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Crystal Bay and Reno, 03/11-03/14
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Mar Mon 17, 2008 2:16 pm    Post subject: Crystal Bay and Reno, 03/11-03/14 Reply with quote

Got to do the Crystal Bay-side trip thing this time, as our company has an office in the area, so this was a little warm-up to the Reno action.

I have always been fascinated by Crystal Bay, and its funky stateline casino-hotels; the blend of '50's and '60's-era development with modern gaming and such makes for a unique visitor experience.

In the past, I've stayed at the Cal-Neva, and since it had been a few years since my last visit, I thought I'd try out the Biltmore (this was primarily because when I called Cal-Neva to make a reservation, they weren't answering their own toll-free reservation line - it rang for a long time, then a message came on, saying to call back later or something. By contrast, the Biltmore people picked up right away!)

Later, a colleague at our local office told me that the Cal-Neva has been going downhill for a long time, and they're now openly looking for a buyer, and they also have asbestos issues, and God knows what else - this would explain the lack of enthusiasm in answering their own phone. However, their casino turned out to be functioning just fine, and ready to take patrons' money - which I'll get to.

So on Tuesday I set out, and conditions were not 100% clear, but very nice just the same - plennnnnty of snow on display up in the majestic Sierras, and I will be damn sure to never again rent the kind of car I wound up with - it was one of those models that looks a little bit like a 1930's gangster car, which was sort of cool, except that the visibility behind the wheel absolutely sucks. When you're taking in one of the greatest mountain ranges in the Western United States, you want to see a huge, gorgeous panoramic view, not a piddling, grudging, limited-range peek! Plus, my neck hurt terribly when I got back, allowing me to blame the seats, and add them to my list of woes.

Well, maybe I should have tried adjusting them a bit more, but I maintain that this type of car is far more fun to look at than it is to drive.

In any case, got to Crystal Bay a little after three. Check-in was smooth, and there didn't seem to be too many other guests. My room was somewhat rinky-dink, and didn't face the lake, although few rooms in the building seem to have such a luxury, anyway - the trick is to not book the "Lodge" or "Cabins", or whatever they call them, as these seem to be the equivalent of the Atlantis's Motor-Lodge building, which they seem to imply is the equal of the main building, which is clearly not the case. Same deal at the Biltmore; just read the travelocity reviews to see how popular these rooms are!

One nice thing was that they had free wireless, which worked very well; this turned out to be far better than what awaited me in Reno.

But of course, the Internet wasn't the thing to be doing, so after a brief rest, I ventured out, and stopped at the Biltmore restaurant for an early dinner - this was their coffee shop; I can't remember the name, but it's contrasted with some fancier-looking joint on the premises that apparently fulfills the role of steak house - didn't seem to be open, anyway; I suspect that Tuesday is one of their "Dark" days.

Meal was unremarkable; the open-face hot turkey sandwich I ordered was of the cheesier quality of turkey, and didn't even come with the usual plastic cup of cranberry sauce. The waitress appeared to have just arrived from the Ukraine or some such place, and her English was veeery limited. No biggie, though I was a bit annoyed that the computer that allows you to charge your meal to the room was "Down", and so I had to pay separately - also, not a big deal, but it makes reimbursements more annoying, and I thus did not tip. I probably would have done so had the guy not been so very unsympathetic!

I next signed up for the Biltmore's gaming club, whatever they called it - new members get ten bucks free play, woo-hoo! Unfortunately, the ten bucks went pretty quick - but hey, it was free. Surprisingly enough, the table games had five-dollar minimum blackjack - I was kind of expecting a three-dollar minimum, though I guess I don't really have a good argument why. Anyway, I'd planned to save my table gaming for the "Real" Cal-Neva in Reno, and didn't bother with this.

Played a couple of hands of electronic Blackjack on one of those dopey multi-player machines that has a big video screen with a female "Dealer" wearing a low-cut dress - what a loser! Tied maybe one hand out of four, lost the rest, supporting my general impression that automated Blackjack is to be avoided.

Next, I headed out to see how the ol' Crystal Bay Cal-Neva was holding up, and it was pretty much as I'd remembered it: fairly empty, a general sense that the glory days had long passed - and some gaming. Somehow blew ten bucks on a silly carnival-based slot which played that "Celebration" song - a somewhat enjoyable repast, but one which didn't last. Oh, well!

Onward: strolled out and back to the main drag - sorry, I've forgotten the names of these other establishments, but I checked out both the other casinos - nothing terribly memorable, and since I was down for the night on the balance sheet, I wasn't terribly motivated to start a new project. Besides, it was almost time for "American Idol" - yes, I became a viewer this season, and plus, Nevada notwithstanding, they were going to do the Lennon-McCartney songbook show, and who could possibly want to miss that? All right, don't answer that.

Here's where things became a tad surreal: at 2:25 a.m. - I remember the time very well, because I checked it first thing on awakening - I was roused out of a sound sleep by an angry voice outside somewhere - sounded as though he was on the main drag there, or in the Biltmore parking lot; it was hard to tell - but the guy was arguing with one or more persons, and screaming - and cursing - at the top of his lungs. You could hear others trying to reason with the guy - I guess - but he just kept screaming. I've lived in the Bronx, and I don't think I've heard an angrier voice in my life. Because I was only half-awake, I just couldn't be bothered to call the police - which is what I'm now certain I should have done - 'cuz that dude seemed only moments away from causing harm to others. But my grogginess won out, and eventually, the guy either calmed down or went away. A small incident, but it meant that Crystal Bay now had acquired an irrevocably creepy flavor.

Finally, morning arrived, and I had to bid Crystal Bay good-bye, and get on with my business. How I yearn for another pleasure trip!

After business was done, it was time to head to the big Kahuna, otherwise known as Reno. Conditions were still nice enough, though clouds were gathering.

Got to the Silver Legacy a little after three, which is check-in time, expecting to see a huge line - but there was no one waiting. My trips are just frequent enough to warrant "Sterling Class", which is largely meaningless, except that you get those little coupon books which seem to have largely disappeared elsewhere in Reno, and I dig those.

Had a snack at the Silver Legacy coffee shop, which has been gussied up and made more expensive for the same old grub. Nothing memorable, particularly.

Decided to take it easy for the night in the knowledge that my Sands $25 free play awaited me, so after just a little walkabout time, I hit the room for the night (and to see the American Idol eliminations - yes, I now not only watch, but am hooked).

So the next night, the big fun awaited: my twenty-five dollar free play coupon from the Sands, which I'd carefully printed out and brought with me. I hadn't been into Sands in a really long time, and the changes were notable. I used to enter the Sands from where Mel's is now, but that whole end is taken up by the Diner, so you have to walk to one of the older entrances. The decor is all different, of course, thought it was the same ol' mix of tables and machines. I went to the club area and picked up my card, which was loaded up with my twenty-five dollars of free play.

To make a long story, short, I cashed out with fifty bucks. (Details: http://visitreno.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=675)

In sum, a smashing good time. I left with my forty-nine dollars profit,and headed for Cal-Neva, ready for some table action.

Found a double-deck game on an empty table, which seemed good enough. I like a single deck game - who doesn't? - but at this point in my life, I'm more with LVBear on the wish to play against the dealer by myself - it just cuts out so much of the fluff.

Interesting session! Since the rules were loose - double on any two cards, split any pair - there were several opportunities to use those odd bets which come up every now and then, like doubling a soft 17 or 18 against a dealer five or six up-card - and almost every time, these bets won! The exception was the ONE time I split a pair of aces, and NEITHER ONE received a face card! But I was splitting some funky pairs, and they were working - the problem was that so many of the other hands were just pitiful - sixteens, dealer twenty-one, and blah, blah - so after an hour or so, I was right back where I started. Oh, well, I had my fun!

Cashed out a dollar down. Made my rounds, played a slot here and there, won a few bucks, lost a few, had a few free drinks. Loving life!

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and thus it did this time, as well. Got up Friday morning and asked about the summit at route 80 - well, it was snowing already, and I had resisted the urge to rent a four-wheel drive (our company isn't doing THAT well), so I clearly needed to hit the road.

Odd footnote in the hotel: returning to pack and leave, the door to my room wouldn't open - and it wasn't because of the lock, the light blinked green, and the latch slid - but something else was in the way - it took a couple of pleas for help before anyone would believe me that it REALLY WASN'T THE CARD - but the real-deal locksmith guy showed up after not too long, and managed to get it open.

Outta there! Hit the road, and managed to make it through the trouble spots before any chain requirements were invoked - and it was gorgeous! Most folks around here refer to such driving as "White-Knuckle", but I've driven through my share of REAL storms back in the NorthEast, so I found it more pretty than challenging.

Well, can't wait to get back to the area, and especially to come prepared with one of those Sands free play coupons!

Thanks, Reno! Thanks, VisitReno.com! Thanks, VisitReno.com message board and its members!
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hawk



Joined: 17 Dec 2005
Posts: 508

PostPosted: Mar Mon 17, 2008 4:57 pm    Post subject: Stan, Stan, so many thanks... Reply with quote

And, also a thank you for the entertaining report. You turn a nice phrase.
BTW, did you see Erin anywhere during the trip? She seems to be missing.
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CaSwede



Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 866

PostPosted: Mar Mon 17, 2008 7:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I enjoyed reading your report- especially about the Crystal Bay part. I have been going very often to the Biltmore due to their generous offers, but the new owner took over a few months ago, and not a single offer anymore. A friend told me they went through and lowered all the vp paytables, and no longer give out the free breakfast with a room stay. Is that true? No more free breakfast coupons? Did you notice if the upstairs bar is still there? I heard they were putting in a sandwich shop??? The story goes they are throwing out all the old time good customer gamblers---going family friendly, and have doubled the room rates. They are going to cut the casino in about 1/2-- Strange. If you don't mind me asking...what was your room rate at the Biltmore? I am not sure I will be back. Sad

The other casinos in the mix are the Crystal Bay Club, and the little place- Nugget. The Crystal Bay Club brings in some great live entertainment. I hope you caught one of their free concerts. The Biltmore used to to do the same, but I guess those days are over. The name of the nicer diing room is Conrads. I used to get $75 dining credits monthly for that place. They put out some nice food.

The Cal Neva Club is about to fold. They laid off about 1/2 of the work force, and the story is they have no dining available anymore. Did you notice that...is that true?
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jerry



Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 759

PostPosted: Mar Mon 17, 2008 9:30 pm    Post subject: stan you are an interesting man Reply with quote

Buddy, you can squeeze a dollar better than I can. Funny stories.
I was sure, while reading the story of your room lockout, that security was going to push the door and find a dead body behind it. Smile

Or, another option is that Erin could have been behind it holding it closed.
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RenoLady



Joined: 23 Feb 2006
Posts: 316

PostPosted: Mar Tue 18, 2008 7:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the report! You're a "frugal" player like myself, so it's nice to walk the walk with you.

R and I used to stay at the Biltmore, but like Baldini's of the past, they took the specials and good deals away AFTER they were doing very well with them, choosing to invest their profits back into the joint by making it a "nicer" place (read: remodel, take out specials, raise prices). Of course this doesn't work, they lose their niche market and aren't good enough to compete with the truly nice places!

Gotta try the Sands promo offer on the next trip, but will wait until just a couple of days out in case our window to cash in is short.
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jerry



Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 759

PostPosted: Mar Tue 18, 2008 11:07 am    Post subject: what I think Reply with quote

I believe the Sands is LIKELY giving those without a slot card a much longer time window to cash in than they do those of us who already have slot cards.
Like every other casino on the planet (or so it seems) they cater to locals. I think they need to offer more incentives to those of us from out of town, not within a few minutes commute.
When I go to Reno, I generally lose. But I go when I am given extra incentives to go. Casino marketers are not very smart by and large.
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Mar Tue 18, 2008 11:51 am    Post subject: crystal bay Reply with quote

Bingo on the Sands card; it's for new registrants; I'll be interested to see just what comes up now that I have an "Actual" card. I'm sure it will be far less impressive.

Great follow-up questions; let's see what I can pull out of my memory banks:

- I paid sixty-something for my Biltmore room, and after tax, I think it was a little over seventy. This was in the main hotel building, as I mentioned, and not the "Cabins", which don't seem to have a good reputation with anyone.

-I distantly remember hearing of that breakfast coupon at the Biltmore, and now that I'm back, I realize that I saw no such thing while I was there; it was neither mentioned nor offered, so I'd have to assume it's gone.

-I didn't make a note of the VP paytables, though I suspect they were less-than-full.

-The upstairs area still has a nice bar-lounge-fireplace scene, though it was poorly attended, as might be expected. The only patrons in there at the time were a couple who'd dumped their kid at the little game room off the lobby so they could indulge in adult libations. It is always odd to hear a mother explain to her young child that "We'll be at the bar" - how could a little kid possibly comprehend all the ramifications of such a statement??

-The Cal-Neva certainly had that death-throes feel; the restaurant at the back had set tables with glistening white linen, but the whole shebang was totally non-operational - I'd hasten to guess that it will never open again under the present ownership. Just remembered that I forgot to try my "Cal-Neva" club card to see if it was the same place, but I suspect that the two establishments share the name only.

-There didn't seem to be any musical act at the place across the street that night, though it did seem to be the place to go for such a thing. The local entertainment newspaper listed upcoming acts, including an all-girl Zeppelin cover band - now, that I'd be interested in seeing.

In sum, I'd be hard-pressed to actually "Recommend" the Biltmore - and Crystal Bay in general for anyone other than anthropologists like myself. For us, it's fascinatingly rich; for most others, horrendously depressing!

Thanks again, all!

p.s. - "Crystal Bay" can be rearranged to spell, "Cry Last Bay", which somehow seems more appropriate.
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CaSwede



Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 866

PostPosted: Mar Tue 18, 2008 1:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Stan for the follow up answers. Room rates at the Biltmore were going for $39/night during the week and also included breakfast. I guess your $69/night is still not a bad rate considering the real estate in the area. I have stayed in the cabins, and they are not that bad. I also had a "lake" view several times, and it really was not much of a view.

I don't think I will be in a hurry to return...."Cry Last Bay" sounds appropriate.
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Mar Tue 18, 2008 1:32 pm    Post subject: The Audacity of Bilt...and pocket change you can believe in! Reply with quote

Feh - if they are EVER offering a $39 rate, it should have been while I was there - it was a Tuesday, fer cryin' out loud!

So now I can't help feel a bit gypped - good thing this was corporate travel!

And no, Crystal Bay doesn't have much of a "Lake" view at all!

Nope, not much to recommend here, except for those of us who like time travel.

That reminds me, whatever happened to all those artifacts and pictures that graced the now-dismantled Fitzgerald's walkway in Reno? There was some terrific stuff in there...
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Mar Wed 19, 2008 4:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great trip report Stan, and it's good you came out ahead and left with a little profit.

That's something about the Biltmore. You know, in all my trips to Tahoe, I've never been on the North shore casinos. That might be an interesting trip down the road.

DUMB question: Is the Crystal Bay Cal-Neva owned by the same people that own the one in Reno?

Good to hear you got most of your drive out of the way before the "chain requirements" kicked up. It's been kind of crazy around here, you can't get out of the driveway without 'em, but then when you get on the main road, everyone is like "what the hell is he doing driving with chains?" LOL

Mammothgambler
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Mar Wed 19, 2008 4:45 pm    Post subject: Cal-NeveronSunday Reply with quote

Thanks, Mammoth - I'd definitely recommend the North shore, at least once in one's lifetime - but I, too, wanted primarily to know if there was any connection between the Crystal Bay Cal-Neva and the Reno one, and failed to find out.

However, if the Internet has done anything, it's given us resources:

Calnevaresort.com is the Lake Tahoe one, which apparently was once "Owned by Frank Sinatra".

Clubcalneva.com belongs to the one in Reno, and neither site appears to mention the other establishment.

In any case, check out Crystal Bay, but don't expect luxury!
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Mar Wed 19, 2008 5:49 pm    Post subject: Ol Blue Eyes and Nevada Casinos Reply with quote

Oh ya....Sinatra had "...an interest..." in Tahoe's Cal Neva. Frank Jr. was supossedly "kidnapped" there.

Oh....so much more.


"For Sinatra, the Cal-Neva Lodge was cursed. After a heated spat with Ava Gardner there in 1951, Sinatra took an overdose of sleeping pills. He later denied that he had tried to kill himself, but in 1985 George Jacobs, Sinatra’s longtime valet, told Kitty Kelley: ''Thank God, I was there to save him. Miss G was the love of his life, and if he couldn’t have her, he didn’t want to live no more.'' Gardner would become Sinatra’s second of four wives; he later would marry Mia Farrow and Barbara Marx. His three children, Nancy Jr., Frank Jr. and Tina were born to his first wife."

http://crimemagazine.com/sinatra.htm
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CaSwede



Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 866

PostPosted: Mar Wed 19, 2008 6:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Cal-Neva at Lake Tahoe has different owners than Club Cal Neva in Reno. No relationship at all.

If you have not walked through the Tahoe Cal Neva, it is very interesting to look around. They have a neat bar straight ahead from the entrance with a beautiful ceiling piece. Also, the meeting room with the California- Nevada state line drawn right down the middle of the fireplace and through the room itself.

You got to check out the showroom. It looks just like it did in 1960-- a real time warp. Along the walkway, the autographed pictures of the stars of the day that performed there. They were the top names in entertainment when Sinatra owned it. The picture of Marilyn Monroe is interesting too. Is this the place she and John Kennedy got together? Oh if the walls could talk in this place.
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Mar Wed 19, 2008 7:24 pm    Post subject: thanks Reply with quote

Thanks for the info everyone. When I first started going to Tahoe, now I do recall reading somewhere about how the Cal-Neva was Sinatra's place. The meeting room with the divider line sounds very interesting, almost like that one corner of the Harrahs' Tahoe poker room that's on the California side...last time I looked they had a little sign in there pointing it out.

And let's not forget the Horizon on the South Shore...that was Elvis's old place supposedly back when it was the Sahara Tahoe. They even named a suite after him there, it has a pool table, hot tub, everything!

Mammothgambler
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remano



Joined: 20 Dec 2005
Posts: 717

PostPosted: Mar Thu 20, 2008 8:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

....And the swimming pool also straddles the state line, so you can swim from one state to another in a matter of seconds.

I've also heard the rumors about JFK an MM. Guest cabins were connected to the casino by tunnels, which allowed for a lot of hidden getting around. I recall a "Haunted Nevada" program in which ghost hunters claimed to have seen Marilyn's ghost walking the tunnels and said they recorded her voice when they filtered out the worldly noise with special filters.
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