Live TR - my first two days in Vegas.

Here%26#39;s a report on my solo two days in LV. Posted as a reply.

Live TR - my first two days in Vegas.

Arrived early Sunday afternoon after my second day of exploring Death Valley. Pleasant drive via Pahrump – first time I’ve come into Vegas by that route.

Painless check-in at the Rio. I hadn’t reserved a Strip view and wasn’t really bothered about getting one. I’d done a little forum research on what room to request and asked for a renovated room in Ipanema Tower (thanks Stratton) which was no problem. More than happy with the room (sorry but I just can’t bring myself to call the Rio standard accommodations “suites”.). In fact at $50 per night it was less than I’d paid for basic motel accommodation at both Tonopah and Beatty whilst on the road to Vegas! Did a little gambling later in the afternoon, but didn’t want to go too crazy before my friend Ray arrives later today. I played a little blackjack and lost about $80 in a couple of hours but had a lot of fun with some crazy Texan guys so it was money well spent as far as I’m concerned.

After heading back to the room to relax for an hour I nipped up to VooDoo Lounge for an early evening cocktail. Been there several times but as I was actually staying at Rio it seemed rude not to check it out again! The view is, of course, still sensational no matter how many times you’ve been there…... :-)

I’d intended to check out RUB BBQ but the Texan guys had checked it out and didn’t rate it. When it comes to anything BBQ related, I was definitely going to bow to their judgement! Instead I went to McFadden’s, the Irish pub. Really good vibe, decent food and I ended up drinking way too much Guinness with a combination of Brits and Canucks. That should really have been it for me but in a drunken haze decided that a visit to the Palms would be a good idea.

I’d had one of those “it’s just across the street” Vegas moments as the walk over to the Palms took around fifteen minutes. I played some three card poker (my game of choice after a few drinks – less brain power required than blackjack!), hit three fives with my second hand and walked away from the table there and then $320 better off. I went to the lounge at the rear of the casino (not certain if it has a name – if you turn around from the front desk and walk straight you come to it) and was flirting disgracefully with the waitress (details of this are very sketchy, but remember – I’m a happily married man!) whilst enjoying a couple of Grey Goose screwdrivers.

I eventually found my way back to the Rio at around 2am. I thought about catching a graveyard poker tournament but the following morning’s spa appointment brought me to my senses.

Yesterday (Monday) I was up at a respectable time and grabbed a little breakfast sat at the bar at All-American Bar %26amp; Grille. I’ve eaten there before but not for breakfast. Very good Western Omelet and some good banter with the bartender. Then it was off to Caesars for my spa reservation at Qua. This was the first of three spa visits for me on this trip and my plan is to post a separate “spa report” describing all three once I’m home. I’ll just say now that Qua was great. I then took a stroll north up the Strip. The exterior of the Mirage where the volcano renovation is going on is seriously ugly! I went to briefly check out Palazzo and it looks as nice as you’d expect and then took advantage of the current free admission to the Guggenheim. I walked back to Caesars to pick up my car and had a good laugh at the poker “room” at O’Shea’s (two tables roped off at the front of the casino – if you’re in the wrong seat you’re virtually sat on the sidewalk!). Picked up my car and went to check out the Atomic Testing Museum. After many Vegas trips I felt that it was about time I went there. Definitely a good diversion for a couple of hours if you want to get a little education into your Vegas time.

I headed back to the Rio and had dinner at the Carnival World Buffet. It’s not as excellent as I remembered from a previous visit but still worthwhile. By now the exertions of the previous evening were staring to catch up with me. I planned to chill in my room for an hour and ended up taking a three hour nap! Geez I’m showing my age, that would have never happened when I was in my 20s! I had originally planned to take one of the Rio shuttles to the Strip but decided to conserve my energy for the rest of the trip so strolled to the Gold Coast for a little $5 blackjack. Good fun atmosphere in the casino with plenty of locals it seemed. Had a fun time at a table with a San Francisco couple with whom I could share opinions about my time in Tahoe and Reno where they’re regular visitors. I lost about $150 but still ahead after the previous night’s three card poker dramas.

I asked about the current situation regarding the Masquerade Show and was told that it was scheduled to start up again in the “third week of May.”

At this stage I’ll answer the often asked question, “Can you have fun when in Vegas solo?” As far as I’m concerned the answer is emphatically “Yes!”

Checked out of the Rio this morning. Checked in at THEhotel and got the desired suite – high floor with Strip view. That’s where I’m sat right now and believe me I could very easily get used to this! I’m very very impressed and I think a return visit to this property with Mrs B will definitely happen sooner rather than later! I’ve a spa reservation (Spa Mandalay) in a couple of hours then have to pick up Ray at the airport at 7.30pm.

That’s when the madness will no doubt really get underway! It’s debatable whether I’ll be able to file any further reports whilst I’m still in Vegas so if that’s the case will do so at the weekend when I’ve recovered!!!!

Live TR - my first two days in Vegas.

Thanks for the great TR Blagger .Those extended naps are becoming more frequent for me too these days; especially after a night on the Guiness. I think being in Vegas for a couple of days on your own would be a blast ; hope the rest of your trip is as good .

great report so far, would love to be in LV now since it is cold and windy here in Irvine CA.

Can you hear the MIX from your room? read tr where people on the higher floors can hear the music in their rooms from the club.

Is the furniture in The Hotel Suites in good condition? how are the beds? I am staying in their regular suite over Thanksgiving, can%26#39;t wait.

Have fun/

Thanks for checking in, nice ';live'; report. Good luck to you !

Thank you, blagger. I can%26#39;t wait to hear the full report!! Enjoy the rest of your time in Vegas!!! :-)

TIALAURA, the furniture is absolutely fine. No complaints there. Bed seems ok but can%26#39;t really judge that until I%26#39;ve had a night%26#39;s sleep!

Likewise with Mix. I%26#39;ll have to report on that after actually spending a night here when they%26#39;ve actually been open.

Weather very nice, just shy of 80 degrees. Some winds when I got here on Sunday but not now.

Excellent report, so far Blagger.

Have a great time.

Cheers,

Great trip report so far from a Vegas veteran. Glad that you are enjoying THEhotel - I miss it dearly.

Whilst you are at the MB you may consider trying your luck at the Crazy 4 Poker table - this game is easy to play and I think has better odds than 3 card poker. I won $1,000 in am hour%26#39;s time.

Good luck with the rest of the trip.

Great live TR so far. Is the Gold Coast $5 bj 6:5? It was when I was there in January.

Have fun with Ray.

vv, GC single deck was 6:5 but I found a 3:2 shoe game.

Answers to any other questions will have to wait as I%26#39;m now heading off to the spa.... :-)