Cranberry Coolers like the Cape Codder

Cosmopolitan is confirmed.

Although it has been described as "Life from inside a chandelier." , the Cosmo has plenty of talent and lots of hidden penny slots. You may get lost trying to find a blackjack table but there's a comfy modern chair nearby to watch the scenery. Oh, and we might as well become part of the Identity Club. Maybe we will take a break and hit up the hot pool party at the Marquee Dayclub.

The blacklist award goes to the MGM Grand. Not much to explain here. It's not on the way to Ellis Island, like the Westin is. The lion is never around when you want to check him out. And it's kinda of like being on an endless yellow brick road walkway. Too long!

-Roberto

Wynning...is for losers

What is this blog about? Is it only about choosing Casino's to visit or blacklist on the upcoming BZA Vegas Vacation? I would venture to say that the answer is no. Instead this blog also serves as tool to unveil Vegas for what it is. It allows the BZA perspective to be heard and brings the Vegas experience to others. After all, Las Vegas is a general "Life Lesson" described through a series of events by BZA members' experiences. To that end...of course we all would love to hit jackpots but it isn't always about Wynning. The quality of the experience will linger in our thoughts far beyond the material Wynnings.

I recall a story from BZA Neil and his brother. They were guests at the Wynn Casino one lovely summer. They decided to eat 7-11 hotdog sandwiches on the front steps of the Wynn while they gawked at the other guests. Without any hesitation the Wynn security staff immediately picked them out as ruffian vagabonds intent on harassing all the Wynn Hotel guests. When stopped and questioned by Security, Neil whipped out his Wynn hotel key and left them so disillusioned. Security could not believe how such a dynamic duo could actually be guests at the Wynn.

This story, "Dantasy", makes it utterly clear that BZA is not to return to the Wynn. Instead BZA may consider visiting the bastard son, The Encore, next door if time permits.

Wynn is Blacklisted

Hacienda Casino is Confirmed

Despite a few poor reviews and some really positive comments "Tristan, August 2010, Location good...The Hacienda Hotel is located very close to Lake Mead. That's the nicest thing I can say." The Hacienda Casino has made the BZA list. We are not going to stay at the Hotel but rather pass by on our trip to Hoover Dam. This means we will hit up the Casino and Restaurant. We can sign up for the Matador Club card and try our luck on Mr. Lucky's Big 6 Wheel. This will be the Gem in the desert!
-Roberto

Silverton by a Soda

BZA selects: Silverton

I was set to select M, but the locals have ruined the M resort's main attraction, the free soda fountains. From LasVegasVegas.com:

And that's the reason they were removed, with locals coming in with their families and abusing the perk by filling up Big Gulp cups with free soda and wandering the casino. Or patrons not purchasing a drink at the restaurants because they could grab a free one just a few yards away.
But players can still get free drinks via the cocktail waitress, just like other casinos.

Sorry, but "free drinks via the cocktail waitress" means $1 drinks via the cocktail waitress, and no Dr. Pepper is worth a golden coin. M Resort still has a shot, but the guarantee goes to Silverton, and here's why.

• "Best Free Attraction" in Las Vegas.  Silverton boasts a 117,000 gallon aquarium, and unlike Mandalay Bay, it's free.
• The Silverton is nicely situated off the strip, not too far off-course from the Hoover Dam.
• Silverton Rewards is a membership club that I haven't joined yet.
• Starbucks coffee available to casino patrons.

BZA rejects: Mirage

Can it be that another top-notch casino makes the Blacklist? Before BZA is branded as a bunch of lowlifes, let me explain. Dinner is at 10:00. The Mirage volcano is at 11:00. Sexy Sirens is at 11:30. There simply isn't enough time to go to the casino. A mirage may play tricks on the eyes, but it cannot stop time. Drinks at the Mirage are terrific, and the waitresses are pleasant and prompt, but the casino is unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Pardon me Roy, is that the cat who chewed your new shoes?

Deuces Wild!

Red Rock Casino: Confirmed!

 Last time I visited Red Rock, I was stricken with the O'Shea's sudden severe illness. No more late-night duck-duck-goosery! The casino floor is spacious, with a vast selection of video poker machines. It's nearby the Red Rock Canyon, which provides an opportunity to sweat out some alcohol and amp up for the next night's festivities. Goo Goo Dolls are performing Friday night, so it looks like a day late and 30 dollars short for BZA. 

Fremont Casino: Blacklisted!
 I'll stick to the street outside the casino. With the exception of Four Queens, downtown is going to be a sightseeing trip for me, and I can never seem to get into a decent craps game at the Fremont. The player's club was nice enough to provide a pair of souvenir dice just for asking. 

$39.99 a Night, Vegas Edition

Is it possible to last a night in Vegas and only spend $39.99 on food and drink? Sure it is! Here's a possible tally of our upcoming adventure, June 3.

 $39.99 a day - Friday Special

Ellis Island
    Steak Special $7.99
    Amber Ale - Free
    Brown Ale - Free
    Amber Ale - Free
    Amber Ale - Free
    Tax + Tip $7.00
    Total $14.99

Hard Rock
    Tanqueray & Tonic - Free
    Tax + Tip $1.00
    Total $1.00

Hooters
    Greyhound - Free
    Greyhound - Free
    Greyhound - Free
    Tax + Tip $3.00
    Total $3.00

Tropicana
    Tanqueray & Tonic - Free
    Tax + Tip $1.00
    Total $1.00

Excalibur
    Tanqueray & Tonic - Free
    Tax + Tip $1.00
    Total $1.00

Riviera  
    Coors Light - Free
    Tax + Tip $1.00
    Total $1.00

Slots-A-Fun
    Subway Club Sandwich - $9.00
    Coors Light - Free
    Tax + Tip $2.00
    Total $11.00

Circus Circus
    Coors Light - Free
    Coors Light - Free
    Coors Light - Free
    Coors Light - Free
    Coors Light - Free
    Coors Light - Free
    Coors Light - Free
    Tax + Tip $7.00
    Total $7.00

Grand Total $39.99

What's great about this plan is that the Steak Special at Ellis Island comes with a free beer!

Get Out the Map

We are now halfway through our selection process, so it's time for an update. Click the links below for a map of casinos for each day.

Friday, June 3

Confirmed: Ellis Island, Hooters, Circus Circus

Blacklisted: Mandalay Bay, Stratosphere, Luxor

Selections remaining: 0

Saturday, June 4

Confirmed: Cannery, Four Queens, Red Rock, Main Street

Blacklisted: California, Palace Station, Fremont

Selections remaining: 1 blacklist

Sunday, June 5

Confirmed: Casino Royale, Treasure Island

Blacklisted: Green Valley Ranch, Venetian

Selections remaining: 2 confirmations, 2 blacklists

Monday, June 6

Confirmed: Bill's Gamblin' Hall, Planet Hollywood

Blacklisted: Bally's, Monte Carlo
Selections remaining: 3 confirmations, 3 blacklists

Stay tuned for the second half, and please give us your recommendations!

Wonders of the Ancient World

Luxor Casino makes the Friday Blacklist.
I've stayed at the Pyramids before. I remember Neil and I crashed one of the hotel rooms and had to sleep on the floor. The Pyramid is a member of the Buffet of Buffets and actually gives back some decent room comps and drinks but as Karl Pilkington says "The floor space, the square footage, is massive, but the upstairs bit is tiny. What's that all about?" BZA will pass on the Luxor this go around.
BZA likes Main Street Station CasinoThis place has a Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery. It is part of the B Connected Card Club. It is a couple of blocks off the main Fremont Street so I hope it will be more authentic. BZA can't wait to add this Casino to the visited list.

-Roberto

Final Friday Confirmation: Circus Circus

The third an final confirmed casino for BZA on Friday, June 3, is Circus Circus. We will be staying the night across the street at Riviera, and Circus Circus is a great choice for late night gaming. The casino offers a circus slot carousel, which spins slowly as you play. You can watch a trapeze act as you hit it big on the penny slots. Most kiddos will be in bed by the time we arrive, so we can avoid the riff-raff. Last time we visited they had a great blackjack offer too. $40 in chips for $25 is a pretty good deal, as long as you don't lose eight straight hands.

Stay tuned for our final Friday elimination, followed by a wrap-up of our first night selections.

There is no Geneva Convention for kids

Let's take a look at some of the conventions in Vegas during our upcoming visit. Paris and Mandalay Bay are hosting the Antique Jewelry & Watch Trade Shows. The Las Vegas Convention Center is hosting the American Craft Retailers Exposition and the Laundering & Dry-cleaning Convention. And the last convention of note is the International Association of Insurance Women Convention at the Flamingo Casino. I guess that means we will encounter several well dressed, stylish, artsy, highly-insured women making the most of Sin City. I think BZA can handle that!

Once again it is time to pick a lucky casino that we will visit. Neil beat this cookie to the punch and he already chose Planet Hollywood (PH, "FFFHH") as a confirmed visit. I will indulge you with my thoughts then pick another...This place has a lot going on. When you walk in the casino, the atmosphere is hip with music blasting great tunes all throughout. The table games (blackjack, poker, etc) have special Pleasure Pits. These Pits have go-go dancers dancing on small stages near the table and showing you their skills as they twirl on the stage pole. PH is a member of the Buffet of Buffets which means we can visit the buffet as many times as we can with our 24hr pass (what a deal!). Finally PH has the Pleasure Pool. I have never been to the pool but it's summertime and the pool is the place to be, especially with the name Pleasure Pool. I'm all about PH. See you there!









My pick for the Monday list is Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon. How can you not choose Bill's? It is like a dive bar but has a casino in it. Look at all the great products you get a Bill's:
-Karaoke
-Cheap Pitchers of Beer
-A Hot Dog Cart
-Electronic Craps
-Recommendation by Tankersley

Bill's is now on the confirmed visit list!
And the Blacklist addition is...Monte Carlo Casino. It was under renovations a few times that we visited but even after all the work it's just not that cool. Yeah they have electronic roulette but I don't think Neil won anything on it. Not only that but Neil always forgets to cash in his sports bets which means we end up driving back to Monte Carlo last minute. I know BZA Wes is all about Fantasy Baseball and would probably like the Monte Carlo but from what I understand Neil has not even changed his Fantasy team in 4 years. Therefore there is no need to go to the Monte Carlo.
Please vote in the gentleman's poll and comment on our posts.

Thanks,
-Roberto

Acid Rain? Check the ph!

Thumbs Up: Planet Hollywood

Since we are already visiting ti, it only makes sense to go to ph as well. The former Aladdin has some definite positives: a good buffet, reasonable table games, sexy dealers, and youthful clientele. These amenities make ph a great choice for a Monday afternoon, but there's more. There are two free attractions awaiting in the Miracle Mile shops. Second is the rainstorm. First is the Pleasure Pool.

End of an Era

On Monday, May 16, the Sahara hotel and casino closed its doors after 59 years. BZA paid tribute to the venerable casino with kamikaze mini shots and a High Life chaser.

Sahara was home to $1 blackjack, a sweet Corvette that no one managed to win, and Danny, the best bartender in Vegas. I lucked out and managed to get a nice hat and shirt combo comped at the gift shop, but foolishly left behind $11 in comps. The Sahara shall remained closed indefinitely, at least until Perfection casino opens in 2020 or so.

Mr....BZA...Don BZA

After a day at the dam and buffet bellyful what a better way to end the day than a visit to Casino Royale. BZA commits to visiting the Casino Royale for so many great reasons. First and foremost we are members of the Club Royale and always get great deals and coupons with the Funbook. Examples include 2-for-1 Frozen Margaritas, bonus payouts on Wheel of Fortune slot machines, Denny's discounts, and Subway treats. The Michelob bottles and Margaritas are only $1.00 anyways so what a bargain! Finally, the craps tables are HOTT!! Neil and Matt B. were totally banking on them last BZA trip. So I gladly report that BZA will visit Casino Royale again and come back big winners!

Now for the sad news. BZA will not have time to see the Venetian casino. Obviously we are Grazie Club members but the slots and tables were not very hot at this Italian extravaganza. One look at the headliners, Tim Allen & Joan Rivers, will send any decent casino connoisseur running. The last straw that led BZA to blacklist the Venetian were the Gondola Rides. I like Neil and all...but a Gondola Ride with him is NOT on my list.


Please vote and leave us a few of your comments.

-Roberto (Don BZA)

One Up, One Down

BZA Yes - Treasure Island
After returning from Hoover Dam, the BZA crew is likely to embark upon the Buffet of Buffets. After feasting at one of the seven buffets, we will be set up for a walking journey that will take us past the volcano at Mirage and The Sirens of TI. After the show, we will head into the casino, where we will be treated to a pleasant gaming atmosphere with good music, plenty of televisions, and excellent drinks at the Breeze Bar. Treasure Island also has an underrated race and sports book, if only baseball was our cup of tea.

BZA No -  Green Valley Ranch
This elimination is a tough one. I enjoyed watching the behind-the-scenes look at this casino on the TV show American Casino. Unfortunately many casinos of the Sunday list have more compelling reasons for BZA to visit. Of all the off-strip casino possibilities, GVR is the only one which both BZA members already have player's club cards for. Plus, I lost 100 bucks there last time in a successful attempt to get a gold card. My reward? 25% off the buffet. Strike three is the likely chance that BZA will be visiting Red Rock instead.

Be sure to vote on our poll of the day, I can already taste my choice of vegetable!

Sunday - Road Trippin'

BZA will finally hit some of the higher-end casinos on Sunday night, but not without first stopping by Hoover Dam. We need to check out the new bridge over the canyon. Temperatures are expected to be above freezing for this adventure. Since we will be out and about, this will be our opportunity to visit some casinos away from the strip.

Caesar's Palace

Casino Royale
Encore

Fiesta Henderson

Green Valley Ranch

Hacienda

 Harrah's

 Imperial Palace

 M

 Mirage

O'Shea's

Palazzo

Silverton

South Point

Treasure Island
Venetian
Wynn

Two for Tuesday - Double Whammy Edition

Last weekend's camping trip sapped all of my energy, but the thought of Vegas being only 24 days away has invigorated me. Even better was the "What the H?" segment on Norm MacDonald's Sports Show. "Gambling is an addiction, but it's the only addiction that can make you fabulously wealthy. Take that, crack cocaine!"

In honor of classic rock stations, I present to you a "Two for Tuesday."  One casino to visit, another to avoid.

BZA Confirms - Four Queens

In the heart of the Fremont Street Experience lies an unsung casino famous to BZA for its generous pit bosses. Only the most hardy man can proudly boast that he will be sharing a room with his good friend at the Four Queens. Wait, what? They are referring to the playing cards? The folks at the Royal Club are eager to hand out the free decks of cards, and with a little luck, a nice embroidered bag. Drinking enough Bushmill's and making enough Pai Gow errors can land you a free breakfast or two. Rooms cost less than a taxi back to your strip hotel, so you might as well stay the night. Four Queens is the third casino to make it to the BZA confirmation list.

 BZA Blacklist - Palace Station

Too many hops, skips, and jumps from downtown will land you at Palace Station. I stayed there on my second ever Vegas trip in 2001, and have never returned. If Florida State had defeated Oklahoma, I may have had fonder memories. I'll save my video poker money for a different Station casino. BZA Blacklisted.

Saturday - Making Our Way Downtown

Saturday begins with a late check-out of the hotel and a bit of a driveabout to all points north. Here are the fifteen casinos nominated for our Saturday sojourn. In the end, four of these casinos will receive assurances, whilst four will be given the shaft. Take your time to vote for your favorites, and feel free to leave comments.

Binion's Gambling Hall

California
Cannery 

El Cortez

Fitzgerald's

Four Queens

 Fremont

 Gold Spike

 Golden Nugget

 Jerry's Nugget

Main Street Station

Palace Station

Plaza

Red Rock

Vegas Club

 

1st Blacklisted Casino for the BZA Friday June 3rd 2011 Vegas Trip

Mandalay Bay has officially been blacklisted. The website describes things to do at the Mandalay Bay "At Mandalay Bay, you can do as much or as little as you like." well, obviously the BZA team will not be doing anything near that place anymore. BLACKLISTED

I am not the most eloquent writer so I decided to use technology to help me explain and detail my first Blacklisted Casino. The google voice translator did a great job at expressing my feelings about Mandalay Bay " I do not like Mandel, A, hey. Because, it is 2 far, away. Even so. It has 8monorail. Also, the casino gambling the area, has very high ceilings. It looks very open. And like there is very few tables. It is not very inviting. They're not many people there except for those that stay at that hotel. The only attraction. It's a short grief aquarium, which I've seen before. And it was expensive and is not that entertaining. The drink. And the clubs We're not appealing. And it is. Not much of a draw. At this point in time there for my vote. If this is a NO and we can choose closer, more interesting, and higher end in casinos. As a result. Thank you for your time. "

I think that sums it up. -Roberto (BZA)