We normally don't visit Las Vegas in August as it is too hot
but Jim's brother, his wife and two other couples were going to Las Vegas for
the first time at the end of August so we decided to be there if they wanted us
to show them around. We will never be back there in August again as we were
overcome with the heat and didn't even spend time at the pool as we normally
do.
Monday 17 August 2015
Caught the 13.45 British Airways flight from Edinburgh down
to London Heathrow and then the 16.50 British Airways flight from London to Las
Vegas. Managed to acquire bulkhead seats when we checked in yesterday but would
have changed them had we known that the largest male on the flight was going to
be sitting behind Jim and the tallest man with the longest legs on the flight
was sitting behind me. I had knees digging into my back for most of the journey
as the long legged man couldn't move his leg to the side of my seat because of
the large man next to him. Watched a couple of films, had 2 meals and a snack
and tried unsuccessfully to have a nap. Our hearts were in our mouths when we
heard loud bangs on our very bumpy landing which was some containers breaking
in the galley resulting in a wet floor as we left the plane. Usually our
landings on a 747 have been very smooth so this is the worst landing we've had.
We passed the computer test at passport control where you scan your own
passport, take your own fingerprints and photograph yourself so we went through
a separate line with no-one waiting ahead of us. Unfortunately our luggage took
ages to appear but
that meant we were just in time to catch the WAX bus from
the airport. We exited the farthest away door and went round the corner and
there was the stop for it. We rode it for $1 each (reduced fare for over 60s)
to Bonneville Transit Center where we were able to purchase our reduced fare 30
day bus ticket ($32.50 each). We were just in time for a 108 which dropped us
off at the Stratosphere. There was no line at registration but the chap behind
the desk told us to go to the VIP check in. It was nice to have a seat whilst
checking in for a change. We were allocated our usual room thanks to Carol who
used to work at the Strat and were thankful to go straight up to it and unpack.
Spent a short time in the casino before collapsing into bed at 8am British
time.
Tuesday 18 August
Awoke very early but managed to doze till 6.30am. Had our
usual breakfast of maple and fruit oatmeal for me and a sausage burrito for Jim
at the Viva McDonalds beside Slots A Fun. Took a leisurely walk back to the
Stratosphere calling in at the CVS on the way to cool down and by Jim's vodka
($11.99 plus tax for a litre and three quarters).
Decided against lying at the pool as it was too hot and instead caught the 108 then the 206 at Bonneville to Decatur. We bought various items in the 99c store and then walked down to Walmart. Caught the 206 then the SDX back to the Stratosphere to drop off our shopping then caught the SX over to the Palace Station for a late lunch at 3pm free - courtesy of Myvegas. Bought some 7UP and water on the way back to the hotel and then decided to have a nap as we had been up so early this morning. Should have set an alarm as we didn't wake up until 10pm! Spent time in the casino.
Wednesday 19 August
Decided against lying at the pool as it was too hot and instead caught the 108 then the 206 at Bonneville to Decatur. We bought various items in the 99c store and then walked down to Walmart. Caught the 206 then the SDX back to the Stratosphere to drop off our shopping then caught the SX over to the Palace Station for a late lunch at 3pm free - courtesy of Myvegas. Bought some 7UP and water on the way back to the hotel and then decided to have a nap as we had been up so early this morning. Should have set an alarm as we didn't wake up until 10pm! Spent time in the casino.
Wednesday 19 August
Awoke early again after just a few hours sleep. Had
breakfast at McDs again. This is how they have boarded off the Riviera.
We then visited the outlet mall (north) where we had a look round the Sketchers store. Caught the SDX to the Plaza and used 2 ACG coupons (one from the Plaza and one from the Las Vegas Club) to get $10 freeplay which resulted in a $8.30 win. We then caught the SDX and then the 206 up to the shops at Decatur and looked round the two shoe shops that we missed yesterday. By this time it was just coming up to 4pm so we walked along to Arizona Charlies for their dinner buffet (2 for 1 LVA Members Rewards book coupon $7.08 total paid with points). We discovered later on in our trip that this buffet would be closed for refurbishment so hopefully it will look a lot better when we return in April.
On the way back to the bus stop we nipped in to Smart & Final to buy a bottle of Bacardi ($13 Inc tax) for Jim's sister in law who arrives with Jim's brother on 31 August for a week. Caught the 206 and the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and relaxed until it was time to gamble. Broke even tonight for a welcome change.
We then visited the outlet mall (north) where we had a look round the Sketchers store. Caught the SDX to the Plaza and used 2 ACG coupons (one from the Plaza and one from the Las Vegas Club) to get $10 freeplay which resulted in a $8.30 win. We then caught the SDX and then the 206 up to the shops at Decatur and looked round the two shoe shops that we missed yesterday. By this time it was just coming up to 4pm so we walked along to Arizona Charlies for their dinner buffet (2 for 1 LVA Members Rewards book coupon $7.08 total paid with points). We discovered later on in our trip that this buffet would be closed for refurbishment so hopefully it will look a lot better when we return in April.
On the way back to the bus stop we nipped in to Smart & Final to buy a bottle of Bacardi ($13 Inc tax) for Jim's sister in law who arrives with Jim's brother on 31 August for a week. Caught the 206 and the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and relaxed until it was time to gamble. Broke even tonight for a welcome change.
Thursday 20 August
Had breakfast then caught the Deuce down to the Mirage where
we picked up all our free show tickets courtesy of Myvegas. We then walked
through Caesars Palace and across to Ballys where we booked tickets for the 7pm
Jubilee show. Walked through to Paris and caught the SDX back to the
Stratosphere. Rested for an hour before catching the SX over to the Palace Station for a free lunch buffet courtesy of
Myvegas. Returned to the Stratosphere and got ready for our show at Ballys.
Jubilee is basically very dated. The costumes are spectacular and the dancers
and singers are talented but they need far better material in the show. The
Samson & Delilah sketch was very cheesy and the Titanic sketch was very
contrived. There were more topless scenes than I thought there would be but to
be honest the girls looked better with their tops covered up! There was one
song and dance number which stood out - Putting On The Ritz - as it is a
classic. If they had sung and danced to more tunes that we had heard of I would
have enjoyed it more. The best act by a mile was at the beginning of the
Titanic sequence where two men dressed in white suits performed robotic
dancing. They were outstanding and got the biggest cheer of the night from the
under-full theatre. Caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and gambled for a
few hours.
Friday 21 August
Had breakfast then travelled to the Walmart at Boulder
Highway. Purchased new training shoes for Jim, socks for Jim, a watch for each
of us and a new handbag for myself. Caught the bus up to Arizona Charlies and
played the slots until it was time for the dinner buffet (2 for 1 LVA book
$9.72 total paid with points). Caught the bus back and rested until it was time
to gamble. Only lost about $10 so not too bad a night.
Saturday 22 August
Had breakfast then headed over to the Palace Station for the
1pm bingo session. We've never played bingo there before so it was a new
experience. Unfortunately we had no luck! Played slots for a while to qualify
for a swipe and win. We both won 1,500 Boarding Pass points. Had a late lunch
at Palace Station free courtesy of Myvegas then caught the bus to the Strip and
had a look round the SLS to see if anything had changed. It hadn't but it was
good to see the place quite busy. Couldn't resist taking a photo of the amazing 3D screen above one of the bars there.
There was a pool party on all weekend with various DJs that we'd never heard of (showing our age now!) so there was quite a young crowd in. We made our way back to the Stratosphere and did some laundry before resting then gambling in the casino.
There was a pool party on all weekend with various DJs that we'd never heard of (showing our age now!) so there was quite a young crowd in. We made our way back to the Stratosphere and did some laundry before resting then gambling in the casino.
Sunday 23 August
Had breakfast then walked the mile back to the Stratosphere
stopping off at SLS on the way to cool down. Rested in the room as the heat is
so overpowering we feel tired all the time. Caught the SX over to the McDs
beside Palace Station and had a snack there instead of a buffet for a change.
Walked down to Palace Station and played our $5 each through a slot to qualify
for a swipe and win. I received 2,000 points and Jim received 1,500 so that's
another $3.50 towards a buffet. Made our way back to the Stratosphere and
rested again until it was time to shower. We've had problems slipping in the
shower before so when we arrived we bought a bathmat in Walmart and it has been
great. Unfortunately I stepped onto the bathmat at the edge of it and it
slipped from under me and I went crashing down into the bath. My left knee was
very badly bruised along with my elbow and cheek as I fell forward. Jim rushed
in to rescue me and eventually got me settled in bed and went for ice for an
icepack. I spent the rest of the night with my leg elevated watched TV and
reading my book. To be honest I should have checked that the bathmat was
securely suctioned to the bath before I got in. It's just a shame that the
Stratosphere doesn't have some kind of non-slip surface in their baths in the
first place so we wouldn't need to buy a bathmat. Jim went down to gamble for a
little while and came back $6 up. This is what my leg looked like after a few days - for those of you with a nervous disposition - my apologies!
Monday 24 August
Monday 24 August
Jim brought me breakfast in bed from the McDs in our hotel
and after another icepack I tried walking to see how I got on. Taking things
very slowly we managed the Deuce then the SX over to Palace Station for another
game of bingo. Still no luck and didn't even get down to waiting for one
number. Caught the bus back to the Strip and managed to walk slowly along to the
Stratosphere. Jim went to McDs in our hotel and brought back dinner as it was
easier than me walking anywhere else. Rested then got ready for our show at the
Luxor.
Jabbawockeez (courtesy of Myvegas) was better than we expected. The show was very high energy, audience interactive and very loud. Our seats were right at the back and thankfully no-one sat in front of me so I had a perfect view. Returned to the Stratosphere and received an email from a Canadian couple that we had met and got chatting to in the Stratosphere about a year ago to say that they had jumped on a plane and were arriving soon. I emailed back that we would see them in the casino after they had checked in. We met up with them and chatted to them until way past our bedtime and Suzie our cocktail waitress kept us well stocked with drinks.
Jabbawockeez (courtesy of Myvegas) was better than we expected. The show was very high energy, audience interactive and very loud. Our seats were right at the back and thankfully no-one sat in front of me so I had a perfect view. Returned to the Stratosphere and received an email from a Canadian couple that we had met and got chatting to in the Stratosphere about a year ago to say that they had jumped on a plane and were arriving soon. I emailed back that we would see them in the casino after they had checked in. We met up with them and chatted to them until way past our bedtime and Suzie our cocktail waitress kept us well stocked with drinks.
Tuesday 25 August
Struggled to get up after our very late night last night.
Had breakfast in the Viva McDonalds next to Circus Circus then caught the Deuce
down to MGM Grand for the 11.30am backstage tour of the Ka theatre. It was very
informative and we got to sit at the front centre stage whilst they
demonstrated how the amazing stage twists and turns and told us the story of
the show and about all the cast and crew.
They have only just started doing
these free tours every Tuesday so I don't know how long they will continue.
Spent a little time in the race and sports book then caught the SDX back to the
Stratosphere to pack a case to move to Palace Station for a couple of free
nights (courtesy of Myvegas). Checked in at Palace Station and we were
allocated a room on the 9th floor with a Strip view. The room was very
comfortable with a room safe and a hi-def TV with loads of channels - much more
than the Stratosphere.
We unpacked and went for a wander round the hotel and looked at the pools and the gym. It gave us a good insight as we have already booked our trip for next April staying for 23 nights at the Palace Station. It worked out a lot cheaper than the Stratosphere and also the resort fee is less. Because we are not paying the resort fee with the Myvegas offer we don't get the free wi-fi but that is OK as there is a McDs just across the street plus we later discovered that you can get free wi-fi anywhere in all the Station casinos. Had a nap as we were still recovering from our late night then showered (shower is safer than the Stratosphere and a good flow of hot water) and went down to gamble. Great variety of our type of slots and good cocktail service. Didn't lose too much either.
We unpacked and went for a wander round the hotel and looked at the pools and the gym. It gave us a good insight as we have already booked our trip for next April staying for 23 nights at the Palace Station. It worked out a lot cheaper than the Stratosphere and also the resort fee is less. Because we are not paying the resort fee with the Myvegas offer we don't get the free wi-fi but that is OK as there is a McDs just across the street plus we later discovered that you can get free wi-fi anywhere in all the Station casinos. Had a nap as we were still recovering from our late night then showered (shower is safer than the Stratosphere and a good flow of hot water) and went down to gamble. Great variety of our type of slots and good cocktail service. Didn't lose too much either.
Wednesday 26 August
Had breakfast in the McDs opposite Palace Station. They had
an offer on for 2 sausage mcmuffins with egg for $3.33 so we tried that for a
change - very nice. Caught the SX bus over to the Stratosphere as we had
forgotten to bring the camcorder with us. Set off for the Bellagio to film the
conservatory. The display is one of the nicest we have seen so we took lots of
film and photos.
Crossed over to Planet Hollywood and watched the end of an English soccer match in the Race & Sports Book. Caught the Deuce up to the Venetian and filmed there and in the Palazzo before moving on to the Wynn.
We
then caught the Deuce and the SX back to the Palace Station where we took part
in a seniors slot tournament and used a Myvegas reward for a 2 for 1 buffet and
paid with points for half off as it's a Senior Wednesday. Played bingo again and I was waiting for 1 number to win $250 for the
last game but as usual it didn't come out. Watched some TV then gambled in the
casino for a few hours.
Crossed over to Planet Hollywood and watched the end of an English soccer match in the Race & Sports Book. Caught the Deuce up to the Venetian and filmed there and in the Palazzo before moving on to the Wynn.
Thursday 27 August
Had breakfast then packed our case and checked out at 12
noon. Caught the SX back to the Strip
and walked back to the Stratosphere. Had a lazy afternoon resting and doing
laundry before catching the SDX down to Excalibur for the Tournament of Kings
show - free courtesy of Myvegas. The stadium that it is held in was extremely
cold due to excessive air conditioning so we were glad of the sweater
and cardigan that we had brought with us. We were sat next to 2 ladies who had
been in the row in front of us at the Jabbawockeez show on Monday night. They
too had redeemed rewards for both shows from Myvegas. The show was what we
thought it would be - lots of cheering from the audience
and lots of jousting and fighting between the knights of the
round table and the dragons.
The meal was good - tomato and basil soup, a small chicken, roast potatoes, broccoli and a biscuit followed by apple turnover for dessert. We both had coca cola to drink but there were alcoholic drinks if you paid extra. It was a very different way of celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary! Caught the SDX back to the Stratosphere where we gambled for a few hours.
The meal was good - tomato and basil soup, a small chicken, roast potatoes, broccoli and a biscuit followed by apple turnover for dessert. We both had coca cola to drink but there were alcoholic drinks if you paid extra. It was a very different way of celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary! Caught the SDX back to the Stratosphere where we gambled for a few hours.
Friday 28 August
Had breakfast in the McDs at Sahara and on the way out we noticed this
- the first marijuana clinic to open in Las Vegas! Caught the SX and the 104 to the Las Vegas Advisor offices and bought a Members Reward book in my name. Then caught the buses back to the Stratosphere. Changed and caught the Deuce then the 106 up to Santa Fe to meet up with Carol, who used to work at registration at the Stratosphere, for lunch courtesy of Myvegas and station boarding points. We chatted for ages during lunch and as we were leaving the buffet she introduced us to her Mum and Dad who had been in for their lunch too. What lovely people they all are and it's lovely to meet up with Carol each time we come to Las Vegas. Caught the 106 back to Bonneville then a 108 to Paradise where we changed to the SX to take us over to the Palace Station to play our $5 through each to earn 1,500 points each. Caught the SX back to the Strip and walked back to the Stratosphere. Rested then showered and watched an episode of Penn & Teller Fool Us on the CW channel before going down to gamble for a few hours.
- the first marijuana clinic to open in Las Vegas! Caught the SX and the 104 to the Las Vegas Advisor offices and bought a Members Reward book in my name. Then caught the buses back to the Stratosphere. Changed and caught the Deuce then the 106 up to Santa Fe to meet up with Carol, who used to work at registration at the Stratosphere, for lunch courtesy of Myvegas and station boarding points. We chatted for ages during lunch and as we were leaving the buffet she introduced us to her Mum and Dad who had been in for their lunch too. What lovely people they all are and it's lovely to meet up with Carol each time we come to Las Vegas. Caught the 106 back to Bonneville then a 108 to Paradise where we changed to the SX to take us over to the Palace Station to play our $5 through each to earn 1,500 points each. Caught the SX back to the Strip and walked back to the Stratosphere. Rested then showered and watched an episode of Penn & Teller Fool Us on the CW channel before going down to gamble for a few hours.
Saturday 29 August
Had breakfast then travelled over to the Palace Station to
play $5 swipe to win points - we both won 1,500. We then took the SX up to
Valleyview and caught the 104 along to the Orleans where we both had matchplay
vouchers from the American Casino Guide which resulted in a $10 profit. Timed
the 201 bus nicely to get to the Strip then caught the SDX to the McDs at
Paradise for 2 big macs for $4.44. We were going to have ice cream sundaes but
according to the assistant in McDs there is no ice-cream in the state of
Nevada! As we were once again exhausted we retired to our room and relaxed
until it was time to go down to the casino.
Sunday 30 August
Had breakfast then took the SX over to the Palace Station to
play our $5s through then swipe and win - 3,500 points between us today. Called
back at the Stratosphere to leave the netbook and pick up the camcorder and set
off for the Delano.
We'd never been there before but discovered that there wasn't much to see so got back on the SDX and went to the shopping outlets to pick up a VIP discount book for Jim's brother. Jumped on the next SDX and changed buses at the SSTT to a different SDX and rode it all the way to Fremont Street where we swapped a coupon in the LVA Members Reward book for $10 freeplay at Binions. Didn't do very well with it and only made a $3.58 profit. Next it was on to the Main Street Station buffet where we traded in a 2 for 1 coupon from the LVA Members Reward book - total paid $12.96 plus tip. We really enjoy this buffet and it didn't disappoint today.
Walked along to the Plaza to do $5 freeplay from the LVA book. They accepted that but wouldn't honour the coupon for freeplay from the Las Vegas Club now that it is closed. Total profit $1.30. Sad to see this sign up at the Las Vegas Club but hope that the new owners can make a go of it and refurbish it to a high standard.
We then moved on to the 4 Queens where $10 freeplay netted us $5.32 and then at El Cortez the best result yet - $8.75 profit. Caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere, rested and gambled in the casino.
We'd never been there before but discovered that there wasn't much to see so got back on the SDX and went to the shopping outlets to pick up a VIP discount book for Jim's brother. Jumped on the next SDX and changed buses at the SSTT to a different SDX and rode it all the way to Fremont Street where we swapped a coupon in the LVA Members Reward book for $10 freeplay at Binions. Didn't do very well with it and only made a $3.58 profit. Next it was on to the Main Street Station buffet where we traded in a 2 for 1 coupon from the LVA Members Reward book - total paid $12.96 plus tip. We really enjoy this buffet and it didn't disappoint today.
Walked along to the Plaza to do $5 freeplay from the LVA book. They accepted that but wouldn't honour the coupon for freeplay from the Las Vegas Club now that it is closed. Total profit $1.30. Sad to see this sign up at the Las Vegas Club but hope that the new owners can make a go of it and refurbish it to a high standard.
We then moved on to the 4 Queens where $10 freeplay netted us $5.32 and then at El Cortez the best result yet - $8.75 profit. Caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere, rested and gambled in the casino.
Monday 31 August
Had breakfast and had a lazy morning doing some laundry. In
the afternoon we took the Deuce bus to the Linq Hotel and booked to see the
show Divas next Monday night with a coupon we picked up last April. The coupon
entitled us to see it for about $16 each plus tax but we decided to upgrade to
the next level of seating for $25 each plus tax as we were paying for the show
with Total Rewards points gained by using Social Rewards (watching videos and
sharing CET related items on facebook). We then crossed over to the
Bellagio and walked through to Vdara to await the arrival of Jim's brother and
his wife plus 2 other couples. Their flight was delayed then it took nearly 2
hours to get through passport control and collect their luggage. They arrived
in a prebooked limo and checked in. We accompanied them up to their room and
then left them to unpack whilst we had something to eat. These are some photos of their room
We met back up with them all and took them to the Bellagio and then on to Caesars Palace where they had something to eat in the food court. We then walked back to the Bellagio and watched a fountain show before leaving them to get to bed after their exhausting day. We caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and had a few hours gambling in the casino.
We met back up with them all and took them to the Bellagio and then on to Caesars Palace where they had something to eat in the food court. We then walked back to the Bellagio and watched a fountain show before leaving them to get to bed after their exhausting day. We caught the Deuce back to the Stratosphere and had a few hours gambling in the casino.
Tuesday 1 September
Had breakfast then took the bus to Fremont Street and looked
round some of the souvenir shops. Bought a few things then boarded the HDX bus
down to Sunset Station. We visited the Galleria first then crossed over to the
Walmart and 99c store where we bought various items. We passed by a pet store
and went inside to look at all the pets for sale before going to the Sunset
Station casino for a late lunch buffet (total $8.64 plus tip ACG coupon).
Caught the HDX bus back to Bonneville then the Deuce to our hotel. Rested then
gambled in the casino.
Wednesday 2 September
Wednesday 2 September
Had breakfast at the Viva McDs and then managed the mile
long walk back to the Stratosphere as my leg has improved. We have just been
walking along to the McDs at Sahara for the past few days as it is closer. Took
the SX over to Palace Station for the 1pm session of bingo paid for with half
points. Waited on one number as usual but it didn't come out. Took part in a
slot tournament for seniors then sat outside to warm up a bit before going in
for a late lunch buffet with a 2 for 1 Myvegas voucher paid for with half
points as it's "my generation" Wednesday. Caught the bus back to the
Stratosphere and rested until it was time to go and meet up with Jim's brother
etc at the Bellagio. We all caught the SDX down to Fremont Street where we
watched the 9pm light show (Imagine Dragons) then we had our photos taken with
1million dollars in Binions. Walked down to show them the Heart Attack Grill
then wandered back up in time for the 10pm light show (The Who). Collected our
photos from Binions then crossed over to the Golden Nugget to show them The
Tank and the biggest golden nugget in the world. As we were all exhausted by
this time we caught the SDX bus back and Jim and I got off at the Stratosphere
and said goodbye to our family and friends who were going back to Vdara.
Gambled for a couple of hours in the casino.
Thursday 3 September
Had breakfast then nipped over to Palace Station to see if
we had won anything in the slot tournament yesterday - nope! Returned to the
Stratosphere and travelled up to the 24th floor to film and take photos of the
new pool. It's quite small with a bar and very comfortable seats and sun-beds.
Next we filmed and took photos of the pool on the 8th floor
before taking the lift up to the top of the tower to film the people brave enough to jump off the top and to watch the people brave enough to go on the rides.
I zoomed in to see how the Lucky Dragon was coming along - not much difference from when we arrived!
Rested then caught the 108 down to Silver Sevens for a 2 for 1 dinner buffet (coupon from local magazine total $10.80 plus tip). Just missed a 202 bus when we came out so we walked all the way to the Strip and along to the Mirage to see The Beatles Love Cirque Du Soleil show courtesy of Myvegas. It was amazing as always (seen it 4 times now). Caught the Deuce back to our hotel and gambled in the casino.
Next we filmed and took photos of the pool on the 8th floor
before taking the lift up to the top of the tower to film the people brave enough to jump off the top and to watch the people brave enough to go on the rides.
I zoomed in to see how the Lucky Dragon was coming along - not much difference from when we arrived!
Rested then caught the 108 down to Silver Sevens for a 2 for 1 dinner buffet (coupon from local magazine total $10.80 plus tip). Just missed a 202 bus when we came out so we walked all the way to the Strip and along to the Mirage to see The Beatles Love Cirque Du Soleil show courtesy of Myvegas. It was amazing as always (seen it 4 times now). Caught the Deuce back to our hotel and gambled in the casino.
Friday 4 September
Had breakfast and caught the SX over to Palace Station to
play $5 through and win a prize. Jim received a blue pack for bingo worth $4
and I received $3 freeplay which we turned into $5.76. Caught the SX back to
the Strip and walked back to the Stratosphere. Although it is a bit cooler
today we are still exhausted so we relaxed then did some laundry. Caught the
Deuce to the Linq Hotel for the 7pm performance of Mat Franco who is the
magician who won last year's America's Got
Talent. We enjoyed his show very much even though we'd seen
one or two of his tricks before as he presented them in a different and amusing
way. He interacted with quite a few people from the audience and he has a good
comedic presence. His final trick was amazing and we definitely hadn't seen
anything like it before. Caught the bus back and gambled for a few hours. The showroom in the Linq has been greatly improved. Before you used to sit with a table in between 6 people and you used to have to turn your seat round to face the stage. Now all the seats face the stage and they are much more comfortable.
Saturday 5 September
Had breakfast and caught the SX over to Palace Station to
play $5 through to play shuffle the cups. Jim won 2,000 points and I won $3
freeplay which turned into $2.31 cash. Went back to the Stratosphere and rested
then took the SDX and the 206 up to Arizona Charlies at Decatur. Played a
little slots then had a 2 for 1 buffet (ACG coupon total $10.79 paid with
points). Caught the buses back to the Stratosphere, showered and caught the SDX
down to meet up with Jim's brother and friends. They were just finishing their
meal off at Wolfgang Puck in Crystals so we sat outside.
Took the tram to Monte Carlo and walked down to NYNY where we found a nice quiet bar called Tom's Urban to have some drinks and a chat for a few hours. Said our goodbyes and caught the Deuce back to our hotel at half past midnight and it took 50 minutes to get there!
Took the tram to Monte Carlo and walked down to NYNY where we found a nice quiet bar called Tom's Urban to have some drinks and a chat for a few hours. Said our goodbyes and caught the Deuce back to our hotel at half past midnight and it took 50 minutes to get there!
Sunday 6 September
Had breakfast then relaxed for a while before catching the
bus over to the Palace Station. Played the 1pm session of bingo and Jim was
waiting for No 68 to win $11,000! Needless to say it didn't come out. Played
our $5 through each and then we played "shuffle the cups". I won
1,500 points and Jim won $3 freeplay which he turned into $8.66. Caught the SX
then the SDX to Fremont street where we converted $10 freeplay at the Downtown
Grand into $6.26. walked over to the D to take photos of the new statue of the
Manneken Pis
then up to Main Street Station for a 2 for 1 buffet (LVA Members Reward book total $12.96 plus tip). Caught the SDX back and rested before going down to gamble.
then up to Main Street Station for a 2 for 1 buffet (LVA Members Reward book total $12.96 plus tip). Caught the SDX back and rested before going down to gamble.
Monday 7 September
Had breakfast in the Viva McDs and walked back to the
Stratosphere to drop off the netbook. Caught the Deuce to the Fashion Show Mall
where I bought some items in Macy*s for a friend back home. Walked down to
Treasure Island where Jim watched the Scotland v Germany soccer match and I had
a wander round the shops and discovered this.
We then caught the SDX down to Excalibur and walked along to Hooters where we had a $10 freeplay voucher (LVA book) which netted us $9.81 cash - a good result. Caught the SDX back to our hotel and relaxed until it was time to go to the Frank Moreno Divas show at the Linq. Frank came on first as Joan Rivers but he spoke far too quickly for us to pick up what he was saying. Then a succession of drag queens appeared as various divas - Madonna, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Katy Perry, Cher, Liza Minelli, Bette Midler and Celine Dion etc. They are only lip-syncing to the real people singing so a bit disappointing. Then Frank tried to sell all the merchandise for his 30th anniversary before the finale and then they all lined up outside the theatre to autograph t-shirts and DVDs etc.
Caught the Deuce back to our hotel and gambled for a couple of hours.
We then caught the SDX down to Excalibur and walked along to Hooters where we had a $10 freeplay voucher (LVA book) which netted us $9.81 cash - a good result. Caught the SDX back to our hotel and relaxed until it was time to go to the Frank Moreno Divas show at the Linq. Frank came on first as Joan Rivers but he spoke far too quickly for us to pick up what he was saying. Then a succession of drag queens appeared as various divas - Madonna, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Katy Perry, Cher, Liza Minelli, Bette Midler and Celine Dion etc. They are only lip-syncing to the real people singing so a bit disappointing. Then Frank tried to sell all the merchandise for his 30th anniversary before the finale and then they all lined up outside the theatre to autograph t-shirts and DVDs etc.
Caught the Deuce back to our hotel and gambled for a couple of hours.
Tuesday 8 September
Has breakfast and took the bus over to the Westgate to see
their new sports book but there was still a lot of construction going on so we
will re-visit next April. They were ripping up carpets in the main casino too
so it looks like they are gradually converting it to Westgate standards. Caught
the bus back to the Stratosphere and did some packing. Whilst checking my
emails I noticed one from our friend Carol, who used to work at the
Stratosphere. She was checking that we hadn't been on the BA flight that caught
fire shortly before take-off at McCarran. We didn't know anything about it as
we didn't have the news on. I quickly replied that our flight was the same
flight number but the following day and we were so relieved that we hadn't been
on it. We were then interrupted by maintenance at our door who were trying to
unblock a wash hand basin in the next room which must be somehow connected to
our room. Our water wasn't draining away either so they managed to fix that
too. Gambled for a few hours and said goodbye to the cocktail waitresses till
next year.
Wednesday 9 September
Had breakfast in our room, showered then finished off
packing and caught the 108 bus to the airport. We thought our flight was only
running about an hour late but when we got to check-in the girl told us it was
three and a half hours late and because we would miss our connection she could
only put our luggage through to Gatwick where we would have to reclaim it and
go to the BA desk to see if they could put us on the next flight or failing
that a different carrier. We had to ask about a refreshment voucher and were given one for
$19 each which we used in the PGA Tour Grill. Also at check-in there were film
crews from channel 8 news because quite a few passengers from yesterdays flight
that caught fire were on our flight and they were interviewing them.
We eventually boarded our flight and it took off just over 3 hours late. We all breathed a sigh of relief as we got airborne and levelled out. On the 9 hour flight I watched 3 films (Aloha, Cinderella and A Royal Night Out) and ate 2 meals - a dinner and then a cooked breakfast - and think I got about one hours sleep. On landing the pilot received a round of applause and we all disembarked very relieved. We collected our luggage and eventually found the BA ticketing desk where they managed to book us onto the next flight up to Edinburgh which was in 4 hours time. Arrived back at our house at 7.30pm (British time) totally exhausted.
We eventually boarded our flight and it took off just over 3 hours late. We all breathed a sigh of relief as we got airborne and levelled out. On the 9 hour flight I watched 3 films (Aloha, Cinderella and A Royal Night Out) and ate 2 meals - a dinner and then a cooked breakfast - and think I got about one hours sleep. On landing the pilot received a round of applause and we all disembarked very relieved. We collected our luggage and eventually found the BA ticketing desk where they managed to book us onto the next flight up to Edinburgh which was in 4 hours time. Arrived back at our house at 7.30pm (British time) totally exhausted.
Final thoughts
We will never ever be back in Las Vegas again at the hottest time of the year! The temperatures were so high that we were constantly tired. The consequence of it being so hot is that the air con is up full wherever you go so as soon as you set foot in a casino or onto a bus you are frozen - there was just no happy medium unfortunately.
We are looking forward to our next trip in April 2016 staying at the Palace Station. Apart from the buffet, which is basic but adequate, there are loads of other restaurants there plus bingo and senior Wednesdays!
We will miss seeing all our favourite cocktail waitresses at the Stratosphere next year but we will be popping over from time to time to see them all.
Here are a few photos of the places to eat in Palace Station:-
Here's a puzzle for you - can you guess outside which casino this photo was taken?
And did you know that you can pretend to get married in Vegas to fool all your friends!
