Got to Las Vegas last Saturday and staying in the Grand Chateau Marriot. Just a block off the strip across the street from Planet Hollywood. A nice place, but not the nicest time share that we've stayed at. Room is small with no stove or dishwasher or washing machine. Bed is nice though. Anyway so what to do in Vegas on a retirement budget. Can't believe the price of shows and even eating out when you don't get a pay check every two weeks. Even playing the penny slots still feels like throwing money out the door. Anyway Pat found this gem of a place called the Neon Light boneyard. Where many neon signs from Vegas's past have come to rest. We took the one hour tour and it was really interesting. I recommend doing the tour after dark to get the full "lighted" version. Some of the signs go back to when Vegas first got its first lit sign. The Stardust sign below....their original one.
This one on the right is a sign from the outside of Vegas on the way to Los Angeles. Gamblers used to leave $20 bucks with the attendant so they had money to get home on. As well, when leaving the place provided free aspiring for the trip home and the amount of aspirin they gave away was huge.
SHE SAID:
And to think I told John I didn't have much to comment on - he really put me to shame on his short thoughts. We arrived in Vegas on Saturday, dropping the dogs off at a 'doggy daycare' place, which is run by a guy who owns 2 condos - one for dogs - one for himself. We can watch the girls on a camera whenever we want to and I am amazed at how often I tend to check in to see my dogs sleeping - wow, the excitement in Vegas is not ending for us this week!
We've done a bit of shopping along with a lot of walking around the strip. One thing that there is no shortage of in this city is the walking that can be accomplished just by looking around. As John said, the room here is small compared to what we have been spoiled by through RCI - I am surprised by the Marriott, but how much can I complain when I consider how little this cost us - 'white whine' at its finest, I guess! I have been trying to use Restaurant.com certificates that I have had for ages, as well as a few Groupons that John picked up to make our dollars stretch a bit further - seems to be working.
Last night, after the Neon tour, t we went to an Italian place at another Marriott, using a certificate from Restaurant.com - I have used them before and never had an issue. At this restaurant, the waiter had 'a thing' about it - I hope that was the cause, as we had terrible service. Food was good, but everything we asked for was basically tossed in front of us, and no water refills - even the cheque was wrong, we pointed it out and it came back correct, but tossed onto the table in front of us. WOW - we were either being judged harshly and found lacking or we had truly the worst waiter in Vegas - either way, he could have gotten a better tip out of us, than what he received.
I am really having a great time - starting to get too relaxed, if that's possible, and the 'I never nap' attitude has started to change slowly. Heading out tonight to a show, and using a coupon for a two for one dinner - you certainly can call me a cheapskate, as well :)
SHE SAID:
And to think I told John I didn't have much to comment on - he really put me to shame on his short thoughts. We arrived in Vegas on Saturday, dropping the dogs off at a 'doggy daycare' place, which is run by a guy who owns 2 condos - one for dogs - one for himself. We can watch the girls on a camera whenever we want to and I am amazed at how often I tend to check in to see my dogs sleeping - wow, the excitement in Vegas is not ending for us this week!
We've done a bit of shopping along with a lot of walking around the strip. One thing that there is no shortage of in this city is the walking that can be accomplished just by looking around. As John said, the room here is small compared to what we have been spoiled by through RCI - I am surprised by the Marriott, but how much can I complain when I consider how little this cost us - 'white whine' at its finest, I guess! I have been trying to use Restaurant.com certificates that I have had for ages, as well as a few Groupons that John picked up to make our dollars stretch a bit further - seems to be working.
Last night, after the Neon tour, t we went to an Italian place at another Marriott, using a certificate from Restaurant.com - I have used them before and never had an issue. At this restaurant, the waiter had 'a thing' about it - I hope that was the cause, as we had terrible service. Food was good, but everything we asked for was basically tossed in front of us, and no water refills - even the cheque was wrong, we pointed it out and it came back correct, but tossed onto the table in front of us. WOW - we were either being judged harshly and found lacking or we had truly the worst waiter in Vegas - either way, he could have gotten a better tip out of us, than what he received.
I am really having a great time - starting to get too relaxed, if that's possible, and the 'I never nap' attitude has started to change slowly. Heading out tonight to a show, and using a coupon for a two for one dinner - you certainly can call me a cheapskate, as well :)
Sounds like you guys are having fun. I watched a thing on t.v. about the Vegas signs boneyard, so very neat that you were able to see it in person. Sorry to hear about the "negative nancy" waiter, but as you pointed out, it was his loss in the end. Glad you are learning the fine art of napping...very deserved at this point...so I say INDULGE :) And how neat that the daycare had a doggie cam! What a great idea. Have Fun!
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