Visitreno Forum Index Visitreno
Visitreno.com's message board
There's a lot of information on the
MAIN SITE
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Harrahs Air Junket 3/24-3/27
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Visitreno Forum Index -> Trip Reports
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
ErininSD



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 265

PostPosted: Apr Sat 01, 2006 5:34 pm    Post subject: Harrahs Air Junket 3/24-3/27 Reply with quote

So, we had an offer for a free charter flight from San Diego to Reno for 3 nights. It worked out great because hubby wanted to get in a couple days of skiing before the season is over.

We left Friday night, and contrary to what other's have said our flight on Allegiant Air was very pleasant. Check in was a breeze, and we were assigned seats and couldn't believe it when we boarded and found out we were sitting in the exit row. Talk about leg room, I couldn't even touch the seat in front of me with my leg all the way extended. I totally loved the direct 1 hr 9 min flight from SD (San Diego, not South Dakota...LOL) to Reno. It usually takes around 3 hours on Southwest with layovers etc...

Got to Reno airport and didn't board the shuttle bus to Harrahs with all the other young whippersnappers...LOL, BTW the "young whippersnappers" comment was said sarcastically, I think we were the youngest people on the flight. We rented a car with Alamo, using the Costco discount. For a mid-size SUV (Jeep Liberty) for 3 days, it was $130 which included taxes. Not super cheap for an SUV, but a pretty good rate for ski season.

Got to Harrahs and valet parked. Didn't tip the valet on drop off...LOL. We stopped at Diamond check in to ensure we had a remodeled room and grab a couple of bottled waters, only to find out they've all been remodeled...LOL. Got up to the room 1202 and loved the location, it was at the very end of the building, but very close to the elevator. Walked in the room and found out it had 2 double beds (asked for a king) and it was smoking (asked for non-smoking). I didn't feel like dealing with it, since hubby was leaving the next night for the lake and I would be on my own, so we just sucked it up. The room didn't smell like smoke, but did smell like paint fumes. I liked the decor, kind of modernish with dark wood and Asian theme, but they have this funky lampshade that has fur on it with plastic crystals hanging around the bottom of it. I guess they're trying to be hip, but I though it kind of made the room look like a porn scene for some reason. That berrr, chicka, berrrr, porno music kept going thru my head when I walked in the room. I called it the looovvve den....LOL.

Anywho, we went downstairs so I can get a frickin cocktail, because I stopped by the Diamond lounge on they way up to my room to get a glass of wine and forgot you can't take drinks out of this particular Diamond lounge. Aye, yay, yay, what is up with that? So we went back to the Diamond lounge so hubby could get a snack and I could get my drink and was told they called "last call" 2 minutes ago. WTF, talk about pissed. that was my name at that point...it was only around 9:30 pm. Hubby doesn't drink anymore, so he went and got his snacks while I sat there fuming. I told him "I'm outta here" and went down to the bar near Ichiban's and got me a cocktail. Put $20 in a $1 VP DDB and hit 4OAK for $250. Oh yeah, I'm startin out good! Can't say what exactly happened after that (because I didn't write it down..LOL), but the slots were up and they were down. And I ended up...drum roll please....Down for the night. Is anyone surprised...LOL.

The next day (Saturday) hubby left for Tahoe (stayed overnight), skiied at Squaw Valley, and I had lunch with my dad's at the Peppermill. Played some free-play there and actually cashed out ahead. Went back to Harrahs, grabbed my MP3 player and headed down to the casino. Talk about fun....listened to the Black Eyed Peas and played slots....talk about anti-social...LOL. When you're by yourself the MP3 player is your friend...no one tries to talk to you...LOL. I did hear some guy trying to buy me a drink at a bar, but the bartender told him I was playing slots and the drink was free anyway...LOL, I just acted like I didn't hear a thing. BTW I was bummed as I rode down in the elevator with a couple who was going to the Peas concert that night. I had an offer, from Harrahs to see them, but by the time I called they were totally sold out.

Sunday, my mom's picked me up and we went out to the new mall near Mt. Rose highway. They have some nice stores, for Reno. Afterwards we went to lunch at Claim Jumper (way too much food, who can eat that much???). The service was horrible, so we ended up getting the whole meal comped including 4 cocktails (ok, they weren't all mine and we're split between me and mom's!).

I headed back to Harrahs and am starting to get gambled out by this time. I couldn't wait for hubby to get back. I think he came back from the Lake around 6 PM. We went to dinner at Ichiban. We have an excellent Teppanyaki-style restaurant here in San Diego, called Shogun Kobe. In comparison, Ichiban sucked. I got filet mignon and it was sooo salty and their dipping sauces sucked. We didn't stay out late as he was worn out from skiing and I had been drinking all day, so we went back to the love den and...........passed out...LOL.

The next day, was check out day and we had to be at the airport around 12:30. We went down to Napa cafe to have breakfast. We played a "special" keno ticket 4 games for $5. The service was horrible and food just OK. I had hit a couple of small hits on my ticket. Twice I hit no numbers, for 50 cents...LOL. We left before all the games were played...talk about a slooooowww game! We decided to walk around downtown Reno looking for a roulette game for hubby. I guess they don't open roulette tables before 11 am...LOL. Anyway, went to Cal Neva and their roulette table was going off, I think there were 2 other people there...LOL. I played some slots and hit on a Double Bucks for around $250. It didn't even put a dent in what I lost for the whole weekend. I finally had to pull hubby away from roulette. We stopped at the Keno place on the way to the room and I think I won $7.25...woo hoo, a $2.25 profit!!! Ya, Keno's my new game...LOL....NOT!

We checked out, and had to pay $3 for some sort of tax/tip we owed and we were out of there. Paid an ungodly $2.63 for gas and got to the airport around 12:40. I dropped hubby off at curbside with ski's and assorted bags as it was easier than hoofing them all the way down to check-in. I had the slowest car check-in guy. He was like 80 yrs old and was taking forever with the person in front of me. He gets to me and takes 5 minutes to get all the details on our car then says "Do you pronounce your name "Airen"?" My patience is about shot at this point because we're late, and I just wanted to yell "ya gramps, that's my name so give me my damn receipt", but I'm a pretty nice girl, so just smiled and said "ya, you got it right" I think the sparkle shined off my tooth with the smile I gave him...LOL.

We were number 112 and 113 for checkin. They had to bring the guy out of the back of the American West check-in, because he thought everyone had checked in...hello, we're here!!! Anyway, we were almost the very last to board and ended up at the very back of the plane, right near the loud-ass engine...LOL. But, the nice thing about the charters is no one is sitting in the middle seat, so there's a lot of room. We had our DVD player, and mom's (God bless her!) had given us some movies to take back with us. Her nickname is Netflix. She has this DVD obsession and buys all the new movies that come out. Anyway, we watched the one with Ryan (I don't know his last name, but he played Van Wilder) and he's fat in high school, but loses weight and goes back to his hometown...very cute movie. The 1 hr 20 minute flight, flew by...LOL. She also gave us Harry Potter (which I loved)., Walk the Line and Capote...can't wait to watch them!

We had a great time! I loved the charter, and really like Allegiant. Maybe we got lucky, but I liked the whole flight crew and thought the flight was great, compared to Southwest. Good snacks too...honey roasted peanuts!

I was a little leary of the whole junket thing, but based on my experience would recommend it. We had a great time!

Erin

P.S. - This was originally posted on the LVA board, so some of the references are to topics posted over there.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
RenoLady



Joined: 23 Feb 2006
Posts: 316

PostPosted: Apr Tue 04, 2006 4:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's nice, a free trip! Did you have to show/play a certain amount of money for it? Was it on Harrah's dime?

When we lived in the Bay we took a junket to Elko (spelling), for about $49 a couple. You had to show them $300 to board the plane, really. I don't know if they still do that. We're too close to receive any flying offers now.

When your only expense is the gambling, it's easier to justify the losses eh?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ErininSD



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 265

PostPosted: Apr Tue 04, 2006 6:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The air/hotel was free, no "expected" amount of play. I have a Diamond card at Harrahs, and had about 12k tier points last year. I regularly get free flight offers to Reno and Laughlin.

On another board we've talked about Harrahs offers and it's better to have a high 1 day average than to play a little each day over a trip. So, let's say you're staying at Harrahs for 3 days, it's better to play heavy one day and if you think you're just going to play a little bit the other days, don't use your card as it kills your average.

On this past trip, I accidentally used my card the 1st night (meant to use my husband's, as he only has a gold card) and earned 600 tier points. The next day I had 1500 tier points ($15k coin in). It would have been better not to use my card that 1st night as my average is now 1050 instead of 1500.

It is a little easier to lose when I figure we didn't have to pay for the flight, which would easily been around $400 for two of us, plus the time for a direct flight 1 hour vs 3 hrs.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
RenoLady



Joined: 23 Feb 2006
Posts: 316

PostPosted: Apr Wed 05, 2006 6:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

We've been thinking about Harrah's, we've not really played there in years. I'm not even sure our card is active. If Fitz goes under or changes hands, we'll be looking for a new place. It's good to know how to put those points on the card to get the best return!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ryder



Joined: 05 Feb 2006
Posts: 222

PostPosted: Apr Mon 10, 2006 10:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great Trip Report.....chicka bow bow

Did Harrah's throw in a free camcorder with the porno room? j/k

Play any Let it Ride while you were in Reno?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ErininSD



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 265

PostPosted: Apr Mon 10, 2006 5:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

There's a nice similarity in the names Let-It-Ride and Ryder. I'm still not totally convinced about who you actually are...LOL.

Oh, and no I don't play LIR, the odd's just aren't that great....LOL
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ryder



Joined: 05 Feb 2006
Posts: 222

PostPosted: Apr Mon 10, 2006 5:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I could have just said

Thanks for posting, I really enjoy reading these
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ErininSD



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 265

PostPosted: Apr Tue 11, 2006 5:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Now that would have been too boring. I enjoyed your comments!

Erin Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Let-it-ride



Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 57

PostPosted: Apr Thu 13, 2006 1:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ErininSD wrote:
There's a nice similarity in the names Let-It-Ride and Ryder. I'm still not totally convinced about who you actually are...LOL.

Oh, and no I don't play LIR, the odd's just aren't that great....LOL



LMAO @ that.

You don't play LIR???

Your loss. Very Happy Embarassed
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Let-it-ride



Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 57

PostPosted: Apr Thu 13, 2006 1:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

btw...

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy reading these.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ErininSD



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 265

PostPosted: Apr Thu 13, 2006 2:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well I do play LIR every once in awhile...LMAO, just not in the casino.

And thanks for your nice comments. I will be sure to write a TR after every trip, just for your enjoyment!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
john
Site Admin


Joined: 17 Dec 2005
Posts: 1181

PostPosted: Apr Thu 13, 2006 4:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ErininSD wrote:
Well I do play LIR every once in awhile...LMAO, just not in the casino.

Oooooooh, you dirty. PM me for my phone number.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Ryder



Joined: 05 Feb 2006
Posts: 222

PostPosted: Apr Thu 13, 2006 5:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

John, I believe ErinSD would like to be the new VisitReno cover girl!!!!!

Move over Jamie!!!!!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ErininSD



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 265

PostPosted: Apr Thu 13, 2006 8:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

No, I don't want to be the new cover girl. I couldn't take all the criticism's...LOL

I do have a little coquettish side to me John...rrrrooowwwrrr.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Let-it-ride



Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 57

PostPosted: Apr Fri 14, 2006 9:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ErininSD wrote:
Well I do play LIR every once in awhile...LMAO, just not in the casino.


LMAO @ that.

Embarassed
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Visitreno Forum Index -> Trip Reports All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group