Happy Monday, friends. Thank you for all the sweet birthday wishes for Gary – it was a great relaxing weekend. My parents were kind enough to watch Sophia for two nights so not only was uninterrupted sleep a gift for me, it was nice to have a mini staycation just the two of us. We had originally planned to go to Mohegan Sun in CT for two nights, but after reading state regulations, we decided it was best to stay local and celebrate Gary’s birthday. We had been to the Encore once before when they opened and only to eat / go to the casino, but this time we got to experience the amazing rooms! It’s so unlike me, but we actually barely took any photos – ah who am I?
Thankfully when we got there around 1:00 PM they had a room that was already available so we were able to check in early, otherwise it’s 3:00 PM. In pre-covid times the rooms are very expensive, but a deluxe harbor view king size suite was very reasonable! Another perk was the free parking and free charging for our car. I didn’t realize, but your temperature is actually thermally scanned upon entrance to the hotel and casino to ensure, which I thought was a nice pre-cautionary touch.
The room was gorgeous and so spacious – they actually boast that these are the biggest hotel rooms in New England and I believe it. While we were certainly comfortable around the hotel, I didn’t want to spend unnecessary time around other people – so social of me right?! We double masked while in public and I actually didn’t spend much time in the casino – maybe 20 minutes to watch Gary play and then I went up to room to decorate a bit for his birthday.
While indoor dining is allowed at the hotel, they recommend reservations so that they can limit how many people are in there at one time. I certainly appreciated that, but still wasn’t a fan of eating indoors with others. We ordered dinner from Fratelli’s which is one of the Italian restaurants at the Casino and it was incredible! We enjoyed a leisurely dinner and it was so nice to just enjoy one another’s company without having to juggle masks, a toddler or feeling uneasy about other diners.
The entertainment set up is FABULOUS. You’re able to log into all your own streaming services like Netflix or Hulu and watch a movie or show like you would at home. There was a new movie, I Care A Lot, out on Netflix that we watched that was actually really good. Honestly, what we both really wanted was a good night sleep so we were out by 10:30 PM and already looking forward to ordering in-room breakfast the next morning.
All the controls of the room are via an iPad, so first thing when we woke up we opened the shades to look at the gorgeous views of the harbor and ordered breakfast. It was contactless delivery and ready much faster than the quoted 45 minutes they said. Again, a leisurely breakfast enjoying the coffee that they offer in the room, Nespresso, was just what we were looking for.
Checkout wasn’t until 11:00 and we totally milked that not heading down until 10:45! The best part was that within 20 minutes we were already home and unpacked, ordering groceries and eating lunch! That is my kind of staycation!
After two very relaxing days, we picked up Sophia and promptly took her sledding! Safe to say we ended the weekend in best way possible! Hope you all had a great weekend as well!
What a fun way to celebrate! Happy belated birthday to Gary!
Omg I’m so glad you posted this because I was so curious to see pictures of the Encore when it was done! It was being built right down the road from our apartment when we were living up there! Looks like such a fun way to celebrate!!
Rosy OutlookÂ
Oh my gosh, Biana, this sounds like the perfect 40th staycation!!! That hotel is GORGEOUS!!!!! How nice that you two were able to get away and celebrate.
Aww, this looks so fun!! Glad you were able to get out and celebrate!! Thank you for sharing!!
Sounds like a perfect way to ring in 40! Your dinner looks incredible! It sounds like you guys got to have a lot of fun with Sophia too.
What a great way to celebrate!
Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2021/02/nyfw-outfit-2021.html
Looks like a fabulous staycation! Glad you guys got some time alone!! XOXO, R
How incredibly fun! So glad Gary had a good birthday! My big birthday is in April and Mr. Nine has said we cannot take a trip and I am devastated! I think I’ll just stay in bed that day, LOL!
Looks like it was a wonderful weekend! I wanted to go on a trip for my 40th birthday but obviously that did not happen haha. That property looks beautiful and I am happy that you two had fun. The Encore in Vegas is my favorite hotel there too. 😀😀
What a great weekend! I love the shirt that you got him!
Happy belated birthday to Gary! Glad you guys were able to escape for a couple days – looks so nice!
Karly
https://www.whatkarlysaid.com
I am so glad you got a lovely adult weekend! Staycations are the best!
What a nice time! I’m so glad the two of you were able to get in some good quality time together for his birthday! And that shirt is so GOOD! Haha.
Aww, what a fun way to celebrate! Happy belated birthday to Gary!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Happy belated birthday to Gary! Looks like a wonderful weekend away to celebrate your love!! So glad you were able to enjoy your time together!
The perfect pandemic birthday staycation!