Monday 22 April 2013
Took off on time from Edinburgh airport for our short flight
down to London, Gatwick. We were served a hot breakfast of bacon, sausage,
tomato, mushrooms and scrambled eggs with orange juice and a roll with
marmalade – delicious. We then made our way to our next flight and took off at
11am. We were served a drink then lunch of salad, chicken with rice, bread roll
and banoffee cheesecake – delicious again. I watched the films Silver Linings Playbook, Skyfall and Playing for Keeps on the interactive entertainment
system. We had afternoon tea just before we landed of sandwiches, a scone with
clotted cream and jam with a cup of tea. We landed at terminal 3 just a few
minutes late after a flight of 10 hours 40 minutes. Cleared passport control
and customs and then caught the shuttle bus over to terminal 1 and waited for
the 108 bus. Arrived at the Stratosphere at about 4pm and checked in. The girl
on registration was very friendly and efficient and gave us a bigger than
normal room with a fridge in it. It has an extra room with an easy chair,
table, wardrobe and a unit which houses the fridge.
We unpacked and then tried to have a nap but sleep eluded us so we got up and went for a walk to McDs at Sahara for a snack and free wi-fi and then called in to the garage next to the Stratosphere for a gallon of water. Played the slots for a few hours then called it a night at 11pm (7am UK time) so we have been up for 26 and a half hours with about 1 hours sleep on the plane.
We unpacked and then tried to have a nap but sleep eluded us so we got up and went for a walk to McDs at Sahara for a snack and free wi-fi and then called in to the garage next to the Stratosphere for a gallon of water. Played the slots for a few hours then called it a night at 11pm (7am UK time) so we have been up for 26 and a half hours with about 1 hours sleep on the plane.
Tuesday 23 April
Woke up at about 3am but managed to get back to sleep until
5am. Got up and had showers then went for an early breakfast at the McDs in the
Stratosphere. Phoned home then walked to the Bonneville Transit Center to get
my reduced fare photo ID and buy our 15 day bus tickets.
We then walked to Charleston and caught the 206 then the 104 to the LVA office to pick up our Members Reward coupon book which we’d ordered on-line. We then walked to Spring Mountain and caught the 203 to the Strip and walked through TI to the Mirage where we met up with Bonnie and Sandy in the Roasted Bean for refreshments.
We chatted for a while and then they took us up to show us their free suite courtesy of myvegas. WOW – what a wonderful suite and what a view from the windows – well it would have been a bit better if the signage for the Beatles Love show hadn’t obscured the view!
After some photos we said goodbye outside the Mirage as Bonnie and Sandy were cabbing it to the Ross store near the Riviera. Jim and I walked back to TI and caught the 203 to Swenson and then the 108 to the Stratosphere. We quickly packed a suitcase and caught the 108 to Bonneville then the WAX to Tropicana and crossed over the walkway to Excalibur where we took the tram to Mandalay Bay to check-in for our free 2 night suite stay courtesy of myvegas. There were only a few people in line so we were quickly assigned Suite 201 on the 28th floor and it is amazing.
Still can’t believe we’re staying in a beautiful suite for free just for playing myvegas. We have a wonderful view of the Strip and the airport and a jacuzzi in the bathroom. We quickly unpacked and headed over to the Luxor to claim our free buffet courtesy of myvegas also.
Selection of desserts that I had at Luxor buffet - they were all delicious!
Finally exhausted, we gave in and had a sleep for a few hours. Woke up at 9.05pm and got ready and took the tram to Excalibur and then the walkway to New York New York to see if our friends from home had arrived from their 3 flight trip from Edinburgh, Scotland. The chap on registration let Jim speak to Kevin on the phone and he came down to meet us with his bride to be, Michelle, a few minutes later. We asked them if they would like to see our suite so we tried to take the tram back to Mandalay Bay but by that time it was closed so we took the walkways through Excalibur and Luxor to get there. They thought it was amazing too and after showing them round we walked them back to NYNY so they could unpack and finally get some sleep. We are meeting up with them in a couple of days to take them to City Hall to register their wedding and then to see some wedding chapels. We walked back to our room stopping at Luxor and Mandalay Bay to play some slots which were very kind to us. Got to bed about 2am.
We then walked to Charleston and caught the 206 then the 104 to the LVA office to pick up our Members Reward coupon book which we’d ordered on-line. We then walked to Spring Mountain and caught the 203 to the Strip and walked through TI to the Mirage where we met up with Bonnie and Sandy in the Roasted Bean for refreshments.
We chatted for a while and then they took us up to show us their free suite courtesy of myvegas. WOW – what a wonderful suite and what a view from the windows – well it would have been a bit better if the signage for the Beatles Love show hadn’t obscured the view!
After some photos we said goodbye outside the Mirage as Bonnie and Sandy were cabbing it to the Ross store near the Riviera. Jim and I walked back to TI and caught the 203 to Swenson and then the 108 to the Stratosphere. We quickly packed a suitcase and caught the 108 to Bonneville then the WAX to Tropicana and crossed over the walkway to Excalibur where we took the tram to Mandalay Bay to check-in for our free 2 night suite stay courtesy of myvegas. There were only a few people in line so we were quickly assigned Suite 201 on the 28th floor and it is amazing.
Still can’t believe we’re staying in a beautiful suite for free just for playing myvegas. We have a wonderful view of the Strip and the airport and a jacuzzi in the bathroom. We quickly unpacked and headed over to the Luxor to claim our free buffet courtesy of myvegas also.
Selection of desserts that I had at Luxor buffet - they were all delicious!
Finally exhausted, we gave in and had a sleep for a few hours. Woke up at 9.05pm and got ready and took the tram to Excalibur and then the walkway to New York New York to see if our friends from home had arrived from their 3 flight trip from Edinburgh, Scotland. The chap on registration let Jim speak to Kevin on the phone and he came down to meet us with his bride to be, Michelle, a few minutes later. We asked them if they would like to see our suite so we tried to take the tram back to Mandalay Bay but by that time it was closed so we took the walkways through Excalibur and Luxor to get there. They thought it was amazing too and after showing them round we walked them back to NYNY so they could unpack and finally get some sleep. We are meeting up with them in a couple of days to take them to City Hall to register their wedding and then to see some wedding chapels. We walked back to our room stopping at Luxor and Mandalay Bay to play some slots which were very kind to us. Got to bed about 2am.
Wednesday 24 April
Woke up early again and took the tram to the Luxor to eat
breakfast in the food court. We then came back to Mandalay Bay via the walkway
and rested in our room for an hour or so. Spent time at the Mandalay Bay beach
– WOW their pools and the beach are really something else.
We could get used to this life of luxury. We only have one problem – we don’t know which side of the card to hang on our door so that our room is made up. One side says Relaxation in progress and the other says Recuperation! We decided earlier to put the Recuperation side on but when we came back from the pool our bed still hadn’t been made so we asked the lady from housekeeping who was cleaning a couple of doors away. She explained that if you want your room cleaned you left the notice off altogether – how useless is that sign!
Went for a walk about the hotel whilst our room was made up as we haven’t really had time to see everything yet.
Had a short rest in our room then got changed, went for our second free buffet (myvegas) in the Luxor. Walked back to MB and asked at the Mlife desk about picking up our tickets for Love for tomorrow night. She told us to go to The Mirage and helpfully phoned up to see what time the box office closed (8pm). As it was only 6.40pm we decided to take the Deuce to the Mirage but when we got there the Love box office was closed. Thankfully the Terry Fator box office was still open and the sign said we could go there so we managed to collect our tickets. The lady kindly offered to print out our Zarkana tickets as well as she noticed that we had free tickets for that show on 30th April as well. It made us wonder if we could have saved ourselves a journey and just gone to the Criss Angel box office in the Luxor and collected both sets of tickets! Caught the Deuce back to MB as we had just missed the SDX. Back in our room it took about an hour to fill up the Jacuzzi and after all that I didn’t trust myself to be able to get in and out safely so I just sat on the edge and put my legs in. After all the walking we’ve done over the past couple of days it was like a leg and foot massage, so very welcome. Went down to the casino to gamble for a few hours and were only a few dollars down.
We could get used to this life of luxury. We only have one problem – we don’t know which side of the card to hang on our door so that our room is made up. One side says Relaxation in progress and the other says Recuperation! We decided earlier to put the Recuperation side on but when we came back from the pool our bed still hadn’t been made so we asked the lady from housekeeping who was cleaning a couple of doors away. She explained that if you want your room cleaned you left the notice off altogether – how useless is that sign!
Went for a walk about the hotel whilst our room was made up as we haven’t really had time to see everything yet.
Had a short rest in our room then got changed, went for our second free buffet (myvegas) in the Luxor. Walked back to MB and asked at the Mlife desk about picking up our tickets for Love for tomorrow night. She told us to go to The Mirage and helpfully phoned up to see what time the box office closed (8pm). As it was only 6.40pm we decided to take the Deuce to the Mirage but when we got there the Love box office was closed. Thankfully the Terry Fator box office was still open and the sign said we could go there so we managed to collect our tickets. The lady kindly offered to print out our Zarkana tickets as well as she noticed that we had free tickets for that show on 30th April as well. It made us wonder if we could have saved ourselves a journey and just gone to the Criss Angel box office in the Luxor and collected both sets of tickets! Caught the Deuce back to MB as we had just missed the SDX. Back in our room it took about an hour to fill up the Jacuzzi and after all that I didn’t trust myself to be able to get in and out safely so I just sat on the edge and put my legs in. After all the walking we’ve done over the past couple of days it was like a leg and foot massage, so very welcome. Went down to the casino to gamble for a few hours and were only a few dollars down.
Thursday 25 April
Woke up at 7.45am and walked through to the Luxor food court
for breakfast then sadly checked out of our wonderful suite and caught the SDX
back to the Stratosphere. Unpacked and rested in our room for a little while
and then caught the SDX down to NYNY to meet up with Kevin and Michelle. Took
them over to the Showcase Mall and showed them how to buy a day ticket for the
bus then caught the SDX to the Stratosphere to show them our room. We then
walked over to the Chapel of Flowers which they had 99% decided on for their
wedding. Out of all the wedding chapels that Jim and I passed on the first
morning walking down to the bus station it was the most beautiful and Michelle
said that it had the best reviews too. K & M went in and booked their
wedding for 2pm on 2nd of May. We then caught the SDX to Fremont Street and
showed them the zip line and had a free go on the slot outside Binions to get a
coupon for a free luggage tag each. Whilst in there K & M had their photos
taken with the million dollars for free. Then we showed them the Golden Nugget
Tank and Hand of Faith Golden Nugget and then walked up to the Plaza, where
Oscar Goodman and his wife, the lady mayoress, were taking part in a promotional
video outside. They were being filmed in an open topped vintage Cadillac.
We had cut vouchers out of a magazine for $10 free play if you sign up to the Plaza players club so K & M did that and came away with $13.95 in cash! Next we caught the SDX to City Hall so that K & M could get the legal documents for their wedding. They re-directed us to the Regional Justice Center and with the help of a kind local we managed to find the correct building. Then it was back to Bonneville to catch the SDX. Jim and I got off at the Stratosphere and left K & M on it to get off at NYNY. Had a very quick bite to eat at the McDs in the Stratosphere then caught the Deuce which was sitting right outside the Stratosphere to The Mirage. Our seats for The Beatles Love show were perfect (courtesy of myvegas) and although we’d seen the show before there were many parts that we had forgotten about so it was like seeing a brand new show. It was stunning – there are so many performers doing different feats of acrobatics that it is hard to know which ones to watch. Even if you are not a Beatles fan (which we both are) I think anyone would find this show a wonderful experience. Caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and had a few hours at the slots.
We had cut vouchers out of a magazine for $10 free play if you sign up to the Plaza players club so K & M did that and came away with $13.95 in cash! Next we caught the SDX to City Hall so that K & M could get the legal documents for their wedding. They re-directed us to the Regional Justice Center and with the help of a kind local we managed to find the correct building. Then it was back to Bonneville to catch the SDX. Jim and I got off at the Stratosphere and left K & M on it to get off at NYNY. Had a very quick bite to eat at the McDs in the Stratosphere then caught the Deuce which was sitting right outside the Stratosphere to The Mirage. Our seats for The Beatles Love show were perfect (courtesy of myvegas) and although we’d seen the show before there were many parts that we had forgotten about so it was like seeing a brand new show. It was stunning – there are so many performers doing different feats of acrobatics that it is hard to know which ones to watch. Even if you are not a Beatles fan (which we both are) I think anyone would find this show a wonderful experience. Caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and had a few hours at the slots.
Friday 26th April
Managed to sleep until nearly 9am, had breakfast and phoned
home. Relaxed at the pool for a couple of hours
then caught the 108 and the 202 to the Gold Coast for our play $10 get $10 free slot play (LVA Members Reward book) which resulted in a loss of $3 which is a first for us. I don’t think we’ve ever made a loss before on a cash match free play. Caught the 202 to Terribles for a 2 for 1 buffet (coupon in voucher book handed out on the Excalibur/NYNY walkway). Walked to Swenson and caught the 108 back up to the Stratosphere. Although we’ve not done much today we fell asleep for a couple of hours as everything has caught up with us and we were totally exhausted. Gambled for a few hours but lost.
then caught the 108 and the 202 to the Gold Coast for our play $10 get $10 free slot play (LVA Members Reward book) which resulted in a loss of $3 which is a first for us. I don’t think we’ve ever made a loss before on a cash match free play. Caught the 202 to Terribles for a 2 for 1 buffet (coupon in voucher book handed out on the Excalibur/NYNY walkway). Walked to Swenson and caught the 108 back up to the Stratosphere. Although we’ve not done much today we fell asleep for a couple of hours as everything has caught up with us and we were totally exhausted. Gambled for a few hours but lost.
Saturday 27th April
Had breakfast and spent time at the pool. Went to Fremont
Street to use LVA and ACG coupons in various casinos, then ate in the Fremont
buffet ($15.12 LVA coupon 2 for 1). Caught the SDX back to the Stratosphere and
had a rest in our room before gambling.
Sunday 28th April
Had breakfast and phoned home to wish Jim’s Mum a happy
birthday. Had showers then took the SDX to Excalibur and walked along to
Hooters for our $10 free slot play from the ACG. Walked back to NYNY and met up
with K & M. Took the WAX bus to the Premium Outlets and spent an hour shopping
then caught the SDX to Fremont Street. We showed them the Sigma Derby in the D
and the Heart Attack Grill and then walked along to El Cortez where we used an
ACG $10 free play voucher and made $8.45 profit. We then walked all the way up
to Main Street Station where we had their buffet. Walked back via the
California to the SDX bus stop at Binions and took the SDX to the Stratosphere.
Took K & M up to the top of the Tower to show them the view and the thrill
rides.
We also saw someone jumping off the top. Put K & M on the SDX back to their hotel and Jim and I relaxed in our room (yes we fell asleep again!) before going down to gamble. Managed to catch Carol on registration, when she didn’t have a customer and chatted to her for a few minutes before a line started to form again.
We also saw someone jumping off the top. Put K & M on the SDX back to their hotel and Jim and I relaxed in our room (yes we fell asleep again!) before going down to gamble. Managed to catch Carol on registration, when she didn’t have a customer and chatted to her for a few minutes before a line started to form again.
Monday 29th April
Had breakfast and spent time at the pool. Caught the SDX to
Excalibur and walked over to the MGM in time for my manicure (60th birthday
present from friends back home). It took us quite a few minutes to walk to it
as the spa is right at the furthest away part of the hotel. Just as well we
were in good time. The manicurist did a good job and the spa was very nice.
I relaxed for a while after she had finished to let my nails dry properly before I went to meet Jim at the Race and Sports book. We then walked up the Strip to Ballys and took a short cut through their casino to Ellis Island. Jim played $10 through and then used the LVA coupon and spun for $20 free play. I played through $10 and my $10 free play will be available after 4pm tomorrow (ACG coupon). We used an LVA coupon for a 2 for 1 meal in the cafe. We both had chicken soup followed by chicken parmesan. The portions were huge so we had trouble finishing everything. We caught the 202 to Swenson and the 108 back to the Stratosphere calling in at the nearby garage for water and 7 Up on the way. Fell asleep in our room again then gambled for about 3 hours in the casino.
I relaxed for a while after she had finished to let my nails dry properly before I went to meet Jim at the Race and Sports book. We then walked up the Strip to Ballys and took a short cut through their casino to Ellis Island. Jim played $10 through and then used the LVA coupon and spun for $20 free play. I played through $10 and my $10 free play will be available after 4pm tomorrow (ACG coupon). We used an LVA coupon for a 2 for 1 meal in the cafe. We both had chicken soup followed by chicken parmesan. The portions were huge so we had trouble finishing everything. We caught the 202 to Swenson and the 108 back to the Stratosphere calling in at the nearby garage for water and 7 Up on the way. Fell asleep in our room again then gambled for about 3 hours in the casino.
Tuesday 30th April
Had breakfast and spent time at the pool. Relaxed in our
room and then had showers and caught the SDX to Cosmopolitan and walked down to
the Hard Rock Cafe where we had our prepaid prebooked meal (redeemed with
cashback from Thomas Cook credit card).
We then walked down to MGM crossed over the walkway and walked up to Aria where we went to see Zarkana (courtesy of myvegas).
We weren’t overly impressed by the show as the music was a bit too classical for us and sung in a made up language called Cirquish so no-one could understand what they were singing about. The acrobats were all excellent as was the female juggler and the lady who made pictures in sand. The comedians who filled in between acts could do with better comedy material as we didn’t think they were funny at all. After the show we walked to the Cosmopolitan who have now opened a pop-up wedding chapel
and then over to Paris and caught the SDX back to the Stratosphere where we gambled for a few hours.
We then walked down to MGM crossed over the walkway and walked up to Aria where we went to see Zarkana (courtesy of myvegas).
We weren’t overly impressed by the show as the music was a bit too classical for us and sung in a made up language called Cirquish so no-one could understand what they were singing about. The acrobats were all excellent as was the female juggler and the lady who made pictures in sand. The comedians who filled in between acts could do with better comedy material as we didn’t think they were funny at all. After the show we walked to the Cosmopolitan who have now opened a pop-up wedding chapel
and then over to Paris and caught the SDX back to the Stratosphere where we gambled for a few hours.
Wednesday 1st May
Had breakfast and then caught the 108 to Bonneville and then
the HDX to Sam’s Town to see our friend, Ann, who works in Bogart’s Leather
Store there. We chatted for quite a while and I bought a new handbag with my
birthday money whilst there. We then walked over to Walmart and I bought some
toiletries and a new watch also with my birthday money. Jim bought cigars to
take home for his friend as they are about half the price here. Caught the BHX
back to Bonneville and the SDX to the Stratosphere and then transferred onto
the Deuce to Circus Circus where we had our last free buffet courtesy of
myvegas.
It was better than expected and nice and bright with plenty to choose from and hardly any kids to be seen. Caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and had a nap in our room before going down to gamble.
It was better than expected and nice and bright with plenty to choose from and hardly any kids to be seen. Caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and had a nap in our room before going down to gamble.
Thursday 2nd May
Had breakfast and spent time at the pool. The water is being
turned off on our floor between 12 and 2pm today so we had our showers early.
Went over to the Chapel of the Flowers to see our friends getting married at
2pm
and then nipped back to the Stratosphere to change back into casual wear and took the Deuce down to Harrahs to book tickets for our friends and ourselves to see the Mac King show tomorrow afternoon. We then walked through the newly remodelled Quad. We didn’t recognise the inside of it at all and were very impressed with it so far but it won’t be fully completed until October. We then caught the 202 at the side of Caesars Palace over to the Gold Coast where Jim earned 2000 points for it being his birthday month. We decided to go for the Gold Coast buffet as it was only $9.99 each minus $2 from Jim’s birthday bonus. It was delicious as usual and such a bright airy buffet. We caught the 202 back to the Strip just in time for the 6.30pm Bellagio fountain show – it was All That Jazz – one of my favourites and luckily we had the camcorder with us so recorded it for posterity.
We then walked round the conservatory
and sat in the lobby using the 2 hour free MLife wi-fi. Caught the Deuce back up to the Stratosphere
and it got there in record time as there wasn’t many people getting on or off the bus. Gambled for about 3 hours.
and then nipped back to the Stratosphere to change back into casual wear and took the Deuce down to Harrahs to book tickets for our friends and ourselves to see the Mac King show tomorrow afternoon. We then walked through the newly remodelled Quad. We didn’t recognise the inside of it at all and were very impressed with it so far but it won’t be fully completed until October. We then caught the 202 at the side of Caesars Palace over to the Gold Coast where Jim earned 2000 points for it being his birthday month. We decided to go for the Gold Coast buffet as it was only $9.99 each minus $2 from Jim’s birthday bonus. It was delicious as usual and such a bright airy buffet. We caught the 202 back to the Strip just in time for the 6.30pm Bellagio fountain show – it was All That Jazz – one of my favourites and luckily we had the camcorder with us so recorded it for posterity.
We then walked round the conservatory
and sat in the lobby using the 2 hour free MLife wi-fi. Caught the Deuce back up to the Stratosphere
and it got there in record time as there wasn’t many people getting on or off the bus. Gambled for about 3 hours.
Friday 3rd May
Had breakfast and spent some time at the pool. Met up with K
& M at the Stratosphere registration at 12 noon and then walked down to the
World’s Biggest Gift Shop and had a look round. Then it was on to Circus Circus
to show them round there. We stopped off at Viva McDonalds for a snack as K
& M hadn’t had any breakfast and then caught the Deuce to The Mirage to
show them the Beatles Love theatre before going over to Harrahs for our 3pm Mac
King show. We all enjoyed the show and we then exited past the Carnival Court
where Lucky the Leprechaun has been redeployed from O’Sheas announcing drink
promotions. We passed through The Quad as the dealertainers were singing so we
stopped to watch them for a while.
Then it was on to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
and then over to the Bellagio to show them the conservatory. Next up, the Forum Shops to see the Atlantis show – the fight between fire and water. Unfortunately there was no fire in the show so it didn’t make a lot of sense. Don’t know if it is cutbacks or if they had a problem with the pyrotechnics. As we were all hungry by this time we popped into Subway inside Casino Royale for a bite to eat. When we came out we noticed the new Beatles signage at the top of the Mirage.
Next up we visited the Venetian and showed K & M the gondolas and St Marks Square. We watched the Mirage volcano from the Venetian balcony and then walked through to the Palazzo to see their waterfall and the flowers on display.
Had a quick tour round Lagasse’s Sports Stadium and then went outside to watch the Sirens of TI – pretty boring apart from the fireworks at the end. We paid a quick visit to the Wynn to see their flower display
and the Lake of Dreams before catching the Deuce to Fremont Street to watch the 10pm Queen light show. As it was extremely busy on Fremont Street we didn’t stay long and said our last goodbyes to K & M and put them on the 10.30pm WAX bus which would take them back to NYNY in about 20 minutes. Jim and I caught the next SDX bus back to the Stratosphere and gambled for a couple of hours and didn’t get to bed till 2.30am.
Then it was on to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
and then over to the Bellagio to show them the conservatory. Next up, the Forum Shops to see the Atlantis show – the fight between fire and water. Unfortunately there was no fire in the show so it didn’t make a lot of sense. Don’t know if it is cutbacks or if they had a problem with the pyrotechnics. As we were all hungry by this time we popped into Subway inside Casino Royale for a bite to eat. When we came out we noticed the new Beatles signage at the top of the Mirage.
Next up we visited the Venetian and showed K & M the gondolas and St Marks Square. We watched the Mirage volcano from the Venetian balcony and then walked through to the Palazzo to see their waterfall and the flowers on display.
Had a quick tour round Lagasse’s Sports Stadium and then went outside to watch the Sirens of TI – pretty boring apart from the fireworks at the end. We paid a quick visit to the Wynn to see their flower display
and the Lake of Dreams before catching the Deuce to Fremont Street to watch the 10pm Queen light show. As it was extremely busy on Fremont Street we didn’t stay long and said our last goodbyes to K & M and put them on the 10.30pm WAX bus which would take them back to NYNY in about 20 minutes. Jim and I caught the next SDX bus back to the Stratosphere and gambled for a couple of hours and didn’t get to bed till 2.30am.
Saturday 4th May
Had breakfast in the McDs in the Stratosphere and then went
back to our room for a rest after we’d been on the go for so long yesterday.
Jim put a bet on the Kentucky Derby and then we caught the SDX to Excalibur and
then the tram to the Luxor to go to see the Titanic Exhibition which our friends
K & M had very kindly bought us tickets for as a thank you for showing them
around Las Vegas. Spent about 2 hours inside looking at all the personal items
recovered from the wreck and also a huge chunk of the side of the ship – it was
very interesting and we were amazed to learn that the wreck was located 2.5
miles under the ocean!
We came out just in time for the Kentucky Derby and my horse came in second at 34/1. Just a shame that we had it backed to win! Had something to eat in the Luxor food court and then walked along to Hooters after that to use 2 x $10 free play coupons – 1 from the ACG and 1 from the LVA. We walked back to the MGM and were fortunate to jump on an SDX which had just pulled up. Got back to the Stratosphere at 7pm and had just enough time for showers and to get ready to go to the Frankie Moreno show at 8pm in the Stratosphere ($19.99 plus tax for residents of the Stratosphere). We enjoyed the show and thought that he was a very talented musician. Gambled for 3 and a half hours in the casino.
Sunday 5th May
We came out just in time for the Kentucky Derby and my horse came in second at 34/1. Just a shame that we had it backed to win! Had something to eat in the Luxor food court and then walked along to Hooters after that to use 2 x $10 free play coupons – 1 from the ACG and 1 from the LVA. We walked back to the MGM and were fortunate to jump on an SDX which had just pulled up. Got back to the Stratosphere at 7pm and had just enough time for showers and to get ready to go to the Frankie Moreno show at 8pm in the Stratosphere ($19.99 plus tax for residents of the Stratosphere). We enjoyed the show and thought that he was a very talented musician. Gambled for 3 and a half hours in the casino.
Sunday 5th May
Had breakfast and spent time at the pool even though it is
cloudy and a bit breezy today. Took the SDX to Bonneville and then the HDX to
Walmart opposite Sam’s Town to exchange the watch that I bought the other day.
I didn’t notice at the time of purchase that the second hand wasn’t moving.
There was no-one serving at the jewellery counter so we asked a customer
service manager who said he would send someone over. This took ages so Jim
decided to go and ask him about exchanging the watch so he said to go to
customer services. We stood in line there and when we got served the girl said
we should take it to the jewellery counter. We told her we’d already been there
and that there was no-one there so a nearby customer service manager took us
over and by that time an assistant was there. The Manager asked her if she knew
how to do an exchange and she said maybe not so the manager said to ring for
someone if she got stuck. When it was our turn to be served she eventually
understood that we wanted to exchange it for the exact same watch but one that
was working. She started to do the exchange and then had to ring for a manager
who didn’t even bother to go behind the counter but just tried to talk the
assistant through the transaction. It kept going wrong and she had to keep
voiding it out and starting again. When everything was eventually completed
there were no apologies of any sort. It was as if we were in the wrong for
bringing the watch back – not Walmart for selling us a faulty watch in the
first place. We then took the BHX up to Boulder Station for a free swipe for a
guaranteed prize. We both received 500 points (equivalent to 50c!). Whilst we
were in Boulder Station we noticed that they had a Burger King so we decided to
have something to eat there. We then took the BHX to Fremont Street where we
played our $10 free play in the 4 Queens, then $10 free play in Binions, then
$5 free play in LVC and finally $5 free play in the Plaza. Checked our emails
quickly in the lobby of the Plaza (free wi-fi) before catching the SDX back to
the Stratosphere. Gambled for about 3 and a half hours and met up with Carol
from registration just before midnight when she starts work. This is the last
time we will see her before we leave as she is off until Wednesday now.
Monday 6th May
Had breakfast, phoned home and then caught the SDX to the
Cosmopolitan and walked over to Ballys and down to Ellis Island for some more
free play from the ACG. Walked back to the Strip and took the SDX to Fremont
Street for $5 in the LVC and $5 in the Plaza. Took the SDX then the SX to
Palace Station for their buffet (2 for 1 with LVA $8.64).
Came back to the Stratosphere and fell asleep for an hour or so. Had showers and gambled for 3 and a half hours and broke even for a change.
Came back to the Stratosphere and fell asleep for an hour or so. Had showers and gambled for 3 and a half hours and broke even for a change.
Tuesday 7th May
Had breakfast and spent time at the pool. It’s a lot cooler
today so when the clouds came over it was time for sweaters and cardigans and a
trip to the Orleans via the SDX and 201.
Our favourite billboard!
We played through $10 then received $10 free play from the LVA Members Reward book. As we left the Orleans to catch the 104 to Flamingo the rain came on for a little while. We then changed to the 202 to Ellis Island where Jim played through his $10 free play. Caught the 202 down to Terribles where we had a 2 for 1 buffet with a coupon from a book handed out on the Strip. For some strange reason I discovered that I had $4 comps on my card (where the $4 came from is anyone’s guess as we’ve never gambled there before) so I asked for that to be deducted at the cashier resulting in our buffet costing us just $5.39! Walked up to Swenson and caught the 108 back to the Stratosphere and had a nap. We then nipped round to the McDs at Sahara to use their free wi-fi to check in for our flight tomorrow night. Gambled for about 3 hours again and we were $1 up at the end of the night.
Our favourite billboard!
We played through $10 then received $10 free play from the LVA Members Reward book. As we left the Orleans to catch the 104 to Flamingo the rain came on for a little while. We then changed to the 202 to Ellis Island where Jim played through his $10 free play. Caught the 202 down to Terribles where we had a 2 for 1 buffet with a coupon from a book handed out on the Strip. For some strange reason I discovered that I had $4 comps on my card (where the $4 came from is anyone’s guess as we’ve never gambled there before) so I asked for that to be deducted at the cashier resulting in our buffet costing us just $5.39! Walked up to Swenson and caught the 108 back to the Stratosphere and had a nap. We then nipped round to the McDs at Sahara to use their free wi-fi to check in for our flight tomorrow night. Gambled for about 3 hours again and we were $1 up at the end of the night.
Wednesday 8th May
Had breakfast and spent some time at the pool. It is a lot
warmer today with less cloud and wind. Packed our suitcases, had showers and
checked out just before 3pm (we were kindly granted a late check out yesterday
when we asked). Sat in the lobby and read books and newspapers and had a burger
from McDs at 4.30pm then caught the 5.15pm 108 bus to the airport for our
9.15pm flight. At the check in desk we were hit with a question that we didn’t
expect and hadn’t been asked before – to fly back tomorrow instead and accept
either an $800 gift card or a $1200 British Airways gift card. They would also
put us up in a hotel with all meals paid for. We thought about it for a moment
but as Jim’s Mum had been taken into hospital whilst we were on holiday we
decided to decline the offer. We made our way through security to our departure
gate and took off on time.
I watched 3 films – The Guilt Trip, Parental Guidance and I Give It A Year. We were served dinner of beef tex mex with salad followed by cheesecake. About 2 hours from landing we were served breakfast of a drinking yogurt and a cranberry and orange muffin. We arrived in Heathrow, London on time and transferred to our Edinburgh flight an hour and a half later. Unfortunately we sat on the runway for 50 minutes after our due departure time as there were strong winds which were delaying arrivals and departures. Once airbourne we were served a drink and a snack. We arrived in Edinburgh 25 minutes late to pouring rain – typical Scottish weather.
I watched 3 films – The Guilt Trip, Parental Guidance and I Give It A Year. We were served dinner of beef tex mex with salad followed by cheesecake. About 2 hours from landing we were served breakfast of a drinking yogurt and a cranberry and orange muffin. We arrived in Heathrow, London on time and transferred to our Edinburgh flight an hour and a half later. Unfortunately we sat on the runway for 50 minutes after our due departure time as there were strong winds which were delaying arrivals and departures. Once airbourne we were served a drink and a snack. We arrived in Edinburgh 25 minutes late to pouring rain – typical Scottish weather.
As always we thoroughly enjoyed our vacation. It was made
extra special this time with Kevin and Michelle being there and going to see
them at their wedding. It was also great to meet up with Bonnie for the first
time and Sandy for the second time. It also goes without saying that we love to
catch up with Carol at the Stratosphere and Ann at Sam’s Town.
As some of you know we are not big gamblers and only gamble
small amounts for entertainment and free drinks. We usually spend 10c a spin
and try to limit ourselves to losing no more than $20 a night. Over the 16
nights that we were there we lost a total of $100 which averaged out at $6.25
per night so we certainly can’t complain.
The LVA Members Reward book cost us $37 but we earned $60.54 from all the free play in it and we also have lots of 2 for 1 buffet vouchers left to use in it.
We bought 2 American Casino Guides costing $19 each and we
earned $66.43 from the free play in them and we still have lots of other
coupons to use from them.
We are now looking forward to our 24 night vacation in
September (also at the Stratosphere) which is already booked and paid for.