Vegas / Nevada Trip #65 - September 24 - October 3, 2024

Will try a trip report featuring mostly visits out and about the Vegas Valley, but some Strip and gambling action when I can find no smoking and decent VP pay tables. Perhaps a poker or Pit session or two as well.

I made one adjustment since originally booking. I wanted to hit two new to me Strip Resorts (Resorts World and Cromwell), but the reservations were for one night at RW and three at Cromwell. I only like checking in once per week stretch, so I looked for a straight four night stay for my final week at a new to me hotel.

The Raiders are in town Sunday, so rooms are expensive most places Sunday night. VDara and Trump Towers featured the best rates / potential room quality on the Strip, but I found a great deal at The Ahern, the former Lucky Dragon, which includes two free daily breakfasts, so I went with that as my new to me hotel this trip. I am staying at The Strat, and love The Ahern location as well, to be near the Arts District and Downtown, but this trip I also plan visiting the Strip south beyond Wynn / Tacos El Gordo to several new to me spots.

I have a Vegas calendar with the goal to stay during every single calendar day in Vegas, and after this trip, I will be down to half of March, most of April, and a week in July to clear all 366 dates. I will post a lot of pictures with brief words for my various stops each day. I will try to keep up real time or at least once a day, and post all trip costs.

I do not really get comps anymore, but occasionally can find good deals via sales and email signups. I am running pretty steady with @Royal Flusher in terms of pre-trip costs, being as savvy as possible to reach a cost of $712.61 for ten days, nine nights, or $71.26 per day for air, room and ground transportation as follows.

My trip is enhanced with a comped weekend stay at Casa DA in Summerlin, aka my brother's house, and various rick ups from my brother including likely to/from airport. Both flights are non stop direct. There is only one non stop daily to/from ORD and LAS, so flying in to Midway so I can enjoy Vegas through mid afternoon my final day. All reported costs include all taxes and fees.

• $2.50 CTA Home To ORD.
• $69.98 SWA ORD to LAS - SWA Sale, no points used.
• $0.00 Free RTC Vegas Weekly Residential Pass for completing an online survey.
• $236.46 The Strat Three Nights - Elevate Room 9/24-9/27 - Booked via Best Western Sale.
• $0.00 Comped Two Night Summerlin Stay, though will treat for meals and other excursions.
• $328.69 The Ahern Four Nights - Standard Double Room + Free Breakfast Daily for 2 - Booked via Hotels.com.
• $69.98 SWA LAS to MDW - SWA Sale, no points used.
• $5.00 CTA MDW to Home - Will buy a 24 hour pass to also use the next day.
• $712.61 Total, or $71.21 per day; $79.18 per night for Air, Room and Ground Transportation.

I leave early Tuesday morning, and can't wait since it's been nine months since my January, 2024 trip.

Viva Las Vegas

 

Yesterday

Bankroll



SuperDawg, sans the Statues


Today

CTA 40 Minutes late, made it to gate 6 minutes before boarding. Terminal 5 gates are far away.



First win of trip - Emergency Row.

First Loss of Trip - Photos at TSA (too late to decline).


Next post, Vegas!

 

Really hit a wall sleep wise hitting close to 24 hours without sleep, but after 4 1/2 hours, catching up on a few things and need to find close by food at this hour.

Day One - Tuesday, September 24

SWA Flight Great, 45 minutes early, because it’s a 3:15 flight, 3:00 return, but all airlines give themselves 4:00 to report being “on time”.







My brother came at the prearranged time and then had work, which turned out to be an unexpectedly busy day, but also lucrative worth a good sale. He kept my bags, including food and misc gifts for family, and dropped me off at the Gamblers General Store, my first stop at their “new” location (they moved across the street, perhaps last decade). I just don’t gamble much these days, but a great resource for those who do. I am rusty on VP, so picked up these two Bob Dancer strategy cards for $21.57. Yes, two coins for two pairs is my preference.



Plaza

Next I walked to the Plaza. Checked out their non smoking casino area, but VP pay tables are poor, so after getting my card plus $10 FP and $10 Food I kept for maybe later, I ended up playing two sessions (left the first after a smoker sat nearby). There is no Sierra Nevada Pale Ale at all there (a reoccurring theme on Fremont Street and elsewhere), but settled for a draft Founders All Day IPA and a Budweiser. Ended up winning $16.25 and $106.25 on full pay JOB.





I believe the last of at least three OAKs, plus many full houses which are great paid at 9.



Stopped in at Golden Gate but no SWA Boarding Pass promo, no solid VP and no more draft beer at the bar so no more me. Next stop the Golden Nugget where I played about two hours of $3-$6 limit poker, to relax, had pretty good conversations despite only two tourists total. Had two GI IPA. Finished down $14 on the session.



Stopped in to check out Binion’s (new display - really miss the free pictures) and Four Queens (my hit Chicago Brewing Company and Magnolia’s later this trip).



Then I hit the Downtown Grand for their $2 Hot Dog and 10 oz PBR Promotion, expecting to eat later with my brother and nephews. The hot dogs was actually pretty good.



Next stop, The D. Vue Bar was crowded and smokey by this point (mid afternoon), so just went to get my SWA match play. It’s $50, so $25 more than expected.

Hand One: Q 10 vs. Hard 17 - Won $50
Hand Two: 10 9 vs. Queen showing - Lost $25 plus $10 Dealer Bet.

Headed down to East Fremont, passed on beer at Atomic Lounge, then hit El Cortez for SWA $10 FP and $25 match play. Not much in VP I could find, but won $5 net on 7/5 Faces and Aces.

This is where my good gambling fortune ran out. I bought in for $25 plus the match play. Received a 7-7 vs. 2. Pit boss said it’s $50 to split after the dealer asked her, and I put up another $50 to receive, wait for it, another 7. This could be a nice addition to the bankroll, so another $50 goes on the felt.

Received a 9, 9 and K. Dealer flips a second 2, then a six, and the case K for a twenty, and $125 gone in an instant. Went from up $128.50 to up $3.50. Still a solid fun day overall four plus hours gambling. I used to gamble degenerate over the years (Green-Purple Chip BJ & $1-$2 VP), but have more fun with stress free gambling the past several years. YMMV

Went to the Sportsbook to watch baseball and horse racing until getting picked up. Got really tired as I woke up at 7:30 PST PM Monday in Chicago the day before after a few hours of sleep to do chores.

Stratosphere

Kudos to the Stratosphere for offering free early check in without any fees most places charged to non highly rated casino guests. My room wasn’t ready at 8 AM, but was in a fast moving short line when I finally got there early evening. I received my Elevate Room in the Vegas Tower. The room is renovated, really bright and clean. Only complaint is a permanent light on in the bathroom which is distracting (can’t be turned off), that I blocked as best as possible with a towel and tissue box. You will hopefully like this room @campie1988 if it’s what you booked.



Blocking the night light.



No view, but no noice as requested. Only woke up by the midnight maid after sleeping 4 1/2 hours straight.

Room with no view, fine by me, I’ve seen Vegas before. Strat has been better than expected, will stay here in the future.



Went with brother and nephews to In-n-Out on Sahara. Wasn’t hungry, just tired, so no food for me beyond a few fries. They dropped me off and went home with the kids in their school week (1st and 3rd grade). I went straight to bed, woke up at midnight, reviewed Beer Advocate, typed this up, and we are now caught up with the trip.

Hungry at this point, so will try to find something at 1:15 AM, and then get more sleep. Hope this report isn’t too boring. Will be giving short takes on various places throughout the valley, hopefully it will provide ideas / useful recommendations.

Day One / Trip Stats:

Cash - $6.75 ($920 - $6.75 = $913.25)

+ $3.50 Gambling
+ $127.50 Video Poker - Plaza & El Cortez (2 hours)
-$14 Limit Poker - Golden Nugget (2 hours)
+$15 Blackjack - The D (two hands)
-$125 Blackjack - El Cortez (one hand)

-$9.25 Drinks (Include water, tips)
-$1.25 Food
+$0.25 Misc Found

Credit Card -$21.57 Gamblers General Store (Gambling Expense)

Beer 58 oz.
Walking 16,374 steps; 6.6 miles.

 

You will be fine in your room. I’m fine paying a little more for a remodeled room, and Elite King is same a higher tier, at least by price.

Did a two hour walk to Sahara, Fontainebleau, Circus Circus, Slots o Fun and Resorts World. Less than a dozen pit games going across all of the properties combined. Convention people, especially at Resorts World, really the only sign of activity.

There was a huge line for the 7 AM opening of Roxy’s Diner here. Limited food options the drawbacks to staying at The Strat or Sahara.

Fontainebleau the only place with decent $0.25 VP (8/5 JOB and 7/5 Bonus) at the two front entrances. Saw a lot of this 1 for two pair with enhanced quad Bonus poker at bar tops at these bars and downtown. Don’t know the exact odds, but likely worse than 8/5 or 7/5 standard Bonus Poker.

2AM Grab and Go at 7/11.



The Strat Late Night



Morning Walk




Next up, Arts District, Tenaya Creek and Fremont Street.

 

Day Two Continued

Out the door around 12:30. Stuck with the Arts District / Downtown today. No gambling, only one opportunity but passed due to Bar 6/5 Bonus pay table.

Hard Hat Lounge - Naked City New York and Industrial.

Ten minute walk from The Strat





Three major changes from my last visit.

1. They are now 24/7.
2. They now have gambling.
3. Happy Hour changed from 12 (their prior open) - 5 PM to 2-5 PM/AM

Makeala behind the bar as usual day shift. Double Smash-burger fueled my day drinking, these two my typical beers here as their menu stays relatively the same.



Burger and Trumer Pils - 16 oz



Boulevard Tank 7 - 9 oz



The Silver Stamp - 222 Imperial
Fifteen minute walk from Hard Hat Lounge



Doesn’t look like much from the outside. I’ll take internal pictures next stop, but you can take a look at these Google pics to see they have 1970s Midwest wood paneling basement vibes. Just awesome people all around. Have known Rose since her Atomic Lounge days a decade ago, Andrew since they opened 3 1/2 years ago, and their staff is also great. Enjoyed my conversation with the couple from Alaska in for a convention.

They have an solid bottle list in addition to this tap list, the Kolsch and newly added Duval the lone permanent taps at this stage.



Looking forward to their Halloween kickoff next week. Hoping to convince my brother shoot down here Saturday for the special cask.

Usually like the annual Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest collaborations, this one more like a Marzen than Festbier, too malty. Still drank it, because beer.

Sierra Nevada Brauerei Gutmann Oktoberfest - 16 oz



Ayinger always a favorite, this their Bavarian Pils. Was zero days old yesterday when I learned their brewmaster is from Wyoming. Has to be a culture shock living in Germany. 16 oz.



Next stop north, but had to scramble when I saw the sign the two Deuce stops on 3rd and Imperial, just steps out of door, are closed for a detour due to the street and building construction a block north. @campie1988 - take note. White Cross Strip / Oakley stop nearest. Per my discussion with a Customer Service Rep at the BTC, it will be closed at least into Winter 2015. Meh.

I walked to Charleston and the 18b bus stop and caught the crowded Deuce to the Bonneville Transit Center and then the 106 which drops you across the street from this standby.

Tenaya Creek / Beer Zombies
Walk to Deuce Stop to BTC, 106 to BZ/TC





Tenaya Creek was one of Vegas’ oldest breweries. After 23 years in the business, their owner wanted to sell / retire, so Chris, also a great owner from previous stops and a festival over the years purchased and kept the brand alive with some of their better selling beers. RIP Hauling Oats.

They also have a great guest taplist, about three dozen in total. Most of their staff stayed on after the transition and are happy staying, including Brian who’s been there since they were on Tenaya Ave..





3-6 HH and other specials survived the jump. Food Trucks rotate. Two great beers for me.

Russian River Pliny the Elder (RR started Vegas distribution several months ago!)16 oz



Tenaya Creek Signing Frog - The House Beer of The Wynn 16 oz



Stayed for the entire extra inning Sox game, which they won again to stave off the all time MLB loss record.



Bused it back to The Strat, as hit a wall, a combo of six beers over about eight hours and the fact I went to bed early the day before. Hope it’s more the latter.

Don’t know how to download / post a video here, but have a few pictures of the monthly Bike Parade I’ve seen during a previous visit. They take over the strip, say 200 bicyclists, similar to bike rallies in other cities including Chicago.





That’s a wrap until heading out later post second sleep, which figures to include White Sox baseball and more bar and brewery hopping.

Final Day Two Tally (Cumulative)

Drinks Alcohol and Non $68.09 ($77.34)
Transportation None ($72.48)
Food $34.68 ($35.93)
Gambling None ($18.07)
Misc None (+$0.25)
Total $102.77 ($203.57)

Beer 89 oz (147 oz)
Walking 7.5 Miles (14.1 Miles)
Cash Bankroll $872.25 (-$47.75)

 

Really hope you can swing another trip and you have a chance upon your return to catch us up regarding both trips.

I believe SN Pale Ale is gone from many casinos based on exclusivity deals, mostly with AB or Miller/Coors/Molson brands. It was on draft at one bar in the GN, but no waitress service from there, and didn’t see it among the bottles displayed at the five casinos I checked out Tuesday. The other factor is their Hazy Little Thing is now their top seller, so I see that handle a lot, including at Hard Hat Lounge.

The Silver Stamp sells SNPA in cans (IIRC $6 or $7 / 12 oz), it has been fresh the times I have ordered there (plus it’s can/bottle conditioned for longer shelf life), and they will pour it into a proper glass upon request. I almost ordered one yesterday.

And thanks for the clarification regarding the poor Bonus Poker machines. I will photo if I come across again. If I get to Luxor I might play there if the waitress will comp SNPA. Do plan on checking out MGM Park since it’s non smoking and hope to find good beers and possibly playable machines there.

Also, here is a video link of the bike ride:

https://streamable.com/c3f4aq

 

Will be a slow two days in terms of Vegas activity, but hope to pick things up Sunday through the trip close.

Day Three 9/26

Ellis Island

The Deuce was nearly 15 minutes late, so went with Google Maps’ 119 recommendation, a 15 minute walk from The Strat to Sahara and Industrial. Bus drops you off right across the street, where I saw the hideous FU construction.





Won’t be coming back in the Fall unless the race is gone.

My brother texted me last night that they raised beers to $5.50 recently from their prior $3 or $4 price point and that was confirmed. They rebranded their core 4-5 house beers under their Silver Reef Brand. Still comped w VP play.

I thought the Front Yard opened at 9AM, but it wasn’t till 11AM, the time I left to the Westgate to watch a White Sox and then the A’s.

VP Bonus is 7/5, same as JOB, so that’s what I played.



Ended up with over 100 points / $100 in playing Quarters, which on senior citizen day (50 is their cutoff, I’m 55) gives you $5 off the steak dinner (everyone qualifies with 5 points), a comped beer (I stuck with three Hefe’s total over my two hours), $5 Free Play and two free cookies at their coffee shop.

No baked potato until 11 AM (fries the only potato option).



Ordered medium because medium rare was like rare last time, and the medium turned out fine, close to medium rare.



I cashed $10 out of my Free Play on 7/5 Bonus, so lost a net $15. I’d return at 11 AM in the future, but my two issues this visit was the drinking tap water smelled like an in flushed toilet (didn’t notice with the lemon at the bar but did at the Village Pub and then with my Free Play water before I squeezed the lemon). Also saw a small bug crawl out of the VP machine, so that was my cue to leave.

Speedee Mart



Took the 202 to University Center, stopped at Speedee Mart for a 16 oz Rainer can (my first time - very good for an AAL) and a 24 oz Fresh Colt 45 (BB 2/3/25), which I like a lot. They don’t have craft beer at this location like they do on Sahara in Summerlin and North Las Vegas near Santa Fe, plus several other locations.

Grabbed three plastic cups at the front bar (third for water) and enjoyed at the Sportsbook.



Damn it feels good to be a gangster.



Westgate Sportsbook

The 109 dropped me off, and I enjoyed about three hours, first watching the White Sox avoid record loss 121 for a third straight game, then the sad final game at Oakland Coliseum which I considered flying out for but pulled the plug with a $700 price tag for decent seats and the flight. Watched other MLB games during commercials, and the #2 horse caught my eye at Louisiana Downs, so I bet $20 WP on the chalk and won $25 net of tip.

Sox upper right screen



Horse Racing covered my Steak Dinner and Speedee Mart. Don’t try this at home.



A’s celebrate final home win.



Copied from social media.



Took the 108 back to The Strat. Would typically walk but 100 F, so no. Wanted to sleep for a few hours and maybe go out for late night drinks, but don’t feel like drinking, seems like 5-6 beers total is my new lower limit (I drink one beer most days at home, two tree out and about). Likely will sleep a bit more and perhaps take a pre dawn walk on moving day.

Final Day Three Tally (Cumulative)

Drinks $8.01 ($85.35)
Transportation None ($72.48)
Food $20.98 ($56.91)
Gambling +$10
7/5 Q BP Ellis Island -$15
Westgate Horse Racing R5 LA Downs + $25 (-$8.07)
Misc None (+$0.25)
Total $18.99 ($222.56)

Beer 88 oz (235 oz)
Walking 3.5 Miles (17.6 Miles)
Cash Bankroll $878.25 (-$41.75)
Total Trip Costs to Date $222.56

 

Day Four - September 27

Woke up at 3AM and by 4:45 was ready to embark on a long walk south down the strip as far as I was inspired before heading back to checkout and move for the weekend to Summerlin. A few pictures and brief observations.

Lift off



This is the only Strip casino I plan on returning, for the $15 signup bonus and 8/5 $0.25 JOB.



Wynn still looks great after all these years, but miss their prior music and decent VP and non 6/5 BJ. Will still try to stay here.



Venetian / Palazzo poker room now occupying failed retail space one floor and seemingly a mile away from any casino action. Wonder if this room will make it into 2027.



What a world where the Mirage is nuked and the Flamingo survives.



Strip down to one lane northbound. Hideous F1 construction strewn about.







Checked out Park MGM. Liked the non smoking aspect, not much soul like most casinos these days, but felt like a comfortable place to place. Couldn’t find decent quarter VP. No Sierra Nevada, their bar near the Sportsbook the only place with at least a few decent handle pulls.





Deuced it back to 7/11 near The Strat, hit the room and was ready for my 11 am pickup. First stop:

Pop’s Philly Steaks
501 S Decatur Blvd - Drove with Brother





These are solid cheesesteaks, among the top 3 I’ve had outside of Philadelphia. I always go with the #7 Bell Pepper Whiz / Wit (grilled onions) for $16.25 w tax. The fries aren’t that good so did not order ($5.99).

Next up

Aces & Ales Tenaya



There were several beers on their Untappd list I was really interest, but they all tapped out after the Untappd Thursday afternoon update. They go through kegs relatively quickly, so good to have fresh taps, but it was one and done with this pictured Pliny the Elder. They have decent to good food (love their French Dip), select beers are comped w with poor pay table bar play. Brother ordered the Gumballhead, with 3 Floyd’s invading Vegas in August. It was his favorite gateway to craft beer.

Then off to Chicago Brewing Company in Summerlin near my brother’s office.

Chicago Brewing Company



This is the same brewery that’s inside the Four Queens, but with small batch additional selections. They have a M-Th HH and good bar food, and a patio for when it’s nice out. Also have a sequestered smoking area containing their VP machines. Fully stocked bar with wine and spirtits.

I didn’t feel like rating new beers, so two 22 oz core beers ($10.50 each w tax/tip) while waiting for my brother to finish for the day/week. Thought about bussing to Beer Zombies DTZ, but too hot.

Sundown Stout



Weizenheimer with requested orange slice



Three beers total today, but five going by 12 oz serving sizes. After that, went home to pick up nephews for In-n-Out, a stop at Kohls to pick up a few things and then chilling at home watching the Sox make baseball history with 121 losses, then having our NHL Fantasy draft before chilling and packing it in for another early Vegas night (10 PM).

Set to hit a German Oktoberfest today and several places, some kids oriented. Hoping to survive the forecasted 105 F high. It’s 10-15 F warmer than typical this time of year.

Final Day Four Tally (Cumulative)

Lodging $241.46 ($241.46)
Drinks $33.58 ($118.93)
Clothes $115.95 ($115.95)
Food $22.24 ($79.15)
Transportation None ($72.48)
Gifts $10.42 ($10.42)
Gambling None (-$8.07)
Misc None (+$0.25)
Total $423.65 ($646.21)

Beer 60 oz (295 oz)
Walking 8.1 Miles (25.7 Miles)
Cash Bankroll $850.25 (-$69.75)
Total Trip Costs to Date $646.21

 

Really glad your trip turned out great. I enjoyed my trip as well though it was different in terms of activities (more gambling, less walking and drinking).

I never promised a live report, but sadly l lost my notes inadvertently deleted on my I phone. I spent time trying to recover, but based on my settings these notes are gone forever.

That said, I now have time at home to finish the report via pictures, receipts and memory. I plan on resuming with Day Five this weekend, and post a day or two per day to wrap things up this week. Hope others enjoyed the report, and I’ll catch up on the other threads now.