Please ADD your own Las Vegas Trip Report. Date of Trip: November 19, 2006 to November 23, 2006 Hotel Stayed At: Harrah's and Wynn Report by: John <johnragz@aol.com> From: Orlando, FL

Okay, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these trip reports for a couple of years and have noticed a significant decline in the number of reports (but not the quality or humor)....so....here is my first. Lived in Vegas as a kid, accompanied my elderly dad on a trip he had to take before leaving this world (10 years ago) and have come back at least twice a year ever since. Accompanied by my wife....we are not high rollers, when we go to the slot club areas and ask for status and what we are entitled to...after they stop laughing...we get answers that don't amount to much (a gallon of gas in California???)

For some unknown reason, Harrah's has started sending offers for two free nights every month. We have never stayed there (and try to avoid the Fairfield Resorts people), so haven't played there much. By the way, when approached by these reps, just keep walking and tell them you work for Fairfield...backs them off in a hurry. Anyway, got the two nights from Harrah's and an offer from Wynn for weeknights at $119 with a $100 gambling credit. Add that to two free tickets on Southwest and we were on our way.

Dollar rental (thanks reporters!!) for four days at just over $100 and I got a pretty sharp Dodge Magnum....could have had a Ford from Hertz for $270...chalk that up to our first win...plus $170.

We were on an austerity budget, so no shows or big meals...so what do you do in Vegas??? Walk, walk, walk and when your feet and legs feel fresh, walk some more! Gambled alot more at Harrah's than ever before....pretty tight slots, below average video poker, but alot better than we expected. Minus $200 for two days, but wins at Paris Mandalay Bay and Caeser's offset much of this.

Hotel was not bad....king non-smoking with a strip view was actually two beds with a marginal view of the Rio in the distance. Every single employee we met treated us with courtesy (if not a smile) and overall, Harrah's will get my business again, especially if the room is free. One final Harrah's note....eat a Toby Keith's. WE are not big country music fans and this restaurant is hidden on the second floor, but it is loud, fun , lots of TVs, music and terrific food. (If you like gourmet chefs/restaurants, please proceed to the next paragraph). The fried bologna sandwich is terrific!!! And save room for the deep fried twinkies...now I get it...this isn't just Harrah's marketing....all the drug companies selling cholesterol drugs supplement this too.

Left Harrah's to find a bang in the door of the rental....valet guy got a manager who wouldn't even look at me and then two security guards. Both were nice guys and very efficient. When they found it was a Dollar rental, they told me how wise I am to complete a report (and cover my backside)...done in ten minutes and off to Red Rock.

First, Red Rock Resort....can't win a blessed thing in their casino, but I love it there. Nice decor, spacious, new machines, tables, etc...really nice! Had breakfast in their cafe....truly outstanding!! Great service, fabulous food and very reasonably priced....lost the obligatory $40 and moved on to Red Rock (the Canyon)...can't get enough of this place, especially when it is sunny, clear, temps in the low 70s...witnessed a family saying goodbye to a loved one and releasing baloons as they spread ashes...hmmm, this may be the way to go when the time comes!!

Left Red Rock and headed for Wynn. The last five reports have said there is no reason to mention the rooms at Wynn....I disagree. For my relatively cheapo rate, I was treated like I was paying $400 a night...king, non-smoking with a strip view....32nd floor...up the elevators, open the door and WOW!!!! Unbelievable...the place is fabulous. Have not stayed at Bellagio, Venetian or Caeser's but they can't be as nice as this room was. Furniture, layout, flat screens, sound system, remote drapes and a view to die for (and even better at night).

Obligatory meal in their cafe....very good but pricey. Obligatory gaming at decent VP machines......incredible...wife hit our first Royal and almost every machine we sat down at was religious (they found it beter to give than receive)...Played our $100 credit on a dollar VP...hit a bunch of pairs, full house a 4 oak to end up plus $300....spent lots of time gambling at Wynn, terrific dealers at their blackjack tables and almost enjoyed a three hour visit to their poker room....nice room, a bit cramped and the dealers, while very efficient, never once spoke or smiled......still tipped them anyway.

Hit Grand Luxe at Venetian (a must do) and after two fabulous nights at Wynn, packed it in for McCarren and headed back...flying on Thanksgiving was a joy....no lines, plane only half full. Great way to end a great trip. Haven't covered much and now I am amazed at how long this is....sorry for my feeble first attempt, but trying to repay the many people who have contributed great suggestions I have appreciated through the years.
John <johnragz@aol.com> - Orlando, FL    3675

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