Slumming in las vegas trip report: Public buses, downtown, coupons and winning

[FABismonte]

As a Seven Stars in the CET empire I have shared trip reports, usually based on Diamond Lounges, Spas, VIP seating at shows and fancy meals. But in the last couple of trips I have been losing more than I like on gambling trips (partly because I have been caught in the CET trap of playing to accumulate high daily average action and get the “bonus” tier level). But I had some solo time as my wife and daughter were traveling last weekend, and I wanted to “get back to my roots” and have a vacation not based so much on gambling but on just enjoying the Vegas vibe – on the cheap.
I dropped off my family at the airport on Friday night to fly to Asia and since I had Sat and Sunday by myself, I flew into Vegas on Saturday morning, flying back on Monday before work. This itinerary had the benefit of having a cheap flight on Sat as most visitors from Silicon Valley California leave Friday night.

Since I was by myself, I decided to stay at a cheap place downtown. It had been so long I stayed in downtown Las Vegas, my offers at downtown including the Fremont Hotel, Four Queens and Golden Nugget had dried up. So I reserved a place at El Cortez on line for “cash”– yes that is right, I VOLUNTARILY went from my usual of staying in a comped suite at the Augustus Tower at Ceasars Palace to a room at the El Cortez downtown with no discount other than the 10% website discount. Even the 10% discount had to be wrung out. As I learned on another LV forum, I went to the regular El Cortez website and put in my personal information, and email address, then did not input the payment information and did not complete the reservation. Within 20 minutes I received an email offering me a 10% discount good for 24 hours if I reserved a room—score! I was thinking of the “vintage” (aka World War II era) walk up room accessible by stairs but decided to spurge $10 a day and stay at the well maintained “cabana” rooms even it required me to cross the street to get to the fabulous El Cortez casino. I had stayed one night at ElCo in a Cabana Room about two years ago and got my room comped on checkout. I expected that my gambling action would be sufficient to get comped on the backside at El Cortez so I picked it, even though the Golden Nugget rates were competitive with the ElCo. I did not want to gamble it up so much so I was not confident I would get a Golden Nugget room comped on checkout.

As part of the cheap and solo vibe, I figured out how to get from Las Vegas airport to downtown on the public bus. The WAX bus is a pretty efficient “express bus” on Terminal One’s “Zero Level”, down from baggage claim. Ironically enough I had to walk past all the waiting hotel limos parked there that I had used in the past. The only problem with the WAX is that it only runs about once an hour so if miss it, you are stuck for a while. Luckily, my delayed flight gave me just enough time to catch the WAX with minimal wait. Although the Vegas Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) kiosk only offered $6.00 for a two hour all access pass or $8.00 for a 24 hour pass, I knew to just get on board and pay a $2 fare for a one-way ride. The WAX bus takes the highway to downtown so was not much slower than a taxi (and NO TUNNELING). The bus was not crowded. I got off in downtown next to the Golden Nugget and walked with my carry on bag to the ElCo about four blocks.

I checked in the El Cortez and dropped off my bags. Although the rest of ElCo may be a bit run down, the Cabana rooms were pretty clean and well maintained. . Here is my high tech hotel key photo. The key was touch pad proximity which was a technical innovation which surprised me.

[FABismonte]

I then went to the ElCo slot club area and asked to use my Las Vegas Advisor “win between $10 to $1,000 free play” coupon and handed off my El Cortez “Jackies Club” card and my ID. I was told two things by the very nice attendant girl named Bibi: (1) I was entitled to a quarterly offer of three nights, 5 times point play for one calendar day, and $50 food credits; and (2) I had to use a promo kioski for the Las Vegas Advisor to “pick a card” – more on that later. Bibi wrote down the Offer Codes I could use for the quarterly offers. I occasionally get ElCo offers by email and some mail but they were never for free rooms so this was news to me.

I rushed back to the check-in desk and explained I had been checked in under a cash payment basis but wanted to use my comp offers. After some staring at the screen and talking to the manager, my cash room was converted to up front “comp” with $50 in food – SCORE!

I then went back to Bibi and slipped her a tip for saving me so much by alerting my of my offer and then played the Las Vegas Advisor (LVA) coupon promotion at the kiosk. Bibi even wrote down the comp codes I could use from April to June for next time.

The LVA offer is prompted on the kiosk and then asks me to pick one of five cards dealt out like it was Blackjack. I decided to video tape it and here are some screen shots of the video I took.



As you can see, five hands were dealt and I chose the second from the left for $20 which I thought was fine as I figured that the other hands were $10 in free play, but I looked at the fourth hand and saw $1000 in free play. Yes, that is worth a close up which also shows $100 free play for the fifth hand. So I had the equivalent of a 20% chance of a royal flush on a quarter video poker machine. In fact, if you do the math, there was an average of $228 free play in that promo over the five hands! So rather than feel pretty good about $20 free play, I was feeling pretty bad. I guess I will renew my LVA subscription next year for sure and try my luck again.

[FABismonte]

I had skipped lunch so I had an early 4:00 PM dinner at the ElCo sole restaurant Siegal’s 1941. I had the $11 prime rib special. It was great. Tender beef and not too big but plenty big enough with au jus and horseradish, baked potato and veggies. I highly recommend it.




The next stop for me was to walk over to Binions. The weather in Vegas was in the mid-seventies and was nice to walk around. Binions has a daily offer of a “free spin” for prizes when you earn 5 points, 40 points and 300 points in machine play. You get a point in for every $8 played in Video Poker. I stopped by the Binions slot booth and handed over a LVA coupon for $10 in free slot play, converted it to $10 then played a $1 full play 8/5 Bonus Poker game. I wanted to put in for the 5 and 40 point bonus spins. Unfortunately, I kept losing until I hit four Jacks for a $50 profit. The two spins got me (1) a deck of cards and (2) $25 free slot play which I cashed out for $15. I then continued my coupon run by going over the Four Queens where I turned in another LVA coupon for $10 in free play. I used that at a 9/6 JOB $1 video poker machine and cashed for $20.

I was beginning to think that all this was easy money using coupons. I was reminded the next coupon stop that this is why they call it “gambling.” I continued my walk to the Golden Gate. I love the proximity of these casinos. I would never drive half an hour round trip to go to say Red Rock for a $10 slot play offer, but in downtown, it was just part of the stroll. BTW, not too many buskers at Fremont street anymore. I used another LVA coupon for a $25 match play. Here is a photo of the chip I got from the Golden Gate slot club boothlng.



I then cashed in $100 at a Golden Gate craps table and found I was the shooter. I put the $25 match play along with my $25 bet on the passline and promptly rolled a “loser” two. Ouch. I then placed the rest of my money on the table and just about had $90 dollars in my rack after I sevened out. So did I cut my losses and leave given the fact I no longer had the advantage? No. Of course not. I kept playing until I lost all my chips. I was pissed at myself for getting caught up in the action. I felt so irritated I did not bother using my other Golden Gate LVA coupon of “First Blackjact pays 2-1” (maximum $25 bet).

[FABismonte]

I then headed back to my room to regroup. I then spent the evening playing at El Cortez. I played video poker but did not hit any four of a kinds – that is a polite way of saying I lost as I do not know how to win absent some four of a kinds (unless you hit that Moby Dick of a rare hand a straight flush, including an Ace high variety). I played some goofy games such as Texas Tea and was down $200 before I came back to recover $100 of that. I was particularly attracted to the coin dropper video poker machines at El Co. They were moved around but were still around. The one that particularly attracted me was that rare 10/7 Double Bonus Poker at 50 cents. This was an over 100% pay back even before any comps or points. Unfortunately for me, my attraction was unrequited.

El Cortez has an offer of 5% free play when you withdraw at least $200 from an El Co ATM machine up to $100) withdrawn so that means up to $50 in free play for that promo. I had used that promo two years ago but when I asked the cashier’s cage if I was entitled to that offer, I was told I did not play the previous month (some amount of points I forget is the threshold) so I was not eligible. In my frustration, I decided to play at their 10 times craps table (Min $5 bet) and lose $460.

I then went back to Seigel’s 1941 and partook of the stone crab special. While it cost a hefty $45 for pound of chilled crap claws, cole slow and some potatoes, I had a LVA 2 for 1 entry coupon. The two crap entries really filled me up. When I went to the front restaurant desk to pay, the manager had to be called to see if the 2 for 1 applied to the stone crabs since an entry was $45. The manager looked at the coupon and said “OK.” Only in my room did I carefully read the receipt which had the machine spit out the LVA entry limit was $30. So I got another $15 in food value I shouldn’t have– SCORE!

Here is the coupon, the crabs and the receipt with the purported "Advisor Max $30" limit I did not know of.




I was now pretty drowsy but was eager, too eager, to get some of my money back. I then played a Larry the Lobsterman video slot machine at the nickle level at $10 a shot. It was a recipe for disaster. However, disaster was avoided as I hit a bonus round and after the lobsters were drawn from the sea, I had won $250 at the Lobster machine -- SCORE! Time to go to bed.

[FABismonte]

The sunshine streaming through the shutters woke me up. Why do they have shutters? My iphone told me that I lost an hour of sleep due to daylight time changes overnight. After I got moving I walked up to the Fremont casino and went to the Dunkin Donuts there. There is no Dunkin near where I now live so it reminded me of when I was a boy. I then stopped by Binion’s sportsbook to bet $220 on Michigan Basketball in a game against Wisconsin. Wisconsin was laying 1.5 points.

The next stop for me was the Plaza hotel where I used yet another LVA coupon for $10 in free slot play plus another coupon for $25 match play which I activated at the slot club. I converted the slot play into $5. I then bellied up to the craps table and put down the match play plus $25 in chips on the pass line. Rolled a point of 4 put about $30 in odds then place the six and eight. I eventually hit the Four – SCORE. I then pressed my bets and of course rolled the seven. I tipped the crew and walked with a $48 profit.

I then purchased for $8 an 24 hour RTC pass. Here is the image and the back of the pass with the notation of the "Freemont" Street Experience kiosk location. Did they really spell it “Freemont”? I can understand how a tourist would not know how to spell Fremont but this was programmed by someone in Vegas for the Regional Transportation Commission of Vegas for goodness sake.



I took the SDX express bus to the Strip and got off at Fashion Mall then took the local Duece double decker bus to near the Casino Royale. The SDX was manned by a RTC officer (no toy cop he had a berretta as a sidearm) asking people for their fares. He chased off several patrons who did not have one and every stop there seemed to be sketchy characters who upon seeing the officer, decided they did not know why they were standing at a bus stop after all and just averted their eyes without entering the bus.

[FABismonte]

Casino Royale has a standing lose $20 and get $20 in free play offer. I thought I would try it at Bubble Craps/Shoot to Win machine. I put in $20, bet it all on the Don’t and promptly lost it on a Seven. I tried to get my promised $20 back but I guess the offer does not extend to the Bubble Craps so I unintelligently decided to put in $100 and play. I was down, the up, then made about $40 profit. So did I walk away? No. I kept playing until I was in a hole again. Then I found a player from Europe with a group of his friends sitting next to me and he rolled and rolled. By the time he stopped I was up $100. Then I rolled, then his friend rolled and when the “Press the Button” orders from the insistent female voice ended (I am a married man so I know “that voice”) -- I was up $200 and time to cash out.

My next place was Ellis Island a small casino a block from the back of Bally’s casino. A long, long block. Before I left Casino Royale, I bought a beer at the bar and got a pack of matches to light a cigar to amuse myself on the walk to Ellis Island. The beer ran out before the cigar.


Ellis Island has a bunch of LVA coupon offers and a famous $7.99 Steak Special. In order to get the Steak Special you need swipe your Ellis Island players card in a kiosk (getting a $9.99 steak special coupon), then play $5 in a machine, then swipe the card again to get a further $2 off. Here is a photo of the two coupons. I then had to play at least $10 in a machine to activate a LVA “$10 and up” free play coupon. I lost $5 then won $15 in free play. As I played on a 7/5 Bonus Poker game at 25 cents, I hit four 3’s (of course I was playing at the 25 cent level) but cashed our $70. The steak was a bit tough, came with salad, potato and veggies. It also no longer includes choice of beer or root beer. I don’t think I will bother with that steak special again.



Ellis Island also has an unusual LVA coupon which allows a $25 Pit Bet when you buy in for $100 and at least play the $100 in chips once. I went to a blackjack table, handed over a receipt and my players card and bought in for a Benjamin. When it was time for me to make the pit bet, I thought it was a match play and put $25 in chips out there too. But I was told the voucher was a stand alone bet, but I could add additional bets if I felt like it. I thought it was unnecessary to augment my $25 value bet and I am glad I did not do so as it was swept away by a dealer BJ. Eventually I was up about $80, lost $40 of it and then walked with a $40 profit.

I then walked back to the Strip and boarded the SDX back to downtown in front of Paris casino. The SDX has free Wifi and I was able to watch the Michigan-Wisconsin game on the bus. Michigan won by a lot, so I added $200 (plus return of my $220 bet) to my wallet – SCORE!

[FABismonte]

At Binions again, I made $100 profit putting 5 points, then 40 points in their daily Promo. I did not hit anything notable on my two spins. I then headed back to the El Co as the sun was setting.

I played at El Co’s single deck BJ where a shoe was used and pays 3-2 in BJ. Chatted with some fun people on the table. I won $180 primarily in Royal Match side bets (go figure). I walked when my profits sank to $100. I then played a bunch of goofy games, Buffalo Gold, Buffalo (regular), Kenny Rogers “The Gambler” and lost then won some but lost more than I won.

I also hit the $1 Bonus Poker machines again. I sat next to a guy who chatted with another and grimly commiserated that he lost $1,000 on this trip. I am sure it was a lot of money to that guy, but on the Strip you would expect to hear a similar lament for perhaps a $10,000 loss.

I also played the 10/7 Double Bonus at 50 cents. I finally hit a four of a kinds at Elco on the Double Bonus making $100 profit on four threes for 400 coins – SCORE! Somehow there was 400 coins in the machine in Kennedy Half dollars so I did not have to get a machine refill. When I schlelped them in two buckets to the cashier the total showing on the machine was $199.50. The cashier asked if I had expected $200 and when I said yes, he handed me over two bills.

I then went to Siegals and had the liver and onions which were great. As well as the apple cobbler ala mode which was only OK. I then goofed around with Texas Tea and then called it a night as I had to wake early for a flight on Monday morning to get to work. At any rate I had $100 more in my pocket than when I arrived in Vegas – Ultimate SCORE!

I woke up at 5:10 AM, got ready. The hotel desk clerk asked if I was using a cab or Uber to the airport and was surprised to find I was taking the public bus. She was also happy to hear someone making money on a trip. I ate a Dunkin Donut washed down with a milk at the Fremont. I saw six rough looking guys eating at the Lanai café there for the night owls specials (closing at 6:00 AM). I then went to the bus stop for the WAX next to Binions (still within the 24 hours of my pass purchase). As I waited for the bus to take me back to the airport, I enjoyed looking at the sights of Fremont street which reminded me of the pleasures of discounted meals with regular folks away from the “glamour” of the Strip and reminded me of when I was single, thought I was rich with a few hundred in my pocket, and just liked to hang in Vegas. Here is a photo of Fremont Street at 6:00 AM on a Monday.



I hope you enjoyed the trip report. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

FAB

[Rob.Singer]

Here's my assessment: great job taking us through your experiences, and some of the pictures helped.

Several questions/comments however: First, as someone who has lived in Asia and had my wife & daughter fly over multiple times, what was the reason your family headed there alone?

I'm not getting why you chose a smoke-infested dump like the El Cortez to stay in. All those LVA coupons are fine for all the cheapskates who flock to LV and hang out on the forums, but a Seven Stars player wasting all that time in all those dives? You do know that whatever profit made can easily be squandered away in a minute or two on your next visit to the Augustus Tower, right? And WHO goes to Ellis Island?? Have you no self-respect!?....or were you looking for swanky cheap hookers? Was there an LVA coupon for that that you weren't mentioning?

What's with the prime rib, donuts, and liver? Have you not heard of the fat/cholesterol problem in this country?

[Alan Mendelson]

This was very interesting. Thanks. That cut of prime rib looked good because it had a hefty cap -- which I think is the best part of prime rib. Was it good?

[redietz]

Thanks for the report. My kind of excursion!

The Lanai Snack Bar is an excellent hangout when you get the late night munchies. They have $2 shrimp cocktails (correct me if I'm wrong) and some really good ice cream. I like the old Fremont combination buffet/coffee shop. You can get a non-buffet table, and the food is quite good.

Nothing wrong with Ellis Island. They have redone their floors and remodeled the coffee shop. I didn't notice any "swanky cheap hookers" in there the last few times, but Rob somehow knows much more about this topic than I do. If you look, Ellis has some decent vp. And they have a free football contest during the season. The coffee shop is always packed on weekends.

Glad you did well. I was wondering if that bus still ran from the lower level of the airport. Good to know.

Oh yeah, at this time last year, El Cortez was doing a deal where if you cashed an income tax check there, they gave you 5% in free play. Any idea if they are still doing that?

[Alan Mendelson]

Oh yeah, at this time last year, El Cortez was doing a deal where if you cashed an income tax check there, they gave you 5% in free play. Any idea if they are still doing that?

Will they give me 5% on the amount I send to the IRS?

[maxev]

Thanks for the fun trip report, FAB. Before I was 7 Stars, I would stay downtown (my lifetime Vegas trajectory was MGM properties then downtown then Stations then Venetian before I got sucked into the CET vortex).

Regarding the pick-a-card freeplay promo at El Cortez, you weren't actually close to picking the $1000 or even $100. Likely it was weighted between the $10 and $20. Unlike a slot machine picking game where the reveal is what you could have picked, there wasn't a wager here so it was all marketing money and they can show you whatever they want, so why not show you the maximum tease.


max

[FABismonte]

Here's my assessment: great job taking us through your experiences, and some of the pictures helped.

You're Welcome Rob.

Several questions/comments however: First, as someone who has lived in Asia and had my wife & daughter fly over multiple times, what was the reason your family headed there alone?

My wife is a flight attendant who was working the flight. Our daughter is a college student on Spring Break and decided to tag along and maybe spend a couple of extra days there. This time of the year is pretty good to fly "subject to loading" as it is after Chinese New Year and before the Summer school break so not all flights are full of paying passengers. I had to work and want to save my vacation time for our 25th wedding anniversary later this year.

I'm not getting why you chose a smoke-infested dump like the El Cortez to stay in. All those LVA coupons are fine for all the cheapskates who flock to LV and hang out on the forums, but a Seven Stars player wasting all that time in all those dives? You do know that whatever profit made can easily be squandered away in a minute or two on your next visit to the Augustus Tower, right? And WHO goes to Ellis Island?? Have you no self-respect!?....or were you looking for swanky cheap hookers? Was there an LVA coupon for that that you weren't mentioning?

I guess I do have no self-respect! Hah! Actually in the last few years Downtown Las Vegas has been gentrifying and developing -- including El Cortez. There is a "Container Park" mall next to El Cortez. Zappos employs people at Downtown and it is getting tough to find free parking in the area for more than a few hours validation. There are still a few "earthy" people hanging out a block or two away from the Fremont Street Experience but they did not bother me. As for hooker coupons, I guess one needs to check around Parump, Nevada to see if there are any circulating there.

What's with the prime rib, donuts, and liver? Have you not heard of the fat/cholesterol problem in this country?

LOL! I forgot to limit myself to Kale salads and tofu. But the Stone Crab was fairly healthy!

[FABismonte]

This was very interesting. Thanks. That cut of prime rib looked good because it had a hefty cap -- which I think is the best part of prime rib. Was it good?

It was excellent. And it was available 24/7. By contrast, I saw a sign at the Fremont Casino offering a Prime Rib Special available only from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. I did not try it there.

[FABismonte]

The Lanai Snack Bar is an excellent hangout when you get the late night munchies. They have $2 shrimp cocktails (correct me if I'm wrong) and some really good ice cream.

Hi Red: Yes the food was plenty cheap and there was always seating available. If I was flying from the East Coast, it is would be a no brainer as my stomach clock would tell me it was breakfast time. I did see a few Hawaiians there -- Maybe their stomachs told them it was dinner time.

I did see 99 cent shrimp cocktail advertised at the Lanai Snack Bar but I was not sure whether that price was solely due to the Late Night Menu.

Oh yeah, at this time last year, El Cortez was doing a deal where if you cashed an income tax check there, they gave you 5% in free play. Any idea if they are still doing that?

There is up to $50 rebate on a bunch of checks and not just IRS ones. The El Cortez website advertises: Cash any Tax Return, Government Check, or Payroll check from any Clark County Gaming property and receive 5% off your check in free play, up to $50. Must be a Club Cortez member. For promotion details, see posted rules at Casino Cage/Slot Club.

Regards, FAB

[FABismonte]

Thanks for the fun trip report, FAB. Before I was 7 Stars, I would stay downtown (my lifetime Vegas trajectory was MGM properties then downtown then Stations then Venetian before I got sucked into the CET vortex).

Regarding the pick-a-card freeplay promo at El Cortez, you weren't actually close to picking the $1000 or even $100. Likely it was weighted between the $10 and $20. Unlike a slot machine picking game where the reveal is what you could have picked, there wasn't a wager here so it was all marketing money and they can show you whatever they want, so why not show you the maximum tease.


max

I too was wondering whether the $1,000 prize was truly an illusion. I also thought that it may be weighted to how much action you put on your players card since one needed to swipe it on the kiosk to even play. it could be that some players are more favored than others based on their "profitability" to the house. I guess I can try to find out next year since the LVA coupon is only one per year for me.

Max, when you used to stay downtown where did you like to stay and/or play? I used to stay at the Fremont and then Golden Nugget before I got on the comp hunt train.

[FABismonte]

Will they give me 5% on the amount I send to the IRS?

Hi Alan:

I guess you could voluntarily withhold up to $1,000 on your IRS bill to get a refund and do the same for California to get a total of $100 free play. Since your new girl is a chef in Vegas she may be able to do the rebate every two weeks! But that would not be the "advantage play" considered by most and probably wouldn't be the best discussion to start in a new relationship.

[maxev]

Hi Alan:

I guess you could voluntarily withhold up to $1,000 on your IRS bill to get a refund and do the same for California to get a total of $100 free play. Since your new girl is a chef in Vegas she may be able to do the rebate every two weeks! But that would not be the "advantage play" considered by most and probably wouldn't be the best discussion to start in a new relationship.

Another trick (which I may or may not confess to having done just for this dumb promotion) is to overpay your tax bill. They'll then issue you a check, which you can then take to El Cortez for the 5% (alas, only up to $50 freeplay).

Ah, that takes me back to when I would go to Mandalay's Shark Reef on Tax Day and not only get them to mail the return for free, but get a free entry to the Shark Reef, and a free t-shirt.


max

[maxev]

Max, when you used to stay downtown where did you like to stay and/or play? I used to stay at the Fremont and then Golden Nugget before I got on the comp hunt train.

Hmm... here's where I stayed downtown along with a memory of each:

Golden Nugget (which will match Seven Stars to their highest tier status) -- sitting next to a friend who was playing slots. I was commiserating about how much I was down and how I needed to stop gambling. He said, "Hold that thought," and hits for $5000.

Las Vegas Club (RIP) -- was *this* close to catching a lobster from the tank. Don't know what I would've done had I caught it. I loved the "secret" side entrance.

Main Street -- love the Berlin Wall urinal. Nothing more degen than playing craps by yourself at 5 a.m.

The Cal -- stayed many a time here for the free food coupon books and the spam saimin upstairs. My friends and family knew I was unlucky so when it was my roll in craps, they all bet the don't and won.

The Plaza (before renovations) -- one year I wanted to do a blackjack run and go to all the downtown casinos and win $100 from each and move on. Started at The Plaza and lost a couple thousand and never did that again.

Fitzgeralds (RIP) -- lost everything here one trip with a day left in Vegas. Went down to the abandoned mall at the end of Fremont and just watched movies. Many a McDonald's visit to soak up the boozin'.

Golden Gate -- by far the worst room I've stayed in (before their renovations). Light blue porcelain in the bathroom circa 1950s. A couple years ago I stayed in their renovated suite and had a great time. Best shrimp cocktail anywhere no matter the cheap price (RIP). While playing with friends in blackjack (we were all up and couldn't lose), Derek Stevens stopped by, ordered special drinks for us, and gave us each a $25 matchplay chip.

Fremont -- love taking the elevator down from the room and you're right in the middle of the casino. Fond memories of playing blackjack and being offered dinner comps to Tony Roma's. Also had a dealer who kept making mistakes in my favor.

Binions (RIP hotel) -- aside from the old Imperial Palace, the most mazelike hotel I've ever gotten lost in. The room had a rusty medicine cabinet and was pretty spooky. Couldn't sleep, thinking someone would jump out of the sliding door closet.


max

[FABismonte]

Hmm... here's where I stayed downtown along with a memory of each:

Golden Nugget (which will match Seven Stars to their highest tier status) -- sitting next to a friend who was playing slots. I was commiserating about how much I was down and how I needed to stop gambling. He said, "Hold that thought," and hits for $5000.

Las Vegas Club (RIP) -- was *this* close to catching a lobster from the tank. Don't know what I would've done had I caught it. I loved the "secret" side entrance.

Main Street -- love the Berlin Wall urinal. Nothing more degen than playing craps by yourself at 5 a.m.

The Cal -- stayed many a time here for the free food coupon books and the spam saimin upstairs. My friends and family knew I was unlucky so when it was my roll in craps, they all bet the don't and won.

The Plaza (before renovations) -- one year I wanted to do a blackjack run and go to all the downtown casinos and win $100 from each and move on. Started at The Plaza and lost a couple thousand and never did that again.

Fitzgeralds (RIP) -- lost everything here one trip with a day left in Vegas. Went down to the abandoned mall at the end of Fremont and just watched movies. Many a McDonald's visit to soak up the boozin'.

Golden Gate -- by far the worst room I've stayed in (before their renovations). Light blue porcelain in the bathroom circa 1950s. A couple years ago I stayed in their renovated suite and had a great time. Best shrimp cocktail anywhere no matter the cheap price (RIP). While playing with friends in blackjack (we were all up and couldn't lose), Derek Stevens stopped by, ordered special drinks for us, and gave us each a $25 matchplay chip.

Fremont -- love taking the elevator down from the room and you're right in the middle of the casino. Fond memories of playing blackjack and being offered dinner comps to Tony Roma's. Also had a dealer who kept making mistakes in my favor.

Binions (RIP hotel) -- aside from the old Imperial Palace, the most mazelike hotel I've ever gotten lost in. The room had a rusty medicine cabinet and was pretty spooky. Couldn't sleep, thinking someone would jump out of the sliding door closet.

Wow Max, thanks for walking me down Memory Lane.

No memories about the Four Queens? I recall winning a mug there when I got a 4 of a kind in Queens in Video Poker and called the slot attendant at the urging of a by stander to collect the promo.

I had never seen the Vegas Club lobster offer, what were they thinking given the fact that 95% of people are tourists? Would they cook the lobster for you if asked?

I remember fondly when "Tim and Tom" owned the Golden Nugget, a reality show was filmed there, you could see the owners walking around the place and hosts were empowered to provide comps. The first slot tournament my wife ever played in was there and we finished in Second Place for $2,500. It was the last time we ever made more than $400 after dozens of attempts. When Landry's took over, the vibe died. Tim and Tom (and part owner Andre Agassi), however, made a nice profit on the sale.

When I was single, I enjoyed driving from the Strip all the way down Las Vegas Blvd through Fremont Street with all the lights blazing left and right downtown. I wonder how many accidents occurred there over the years. That said, I believe the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian expanse with its canopy is an improvement.