Hot Vegas, Cold Slots

Back from my latest Vegas vacation.  I arrived there Sunday morning July 11 and departed Friday morning July 16.   Stayed five  nights at the MGM Grand.  First three nights were comped, last two nights I was charged $49.00.  Also charged a $10.00 resort fee for all five days.  None of the resort fees were of any value to me.  In room Internet is included in the fee.  A daily newspaper is included, but you have to go and get the paper yourself, not delivered to your room. 

I used the MGM check in at the airport.  Was not busy, I walked right in for service.  The lady was very nice, but could not find my reservation.  MGM had just upgraded their computer system.  My reservation was showing up on the old system, not the new one.  After a few phone calls and assistance by another desk clerk my reservation was  finally compete.  But my room was not ready till mid afternoon.   Used the shuttle bus to the hotel.    If you let MGM make your reservation with Executive Limo for you, the first shuttle stop is the MGM.  Does not take much time to arrive at the hotel.  Cost was $15.00 round trip for shuttle.

My room was in the Grand Tower on the 19th floor.  Room was ok, furniture starting to show wear.  Only four doors away from elevator, not the quietest room at night.  But the MGM is huge, rooms at end of hall are quite a long walk.   I went to the Champagne Buffet Sunday for lunch.   Not the best buffet in town.   It was convenient,  but not on my list to go back.  For Buffets, stick with Planet Hollywood, Bellagio, Wynn, Mirage and the new Aria.

Gambling in one word was horrible.  No luck with the slots at all.   There five days and never once hit for a $100.00 on a dollar slot machine.  Did not see many winners anywhere, casinos keeping the money this week.  Did have a little luck with roulette.  Played the Rapid Roulette at Paris and  doubled my money.  My one bit of good luck was on a $5.00 Top Dollar Progressive at the Mirage.  Put in my $60.00 ticket, and hit the spin button for $10.00.  First spin I hot the Top Dollar bonus.  First option was for $200.00, and times two for a total of $400.00.   Decided not to press my luck and took the $400.00.

Played quite a few of the newer penny slots,  But I am getting tired of hitting the bonus round and not winning anything.  Quite frustrating!  Many of the new penny slots now require a bet of $4.00 or $5.00  for the maximum spin.  That's a lot of pennies.   The new Wizard of Oz slots, Ruby Slippers is very nice.  But if you don't hit the bonus, your money disappears quickly.  The new Price is Right progressive slot takes the $4.00 per spin if you want to win the progressive jackpot.  Again, this is supposed to be a penny slot machine.

The temps were over 105 every day.  Hitting 112 on Thursday.  And sunny, sunny, sunny.   Great for the pool people!   Too bad the slots were not as hot!!