Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2012

ok so here goes my TR - sorry in advance if I ramble on!!
so flew BA, dublin to Heathrow then direct to Vegas. Flights were fine, on time, food was as you would expect, IFE worked, but it was so hot and clamy throughout the flight.
Hotels
got a taxi to NY NY cost around $20. checked in, and they offered us the choice of park avenue deluxe with 2 queen beds, or a king size bed but the noise of the roller coaster might disturb us! Reminded them it was our honeymoon, and we would like to go with the 1 bed! There wasnt really any noise from the rollercoaster & I would defo stay again. we paid £300 to include resort fee for 5 nights. Pool was lovely - probably small in comparison to the size of the hotel, but we only went once & got beds straight away right beside the pool. When checking out they did try to charge us the resort fee but they took a copy of my low cost usa confirmation & we were on our way to cosmo!
checked in 11am & were offered an upgrade to a 1 bed suite with fountain views ( we had booked terrace studio) for $30 a night seeing as we were on honeymoon. so we took it. Room was fab! large & clean - few wee issues - mini bar had opened bottle of wine & few items missing, cushion on balcony was dirty & shower dial was pretty lose & hard to control. Rang beck & call to be told, we had 2 items charged to our room already so i explained we had only arrived etc so they took them off. Next day shower dial was repaired but cushion was never cleaned. Loved this hotel, but felt that there was a general pretentious atmosphere. It was like a scene from TOWIE with young toffs thinking they were better than most other people there if you know what i mean?! We went to the pool on 4th floor & it was full of the afore mentioned people, so we tried the pool on 14th floor & it was much better. a very mixed crowd. food was quite good here too.

Food
We tried the wicked spoon for dinner & thought it was lovely - not sure it was worth $80 odd but we dont really do buffets. Lots of choice & desserts were delish!! Would reallt recommend the following:
Gonzalez y gonzalez
Serendipity
Il Fornacio (sp?!) we only had breakfast here but would love to have had lunch or dinner!
Earl of Sandwich
Holsteins
PF Changs - love this place!

We didnt bother doing any shows - we kept saying oh we will look 2moro but never actually did anything!!
We won about $1000 in total but spent about $3500!! But at least we came home with money lol!! Our trip wasnt very MSE but it was out honeymoon!
We drank a lot in Blondies in PH, and had food here too. Nice atmosphere & my OH was glad to get his fill of sports on TV too lol!
We went to Mirage to see the dolphins etc but that was the day of the horrible thunder storm so we didnt stick around too long - not sure if the do a show with the dophins, but the place pretty much shut down with the torrential rain! We paid $40 for the 2 of us so it seemed expensive for a quick 30 min run around the place!

If we ever get to go again, I think I would stay at PH, as this was pretty much our base point, or maybe back to NY NY, MGM - we enjoyed the walk to work up an appetite :rotfl:

We went to Paris & Ballys to have a nosey round & I felt there was a much older crowd (we are 25 &29) so I dont think I would stay in either of these hotels.

Shopping
we went to the outlet out past MB & Town Sqaure - came back empty handed - would not recommened this one at all. Complete disappointment for us. We went to Town Square & loved it. Got my brother some holister t shirts for $12 & $15 which I thought was great! Found this place very intimidating as it was so large & it was too hot for us to actually try to work our way round the whole place!! Also love the outlet past the Wynn - came back with lots of stuff - Guess bags, perfume, Gap hoodie, H&M clothes etc.
My favourite shop has to be forever 21 in fashions how mall. We dont have a store here in NI Only spent around $100 in here which was much less than on our last trip. OH got a good few things in Abercrombie so I'd say we spent around $1000 on clothes etc for the 2 of us.

Thanks that everything & again sorry for such a rambling post! I have a few vouchers that marionsteve posted to me, so if anybody wants anything just ask - it is mostly coupons from the vegas mags

credit_crunch wrote: »

Shopping
we went to the outlet out past MB & Town Sqaure - came back empty handed - would not recommened this one at all. Complete disappointment for us.

I quite like that one but it is really down to the sort of things you're after, I completely understand why some would give it a miss...I still haven't been to the north outlets but looking at the stores, all of those I would be interested in are at the south one so it suits me...I really think with the outlets it is worth looking at the stores at both and making a call...agree that most would probably choose the north outlet over south. I know some have said that the stock has varied quite a bit between north and south so may be worth visiting both for some.

Thanks for your TR - really enjoyed reading it! Agree that Paris and Bally's tend toward a more middle age crowd which suits us - even before we reached middle age we prefered slightly less loud, flashy environments for home base - we visit the more loud, flashy places all the time and enjoy them, but we actually like the respite of Bally's at the end of the day...I remember walking back into Bally's one night and both of us stopping and sighing as it was just a bit of relief. Nice thing about Vegas is there's something for everyone!

Arrived at LAX airport about 3pm. Collected car (Kia Rio) and drove to Doubletree Culver City Los Angeles. Walked over to the mall and had Sbarro Spaghetti, Kevin had Fat Pita. Wandered around shops and then back over to Hotel for one drink in bar before bed.

Saturday
Woke up really early and went for a swim at 6am when the pool opened. Really nice. Went up and got showered and headed out at 8am. Drove to Santa Monica where there was free parking till 9am. Walked over and out onto the pier, then back along to car. Paid $1 for 1 hour parking and then walked in the other direction. Drove down to Venice beach and parked for an hour and walked. Not as nice as Santa Monica. Drove along Sunset Boulevard, parked for an hour at Walk of Fame (got big slice of pizza), drove over to Griffith Park and Observatory. Got parking ticket for facing wrong way in the park. Not good. Drove back to hotel and got showered and changed and drove down to Manhattan because we fancied going to Olive Garden and that was fairly close by. Had to wait 45 mins so went to the supermarket with the restaurant alarm and it started going off because we were 'out of range' so I quickly got wine and beer and popped it in the car. Quite cool in the eveneing. Drop back and stopped at the mall near the hotel for some supplies and a couple more t-shirts that we'd got cheaper than expected previous night. Back to hotel and took wine and beer down to the pool area. Pool was open till 11pm and there were tables and chairs just outside the gates and we had seen others with takeaways and drinks earlier. Early night for long drive tomorrow.

Sunday
Got up at 6am and set our just after 7am to drive to Vegas. Only had cereal bars, so ate those and stopped at Barstow for petrol and Subway. Drove on to Primm and shopped for an hour and a half but I was paranoid because our luggage was in the car, big cases were in the boot but carry ons didn't fit so were in the back seat on display. Continued on to Vegas and arrived at Green Valley Ranch at 2pm and our room wasn't ready. They took our luggage and we went for champagne brunch. This was really good, and we used some of our $50 dining credit and the 2/1 LVA coupon. The queue was quite long and we didn't get in till 3pm, and the champagne stopped unexpectedly at 330 - but when we asked for another the girl brought us some in plastic cups to decant into our glasses. Got checked in and then went and relaxed at the pool till 630. The pool is small but adequate for the size of the hotel and it is really really nice. Has a beach on one half and the loungers were really nice too. We also watched guests arriving for a wedding down by the pool Got ready and walked over to The District. Al's Garage was a bar/restaurant there, we had beer and wine for $9.50 and we then ordered some fries too. Walked back and played slots and got a few free drinks but no luck.

Monday
Had GVR buffet for b/fast $4.99 bargain. Charged to room for dining credit. Went to pool for a bit then got ready and went shopping in Henderson. Went to check in at Orleans at 4pm, we weren't staying Monday night but had to take the room for the slot tournament. Dropped off a couple of bags though and this allowed easy transfer next day and access to room etc, so worked out quite well. Went back and had dinner at GVR buffet - we really liked this buffet and still had some of that $50 credit to use up. (we only went over it by about $6! It is such good value and also good food). Back over to The District to see if the tennis shop was open but it wasn't and think it's actually just a golf shop now. Back to Al's Garage for a drink then over to casino. Gave someone our movie tickets on the way in as we passed the movie area, since we didn't plan to use them.

Tuesday
Drove up to Orleans at 730 because of slot tournament and had breakfast there after dropping rest of luggage in room. Couldn't get extra space on tournament so Kevin played and I was his 'cheerleader'. He did really well in first round but after we spent a couple of hours at the pool it was time for his next round and he didn't do very well. He did end up with $50 slot credit though, so all good. This was our gambling fund for the next few days at Orleans - he would play, cash out and I would play the cash out etc. Think we cashed in $20 or $30 after it all so all good, and free drinks :beer:.
Went to Beltz outlets whatever they are called now. Then got ready for the evening, had Orleans buffet (wine is now $7.50 per bottle) and over to McMullan's for the quiz. Met the same couple we spoke to last year, they're from England and seem to go same time every year. It's weird because they hire a car and when we talk about places they go to all the same shops (such as North Rainbow etc) as us, it's quite odd. Did the quiz with them but didn't do very well.

Wednesday
Drove to Red Rock for buffet at 9am then over to shops at Canyon Pointe 10am. Over to Fort Apache but couldn't find what I was looking for then over to North Rainbow. Got new tennis rackets, so we were quite pleased. Then Walmart on Charleston and back to Orleans. Showered and changed and down to Henderson for evening shopping and dinner at Gaetano's. Groupon $40 for $20, dinner was really really nice. We will definitely go back to this restaurant next year, loved it. Back to Orleans, played slots then sat in Mardi Gras bar for a drink. Still not been on the strip yet!!!

Thursday
Went over to Palace Station buffet (2/1 LVA coupon). $5.39 for us both. I was really quite impressed. It was just like a smaller version of the Feast at GVR or Red Rock. Over to Maryland Parkway for some sopping, then drove to Zombie Apocalypse Store to look for a Living Dead t-shirt but they didn't have any. Went to pool for a while. Then got ready and went up to Romano's on Sahara, opposite Palace Station. We used to really like this place, but it was disappointing. Service was awful. Back to Orleans and went to Big Al's comedy club - $20 including tax and 1 drink. Really good headliner, so we were glad we went. Played slots and had some drinks. Got a slice of sbarro pizza before bed.

Friday
Got up and packed a bit and took some stuff to the car before breakfast. Had Orleans buffet (comped). Drover over to Platinum and checked into 1218, I'm sure we've had this room before. Went over to Walmart for some supplies and dropped them off then took the car back. First time on strip this trip, and we walked back to Platinum and went to the pool. Went to Happy hour at Stir in Platinum at 730 (happy hour 4-8) and had appetisers - 1 bruschetta, 1 humous with pita, 2 beers, a rose wine and prosecco. $24, so really good deal on this happy hour. Appetisers quite filling too. Went to Caesars to try to get Matt Goss tickets but sold out so got Sat tickets instead. Went to Margaritaville but decided to look for Carlos n Charlies. Never did find it because we discovered Margaritaville casino and the drinks service was too good to leave. Walked back to Platinum.

Saturday
Went to pool, then over to Bellagio brunch. Walked back and got ready for evening and tried to sit out on balcony but it was too hot Walked over to Caesars for Matt Goss show, was really good. Got photo with him and autographs :rotfl:. Another trip to Margaritaville casino but not so good drink service. Back over to Platinum.

Sunday
Went to pool then Wynn brunch by taxi $8.50 plus tip. Took champagne bump so $95 total for 2. This brunch is pricey, but I really really like it, and it was my birthday. Played slots at Wynn and as usual had too many drinks in there. Cadillac Margaritas are just too good. Stopped at Carnaval Court on the way back but I'd already had enough so Kevin had a few beers. Felt a bit unwell on way back to Platinum, probably dehydrated after only drinking Champagne and Margaritas from 3pm, so got some water on the way back. Early night.

Monday
Had long lie and went to the pool for a bit. Got ready and went over to Bellagio for late lunch. $19.99 so I think this is a great deal and if you go quite late they bring out the dinner items too. Walked up to Fashion Show Mall for a while. Stopped at Samba in The Mirage for Caipirinha's (had 2 large ones between us). Stopped at Margaritaville for a while on the way down. Then Sbarro in Bally's for late night snack and back to Platinum.

Tuesday
Had breakfast and went to pool. Some big clouds out to the west. Got ready to go get the car but the rain came on so we had to take a taxi. Collected car and difficult to get out onto strip because of the floods. Eventually got out, abandoned our plans to go to the north outlets, and headed for Beltz. Abandoned that too and headed for Platinum but were in a wee bump on the way back and this took all afternoon for police to come etc (had to for insurance). Drove over to Rio buffet as we were starving by now. 2/1 LVA, and then McMullan's. Their air con was too high and I was still a bit stressed from the afternoon. Headed back to Platinum (got some Krispy Kreme's in gas station beside McMullan's) and went back to our balcony for a drink on there. Was quite cool outside, weird.

Wednesday
Couple of hours at pool an down to Henderson for some shopping and buffet at Sunset station. Back to Platinum and had drinks on balcony. Walked over to Cosmopolitan and had some good drinks while playing slots. Didn't do very well. Over to Ellis Island (quite a contrast to Cosmopolitan!!) and had 4 of the 6 LVA drinks then gave up. Latest night of the trip about 1am!

Thursday
Drove to TI to report problem with brakes on car, had a bit of a wait and hassle getting a decent car. Eventually got one that was too big (drive a Toyota Auris at home, so not used to big cars), but that was fine once used to it. Went to pool. Got showered and went to TJ Maxx got stuck in traffic - was an accident over there. Came back and went to stir and had some appetisers and drinks again. Got ready and went over to Bill's ($2 margarita's), played craps very briefly, then over to Flamingo, into Paris, through Bally's and back to Platinum.

Friday
Time to leave Vegas. Left at 745, along Howard Hughes, up and down the strip from TI right down to the welcome sign. Stopped for pics before heading onto the I-15. Over to Barstow and stopped at the Route 66 museum. Then over to Subway at Barstow for lunch. Drove to Long Beach where it was rediculously hot as they had extreme heat and fires. Checked into the Westin Long Beach $17 parking fee! Walked to Pine Ave to check food options etc, then down to the pier, Queen Mary etc. Had a good walk then had a drink in Yardhouse (got ID'd, can't believe it), and then back to hotel. We were sweltered! Got ready and went to CPK for dinner. Walked down to the seafront but nothing exciting going on there so back up to Pine Ave which was much more lively. Had some drinks in a couple of bars, one gave us nice warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa. Had already eaten but forced them down as they were so nice.

Saturday
Up at 830 to go to Starbucks then drive up to LAX. Food options in LAX pretty awful.


All in all a great trip, despite the couple of mishaps. Would fly to LA again, I really really liked Long Beach and would love to go back there.

We've seen Rod Stewart twice now. Will possibly see him again if he's still on in a couple of weeks. We think he's great too.

Scoot City is on Groupon again, be quick!

http://www.groupon.com/deals/scoot-city-6?mobile=false