luci HT Mod wrote:

Went to Planet Dailies which is PH's 24 hour coffee shop and it was quite busy. I had Filet Mignon with Hollandaise sauce and hubby had a rib eye with Blue Cheese gravy. With a beer, a Coke and 2 Lattes the bill was $64, but we saved $24 using the T4T coupon. They automatically added a 15% gratuity which saved a bit as I've been tipping 20%.

You know, I always thought Planet Dailies was more along the lines of Bally's Nosh (I thought it was odd it's near Starbucks) - I didn't realise it was their 24-hour coffee shop/cafe . Had a look at the menu and looks interesting, certainly lots of choices and a wide range - especially interesting if Tix4Dinner do vouchers for there. So thanks for posting about it - we may check it out next trip.

We found Outback Jack last November. I'm looking forward to seeing him again this trip. The only ones I found then were at Orleans, so I'm glad to see he's on the strip now.

oh yeah, we love Outback Jack...played it in Australia a few years ago and were happy to see it made its way to Vegas...Bellagio had them last March (Jamie had a good run down the bank of them - I was his ticket cashing runner :)) Not sure if they're still there. They did have one lone one last month at Bally's right near the steps down from the Java Coast coffee kisosk opposite reception, near the Jackpot Party progressive machines. Jamie won the smaller Outback Jack progressive this trip (possibly at Silverton? somewhere off strip, anyway)...it was at $75 or so so he thought he'd play for a bit and got lucky since it's totally random to get a chance to play.

Fri, 01.05.09: Woke with the alarm at 6.45. Decided not to have breakfast as I haven't been eating anything although I have been peckish around lunch time. Called down for a late check out and got till 12 with no charge. Surprised as the hotel will be full tonight with the fight.

Hubby packed. We were shocked at the news that Danny Gans had passed away at 3.45am at the age of 52. It's a huge news story over here and was the lead story on the main ABC news.

Went down and gambled for a while and did horribly. I lost more than my usual daily stake in an hour. Went for breakfast at 10.30. They changed to lunch at 11 so hubby had both. Our server was very attentive so we left an extra tip. Checked our bill on the TV and the dining credit and free drinks had already been taken off so we don't have to go down to check out and can do it on the TV. Last year we got 2 cocktails credited at $12 each. This year we seem to have got an allowance of around $14 so it must be 2 free drinks, not cocktails.

Left the room at 12, got a good taxi driver to the IP who took a private road behind the strip, came out at Bally's and we were there in minutes. Fare was $7.70 so gave him $10 and he seemed happy. He said he didn't think things were quiet and he was chatty and friendly, the nicest driver we've ever had. A short line at check in, we were allocated the same room as last year as requested, Room 215 poolside and it was ready. Bonus! We were in the room and hubby was at the pool within 30 mins of leaving our room at the MGM.

Vegas seems a lot busier the past 2 days which is probably a lot to do with the fight. The MGM was full of gangs of blokes being a bit rowdy and security was keeping an eye on them.

I went on the internet while hubby was at the pool as I don't like sunbathing. We had a wander up to the new Walgreens between the Venetian and the Palazzo. Apparently it will be more expensive than other branches. A travel size shaving gel that was 99c in CVS was $1.70 there. Checked the ATM at Casino Royale and it's still only $1 per transaction.

Went to get some beers. They were $12.50 for 6 at the IP shop and $15.99 for 12 at the liquor store at Carnaval Court so we got them there. Got a nice surprise when the lady asked for my Total Rewards card which gave us 10% discount and save us $1.60. Nice! Came back to the room and unpacked.

Just read that the High Limit slot area of the MGM Grand was robbed at gunpoint this morning. WHILE I WAS ASLEEP UPSTAIRS!! http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/01/man-robs-high-limit-slot-area-mgm-grand/

It is forecast to be 98F next Friday! It was forecast to be cooler with light rain this weekend, but that has been changed to 87F. It touched 90F today.

Went to see Donny and Marie at the Flamingo. The tickets were $108 for the main floor, but with fees and taxes ended up $124. I had been disappointed at getting Row 28 booking 2 months in advance, but it was actually Table 28 and was much closer than I expected with a good view and dead centre. We did ask the usher if there were better seats available, but he said the ones we had were good. It was an excellent show and ran 1h 45m. Even hubby thoroughly enjoyed it because of the energy they put into it, but I think Marie probably helped too. Donny is 51 and Marie is 50 in October so I don't know how much longer they can keep that pace up. There was a tribute to Danny Gans at the end as he had been their producer.

Went to the Teahouse at the IP. It's no longer open 24 hours, but 7am-10pm. Hubby had the Steer and Beer, 8oz prime rib with a beer. I had a burger which was just OK. Found a Zeus II machine and hit a few good pays even without the bonus. Haven't done well gambling today. Lost more than my usual daily spend within an hour at the MGM before 10 this morning, then again at the Flamingo before the show and broke even at the IP.

I'm glad that the CR cash machines are up and running again. They were out of order most of the time when we were there last November.

Sat, 02.05.09: Woke at 6.15 and went on the internet until hubby woke. Went to Harrah's for breakfast, $9.99 with a $5 coupon I got at check in at Paris. Also got the same coupon book at the IP which has $5 off various Harrah property buffets, 2 of 1 Red Bull and vodka at Bill's and a few others. We got there at 9.30 and I thought brunch didn't start till 11, but it was 10 so hubby got a few lunch times such as prime rib. He also had mussels which he said were very good. I had a cooked to order omelette which was also good. Didn't have room for the carrot cake which looked lovely, but I took some candy floss. Breakfast at Harrah's is $14.99, lunch $15.99 and dinner I think was $21.99. Champagne brunch is $20.99 and it's one of the better buffets. Played on a Star Wars machine and lost.

Went to the Fashion Show Mall. Got the Macy's 11% discount card for visitors. You now get it from the Visitor's Centre on the 1st floor. I was really suffering with my feet so didn't look at much. Checked the Guess shop, but found it expensive. Can't understand why they have such annoying music at the FSM. One verse of a song repeated over and over again.

Walked back through the Palazzo and Venetian. Noticed that Cut restaurant had moved as I'm sure it used to be opposite Carnevino. Got back to the IP and hubby went to the Sports Book to put an bet on the Kentucky Derby. I was happy to sit at a machine and get the weight off my feet. Suffering with swollen ankles despite taking water tablets. Played Zeus II and lost, but got a drink. Moved to Happy Days and increased my stake so cashed out.

Went back to the room about 1 and the maid still hadn't been. Left up the Make Up Room sign as we needed towels and took a nap as we have O at the Bellagio at 10.30pm and I don't want to sleep through it. Only got about 45 mins sleep when the maid knocked. Back to sleep for an hour or so and struggled to wake.

We were going to go to the Victoria Room at Bill's for the steak special, but it's stopped and they do prime rib now. Tried the Steakhouse at Bill's, but there was a private party till 9 so we walked to Ellis Island which took 15 mins. There was a 2 hour wait for the BBQ so we went to the restaurant and the wait there was 40 mins. Played for a while and cocktail service was very good. The CW was really nice and chatty. She was from Romania, has been in the US 14 years and worked at EI for 11 years.

Our table was ready 50 mins later and we both took the sirloin steak special at $6.99. You get a steak, choice of potato and garlic green beans. It also comes with soup or salad and a beer and the soup was delicious. The steak was fine too. A glass of Piesporter was only $3 and I also had a chocolate milk and the bill was $22 + tip.

Came out and there was a taxi there so we took it to the Bellagio, $7.70 + tip. Gambled and lost, but managed to play Hitchcock's Theater and got a couple of bonus rounds. The Bellagio was heaving. Saw a couple of cocktail waitresses, but didn't get a drink as we weren't on one machine long enough.

Went to see O at 10.30pm and had seats in Section 303 BB 8&9 in the balcony which were good as so much happens in the air. It didn't wow me, but it was good and I'm glad I've seen it. I was really struggling to stay wake though, but managed till it finished at 00.10.

Walked down to CVS near Monte Carlo to get supplies and stuff for my sore feet I'd seen advertised. Took 25 mins to walk back to the IP at a fairly brisk pace and got back at 01.10am.

OMG there's a Macy's i am in heaven Hubby tutting at me worried his plastic is already spent I am looking forward to the premium outlets, i only ever buy DKNY jeans and Calvin Klein as really tall, great to see they have one of fave designers out there.

As you have been numerous times Luci, what is a must to do food wise, shopping wise or even trips for a virgin like me? Booked the David Copperfield trip and paid already, and i am doing the helicopter and river rafting down the Colorado river, going in 4 weeks today.

Michelle x

Food wise it's hard to say as everyone likes different things. I would say the Cheesecake Factory at the Forum Shops and you have to try a buffet for breakfast. The Spice Market at Planet Hollywood and Harrah's are good.

Shopping you will love. In addition to the outlets the Fashion Show Mall is a must and they have good, but more expensive shops at the Forums Shops.

luci

Derwentrocker - have you tried the jeans at Express? I'm 5'9" so I need about a 33" for with flat shoes. Their regular I can wear with flat shoes/trainers, and their long I can wear with heels. They're the longest I've seen. They also often do buy 1 get 1 1/2 price.

Hi Lesley

No i havent tried express, i am 5ft 10ins and need at least 33ins, where is this place please?

Hi

They have a website I'm sure. It's in most of the malls, including Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace. I'm sure it's in Fashion show mall too.

http://www.express.com/home.jsp I bought the Mia and Eva bootcut ones last year, they seem to be good quality, and have nice stitching on the pockets. They list their 'long' as a 34, but I can wear that with 3" heels. Sizes are approx +3 ie if you buy a US 10 it will be between a 12 and 14.

They tend to be about $50 or $60 a pair, but they pretty much always seem to have the second pair half price deal. I got 3 pairs last year and hubby got 1 - they have a mens section in some stores too (well it's like 2 shops joined together but you can cross over inside and pay at any till). I think it's quite a good shop!

Sun, 03.05.09: Set the alarm for 6.45, but struggled and took another hour to wake as I hadn't gone to bed till nearly 3am. Packed overnight stuff for going to the Encore as we are leaving the luggage at the IP.

Went to Harrah's for breakfast. Hubby had a huge plate of seafood such as mussels, shrimp, etc. Then he got crab legs when the lunch stuff came out. After breakfast he went to see the Classic Car Collection at the IP with the free ticket that was handed out at Carnaval Court. The room was being done when we got back.

I forgot to say, when we were waiting for the bus at the Premium Outlets we got talking to an employee of Ralph Lauren Polo. He said that business was 30% down, not because of the recession, but because of the swine flu as people were staying away from crowded places. However one of the taxi drivers we used said that Vegas was still as busy and not to listen to the media. It seems busy enough to us although very quiet early in the day.

Left the IP at 12 and took at taxi to the Encore, $6.50 plus tip. Check in was a zoo with no proper lines. Waited 10 mins, asked for a quiet room on a high floor away from the noise of XS nightclub I'd read about. She said that would be north facing, but it wasn't ready yet, could be 1-3 hours and took my mobile number to call when it was ready. Got a pool pass and went there for an hour. It was mobbed, the beds were very close together and it seemed cramped. Eventually found 3 beds that looked abandoned. No phone call, but checked back around 2 and our room was ready, 6347, on the 63rd floor which is the top floor and at the very end so as far away from the noise as it could be.

Gorgeous room, bed area separated from living area with a marble divider and 48" flat screen TV that swivels between the two areas. The king bed was so comfy it was like sleeping on a cloud and I struggled to wake, electrically operated curtains and sheers, doorbell, privacy button rather than a card on the door. Floor to ceiling windows with a view of Circus Circus, Riviera and the north strip. Saw as far as the Plaza which is downtown. Mini bar, but we didn't touch it as items moved for more than 60 secs are charged to the room. 3 seater black sofa and one of the seats was extended like a chaise long. There was a desk, fax machine and internet access at $13.99/24 hours. The fully mirrored walls made the suite seem twice the size and the room was spotless.

There was a large bathroom with a very deep bath, separate shower, twin sinks and the toilet in a separate room with a phone. There were two bathrobes and digital weighing scales. Nice lemongrass and citrus toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, shoe polish, but there were only bars of soap instead of shower or bath gel. Large wardrobe with 3 drawers and the iron and ironing board and safe. There were also 4 drawers in the bedroom.

We also had dinner at Switch at the Encore where the walls and ceiling change every 30 mins. We chose the Prix Fixe menu at $59 each and both had the same, Corn Chowder, Petit Filet Mignon with whipped potatoes and milk chocolate crunch bar. With 2 coffees and a bottle of wine the bill was $183 plus tip and was worth every penny. The service was excellent and friendly with 4 or 5 people serving us. They had noted that it was my birthday and with dessert brought out a lemon sorbet with "Happy Birthday luci" pipe in chocolate on the serving tray.

Gambled on Dukes of Hazard, Wizard of Oz and Outback Jack, hit 2000 credits but eventually lost. Cocktails service was good and we had a couple of paralyzers which were very good. Went up to the room around 9.30.

We had gone to the Fashion Show Mall in the afternoon and I got a pair of Levi jeans from Macy's so got 11% discount. Unfortunately the Gold Bond pain relieving foot cream doesn't work as my feet were still sore.

Still loving the updates Luci.

Very sad to hear about Danny Gans. Never saw him, but heard good things especially for a one time Baseball player turned Vegas headliner. 52 seems so young. There is always something happen when we go to the USA, last year it was sitting in Albuquerque Sunport and hearing Bernie Mac had died. You never forget these things.

And to top it off an armed robbery at the MGM high limit slots as well. How eventful has your stay been????

Derwentrocker

Would agree with the recomendation for Cheesecake Factory at Caesars, would also highly recomend Cafe de Lux at the Venetian and if you go to Freemont Street, we had an excellent meal in the Steakhouse at Binnions, on the 24th floor and the view was amazing

Mon, 04.05.09: Really struggled to wake around 9 as the bed was soooooo comfy. Just like sleeping on a cloud and the most comfy bed I've ever slept in. Took our time getting ready and checked out using the TV at 10 even though check out wasn't till 12.

Took the Deuce back to the IP and only waited 5 mins for it. Dumped the overnight back and headed out again. Waited 15 mins for the Deuce and got off at the stop after the Stratosphere. Waited 10-15 mins for the CAT bus to the Premium Outlets. We had such as successful shopping trip earlier we decided to go back. Not so good this time, but I got 3 T-shirts at DKNY and hubby got 2 and I got another 2 at Tommy Hilfiger and hubby got a sweater so it wasn't a wasted trip. It took 1-1/2 hours to get back on the Deuce last week so we took a taxi back which cost $15 plus tip so totally worth it.

Hubby went to the pool and I went on the internet. Went to Harrah's buffet for dinner, $16.99 with a $5 off coupon handed out at Carnaval Court. Dinner was good with nice prime rib and crab legs, but service wasn't very good as the table wasn't cleared.

Gambled at the IP on various machine and was down a bit, but cocktail service was very good at every machine we moved to. Called it a night around 9.30. Humidity is normally 15%, but it was only 8% today. The forecast for the rest of the week is 94F tomorrow, then 96F, 97F and 99F on Friday. Bed around midnight.

Tues, 05.05.09: Woke 7.45, had vaguely heard a text arrive the back of 5. It was from my auntie wishing me a happy birthday. There was also a message on the room phone with an offer at the spa of a 50 min massage or 50 min facial for $75 which is cheap for Vegas. Packed and the extra holdall was chocka with all the clothes we've bought.

Went to the ATM at Casino Royale to get cash and the fee is still only $1 instead of the $4.99 that the casino ATM's charge. The exchange rate had gone up to $1.50 overnight so took advantage although we shouldn't really need the extra cash. Tried to phone MIL using the pre-paid card we bought last year, but it had expired. I think it would still have been valid last week. No worries, we don't normally phone from holiday anyway.

Went to the Bellagio for breakfast at 10.30 and was surprised that it was only $14.95, the same as the Spice Market and Paris. Hubby told them it was my birthday and we got a booth which was nice. It was really good and they changed over to lunch at 11 so hubby took advantage of the lamb, steak and duck on offer. The only blip was that the teabags were useless and I had to use two to get a decent cuppa.

Gambled on a couple of machines at the Bellagio and hubby did well on Super Jackpot Party, doubling his money. Crossed to Bill's and decided to try eBay seeing as you can bet from 50c-$2.50 a spin. First spin I won 170 credits and the Community Free Spins bonus triggered! We each won 515 credits, but I got what I wanted to see and we cashed out and went to another machine. Cocktail service at Bill's was very good.

Back to the IP and collected our bags. Used express check out. Left our room at 10 past 1 and we were in our suite at the Signature at 1.25, just 15 mins later. Taxi fare was $7.70 plus tip.

It is a gated property and we were told at the gate house that we were in Tower 3 which is the newest tower. I had booked with Luxury Suites International originally at $129 a night where it is normally $179, but found an $89 rate so called to have it adjusted. The property is totally non-smoking.

We were allocated room 809 in the 16th floor and right next to the elevators. Unfortunately no balcony as I had requested and the check in clerk said I had to call Luxury Suites International as the booking was with them. I did call and was told there were none available, but to call back tomorrow.

There is also a $20 a night resort fee which covers the use of the wireless internet access, two bottles of water a day, a daily newspaper, private label coffee, local telephone calls and use of the gym facilities. The gym was very well equipped with loads of different machines.

The suite was really nice. King bed with nice linens, sofa and armchair, coffee table, lots of lights, a kitchenette area with microwave, coffee maker, blender, sink, fridge, toaster and enough utensils for a light meal. 28" flat screen TV and DVD player.

The bathroom was a good size with a large, jetted Jacuzzi bath big enough for two, massive separate shower that we could also have both fitted in, twin sinks, small TV, toilet in a separate room with a phone and nice toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion.

The view was north and we could see the new PH Westgate, Marriot Grand Chateau, the new City Center Project, the Carriage House, as far south as Monte Carlo and as far north as beyond the Stratosphere.

Each of the 3 towers has its own pool, although the one at Tower 3 was closed. We went to the one at Tower 2 and it was a little oasis of calm. There were people there, but we could have had a bed no problem. There is a cafe called Delights and a Starbucks.

The toilets in the public area were beautiful with glass basins and individual cotton hand towels.

There were sofas with ashtrays and tables just outside the rear of Tower 3 so we sat in the sun for a while. We are definitely considering the Carriage House for future trips as it is only a 10 min walk to the strip and looks like a nice property. It has laundry facilities on each floor.

We wandered over to the MGM, gambled and lost, but the lady next to me on Wolf Run turned $20 into $107 within 5 mins. Went out through the West Wing Bar, up the strip to Tix4Tonight and got a voucher for Planet Dailies at $3 each. Decided to walk back via Harmon and it was further than I thought.

Went to Planet Hollywood, gambled and lost. Had dinner at Planet Dailies again. I had Filet Mignon, hubby had 12oz NY strip steak with blue cheese and onions. We shared a Banana Split Special Sundae which was humungous and with 2 glasses of wine, 2 beers and 2 coffees the bill was $112 inc tip and tax. We saved $25 with the T4T voucher. The food and service were excellent again.

Gambled at Paris on a couple of machines and lost. Gambling has been brutal this week. Saw a fountain show at the Bellagio, wandered back through the Miracle Mile and got beers and Coke from ABC Stores. Took about 15 mins to walk back from the front of PH.

Wed, 06.05.09: Alarm went at 6.45, but didn't wake till 7.45. Took our time getting ready. Went to the Carriage House and asked to see a room seeing as we are considering staying there. Got a key to 720 which was a one bedroom suite. It was lovely with a full kitchen and there were laundry facilities on each floor.

Went to La Salsa Cantina in the Miracle Mile for Breakfast $3.95 for 2 eggs, ham, bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes and tortilla. With toast and 2 coffees bill was $16 plus tip.

Went to Caesars and gambled for a while. Got a bonus of $28. Played a new machine called Poppit. Played for quite a while, but eventually lost. Cocktail service was good. Hubby was fancying seeing Lance Burton. I had a coupon for Jubilee, but couldn't decide whether to see a show or not. Went to Tix4Tonight and spotted Cher tickets at $59.50 so we bought them. Went back to Caesars to exchange the voucher for tickets. The 2nd mezzanine tickets were $95, but we were lucky enough to get upgraded to 1st mezzanine which should have been $140!

Went to the IP and gambled for a while, but lost. Went to Bill's and gambled and lost, but played for a while. Saw Big Elvis and he sounded as good as ever. I think he's lost another 50lbs making 400lbs lost in total which is over 28.5 stone. Had a ton of change so asked if the cashier's cage would take it. She said, "Sure" and gave me a bucket. It came to over $4 and it was a relief to get rid of it. Went to the MSE meet at 4 and met Rich (funkyfin) and his wife Claire, Lorraine (TangoBunny) and her hubby and pebbles and Tony. Lovely people, but we could only stay about 45 mins with having the show at night. It's a pity we hadn't had it earlier in the afternoon.

Walked back to the Signature which took 25 mins from Bill's. I was absolutely done walking back as it was really hot and my feet were in agony. It was 97F today and 100F in Henderson.

We quickly got ready and were out by 6.30. It took 30 mins to walk to Caesars. Played Goldfish until it was time for the show. We were actually seated in a box, Box 3, with comfier seats and no-one behind us. Don't know how we managed to score them. Cher finally appeared at 7.45 yapped for a bit, sang one song and disappeared to get changed, sang another song and disappeared to get changed. I lost count of the number of costume changes she had. I remember reading it was 7, but it seemed like more than that. The show finished at 9.20 and it was OK. I wasn't that bothered about seeing her and have no need to see her again.

Went to the Victorian Room at Bill's. Hubby had prime rib and I had sirloin steak at $14.99 each, neither on the menu and you have to ask for them. They came with soup or salad and choice of potato. My steak wasn't great, Ellis Island's was better, but the prime rib was OK. Service was good.

Saw a fountain show on the way back, "Time To Say Goodbye". Got back at 11pm.

great reports Luci, thanks!

I'll tell you something funny........you're in the same suite in the Signature that I stayed in last year!
If you look in the toilet, excuse any faint stain there may be on the wall, on the right hand side, I projectile vomited several times in there when I was drunk as a skunk after drinking several beers and 9 Vodka/Red Bulls in 'Tabu' in MGM one night Apologies for telling you that but I can really remember being ill and feeling soooooooo bad the next day My missus did do a very good job of cleaning up after me bless her!

Cheers,

TC

Well you could have left it a bit tidier! No stains that I noticed so your missus must have done a good job.

As you will have read earlier in my TR, I also had a night on the lash and I soooooo suffered the next morning. The thing was I woke the back of 3, couldn't get back to sleep and started to feel better the back of 9 so if I hadn't wakened until 9ish it would have been the back of 3 and half way through the day before I started to recover.

luci