better late than never! trip report 6/10-6/14

Sorry it has taken me so long, but here is my trip report:
My husband and I were very excited about our trip. My husband had NEVER flown, so he was nervous...in fact he didn't sleep at all the night before we left. As luck would have it, I came down with a nasty sinus infection just before we left on Monday 6/10. I felt crappy the whole week, but it didn't slow me down too much. We left Birmingham, AL around 1:00 central time and after a stop in Dallas, arrived in Vegas around 5:30 Vegas time. Husband didn't freak out on the plane, he thought it was great! We had no wait checking in at the Flamingo, but did not get the strip-view room we requested. The clerk was not very friendly, and I didn't push it. I was tired and very hungry. We had a nice room on the 15th floor. It overlooked the side of the IP, and we could see the Mirage and Harrah's; not terrible. We freshened up and walked over to Batista's for dinner. It was great! The food was good, and we both loved the atmosphere, especially my husband. He kept wanting to go back all week. After a great meal, we headed to see the sights and sounds of the stip. It was awesome for us first-timers!! We went to the Bellagio and watched the fountains, and generally just walked around. We went back to the Flamingo and walked around the casino. Played a couple of slots with no luck (we are not gamblers). We went back up to the room; it was about 2am our time and I was beat. My husband however, was fired-up about Vegas! I went to bed, and he headed down to the Casino. He came back about 2 1/2 hours later, drunk and even more psyched about Vegas (even though he lost, he had a great time). He kept me up the rest of the night talking, and I finally got him to bed around 6:00 am.
Day Two to come....

 

Hey Susan,

We are headed to Vegas in 11 days for the first time too! We have reservations for the Flamingo, did you ask for the upgrade at check in? Did you check in at the hotel or airport? anything else you can tell me about the Flamingo would be great. what time did you have dinner at The STRAT ? We're celebrating our 10th anniversary with dinner there also.

 

We checked in at the hotel, but I did see the check-in at the airport, and it was not busy either. I did not ask for an upgrade. The Flamingo had nice basic rooms. We had a king bed, an armoire, desk, chair and safe. bathroom lighting was not great. We thought the casino had a more "happening" atmosphere that a lot of other ones we visited. The wildlife area and pool were great! We did not try the buffet,but the food we did try there was not very good. Room service, bellmen, etc. were very friendly and polite. Room service was prompt. It is a long walk down the hallways to most rooms, so be prepared. BEWARE... the desks with people trying to get you to see there timeshares are very annoying. DON'T stop to talk to them. They got us right when we walked in (fresh meat), and bugged us the whole time.
If you like Italian food and a quirky atmosphere, try Bastista's restaurant. It is an easy walk, behind the Flamingo, and I highly recommend it!
HAVE FUN!!

 

Oh yeah, I forgot your other question. Make reservations at the Strat for around 7:30 or 7:45 for a great view of the sunset (as recommended by the person who took my reservation, and she was right). The service was good, and the food was GREAT. It is a very unhurried, relaxed atmoshere. It seems to be in direct contrast with the rest of the Stratosphere ; it is a very nice, romantic place to celebrate.