Please ADD your own Las Vegas Trip Report. Date of Trip: February 16, 2008 to February 19, 2008 Hotel Stayed At: The Orleans Report by: lrac 999999 <lrac99999@aol.com> From: dayton ohio

AIRLINE

Myself and 2 others left for our annual trip to Las Vegas by driving from Dayton to Indianapolis because of cheap fares($199) and non-stop flights on Southwest Airlines. Weather was great and we left on time and arrived in Vegas at 12:30 in the afternoon.

HOTEL
We stayed at our home base, The Orleans. We have stayed here for the last 5 years and really like the service and feel of the casino. We paid $68 for 2 nights and got the third free, plus 2 for 1 buffet deals and free match and slot play.

CAR
Rented from Dollar and got a Jeep Liberty for $120. In and out of the car rental in 10 minutes due to being a Dollar Rental member.

SHOWS
Since this was an all guy trip there was no need to go to shows. This was strictly an eating, gambling, drinking, and sleeping trip.

FOOD
Kilroys - Our first stop in Vegas is always at a burger place. We normally go to In and Out but read in the local paper in Dayton about Kilroys so we gave it a try. Located on Buffalo St. and Charleston. We were not disappointed. Great food and service. I had the Ole Burger loaded with jalapeno peppers,black olives ,and jack cheese. Also had fries and slaw and washed it all down with a pint of Fat Tire Beer. All for $10. Will stop here again.

Redwood Grill at Californian - We make it a point to come here for our official nice meal. I had the Porterhouse Special(not on the menu) which includes 16 oz steak, potato, vegetable, salad, bread and apple dumpling with ice creme for desert. All of this for $17.99. My two friends had the 16 oz prime rib which they said was delicious. This is a small restaurant with that old vegas feel. I highly recommend. Call for reservations.

Big Al's Oyster Bar at Orleans - had a great bowl of Boston Clam Chowder and a couple bottles of Sam Adams. This was a meal in itself.

Breakfast Buffets at Orleans and Gold Coast - Since we are all omlette, hash browns, biscuit and gravy, toast , fruit, oatmeal, and pastry eaters these places offered all we needed. You can't go wrong for $6.99 and the food was great.

Courtyard Cafe at Orleans - Graveyard Specials from 12am - 6am. $2.99 for eggs and sausage or bacon , and $3.99 for eggs and steak or ham. Total bill for 3 was under $13.00.

Hot Dog Cart at Orleans Sportsbook - Can't beat them for $1.00 each.
Nothing better than 2 dogs with mustard, onions and relish and a few cold beers while passing time in the Sportsbook betting the horse races and watching the basketball games.

Subway and Terrible Mikes at Orleans - Good for lunch, dinner, or late night snack.

GAMBLING
I play the table games usually blackjack and 3 card poker. I also spent about 6 hours at the Orleans Poker Room. We also went to the Gold Coast one morning and entered their daily hold em tournament. It only costs $22. My one buddy actually won the tournament. He chopped with 2 other players and won $250. Overall I had a couple of good sessions playing blackjack but could hit nothing this trip at 3 card poker. This was the first trip without a straight flush or 3 of a kind. Played about even in the poker room on the $2-4 tables.

I also like to spend a lot of time in the Sportsbook. Ended up on the plus side betting NCAA games and also put down some futures bets before I left on NCAA tourney, World Series( Go Indians), Masters Golf and NFL Championship games. Hopefully will have a few winners.

Overall I lost about $200 over 4 days so I look at that as a moral victory.

OTHER

Visited the new Palazzo casino. I really like the openness of the casino. I would put it above the Venitian and Wynn. The place is beautiful but probably pricey. We also like to visit the small local casinos so we took a day trip to Silverton and Terribles. Call us old fashion but we really like the older and smaller casinos.

Overall I had a very enjoyable trip. Flight,hotel, food, gambling, car, parking, gas, etc. cost me $600 for 4 days. Worth every penny for a chance to go to Vegas. Our group always has a good time even though we don't do much to fancy.
We will all be retired in June and hopefully can carry on our yearly trip for many years to come.

I just hope Las Vegas doesn't forget the small guy like us and price us out. With places like the Orleans, Silverton, and other smaller casinos everyone does not have to be a high roller to have a good time.

My one friends' son turns 21 this summer and we are alking about another trip in July. If not will most likely go with my wife in the fall since she really likes visiting in October.

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lrac 999999 <lrac99999@aol.com> - dayton ohio    4171

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