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Way off topic of Reno - Wendover NV
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PrincessaMyron



Joined: 29 Aug 2009
Posts: 41

PostPosted: Apr Tue 19, 2011 9:10 am    Post subject: Way off topic of Reno - Wendover NV Reply with quote

Ok, hubby and I got a cheapie flight/hotel deal to Wendover, NV - anyone ever been or does anyone have any ideas on what the heck to do there in the gambling arena? We're both VP players and we're staying at the Monteo Bay, if that helps!

Sorry to intrude but since I post some here, I hoped ya'll could help!

Thanks- lauren from TX
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Apr Tue 19, 2011 5:08 pm    Post subject: Stopover in Wendover! Reply with quote

For some reason, I found myself wasting an hour or two of my life looking at the street-level Google Maps rendition of Wendover - I was trying to pretend I was in a rental car having a look 'round at all the local choices.

Works great, up to the point where you want to actually enter a parking lot!

So, no, I have nothing to contribute, but I will be watching with extra anticipation for your trip report when you get back!

Go get 'em, and have fun!
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BoldtsWagon



Joined: 17 Dec 2005
Posts: 14

PostPosted: Apr Tue 19, 2011 5:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My wife and I decided to try the cheapo trip in May, also at Montego Bay. Decided on Montego Bay after using the Google street-level maps. Appears a grocery store is across the street to the east (to buy bottled water and mix for the room) and a competitor's casino is across the street to the south (connected by an over-road walkway). The other two Peppermill choices have nothing in close walking distance except a truck stop and the stripper bar across the road from the truck stop.
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PrincessaMyron



Joined: 29 Aug 2009
Posts: 41

PostPosted: Apr Tue 19, 2011 11:45 pm    Post subject: When in May? Reply with quote

heya, when in May are you going? We arrive on 5/17 and leave on 5/20 - maybe we can meet up for a drink?

We're doing the Spa at MB and hopefully a nice dinner - I'm getting worried the closer it gets as I think the whole town may be a dump, eh?

Thanks - lauren
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BoldtsWagon



Joined: 17 Dec 2005
Posts: 14

PostPosted: Apr Wed 20, 2011 12:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

We must be on your planes turn around. Go down May 21, come back May 24. Leave some chips there for us.
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DuckMan



Joined: 17 Dec 2005
Posts: 29
Location: Oregon

PostPosted: Apr Thu 21, 2011 9:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's a link to the archives from a few years ago, where I wrote about Wendover in depth. Nothing much has changed. We go a couple of times a year. Cheap gambling, cheap food, easy comps, not much else to do. Enjoy!

http://www.renolocals.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=298&highlight=wendover&sid=8dbff8858bb23f86651197223d56c47d
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PrincessaMyron



Joined: 29 Aug 2009
Posts: 41

PostPosted: Apr Thu 21, 2011 2:05 pm    Post subject: Thanks DuckMan Reply with quote

Great link to the old post! Good info and it looks like if we plan to gamble, eat, drink, nap and do the spa, we'll have covered everything we COULD do!

Will report back when we return!

Will leave a few chips for the late May visitors!

lauren
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Apr Thu 21, 2011 4:11 pm    Post subject: Wendover sport Reply with quote

Two other sports if you need a break from the tables:

1. As I recall, there's a western history center or museum mostly about the Immigrant trail.


and MY favorite:

2. Spotting and grading the gambling Mormons. Being near to Utah, some pretty strict brethern that would never drink coffee, have no problem playing the slots. Some try to hide, some no longer care. Look at the frame for the glasses...it's a dead givaway.
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PrincessaMyron



Joined: 29 Aug 2009
Posts: 41

PostPosted: Apr Fri 22, 2011 4:25 am    Post subject: Gambling Mormons? Reply with quote

Bahaha funny as my husband and I are watching the series from HBO called 'Big Love' - about polygamists/Mormons and the like.

What are the signs we should look for? I would love to impress my hubby by winning that game, when we play it out there!

Thanks- lauren
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NandJfrmNJ



Joined: 25 Mar 2006
Posts: 33
Location: NJ

PostPosted: Apr Fri 22, 2011 9:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Last year we took a trip to Yellowstone in Sept. We flew out of Salt Lake. Since we arrived in SL a day early on the way back we decided to drive over from SL. It is a very easy, but boring drive across the salt flats. We enjoyed the stay in Wendover but it is not a place to spend much more than a night or so. Peppermill has three casinos Rainbow, Peppermill & Montego Bay. When you get inside you'll have a hard time telling one from the other. Very similar in style to the Peppermill in Reno and the Peppermill restaurant in Las Vegas. Comps are very good, and since we went there we started to get offers for Peppermill in Reno. So next Tues we will be staying at Peppermill in Reno on 2 comped nights.
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PrincessaMyron



Joined: 29 Aug 2009
Posts: 41

PostPosted: May Sat 21, 2011 7:12 pm    Post subject: Trip Report from Wendover, NV Reply with quote

This promises to be the single-most dis-jointed trip report in all of history, for which I apologize now!

Background (This is the TOTAL of our involvement with ANY Peppermill property):

Hubby and I stayed one night at the Peppermill in Reno, NV in 2009, before we journeyed to Burning Man. Played some VP but we're not big gamblers.

In 2010 they sent us a deal for cheap 2-night stay w/a slot tourney, so we decided to stay again for 3 nights in May to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. For some reason, they upgraded us to 'Gold' passport members - certainly NOT based on our prior one night gambling play!

This trip:
I received a letter in the mail from the Peppermill Wendover, NV a few months ago and it offered a trip for 2 people, airfare on Allegiant (a charter from Dallas Love Field) and 3 nights accommodations at any of the Peppermill properties in Wendover, NV. Total price was $89 per person, plus another $10 each if you wanted to 'upgrade' to the Montego Bay Hotel (the only one with a spa), which we did.

Two of our friends booked the same trip, for $189 each plus the $10 Montego Bay upcharge. You can find out info on future trips at www.wendoverfun.com if you're so inclined.

You have to call 24-48 hours prior to departure to confirm your airline counter and departure time. We were flying Allegiant (who just got the contract for a 3-year gig with the Peppermill properties) and were scheduled to leave at 540pm on Tuesday. Off to the airport we go, parking in the Parking Spot, which offers nearby parking with a very prompt shuttle to the airport.

We checked in around 415pm and we were almost the last people to check in. The seats are pre-assigned -hubby and I scored the exit row and our two friends were separated, despite booking at the same time, hrmmmm.

I was VERY surprised at the demographics on this trip - I am 47, hubby is 27 and our two friends are almost 30...besides us and two other younger guys, the average age was probably 65-70 years old! Just never thought about who'd be going, but I mistakenly assumed it'd be a younger crowd! It was a flash-forward for me and I"m happy to see I'll still be a crazy gambler in 20 years! LOL

Flight takes off on time and we had a choice of cheese crackers or peanuts I think. Drinks (beer, wine, spirits) are only $4.00 each and if you order a mixed drink they give you the can of soda - otherwise, you have to ask for it!

We played a game where we all guessed the weight of the plane (including people, stuff and fuel) at takeoff and they gave away prizes of free buffets, etc. Nice time waster and everyone clapped for the winners.
My friend won one, so that was an added bonus.

When we arrived in Wendover, it was a single gate, stand-alone building. We deplaned via a walkway (think gangplank) in the front or via stairs in the back. We were in 25, so off the back we came - I don't think in all of my years of flying, I've ever actually deplaned out of the back end! Cool!

We were shuffled right out the front door, onto a waiting bus. There's one bus for each hotel, so you just get on the one you need and in about 15 minutes, you're at the front door.

Scenery is just the salt flats and I noticed a Subway (right across the street from MB), a Burger King and a McDonalds and I heard a rumor they have a Pizza Hut but I don't remember seeing it. They have a liquor store by the Red Garter Hotel/Casino, but it's NOT within walking distance and they have no cabs. They also sell liquor in the gift shop at the MB. Smokes are $8.00 a pack either at the gas station across the street or in the gift shop, so skip the walk unless you like a big hill!

We paid $120 (per couple) to upgrade to the pool-side Jacuzzi suite and I am SO glad we did - it was great!

Your luggage is taken directly to the room for you, slated to arrive within 3 hours, so keep with you any medicine, $$, etc if you need it before then.

Our room had nice entry, so-so closet, big bathroom with steam shower (with a bench) and large vanity with 2 sinks. Great water pressure and hubby loved the steam shower.

Main room has Jacuzzi tub (nicely adorned with bath items, towels, etc), King bed, flat-screen TV, small table and 2 chairs. Sliding glass door to a small patio with a table and two chairs and a gate that leads to the poolside walkway - VERY convenient if it's summer. Was really cold/rainy, so we didn't use the pool, but if we go back, we'd do this again.

Room was clean, neat, housekeeping checked with us on a sleep-in day just to make sure we didn't need anything.

Our room was MILES from the elevator, so keep that in mind if you want pool-side. Pool and spa are on the 3rd floor.

Went to the Spa for a massage and it was WONDERFUL! They have a whole page of services in their brochure that's not listed online, so be sure to ask about their scrubs and hydrotherapy - had we known, we would have done those as well.

Paradise Cafe (open 24-hours with limited menu after about 11pm) was just as you'd expect. My friend had a burnt burger, but my croissant sandwich was outstanding! The hostess/manager lady was curt and brusk, but everyone else was pleasant.

Buffet was so-so, just as you'd expect. No real standouts except the salad bar and the meatloaf - I guess I'm a comfort food girl! Waitress kept us supplied with drinks and was also pleasant.

I highly recommend venturing over to the Rainbow steakhouse - we had Gus as our server and he was top-notch, as was the food. Steaks were perfect, salads came with chilled salad forks, and they had a decent wine list with affordable choices. We had a 'buy one get one free' coupon, which made it VERY affordable; however, even at the menu prices, we would all return.

Heard alot about the surly staff; however, with the exception of two people, found everyone to be amazing. Waitress Julia and bartender Sal were very customer service oriented, as was pit boss Shane. Really made a difference when we felt appreciated as customers! We were tipping about $5 per round (for 2-4 drinks) and really thought the service was slightly slower than Vegas, which is slower than that in Reno!

Overall, good hotel, average dining choices and typical gambling. They had $3 and $5 blackjack, single-deck, which was what we played mostly. I actually won about $100 on $10/hand Pai-Gow and even scored a $125 bonus for four Aces - WOohooo!

Our return flight left Wendover, NV at 9am, so we had to take our bags to the 2nd floor, got our return boarding passes, then had to board the bus at 745am. They have the Enola Gay Cafe at the airport, where you can buy pre-made sandwiches and microwaveable breakfast sandwiches before your flight, along with sodas, juice, and cheesy souvenirs! When we looked at the departure and arrival times, it said departing at 9am, arriving to Dallas at 155pm - seems they have to 'schedule' a stop in Amarillo for fuel as they typically have to stop. Because we left so early (by design of Allegiant) and it was chilly, we were able to skip that stop because we had enough gas to keep going - score! Boarding was quick, flight took off on time and we arrived around 1230pm in Dallas. Bag claim was quick and we headed back to our cars in no time.

Gambling wise, the VP was 8/5 JOB at the bar, but we did find some 9/6 slant-tops by the bathrooms. The bill accepting devices are SO old our $ and tickets kept getting stuck when we tried to put it in, which resulted in a 10-15 minute wait for a slot person to come rescue us. We did manage to go from 'Purple' to 'Bronze' Passport card members in 2 days, but my hubby was playing $ slots and winning, so that helped! Probably wouldn't have made it up a level had it been normal gambling. We, of course, left without our $$ but that's always what we plan for these type trips, so c'est la vie!

The very best part of this whole adventure, besides going with hubby and two great friends, is that the Friday before we left, I received an email advising that 'since I was such a VIP to them', they would LOVE to have me visit for FREE! I called the reservations people and she said 'yep, we'll refund the original $199' which was done and hit my AX card prior to our even leaving! WOOHOO

Would definitely do this again for free - most likely even for $89 and MAYBE for $189 if we had the $$ to do some serious gambling! If you have any questions, please ask!

Hope this helps anyone who's looking for info on this very under publicized gambling destination. The history of Wendover, NV includes being a WWII Air Corps training base (that housed the B-29 bomber/Enola Gay crew, along with about 10,000 other people training to serve). The movies Con-Air and Independence Day were also filmed, in part, in Wendover - cool huh?

Thanks for reading this novel!
lauren in TX
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LilyJDragonfly



Joined: 03 Mar 2009
Posts: 425

PostPosted: May Sat 21, 2011 7:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the detailed heads-up about Wendover! I get the flight offers from Harrah's Laughlin a few times a year and wonder if it's a similarly remote place...
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DuckMan



Joined: 17 Dec 2005
Posts: 29
Location: Oregon

PostPosted: May Sat 21, 2011 8:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the trip report! Very informative. Sounds like a great trip and free flight to boot, you can't beat that.

We really enjoy our quick trips to Wendover 2-3 times each year. You can't beat the cheap (or even free sometimes!) flights. Great low stakes tables and machines and cocktails for a couple of days of degenerate drambling. Love the 2-5 spread limit live poker too.
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Zydeco



Joined: 03 Sep 2008
Posts: 302

PostPosted: May Sun 22, 2011 7:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Many thanks! My brother and his wife are heading to Wendover on one of the trips and I will send this to them today. Very helpful!
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CaSwede



Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 866

PostPosted: May Sun 22, 2011 8:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great report and timing. I booked a Wendover trip next month! I tried to book the Montego Bay (where I have stayed before), but they said sold out and they booked me at the Peppermill. Did you check out that casino? The "sold out" deal is bogus, as the on line reservations shows plenty of rooms in all categories.

So, what is the weight of the plane? I want to win those drawings? What other questions do they ask?

How did you get that two for one coupon for the steak house?

Did you see any place to pick up some fast type of food in the casinos? I like to just buy a quick sandwich or hot dog for lunch. I just cannot eat three restaurant type meals in one day.

Thanks for the report and any other information you can think of would be great.
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