First Vegas Trip. Bellagio Penthouse.

Warning, this may take some time! I’ve tried to be as brief as possible, but we did so much that it takes a while to mention everything. At the moment this TR stands at 3496 words. Sorry.

Just as a brief preliminary to my TR, some background info. This was our first vegas trip. We had booked a Bellagio Penthouse suite via expedia when they made a mistake with pricing. Cost £868 (~$1700) instead of £2500 (~$5000).

Friday 10th August, Birmingham England:
I was getting married the following day, so we were mainly packing and tying up loose ends before our wedding and honeymoon (6 nights Vegas, 9 nights Orlando), went to visit some relatives who were over from the states for the wedding, ended up drinking with them until 00:30. Went home and finished writing my speech until about 3am.

Saturday 11th August, Birmingham, England:
The big day. Up at 8am. I won’t bore you all with the details, suffice to say everything went well. Asleep by about 3am.

Sunday 12th August, Birmingham, England:
Up at about 9am, met family downstairs of hotel for breakfast. Spent afternoon, saying bye to family, etc. before a friend gave us a lift to a hotel near Gatwick Airport in London. The journey should have taken about 2.5 hours, but due to an accident and heavy traffic, it took 4.5 hours. Checked in to the hotel, went for a meal, fantastic. When we said it was the start of our honeymoon they gave us a free dessert with “congratulations†written on the plate in chocolate sauce. Nice touch, totally unexpected from a hotel restaurant in England. In bed by about midnight.

Now on to the bit you’ve all been waiting for….. Vegas!

Monday 13th August
Up at 6am. Grabbed breakfast and then made our way to the airport. Our flight was due to leave at 10:50, but left at 11:50, No biggie, we would still be in Vegas by 2.30pm. A fairly uneventful 10hr flight. I’d booked a limo from Presidential Limo on the advice of this board. Really enjoyed it. Our driver tried to give us a tour of the strip but due to traffic had to give up. But it was nice to sit in the limo, and we got through the bottle of champagne. Checked in to Bellagio. I’d had a quick chance to read some of the reports of other who had booked the Bellagio penthouse suite and was a bit concerned about the construction. Slipped $50 between my CC and ID and asked the clerk who checked us in if we could get a lake view penthouse as it was our honeymoon. She said it would be difficult, but she went away for a few minutes, came back and said she’d got one with a partial lake view, but that it was a definite upgrade to the one we’d been allocated and also gave us a line pass for the buffet, café, and fix. Made our way to the suite (room 28362) in the spa tower. I was slightly concerned at this point about the construction, but once we got to our suite was no longer worried. The construction was on the opposite side, so although we could see it, we couldn’t hear it. View was about 80-95% on the lake, but it was a corner penthouse so out of the side window we could see the pool, the mountains, and if you pressed close up to the window could see the Palms and the Rio. We were very pleased. Yeah, sure I may have been able to get the same room with nothing more than a smile and mention of the honeymoon, but with the fantastic price we got on it, I was happy to pay $50 for it.

Once we’d unpacked we went downstairs for a quick swim. Went back to the room and received a call from “Vision Holiday†as we had booked a Grand Canyon tour with them through “The Grand Canyon Tour Companyâ€. They told us that they would meet us by the main entrance at 10:30. We went out for something to eat, but since we’d both been up for around 22hrs straight by this point and our bodies were telling us it was 4am but our watches said 8pm, we decided to get something quick and easy. We walked into the miracle mile, and found a place called cheeseburger. Typical American fare with a Hawaiian twist. We both had the “All American Burger†and split some cheesy fries. Got to bed around 10pm. Total cost around $60 inc. drinks and tip.

Tuesday 14th AugustUp bright and early around 8ish. Got dressed and decided to walk down the strip to some convenience stores we had seen on our way to Bellagio. Just bought water and some chips (or for us Brits: crisps).
We were waiting by the main entrance for our tour to pick us up by about 10:15. By about 10:40 we were starting to get a bit worried. Asked one of the bellboys and he told us that the tour buses stop downstairs at the tour bus park. Ran down only to find that we’d missed the bus. After quite a heated discussion, Vision Holidays said they would refund our cab if we got one to the north Las Vegas airport, but to hurry as the flight was leaving in 30 mins. Rushed in to a cab, managed to get there in about 20mins…. Guess what….. flight delayed 45 mins. FFS! Eventually the flight took off, great views of the hoover dam, the general Las Vegas area and of course, the Grand Canyon. Landed on the west rim (I think). Our tour guide explained that we would do the helicopter ride into the Canyon and boat ride along the Colorado river first and that would take about an hour, then we would have around 2 ½ hours to do the bus tour to eagle point and guano point, and (please remember this point) to be back by 4:20 as the flight leaves at 4:30 and would NOT wait for us. After he spoke to sundance helicopters though he changed the order, we now had 2hrs to do the coach tour and must be back by 2:40 to do the helicopter tour. We got on to the bus to Eagle point, did the sky walk which was great, looking 4000ft down wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. Didn’t really get chance to look around at the Indian settlements or the performance they were giving as we were limited by time. Got back on the bus to guano point. Had the buffet. Although it didn’t look too attractive it was very tasty. Not sure exactly what it was, and was afraid to ask, but it sure tasted good. Again didn’t get chance to do everything there because of the time frame. There is a point about a 5 minute walk/hike that gives you 360 degree panoramic views which, if we’d had more time I would have liked to do. Back on the bus to the airport. Again more waiting for 45 mins for the helicopter. Really enjoyed the flight down into the canyon and the boat ride. The temperature and humidity rise quite a bit inside the canyon. The helicopter got us back for 4:30. Rushed inside praying that the plane hadn’t left yet. Tour guide told us that plane was due any minute and to get a drink or souvenir from the shop if we’d like but not to go too far. Sat waiting (common theme here) for 1 ¼ hours, at which point the tour guide called Vision Airways and was told it would be another 45 mins. He told us that he could take us to the Hualapie Indian Ranch but by that time we were all too fed up to rush around another place. I don’t mind delays, but if when we’d got back he’d told us it would be 2 hours we could have got back on the bus and done some more of the sights. Their explanation was that somebody on one of the earlier tours was 50 mins late back so the plane waited. What happened to the 10 min. If they knew there was a later flight they could have put him on ours. Our belief is that they forgot us. When we got back there were 6 other planes belonging the Vision airways that were just sitting there. Couldn’t they have sent one of those?

Finally got back to hotel around 7:30ish. Got changed and were out for about 8:30ish. Didn’t have any idea where we were going to eat and just decided to walk down the strip. We walked as far as the Monte Carlo and decided to eat at Andre’s. If only I’d known in advance, I’d have bought a voucher from restaurant.com. This was a fantastic meal. I had escargots (snails) in a cheesy garlic butter sauce while my wife had the French Onion Soup, followed by New York Strip Steaks for both of us. We ordered the soufflé at the start of the meal as they like to know in advance. Awesome meal. They really looked after us in there. Maybe it’s because the place was almost empty, I don’t know, but they made it a really special meal, including bringing out a plate of petit fours, on a plate with congratulations written on it in chocolate. We struggled to eat it all but we managed. We also managed to get through a bottle and a half of red wine. They let us take the rest of the bottle as they were closing. Total cost approx $400.

Headed back to Bellagio and took the wine back to the suite. Dragged the wife (metaphorically) down stairs to get a drink / gamble. She was tired and didn’t really want to. She didn’t really fancy the slots or a table game so we sat down at the Fontana bar. Put $20 in video poker playing Deuces Wild. Didn’t realise I was playing max bet ($5) and got through it VERY quickly. Bar tender said our drinks were comped as we were gambling, I should hope so too! Put another $20, thought 2 more hands at max credit and then I’ll slow down. Within 2 presses I got 4 deuces for $1000!!!!!!! Wohoo!! Sat there playing for about an hour and a half. Cashed out for $900 after 4 Vodkas and 2 SoCo’s, on top of all the wine I’d already had. Left a nice tip for the bar tender and walked towards the exit. Actually we though it was the exit but it wasn’t. Ended up putting $100 down on a craps table with $10 minimums. I have NO idea how to play this game and I still don’t. After a few minutes they said they’d rate me, not sure if it was because I kept placing a bet for the boys or what, I think at one point I’d got about $60 on there. There stickmen made the game very enjoyable and tried to help me out, so I didn’t mind tipping so much. They made it a lot on fun. So did the waitresses who kept bringing me grey goose and lime so often. I kept tipping $10 when I ordered so they came back fast, so fast I had about 3 of them lined up. It’s at this point it gets a bit fuzzy. Apparently I had to be helped to bed by my wife, but I’m told I had a great time. Still had $750 left on me, so my drunken 2 hour craps session cost me $150, which as far as I’m concerned paid for the dealers, and mine and my wife’s drinks.

Wednesday 15th August
Not surprisingly I woke feeling a little worse for wear, although incredibly pleased I hadn’t given too much back to the casino and even more pleased neither of us had been sick. That would’ve killed me after paying $400 for our food at Andre’s. We managed to get out for about 11:30 and went over to Mon Ami Gabi and sat on the patio. We both had the French onion soup. My wife said that it tasted just as good as Andre’s although it was bigger, more filling as it had big lumps of bread in it, but wasn’t quite as nicely presented. To follow we both had steak sandwiches which neither of us could finish as the hangovers had taken a full hold of us by now. We walked up the strip as far as the mirage and went to the Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden. Despite my pleas that I really needed to go swim, wife wouldn’t agree to going to Mirage’s bare pool so we walked back down the strip via Caesar’s forum shops. Went to the pool and wife swam while I slept on the sun bed. Neither of us were feeling hungry that night, so we grabbed a pizza from Little Caesars in the food court in the Luxor. Cost about $25. Quite a difference from the previous night!

That evening we went to see Fantasy, we had booked front row centre seats when they first came available, the online booking wanted to give me seat 1 & 2 but I went half way through the booking process of 8 seats so that it would give us 9 & 10 which were dead centre. So glad I did as they pulled the guy in seat 1 up on stage for the audience participation. After the show we met the cast, and got a calendar signed by them. Unfortunately we left it in the cab and didn’t pay attention to the number, so couldn't get it back. D’oh.

Thursday 16th August.

We had front row tickets for O on the night and reservations at Prime for before hand, so we decided to make it a Bellagio day, and booked into the spa for a couples massage. Nice and relaxing.
Meal at Prime was very nice, and very filling. I think I preferred Andre’s, but the food at Prime was excellent. The service just didn’t seem as attentive. Maybe it was just the time of day. I would definitely go back anyway. Cant for the life of me remember the starters, but we both had the Porterhouse steak for our entrees. Man was it big! I had no idea what type of cut it was when I ordered, managed to finish the steak but couldn’t finish the sides we ordered (gratin dauphinois, sautéed spinach and something else that escapes me). Moved to the patio for dessert. It is really nice to sit out there and watch the fountains with a glass of wine and a dessert. Would recommend it highly. Meal and desserts came to about $370 with tax and tip.
O was fantastic. Again we had front row seats. Dead centre. I know they are wet seats but they say it’s more a sprinkle than a splash. Yeah right! Absolutely soaked. Amazing show. The clowns were very funny and I just missed out on the audience participation by about 2 seats! Sat down at Fontana and had another gamble lost about $100 each. Had a few drinks though and headed off to bed.

Friday 17th August
Got a cab down to Luxor as we wanted to do the attractions there. Not very impressive. The King Tut “museum†was a very disappointing, although we saw the real exhibit in the Museum in Cairo. The splendour of seeing the real sarcophagus makes the Luxor one look really cheap.
After that we went to Mandalay Bay and did the Shark Reef. Very interesting and I think it was actually better than the exhibits at Sea world in Orlando. Got the shuttle to Excalibur and walked across the walkway to NYNY. Did the Coney Island coaster (or whatever its called). It’s actually a very fun coaster. Grabbed lunch at “Americaâ€. After leaving NYNY we walked over to MGM (It was raining! In Vegas?) to do the White Tiger Exhibit. There were 2 guys in there playing with the tigers. Very brave. I’m assuming they’d made sure that the tigers had already been fed! After that we went back to NYNY for a drink in Nine Fine Irishmen. Got chatting to 2 guys from Minnesota on a bachelors party. They were very nice guys and paid for our drinks and bought us both another one. Went back to Bellagio and got changed and went to the Palms for the evening. We had bought the VIP all access pass for $75 each. Got us in free to Ghost Bar, Rain, Playboy and Moon. Loved Ghost bar, great views of the strip, Rain was also a lot of fun. Quite disappointed with Moon / Playboy. Playboy was practically empty. There were lots of empty BJ tables. With $100 minimums it’s not surprising. The crowd in there seemed very OC / I’m spending the $10,000 weekend allowance that Daddy gave me. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with people with / from money, but the atmosphere in this place just wasn’t for us, very pretentious. Went back to the Ghost bar and rain before calling it a night.

Saturday 18th August
Our last full day. Got up fairly late today and headed for the buffet, making use of the line pass we had been given. I wasn’t really hungry but my wife was. Still the food was good and did a good job of soaking up the alcohol in our system. Went to the pool, got chatting to some guys on a bachelors party, and two (very attractive) Canadian girls they’d hooked up with. Had a great time, they were so friendly. I don’t recall where they were from, but one of the guys was doing fantastic seal impressions in the pool. Very rowdy bunch, but nobody seemed to mind too much. They were very generous and got us both a drink and a Jaeger Bomb, which was the first time I’d tried it. They invited us out with them on the evening, I think they were planning on going to Body English, but we had to decline as we’d booked tickets to Phantom, and made reservations at Valentino at the Venetian. We were slightly disappointed with Valentino, the waiter asked us if we were celebrating anything or if there was a show we needed to be out for. We responded that it was our honeymoon, last night in Vegas and that we were going to see Phantom later. The food was good, I had Duck on artichoke, with proscutio wrapped asparagus for starter while my wife had the quail stuffed sausage gnocci. For entrees we both had the veal shank, which was a little tough, but still flavoursome. I had chocolate ravioli & fruit for dessert, and I can’t remember what my wife had. Was a little disappointed that they didn’t acknowledge that it was our honeymoon at any point other than when we were seated. If your not going to do anything about it, why ask? Check was around $350 including tax and tip.

Phantom was great. Had front row seats (again), and I was a little worried that we wouldn’t see everything, but it was fine. I actually preferred not having anybody sitting in front of us. After phantom we went back to the suite and packed, after which I went downstairs to gamble. Lost a couple of hundred very quickly in slots and video poker, but I wanted to get my points up a bit. At 2am went to see the players club and see if there was anything they could do. A rather unfriendly clerk asked if I mainly played slots or tables, so I told her it was mainly slots but there was some table action too. She checked my players club balance and told me that there was nothing she could do, and that you need 3000 points to get a buffet (I was told 2000 when we signed up). She didn’t check my table action, but I was too tired to argue and I had to be up at 6am to get our flight. I wasn’t expecting them to pay for prime or anything, but a couple of smoothies from the Jean Philippe Patisserie would have been something. She didn’t even ask me to set up a pin number or ask me if I wanted to use some of my points to pay off my balance.

Sunday 19th August
Flight out of Vegas was fairly uneventful. Stopping in a Penthouse in the Bellagio kinda ruined our next hotel in Orlando though. Took us a few days to get over it.

I’ve tried to keep it as brief as possible, but if anybody wants any more details on anything, just ask and I’ll be happy to oblige.

 

Very nice... Glad you took the time to let us in on it!

 

Excellent report and congratulations!!! We wish you many happy years!

 

I see many congratulations are in order. The marriage, hitting 4 deuces. Except for a few minor irritations it seems like you had an execellent trip. If 50.00 got you away from the construction noises then it was money well spent. We've been meaning to try Andres but just haven't been able to. A penthouse suite,limo service, fine dining, front row centre for all the shows; you know, the misses is going to expect that every time you go to Vegas

 

Congratulations on your marriage! Was it weird to write "my wife?" Excellent write up. Sounds as though the two of you had a great trip!

 

Awesome! Congrats and glad you had a nice trip. You definitely made it up and down the strip! Those meals and the price tags just had my jaw dropping. I'm afraid my midwest restaurants and budgets just have a hard time comprehending a $400 meal but it sounds outstanding!

 

This post makes me sad about the exchange rate...

Glad you had a great trip though!!!! Congrats!!

 

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!!... thanks for sharing that great trip report... glad you had a great honeymoon... and hitting 4 duces!! double congrats... i need to remember andres when i get up there...

ciao,
Kel

 

Thanks for the kind words everybody.

Sin, yes it does feel a little wierd saying "my wife".

I wouldn't usually go spending $400 on a meal, but as it's our honeymoon.....


GMoney, yes i think she will be expecting it in the future.... we've already been looking and quite like the look of the Sky Lofts or a Terrace suite at the MGM Grand for next year. Now i just have to wait for expedia to make a mess of their pricing again and i'm sorted! We loved Bellagio, but we may go back to Vegas next and something a bit younger with better bars may be required!