1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Hurry up and wait to Hurry Up and wait again (Dec 5th to Dec 9th '21)

Discussion in 'Full Las Vegas Trip Reports' started by Jplan72, Dec 11, 2021.

  1. Jplan72

    Jplan72 Bronze

    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    372
    Player's Clubs:
    Total Rewards, MLife
    Hello all,

    I'm starting this thread so It forces me to remember this Vegas trip. It was definitely a fun time, but we'll see what I can remember here.

    The basics:
    Sunday Dec 5th to Thursday Dec 9
    AA through DFW to Harry Reid and from Harry Reid connecting through PHX home
    Stay: Aria: 2 nights: Deluxe 2 Queen room facing the West Side of Harmon Avenue low floor.
    The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas: 2 nights 63rd floor South Strip facing Terrace Studio.

    Trip #2 for the year. This was the first time I ever visited Vegas more than once in a year. This was thanks to some flight credits and extra vacation time. I booked this trip by myself in Late September after visiting in late June 2021 with family as a "return to normal" trip (that was short-lived). Seeing how Vegas felt in different seasons bodes well for future trip planning.

    The Vegas spreadsheet had been dusted off from the June 2021 trip. The theme of this trip was to cover what I missed earlier in 2021 but as it happened there was still not enough time to plan out every stop. As I was counting down the days before the trip I thought I had everything planned out and just being there in the summer thought I knew how to pace myself. The closer I got to the trip, I realized I booked during NFR Week, a Raiders/WFT game and VKG game within one day of arrval. Then, the variant news kicked in and International visitors starting to arrive as well I started to question if this trip was a mistake before I got there? Added to that I had panned to only stay in Vegas for 2 days and then go to Denver to visit both Meow Wolf art exhibits in the same trip. I decided to drop Denver and hoped for the best.

    I'm glad I stayed in Vegas instead.

    Sunday - Pulled up to the Airport in the parking shuttle and as the bags for the group were unloaded, I rolled my ankle with my new, but worn in Brooks shoes. The guide rail on the shoe described by the salesperson was not working that morning. This trip was starting off weird. Still, I got myself to the gate in plenty of time and the flight to my connecting Airport DFW was just long enough to grab a "Salt Lick" sandwich and sweet tea and take the Airtrain to the other terminal gate. Need more TX BBQ in my life but maybe less smoke, haha. I'm sure DFW can get busier than what I saw, but it was a normal feeling for me when I got to the LAS departure gate that was full of passengers; more than a few going for NFR festivities.

    Landed in McCarran, err Harry Reid Airport Terminal 1 and from the side escalator missed the big "Welcome to Las Vegas" airport sign. Missed seeing that spot after seeing posts on here from that same spot starting your trips, that I already missed part of my whole thing for the trip was go to photo spots I don't normally get to from past Vegas trips. I picked up my bag in the baggage claim (less slots here than I remember) and into a taxi for that $25 + tip trip to the Aria with the windows down enjoying the warmer and drier air compared to home. I didn't bother going to the front desk as the MGM app had already assigned my room and I just wanted to get settled in.

    I've stayed at Aria before and any concerns found with some recent Internet postings of room quality going down from standard were not founded. Room was fine and within an hour, I hit the semi new Willy Wonka game right outside the Patisserie from the guest elevators. In 25mins I was up 40 dollars, I thought I needed to quit for the trip right there :) . At this point I remember thinking this is that Vegas feeling I love: the energy of the floor. Games of chance ready to be played and unlimited options with most of the night in front of me.

    What proceeded was a longer Aria slots session finding old favorites I can only find in Vegas and new games that I didn't have at my local. I thought I was holding my own, but nothing major so far in Aria.

    A quick note on Bankroll, since I was solo on this trip with less time to set aside money, I didn't know how long it would last. I am a 2x bet penny slots guy but can wander up and down the buttons as the feeling hits. The goal this visit was to play as I liked, but not stick to any one place or machine chasing too much. As we go further these notions were tested. To some, I only brought enough for quick play at certain places, but the rest of the money was used for Tips and eats.

    By this point things were going south playing wise which was perfect because it was getting close to my reservation at Din Tai Fung in the old Aria Cafe space with those huge windows and high ceilings; a huge space, around 9PM. I thought this was a good way to get some food in me and not feel too bogged down if I decided to go off From Aria for a stroll or get rest for Monday the first night.

    Sitting down in the "Singles" banquet table overlooking the rear porte cochere, dinner consisted of:
    • Pork Xiao long bao dim sum
    • Vegetable Fried Rice
    • Fresh Orange green tea which was good and
    • finished with the Chocolate and Mochi xiao long bao
    Service was personable and efficient. You are presented with Soy and Vinegar to pour into your dipping bowl and you mix to taste. The Dim Sum was good, though I would have wanted more soup than I got in my portion. Maybe my local dim sum place set the bar too high?

    Stuffed, I rolled out of the place questioning how would be able to eat everything I planned on eating this week? I walked through casino floor again for some play and deciding to walk over an visit Park MGM where I also stayed in June. It was here were I was tested with how comfortable I would be around people. By comparison, the June trip seemed to have less people around. As I walked into the casino, I was passed by waves of people in their Golden Knights and Calgary Flames Jerseys and more NFR patrons. Maybe it was the long flight or realizing seeing the cowboys and hockey fans was too many people too fast, I managed to play a little with the bankroll I set aside for Sunday but was not feeling it and decided to call it a night.

    The view

    20211205_163633.jpg

    The room

    20211205_163832.jpg

    The win on a Chief bonus. 5 cents 1x Bet

    20211205_222349.jpg
     
    #1 Jplan72, Dec 11, 2021
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2022
    Spock, TexasLady, Thierry and 12 others like this.
  2. aprilroncincy

    aprilroncincy Chairman

    Messages:
    5,219
    Likes Received:
    31,517
    Player's Clubs:
    Platinum MLife, Gracie Gold
    Good start to a trip report! Looking forward to more!
     
  3. tringlomane

    tringlomane Theoretical Video Poker Addict
    Founding Fanatic

    Messages:
    11,846
    Likes Received:
    27,642
    Player's Clubs:
    I guess we'll let you join...
  4. rycelover

    rycelover Resembler of Remarks
    Founding Fanatic

    Messages:
    2,811
    Likes Received:
    13,365
    Player's Clubs:
    We all party!
    Hmm, I'll put Din Tai Fung on my list next time when I'm in Vegas. I've visited several of their locations worldwide, including the original in Taipei, Taiwan. Some places are great, while others not so good.

    Good luck with the rest of your trip.
     
  5. Jplan72

    Jplan72 Bronze

    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    372
    Player's Clubs:
    Total Rewards, MLife
    When I got into the room Monday night, I noticed the room iPad was not holding a charge. I pack a case for the chargers for my power brick and phone when I go around and all the AC adapters seem to be working, so after using the iPad to set the room alarm and the room automation, hoped I wouldn't need to call down to the desk to inquire about this.


    Monday "Better than Christmas Morning?" - The East Coast kicked in and got up at 6am knowing I was in Vegas. The best feeling. Headed out to a somewhat brisk morning, hoodie in tow and walked to the Cosmo to get in line at eggslut. I haven't been before and was a little surprised to see the line wrap around only halfway to that back hallway around 7:30am. While in line, someone asked, "is this worth it?" You could do much worse I said in my mind haha. I got my Gaucho (seared wagyu tri-tip steak, cage-free over medium egg, chimichurri, red onions and dressed arugula in a warm brioche bun) after 20mins in line and headed downstairs to say hi to Casino floor for the first time. Even though I would be staying here this week eventually, I had to hurry to get this breakfast off my list in case plans changed. I ended up getting coffee at VA BENE and sat down for my first slot session there while eating breakfast. I didn't have any noticeable wins but kept in that general area as it wasn't that busy and I could try some of those new machines. it was good to hang in the Cosmo.

    As it was getting close to my appointment, I started to walk up the Strip, passing through the Flamingo, Linq, Harrah's, Casino Royale, Venetian and Wynn to check out the Holiday decorations and then over to CVS @ TI for some Pedialyte and a quick 30min slot play at TI since I missed this place last visit. I think the last time I was in TI, it had just left MGM. Nothing to say here, slot play was okay.

    Eventually I made it the Fashion Show Mall for the first time to go to Casino Quest for a 1hr Craps session appointment. This was a great place to learn or just play any of the games without spending money. I got to learn some strategies with Dean. The store also had had some nice casino themed items for your game room if your so inclined including glass slot displays. The mall also had a nice production show for the holiday covering Pentatonix's Carol of the Bells as I walked by which beats most Holiday mall performances I've seen or performed in, ahem. I made my way back to Wynn for a quick session with my trusty red card and Encore Boston Harbor lanyard there before getting back to Aria to get ready for an early dinner downtown.

    A $13 Lyft ride to Downtown later, I arrived at the El Cortez. First time visiting this place and it was a cool Hacienda of a gambling hall. I didn't have a paper boarding pass, so no bonus for me (hurry up for nothing) at the players club but managed to play a little here and check out the coin slot machines. Played enough to get the daily swipe so decided to come back before midnight for points ha, but I had to now get to my dinner reservation at Oscar's Steakhouse in The Plaza. I was debating whether to go here or Andiamo @ the D as I was underwhelmed with the menu at Oscar's but decided to try it anyway. The room was lovely, the glow of lights in the room made it just bright enough with the lights of Circa and Golden Gate across the street for good ambiance. My server asked how I learned about the restaurant as a first timer (as he did with all his tables), his comment that the place has been here for 9yrs made me think I knew about it that long, but some videos online about the place gave them an uptick in visitors which was good to know. Service was good but left you alone to enjoy your meal.

    Dinner consisted of: Lobster Bisque, Ribcap au poivre, Baked Potato dressed and some coffee after. While the steak was very rich and tender, it did not have that wow facto that Andiamo had when we visited there in 2017. Still, overall a good meal in a great room with good service in Vegas leads to no complaints from me. I lingered around the Plaza looking at their display cases of memorabilia near the escalators which was soo cool to see and then finished with a slot session there which cleaned me out pretty good. I did mange two 50th Anniversary coins from the Silver Strike machine and the Madonna Mighty Cash did a quick number on me too.

    Fairly disgusted with Jonathan Jossel at that moment lol, I left Plaza and went to Circa forgetting that I wanted to watch the Penguins and Kraken play their first hockey game in the sports book.

    What can be said about Circa that hasn't been said already? There are other places to place a bet and watch the game, but I had to watch it here when I knew I was going to visit again. What proceeded was not what I expected. I barely got into the casino to place a bet and I missed doing that. 5mins later the game was essentially over so glad I didn't make that bet. At the same time I started to play some slots in the casino expecting to only be there a short time and then catch the MNF game before going to Cal or Main Street Station.

    https://twitter.com/Jplan72/status/1468095509797634049?

    What proceeded was 4 hour slot session with a bankroll comeback I have hadn't since the night before I left the Palms from 20 bucks to close to a 1000 in 4 hours after hanging at Rain with my cousin in a 2012? trip. This run centered on these Wonder 4 Boost Gold machines that were close to triggering free games that helped for some extended plays and good wins. I then ended up bonusing on this truck themed slot for almost 900 bucks around Saginaw's (sorry I missed you Penny). I couldn't leave this place on this heater and I didn't mind this excuse.

    1 cent denom. 3 dollar bet (I thought I was into it for more) 20 free spins with 3 random wild lines. Crazy bonus!

    20211206_202212.jpg
    20211206_202148.jpg

    I managed to give some of these winnings back I was just having too much of a good time playing the 10 games or so there but my judgement was somewhat hindered by my good luck I almost forgot that I wanted to get back to El Cortez to get that bonus I remembered from the afternoon session. When I made it back to El Cortex, that was a dud with those "Crazy Rich Asian" and Willy Wonka slots haha there. I tried to get a Lyft back, but a slight surge price was in effect and had to wait a few minutes before it went back down to earlier prices.

    I eventually made it back to Aria and decided my last meal of the stay there would be Moneyline Pizza to go. While going up to my room, I saw Fox's Bruce Feldman who apparently was in town for a College Sports convention at Aria as well. This pizza SOOO hit the spot after that run I had earlier downtown as I started to pack up to get ready for Cosmo for the rest of the trip.

    The steak
    20211206_173152.jpg
     
    #5 Jplan72, Dec 13, 2021
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2022
    Spock, tringlomane, mikey7777 and 5 others like this.
  6. tringlomane

    tringlomane Theoretical Video Poker Addict
    Founding Fanatic

    Messages:
    11,846
    Likes Received:
    27,642
    Player's Clubs:
    I guess we'll let you join...
    Curious. Anyone else at "Casino Quest" when you were there? I'm a bit surprised that place was still in business, tbh.

    I think it's a good idea in theory, but not sure if demand is there, even in Vegas. Most newbies on table games just go for it in Vegas, imo. All the people who play "Ultimate Texas Hold'em" like you're playing against the whole table for example... bad idea.
     
  7. Jplan72

    Jplan72 Bronze

    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    372
    Player's Clubs:
    Total Rewards, MLife
    Well, I had the same thoughts you did so I purposely wanted to visit at noon. When I got there, there were three customers in the store and two staffers. I had the craps table to myself for an hour. There was another person learning, another appeared to be practicing dice setting or just playing on his own and a regular customer who jumped in on my table halfway through.

    I'd love to think their online channel will keep them going, but I don't know how long they'll last in that location.

    I'm too much of slot player to spend my BR on a craps table in Vegas (principles bleh) when Im not confident of my play, but hey when you're there have fun! Just didn't line up to jump on a 5 dollar table at Ellis or when I stopped in North Las Vegas. Next trip, I suppose, haha.
     
    #7 Jplan72, Dec 14, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2021
    Spock and tringlomane like this.
  8. Grid!

    Grid! Platinum

    Messages:
    1,400
    Likes Received:
    3,579
    Player's Clubs:
    Mlife: Platinum. Borgata: Black Label. Total Rewards: Diamond.
    Just curious, did anyone at Cosmo give you a hard time for having a hoodie on? Or were you just carrying it maybe? As you said it was "in tow".

    Only asking, because I had a gray Champion zip-up hoodie on while gambling there a couple months back. And security came up to me, to tell me I was in violation of their dress code policy.

    I thought he was pulling my leg, but nope. Told me hoodies were not allowed on property. I was staying there, so I went up to my room and dropped it off. But he sort of freaked me out a little.

    Sorry for crashing your report, I was just curious. As a middle aged white guy, I only wear that hoodie because I like looking like Emilio Estevez in Breakfast Club LOL
     
  9. BrokeinVegas

    BrokeinVegas Member

    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    58
    i was at Cosmo from 12/1 - 12/6 and wore a hoodie probably 50% of the time, no one said a word about it. Played quite a bit of craps wearing one as well.
     
  10. Jplan72

    Jplan72 Bronze

    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    372
    Player's Clubs:
    Total Rewards, MLife
    Yep, No one said a word in the Cosmo or anywhere else. Cosmo was somewhat busy every night I was there but no need for Cosmo to limit entry like you might have seen over the summer this time.
     
    #10 Jplan72, Dec 14, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2021
  11. Protagoras

    Protagoras Bronze

    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    365
    Player's Clubs:
    Mlife
    Grazie
     
  12. Jplan72

    Jplan72 Bronze

    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    372
    Player's Clubs:
    Total Rewards, MLife
    Tuesday "Moving day" - I bid Adieu to Aria on this day. Would I stay here again? Sure, but the lack of casual dining is a buzzkill.

    I managed one last slot session in Aria starting with those damn Rich Little Piggies meal ticket, a minor progressive on Captain Riches, Buffalo Moon with a 50x bonus, Wonder 4 and the SG Slot Directional Multiplier on the casino floor for $200 profit each which gave me a chance to play a little more in Cosmo once I got settled there.

    The building between City Center and Cosmo in a few yrs.
    20211207_082638.jpg

    The road...
    20211207_082634.jpg

    I didn't mind getting my steps in to check if my room was ready in Cosmo before checking out of Aria (add walk). I ending up with a smoothie and "flu shot" from Juice Standard as I wasn't feeling anything heavy for breakfast. I went to the Boulevard Towers to pick up a rental for the last couple days in town then to the front desk to confirm my room. Ending up with a south side facing City Studio Balcony.

    20211207_100714.jpg

    20211209_070953(0).jpg
    I had a proper slot session on the Comso floor and did well on a few machines (expect that Star Trek: TNG Slot, pew) then ended up in front near the Henry with wins on Britney Spears, a new Super Blast Wheel game for me, Billions Mighty Cash at 5cents, a new three reel Monopoly machine for me and then this bonus win on Ruby Slippers 1cent Max Bet 4 character trigger bonus!

    20211207_092558.jpg

    At this point, I went back to Aria to check out on the App and get my bag and get settled back in Cosmo. I then drove out to pick up some supplies at Smith's and then into Chinatown to get lunch at Sapporo Revolving Sushi (4671 Spring Mountain Rd.) one of several in town for my first conveyor belt sushi experience. This location seemed to be an understated location with a grey interior with the conveyor reaching around all the sections of the restaurant of 4 columns of booths and a bar near the greeting area at the front. The kitchen is open in the rear of the restaurant. I guess I happened to get there on a slow day as I overheard the server mention they expected more people at this time and I was able to get a booth near the kitchen right away as a chef was preparing a fish. Each plate of 2 or 3 pieces of nigiri or 4 pieces of maki rolls are $2.75 a piece, but there is an touch screen at each table where you could order larger roll plates, specialty and combo sushi, and tempura and desert as well that go from $5 to $25+. I think the value is there if you want to try different things, but don't want to go the AYCE Sushi places that all over the valley. I thought everything was very good and wouldn't hesitate to go there again after trying 6 plates and a tempura's worth of a lunch.

    With a little rain coming down, I then made the quick trip to visit BConnected casinos Gold Coast and The Orleans. I've missed these casinos last trip when we went to the comedy club at RIO and since we still can't visit the Palms, wanted to check these places out. Gold Coast was fine; I managed to play some DDB VP there and then hit for $500 progressives bonus on a 4.50 bet on Everi's SMOKIN’ HOT STUFF JACKPOT RESPINS, and then at the Orleans ending up winning on Cash Burst at 5 cent 3x bet bonus, Buffalo Gold and then this win on Cash Bonanza max bet 1 cent $6 feeling saucy for me.

    20211207_145123.jpg

    The Orleans just has a huge floor and while I can compare it to South Point, I think I like the Orleans better. Now that my BR and the trip were both up, it was also time for my PCR test. I wanted to take it while in town and scheduled it ahead of time before the trip. I hurried to get up to a Walgreens on Rancho Drive (I'm sure you could find open appts elsewhere), waited for about 10mins after my scheduled time in line and stuck the qtip way too far for the sample. While waiting for my results I ended up at a Dutch Bros coffee Drive through and then a further ride up North Las Vegas, I past by the closed Fiesta Rancho, and Texas Station which I have been meaning to go to for some time. Losing some time here being aimless waiting for the result email to quarantine, I took a pit stop at the Silver Nugget Casino. Once I got the email that I was negative I went into the casino. That was something out of Vegas Vacation for its no frills appeal but put in a few bucks and while apparently known for their food, their cafe was closed for the day to the chagrin of one of the patrons who seemed to be coming off their shift for dinner who visited the same time I did.

    Speaking of food, at this time, it was getting late in the day and I was getting caught in traffic so I decided to find the North Las Vegas location of Tacos El Gordo. With dinner reservations later I didn't want to go nuts and even in this location the line for the Adobada (spicy pork) reached the door, I decided on two Lengua (Beef Tongue) Tacos that had no line as with the other offal meats available at the Mexican staple. Both were tasty with the Salsa provided, but I should have ate them fresh in store and now time was getting scare to get back to the Strip...

    20211207_174157.jpg

    So what did I do instead? I drove to Henderson of course! I did have some time to kill so I ended up at Green Valley Ranch. While I'm glad I went, and Pizza Rock taunting me a bit, I probably should have not spent all that time driving down there. The lights of the valley were pretty with some rain coming down, though.

    Passing the infamous Towbin Dodge of "King of Cars", I made my way back to the Strip in time to visit Caesars Palace. I originally had planned for 2 nights here this trip to check it our, but changed my mind for Comso and glad I did. The construction on the place really made the flow even more disjointed from trying to walk through the lobby into the Palace Casino.

    Bacchanal buffet - First time here after missing it all these years passing through and their recent upgrade. There is too much food to stick to one thing unless you like crab legs. Everything I tried was good to very good, but whole sections seemed to be untouched by customers not wanting to try the items. I am not sure at this price its worth a visit, but it was still a good dinner.

    I finished the night getting killed in the slots outside the buffet, then not trying to slide in the drizzle visited Bellagio, enjoying a few strains of Christmas music at Petrossian Bar before calling it a night.
     
    #12 Jplan72, Dec 14, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2021
  13. Grid!

    Grid! Platinum

    Messages:
    1,400
    Likes Received:
    3,579
    Player's Clubs:
    Mlife: Platinum. Borgata: Black Label. Total Rewards: Diamond.
    Shit, now I feel like I was profiled!

    I just googled "cosmopolitan las vegas dress code" Sure as enough, outside of wearing bathing suits in the casino, they call out hoodies and face paint.

    Guests of and visitors to The Cosmopolitan are required to wear resort attire and are prohibited from wearing hoods or hoodies of any kind and face paintings. Shoes are required and tops and bottoms must be covered.

    And I was playing next to a lady that looked like this. Shouldn't that violate the "Face Paint" rule? LOL

    [​IMG]
     
    Spock, TexasLady, mikey7777 and 4 others like this.
  14. tringlomane

    tringlomane Theoretical Video Poker Addict
    Founding Fanatic

    Messages:
    11,846
    Likes Received:
    27,642
    Player's Clubs:
    I guess we'll let you join...
    It's all those muscles you got. Haha

    And nice hop around town @Jplan72! We like GVR, but there isn't anything super unique about the casino other than its sizable and nice looking. Red Rock is the same way.
     
    Jplan72 likes this.
  15. claired67

    claired67 Palladium
    Founding Fanatic

    Messages:
    3,273
    Likes Received:
    19,693
    Ok so was the hood up or down? I wore a hoodie but kept hood down and had no problems.
     
    tringlomane likes this.
  16. stillsober

    stillsober Silver

    Messages:
    206
    Likes Received:
    807
    Damn, is that Betty White Grid?
     
    tringlomane likes this.
  17. Jplan72

    Jplan72 Bronze

    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    372
    Player's Clubs:
    Total Rewards, MLife
    I didn't have my zippper hoodie up much if at all in the Cosmo and walked past security near high limit and bac and nothing. With the weather there now, I'd have it on all the time.
     
    #17 Jplan72, Dec 18, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2021
    tringlomane and claired67 like this.
  18. MNSlotLover

    MNSlotLover Ainsworth Whisperer
    Founding Fanatic

    Messages:
    5,710
    Likes Received:
    26,092
    Player's Clubs:
    TI
    Grazie - Gold
    Mystic Lake - Celebrity
    No….Betty’s 100 years old and looks better that that!
     
  19. Jplan72

    Jplan72 Bronze

    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    372
    Player's Clubs:
    Total Rewards, MLife
    Alright I gotta finish this....


    Wednesday - I had always planned this day to be the tour day for me to be away from a slot machine for a few hours. I didn't realize this was travelling on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception so while thinking about my visit to Las Vegas, I'd end up praying for my trip too at a local Catholic Church!

    So, bright and early I woke up and tried to think of breakfast place to go to on my way to hear mass, so I was a bit on the go. The Henry and Grand Lux were options, but I also wasn't sure where I was going and time wasn't necessarily on my side. I ended up driving to Siegel’s Bagelmania next to the convention center for a sorta quick but big Egg Bagel bfast sammy with a Bialy. This location is shiny new and big, but it feels like the might have a soul of a place in Queens NY IMO, the irony not lost on me.

    After getting turned around the Convention Center traffic pattern and after a East Side of the Strip church service, I scratched another place off my list - The STRAT. I had not planned to go here this trip, but after hearing about the Craps session a patron in Casino Quest had, I gave it a shot. The parking lot entrance seemed to be under construction and did show some of its age, but once I got into the casino floor, I could see it's been remodeled, somewhat similarly to Palace Station. I am unsure if I really liked the place or not. I managed a few bonuses on slot machines and the cavernous feel of the casino floor worked and didn't work as it felt like you would walk a mile from one section to the next. Staff was friendly, even having someone asking me if I'm in their players club, a first in Las Vegas. I didn't take the staffer up on her offer as I was only there for about an hour. Otherwise, the slot floor was very quiet as you may expect with the hotel patrons being most of their guests in the casino.

    While I'm glad I visited the place, I got out of there, and made my way to.... Palace Station, but only for a pit stop as a gas station was nearby. I dropped 20 on a Playboy Slot and Dragon Link, stared at the line at Oyster Bar again on my way out and checked out the gift shop for swag. That was 2 Station casinos in a trip, but sadly no Red Rock this time. Compared to the June trip, I still like Red Rock and wouldn't mind visiting it again, but the new Palace edges out GVR, if I didn't want Pizza Rock at GVR or wanted to check out Henderson. So station casinos for me are: RR #1 the PS #2 then GVR, but the neighborhood seems nice.

    So, why the short stay? I had another visit to Area 15 and Omega Mart at their opening time. I'll put a separate post for my tours but it was definitely a different experience than the June trip.

    By the time I left Area 15, none of the other experiences were open to maybe check out, but I had a schedule to meet.... I took another pit stop in Vegas' Arts District. I was moving around too much perhaps, but taking a brief stop here, walking around the shops and restaurants it did feel like I left Vegas; it was a different energy (that's cause you paid for parking to get coffee, ya jerk!). So, I found myself in line at the infamous Vesta Coffee Roasters for some Nitro Cold Brew to keep me going with the early start. I would of been happy with some black coffee, but it wasn't pretentious enough. The staff was super friendly and they do have a food menu there if you want to enjoy your coffee in their bigger than I thought café. I might have to try their subscription service as I did enjoy what I had while it was still cold but, Vegas sun and all which was peeking out with some clouds and rain in the valley.

    This gave me a short drive where I pulled in the Parking Lot at the Mob Museum. 4 hours for $8 seemed reasonable, I thought. I had just enough time for lunch I thought, but I took a detour and walked through the Downtown Grand. I just don't get this place. I want to like it for some reason but always just seems dead. I stopped to get a players card (again I don't know why) and got a free drink voucher, which if I was gonna linger would have been fine but I was on my way to another place for lunch.

    I passed by Pizza Rock (they seemed to be closed by 11pm Monday night which I thought was odd) and ended up back at Circa because I had to try the Brisket Fried Rice at 8 East. In the corner spot at the Bar of 8 East I had efficient and personable service by a Gentleman at the bar who was very busy with other patrons at the busy bar and a few in the tables and booths in this somewhat small Asian inspired izakaya. I wouldn't say my lunch was bad. I did enjoy it very much, but all of this rich food was starting to get to me. I knew I had to eat, but this bowl of Fried Rice was pretty big. I did want to try one other dish there, but it was just too much food. The Fried Rice is good and if you are in Circa, 8 East is a good spot. I'm sure you could find other places downtown for Asian though. The green tea was very good too.
    20211208_131347.jpg


    I took a doggie bag with me and a cup of tea for later and made it to my scheduled arrival to Mob Museum.

    After the Mob Museum, I went back to Downtown Grand for my free drink at the bar. The place was still dead. Maybe I need to get there at night. Well, I couldn't leave that huge Sharknado machine from not being played. It turned out it wasn't that nice to me as it was in the past. I then bounced around the place for what seemed to be hours, but it was only an hour culminating in a serious duel with a Planet Moolah machine. I managed to see a UNICOW symbol but couldn't make a winning line to start the bonus. I did managed to get a bunch of entries in an NFR promo they had up. They had viewing parties there too!

    I left Grand just before my 4 hours were up at the Mob Museum and drove back to the strip to investigate Resorts World for real via the parking lot at Circus Circus and to play my respects to Slots of Fun as a shell of its former self. Sad, but its part of the Circus Circus now with maybe less than 30 slot machines. I've been to CC before, but the contrast of RR wasn't as far away as you might think. The Casino at CC was actually lively for a late afternoon I thought as I walked through. I took 50 bucks from a Buffalo Link machine as the trapeze act was doing there thing in the midway.

    So Resorts World is confusing. I was lucky to be there on opening night at end the June Vegas trip and when I stepped into the hotel entrance into the mall, err walkway, this time, the place didn't feel complete yet in December. As I walked closer to the Gatsby's Bar, the hostesses were getting ready to greet patrons for their early evening supper reservations being very professional and being very beautiful at several of their sit down places to give you that feel. It seems this place uses a lot of smoke and mirrors to make it seem upscale but I'm not sure as I did get Resorts World NYC vibes in the casino play. I made my way on each side of the casino floor, being sure to look at famous foods food court and then past the sportsbook and then the other side where the different hotel entrances were and decided to play with what was left of my BR; which was getting a beating as it had been used most of the day and was good for 1-3 more casino sessions left on the trip. I used their fully automated system to sign up for their players club. They use your ID like most places, but they also let you use your phone number instead of your card at the machines and to go cashless. I did try it with the app, but mostly just to see how it works. Gambling wasn't bad, but nothing major other than a bad 300 spin Rhino Charge bonus on a Wonder 4 Boost Slot. The gambling here doesn't feel like gambling at Wynn or Venetian but they seem to be trying to be like them. There is variety and a Buffalo section with all its different versions. While I was playing I did see the famous beer and water cart go by. Interesting.

    I saw what I wanted to see there and drove back to the Cosmo for one last night session and then a visit to Bang Bar at Block 16 for a combo fold ups that was my dinner.

    At this point, I didn't look like a Handpay would be coming this trip so I just made it an early night in with some VGK Hockey, left over Fried Rice late night snack thanks to the room fridge and packing as I would try to get back to East Coast Time for my flight on Thursday.

    Thursday was quick. I got up early Vegas time, made a trip to Ellis Island for the Steak and Eggs special which I couldn't finish and to visit, turned in the rental early (I missed going to Gabi Cafe for breakfast this trip another on the list from the Internets) and some time with a min bet Buffalo Gold session in the Cosmo and chill time in the room. I checked out and made my way to the Airport in another $14 Lyft ride and thankfully an uneventful flight home.

    If you made it this far, thanks for reading!


    Other thoughts (blah blah):

    1. In early December 2021, Vegas did seem like Vegas again. Other than security at Venetian asking a patron in line at the players club to put on their mask, most who wanted to wear masks did. Yes, I would say the NFR patrons were disproportionately the ones who did not have masks either wearing them or even with them but it did vary in the casinos who followed the guidelines. With the penalties the casinos were getting at this time but with Business coming in, it's a tightrope to cross.
    2. Flights to and from and the concourses LAS were packed. This may have already changed for your future trips when you visit, but it was good to see full flights going in and out.
    a. Also, no need for boarding passes at TSA. You can keep them with you if you print them out or just use your phone.
    3. Gambling was fine for me. They can't all be winning trips and I was due for one of those. I did try to tip more than I did in the past because of current situations and the winning I did do this week went to that so I hope I wasn't too cheap there.
    4. This was a bonus trip for me, and while I kept a plan of places to visit, it was enjoyable as a solo trip could be. I just want to go everywhere.
    5. Aria was fine, but my Cosmo stay really felt like a Home Base for the couple days I was there. YMMV and who knows what MGM will do this place, but I'm glad I got to stay there before the change over.
    6. I did like getting my rental in the casino than from the Airport rental place. Different experience.
    7. I don't know when I'll be going back to Vegas again, but I did get to Sterling at Cosmo for next year we'll see if can't scratch more things of the ever growing list.

    I'll post my Omega Mart and Mob Museum reviews soon.
     
    #19 Jplan72, Dec 19, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2021
  20. tringlomane

    tringlomane Theoretical Video Poker Addict
    Founding Fanatic

    Messages:
    11,846
    Likes Received:
    27,642
    Player's Clubs:
    I guess we'll let you join...
    Nice recap! Look forward to the more detailed reviews!
     
    aprilroncincy and Thierry like this.
Loading...

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Vegas Fanatics was created from the vision of two Vegas enthusiasts to form a Vegas focused message board where we can feature what we believe are the most valued benefits of forum membership!


    Our mission is to connect Vegas lovers to relevant information such as trip reports, gambling information, reviews, and other experiences in a socially engaging way!


    © Chic Monkey Media, Inc. 2016-2018