July 2024 Group Trip Report - Red, White and BOOM!!!

Sure, I'll get things started.
Heading to Vegas for my usual quickie (30 hrs this time).
Goals:

• Check out Rio, FB, Mirage (or what's left of it)
• Play at the aforementioned+Wynncore, but not Mirage. Maybe Cosmo if I'm on a roll.
• See LOVE tomorrow night. Possibly Postcard from Earth tonight if I'm up for it.
• Get my Din Tai Fung fix.
• Spa treatment at Encore tomorrow, plus spa time.

Head home on the red-eye tomorrow.

Starting off humble because I'm sure parking at the airport is going to be ridiculous..
Bus - train - airport train tango underway!
So far, Southwest looks on time. Fingers crossed.

 

Well, I never did get around to writing a June trip report. It was seven glorious days that are fuzzy. I thought I might write a report for my late July trip with Mom because those trips always provide relief. But, here I am writing a report on July 2nd.

Our spring break plans to Jamaica were derailed due to some unfortuante family circumstances. We rebooked that trip for today. Eleven sunshine filled days in Negril, including our anniversary. Even last night, we were going. However, by 4 AM this morning the hurricane watch was a hurricane warning. Beryl was getting very close to Negril. We were packed. Our driver to ORD was in our driveway at 6:15 AM today. (This is typically not hurricane season in JA)

Nope. I knew just the fact I was getting my "death folder" out on my desk was a problem. We paid our driver (with tip) and sent him on his way. He seemed shocked that were cancelling curbside, but I mean it is a hurricane.

The small resort that we stay at had already reached out about a room change. Our original room was on the edge of the cliffs. Great views but no good with an impending hurricane. When I contacted them to cancel, they said we were making the best choice by not traveling.

But we made another choice. VEGAS. Yes we were just there. Yes, I am going at the end of the month. But with minimal sleep and packed bags.. well the choice was no choice at all. We could use our flight credits for a 7/4 arrival and a 7/9 departure. Why not? Hubs already had the time off and the Out of Office response was/is up and running.

So, I reached out to my host at 6:30 AM my time.... and gave her this entirely true story. She told me not to worry, she would get us set. So, I am now anxiously still watching hurricane coverage as we have friends in Negril. Also, I am excited to try to do a trip report. For real this time.

 

For the aviation geeks, here's a shot of the near-extinct passenger 747 plane. Plus,an unmarked plane which is some kind of government official according to the Internet.

 

Okay, all wedged in for 3h20 min.

 

The Queen of the Skies! I didn't realize Lufthansa still flew 747s.

 

I feel like they are one of the very few major airlines that still do.

 

They are the biggest airline left that does.

 

Checked into Rio. Rooms seem nice -- renovated tower, that is. Everyone is very friendly. Slot selection is okay. Mostly new titles but notably very little associated with movies or themes that probably require licensing (eg Sex and the City). It's very spread out, which is nice.
Had fun just putzing around. No jackpots though.

My biggest complaint and sadly this is a deal breaker for me...is that there was no food to buy after 10pm. Plus, there's nothing safe within walking distance. I hope they have more late night options in the future.

 

OMG having so much fun at Wynn. Just hit this.

 

Stopped by the Fontainebleau for breakfast and to check the place out. Since I didn't do the tier match, they gave me $15 fb and Freeplay comps.
Breakfast at Chez Bon Bon is impressive,like a mini version of Aria Patisserie. Got the flat giant dipped croissant and a cappuccino. The balance due was 1.08 but I was told that if I charged it, they would charge the full amount but if I paid cash, they would round down basically...why? Because they don't give out coins. Interesting policy... Doubt it would last long unless they change their prices to avoid coins.

 

Note -- the dipped croissant is one of those "looks good but tastes eh" moments. It's thin, like thin crust pizza, so it's like eating chocolate dipped cardboard. Also, super sticky despite being told people break it into pieces to eat.

 

Wow. Encore spa is amazing. Taupe heaven. I could see staying here all day. And those full body showers by the hot tubs....Better coverage than the local car wash!

 

Din Tai Fung for dinner. Cucumber salad is the secret best dish here, better than the xlb. Sweet sour short ribs are a close second place.
Not pictured: crab pork XLB (eaten)

 

Braved the heat and walked to Mirage..now seated for LOVE in 15 minutes. The end of an era.
I hope this isn't replaced by some circus act based on the music of Taylor Swift.

 

Time to head home! At the Centurion lounge now, waiting for my red-eye flight back. In the end, I found FB to be mostly style over substance.. That's not to say they can't improve, but for the prices they command, they should be much better.

As a side note, I stopped by TI and their slot selection is actually respectable for a Strip casino... They have some oldies, including quite a few 3 reels, and of course the latest titles.
Aria continues to be sad, removing the rows of slots and replacing with the carousel style big screen monstrosities. Definitely done with MGM.

Rio needs work but as a Hyatt property, they'll have access to a base of loyal travelers.

As for Wynn, I am slowly getting used to it.
Their slot selection isn't bad in comparison to MGM and Rio. Checkout was kind of crazy at 10pm.. but service is still top notch. That means a lot to me, especially since I don't have a host.

 

Good morning, Fanatics! Flight looks to be on time and 100% full. We are all set with a room and a view. I figure we will be checked in and settled in time to see the fireworks. Since this trip was impromptu due to Mother Nature, for once we have no set plans. I suspect gambling and cocktails will be on the menu! Fingers crossed we leave on time. Lately, our flights out of ORD have been plagued with delays.

 

Have a great time @Anna T. !