I decided to be a little more timely on my trip report than last year which was posted over 9 months later!
My Husband and I arrived on a Sunday afternoon 5/25. After luggage retrieval, the off site rental car lot and driving to the hotel, it was almost time for Dinner! After the dragging of the luggage first from the offsite parking at the originating airport, to the airport, from the Las Vegas carousels to the tram, then to the offsite rental lot, I was ready for a relaxing evening. We were exempt from the additional luggage to be checked in due to an airline mileage ticket, so of course, I overpacked (can't be without that outfit!)
We ate at Kantor's in TI--and had a deli corned beef sandwich. This is the second location of his famous location in Los Angeles or Miami. It was very good and light enough for the time zone change adjustments.
We stayed at the Palazzo. Checkin was very long but it was Memorial day weekend! I have stayed in several properties on the strip and this was by far, the best! Not just because it was new, but it was first class! I loved the automatic drapes with remote (yes, I could open them, but this was fun and enjoyable and made for a dramatic view). Our view was overlooking the Wynn golf course....not many players, so that is why he will build another hotel/convention center. All these properties will block one another's view. Now back to the room: loved the LCD plasma TVs---3 of them even one in the bathroom! The corner couch was a nice touch and the furnishings elegant. The bathroom area was huge complete with a sitting area for makeup and a large vanity. Shower water pressure was amazing and even better than home. Never experienced such a strong shower. Between the TV and the great shower, I could have spent my vacation there.
We had breakfast every morning at Grand Lux: service was exceptional and the buffet was small but very high quality. We even had a desert of Cheesecake, since it was the sister restaurant of the Cheesecake factory.
We visited the Springs Preserve. Had a wonderful time although we planned to spend an hour and ended up spending over 4 hours. There was an Imax film on Las Vegas history/conservation and outdoor exhibits of reptiles. There was also a museum area of the early days of Las Vegas in conjuction with the Hoover Dam. Very interesting and I would highly recommend it.
We saw the Jersey Boys. We sat on the second mezzanine and had a perfect view. It was a fast moving play and I was prepared for the 8 minute admission. If you stand and sit down, move left and right, admission is over. Wondeful time and music was great!
We tried to wait in the line for tickets for Cher. It was sold out, but sometimes the casino releases tickets at the last minute. One couple was lucky to go. I had already seen Cher's Farewell show and it was great. My Husband is not a fan, but he said he would go if we got in. He probably was relieved. Bette Midler was not there at all during our vacation.
Restaurants: The best----Joe's Steak and Seafood in Caesar's shoppes. Best seafood and my Husband had the best steak. Service was impeccable.
Roy's and McCormick and Schmick's---both had exceptional seafood.
Mainland just opened in the Palazzo shoppes---chinese/Japanese/Thai fusion cuisine. Very informal, but also good and different. Seating is traditional as it may be in China in circular tables. I saw a lot of takeout also being ordered.
Weather was perfect; 80's and no need for a jacket at night. I have been to Vegas at 105-115 degrees so this was a treat!
We decided to relax and I had a facial and my Husband had his first massage. My favorite place is the Canyon Ranch Spa so I was happy to be staying on the property rather than walking to it. I never have the time or patience at home so this is the place.
We did our traditional walks around all the hotels and shopping. I liked that the Venetian was connected to both the Palazzo and the Wynn. It is just window shopping because the stores are so very expensive. In the Wynn, they were having a closed party at the Manolo Blanick store (spelling?) for the launching of the "Sex in the City" movie. My Husband found it humorous that many women were taking off their shoes---looked like they were in pain from the heels.
We also went to the outlet centers and the Primm Valley outlet. The stores are very good in that one and we usually do very well with our purchases.
Very enjoyable trip and it was difficult to leave.

what is springs preserve and where is it?

Lis - thanks for the TR! I also am curious about the Spring Reserve. Glad you liked Joe's at Caesar's - I think it's excellent. I'm envious that you got to stay at the Palazzo. Thank you again!

Lis,

Thanks for the report. I HATE staying on the strip but have stayed twice at the Palazzo, love it. My drapes quit working on my last trip.

I meant to try the Grand Lux for breakfast after a previous positive report and never got around to it.

Did you go to the pool? I thought it was great with the lounge chairs in the water.

Thanks for a great report! I am jealous of your weather - the week before I hit the 109 degree day and 45 mph sustained winds. july temps without july hotel prices.

You went to a number of restaurants that are on my "to do" list. Can you tell more about what you had at Roy's and at M & S?

Thanks for my Vegas fix - I needed that!

Springs Preserve has been on my list for a few months - are most of the attractions indoors (ie, air-conditioned) so that I would be able to enjoy myself in July weather?

Thanks for the great report!
OK already...more on the Springs reserve!!!! PLEASE

Vegas vacations go so fast...don't they?

I got to ask, have you thought about your next trip yet???

Wow! What a warm response from everyone. I will have to travel to Las Vegas and write more trip reports! I just love visiting there because it is everchanging. Who would have imagined that in 2007 I was watching the Palazzo being built, and this year I ended up staying at the hotel! Each year you can visit and always see something new---just look at the construction going on now at City Center. The only problem is that it will block the beautiful views. Now to answer some of your questions:
To Dagwash, MikeD, Lee, and DaisyDeuces: The Springs Preserve has a wonderful website and it can give you greater detail. It is very hard to describe as it has so much to offer and is so interesting. Most of the exhibit is inside with fine, cold air conditioning. It is new and modern. It is closeby via the highway and about 15 minutes by car. It is all about the Las Vegas water conservation, environment and it has a small outdoor amphibious exhibits. It has many trails of Desert gardens to enjoy albeit hot in the sun. Be sure to purchase cold water at the gift shoppe to keep hydrated. We really enjoyed it and spent close to 4 hours there. The Imax film was very enjoyable in a very modern facility. There are also various exhibits (one with water rushing towards you) as you stand on metal grates. Imax movie is very interesting and makes you forget where you are. I have a greater appreciation for the water and environment now. The building of the dam was also highlighted. They are building a museum right in back of the Springs Preserve as well.
Senatorjm- I did not go into the pool at the Palazzo. We did walk thru and saw those wonderful chairs in the pool. When I went in May, we had just about turned off our heat, so I had no tan whatsoever and I was afraid of burning. We also had a pretty full schedule.
Kestral- Now you are talking about my favorite subject: food! I know there are fine restaurants on the strip, but I am always concerned about the type and style of the food. I like to eat basic stuff. My Husband had the benefit of being able to sleep thru the time zone change and I had a difficult time, so I walked the Palazzo shoppes in the morning. A sort of behind the scenes tour: I saw the upscale restaurants and "chefs" being trained. Not a good sight....I guess I have to accept that the name is only the restaurant not the chef. Roy's--best service and freshest fish. Spoke to 2 Managers while I was there and their fish is flown in daily and marinated. That is the secret. I had scallops and my husband had Butterfish. I would highly recommend both. Atmosphere is nice. Salad is also excellent. McCormick and Schmick's- Fish is flown daily also and new menu printed daily. I had the Tilapia (very light) and my husband had the Chilean Sea Bass. I would recommend both. Great Bread, Salad and good service. I believe both restaurants are on open table. com. Reservations a must.
Wish I could repeat the trip tomorrow!

Please Lis, make more trips to Las Vegas. Your trip reports are fantastic. I really like your selection of things to do. From breakfast at the Grand Lux buffet to Springs Preserve to Jersey Boys, to those fabulous dinners. And you have a way of writing that makes your trip reports a great read.

Springs Preserve is on Valley View, between 95 and Alta (north of Charleston) If you start at The Rio, take Valley View north about 3.5 miles. If you are on the strip or downtown, take Charleston west a couple of miles and turn north on Valley View. It is a work in progress. There is a Wolfgang puck restaurant there for a nice lunch if you wish.

Thanks again for the trip report. Do you have your next trip planned?

fyi-if you have a whats on magazine map of vegas,it's in the whats on mag that is in most rooms,springs preserve is noted on the map exactly where jmt says it is.

In the April 2008 issue of Las Vegas Life (Now are you convinced that I am hooked on Las Vegas?) there is a nice article that highlights the complex with a map included. I don't know if there is online access, but if some of you subscribe to Las Vegas Life and have saved back issues, you can look it up. The title of the article is: Vegas Springs Forward.
On a side note, I have a 3 year subscription to Las Vegas Life to fill my need for Las Vegas in between visits! It is wonderful magazine and I look forward to receiving it each month!