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WINNING IN LAS VEGAS . . . BUT NOT AT THE TABLES

Winning in Las Vegas . . . But NOT at the Tables

By Carol Ann

In the spring my hubby Jim and I visited Harrah’s in Laughlin, NV. I played the nickel slots and he played Texas Holdem’ (a poker table game).

After we returned home, we decided to check what credits we earned by using our Players’ Club cards. You use your card whenever you gamble or purchase anything and it gives you credit towards future rewards, like discounted room rates or FREE for the “high-rollers.”

Jim checked the price they would charge him for a room in Harrah’s, Las Vegas, for 4 days in September. According to his play, the rate was $40 a day, each day for a total of $160, plus tax. Although I didn’t play much, I suggested that he enter my ID number to see the rate they would charge me. To my surprise they offered me a rate of $40 for the first night and comped the other 3 nights. The total cost for the 4-night stay in Las Vegas would be $40 plus $4 tax. Obviously I am NOT a high-roller, playing with nickels, but times are tough, even in Vegas. It works for me . . . so we booked it.

Then he said that we would be leaving Las Vegas on Thursday, so we could stop at Laughlin overnight and it would make the return trip shorter. We checked the room rate on my card and again it was FREE for a river-front room. We booked it too.

We left Sunday morning on Grandparent’s Day. It was a sunny morning and we stopped in Wikieup

for a pit stop. A few miles down the road our engine made a horrible noise and it sounded like something flew off the engine. We retraced our drive for about one mile, but didn’t see anything on the road. Then sadly we realized our air conditioning no longer worked. It blew air, but it was hot.

We drove across Hoover Dam and witnessed the ongoing construction of a new bridge

to help divert traffic away from the dam. Since 9/11 many new plans to safeguard our country’s treasures have been implemented. We smiled at the lovely statues

guarding this one. We just were praying that we didn’t breakdown on the dam. We kept a close eye on the temperature gauge.

We made it to Harrah’s in Las Vegas in timely manner and while waiting to check-in, two marketing ladies offered us free tickets to see Rita Rudner. That was the one show that I absolutely wanted to see during our stay, but the tickets would cost over $100. I was willing to stand in one of those lines that offer half-price tickets, but now we were offered a better deal . . . FREE. In the past, Jim would not have been willing to sit through a two-hour presentation in return for tickets for a show; but he knew how much I really wanted to see Rita and he agreed. Not only did we get the tickets for free, but they gave us four FREE buffet dinners.

Because we arrived a little early, a room with a king-size bed, wasn’t ready yet. We took a room with two queen-size beds, but it turned out to be a blessing. The room was much bigger with a refrigerator, safe, etc. and was the closest room to the elevator.

Once in our room we called the local Honda dealer and explained our predicament. They told us to come right over. They checked our car and told us that the air conditioning condenser blew. The mechanic suggested that we replace the entire system, because when it blew, it blew off debris and in a month or two we would experience problems with other parts of the system. The bad news . . . it would cost approximately $3,300. The good news . . . when Jim and I hit-the-road, he decided we would have limited funds for repairs and decided to buy the extended warranty. That’s right . . . we were totally covered. We didn’t have to pay a penny to replace the whole A/C system and they gave us a loner car for the day it took to make the repairs.

That night we enjoyed one of our FREE delicious buffets and then laughed uncontrollably at the Rita Rudner Show.

The next day we picked up our freshly washed and repaired car and we didn’t miss a beat. Jim and I enjoyed the meals at Harrah’s, but we had a certificate for a discount at the buffet at the Flamingo, only two doors away. We enjoyed a lovely brunch and the best Belgian waffles I have ever eaten. Then we strolled through the gardens

watching the flaming pink flamingoes,

ducks and fish. We stopped at the area where they held wedding ceremonies,

and felt blessed to be there and still be together and in love after 46 years of marriage.

We returned to Harrah’s where Jim played in a Texas Holdem’ Tournament and I played some slots, so we would be invited back at incredible rates.

Our stay in Las Vegas flew by and then we drove to the Harrah’s in Laughlin, NV. This time Jim cashed in a tournament, but not enough to cover our prior gambling donations.

The views at Laughlin were lovely because of the Colorado River

and numerous blooming flowers

throughout the grounds. We returned home on Friday, to rest up from our vacation.

The first thing everyone asks when you go to Vegas is, “Did you WIN?” We did WIN, but not at the tables. We stayed in two outstanding resorts for 5 days for $44 total. We got 4 FREE buffets and 2 FREE show tickets and we had repairs on our Honda completed, worth $3,300 for FREE too. Best of All, we had a wonderful time together. Yes, we WON in Las Vegas . . . but not at the tables.

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jc2gether63 says:

Hi Angel,
Las Vegas can be a fun city. My three sons and grandchildren live in NJ, TX and PA. I just retired so having the budget go alot further and enjoy the trip too is a BIG WIN! Of course being able to share it with the one you still LOVE is the BEST.

Hope you make it back to share more fun too.
Have a Great Day!
Carol :-)

Posted: October 22, 2009 11:54AM EDT

56angel says:

So happy for both of you! You did hit the jackpot between free nights, buffets,
extended warranty and more perks to come from the points you added to your card.
A few years ago, my husband and I visitied Vegas twice a year and stayed at Sam's
Town as is children lived in No. Vegas area. We were given more free nights and
buffets due to the points we earned by playng in their casino and my husband & I always played poker slots. I love hearing stories like this and hope someday to
return to visit. All his children are now living on the East coast near us.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Felice ( :- )

Posted: October 22, 2009 10:42AM EDT