Las Vegas
For my first night in Vegas, I am booked into Excalibur hotel. I knew the reputation of the place but all I needed was a place to sleep before my Sterling Brunch at Bally’s the following morning. At $86 for a view room on a Saturday night I couldn’t complain. I was ready for the taxi driver to long-haul me (which they invariably do with me being a foreigner – they seem to think that this is your first time – this trip is my 24th to Vegas since 2002!) but was actually surprised to see him heading for Swenson!
Check-in was handled well with a lovely lady not only confirmed my ‘view room’ but also stated that I had a ‘courtesy upgrade’. I headed for Tower II noticing, it has to be admitted, a couple of well toned but poorly concealed go-go dancers on a stage right beside one of the blackjack pits. I found my room in the 12th floor but noticed a ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the door! I thought that there had been a mix up and I was given the key for an occupied room. I looked for a house phone to call reception but I couldn’t find one. Rather than carting all of bags back downstairs and through the casino to reception, I’d give the door a knock. Nobody responded. I knocked again but louder this time and again, no response. I inserted my key and opened the door half expecting to find a couple ‘at it’ on the bed. This was not the case and room was empty. Quite what a ‘Do not disturb’ sign was doing on the door, I’ll never know!!!
After settling into the room, I decided it was too early to go bed (9pm local time – 5am body clock time) and that there must be a spot on a blackjack table for me. I took US$100 and headed for the casino. After a quick walk around I noticed an empty table right beside the go-go dancers. Rather than stand and stare, I figured I’d get comfy and play some blackjack at the same time! A wise choice and I was soon colouring up my US$200 worth of chips (I had been tipping rather liberally too!) and walking back to my room with a free t-shirt that I had won as a prize for one of my many blackjacks being suited.
I still can’t believe what happened on the first full day in Vegas! As I was in Vegas on a Sunday morning, I figured that I just had to have the Sterling Brunch at Bally’s (US$91 after tax).
Once that I was finished there, I walked over to Bellagio and found a seat at a blackjack table. That was at 11am. It was not until 3am that I left and headed to the MGM Grand to check-in for my stay there!
Instead of a strip view room, I had a great view of McCarran!
After drinking nonstop from 09:30am to 03:00am, the next day was a bit of a write-off as I recovered. In fact after that session, I did not touch a drop of alcohol for close to 60 hours!!!