SDGonzo's Trip Report

[dnix]

TR 8/8 - 8/14: 7 Day Party (on the cheap)

Trying to add some value to this TR. I like to take advantage of deals wherever possible. I'm not the guy who's going to drop $5k at Wet Republic (although I met that guy at Centrifuge bar).

The forums provided so much useful information for our trip, I thought I'd provide some helpful tips in return, both confirmations of things discussed here and things we discovered on our own. Hope its helpful.

DAY ONE

Arrived at McCarran around 10am. Wife was expecting us to grab a cab, but George from Presidential Limo was waiting for us at baggage claim (Forum Thank you #1). This was SUCH a good move! For $63 (+ $10 tip) he met us there, took our bags, gave her a rose, had a bottle of champagne (plus bottled water - bonus) waiting, gave us a nice ride in the stretch, and let us arrive at MGM Grand in style. Well worth it!

Backtracking a bit - We did use the airport checkin for MGM right next to baggage claim (Forum Thank you #2). Good move as there was no line there and a HUGE one at the hotel. Had noted in the reservation we were celebrating our anniversary. I was set to try the $20 trick, but she started off checking for upgrades without being asked. She told us she had no suites available, but would give us a high room with a strip view. Thought about tipping her anyway, but it seemed like she was just giving us the room we were supposed to get so I held back.

Got to the hotel and headed for the champagne brunch. We got the package with the daily buffet. (Forum Thank you #3 for pointing out the package on smartervegas.com) Many others here apparently have used this as well so I'll just share a little on the buffet. The food was very good, and although the options didn't change much, there was enough variety for us to enjoy it. We stayed at MGM four days, and by the end we were pretty sick of the buffet, just because it seemed like we spent so much time there. Lines were mixed - couldnt seem to really predict when they'd be the busiest, but the longest we waited was about 20 minutes. In fact, one morning the lady remembered us from the previous day and stamped our receipt with Line Pass, so we could skip the wait. Woohoo! Buffet VIPs Baby! Highlights of the buffet: Sunday night they had grilled NY Strip steaks. Surprisingly they were seasoned and cooked perfectly and very tender. I went back and complimented the cook and he seemed genuinely surprised and grateful for the compliment. Also the sushi was also a nice surprise. The assortment of mexican food was tasty as well. Thought the weekend buffet was supposed to include champagne but it did not. However, you can order an endless glass for $2.50. Um, yes please.

Wife enjoyed a mani/pedi at the spa while I explored MGM. It is quite large, but honestly not quite as big as I expected from other reviews.

Had tix for Judas Priest and Whitesnake Saturday night at Thomas and Mack. Forgot them at home like a big dummy, but the arena left a new pair for me at WillCall with a $10 reprint charge. Taxi to T&M was $13 plus tip. ($3 was spent waiting at one light) The show was pretty awesome but it would have been nice to be on the floor. Had a few drinks there - $13 for a beer and a vodka cranberry is a lot better than you can get on the strip, lol. Taxi back to MGM was $10.

We had visited the podium for Studio 54 earlier in the day and got on the guestlist for that night. Rashad Lewis of the Orlando Magic was going to be there for a surprise bday party. Unfortunately, either the dehydration or the 5 glasses of champagne had given me a BRUTAL headache by the middle of the concert, so we called it an early night.

Best Tip of Day One: Presidential Limo and the Airport Check-in Kiosk for MGM

Next up: Body English, Cathouse, Wet Republic, and more deals