Day 7 - Las Vegas 6/6/10

[noodler]

I was awake at 09:00 feeling hung over, tired and I had a really sore throat, that will be the cigar. I always pack my stuff after I have worn it so not much left to put in the case so after showering and getting dressed I packed the final bits. The case was very full and the shopping was proving a problem but I got it all in and case closed.

I headed down to the players club to sort out comps I had gained on my players card and she said I should have charged some things to my room and they could have knocked them off. I did know this beforehand but I had forgotten and to be honest I often forgot to hand the card over as well when I was playing but you live and learn.

I didn’t have enough for a room credit but I did get:

Buffet for 1 with VIP line access.
$12 for Starbucks
$40 for Wolfgang pucks

I went straight to the buffet and it was really busy with a long queue but there was nobody in the VIP line so I walked straight in. The buffet was like a Zoo and I only went to say I had been and to be honest I wouldn’t go again. I have never been a big fan of buffets and although some of them in Vegas may be amazing I would rather pay a little extra and have my food served to me and not gorge on more and more just because it is there, yes I lack self-restraint. In fairness the selection of food for breakfast was very good. The bakery had cakes and donuts and all sorts of pastries. They had the usual sausage, egg, bacon and everything right through to sushi and all manner of seafood. They were just changing over for lunch hence the mix of food but there was something for everyone.

I headed back to the room and packed jeans Tshirt trainers and new hoodie in to one of the bags I got when shopping for me to change in to when I was read to get off the plane. I called bell desk and got my bags collected and stored and headed down in to the casino for a last look round and played some video poker.

I spent the next few hours just wandering and playing some VP and played the amazing race machine. This was great fun and we hit a few group features and the 3 of us playing had a really good laugh.

I started to get cold being in the casino all day so went to Starbucks got a coffee a bottle of water and a donut to use up my $12 credit. I had that and decided to head out for a stroll down to coke and M&M shop for a look around and by the time I got there so hot wanted to get back in to the AC again. I wandered around killing time and went in to Walgreens next door as well ended up buying some poker chips, cards, and I bought some Natural sleep tablets with Melatonin as I had read about them on The Dibb.

I got back to the casino and settled in on the VP machine for about an hour and by now the time was 17:30 and flight was at 20:40 so headed to Wolfgangs for dinner. I had 2 large Bud Lights and the burger and chips and by 18:30 I was done and at the bell desk collecting my bags. There was a big queue for a taxi and standing outside was like being in a sauna with someone pointing a hairdryer in your face as it was so windy. I got the bell man to take my bags to the taxi and tipped him well and that way I avoided the queues and was on my way to the airport.

I got to the airport and there was no queue at CW so straight to the front and dropped bags and pick up my boarding pass.

Through security easily and first thing I heard is “Wheel of fortune” got to get away from it. Anyone who has spent any time in a Vegas casino will recognise this as there are so many wheel of fortune machines in all casinos and the feature hits quite regularly.

I went in to the shared lounge and it was hot and not very impressive and no food other than crisps, donuts etc. I had some water and a large glass of red, with the big meal and beer I had earlier and now the wine I was feeling tired and ready to get home. As soon as boarding was called I was on the plane and settled in my seat. The plane was delayed by 45 minutes so not bad and only a slight delay in boarding.

The two seats in the middle were empty so I asked to move and was told flight is full in CW. When the doors closed I asked again and they said yes move as there were 8 spare seats in CW where passengers hadn’t turned up……Amazes me the amount of people who never turn up. The guy next to me on the flight said his son had asked to upgrade and couldn’t due to full flight and asked the attendant and they said nothing they can do now.

Guy to my left in my original seat was not happy as for some reason he was allocated a seat next to someone but when he sat there the guy said he couldn’t as he had booked that seat as well so he didn’t have anyone sitting next to him, the crew confirmed this. He wanted a window seat but didn’t want to have to climb over someone to get out so booked both seat, too much money.

The guy who was now sitting in my original seat told me a similar story how his mate had asked to upgrade and couldn’t, amazing they don’t let you when they know others haven’t turned up. We chatted for a bit until the food was served but I was not that hungry. It was steak so I had a look but after the amazing steak in the US the plane food wasn’t going to cut it so I passed

1 Hour in to the flight I went to the bathroom and got changed in to track suit and headed back to my seat. I ordered a large brandy and washed down my 2 of my new sleeping tablets with it. I know you shouldn’t take them with alcohol but I always do as they work better…..

I reclined my seat and put the foot rest down and did the same on the other middle seat. I got really comfortable spread out on both seats and slept nearly all the way home only waking up when the seatbelt sign pinged and the turbulence was really bad. The plane was shaking all over the place but I was well spaced out from the drink and the tablets that I couldn’t really care a less and drifted off back to sleep.

I woke up 1 hour before we were due to lane and had croissants and tea feeling really refreshed.

I got off the plane first and straight through passport control and my bags were coming off as I got there. I picked up my bag and through customs to be greeted my youngest DD running to meet me. Big cuddles and cuddle from the wife we all jumped in the car and headed home. DD was asking me all the way home what presents I had got her.

I got home and chilled out and when my DD got ready for bed that night she puts on the Aerial night dress I got her. I asked her who got it for her and she said me and when I asked her where from and she didn’t know. I said Las Vegas and she looked at me with a smile and said Vegas Baby Vegas. I forgot I had taught her that before I had left.

All in all a really good trip and a great experience but next time I think 4 nights would be long enough, done most of what I want to now.

Conference an annual thing so roll on next year and the date is already set for May 1st so a month earlier so hopefully I can get a better deal on a hotel and stay a little longer again………..

Hope you all enjoyed

[Guest]

Great trip, thanks for writing. I think i will have to buy some of those sleeping pills, they sound great!

[jolloyd81]

I love Vegas - wish I had a job that meant I could go there on a conference. Sounds like you had a good time.
Thanks for the four seasons pics of the rooms - thinking of that one for my next holiday as there will be 3 of us in the room and they give free rollaway beds out.

[Typhoon Tilly]

Fancy having enough money to book the seat next to you as well !
Bet it was lovely seeing your family when you got back home.
Thanks for posting your last few days, they were great!

[houseofmouse]

Hi, think you will find that it's officially "wheeel oooof fooortuune" LOL I loved that game when I was there, must say it was about the only thing I went on!
Like the sound of the upper class flights too. Don't think I could afford to pay for the seat next to me incase anyone wanted to walk past me though infact I dont think I could even afford the fare for UC anyway
Really enjoyed your report, and you say you have another conference next year, where is it you work? Think I need to get my CV off in the post now

[Disney Den]

Thank you so much for completing your report. You have brought back so many wonderful memories of my previous trips and maybe I'll return to Vegas when my children are older and are out of the "don't touch" stage or sooner if you need an assistant at a future conference.

[purple myra]

Great trip report, really enjoyed reading it.

[Iloveflorida]

Great reading your report, fancy that man booking both seats, way too much money.

[AntonyJ]

Loved loved loved these reports on how the other half live LOL - but what is your job please?

[noodler]

Thanks I am glad you enjoyed it.

I am the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of an IT services company.