 | Day 2, Saturday- 5/23/15 It was our first time trying out the LV Monorail. We used the MyVegas (BOGO) redemption for two days. It was my back up plan because I was anticipating very hot summer weather (since we usually enjoy walking up and down the strip). |
 | On the recommendation of the Trip Advisor forum, we visited Margaritaville Casino at the Flamingo for the first time. We enjoyed the laid back feel here and air ventilation was actually not bad (since most of the casino was opened to the outside). I played some Jacks Or Better Video Poker (came up even) and Megabucks (didn't win much but at least was up a tiny bit and lasted a while). Then on-wards to Cromwell where we always try to make a point to visit now every trip. We like Cromwell's casino since it's a much smaller footprint and my Fiance doesn't have to worry about losing track of me since I'm so short. |
For us, the walk from Wynn to Mandalay isn't that bad with good footwear (compared to long distances in Asia). Believe it or not, the weather was nicer in LV than in Hawaii over the weekend.
After experiencing the monorail first-hand, we felt that it was not the ideal way to explore the strip (or for first time visitors), but it can be helpful when the strip is too congested. The long and winding walk through the back of the casinos was better than standing in the sun trying to push our way through the pedestrian stand-still that was occurring on the North Strip.
For us, it the first time we've see Las Vegas so busy since we usually visit during slower times (we dislike crowds generally). My notion of LV as an adult-only destination really went through the window as kids and strollers abound on the strip-- even until late evening.
Monorails were clean (mostly), and there was one every 7 mins.
We spent most of day time casino hopping, then watched KA (free from MyVegas).
After experiencing the monorail first-hand, we felt that it was not the ideal way to explore the strip (or for first time visitors), but it can be helpful when the strip is too congested. The long and winding walk through the back of the casinos was better than standing in the sun trying to push our way through the pedestrian stand-still that was occurring on the North Strip.
For us, it the first time we've see Las Vegas so busy since we usually visit during slower times (we dislike crowds generally). My notion of LV as an adult-only destination really went through the window as kids and strollers abound on the strip-- even until late evening.
Monorails were clean (mostly), and there was one every 7 mins.
We spent most of day time casino hopping, then watched KA (free from MyVegas).
After playing for a bit, our stomachs were growling. I wanted to try Giada's but it was now way past breakfast (1 pm+). My Fiance also didn't seem sold on her lunch menu. He then wanted to wander through Planet Hollywood/ Miracle Miles Shops to search for a store that sells LV branded hot sauce-- but Google Maps led us no where. We stayed a bit and watched the "Rainstorm" which is a very nice tribute for the wounded LV police.
| We gave up looking for the hot sauce store, walked to CityCenter and settled on Wolfgang Puck's Pizzeria & Cucina as nothing seemed too appealing at Miracle Miles.  |  |
Service was fast and friendly, and food was really yummy. By LV and strip-pricing, his menu was quite affordable. In-fact, I think this meal (without drinks) was one of the cheaper meals this trip.
I am a super small eater yet I managed to clean my entire plate of Veal Ravioli (which NEVER happens). Total for our two entrees were around $42 after tax (before tips). I'm pretty sure the server thought we were strange because when offered choice of water (sparkling), we opted for the regular (tap)? We drink tap here in HI all the time, a habit I guess.
I am a super small eater yet I managed to clean my entire plate of Veal Ravioli (which NEVER happens). Total for our two entrees were around $42 after tax (before tips). I'm pretty sure the server thought we were strange because when offered choice of water (sparkling), we opted for the regular (tap)? We drink tap here in HI all the time, a habit I guess.
| Now with a full belly, we stopped by the Cosmopolitan. We like to high-five the Lucky Cat and read the funny fortunes. My Fiance was looking forward to another peel-and-stick Cat Tattoo, but it seems they no longer give that out. This was his fortune: "If the world is your oyster, beware of food poisoning." At the casino, there was one game I was looking for (the one with Aliens...not AVP; 2 seater penny slots) where once you get the bonus, you can shoot the different planets like a regular arcade game. But unfortunately, it's no longer there and its now replaced with a Monopoly of the same size. |  |
I only remember playing Megabucks (the one that goes Up, or Down according to the direction of the arrows), Rolling Stones, and Ghostbusters. I think I pretty much ended up even or slightly up (again with my hit-and-runs). We didn't play enough during our stay there in January (which was mainly with family = so no comp).
Later, we decided to take the tram to Luxor. We've never made it down there before so it was just for some photos and to test out their slots (which were unkind).
It was time to wander over to MGM grand for the early show of KA. We didn't care too much for the layout of the MGM casino. All of the walkways were jammed packed, and I found it very smokey so I had difficulty breathing.
Once we located the KA theatre, my Fiance played some Walking Dead slots. Not a big hit (about $150 on the minimum bet), but the bonus was quite fun to watch .
We couldn't help but feel a bit deceived by the cool looking dragon outside the theatre as we thought it would be incorporated in the show. Overall, we were impressed by the amazing set, props, costumes, indoor fireworks, and skills of the cast. But darn those comfy chairs. Fiance had to keep pinching me so I could wake up (and even then he had struggled to stay awake). I do appreciate the artistry and risk involved in putting a big production like this, but the beginning was just too slow-paced for me Oh well, at least the tickets were free. I think falling asleep in shows is a special talent of mines since I managed to sleep through most of "The Lion King" and "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway as well.
We were very surprised that the show encouraged people to take pictures (without flash). I tried to take a picture at Beatles LOVE earlier in the year and I got some serious scoldings (before the show even started).
We were very surprised that the show encouraged people to take pictures (without flash). I tried to take a picture at Beatles LOVE earlier in the year and I got some serious scoldings (before the show even started).
 |  Neat engraving on the custom bows. |
| Next, we took the Monorail to Harrahs, then walked back to the Palazzo to find food (we didn't find the dining options at MGM all that exciting). We picked up Gelato at Tintoretto (Grand Canal Shoppes) as Fiance was craving Pistachio dessert. I got a green tea flavored Gelato, but it tasted more like mint. |  "Green Tea" Gelato at Tintoretto. It was just okay. The Pistachio one tasted way better. |
To kill some time before our dinner reservations at 10 pm, we ventured to the Venetian Casino to make our small donation. I looked for my favorite game by Aruze- "Don Quixote Knights of Lamancha" as it always cracks me up when I play it. But it's like we've never met (or now mortal enemies). On max bet, it didn't give me any action. I really should follow my own advice to leave after 6-10 spins if the machine doesn't show me some small love. So my $100 quickly disappeared (and so did Fiance's as well on the machine next to me).
For dinner, I chose Sushi Samba as it was opened till really late and I was intrigued by the concept (Japanese x Brazilian fusion). Even though we arrived a bit early, we were seated immediately. I can't help but noticed how loud and crowded it was so probably not a good place to go if you want someplace romantic.
The food was really good, and again very nice and upbeat server. If there's anything to pick at, it's that their wine list seems over-priced (for reference : Opus One Cabernet, 2010 was $610). Though I did love that they had Japanese beer available. Food pricing seems fair, but portion sizes are a little tiny (for my Fiance) so if you are a big eater, you will need to order more plates. Total for 6 dishes with two large Kirins (12 oz.) was around $120 before tip.
I'm pretty sure we played a little bit more at the Palazzo casino before heading to bed, but I can't seem to recall which games other than their community progressive "Press your luck." We lost some money on it, but it was fun playing together and sharing the small progressive (~ $11 each).
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