I went there with my friend Richard and his fiancé Ellen. We were joined by Ellen's parents, sister, brother, their spouses, and two of Ellen's female friends. It was not what I would call a wild group. There were no Hangover experiences. In fact, I didn't drink at all the whole time I was there. Which some of my friends at work were surprised at. The truth is I didn't want to drive drunk or be too tired to drive, and I am not a great night driver. My friend Mark suggested that was what Uber was for. I guess for many people that would be right.
I stayed at the Elara hotel and had to sit through a time share talk on Saturday. It was two hours long but not too bad. Considering I got 3 nights in a very nice hotel for $250. It used to be even cheaper ($99)
Of course I still had to pay for meals and other entertainment and the rental car. Which many people never use but I got to do some great side trips like seeing Red Rock Canyon again.
My time share person named Steve was pretty nice, but once he saw that I was pleading poverty he didn't force the issue to buy too strongly. They did however bring in a closer like a used car manager to try to work me over, and Steve did say at one point that travel was more important than housing. I stared at him and replied, "Have you tried living in NYC recently?" He also stated that he used to live in Queens 20 years ago, but when I asked him where he said he didn't remember. Which seemed very suspicious or just a blatant lie. They probably just want to build rapport, but really?
The Elara is a great hotel, but from I hear timeshares are a scam. They charge you a booking fee each time which could be $250 and the HOA fee goes up every year.
Speaking of the hotel it had floor to ceiling windows and a pretty nice of view of the strip, a hot tub which I didn't use mostly because Vegas in running out of water and I didn't want to abuse it. Also, a hot tub by yourself is pretty lonely if only I had 1 to 2 chicks to join me that would be great. I guess I can still dream. The room also had a projector that displayed movies, porn, or even CNN on the wall-size shades. Amazing. A far cry from the Hampton Inn.
It was a Junior suite which included a fridge, dishwasher, and an oven which I never used. There was also a shopping center and was connected to Planet Hollywood, but no casino.
We did several things during the trip to celebrate my friend Richard's girlfriend's 50th birthday. Ironically I dated here too in the past for six weeks, but that is water under the bridge, and I thought it would be awkward being there with her and her family but it really wasn't.
We went to dinner at Gordon Ramsey's Hell Kitchen. Very fancy, but my food was just OK. Last year I went to the Bacchanal at Caesar's Palace which was way better. The interesting thing is that my friend Peter (who was not with us) looks exactly like Gordon Ramsey and when he went to Vegas a few years ago a woman tried to network with him thinking he was Ramsey. I told Peter he should have tried to work it, but he took the high road and didn't.
The nice thing about the trip was that I was able to take a few vacation days from work so it wouldn't affect me, and my Jetblue flight was very smooth. I sat by the window and while I did sit next to a very rotund bride to be, she was extremely nice and it didn't seem like she was crowding me at all. Thank you. I hope you enjoyed your wedding at the Luxor.
We all stayed (not the bride) at the Elara and it worked out well for taking Ubers. I did however rent a car which proved to be very helpful when we went to Rick's friend's house for a BBQ in the suburbs of Las Vegas. It also helped that I was able to go to Target to pick up a few things at a cheaper price than my hotel and also get me to breakfast at a great place called A Broken Egg ( I believe) It was awesome. I highly recommend, and will post pics of my meal. Some people wanted to go for the less expensive meal, but in my book I would rather go for the place in the middle and enjoy it.
We also took a drive to Red Rock Canyon. It was great but you should make reservations online or with the app otherwise unless there is availability it is only through timed admission.
Also, it gets cold there sometimes so I suggest dressing in layers. In addition, stop at the visitor center. They have some good facts about the history and also things to watch out for like the Pepsi bug which has a very painful bite, etc. There are some great trails to hike on, and some people did rock climbing. (Not me) There are also a few stops pictograms or petroglyphs I'm not sure which but worth checking out. Also make sure you get out of there before the sun goes done. There are no lights in the park after dark.
This trip I didn't go to see the Bellagio water show, but we did go to to see Cirque de soleil Beatles at the Mirage hotel. We all sat in the first four rows which is a great vantage spot for seeing it, but I was a bit tired so I recommend going to an earlier show if possible. It was great though, and the music was excellent.
One funny thing happened though before the performance. I went to the men's room and after I finished using the urinal I saw a fairly well-dressed guy with a plate and a cup on the bathroom sink eating 1/2 a pastrami sandwich. What he was doing eating a sandwich in the bathroom confounded me and he then later joined his girlfriend outside. Why was he eating in the bathroom? Not the most sanitary of places to eat. I mean the only thing worse might as well be to go number #2 and eat a sandwich at the same time. I suppose if you want to be efficient.
Some other good moments. I saw a few other casinos that I haven't seen before including: New York, New York that actually has a rollercoaster on the ceiling, The Sahara (They were very nice to me there and the pit boss allowed me to play $10 blackjack when she saw I was clueless) And fortunately I only lost $60. The house always wins.
Another hidden treasure is the monorail. It costs money. I believe it was $5 for one trip, but you can do one trip or even 1-3 days. I used it a few times and though I didn't get my money's worth it was probably cheaper than an Uber and allowed me to bypass the crowds on the strip. It also goes the length of strip if you don't want to walk the entire mile.
One thing I also recommend is checking out the Stratosphere. Although the neighborhood around it seemed a bit sketchy. I saw an arrest by the ticket line for the ride to the top. These casino's don't mess around. It was the second arrest I saw on my trip. I saw another man get arrested for supposedly stealing at Binions on Freemont street. Which I will talk about later. I got to the Stratosphere at 9:45 AM, a good time to get there and at 10 AM promptly the women sold me a ticket to the top. I asked if they take AAA for a discount but she said no but they would take 55 and over for $10. Lets face it these days every dollar counts. Especially if you like to gamble.
I thought the elevator up would but scary but it wasn't and after going through a security checkpoint (they scan for weapons) the ride was very fast. The attraction opens at 10 when most people are sleeping but your ticket is good all day so I could go back later if I wanted. I imagine the view from the top at night is probably very special as well. Next time I also want to go on the Ferris wheel. It's supposed to be great view too.
Anyway, I had a grilled cheese, cookie, and coffee when I got up there. (My first meal of the day) It's an awesome spot to admire the Las Vegas. It was a bit lonely though being by myself but the fact of the matter is the birthday girl and ultimately her boyfriend both came down with COVID. Not a very good birthday gift at all. The view however was great and you can go up on the roof where they actually have two rides (very few takers) including one which takes you over the edge with nothing under you. Not for for me. LOL. I did enjoy the scenery though.
Freemont street is another must see. That is the location of the original Vegas. It is a wild scene and ever wilder than the strip. there are women with only pasties looking to take a picture with you for a tip and at the D. Hotel scantily women deal blackjack and some also dance on tables. My kind of place. Although I think it would be a distraction while playing and would not help my game too much.
The ceiling above Freemont is filled with a technicolor screen and even a zip line for the distance. There are also bands playing every block many of which are excellent, and lots and lots of lights. Further away is container park. Container Park is interesting but when I went not that busy. Maybe it is busier over the summer. There is a large insect at the front (A grasshopper I think) that moves to music and breathes fire at intervals. Pretty cool. There is also a band that plays in the back, a children's playground, and stores and restaurants created out of shipping containers. Definitely interesting. I just wish they had more foot traffic.
After Container Park our merry band went back to explore Freemont street. We listened to music and shopped in Binions. An older casino which looks a bit worn down. They do have a store that sells very good Las Vegas inspired clothing at excellent prices. Ellen gambled a bit there and I saw a man get arrested for supposedly stealing. He denied it, but the security guards may have recognized him. I don't know.
One place I did enjoy was an Italian restaurant that specializes in pizza called Pizza Rock. It is off Fremont street and I think I mentioned that a few fire fighters last trip recommended it to me. They have menus with rock albums on them and rock music constantly playing. They also have the front part of a truck in the restaurant. There was a bit of wait to sit but it was worth it. I had Detroit style pizza (very thick) but quite good. Best if shared with a few people.
Others had Margarita pies I believe. Best if very hot. Rick had a beer with a high alcohol percentage. I didn't drink because I drove.
My last night in Vegas I did my own thing...Lets leave it at that.
The next day I drove Rick and Ellen to the airport. I didn't want them to deal with the hassle because they were recovering from sickness. I haven't spoken to them since, but I intend to.
When I was about to leave Vegas. I took advantage of my Priority Pass which allows you to have access to a lounge with less people than the airport and free food and drinks. Although the one in Vegas did not have that many hot food items. I did snag some nice pasta and soup and free coffee. Unfortunately they didn't have any yogurt.
One tip when traveling is that I try to have yogurt everyday to boost my immune system and prevent food poisoning. It usually works, and did this time.
My flight was leaving in a little while and I didn't want to wait on the priority pass bathroom line. Big mistake. Instead I used the one in the airport. I sat down in the stall adjacent to a handicap bathroom and was about to do my business when a hand came into my stall from the handicap side. I screamed "What the hell!" and the hand retracted. Shortly thereafter the person on that side got up and left.
It was then that I noticed that there was a large hole above the toilet paper dispenser. I think the person only wanted to get toilet paper. Maybe they didn't have any on there side. Or maybe he wanted to grab my junk. I don't know. I didn't stick around long enough to find out.
Fortunately the flight back was uneventful, but in retrospect I think it would be best to either check my bag, and leave enough room in it for souvenir's. I keep bringing small bags which leads me to run out of clean clothes and no room for things I buy.
Also Delta claims the flight was extended leg room, but I really believe it depends on the type of plane you are on. It really didn't feel like extended room. I wish I had splurged for first class. Next time.
Life Lesson 208: Remember the Las Vegas Rules
1) What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas (Except if you get COVID or the clap)
2) Always go for the upgrade when you can. It's worth the extra money. I upgraded one Hilton night and I am glad I did.
3) Travel with friends who are fun and flexible, but don't be afraid to do your own thing when you can. It can be memorable too.
4) Don't be afraid to take the less traveled path (like the monorail) even if that path is a strip of hotels
5) Never eat in a bathroom in a casino even if your GF/BF is vegan
6) Always use a priority pass bathroom if you can and check out any other bathroom before you use it.
7) Hit attractions when they open
8) Reserve your spot: restaurants, Red Rock Canyon, etc.
9) Don't be afraid to ask for a discount: AAA, 55+, blackjack. You never know
10) Do your research: Trip Advisor, Yelp, etc., but don't forget some locals are even better.
11) Eat yogurt daily
12 Bring a bag with extra room for gifts
Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor, just keep in mind the House usually wins.
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