Been going to Las Vegas since the late 50's. Just returned from my most recent 12 day stay. Broke my inexpensive accomodations rule and stayed at Bellagio and Mandalay Bay. Both very impressive and somewhat expensive.

Here are my most memorial pros and cons from this trip:

CONS - #1 - Someone stold the very heart and soul out of Binion's Horseshoe (More on this in a later article.) #2 - No more 25 cent craps or $1 & $2 blackjack in the Union Plaza. #3 - No comp drinks while playing the slots at the bar at the Golden Gate. #4 - Empty craps tables in the Four Queens but they still have high minimums - the crew stands around and watches the crowd walk by while the Pit Boss justifies the required minimum. (More on this later). #4 - They don't remember Whiskey Pete in Prim! #5 - The partially completed and improperly lit Venetian. (More on this later).

PROS - #1 - No one could design a better airport! #2 - The Bellagio Hotel and Casino and the Staff of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. If you have a question they can't answer, they volunter to get the answer for you and eveyone knows where the closest bathrooms are. The attention to detail is amazing! Even the toilet paper in the casino restrooms was the finest available. #3 - The Mandalay Bay - Surprisingly nice! The quality is not on the level of the Bellagio but it is nice and a wonderful place to stay for families with children. The kids will love the wave pool. I sure did!!! #4 - Madam Trusaud's Wax Museum - a wonderful place to spend an hour or so! I was honestly shocked when they allowed and encouraged one and all to interact and even touch the figures. No barriers in this museum. Just make sure you take a camera and expect to have a good time. Interesting to note that when you stand and stare into the eyes of your favorite Hollywood Star and turn your head slightly to the right or left, another Hollywood Star is stareing right at you. The good folks who set this up had a great sense of humor if you know what to look for! Make sure you see this Museum. It is wonderful and a major surprise. (More on this place later). #5 - The local casinos such as Orleans. Expect to be treated exceptionally well by the friendly dealers and Pit Bosses at the Orleans and other local casinos. They really do take that extra step to insure you are treated like a true guest. The difference between the Strip casinos and the "local" casinos is strikeing in this respect. #6 - Hugo's Cellar. Still an exceptionally fine dining experience. #7 - The Venetian Canal Shops - Another Forum type shopping center with a major difference - a canal runs through it. Looks like the owner spent the bucks in the casino, the great hall and the shopping center and then sort of skimped on the rest - especially the lighting engineer if there is such an assigment. #8 - Porno material on the Strip, Nuff said on that subject. #9 - The fine arts display in Bellagio - Wonderful, except there are a couple of paintings in there I wouldn't pay $20 for. Shows what I know about fine art!
#10 - Thsi may catch some by surprise but I have to add the El Cortez to this lsit of recommnedations. It is one of the few casinos downtown who remembers where it is and has not assumed a phoney attitude. The El Cortez still offers a fine atmosphere for the old timers and low rollers and appears to be doing better business than the other downtown casinos who seem to forget that they are downtown! The still have a great 25 cent crap table there. Thanks, Mr Gaughan!!!

Detailed info to follow later. Thanks for reading this rather long story.




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will800

Will, Thanks for all the little details. And welcome to TalkVegas!!

I live here and agree with a lot of what you wrote. I look forward to your more detailed trip report.

Will, had to laugh a few times when reading your post. Not because it was funny, but because you mirrored some of my views to a T.
Where does the 4Q's get off with an attitude?
LOL
I also miss the art thing too! I look at something and say, that's a nice painting, and that's about it! LOL
The El Cortez, I have to differ on my opinoin though. It's a little dog eared, if you know what I mean, and not a place I'd take my wife at night either. There location is a bit away from the Fremont canopy thing, and they shouldn't have any attitude, they are too far out.
Lee-PA