It was great to jet off to Las Vegas after 18 months in a pandemic cave. I followed my usual routine as an "Early Bird" to Las Vegas. My June stay was booked at Cosmopolitan. Here is a summary:
- No wait for taxi cab. That was great especially with flat rate.
- Cosmopolitan does not have an app. So check in involves waiting in a line.
- I went to most casinos on The Strip including: Cosmopolitan, Bellagio where I got a nice handpay; NYNY, Park MGM, Excalibur, Casino Royale, Bally's, Harrah's, Flamingo, Venetian / Palazzo - Grazie Club no longer punches a hole in the card; and Cromwell. No Mandalay Bay as the tram was not in service.
- Beverage service at the slots was horrible at the casinos.
- I ate at Secret Pizza in Cosmopolitan... social distancing was impossible.
- I had a nice fancy Kimchi pork sandwich at Cosmopolitan... their food court was PACKED.
- I also ate at Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken... delicious fried chicken located at Bally's outdoor promenade. So sad it closed permanently after my trip.
- Of course I had a quick breakfast at McDonald's near Bally's and they too had a long line.
Overall, many businesses remained closed. Signs were posted. They simply could not survive the "pause". Slots were "okay". But, my play is always controlled.
My July 2021 Vegas trip was different. Here's a summary:
- My stay was booked at MGM Grand. They have a NICE app! As an "Early Bird" I was thrilled to receive my electronic key before I arrived at the property. No line for me. I was in my room before 9am!
- I played at MGM Grand, Aria (too tight for me), Cromwell, Resorts World, Slots-A-Fun and Circus Circus.
- Circus Circus was in disrepair. It looked horrible. Slots-A-Fun was dark and dingy looking. Lots of kids running around in Circus Circus.
- I ate delicious tacos at Taco El Gordo on two days. I always get my food and eat in my hotel room.
- Resorts World was lovely and elegant but slots were too tight for me.
- I was disappointed that SDX was not back in service. But, the Deuce was fine.
I noticed a very sinister, seedy elements on Las Vegas Boulevard. The homeless population was extensive. The locals will watch and approach asking for money in the casinos AND on The Strip. The early morning joggers were not back. Those tend to be the convention and conference attendees. Hence, on The Strip early in the morning are the homeless. Be careful folks. Vegas is not back.
Homeless folks were sleeping everywhere... especially at entrances. Many businesses are still closed like White Castle next to Casino Royale. MGM Grand has about 3 Starbucks, but only 1 is open.
Here are my take-home points for both June and July Vegas trips:
- Vegas is not yet back.
- Whatever you experienced prior to 2020 is now different.
- Taxi cabs are good for to and from McCarran especially with flat rates.
- Beverage service at the slots was much improved in July.
- I opted out for housekeeping service at both Cosmopolitan and MGM Grand.
- Be mindful when you are on Las Vegas Boulevard. The locals are something else.
- Long lines to get food, but the places where I go, reservations are not done.
Las Vegas has a mask mandate because the Delta mutant infection rates are soaring. Unvaccinated folks have not been masking. So, that is what happens. I doubled-masked every time I left my room.
I have one more Vegas trip booked. May be the last for a long time. Folks are just so full of hate. They won't vaccinate and will not mask. So sad. Just so pathetic.
Before you head to Las Vegas, I recommend you follow what is happening. This is almost hopeless.
But for now, enjoy a few photos from my June and July Vegas trips!
Well, stay tuned. More photos and summaries coming soon. Stay safe, vaccinate and mask.
WE CAN DO THIS!
