MGM/Wynn 9/2-9/9 Observations and Opinions

My wife and I were in Las Vegas from Sunday 9/2-Sunday 9/9. It is an annual trip. As usual we flew from NYC first class for free using frequent flyer miles. All the miles were accrued by taking advantage of the absurdly generous sign up bonuses for frequent flyer credit cards. I am shocked that these credit card offers do not get more mentions on this wonderful board. Each year we start our trip "up" $1,500+ by flying cross country in first class for free!

We were originally booked for 7 nights at Wynn for an average of less than $200/night including the resort (deception) fee. Pool time is very important to us. We think the Wynn pool is gorgeous, but we find it lacking any vibe. At the last minute I found a AAA promo offer at MGM for a small one bedroom tower suite for $145/night including the resort (extortion) fee. I have read positive reports on MGM's pool complex so we decided on 4 nights at MGM and 3 at Wynn.

MGM - I started with another win at check in. I placed a $10 bill on the counter and asked for a high floor with a strip view. The young man, who kept eyeballing the $10, did not think that he would be able to accomodate my request because that type of room was not located on high floors. As he tapped away on the keyboard, he kept eyeballing the $10 bill. He informed me that he could not satisfy my room request but that he would remove the $25 resort fee for the 4 nights. $10 for him, $90 for me. Win/win, we were both happy. MGM was not nearly as difficult to navigate (distances) as we feared. The pool complex was great. Pool vibe options ranged from wild to sedate. The drinks at the pool were not only overpriced, as expected, they were also terrible. I have had better Slurpees from 7-11. The construction in the casino area was a minor nuisance. NEWSFLASH...the staff at MGM was the friendliest and most pleasant I have ever encountered...ANYWHERE. Not a couple of people, but across the board. Not a phony Wynn pleasant, a genuine "I'm glad your in our hotel and I am happy to serve you" pleasant. What a great surprise.

Planet Ho/CET - We went to PF Changs to have our annual dinner on the patio. I had to use the restroom. I used the one directly inside the north strip entrance of Planet Ho. It was filthy. The tile looked like it had been wiped with a very dirty rag. What a disgrace, Planet Ho seems to be second in the CET stable of properties. They should be ashamed. What a third rate company.

Absinthe - $89 tickets for $59 at Tickets 4 Tonight. Very cool tent. 12 foot diameter stage. Seats right on top of the stage. Funny(dirty), politically incorrect, and amazing physical feats 15 feet away. My wife and I agreed that it was the best show that we have ever seen and we have seen most of the big shows in town.

Wynn - What can I say? Posh, beautiful, and expensive. You get what you pay for.

[STRIKE]Gaming[/STRIKE] Gambling - I lost my budget but had quite a bit of playing time. My wife only lost 1/3 of her budget. Thats a win.

[STRIKE]Dining[/STRIKE] Food - you can't go wrong at the Grand Lux or PF Changs...good food, nice atmosphere and fair prices. Emeril's Fish House with 20% off food Tickets 4 Tonight...very good food, fairly priced with the coupon and so dead on Tuesday at 8:30 that it was creepy. Batali's Enoteca San Marco...outstanding simple Italian meal...best canollis I ever had. Hash House a Go Go...great breakfast...must split the meal...HUGE portions. La Salsa Cantina... 3-4 locations...$3.95 breakfast special... can't go wrong.

I love Las Vegas!

 

What was your experience with drink service? Of late, people are saying it's become very erratic at best.

 

MGM poker room...outstanding, every 5 minutes
MGM and Wynn floor...pretty good, every 10-15 minutes

 

Thanks for the trip report. I knew there were bonuses for the credit card sign-up, but did not know it would get enough miles for first class tickets. Good score!