Just back from Vegas.....
 

I just got back from a week in Vegas (yes, a week)Here are the highlights and if you have any other questions I will be happy to answer them: <BR>Stayed at the Venetian for 5 nights which was fantastic. Huge room, great service, fantastic restaurants and we liked the more mellow casino atmosphere. The pools, while not as interesting as the Mirage or Mandalay Bay, were large, pretty, and relatively quiet. We also stayed 2 nights at the Hyatt in Lake Las Vegas outside the strip - if you want an opinion let me know. <BR>Restaurants - We got a recommendation to go to The Steakhouse at Circus Circus. We were a little wary due to the crazy hotel atmosphere but we loved it. Ate there twice. Steaks as good as Ruth Chris, wood paneled quite atmosphere, great price. Also ate at Lawry's, Rio Buffet, Mirage Buffet and The Grand Lux (4 times) in the Venetian. Also ate at Emeril's Fish House which was pretty good but didn't knock my socks off. <BR>Any questions let me know.

So, how was the new Hyatt at Lake Las Vegas?

The Hyatt is a beautiful property overlooking the lake and mountains. Two huge pools, one with a water slide and fountains. Small casino, bike rentals and bike path, fitness room and spa. A nice break from the craziness of the strip and very peaceful however it does seem to be far out there. It is about 25 minutes from the strip and seems to be way out in the boondocks. It is very relaxing but you wouldn't know you are 25 minutes from Vegas because it seems more isolated. If you are from the general area and want to get away to a quiet resort this would be a good bet. They are also in the process of building a Ritz Carlton next door which should liven the area up a little.

Just made reservations for 4 nights at the Hyatt in Lake Las Vegas for mid-May. I'm interested in any advice you have, aside from cancelling my reservation, since I can't. How about the food? fitness center? taking walks? swimming? what to wear? nearby sites? we are not into gambling much. Thanks in advance!

Hope this catches you before you go. There is a lot to do during the day. They rent different water crafts and bikes with a neat bike path. The pools are great and it is not far from Hoover Dam. I didn't not check out the fitness room as it was beautiful weather so we went running on the paths. In general it is a casual atmosphere - no need to dress up.

Amy, <BR> <BR>We're planning a trip with our three boys. Ages 6, 8, & 12. We're thinking about staying at MGM. I heard they closed the theme park. Do you have any info. on that? <BR> <BR>Thank you, <BR>Debbie <BR> <BR>

Debbie: <BR> <BR>You are correct. The theme park at MGM is closed, and is now only used for private parties. <BR> <BR>

Next time you come to Vegas, you could be a high roller. I saw a high roller sweepstakes ad on TV. Eight people will be drawn at random to get a free upgrade to high roller status. They stay in the posh suites, eat inthe best restaurants. I checked it out on vegas.yahoo.com

Would you recommend the buffet at Mirage?

Amy, I went to the buffet at the Mirage and was disappointed mainly in food quality. I didn't expect much from a buffet to begin with, and the atmosphere was nice, but overly fried foods, overcooked prime rib etc. which is nothing different than what you get at an all-you-can-eat place in your home town. Heard the Rio buffet was better. My wife and I both had to stop for Maalox afterward from too much fried greasy entree's. My brother however loved it and put away 3 slabs of Prime Rib. Not bad for only $14 which is what we paid at the time.