Mike Hennessey

Dateline Dayton – Chapter two of our recent weeklong Western vacation to Nevada and Arizona:

By Thursday, we were on our way back to Las Vegas after visiting with friends in Arizona. Following any pit stops we could make, the Hoover Dam Casino was our first real stop.

We had been to this casino on a previous Vegas trip, but it wasn’t named the Hoover Dam Casino. We did our usual, $20. This time we left with a little extra.

Upon arriving at our hotel, we learned that we would be required to pay $20 extra each day in addition to our room rate. A “resort fee” entitles you to two bottles of water and internet service.

I told the clerk no thanks. I didn’t want the water and I didn’t have my computer because it is much too large to carry. I didn’t have a choice, she said. The $10 of bottled water didn’t taste any better than the water you purchase anywhere else for much less. It probably didn’t taste any better due to the $20, which was actually $22.40 with taxes plus the bad taste in my mouth. The bottle did, however, have a picture on the hotel/casino on it.

In the evening we drove over to Mirage, had supper and attended the Terry Fator show. Terry is the ventriloquist who won one of the early America’s Got Talent contests. His show was well worth seeing. We were supposed to see the Blue Man Group, but their show was canceled.

Early Friday morning we were at the Four Queens, for the release of their $300 Halloween Strike. For 30 regular $10 Strikes, you can trade for a special $300 Strike. I already had my 30 strikes from a visit last January. While I waited in line, Pauline played the Silver Strike machine near where I was standing. She was smiling, and I believe she really enjoyed playing.

Strike While You Are Hot

After receiving my Strike, we had breakfast at the Four Queens and walked over to the El Cortez, where I cashed in a few Strikes left from that casino.

We returned to the Mirage and their Silver Strike Machine, which Pauline had played with some success. Since they have two machines and both were open, we both played. Pauline fared better. From the Mirage we crossed the street to the Venetian, where we had little luck. Friday evening we ate Hennessey’s, on Fremont Street at Las Vegas Boulevard. We were disappointed in the food and service.

After breakfast Saturday at our hotel, we drove to Sam’s. I had a few Silver Strikes to cash in from their casino. Pauline played the Silver Strike Machine there, won two additional Strikes and was $40 ahead. I cashed in the Strikes and she proceeded to another machine. In late afternoon we went to Treasure Island for dinner and a great show. When we got back to our hotel we were going to walk Fremont Street since it was Halloween. Too crowded. We went back to our room.

Sunday we were on our way home after a terrific week.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net