Destination: Wynn Resort, Las Vegas
When: March 31-April 4, 2006
Itinerary: Flew into McCarren International, Las Vegas
Back in September when we were flying home from Las Vegas, I remember telling Ross that I didn't want to go back to Las Vegas for a few years because we have been there so many times since 1999 (I think I counted 10 times!) But, when I opened an email from the Wynn Las Vegas and read that I was invited to stay at their property and participate in a travel agent familiarization program, I couldn't resist.
I found a "hot deals" flight with MLT Vacations and a decent one way return flight on Sun Country. Our flight was delayed in Minneapolis for 5 hours, so we didn't arrive in Las Vegas until almost midnight. When we arrived, we picked up our rental car and headed to the Best Western McCarren Inn for the night (the Wynn reservations weren't until Sunday.) For $70 per night, this hotel was fantastic! They offered a hot breakfast every morning, a small but nice pool, clean rooms and a great location. I noticed that they had a shuttle that ran to the strip and back several times per day, as well as an airport shuttle, both complimentary.
We decided to take advantage of our free day by revisiting the attractions we hadn't been to in awhile. We parked at the Luxor. After wandering through the Luxor for awhile, we rode the tram to Excalibur, walked over to NYNY and then to MGM. One of the places we always stop is the Lion Habitat at MGM. The lions are usually sleeping, so we were not too surprised to find them zonked out on top of the glass walkway. I took some neat pictures of them from underneath, though (see my trip photos.) We then walked down to the M&M store (way too busy!) then back to NYNY where I bought a delicious NY style pretzel.
We drove and walked around some more, making our way down the strip. There were some old favorites, a lot of new construction and one nice destruction zone to see the Westward Ho is no longer there! The Ho was the first place we stayed in Las Vegas back in 1999. It was cheap and on the strip, and had 99 cent margaritas, but that was about it. Guests either loved the Ho or hated it. The Stardust next door is closing at the end of 2006 to make way for new development as well.
Of course we ended up at Sam's Town, our #1 favorite hotel casino in Las Vegas. It is off the strip, but is a self-contained property with restaurants, movie theaters, a bingo hall, huge bowling alley and a nice pool. We fed the slot machines about $20 before giving up (not big gamblers) and got a bite to eat.
Finally, check in time at the Wynn. First I must say that every employee we encountered at the Wynn was outstanding. They were friendly, respectful and helpful. The hotel itself is, of course, gorgeous. It better be for $2.8 billion! We stayed in a Resort Suite. The best part of our room was the floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall window overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. The bed was made with a down comforter and duvet and 4 down pillows. We had a plasma TV (both in the living room and the bathroom!) The bathroom had a separate tub and glass shower, his and her vanities and a toilet room. There were also robes and slippers for us in the closet. We had turn down service every evening. It was very, very nice. This type of room starts at about $199 per night midweek, $299 on weekends. I realize it is steep, but for a special occasion, it is well worth it. The pool area at the Wynn is wonderful! Part of the travel agent familiarization program was a tour of the property. I was able to inspect the other suites at the hotel, including the salon suites, parlor suites and executive suites. Wow. The rooms, the views and the service are second to none.
We went to three shows on this trip, which is new for us. We've never been to a Las Vegas show before this! We went to Bite at the Stratosphere, an adult musical featuring all the great 80's rock songs. We went to Avenue Q at the Wynn, which will closing at the Wynn and will be on tour this summer. It is a musical"with puppets". Definitely an adult show as well for the content, but funny and entertaining. Finally, we went to La Reve at the Wynn. It was incredible. It is all performed in or on water. The theater is round and the stage consists of a round pool in the middle. It was very artistic. I didn't follow the story line all the way through, but the performances and effects were awesome.
So, another Las Vegas trip in the books. I'm glad we went. We did a lot of new things this time. Ross still wants to check out the World Seafood Buffet at the Rio, so we'll just put that on our list of "things to do."