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Peppermill 2016

 
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Aug Mon 08, 2016 3:30 pm    Post subject: Peppermill 2016 Reply with quote

Well I survived another trip.

Left Tuesday around 3 p.m. with a plan of going to Klamath for the night. Decided to drive my cute car this trip. It gets such great gas mileage. About 460 miles on a 14.5 gallon tank.


Stayed t the A1 Budget hotel again. Its a fairly decent cheap little hotel. Room has fridge and microwave which is nice. Left the following morning, headed for Reno. Drive was pretty uneventful. There was some road construction delays though out in the middle of nowhere. Delays of about 15 minutes, the kind where they had a pilot car to lead you. Not sure why but whatever.

We finally arrive at the Pep around 2. Since we are Platinum card holders we always go to VIP to check in. Got there and stood and stood, no one acknowledging us. As we are waiting, a gentleman who obviously works for the Pep, walks u to the desk we are waiting at, and has the girl start helping him. We were a bit annoyed. Still not one person has acknowledged us. Finally we get to check in. We wanted a poolside room, which the only way to do so was to move rooms after one night. So we said ok, fine. We end up in room T228. This is on the other side of the tower away from the pool. We decided that we liked the room and would just keep it. Well lesson learned. The sun beats down on that side of the tower all day lon. it was so hard to keep the room cooled. Wr thought maybe the AC wasn't working so we had someone come and look at it. Nope nothing wrong. The temps outsider were over 100. We had to keep the drapes shut all day to try to keep the heat out. It was so hot, you could feel the heat thru the curtains. ugh! Oh well. We really didn't want to deal with moving though. Here is our room view.



The rooms are starting to show some wear. Scuffed up furniture, torn wallpaper in our bathroom. The towels they give you are so rough. The duvet cover had a rip in it and several snagged long strands of comforter hanging. Someone needs to keep up on this stuff and replace it. The coffee in the room is probably the worst coffee ever! Don't know why they cant get better coffee in there.

The Peppermill has changed so much. It just doesn't have the same vibe as it had before. I really miss the band playing in the casino. The have changed things that were just changed only a view years ago. The walkway from the Tuscany tower thru the second floor has been completely remodeled..again! Its so white and bright now. Here's a photo of what it looks like inside the casino.





The slots are all pretty much the same. I actually did fairly good this trip and spent only $300 in gambling for 6 days. I earned about 2300 tier points. I started off with $770 in free play and dawn had $600. Unfortunately for her the gambling gods weren't so nice. She just lost and lost. We go there not expecting to win, but to at least be able to play. Wasn't happening for her. I think it put her in a really bad mood. So much that she as saying how she could have spent her money on a nice trip with her husband instead. Gee thanks! That made me feel real good. Your aren't gonna believe what im about to say so hold on....We actually were kinda bored at The Pep. There's just something missing. Not having a band to listen too and all the changes it just isn't the same. We have decided from now on to split our time up elsewhere.

We ended up going to Silver Legacy and Atlantis. I did fairly good at both places. We shall see if they start sending us offers. Hopefully so.

The town was crazy busy with everyone coming in for HAN. A bit too busy for my liking. Probably will not come again this time of year.

We did try Ruby River across from the Pep which was pretty good and inexpensive. We also ate at Biscottis, Pep Buffett and Coffee Shop. Food was good as usual.

Dawn used the Spa which she said was amazing last year. This year she had a horrible massage. $145 for nothing. It was so bad, she was so upset and came back to the room crying. She said it was not relaxing at all. She had to tell the guy what to do which just stressed her out. There also was someone on the deck area video chatting which was not very relaxing. She asked the guy if he minded not doing that and if he could maybe mover or hang up. He refused. Thy really should not allow cell phones in there.

We ended up coming home the following weds. Did it all in one shot. Hit so much road construction in Wa State. UGH! When all you want to do is get home, it really sucks. We did our usual stop at All Star Liquor Express. The prices are so much cheaper there than in Wa. As well as the tax. In WA you have a 20% tax and a liter tax. Such a joke.

Here are some photos of my wins.


































[URL=http://s88.photobucket.com/user/alikeith/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160731_203357.jpg.html][/URL


All in all it was fun. We had many late nights...out till 4 or 5 a.m. Celebrated my 43rd bday while there. I actually got carded at Silver Legacy. We were laughing before we went in there how I got carded last time and had to wear a bracelet. Lol!! I don't think I look that young but its still nice. Dawn never gets asked for ID. Always pisses her off. Hahah


Last edited by alison on Aug Tue 09, 2016 12:43 pm; edited 2 times in total
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Aug Mon 08, 2016 4:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was just fixin to nag you about your trip report, Alison. That's some mighty fine mileage you get outta that Beetle...sweet.

You should have posted something mid trip. Bummer, hearing about your palace. Did you get to hear any bands at Atlantis ? Mellisa Dru is a regular band at their cabaret bar and I always go out of my way to hear her...even when I'm staying elsewhere. And Tony would have cheered you up at the Oyster Bar on the Atlantis Skyway.

And we want details of Silver Legacy. MY bar there is the Silver Baron (Robert) right under the mining machine. Usually some kind of live music there...especially at HAN. But I'm with you on the crowds on big event weekends. Besides most of my free offers are never good on big weekends.

Tell your friend she should try to get at LEAST as much free stuff as she lost on machines. It makes it hurt less.


AND WHERE did you end up with the Chinese food? Review?

By the way, I waited on the freeway with my thumb out for three days before I read you weren't coming thru Portland. On the other hand, I didn't lose a dime on gambling. So in a way, I'm a winner.
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SeahawkSiren



Joined: 14 Sep 2015
Posts: 135

PostPosted: Aug Mon 08, 2016 4:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome back home to Washington, alison! Sounds like you had a nice trip despite the changes to your beloved Pep and made the most of your time in Reno.

I'm glad you ventured out to different places and had some success at Silver Legacy and Atlantis. Hopefully you will start getting offers.

Although I am looking forward to being in Reno next month for the balloon festival I am wondering about the extra large crowds that will be there. I too prefer it less crowded and have always intentionally booked my trips in the past when there is not a specific event/festival. This will be my first time in Reno that coincides with a specific event. I prefer to go when it's not overly busy but am going to do something different on this trip, and will also actually be attending the event. It won't kill me to break out of my routine! Ha ha! You mentioned about maybe not going back during HAN again and we shall see if I do the same after the balloon festival crowds.

Sounds like you did fairly well gambling and at least got plenty of hits to keep playing. I'm always happy with that and never expect to win anything big. I've also had trips like Dawn had so I know how that can sour a mood, especially when it keeps happening for days on end. Aaaahhhh, the ups and downs of life of a gambler!

Thanks for the report.
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Aug Mon 08, 2016 5:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

JD wrote:
I was just fixin to nag you about your trip report, Alison. That's some mighty fine mileage you get outta that Beetle...sweet.

You should have posted something mid trip. Bummer, hearing about your palace. Did you get to hear any bands at Atlantis ? Mellisa Dru is a regular band at their cabaret bar and I always go out of my way to hear her...even when I'm staying elsewhere. And Tony would have cheered you up at the Oyster Bar on the Atlantis Skyway.

And we want details of Silver Legacy. MY bar there is the Silver Baron (Robert) right under the mining machine. Usually some kind of live music there...especially at HAN. But I'm with you on the crowds on big event weekends. Besides most of my free offers are never good on big weekends.

Tell your friend she should try to get at LEAST as much free stuff as she lost on machines. It makes it hurt less.


AND WHERE did you end up with the Chinese food? Review?

By the way, I waited on the freeway with my thumb out for three days before I read you weren't coming thru Portland. On the other hand, I didn't lose a dime on gambling. So in a way, I'm a winner.


Lol! You crack me up.

I forgot to mention how we almost ran out of gas on the way home. We had just drove by roseburg, or and we knew there was a Pilot coming up. We love stopping at pilot so wanted to make it there. Well apparently its a bit further than we realized. I checked my mileage and it said 0 miles left. I started to have a bit anxiety. Dawns telling me to slow down my driving. We had about two miles to go still. So I'm trying to drive 55 in a 65. That was a challenge in itself. We finally come over the hill and I see the Pilot in the distance. We make it to the exit. I don't know how but we did. Never ever will I do that again.

We never did get Chinese. Just wasn't in the mood I guess. Just leaving the Pep has been a challenge in the past. The fact we left three times is a miracle.

the Silver Legacy was crazy packed in the walkway area between the three casinos. I thought the casino had a good variety. We ate at the 24 hour restraunt and it sucked. Would not recommend it. I noticed the comps added up fast. I played not even two hours and had $50 in comps. We ended up buying so.e stuff in the gift shop just so we wouldn't waste them. The bar in the middle area had a DJ. The music was pretty good.

The Atlantis was pretty busy too. I noticed there was a big line of people waiting to get in to the buffet. Must be good! There was no band playing when we were there unfortunately. They do not start till 8. I loved seeing the stage over the bar just like how the Pep used to be. Next time we will plan it better. We may even stay there. 😀 The layout was kinda confusing but maybe that's just because I am not familiar w it.


Last edited by alison on Aug Mon 08, 2016 5:43 pm; edited 2 times in total
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Aug Mon 08, 2016 5:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

SeahawkSiren wrote:
Welcome back home to Washington, alison! Sounds like you had a nice trip despite the changes to your beloved Pep and made the most of your time in Reno.

I'm glad you ventured out to different places and had some success at Silver Legacy and Atlantis. Hopefully you will start getting offers.

Although I am looking forward to being in Reno next month for the balloon festival I am wondering about the extra large crowds that will be there. I too prefer it less crowded and have always intentionally booked my trips in the past when there is not a specific event/festival. This will be my first time in Reno that coincides with a specific event. I prefer to go when it's not overly busy but am going to do something different on this trip, and will also actually be attending the event. It won't kill me to break out of my routine! Ha ha! You mentioned about maybe not going back during HAN again and we shall see if I do the same after the balloon festival crowds.

Sounds like you did fairly well gambling and at least got plenty of hits to keep playing. I'm always happy with that and never expect to win anything big. I've also had trips like Dawn had so I know how that can sour a mood, especially when it keeps happening for days on end. Aaaahhhh, the ups and downs of life of a gambler!

Thanks for the report.


Fortunately I did get enough hits to keep me playing. I kinda have been on a roll lately. Though I did loose,$300 is nothing for someone who gambles as much as me. Before I came down I had hit a 1700$ jackpot on timberwolf, another day I won $600, and yesterday I went up to play my $75 free play and won $500

Hopefully it won't be too crazy when you get down there. I just am not into the crowds at all. The parking lots were full as was the PEPs garage.
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Aug Mon 08, 2016 5:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I kinda wrote this report quickly so I may have forgotten a few details. Ask away if u have any questions.

I forgot to mention drink service sucked at SL. After a half hour or so I finally got to order my water...yes water..lol....after another 20 min it never came. I had to flag her down. I did complete a survey for SL and someone contacted me already.

I did a survey for the Pep too. I'm curious if anyone contacts me from there.
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CaSwede



Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 866

PostPosted: Aug Tue 09, 2016 3:29 pm    Post subject: sheeees back Reply with quote

Thanks for the report. So, the Peppermill is kind of losing its luster for you? I still think it is a very nice place and I enjoy staying and playing there.

I think your biggest win has to be getting carded. So, you still look like 19 while in your 40's? Good for you. You would really fit in at the Edge nightclub.

It will be interesting to see what kind of offers you get with a new card. They always like fresh players. However, it is sure hard to turn down the nice room and huge free play that you get at the Peppermill.
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Aug Tue 09, 2016 4:58 pm    Post subject: Pep-tacular! Reply with quote

Lush pictures - thanks for sharing; it's always good to see the inside scoop!
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BC Dave
Site Admin


Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 1592

PostPosted: Aug Wed 10, 2016 9:44 am    Post subject: Thanks Alison Reply with quote

Thanks for the report Alison. Some nice wins pictured there. Personally I think the Peppermill has shown some bad judgement in revamping it's signature neon and in choosing not to have live entertainment - especially when their main competition just down the road still features bands daily. The Peppermill has a great reputation and they need to look after their hotel if they want to retain their high ratings.

It'd great that you got out and explored the Atlantis and some of the downtown casinos.

Although HAN is the big event in Reno, I wouldn't like the crowds ... or the heat. If I want 100+ degrees I'll go to Vegas.

Glad you had some luck and sorry that Dawn didn't do so well.
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Aug Wed 10, 2016 12:17 pm    Post subject: When lady luck turns her back on you... Reply with quote

I was thinking more about the topic of how your friend seemed to be continually running into disappointment: I think it's very, very important to manage one's expectations properly - we all know how fickle lady luck is, and it simply must be accepted that there's a good chance that one will just 'crap out', so to speak, and one has to find a way to be okay with that.

In my heyday, if my blackjack allowance burned up quick, I'd always save a $20 so I could at least fiddle with some slots - and the cheap and available booze always provided a welcome distraction, whether one is winning or losing...you've gotta have some backup.

There's no substitute for winning, whether it's at the 'games' or the amenities 'massages' - but when these things fall short, have something in your back-pocket back-up plan, and try not to expect too much - a spa massage may look just great in the pamphlets, but can it really be much fun to have some summer-job-style dude poking, prodding, and stroking one's epidermal areas? Call me a crab, but I really don't see the benefit!

So much hindsight-oriented wisdom will do little to allay anyone's disappointment, but it doesn't hurt to at least be exposed to such ideas.

End guest lecture.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Aug Wed 10, 2016 2:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In my opinion, there's one more lesson.

NEVER play next to a high roller... unless you are one.

When I start losing, I go down....IN BET SIZE.
Many craps dealers have heard me say, "Don't make me go play the nickel slots!" "If I lose ONE MORE HAND, I'm going to the Keno Lounge for some real action".

Bet up when winning, go down when you FIRST start to lose...and ask for HALF as much as you lose in free stuff. I like the $ 9 glasses of Carano's best wine... but top shelf Bourbon works too... but makes me crash a bit earlier.

Lose $ 1000 gambling, then drink $ 200 in top shelf, get $ 200 in comped rooms, eat $ 100 in comped meals.

So in a way, you're only down $ 500.

Your mileage may vary.
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SeahawkSiren



Joined: 14 Sep 2015
Posts: 135

PostPosted: Aug Wed 10, 2016 8:15 pm    Post subject: Re: When lady luck turns her back on you... Reply with quote

stan_allen wrote:
I was thinking more about the topic of how your friend seemed to be continually running into disappointment: I think it's very, very important to manage one's expectations properly - we all know how fickle lady luck is, and it simply must be accepted that there's a good chance that one will just 'crap out', so to speak, and one has to find a way to be okay with that.

In my heyday, if my blackjack allowance burned up quick, I'd always save a $20 so I could at least fiddle with some slots - and the cheap and available booze always provided a welcome distraction, whether one is winning or losing...you've gotta have some backup.

There's no substitute for winning, whether it's at the 'games' or the amenities 'massages' - but when these things fall short, have something in your back-pocket back-up plan, and try not to expect too much - a spa massage may look just great in the pamphlets, but can it really be much fun to have some summer-job-style dude poking, prodding, and stroking one's epidermal areas? Call me a crab, but I really don't see the benefit!

So much hindsight-oriented wisdom will do little to allay anyone's disappointment, but it doesn't hurt to at least be exposed to such ideas.

End guest lecture.


Excellent points. I have learned over my 20+ years of going to Reno to better manage my expectations.

While playing slot machines is certainly the main reason I go there, I also enjoy other activities. It is a perfect example of why I schedule most of my Reno trips during football season. I am a DIEHARD football fan and love, love, love watching games in the Silver Legacy sports book. Not just the Seahawks games, but all the games. And sometimes I think to myself, “Wow, I am only here in Reno for 3 days and I’m going to spend 1 whole day watching football. I am “losing out” on gambling time.” While that is technically true timewise, I am not losing money during those several hours of watching football. And I’m relaxing, having drinks, friendly conversation with other Seahawks fans and fans of other teams, high fiving with total strangers, and generally just “in the zone” in Reno.

I also enjoy going on the river walk, people watching or listening to live music at the Silver Baron Lounge. Even when I’m not gambling, I love just “being in” Reno. No responsibilities, no timetables, no expectations, no itinerary really.

On my last trip I had my first ever massage and went to my first ever show. This upcoming trip I will be going to my first ever balloon festival. Just trying new activities.

There certainly are a lot of other things to do in Reno besides gambling but it’s not always easy to focus on those other things, especially with very limited time frames of being in Reno! But I will keep at it!

End of my thoughts that nobody asked for!
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Aug Thu 11, 2016 5:21 pm    Post subject: Re: Thanks Alison Reply with quote

BC Dave wrote:
Thanks for the report Alison. Some nice wins pictured there. Personally I think the Peppermill has shown some bad judgement in revamping it's signature neon and in choosing not to have live entertainment - especially when their main competition just down the road still features bands daily. The Peppermill has a great reputation and they need to look after their hotel if they want to retain their high ratings.

It'd great that you got out and explored the Atlantis and some of the downtown casinos.

Although HAN is the big event in Reno, I wouldn't like the crowds ... or the heat. If I want 100+ degrees I'll go to Vegas.

Glad you had some luck and sorry that Dawn didn't do so well.


I have to agree with you. The entertainment they offer now is just not that fun. The atmosphere of the Terrace is just very laid back. It feels like maybe they are trying to catr to a different type f crowd. The casino is so bright and white now. Personally when im in casino I like a darker feel. It seems like they are maybe trying to be like the upscale Vegas properties. I really did like the Atlantis and the Silver Legacy seems like it would be a fun place too. It really was just too hot to do anything outside. Walking to the car was a bitch..lol
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Aug Thu 11, 2016 5:26 pm    Post subject: Re: When lady luck turns her back on you... Reply with quote

stan_allen wrote:
I was thinking more about the topic of how your friend seemed to be continually running into disappointment: I think it's very, very important to manage one's expectations properly - we all know how fickle lady luck is, and it simply must be accepted that there's a good chance that one will just 'crap out', so to speak, and one has to find a way to be okay with that.

In my heyday, if my blackjack allowance burned up quick, I'd always save a $20 so I could at least fiddle with some slots - and the cheap and available booze always provided a welcome distraction, whether one is winning or losing...you've gotta have some backup.

There's no substitute for winning, whether it's at the 'games' or the amenities 'massages' - but when these things fall short, have something in your back-pocket back-up plan, and try not to expect too much - a spa massage may look just great in the pamphlets, but can it really be much fun to have some summer-job-style dude poking, prodding, and stroking one's epidermal areas? Call me a crab, but I really don't see the benefit!

So much hindsight-oriented wisdom will do little to allay anyone's disappointment, but it doesn't hurt to at least be exposed to such ideas.

End guest lecture.


We don't got to Reno expecting to win at all. We just ant to be able to play, have fun and drink. When you just can't win anything it sure is a bummer. As a gambler, I know we have periods of winning and periods of loosing. I seem to be in a winning streak right now. The loosing though occurs more often. Now if we had a fun bar to hang out at and listen to music, people watch, ect then we could break it up a bit. That's what is really lacking now at the Pepeprmill. We loved listening and watching the bands. The used to even play it on the tv in the rooms. We had some good times listening to those bands. The Atlantis seems to have the perfect set up for that. I think we will end up back there in the future. The seem to have a lot of food choices too. Maybe some of you can chime in on whats good there?

It will be hard to split the time when the Pep treats us so well. Real hard. We did get bored there though so maybe it is just time to break away. I will never stop going there. We really do like our veranda Room and they seem to be pretty generous with the offers.

I was surprised how fast the comps added up at the Legacy. The comps at the Atlantis though, seemed to barely add up. Everyone is different I guess.


Last edited by alison on Mar Thu 02, 2017 2:02 pm; edited 1 time in total
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alison



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1150

PostPosted: Aug Thu 11, 2016 5:53 pm    Post subject: Re: sheeees back Reply with quote

CaSwede wrote:
Thanks for the report. So, the Peppermill is kind of losing its luster for you? I still think it is a very nice place and I enjoy staying and playing there.

I think your biggest win has to be getting carded. So, you still look like 19 while in your 40's? Good for you. You would really fit in at the Edge nightclub.

It will be interesting to see what kind of offers you get with a new card. They always like fresh players. However, it is sure hard to turn down the nice room and huge free play that you get at the Peppermill.


While getting carded is great, edge is def not my thing. So not I to that scene. Lol
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