Fri, 24.04.09: Left home 3.45am and drove to Aberdeen. Left car at airport long stay car park, £64.80 for 16 days booked more than 30 days in advance. We usually use Aberdeen Airpark, but they were the same price and mucked us about last time and the airport parking is usually much dearer. Bus was a 2 mins ride to the airport.

I had tried to check in online yesterday, but wasn't able to as our flight to Heathrow was with BA and the US legs are with American Airlines. Staff member assisted us with self-service check-in then we dropped our luggage.

Went to the cafe, 2 teas and 2 plain rolls £6. Through security and hubby's bag bleeped. Unknown to me he had thrown in a roll on deodorant at the last time so both it and the bag had to be scanned again. Noticed that the cafe after security was 30-35p per item cheaper per item when I had thought that they would all be the same.

Flight was due to leave at 6.40am, but didn't leave till 7.00 due to air traffic control. A lady boarded very late and we think we lost our slot. Landed at Terminal 5 LHR about 8.30, a 5 min walk through Flight Connections and the bus to Terminal 3 took less than 10 mins. Had to go through security again and had to reconfirm our flights at the American Airlines desk. We then registered for IRIS to save time at immigration on the way back. Had a drink in O'Neill's waiting for our gate to open.

Flight to Los Angeles was due to leave at 10.55. Left at 11.30, Boeing 777. Meal served after an hour or so, beef or pasta. I had the 3 cheeses tortellini and it was lovely, starter was a marinaded pepper salad and dessert was strawberry cheesecake, it was all very good. Drinks were served before, during and after the meal. After about 4 hours we were served with a pack containing mini cheese biscuits, shortbread and a mini Toblerone and more drinks.

I was a bit disappointed with the entertainment. I had checked the AA website and there were several films I wanted to see, but there was actually a very limited selection and nowhere need the amount listed on the website. Watched "Marley and Me" and "Bedtime Stories". Managed to sleep for an hour or so, but 11 hours is a long time on a plane.

We were served pizza, grapes, shortbread and drinks an hour before landing. Landed at 2pm, took half an hour to park the plane, got through immigration about 3. The officer was really nice and chatty. Transferred to our flight to Las Vegas which was due to leave at 4.40pm. Boarded, taxied, then stopped and was told that we were delayed for 35-40 mins due to ATC at Vegas. We heard that the airport had been closed due to high winds. (Heard on the morning news that there would be more flight disruption and there had been gusts of 75mph, almost hurricane force, at Henderson). Left around 5.30, arrived 6.15, took about 25 mins to get to the baggage carousel and the bags took another 20 mins to come out. Massive queue for taxis, but it moved quickly. Driver asked if we wanted to go the quick way and I said No Tunnel thank you. Arrived at Paris 10-15 mins later via Swenson, Koval and Harmon. Fare was $15 + tip.

We had booked via London Clubs International at $75 & $115 for the weekend nights and $60 for the rest. This was the same rates as the Friends and Family offer Harrah's had We weren't asked for our LCI card at check in and it wasn't mentioned.

Only a couple of check in desks open. I had decided not to bother with the $20 trick or even ask about an upgrade. Said (that was his name) said there were no king bedded rooms available. We were about to settle for 2 queens when he said a king had just become available, that it was an upgrade to a Red Room (newly renovated) and should be an extra $40 a night, but he would give it to us even though we were staying 4 nights. Nice one! Tipped him $20 and he appreciated it. We weren't bothered about the view as we've had fountain view rooms before at the Bellagio and PH. Got to our room on the 27th floor and it was really nice, but don't think it was worth an extra $40 a night. We had a view of the mountains, the new PH Towers Westgate and MGM.

I had been a little concerned that the room would be very red, but the only red things were leather panels above the headboard, a red runner on the bed, curtain and cushion. Nice big room with king bed and sofa. Nice sized bathroom with separate shower. 42" flat screen TV. The safe wasn't big enough to take a laptop, there was an ipod docking station. Two closets with ample hangers, 4 large drawers, mini bar, iron and ironing board and hairdryer. Desk with wired or wireless internet at $14.99/24 hours. There was a card warning to keep the window vents closed to keep the moths out, but despite them being closed we found 2 moths in the room.

Freshened up, stuck our TC's, etc in the safe and headed out. Went to the casino in PH and played Goldfish. I did well and was a little up, hubby lost. Took ages for a CW to appear and we had a Chardonnay. Played for a while then went to Tacone for something to eat. Had an Angus Cheese burger, a United Steaks of America, fries and a Coke. Used a restaurant.com voucher for $10 off $20, thanks nvh, and the bill was $12 something.

Went back to Paris and found the Star Trek machines I had read about. I put in $20, got a jackpot of $290 and a couple of spins later got another jackpot of $111! Sweet! Cashed out at $400 and I was more than happy, but had no idea how it happened. My Total Rewards card didn't work so will have to get a new one when the desk opens tomorrow. Had another couple of Chardonnays at Paris.

Up to the room about 11.30pm (7.30am UK time). Happy with that as I had been aiming to stay up till at least 9pm. Bed around midnight after being up for 29 hours.

Sat, 25.04.09: Woke at 4.25am which was better than usual. Tried to sleep again, but only managed another 15 mins. The bed was super comfy with a pillow top mattress and very thick pillows. Had my first cuppa in the room and it was bliss. The dual voltage kettle is a travel essential. The shower was a bit disappointing and not very powerful, but hubby was happy with it. Unpacked and got ready for the day.

Left at 6.40am and went to Ellis Island for breakfast. I had thought we would be up early enough to get the graveyard special breakfast before 6, but we took our time getting ready. I wasn't hungry so just had 3 buttermilk pancakes and didn't even manage to finish one of them. I always struggle to eat for a few days after long haul. Hubby had the country ham and eggs which resembled a huge gammon steak and was lovely. With 2 coffees and a chocolate milk the bill was $18 plus tip. It was quite cool and windy.

I still felt very jetlagged and a bit out of it at breakfast so we decided against going to the outlets as planned. Gambled at Ballys, Paris, Bill's and the IP and I lost at them all although hubby did well at Ballys. They were all very quiet apart from the IP, but it was early. Had lost more by 10am than I normally would in a whole day so decided it might be cheaper to go shopping after all rather than gamble.

Got the Deuce from Caesars to the LV Outlets at the south of the strip which took about 30 mins. Got there about 11. As there was a VIP Shopper Event this weekend, I had registered online before leaving and received some discount offers and freebies that were only available this weekend. Got a free T-shirt at Ashworth Golf worth $15 and 2 packs of socks which would have been $4 each. Also used the 20% off Calvin Klein with no minimum spend and hubby got 2 pairs of jeans. I got a Fossil watch and we bought a wheeled holdall to replace the non-wheeled one we had brought with us. I got 2 T-shirts for $20 less 20% discount. We're not big shoppers, but were happy with what we bought.

Got the Deuce back to the strip and it took almost an hour to get to Flamingo as traffic was horrendous. Got back about 3, went to Tix4Tonight to see if they had tickets for Jay Leno, but they didn't. Got beer, water and snacks from the ABC Store in the Miracle Mile shops and went back to the room. My feet were sore so rested for a bit. Did some hand washing and got ready for the evening. My new dual voltage straighteners worked fine.

Went out about 6 and waited about 20 mins for the shuttle to the Gold Coast from Bill's. Went to the Cortez Room, but they were fully booked until 8 so put our names down. Gambled and lost, moved to another machine and managed to play for a while, moved to a Goldfish and finally got offered a drink after more than an hour. Didn't expect to get vodka Red Bull with the recession, but got it no problem. I was shattered and really struggling to stay awake with being up from 4.30am, but wanted to keep going as long as possible. We were seated right away at the Cortez Room at 8. We couldn't find it to start with as there is a TGI Friday's where it used to be.

I ordered a 6oz Petite Filet $20 and hubby ordered the mixed grill $29 which was an 8oz Filet Mignon, chicken and salmon, each with their own sauce. Each came with a choice of soup or salad and choice of potato. Both were very good. The wine list started at $15 a bottle. We had a litre carafe of Chardonnay which was only $11 and was very good, but then we're not wine buffs. As long as it tastes OK we're fine with it. With 2 coffees the bill was $70 for a very good meal.

I was absolutely done so we got the shuttle back to the strip and went straight to the room and straight to bed about 10.30ish.

Glad to see you are enjoying so far.

Nice upgrade at Paris...I wondered what those rooms might be like! I guess people are possibly not bothering to pay the extra and therefore they are available as upgrades!

$11 litre of wine sounds good! Can often be $11 per glass in Vegas!

Keep the info coming, and hope you're starting to recover from your jetlag. You will probably have been up early again today though - I drive my hubby crazy by getting up very early those first few days...we have discovered it is better to stay off strip for the very reason that I don't have a view to get up and gaze at during the night!!

Glad you're doing a day by day TR again this time. I'll look forward to the updates, however (in)frequent they are.

Great report so far, setting us up nicely for our trip at the end of May

Here is the next instalment of my long and rather boring TR, but I enjoy reading it back in the weeks and months to come and reliving it all. Anything you'd like me to check please post and I'll do my best.

Sun, 26.04.09: Woke the back of 4, but went straight back to sleep and woke the back of 6. Love the comfy bed. Updated my blog and took our time getting ready. Still haven't used the internet connection unlike last year when I was on every day.

Went to Spice Market for breakfast at 8, no line, $9.99 with a $5 off coupon from the internet, very good even though I didn't eat much. Waitress was very attentive as the place was so quiet. Played Wizard of Oz, I lost $20, but hubby hit for $68.50 and cashed out. Went to CVS for a few things, used my debit card hoping for cashback, but the girl said I couldn't get it with an international card. Checked the ATM there and the fee is $2, better than the $4.99 the casino ATM's charge.

Back to the room, hubby went to the pool and I went on the internet, $14.99/24 hours.

Took the Monorail from Bally's to the Sahara and it took just under 15 mins. We were due to be picked up for Mystery Adventures at 12.45 http://www.mysteryadventureslasvegas.com , but Max was almost 15 mins late and we thought they had forgotten about us.

It cost $39.99 less a $5 coupon on their site plus $10 for the pickup plus tip. There were 8 people in our group and some of them were really good at solving the clues. Most of the clues at the first location were way over my head as they related to films and I only watch films when I'm flying, then promptly forget what they were about. The group worked well together and we found all 18 hearts in 2h 20mins, which entitled us to a T-shirt, DVD or computer game. We took the T-shirt as the DVD was no use for the UK. Max dropped us back at the Sahara.

Stuck $5 into a Star Trek machine and quickly turned it into $40. I pressed the cash out button and logged off. Luckily I checked the voucher and it was just a record of the log off, no cash voucher so I kept sitting at the machine and hubby went to find a casino employee. He took us to a computer and once we got there he realised it wasn't a cash out voucher and ran back to the machine, but someone else was on it. After getting a supervisor involved they finally opened the machine and my voucher was still inside all mangled.

Took the Monorail to Harrah's and finally found the Happy Days machines I had been looking for so played and lost. A girl was handing out coupons for Harrah's and the Flamingo buffets and free entry to the Auto Collection at the IP outside Harrah's. Noticed that Tix4Tonight lots more restaurants listed than last year, some quite good ones like Al Dente and the Steakhouse at Bally's. There is also 50% off Planet Dailies at PH I might use, but I'm not sure if that off entrees or the whole bill.

Went back to Paris and played on Star Trek and lost. Moved to Treasures of the Acropolis Jackpot Party progressive, played for ages on $20 and had good cocktail service. Moved to Goldfish, both did well and played for ages, in fact too late for the Spice Market buffet. After several Chardonnays and umpteem paralyzers I was feeling no pain.

Decided to go to Earl of Sandwich at PH for something to eat, but on the way out I spotted Get Nuts, the machine that ferf's Jamie had won a jackpot on so decided to play, but lost.

As we got to PH I realised I hadn't cashed out with about $90 on machine. We ran straight back, but there was someone on it. My player's card was lying on machine, but no cash out voucher. I was really upset at being so stupid and hubby tried to console me, but I was too drunk to accept it.

Went back to Earl of Sandwich, ordered soup and sandwiches and got a pager. When it still hadn't gone off 20 mins later, hubby asked how long it took and was told 5 mins. He fell out with them and eventually got a refund. Back to room about 11pm, really drunk as we'd had nothing but a bag of crisps since breakfast at 8 when I'd hardly eaten anything anyway. I went out like a light.

Hi Luci,
Great trip reports so far...the detail is so good it actually makes me feel like I am there myself.

How annoying about the $90 slot money!!! You don't mind losing money to the casino (ok, we all do....) but it's different when you forget to cash out and some lucky sod who has stumbled across that machine sits down and instantly cashes out your ticket.

As for Earl of Sandwich, boy are they sllllllooooooooowwwww so I am not surprised your Hubby got into an argument with them. The sandwiches are delicioius it has to be said, but service is very slack.

Keep enjoying yourself and good luck with some more winnings!!! Don't forget the cashout this time????

Things get better!

Mon, 27.04.09: Woke back of 3, head thumping and the hangover from hell. Tried to sleep again, but I felt too ill, gave up at 5.30 and went on laptop. Took ibuprofen and Airborne, but still took 6-7 hours to feel human again.

The news is all about the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, where there have been almost 200 deaths, and there have been some cases in the US. Sky News said to avoid going to the US, but we're here already and unless the FCO advised against travel I would still go if I wasn't already here. There are 2 confirmed cases in Scotland so does that mean we shouldn't travel home? I don't think so.

Got ready for the day, dropped my bag and a load of coupons fell out, including the cash out voucher from Paris! In my drunken state I hadn't realised I had actually cashed out, but not taken my player's card. I was relieved as I'd rather give something away than lose it.

Left the room the back of 7 and went to Paris for breakfast. I had intended getting the discount from Tix4Dinner where $2 fee would have got us the breakfast for $9.99, but I hadn't got round to it, but it would only have been a $3 saving with the fee. There were only a couple of people in front of us, $14.99 each + tax and tip. I still wasn't hungry despite not eating last night as my stomach was still suffering, but I managed a bit of ham and potatoes, toast and carrot cake, which was very good.

Played Jackpot Party and did OK. Ordered a hot tea from the CW and she apologised for taking so long to come back. She said she had to cover the whole casino since they laid people off, was on the night shift which was horrible and was about to finish at 10. I felt sorry for her and things must be bad if they are laying people off.

Mon Ami Gabi have started doing breakfast from 7-11am and the patio was busy.

Had a walk to the Flamingo to pick up our tickets for Donny and Marie on Friday, $248 for 2 rear seats on the main floor. Disappointed at getting seats so far back despite booking 2 months in advance. Played Happy Days and got a few bonuses and free spins. Wandered past Tix4Tonight at Bill's and there was a long queue at 10am. Went back to the room to continue recovering from the excesses of last night.

Went for a walk the back of 12 and headed south. Looked in the Hawaiian Marketplace for the massage place that ferf mentioned with the 55 min back and foot massage for $50, but could only find the place doing reflexology and it looked like they only did feet, but will check it out properly later. We shared a Panda Express at the Showcase Mall food court, $6.99 for 2 main and a side. Didn't think I was hungry until I started eating, but hope it doesn't put me off my meal tonight. Got back about 2. Picked up a few good coupons being handed out on the strip - buy one drink get one free and buy one entree get one free for the Hawaiian Tropic Zone, free admission with the price of a drink to Mac King in the afternoon. The one I got yesterday was just for $5 off.

Hubby had a nap and I went on the internet. Haven't risked an afternoon nap no matter how tired I've been as last year I felt worse after I had one. Ankles swollen, but not sore. Got ready to go out and went down to gamble for a while. Played Goldfish and broke even after playing for ages. Moved to Star Trek and eventually lost. Went to look at the Eiffel Tower restaurant and we were invited to go up and have a look. We were very impressed with the restaurant. Lots of window tables for two and even the ones further back had a good view of the fountains. Quite expensive though with Filet Mignon at $48.

Johnny picked us up in the limo bang on time to go to Casa di Amore and it took about 10 mins to get there It was next to the Gun Store. We were seated right away in a booth and Brad was our waiter. He was very attentive and chatty, explained the specials and helped us choose the wine. Bottles of wine are half price Sunday and Monday so we chose a bottle of Chardonnay. Hubby had the Sinatra steak at $27 and I had a pasta dish at $19. We both took the soup at $3 extra. It was seafood bisque and was delicious. We both enjoyed our meals. With coffees the bill was $80 and I had a restaurant.com certificate for $25 off which cost me $2.

I put the r.com cert on the table before I asked for the bill, but I didn't even have to mention it. Brad came by, saw it, picked it up and said, "I'll take care of that". When he came back he asked how much I'd paid for it. I don't know why, but I said $4 when it was $2 and he said he'd had a lady who only paid $2 and he thought it was a great idea so no problem whatsoever with using it.

At the end of the meal I got a nice cake with a candle and the lounge singer sang Happy Birthday. I had said on the reservation that it was my birthday, even though it's not till next week. Waited till Johnny came back to take us back to Paris and we tipped him $10 each way.

Got back about 9 and went straight to the room as we were both tired and I'd been up since the back of 3.

Tues, 28.04.09: Woke at 5.30, packed for our move to the MGM. Called for a late check out and got till 1pm with no charge.

Breakfast at Spice Market with $5 off coupon. I only had a smoothie and a banana foster crepe so why am I not a size 8? As we were leaving hubby spotted Amed Khan the boxer. Went over and spoke to him and he was so nice. We asked if he was over for the fight and he said he actually trained with the guy Ricky Hatton is fighting on Saturday, Manny Pacquiao (sp). He is staying at the PH as he is good friends with the owner. Took hubby's photo with him. A great guy.

Gambled on Wizard of Oz and both did well. I wasn't going to play my machine as someone had just hit for 15550 credits, but I got a couple of good hits on it. Cashed out and went back to Paris. Played Star Trek and lost, moved to Jackpot Party Progressive, got to second level of JP Party and won $48. Moved to Goldfish and lost then did well on Lil' Lucy where I got umpteen bonuses.

Checked out using the TV and the only charges showing were the first night and the internet usage, but I'm sure it will appear on my credit card. No line for the taxi. The driver took the strip instead of Paradise, probably to bump up the fare with it being such a short run. Fare was $8.50 + tip.

Waited 5 mins at check in at the MGM. Booked 3 nights at $49 including $25 dining credit and 2 free cocktails at the West Wing bar. The clerk said he would try and find us a king room with a view. We were allocated room 24126 with a view of the pool, the mountains and the airport. Left our room at Paris at 12 and we were in our MGM room at 12.30.

Dumped the bags and headed back to the lobby to see Ricky Hatton arrive at 1.30. Great atmosphere and there were tons of camera and media.

I was able to collect tickets for all three shows we are seeing at MGM properties at the Concierge.

Gambled for a while then went to Panda Express as I was peckish and we won't be eating till about 10. Back and gambled again, but didn't do too well.

Had to get security to open the room safe and it had been left locked and they came within 15 mins of calling. Unpacked and got ready for the evening.

Took the monorail to Harrah's. A bit miffed that you can only get single, 1 day and 3 day passes as you used to be able to get 10 or 6 trip tickets which worked out cheaper. Crossed to Mirage, gambled for an hour and Lil' Lady which is similar to Wolf Run.

Went to see Terry Fator, a ventriloquist/impersonator/singer who won America's Got Talent. We were in row LL, seats 5 & 6 and they were fine. $124 for two. One word for the show - brilliant. We laughed from start to finish and the guy is so talented. Hubby spotted Tony Orlando of "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" fame taking his seat just a row or so in front of us, but in the centre. Terry mentioned that he was in half way through the show and invited him up to sing and he did his two biggest hits so we got two shows for the price of one and it made the show overrun by 20 mins. Terry said we could take as many photos as we wanted, which is unheard of in Vegas show, but when hubby took out the camera the battery was flat despite being fine before we left. Checked it again when we came out and it was fine so no idea what the problem was.

We had reservations at Kokomo's for dinner. Very upscale with the table set with crockery and glasses before we sat down. Opted for the Prix Fixe menu at $29.99. We were served by 3 or 4 different waiters and it was all very posh. Bottles of wine was 50% off which was a bonus and we managed to get a nice German wine for $44. There was a very extensive wine list. We had crab cake with spicy sweet and sour cabbage to start, surf and turf and I had butterscotch custard and hubby had the 12 layer chocolate cake. The food was all excellent and the steak was as good as a Filet Mignon. We were too tired for coffee so the bill was $88 + tip which was a bargain for that type of restaurant.

Got the Deuce back to the MGM and it only took 5 mins. Went on the internet, $14.99/24 hours and went to bed at 12.30am, my latest night yet.

Really enjoying your reports Luci. Just the thing for getting me excited for next week.

Yes Luci, I am also enjoying! Thanks for taking the time to post.

I'd be keen to hear how to get a hold of $5 off Spice Market coupons? I love that buffet. Also love Harrah's for dinner with the $5 off! Good to hear they're still handing those out!

Lesley,

Here is a link to the coupons.

Lol...found it and printed 12...well there are 6 of us going...maybe I should print some more...

Don't worry Lesley, there are only 2 of us and I printed 10 pages! I wondered if they would take one page per person, but they cut off the extra one and gave it back to me so you only need a page per 3 people.

luci

Hi Luci

I was assuming that I could use all 3 - ie 2 pages for 6 of us. I think maybe I should print some more...just in case the offer disappears. Since 4 pages is only 2 buffets each... It will all depend where we're staying but from Paris it's an obvious choice (since I don't like french food so I'd be reluctant to try Paris buffet).

Hope they still have that chocolate cake - like fudge cake but with lovely smooth icing...yum. I also love the strawberries in syrup with some ice cream. It's only breakfast time but I could eat that now!!! (one of each that is)!

Yes, that's what I said, one page per 3 people so 2 pages for the 6 of you. We were at both Le Village and Spice Market buffets and I still prefer the Spice Market. It's the only place I've seen smoothie. It's not really worth me going to a breakfast buffet as I eat so little and only take the chocolate milk and coffee, but hubby makes up for it.

luci

Wed, 29.04.09: Woke at 6.30, longest lie so far. Suffered really badly with jetlag on the way out last year, but have been better this year as I haven't taken a nap during the day despite being dead on my feet at times.

MGM have an offer at the moment of breakfast, lunch and dinner for $29.99. As a guest we also got a Value Pass which gives breakfast for $9.99 between 7 and 8am and a complimentary glass of wine or beer with dinner. Made it down before 8 and charged it to the room as we have the $25 dining credit. There was no line although there was quite a queue half an hour later. Breakfast was better than I remembered it even though I didn't eat much.

Played the Price Is Right and did OK, getting a few bonus rounds. Wouldn't normally play a 5c machine, but it was only 5 lines max. Casino was dead. Back to the room for a bit as nothing we wanted was open.

Casino much busier after 10. Went to the Chinese reflexology place at Hawaiian Marketplace. Prices start at $15 for 10 mins, then $20/20 mins, $30/30 mins, etc. I opted for the offer of 45 mins for $40, 30 mins foot massage, 10 mins back and 5 mins hands and arms. Hubby had the 10 min back massage. It was actually quite painful, but they give you a proper massage. An American guy came in who goes to Vegas every month and he always goes there as he said they are very good. I got a bit confused working out the tip and accidentally tipped over 30% instead of the 20% I intended. No wonder the girl was delighted. She said that since November trade has dropped dramatically. I am thinking of going back just before we go home if I remember.

There is a new half price ticket place called VegasTickets4less where Tickets2Nite were at Showcase Mall, but they don't have much selection. Checked Tickets4Tonight, but there were massive queues at Showcase Mall, Hawaiian Marketplace and Bill's. Gambled at Paris on Jackpot Party, but lost.

Wandered up the strip and went to check out Serendipity 3 at Caesars which opened less than 3 weeks ago. We were going to try it, but there was quite a queue despite there being loads of empty tables and there were people with menus, but very few with food. Looks like they will have to sort the bugs in their service so we didn't wait.

Went across to Margaritaville and had lunch there at the roof top bar where the sun was beating down. Just had a mushroom cheeseburger, house salad, one beer and the bill was $22 and the food was good. "As a convenience" they show at the bottom of the bill how much a 15, 18 and 20% gratuity would be! Pity the massage place didn't have that... The new tower at Caesars looks almost finished. This it's called the Octavia, but can't be sure.

Stood in the queue at T4T at Bill's for 10 mins or so and it hardly moved as there are only 2 cashiers. Decided to try further down as they have more desks so should move quicker. Only a few people queuing at Hawaiian Marketplace so we got ticket for Carrot Top at 8pm tonight for $39 instead of $72. I got $2 off the service fee of $5 with a coupon from Vegas Values. They had a good selection of shows including Jersey Boys, Mystere, Blue Man Group and Phantom. They even had Terry Fator Cat 3 for tomorrow night at $74.

There is a Hard Rock shop open at Showcase Mall and a Cafe opening next door sometime. It was really hot and the walk back to MGM felt 3 times longer than the walk up the strip.

Decided to suss out the shortcut through West Wing Bar back to the room and it did seem quicker than going through the casino. Saw a West Wing Room as we passed and it looked tiny, not just small. Up to the room and I went on the internet while hubby when to have a look at the pool.

Got ready for the evening and went to the West Wing Bar at 5 as Happy Hour is 5-8pm and we had 2 free drinks as part of the package we booked. I had a Mai Tai which was very strong and hubby had a glass of wine, but got 2 with HH. The cocktail was $12 and the wine $9 although that was the cheapest one.

Walked to the Luxor and exchanged out T4T voucher for Carrot Top tickets. They recommend you do that early to get the best seats, but that hasn't been our experience. Last time we raced down there and only got Row M which is the back row. This time we got Row H.

Had 2 hours to kill, so played and lost. I've never done well at Luxor. Had a Macdonalds to see us through to dinner. I felt very hot as I'd caught the sun today at Margaritaville.

Went to see Carrot Top at 8pm. There was a warm up comedian for 10 mins. He does a lot of gags with props which we'd seen before, but still funny. Then I fell asleep. It finished 9.40. We had seen offers at the Excalibur for Regale Italian at $20 for 3 course meal and the steak house at $25 for a 3 course meal, but I was dead on my feet so we went back to the MGM.

It took 20 mins to walk back to MGM and another 10 to get to our room. The top of my back felt really tender to touch after the massage and actually feel bruised. Bed at 11.

glad you got a chance to try the massage...I should have warned you that they can be quite brutal there but ultimately seem to do the trick. I had 20 mins feet + 35 mins back (originally went for the 45 minute special but he talked me into an extra 10 at the end), and had the same thing with feeling bruised on my shoulders when I went to bed, but was fine in the morning. I have found that more than 20 mins feet they do too much rough stuff on my legs - had bruises up and down my shins one time though I do bruise easily.

Loving the updates and look forward to the next one!

Hi ferf and welcome to HT!

Thanks for telling me about that place. Yes they are brutual and it was a woman that did mine, but she had some strength. Hoping I have time/remember to have another one before we go home, but think I'll just go for 20 mins. I might have tried it anyway as I often have a massage on holiday, but it's good to have a recommendation.

luci