Departed DFW on a ATA Airline 737-800. The significant thing about this airplane is that it was a "new" airplane (less than 1 year old). It was immaculate - both inside and out - however, like all ATA airplanes that I have flown in, the seats were so close together, there was barely any leg room and the seats would nnot recline (me thinks they do this in order to get more passengers on board) but for only a 2 hour flight, this was no real probablem. Upon arriving at McCarran, it took about an hour to get our luggage and a taxi to the Gold Coast. Let me say this about the Gold Coast and this will constitute my report on the Gold Coast as promised. This is NOT the old Gold Coast that I remember as it has been completly updated and remodled in the interior - and also new parking facilities for autos. Noticeable improvements are: new carpet throughout, new check-in counter, new bars, new gift shop, new showroom, and a new buffet. The buffet is absolutely beautiful - patterned after the Orleans with multi food stations. They were shooting television commercials while we were there. The rooms were smaller than the Orleans (no couch or easy chair), bathroom fixtures, (tub, commode, etc) were all new and the rooms have been repainted, new bedding and bedspreads - mattress was regular size, a bit larger than the ones at the Orleans. Employees were very courteous and helpful as they were celebrating the end of the construction update. The swimming pool and hot tub were there but small. The meeting and convention rooms hve been updated as we observed during our last Thanksgiving meet. (This ends my Gold Coast update) Upon arrival at the GC, we barely had time to change clothes, grab a taxi and hustle over to PF Changs (on Paradise) to hook up with the Pennsylvania trio - we had a great dinner, enjoyed the company and Lee chauffered us back to the Gold Coast in his rented Suzuki, complete with Talk Vegas logo - and we were exhausted. I would definately stay at the Gold Coast again, especially when the Orleans rates are up. End Day 1. Wendell

Thanks for the update on The Gold Coast Wendell. We've booked it for May, but didn't know if we'd made a mistake. I've been on a couple of message boards trying to find out something about it. We got in on the LA Times deal. $29.00 a night for week nights and free breakfast buffet for 2 plus 2 for one Honkey Tonk Angel Tickets. Can't beat that.
I was glad to hear that you enjoyed the show also.
We contemplated changing to The Orleans, but after reading your report, I think we'll stay at The Gold Coast.
My sister and I like to spend some time at the pool, and the reports on that seem to indicate that it might not get much sun. My husband found out somewhere that if you present your Gold Coast room key at the Orleans, you can use their pool.
I like to bee bob all over the place and take advantage of the shuttles. Besides the obvious shuttles to Orleans and Barbary Coast, I read that the Palms directly across the street from The Gold Coast, has a shuttle that goes to Caesars, and also the Fashion Mall. Does anyone know if there is a charge for this, or if it is only for Palms guests?
Thanks for a great report.
Lynne

Wendell,
This part of the PA trio, wants to thank you, for all of the PA trio, one more time for a lovely dinner at PF Changs. Maybe next time we should allow more time between arrival time & dinner so the Texas duo, doesn't have such a tight schedule?

Lynne: The pools at the Gold Coast are very small but I guess adequate. I soaked in the hot tub on several occaisions, but they definately will not compare with the Orleans. The attendants at the pool are very attentive with towels, chairs, etc. The shuttle bus from the Gold Coast to the Barbary Coast puts you directly across the street from Casears, Bellagio, and Ballys (center strip) - a great spot for casino hopping - either direction. They appeared to be some contruction activity going on around the Fashion Mall but I don't really know anything about the shuttle from the Palms. Sounds like you guys are planning your trip carefully. Have fun, win a bunch, and enjoy. Wendell

Lynne: In-so-far as I know, all shuttle buses run by the hotels are free... Lee: tight schedule or not, we enjoyed it as much or more than you guys - hope you accept our invite to San Antone. Wendell