“I love the nightlife! I’ve got to boogie!” ~ 5 nights in Las Vegas, Baby!
Jan 5th, 2012, 04:27 PM
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“I love the nightlife! I’ve got to boogie!” ~ 5 nights in Las Vegas, Baby!
On a whim, DH planned a five night trip to Vegas as our Christmas gift to each other. We left early Tuesday morning flying out of Newark using FF miles on Continental and returned New Year’s Day on Jet Blue using FF miles into JFK.
Where we stayed:
DH booked 3 nights at the Cosmopolitan (a Marriott Autograph hotel) http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/. As a platinum member, we were entitled to two complimentary meals each day at the Wicked Spoon (including mimosas, Bloody Marys and champagne). The WS was voted one of the best buffets on the strip. We had absolutely no complaints…although by the fourth day, I couldn’t stand to look at anymore food! The dessert buffet was a dessert lovers dream…lots of little shot glasses on heavenly sweets, lol. There was always a huge line of people waiting to be seated but as a perk we were able to be seated almost immediately. We will one day miss having that platinum status, lol. DH also booked two nights at the JW Resort...more on that later...
On Trip Advisor, the Cosmo received some mixed reviews particularly when it came to service. When DH booked, they gave him an upgrade and in addition DH paid for an additional upgrade (a corner wrap-around suite). Long story short, they decided not to honor the paid upgrade -- said the asst. mgr didn’t have the authority. That didn’t sit too well with DH, so we ended up being comped for one night. Other little things like the smoke alarm chirped which required a simple battery change…chirp, chirp, chirp…for 5 hours. We already had tickets for a show, so we headed out and expected it to be fixed when we returned later that evening. It still chirped. We were told someone was up to change the battery. Really? So it seemed to us that everyone tried to get away with not really doing their job. Otherwise, the room was fantastic – a one bedroom suite with a gigantic bathroom, kitchen (didn’t need it), and living room with a huge balcony overlooking the Bellagio fountains and Eiffel Tower. Very quiet and very nicely done!! The casino was very nice (although I hated the cigarette smoke) and I immediately found myself a lucky slot machine (near the door) and proceeded to win.
What we did:
Oh my goodness, this was not a restful trip…we went out each and every night! It was a great opportunity to pack that little black dress (that new little sequin dress), play dress up, and stay up way past our usual bedtime. It was also a time to discover that we are not as young as we used to be, lol, but that didn’t stop us!
Shows…
Within the Hawaiian Marketplace there is the Tix4Tonight booth where you can obtain discounted tickets for shows. Some of the more popular shows are limited and you might need to set the alarm and drag yourself there in the morning…long before your eyes are able to open. http://www.tix4tonight.com/locations.html
Cirque du Soleil Zumanity at the NewYorkNewYork Hotel – the “sensual side” of Cirque du Soleil. Don’t sit in the orchestra is you don’t want to be “cozy” with the performers, lol. We were forewarned when we selected our tickets and sat in delightful seats just far enough away from the mayhem.
Crazy Horse Paris at the MGM Grand Hotel – yes shocking, I know. The drinks are not worth the money. As an aside, the casino at the MGM is one of the worst ones around (tired and dated).
David Copperfield at the MGM Grand Hotel – we were not able to get these tickets at the discount booth…got an even better price directly at the MGM by taking a few extra minutes to become an M Life Players Club membership (free). We actually saved $18 per ticket over what the discount booth was going to charge. We figured we probably could have saved more if we had bought the Crazy Horse tickets directly at the MGM, so you might want to check MGM first before deciding where to buy.
Now about David Copperfield…I had my 10 minutes of fame on stage during one of Copperfield’s big illusions and it was absolutely WILD! I even got to give him a kiss and walked away with a souvenir of information that was locked in a box above the stage. Snirk! We loved the show but felt too much time was devoted to video montages of previous DC illusions, but still highly recommend.
Stevie Wonder at the Cosmopolitan Hotel on New Year’s Eve – we partied with 4,000 others to a lot of “old school” songs, as Stevie would call them and he was good! I wasn’t so thrilled with the “mosh pit” and my feet were killing me, not to mention it was a real PITA to get to the open bar (that did not even serve wine), but upon reflection, we really did enjoy ourselves. The opening acts around 10pm were loud (understatement) and Stevie didn’t start performing until around 11pm but kept going until 2am. We headed out around 1:30am because we had a morning flight home (we like to torture ourselves). I should have remembered ear plugs. Next time…
Where we ate…
Well, the Wicked Spoon of course…around 12:30-1:00 (they serve until 2 or even later if the crowds are huge, which they were). Many stations: Breakfast, Salads, Asian, Italian, American and Desserts – fish, meat, vegetarian. Generally I am not a fan of buffets, but for this one I have to say, “Yum”.
http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/...ked-spoon.aspx
Jaleo in the Cosmopolitan for tapas. The food was good but the atmosphere was noisy. It was the right choice considering we had a late meal at the WS.
http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/...ion/jaleo.aspx
The Eiffel Tower Restaurant located in the Paris Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower replica. Our son and his wife gave us a gift certificate for dinner as a Christmas gift. We had a table for two overlooking the Bellagio fountains - very nice. DH and I shared the warm Maine lobster salad with fingerling potatoes and toasted caraway seeds. My entrée was the roasted rack of lamb and DH had the short ribs with a potato gratin side. For dessert we had the soufflé. DH had a glass of French wine and I had a glass from California…surprisingly the CA wine was more expensive – I guess they had to “import” that wine, snicker. http://www.eiffeltowerrestaurant.com/
One of my favorite meals was at the Ocean Club located in the Crystals.
http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/Lo...n/Default.aspx
I had a fabulous wedge salad and the fillet of Arctic Char and DH had the beefsteak tomato and mozzarella and the red snapper. We shared a potato gratin and no dessert. Wine by the glass (better than the Eiffel Tower) was between an 8 to 9 ounce serving – Nice! We loved both the food and atmosphere in this restaurant and would highly recommend.
Since we had big plans for NYE, we grabbed a really casual meal at the Café Vettro located in the Aria Resort and Casino. DH had a beef burger and I had a turkey burger. By this time we were really tired of food, lol. It was just enough and tasty.
Now for those two nights at the JW Resort...
DH thought that for the last two nights we would head over to the JW Marriot Las Vegas Resort and Spa. He thought we would have enough of the Strip by then and he's always up for checking out a new resort for future get-aways. We had booked dinner and dancing for New Year’s Eve, but as you can tell, we didn’t end up there but rather with Stevie. We have stayed in quite a few JW’s in our time, but this one was one of the worst. It wasn’t a corporate JW and it was really tired…closer to dead. In fact, after DH and I checked in, we sat in our room and just stared at each other. We checked out the restaurant where NYE was going to be held and it essentially was the restaurant where they served breakfast, lol. The casino was depressing…the whole place was depressing. DH pulled out his laptop and started searching for hotels back on the Strip. The Cosmo was out – all booked. We had been eyeing the Aria (next to the Cosmo) and we scored a room at a discounted rate thanks to that M Life card we obtained while getting our Copperfield tickets at the MGM – saved $170.
Anyway, DH asked to speak to the JW manager and explained to him that the resort wasn’t at all what we expected. The manager asked if he gave us the best room in the hotel if we would stay and of course the answer was “No”, so he let us check out at no cost. Cross that JW off the list, permanently.
More on the Aria in just a bit…my new favorite hotel...
http://www.arialasvegas.com/
Where we stayed:
DH booked 3 nights at the Cosmopolitan (a Marriott Autograph hotel) http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/. As a platinum member, we were entitled to two complimentary meals each day at the Wicked Spoon (including mimosas, Bloody Marys and champagne). The WS was voted one of the best buffets on the strip. We had absolutely no complaints…although by the fourth day, I couldn’t stand to look at anymore food! The dessert buffet was a dessert lovers dream…lots of little shot glasses on heavenly sweets, lol. There was always a huge line of people waiting to be seated but as a perk we were able to be seated almost immediately. We will one day miss having that platinum status, lol. DH also booked two nights at the JW Resort...more on that later...
On Trip Advisor, the Cosmo received some mixed reviews particularly when it came to service. When DH booked, they gave him an upgrade and in addition DH paid for an additional upgrade (a corner wrap-around suite). Long story short, they decided not to honor the paid upgrade -- said the asst. mgr didn’t have the authority. That didn’t sit too well with DH, so we ended up being comped for one night. Other little things like the smoke alarm chirped which required a simple battery change…chirp, chirp, chirp…for 5 hours. We already had tickets for a show, so we headed out and expected it to be fixed when we returned later that evening. It still chirped. We were told someone was up to change the battery. Really? So it seemed to us that everyone tried to get away with not really doing their job. Otherwise, the room was fantastic – a one bedroom suite with a gigantic bathroom, kitchen (didn’t need it), and living room with a huge balcony overlooking the Bellagio fountains and Eiffel Tower. Very quiet and very nicely done!! The casino was very nice (although I hated the cigarette smoke) and I immediately found myself a lucky slot machine (near the door) and proceeded to win.
What we did:
Oh my goodness, this was not a restful trip…we went out each and every night! It was a great opportunity to pack that little black dress (that new little sequin dress), play dress up, and stay up way past our usual bedtime. It was also a time to discover that we are not as young as we used to be, lol, but that didn’t stop us!
Shows…
Within the Hawaiian Marketplace there is the Tix4Tonight booth where you can obtain discounted tickets for shows. Some of the more popular shows are limited and you might need to set the alarm and drag yourself there in the morning…long before your eyes are able to open. http://www.tix4tonight.com/locations.html
Cirque du Soleil Zumanity at the NewYorkNewYork Hotel – the “sensual side” of Cirque du Soleil. Don’t sit in the orchestra is you don’t want to be “cozy” with the performers, lol. We were forewarned when we selected our tickets and sat in delightful seats just far enough away from the mayhem.
Crazy Horse Paris at the MGM Grand Hotel – yes shocking, I know. The drinks are not worth the money. As an aside, the casino at the MGM is one of the worst ones around (tired and dated).
David Copperfield at the MGM Grand Hotel – we were not able to get these tickets at the discount booth…got an even better price directly at the MGM by taking a few extra minutes to become an M Life Players Club membership (free). We actually saved $18 per ticket over what the discount booth was going to charge. We figured we probably could have saved more if we had bought the Crazy Horse tickets directly at the MGM, so you might want to check MGM first before deciding where to buy.
Now about David Copperfield…I had my 10 minutes of fame on stage during one of Copperfield’s big illusions and it was absolutely WILD! I even got to give him a kiss and walked away with a souvenir of information that was locked in a box above the stage. Snirk! We loved the show but felt too much time was devoted to video montages of previous DC illusions, but still highly recommend.
Stevie Wonder at the Cosmopolitan Hotel on New Year’s Eve – we partied with 4,000 others to a lot of “old school” songs, as Stevie would call them and he was good! I wasn’t so thrilled with the “mosh pit” and my feet were killing me, not to mention it was a real PITA to get to the open bar (that did not even serve wine), but upon reflection, we really did enjoy ourselves. The opening acts around 10pm were loud (understatement) and Stevie didn’t start performing until around 11pm but kept going until 2am. We headed out around 1:30am because we had a morning flight home (we like to torture ourselves). I should have remembered ear plugs. Next time…
Where we ate…
Well, the Wicked Spoon of course…around 12:30-1:00 (they serve until 2 or even later if the crowds are huge, which they were). Many stations: Breakfast, Salads, Asian, Italian, American and Desserts – fish, meat, vegetarian. Generally I am not a fan of buffets, but for this one I have to say, “Yum”.
http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/...ked-spoon.aspx
Jaleo in the Cosmopolitan for tapas. The food was good but the atmosphere was noisy. It was the right choice considering we had a late meal at the WS.
http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/...ion/jaleo.aspx
The Eiffel Tower Restaurant located in the Paris Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower replica. Our son and his wife gave us a gift certificate for dinner as a Christmas gift. We had a table for two overlooking the Bellagio fountains - very nice. DH and I shared the warm Maine lobster salad with fingerling potatoes and toasted caraway seeds. My entrée was the roasted rack of lamb and DH had the short ribs with a potato gratin side. For dessert we had the soufflé. DH had a glass of French wine and I had a glass from California…surprisingly the CA wine was more expensive – I guess they had to “import” that wine, snicker. http://www.eiffeltowerrestaurant.com/
One of my favorite meals was at the Ocean Club located in the Crystals.
http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/Lo...n/Default.aspx
I had a fabulous wedge salad and the fillet of Arctic Char and DH had the beefsteak tomato and mozzarella and the red snapper. We shared a potato gratin and no dessert. Wine by the glass (better than the Eiffel Tower) was between an 8 to 9 ounce serving – Nice! We loved both the food and atmosphere in this restaurant and would highly recommend.
Since we had big plans for NYE, we grabbed a really casual meal at the Café Vettro located in the Aria Resort and Casino. DH had a beef burger and I had a turkey burger. By this time we were really tired of food, lol. It was just enough and tasty.
Now for those two nights at the JW Resort...
DH thought that for the last two nights we would head over to the JW Marriot Las Vegas Resort and Spa. He thought we would have enough of the Strip by then and he's always up for checking out a new resort for future get-aways. We had booked dinner and dancing for New Year’s Eve, but as you can tell, we didn’t end up there but rather with Stevie. We have stayed in quite a few JW’s in our time, but this one was one of the worst. It wasn’t a corporate JW and it was really tired…closer to dead. In fact, after DH and I checked in, we sat in our room and just stared at each other. We checked out the restaurant where NYE was going to be held and it essentially was the restaurant where they served breakfast, lol. The casino was depressing…the whole place was depressing. DH pulled out his laptop and started searching for hotels back on the Strip. The Cosmo was out – all booked. We had been eyeing the Aria (next to the Cosmo) and we scored a room at a discounted rate thanks to that M Life card we obtained while getting our Copperfield tickets at the MGM – saved $170.
Anyway, DH asked to speak to the JW manager and explained to him that the resort wasn’t at all what we expected. The manager asked if he gave us the best room in the hotel if we would stay and of course the answer was “No”, so he let us check out at no cost. Cross that JW off the list, permanently.
More on the Aria in just a bit…my new favorite hotel...
http://www.arialasvegas.com/
Jan 8th, 2012, 05:22 AM
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I also forgot our trip to Hoover Dam! The Tillman bridge is something else (fear of heights here). I could only shimmy my way about an eighth of the way across to snap some pictures of the dam (still hugging the roadside barrier) before I had to shimmy my way off the bridge. Spectacular, to say the least, but I was happier standing on the dam itself, lol. It's definitely a must-see.
I'll add more later...thought I'd bring this up to give you all something to read other than the spam that's overpowering this forum.
Btw, I had nothing at all to do with the planning of this trip...it was really all DH's doing and I had a blast ( nice not having the main responsibility for the planning for a change).
I'll add more later...thought I'd bring this up to give you all something to read other than the spam that's overpowering this forum.
Btw, I had nothing at all to do with the planning of this trip...it was really all DH's doing and I had a blast ( nice not having the main responsibility for the planning for a change).
Jan 11th, 2012, 02:08 PM
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A couple of more things about Hoover Dam...it's just about 40 minutes from Las Vegas - an easy drive. Also, there is NO parking allowed on The Mike O'Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The police will strictly enforce this! There is a parking area on the Nevada side where there is a set of stairs and a ramp that will lead to up to the bridge for a view of Hoover Dam, if you dare to cross it!
Also, another word of caution...it's really easy to miss the exit for Hoover Dam and find yourself in Kingman, Arizona. Off of US 93 you are to take Exit 2 to the Dam. Exit 2 doesn't really look like much of anything and you might just pass on by. If that happens, do not fear...just take the next exit to turn yourself around.
I loved the Hoover Dam and it was necessary for me to buy one of those t-shirts proving I was there, lol.
Anyway, moving on...
We spent our last two nights at the Aria - it's a huge hotel and casino (just like the Cosmopolitan), but thought the casino was even nicer than the one at the Cosmo. What I liked most about it was that the main passage ways thru the casino were marble and less carpeting which I think just makes the air much fresher, if there is such a thing in a casino.
Our room was lovely...large bathroom with dual shower and tub and a nice seating area. However, I don't think anyone ever reads in Las Vegas since all lamps give off about 25 watts of light, lol. Pack a flashlight. Everything was fancy electronics, including the drapes and lights - a flip of one switch and everything closes and turns off, very high-tech. Hard to see what the switches say, unless you have a flashlight.
We didn't have complimentary breakfast here, so we picked up breakfast at Jean Philippe Patisserie located in the casino and headed to the outdoor pool. Unlike the Cosmopolitian, the Aria does charge a resort fee (I believe it was $20 per day) and as a result, they kept one of their large pools open and heated (to 80 degrees). Many people were swimming since we had great weather (around 72 degrees), but DH and I just soaked up the sun and stayed dry.
So that's about it...I didn't expect to enjoy Las Vegas as much as I did. The place was absolutely packed during this week between Christmas and New Year's -- lot of families too. The only thing that I wasn't used to was heading out very late for dinner and shows and with the time change, didn't really make up on any lost sleep.
The End.
Also, another word of caution...it's really easy to miss the exit for Hoover Dam and find yourself in Kingman, Arizona. Off of US 93 you are to take Exit 2 to the Dam. Exit 2 doesn't really look like much of anything and you might just pass on by. If that happens, do not fear...just take the next exit to turn yourself around.
I loved the Hoover Dam and it was necessary for me to buy one of those t-shirts proving I was there, lol.
Anyway, moving on...
We spent our last two nights at the Aria - it's a huge hotel and casino (just like the Cosmopolitan), but thought the casino was even nicer than the one at the Cosmo. What I liked most about it was that the main passage ways thru the casino were marble and less carpeting which I think just makes the air much fresher, if there is such a thing in a casino.
Our room was lovely...large bathroom with dual shower and tub and a nice seating area. However, I don't think anyone ever reads in Las Vegas since all lamps give off about 25 watts of light, lol. Pack a flashlight. Everything was fancy electronics, including the drapes and lights - a flip of one switch and everything closes and turns off, very high-tech. Hard to see what the switches say, unless you have a flashlight.
We didn't have complimentary breakfast here, so we picked up breakfast at Jean Philippe Patisserie located in the casino and headed to the outdoor pool. Unlike the Cosmopolitian, the Aria does charge a resort fee (I believe it was $20 per day) and as a result, they kept one of their large pools open and heated (to 80 degrees). Many people were swimming since we had great weather (around 72 degrees), but DH and I just soaked up the sun and stayed dry.
So that's about it...I didn't expect to enjoy Las Vegas as much as I did. The place was absolutely packed during this week between Christmas and New Year's -- lot of families too. The only thing that I wasn't used to was heading out very late for dinner and shows and with the time change, didn't really make up on any lost sleep.
The End.
Jan 11th, 2012, 02:28 PM
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I enjoyed your trip report! It sounds like you had a great trip.
I can never quite decide what I think about Vegas. I don't like to gamble and I hate the smoke. But I can get a cheap direct flight there, and it's great spring destination because the weather is warm there when it's not here.
I can never quite decide what I think about Vegas. I don't like to gamble and I hate the smoke. But I can get a cheap direct flight there, and it's great spring destination because the weather is warm there when it's not here.
Jan 11th, 2012, 02:40 PM
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Thanks for reading!
Oh, I forgot to add...Sign up for a Players Card at the Cosmopolitan and you get $10 bucks on them (yeah, I know, I know). That $10 plus the $10 I allotted myself netted me a total win of $80 - I was a rock star in DH's eyes, lol. I'm not a gambler by nature, but I did wake up one morning feeling lucky and that's the day I won. It was very exciting but still had to return to work, lol.
Yes, Deb, that is always a bit of a worry with us planning a get-away right now, but it worked out for us.
Kureiff, the pools are very nice so it would make a nice warm weather destination.
Oh, I forgot to add...Sign up for a Players Card at the Cosmopolitan and you get $10 bucks on them (yeah, I know, I know). That $10 plus the $10 I allotted myself netted me a total win of $80 - I was a rock star in DH's eyes, lol. I'm not a gambler by nature, but I did wake up one morning feeling lucky and that's the day I won. It was very exciting but still had to return to work, lol.
Yes, Deb, that is always a bit of a worry with us planning a get-away right now, but it worked out for us.
Kureiff, the pools are very nice so it would make a nice warm weather destination.
Apr 24th, 2012, 04:42 PM
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April 2012 Update
We weren't home more than a couple of days after our last trip when DH decided we were going to enjoy some warm weather during our April break -- so we headed back to Vegas for 6 nights.
I'm just going to add some of the highlights...
We stayed at the Cosmopolitan for the entire stay. DH has platinum status with Marriott so that was the draw. I'll tell you right off the start that there is a fair amount of negativity on Marriott Talk over the Cosmo concerning the reduction of benefits for platinum members. DH had a lengthy conversation with the hotel manager - he was very interested in hearing his point of view.
We were upgraded to a wraparound terrace suite with a view of both the city and the Bellagio Fountains. The huge soaking tub was great.
Our only major complaint would be over the pools. The Cosmo didn't start out as a hotel, but condos, so the pools are really small (the Aria has absolutely fabulously large pools). The pool was nearly wall-to-wall people so we didn't really enjoy that.
Shows
We ordered tickets to see Elton John - The Million Dollar Piano at Caesars Palace. He put on a great (2hr) show...what an outstanding band! The Croatian cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser were part of the show (that was an added treat!) Elton really loves Madonna (lol) - not. If you are an EJ fan, definitely worth the price of a ticket.
Cirque du Soleil O at the Bellagio was our only other show on this trip. Last year, while in Quebec, DH and I watched a behind the scene show on how "O" is produced. We really thought it was very interesting and inspired us to want to see a performance. Honestly, I thought it was just okay. I think I demystified the experience for myself!
Where we ate
Holsteins at the Cosmopolitan for burgers and beers. The food is good here and it's nice to have a casual place close to your room.
China Poblano, also in the Cosmopolitan, was an (expensive) disappointment (we ordered take-out after a long day at Zion NP). I had the 20 vegetable fried rice which was good, but for $20 bucks...it still pains me, lol.
Michael Mina in the Bellagio was wonderful. The Bellagio cocktails were delicious. The phyllo–crusted sole was about the best fish I've had in a long time.
http://michaelmina.net/restaurants/locations/mmlv.php
After the EJ concert, we headed to Mesa Grill (Ceasars Palace). The service here was absolutely impeccable as were the food and drinks (oh the CHURROS!!)
http://www.mesagrill.com/las-vegas-restaurant/index.php
After "O" we headed to colorful Circo in the Bellagio. We were seated by the window and were able to get an upfront view of the fountain - nice! The antipasto for two was nicely done.
thttp://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/circo.aspx
Whole Foods. When you get tired of eating (and it happens, eventually) then it's time to drive to WF to pick up a pizza.
Highlight of the trip
Zion National Park in Utah! Map Quest says it's a 2hr and 40 minute drive from Vegas but it did take us a little longer (3hrs 15mins approx). There was road paving on 15 for quite a few miles so that slowed us down. We also didn't take into account the time change (didn't think about it) so we got to Zion an hour later than we anticipated. We did a full day of hiking (had lunch by the Virgin River, also from WF) and then made our way back to the hotel by 9pm. It was a great trip and I highly recommend going!
So, I think that's about it. I think we've had enough Vegas for a while...working on getting back to Zion and surroundings!
We weren't home more than a couple of days after our last trip when DH decided we were going to enjoy some warm weather during our April break -- so we headed back to Vegas for 6 nights.
I'm just going to add some of the highlights...
We stayed at the Cosmopolitan for the entire stay. DH has platinum status with Marriott so that was the draw. I'll tell you right off the start that there is a fair amount of negativity on Marriott Talk over the Cosmo concerning the reduction of benefits for platinum members. DH had a lengthy conversation with the hotel manager - he was very interested in hearing his point of view.
We were upgraded to a wraparound terrace suite with a view of both the city and the Bellagio Fountains. The huge soaking tub was great.
Our only major complaint would be over the pools. The Cosmo didn't start out as a hotel, but condos, so the pools are really small (the Aria has absolutely fabulously large pools). The pool was nearly wall-to-wall people so we didn't really enjoy that.
Shows
We ordered tickets to see Elton John - The Million Dollar Piano at Caesars Palace. He put on a great (2hr) show...what an outstanding band! The Croatian cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser were part of the show (that was an added treat!) Elton really loves Madonna (lol) - not. If you are an EJ fan, definitely worth the price of a ticket.
Cirque du Soleil O at the Bellagio was our only other show on this trip. Last year, while in Quebec, DH and I watched a behind the scene show on how "O" is produced. We really thought it was very interesting and inspired us to want to see a performance. Honestly, I thought it was just okay. I think I demystified the experience for myself!
Where we ate
Holsteins at the Cosmopolitan for burgers and beers. The food is good here and it's nice to have a casual place close to your room.
China Poblano, also in the Cosmopolitan, was an (expensive) disappointment (we ordered take-out after a long day at Zion NP). I had the 20 vegetable fried rice which was good, but for $20 bucks...it still pains me, lol.
Michael Mina in the Bellagio was wonderful. The Bellagio cocktails were delicious.
The phyllo–crusted sole was about the best fish I've had in a long time. http://michaelmina.net/restaurants/locations/mmlv.php
After the EJ concert, we headed to Mesa Grill (Ceasars Palace). The service here was absolutely impeccable as were the food and drinks (oh the CHURROS!!)
http://www.mesagrill.com/las-vegas-restaurant/index.php
After "O" we headed to colorful Circo in the Bellagio. We were seated by the window and were able to get an upfront view of the fountain - nice! The antipasto for two was nicely done.
thttp://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/circo.aspx
Whole Foods. When you get tired of eating (and it happens, eventually) then it's time to drive to WF to pick up a pizza.
Highlight of the trip
Zion National Park in Utah! Map Quest says it's a 2hr and 40 minute drive from Vegas but it did take us a little longer (3hrs 15mins approx). There was road paving on 15 for quite a few miles so that slowed us down. We also didn't take into account the time change (didn't think about it) so we got to Zion an hour later than we anticipated. We did a full day of hiking (had lunch by the Virgin River, also from WF) and then made our way back to the hotel by 9pm. It was a great trip and I highly recommend going!
So, I think that's about it. I think we've had enough Vegas for a while...working on getting back to Zion and surroundings!
May 3rd, 2012, 08:09 AM
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Fabulous report. I have had several wonderful girls' getaway trips there, gone to concerts, and enjoyed quiet time, off-strip, relaxing with DH. Signing up for the players cards is always the best bet.
May 4th, 2012, 04:40 PM
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My GF and I are headed there from PHL for 5 days end of May. I am not sure if I want to see "O" or Le Reve. After your review I am leaning more towards Le Reve. We are seeing Human Nature, Carlos Santana, and I want to see Jubiliee the old time las vegas show type of show. that is about it. I have one other night open. thanks for the report.
May 6th, 2012, 02:16 PM
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Thanks for reading!
Diann, my husband researched La Reve and it got great reviews. If you do go and see it, post back to let me know if you liked it. Enjoy Santana (you lucky duck!)
Diann, my husband researched La Reve and it got great reviews. If you do go and see it, post back to let me know if you liked it. Enjoy Santana (you lucky duck!)
Jun 6th, 2012, 05:21 AM
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I have returned from LV. Le Reve was fantastic and I enjoyed it much better than Mystere, although for that type of show the LOVE Beatles show still remains the top runner for me. Le Reve was great, but perhaps I liked the music better and could "relate" to it a bit more. We went to Hoover damn the extensive tour and it is a not to missed place. I thought I would not find it interesting, but alas, I truly did. WE also went on a river rafting ride down the CO. It was truly awesome relaxing, (a smooth ride) and lunch on a beach. We also did the ride on the Lake Meade.
I also had the pleasure of seeing many of those long horned sheep? I think that is what they are called.) I saw a family and I loved being outdoors and seeing nature in the wild. We also saw Santana a wonderful show, Human Nature from Australia, at the Imperial. They are fantastic.They do all of the older Motown hits. I also saw and enjoyed almost the best of any JUBILIEE at Bally's. It is the LAST truly show of the old time Las Vegas shows with the girls in there beautiful costumes. It is so old time Las Vegas. When it is gone our tour guide told us there will not be another one like it--if anyone remembers LV back in the day this is the show to see. We stayed at TI it was ok the resort fee's are a killer! The food so-so, our Best meal was Vic and Anthony's downtown in the golden Nuggut. Very good $$$ but at least worth it. Had a great time.
I also had the pleasure of seeing many of those long horned sheep? I think that is what they are called.) I saw a family and I loved being outdoors and seeing nature in the wild. We also saw Santana a wonderful show, Human Nature from Australia, at the Imperial. They are fantastic.They do all of the older Motown hits. I also saw and enjoyed almost the best of any JUBILIEE at Bally's. It is the LAST truly show of the old time Las Vegas shows with the girls in there beautiful costumes. It is so old time Las Vegas. When it is gone our tour guide told us there will not be another one like it--if anyone remembers LV back in the day this is the show to see. We stayed at TI it was ok the resort fee's are a killer! The food so-so, our Best meal was Vic and Anthony's downtown in the golden Nuggut. Very good $$$ but at least worth it. Had a great time.
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travdis
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Mar 1st, 2005 03:44 PM
