LAS VEGAS DIARY – MAY/JUNE 2009
Monday 18th May
Took off a few minutes early and watched 3 films – He’s Just
Not Into You, Bride Wars and The Wedding Singer – and listened to some music.
We had beef or chicken for dinner and a snack of hot ham & cheese roll with
crisps and a chocolate with tea. After we landed we cleared customs and
collected our luggage. Handed our luggage back in and transferred from terminal
B to C. We then had a wait of 4 hours till our next flight.
Our plane was in a short queue for take off and once we were airborne we watched the film Last Chance Harvey and we were served a turkey hot dog and salad plus a mini KitKat with a cup of tea. We landed 20 minutes early and our luggage came through really quickly. Caught the 10.24pm 109 bus to the DTC. Swapped over to a 108 which was just leaving and that dropped us off outside the Plaza Hotel. Checked in and took the 3rd room that was offered to us. We took a walk down to Walgreens for water and to top up the phone card. Got to bed about 1.30am (9.30am GMT)
Our plane was in a short queue for take off and once we were airborne we watched the film Last Chance Harvey and we were served a turkey hot dog and salad plus a mini KitKat with a cup of tea. We landed 20 minutes early and our luggage came through really quickly. Caught the 10.24pm 109 bus to the DTC. Swapped over to a 108 which was just leaving and that dropped us off outside the Plaza Hotel. Checked in and took the 3rd room that was offered to us. We took a walk down to Walgreens for water and to top up the phone card. Got to bed about 1.30am (9.30am GMT)
Tuesday 19th May
Woke up at 5.30am and after unpacking went for an early
breakfast at McD’s. We then had showers and sat at the pool for a while. Caught
the 108 to the internet café and spent an hour there. We then walked down to
Encore and had a look round and took loads of photos.
We were lucky to catch a 116 when we came out and changed to a 202 to take us over to the Gold Coast for their lunch buffet (2 for 1 ACG coupon). Our 2 buffets cost us $8.03 – what a bargain.
We played a few slots and bought a litre and three quarters bottle of vodka in the gift shop for $8.99 plus tax before catching the 202 to Koval and transferring to the 116 to take us back Downtown. We bought more water in Walgreens and then had a nap in the room. We were so exhausted that we nearly ended up sleeping through to the next morning. We eventually went down to play some slots at about 10.30pm, watched a light show and bought beer and some tonic to go with the vodka and went back up to the room to mix a drink due to the lack of cocktail waitress service. We went back down with our carry out and played more slots till about 1am.
We were lucky to catch a 116 when we came out and changed to a 202 to take us over to the Gold Coast for their lunch buffet (2 for 1 ACG coupon). Our 2 buffets cost us $8.03 – what a bargain.
We played a few slots and bought a litre and three quarters bottle of vodka in the gift shop for $8.99 plus tax before catching the 202 to Koval and transferring to the 116 to take us back Downtown. We bought more water in Walgreens and then had a nap in the room. We were so exhausted that we nearly ended up sleeping through to the next morning. We eventually went down to play some slots at about 10.30pm, watched a light show and bought beer and some tonic to go with the vodka and went back up to the room to mix a drink due to the lack of cocktail waitress service. We went back down with our carry out and played more slots till about 1am.
Wednesday 20th May
Had breakfast in McD’s and phoned the boys at home. We then
spent an hour at the pool before going for a walk along to El Cortez. We both
used a $10 free play coupon from the ACG. I won $11.30 and Jim won $8.90 (both
of us played Da Vinci Diamonds). We then had a look round the newly refurbished
Gold Spike before calling in at the DTC to buy a bus timetable. We just made
the 1pm bingo session but no luck there. At 3.45pm we caught the shuttle bus
from the Fremont Hotel to Sam’s Town and walked next door to the Eastside
Cannery. Jim joined the player’s club and received $15 in free play, which we
played on a Da Vinci Diamonds slot and turned it into $12.55. We were going to go
for their buffet with a 2 for 1 ACG coupon but we didn’t realise it was seafood
night. Instead we walked back to Sam’s Town and ate in their buffet with a $2
off coupon each. We tried to find the lounge with the Beatles tribute band but
found out that they no longer play there. We watched the 8pm free water and
light show
before catching the 8.15pm shuttle bus back to Downtown. Played slots at night in the Plaza whilst listening to Karaoke!
before catching the 8.15pm shuttle bus back to Downtown. Played slots at night in the Plaza whilst listening to Karaoke!
Thursday 21st May
Had breakfast in McD’s and sat at the pool for an hour.
Bought tickets from the Tix4Tonite stall in the 4 Queens for Ka and then took
the 108 and 201 buses down to the MGM to exchange the vouchers for tickets at
the box office. We then caught the 116 at Koval back to Downtown. Had showers
and got ready to go to The Orleans for dinner buffet (2 for 1 ACG coupon).
After eating we caught the 201 to the MGM for our show. It was spectacular as
are all the Cirque Du Soleil shows. We played a few slots after the show as
we’d just missed a 116 and they only run every hour at night. Played slots in
the Plaza till late.
Friday 22nd May
Had breakfast in McD’s and caught the 116 to the Fashion
Show Mall. Strolled about the Strip in the lovely sunshine taking photos and
popping into various casinos. Booked tickets for Nathan Burton at 4pm
(comedy/magic show) which includes a buffet for $28.50 each. We then wandered
down to Planet Hollywood for their free slot tournament but they’ve done away
with it now so we walked back to the Flamingo for the show via the Bellagio Fountains.
The show was very good and after it was finished we headed straight for the buffet. Delicious
food in a beautiful setting looking out onto the Wildlife Habitat.
We then caught the 202 over to the Rio for the Masquerade in the Sky show. It’s not a family show any more – lots of scantily clad females and “Chippendale” type guys rolling around on a giant size bed. They’ve spoilt what was a fun family show. We walked over to the Gold Coast and actually managed to win a small amount of money on the slots. We then saw a big draw for big money prizes at 8.30pm. Six people won $1,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, $500 and $1,000. Then it was time to take the 202 to Koval and pop into Ellis Island to wait for the next 116 bus. Got back at about 10.30pm and played slots in the Plaza (no losses for a change!)
We then caught the 202 over to the Rio for the Masquerade in the Sky show. It’s not a family show any more – lots of scantily clad females and “Chippendale” type guys rolling around on a giant size bed. They’ve spoilt what was a fun family show. We walked over to the Gold Coast and actually managed to win a small amount of money on the slots. We then saw a big draw for big money prizes at 8.30pm. Six people won $1,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, $500 and $1,000. Then it was time to take the 202 to Koval and pop into Ellis Island to wait for the next 116 bus. Got back at about 10.30pm and played slots in the Plaza (no losses for a change!)
Saturday 23rd May
Had breakfast in our room and sat at the pool for an hour.
We then took the 108 to the internet café and spent an hour there before coming
back to the hotel for showers and down time as we are both exhausted. We then
took the 108 back to the Sahara for their dinner buffet. Couldn’t use the 2 for
1 ACG coupon with the $8.99 offer so we used it with the full price and the
cashier told us that she would deduct $6 from my players card. Goodness knows
where that came from as I can’t remember the last time I played slots in the
Sahara! Caught the 108 bus back to Downtown just before our 24 hour bus pass
ran out. Walked up Fremont Street and stopped to listen to the groups playing
60s music. Watched the light shows and played slots in Plaza, Golden Gate and
Binions.
Got our photos taken for free with the $1,000,000 on show at Binions. Didn’t get to bed till 2am.
Got our photos taken for free with the $1,000,000 on show at Binions. Didn’t get to bed till 2am.
Sunday 24th May
Had breakfast in Subway for a change and sat at the pool for
40 minutes. Took the 402 down the highway to Sunset Station to see what it was
like and checked out the Galleria across the road as well.
Caught the 402 back to our hotel and changed ready to go out. Caught the 5pm 108 to Terribles for their buffet and used a 2 for 1 ACG coupon. Buffet was $11.99. Walked along to the Hard Rock Hotel and used a $10 free play. The place was swarming with young people in swimwear – not sure why – maybe it was a pool party night or maybe that’s just the norm for the Hard Rock Hotel! We quickly played our free play on a Da Vinci Diamonds slot and won $8.90 cash and hurriedly left. The queue for taxis was a mile long so thankfully we only had to walk to Koval to catch a bus back to Downtown. We watched the 11pm light show which now shows the names of all the US soldiers killed in the Vietnam War – some 58,000 plus. It was very moving especially as it’s Memorial Day tomorrow. We then played slots and listened to the group in the Plaza. We had no luck at all and our money for the night was disappearing fast until we decided to try $10 on the Wizard of Oz slot. We were down to about $6 or $7 when Glinda, the good witch, came along to save the day. She gave us 4 wild reels on reels 1, 2, 4 and 5 which resulted in a big win of $156.50! We were stunned. I took some video of the win and also some photos to remember it. What a way to finish the night.
Monday 25th May
Caught the 402 back to our hotel and changed ready to go out. Caught the 5pm 108 to Terribles for their buffet and used a 2 for 1 ACG coupon. Buffet was $11.99. Walked along to the Hard Rock Hotel and used a $10 free play. The place was swarming with young people in swimwear – not sure why – maybe it was a pool party night or maybe that’s just the norm for the Hard Rock Hotel! We quickly played our free play on a Da Vinci Diamonds slot and won $8.90 cash and hurriedly left. The queue for taxis was a mile long so thankfully we only had to walk to Koval to catch a bus back to Downtown. We watched the 11pm light show which now shows the names of all the US soldiers killed in the Vietnam War – some 58,000 plus. It was very moving especially as it’s Memorial Day tomorrow. We then played slots and listened to the group in the Plaza. We had no luck at all and our money for the night was disappearing fast until we decided to try $10 on the Wizard of Oz slot. We were down to about $6 or $7 when Glinda, the good witch, came along to save the day. She gave us 4 wild reels on reels 1, 2, 4 and 5 which resulted in a big win of $156.50! We were stunned. I took some video of the win and also some photos to remember it. What a way to finish the night.
Monday 25th May
Had McD’s for breakfast in our room before catching the 402
down to Sunset Station again. We got off the stop before at a Target shop and
had a look round before walking on to a casino called the Gold Rush. It was a
small local casino to we just had a quick look round inside it. Then we found a
99c shop so picked up a few items there before walking to the Walmart next
door. Did some shopping there too before popping into Sunset Station. We
thought we could win a prize for Memorial Day but we had to earn 100 points on
our card first so we just left and caught the 402 back to Downtown. We had
showers and walked down to Binion’s Coffee Shop to use our 2 for 1 voucher for
dinner. Jim had a Desperado sandwich with fries and I had a Philadelphia
Cheesesteak sandwich with coleslaw. We played some slots and then went up to
our room for drinks and then played in Binions and the 4 Queens before returning
to our own hotel. We were down to our last 10 cents out of $10 on the Wizard of
Oz when Glinda, the good witch, paid us another visit. She gave us wilds on
reels 1, 2, 3 and 4 with a total payout of $75! Unbelievable! We thanked her
very much – cashed out – and went to bed.
Tuesday 26th May
Had breakfast in Subway and sat at the pool for a while
before catching the 116 to the Fashion Show Mall where we picked up the shuttle
to the M Resort at 12.45pm. It took us about 20 minutes to get there. It is a
lovely new hotel and casino with a beautiful unusual pool. We wandered round
and helped ourselves to the complimentary soft drinks before catching the 2pm
shuttle bus back to the Fashion Show Mall.
Walked round for the 116 and caught it to the Stratosphere. Had a wander round there and went up in one of the lifts to see the pool area.
We then walked over to the Sahara for a 2 for 1 (ACG) buffet and at 6pm we took part in a free slot tournament. Neither of us scored over 6,000 so we failed miserably! Caught the 108 bus back to Downtown. Had a couple of drinks in the room before going to Main Street Station. Saw a chap win $1,350 on a Wizard of Oz slot so he had to have a “hand payout” – he was playing 30 lines at 3 bets per line. We then walked through to the California and spent the rest of the night there before returning to the Plaza. I put $5 in a Crystal Forest slot whilst Jim was at the restrooms and won $30 on the bonus so that pulled us back to nearly even for the night – a good result!
Walked round for the 116 and caught it to the Stratosphere. Had a wander round there and went up in one of the lifts to see the pool area.
We then walked over to the Sahara for a 2 for 1 (ACG) buffet and at 6pm we took part in a free slot tournament. Neither of us scored over 6,000 so we failed miserably! Caught the 108 bus back to Downtown. Had a couple of drinks in the room before going to Main Street Station. Saw a chap win $1,350 on a Wizard of Oz slot so he had to have a “hand payout” – he was playing 30 lines at 3 bets per line. We then walked through to the California and spent the rest of the night there before returning to the Plaza. I put $5 in a Crystal Forest slot whilst Jim was at the restrooms and won $30 on the bonus so that pulled us back to nearly even for the night – a good result!
Had breakfast from McD’s in our room and then sat at the
pool for a while. Jim watched the Manchester United v Barcelona Champions
League final in our room and I went to do some souvenir shopping. Then Jim had
the bright idea of walking to the internet café beside the Sahara Hotel. I’ve
never been so hot and exhausted in all my life by the time we got there. We
stopped off at the Stratosphere to cool off before spending an hour on the
internet. We then played the free Sahara slots tournament at 5pm (no luck again)
and caught the 204 to the Palace Station for their dinner buffet - $7.99 with a
player’s card.
We then caught the 204 and the 108 back Downtown, had drinks in the room and played slots in the California and the Plaza.
We then caught the 204 and the 108 back Downtown, had drinks in the room and played slots in the California and the Plaza.
Thursday 28th May
Had breakfast in Subway after phoning home to find out how
Ross did in his exams. He was out but Scott told us he got a 2:1, which was
fantastic news. We sat at the pool for an hour and watched them putting the
finishing touches to the Golden Nugget extension. It was amazing to see how
they hoisted up the brick panelling to the very top of the building.
We had showers and caught the 108 then the 202 to the Gold Coast for our dinner buffet. We paid with our points and received the buffets for half price (or rather half our points as we didn’t need to pay any money). We then played a little slots ($12 up) and caught the 202 to the Bellagio to see a fountain show and the conservatory.
We then popped into the Miracle Mile Shops to see the new fountain.
We then walked back to Flamingo Road and down to Koval and caught the 116 outside Ellis Island back to Downtown. Played slots in Fremont Hotel before coming back to our room for drinks and then playing in the Plaza and the California.
We had showers and caught the 108 then the 202 to the Gold Coast for our dinner buffet. We paid with our points and received the buffets for half price (or rather half our points as we didn’t need to pay any money). We then played a little slots ($12 up) and caught the 202 to the Bellagio to see a fountain show and the conservatory.
We then popped into the Miracle Mile Shops to see the new fountain.
We then walked back to Flamingo Road and down to Koval and caught the 116 outside Ellis Island back to Downtown. Played slots in Fremont Hotel before coming back to our room for drinks and then playing in the Plaza and the California.
Friday 29th May
Had breakfast in Fitzgerald’s and Jim joined their player’s
club and used an ACG coupon to get free tickets to their comedy show. He then
played 1 point on his card and received $5 back in cash as it is within 14 days
of his birthday. We then went back to our room for a sleep as everything is
catching up with us and we’re exhausted with the heat. We took the 2.30pm 116
bus to the Las Vegas welcome sign.
After photos we walked back along past Mandalay Bay and the Luxor to catch the 116 bus at Reno. We got off and walked to the Sahara Hotel for their buffet using another ACG 2 for 1 coupon. We then caught the 108 bus back Downtown. Relaxed in the room and Jim opened his birthday cards as it is his birthday UK time.
Then it was time to go to the Fitz of Laughter show. A comedian was on first for a few minutes and then Kevin Burke. We recognised him immediately from the Defending The Caveman show. He told jokes, did tricks, read people’s minds and ate fire. Not a bad show for free but I wouldn’t have paid $39.50 for it! We then played slots in the Plaza, Main Street Station and the California.
After photos we walked back along past Mandalay Bay and the Luxor to catch the 116 bus at Reno. We got off and walked to the Sahara Hotel for their buffet using another ACG 2 for 1 coupon. We then caught the 108 bus back Downtown. Relaxed in the room and Jim opened his birthday cards as it is his birthday UK time.
Then it was time to go to the Fitz of Laughter show. A comedian was on first for a few minutes and then Kevin Burke. We recognised him immediately from the Defending The Caveman show. He told jokes, did tricks, read people’s minds and ate fire. Not a bad show for free but I wouldn’t have paid $39.50 for it! We then played slots in the Plaza, Main Street Station and the California.
Saturday 30th May
Had breakfast in Subway before sitting at the pool for an
hour. It’s not as hot today – only 92 degrees! Met a couple from Bolton (Mike
and Dianne) and it turned out that Mike shared Jim’s birthday today. He was
celebrating his 50th and they were going to see Fleetwood Mac at the MGM that
night. We had a relaxing day today. Went for a wander down to the El Cortez and
the Gold Spike and shopped for a little while. Had showers and went to the
$7.77 buffet in our hotel. We then had drinks in our room before collecting
another 2 draw tickets for a chance to win a car. Went over to the Vegas Club
for the draw but unfortunately we were not one of the 10 names called out to
win $500 and a chance to win the car. We played in all the casinos on Fremont
Street so that Jim could get wished “Happy Birthday” on all the slot machines
we played. Ended our night in the California and the Plaza.
Sunday 31st May
Had breakfast in Fitzgerald’s then spent an hour at the
pool. Took the 108 to the internet café and spent an hour there. Came back,
changed and caught the 107 down Boulder Highway to the Eastside Cannery for
their 2 for 1 (ACG) buffet. I joined their player’s club and received $5 in
free play. Then we both swiped our cards and both won a free gift – an Eastside
Cannery duffle bag. Caught the 107 bus back and had drinks in the room before
playing slots in the Plaza and California.
Monday 1st June
Had breakfast in Subway and caught the 108 to the internet
café to check in on line for our flight home tomorrow and print off our
boarding passes. Came home via the Stratosphere. Sat at the pool for an hour
before going to the 3pm bingo session (no joy) and then packed our cases. Lazed
about, had a McD’s for our dinner and then went to the 9pm bingo session (no
joy again) and had our final session on the slots in the Plaza, then the
California. Spoke to a lovely couple from Sheffield for ages before coming back
for our final shot on the Wizard of Oz. It was very kind to us with a bonus
round of over $20 and Glinda gave us $15 as well so we ended up in a small
profit for the night.
Tuesday 2nd June
Had McD’s for breakfast early in our room and checked out at
8.30am. Caught the 8.40am 108 bus outside our hotel to the airport and checked
in for our flight home. We nearly left on time. We got as far as queueing to
take off when the captain told us that he’d been given a new flight plan, which
was to take us the Southern route over Houston instead of the Northern route
over the Great Lakes. Only one small problem – we didn’t have enough fuel on
board. So back to the gate we went to load on more fuel.
This made us about an hour late taking off and as we only had about 2 hours in Newark before our next flight we were getting worried that we might not make it. We watched the film New in Town on that flight and had a light snack. When we arrived at Newark we disembarked hurriedly and luckily someone from the airport drove us to our next flight on one of the little buggies that go round the airport. Boy was that thing fast! We made our flight with a few minutes to spare thankfully. Joined the queue to take off which wasn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be and then we were airborne. I watched Confessions of a Shopaholic and Millions before our meal of chicken and pasta. We both got a little sleep before it was time for breakfast of fresh fruit and croissant with butter and jam. We had a good landing and our luggage came through really quickly.
More photos:-
This made us about an hour late taking off and as we only had about 2 hours in Newark before our next flight we were getting worried that we might not make it. We watched the film New in Town on that flight and had a light snack. When we arrived at Newark we disembarked hurriedly and luckily someone from the airport drove us to our next flight on one of the little buggies that go round the airport. Boy was that thing fast! We made our flight with a few minutes to spare thankfully. Joined the queue to take off which wasn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be and then we were airborne. I watched Confessions of a Shopaholic and Millions before our meal of chicken and pasta. We both got a little sleep before it was time for breakfast of fresh fruit and croissant with butter and jam. We had a good landing and our luggage came through really quickly.
More photos:-
