Mirage Trip Report 4/16 - 4/19
April 8th, 2019 at 6:10:58 AM
permalink
Super excited to be headed back to Vegas next week for my first ever stay at The Mirage. Received a comped room as a MLife Member so anxious about using it (first time using a comped room).
My plan for the stay:
Arrive Tuesday late afternoon, gamble in The Mirage (craps, BJ, VP)
Wednesday - Morning poker tournament, hit the pool in the afternoon, a session or two of gambling at The Mirage (possibly lunch at In and Out), and then we are going downtown Wednesday night. Will eat at Nacho Daddy and gamble downtown, as well as listen to the bands on the stages
Thursday - Same as Wednesday during the day and then head to MB for the MJ ONE show. Probably hit NYNY after for some Guinness at Nine Fine Gentlemen
Friday - Hang at The Mirage and gamble, pool, etc until the red-eye back Friday night.
What kinds of things would the board like to know about the trip?
Any insider tips to The Mirage or surrounding area (gambling, food, etc)?
My plan for the stay:
Arrive Tuesday late afternoon, gamble in The Mirage (craps, BJ, VP)
Wednesday - Morning poker tournament, hit the pool in the afternoon, a session or two of gambling at The Mirage (possibly lunch at In and Out), and then we are going downtown Wednesday night. Will eat at Nacho Daddy and gamble downtown, as well as listen to the bands on the stages
Thursday - Same as Wednesday during the day and then head to MB for the MJ ONE show. Probably hit NYNY after for some Guinness at Nine Fine Gentlemen
Friday - Hang at The Mirage and gamble, pool, etc until the red-eye back Friday night.
What kinds of things would the board like to know about the trip?
Any insider tips to The Mirage or surrounding area (gambling, food, etc)?
April 8th, 2019 at 7:00:03 AM
permalink
What the current selection of table games are and the status of 6/5 vs 3/2 blackjack.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 8th, 2019 at 7:10:23 AM
permalink
Mirage is all 6/5 below $25 these days.
They used to have a couple of S17 $25 tables, but I haven't seen those tables the last couple of times I've checked.
They used to have a couple of S17 $25 tables, but I haven't seen those tables the last couple of times I've checked.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
April 8th, 2019 at 8:09:03 AM
permalink
Quote: ams288Mirage is all 6/5 below $25 these days.
They used to have a couple of S17 $25 tables, but I haven't seen those tables the last couple of times I've checked.
Good Lord. The Strip was never all that welcoming to red chip players but, with the proliferation of 6/5 bj, casinos now spit in their faces and charge them to park for the privilege. Very sad.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
April 8th, 2019 at 3:39:00 PM
permalink
I used to like the sports book at the Mirage. But, I was disappointed when I went in March. The sports book has jacked up the price to earn a drink ticket now. They were telling us you had to bet $500 at the sports book to earn one. They used to allow you for around $150 even last March. The book was a ghost town in March. So, we went to Caesars. The Mirage is a nice location though. The Chipotle, McDonalds, Panda Express, and Walgreens are all across the street and very close. They seemed to have $15 PGP tables as long is it wasn't the weekend. I do remember the BJ being 6/5 unless you were playing for at least green chips. I've stayed in the rooms before so the OP should like them. The pool is nice as well.
April 8th, 2019 at 4:38:39 PM
permalink
They have a "European" style pool called BARE. A report with pictures would be appreciated.Quote: Wulfgar1224...The pool is nice as well.
I didn't think I would like the aquarium at the Mirage as much as I did. They have quite a variety of fish, even though the sharks are heavily promoted.
Do they still have swim up blackjack? I always wonder how you are supposed to buy in at those tables. They don't mind soggy money?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
April 8th, 2019 at 5:15:51 PM
permalink
I like telling my only mirage story. 2010 we go on honeymoon. They are in the middle of an big remodel. We get a nice suite for $120 a night because it was an remodeled room. However they finish the suite remodel before we get there so we get a brand new awesome suite.
Go to the pool all day and was checking out at 6am to drive to CA. We get back to the room around 7pm to get ready for the night and we come back to note on our door. Water will be shut off for 12 hours because they had to connect a new line or something. I was so mad. I couldn't believe that I got a shut off notice in a suite. Called down and they did not care at all. So we spent the next 26 hours smelling like chlorine and her hair was a mess. Next morning we had a hot air balloon ride and got pictures and her hair is terrible for a nice reminder. Did end up getting a free night.
Hope your water stays on.
Go to the pool all day and was checking out at 6am to drive to CA. We get back to the room around 7pm to get ready for the night and we come back to note on our door. Water will be shut off for 12 hours because they had to connect a new line or something. I was so mad. I couldn't believe that I got a shut off notice in a suite. Called down and they did not care at all. So we spent the next 26 hours smelling like chlorine and her hair was a mess. Next morning we had a hot air balloon ride and got pictures and her hair is terrible for a nice reminder. Did end up getting a free night.
Hope your water stays on.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
April 8th, 2019 at 6:13:04 PM
permalink
You should have gone to Reno.
April 8th, 2019 at 7:37:37 PM
permalink
Quote: VegasriderYou should have gone to Reno.
Or at least asked for free entrance to the spa.
April 9th, 2019 at 5:16:17 AM
permalink
Indeed!Quote: AyecarumbaThey have a "European" style pool called BARE. A report with pictures would be appreciated.
I thought the sharks were at Mandalay, and dolphins were at the Mirage.Quote:I didn't think I would like the aquarium at the Mirage as much as I did. They have quite a variety of fish, even though the sharks are heavily promoted.
Does the TI still have decent BJ? It might be worth the walk.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
April 9th, 2019 at 6:09:48 AM
permalink
Quote: JoemanIndeed!
I thought the sharks were at Mandalay, and dolphins were at the Mirage.
Does the TI still have decent BJ? It might be worth the walk.
Yeah mirage is just dolphins.
April 9th, 2019 at 6:30:07 AM
permalink
So I have a LOC at Excalibur. Does it transfer to any MLife properties in Vegas or do I need to fill out another LOC application for The Mirage?
April 9th, 2019 at 6:43:19 AM
permalink
Quote: JoemanDoes the TI still have decent BJ? It might be worth the walk.
Yes. Definitely worth the walk if you want good low limit BJ.
The Mirage-TI tram is broken and no one seems to know when it will get fixed.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
April 9th, 2019 at 8:26:53 AM
permalink
Quote: MrCoachRentzSo I have a LOC at Excalibur. Does it transfer to any MLife properties in Vegas or do I need to fill out another LOC application for The Mirage?
You usually need to fill one out for each property but give the Credit Manager a call at the Mirage. He may be able to work something out.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
April 9th, 2019 at 9:17:56 AM
permalink
Quote: Joeman...I thought the sharks were at Mandalay, and dolphins were at the Mirage...
Oops! My bad. Thanks for the correction.
I didn't want to pay what they were asking for to see the dolphins, so I don't know if it is a good show or not.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
April 9th, 2019 at 12:34:18 PM
permalink
I did it as a MyVegas freebie a few years ago. It was nice, but I don't think it would have been worth it if I had to pay full price.Quote: AyecarumbaI didn't want to pay what they were asking for to see the dolphins, so I don't know if it is a good show or not.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
April 17th, 2019 at 7:00:36 AM
permalink
So we arrived in Vegas last night without any incident which is always a good start!
Tried to use the MGM App to check in but it wasn't working, luckily there was no line at registration. Got a room on the 3rd floor, Queen Resort room, very nice.
Ate dinner at The Pantry last night, we were hungry and tired. Food was excellent. Priced $$. No one in my group complained even though service was a little slow.
My party isn't a big group of gamblers so we then walked over to Caesars to look around as well as take in a little of the Strip. The volcano show is much improved over the last time I've seen it which was many years ago!
All the tables were $10 minimum last night (Tuesday). I scouted for JOB VP, best I found was 1 9/5 machine. Many 7/5 machines. Didn't play any.
Brother in law wanted me to teach him craps, so, we sat down to Bubble Craps (which has a $5 min) and ended up playing for about 2 hours. Lost $50. Bar service was very slow, even though we tipped the waitress. OF course, she was old and walked pretty slow!
Plan for today is breakfast, maybe a little more craps, 11am poker tournament, In-n-Out lunch, then the pool for a while. Heading downtown this evening. Hit me with any questions!
Tried to use the MGM App to check in but it wasn't working, luckily there was no line at registration. Got a room on the 3rd floor, Queen Resort room, very nice.
Ate dinner at The Pantry last night, we were hungry and tired. Food was excellent. Priced $$. No one in my group complained even though service was a little slow.
My party isn't a big group of gamblers so we then walked over to Caesars to look around as well as take in a little of the Strip. The volcano show is much improved over the last time I've seen it which was many years ago!
All the tables were $10 minimum last night (Tuesday). I scouted for JOB VP, best I found was 1 9/5 machine. Many 7/5 machines. Didn't play any.
Brother in law wanted me to teach him craps, so, we sat down to Bubble Craps (which has a $5 min) and ended up playing for about 2 hours. Lost $50. Bar service was very slow, even though we tipped the waitress. OF course, she was old and walked pretty slow!
Plan for today is breakfast, maybe a little more craps, 11am poker tournament, In-n-Out lunch, then the pool for a while. Heading downtown this evening. Hit me with any questions!
April 18th, 2019 at 8:34:16 AM
permalink
Played a lot of the bubble craps at Mirage yesterday. Really enjoy playing because you can try some different strategies with very little $$ wagered since you don't have to hit minimums on place bets if you have a pass or don't pass bet.
Played in the morning $65 poker tournament and was bounced just outside the money, which sucked. The tournament was run just fine, but, was really slow. Had 25 players and took about 4 hours.
Went downtown for the evening and played $5 3/2 BJ at Station Casino. Double Deck. Had a great time and played for a couple of hours.
Did get the breakfast buffet at Mirage. They gave me a nice military discount (Pearl MLife) and the buffet was definitely worth it.
Hung out a little at the pool, very nice. However, the idea of saving chairs is something Mirage should discourage. They do it on cruise ships so not sure why Mirage lets people into the pool at 9am, put their stuff on a chair, and then leave for part of the day.
Today's plan is more of the same. This evening going to the Michael Jackson ONE show and then we're going to hang out at that part of the strip afterwards to gamble and party.
Played in the morning $65 poker tournament and was bounced just outside the money, which sucked. The tournament was run just fine, but, was really slow. Had 25 players and took about 4 hours.
Went downtown for the evening and played $5 3/2 BJ at Station Casino. Double Deck. Had a great time and played for a couple of hours.
Did get the breakfast buffet at Mirage. They gave me a nice military discount (Pearl MLife) and the buffet was definitely worth it.
Hung out a little at the pool, very nice. However, the idea of saving chairs is something Mirage should discourage. They do it on cruise ships so not sure why Mirage lets people into the pool at 9am, put their stuff on a chair, and then leave for part of the day.
Today's plan is more of the same. This evening going to the Michael Jackson ONE show and then we're going to hang out at that part of the strip afterwards to gamble and party.
April 18th, 2019 at 9:15:08 AM
permalink
You found a $5 double deck at stations casino? Are you talking about main street station casino??
April 18th, 2019 at 12:41:32 PM
permalink
Yeah it is annoying when people save chairs. I have no problem when people do it while they are in the area but coming down at 9 to put stuff on a chair and then go back to the room is wrong.
This shows the disrespect someone has for others in life
This shows the disrespect someone has for others in life
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
April 18th, 2019 at 7:56:06 PM
permalink
Quote: GialmereGood Lord. The Strip was never all that welcoming to red chip players but, with the proliferation of 6/5 bj, casinos now spit in their faces and charge them to park for the privilege. Very sad.
And that's why I've taken my business downtown to the GN for the last 4 years.
The best things in life are not free.
April 20th, 2019 at 5:05:14 AM
permalink
So finished up our last day yesterday. I played a TON of Bubble Craps only to find out all that play wasn't rated. I knew that it wouldn't accrue express comps but thought it would still work for rating.
I'm a veteran and the MLife Pearl active duty/veterans program discounts are really nice. My party of 4 got 40% off of the breakfast buffet every morning. Really nice.
We spent our last day mostly downtown. My mom went with us and it was her first time in Vegas and gambling, and, she got addicted to BJ so we decided to look for $5 3/2 tables. Went first to Casino Royale. How disappointing that place has become. No 3/2 BJ there and had $10 craps!
So we went back to Fremont to play.
Went into every casino on Fremont and none had $5 3/2 BJ. Only 6/5!
We ended up walking back to Main Street Station and played double deck $5 3/2 blackjack all day. Whole party won pretty nice. Played for about 3 hours or so before dinner, got dinner comped at the 777 Pub, and then came back and played for a few more hours. Had a great experience there, dealers were fun, and the casino staff was also welcoming.
They also have local craft beer on tap that is comped at the tables. The IPA was really good.
Overall a fun trip to Vegas. I didn't come home in the black but was only down about $200 for the trip. I would stay at The Mirage again.
I'm a veteran and the MLife Pearl active duty/veterans program discounts are really nice. My party of 4 got 40% off of the breakfast buffet every morning. Really nice.
We spent our last day mostly downtown. My mom went with us and it was her first time in Vegas and gambling, and, she got addicted to BJ so we decided to look for $5 3/2 tables. Went first to Casino Royale. How disappointing that place has become. No 3/2 BJ there and had $10 craps!
So we went back to Fremont to play.
Went into every casino on Fremont and none had $5 3/2 BJ. Only 6/5!
We ended up walking back to Main Street Station and played double deck $5 3/2 blackjack all day. Whole party won pretty nice. Played for about 3 hours or so before dinner, got dinner comped at the 777 Pub, and then came back and played for a few more hours. Had a great experience there, dealers were fun, and the casino staff was also welcoming.
They also have local craft beer on tap that is comped at the tables. The IPA was really good.
Overall a fun trip to Vegas. I didn't come home in the black but was only down about $200 for the trip. I would stay at The Mirage again.
April 20th, 2019 at 9:31:40 AM
permalink
That might be a good thing: those who are not winning their sports bets will be less likely to get sloshed.Quote: Wulfgar1224The sports book has jacked up the price to earn a drink ticket now.[
As an Out Of Towner, I would not be likely to eat at chain stores, but I might make an exception for Panda Express.Quote:The Chipotle, McDonalds, Panda Express, and Walgreens are all very close.
April 20th, 2019 at 9:39:10 AM
permalink
Quote: MrCoachRentzMy mom went with us and it was her first time in Vegas and gambling, and, she got addicted to BJ .
That escalated quickly
April 20th, 2019 at 9:52:48 AM
permalink
Veteran? Don't forget that Nellis Air Force base has a service for discounted show tickets. A bit of a cumbersome procedure, I hear, but if your hotel concierge won't comp you, try Nellis.
April 20th, 2019 at 10:14:24 AM
permalink
Caesar's Rewards has a Veteran card/program, too. Not sure how it differs from Mlife as far as benefits go. All I know is it grants you permanent Platinum status.
April 21st, 2019 at 2:57:54 PM
permalink
Well, I am glad you seemed to have a favorable opinion of the Mirage and didn't end up down too badly on the trip. I also find the gambling better downtown in terms of table limits and more favorable Blackjack games.
April 23rd, 2019 at 6:04:56 AM
permalink
I would definitely stay there again, especially in the warmer months for the pool. It was a nice stay.
Gambling on the strip for low rollers is just not very good. Bubble Craps is an exception to a degree, since it offers more opportunities to spread bets without a table minimum. Of course, the field bet only paid double on the 2 and 12. I didn't bet odds this time so not sure what the max odds are, probably 3/4/5.
The craps tables did offer the ATS bets, but, the T/S only paid 30 - 1 instead of the 35 - 1.
Gambling on the strip for low rollers is just not very good. Bubble Craps is an exception to a degree, since it offers more opportunities to spread bets without a table minimum. Of course, the field bet only paid double on the 2 and 12. I didn't bet odds this time so not sure what the max odds are, probably 3/4/5.
The craps tables did offer the ATS bets, but, the T/S only paid 30 - 1 instead of the 35 - 1.
April 23rd, 2019 at 6:52:33 AM
permalink
Quote: MrCoachRentz
Gambling on the strip for low rollers is just not very good
I would agree except for the Treasure Island. I think it still provides good enough 3/2 blackjack rules even on weekends for $10 min (and $5 mins during weekday mornings).
