As part of the month long stay in Seattle with work, we just happened to be there for the Thanksgiving holidays, which just happens to be a real big thing stateside. So as there was no work, we all decided to make the most of this new found holiday experience with a bit of a getaway too... so I headed for the party capital of the states, and flew down to Vegas. Even without a flutter you're on to a winner, along the Strip, the floodlit fountains of the Bellagio Hotel dance in time to Frank Sinatra's My Way. Across the road, accordion players serenade guests as they ascend the half-scale Eiffel Tower. Next door at Bally's, the Jubilee showgirls "Hundreds of Thousands of Rhinestones Covering Practically Nothing" - are dressing, or rather undressing, for their performance. And everywhere there is the sound of spinning roulette wheels and the "kerchunk" of one-armed bandits. You have to be in the right frame of mind for Las Vegas.

Leaving work in Seattle for Thanksgiving in Vegas

Leaving Seattle behind... and more!
 

 Here's what you should leave at home:-
 

The View from my window at the Excalibur

It was extremely strange to be staying at two different hotels, in two different city's, at the same time. I was still checked in at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Seattle, whilst I Checked in at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas

Las Vegas was founded in 1905 as a railroad repair facility and it is it's centenary in 2005!

Life is a Rollercoaster...

Click on the Map below to visit!

Vegas is one of the fastest-growing cities in North America and is in the habit of reinventing itself every few years. In the 1950s and 60s, the city was a small desert oasis where the louche from LA could rub shoulders with the Mafia, play roulette and sing along with Frank, Dean, Jerry and the boys. By the 80s and 90s, Vegas decided it wanted to along with the sort of risque floorshows that put the "sin" back into "casino". Children, while not entirely discouraged, have taken a back seat. There's even a local curfew which bans anyone under 18 from being on the Strip after 9pm at weekends unless accompanied by a parent. The magic of Vegas today lies in a delightful neon-lit naffness which can either be fun for the casual tourist or filled with opportunity for the fortune-hunter. Here's a city where cab drivers and scantily-clad cocktail waitresses regularly earn more than £45,000 a year, including tips. A place where a man can bet his last $5 on the roll of a dice and walk into the Ferrari showroom at the Wynn hotel next morning with enough cash for some serious shopping. And then, if you can tear yourself away, there's the Grand Canyon, a two-hour drive or 40-minute flight across the border into Arizona. It's real Wild West territory, a world away from the Strip and, like the Sydney Opera House or Cape Town's Table Mountain, something you must see before you pop your cowboy boots.

Here's a bit of a look around the extraordinary up-all-night city...
 

VEGAS is the only destination in the world where the hotels themselves should be top of your visiting list. Everything is an "experience" - a dining experience, a retail experience, an entertainment experience. And, if you hit the tables in any of the scores of casinos, it could also turn into either a winning or a bankrupting experience

The Strip - Las Vegas Boulevard South - is where most of the action is. The main part is around two miles long and is easily walked or you can catch a monorail or take a tourist trolleybus

The Monte Carlo exemplifies a solid fusion of European refinement, American dazzle and true Vegas hospitality. From the moment one catches sight of the entrance - remarkable in itself, with its Renaissance statues and cascading fountains - the Monte Carlo evokes an elegance unique not only to Vegas but also to the world.  The amenities here reflect both sides of the Atlantic. The 90,000-square-foot casino offers a broad range of gaming, from roulette to high-stakes baccarat. Dining runs the gamut from the exotic Asian pleasures of the Dragon Noodle Co. to the fine dining of Blackstone's Steak House. Also, the rollicking Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery, which features big copper-colour brewing tanks behind a glass wall, has six fresh brews to gratify the palate.  Rooms are tastefully accented with brass fixtures, Italian marble and polished granite. The Monte Carlo Beach Club, which boasts a lazy river, cools visitors and is situated in a lush garden setting. World Champion Magician Lance Burton will be dazzling audiences with his spectacular illusions in his namesake showroom until the year 2009. Burton also has a magic shop so you can take the fun home.  It comes as no surprise that former Mirage Resorts CEO Steve Wynn described the Monte Carlo as "popular elegance," coining a phrase to sum up the Monte Carlo's effortless blend of sensibilities. With a resort this fresh and exciting, one can expect all varieties of invention and be satisfied

Robert at Caesars Palace

The Strip is just covered in naked girls... literally, with calling cards covering the sidewalks!

With its brilliant pink facade, the Flamingo Las Vegas - home to Vegas' Second City comedy club -- is as colourful as the history behind it. It seems appropriate that the Flamingo Las Vegas is a direct descendant of the hotel where modern Vegas began; even though Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel's original Flamingo is gone, the hotel that bears the name is no less glamorous. The lush gardens behind the room towers seem removed from Sin City entirely, with live African penguins, Chilean flamingos, Mandarin ducks and Koi fish frolicking in ponds and under three-story waterfalls. A number of tennis courts, swimming pools and a world-class health spa make the Flamingo seem less a casino and more of a full resort. Entertainment abounds at the Flamingo Las Vegas with a variety of shows including Second City. Restaurants cater to tastes ranging from Italian to Chinese, and the Paradise Garden Buffet serves up delicious food in an idyllic setting. It goes without saying that the casino is enormous, with 2,100 slot machines, 71 table games and a giant race and sports book to reward the fortunate. True to its lineage, the Flamingo Las Vegas is a quintessential Las Vegas experience

Nestled comfortably between old and new Vegas, Bally's offers equal measures of convenience, class and spectacle, featuring a classic showgirl extravaganza, gourmet restaurants, a popular spa and comfortable rooms, all in a mid-Strip location. From its colourful and striking plaza - a unique entryway lit by towering neon columns and accented by cascading fountains - to its open and vibrant 67,000-square-foot casino floor, Bally's maximizes the Vegas experience. Its dining options - including the gourmet Bally's Steakhouse and fine Chinese dishes at Chang's - are conveniently located right off the casino floor. The Book, a spacious and imaginative race and sports book, is surrounded by comfort food aplenty, including Johnny's Delicatessen, as well as two adjacent bars. Bally's other amenities are plentiful. Three showrooms host a wide scope of entertainment, from headliners to the lavish cabaret show Jubilee! A premium concierge service caters to the whims of luxury travellers. A modern gymnasium and spa offer everything from weights to a full sauna. Bally's gives guests a taste of classic Vegas mixed with the comforts of modern indulgences.
 

Robert at Bellagio

It is the shining light of the American Dream... everyone wants a fast buck!!!

The City of Light is faithfully reflected in every square inch of Paris Las Vegas. Anchored by scaled-down replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, the resort feels worlds removed - not just from Las Vegas but from time itself. Entering Paris Las Vegas is akin to visiting Paris proper, in all its beauty and ineffable charm. Paris Las Vegas staff members greet guests with a cheerful "Bonjour," and the restaurants that flank the walkways resemble Parisian cafés, complete with "outdoor" seating. The 85,000-square-foot casino has a vaulted ceiling and is adorned with fountains and statuary, and the legs of the Eiffel Tower protrude into it; the gaming tables sit under faithfully reproduced Art Nouveau-style Metro arches. The shops and restaurants of Le Boulevard sit on a cobblestone "street." Intimacy is stressed above all: The dining rooms are cosy, the shops small and humble, even the buffet is broken into a series of smaller dining rooms, with fireplaces, mirrors and mantels. As you walk down Le Boulevard, you will notice lifelike bronze statues along the way. Watch for a few moments, and you'll witness another bit of Paris magic - some of those statues look lifelike for a reason, they are real people. Guest rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, and the list of amenities seems nearly bottomless: dual-line phones, data ports, full-length mirrors and more. There's much more to Paris Las Vegas, including the fine pastries of Lenôtre, the European-style health spa, lounges, a sports book and luxurious convention areas. The Paris Las Vegas resort has a lot to live up to and does so with romance and style
 

Bellagio and Caesars Palace

One of the must see spectacles in Vegas is the huge musical water fountain at Bellagio, the other main one being the Flaming volcanoes at the Mirage

Bright Lights...

It is invigorating, awe-inspiring, and seductive. It's certainly not relaxing or lethargic, or damn right dull... it's Vegas

Casino at Excalibur

The latest Las Vegas marketing slogan apparently is "What happens here stays here"

My marketing slogan would be "I melted my plastic in Vegas!!!"

There was lot's of thanks given... mainly to the Casino's and the many pretty Gal's who served the drinks!

Vegas is literally full of bright lights and is just a huge year round festival

Tropicana and MGM Grand

    
I wasn't Sleepless in Seattle, but I was certainly Sleepless in Vegas!

Vegas is just a sheer spectacle of over indulgence

The Tropicana, one of Vegas' classic hotels, offers tropical landscaping, the Folies Bergere with its famous showgirls and a beautiful pool complete with lagoons and waterfalls. "I hear the hotel Tropicana is quite comfortable," Sean Connery said jauntily, in the 1971 James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever." More than 30 years later, the Tropicana is still one of Las Vegas' brightest stars, with its relaxed, confident air.  The Tropicana's adult diversions are blooming like never before: The lushly appointed casino and lounges, world-class entertainment including The Comedy Stop routinely featuring new comedians and Las Vegas' longest-running production show, the extravagant Folies Bergere. Other amenities include a gourmet champagne brunch and the crowning touch, the first swim-up blackjack table in Vegas, offered from Memorial Day to Labour Day. Although it's the smallest part of the "billion-dollar quartet" at the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard - its neighbours are the MGM Grand, The Excalibur and New York-New York -- the Tropicana more than earns its reputation for classic charm, high luxury and, above all, comfort. Diamonds may be forever, but the Tropicana runs a close second. Mr. Bond, your room awaits

Mandalay Bay, which sits at the south end of the Strip, serves as an enchanting escape from the mundane and boasts elegance and excitement in its restaurants, entertainment and beach.
Mandalay Bay's entry into the hip, high-end market not only raises the bar but also boosts it into low orbit. This desert oasis is one of Las Vegas' most prestigious spots to see and be seen.  This resort is a bustling, tropical paradise, accented by fountains, sculpture, marble and flora. Surrounding it on all sides is dining at its finest, from proletariat bar Red Square (It has a headless statue of Lenin!) to the futuristic China Grill to the elegant Fleur de Lys. The nightclub rumjungle boasts go-go girls and a wall of fire, and the Mandalay Bay Theatre hosts the Broadway smash Mamma Mia!. The House of Blues books everyone from Bob Dylan to Anthrax and holds a Sunday Gospel Brunch, an events centre features sports events and arena-sized musical acts and the $40 million attraction Shark Reef houses 100 species of animals. Outside, the tropical landscaping offers an exotic retreat, and Mandalay Beach gives you the chance to float down the lazy river or bodysurf waves that can reach 6 feet high. And there's much, much more to see and do. Mandalay Bay's newest addition, THEhotel, is the perfect complement to its already-impressive property, offering a boutique hotel for guests looking for a cosmopolitan atmosphere. With its even mix of international delights and radical, unexpected change-ups, Mandalay Bay is less a hotel and more a beautiful metropolis

Inside the Luxor Pyramid

Robert outside the Luxor

Located at the south end of the Strip, the Luxor prides itself on offering all the luxuries -- excellent restaurants, renowned entertainment and amazing attractions - that a pharaoh could want.
Perhaps no other hotel in the world has as grand and mystical an air as the Luxor. Contained in a 30-story black glass pyramid and a pair of stepped-pyramid towers is all the splendour of ancient Egypt and all the technological wonders of the modern world, paired with the no-holds-barred showmanship that made Vegas an adjective. The Luxor incorporates so many amenities that it's almost an entire vacation in itself. The spacious rooms are decorated in Eastern finery and surround the world's largest atrium. The Oasis Spa is one of the best of its kind, located in the Luxor's cool and verdant pool area. Dining choices run from fresh seafood in the Sacred Sea Room to the gourmet delights of Isis. The RA nightclub features world-class DJs, a packed dance floor and hedonistic atmosphere worthy of its sun god namesake.  The attractions floor is an exciting testing ground for cutting-edge film and ride technology, featuring a motion simulator, a two-story video arcade and the spectacular IMAX Theatre, with its giant screen (68 feet tall by 48 feet wide) and 15,000-watt digital sound system. Following the Luxor theme, there also is a re-creation of King Tut's Tomb. Let's not forget entertainment. Luxor hosts the topless show Fantasy. And the casino, at more than 100,000 square feet, is one of Vegas' largest. This fully encompassing environment demands amazement, and few have walked away without according it. With modern marvels married to the ancient sedate majesty of Egypt's City of the Living, Luxor fully deserves its self-appointed title as "The Newest Wonder Of The World"

On the Strip

In Vegas the prices are big, and the tips are even bigger... but the prizes are the biggest!!!

I may not have had a roast on thanksgiving, but I gotta a kinda roasted myself playing blackjack!

Robert at New York, New York

New York-New York Hotel & Casino allows Vegas visitors to take a bite of the Big Apple and enjoy Broadway-calibre entertainment and Coney Island fun. No detail was spared in the design of New York-New York, and a more faithful representation would be hard to imagine. The resort's facade approximates the New York skyline down to the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. The interior features faux trees and streams lining a Central Park-themed casino and a bar in the middle of Times Square, complete with neon and flashing lights. New York-New York offers a plethora of fine dining choices that represent the ethnically diverse cuisine of the its namesake city. The bakery-fresh bread of Il Fornaio will have you believing you're in Little Italy, while the atmosphere of Gonzalez y Gonzalez evokes a true New York City Mexican café. Don't miss the Village Eateries, an area designed to look like the streets of New York down to the manhole covers on the floors. Here you can find traditional New York street fare such as pizza, deli sandwiches and a Coney Island institution, Nathan's hot dogs. For the kids, there is a truly thrilling roller coaster, the Manhattan Express, which tears around the front of the casino at 67 mph. The Coney Island amusement centre is complete with arcade games, bumper cars and laser tag.  For the adults, New York-New York hosts the Cirque du Soleil production Zumanity, which boasts more attitude than a New York City drag queen and better outfits. Meanwhile, Rita Rudner shines in the Cabaret Theatre with her hilarious stand-up.  Since New York and Vegas are cities that never sleep, nightlife abounds at Nine Fine Irishmen, Coyote Ugly and ESPN Zone. Add shops and a spa, and you don't have to be Frank Sinatra to sing the praises of New York-New York
 

Robert inside the MGM Grand at the Centifuge Bar

Bars visited:-
Sherwood Forest Bar - Excalibur, Coyote Ugly - New York New York, Nine Fine Irishmen - New York New York, Centifuge - MGM Grand, RA - Luxor, Turf Bar - Mandalay Bay, Island Bar - Mandalay Bay

Restaurants visited:-
Smith & Wollensky's Grill "A Steakhouse to end all arguments - The New York Times", , P.F. Chang's Chinese Bistro - Aladdin

The Sahara brings Morocco to the Nevadan desert, combining the exotic elegance and colourful style of North Africa with the charm of the Rat Pack days all while offering a plethora of restaurants, unlimited entertainment and comfortable and reasonably priced rooms. Tall, colourful towers announce this venerable resort, featured prominently in the classic film "Ocean's 11." Upon entering, the hotel continues to please. Bar names like "Abracadabra" and "The Thirsty Camel" emphasize the Moroccan theme, but old pictures of Liberace and The Beatles remind you that classic Vegas is alive at the Sahara. A number of restaurants, including the gourmet steak house - House of Lords, Paco's Bar & Grill and the Sahara Buffet satisfy even the hungriest visitor. The mammoth NASCAR Cafe offers not only great food but also a museum-like setting for car-racing fanatics. Several bars and lounges, including the venerable Casbar Lounge, provide an oasis for the tired gambler. With a newly-expanded, non-smoking poker room and some of the best blackjack, gambling is always hot at the Sahara. And there's much more to see and enjoy. The Platters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters, Beary Hobb's Drifters and Amazing Johnathan perform in the Congo Room; the Las Vegas Cyber Speedway puts you behind the wheel of an Indy race car in a stunning virtual-reality sprint; and a unique roller coaster, Speed - The Ride, hurtles you through a 72-foot loop at 70 mph, shoots you through the Sahara's marquee to the top of a 224-foot tower, then repeats the process -- backward. The property also houses 1,720 rooms, providing maximum comfort at comfortable prices, and a 5,000-square-foot pool that follows the same Afro-Mediterranean theme -- complete with cabanas and palm trees. More than half a century after it first opened its doors, the Sahara still provides refuge, relief and relaxation like a true Vegas oasis
 

Who is the King in Vegas? The Casino... The Hotel... or the Bar's / Restaurants!

If it were a pack of cards then the Casino = King, Hotel = Queen, Bars = Jack, and the Ace in the pack would be the sheer thrill and exuberance

At 1,149 feet, the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest observation tower in the United States. The view from the 109th-floor deck is truly spectacular, and the rides on top are hair-raising. Its uppermost spire is visible from nearly anywhere in the Las Vegas Valley. Some even choose to climb on board the Big Shot at floor 113 and fly an additional 160 feet into the heavens on a burst of compressed air, while others prefer to gaze upon Las Vegas' radiance from the quiet elegance of the 107th-floor lounge. And yet, the excitement of the Stratosphere Hotel doesn't end at those giddy heights. The Stratosphere's casino is nearly as impressive an entity as the tower. At 80,000 square feet, it's one of the biggest gaming floors downtown. Three shows rock the Broadway Showroom -- the classic Viva Las Vegas revue in the afternoon; the dynamic American Superstars rock 'n' roll tribute show at night, featuring the American Superstar Dancers and brilliant impersonators of Elvis Presley, Ricky Martin, Charlie Daniels, Michael Jackson; and the topless production Bite, featuring female vampires. A world of dining experiences satisfies every appetite, from the continental pleasures of Top of the World to the mouth-watering menu of the The Crazy Armadillo. You also don't want to miss the sock hop atmosphere of Roxy's Diner or the charm and taste of Old World Italy at Fellini's at Stratosphere. While the tower may be the first thing to impress visitors, once they've sampled the Stratosphere's many other rich pleasures, they could conceivably forget it's even there. The high life, indeed

Circus Circus has been a family favourite for years. From the thrilling rides and midway games in the Adventuredome to gourmet dining at The Steak House, this hotel pleases everyone. A runaway hit since opening in 1968, Circus Circus has the distinction of appearing in two classic Las Vegas stories: as a malevolent wonderland in Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and as a backdrop to foreign intrigue in "Diamonds Are Forever." While neither story paints the resort as it truly is - a classic hotel-casino and a great place to bring your kids - they cannot help but illustrate Circus Circus' distinctive charm, unique not only to Las Vegas but to the world. The world-famous main casino floor is always jumping. Overhead, live circus acts - acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers -- perform around the clock. A carnival midway offers games of skill and chance for all ages. Nearby, the largest space-frame dome in the United States houses the Adventuredome, an indoor theme park featuring the Canyon Blaster, a double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster guaranteed to put a scream on your face. Several restaurants, a celebrated poker room, a giant race and sports book, the unique rotating cocktail lounge and new shopping promenade should serve to reinforce any desire to run away and join the circus

Like no other hotel, the Stardust has been the embodiment of Vegas style and flash for almost 40 years.
Nothing better defines the resort than an early scene in the film "Swingers": The two protagonists pull up to the hotel in a vintage convertible and Rat Pack suits, sauntering inside as the last notes of Tony Bennett's "With Plenty Of Money And You" die away. "This is old school, baby," raves one to the other. Time hasn't stood still at this legendary property. The Stardust, just like good red wine, gets better with age. Framed pictures of its grand opening in 1969 and early, über-glamorous days decorate the walls in the newer part of the casino and comfy leather chairs and couches abound in the lobby and convention area. The Stardust has 1,500 rooms and suites, with numerous amenities, in two towers. The west tower is the stunning 32-story blue and red monolith that has become a beckoning landmark on the Las Vegas Strip, while the east tower is a smaller, nine-story building just a few steps away from the casino. The hotels's luxurious two and one-half acre outdoor recreational complex includes two pools, two Jacuzzis and lots of tropical landscaping. A 24-hour fitness facility is also available. Chief among the reasons for the Stardust's longevity is its choice to stick with a winning formula -- combining a bustling casino with great service and a comfortable atmosphere. The race and sports book is nationally known and the casino is large and filled to capacity with gamblers, not gawkers. Many of them choose to dine in one of several good restaurants, including William B's, Tony Roma's and Sushi King, while the bars and lounges serve cocktails to folks who have come here to soak up some of the vintage Vegas that's hard to find anywhere else these days. Keeping its tradition of presenting the most exciting entertainment, the Stardust is home to the undisputed king of afternoon entertainment, Rick Thomas, who fills the post-pool pre-dinner void with his all-ages show. "You are so money, baby," the characters of "Swingers" tell each other loudly and often. It's an apt description of the Sin City institution that probably helped make "money" into an adjective. With its adult charms and proud lineage, the Stardust is indeed the "old school." And it's got one terrific playground.

As the song goes... Gangsters Paradise

The Final Frontier

Located in the heart of Las Vegas next to the Fashion Show Mall, the New Frontier has been a Vegas institution for decades thanks to its comfortable rooms, exciting casino and friendly service. In 1956, the Frontier launched the Vegas career of a legend: Elvis Presley. The King played his first-ever Vegas show at the Frontier on April 23, 1956 and has been synonymous with Vegas ever since, as has the legendary hotel that hosted him, now the New Frontier. While the New Frontier values and pays homage to its long and eventful history -- the "gunslinger" slots at the front entrance represent it well - it embraces modern amenities. The rooms are up-to-date and comfortable, and all the Atrium suites are equipped with high-speed wireless internet access. By Vegas standards, the 980-room hotel is a small property, which cuts down on the amount of walking, therefore maximizing the time that can be spent in the bustling casino, the restaurants, or the very popular country-western bar, Gilley's. For those not familiar with western dance techniques, Gilley's offers free dance lessons.  In the casino, vintage Vegas, with lots of dark wood and conveniently located centre bars, meets modern Vegas, with thousands of the most exciting slot machines, including Star Wars slots, the only bingo room on the Strip and a sports book with a $1,000,000 video wall. As opposed to the early settlers who set out to conquer the American West, visitors to the New Frontier in Vegas will never go hungry, for there are a number of tantalizing dining options to choose from, including The Orchard Cafe, which offers both a-la-carte menus and a buffet, the elegant Phil's Angus Steakhouse and Margarita's Cantina

Treasure Island, now known simply as TI, is a paradise for adults that includes some of the hippest bars and clubs in town, a tropical pool area with a party tub, upscale restaurants and Mystère by Cirque du Soleil, one of the most visually stunning shows in Vegas. Once known as a kid-friendly pirate paradise, TI now is all about adults. The hotel not only looks different, it is different. Gone is the pirate-style marquee, which has been replaced by a sleek design bearing the TI initials. The long-running pirate vs. British navy show has been scuttled in favour of a new sultry performance pitting sexy sirens against the captain and crew of The Bull. The TI knows that visitors flock to Vegas to relax, play and eat well, and the resort has met the challenge of accommodating even the most sophisticated tourist, most aggressive card shark and most selective diner. The hotel's spacious guest rooms are as sleek and fun as the rest of the property and feature floor-to-ceiling windows that allow spectacular views of the Vegas Strip. The easy-to-navigate 95,000-square-foot casino includes several thousand slot and video poker machines as well as all the table games one would expect. Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar serves some of the most creative Mexican fare in town, while the always-fun Kahunaville gives diners the option of enjoying their meal in a fittingly tropical environment overlooking the pool area. Dishes Buffet redefines the classic Vegas buffet and takes it to a new level, giving diners a gourmet buffet-style meal. The futuristic-looking Canter's Deli is the newest addition to TI's restaurant scene and serves enormous portions of traditional deli and Jewish delicacies. The wildly popular nightclub Tangerine started the newest craze in town: burlesque dancers, who heat things up with several sensual, well-choreographed performances every night. The club's outdoor deck lets partygoers dance the night away while enjoying views of both the Strip and the sirens vs. pirates action in Sirens' Cove. Another TI hot spot, the intimate Mist, is part neighbourhood bar, part old-school Vegas -- stirred, not shaken, with a twist of state-of-the-art technology. TI completes its extravagant offerings with Mystère - Cirque du Soleil's first permanent Vegas show, now in its second decade of highly acclaimed performances. With the wealth of riches at TI, it's no wonder that once you've set sail with this crew, you will never want to return to port again

The Wynn, the newest and tallest hotel. Costing a whopping £3.3billion to build opened this year to a fanfare of acclaim and is a complete resort. Expensive even by Vegas standards, it is the shining new face of the city's upmarket image

The spirit of Venice is alive in The Venetian resort, complete with frescos, gourmet food, canals, gondolas and strolling performers. The hotel offers spacious, beautifully appointed suites, an impressive upscale shopping centre, a wide variety of gourmet restaurants and Italian-inspired eateries, attractions and more.
Sheldon Adelson's breathtaking mega-resort combines the latest technology and the venerable art and culture of the European jewel: Venice. The Venetian's take on this world-renowned city and the Italian eleganza is a must-see. Coming to this resort is as close as you'll come to visiting Venice itself. As you enter the lobby, don't be surprised by the visitors taking pictures of the ceiling as if they were in the Sistine Chapel: A detailed, exquisite fresco covers the arched ceiling leading from registration to the casino, promising great things. That promise if fulfilled in short order -- a wealth of shopping experiences in the 500,000-square-foot Grand Canal Shoppes, which, true to its name, has a canal winding through it with gondolas drifting gracefully along its length; a number of five-star restaurants, created by such culinary giants as Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller, Joachim Splichal and Paulo "Zeffirino" Belloni; a version of Madame Tussauds famous wax museum; and the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, whose gallery houses masterpieces that have travelled the world.  At the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, pampering takes on a different meaning. It is the largest spa in town, and with 62 treatment rooms, it offers some of the most extensive and extraordinary services available. The spacious guest suites at The Venetian are aesthetically stunning as well as technologically sound, with refinements from Italian marble in the bathrooms to a mini bar. At the Venezia Tower, the resort's most recent addition, luxury rooms are redefined with 700-square-foot suites that boast 9.5-foot ceilings, 130-square-foot bathrooms, three telephones and two 27-inch flat-screen TVs, among other luxuries. The tower's 122 Concierge Level suites offer additional amenities, including private access, an executive lounge with food and beverage service, daily newspaper, coffee/tea delivered with your wake-up call and DVD players. With pools that resemble the fountains of Italian palazzos and amenities that will leave you exclaiming "Bellissimo!" Venice's twin sister city has come afloat at The Venetian. Ah, la dolce vita

It certainly is Grand

The Mirage sets a high standard for itself and for every other luxury hotel in Vegas. Its timeless beauty, tropical surroundings and exceptional service make it one of the most beloved hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.  Upon entering the legendary property, visitors hear the soothing sounds of waterfalls, smell the exotic flora and can stand on a bridge under the 90-foot-high glass atrium while taking in the tropical surroundings. Even the carpet in the casino looks tropical. You are in the Mirage, but it feels like Bali. The extraordinary hotel experience continues with the breathtaking front desk area, which features a 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium that houses 60 species of tropical fish. The 2,763 hotel rooms are nicely appointed, while the beautifully landscaped pool area is the ideal place to spend afternoons before heading inside, where a spa, impressionist extraordinaire Danny Gans and numerous restaurants -- including the delightful Carnegie Deli -- await.  True to its history as a pioneer in the gaming and hospitality industry, the Mirage casino is large, easy to navigate and home to thousands of slot machines, dozens of table games and one of the city's popular poker rooms.  The tigers and dolphins in Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat feel right at home in this tropical environment. The Mirage also is home to one of the best free attractions on the Strip: the mesmerizing volcano
 

The Rialto Bridge

Rich Owners...

Sheldon Adelson (Venezian $11.9Bilion), Kirk Kierkorian (MGM / Mirage $9.5Billion)

Robert at the Grand Canal

Venice meets Rome...

The St. Marco Bell Tower... The Forum

The Coliseum... The Grand Canal

Nothing says Vegas better than Caesars Palace. The Romans would be proud of the beautiful rooms, heavenly pools, breathtaking shops, gourmet restaurants, world-class entertainment and one of the hippest nightclubs in town. Also, the Coliseum looks better than it has in centuries.  The Palace opened its doors in August 1966, and although much has changed since then, the essentials remain the same: unsurpassed service, royal surroundings and entertainment maximus.  Even Caesar would be overwhelmed by the long list of incredible dining options featuring world-renowned chefs. Bradley Ogden's eponymous eclectic restaurant is a James Beard Award winner, the laid-back Bobby Flay cooks up modern Southwest flare in his gorgeous Mesa Grill and Vialé on the Roman Plaza is one of the few restaurants in town that feature patio dining on the Strip. That doesn't even include the dining options in the world-famous Forum Shops. Your inner Cleopatra can shop for couture clothing, jewels, beauty products and nearly everything else under the sun before enjoying a sumptuous dinner at fabulous restaurants including Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Sushi Roku and The Palm. Caesars Palace's legendary casino always has been the place to be for high rollers, celebrities and everyone with some cash to spare. The nicely appointed rooms have both the classic beauty of past times and the modern technology of today. If you want to be treated like royalty, follow Caesar and Cleopatra to the Roman-style pools and get spoiled by the grape goddesses who hand out frozen grapes in the summer. Caesars has hosted some of the world's greatest artists throughout the years, and this decade is no different. Celine Dion enchants audiences with her extraordinary theatrical production in the Colosseum, and musicians such as Elton John have delivered nights of nonstop entertainment. Pure is arguably one of the hottest clubs in town, and the million-dollar view from its outside centre-Strip patio is undeniably regal.  Just as the ancient palace for which it was named, Caesars surpasses every expectation. Vide et credere (see and believe)!

A Sunny afternoon in Paris

The Eiffel Tower... The Arc de Triomphe... Aladdin???

Located in the midst of the Vegas Strip action, the Aladdin allows guests to enter a modern-day Cave of Wonders filled with gourmet restaurants, world-class shopping at Desert Passage and dazzling entertainment. The Aladdin Resort & Casino bears the distinction of being the only resort in Vegas history to rise from the dead: It was imploded in 1998 and then rebuilt. It's an even grander resort in its second life, practically bursting with magic. The hotel-casino soon will begin yet another phase: The Aladdin will be transformed into the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino in 2006, a transition promising even more wonder. Themed after several stories from the "Arabian Nights," the Aladdin takes you on a mystical journey. Ebony horses stampede from the race and sports book, a giant Djinni's lamp smokes in the casino centre and the structures over the casino table games resemble magic carpets. Other, more practical kinds of magic await Aladdin visitors. Rolling thunder signals oncoming rain that falls from the "sky" of the mammoth Desert Passage shopping mall, and an innovative, multifloor casino layout allows guests to access their rooms from check-in without trekking through the gaming areas. If you want to escape the flurry of shoppers and the pressure of the tables, venture upstairs and dine at Bonsai, Elements or Tremezzo, all tucked away and affording guests elegant dining. Of course, you could stay downstairs and experience a famous Pink's hot dog, now served at Zanzibar Café. In addition to these technical and aesthetic wonders are the exclusive London Club casino, the V Theatre, Curve and Krave nightclubs and the Aladdin Theatre -- one of the best concert venues in Vegas. The Aladdin is in the business of granting your wishes, and you'll wish you could stay for a thousand and one
 

More than just another mega-resort, Bellagio brings a true European elegance to Las Vegas with luxurious rooms, gourmet restaurants, upscale shopping and fine art prominently on display throughout the property. Entering Bellagio, one is immediately struck by the glass ceilings admitting natural light - a rarity in Las Vegas. It illuminates the striking glamour of the surroundings and the rare and beautiful charms available for the comfort and pleasure of its guests. There are the fresh flowers and trees in the Conservatory, changed with holidays and seasons; the detailed tile work; the incidental sculpture. It is a feast for the senses, even before you get to your handsomely appointed room. Dining is first rate at Bellagio. Treat yourself to the succulent French fare of Le Cirque, a three-time winner of the coveted AAA Five-Diamond Award, enjoy the view of the fountains at Todd English's Olives or just pick up a sweet treat at the tempting Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie. Shopping at Via Bellagio is high estate and exclusive. Spa Bellagio offers 65,000 square feet of luxury and pampering. And the entertainment - from Cirque du Soleil's innovative water-acrobatics show, "O," to the state-of-the-art free Fountain Show in Bellagio's picturesque lake - is absolutely beyond the pale. Some of the greatest joys of Bellagio can be found in its subtleties: quiet hideaway corners where you can enjoy a gourmet pastry and coffee while reading a newspaper and wide balconies that overlook the resort's stunning pools. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip, you might find yourself lost in this miniature city. It can be described only in so many words; beyond that, experience has to take over. You would be well served to experience Bellagio yourself and let it speak to you directly

From Paris to Monte Carlo

Having now actually seen a wedding party in Vegas, it has finally dispensed of the vision that I had of a little white tacky Elvis style chapel. Thank the King is dead... along with all that tack! The wedding that I saw at Bellagio was a totally classy affair, a Million Dollar Wedding. A bit of a do!!!

Hail Caesar...

The Bellagio is one of only two hotels on the Strip with a five-diamond rating from AAA. It takes a staff of 115 to maintain the flowers and plants in the conservatory area. The Dale Chihuly glass flower sculpture on the ceiling in the lobby features 2,000 individually blown glass pieces and covers 2,000 square feet of ceiling. The fountains out front span 1,000 feet of water and soar as high as 240 feet in the air

Harley

Hotel Tropicana and the Casino at New York, New York

Dusk at Excalibur

Good Morning Las Vegas!!!

Casino Royale

Exit-ing Excalibur

Which Tower is the Beautiful Princess in???

Vegas is a bit of a tough town on your own, traipsing up and down the strip with temptation everywhere. I will be looking forward to it even more next time, with a bit more assistance...

Early morning in New York

Highway

Towering

The Golden Lion at the MGM Grand

Entering the MGM Grand, visitors are immersed in the glamour and excitement of sophisticated shows, gourmet dining, hip nightlife, a relaxing pool and spa, the wonders of an African Lion Habitat and much more. This "city of entertainment" incorporates so much - from dining to resort amenities to megashows to sports events - that it approximates a big-budget film. Standing proudly at one of the busiest intersections in the world, directly across from the New York-New York hotel, this 5,034-room, $1 billion resort offers the maximum Vegas experience. Hungry? You have multiple choices that include the pure flavour of Craftsteak, the fresh fish of Michael Mina's Seablue and Nobhill, the New Orlean's flavour of Emeril's New Orleans Fish House, the nouveau cuisine of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, the sophisticated tastes of Fiamma Trattoria and Pearl or the exuberant fun of the Rainforest Cafe. Living up to its nickname, the MGM Grand offers every type of show from the sensuous La Femme (direct from the Crazy Horse in Paris) to the creative tour de force of Cirque du Soleil's KÀ. The MGM Grand Arena plays hosts to icons of rock 'n' roll from the Rolling Stones to Sting as well as memorable championship fights. At night, famed nightclub Studio 54 and Vegas' first ultra lounge, Tabú, beckon you to an evening of hedonism. There's much, much more to see and do at the MGM Grand, including indulging your body at the world-class spa, 6.6 acres of luxurious pools, rivers and waterfalls and the amazing cats at the Lion Habitat. Visit often, and discover them all

Hotels visited:-
Excalibur, Luxor, New York New York, Bellagio, Sahara, MGM Grand, Venetia, Caesars Palace, Paris, Mandalay Bay, Flamingo, and Aladdin

Liberty

With its Tournament of Kings and Fantasy Faire Midway, the Excalibur caters to the child in all of us.
Located at the intersection of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard, the medieval-themed Excalibur boasts 4,008 rooms, an impressive facade and a regal air. Arthurian touches extend to every aspect of this spectacular hotel and casino, from the numerous swords and shields adorning the walls to ornate stained glass displayed throughout the property. Performers and jugglers at the Court Jester's Stage in the Medieval Village complete the illusion. A Tudor-style prime rib restaurant, Sir Galahad's Prime Rib House, even serves a delicious Yorkshire pudding.  In Merlin's Theatre, the armour comes off and the knights heat up, with performances by The Thunder from Down Under. Visitors also can revel in the period-authentic jousting and swordplay of the Tournament of Kings or enjoy the midway games of the Fantasy Faire.  Those looking for modern-day games will find them in the 100,000-square-foot casino, which offers a variety of gaming selections, from Blackjack to Megabucks. Two wedding chapels are available, allowing couples the chance to take the plunge in medieval costume. Throughout the property, the spirit of the Middle Ages is alive and well, with majestic turrets at the entryway, iron chandeliers and a variety of flags bearing an assortment of family crests. Even between the New York skyline and an Egyptian pyramid, the Excalibur seems to fit. The Camelot of Las Vegas, the Excalibur stands tall and proud, the way a kingdom should

Robert outside the Excalibur

Goodbye to Vegas!!!

Yah all com bak now!!!

A Birdseye view of the Nevada Desert

The Washington Lakes

It feels a bit weird to be flying home from Vegas, to Seattle. I should be used to it by now, having lived away for the most of the last 5 years or so... Sweet home... Seattle!

Heading back from SeaTac Airport to Lynnwood
 

All photographs were taken in Las Vegas - USA from the 24th to 27th of November 2005.