Visitreno

[jerry]

Not that anyone seems to be waiting for this "with bated breath" but I think I should wrap up this TR. Always trying to generate some activity here.

Last day. Checked out of Pep and into Sands. Surprise there. I always stay in the Empress Tower if I can. It was redecorated a couple years ago. Yet, I experienced something new. A step back into the 1940s. The room was done in "Art Deco" styling. Didn't like it much. It looked like the stuff my folks got rid of about 5 decades ago. Also, the rounded corners left almost no place to put anything down, even tho the rooms are large.
Table was small too. I miss the little dressing table. That was a nice comfort, fitting our hotel lifestyle.

Pretty good comps with the help of the daily card swipe thingy. We received about $49 in free play. Course the machines took it all back.
I did cash in a bit the next day on the VP machines. So it was a nice trip in that regard.
The bars now have one good beer available on tap. It can be ordered in the casino - if you are ever lucky enough to catch a cocktail waitress. I think, in my last 3-4 trips there, I have never had a drink served to me at the machines except in what they call the Keno Bar. Anyway, the beer is Red Hook Ale in one bar and ESB in the other. Same beer - two names.

The trip home was a dream. In the summer, we stay and play all day; then drive home after dark. In the winter, we want to be over all the passes before dark. this time we could have stayed all day. Great weather. Makes me think I can plan on going all winter. Would occasionally have to cancel at last minute. So I did but that's another report.

In summary, an excellent trip. A fantastic Valentine Day. Love those winter breaks. Don't fear the roads in winter if you get the opportunity to go. Just know that you may/or may not/ have to cancel. Chances are good you will have no problem.

Beware of the card swipe lines. You may have to wait for 30-40 people in front of you. Only one machine and it can take awhile for each. Then you must take the tickets you get from that line and get into the other equally long line to cash it in. Very time consuming. I really think those people are 99% locals and don't even play in the casino. The program ends on March 11.