I promised a trip report from our last trip this past May. I apologize for the delay.... We spent half the trip visiting Phoenix and 4 nights in Las Vegas. We stayed at Planet Hollywood. You probably remember my comments about the horrible rooms. I am sure by now they are renovated, but the bedspreads are ones I remember from their grand opening several years ago. No renovations at all--carpet worn as well as furnishings. Certainly not the Bellagio, Paris or Venetian.. We wanted to try restaurants outside of the strip. We went to Roy's which is a Hawaiian fusion cuisine and enjoyed it! We went to Batista's (love the accordian player!), Todai Japanese Buffet, Pampas Brazillian Grill (great food and atmosphere), and the Spice Market buffet (always good quality and variety. We relaxed shopping at the Primm outlet and saw the Bonnie and Clyde car, visited the local Las Vegas downtown outlets, and relaxed for a few hours by the pool. I went over the Venetian Canyon Ranch spa for a facial. My husband got a Royal Shave at the Manadalay bay shoppes (Art of Shaving) which we both enjoyed doing seperately. Overall, we gambled in between (mainly slots) and did not win much, but had a wonderful time. We walked thru all the hotels and the weather outside was just perfect. Last trip, we visited the atomic Testing Museum and spent about 3 hours there. For us, that was the highlight of the last trip. We plan to go again to Las Vegas in the Spring as this is our favorite vacation place. I have to add that I really appreciate all the comments on this board as it is so helpful when we visit.

Hmmmm ... you loved the accordian player at Bautista's - how was the food? There have been a lot of rumors about over-priced hype, but very few people have actually gone lately there so I'm rather curious.

Thanks for the fix, er, report.

Thanks for the report, Lis.

Did you stay at the spa to enjoy the facilities, or just go in and out for the facial? What was the place like - resting areas, snacks, was it crowded, etc.

And can you tell us a bit more about Roy's - what did you have? I have been curious about that place.

And hey - no need to apologize, late is much better than never.

And you are certainly not as late as certain brothers - er, other posters who are slowly putting up a trip from 10 months ago (only now its more like 11 months ago hint hint!)

No matter when, always love to read a trip report!

DaisyDueces,
I thought the food was very good at Batista's. This is my third time there. I had pasta and meatballs and my husband had the linguini and clam sauce, so I can't speak for any of the other dishes, but these were excellent. The complimentary cappuccino is the best I ever tasted. It is the highlight of the meal!! Can you tell that I really enjoy eating at restaurants---you can only cook so much variety at home! All I can say is that everytime we have gone the place is packed to capacity. It seemed to be filled with locals and it has been in business for years. A visit to Battista's is on our list every year. It is old and a little tacky inside, but once you get past that it has an individual charm!
Thanks for your comments...

Kestral,
I am too restless to stay in the spa all day, but I do enjoy a nice facial on vacation. If you have a service done, you are entitled to the spa facilities which are the steam rooms, whirlpool, showers, etc for the day. It is the only time I get a facial all year. The Canyon Ranch is so nice inside and the attendants are very professional. It was spacious and relaxing. It had a nice waiting area as well. I have tried Elemis in the former Aladdin, and Paris, but I prefer this the best. One year they were constructing the stage for the Blue Man Group, so it wasn't too relaxing to hear the buzz of the drills.
We went to Roy's in Phoenix and then found out they had a location in Las Vegas. We rent a car each trip as we both have no patience for taxis. What can I say I am restless and impatient! Roy has a wonderful menu: sushi ( I am not a fan, but my husband who has visited Japan said it is high quality) and he also had a 3 fish (cooked) assortment that was delicious! I had the chilean sea bass. the service is exceptional, atmosphere wonderful and I couldn't ask for anything better. It is a must do on our next trip.
Thanks for replying....

Thanks for your answers, Lis! I have been to the Elemis in the former Aladdins and thinking of going to the new one at Caesars - Qua. I have never had a facial, always go for body treatments, like a massage or sugar scrub.

I too always rent a car, so I will have to check out Roy's!

Thanks Lis, it sounds like a fun trip. Roys is very high on my to do list. It was pretty much a locals secret even though it is very close to the strip. The word is starting to get out, so they built one in Summerlin. And I like Pampa's. I think it is a very nice atmosphere with delicious meats. I wish I could try all of those types of places and compare them. I'd like to lose a little weight first.

I always enjoy the Atomic Testing Museum. Once time a bus load of school kids got there just before me. Most of the kids were too spaced out to learn anything, so I kinda stopped and listened to their teacher/guide a few minutes. She invited me to hang around during the whole tour.

When I took the Haunted Vegas Tour, they talked about the Bonnie and Clyde car. It seems that late at night when the cleaning people are in the mall, they see the ghosts of Bonnie and Clyde around the car.

Thanks again, that was a ymmy trip report.

Thanks for the report.

Too bad Planet Hollywood thinks ear rings and lipstick makes a new resort!

I'm gonna move Roy's up a few notches on my To-Do list. Hopefully try it in November.

Well Liz you sure ate well!
Nothing wrong with that at all. Except, I'm now hungary myself!
I've had reservations at Roy's and had to cancel them, they where very polite when I did this and I've wanted to try them for a very long time now. NOVEMBER! No more procrastinating! LOL

Thanks so much for the report, I love to hear fresh stories and information. I get something out of every report I read, thanks for sharing.
Lee-PA