It’s that time again – the day before flying to Vegas. I love this time. Today is going to be a very busy day still, so packing has been something that’s going on between working. I hope we don’t forget too much stuff. I’ll be working until midnight today, and have to be at the airport around 5:30 am, which is about a ~45 minute drive. So sleep? Overrated! I hope I just crash out on the plane to Vegas.
Right. This is a trip with my wife, @KellyVB , and it’s one I’ve been planning for a while now. It covers two milestones: it’s my 10th trip to Vegas, but is also the celebration of our 15th anniversary.
Fun sidestory: In 2019, we planned on going to Vegas just once as a once in a lifetime trip to celebrate our 10th anniversary. At that time, it was also our first trip away from our daughters (now 11 and almost 15, growing up so fast…). Just a once in a lifetime trip… right, we know how it went. The pandemic f’ed up plans in 2020 and 2021, but going to Vegas has become a habit ever since lifting the travel ban in November 2021, this being my 9th trip since then.
Flights: my favorite trajectory of BRU – AMS – LAS & LAS – AMS – BRU with KLM. Paid €510/person for Economy seats return trip. Checked in just a couple hours ago, no upgrades available. I don’t care about flying Economy. @KellyVB is already complaining
Hotels: this will be the most ‘luxurious’ we’ve ever done.
We start off with 3 nights in Resorts World where a host matched an offer from MGM a while back. Conrad 1 Bedroom Suite w/ Strip View, $300 FP & $200 F&B.
After this, we go downtown to one of my favorites: 2 nights at Circa. I had my host put in a suite upgrade request, but it’s unsure if I will get one (she was very open about this, if too many high rollers show up I might get bumped – I’m okay with this). $450 FP & $200 dining here.
Back to the strip for 3 (but will actually only be staying 2, had to book 3 to get the offer) nights at Fontainebleau. Basic Bleau Best View room (could get Gold but wanted a tub), and will see what they can do to upgrade to a suite here (Noble or Royal is my goal). If not, basic rooms are plenty nice enough. $400 FP, $100 dining, $250 Spa credit & $250 F&B from matching as well.
Last 3 nights are at the Bellagio. They offered me a Penthouse Suite so I jumped on it. I love these rooms since they are renovated. $750 FP, $300 RC & I also have over $700 in points I saved up for this special trip.
Transportation: a ‘Large Elite SUV’ should be waiting for me when I land at Hertz. Last time I got a Lincoln Navigator. Let’s see what I get this time
Paid $677 for 11 days, all insurances included.
Friends from home and friends from San Francisco are joining the first 5 days. The last 5 days will be more ‘quality’ time with my wife to celebrate our anniversary. Lots of plans have been made.
Dining:
– Sickies Burgers and Brew
– Suns Out Buns Out
– Bazaar Meats (reserved, $150 Amex credit to spend)
– Crossroads (reserved)
– Siegels Bagelmania
– 8 East
– Pizza Rock
– Saginaw’s
– Don’s Prime (reserved)
– La Fontaine (reserved)
– Mother Wolf (reserved)
– Vida (reserved)
– Bellagio Prime Steakhouse (reserved)
– Sadelle’s
– Mayfair Supper Club (reserved)
– Salt & Ivy
– Superfrico (reserved)
– Wicked Spoon
Trips away from Strip/Downtown
– Hoover Dam
– Durango
– Zion (rented e-bikes for a couple hours to do the scenic drive)
– shopping
– …
Lots of bars to drink cocktails.
Gaming: want to try VP at Crystal Bar (RW), Mega Bar (Circa), The Tavern (FB) & Baccarat Bar (Bellagio). Otherwise, 90% slots. Maybe some cheap Blackjack and Roulette.
@ColoVegPlayer is evading me this time and leaving town the day before I arrive. Booooo! No snacks for you mister No-Are Pandawhale!
@Christina6001 I do have chips for you in a flavor that’s not available in the U.S. (Lays Paprika) and that are, in my opinion, DELICIOUS.
Oh yes… and a hotel goes BOOM the first night, but with the information I have right now I’m NOT trying to get near in the middle of the night. It would also worsen my jet lag really bad I guess…
Let’s gooooooooo! Vegas, wooooo
