Hotel Colorado Belle - Laughlin, Nevada You get what you pay for sometimes less. . . . .

I received a ‘Happy Birthday’ flyer in my mail offering three free nights at the Hotel Colorado Belle in Laughlin, Nevada. Since it is an easy five-hour drive from the homestead, it seemed like a no brainer.

My Laughlin, Nevada travel companions: Clete, Barbara and hubby Paul

Checking their website, I was informed that all the rooms very recently renovated. The room photos looked very inviting. Unfortunately, after a very efficient and friendly check-in facilitated by hotel staff member Mitsie, the room was more than a tad disappointing.

They could not accommodate our request for a room next to our travel companions as assured at the time of the reservation. I was greeted in the room by fingernail clippings on the night stand . . . not mine-yuck. Further, although we were in a non-smoking room . . . . I sampled a heavy smoke stench. When the husband went to use the toilet, he reported that something that appeared to be mold was floating in the bowl. The bottom of the shower also appeared adorned with a mold-like substance. 

Our dreary room at the - Hotel Colorado Belle - Laughlin, Nevada

The room decor was non-existent as was much of the dresser's hardware

Our bathroom was old and moldy

The view from our fourth floor room.

The room was dreary with no coffee maker, nor microwave or refrigerator. The room did offer “high speed wireless internet” at a charge of $9.99 for 24 hours of use. The Hotel Colorado Belle is definitely no frills lodging. On an encouraging note, the Valet Parking was free and the Bell Person delivered our luggage in a cheerful and decently prompt manner.

We spent our first night (Friday) gambling at the adjacent Edgewater Casino.  It is your typical smoky casino with an uncharacteristically industrious cocktail waitress. Further, after approximately three hours of vigorous slots gaming, my hubby and I were only down $3.00, which is an amazing win for us.

We chose CoCo’s in the Edgewater for dinner. For your convenience, it is open twenty-four hours per day. My picky hubby rated his breakfast for dinner at a respectable eight out of ten possible points. I ordered the Cod Dinner off of the “55” menu. It was well-presented with warm crisp vegetables and shoestring fries. I would give my meal a ten.

On the negative side, while our table was dreamily situated by a window overlooking the river; it was unfortunate, that window was grimy and occupied by what I believed was small skinny moths.

Our bed offered a bit too soft but passable mattress. We drifted off to sleep watching the pay-to-view movie, San Andreas. It was a bit hard to hear the movie over the surprisingly loud raucous air conditioner. However, with the temperatures in the eighties at nine at night, turning it off was not a feasible option.

The Donut Shop was expensive and filthy.

The next morning, after my shower, I visited the Krispy Kreme Donut shop to purchase coffee for my three fellow travel companions. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the $3.25 per cup charge. The filthy brown stains above the cash register and filthy door worsened my sensibilities. Nevertheless, the two ladies working the counter were unwaveringly welcoming and proficient. Paul reported that his glazed donut was stale.

We ate fruit for breakfast then ventured out to gamble a bit. Lunch was at the Pints Brewery where the biggest negative was the wait. We lingered in line to get seated even though there were a majority of tables empty. Then after our salads were delivered, we waited for about forty minutes without any food delivery. 

Pints Brewery - the service was slow and Clete's pizza was cold but the food was good.

The manager, Julian stopped by the table and asked how everything was. We told him that we did not know because we were still waiting for our order. He was very nice and brought a plate of scrumptious fresh fruit. However, when the food arrived shortly after, my friend’s pizza was cold and had to go back. My patty melt was very good though.

We discovered later that we had arrived during their lunch shift change (11-12 p.m.) and there had been some sort of an equipment issue that created a communication problem. Therefore, the very long wait for lunch is probably atypical.

Let me take a moment to inform you that the Colorado Belle presented as extremely rundown, unkempt and unbelievably dirty. I am not only speaking about my “free” room, but also the elevators, hallways, and common areas. Further the casino was very smoky and made it hard to breath.  We did not see a janitor nor repairman once during our visit.

 

Bait and Switch – Free Concert Tickets Scam

 

My friends were on the waiting list to score free tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert. Therefore we hung around the Colorado Belle most of the day, in order to be by the promotion desk before five when they were to call names for “any remaining tickets.” We were told by three separate hotel employees that this would be the procedure. In fact, we were even told that morning that Barbara was approximately fortieth on the waiting list for tickets. Just before five, there were a few other guest waiting at the promotion desk with us for the ticket giveaway.

At five o’clock, I approached the lady sitting behind the promotion desk and inquired as to when they would start giving away the tickets. She informed me that it was only 4:59 pm. Then she stated that she did not know what we were talking about. The tickets had already been given away. However, they did have tickets available for sale! Can you say bait and switch!!!!!

I was very upset. Not so much that my friends would not be able to enjoy the Carrie Underwood concert; but that we had been miss informed all along. I asked to speak to a supervisor. That is when I met Veronica. She is not a very pleasant individual.

After trying to explain my frustrations calmly, Veronica stated in a very condescending tone, “I know what you are doing. You are twisting our words around. You are just trying to get tickets that were not promised to you (paraphrased)”

After hitting the Veronica brick wall, I asked to speak to her supervisor. I was told that Ashley was very busy and I would has to wait a minute or two. I stated that I would wait. Then Veronica explained that Ashley would tell me the same thing and it might take quite a while before I could speak with her.

This is when I decided to leave the promotion desk and went to speak to a hotel supervisor. Marisa, the Front Desk Supervisor was very friendly and understood my frustration. She did not accuse me of trying to scam them and stated that she would do what she could to help.

This is when the evasive Ashley, whom I assumed was the Promotion Supervisor arrived; she was not wear a uniform nor name tag. The mood of the conversation immediately morphed back to adversarial. None of her staff ever told us anything that I stated they said . . . . basically implying that I was a lair.

Then Ashley outlined their procedure for the ticket giveaway. She informed that at 5:00 p.m. they call the hotel room to inform the person on the waiting list that they were picked for free tickets. If the guest was not in the room, they called the number provided by the guest. If the guest does not answer that call, they move on to the next person on the waiting list.

We were not in our hotel room because we had been instructed to wait in line at the promotion desk. Also it is very curious that one minute before five – the cut off time for people to pick up their reserved tickets – this procedure had already been accomplished in like a minute . . . . not likely . . . . dodge.

I must restate that Marisa was very nice and understanding. She even gave us a $50 comp for the dinner at the Loading Dock. However, I am of the firm belief that the Carrie Underwood ticket promotion was either an out and out scam or at the very least extremely poorly managed. 

Pork Chop Dinner at the Loading Dock

Dinner at the Loading Dock was very nice. My pork chop plate was very tasty with my only complaint being that there was too much food. They were also very patient and helpful in accommodating my husband’s vegetarian needs. We were seated by the boardwalk window and the band outside served as fun entertainment. Our waitress Ceria was great.

Waiting for our movie to start at the Riverside Cinemas

Sunday was our last day in Laughlin. We spent the afternoon at the six-plex movie theater in the Riverside Resort. The prices were reasonable at $7.50 for us seniors and “The Martian” featuring Matt Damon was very good. I must mention that the reclining chairs were very comfortable.

Paul and I also enjoyed placing a NASCAR sports bet at the Edgewater. Unfortunately Jeff Gordon, his pick to win and Dale Earnhardt Jr., my wager both experienced issues and did not even place! It was interesting how much more fun it was keeping track of the event when you had a bet on it.

For our farewell dinner, we chose to discover the upscale Hickory Pit. They were very busy and we had about a fifteen minute wait. However, it was worth it. My Ahi Tuna was scrumptious. Our waitress Sierra was very attentive and personable. The menu was varied if a bit pricey. Nevertheless, I recommend that you give the Hickory Pit a try. 

Hubby and I had a great time in Laughlin, Nevada - there was so much to do.

In summary, our Laughlin mini-vacation was very entertaining. We enjoyed fun activities with great friends. However, even though they boost a renovation, I will warn you not to stay at the Hotel Colorado Belle. It is extremely rundown and dirty with no free amenities. I will also caution you to stay away from the Promotion Desk to spare yourself the humiliation of being called a cheat and a liar.

I could not wait to get home to my own shower. It is a real shame because I remember Laughlin much differently. I hope that they clean it up soon.

Katella Deli-Restaurant Review

Best Deli Review

On 10/12/15, my kids and I went with my parents to Katella Deli-Restaurant (located at 4470 Katella Avenue in Los Alamitos, CA.) This deli has a very extensive menu and serves an amazing matzoh ball soup, creamed herring, pastrami, and many other items I have come to expect from a true Jewish deli.

The facility is very large and includes a bar. They are open seven days a week. I have yet to find an amazing Jewish style deli in San Diego County, so I am recommending Katella if you are ever in the Los Alamitos/Long Beach area.

Mind you, the BEST Jewish deli is hands down Canters Deli (located at 419 N. Fairfax in Los Angeles and is open 24 hours). I grew up going to Canters and my parents went there long before I ever came along. Canter's has been open since 1931. But here I am, getting away from my Katella review.

Upon entering the Katella Deli and veering to the right, you cannot miss the incredible bakery. They also sell lox, creamed and pickled herring, fresh baked breads, challah, bagels, cakes, pastries, cookies, salads, pickles and many other items. They also sell a variety of flavored bagel chips. As you can see by the pictures below, making a decision on what to take home or order at the table can be quite daunting.

So many yummy things to choose from. The staff are super nice, courteous, from the person greeting you as you walk in to all the wait staff and other workers. 

They also make amazing cakes. The next set of pictures are all cakes!

And they even got into the Halloween spirit with some cool cakes: 

The kids (all adults) went gaga over the pickles which are delivered to the table at no extra charge. The food is plentiful and all of us needed ‘to-go’ boxes. The sandwiches are not nearly as big as those from Canter's, but they are wonderful and you have your choice of breads and sides.

Not on the menu is a half sandwich. This paired with a bowl of matzoh ball soup is the perfect meal. Their salads are quite large. The family ordered a side of onion rings which they felt were excellent.

Here is my son's Italian sandwich which he ordered with a side of pasta salad:

All in all, the Katella Deli is a winner all around. If you are on your way someplace in the area, picking up goodies to take to your destination will put a smile on everyone's face.

But if you are headed to Los Angeles, make sure you stop at Canter's Deli for an authentic eating experience.

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A North County Hidden Gem: Buena Vista Park

by Stacey Kuhns

 

Buena Vista Park is located at 1601 Shadowridge Drive in Vista. It is a large park with plenty of grass, picnic tables, and shady trees. The park is tucked away and not visible to the street and it is a great park for all ages. The park is larger than it appears from the parking lot. There are a number of hiking trails, from easy flat trails, to more challenging hilly trails. Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.

The park is a peaceful, tranquil place to relax, read a book, go for a walk, or hang out by the star attraction, the duck pond. The park is kept extremely clean but do be aware that there is goose poop and duck poop around so wear old shoes or make sure you clean your shoes prior to getting back into your vehicle.

Also, I do not remember seeing a restroom facility there, but I assume there is at least a port-a-potty (just an assumption).

The ducks, geese, and other waterfowl at Buena Vista Park are fed regularly by some good citizens. If you plan to bring your children or grandchildren to the park to feed the waterfowl, please be aware of the following: Feeding waterfowl bread, popcorn, chips, crackers, and other similar items is bad. The food can harm a duckling's growth, pollute waterways, and attract rodents and other pests. The BEST food to offer ducks, geese, and other water birds is cracked corn, wheat, barley, birdseed, frozen peas (defrosted), or duck feed pellets.

There are plenty of water birds to see at Buena Vista Park and none of this is more apparent than when the lady comes to feed them.

There are three beautiful geese who hang out in this park. I found that if I approach them slowly and stand quietly, they will let me get very close. I respect them and do not try to pet them or give them a reason to attack (as geese can be very ornery and they will hiss and bite.)

There is a good variety of birds and water birds at Buena Vista Park. I visited again on a Monday afternoon and was lucky enough to have the park pretty much to myself. I spent a good deal of time with the geese but was lucky enough to catch the antics of some mud hen chicklets.

There are some all black ducks, tuxedo ducks, and even a golden duck. I can spend hours here just watching the wildlife and relaxing. It is a beautiful spot, another hidden gem.

After the geese ate their fill of the seed, the groomed for a bit then settled down to sleep and I quietly took my leave.

Rise of the Jack O Lanterns San Diego Zoo Safari Park

by Stacey Kuhns

 

• Rise of the Jack-O-Lanterns at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Fridays through Sunday evenings (after the park closes), through the last weekend of October 2015.
• Tickets are ADVANCED ONLINE PURCHASE ONLY and are set for a specific entrance time so everyone is not going in at once.
• Adult tickets are $26, Kids ages 3-12 are $22, while children 2 and under are free.



First thing to note
There are NO restrooms available on the 1/3 mile scenic walk.

 

Parking is included in the event ticket fee, which is wonderful. Parking is in the lower lots as the exhibit takes up approximately four of the upper lots. You may not bring tripods or selfie-sticks and NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY.

Once you park your vehicle, you will walk through a tent. The first thing staff ask you to do is pose for a picture (If you do not plan to purchase pictures afterwards, just tell them you are not interested). The tent has food, drinks, and merchandise to purchase. You then make your way to the entrance gate.

 

Once staff lets you into the exhibit entrance, you can stop and watch three carvers carving different animals and other figures into pumpkins. You will then be asked to line up to have your tickets scanned. The scanning process seems a little slow, but once inside, you can walk around at your own pace.

Strollers are allowed but beware if you have young children who are walking-it is extremely dark inside the exhibit. I did not notice any children who seemed scared. They all seemed very excited, but there were several times I lost the person I was with as I could not make out the features of anyone in the dark. There is plenty to see, over 5,000 carved pumpkins, for adults as well as children. The first area is an underwater scene. There is a cool octopus and many jellyfish.

 

There is a shout-out to the Navy with a carved aircraft carrier scene in one of the pumpkins.

 

The kids will love the dinosaur area.

 

There are also plenty of skeletons, cars, sports skeletons, and of course, a variety of animals. Kids will also recognize some of their favorite Sesame Street characters as well as characters from the movie ‘Inside Out.’

 

There is also a dragon over 50-feet-long that was a hit with both children and adults. The intricate carvings on this dragon are amazing.

 

I was partial to the African animals.

 

 

 

 

 

These giraffes were extremely tall and another big hit with all ages.

 

This spider was backed by a giant web.

 

This was one of the most striking carvings. It appeared to have a mermaid and other creatures carved into it.

 

At the end of the exhibit were pumpkins carved for an ‘In Memorium’ area. They included likenesses of Leonard Nemoy, Wes Craven, BB King, and others. The exit is a long path that takes you past gravestones with a fact about extinct animals on each; worth a read.

 

And of course, at the end of the trail, you can purchase the pictures the staff took when you entered the exhibit, purchase more food, and lots of merchandise that lights up that the kids will definitely be wanting. Have fun!