bevierose
10-11-2005, 08:07 AM
Reporting on a great time last weekend in Vegas. My cousin and I stayed at Treasure Island this time as we wanted to be central and in a smaller hotel. We try to stay in a different hotel all the time, maybe every 3 to 4 months upon our visits to make it more interesting. The flights, changing in Houston on Continental, were fine going there. We went on CLS shuttle this time, and we had no problem. It's kind of fun to sightsee when awaiting your hotel stop. You have a chance to unwind too. When we arrived at TI, very quick check-in. The rooms are always clean and adequate there. Although TI was sold, Wynn did build and design this place. So, it is a winner on a smaller scale. I took my ritual bath to get the swelling down in my feet, then down to Dishes, the freshest, most delicious and convenient buffet (so we thought). We had just been there in June when the food was perfect, just right. This time the prime rib was so fatty and inedible. The desserts were sparse; the salad was drenched in balsamic, eek; supplies were low everywhere; and, weekend rates went up to $26.99 for an early dinner, eek! When we asked the server for any extras from the bus person, nothing showed. What a change is all we could imagine! The manager came over to talk to us and told us she would talk to the chef about the meat; she would straighten out the desserts not being on hand like the creme caramel or flan; and, she would tell her salad servers not to drench them in dressing. She then returned and gave us complimentaries for our stay. She acted immediately, and we thanked her. Yet, we were leary of the prospect of trying Dishes again after this experience, even for free. We then walked around the casino and played poker machines. I won a little finally getting 2 full houses! The thing is if you don't put maximum amount in, you don't win a lot back. So, don't bother if you just play 1 or 2. It will get boring that way. We walked over to the Wynn to check out the casino again. It was so quiet that I couldn't believe it. I don't care what anyone says, it's not anyway up to Bellagio standards; sorry, Steve Wynn. We had a drink playing slots after seeking out a cocktail server for over 30 mins. The next day we had to get a prescription filled on that very day for my cousin. Let me tell you that can be a chore if it is an unusual RX. We finally found a Walgreens that carried it down on the strip and Charleston. Where's that? We took the bus toward town and bought the RX, then boarded on the other side back up to our hotel. It took over 2 hours, if you wanted to know and the fare each way is $2, up from $1.50. The neighborhood is dangerous, so beware, and don't go alone. We were accosted by at least 2 panhandlers when waiting for the return bus. That afternoon we went over to the Carnegie Deli for the most spectacular brisket and pastrami sandwiches of all time!!! All of you can't miss this. We ended up eating next to people from NJ who knew my father-in-law's second wife; small world, right? We brought our 1/2 sandwich back to the room for later. Get ice and fill the ice bucket 3/4's full. Then put the sandwich in a plastic baggie on top to keep it cold. No refrige unless you have meds that must be refrigerated. We always bring baggies with us from home for Vegas; always have leftovers that are too good to pass up. We walked down to the Fashion Mall where they have many promenade kiosks. My cousin loves the hair wiglets and pieces one can use for dress and something fast in the morning. She bought a beautiful piece that made her look like she was attending a ball for $32.95. I looked around and had a Starbucks latte.
After that back to our room for a nap. Then we went to our favorite of all time to see Clint Holmes. The buzz is that he may be going to Broadway. We had been in touch with his press agent and got a special introduction after the show. We never miss him when in Vegas and think he is tops. We happened to be sitting in the 3rd row where a man started telling us he was there as a potential producer for a show based on Clint's life, maybe called "In His Shoes," since that was the original name. Hopefully he will renegotiate his contract with Harrahs since we just love to see him the few times a year. If he gets too big, then how can we see him? Anyway, the show was superb for those of you who never have gone. He is so talented and gorgeous. His ensemble is more talented than you could ever imagine. Believe me, you will enjoy. We got to talk to him after the show and gave him a big hug from his Florida groupies. What a night! We then went to our hotel's coffee shop for a late night snack. All went well. Then off to Tangerine. Wow, what a club! A friend gave us passes, which is difficult to get. The lights, the girls, the guys, the excitement of the place, wow! We are not very old but too old for this place. Yet, it is fun to take a look and see what's going on in the world. Loved it! If you are young and hip, go for it!
We then went on Sunday to breakfast back to Dishes where the food was perfect, surprise, surprise. The comp came in handy. We walked down to the Desert Passage to look around. Lots to do and see, but only little items for the room and the grandkids. The ABC store there is wonderful for water, wine, tee shirts, candy and more. My cousin bought a top out on the promenade of the mall. We listened to music and all kinds of goings on there. Then we returned to our room to take our siesta. We rented a movie in the room, which we normally don't have time to do at home. Fun. At 6:30 PM we walked over to the Paris to see "We Will Rock You." Save your time and money. If you are younger, maybe in your 30's, ok then. Even at half price, it didn't do it for us. The star has no stage presence at all, and I believe the original British satire was very insulting. A tribute they call it. To me it's more of a half-baked insult. Three other performers had good stage presence in the show, but I couldn't wait until it ended, honestly. If you have any sense or wits about you, and you are over 50, forget it. My kids loved Queen at one time. But my son saw this show, and he is 38, and he said thumbs down too! Sorry. Go see Clint Holmes, Danny Gans, Elton, Celine, Barry Manilow, Rita Rudner or anyone else. "Mama Mia" got rave reviews, but we just liked it, not loved it, so we are hard to please.
After the show we went across to watch the fountain show at Bellagio, never disappointing. Wow! We went into Bellagio to play a little poker slots, fun. Then we walked through to Caesars Forum to Spagos. I just love the Bolognese sauce and their pasta, homemade. We ate outside and a man at the next table bought us a drink. He was from Scotland and all alone, so we asked him to join us. An interesting chap with stories galore. We left him and the restaurant very late for our hotel. What a great time we had! The next morning I call at 7 to check on our flight to find it was cancelled; hence, we had no way to reach Houston to get our second flight back to Ft Lauderdale. What to do!? I had to make a couple of calls to Continental to see how to handle it. They finally got us on a flight to Newark, NJ to catch another flight to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. What a pain! If I hadn't made that call, I wouldn't have known and too bad. Continental didn't alert me on my email or cell phone as I had instructed when asked. For all of you who get connecting flights, please doublecheck a few hours ahead of time or else! In any case, we had CLS pick us up and off to the airport. We had to go through a special line of security because we had been changed to a different flight. They searched my purse thoroughly and more. What a drag! Then we got to Newark, no problems with our connecting flight to FLL there. But, we got in nearly 3 hours later than we had anticipated. Make sure you park at Park 'n Fly, a wonderful off-airport parking co. that picks you up the moment you are outside from baggage and hand carries you to your car at the parking lot, which is only a mile from FLL airport. They have Park 'N Fly all over the country. Their system is the best and most convenient. Believe me, you won't go wrong with them. So,we got in at nearly midnight, then had to drive an hour up to Palm Beach County home. Very tired at work the next day, but we did enjoy ourselves. Viva Las Vegas!
After that back to our room for a nap. Then we went to our favorite of all time to see Clint Holmes. The buzz is that he may be going to Broadway. We had been in touch with his press agent and got a special introduction after the show. We never miss him when in Vegas and think he is tops. We happened to be sitting in the 3rd row where a man started telling us he was there as a potential producer for a show based on Clint's life, maybe called "In His Shoes," since that was the original name. Hopefully he will renegotiate his contract with Harrahs since we just love to see him the few times a year. If he gets too big, then how can we see him? Anyway, the show was superb for those of you who never have gone. He is so talented and gorgeous. His ensemble is more talented than you could ever imagine. Believe me, you will enjoy. We got to talk to him after the show and gave him a big hug from his Florida groupies. What a night! We then went to our hotel's coffee shop for a late night snack. All went well. Then off to Tangerine. Wow, what a club! A friend gave us passes, which is difficult to get. The lights, the girls, the guys, the excitement of the place, wow! We are not very old but too old for this place. Yet, it is fun to take a look and see what's going on in the world. Loved it! If you are young and hip, go for it!
We then went on Sunday to breakfast back to Dishes where the food was perfect, surprise, surprise. The comp came in handy. We walked down to the Desert Passage to look around. Lots to do and see, but only little items for the room and the grandkids. The ABC store there is wonderful for water, wine, tee shirts, candy and more. My cousin bought a top out on the promenade of the mall. We listened to music and all kinds of goings on there. Then we returned to our room to take our siesta. We rented a movie in the room, which we normally don't have time to do at home. Fun. At 6:30 PM we walked over to the Paris to see "We Will Rock You." Save your time and money. If you are younger, maybe in your 30's, ok then. Even at half price, it didn't do it for us. The star has no stage presence at all, and I believe the original British satire was very insulting. A tribute they call it. To me it's more of a half-baked insult. Three other performers had good stage presence in the show, but I couldn't wait until it ended, honestly. If you have any sense or wits about you, and you are over 50, forget it. My kids loved Queen at one time. But my son saw this show, and he is 38, and he said thumbs down too! Sorry. Go see Clint Holmes, Danny Gans, Elton, Celine, Barry Manilow, Rita Rudner or anyone else. "Mama Mia" got rave reviews, but we just liked it, not loved it, so we are hard to please.
After the show we went across to watch the fountain show at Bellagio, never disappointing. Wow! We went into Bellagio to play a little poker slots, fun. Then we walked through to Caesars Forum to Spagos. I just love the Bolognese sauce and their pasta, homemade. We ate outside and a man at the next table bought us a drink. He was from Scotland and all alone, so we asked him to join us. An interesting chap with stories galore. We left him and the restaurant very late for our hotel. What a great time we had! The next morning I call at 7 to check on our flight to find it was cancelled; hence, we had no way to reach Houston to get our second flight back to Ft Lauderdale. What to do!? I had to make a couple of calls to Continental to see how to handle it. They finally got us on a flight to Newark, NJ to catch another flight to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. What a pain! If I hadn't made that call, I wouldn't have known and too bad. Continental didn't alert me on my email or cell phone as I had instructed when asked. For all of you who get connecting flights, please doublecheck a few hours ahead of time or else! In any case, we had CLS pick us up and off to the airport. We had to go through a special line of security because we had been changed to a different flight. They searched my purse thoroughly and more. What a drag! Then we got to Newark, no problems with our connecting flight to FLL there. But, we got in nearly 3 hours later than we had anticipated. Make sure you park at Park 'n Fly, a wonderful off-airport parking co. that picks you up the moment you are outside from baggage and hand carries you to your car at the parking lot, which is only a mile from FLL airport. They have Park 'N Fly all over the country. Their system is the best and most convenient. Believe me, you won't go wrong with them. So,we got in at nearly midnight, then had to drive an hour up to Palm Beach County home. Very tired at work the next day, but we did enjoy ourselves. Viva Las Vegas!