Caesars Palace -- What are your favorite experiences there?

Caesars Palace remains my favorite HET hotel but in the last few years I've stayed mostly at Bally's, which I also enjoy. I like the smaller size and intimacy of Bally's and especially the two Double STP machines (though they are not new). Also, great customer service.

But, Caesars Palace is mecca within mecca for me and I'm excited to be staying there for my Christmas to New Year's trip. Looking forward to hopefully staying in the Augustus Tower and enjoying Qua most days (though I will head over to Bally's for the $99 (early bird special) - 15% diamond discount facial (same deal for the classic massage)). The Diamond lounge at CP is my favorite as well so it'll be great to just head downstairs to enjoy it. Re: gaming, there's a Double STP machine (unfortunately just one) and some slot machines that I like. I will also check out the Bacchanal buffet again.

But, there's a lot at CP I have never experienced, including Cleopatra's Barge, Pure (seemed like too much of a young crowd for me -- I turn the big 50 next year), the new FIZZ, and breakfast or lunch at Payard Patisserie. I'll be hanging out a bit still at Bally's and playing side by side for more than a bit I am sure with DBueler at Flamingo but I really do want to camp out mostly at CP.

Any recent experiences you have had at CP, what you enjoyed most (or least) and why would be appreciated.

Of course, I am in the middle of my usual hyper-trip-planning mode so thanks in advance for any comments.

Last two dining experiences -- Payard for lunch and Old Homestead for dinner -- are highly recommended. Old Homestead has the best seafood platter presentation I've come across.

Thanks Friedmush. I decided I'm going to have dinner (3 course special menu for $48) at Payard Patisserie the night of my arrival in Vegas. I've walked by Old Homestead a number of times and it always looked appealing. Elegant/old school but also relaxing. Funny thing is I live in NYC so this makes me want to try the original here! If it have a nice hit while in Vegas Old Homestead may go on the list!

I like the Forum Shoppes,
My best memory was sitting on a bench enjoying somekind of ice cream treat adjacent to a very expensive
Art/Glass/Vase etc. shop and they had a very expensive Vase in part of the window just around the front
door, I watched a lady, not go in, but reached her hand around the door trying to turn the price tag to see
the cost and she knocked it off the stand shattering it into many many small pieces.

Yikes! Wonder if the store had a "you break you pay" policy.

Non-obvious thing to like: I like to order the Frozen Hot Chocolate drink at Serendipity 3 in the afternoon and watch the world walk by outside of the Caesars Palace side courtyard.


Non-obvious dislike: The Central restaurant is overpriced to me with disappointingly slow service. I liked it better when it was the Augustus restaurant.

Don't you think part of the slow, snooty service has something to do with the place trying to carry out a true French style under chef Michel Richard?

Like when I asked if I could charge my meal to my room and the server responded with a condescending, "Well of course." I tipped a little extra for the demeaning attitude because I felt I was in Paris with the Eiffel Tower a few hundred yards away.

Central can't hold a candle to Augustus Cafe.

I like the Diamond/7* Check-in place. Coffee and cookies. Very nice restrooms, heavy duty 'kleenex'. When the lines get backed up by two or more someone appears and ushers into their office to take care of you.

For breakfast/brunch try the lobster benedict at Payard. The first time I had it they served it on small potato waffles. Two weeks ago it was on a toasted croissant. Yummy!

Love all of the above -- except the bad service. This is making me hungry. LOL.