It was a decent morning, so Bob and I decided to have a quick breakfast at the McDonald's in the hotel and head to the pool.
It's an Egg McMuffin, just like you can get at home!
Around 8:30, we got to the pool area. We were originally the only ones at the hot tub, but we were joined by a couple pretty much as soon as we got in.
A view of the North Tower from the hot tub.
The first photo is another view from the hot tub. The jets weren't on, and after we got out, I finally found the control, but it wasn't working. We did test out the temperature of the pool, and it was warm. I remember a few years ago one could access the pool area from the North Tower, but the signs in the North Tower elevators indicated you needed to access the pool from the South Tower. We investigated this, and it seems the closed the North Tower exit to an emergency exit only.
On the way back, I was wondering if one could access the North Tower elevators from the ballroom level, and therefore not have to go through the casino, and this is true. Plus, they apparently have a few games in the hallway, if you want some private gaming. . .
I imagine the drink service isn't too good. . .
Check out time is 11:00 AM, so Bob and I got packed up and headed down to the lobby. I checked out via the kiosk, and there were no charges, not even the resort fee, so I was happy with that.
Bob checked his bag at the bell desk and I took my luggage to the car. Since it was check out time, there was a long line for the parking garage elevators. I was only on the second floor, so I decided to take the stairs. For some reason, the door to the stairs is locked on the outside, but fortunately (and apparently) someone jammed some rocks in the door jam and it just pulled open. There was still a short line when I came back down, so I saved quite a bit of time.
We were hanging out at the sports bar, watching football and figuring out what to do the rest of the day. I was moving to Four Queens, so I wanted to check in there and put in some play. I was also planning on seeing Jeff Dunham at Caesars Palace, since he was in town, but the 7:00 PM show would mean that the guys would have to find their way to the airport. I decided I didn't have to go to the show, and told the guys I'd take them to the airport.
Bob brought a sports coat, and didn't want to pack it, so that led to this interesting fashion statement:
Bob stylin' and profilin'
We headed down to Whiskey Liquor Up at Binion's for lunch, I still had a fair amount of comps to use at the property. I had just eaten there in July/August and enjoyed my meals there.
They have a good beer selection here!
The Swiss/Mushroom Burger, very tasty!
We ran up quite a bill, which I paid with comps. We had a coupon for a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree, and John asked if it was good for the Wagon Train sampler. The waitress said yes, so we got that (a $23 value!).
We went our separate ways, but said we'd get back together for a goodbye smoke, which I suggested Chicago Brewing Company.
I had to go back to Plaza to get the car and drive "all the way" down to Four Queens. Check in went pretty quickly and I was in my room (1049) around 5:00 PM. I forgot to ask about the fun book (I got two from two prior trips), but did remember to ask for the Magnolia's line pass (which I ended up not using, but better to have it than not have it, right?).
So, one thing about room 1049 (and every room on that side) is that it faces Fremont Street. Not only that, the room is on the end of the hall, and therefore closest to the stage:
Not for people who want quiet nights!
Also, the room is right next to the fire escape, so if you wanted the unfiltered sound of the stage, you can always go outside:
No (window) filter. . .
The room was fine (refrigerator, coffee maker), although this shower had a curtain (the last time mine had a glass door). Also, the sink didn't have a traditional stopper:
I'm not even sure there is a stopper. . .
I got almost two hours of play in when a little before 7, I got a text from John saying he was ready for smokes. I told him to meet me at Chicago Brewing Company. I forgot that there was Sunday Night Football, but we were still able to get some seats. I told our server that we were there celebrating our friend's retirement from the Government, and he said he would comp his first drink. I also used a 2-1 coupon, so the drink total was only $19.50! He was nice enough to take a group photo of us:
The poker guys! (well, those that made it). . .
There are about half as many that came on the last trip in 2015 (but we didn't make it here that trip), and the first trip in 2005, but it was still an enjoyable trip.
It was time to get the guys to the airport, and we thought there might be heavier traffic since the Raiders were home playing the Chiefs. I picked up the guys from Plaza and we got to the airport in no time. I dropped them off and bid them farewell.
On the way back, I decided to make a stop at Eureka to play some full-pay Multi-Stike video poker. The group went there in Aug and had good luck, but my bad video poker luck continued here. If I knew I wasn't going to be able to get food at my next stop, I would have eaten at Fat Choy, but I was heading to Starboard Tack, since it's just down the road, and wanted their fried chicken fried rice.
I got there a little after 10, and the bartender told me the kitchen closed at 10. Nuts. I told him I was really looking forward to the friend chicken fried rice and he said he was sorry and that he would comp the Starboard Taquiri that I ordered. Well, that was a nice consolation.
The comped Starboard Taquiri!
I didn't want to get a free drink and run, so I "had" to order another:
Distributors Old Fashioned!
I tipped on both drinks, which created a fraud alert from my credit card company, asking if I left a 45% tip! I headed back to Four Queens to finish up my play day. Things weren't going great, but wouldn't you know:
On another game, this would be very, very good. . .
It did give me a rare winning session though, I think today was my least losing day this trip!
I got back to my room with the band still playing on stage, but I still fell asleep pretty quickly. . .
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