tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18133815927507752342024-02-22T14:52:12.465-05:00Get Your Vegas On!Its all about Vegas, Baby!Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-59009471577477331022011-01-26T14:45:00.000-05:002011-01-26T14:45:52.707-05:00Bellagio Conservatory Christmas 2010<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5y6ClJsbIcwMpkuuYA0oD4LcdPoXD-kQI2QeQmcfgHlks6Zmc3CPbi8JpNQTWP2-KroXATGFhy_9caXw6OKf9Vga25nW4BlXsMp2jD5c_7EIDekRBLeXoJt1npYaGZ7tIIFdJMIwnWU/s1600/las+vegas+christmas+10+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5y6ClJsbIcwMpkuuYA0oD4LcdPoXD-kQI2QeQmcfgHlks6Zmc3CPbi8JpNQTWP2-KroXATGFhy_9caXw6OKf9Vga25nW4BlXsMp2jD5c_7EIDekRBLeXoJt1npYaGZ7tIIFdJMIwnWU/s400/las+vegas+christmas+10+012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-58490393614265004892011-01-26T14:38:00.000-05:002011-01-26T14:38:53.129-05:00Top of the World Stratosphere Desert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshaAWf_9G8ZqkTbMDFwG-MDAtjt0fr-9t-7gxW2q2dCPNM-6IVJU4Af_clw0Hgrx22_2xuYTKT-YNai1QP0WKCWElUBdF_yaPdvJQ7Y0d3e2pWXkL84bzXODlObHtVeFhLw4mlq8fLKQ/s1600/las+vegas+christmas+10+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshaAWf_9G8ZqkTbMDFwG-MDAtjt0fr-9t-7gxW2q2dCPNM-6IVJU4Af_clw0Hgrx22_2xuYTKT-YNai1QP0WKCWElUBdF_yaPdvJQ7Y0d3e2pWXkL84bzXODlObHtVeFhLw4mlq8fLKQ/s640/las+vegas+christmas+10+006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-64252267441353324782010-05-13T21:49:00.004-04:002010-05-13T21:59:40.681-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV5j2Ysg-YkTPepJaT2omnvdzZr1QUGTYqNCI2hJL4K9Vr82ihs12g2nXwmzCkDiIfaEfBVEeKP5yxT8xOujgTY19Z6NpZPiTyKlodT1p2rmYCh-HA4b68cAi5zUyfPKkifir_hww9mc/s1600/2010+05+02_1259.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV5j2Ysg-YkTPepJaT2omnvdzZr1QUGTYqNCI2hJL4K9Vr82ihs12g2nXwmzCkDiIfaEfBVEeKP5yxT8xOujgTY19Z6NpZPiTyKlodT1p2rmYCh-HA4b68cAi5zUyfPKkifir_hww9mc/s400/2010+05+02_1259.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470939085413322658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseg8-sR1mBbHYKTGVyjhc8i5Rr2nlUbr4CsIqlxXfSPJMDDcICHQg56sqX_Z7TW_tdzgE-00nNfSJ5pORzONmB1D9edBoS_UkZpr17hYOPKBhf4I7S31oS0sjClbor1FFqkQG_Db46Cw/s1600/2010+05+02_1265.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseg8-sR1mBbHYKTGVyjhc8i5Rr2nlUbr4CsIqlxXfSPJMDDcICHQg56sqX_Z7TW_tdzgE-00nNfSJ5pORzONmB1D9edBoS_UkZpr17hYOPKBhf4I7S31oS0sjClbor1FFqkQG_Db46Cw/s400/2010+05+02_1265.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470939074585789426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrcGD_eEEJObKH7gIoScgu8eSRCXM41VvhK5hLZWvvrTE3f5pj4RYXDv1bzM_Uo_dNj9HLLxvqB9s2pYoZxX2DlAdGTWUzw5a02VvySRMWJUWZCljCtlE8UKkbMAN3rPmJZXOhY8CVOM/s1600/2010+05+02_1222.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrcGD_eEEJObKH7gIoScgu8eSRCXM41VvhK5hLZWvvrTE3f5pj4RYXDv1bzM_Uo_dNj9HLLxvqB9s2pYoZxX2DlAdGTWUzw5a02VvySRMWJUWZCljCtlE8UKkbMAN3rPmJZXOhY8CVOM/s400/2010+05+02_1222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470938600265463698" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Rose/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-7448193452953698022009-05-06T21:41:00.004-04:002009-05-06T22:01:08.017-04:00Rest In Peace Danny Gans<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2MwKo9SVbYsFo8UWpxvawUCnveThw2jCOK6kvtwiG0768IwWUsvTBnXeAjwgrHxRxMxB8qZiLd7jGvzjJGaxqxJomPL7yWrXw87HLhIPYwA9H6GbVcL1fzx74vhEV0n1knbNynocYxQ/s1600-h/danny+gans.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332892019283737810" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2MwKo9SVbYsFo8UWpxvawUCnveThw2jCOK6kvtwiG0768IwWUsvTBnXeAjwgrHxRxMxB8qZiLd7jGvzjJGaxqxJomPL7yWrXw87HLhIPYwA9H6GbVcL1fzx74vhEV0n1knbNynocYxQ/s320/danny+gans.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you've ever been to Las Vegas, you've heard of Danny Gans. His name was plastered all over billboards, taxis and busses. If you asked anyone what show is a must see, they'd answer Danny Gans.<br /><br />Danny passed away in his sleep on May 1st. Ironically, I got the news at the airport while I was waiting for my luggage as I returned from my trip to Las Vegas. I stayed at Wynn's when he performed his last shows. You could always see people leaving his showroom smiling. He left them smiling. We spoke to several people in the casino who saw his last show who said he was phenomenal. Danny was always phenomenal. We wanted to see his show this trip, but our plane was late so we scrapped our plans and said we'd do it next trip.<br /><br />Danny was named the Las Vegas entertainer of the years for 11 years in a row. He sang, he danced, he did impressions, he was funny as all get out.<br />His show was high voltage, he was in constant movement. Every time I saw his show, I walked out happy, even though my bankroll wasn't always happy. Danny came across as a regular guy, there was none of that show biz diva about him. He was religious, a devoted family man and you could take your entire family to see his show and not blush.<br /><br />We first saw him at the Stratosphere and the Rio and then at the Mirage. He just started his contract with Steve Wynn at the Encore in February.<br />Sadly, I won't get to see him at the Encore.<br /><br />To his family, God must have needed an entertainer to play to his crowds in heaven. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will keep him in our hearts and smile when we think of his shows and how for a couple of hours, he took us away from the trials and tribulations of our own life and made us smile and laugh so hard it hurt.<br /><br />We'll miss ya, baby! Vegas won't be the same without you. Keep them laughing in heaven.Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-83252125774585992422008-09-23T15:25:00.007-04:002008-09-23T16:43:20.360-04:00How to Find and Spot Celebrities in Las VegasOK, so you and I are hanging in Vegas, and suddenly you hear murmured whispers : "Look, there's........" We gawk in the direction of the pointed fingers. We haven't a clue of who it is, or if it is even SOMEBODY given the royal title of "celebrity". Sure, celebrities walk amongst us common folk, but they don't party with us or like we do. You aren't going to see the celebs playing penny machines. You won't even see them playing the slot machines. They walk amongst us, but they are not of our kind. They have been anointed as celebrities by the media. Maybe they acted in a film. Big deal, we all act in real life, we just don't get paid for it. Maybe they are famous for basically being a media darling...the ones with the glorious blonde hair extensions, the blindingly white teeth, the surgical makeovers, you know..the people we read about every day who live to party in Las Vegas. <br /><br />We've seen all the pics of the celebs posing and posturing in Las Vegas. Maybe you were in the same place at the same time but didn't realize you were amongst the celebrities. It happens. I was sitting in Paris a few years back, when a big part of the male cast of the Soprano's walked by me. I saw them but it didn't register. They all looked like uncles at my family reunion. They didn't LOOK special. They looked like ordinary people. <br /><br />The same trip I was in the lobby of Paris with a security guard. (Long story, someone got into my room). It was during Sho West and there were celebs all over the place, so I heard. The security guard told me that Michael Douglas was in the lobby. I looked around, saw maybe three men, and none of them looked like Michael Douglas to me. He told me he couldn't say which one was Mr. Douglas, but trust me, I never could ID him. Maybe I was just too upset or maybe makeup and camera lighting does wonders. <br /><br />Celebs don't always look the same in person. So here's my tips on how to find and ID celebs on your next trip to Las Vegas.<br /><br />Location, Location, Location! Its true in real estate, its true in Vegas. You won't find celebs in the Excalibur or the Riviera. You might find celebs at the Bellagio, Wynn's, the Venetian complex, the Palms or the Hard Rock. If there is a big whoop de do at a hotel, like a huge concert at the MGM, you might see one or not. If there is a club opening, you'll find celebs. You may not have heard of any of them, but they'll be there to get their picture taken. The red carpet with the back drop and paparazzi will tip you off.<br /><br />Check out the latest hot spot restaurants that you and I can't afford, nor would we eat the food they serve. You know, the ones with like 12 tables and a chef whose name we can't pronounce. Regular people don't want to spend $200 bucks on a dinner of exotic things they've never heard of...we'd rather hit a buffet and pick stuff we can readily ID. But if you hang around the area, you might see one or two slipping in.<br /><br />Here's how to spot a celeb: If you see a very anorexic thin blonde with hair extensions, a tiny club dress, expensive stiletto heels and a purse the size of a sofa cushion, you may have seen a celebrity. If she's being "handled" by a very large man who looks like a former pro football player gone to seed and he's telling people to make way, you've spotted a celebrity. Expect to spend hours saying "Who the hell was that?" Even when you find out, you still won't have a clue who she is. You'll just want to feed her. <br /><br />If you see a man who has blindingly white teeth, a six pack, has tousled uncombed with a three day stubble, is surrounded by a bunch of guys saying "We love you, man", he's either a young celeb partying or he's a groom at his bachelor party. Could go either way. All the young male celebs look the same. If he's wearing expensive clothes, he might be a celeb. If he's wearing shorts and a tee shirt with a ball cap, he's one of us. <br /><br />If you are in Caesar's Forum Shops and you see a thin man in spandex pants with dyed hair and full face makeup, you are probably seeing a rock star. He may or may not have tattoos. If he has scarves trailing, you've just spotted Stephen Tyler. If he has a British accent, you may have hit the celeb mother lode. If he is accompanied by an aging plastic Barbie doll with a plunging neckline and huge lip glossed lips, he's a rock star and that's his wife. <br /><br />If you see a young girl shopping for a purse in Hermes that costs 17 grand and she actually<br />buys it, she's either a new young celeb, or a daughter of a rock star. If you go home and brush up on your reality shows, you'll find out who you saw. Getting your ass kissed in these stores by sales clerks means nothing. The clerks don't know if you just hit a jackpot or if you are SOMEBODY until they see the cash or the name on the credit card. They won't tell you, their<br />commission is at stake. Cha Ching! Privacy rules. If its a celeb who doesn't buy and she was a total bitch to the sales clerk, they'll drop her name as soon as she leaves the store. <br /><br />If you are hanging at the Palms and you see an old guy in the Playboy club in his PJ's wearing an ascot and surrounded by big breasted blondes, don't assume its Hugh Hefner. It just might be an old rich guy who wandered out of his room and forgot how to get back. If its Hef, you'll know by his entourage. <br /><br />If you are still hanging at the Palms, and you see some really really tall men, they are probably basketball players, current or former. I've seen a lot there of tall men there, never could figure out who they were. <br /><br />If you are at the Luxor, you might see Criss Angel. He lives in the Luxor and performs there. He is a different celeb, he actually walks through the casino. Don't expect to party with him or hang with him, just be satisfied with a glimpse as he passes by. <br /><br />If you see a very tall well dressed woman who struts, sashays and poses , you've either spotted a super model or a man in drag. Check the hands and feet, check for an adams apple. If you still can't tell, back off, you've had too much to drink and could be making a huge mistake! ;)Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-15468782437087574932008-09-23T15:24:00.000-04:002008-09-23T15:25:07.694-04:00Low Rolling With Mom, Las Vegas, Sept2-6Trip Report, Sept 2 to Sept 6.<br /><br />Took my Mom to Vegas with me as a combination vacation and business trip. Mom is a Vegas freak and hasn't been able to go for two years because she had been taking care of my father. Her doctor said she was suffering from severe caregivers stress and needed a vacation.<br />She discussed taking the trip with everyone from his doctors, the nursing home staff, her priest, the family, her neighbors and anyone who would listen to her. Once she got the thumbs up from everyone, she decided it was a go and was packed two weeks in advance.<br /><br />Our flight left at 5:30 in the AM, of course she was dressed the night before and sitting on the sofa waiting for us to arrive. Since we were flying outbound on US Airways, we did a carry on thing so we didn't have to pay to check our bags. US Airways charges for every freaking thing<br />on board and no one was buying anything. On our first flight, the flight attendant made a pot of coffee. No one way paying for any of it. She poured herself a cup of coffee, drank it and poured the rest of the pot down the drain. Does that make any sense? We got real coffee at Starbucks in Charlotte and carried in on the long leg of the flight. No one was paying for any of the food and few people were springing for drinks. I wonder how much food on these flights are stale or just thrown away because no one wants to pay $7 for crap food? Flew over the hurricane and it wasn't as bumpy as the pilot led us to believe.<br /><br />Arrived in Vegas, caught the shuttle to the car rental and convinced the rep at Dollar to rent me a convertible for the same price as my rate. We negotiated a few dollars more and we were soon driving down the strip with the top down. Mom has never been in a convertible and I barely could get her out of it. Told her she could finally cross off driving around Las Vegas in a convertible off her bucket list.<br /><br />Headed to the Venetian. Stayed using slot points. September promotion for Club Grazie is 1,000 points on your card gets you a free night. Used the same promotion in May and its a screaming deal. It was only about 11AM, they walked us over to the Venezia tower check in and we were soon checked in early and ready to rock. Did lunch at the Grand Luxe cafe. Portions are so huge we split an entree and were both stuffed. Back to the casino, Mom hit Cashman and didn't move for hours. I hit Cashman for a few hundred bucks. Got some gelato at the food court and passed on dinner.<br /><br />When you are playing with Mom, you low roll. She plays the rock bottom minimum and never wins anything. She can't bear to put a dollar in anything, it just kills her, so it kept me out of all the high roller areas. We played around and walked over to the Palazzo where Mom started hitting on one quarter on a triple machine. She took out her hundred bucks like she just hit the big progressive and started ordering us strawberry daiquiris. I hit on the pennies, lost on the dollar slots.<br /><br />Before we knew it it was 2AM and time for bed. At 5AM, Mom is dressed, showered, made up and ready to roll. She kept hitting me below the belt...."Don't you want some coffee?" I finally rolled out at 8AM, after coffee and muffin in the food court and jumped into the convertible for a trip out to Red Rock Canyon. Mom kept flirting with all the young guys (did I mention she's a very young 82 and cuter than cute? She looks 20 years younger and has the energy of a hyperactive kid<img src="http://www.everythinglv.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Big Grin" class="inlineimg" border="0" /><img src="http://www.everythinglv.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Big Grin" class="inlineimg" border="0" />). who pulled up along side us. Mom nearly had to be pulled out of the car. We drove around and stopped in at Red Rock Casino, one of my happy places. Didn't win a thing, but sure had fun trying. They didn't seem to be running any good promotions, and the locals were complaining about the machines being tight. It wasn't as busy as the last time we were there, but it was still hopping.<br /><br />We pigged out at the buffet at Red Rock...rated 4 yums. Mom managed to stuff her purse with cookies, the woman is a slight of hand artist. She munched out all day long.<br /><br />We headed back to the Venetian, I had to get ready for the biz portion the next morning. She needed to gamble more. Mom sits down at a triple 7 machine, pops in one freaking quarter and hits triple 7 with stars and bars and triple. OMG...if she had been playing the max, she'd have won a grand, but she won something like a hundred or so. If my husband was there, he'd be in tears. She was thrilled, I rolled my eyes. She'll never learn.<br /><br />We played near the La Senica lounge and the band playing was amazing. The had everyone rocking. Turned around and saw Mom dancing with some hot young guy who kept telling her she was so cute. Eyes rolling again, I'm so glad Mom is having fun. Rolled into bed at 1AM, up at 5:50 to hit the dress show in the Sands expo center at the Venetian. The bridal shows free breakfast sucked, but the coffee was stiff and we sat for hours looking at wedding dresses until my eyes were ready to bleed white and my stomach was growling. We had to check in at the Monte Carlo as we were comped a suite.<br /><br />Headed over to the Monte, the place was dead. No one was in the casino, the suite looked like a Motel 6. We had food comped, so we headed to the cafe and ate. It was OK, nothing spectacular, typical cafe food. Service was spotty, they weren't busy, the staff was chatting and basically ignoring the customers. Another strike. Back up to the room, I decided I was going back to the Venetian to sleep. Played in the casino. Hit $837 on powerball and $200 on pinball and another hundred on Monopoly. Took my cash and ran back to the Venetian. Listened to the band, played some dollar VP and hit quads twice and promptly lost it.<br /><br />Last day...up early, back to the dress show. Finished up and walked over to TI and hit the buffet. TI's buffet never disappoints. Its always the same.<br /><br />Stopped and played $5 blackjack for an hour, doubled my twenty bucks and left. The dealer was awesome and I would have stayed for hours but Mom wanted me to play with her. I played dollar VP and lost and lost and lost. I always win big at TI on VP, this time, nada. Back to the Venetian, we decided to make dinner reservations at Kokomo's at the Mirage instead of eating at Monte Carlo's new steak house. Sat down with some friends of mine who were at the dress show, playing Cashman and chatting, when I was approached by a slot host. Are you Rose?<br />You just won two tickets to see Blue Man Group tonight. Woooo Hoooo.....great seats, free. Apparently I was picked at random by the computer. My husband has been dying to see Blue Man Group, and here I am, going without him. Oh, well, that's life!<br /><br />So we headed off to Sephora to do some mandatory makeup shopping, changed clothes and headed to Kokomo's. Kokomo's has been remodeled since our last visit. While its still has the waterfalls and palm trees, it has these weird sculptures over your head that remind me of airplane parts. I don't like it, but that's me, I loved the tropical vibe. Portions are smaller, but the food is still 4 yums. Service is exceptional except we had to wait 20 minutes for the bill. And while we are waiting, the casino is losing cash. <img src="http://www.everythinglv.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" border="0" /><br />They brought Mom out a bananas foster cheesecake for her birthday and she was in heaven. So was the cheesecake! Our bill was around a hundred bucks without tax, tips and drinks. We each had a small filet, shared two side dishes, so it didn't cost nearly what the other diners were paying. We were stuffed without appetizers and salad. Hung out for a bit in the Mirage...lost everything I touched. It used to be my lucky place, but the last few trips, the machines have just squeaked.<br /><br />Back to the Venetian just in time for the 10PM show. I figured Mom would hate it, but she loved it. In fact, she got to hug a Blue Man. Don't ask me how she did that! The show is different from the TV traveling show version. There's no singing, just a lot of drumming and music. The special effects are just amazing and the show is a lot of fun. Husband is still pouting! The show got out at midnight and we have a 6AM flight. So we decided to try our luck again, and I had none. I managed to get a few penny machines to spew, but I was itching to hit the high roller area but finally went upstairs at 2 am, showered, packed and out the door at 3:30AM. The casino was still rocking and I hated to leave without at least one tax form. Some guy was hitting on Mom..it was hysterical. She was freaking out.<br /><br />Up and ready to roll, checked out of both hotels, returned the car and was in line at Delta to check in at 4:05 AM. I didn't bring my laptop this trip and I didn't go to the biz center to print out boarding passes. Big mistake!! The line was out the door and in the front of the line was a huge group of foreign tourists who didn't understand English and didn't want to pay the excess weight fees. Delta should have moved them from the front of the line so they could repack, but the line didn't move.Same thing, a huge foreign tourgroup was at the kisoks and the rep told us it would be faster to go to the counter. I stopped several Delta reps and said I was concerned we wouldn't check in in time and they all told me we'd be fine. So we waited and waited and waited. (Same thing happened in May with Delta, I should have known!!) The same reps who ignored us were walking people up to the counter. It was 5:15 and I was panicing...and we finally make it to the counter. Too late, the flight is closed. OMG...I was hot. The counter rep kept taking first class customers and telling us to get back in line, so of course, she was our rep. She had the balls to tell us that they cleared all flights and the next flight was at 7 something and we'd have a 4 hour layover in Atlanta. I insisted we WERE in the line as did all the people around us. Too bad, another hundred bucks to make the change. We ended up home 5 hours later and a hundred dollars poorer. While we were in Atlanta, there was a huge storm. When we got home, everything in our luggage was wet.<br /><br />Back to the airport to file a baggage claim, sitll haven't heard a word from Delta. I called Delta corporate offices about the in line treatment, they agreed I shouldn't have had to pay for the change that took her all of 10 seconds, but no money back. Take this as a warning....get your boarding passes before you leave the hotel, make sure your luggage isn't overweight or be willing to pay the excess fees or you will pay regardless in a missed flight, even if you ARE at the airport waiting in line!<br /><br />Random thoughts: Vegas was dead during the week, on the weekends it was full of 20 somethings partying, drinking, dancing and not gambling. Shows were running half full and dinner reservations were easy to get anytime. Vegas just isn't that busy.<br /><br />City Center is an eyesore. It barely looks like the mock up models we've been seeing for the past few years. Its ugly!! The towers that sort of twist have yellow and green glass in a checkerboard battern. Blah! The round building has different shades of blue glass. Its almost out onto the street. In fact, they built a walkway for pedestrians on the shoulder of Las Vegas Blvd and closed the right lane to traffic going south. I can't wait until they implode the place and its no where near done. It sure takes away from the beauty of the Bellagio.<br /><br />Some of the strip is so cluttered and junky looking. The new trend toward modernizing the strip in my opinion (and I've been there over a hundred times) makes it look like a beach boardwalk attraction. Am I'm the the only one who liked the themed properties?<br /><br />Loved loved loved the Venetian. The place is spotlessly clean and the service is impecable from everyone from housekeeping to the front desk. I really wanted to like the Monte Carlo, but the vibe just isn't there for me. The casino was dead, there was a weird man following me around and it made me really uneasy. He just liked to watch people play, but he gave me the heebie jeebies. I just didn't feel comfortable there and I don't know why, because I love the small local casinos and never feel uncomfortable anywhere. Just a weird vibe, it may have been different if I was with the husband.<br /><br />I can't wait to go back!! <!-- Google --> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-6344896111555062"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 250; google_ad_format = "300x250_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel = ""; google_color_border = "f5f5ff"; google_color_bg = "f5f5ff"; google_color_link = "25219c"; google_color_url = "000000"; google_color_text = "000000"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><script> window.google_render_ad(); </script>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-84451597237068065832008-05-24T11:59:00.004-04:002008-05-24T12:21:00.719-04:00A Free Play Whore No More in Las VegasI've always been a free play whore. If a resort<br />offers me free play and free rooms, I'm there. <br />No more. I just got back from Las Vegas and was<br />offered free play at MGM properties. I checked into<br />Treasure Island and New York New York for the<br />free play. Waste of time and effort. <br /><br />I've been a die hard MGM resort fan. I always liked<br />the treatment and the amenities from the hosts and<br />the staff. I also liked the points that you can redeem<br />at the end of the year at their Players Club<br /><a href="https://www.playersclub.com/holidaygiftshoppe.asp">Holiday Gift Shoppe. </a>In the past, I've scored some great gifts<br />using my accumulated points. I played at different MGM resorts<br />and couldn't hit a thing. I didn't see any jackpots, either.<br />The machines were tighter than a<br />bad face lift. I couldn't get my points to rack up. Sigh.<br /><br />Something has changed and I can't put my finger on it.<br />I went for my birthday and the usual champagne wasn't<br />offered, nor was the usual snack basket from my host<br />and my play hadn't changed. Hmmmm. Cutbacks, maybe?<br /><br />New York New York has at least a third of their casino<br />under construction. I peeked behind the curtained off<br />area and there were piles of dirt and holes cut in the floor.<br />No construction was going on. It made the casino<br />claustrophobic and darker. <br /><br />TI was not busy at all. It was empty all the time we were<br />there. Not one machine was hitting, didn't see one jackpot<br />the entire time we were there. I always hit something on<br />the video poker (usually a jackpot) and couldn't even hit<br />quads on anything! <br /><br />Now back to my free play. Didn't win a nickel on it either<br />place. Makes me wonder if your machine goes into a different<br />mode when you are playing free play. I know all about the<br /> number generator. I know its not easy to manipulate the<br />payouts, but it still makes me wonder. As soon as I pulled<br />out my players card and reinserted my card to stop the<br />free play, I hit something. It was little, but it was a hit.<br />Weird coincidence or is it a conspiracy to get us in the door to<br />play by dangling free play money in our face? <br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />My free play whore days are over. I could have stayed<br />free at Red Rock Casino which is way more fun and way<br />more luxe than either TI or NYNY. But I went after<br />the free play, gambled and lost.Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-2488902823544090092008-04-22T16:18:00.005-04:002008-04-22T17:59:10.113-04:00Lost My Vegas Buddy, My Best FriendSometimes life kicks you in the gut. Not the kick<br />in the gut you get when you are on a losing streak.<br />Or the kick in the gut when you go to the ATM and<br />find out you've hit your daily limit. But the kick in<br />the gut that just knocks you down and makes you<br />hurt into your soul. <br /><br />I lost my sister, my best friend and my best Vegas<br />buddy suddenly and without warning. She was gone<br />in a flash, way too young and I didn't get to say<br />goodbye. <br /><br />We grew up and she moved to the southwest. We'd<br />meet in Las Vegas two to four times a year. If I had<br />to go to Vegas for business, she was on the first plane<br />out of Phoenix. Deb was my roomie and my partner<br />in crime. We looked nothing alike, she had that<br />southwest thing going on and men fell like idiots in<br />her presence. She made friends everywhere and with<br />everyone. She could talk to a wall.<br /><br />You couldn't trust her alone in the restroom. <br />She was always making friends in the restroom. She<br />introduced to me to Raquel, a stunning blonde,<br />whom she met in the restroom at Paris. "I'd like you to<br />meet my new friend, Raquel. Raquel is a guy. Don't<br />you just love her makeup?" <br /><br />Another time she was in the restroom at the Hard Rock<br />chatting up the hookers and getting clothing and makeup<br />tips from them. I had a security guard sneak me into the<br />side door of the Joint to watch KC and the Sunshine Band<br />rehearse. Deb would have loved it, but she was busy finding<br />out where they ladies of the evening bought their clothes.<br /><br />My first trip to Las Vegas was her idea. We drove up from<br />Phoenix, both single, me from the midwest and dazzled,<br />she the worldly tour guide. Our parents told to park the car<br />and walk on the strip. Little did we know the cops would<br />stop us for suspicion of prostitution. It was during one of the<br />computer conventions and we were taking pictures of<br />ourselves on the strip, when a group of conventioneers<br />ran into our photo shots laughing with their hankies over<br />their face to hide their identity. The cops were cracking down<br />on pavement princesses because of the convention. <br />We were just walking and following the parent's directive.<br />The cops pulled over and made us show our ID's and<br />questioned us. She still had the picture<br />of us on the strip with the guys framed on her bureau. <br />It was one of her highlight trips. <br /><br />We had run in with celebrities. We happened by chance<br />to be a Caesars the night the Planet Hollywood restaurant<br />was opening. Deb called a stunned Sly Stallone<br />a m-f*** runt because his security contingency<br />make her move away from her slot machine. Later that<br />night she asked some B level actress who did her breast<br />implants because "your rack is way too perfect". <br />Another trip, we were in an elevator with the late<br />Richard Pryor who was totally amused<br />by the fact that she didn't recognize him. I don't even want<br />to tell you what she told Mike Tyson. <br /><br />She had gambling rules. You had to ask God to bless your<br />machine. We had to bless our purses with money blessing<br />water that she found in Mexico. And you had to bring along<br />whatever trinket she was sure was a good luck charm for that<br />trip. When we stayed at the Luxor, she found pyramid<br />crystals. At the Rio she brought along voo doo dolls she bought<br />when we were on a cruise in the Caribbean. At Paris, it<br />was troll dolls with hair that she styled before she left home. <br />Caesars she insisted we wear those gawd awful gold<br />medallions. At the Golden Nugget, she brought along some<br />gold painted rocks. At TI and the Mirage, she had puka<br />beads because they reminded her of the tropics. I refused to<br />wear the carnival masks she found for the Venetian. <br /><br />We weren't allowed to look at her machine because we would<br />give her bad vibes. If a person sat down next to her, she'd blow<br />smoke in their face and tell them they were giving her bad karma.<br />There were times I wanted to hide. And there were times<br />she forced you to sit next to her. Not too long ago, Deb insisted<br />I sit next to her...and I did. For 36 straight hours at TI she<br />didn't move. And she did win the jackpot. But she STILL<br />refused to move. I had to bring her food. The cocktail waitresses<br />had all befriended her and all the slot floor people cheered her on. <br />And on our next trip, she took up the same spot and lost and<br />lost and lost. But she didn't move. <br /><br />Her boyfriend and my husband preferred us to go alone. They<br />couldn't deal with us together. I think us dancing on tables sort<br />of did them in. <br /><br />We had different tastes in dining. One night she insisted we<br />ride the bus to the Plaza in the middle of the night to have<br />ham and eggs. The food was greasy and yuck and it seemed<br />like we were the only people in the cafe that had their<br />own teeth. But she loved it. She said it was vintage Vegas<br />and I needed to get with the program. When I forced her to<br />go to a great Italian restaurant, she complained to the maitre'd<br />that she wanted mashed potatoes and gravy. And she got them!<br /><br />She joined me for slot tournaments and cheered for someone<br />else. Every time. <br /><br />While she was unpredictable and blunt, she also was kind<br />and sweet. You never knew which Deb was going to come out.<br />She spent one entire evening playing the slots with<br />a lonely old man and even pushed his wheelchair to the restroom<br />and waited for him. She took him for dinner and waited until<br />his daughter returned. Another evening she consoled a broken<br />hearted guy who was jilted and convinced his ex fiance to<br />give him another chance. If a person needed help, she was there.<br /><br />And yet, there were the times when she disappeared and<br />I spent the evening looking for her. Once I found her partying<br />with an entire fraternity. She broke into tears and accused me of<br />leaving her alone. Damn, she sure wasn't alone!<br /><br />Other times we hit the shows. We flew in to see Ringo Starr<br />and his All Star Band. Deb hated it and ended up sitting at<br />the bar in the Joint. We laughed until we cried at Carrot Top.<br />She kept every ticket stub from every show and I found them in<br />her possessions. And I cried.<br /><br />And we shopped. We had our Vegas clothes. And she kept<br />every one of them for our next planned trip. She'd even<br />bought us new troll dolls and bought herself pink cowboy<br />boots for the trip.<br /><br />Vegas won't be the same without her. I couldn't say the word<br />Vegas without crying. I couldn't go on a business trip in March.<br />It was too raw. But I am going to Vegas in May. We're visiting<br />her grave in Phoenix and flying to Vegas. I need closure.<br />And I sure do need some Vegas!Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-15539775422393454032008-01-30T20:00:00.000-05:002008-01-30T20:19:54.914-05:00Videos of the Monte Carlo Fire Amateur Video, Great ShotsHere are two amateur videos of the fire<br />at the Monte Carlo. No newscaster rattling<br />on, just pure video from interesting spots.<br /><br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kExxDX-obRw&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kExxDX-obRw&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CNJDYiHHQaI&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CNJDYiHHQaI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-55424888245098008422008-01-30T19:51:00.000-05:002008-01-30T19:59:50.417-05:00Monte Carlo Hotel Fire Update, Hotel Still ClosedThe Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas<br />is still closed and may not be reopening until<br />the middle of February after the January 25th<br />rooftop fire. <br /><br />The hotel has canceled all Lance Burton shows and<br />all dinner reservations at the resort. Weddings<br />have been shifted to the MGM sister properties.<br />All hotel guests with room reservations currently<br />through February 6th, are being accommodated at<br />other MGM properties.<br />Meetings and conventions also have been moved<br />to other properties.<br /><br />There is an Q & A section on the Monte Carlo's<br />web site with all the phone numbers you<br />need to deal with the temporary hotel closing.<br />Click here for more info. <a href="http://www.montecarlo.com/temporary_closure.aspx">Monte Carlo Temporary Closure.</a><br /><br />It seems like they are doing their best under a<br />very difficult situation. I can't imagine relocating<br />guests for 3 thousand rooms, much less meetings,<br />weddings and everything else scheduled at this<br />megaresort.Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-13385484800300927432008-01-25T15:54:00.001-05:002008-01-25T16:09:11.541-05:00Breaking Vegas News, Fire at the Monte Carlo!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu0pTovDNf72vXqzpisUJQTsmuL1SoMYZ6IPraTJMXeaTiVqOB0hF1hF8ZQ3hKSHuxIG6Oo1phwUfBxZa3me-BhwxSMjd4qh5W13SLV36IYL0iE8ALvH2FTT_4TbJNOP1i1WkOKYAMUM/s1600-h/monte+carlo+burning.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu0pTovDNf72vXqzpisUJQTsmuL1SoMYZ6IPraTJMXeaTiVqOB0hF1hF8ZQ3hKSHuxIG6Oo1phwUfBxZa3me-BhwxSMjd4qh5W13SLV36IYL0iE8ALvH2FTT_4TbJNOP1i1WkOKYAMUM/s200/monte+carlo+burning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159520622578358194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A three alarm fire broke out today at the Monte Carlo Hotel<br />and Casino on the Las Vegas strip presumed<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">started on the roof area by a welders torch, even though the<br />cause has not been officially confirmed. MSNBC is reporting<br />that there are no injuries and the fire is extinguished along the<br />west and south sides. It broke out around 11am pacific time. The<br />video shows charring in the penthouse areas of two wings of<br />the casino. They are awaiting a press conference from the<br />Clark County fire officials to see if there is any structural damage<br />to the hotel. The fire was on the outside of the building.<br />Video shows parts of the sign on the facade burning.<br />They are also reporting that the Monte Carlo is hoping to get<br />the gaming tables and the casino up and running this evening.<br />We'll see.<br /><br />The fire officials evacuated the top 15 of the 32 floors and then<br />firefighters went door to door to make sure everyone was<br />evacuated and safe.<br /><br />Fire officials believe there was something flamable like<br />insulating foam that caused the dense black smoke. They also<br />believe that most of the fire was outside the hotel and not in<br />the interior of the hotel. That's why they believe that it<br />was roofing materials involved. <br /><br />The hotel has 3 thousand guest rooms and the hotel guests<br />are being taken to the MGM Garden Arena area to await<br />news. I expect the comps to fly when the hotel reopens.<br />This is the weekend in Vegas when thousands drive in from<br />California. If the hotel is down for any amount of time this<br />weekend, it will translate into a huge financial loss for the<br />MGM group. (Time to tighten the machines again?)<br /><br />The good news: NO INJURIES!<br /></div></div>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-48355520103596399522008-01-18T13:53:00.000-05:002008-01-18T14:52:26.086-05:00Free Attractions In Las Vegas, Its FREE and its Vegas, Baby!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMEd9d9abs19EYQEwEAvPretmfD50evAukNc7nGj61a2dzOip5cQisAcQrRIW-bOLGfkjOCZU8XGiNUXhevu6zOrzMS8cN9qGJ-lxCtv-q8K13XvFnGrBVLPrJ3jWup6MTSr10HyYBLg/s1600-h/100_5286.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMEd9d9abs19EYQEwEAvPretmfD50evAukNc7nGj61a2dzOip5cQisAcQrRIW-bOLGfkjOCZU8XGiNUXhevu6zOrzMS8cN9qGJ-lxCtv-q8K13XvFnGrBVLPrJ3jWup6MTSr10HyYBLg/s200/100_5286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156905823751514402" border="0" /></a><br />There are a lot of must see free attractions<br />in Las Vegas. If you need to while away an<br />afternoon or evening, we've got lots of suggestions!<br /><br />Here are some of my favorites:<br /><br />People watching. Free, the minute your plane touches<br />down at McCarren airport. Its everywhere, you can't<br />avoid it. Staring is optional, sometimes its encouraged.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmu0Z60uDq-R8f7OwwvbwfUWI0MzTNQ8DQaXdEL1KZ6RVZ0OnbRVr1cvfusEcdv9WAQFEMMKZJaUZUg4YnsXz6f7H33pG7p5HdWyTWrkEsP14lYKQ19MnmQ3puQUZpO0adVm5KL9_1n0/s1600-h/100_5261_edited.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmu0Z60uDq-R8f7OwwvbwfUWI0MzTNQ8DQaXdEL1KZ6RVZ0OnbRVr1cvfusEcdv9WAQFEMMKZJaUZUg4YnsXz6f7H33pG7p5HdWyTWrkEsP14lYKQ19MnmQ3puQUZpO0adVm5KL9_1n0/s200/100_5261_edited.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156905819456547090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.bellagio.com/amenities/botanical-garden.aspx">Conservatory at the Bellagio.</a> It changes by the<br />seasons and its always worth a visit. The flowers are<br />always blooming and there is always water bouncing<br />around. A must see! Sometimes you can even watch<br />them set it up and its just amazing.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.bellagio.com/amenities/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx">Fountain show</a> at the Bellagio. Its am amazing show<br />of water that dances to music. From Frank Sinatra tunes,<br />to country to Italian tenors, it will send chills down your spine<br />as the water hits heights and twirls to the music.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.mirage.com/attractions/attractions_volcano.aspx">Volcano at the Mirage</a>. The huge volcano spews<br />flames and explodes over a tropical lagoon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.siegfriedandroy.com/conservation/habitat.php">Seigfried and Roy's white tigers</a>. Just inside near an<br />entrance is a glass enclosed white tiger habitat. These<br />are some gorgeous animals! Most of the time they<br />are sleeping, but sometimes they'll be walking around and<br />jumping into the water.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mirage.com/attractions/attractions_aquarium.aspx">The aquarium at the Mirage.</a> Located just behind the<br />check in desks in the main lobby, there are fish of all species<br />swimming around an entire aquarium wall. Really a nice<br />stop late at night when the lobby isn't full of people checking<br />in and out of the hotel. While you are in the lobby enjoy the<br />fragrance. They must pipe in tropical scents because you'll be<br />transported to a tropical escape.<br /><br />The<a href="http://www.treasureisland.com/pages/ent_sirens.asp"> Sirens of TI show</a> at Treasure Island. Singing,<br />dancing, cannons firing, fireworks and ships sinking.<br />The show has been revamped from a kids show to<br />an adult entertainment show. Strollers aren't permitted.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/lion-habitat.aspx">Lion habitat</a> at the MGM. Lions in a glass enclosed<br />habitat. You may see lions playing with a rubber ball or<br />sleeping on an overpass as you walk under the passage.<br />Wow, adult lions have huge feet. Free and fun, especially<br />if the lions are awake and moving around.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.vegasexperience.com/">Fremont Street Experience</a>. Downtown in old<br />Las Vegas, there is a canopy of about a kabillion lights<br />that do overhead shows complete with music. Fun for all<br />ages!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.harrahs.com/EventsDetail.do?locationCode=RLV&detailName=masquerade-show-in-the-sky-detail&eventTitle=Masquerade%20Show%20in%20the%20Sky">The Masquerade Parade in the Sky</a> at the Rio.<br />A complete Las Vegas show on the main stage with dancers<br />acrobats and singers, but then the magic starts! Parade floats run on<br />a track on the ceiling with dancers as the parade floats<br />overhead. The performers throw Mardi Gras beads and if you<br />are lucky enough to catch them, make sure you wear them!<br />You can even buy tickets to ride in a float!Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-62392110251923569362007-12-21T20:02:00.000-05:002007-12-24T15:52:20.628-05:00Las Vegas Hotel Review: The Rio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRSEB6ZtRwRSSKNz0oIlHjTVyk_THK2O_NwMy20_ieFZs4v3QU8fZe38-qFaNH0UguPxrZEUXlpYO3DD7XVwDKaksMT6GBDaccw-DephB-2R3EveMY-eLdsb7AjtZ-M4FxNrHfOb4egE/s1600-h/the+rio.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRSEB6ZtRwRSSKNz0oIlHjTVyk_THK2O_NwMy20_ieFZs4v3QU8fZe38-qFaNH0UguPxrZEUXlpYO3DD7XVwDKaksMT6GBDaccw-DephB-2R3EveMY-eLdsb7AjtZ-M4FxNrHfOb4egE/s200/the+rio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146609962509280770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Rio has a Carnivale fun theme that really<br />rocks. Its almost like a city unto itself. You might want<br />to leave, but why? You've got great food, entertainment,<br />a casino, a spa, a wedding chapel, shopping, hot lounges,<br />nightlife and even the Lucky Strike lanes!<br /><br />The Rio used to bill itself as the only all suite<br />hotel in Las Vegas. To be fair, they weren't<br />really suites. They were just huge living room<br />bedroom combinations with a bath. But in 1990,<br />this place was revolutionary.<br /><br />The Rio was a big, friendly, rocking, fun place with some<br />of the best video poker around. It basically was a locals<br />casino since there wasn't easy access to the strip at the time.<br />The same employees were there from the beginning and<br />remembered your name. It had great food at low prices<br />and the buffet was legendary. Rio Rita was running<br />around the casino with a fruit basket on her head<br />conducting impromptu casino contests and giving<br />out prizes.<br /><br />Harrah's took over and messed with something good.<br />They Harrahized the place. Gone is the good video<br />poker. Gone are the employees who remembered<br />your name. The food prices skyrocketed. The buffet<br />declined and is slowly regaining some of its former<br />glory. Its just not the same. Sadly. Its Harrah's.<br /><br />The rooms in the Masquerade Tower are easy to<br />access and the hallways are wider and brighter.<br />If you self park, you can walk into the casino, take an<br />escalator and be at your hotel elevator in a minute.<br /><br /><br />The rooms, er, suites, are a huge room with a sofa,<br />chair, cocktail table, eating table with two chairs and<br />your bed or beds. The bathrooms have a shower tub combo<br />a little bit of marble. The sink and vanity are outside in a dressing<br />area so someone can shower while others have access to the<br />mirror area and sink. Regardless of what tower you are in,<br />the rooms have awesome floor to ceiling windows.<br /><br />They used to have coffee pots and refrigerators in this dressing<br />area, the last time we stayed the coffee pots were history.<br />When we asked about it, they mumbled some lame answer<br />about 9/11 and against code. I think they just wanted me to<br />head down to Starbucks and get some high priced high<br />octane caffeine.<br /><br />The rooms are comfortable, clean and the toiletries are<br />basic. The towels are average. Its not high end here, but<br />its really spacious and comfy. Its a great room to relax<br />from the casino and the nightlife.<br /><br />The pool here is an experience. There is not one but<br />four pools and one has a sand bottom. How fun!<br /><br />The Rio has so many dining choices from the cafe, buffet to<br />Indian, Italian, seafood and Mexican restaurants, its hard<br />to decide where you want to eat. If you want to club and<br />party, hit the Voo Doo Lounge. Its 51 stories above the strip<br />and the view is freaking amazing!<br /><br />Don't miss the free Masquerade Parade in the Sky show<br />in the Masquerade village. Its a song, dance review with<br />a twist: the floats are on the ceiling. If you are lucky,<br />you can catch some mardi gras beads they throw from<br />the floats. Or you can pay and be on the float in costume.<br /><br />Harrah's may have changed the place, but its still a fun<br />place to stay AND play.Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-44138779916082980482007-12-21T19:01:00.000-05:002007-12-22T10:45:39.738-05:00Las Vegas Hotel Review: New York New York<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu_tcAfBSbpm66cpFupXmtgwUeRSnXeWFt_o9K0a8NjAdthu4FOcautg7FIw5e2H-uQkxW2tDZl7hNoy1ue6F0lC3aIuKXaJ-YvS4U8XFOsuzX_BEOxbCvG_v9lV8FYjEomDqeX6thGQ/s1600-h/Las-Vegas-New-York-New-York-Casino-4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu_tcAfBSbpm66cpFupXmtgwUeRSnXeWFt_o9K0a8NjAdthu4FOcautg7FIw5e2H-uQkxW2tDZl7hNoy1ue6F0lC3aIuKXaJ-YvS4U8XFOsuzX_BEOxbCvG_v9lV8FYjEomDqeX6thGQ/s200/Las-Vegas-New-York-New-York-Casino-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146582092466497010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />New York New York Hotel & Casino has the huge<br />statue of the Statue of Liberty marking its front,<br />along with a tug boat spewing water, a bridge and<br />the famous NYNY roller coaster speeding around<br />the property. There's a lot going on here!<br /><br />I remember watching them assemble the<br />Statue of Liberty. I watched as they put the arm and torch<br />on the statue. I've seen Miss Liberty dressed in a huge<br />tee shirt. And who could ever forget the 9/11 tribute<br />that was on the grounds?<br /><br />I had heard a lot of negatives about NYNY, but since<br />they invited me to stay, and it was comped, oh, hell yes.<br />I heard the rooms were small. Yes, they are. But they<br />are comfortable and well appointed. They have sort of<br />a cool cosmopolitan vibe. They remind me of a<br />midtown NY hotel. As my husband said, DUH...that's what<br />its supposed to look like! Nice sized bathroom with the<br />usual toiletries, the requisite marble and shower.<br />The room has a safe, tv, desk, everything you need, AND<br />its really clean. Oh, nice thick towels, too.<br /><br />I heard that the noise from the roller coaster can blast<br />you awake and keep you from sleeping. So I requested<br />a room away from the roller coaster and they obliged.<br />I asked people whose rooms were near the coaster about<br />the noise. One said it was horrible,<br />the others said it wasn't that much of a problem since it stops<br />running at 11pm during the week and midnight on weekends.<br />I'm not in bed that early in Vegas, so I wouldn't notice it. ;)<br /><br />The hotel rooms are in the towers and you have to zigzag<br />down the halls from building to building to get to your room.<br />The buildings are connected by corridors. It wouldn't have<br />been that difficult if I wasn't dragging my suitcase and running<br />my mouth and not paying attention to the hall. I ran smack<br />into one of the walls. I just pretended<br />to be tipsy instead of a total ditzy blonde.<br /><br />The hotel has a food court area that looks like a<br />New York city street. Their cafe is called America<br />and has the coolest 3 D map on the wall.<br />Decent food, large sized portions, good service.<br /><br />Husband loves the ESPN Zone. Its a huge sports bar<br />with tv's everywhere blasting out sports. It used to be<br />the Motown Cafe. It has the usual man bar food, sliders,<br />subs, cheese fries and stuff that you eat when watching<br />sports. All you need is a sofa and a remote. Its a good place<br />to park the men while the women go shopping.<br /><br />One of my favorite restaurants is here. Il Fornaio has great<br />Italian food. Problem is the service sucked all five times I was<br />there. Last time the waiter said they were out of<br />bolognese sauce. Come on, no Italian restaurant is EVER<br />out of bolognese sauce. Couple came in after us, had a<br />different waiter, got bolognese sauce.<br />Damn! Their home made bread is to die for, and its<br />baked there. You can dine inside or outside which is<br />actually a faux garden area in the casino. My hope is to<br />sometime get a good waiter. I know they<br />have them, I've seen them. I just always get the guy<br />on his first day.<br /><br />The casino is a bit difficult to maneuver. The casino looks like<br />its set in central park. It really has the feel of being in a city.<br />They have some faux rock boulders near the bridge and<br />I always manage to trip because I don't always watch<br />where I'm going. They annoy me!<br /><br />The machines are tight here. I did see a big jackpot the last<br />time we were there. We got up from a machine, a woman<br />sat down, put in a $20 bill and hit for 8 grand on the first pull.<br />It was oh, so painful. The video poker is just so so. Not great<br />pay tables. Lots and lots of penny games, including those<br />annoying 20 line million reel spinners that make<br />way too much noise.<br /><br />If you like nightlife and bars, this place has Coyote Ugly and<br />9 Fine Irishmen as well as the Times Square bar. Lots of<br />partying goes on here!<br /><br />Interesting hotel, fun casino and it can get really loud.<br />If you like loud and boisterous, this is your happy place.Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-36188644432351886512007-12-21T14:40:00.000-05:002007-12-21T21:16:50.588-05:00Las Vegas Hotel Review: The Luxor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimfF-2BMpCO-nbWSCmBlH_3qeXduLYnaNXayVcMZ_g_-jBTD5_MNUgHyYls7rQJmAAf6rKL_XwRgSuPNYxH-Z9muDZDezg3rBBU0ozobsvyXunsL5418hC3y9kZeazU7gjqVTnzs3SNw/s1600-h/Rose's+luxor.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimfF-2BMpCO-nbWSCmBlH_3qeXduLYnaNXayVcMZ_g_-jBTD5_MNUgHyYls7rQJmAAf6rKL_XwRgSuPNYxH-Z9muDZDezg3rBBU0ozobsvyXunsL5418hC3y9kZeazU7gjqVTnzs3SNw/s200/Rose's+luxor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146520292182074802" border="0" /></a><br />Pyramid power, baby. The the MGM group took<br />over Luxor Las Vegas, they want to change its theme,<br />but when its already shaped like a pyramid,<br />what changes can you do? I personally love<br />the Egyptian theme, the Obelisk, the Sphinx and<br />the giant light. Don't change it! It stand out.<br />What I hate is the huge liquor bottle<br />advertisement plastered on the side of<br />the pyramid.<br /><br />They are revamping the inside to take out a<br />lot of Egyptian decor. They've jumped onto<br />the hot night club bandwagon by introducing<br />LAX nightclub. They are adding a lot of new<br />bars and clubs. What they need to do is<br />improve the food at the buffet.<br /><br />Rooms in the pyramid are Egyptian inspired,<br />sort of basic. Beds are not comfy like the new<br />ones they are introducing at the other MGM<br />properties. The rooms DON'T have safes which is<br />a pain when you want to leave stuff in your room.<br />You have to rent a safe deposit box downstairs<br />for your valuables.The windows in the pyramid<br />slant inward so when you go to look out you'll<br />smack your forehead on the glass.<br />Why don't the maids see the<br />spots on the windows and clean them?<br /><br />Bathrooms are basic, they have Bath and Body<br />works products which ups them in my estimation.<br />The towels are thin. Thin and hard. They<br />need new towels, those fluffy ones that<br />they have at the other MGM properties.<br /><br />The tower rooms are nicer, brighter and larger<br />but a pain to get to because they are off<br />the main area and you have to go down a maze<br />(supposed to be like a Pyrmaid maze) to get<br />to the elevators. If you are in the tower,<br />check in at the East valet and desk, it will<br />be so much easier to maneuver. Its still a bit<br />of a walk to the casino.<br /><br />The suites in the towers are nice. They are<br />two rooms, a living room with a wet bar, TV,<br />sofa, refrigerator and small eating table and foyer.<br />You have your bedroom with another TV.<br />You'll have a large marble bathroom with a big vanity,<br />robes, slippers, double sinks and another room<br />with a shower and a jacuzzi tub.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz9W9H9YPT5DXtKYQEFjQmgLspuVH2yfLDM3UrH4jyicnRHzZzf_lq9goMskws_gqOiuVSkGxySke1YQkYajHNUm0TFc0rsGTUk5h2jVSzA8_3FKKBxcMrx4ALAowJoUP98ARpVSnRg0/s1600-h/100_5287.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz9W9H9YPT5DXtKYQEFjQmgLspuVH2yfLDM3UrH4jyicnRHzZzf_lq9goMskws_gqOiuVSkGxySke1YQkYajHNUm0TFc0rsGTUk5h2jVSzA8_3FKKBxcMrx4ALAowJoUP98ARpVSnRg0/s200/100_5287.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146523320134018514" border="0" /></a><br />Bedroom of tower suite<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gMlc7QHGulfeEQKwIeS4efxNAUpYs71G3kyh8Zy7oGa7tP4dQ5g6rRMYHkmHQxkOhnfaAvNcBMk7GSuuTx-judJRxNd-N8_qv717He5Bg0WGoFSaRxa5L9your4-Io60y0JL2qDKo_w/s1600-h/100_5289.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gMlc7QHGulfeEQKwIeS4efxNAUpYs71G3kyh8Zy7oGa7tP4dQ5g6rRMYHkmHQxkOhnfaAvNcBMk7GSuuTx-judJRxNd-N8_qv717He5Bg0WGoFSaRxa5L9your4-Io60y0JL2qDKo_w/s200/100_5289.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146522465435526594" border="0" /></a><br />Living room of tower suite.<br /><br />The plus of the Luxor is the staff. They<br />are awesome, friendly and helpful. They<br />do their best to help you figure out the<br />Luxor. Lets face it, this place is confusing.<br />There is construction going on in the casino<br />and it should be nice when its done.<br /><br />The Pyramid Cafe serves decent food in huge<br />portions. I've seen celebs eating in there.<br />Its your basic hotel coffee shop fronting<br />the casino. If you want to get away from<br />the noise of the casino, ask to be seated<br />in the back.<br /><br />There is a free tram that will connect<br />you to Mandalay Bay or the Excalibur. From<br />the Excalibur, its a short walk to NY NY<br />and the MGM. There are also walkways<br />if you feel like walking and they have<br />shops and restaurants.<br /><br />The Luxor is the home of Criss Angel, the<br />Mindfreak illusionist, who will be opening next<br />year in their Cirque production. You might<br />cross paths with him in the hotel as he lives<br />in the penthouse of the pyramid. You<br />can check his shooting schedule at his<br />production office located at the end of<br />the Giza shops on the main floor. His fans<br />will love his cars sprinkled around the property<br />at the main valet and the east valet. His<br />bikes are inside near his production office<br />and his retail shop.<br /><br />The Luxor is a decent place to stay in<br />an easy to navigate location. I stay here<br />when I get a great slot club offer and I<br />can't say I'm disappointed. If they would<br />just get better towels!Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-83199065683975066562007-12-19T14:55:00.000-05:002007-12-21T21:17:27.522-05:00Las Vegas Hotel Review: MGM Grand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYyWLVrr_aNVsKyuECONYTXT17zicLARyko55kv4a7A73Pgx-NZrjYB9Rb4FioVip8SAM7dbapimN5YBvqPHlQedt0_nOzy5Z-xgq8-XFrkk8cfpM3mYD4CUM00qyjCaODBC1CiCIKeI/s1600-h/MGM+hotel.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYyWLVrr_aNVsKyuECONYTXT17zicLARyko55kv4a7A73Pgx-NZrjYB9Rb4FioVip8SAM7dbapimN5YBvqPHlQedt0_nOzy5Z-xgq8-XFrkk8cfpM3mYD4CUM00qyjCaODBC1CiCIKeI/s200/MGM+hotel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145784645888648226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The MGM Grand has 5,034 rooms and bills itself as the"City Of Entertainment." I can always count on having<br />the farthest room in the entire gi-normous complex.<br />If you book here, plan to walk...a lot.<p><br /><br />You'll see a lot of marble and brass lions. In fact, the<br />lion in the front of the hotel is the largest bronze statue<br />in the USA. Its the mascot of the MGM studios.</p><p><br /><br />The MGM is supposed to show the glory of old Hollywood<br />and the MGM studio. I find it to be way too big to<br />easily navigate and too freaking loud at night when the<br />nightclubs are pulsating.</p><p><br /><br />The rooms are OK. Nothing special. The bathrooms have<br />a lot of marble, a tub, shower, marble vanity and the<br />usual assortment of toiletries. in fact the bathrooms<br />are a bit Hollywood glam. One room even had a vanity.<br />The rooms sport a desk, tv, phone, and<br />are very comfortable and clean.<br /><br />The standard rooms are nicer than the Hollywood<br />suites. I didn't like the Hollywood suites,<br />they seemed dingy and dated and a tad dirty. <br />I got a free suite upgrade twice and would rather<br />have been in a standard room. Both times they had<br />the "ick" factor. It looked like there were icky<br />stains on the velvet sofa and<br />I refused to sit on it.</p><p><br /><br />I also found the ventilation systems in the hotel<br />to cause a lot of sinus problems in the room. <br />I had a constant headache and sinus problems in<br />a non smoking room, husband had sinus and sneezing<br />that stopped once we left the room.</p><p><br /><br />There is a difference between the standard rooms in<br />the main hotel and the west wing. The west wing used<br />to be the old Marina hotel and they built the MGM<br />around the property. The rooms are ultra small but<br />have just been redone to have an upscale and funky<br />feel to them and a small window. Some like them,<br />some hate them. I need a room with a big window<br />and space to spread out my stuff.<br /></p><p><br /><br />All the rooms have photos of old movie stars staring<br />down at you. You'll even see the pics in the public<br />restroom stalls, which can be startling to see an old<br />Hollywood leading man locking eyes with you when<br />you enter the bathroom stall.</p><p><br /><br />There is a row of high end restaurants and shops on the<br />way to the monorail station. Very chichi. The coffee shop<br />is expensive and the food is just so so. The buffet here<br />is pretty good with a lot of offerings. Its tucked away in<br />a corner across from the lion habitat.</p><p><br /><br />If you park your car, use the valet. The parking garage is<br />totally confusing and a long long walk to your hotel room.<br />I always say we've parked in Arizona and walked. If they<br />have the valet is full sign out, tell them you are a hotel<br />guest and tip them and they'll take your car.</p><p><br /><br />The casino is large, really large and confusing. I found that<br />if you pick markers in the casino, like restrooms, Starbucks<br />and hotel elevators, it makes it a lot easier to navigate. <br />You can't leave a trail of breadcrumbs to mark your path,<br />they clean the place constantly. And don't forget about<br />ATM's, they are everywhere. You'll need it in this casino.<br />The slots are tight! </p><p><br /><br />Didn't see many jackpots or good video poker anyplace.<br />We did see a whale in the high roller area that was<br />surrounded with a possee of black suits from the hotel. <br />In the few minutes we watched this guy play we know<br />he lost a half a million smackers. Later on, he was<br />winning. He was an older man with some young "nieces".<br />Wink, wink. </p><p><br /><br />The pool complex is huge. There are 5 pools and a lot<br />of lounging areas. It is always crowded, so arrive early.</p><p><br /><br />Not my favorite place to stay, but definitely not the<br />worst place to stay on the strip. If you love night<br />life and clubbing, you'll love the MGM. If you<br />want a quieter place to hang out, you'll do better<br />to book elsewhere.</p><p></p>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-12420022527047486852007-12-19T13:34:00.000-05:002007-12-20T14:14:28.677-05:00Station Casinos, Good Gamble, Good Food!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJLNTh-z3DmZiWhrvrw-UBpzmD5Sqhf_9zuQxe_0gpbUtDP7z4v9lvmX566n3NiEUBLAs0MInMHv96Sly7RKVdaQnPKiH5fLU11gQ47HeFjsZvTEJHWPGt-GwZOeUS7rThUVdK3Q4mWA/s1600-h/gvr+lobby.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJLNTh-z3DmZiWhrvrw-UBpzmD5Sqhf_9zuQxe_0gpbUtDP7z4v9lvmX566n3NiEUBLAs0MInMHv96Sly7RKVdaQnPKiH5fLU11gQ47HeFjsZvTEJHWPGt-GwZOeUS7rThUVdK3Q4mWA/s200/gvr+lobby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145774179053347858" border="0" /></a><br />Green Valley Ranch<br />Lobby<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The locals play at the Station Casinos and for<br />good reason. You get a good gamble and a lot of<br />perks and freebies. The food is really good and<br />reasonable. The casinos are clean, well attended<br />and the locals are just so much fun. Some have<br />movie theaters and Kids Quest, a place for kids<br />to play while the parents hit the casino. Most also<br />have food courts with a lot of different choices.<p><br /><br />The casinos are spread around the Las Vegas<br />area. Boulder Station is on Boulder Highway.<br />Palace Station is near the strip. Ask for a tour<br />of the OJ room.;) Texas Station is in north<br />Las Vegas, Santa Fe Station is out to the west,<br />Sunset Station and Green Valley Ranch are in Henderson.<br />Red Rock is in Summerlin near Red Rock Canyon. </p><p><br /><br />Green Valley (known as GVR or just the Ranch to locals )<br />and Red Rock are their upscale properties. The hotel rooms<br />rival those of the poshest rooms on the strip.</p><p><br /><br />The Station group have a slot club called the<br />Boarding Pass. Use your boarding pass in the<br />machine like you would any other slot card.<br />This month they are offering random bonuses on<br />any machine INCLUDING pennies. You hear a tone<br />on your machine, play is suspended and you get<br />a mystery bonus of $ 5 to $20.00. Press a button<br />and the money is deposited into your machine.<br />It happened to me a lot at Green Valley Ranch,<br />in a day span I got over a hundred dollars in bonus<br />cash, much to the chagrin of the players around<br />me. Maybe its was because I parked myself and<br />didn't move, maybe it was just my lucky day.<br />But the tones keep whistling and everyone wins.</p><p><br /><br />In addition, there is the Jumbo Jackpot bonus that<br />randomly hits by $150.000 to one lucky player.<br />It resets at $100,000. Everyone with their boarding<br />pass in the machine when it hits gets $50. My local<br />friends will keep their card in the machine even if they<br />leave to go to the restroom. You never know, baby!</p><p><br /><br />I discovered the most fun new Mr. Cashman game<br />at GVR. Its called Tequila Sunrise. In addition to the<br />Cashman bonus, if you hit two cacti on the first<br />two reels, you get three free games. Since the cacti<br />are the scatter pay, the first two reels don't spin and<br />you are guaranteed the scatter pay on the next three<br />spins. If you are lucky, you'll hit more cacti on the<br />other reels. </p><p><br /><br />Station Casinos have more new penny games than<br />any other casinos in LV. They also have less of the<br />multi reel spinning penny slots that seem to have<br />taken over the strip casinos. They don't get played<br />at the Station Casinos as much. I take my lead<br />from the locals. They'll tell you NOT to play a certain<br />type of machine or to play a certain type of machine<br />because of the bonus. I listen because I see them<br />winning!</p><p><br /><br />If you love video poker, this place is nirvana.<br />Some of the game makers have double triple poker.<br />I saw a lot of quad aces with kickers and who doesn't<br />love THAT payout? They have every denomination<br />starting with nickels and a lot of progressives.</p><p><br /><br />And lets talk food: Every Station Casino has a buffet<br />with good reasonable food and a coffee shop that serves<br />different fare, including ham and cabbage, a local favorite.<br />Add a few upscale restaurants and a food court, and you<br />can eat and gamble on the cheap and have a blast<br />doing it!<br /><br /><br /></p>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-69331393463003169692007-12-19T12:17:00.000-05:002007-12-21T21:18:13.915-05:00Las Vegas Hotel review: Treasure Island<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkrPuLOqR-ZqAmy01vO7lXDphb8rmhJcq6LrZYr31yMEEM7y-eQ4n9AKa194WQi-naQoZhJyv1SKR9kkGQNd_Ben2mDq4uxBIQF-4-2DWS451Q_zMN3WCTQJfac90j5ss0TVSlEKcNO8/s1600-h/100_0674.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkrPuLOqR-ZqAmy01vO7lXDphb8rmhJcq6LrZYr31yMEEM7y-eQ4n9AKa194WQi-naQoZhJyv1SKR9kkGQNd_Ben2mDq4uxBIQF-4-2DWS451Q_zMN3WCTQJfac90j5ss0TVSlEKcNO8/s200/100_0674.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145735408383566818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclh-WI6Zzf8nuPEs9F_DcAwP4Ac0qmjLOJRbxSI0ONFnjSoxHR_fmKB2VeYFHB_x_uNvEIfHznV9D7GMApoCgxjX1KNTVRjyKrFKzlvsunvgNso5Cn37zeeOgGuxal11N9DGu5RAs7NY/s1600-h/100_0841.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclh-WI6Zzf8nuPEs9F_DcAwP4Ac0qmjLOJRbxSI0ONFnjSoxHR_fmKB2VeYFHB_x_uNvEIfHznV9D7GMApoCgxjX1KNTVRjyKrFKzlvsunvgNso5Cn37zeeOgGuxal11N9DGu5RAs7NY/s200/100_0841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145735416973501426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBJ8HkwZTjRqrqnRm1Tbf1WX7ODnlcZJxItrC9N1jq-Kh1wgvRtJGz0uqivJpwW-Ct3P9e0AqWmqKfnuO47Tc_r29iujTKlNCYJBLUkjDzJMNxieM0h-EK5Y_NbK0Y8CpXsXs5WJZ43E/s1600-h/rose's+ti.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBJ8HkwZTjRqrqnRm1Tbf1WX7ODnlcZJxItrC9N1jq-Kh1wgvRtJGz0uqivJpwW-Ct3P9e0AqWmqKfnuO47Tc_r29iujTKlNCYJBLUkjDzJMNxieM0h-EK5Y_NbK0Y8CpXsXs5WJZ43E/s200/rose's+ti.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145735421268468738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />TI as it is now known, has the location going<br />for it. Its connected to the Mirage by a tram,<br />across the street from the Venetian and a short<br />walk to Harrah's and Wynn's. Its in the center<br />of all things and the prices for the rooms<br />are affordable<br /><br />If you are a shopper, Treasure Island is located<br />next to the Fashion Show Mall. You don' t even<br />need to go outside, you can cross the street<br />to the mall via the sky walk from the casino.<br /><br /><br />Treasure Island has upscaled its image from<br />a family friendly pirate theme to an adult playground.<br />Gone is the pirate skull sign, in its place is a new<br />electronic TI sign. TI is the way the hip refer to<br />this hotel, it will always be Treasure Island to me.<br />TI has hot pulsating ultra lounges like Tangerine and<br />the Social House an upscale restaurant/night spot<br />frequented by celebrities.<br /><br />While it hasn't instituted a no children rule,<br />the changes to adult hotel are evident.<br />The child friendly pirate show out front has changed<br />to The Sirens of TI, a more adult pirate show. it features<br />the sexy Sirens of TI. The ship still sinks and the<br />cannons still fire and the kids still get a kick out of it.<br /><br />Treasure Island remains a friendly, intimate<br />hotel and casino. Its easy to navigate and easy<br />to reach your room from the casino floor. <br /><br />The rooms have all have new comfy beds. They<br />are as comfortable as those at the Bellagio.<br />The pillows are both feather and poly.<br />The rooms are fairly identical, all done in shades<br />of gold, the latest addition besides the<br />new beds are flat screen televisions.<br />The new TV's have a sleep timer which sends<br />my husband into pure happiness.<br /><br />The bathroom has a large marble vanity, a hair dryer,<br />tub and shower combination. Not luxe, but very<br />usable. Toiletries are from their spa Wet and<br />include two different kinds of soap, body lotion<br />shampoo and conditioner. The rooms are comfortable<br />and clean. I personally think its time for a total redo<br />of the decorating scheme, but it works.<br /><br />The rooms have a safe in the closet as well as<br />extra pillows. We've also found the hair dryer<br />there on the top shelf instead of in the baskets<br />they used to have on the bathroom counter.<br /><br />TI's greatest asset is their friendly staff. They<br />go above and beyond to make your stay pleasant<br />and fun.<br /><br />TI is building a new high rollers area that should<br />be open in late December. Its going to feature<br />a buffet for the players. How cool is that?<br /><br />TI has some great restaurants. Francesco's is one<br />of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city. Service<br />is sometimes a pain in the rear, either they are fawning<br />over you or you are waving your hand for service.<br />The food is excellent.<br /><br />TI has a great Mexican restaurant called Isla Mexican<br />Kitchen with a tequila goddess that will mix your<br />drink at your table.<br /><br />Kahunaville is the most fun restaurant/bar. The restaurant<br />is separate from the party bar and features polynesian<br />inspired food. Its EXCELLENT and very well priced!<br />The restaurant also has a really cheesy and fun fountain show.<br />The real fun is in the bar area where they have<br />world famous flairtenders, bartenders that put on<br />shows flipping bottles and pouring drinks into pyramids<br />of glasses.<br /><br />TI also has the Steak House and the Social House<br />for sushi and saki. You'll find a Starbucks, a Coffee<br />Shop and a Ben and Jerry's. <br /><br />TI just redid their suites in an ultra modern almost<br />Jetson like manner. Done in shades of red, black,<br />earth tones and chrome, they are modern in a retro<br />sort of way. You have a desk, sofa and two bathrooms.<br />Yes, a his and her bathroom with a jacuzzi tub in one, a large shower<br />in the other, large marble vanities, robes, slippers, luxe toiletries,<br />a refrigerator, a safe, and damn, a scale.<br /><br />The pool area has a lot of palm trees and loungers Its not<br />as sophisticated as a lot of the other MGM properties,<br />but its a decent pool area in the summer.Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-91269277014795693812007-12-19T11:21:00.000-05:002007-12-21T21:19:13.950-05:00Las Vegas Hotel Review: The Bellagio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR73esNgOLfNBOKaVkKZ9Ik99R2qRd_xtgR2rB_e5XLLK14V9xSFNYA5SQ5tLgFQGEd0eVtAbLLAlMdp-1Dru5JwjOtWeRkgxrwWrE6eup2oKHNZOVLjRw-5-VtdXkDckI98u6EGX-Go/s1600-h/DSCF4059.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR73esNgOLfNBOKaVkKZ9Ik99R2qRd_xtgR2rB_e5XLLK14V9xSFNYA5SQ5tLgFQGEd0eVtAbLLAlMdp-1Dru5JwjOtWeRkgxrwWrE6eup2oKHNZOVLjRw-5-VtdXkDckI98u6EGX-Go/s200/DSCF4059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145732638129660866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG0XZlB7e11gaPbE5Fn8dJ-74Pl0FKeuLbliiStmQVyqDg4C8_Y0WAzAD2TT_P4BUmVWUsqGLjtk56GGJgrPhPAjxPFwVQXB7upqEWFI1zJr6vGW2vteATSwWYua1IDcAa_owFnYz66c/s1600-h/DSCF4057.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG0XZlB7e11gaPbE5Fn8dJ-74Pl0FKeuLbliiStmQVyqDg4C8_Y0WAzAD2TT_P4BUmVWUsqGLjtk56GGJgrPhPAjxPFwVQXB7upqEWFI1zJr6vGW2vteATSwWYua1IDcAa_owFnYz66c/s200/DSCF4057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145732642424628178" border="0" /></a><br />The Bellagio sits on the hallowed grounds that<br />one was home to the Dunes Hotel Casino Country club<br />and golf course. I remember flying in<br />at night and the first thing I saw was from the airplane window<br />was the neon Dunes sign. Even though the Dunes was on its last<br />breath, we were sad to see it go and wondered if Steve Wynn<br />would be able pull off this huge undertaking. I remember<br />watching the hotel going up and seeing the huge hole that<br />would become its lake and fountain show. Could he do it?<br />Yup! He did it with his usual flair and style.<br />The hotel is now under the MGM group, and they've<br />managed to keep it upscale and unique.<p><br /><br />The hotel rooms are done in shades of<br />and earth tones. The bed is probably the most<br />comfortable bed you've ever slept in. If it weren't<br />in Las Vegas, you couldn't get me out of it.<br />The pillows are both feather and poly, the linens have to<br />have a huge thread count, they are like buttah. </p><p><br /><br />The bathrooms have a large garden tub, a separate<br />shower and a large vanity full of upscale toiletries.<br />You'll find body lotion, shampoo, conditioner,<br />mouthwash, a small vanity pack full of q-tips,<br />cotton balls and a nail file,<br />a shower cap and depending on the mood of your maid,<br />other stuff like a lint brush, a shoe buffer and<br />other fun surprises.Oh, the towels are think and<br />fluffy and have big B's on them. And besides having a<br />hair dryer,you'll find a scale.<br />After chowing down and going one buffet over the line,<br />you don't want to face THE SCALE. Just kick it under the<br />vanity and pretend it doesn't exist. </p><p><br /><br />Expect turn down service and chocolate on your bed stand.<br />You have your high priced mini bar that operates on a sensor.<br />you don't want it, don't pick it up because it will show up on<br />your bill. By the way, the chocolates in it are to die for,<br />but they'll cost you. </p><p><br /><br />The unique feature of their rooms are the automatic drapes.<br />They operate by touch buttons on the foyer wall and by the<br />bed. Fun to play with, very useful to wake up your sleepy<br />partner. Your room has a safe and a TV. If you are lucky<br />enough to score an free upgrade to a view room or pay extra<br />for the fountain view, you can watch the fountains from<br />your window and tune your TV to the Bellagio fountain<br />music station and hear the music in your room.<br />Very cool!</p><p><br /><br />The pool complex is like walking into a Tuscan garden.<br />There are individual pools, way out of everyone's price<br />cabanas, fountains, topiaries, flowers and cedar trees.<br />There's a pool side restaurant and drink service so<br />you can lounge all day long either in the sun or the shade.<br />The landscaping has nooks and crannies where you can lounge<br />without being bothered. </p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ7lm7sOWNFxtLGd-yVpnwM5ClzyeN__Z6H3yNLUshJ6Zqm8QFJh18shxgSIGjQXglsIFNaeFqn3brm9xKgWdpIf-SdG_1_uNfOHxGWcs588R5BE8zk3PQ5HOcOgKRbgeMxvaLaL1Vh8/s1600-h/100_3419.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ7lm7sOWNFxtLGd-yVpnwM5ClzyeN__Z6H3yNLUshJ6Zqm8QFJh18shxgSIGjQXglsIFNaeFqn3brm9xKgWdpIf-SdG_1_uNfOHxGWcs588R5BE8zk3PQ5HOcOgKRbgeMxvaLaL1Vh8/s200/100_3419.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145732638129660850" border="0" /></a></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Bellagio Pool Complex</span><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN960r8Hels4vVn2x8tJUOoBh5g9-BwsX3w8qbfGgTuxui6Hg1eV_0Clygu9qgT4GzTkQvdZjD2bWG8ZGYSzaUNShn60p4mG8Tuhh_2-WISnQ0LcXEw1OeEusoDq1yakTBZPDs7gGI8Uo/s1600-h/rose's+bellagio+pool.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN960r8Hels4vVn2x8tJUOoBh5g9-BwsX3w8qbfGgTuxui6Hg1eV_0Clygu9qgT4GzTkQvdZjD2bWG8ZGYSzaUNShn60p4mG8Tuhh_2-WISnQ0LcXEw1OeEusoDq1yakTBZPDs7gGI8Uo/s200/rose's+bellagio+pool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145732629539726242" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p>The hotel is spotless. Spotless. The rooms in the original<br />tower of the hotel have all been updated to match the<br />rooms in the new tower. This hotel is amazing, if you get<br />the chance to stay here,don't hesitate!</p><p><br /><br />The staff is helpful and accommodating.There is nothing<br />snooty about this place despite what you may have heard.<br />Everyone is all about you having a great time.</p><p><br /><br />The Bellagio has an under 18<br />child policy. Some people are ticked off by it. Others<br />like me applaud the idea of no strollers except for hotel<br />guests. I've been rammed by so many strollers in Las Vegas<br />that I just want to tell the parent...go to Disney for<br />gawd's sake. Or what are you doing with that kid at<br />2am walking around? Get a brain. I'm in favor of keeping<br />the Bellagio an adult oasis. Directly from the web site,<br />here's their policy:</p><br /><p><img style="width: 310px; height: 43px;" class="NoPrint" src="http://www.bellagio.com/images/under18policy/HeaderUnder18Policy.gif" alt="Under 18 Policy - Bellagio" /></p><p><br />You must be 18 years of age or a registered hotel guest to<br />enter Bellagio Casino.</p> <p>The following exceptions apply to<br />minors who are at least 5 years of age and accompanied<br />by an adult at least 18 years of age:</p> <ul><li>Restaurant reservations for Michael Mina, FIX, Sensi, Circo,<br /></li><li>Jasmine,<br /></li><li>Le Cirque, Picasso, Shintaro or Prime</li><li>Attending a wedding in our Wedding Chapels</li><li>Attending a convention function</li><li>Attending a performance of "O"</li><li>Gallery of Fine Art</li><li>Children of hotel guests and non-hotel guests are allowed<br /></li><li>if accompanied<br /></li><li>by an adult. Non-hotel guests with children must have<br /></li><li>their tickets in hand prior to arriving to Bellagio.</li><li>Visiting a Via Bellagio shop by appointment only</li></ul> <p>Strollers are allowed for hotel guests only.</p>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-54729290254046135662007-12-09T20:31:00.003-05:002007-12-11T11:26:04.330-05:00Contact Phone Numbers for the Casino & Slot Clubs Las Vegas<span style="font-weight:bold;">You absolutely must make your Las Vegas hotel reservations through the slot club or through VIP. Not only will you get a better hotel rate known as the casino rate, you'll also get to check in at either VIP or the invited guest line. You won't have to stand in an endless line like a regular tourist. Your wait will be minimal. My theory is the longer time I spend waiting in line, the more money the casino loses. Its to their advantage to get me checked in. ;)<br /><br />And, if you make your reservations DIRECTLY through the slot clubs or VIP, you have a better chance of getting your room comped...another word for complimentary which is free or a dramatically reduced rate. If you buy through another source, like <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2651507-10476204" target="_top">Travelocity </a> or your airline or through a package plan, you aren't going to get comped because you've already paid for your room. <br /><br />Heres the phone numbers you need to contact the slot clubs to make reservations or to request a slot host. If the phone goes to the general hotel operator and not directly to the slot club, ask to be transferred to the slot club or a slot host. <br /><br />Bellagio 1-888-987-7887<br />MGM Grand Las Vegas 1-800-929-9410<br />Mandalay Bay 1-877-632-7500<br />The Mirage 1-800-777-6533<br />Treasure Island 1-800-944-3777<br />Monte Carlo 1-800-822-8276<br />New York New York 1-888-469-6958<br />Luxor 1-800-956-0289<br />Excalibur 1-800-633-7777<br /><br />For all Harrah's group casinos: Use this number 1-800-4-REWARD or use the direct numbers below: <br />Bally's (877) 603-4390<br />Caesars (866) 227-5938<br />Flamingo (888) 902-9929<br />Imperial Palace (800) 634-6441<br />Paris (877) 603-4386<br />Harrah's (800) 214-9110<br />Rio (866) 746-7671<br />Bill's Gambling Hall (formerly the Barbary Coast)(866) 245-5745<br />1-800-4-reward<br /><br /><br />The Venetian (877) 314-1500<br />Wynn's (888) 320-7123<br />Planet Hollywood (formerly the Aladdin) 866-919-7472<br />The Riviera 1-800-637-5687<br />The Stratosphere & Arizona Charlie's 1-800-998-6937<br />Tropicana 1-800-826-8767 or email dpalmgren@tropicanalv.com<br />Circus Circus 800-634-3450<br />Sahara 888-696-2121 <br /><br />Downtown Casinos:<br /><br />Golden Nugget: 702-385-7111 or 800-846-5336<br />Golden Gate 800-426-1906<br />Plaza 800-634-6575 or email plazaslots@playlv.com<br />Four Queens 800-634-6045<br />Fremont 800-634-6182<br />Main Street Station 800-634-6045<br />Binion's 800-937-6537<br />Fitzgerald's 800-274-5825<br />The Vegas Club 800-634-6532<br />El Cortez (800) 634-6703<br />California Hotel 1-800-634-6505<br />Gold Spike 877-467-7453<br /><br />Off Strip:<br /><br />The Palms 1-866-725-6773<br />Hard Rock Hotel 800-693-7625<br />Hooter's hosts: Faye Able 702-597-6032; Mauricio Velasco 702-597-6064; Brandon Manill 702-597-6047<br />Gold Coast 800-331-5334<br />Suncoast 877-677-7111 <br />The Orleans 800-675-3267<br />Terrible's Hotel & Casino (yup, its a real place) 800-640-9777<br />Sam's Town 800-634-6371<br />Nevada Palace 800-634-6283<br />Arizona Charlie's East on Boulder Hwy. 800-362-4040<br />JW Marriot Rampart Casino 877-869-8777<br />The Cannery 866-999-4899<br />Ritz-Carlton / Casino MonteLago 800-241-3333<br /><br />Station Casinos:<br /><br />Boulder Station 800-683-7777<br />Texas Station 800-654-8888<br />Palace Station (ask for a tour of the OJ room) 800-631-3101<br />Santa Fe Station 800-767-7711<br />Sunset Station 888-786-7389<br />Green Valley Ranch (one of my favorites!) 866-782-9487<br />Red Rock Station (another favorite) 866-767-7773<br />Fiesta Henderson 888-899-7770<br />Fiesta Rancho 888-899-7770</span>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-88305464609796116982007-12-09T15:29:00.001-05:002007-12-09T18:59:03.408-05:00Secret Car Rental Tips for Las Vegas Cha Ching!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix3j30-fj-HPIiEz1ROuqIODFtOh-8qFjI2WitIDxJqAHy1_pmCU21eWuyBgasHgvNHkL3U-2mATT40w_fi3qgOnr4ENp9kAOiGtersbBmUNEjfDX7C97OMAqpMXtQcNQuUpxwiTDVoE/s1600-h/chrysler+pacifica.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix3j30-fj-HPIiEz1ROuqIODFtOh-8qFjI2WitIDxJqAHy1_pmCU21eWuyBgasHgvNHkL3U-2mATT40w_fi3qgOnr4ENp9kAOiGtersbBmUNEjfDX7C97OMAqpMXtQcNQuUpxwiTDVoE/s200/chrysler+pacifica.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142121252944331634" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I always rent a car in Las Vegas. Driving in Las Vegas is not that difficult as long as you can ignore the cabbies, the boom boxes, the gawking tourists and you can deal with the thousands of people walking on the strip. If I can do it, you can do it. Las Vegas isn't that hard to navigate and there are parallel roads to the strip, like Paradise that can help you avoid the congestion on the strip. <br><br /><br />Renting a car has its benefits. I like to travel around the city and I love driving out to Henderson to the Station Casino's. A taxi will cost a bundle back and forth to the strip. If you are planning to see Red Rock Canyon, rent a car. <br><br /><br />All the hotels and even the Fashion Show mall have free valet parking. Just tip your valet. And if you are planning an evening of drinking, get a taxi. <br /></span><br><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I consider getting the best car at the lowest price hitting the lottery. Rental cars in Las Vegas are not that expensive, its the taxes added on at the end that are budget busters. </span><br><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's how I always score a good price. Check out sites like </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0chzIeXW4/c&offerid=100094.10000001&type=3&subid=0">Cheap Rental Cars at Kayak</a><img style="font-weight: bold;" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0chzIeXW4/c&bids=100094.10000001&type=3&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0chzIeXW4/c&offerid=136622.10000112&type=3&subid=0">Orbitz Car Rentals Tab</a><img style="font-weight: bold;" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0chzIeXW4/c&bids=136622.10000112&type=3&subid=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> or </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2651507-10387187" target="_top">Travelocity</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> to get an idea of car prices when you'll be in town. Expect prices to fluctuate if a big convention is in town. Prices change all the time, so keep at it. </span><br><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2651507-9129241" target="_top">Dollar</a><br /><img style="font-weight: bold;" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2651507-9129241" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">has rental desks in all the MGM properties: The Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, NY NY, Bellagio, MGM, Mirage and Treasure Island. If you want to rent a car for the day, this is the way to go. Daily prices may be higher than at the airport, but renting off premises will have lower taxes since you won't have to pay the airport taxes.</span><br><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Once you've found the lowest rates for your trip, check the rental car site directly to see if it is really the lowest rate. Sometimes the lowest rate is on their web site. </span><br><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now here is the fun part: Go to Bjs.com or Samsclub and print out the coupons for car rental discounts. Don't book directly through their sites, because you will have to show that you are actually a member when you pick up your car. Use the discount code when you book and you'll get a corporate discount. Plus, you can use an additional coupon you've printed for an upgrade, a free day or a dollar amount off the rental. I've never had anyone ask me for a membership card to either warehouse club, only the printed coupon. Input the coupon number to see if they will accept the coupon. Most times they will and you end up with a DOUBLE discount! Woo Hoo!! The exception is Thrifty's Wild rate, you don't get to use a coupon, but they'll accept the corporate discount. </span><br><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Last week I scored a Chrysler Pacifica for $116.32 including all taxes from the airport for an entire week. Now that's a real deal. Cha Ching!!</span> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br><br />This is really important: Before you leave home, check with your car insurance or your credit card to find out about rental car coverage. Some credit cards include it in your card agreement. If you have complete coverage, you won't have to buy the additional rental insurance that the agents will insist you purchase with the car rental. There is no reason to pay twice if you are covered. If you aren't covered, buy the insurance. <br><br /><br />The agents are trained for a hard sell. The last agent I used was a master at selling. He lowered his eyes, he muttered under his breath about how car damage would bankrupt me and he wouldn't want to be in my shoes if there was an accident. It didn't work on me, I KNOW I'm covered. Check BEFORE you leave home. </span>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-73353825548093093802007-12-09T14:37:00.000-05:002007-12-09T15:20:25.075-05:00Tips and Tokes in Las Vegas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzeMdz3t5ZqcNTuXtEmeX-FADj-rwEv_FqWrlnmmvEaWfHPcrloxY5SLEr3WFhxyVM4cQagUjnF8qCeAHErUpnDXXWagb1dHEohuNOcA3HwAnBUfjpZexHLinPPag3XwdWay62hGEnJk/s1600-h/dollar+bill.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzeMdz3t5ZqcNTuXtEmeX-FADj-rwEv_FqWrlnmmvEaWfHPcrloxY5SLEr3WFhxyVM4cQagUjnF8qCeAHErUpnDXXWagb1dHEohuNOcA3HwAnBUfjpZexHLinPPag3XwdWay62hGEnJk/s200/dollar+bill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142065555808437090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Las Vegas is a city that runs on tips. Once you hit the ground in Las Vegas, you start tipping. Love it or hate it, that's the way it works. Since its the best way to get good service, and these are real hardworking people, you tip for service. Most of the people giving you service depend on your tips to make a decent living. They have families, just like you. If you get good service, tip the person.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's my TIP: Get $20 in one dollar bills before you leave home and you'll be ready for any situation.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The proper amount to tips: Bartenders or cocktail waitresses, $1.00 per round for one or two people. If you want your cocktail waitress to keep coming back regularly, tip more and they'll come around and even beat on your machine for good luck.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bellmen: One or two dollars per bag. Tip more if they are really heavy or give you extra special treatment.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Taxi drivers: Minimum of $2.00 or 15% whichever is more. Tip more if its a longer route or they give you information pn good restaurants or directions.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Change people or Keno runners: A dollar or more, tip more if you get a jackpot and they spend time paying you off.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Valets: A dollar or two each time you park or pick up your car. If you want up front service, tip a LOT more and you'll get special handling.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Limo drivers: $5.00 minimum.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hotel maids: A few dollars a night to clean up your mess. I tip every day so the person doing the work gets the tip. If you request extra shampoo or soap, put the request on the bathroom sink with a couple of dollars and you'll find a lot of extra products. The maid can also be your best source of information about the hotel. I was staying at the Bellagio with one of my employees for a convention. I was in the casino, she was napping. The maid gave her a tour of a high roller suite and gossip on the celebs staying there. Turns out Brad Pitt was spotted there while they were filming Oceans. The maid told her that celebs use different entrances than we do and we'd never see him. We didn't. Wahhhhhhhh. </span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Room service: Sometimes it will be added to your bill. If not, 15 to 20% of the bill.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Housekeeping for extra service: If you request a refrigerator or extra pillows, tip a couple of dollars for their efforts. </span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shuttle service to the rental car building: Since they will handle your bags for you and put them on and off the bus, I tip a dollar or two per bag. </span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Airport check in porters, curbside check in: $1.00 per bag will insure your bag gets on the right flight.</span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Restaurants: 15 to 20% of the bill. Large parties of 8 or more may have the gratuity added to the bill. </span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buffets: Minimum of $1.00 per person to your waitress who brings you drinks and extra napkins. </span><p>Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-53738600928509616412007-12-08T14:43:00.000-05:002007-12-08T15:27:48.326-05:00Flying to Las Vegas, Its Such a Joy!Flying is such a joy. I fly to Las Vegas about 5 times a year, two or three times for business, the other times for fun. And I always have to fly since I live in Ohio. OK, we could drive, but its not going to happen.<br /><br />There are certain unalienable truths that follow me on every flight:<br /><br />My flight will either be canceled or delayed causing a long layover.<br />If I have a connecting flight, it will be three gates away and will require a long walk, a tram ride and more walking.<br />I will always end up in the middle seat, no matter that I've chosen an aisle seat and was assigned an aisle seat. The airline will change the aircraft and give me a middle seat.<br />The person in front of me will be sick and cough and sneeze the entire flight. I will be sick by the time I get home.<br />The person in front of me will also recline their seat just to make sure that the germs hit me.<br />The person next to me will have long legs and will crowd my space and he or she will make sure they read all night long with the light on during a red eye or night flight.<br />There will always be a kid behind me who cries and kicks my seat until the plane lands.<br /><br />I had all of the above on both of my flights to and from Las Vegas last week. I had an added bonus. There was a teen age girl who refused to get on the plane. She had a panic attack to top all panic attacks. She screamed and screamed and even the pilot came out to discuss the her not getting on the plane. Then she kicked and she screamed and her mother laughed. But she got ON the plane and continued to panic. Of course, she was in front of us AND she was sick, coughing and sneezing when she wasn't crying or breathing into a paper bag. Her mom started drinking and ignored her. The girl finally shut up two hours into the flight. When the flight landed, she asked her mom if she could sit by the window on the next flight. <br /><br />And there is more. I flew on Delta. My connecting flight was canceled and we had a long long layover. <br />To quote Carrot Top, Delta stands for:<br />D Don't<br />E Expect your<br />L Luggage<br />T To<br />A Arrive<br /><br />So we are standing at the baggage carousel, and everyone has their luggage but me. My husband's suitcase came off in the first wave of cases. I'm standing there like an idiot thinking about my makeup being in my suitcase since the airlines have the 3 ounce rule. I NEED my makeup. I can buy a tee shirts and wear my jeans, but to replace my makeup is going to cost some serious cash. Nearly ready to panic, my suitcase finally arrives. It was the last one off the plane. So what else is new? But our driver was getting ancy from waiting, he grabbed my suitcase and we were off. He kept saying there was something wrong with my wheels....when we got to the car, we saw one of the wheels was pulled off, the side was scraped and it reeked of wine. Since I didn't have wine in my suitcase, something spilled on it. And since we were three hours late, we left before I could go back into the airport to have a hissy fit. <br /><br />I called Delta the next morning, and of course, they aren't responsible for wheels. I wouldn't have cared except it was my new suitcase and it had spinner wheels. My husband pulled on the other wheels and couldn't budge them. So, Delta isn't responsible. The suitcase company isn't responsible for carrier damage, so I'm screwed. I arrive in Las Vegas already down $300 bucks for a suitcase. Just my luck!! Oh, yeah, flying is such a joy!Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-29990656492957497342007-12-07T12:00:00.000-05:002007-12-07T13:10:22.202-05:00The Rodeo is in Vegas<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61dctVuGygCbgDALpxkwmqYRzR5jdwRAAhXtpglk9YCUJhBTgnKKUe5YgpeyYqoNAduhBZ_L6GAhsTHHW6Mnx30g6UAi2o49D5KiL6pEMKhKZ8QP4vaeOSqSW9X84L56LZKIgXWvygi0/s1600-h/rodeo.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61dctVuGygCbgDALpxkwmqYRzR5jdwRAAhXtpglk9YCUJhBTgnKKUe5YgpeyYqoNAduhBZ_L6GAhsTHHW6Mnx30g6UAi2o49D5KiL6pEMKhKZ8QP4vaeOSqSW9X84L56LZKIgXWvygi0/s200/rodeo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141294450265015122" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The Wrangler National Finals rodeo has galloped into Las Vegas. Its held at the UNLV Thomas and Mack center. 5.5 million dollars are on the line for the winners, so this is major. Tickets are hard to come by, they are usually sold out way in advance. Unless you want to buy from a broker or take your chances from a scalper, you can contact your hotel concierge to see if they can get you tickets. The rodeo offers mad dash tickets at $39.50 each, if someone isn't in a balcony seat 30 minutes into the event, you get to dash into a seat. Otherwise, its standing room, baby. This is a huge national event and people come from all over the world to see the finals in action. it features both men and women's events. Note that parking can be a nightmare, so if a shuttle is available, consider taking the shuttle.<br /><br />Not only do you have the major events going on, but there is also the Cowboy Christmas. Its a huge shopping extravaganza that sells everything for the cowboy fan from trailer hitches to tee shirts. And the hats, its all hats all the time. They'll clean them for you, shape them and even help you pick out your signature hat.<br /><br />Even non cowboys and cowgirls can find great stuff to take home. Last year I found a pair of purple flowered boots that I know can only be found in Las Vegas. And when I wear them, I get a lot of comments. I love them, they're so comfortable and they work in the snow. My husband found a pair of the most comfy and good looking shoes he's ever worn. Back to the original train of thought, this is a fun place to do some Christmas shopping for everyone on your list. Not everyone takes credit cards, but most do. Plan to spend a couple of hours shopping and you won't see a fraction of what is being offered....its HUGE.<br /><br />There are concerts around town. A lot of the rodeo cowboys stay at South Pointe, south of the airport on Las Vegas Blvd. Its got an equestrian center and a place to keep their horses. <br />Ever notice they don't bring them INTO the hotel? ;)<br /><br />I love cowboys. Cowboys come in all sizes, shapes and colors. You see them in the morning, you see them later in the day with a black eye or limping. What they do takes a lot of athletic power and guts. I was at a local rodeo where a cowboy got killed and it freaked me out. These guys are true athletes, its dangerous, its thrilling and they can get seriously hurt or killed.<br /><br />But I want to know how they get their shirts so crisp and wrinkle free, even after wearing them all day long. I also want to know how they manage to get their name embroidered down the sleeve without the sleeve being taken apart. And do those huge silver award buckles hurt their stomach? My next trip during rodeo time, I'm going to ask.Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1813381592750775234.post-73253879745571948292007-11-27T14:56:00.000-05:002007-11-27T15:52:27.089-05:00Traveling to Vegas with the 9/11 Terrorists: True Story!I'm packing to head to Vegas and every time I pack, I think of my trip to Las Vegas months before before 9/11. I was heading to a work related event and was accompanied by my parents. I go to at least two conventions in Las Vegas every year. This time we were flying on American West, formerly known as America Worst because of their lousy on time schedule.<br /><br />We were meeting up with my cousin/sister at Phoenix Sky Harbor. Deb was going to be my roomie since my husband had to work. Our flight was late. Oh, surprise! The plane was at the next gate but even though Deb was at the gate, they closed the door and wouldn't let us board.<br /><br />Her friend Dave was there to see her off. Yup, you could actually be IN the airport if you weren't traveling. He rushed us to an American West office so we could be reticketed on another flight. He was an elite traveler and we were like the 800th person in line, he called the airline, made our arrangements to get us switched to Delta. So like crazy people, he grabs a wheelchair for my father, grabs our carry ons and runs us to a bus to get us to another terminal where our tickets were waiting. And they were!<br /><br />The plane was a 767. Pretty weird flying from Phoenix to Vegas because there were only like 40 people onboard, but it was late at night. Deb and I were in the first cabin after first class. My parents were in the next cabin.<br /><br />In strolls a group of 7 men who had no luggage, no carryons and appeared to be speaking Arabic. They got on the plane and started going through the overhead bins. When they found a bin that had plane stuff in it they started "messing" with it. The flight attendant stopped them, told them to sit down. And they did, for about a minute. And then they started wandering into first class and toward the cockpit. The flight attendants from the back came up front and told them to sit down so we could take off. Now remember, this was the time when security was relaxed, the cockpit door would sometimes stay open during the flight and you could watch the takeoff.<br /><br />Deb and I and the 7 men were the only ones in our cabin. The men acted like they didn't understand. Back they went rifling through the overhead bins in the next cabin. Weird considering they came with nothing except for the clothes on their back. Two flight attendants escorted them back into the cabin and they insisted they wanted to sit where Deb and I were sitting. There were seats everywhere, but they wanted to look out our window.<br /><br />Deb is not known for her finesse. She tells it like it is. She said "Get the f--- out of my face camel breath and go sit down." The flight attendant laughed and said "Amen". Three of them kept leaning over us and we decided to move up a few seats. They followed us. The flight attendants finally stood in between the doors to the cabins to keep them seated. They also locked the cockpit door. As soon as we were in the air, they blocked the exits and entrances to our cabin with the carts.<br /><br />Since no one was in the back of the plane, the attendants called the back and sent the attendants up to our cabin. These guys didn't quit. They were in and out of the bathrooms, moved a cart and tried to get into first class . They were totally enthralled with the mechanics of the plane, especially the wing flaps. They spent all 50 minutes of the flight trying to keep this group who PRETENDED not to understand English to sit down.<br /><br />A flight attendant asked one of them why they were going to Vegas and where they were staying. One guy said he was going to take pictures. The flight attendant asked him where was his camera. He said he didn't have one. WTF? Where are you staying? They didn't know. Do you gamble? No. We were like wondering why these young Arab men were going to Vegas when they were not gamblers, had no luggage, didn't know where they were staying and seemed interested in keeping me and Deb in our seats and messing with the plane.<br /><br />As we started to descend, they got out and headed to watch the wing flaps again. The attendants called the pilot, the pilot told them to sit down now. They pretended not to understand, but they understood EVERYTHING when the flight attendants were talking to them behind us. They escaped into the back cabins and the flight crew went back to get them. They were in the back galley. By this time, all 40 of us on this cavernous flight were wondering what was up with them.<br /><br />They made them come back and sit down and they got up again and leaned over me and Deb. There were windows everywhere, why our window? She screamed this time "Get the f--- away from me and sit the hell down." The co pilot had to come back and sit them down so we could land.<br /><br />Now here's the weirdest part, they didn't want to get off the plane. Of course, they weren't at baggage pickup. Everyone on the plane waiting for our luggage was talking about how weird they were and why were they messing with the plane.<br /><br />Fast forward a year. Its 9/11 and I just returned the night before from a business trip to Las Vegas. The news starts to unfold. Deb and I get a sick feeling when we see the pictures of the terrorists on TV. We call each other, is that Camel Breath? We recognized those guys...they were on that flight with us! We called each other, called my parents. My parents recognized them also. Mom cries and cries. Then comes the news that the terrorists had been flying between Phoenix and Las Vegas on a 767s to learn the workings of that aircraft. They'd been taking flight lessons in Phoenix. OMG, it really was the terrorists on that flight!!<br /><br />So we call the FBI. And since I'm totally anal about keeping receipts from business trips, I had all the flight information. And I never was so scared in my life while I gave the FBI agent the information of our flight and our statements. And then we all freaked out. Big time. And Mom cried some more.<br /><br />A few months later, James Woods the actor, is on Jay Leno's Tonight Show and he's talking about how he was on a flight with the terrorists and how he had to file a report with the FBI. And he talked about how it shook him up to think of what could have happened. Hey, I know the feeling. <br /><br />So as I get ready to go to Las Vegas again, instead of bitching that I have to take off my shoes at security and I can't bring on a lighter or more than 3 ounces of liquids, I think of THAT flight, and I shut my mouth. I think of how lucky we were and I pray for the ones who weren't as lucky as we were. And I wish that someone on the crew would have reported them to the police. And that might have changed history.Weddingzillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786635526485536969noreply@blogger.com0