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

You're right...it fits perfectly

Final Saturday Blacklist is...The Plaza Casino.
The website says the Plaza will be under renovations and the rooms are closed. The casino floor will be open but they even suggest visiting their sister casino, The Vegas Club, next door. BZA will only visit the Plaza when it is completely remodeled and up to our standards!

Oh, and next door is the Golden Gate Casino that apparently has Du-par’s famous pancakes (named ‘Best in America’ by Esquire magazine). So there is no need to cross the street to the Plaza Hotel.

Neil posted a $39.99 guide to Vegas earlier this week. Here is a last thought for your to consider. If you follow his guide you will have about 20 drinks in one night. So be prepared to tip the golden coins!

-Roberto

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

Bally's: Bust

Thumbs Down: Bally's

Pro: You can get a Nathan's hot dog at Bally's for two bucks.

Bally's is showing its age. It is now reduced to being a giant billboard touting Caesar's "Buffet of Buffets." Life lesson: Bally's does not have a buffet. The moving sidewalk adds to the "Total Fitness" you can achieve. It has one speed: stationary. Standing outside of Bally's, it is quicker to get to Paris, Bellagio, or Bill's, and all three offer more excitement. Note to self: work off man-boobs before putting on evil Spider-Man costume.

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!

Stratosphere - Keno? More like Ke-No!

The public has spoken, and the second casino to be relegated to the BZA Blacklist is Stratosphere. This was not a difficult pick, as the nearest casino to it will be shuttered. The Stratosphere boasts the largest tower in Vegas, and you can go to the top of it for the price of a steak and egg dinner. It's only a deal if you are a guest (we aren't) or if you buy a buffet or show tickets (we won't). Games at the Strat are no bargain either. In fact, of all the games to tout in the casino, the Stratosphere chooses the one with the worst odds - keno.

Each visit to Stratosphere is the same. Head upstairs to the elevator to find that it is too expensive. Head to the tables to find that blackjack pays 6/5. Say no thank you to the keno runner. Go outside to find that you are in the middle of nowhere. Notice that I never mentioned drink service.

You can see the tower from miles away, and that's where BZA will be on June 3.

The player's club was generous to give away T-Shirts to new members.