at the Bellagio. WOW - what a show and we had really good seats for only paying the cheapest amount $99 + $9.90 tax each. It was a water spectacular with about 60 excellent acrobats, swimmers, divers, dancers and clowns. Played slots for an hour before bed.
Monday 31st March
Got up at 9.30am and walked down to Koval to catch the 105
calling in at the Weston on the way down. Took the 105 to Tropicana and changed
to the 201 to get to the Wild Wild West. Had a brief look around it and went
back out to catch the 201 to the Orleans. Had their 2 for 1 buffet lunch (ACG)
and then had a look round the gift shop and phoned home.
Played Top Gun slot machine and won $32 on the bonus. We then caught the 104 to the Gold Coast and had a quick look round and checked out their swimming pool
before catching the 202 back to the strip. Visited the Wild Life Habitat at the back of the Flamingo and found the plaque to Bugsy Segal.
Then went back to our hotel and lay at the pool for 45 minutes until it closed. Had a quick shut eye before going out for the night. Walked up to the Fashion Show Mall and had a Subway and cup of tea before going over to the Wynn. I joined the players club this time and we clocked up the 50 points needed for our 2 free buffets tomorrow night. Came back to our hotel and had a good night playing the slots and having free drinks. We're treating this as our last night as we will have to be in bed early tomorrow night. Got to bed at 3.00am.
Played Top Gun slot machine and won $32 on the bonus. We then caught the 104 to the Gold Coast and had a quick look round and checked out their swimming pool
before catching the 202 back to the strip. Visited the Wild Life Habitat at the back of the Flamingo and found the plaque to Bugsy Segal.
Then went back to our hotel and lay at the pool for 45 minutes until it closed. Had a quick shut eye before going out for the night. Walked up to the Fashion Show Mall and had a Subway and cup of tea before going over to the Wynn. I joined the players club this time and we clocked up the 50 points needed for our 2 free buffets tomorrow night. Came back to our hotel and had a good night playing the slots and having free drinks. We're treating this as our last night as we will have to be in bed early tomorrow night. Got to bed at 3.00am.
Tuesday 1st April
Got up at 9.30am and had breakfast in McDonald's next to Harrah's. We then sunbathed for an hour at the pool before heading down to Planet Hollywood to wave at the webcam. Then Jim watched the end of the Manchester United game in the Sports Book at Planet Hollywood whilst I went shopping at the Miracle Mile Shops. We then headed back to the hotel to pack and shower. At 5.30pm we strolled down to the Wynn to have our free buffet. It was delicious and as usual we ate too much. Went down to the Bellagio to watch a couple of fountain shows. Then we went back to our hotel for our final night of entertainment. Got to bed at 1.00am. Far too late for our early morning pick up in the morning.
Got up at 9.30am and had breakfast in McDonald's next to Harrah's. We then sunbathed for an hour at the pool before heading down to Planet Hollywood to wave at the webcam. Then Jim watched the end of the Manchester United game in the Sports Book at Planet Hollywood whilst I went shopping at the Miracle Mile Shops. We then headed back to the hotel to pack and shower. At 5.30pm we strolled down to the Wynn to have our free buffet. It was delicious and as usual we ate too much. Went down to the Bellagio to watch a couple of fountain shows. Then we went back to our hotel for our final night of entertainment. Got to bed at 1.00am. Far too late for our early morning pick up in the morning.
Wednesday 2nd April
Got up at 4.45am and finished packing for our 5.30am pick up
by the airport shuttle bus. Had a quick snack in the airport before our 8.30am
flight to San Francisco. After we arrived we headed for the Red Carpet lounge
and had tea, bagels, pastries and shortbread cookies.
We passed the time watching the planes taking off and landing and reading the newspapers until our flight was called. Boarded our plane and had orange juice and champagne before take off then vodka and tonic with a bowl of warm nuts. Our lunch was served really quickly - we had a starter of salad with smoked salmon then mustard braised pork fillet with roasted banana fingerling potatoes and rosemary honey glazed carrots followed by ice-cream.
Didn't really watch any films but did manage to get nearly 5 hours sleep! Think I missed a snack but I don't think I could have eaten any more anyway. Breakfast came round not long after I woke up - orange juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, croissant, butter, jam and tea. Jim had a cooked breakfast of florentine quiche with Hollandaise sauce, sauteed pork sausages and crispy bacon.
We passed the time watching the planes taking off and landing and reading the newspapers until our flight was called. Boarded our plane and had orange juice and champagne before take off then vodka and tonic with a bowl of warm nuts. Our lunch was served really quickly - we had a starter of salad with smoked salmon then mustard braised pork fillet with roasted banana fingerling potatoes and rosemary honey glazed carrots followed by ice-cream.
Didn't really watch any films but did manage to get nearly 5 hours sleep! Think I missed a snack but I don't think I could have eaten any more anyway. Breakfast came round not long after I woke up - orange juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, croissant, butter, jam and tea. Jim had a cooked breakfast of florentine quiche with Hollandaise sauce, sauteed pork sausages and crispy bacon.
Then
it was time to land and I can genuinely say that business class is definitely
the way to travel. Total comfort and excellent service.
Transferred to Terminal 1 and caught our flight to Edinburgh.
More photos:-
Transferred to Terminal 1 and caught our flight to Edinburgh.
More photos:-
