Well, had a great time again (how could I not have a great time?<g>). Weather wasn't too good, rained all day for one day - never seen THAT in Vegas, although I have been there when it has rained before. This was trip 10 to Vegas for me and trip 3 for Mr Heid. 10 trips is a lot from the UK!
Flights were fab - just to recap, we got a great flight deal, BMI made a mistake on their website and offered a flight on their general booking engine that should have only been available to their frequent flyers, so I got 2 business class returns to Vegas for the princely sum of £250 each - these flights sell for £2300 each normally. The seat pitch was 60 inches, the seats reclined to 160 degrees, and the flight had an onboard chef, and copious amounts of vintage champagne and other very nice perks. Needless to say I made the most of the outbound and inbound flight! Outbound flight was 11 hours 20 and inbound 8 hours 30.
Taxi driver longhauled us and took us via the tunnel, when we got out the cab, I made sure the bags were out and told him that he had long hauled us and gave him 20 dollars and told him he was lucky he was getting that, and that he should go forth and multiply, or we could call the cab authority and talk about it. The Bellman from the GN was very impressed!
Our hotel was the Golden Nugget - had a room in the South Tower, it was a bit of a hike to the room, but the view of the Strip we had was fantastic.
The room was comfy, and easily up to strip 4 star standards. We had room service one morning and it was very good, and arrived quickly.
Mostly played poker, once at the Golden Nugget, but the standard of dealers wasn't up to much, and the tournament setup was weird - limit poker for the first hour, and we weren't keen on that. We spent most of our time playing at the Plaza, where they have tournaments 4 times a day - Noon, 4pm, 8pm and midnight. The dealers were really nice, tournament directors really good, and the players were of varying skill, making it good fun to play, with our skill level being challenged a fair few times. Typical tournament numbers were at least 30 and at the most 79. I made final tables about 10 times, and Mr Heid about 8 times.
We tried Binions, but didn't like the atmosphere of the poker room, and the tournament structure wasn't too good, so pretty much stayed at the Plaza, where I actually think they have the best poker room downtown, and would urge anyone who has a passing interest to go there.
Saw 2 shows while in town - Ka and O. Ka is going to be a big hit - I don't think it is as good as O, but then I am biased as I love O to bits (this trip was time number 5 to see O). The staging of Ka is fantastic, the theatre is amazing, but a set doesn't have soul, and that's where O wins in my book.
We ate mainly at the Carson Street Cafe, and it was as good as ever - try the place, it's fab. We also ate at Andre's for Valentine's Day, and it was splendid, as good as last year. Ate at Sushi Roku at the Forum and that was really fantastic. Also ate at Lillie Langtry's, which was pretty good - I have heard it has gone downhill somewhat, but I was perfectly satisfied.
Best win on a slot machine was $593 from a 1c Twilight Zone slot at the Las Vegas Club (I only put 20 dollars in!).
I met Jackie Gaughan while he was playing Hold Em at the Plaza, a real legend as far as I am concerned, and he is a sprightly elder gentleman, and really charismatic!
Managed to catch the flu a few days before we left for home, so still feel like complete death, but I didn't let it stop me, but I am feeling it a bit now!
Last highlight for me was during the flight home was a fantastic display of Aurora Borealis, that lasted for 2 and a half hours worth of the flight - wonderful!
Gods I am tired though, but we had a great time!
Heid
xx
