Las Vegas 2010

Photos coming soon! When we re-launched The 3 Star Traveler we lost many of the original photos from posts. Lori is gradually working her way through past posts and uploading the photos once again. Check back soon!

Las Vegas is one of those destinations that people seem to either love or loathe. My husband and I are on the side of love. I’m not sure what it is, but some unexplainable force draws us to the bright lights, entertainment and food. It also doesn’t hurt to have some amazing scenery and outdoor opportunities nearby.

Oh, and did I mention the deals. We never travel to Vegas without a deal and they were so great in late August that we planned a last minute trip to take advantage of two – free food with a stay at Paris, and free Blue Man Group tickets, food discounts and an incredible price for a stay at Palazzo.

We make the trip west about every year and this was our 5^th visit. Our last trip was November 09, and each year we find new trends which lead to a different experience every time. If you are considering a trip in the near future, this is our wrap up of old favorites, new finds and great deals.

 

 

New in Food On the Strip

The 24-hour Buffet. It seems the big push to get travelers back to the buffet line for a reasonable price is the 24-hour buffet.  We received two free for staying at Paris Hotel and Casino for two nights and considering that we always have budget in mind, we took advantage.

This is how it works. The clock starts the time you buy the buffet pass. You then have 24 hours to visit for any meal at any buffet within that family of casinos/hotels for no extra charge.

Tip: Get a players card before you buy the buffet even if you don’t gamble. Your buffet status will go on the players card and you won’t have to wear a ridiculous arm band for a day which makes you feel like you are at a theme park water attraction.

Final thoughts: We’d never buy this on our own. We were so sick of buffets – the food, the atmosphere (although not the desserts) by our last visit. However, this is coming from people who don’t really enjoy buffets and usually average two meals a day while in Vegas due to portion sizes. If you are a buffet lover on a budget you may love it.

 

 

New Sights to See

City Center is the new hotel, casino, shopping and residential section which resides between the Monte Carlo and Bellagio. The architecture is impressive as are the small details throughout the property. It also added some new restaurants and a Cirque show, Elvis, to the strip. The whole area had a feel that was unique to anyplace else on the strip.

 

 

Final thoughts: We wouldn’t stay here without an incredible deal. City Center feels completely isolated from the strip. Perhaps that was the goal, but it doesn’t feel like the Vegas we enjoy. On the positive side, it’s opening has restored the tram from the Bellagio to Monte Carlo which we are very happy about.

 

Friendliest Place to Exercise

Red Rock Canyon, hands down. Rent a car and make the short drive out to the park. We went on Saturday morning for a run and were among large groups of cyclers and runners. I think everyone we passed offered a smile and hello.

Final thoughts: The weather at the canyon is much cooler than the strip which was welcome for an August morning run. Get there as soon as the park opens to reduce your time in direct sun and be prepared to start on an incline and for plenty of rolling hills thereafter.

 

Least Favorite Trend

The beach clubs. Some hotels, namely the Encore and Venetian, have beach clubs which are in a separate section of the pool area.  Despite the separation, they are still visible and audible from the general pool areas. These aren’t to be confused with the adult pools, but they do appeal to the party scene. It is somewhat like the night club had moved to the pool. It was amass of very drunk people stumbling from the pool to their rooms along with fights breaking out.

Final thoughts: If this is your thing, have at it. For us, no thank you. We like to have fun, but will take it without all the drama. And, oh, there was drama!

 

New Trend to Be Aware Of

Daily resort fee. As we were researching for our trip we noticed that almost every hotel now has a mandatory daily resort fee ranging from about $15 to $20 depending on hotel. This fee includes access to the fitness center, internet access, local phone calls and a paper. The fee is added to the nightly cost of the hotel and tax is added.

Final thoughts: We have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, it is nice to have access to the fitness center since that was always about $20 alone, and internet is a plus. However, that extra daily fee is hard to swallow when you think you are getting a great deal on a room and have to tack that on in the end. Not all hotels are doing it, but many are so if you are concerned pay attention when booking.

 

Best Meal Off the Strip

Lotus of Siam. This was recommended by a friend and can be found in many guide books. It is in a small, internationally-influenced strip mall not far from the strip, and the cuisine of focus is northern Thai. The photos of the owner with many celebrity chefs and prints of media coverage were enough to tell us this was a popular place, yet it still has a very local feel. We went for the lunch buffet which was under $10.

Final thoughts: Outstanding! The closest thing we’ve had to the Thai food we ate during our visit to Thailand last year.  I couldn’t get enough of the sticky rice, red curry and ginger tofu. If you are in Vegas you must make a meal of it!