SchmutzigMSP

^

I'm fine with that option, simply because I'm relatively easy to please.

dlnewbie

well, I tried.. unfortunately, just couldn't get the flights and hotels to jive to fit into my schedule so I am moving from maybe to no have a good time out there and make sure to drink one for me..

Sunnyhere

There's always hummingbirds in my unkempt front yard, occasionaly families of desert quail, scores of birds I can't identify and nearby are "attack" owls.

NerveEnding

I'm one of the locals who has his RSVP trickling in. I'm tentatively in for everything.

Regarding the buffet and lines, etc.: I have status of some sort with Stations casinos. I think it will work with any of them; but it definitely works with Green Valley Ranch.

mikeef

Green Valley Ranch is excellent. It's way off the strip, but I have a feeling that enough of us have cars that we can shuttle.

I'm going to propose that we come up with a solution by Wednesday, so that out-of-towners who are coming in won't have to keep coming up with solutions. I'll put up final ideas by tomorrow at 5 pm and then we'll vote.

Mike

pitflyer

I leave for Vegas on Tue and return on Sat night. I am up to go out to Green Valley Ranch, if only to try to figure out where they are going to put the new Hells Kitchen winner restaurant The Westin is ok with me also. I know that there's someone staying with my exact same name there this weekend so he may still be there and I can say hi (his reservation got attached to my account by mistake) LOL

I'm not a big fan of crowds (I grew up in and left NYC for that reason!) so I'd rather go somewhere that's a little bit quieter even if its out of the way.. but that's just one+one vote (wife and I).

Thanks for organizing mikeef and let us know.

Sunnyhere

I must admit that I dread the thought of visiting the Strip over the 777 weekend, but I'm definitely up for some GVR activity!^

mikeef

I'm going to put in a call to GVR sometime tomorrow and see what the restaurant/reservation scene looks like. Or, if someone here knows it better than I do, I'm happy to hear suggestions. The buffet there is actually pretty good, as buffets go, but I get the impression that most of us would like some place a bit quieter, so I'll see what restaurants are there.

Edited to add: The Grand Cafe, which looks like traditional Vegas coffee shop, says they'll set something up if we call ahead of time. There are a bunch of restaurants on-site, but only a few look like sit-downs that could host a group. As a last resort, The Original Pancake House makes excellent chocolate chip pancakes.

For those of you who haven't been to GVR, it's as nice as most of the Strip properties. There's a "lifestyle shopping center" attached to it, as well.

If we do end up at GVR, it's a car ride, so I'll volunteer two seats if anyone is coming without a car. The downside is that you are kind of stuck around our schedule that way.

The more I think about GVR, the more I like it. It's off the strip and we should have no trouble finding someplace that can house a dozen or so.

Also edited to add: The Station Casino properties are mostly patronized by locals and have an outstanding loyalty program. I would definitely sign up for it if you are playing. I don't think they give cash as a reward, but they definitely offer bounce-back cash (coupons that you can redeem for your next visit).

Mike

Sunnyhere

I can only speak for myself...But, I think a buffet is an ideal set-up for a group like us. You pay up front, so there's no complicated settling of the bill, at the end. There's no worrying about splitting the bill evenly when two people are chugging down wine, etc. Also, with a large group, it's really difficult for the wait and kitchen staff to get everything right. I've never eaten at the GVR buffet, but I've heard lots of good schtuff!

SchmutzigMSP

For brunch?! I guess it is Vegas...

The only thing I'd say about buffet vs. menu-ordering is what one previous poster said about not being able to eat much and thus, I'm assuming they would feel their money wasted on a buffet. Now, if the place offered both a buffet and a menu for the same table, that would probably be ideal. Just something to think about.

uva185 and I are splitting a car. If we get our desired upgrade, it may only be a two-seater. But if we don't score the upgrade, we should have 2 seats open for any carpooling.

mikeef

The buffet pricing at GVR is $16.99, with your Player's Club card, so not exactly cheap, but it does eliminate the need to divide the bill. Peachfront was the one who said he/she would not be attending related to not eating a lot in the morning. I don't know of any places that offer both a buffet and a menu, although I'm sure there are a few around.

My vote is that we meet at the buffet at GVR with the intention of eating there, due to the convenience, but if it looks too long, we'll go somewhere else. Believe it or not, the food there is actually decent.

If there is anyone who is not happy with the pricing, please feel free to PM me and I'll post objections anonymously. There may be a few of us who have two-fers, as well.

We're still open for ideas, but this seems like a pretty flexible group.

Mike

kaukau

Sunnyhere is obviously referring to his many DO's with Mrs. kaukau and myself!!!!

pitflyer

Buffet at GVR is fine with me... tho I've had a Station Casinos Boarding Pass for a year and never get anything in the mail from them.. (I must admit I don't play that often, but last time I spent a few hours in their poker room, guess not enough)

mikeef

How to identify the FTers: We'll be the ones in the long rope lines taking off our shoes, separating our liquids, etc.

Mike

peachfront

I'm interested in this! When are the owls usually seen?