Mr. & Mrs Piker stayed and played at Monte Carlo. Great rate, $39/night, $25 resort credit. As a low roller, (I am The Piker) I have always enjoyed the relaxed 2/4 game at the MC. I know that this game is torture to most AVP'ers, but I do not have the stomach or roll for no limit poker.
My first 3 sessions at MC, (12-15 hours total) a virtual cash wash, but with drinks and restaurant credits, + EV. The staff at the MC poker room are great. Desk, and dealers are friendly, and efficient, getting games going, keeping games going, and keeping the atmosphere pleasant. Nice to be treated so well as a low stakes player.
After reading about Hash House a Go Go, we had to have dinner there. Exactly as I read here. Very good! Fried chicken waffle and crispy pork tenderloin were delicious! Just a bit odd for such a place in the IP.
Tuesday 11AM, I played at the Mirage $60 tourney. My first time at Mirage poker. Tables, chairs and cocktails average at best. Dealers bored and kinda crabby, but maybe due to having to deal a low stakes tourney.
Tourney had 22 runners, I kept my head down for the first couple of levels, was able to take a couple of pots without a showdown. After the first break, I called an all-in and my KK held against QQ and I had a top 3 stack with about 15 players left. Went to final table, still about top 5. Cards went cold, with blinds at 1K/2K I shoved with K7s, l had flush and straight alive for river, but villain spiked a Q for top pair and I was out in fifth, with top 3 getting paid. I believe I played well, outlasted a couple of hoodie/shades wearin' poker DBs and played for over 3 hours.
Played a 2/4 session at PHo, and I really didn't like the room. Distracted management, bland dealers, slow cocktails and a lousy room location. 2 hours, also just about break even.
I played only at MC for the rest of the trip. Last sessions went poor, Nut flush losing to full house, flopped 2 pairs losing to rivered sets and other such events. Lost $30 and $60 my last 2 sessions. so no money made this trip. Down about $150, which is my biggest loss for trip since I stopped playing BJ and switched to poker.
We did spend some time in Aria, really beautiful, low key themed decor. Played some machines with my wife, while I usually avoid the machines, the nice new shiny machines are fun and cocktail service was great. Had dinner at the Aria buffet and was quite enjoyable. Might replace the Mirage buffet as my favorite ayce.
A fun, relaxed trip, back to micro stakes at Poker Stars until next time.