Please ADD your own Las Vegas Trip Report. Date of Trip: February 01, 2005 to February 05, 2005 Hotel Stayed At: Aladdin Report by: Janice <> From: Milwaukie, Oregon

What an awesome trip!! My husband Dan and I haven't been to Las Vegas for 3 years, and so it was like seeing it for the first time -- again! We came to Vegas to celebrate our 15th anniversary, and every moment turned out to be memorable. Las Vegas is a city in a constant state of reinvention -- you will never get bored with it , because it is never the same twice! After this trip , my husband and I have vowed to make this an annual tradition.
We chose to stay at the Aladdin because the last time we were here we had by far the best room we have ever had. The resort vista rooms look out over the strip with four curved windows. From our room we were able to see south to Mandalay Bay, and north as far as the Treasue Island, not to mention having an incredible view of the fountains of the Bellagio. The best part though is the HUGE bathroom, with a tub that has its own window overlooking the strip, and a second TV in the bathroom that you can watch while soaking in the tub. This trip we were not disappointed. Todd at the Aladdin desk set us up with a room on the 18th floor, and at a reasonable rate for a room with a fabulous view.
Our first day there we were giddy and ready to get out on the strip. We are not big gamblers ( we like to play, but there are plenty of things to do in addition to gambling), but we love to shop and see what's new in the malls. Since we both work in retail it's fun for us to see how other places merchandise their stuff. After a trip through the Desert Passage at the Aladdin, we were off the The Forum Shops. The new part of the Forum is great!! We loved the circular escalator, and the fountains that had been added. We did a jaunt through the Mirage and Treasure Island, and then crossed over to the Venetian and headed back to the room for a break.
Our first impression of the new Treasure Island and the TI sign was yuck! However, after seeing the new show Sirens, we understood why they had updated their look. TI is definitely shooting to identify itself as a more hip, adult-oriented hotel than the old Treasure Island. As a matter of fact, the one piece of advice I would give anyone thinking of bringing their kids to Las Vegas is this -- DON'T. If you want to take the kids on vacation with you, go to California, or go to Florida, but leave Las Vegas for when you want to get away with that special someone -- or you just want to have fun!!
On our second day we went out to the Palms and the Rio. We had the dinner buffet at the Palms, and it was pretty good, especially for the money. I recommend checking out the Palms. Owned by the Maloof brothers ( the same guys who own the Sacramento Kings), it is an upbeat, young, and happening place-- well worth the trip off the strip to visit. After dinner , and playing some slots, we walked across to the Rio and watched the show in the sky. We had stayed at he Rio twice before, so it was nice to see that one of our favorite hotels was still going strong.
Our next day, we went to the south to see Mandalay Bay, the Luxor, and the rest of the southern hotels. I was a bit disappointed to see that the MGM Grand's stage and bar were being remodeled yet again, but it will be beautiful when it is done. We took the monorail down to the north, and then worked our way back. The monorail is great! If you take it, and are traveling with another person, get the ten-ride ticket, because you can share one between two of you. If you don't use it up, give it to someone you know who is going to Vegas. Ten ride tickets are good for one year from date of purchase. The monorail has added a whole new dimension to the city, making travel more flexible, not to mention giving you some great views of the city. It is very comfortable , and fast. You can get from the Sahara to the MGM in about 14 minutes.
Our last day in Las Vegas was just as great as the rest. For anyone coming to Vegas for the first time, just remember -- there is something here for everybody, with every pocketbook in mind. You do not have to spend a wad of cash in order to enjoy yourself, but come prepared to spend some. And enjoy yourself!!

Janice <> - Milwaukie, Oregon    2287

---