ethel

Preface—we our in our early 30’s and were looking just to get away and party for a few days. This was our 3rd trip. The premise of this trip was for my brother’s birthday.


Day 1 (Sat)--We landed around 11pm on 3/24 (ALB-Charlotte-Vegas). We have been to Vegas two times before, but could not believe how busy the airport was on a Saturday night!! People, people everywhere! We got our luggage and were off to the hotel shuttle bus waiting area. Our reservation for that night was the Doubletree Airport (Priceline $60). After waiting for about an hour, (mind you it’s after midnight Vegas time and my body is still on East Coast time, plus we haven’t eaten all day) with one other guest, for the shuttle the other guest called the hotel, again. We were told that if we took a taxi they would pay for it because they didn’t know what was going on. You’ve got to be kidding me! So, we grab our luggage and go back up to the main level to the airport to find the taxi line. I could not believe how long it was! At this point, I’m already sick of waiting in lines but that’s pretty much what happens in Vegas. Anyway, we wait in line for about 20 min and get a cab to our hotel. $13—for 2 miles! Holy crap! Get to the hotel, get our room key and warm chocolate chip cookie and head off to our room. By this time it’s after 1:00am Vegas time and we decide just to eat our cookie and go to bed. The room was nice but the whole shuttle ordeal put me off.

Day 2 (Sun)—We are moving to the Flamingo for the rest of our stay. We check out and wait for the free shuttle back to the airport. We rented a car that we will need for the next day, from Priceline for $60. We are a little nervous at this point, because I forgot to mention, that upon checking in at the airport in Albany, NY my DH was notified that his driver’s license was expired! They obviously let him fly but he got the “special security” treatment. I can’t believe he didn’t realize that. So, we get to the rental car desk, Hertz, nervous that they weren’t going to give him the car (it was in his name) but, alas, they didn’t even check it. He was allowed to drive around Vegas with an invalid license! (please don’t yell at me—I know it was wrong and I should have driven, but no way!, besides, it was only 30 days expired). So, we get the shuttle to Rental Car Way, pick up our tan Grand Prix and off we go. Of course, we get a little confused right away, but eventually made it to the Flamingo parking garage where the car would sit until tomorrow. We had checked in at the airport (only took about 15 minutes) so we’re off to find our room. We take the first set of elevators we find which was a mistake. We walked for ever and ever on our floor. We finally found our room (6135) and are pleasantly surprised. I was nervous because I got a great deal at $60 a night. Our view was of the palm trees over the pool and wildlife habitat. That was a nice calming view. We drop our bags off, gave a quick call to home, then decide to have the champagne brunch at the Flamingo’s buffet ($16.99). It was good for what we needed. We hadn’t eaten in 24 hrs. After we eat, we walk around, hit O’Sheas and Casino Royale for $1 beers and then end up sitting on the corner of the Flamingo and Bill’s drinking $2 beers and watching the world go by. It was in the 80’s and beautiful. Around 6:00 we go back up to the room to freshen up and change. My brother and his girlfriend were due to land around 7:15. Once they landed and were on their way to their hotel (the Mirage) we decide to head over to meet them in the lobby. We wait with them while they check-in and check out their room with them. Nice. We head over to Margaritaville for dinner. Definitely not worth the $134 check. Food was good and drinks were good, but way overpriced. They had a band that was pretty good but they went on break as soon as we were ready to watch them. So, we all go back to our hotels to get some sleep.

ethel

Oops--I didn't mean to put Part one in my subject....Here's Part Two

Day 3 (Mon)—I did not sleep good at all!! The walls in our room were very thin and I’m a light sleeper, plus I had too much to drink the night before. Today was my brother’s birthday. It was another day in the 80’s. We were surprising him with a trip to Hoover Dam since that’s the only thing he wanted to do. So, we told them to meet us out front of their hotel at 9:30am. He was definitely surprised when we pulled up. He still didn’t know what we were doing until halfway there his girlfriend spilled it. I’m surprised she was able to keep the secret that long. This whole trip was supposed to have been a surprise but she ruined that a long time ago. We check out Hoover Dam for a few hours, which was really cool and my brother really liked it! We bring the rental back to Hertz (after getting lost on the way there). One of the attendants called a cab for us there, which was nice. We were not looking forward to having to go back to the airport and get in line to wait for a cab. We got dropped of at the Imperial Palace, grabbed a $1 beer and then went to our hotels to get ready for the night. My brother’s girlfriend had hired a limo to drive us around for 3 hours (another surprise for him). We had the limo pick us up at Harrah’s because he wanted to go to Toby Keith’s place. Again, another very expensive place. One round of drinks was $42—2 beers and 2 Who’s Your Daddy margaritas. Of course, the margaritas were about $15 (and awesome) but a Miller Lite $6?—come on. We have a couple of drinks and ask the bartender to bring out a fried twinkie for his b’day (another surprise). A first for all of us and it was tasty. We headed down to the lobby to grab the limo at 7:00. It was through Presidential and it was a nice white limo, very clean. We told the driver, Christopher, that we had no where special in mind. We wanted to check out the “sign” (Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas) but they were filming something there so we couldn’t. We went to NYNY to check out the roller coaster but it was closed because it was too windy, couldn’t go up the Eiffel Tower because it was too windy, so we just checked out a few other casinos, and ended the night at TI at 10pm. (I must mention that while the driver was waiting for us at each stop he definitely kept himself occupied—limo reaked of mary j each time we got back in.) We decided to have dinner at California Pizza Kitchen in the Mirage. We were pretty snockered by this time. DH and I shared a chicken pizza, bro’s girlfriend has some pizza I can’t remember and brother had spaghetti Bolognese. We also had the spinach dip for an app. All was pretty good. Then it was back to hotel to go to sleep.

Day 4 (Tues)—4 more people were meeting us on this day. My brother’s girlfriend’s sister, her boyfriend and 2 friends (got that). DH and I had breakfast at the Tropical Breeze Café in our hotel. We both had Eggs Benedict and I’ve definitely had better. Weather turned on us and it was cold and windy—jeans and sweatshirt cold! We met the group at the Mirage, walked over to Caesar’s and checked out the shops. Then we walked to the Venetian and checked out Madam Tussaud’s wax museum. That was pretty cool. The plan for that night was Fremont St. So, we all went to freshen up. Met brother and girlfriend at Bill’s to watch Big Elvis. I just love him!! He’s lost like 400 lbs! Played some video blackjack and won $30 so that payed for some drinks. Drink prices have definitely gone up there. We then headed over to Harrah’s to meet the rest of the group. They were taking the monorail from Excalibur. This is where the night started going downhill. Not always a good idea to have such a big group. No one could decide where to eat, some people weren’t hungry, etc. We decided to catch the Deuce in front of the Venetian and head downtown. Ride was pretty uneventful. People were already getting cranky at this point. We watched the light show and I was not impressed. I felt like I was in China. It didn’t make any sense and it was like a commercial you would see in Hong Kong. DH and I decided we just want to go back to our hotel to grab some dinner. Brother and girlfriend left with us. The others stayed. We took the bus back and DH and I had dinner at the Tropical Breeze Café (it was late and we didn’t feel like anything super special). The place was busy and they were short servers so the service was pretty crappy. Food was ok but nothing to write home about. Then it was off to bed.

Day 5 & 6 (Weds & Thurs)—this was our last day so DH and I just wanted to relax. Another chilly day. Met brother & gf and checked out the Conservatory at the Bellagio. It was a spring theme with lots of tulips. Very nice. We then went over to Paris, played a few slots where I won $15, then went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was really nice but I’d rather see it at night. Plus, it was super windy and really cold up there. 4 of us then walked over to check out the wildlife at our hotel and then on to Casino Royale. DH can rent a car but can’t get a player’s card here. What’s up with that? My brother won $600!! Lucky bastard! We say goodbye to them and stay for a little while longer. Our flight didn’t leave until 11:35 so DH and I just bided our time until it was time to go. We headed to the airport around 7:30. Took a cab, which cost at $15 with tip. DH again had the “special security” treatment, this time I was included, but thankfully they let us leave. We were ready to go home and not looking forward to the overnight flight. The ride home (well, to JFK) was pretty nerve-wracking. Our seatmate really made me nervous. He was very fidgety, kept crossing and uncrossing his legs, chewing his nails and looking back to the back of the plane the whole 4.5 hr flight! Oh, and he appeared to be of middle eastern decent. In this time of terrorism, I’m sorry but I couldn’t help be nervous. I was so nervous I thought I was going to throw up. Needless to say, I was very glad when we landed at JFK—until we got in the airport. Welcome back to NY—definitely felt the city vibe and attitude. Boarded our little plane to Albany and were that much closer to home. Landed in Albany around 10:30am Thursday morning. Grabbed our luggage and proceeded on our 2 hr drive home. Boy, did we sleep when we got home.

Overall, it was a great trip but by the end of it I was sick of waiting in line. I felt like we did so much of it. I didn’t get to see the fountains but there’s always next time. Our room was nice, food was good but we didn’t get too adventurous. The first two days were gorgeous but the last two were pretty cold for the desert. Oh well, it’s been over 110 degrees the other times we were there so it was nice not sweating to death.

I hope you enjoyed this—I’m a Trip Report virgin!

ethel

I see that I spelled payed wrong. It should be paid.

Also, I wanted to apologize up front if anyone is offended about my comment of the our seatmate. I am in no way prejudiced and I hope it did not come across that way. It's just unfortunate that with all this country has been through it doesn't take much to make me feel uneasy.

bashfulLV

ethel - good trip report - you did a good job for your first time. Yes, the weather here in Sin City is sort of unpredictable in the winter and spring - can be hot one day and then cloudy and cold the next. As a local over here, I keep cheering when the cold days hit - want to put off the inevitable inferno as long as possible! Too bad you missed the fountains, but you'll just have to come back again to see them.

ethel

Bashful--Unfortunately, living in upstate NY, I was looking forward to some warm weather. I think it was actually warmer here those 2 days But, Spring is over and winter has started again

kureiff

You were there the week before I was there! Drinks are really expensive, aren't they? We ordered to kir royales at the Wynn, and then found out they were $17/piece. Yikes.

ethel

I know!!! I saw your trip report and thought how close we were to missing each other. I couldn't believe how expensive, especially drinks, things were. I've been before and knew that certain places were pricey but didn't remember it being the majority.

FainaAgain

Are you saying there is no more $3 champagne I had at Sahara maybe 2-3 years ago? Hmmm... should I invent BYOC

ethel

Umm probably not...But, I figured out the difference between the Sunday champagne brunch and the regular weekday breakfast buffet at the Flamingo. For $3 extra on Sunday you get all you can drink champagne So, there's your $3 champagne.

FainaAgain

I wonder if the Flamingo buffet got any better... For breakfast, I love Sahara's buffet - great value and selection for the price.

This time, we'll be staying in Tropicana. All I know we both enjoyed eating at the Rainforest Cafe for the first time. Once

StephCar

ethel, great TR! I am not a fan of Vegas really, but I do love my drinks. And there is no better place for that, right? tee hee.

ethel

You got that right, Steph. Maybe that's why I love Vegas. I personally, no offense, couldn't imagine being there pregnant. I would be one miserable biotch!

StephCar

ethel, you are funny. I also didn't get all the families there...I would never take my kids to Vegas. To me, it isn't a family kind of place.

Just read kureiff's TR too, I am thinking maybe I will give Vegas another try someday. You can always find a deal there!