We returned home on Tuesday afternoon from a spontaneous trip to Vegas to celebrate our anniversary! You probably noticed it was three weeks early but since Casey’s mom was there we figured we’d get a twofer out of the deal since we were contemplating going on our actual anniversary anyway. I found an awesome deal for reservations and booked Thursday night around 7 to leave Colorado Springs at 6 the next evening. I’m guessing because of the last minute booking or because I look like a terrorist, I was chosen for the extra security screenings on both legs and Casey was chosen as well on the return flight. We didn’t realize the De LaHoya/Mayweather fight was on Saturday until our pilot announced on our connecting flight from Denver to Las Vegas we were going to be delayed because of all the G4’s and Lears crowding the airspace. Another downside to the last minute booking is Casey and I didn’t get seats together on the Denver to Las Vegas leg on the way out there – he was in 1C and I was in 25B (second row from the rear). Then when we got to the taxi line, there were about 700-800 people also waiting. Fortunately, the cabbies were expecting this influx of people and we didn’t have to wait very long.
After numerous visits to Vegas over the years we’ve been together, I determined that this is the 12th unique hotel we’ve stayed at. Our awesome deal had us staying at the Tropicana and for a reasonable bit extra we upgraded to a strip facing mini suite! The room was pretty standard but since we primarily upgraded for the view it was just fine. The location is great if you stick to the south end of the Strip but as we prefer hanging out mid-Strip, we had quite the hike to get where we wanted to be. Even though there’s a monorail, at $10 one way for 2 people, it really adds up and you end walking anyway, this way at least we can dart in and out as we please.
The weather was surprisingly mild for May but still beat the snow they got in Colorado. After watching the news, it seems we missed the heatwave by only a day. We also missed being able to see Elton John in concert by only a day too but we don’t want to think about that.
By the time we had checked into our room on Friday it was so late we only felt like getting something to eat, drinking a beer or three, and going to bed. Saturday we went to Margaritaville (of course, that’s what we do)for lunch before going to the Wynn and other casinos on that end of the Strip we hadn’t been to in a few years. As we were walking back into the Trop, Sally called to say they (she and her friend, Ashley) had checked into the hotel (they also stayed at the Trop) and were getting a bite to eat in the deli. The reception in the casino was cutting out but we got the information we needed to be able to sneak up and surprise Sally (she didn’t know we were coming – Happy Mother’s Day)! For dinner that night, we went to the Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery where you’d think they’d have their own brews, although apparently they don’t do that anymore. The food was still good so it was still a worthwhile visit.
On Sunday, Casey and I had intended to visit the yummy Paris brunch but after a long walk to get there and a long line we opted for Cafe St. Louis instead. We should have just waited because the food left much to be desired. I do not recommend this place, our quesadilla appetizer was brought to us after 25 minutes or so and the cheese wasn’t even melted and the French Onion soup was so sweet I had to dump a ton of salt in it to make it edible. After a nap (we’re old), we met up with Sally, Ashley, Aunt Donna, and Jeff (Casey’s cousin) and headed off in search of dinner. We settled on the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill which was very good although a little pricey for the portion sizes but you can’t beat not having to wait in line. After dinner, we all started playing blackjack and ended up gaming for about 3.5 hours. Casey and I alternated playing (not every other hand but after an hour or so we’d switch up) and ended up walking away a few hundred dollars ahead!
Unfortunately we didn’t get to spend any time at the pool, but I’m sure we got some sun from our trek over to In N Out for lunch. At New Year’s we took a cab over and the driver was not too happy with our destination so this time we made the two mile roundtrip journey on foot. After our nap (are you seeing a trend here?), we fueled up for our last night with Starbucks (now one of at least three we counted in the MGM) before getting on the monorail down to the Venetian so that Sally and Ashley could ride the gondolas. For dinner we were going to go to Samba, a Brazilian (meatapalooza) steadkhouse, but with about 15 empty tables they were booked till 9. Not wanting to wait that long, we ended up at Cravings (the buffet). As always, the crab legs were on cold and the dessert selection was poor at best. We finished the night off with a fountain show before turning in for our early flight on Tuesday.
It’s always nice to go on vacation but even nicer to come home again. We had a great trip to Vegas and hopefully it’ll hold us over for awhile until we return. There aren’t many people pictures but I’ll post what I have in the gallery soon!