Vegas trip. Venetian/Palazzo and Red Rock

[bodyforlife]

I'm at the airport on the way back to Austin.

My wife and I just completed a weekend stay at the Palazzo. I can't say I very much enjoyed the "new normal". It was interesting to note the differences between the two chains. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being you're comfortable meeting up with an anonymous stranger at a bar and going on a date, and 10 being you're only comfortable in your own residence with a Hazmat suit on), I'd say I'm about a 3. If you're in the 7 and up range, I would suggest not stepping foot into the Venetian or Palazzo (the Venetian being the worst of the two). People in that range will feel much more comfortable at Red Rock.

Friday night was definitely challenging. With a 6 player limit at the craps table, I had to wait about 30 minutes to play. I played 2 hours at the Venetian and found it challenging to breath with the mask on. Later I went over to the Palazzo. After a little wait, I played for an hour and then the pit boss said he had to close the table, leaving the 6 of us with nowhere to go as the other craps tables were full. I said fuck it and went to bed.

The Venetian clean program that is touted is an absolute joke. I'd say on average, at least 1 for every 6 people were not complying with the rules. Some were walking around playing machines with no masks, many were pretending with the masks not covering their noses, and others were pretending to drink so they could keep their masks down (they'd take a fake sip every 30 seconds). Security wasn't stopping anyone. Some pit bosses did try to enforce the rules, But others apparently didn't buy into their program at all and couldn't care less if anyone wasn't complying. And social distancing was non-existent. On Saturday they had women posted in different lobby areas around the casino with "Venetian Clean" shirts on. I assume they were there to enforce policies, but with no security in sight, they didn't stand a chance as people just ignored them.

More tomorrow. ..taking off soon.

 

[Willie99]

How about the crowds?, the vibe?

 

[REDEYE]

passing thru there with a layover tommorrow on way to Dallas.. curious to see how it looks

 

[rush__man]

passing thru there with a layover tommorrow on way to Dallas.. curious to see how it looks

if you see one of those freaks handing out pamphlets punch them for me ok?

 

[REDEYE]

if you see one of those freaks handing out pamphlets punch them for me ok?

lol... sure no problem

 

[bodyforlife]

continued...

The thing that was the most bothersome at the Sands properties was the lack of enforcement of their rules. The bottom line is no one likes these new policies. But it's annoying when you're doing what they ask and you can visibly see so many people skirting their rules and no one doing a thing about it. As mentioned, some of the pit bosses had already checked out and it was obvious their security force felt overwhelmed (understandable) and were simply over it. The other thing I noticed was the Venetian in particular, did nothing about their configuration. Prior to this pandemic, I typically limited my play to the Palazzo as it has a more comfortable feel to it as the layout is much more spacious with games and machines nicely spread out. The Venetian has always felt cluttered, with very small aisles making it challenging to walk when it's crowded. So admittedly, I was surprised that they hadn't done a thing to move out some of their machines. Add to that the morons that think they're invincible with their masks on, and it felt like walking in Times Square in New York (not exactly a great feel if you're concerned about distancing).

So after the first night, I'm realizing wearing that mask all day in the casino is not going to work for me. I see a guy with a face shield on that looks like he's wearing a set of glasses. I immediately approach him to ask a few questions. He tells me the casino is fine with it, it's comfortable, and he can breath perfectly. I'm thinking that's my answer and I drive out to this indoor Flea Market on Decatur to buy one. The guy at the store has me put it on and tells me to take off my mask. He says "now you can breathe my friend". I smile and pay him his $7. That thing was worth it's weight in gold. Apparently they sell them at Sam's club for $4 if you decide you want to get one. If you don't customarily wear a mask in your neck of the woods, this is definitely the way to go if you are planning on spending hours gambling in Vegas.

So I get back to the Palazzo and boy what a difference. Played a couple of hours of craps, smooth sailing and much more enjoyable. At one point, I went to a Pai Gow table and this one older Asian dealer gets upsets and tells me the face shield is not enough and says I have to put on a mask. She calls the pit boss over to complain about me, telling him it's not enough coverage because if I cough or sneeze, it doesn't cover me up like a mask. The pit boss tells her it's fine and that it's better than a mask because it's not porous. She's completely pissed and is just angry having to deal the cards to me. Btw, a variety of the top Epidemiologists in the country completely agree with what the pit boss was saying, but in usual fashion the CDC claims there's not enough evidence (complete bullshit) and will only recommend a mask (no surprise there).

Now on to Red Rock. A very nice casino well off from the strip, but one my wife and I enjoy. Table limits are lower, it's a relaxed feel, and machines and tables are nicely spread out giving it a spacious feel. But as mentioned, for those that are completely freaked out about this virus and want a place to feel comfortable, the Gestapo at this place will make sure about that. I play for a little bit there and everything's fine. After ordering a drink, I try to take a sip under the shield and the Pit boss tells me I need to step away from the table if I want a drink. So I apologize and play a little more. I take a step back to have my drink (easily 6 feet away) and the pit boss comes back and says she appreciates me getting up from the table but I need to be even further away. I apologize again and step back about 12 feet and she says "that's great, thanks". Later, I go back to another Pai Gow table and get the same complaint from another dealer similar to the one at the Venetian. This time the pit boss agrees and gives me a mask to wear under the shield. He says he feels the shield should be good enough but their rules call for the mask. She also had everyone at the table hold out their hands so she could put sanitizer on them so we can clean our hands in front of her. So clearly some inconsistencies, but if anyone complains, you will be wearing a mask if you want to play. I got up after a few minutes and went to the sportsbook to bet on some horses as they weren't hassling me.

Willie asked earlier what the vibe was like. I would say subdued compared to what most people would encounter on a trip to Vegas. There were a few clowns at the craps table trying to whoop it up. These were the type of guys like the the ones at the sportsbook that had a $10 wager on a game and run up to the front to do a dance after they win a bet (we've all experienced one of those). In general, most were quiet without a lot of emotion other than the occasional clapping. Honestly, most have a mask on so you simply don't see emotions. You don't see people smile or swear (no one could really hear me drop an F bomb on Friday night under that mask when the table wasn't going great). Conversations are limited for the same reasons (you feel muffled and many are just trying to comfortably breathe). Other than the people looking to cheat and use a drink as a prop, the cocktail waitresses were not getting a lot of business. That whole dropping down of the mask, having a sip, and pulling it back up, just isn't a lot of fun. Really about the only time I felt a little more relaxed was when we were having a meal and we could take the gear off when we got to our table. Bars were also closed down (including sportsbook).

My wife and I tend to get congested after a couple of days in Vegas, so she was a little over it by day 3 (she stuck with the mask and didn't get the face shield). Btw, Frontier Airlines were fine with the face shield on the way home, which made the plan ride nicer.

I didn't go out to the pool as it was 114 degrees. Same rules there, face mask until you get to your chair. I also didn't bother with the gym as they also required the mask (last thing I'm going to try to do is exercise with one of those on).

There was no problem at all requesting a late checkout at 1 with the limited business. As a matter of fact, starting next week, the Palazzo is closing the hotel on the weekdays (casino and mall shops will remain open).

I have to say, I had been anticipating this trip for weeks and couldn't wait to roll dem bones! But after this experience, I may cancel my September trip for the blackjack tournament. I just can't say it was all that enjoyable even for a degenerate like me. At this point, I'm just waiting for the NBA to start up so I can wager on something I have a fighting chance of winning (I'm just giving money away betting on horses).

 

[soli]

continued...


I have to say, I had been anticipating this trip for weeks and couldn't wait to roll dem bones! But after this experience, I may cancel my September trip for the blackjack tournament. I just can't say it was all that enjoyable even for a degenerate like me. At this point, I'm just waiting for the NBA to start up so I can wager on something I have a fighting chance of winning (I'm just giving money away betting on horses).

My exact feelings...:toast:

 

[Mobdeeper7239]

Interesting, I can still breathe in my mask perfectly fine. You must have preexisting health conditions.

 

[bodyforlife]

Guys,

Can I ask you all a favor to not reply to the Useful Idiot in his attempt to sidetrack yet another thread? I'm interested in any and all information on the different Vegas hotels and casinos so we can be helpful to each other for those of us that do want to visit and have a vacation (which is what this write up is intended to do). Let's focus on the positive.

 

[Dave007inVegas]

Thanks for the info Tim. I haven't been in a casino since I cashed me SB ticket and
after reading your review I won't be in one until FB season starts and then it will
get in, bet and then get out.

My go to Casino (Fiesta Station on Lake Mead) isn't open so it's going to be either
GVR or Sunset.

I've got a friend who deals at Paris and he tells me these virus regs are a real pain
in the ass. They're employee lounge/cafeteria used to have couches and lounge chairs
to sit on when on brake now they're all gone. Just tables to eat at and there are people
that bring him his food where before it was a self serve.

I get the feeling that like you, people who are used to Vegas the way it was are going to
say fuck it I'll spend my money someplace else.

 

[DoublePlayBall]

I have COPD, plus allergies and wearing a mask for 15 minutes is fine, but after 20 to minutes are so it does start to bother me... Per doc's orders I have tried to walk 40 minutes 4 days a week.. Now with the malls open but stores not open there are lots of walkers...I do 20 minutes if I can and then step outside to blow my nose and try to get a break before doing the last 20 minutes. It's really disheartening to see seniors at this hour not wearing a mask.. For those under 40, i consider the source.

 

[bigbet1234]

Thanks for the update. Sounds miserable. I canceled my trip there in June. Went to Yellowstone instead.

Was thinking about a August trip, but probably not. Shits crazy

continued...

The thing that was the most bothersome at the Sands properties was the lack of enforcement of their rules. The bottom line is no one likes these new policies. But it's annoying when you're doing what they ask and you can visibly see so many people skirting their rules and no one doing a thing about it. As mentioned, some of the pit bosses had already checked out and it was obvious their security force felt overwhelmed (understandable) and were simply over it. The other thing I noticed was the Venetian in particular, did nothing about their configuration. Prior to this pandemic, I typically limited my play to the Palazzo as it has a more comfortable feel to it as the layout is much more spacious with games and machines nicely spread out. The Venetian has always felt cluttered, with very small aisles making it challenging to walk when it's crowded. So admittedly, I was surprised that they hadn't done a thing to move out some of their machines. Add to that the morons that think they're invincible with their masks on, and it felt like walking in Times Square in New York (not exactly a great feel if you're concerned about distancing).

So after the first night, I'm realizing wearing that mask all day in the casino is not going to work for me. I see a guy with a face shield on that looks like he's wearing a set of glasses. I immediately approach him to ask a few questions. He tells me the casino is fine with it, it's comfortable, and he can breath perfectly. I'm thinking that's my answer and I drive out to this indoor Flea Market on Decatur to buy one. The guy at the store has me put it on and tells me to take off my mask. He says "now you can breathe my friend". I smile and pay him his $7. That thing was worth it's weight in gold. Apparently they sell them at Sam's club for $4 if you decide you want to get one. If you don't customarily wear a mask in your neck of the woods, this is definitely the way to go if you are planning on spending hours gambling in Vegas.

So I get back to the Palazzo and boy what a difference. Played a couple of hours of craps, smooth sailing and much more enjoyable. At one point, I went to a Pai Gow table and this one older Asian dealer gets upsets and tells me the face shield is not enough and says I have to put on a mask. She calls the pit boss over to complain about me, telling him it's not enough coverage because if I cough or sneeze, it doesn't cover me up like a mask. The pit boss tells her it's fine and that it's better than a mask because it's not porous. She's completely pissed and is just angry having to deal the cards to me. Btw, a variety of the top Epidemiologists in the country completely agree with what the pit boss was saying, but in usual fashion the CDC claims there's not enough evidence (complete bullshit) and will only recommend a mask (no surprise there).

Now on to Red Rock. A very nice casino well off from the strip, but one my wife and I enjoy. Table limits are lower, it's a relaxed feel, and machines and tables are nicely spread out giving it a spacious feel. But as mentioned, for those that are completely freaked out about this virus and want a place to feel comfortable, the Gestapo at this place will make sure about that. I play for a little bit there and everything's fine. After ordering a drink, I try to take a sip under the shield and the Pit boss tells me I need to step away from the table if I want a drink. So I apologize and play a little more. I take a step back to have my drink (easily 6 feet away) and the pit boss comes back and says she appreciates me getting up from the table but I need to be even further away. I apologize again and step back about 12 feet and she says "that's great, thanks". Later, I go back to another Pai Gow table and get the same complaint from another dealer similar to the one at the Venetian. This time the pit boss agrees and gives me a mask to wear under the shield. He says he feels the shield should be good enough but their rules call for the mask. She also had everyone at the table hold out their hands so she could put sanitizer on them so we can clean our hands in front of her. So clearly some inconsistencies, but if anyone complains, you will be wearing a mask if you want to play. I got up after a few minutes and went to the sportsbook to bet on some horses as they weren't hassling me.

Willie asked earlier what the vibe was like. I would say subdued compared to what most people would encounter on a trip to Vegas. There were a few clowns at the craps table trying to whoop it up. These were the type of guys like the the ones at the sportsbook that had a $10 wager on a game and run up to the front to do a dance after they win a bet (we've all experienced one of those). In general, most were quiet without a lot of emotion other than the occasional clapping. Honestly, most have a mask on so you simply don't see emotions. You don't see people smile or swear (no one could really hear me drop an F bomb on Friday night under that mask when the table wasn't going great). Conversations are limited for the same reasons (you feel muffled and many are just trying to comfortably breathe). Other than the people looking to cheat and use a drink as a prop, the cocktail waitresses were not getting a lot of business. That whole dropping down of the mask, having a sip, and pulling it back up, just isn't a lot of fun. Really about the only time I felt a little more relaxed was when we were having a meal and we could take the gear off when we got to our table. Bars were also closed down (including sportsbook).

My wife and I tend to get congested after a couple of days in Vegas, so she was a little over it by day 3 (she stuck with the mask and didn't get the face shield). Btw, Frontier Airlines were fine with the face shield on the way home, which made the plan ride nicer.

I didn't go out to the pool as it was 114 degrees. Same rules there, face mask until you get to your chair. I also didn't bother with the gym as they also required the mask (last thing I'm going to try to do is exercise with one of those on).

There was no problem at all requesting a late checkout at 1 with the limited business. As a matter of fact, starting next week, the Palazzo is closing the hotel on the weekdays (casino and mall shops will remain open).

I have to say, I had been anticipating this trip for weeks and couldn't wait to roll dem bones! But after this experience, I may cancel my September trip for the blackjack tournament. I just can't say it was all that enjoyable even for a degenerate like me. At this point, I'm just waiting for the NBA to start up so I can wager on something I have a fighting chance of winning (I'm just giving money away betting on horses).

 

[DoublePlayBall]

Guys,

Can I ask you all a favor to not reply to the Useful Idiot in his attempt to sidetrack yet another thread? I'm interested in any and all information on the different Vegas hotels and casinos so we can be helpful to each other for those of us that do want to visit and have a vacation (which is what this write up is intended to do). Let's focus on the positive.

Sorry, I missed your post here..And I agree with you.

 

[bodyforlife]

Sorry, I missed your post here..And I agree with you.

No worries at all DP. There was nothing wrong with your posts and I certainly wasn't referring to you. I was merely referring to post #8.

I'm hoping Zit will give us all a write-up of his Lake Tahoe trip when he returns.

 

[REDEYE]

Back at LV airport on way to Dallas. I got to tell you , Vegas has a long ways to go to get back the vibe needed here. Been running around here and this mask issue seems to be alot bigger annoyance than anywhere else where you need to wear one.. Tough to even get a drink in a few of these casinos with bars closed..

Good chance I cancel August trip if things don't improve here.