Highlights:
Spending quality time with friends
Sterling Brunch
Breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi
Lunch at Milos
Mandala Spa at Paris
Peep Show
David at Rao’s
Lowlights"
Coming home to intense stressful work schedule
WIFI at McCarren
Prelude:
The purpose of this trip was to spend quality time with my friend S who was in Vegas celebrating her birthday. Other friends were also in town and I enjoyed my mini meets with everyone. Originally, I was going to drive up Monday and leave early Wednesday. SW ran a sale. Because I wanted to enjoy one of my favorite meals, Sterling Brunch, I arrived Sunday morning.
Originally, I booked 2 nights comped at Paris. When I called to add Sunday, I couldn’t get Paris comped and the newbie suggested Planet Hollywood as it was comped. A couple weeks later, I called the host on duty at PHo and asked if I could be in the same room for all 3 nights. He asked which hotel. I said PHo cause Paris didn’t love me. I was a little concerned about staying at PHo as I’ve heard mixed reviews. After staying there, I would stay again in a heartbeat.
Details:
Both flights were on time and 39 revelers arrived with me Sunday morning May 27. Plane continued on to Indianapolis. It’s been 2 years since I’ve flown anywhere. This trip reminded me I hate the process of flying. You see, I inherited the ‘I’m going to miss my flight gene,’ and the entire process of getting to the gate on time especially for early morning flights stresses me out. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep Sat. night. On these shorter flights, as soon as I feel settled, it’s time to land. I looked out the window when the captain announced we’re about 90 miles from Vegas and saw we were flying over Kingman, AZ. I then saw the road to Vegas, a road I know very well and wished I was on it. I saw Laughlin in the distance. I hoped to get an aerial shot of the new bridge but the angle was wrong.
S met me at the airport and we were off to PHo, my home for the next 3 nights. I was able to check in at 9:30 am. I asked about the room type and was told I was in a Resort Room with a very nice view. I checked out the room and was quite pleased. On the way downstairs, I met a group of Miss USA contestants. The only time I saw them or any signs of the upcoming pageant.
Sterling Brunch is one of my favorite meals. I realize people either love it or hate it and I’m in the love it category. Our server was a hoot. He’s originally from Guadalajara Mexico. My mom and her hubby lived there for 20 years before moving back to Phoenix 5 years ago. He asked what part of the city. I knew the general area and knew they lived near a mall, but couldn’t remember which one. Called mom, gave server the phone. Next thing, I hear her talking to him in Spanish. Poor dude had a hard time ending the conversation. I tipped him well. I also asked how many bottles of bubbly do they go use each Sunday. I think he said 225 or 250. I know I drank my share of the good bubbly.
Afterwards, we gambled at Paris for a bit then went back to PHo. S left to go back to her hotel. I lost at Paris and held my own at PHo until around 7 or 8 pm. I had some nice hits on buffalo, aces w kicker on nickel stp, and surprise surprise hit the major on Cahsman tonight on a 30 cent bet. I thought I got 15 free spins and the next thing I knew, it said I hit the major for $275.
I’ve always wanted to see Peep Show and purchased a ticket through Travelzoo. I’m glad I saw the show as I recently read Holly Madison is leaving the show at the end of the year. I’ve been fascinated by the show since I watched Holly’s World on TV.
Gaming was less generous after the show. I have this thing for slot machines that have major or minor progressives. I chased this sucker that had to hit by $50. I crawled into bed at 2 am and crashed.
Monday, I had a delightful breakfast with C on the patio at Mon Ami Gabi. C and I have been internet friends for a couple of years and am glad we had the opportunity to meet. She has the cutest voice and is delightful. Afterwards, I walked over to Bellagio, saw the conservatory, chocolate fountain and took the tram to city center. Walked around and found the entrance to Aria and noticed the fountain out in front. Walked back to PHo and hung in the room and made friends with the housekeeper, B.
This trip was about friends and food and Monday didn’t disappoint. On my way to meet J&S at Milos for lunch, I heard B screech, L (not me) you need to see this!!!!! I was at the elevator and realized I left my phone in the room. I went back to get it then saw B on the way out. I asked if she could tell me what the commotion was about. She opened the door. There it was . . . the party room. . . a scene from some movie.
It reeked of alcohol. I saw several of those tall plastic drink holders, empty bottles, plastic grocery bags; trash all over the place. B said the bathroom was worse. It looked like they would need a couple of hefty lawn and leaf bags to clean everything up.
I love hanging out with J&S and was delighted they were available for lunch. I’ve heard so many things about the 20.12 lunch at Milos and looked forward to our lunch. The scallop appetizer was delish, the salmon was okay, and dessert was fine. Spending time with J&S was priceless.
Played a bit at Cosmopolitan and lost. Back to the room at PHo then took the express bus downtown. There was a loud plop. Some man fell out of his seat and fortunately didn’t appear injured. He almost fell out again. Once passed Wynn, it took no time to get to Fremont Street. I met up with S and off to MSS. We met my friend M from another board for drinks at the brewpub. Hung out at MSS for a bit then went to 4 Queens.
I planned to hang out on Fremont Street to hear one of the bands and see a light show. Instead, I was overtired and didn’t feel like hanging out til 9 pm. We went to the Orleans and played for about an hour. I then took the shuttle to Bills and walked back to PHo, stopped at Paris and played for a bit before going back to the room.
I was up early Tuesday and needed to deal with some work stuff including an 8 am conference call. I played at Paris for 30 or 40 minutes prior to my spa appointment. I purchased a Travelzoo certificate, $99 for $200 worth of services. I posted this review on another board as a reply to a post asking how Paris’s spa compares with Golden Nugget.
"I recently used my Travelzoo certificate at Spa Mandara, Paris. Although I was staying at PHo I chose the spa at Paris over the one at PHo because I've heard excellent things about Paris's spa and had a hard time finding info about the spa at PHo on PHo's webpage. I learned their parent company also owns bliss and the Glo spa at Tropicana. I knew I couldn't use points directly. I booked an add- on and owed $5 more than the value of the certificate. I wanted to charge the balance and gratuity to my room and learned I could only charge to my room if I was staying at Paris.
My treatment was heavenly, detox seaweed wrap followed by a back massage, and my therapist knew her stuff. I tend to judge a spa by the quality of the steam room, temperature and amount of steam and the quality of my treatment. Both were top notch. The facility is small compared to Qua and a little dated. There’s one area where one can sit and chill, an indoor hot tub, steam room, dry sauna, showers, dressing area and lockers.
I haven’t been to Golden Nugget’s spa and can’t comment. Would I go back to Spa Mandara at Paris? For the same treatment, yes. Would I pay to use the facilities, steam room, sauna, etc.? No. Instead, I’d walk across the street and pay to use the facilities at Qua, much larger with better amenities."
Afterwards, I had a light lunch at Paris’s buffet. Later that day, I met C, S and S’s friend G at Caesars. We planned to have hamburgers at Bradley Ogden, however, they were closed. Instead, we went to the diamond lounge and wished S a very happy birthday.
S, G and I went to Rao’s to see our favorite bartender David. David used to work at Caesars DL and is very happy working at Rao’s. He was very surprised to see us and we had fun catching up. I had the least to drink in our group, got up to use the restroom.
Watch your step, hold onto the handrail. I now know why almost everywhere has that annoying recording. I’m looking straight ahead as I walk out of Rao’s and don’t see the step. I fly out of there and the next thing I know, a couple of nice gentlemen help me up. Other than a little carpet burn, I was fine, more embarrassed than anything else.
I go back inside and tell everyone I just fell. David says the other guy said he thought he saw someone fall. Yep, it was me. Although, I’m cracking jokes, David says in all seriousness, are you okay, do we need to do anything. I assure him I am okay and I was.
We say our goodbyes and I walk back to PHo. I tried playing at Paris but it was too loud. I guess everywhere has bevtainers these days. The music for the dancers seemed to really clash with the music from the band. IMHO, PHo was less loud Tuesday night. I played for a bit and was in bed by midnight.
I was up early as I needed to pack and leave by 7 am. S was also up early and gave me a ride to the airport. Return flight was full and I’m glad I purchased early bird check in. I had A 30. I was frustrated by the WIFI at McCarren as it didn’t work well. I went from the airport to work and have been going nonstop since I’ve been home.
Spending quality time with friends
Sterling Brunch
Breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi
Lunch at Milos
Mandala Spa at Paris
Peep Show
David at Rao’s
Lowlights"
Coming home to intense stressful work schedule
WIFI at McCarren
Prelude:
The purpose of this trip was to spend quality time with my friend S who was in Vegas celebrating her birthday. Other friends were also in town and I enjoyed my mini meets with everyone. Originally, I was going to drive up Monday and leave early Wednesday. SW ran a sale. Because I wanted to enjoy one of my favorite meals, Sterling Brunch, I arrived Sunday morning.
Originally, I booked 2 nights comped at Paris. When I called to add Sunday, I couldn’t get Paris comped and the newbie suggested Planet Hollywood as it was comped. A couple weeks later, I called the host on duty at PHo and asked if I could be in the same room for all 3 nights. He asked which hotel. I said PHo cause Paris didn’t love me. I was a little concerned about staying at PHo as I’ve heard mixed reviews. After staying there, I would stay again in a heartbeat.
Details:
Both flights were on time and 39 revelers arrived with me Sunday morning May 27. Plane continued on to Indianapolis. It’s been 2 years since I’ve flown anywhere. This trip reminded me I hate the process of flying. You see, I inherited the ‘I’m going to miss my flight gene,’ and the entire process of getting to the gate on time especially for early morning flights stresses me out. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep Sat. night. On these shorter flights, as soon as I feel settled, it’s time to land. I looked out the window when the captain announced we’re about 90 miles from Vegas and saw we were flying over Kingman, AZ. I then saw the road to Vegas, a road I know very well and wished I was on it. I saw Laughlin in the distance. I hoped to get an aerial shot of the new bridge but the angle was wrong.
S met me at the airport and we were off to PHo, my home for the next 3 nights. I was able to check in at 9:30 am. I asked about the room type and was told I was in a Resort Room with a very nice view. I checked out the room and was quite pleased. On the way downstairs, I met a group of Miss USA contestants. The only time I saw them or any signs of the upcoming pageant.
Sterling Brunch is one of my favorite meals. I realize people either love it or hate it and I’m in the love it category. Our server was a hoot. He’s originally from Guadalajara Mexico. My mom and her hubby lived there for 20 years before moving back to Phoenix 5 years ago. He asked what part of the city. I knew the general area and knew they lived near a mall, but couldn’t remember which one. Called mom, gave server the phone. Next thing, I hear her talking to him in Spanish. Poor dude had a hard time ending the conversation. I tipped him well. I also asked how many bottles of bubbly do they go use each Sunday. I think he said 225 or 250. I know I drank my share of the good bubbly.
Afterwards, we gambled at Paris for a bit then went back to PHo. S left to go back to her hotel. I lost at Paris and held my own at PHo until around 7 or 8 pm. I had some nice hits on buffalo, aces w kicker on nickel stp, and surprise surprise hit the major on Cahsman tonight on a 30 cent bet. I thought I got 15 free spins and the next thing I knew, it said I hit the major for $275.
I’ve always wanted to see Peep Show and purchased a ticket through Travelzoo. I’m glad I saw the show as I recently read Holly Madison is leaving the show at the end of the year. I’ve been fascinated by the show since I watched Holly’s World on TV.
Gaming was less generous after the show. I have this thing for slot machines that have major or minor progressives. I chased this sucker that had to hit by $50. I crawled into bed at 2 am and crashed.
Monday, I had a delightful breakfast with C on the patio at Mon Ami Gabi. C and I have been internet friends for a couple of years and am glad we had the opportunity to meet. She has the cutest voice and is delightful. Afterwards, I walked over to Bellagio, saw the conservatory, chocolate fountain and took the tram to city center. Walked around and found the entrance to Aria and noticed the fountain out in front. Walked back to PHo and hung in the room and made friends with the housekeeper, B.
This trip was about friends and food and Monday didn’t disappoint. On my way to meet J&S at Milos for lunch, I heard B screech, L (not me) you need to see this!!!!! I was at the elevator and realized I left my phone in the room. I went back to get it then saw B on the way out. I asked if she could tell me what the commotion was about. She opened the door. There it was . . . the party room. . . a scene from some movie.
It reeked of alcohol. I saw several of those tall plastic drink holders, empty bottles, plastic grocery bags; trash all over the place. B said the bathroom was worse. It looked like they would need a couple of hefty lawn and leaf bags to clean everything up.
I love hanging out with J&S and was delighted they were available for lunch. I’ve heard so many things about the 20.12 lunch at Milos and looked forward to our lunch. The scallop appetizer was delish, the salmon was okay, and dessert was fine. Spending time with J&S was priceless.
Played a bit at Cosmopolitan and lost. Back to the room at PHo then took the express bus downtown. There was a loud plop. Some man fell out of his seat and fortunately didn’t appear injured. He almost fell out again. Once passed Wynn, it took no time to get to Fremont Street. I met up with S and off to MSS. We met my friend M from another board for drinks at the brewpub. Hung out at MSS for a bit then went to 4 Queens.
I planned to hang out on Fremont Street to hear one of the bands and see a light show. Instead, I was overtired and didn’t feel like hanging out til 9 pm. We went to the Orleans and played for about an hour. I then took the shuttle to Bills and walked back to PHo, stopped at Paris and played for a bit before going back to the room.
I was up early Tuesday and needed to deal with some work stuff including an 8 am conference call. I played at Paris for 30 or 40 minutes prior to my spa appointment. I purchased a Travelzoo certificate, $99 for $200 worth of services. I posted this review on another board as a reply to a post asking how Paris’s spa compares with Golden Nugget.
"I recently used my Travelzoo certificate at Spa Mandara, Paris. Although I was staying at PHo I chose the spa at Paris over the one at PHo because I've heard excellent things about Paris's spa and had a hard time finding info about the spa at PHo on PHo's webpage. I learned their parent company also owns bliss and the Glo spa at Tropicana. I knew I couldn't use points directly. I booked an add- on and owed $5 more than the value of the certificate. I wanted to charge the balance and gratuity to my room and learned I could only charge to my room if I was staying at Paris.
My treatment was heavenly, detox seaweed wrap followed by a back massage, and my therapist knew her stuff. I tend to judge a spa by the quality of the steam room, temperature and amount of steam and the quality of my treatment. Both were top notch. The facility is small compared to Qua and a little dated. There’s one area where one can sit and chill, an indoor hot tub, steam room, dry sauna, showers, dressing area and lockers.
I haven’t been to Golden Nugget’s spa and can’t comment. Would I go back to Spa Mandara at Paris? For the same treatment, yes. Would I pay to use the facilities, steam room, sauna, etc.? No. Instead, I’d walk across the street and pay to use the facilities at Qua, much larger with better amenities."
Afterwards, I had a light lunch at Paris’s buffet. Later that day, I met C, S and S’s friend G at Caesars. We planned to have hamburgers at Bradley Ogden, however, they were closed. Instead, we went to the diamond lounge and wished S a very happy birthday.
S, G and I went to Rao’s to see our favorite bartender David. David used to work at Caesars DL and is very happy working at Rao’s. He was very surprised to see us and we had fun catching up. I had the least to drink in our group, got up to use the restroom.
Watch your step, hold onto the handrail. I now know why almost everywhere has that annoying recording. I’m looking straight ahead as I walk out of Rao’s and don’t see the step. I fly out of there and the next thing I know, a couple of nice gentlemen help me up. Other than a little carpet burn, I was fine, more embarrassed than anything else.
I go back inside and tell everyone I just fell. David says the other guy said he thought he saw someone fall. Yep, it was me. Although, I’m cracking jokes, David says in all seriousness, are you okay, do we need to do anything. I assure him I am okay and I was.
We say our goodbyes and I walk back to PHo. I tried playing at Paris but it was too loud. I guess everywhere has bevtainers these days. The music for the dancers seemed to really clash with the music from the band. IMHO, PHo was less loud Tuesday night. I played for a bit and was in bed by midnight.
I was up early as I needed to pack and leave by 7 am. S was also up early and gave me a ride to the airport. Return flight was full and I’m glad I purchased early bird check in. I had A 30. I was frustrated by the WIFI at McCarren as it didn’t work well. I went from the airport to work and have been going nonstop since I’ve been home.
