Vegas, Baby!

I jetted off to Vegas this weekend to check out some amazing (and some not-so amazing) venues for food, entertainment, hospitality, and transportation!. If you are like me – the tiny-bit-gambling-but-only-for-entertainment-type of person, this read is for YOU! It outlines, fun, yummy choices without the im-so-sick partying and potentially dangerous gambling-is-my-retirement-plan mentality.

Heidi’s Vegas Top 1-6 of 12

1. MGM Grand: We elected to stay at the MGM Grand. It is a ‘classic’ hotel on the Vegas Strip and has all the amenities that were important to us: good location, food choices, a pool, and was within our budget. We stayed over March Madness weekend, and from Friday – Monday, we paid ~$180/night + a $100 resort fee (for 2 people). Our room was on floor 5 of the West Wing, and definitely left some to be desired. Ultimately – I would describe it as “fine”. Comfy bed, enough room to put two suitcases, a large shower, and no bugs were found, after extensive looking. 🙂 However, it didn’t have a true “bathroom” – as the sink was located right when you walk in – with a frosted glass non-locking or latching door for the toilet room, and for the shower. In addition, the room was tiny, had a view of a next-door roof, and the carpet was disgusting and needing to be replaced. Again, overall it was “fine”.

2. MGM Grand Pool : One FANTASTIC thing about the MGM Grand is their pool! Numerous pool options, never an issue finding a spot to set up camp, and wonderful service. We elected to hang out by the lazy river area on Saturday and Sunday. Easy access in and out of the pool, as well as tubes to rent ($13-16/day). In addition, it was close to restrooms, shade, and a TV for those that have a wager on a sports game. Jenny, our poolside server, was AMAZING. She helped us out for 2 days straight! On Monday we elected to lay by the Grand Pool while we waited for our late-check out, and Jenny found is there too (as the Lazy River is closed on weekdays). Overall – a spectacular pool experience, especially with 85 degree weather. 🙂

3 & 4. Delta: We flew Delta. We had two fantastic flights. We left on a Friday afternoon in March 2016 from MSP – and expected security lines to be looonnngggg due to recent reports. However the airport did a great job, and we had time for a quick glass of wine before boarding. The subsequent flight was uneventful, we landed a few minutes early, received our checked luggage promptly, and headed to catch our Uber (they are allowed at the LAS airport, and easy to access on the 2nd floor of the rental car lot)! Our flight back on a Monday evening from LAS was also great. Easy check in, easy boarding, one of our party of four was upgraded to first class (which was me! Fantastico!), and a flight that arrived early. Minimal turbulence, and checked bags that arrived safe and sound – and we were on our way home again! If you are able to upgrade your seat to a preferred seat, or Delta Comfort for no cost (based on your Medallion status), I highly recommend it. However, for a domestic flight without kiddos, I do not think it is worth it to pay for an upgrade.

5. The LA Comedy Club: On Saturday night, we decided to take in a few laughs. We found a comedy club that had a late show – 10pm – and bought VIP All-You-Can-Drink tickets for $70. The drinks were rail, but between the four of us, we downed 13 of them, so felt we got our money’s worth! In addition, we got comfortable seating toward the front. The MC and guest act were hilarious, as well as one of the headliners. The main headliner was having a rough night, and any laugh that did happen (which wasn’t many), were pity laughs. Overall, my thoughts are:

• Worth our money
• Funny
• Very raunchy – so if you can’t stomach that type of humor, I suggest NOT attending
• They shouldn’t let the ‘not feeling well act’ go last!

6. Napoleon’s: What an AMAZING lounge! Dueling Piano’s, Drinks to DIE for, comfortable seating, and just an all-around good time. 10/10 for this place! SO FUN! GO HERE!

Stay tuned for #7-12, which will be published on April 3!

 

In Good Travel,

H Bloomer