It just so happened that my husband and I had the same week off in December, enough miles and a free room offer so we felt compelled to take advantage of this. An uneventful flight on Southwest had us in our room at Bally's by noon on Sunday. Our reservation was for the south tower, but we were "upgraded" to the north tower. The room seemed identical to south tower room. We were meeting my aunt who was driving in from Boulder City and staying at Mandalay Bay.
We walked down to Mandalay Bay past Cosmopolitan and Aria, then took the tram at Excalibur to Mandalay Bay. The walk back to Bally's we took the Tropicana side and it was much quicker - not so many overhead street crossings. Had dinner at Raffles cafe and then saw the Lion King, which was a great show.
Monday we walked back to M. Bay and had breakfast at Crossroads in the House of Blues. Used a restaurant.com gift certificate (paid $2 for a $25 certificate) Took a cab to Imperial Palace and gambled there until it was time for the show "Name that Tune." It was not very crowded and they call a lot of people on stage - I was lucky enough to get picked but did not make it past the first round. It was a fun show and nice way to spend an afternoon. Ate at the Hash House a Go Go. (another restaurant.com certificate) Good food, great service and it was kind of weird to see people taking pictures of their food! Walked over to the Bellagio conservatory to see the winter display, which was very nice. Finished the night with slots at Bally's.
Tuesday had breakfast at the Planet Hollywood buffet (using $10 off coupon) and it was barely worth the $6. Shopped at the Miracle Mile. Took the shuttle to Rio. Had planned to use the 2:1 for the Carnival buffet but the line was VERY long and it was only 2pm. So we went over to the Gold coast and used a $10 free play coupon. Then went to the Palm's buffet, which had a very casual atmosphere but the food was good. Saw the Rat Pack show at Rio - which was very entertaining. Went back to gamble at Paris, but slots there were tight. Finished the night at Bally's - did well on a pinball slot and the newer version of goldfish.
Wednesday had breakfast at La Salsa Cantina (in the Miracle Mile) and then headed home. Good shows, good food, bringing home all my gambling budget plus an extra $100 and spending time with family - all in all one of the best trips. Already making plans for next time (which is the only way to get past post vacation depression) - my youngest is turning 21 in June!
We walked down to Mandalay Bay past Cosmopolitan and Aria, then took the tram at Excalibur to Mandalay Bay. The walk back to Bally's we took the Tropicana side and it was much quicker - not so many overhead street crossings. Had dinner at Raffles cafe and then saw the Lion King, which was a great show.
Monday we walked back to M. Bay and had breakfast at Crossroads in the House of Blues. Used a restaurant.com gift certificate (paid $2 for a $25 certificate) Took a cab to Imperial Palace and gambled there until it was time for the show "Name that Tune." It was not very crowded and they call a lot of people on stage - I was lucky enough to get picked but did not make it past the first round. It was a fun show and nice way to spend an afternoon. Ate at the Hash House a Go Go. (another restaurant.com certificate) Good food, great service and it was kind of weird to see people taking pictures of their food! Walked over to the Bellagio conservatory to see the winter display, which was very nice. Finished the night with slots at Bally's.
Tuesday had breakfast at the Planet Hollywood buffet (using $10 off coupon) and it was barely worth the $6. Shopped at the Miracle Mile. Took the shuttle to Rio. Had planned to use the 2:1 for the Carnival buffet but the line was VERY long and it was only 2pm. So we went over to the Gold coast and used a $10 free play coupon. Then went to the Palm's buffet, which had a very casual atmosphere but the food was good. Saw the Rat Pack show at Rio - which was very entertaining. Went back to gamble at Paris, but slots there were tight. Finished the night at Bally's - did well on a pinball slot and the newer version of goldfish.
Wednesday had breakfast at La Salsa Cantina (in the Miracle Mile) and then headed home. Good shows, good food, bringing home all my gambling budget plus an extra $100 and spending time with family - all in all one of the best trips. Already making plans for next time (which is the only way to get past post vacation depression) - my youngest is turning 21 in June!
