BACK AT BALLY’S FOR A SECTIONAL
This hotel is a far cry from the quaint Riviera where the size is miniscule compared to this hotel (except for the Riviera’s convention facilities which are terrific). Everything else is downsized at the Riviera (to our liking). Here was our experience after checking in late afternoon yesterday.
Because of my walking problem, I always request a room as close to the elevator as possible. Our accommodating desk clerk acquiesced, saying it was the fifth room when we alit from the lift, but neglected to add we had to walk two long corridors and pass through a lounge (at least a city block long in all) to arrive at our destination. The room was elegant — twice the size of a normal room with an ante room with closets and counters PLUS a huge bathroom. It has three telephones (even one in the bathroom). Is that class, I ask you? However, soon as I could, I called down and arranged for a scooter or I wouldn’t reach the playing room till after the start of the game. After unpacking, we then returned to the main floor and played “Blackjack Switch” a fascinating version of the game, played by very few as there was only one Switch table and a variety of about twenty others.
We enjoyed a nice dinner at the exotic Thai Seascape and after rising late this morning we were in for a shock. At 9:10 we arrived at the only breakfast place open to find a line of about forty-people and were told nothing else was available but Room Service. We were not about to miss a meal, heaven forbid, so I scooted back to the room and ordered from the menu. DON’T ASK. Tomorrow we will be up at seven!
Subscribe to our feed
Bridge-related
What’s the attendance like?
Monday had several pairs sections but the teams were not as good. Yesterday (Tuesday), the room seemed much more crowded.
The place is immense and I hear you could not get valet parking but had to self-park which was a royal pain. We’ll see what today brings.
Today is Day #4 of the LV sectional and I have had more activity here in a short period of time than the whole 19 days in the magnificent, legendary surroundings of Veldhoven, Holland. The team schedule is 1 p.m., 7 p.m. and if you get lucky you are up at the crack of dawn for the 9 a.m. finals.
The first day we got creamed by locals in the second session and they went on to win the event. Next day we won the first round again and we lost the second session by 3 IMPS even though we beat Mike Passell, Gary Hayden and two beautiful clients earlier. Yesterday we finally had our day in the sun, besting the young wizard, Justin Lall and Co. by one IMP and beat the same Passell Team to make the 9 a.m. final.
After playing, eating, Blackjack Switch (and more Blackjack Switch), I feel like a zombie here at 6:45 a.m. I didn’t wait around to see our draw for the finals but we’ll soon find out what is in store for today. Just another day in the life of a bridge addict.
Well, we eventually won the final match (against Fred Hamilton & Co.), a thrilling victory. We decided to take the rest of the day off from bridge (playing BJ Switch) and going to Joe’s Seafood place tonight for dinner. Then we’ll play tomorrow on a Swiss Team with our victorious partnership of today, Carol Stewart and Paul Ivaska.
Enough bridge for this old timer since you have to get up with the chickens and be in your seats at 9 a.m. Not good to get
old — but as Norman always said “the alternative is worse!”
Last night after taking a break from the non-stop bridge, we mozied over to Joe”s Seafood and Steak House (more known for their incredible stone crabs)at Caesar’s to use a hefty gift certificate Bobby received for his birthday. (Thank you Robin). We could not get a reservation till 9:00. The rooms were overflowing but we were seated immediately.
Best meal we ever had — but more impressive was you’d never know we had a recession. Downtown Vegas (the Strip) is mobbed while the casinos out our way in a suburb named Summerlin is quiet and not crowded. We note a big difference in the mobs from when we first moved there six years ago as compared with 2011.
But you”d never know the country had economical problems at Caesar’s (or Bally’s where we stayed)!!!!
Last day of the tourney. Lots of fun and excitement (never a dull moment) but looking forward to returning to a more relaxed style of living.
I had no problems using valet each morning, but Thursday and Friday after the game was a long wait to get my car out of valet, about 30 minutes each time. Tuesday and Wed was only about ten minutes. Although I like Bally’s as a host site for the tournament, there are some issues there as well. I think the Nosh snack bar, although convenient to the playing site, is quite slow with service and it is crowded, sometimes too crowded to wait in line for food. I brought my own lunch from home and decided that was easier since there is only an hour between the morning and afternoon games. I did not play at night, but imagine the closeness to the many other selections for meals was great for those wanting a nice meal in the evening. I understand the rooms are very nice but I did not stay at the hotel. It is easier for me to get to the Riv, but Bally’s is so much nicer. The sectional was fun and I am glad we have such nice tournaments here in Vegas.
One suggestion, If all you need from the Nosh Snack Bar is a team Coffee run, It is quicker to buy the coffee at the bar and the service is far quicker.
Now you tell me!!!
My sweet and lovely wife, Jean and I attended the sectional and we like Bally’s much better than the Riviera. While we are mobile we enjoy the increased action there and at other casinos within a short distance. We stayed at the Imperial Palace, about a 15 minute walk to the playing site. Paris, Flamingo, and Bill’s are even closer. Over 1000 tables were in attendance, which is great for a 4 1/2 day sectional. We will be back. We had coupons for a few places in Bally’s; Nathans, Haagen Daaz – easy to get online. Total Rewards players card gave us discounts at some of the restaurants, too. You can get a card and do not have to gamble, but when you show it, all purchases you make go toward building future comps.
Steve:
Happy you had such a terrific time and all the walking and hustle did not bother you. Sounds like you got lots of bargains too. Unfortunately, for us (though we gave them plenty of action at the Blackjack Switch Tables both at Bally’s and Paris) nothing showed up on our cards. Some system?
However, I stlll like the Riviera better –just call me an old-fashioned girl.
Judy