Just got back last night. In the past, I have written rambling, almost novel-like trip reports, I am going to try something different this time, and break things up into categories. Let me start off by saying we flew out Wednesday morning, arriving around 1:30 PM, and left very early Monday morning.

Flights: American (we usually go United or Northwest). The first leg of the trip out was a 6 hour flight from Boston to L.A., which we were dreading, but which ended up being one of the most pleasant flights I have ever had. The plane was about half filled, so we had a three-seater to ourselves, no screaming kids, smooth flight and, perhaps most surprisingly, a GOOD breakfast (omelet). They also showed

Cathy - Thanks for the TR - you certainly covered a lot of ground while you were there! I really enjoyed your descriptions of the various meals you had - I definitely need to put Aqua on my list.

I totally agree with you on Bellagio being a classy joint - while Paris and Venetian try to have it, Bellagio definitely HAS IT - I find Caesar's "has it" too.

And yes - I don't like Rio and haven't been back there in years.

Thanks again! Mike

Cathy,

Great trip report! I almost can't wait the 2 weeks until I get there. Sorry the gambling wasn't better, but you surely made up for that in the wonderful meals!!

Where are the Austin Powers machines you mentioned? My husband will love them...we really have fun playing those crazy video slots.

Karen

Those Austin Powers slots seem to be everywhere, the ones we played were at the Barbary Coast, near the wall that faces the Flamingo. These were nickel 45-max coin machines, we played 9 coins at a time, 1 per line.

Have a great trip!!!


Cathy in Boston

Cathy,
First, thank you for taking the time to share your trip with us. Second, noone here is going to "flame you", we are all intitled to our own opinions, and I'm greatful you choose to share yours with us.
I didn't like the god referances either in the scintas show, but other then that had no problem with it.
You mentioned about classy casino's.
The Bel has it as well as Caesars, I think. And Mandalay Bay wants it, However the others like Paris, Aladdin, and Venetian, seem to have a disney-esk feel to them. Not so much as fake, as more campy. My thought on the subject anyway.
Please remember, all the good stuff at MSS is down on the main floor. The rooms are nother to rave about. Don't expect much more then a remodeled Holiday Inn as far as the rooms go. Aside from that, I love the place and have a stay planned in September there. Oh the Black Chip Porter, you make my mouth water just thinking about it! Mmmmmmm!
Thanks for a wonderful report, it was a joy to read!
Lee-PA



------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee, that is it exactly, it's like a Disney attraction!! Especially Paris, as much as I like it.

Cathy in Boston

Cathy, different opinions make life interesting! I'm no gourmand, but I loved reading about your meal at Aqua. The coinless slots out at Suncoast didn't bother me in the least, and Sam's has put in some in their new section. I had fun there one night, collecting my winnings with the little receipt and moving on to the next machine.....I really don't care how a winning machine pays me<vbg>.

Have you ever gone out to Valley of Fire? I'm glad I visited Red Rock, but I have no desire to return ....however, I will find any excuse to go back to VOF. I'd like to hold a TV meet out there sometime in one of their picnic areas.

I'm sorry to hear the DW wasn't nice to you at the Barbary Coast, but it wasn't nice to your twin either<vbg>.

Daisy, we went out to Valley of Fire in October and I agree, it is spectacular!!!!


Cathy in Boston

Cathy, great trip report. Since we don't usually frequent the strip, being downtown people, I love to hear about it. I am not a Rio fan either although I enjoy the parade in the sky show. When we were there in Jan we did not see any Austin Powers slots. Hubby is a fan. Are you going to cruise to Aruba or stay at a resort? My two favorite places are the Carribean and Vegas. I would like to cruise through the Panama Canal. Kathy

------------------
Kats

Cathy,
Paris is the worst of the bunch! Down to the fake crickets (piped in) outside by valet pick-up. Or the backround clatter that they pipe in over the casino. It's too much.

------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Hey Lee, I know you are right about Paris, but I still really like the place, I think it is adorable! (Hey this is a woman who spent her honeymoon at Disneyworld!)

Kats, what hotels in Aruba do you recommend? Our friends always stay at the Marriott. We would not do the cruise, we would do probably a 4 or 7 night package on the island.

Cathy in Boston

Cathy, I have never been to Aruba. My favorite is the Cayman Islands. I had friends that went to Aruba all the time. I don't know where they stayed though. Just that it was an all-inclusive thing. I'm sure you will have a grrrreeeaaaatttt time. Hang out on the beach and have your favorite tropical drink for me!!! Kathy

------------------
Kats

Cathy, nice report and I didn't need matchsticks to keep my eyes open, so don't worry!

I don't know what it is about Bellagio, but I absolutely love the place, despite the lousy VP, and I spend most of my gambling time there. Also have to agree with you about Paris, I have honestly NEVER noticed that the background noise is bad, particularly compared to the Flamingo. Actually I find the music in BC more off putting than anything, even though the games are good.

Hope you enjoy Aruba and get back to LV soon.

Vease, I agree, sometimes the lounge acts at the BC can be annoying, but the band that was there last week was good! Very very loud, though.

Cathy in Boston

Cathy,
I remember a really bad lounge act at BC a long time ago. They had people throw marachino cherries up at them on stage and this guy would catch them in his mouth!
I think the BC has a tradition of booking bad/cheap acts. I have on recent occasion walked through the place and heard some pretty good music too. I don't know if it was the same group you liked, but maybe things are getting better at the BC in the entertainment department.

------------------
Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com