Just to keep you all up to speed on matters

As we're going to make use of the Virgin Atlantic twilight check-in (e.g. check in the evening before the flight), we decided to stay overnight at Gatwick airport. As we're not into shuttles back and forth to the hotel and to keep up with the exclusivity of an airport lounge (we're elite travellers now you see :rofl) we booked into the Sofitel which is connected to the airport terminal.

Booking that hotel was a job and a half Why do websites advertise one rate but when booking it they add stuff like taxes and fees to it? This increased the advertised rate from £ 119 to close to £ 150 until I found the services of http://www.hotelclub.net/ whose advertised prices you pay

Also just a little concerned about the hurricane in the Caribbean at the moment. It will certainly not affect our enjoyment in Vegas but might just well do in Cancun. As for the latter, by the time we are there the hurricane will have long gone. The after effects of the hurricane does worry us a little as sleeping on the beach in starlight is not really our cup of tea

Mark

I hope the hurricane doesn't affect Cancun and that there isn't another one following it.

So what is your itinerary so far, eg any shows planned? Have you decided on the helicopter company yet for the Grand Canyon? ANy plans for places to eat?

luci

The only show so far which we have booked from the UK is Mystere which we are seeing on Sunday the 16th September at Treasure Island.

TeeCee suggested a Company called "Maverick" for the Grand Canyon tour, so we probably use them. We decided not to book this in advance but, instead, book it whilst in Vegas. This is, of course, a gamble but we don't want to stick too much to pre-set plan. Booking in advance is all well and good, until such time you need to cancel due to circumstances.

As for the dining arrangements. We have taken onboard all the suggestions made (so far) and take them with us. We will then decide on a day-to-day basis which restaurant to choose depending on which kind of mood we're in and how the financial status is going

Mark

Good move re the GC trip. You will definitely be able to book while you're there. There are guys on the strip near Planet Hollywood and the Monte Carlo handing out flyers, but usually for companies I've never heard of.

I have read that you can get a good deal if you go on standby, ie turn up early morning and see if they have a slot. Wouldn't want to risk it personally.

We did the GC when we first went to Vegas 19 years ago. Got a bus to Boulder City and a flight over the canyon. Hated every minute of it due to the turbulence which was horrendous. We have considered going back, but only if it was a chopper direct from LV.

Then there's the debate about whether you are seeing the "real" canyon if you go to the West Rim. I must admit that it wasn't the lovely red colours I was expecting and was just sort of brown. I put that down to the time of day we were there which must have been around midday to early afternoon. However I've read that the West Rim isn't as colourful.

I am really looking forward to your experience so that we may consider it in November.

We saw Mystere and, although the acrobats were really good, we decided that perhaps Cirque just isn't our thing. We are considering seeing Love and Elton John again in November. The only show that's a definite is Legends in Concert as I have a 2 for 1 coupon and it's a good show.

luci

yeah, the south rim is a must really for the canyon. We got our concierge to book the Maverick tour for us - easy as that!

Mystere is good. We're booked in to see Ka next month.
Love is very good as well. My missus has even talked me into going to see Tom Jones!! Best take a spare pair of pants with me to throw!!

TC

Have seen Tom Jones twice and, although I'm not a fan, his show is excellent. The first time not a knicker was thrown, but there were certainly a few last time. Would see him again, but he's not on when we're there in November.

All the seats are the same price, $75, whether you're in the front row or the back. It's a very small theatre with only 746 seats.

luci

yeah I think our seats are 3 rows from the front so I should be able to aim a well worn pair of pants in his direction!!

I went to the Grand Canyon last month and booked my trip via look tours and flew with Sundance helicopters which were really good. Our pilot was called Jimmy and was really experienced, having flown in Vietnam and later flew Jimmy Carter when he was govenor. I hate flying, but the helicopter trip was really good, and Jimmy explained everything that was going on and why there was turbelence. He even explained that he could actually land the helicopter in the event of engine failure, which he said that all the pilots who fly for Sundance have to train for. A wonderful experience that I am so glad not to have missed.

We went to see KA as well, which I thought was exceptional. Although I must admit I havent seen any of the other Cirque shows, so I cant compare, but what I saw was good.

The first time we went we thought we were in the 4th row, but it turned out to be the 4th tier and there were a couple of rows in each tier so we were a little further back than we thought we would be.

We got tickets for the 3rd row centre last time and it was the 3rd row and they were excellent seats.

luci

Not so good news from http://www.hotelclub.net/ who just informed me that they could not secure the booking at the Sofitel hotel in Gatwick. Didn't get charged (thankfully but obviously) but was a bit disappointed that they did not honour their written quotation with the reason given that no rooms were available at the hotel. Bit strange this, as rooms can be booked through various other sites

Back to the drawing board, and this time via http://cheap-uk-hotels.com/ who offer a similar service to http://www.hotelclub.net/ at slightly higher cost of £ 121 - time will tell

On a good note - Cancun seems to have been spared by the destruction caused by hurricane Dean.

Mark

Glad Cancun has been spared as you've been looking forward to it for so long.

Good luck with the hotel.

luci

Still waiting a reply from http://cheap-uk-hotels.com/ on whether they managed to secure the booking.

In the meantime, I found another site (INVALID URL offering such service and made a reservation request last night, only to find the following response in my email box this afternoon:

We regret to inform you that the Sofitel Airport Hotel Gatwick (England - Gatwick Airport ) is fully booked for the dates you requested.

Well the hotel is NOT fully booked as rooms are available through other sites were "live" bookings can be made.

Come to think of it, perhaps these Companies lure customers in, in the hope that they book the alternative offered accommodation

Mark

It's looking very like it Mark.

luci

Reply from http://cheap-uk-hotels.com/ :

Due to busy period, we regret to inform that our room allotment at Le Meridien London Gatwick Hotel , Gatwick (London, UK) had been sold out. However, we would like to offer alternative hotel which is available during your requested period.

It's official as fas as I'm concerned - this kind of service is to be stayed clear off. Prices advertised are never available (tried three of them).

Have therefore booked through APH for £ 123.00 excluding breakfast (the other rates quoted in previous messages included breakfast making the advertised deal even better) who immediately confirm the booking.

Looks like breakfast at McDonald's will be on the cards on the day of departure.

Mark

yeah, basically each of those companies (websites) will have a block booking at the hotel - ie they'll agree at the start of the year that they will buy X amount of rooms at an agreed price, they can then sell their block of rooms on at any price, hence you can pick up a bargain if they have some left, but you also find that 4 websites can say somewhere is sold out and another will have rooms available.
All you can do is try!

TC

Packing almost done

Another hurricane building up in the Caribbean set to hit Mexico. The thing is called "Felix" this time.

Here is hoping

Mark

Good luck Mark

Have a brilliant trip.

Tickets and documentation arrived in the post today
Transfers in Vegas are with a company called "Showtime Tours" which sounds quite exotic, but does anybody know whether these will be private or shared transfers?

If it is the latter, we might consider taking a taxi to- and from the airport as I can't be asked to stop at a dozen or so hotels on the way to ours.

Mark