Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2013

Wizbit82 wrote: »

Rush Tower Gold Club VIP room at Golden Nugget....ANY thought are appreciated as we've never stayed downtown before.

lizzielie wrote: »

As I love reading trip reports, so I thought I would do the same, and hopefully you will enjoy reading ours! This is also the same as posted in MyVegas friends, so some of you may already have seen it.

A bit on the long side, but once I started to write, I couldn't quite stop.... In total we redeemed 6 rewards each plus one Viva win (we did win Margaritas from Luxor, but ran out of time); 2 x2 nights at Aria, buffet pass for two @ Bellagio, $50 credit Rock & Rita’s, $75 @ Sporting House, Secret Garden, High Tea @ Bellagio, 2x 1 ticket for “O”, $50 credit for Monte Carlo, breakfast @ Delights. Tender and Minus 5 @ Mandalay Bay.

Day 1:
An early start at 3 am to make our way to Malaga in Spain to catch our early train to Madrid. We had a day of relaxation here (apart from a stressful run to the embassy to renew my passport), before our departure next day.

Day 2:
We had a midday flight with US Airways via Philly, easy check in, although we were selected for a random security before being able to board. Our first time with US, and the plane was comfortable (helps it was a 2 –4 –2 configuration), although we never once saw the cabin crew crack a smile. In Philly, we had an easy transfer (apart from a loooong wait to clear immigration!), and gratefully on my part, we were allowed a quick trip outside for a cigarette. Once in Vegas, we had booked a night at Platinum hotel. It is a very nice hotel, however the Receptionist did her best to ensure our impressions were not the best. Just a heads up to anyone without a credit card, this hotel does not accept cash deposit. With this being said, the suite was huge, with separate bedroom, massive bathroom (separate shower/ bath) and a kitchenette. We were on the top floor, so a fab view, alas not over the strip: ( The balcony is smokefree mind, which seemed a little strange.

Day 3:
Time to move hotels and the use of our first reward, 4 nights at the Aria; 2 nights each. With a quick stop at the Mlife desk at the Aria, it was easy to collect our Mlife cards (although it later transpired she put my husband’s country of residence was set to Nicaragua and mine to El Salvador!). Check in was easy enough, although the agent needed some help from a supervisor to complete it. Originally we were given a high floor room, however as I wanted smoking room, we ended up on the 23rd floor, with a partial view of the strip. No biggie, as we were not planning on spending a lot of time there. The room is a good size (having stayed at the Palazzo, it is quite a bit smaller mind), and the bed is super comfy! One thing though, the ventilation is not the best, and the smell of smoke is quite noticeable. Even for a smoker, so I am very grateful for hubby for not complaining once of the smell x
After a spot of gambling (a few $$’s up), we made our way to Monte Carlo to redeem the $50 food credit. Easily redeemed, and we went to Diablo’s, definitely seemed to be a popular place, as we had a 20 odd minute wait before we were seated. Super food and a fab waiter, so definitely recommend a trip there if you can. We then made our way to Bellagio to collect our “O” tickets, which was the only time we had issues. The Husband ticket was easily located, however mine did not show up. She kept asking for my reservation number, something I had not been given. Whilst she kept looking and shaking her head, she wanted a signature for the one ticket given. After a long wait, the ticket was eventually found, however no apology or explanation given. To keep awake, we continue a little walk to Caeasars Palace, on an impulse, we bought tickets for Elton John the following Sunday!
We finished the night by a trip to The Sporting House. We got our own booth and our own TV, the only thing I didn’t really like, was how dark it was, which made it difficult to read the menu. We did have the ribs as starter, and they are seriously delicious! Our mains were also really nice. We did struggle to use the whole voucher, and had nearly $40 left over, and with some quick thinking from our waitress, we ended up with a little take away on the side.

Day 4: The was to start with a delicious breakfast at Delights. We arrived just before the Mlife desk opened, so we were one of the first in the Q. It was again easy to redeem, and were given directions on how to get there. It is a long walk as already mentioned, and the doors were open to Signature, so no need to call in order to get in. Husband had egg/ bacon/ fried potatoes, one word: Delicious! I had the French Waffle with cinnamon, white chocolate shavings and maple syrup, and it was truly scrumptious! It is on our list of places we want to return to! The $50 stretched a long way, and the staff will help you to use it all if needed. With our tummies filled, we headed towards the Premium Outlet North for some serious shopping. Think apart from Century 21 in NYC, I have not seen the Husband so excited about buying clothes! Some serious bargains for us Europeans, that is for sure. Still in shock over what we paid, in a good way of course!
I also won the High Tea at Bellagio on the Viva App, so once the shopping had been left in the room, we made our way to Bellagio. We redeemed the voucher the day before, and Mlife desk had made the reservation for us at the time. No issues using one voucher for the pair of us, and no charge for the extra coffee. It was waaay to much for us to finish, and we left 2 of the cakes. We were offered to take them with us, but we declined. There is still a tiny regret about that, as they did look amazing!

Day 5: Today was the day of Grand Canyon! An early start for our trip, but still jet lagged, that was really not an issue, but rather a blessing! We had pre booked with Pink Jeep Tour, and included a quick stop at Hoover Dam, before we arrived at this amazing Wonder! Having been once before, it still had the WOW factor, and you cannot help being amazed how beautiful the Canyon looks. We had booked helicopter and boat trip. However it was quite windy, so we were both a little petrified going down the Canyon. But it was well worth it of course, and the trip back was a little easier thankfully. Although at one point we thought we were stuck, as no choppers could land due to the wind...
Surprisingly still quite awake, we made our way to Luxor to redeem our voucher for Tender. A bit of a wait at the desk, but redemption process was easy and reservations made by the lovely lady behind the desk. With 15 minute wait, we had a little gamble without much success. It is a nice restaurant, and as not full, we did not have long to wait to be served, nor for the food. As neither wanted wine or starters, we opted for more expensive steaks instead. Cooked close to perfection and you could taste it was great quality. Be aware the sides are massive, and can easily be shared though. Our bill came in at $150, so all we had to pay was tips. I doubt I would have paid for a meal there though, as it is quite pricey, and if spending that sort of money on dinner, there would be quite a few other places I go first.

Day 6: Today had a little animal theme to it, with a stop to see the Flamingo’s at Trop, before making our way to redeem the Secret Garden tickets. I love the Flamingo’s, as it is a little sanctuary away from the madness of the strip. On our way to Mirage, we also stumbled across the Dealertainers (think that was in the Quad), the Michael Jackson impressionist was amazing! Anyway, the redemption of Secret Garden was easy, and as someone had mentioned you could use the invited guest line, we bypassed the Q. Only to be told we could not use this lane. So in the Q we went. Thankfully it didn’t take too long, but this was the only time apart from the “O” tickets we were asked for both Mlife card and ID. Once inside, we thought we had missed the training, but they do these at random times of the day, so we didn’t have a long wait to see the Dolphins preform some magic! After spending time watching these elegant mammals, we entered the secret garden. They take your photo before you go in, but as the Q was massive when we left, we didn’t even check how they looked. As it was quite hot, most of the animals were sleeping/ chillaxing, apart from the oldest of the lot: ) We had a really good time, and we might have paid to visit once.
After enjoying some peaceful time away from the strip, we made our way back to Bellagio to pick up the buffet pass. A little wait as it was quite busy, but easy redemption of the reward. We used the fast lane, although we had some time to wait to be seated, so not sure it made a major difference. After all the hype, we were looking forward to the food, and as we arrived just after 3, we hoped to see a change in the food whilst there, but have to say, I didn’t see much of a difference. What we ate was nice, and well impressed with the desserts area! The big let down was the Asian food section, small selection and the rice was hard and dry.
In the evening, it was back to Bellagio to end the evening with “O”. Be aware the show starts about 10 minutes before with 2 clowns, so be early! Our seats were right in the middle, and we had an awesome view of what was happening. And for the show, to describe it with one word: Amazeballs! I must have said wow every 2 seconds throughout, and for sure THE best show I have seen in a theatre (and I have seen a few). One not to be missed!

Day 7: Time to check out of Aria and leave Vegas behind for a few days to escape the madness of the upcoming boxing match. Easy check out, as we had no charges, nor left a debit/credit card details with reception, we checked out online. Before leaving, we headed for the Aria breakfast buffet, which was absolutely amazing! Totally recommend it if you are staying there. Left our luggage with valet, before making our way to NY NY. Not as yet got to grips with how the Mlife works, we asked a lovely lady at the desk to explain a bit more. Which she did, and said as we had already checked out, she could offer us lunch as a comp, however we declined as still full from breakfast. So next time, we WILL remember to ask the desk to check our account before checking out : ) After a bit more gambling, we collected our bags before heading to Harrah’s to find our bus to Anaheim. If anyone is interested, I am happy to relay our experience with both Lux Bus and our trip to Disney, however as this is a Vegas orientated page, I will only say we had 2 amazing days acting like kids!

Day 8: Anaheim, Disney
Day 9: Anaheim, Disney

Day 10: Back in Vegas! As a little treat, we had booked our last night at the Four Seasons, and wow, how the other half lives! As we were a little early, we had to wait 40 odd minutes for our room to be ready, so we headed over to Mandalay Bay to pick up our voucher for Minus 5. Heading back, to get our room and leave our bags. Our room was at the top floor with a view over the airport, quite fitting I though as we were leaving the next day. Heading back out after enjoying how amazing our room was, we located the “secret “entrance directly to Mandalay Bay. Eventually found our way to the bar. We had a little wait whilst the receptionist adjusted her boobs to impress the stags ahead of us... She quickly took our voucher, gave us 2 drink tokens each before giving us our parkas. No boots given and a very short intro before leaving us for the stags. Another member of staff then came over to take us in. The drinks were nice, but the floor incredibly sticky! We spent most of our time there chatting with the barman. The photographer briefly came over and as we were busy ordering our 2nd drink, said she would come back shortly to take our photo. She never did. No real loss though!
As we had prebought a daypass for the Monorail, we headed towards MGM to exchange it and make our way to Circus Circus. It is quite a walk from the last stop on the Monorail though, so be aware. The redemption was easy, and you are at the same time signed up for Circus Circus own reward card without being told. We had a little wait before we were seated at Rock and Rita’s, but the service was faultless from our fab waitress. We opted for burgers and French Fries (super skinny and seriously lush!), with hubby trying the Alaska beer. As we didn’t have a starter or dessert, there was plenty left of the voucher, so cheekily I asked if I could use the rest towards the souvenir toilet worth $25, but without the drink. No problem at all, and w/o the drink it was $18, using the rest of the $50 credit. Husband not too impressed he had to carry it mind! Especially as we were heading to Caesars for the Elton John concert.... Thankfully they had a Guest Relation where you could leave it, and after a quick inspection, we could head up to our seats. We had opted for the cheapest tickets, but with a cheeky smile and pleasantries at the time of booking, our seats were in the rear orchestra rather than in the top balcony. It was an awesome ending to our trip, so to get a good nights sleep before our trip home, we headed back to the hotel. However the lure of a last gamble was too much to resist. And it ended on a great note with a nice profit!

Husband overall was a little sceptical about the trip in the first place, thinking it was all about gambling, and although it is, we also experienced the other side to this awesome place. Despite all the planning, we still didn’t get to see all we wanted, and some places we really would like to go back to. So we are now planning our return later this year! I had sort of resigned myself this would be the end of MyVegas, however we are now working on accumulating points for our next trip : ) In total we redeemed 13 rewards with the Viva win, and overall it did enhance our trip, and certainly made us spend more time in MGM properties.

Wizbit82 wrote: »

Thanks for the info Ferf - I've got Luv It and Cold Stone on the agenda for our trip in July, I will not let the standard size Luv It defeat me!!!!. Think we're finally sorted about where we're going/eating - just our last 3 days to book.

Having gone all around the houses from Mandarin (already stayed), Encore (already stayed), Bellagio (would only want a Deluxe Fountain View and they're silly money) we today thrown another contender in....

Rush Tower Gold Club VIP room at Golden Nugget....ANY thought are appreciated as we've never stayed downtown before.

Photome - you mentioned reserving a bed at the Hideout pool. Think we are going to do this, or maybe a Cabana. Any further info to add???

Thanks as always x

stoneman wrote: »

Preparing for our trip on Tuesday. Luggage out of the loft, that's about it really. Nothing special planned, just hanging out, playing golf, sunbathing, shopping at Walmart, eating at Steak, M resort, Magianos, MAG, PF Changs, gambling and generally lazing about. Oh, and flying to San Juan to get tier points.
Pretty boring compared to the regimented trips some have planned, but we just get up and say, " lets have breakfast and see what we fancy doing later on." Eating is not a priority for us, in fact we will eat no more than 1 meal a day. It's more about getting dressed up at night and venturing out to different casinos.

stoneman wrote: »

Oh, and flying to San Juan to get tier points.