After my recent trip to Vegas with my daughter over Spring Break (and with my mom in tow, as well), I feel I have a new insight into keeping teenagers entertained in Sin City. It was quite an experience, but we enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Believe me, before I even booked this trip I went through a huge list of pros and cons, debated my sanity for even thinking about taking a teenager to Las Vegas, and wondered how people would feel about my decision to expose my daughter to all things Vegas. Here's what I discovered along the way in the planning, the preparation, and in the actual trip. I hope something here will help someone else trying to plan a trip to Las Vegas - or anywhere else with an adult theme - before they get in too deep.
Discuss the proposed plans with your spouse or significant other. This is truly the most important step in the process. My husband was a bit leery about the whole idea at first because he wouldn't be going along, even though Hayley was the one who broached the subject and it wasn't my idea AT ALL, I swear. Once I had my proposed plans in place and could show him that I would be keeping her busy and away from the casinos and exposure to X-rated stuff as much as possible, he was okay with the idea (he was still not 100% comfortable because, well, it's Vegas, but he trusts me and knows I'll make good decisions). The fact that my mother was coming along? Even better! Four eyes watching out for his only child were better than two.
Know your child's mental age - as well as their physical age - and what they can handle. There have been too many trips where I've seen very small children out on the Strip at 11:00 p.m., crying because they are tired, or hungry, or bored, or all three. I've also heard stories about people letting their 14-year-old children spend time alone in an arcade while they gamble or spend time elsewhere. No and NO! If you're taking a child on ANY trip, you should not disrupt their normal schedule, and you should not leave them alone to entertain themselves on a family trip. If you are not willing to take care of your own children while you're enjoying Las Vegas, you might need to think about another vacation destination or seriously consider a babysitter. You're not only cheating your whole family out of a great vacation, but you're also disrupting EVERYONE ELSE'S.
Verify the age limits for shows and restaurants before you go (or book). Some shows don't allow children under the age of 12; others don't allow children under the age of 5. There are quite a few restaurants that follow the "absolutely no children under the age of 5" rule, as well. Check their websites or give them a call before you get there so that you're not disappointed and have to make a sudden change of plans.
That's the last I'll say specifically about small children - on to the teens!
Plan out the days - or nights - according to your teen's interests and temperment. If your child is a late riser but likes to stay up late at night, then plan for later meals and shows so that you're not rushing them out the door and constantly waiting for them to get up and get ready. My daughter is a night owl, so late night show options fit her very well. Finding places that served all-day breakfasts were beneficial, too, because she loves pancakes with bacon and eggs for breakfast - even if it's noon.
Get your teen's input on shows and entertainment before you plan and go. If you know your child would never go see a big production show, don't bother getting tickets for one. Give them a list of the shows you're willing to pay for...and willing to see yourself. Set a dollar limit if you're on a strict budget and let them pick their favorites and put them in order of preference. Then you can decide how many - or how few - you actually see. There are so many options in a wide range of prices that you're sure to find something you can all enjoy (and you can afford). But please don't get tickets to a risque show that will only embarrass you AND your teen; there's no need to see something that makes anyone in your family uncomfortable while you're on a family vacation.
Get your teen's input on restaurants and buffets, as well. Got a picky eater? Maybe a buffet is right for you, and maybe it's not. Selections on a buffet are usually very wide-ranging, so there's more chance that they'll be able to find something they like. If you're not willing to shell out the cash for a higher-end buffet, maybe try one that's a little less expensive but still gets very good reviews on a regular basis, like Gold Coast. Also, know your child's specific likes and dislikes when it comes to foods so that they're not ordering a grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwich at every meal. Hayley is a steak lover and a sandwich lover, so I knew that restaurants that had great selection of either one would be a hit. She also enjoyed the buffets, though, so we certainly mixed it up.
Plan for down time. Even though you may have an energetic teen (I don't), don't forget that Las Vegas can be very overwhelming to your eyes, your brain and your feet. Plan for some relaxation in the room or by the pool so that you both don't collapse before you're done. Take along a deck of cards or a game you enjoy as a family so that you can relax in the room after you've wrapped up your explorations for the day, as well.
Keep a schedule or a to do list. Even though you should plan for down time, you should schedule enough activities to keep you occupied, or keep a list with some great options should you decide NOT to do something you'd originally planned on. When traveling with someone who can't gamble, you can't suddenly make the decision to go your separate ways for a while. So, keep some ideas handy.
Get feedback from your teen during the trip. Tying into my other suggestions is talking to your teen about what you've seen and done so far. They didn't like all the walking today? Maybe a taxi ride tomorrow would be a better idea. Like a later start? A little pool time - or TV time - might be a better way to start the day.
These are just some ideas to get you started, and I hope they help if you're planning a trip with someone under the age of 21. Always use common sense when planning your family vacation to Las Vegas, and be sure that everyone is comfortable with the ideas you have so that everyone enjoys the trip.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Jasmine Brunch @ Bellagio - April 25, 2010: A Review
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| Our group - Standing: Terri, Bonnie, Michelle and Tania Sitting: Lynn, Diana, Robbie and Deann (me!) |
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| Bonnie's pretty birthday present from the restaurant |
While planning my April 2010 Vegas trip, I read a message board post by one of my friends at LasVegas4Ever which mentioned a new Sunday brunch in Las Vegas. The Jasmine Brunch Buffet at Bellagio sounded really good, but at $55 per person it also sounded really expensive for my usual Vegas budget. After much discussion on the topic between several members of the board - and after seeing the DELICIOUS photos posted by our friend, Diana, who attended the brunch with her husband a couple of months before - it was decided that it would be a good idea to try the brunch as a group while we were all in town for another LasVegas4Ever meet, as we'd be unlikely to try it individually or with some of our own, less adventurous dining companions.
Diana made an 11:00 a.m. reservation for us and secured a wonderful table by the front windows overlooking the Bellagio Fountains for our group of eight ladies. We arrived almost at the same time and were waiting by the doors before they opened at 11:00 a.m. on the nose. Diana was right at the front of the line, and we were all led to the far end of the restaurant, gawking as we walked. As we made our way down to our table, the Bellagio Fountains came alive, playing the Star-Spangled Banner. What a setting! We were entertained by fountain shows every 5 minutes after that for the entire meal.
For those who don't know, Jasmine is a Chinese restaurant by night (they open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner customers), but the decor is decidedly upscale and English formal. It was a beautiful setting for our little party, and we took turns taking photos of everything from the dishes on the table and the designs on the walls to the food, the flowers and the ice sculpture that made up the buffet displays.
We were attended by two waiters (wait staff? wait persons?), and we were presented with drink menus for their selection of unlimited champagne by the glass...if we wanted it. Before you decide this buffet is not that expensive after all, the champagne you choose is added to the $55 price; same goes for any coffee, tea, or juice you decide to drink while dining. It certainly adds up on the bill, but it was worth every penny. Two of the ladies opted for champagne, while a couple stuck with water or juice and a couple others (myself included) ordered both juice AND coffee. I like to enjoy my buffets with plenty to drink.
Diana made an 11:00 a.m. reservation for us and secured a wonderful table by the front windows overlooking the Bellagio Fountains for our group of eight ladies. We arrived almost at the same time and were waiting by the doors before they opened at 11:00 a.m. on the nose. Diana was right at the front of the line, and we were all led to the far end of the restaurant, gawking as we walked. As we made our way down to our table, the Bellagio Fountains came alive, playing the Star-Spangled Banner. What a setting! We were entertained by fountain shows every 5 minutes after that for the entire meal.
For those who don't know, Jasmine is a Chinese restaurant by night (they open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner customers), but the decor is decidedly upscale and English formal. It was a beautiful setting for our little party, and we took turns taking photos of everything from the dishes on the table and the designs on the walls to the food, the flowers and the ice sculpture that made up the buffet displays.
We were attended by two waiters (wait staff? wait persons?), and we were presented with drink menus for their selection of unlimited champagne by the glass...if we wanted it. Before you decide this buffet is not that expensive after all, the champagne you choose is added to the $55 price; same goes for any coffee, tea, or juice you decide to drink while dining. It certainly adds up on the bill, but it was worth every penny. Two of the ladies opted for champagne, while a couple stuck with water or juice and a couple others (myself included) ordered both juice AND coffee. I like to enjoy my buffets with plenty to drink.
The waiters also brought a three-tiered cake stand with a selection of fresh fruit, mini muffins and jams to start off our meal. I didn't try any of them, because I was looking forward to sampling the buffet choices, but I heard from those who did that everything presented was absolutely as delicious as it looked.
We took our cameras to photograph everything in sight before we headed off to get our first plates of food, and our beautiful, butterfly-covered China plates were replaced by white plates with simple gold borders. It's probably better they did this, as I believe one or two of the ladies at my table were thinking of putting a butterfly plate in their handbags!
The buffet selections included traditional American fare, such as omelets and eggs, and more exotic Asian dishes, including Kobe Beef Roulade and Wu-Xu short ribs. They had some of the best cold salads I've ever tried, including the very popular Kalbi-glazed Jidori Chicken Salad (we all want this recipe!). It was all very beautiful, very delicious, and too much for me to try. Another waiter prepared Peking Duck table side for each guest, and although my friend Lynn said that the pastry was a bit too puffy, the taste was still spot-on in her opinion. I had never tried it before and have nothing to judge it against, but it was very good.
Included in the buffet price is the best thing any buffet could ever have, but only a few do: a dessert room! Several tables topped with scrumptious, bite-sized morsels and tiny dessert cups were waiting for us, along with a chocolate fountain and many different dipping options. I could only manage four small desserts myself - yet another reason I will have to go back and try it again!
We were stuffed, but we enjoyed the food, the conversation and the company so much that we stayed for almost 2 1/2 hours. It was a truly enjoyable way to spend my last day in Vegas before I headed back home to reality.
At the end of our meal, one of the waiters brought the checks, and I was surprised to find that they remembered that it was Bonnie's birthday (we mentioned it when we sat down) and included a beautiful Jasmine ornament with her check - so cute!
In the end, the cost for my brunch was $88. That included my coffee and my juice, and the automatic tip for a large party of eight. The cost was the same as one of the ladies who'd ordered champagne, so it was not a bad deal for the total experience.
Before we left, we had one of the waiters take a group photo of us in front of the windows, and we decided that we'd DEFINITELY like to go back and try it again. Plans have been made for another Jasmine Brunch Meet in October, and I'm already looking forward to it with my mouth watering.
On a scale of 1 to 10, this brunch buffet rates a decidedly delicious 10! I would give it more points if I could, because the whole experience was just that wonderful.
To make reservations by phone, call 702-693-7223. The brunch buffet is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. There are rumors that the buffet may be extended to Saturdays, too, because it is very popular. I think it would be a welcome addition for the Bellagio, as it is was a very welcome treat for my vacation.
If you'd like to view their complete brunch menu, you can check it out here:
http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/fountain-brunch-seasonal.aspx
We took our cameras to photograph everything in sight before we headed off to get our first plates of food, and our beautiful, butterfly-covered China plates were replaced by white plates with simple gold borders. It's probably better they did this, as I believe one or two of the ladies at my table were thinking of putting a butterfly plate in their handbags!
The buffet selections included traditional American fare, such as omelets and eggs, and more exotic Asian dishes, including Kobe Beef Roulade and Wu-Xu short ribs. They had some of the best cold salads I've ever tried, including the very popular Kalbi-glazed Jidori Chicken Salad (we all want this recipe!). It was all very beautiful, very delicious, and too much for me to try. Another waiter prepared Peking Duck table side for each guest, and although my friend Lynn said that the pastry was a bit too puffy, the taste was still spot-on in her opinion. I had never tried it before and have nothing to judge it against, but it was very good.
Included in the buffet price is the best thing any buffet could ever have, but only a few do: a dessert room! Several tables topped with scrumptious, bite-sized morsels and tiny dessert cups were waiting for us, along with a chocolate fountain and many different dipping options. I could only manage four small desserts myself - yet another reason I will have to go back and try it again!
We were stuffed, but we enjoyed the food, the conversation and the company so much that we stayed for almost 2 1/2 hours. It was a truly enjoyable way to spend my last day in Vegas before I headed back home to reality.
At the end of our meal, one of the waiters brought the checks, and I was surprised to find that they remembered that it was Bonnie's birthday (we mentioned it when we sat down) and included a beautiful Jasmine ornament with her check - so cute!
In the end, the cost for my brunch was $88. That included my coffee and my juice, and the automatic tip for a large party of eight. The cost was the same as one of the ladies who'd ordered champagne, so it was not a bad deal for the total experience.
Before we left, we had one of the waiters take a group photo of us in front of the windows, and we decided that we'd DEFINITELY like to go back and try it again. Plans have been made for another Jasmine Brunch Meet in October, and I'm already looking forward to it with my mouth watering.
On a scale of 1 to 10, this brunch buffet rates a decidedly delicious 10! I would give it more points if I could, because the whole experience was just that wonderful.
To make reservations by phone, call 702-693-7223. The brunch buffet is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. There are rumors that the buffet may be extended to Saturdays, too, because it is very popular. I think it would be a welcome addition for the Bellagio, as it is was a very welcome treat for my vacation.
If you'd like to view their complete brunch menu, you can check it out here:
http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/fountain-brunch-seasonal.aspx
Mac King Comedy Magic Show: Review
I went to the Harrah's Concierge Desk on the third morning of my April trip and traded the voucher I received at check-in for a free ticket to Mac King into an actual ticket to Mac King. Finally! I’d been trying to see him for years!
I selected the 1 p.m. show because I had extensive plans for the evening and wanted to have plenty of time to get ready and meet my friends. (He has a second show at 3 p.m. daily, and they are exactly the same.) Mac King performs in Harrah's Legends Theater, which is on the 3rd floor of the hotel and casino. The escalators and elevators are located in the middle of the casino, next to the Cashier's Cage, and not difficult to find at all - just look for the overhead signs. I arrived just before 12:30 p.m. and went upstairs to join the line, and we waited all of 5 minutes before they opened the doors and started letting people in.
The seating for the show is General Admission; first come, first served. I was seated in the 3rd row back from the stage, off to the right, five seats from the aisle, and it was a really good seat. I wanted to try and figure out the sleight-of-hand tricks he performed, but I knew that would probably not be possible (it's fun to try, though). It should be mentioned that the theater is also home to the Legends in Concert, so it is quite a large venue for Mac King's smaller, more intimate show, and about 1/3 of the theater was filled when the show started. Still, not a bad crowd for a twice daily show.
I must say that I really enjoyed it. It’s not a big-time magic show by any means, but Mac King gets the entire audience involved and it’s quite entertaining from beginning to end. He has several tricks that involve audience participation, so be aware that you could be selected to come up on stage and take part in the show. (One of the participation tricks involves children, and two others involve adults.)
Even though I laughed throughout the show, my two favorite parts were the “cloak of invisibility” - if you could just see his face! - and the goldfish trick. I can’t even begin to explain what either of those look like, but I laughed pretty hard at the first one and was complete amazed by the second one. I have no idea how he did the goldfish trick because it involved two real, live goldfish and his mouth. Sounds gross, but it was pretty cool. At the end of the show, I really wanted some Fig Newtons, too, as his love of the sandwich-like cookie is referenced - and they are used - throughout the show.
The show lasts about 1 ½ hours, and it’s a great afternoon diversion. I would recommend it to anyone who'd like to see a magic show in Vegas but isn't willing to pay $50 or more for one of the bigger names. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 7.5 for good, wholesome afternoon entertainment in Vegas.
Tickets are normally $24.95 and include one drink, but hotel guests generally receive a buy one, get one free voucher OR a free ticket voucher when they check in, so don't be afraid to ask if you're checking in and don't see one included in your packet. In addition, there are also $6.95 and buy one, get one free coupons in most Las Vegas magazines that you can find in your hotel room or in the Las Vegas taxis, so there's another option if you don't want to pay full price for the show. The show is dark on Sunday and Monday.
You can also visit Mac King's website for more information:
http://www.mackingshow.com/home.html
I selected the 1 p.m. show because I had extensive plans for the evening and wanted to have plenty of time to get ready and meet my friends. (He has a second show at 3 p.m. daily, and they are exactly the same.) Mac King performs in Harrah's Legends Theater, which is on the 3rd floor of the hotel and casino. The escalators and elevators are located in the middle of the casino, next to the Cashier's Cage, and not difficult to find at all - just look for the overhead signs. I arrived just before 12:30 p.m. and went upstairs to join the line, and we waited all of 5 minutes before they opened the doors and started letting people in.
The seating for the show is General Admission; first come, first served. I was seated in the 3rd row back from the stage, off to the right, five seats from the aisle, and it was a really good seat. I wanted to try and figure out the sleight-of-hand tricks he performed, but I knew that would probably not be possible (it's fun to try, though). It should be mentioned that the theater is also home to the Legends in Concert, so it is quite a large venue for Mac King's smaller, more intimate show, and about 1/3 of the theater was filled when the show started. Still, not a bad crowd for a twice daily show.
I must say that I really enjoyed it. It’s not a big-time magic show by any means, but Mac King gets the entire audience involved and it’s quite entertaining from beginning to end. He has several tricks that involve audience participation, so be aware that you could be selected to come up on stage and take part in the show. (One of the participation tricks involves children, and two others involve adults.)
Even though I laughed throughout the show, my two favorite parts were the “cloak of invisibility” - if you could just see his face! - and the goldfish trick. I can’t even begin to explain what either of those look like, but I laughed pretty hard at the first one and was complete amazed by the second one. I have no idea how he did the goldfish trick because it involved two real, live goldfish and his mouth. Sounds gross, but it was pretty cool. At the end of the show, I really wanted some Fig Newtons, too, as his love of the sandwich-like cookie is referenced - and they are used - throughout the show.
The show lasts about 1 ½ hours, and it’s a great afternoon diversion. I would recommend it to anyone who'd like to see a magic show in Vegas but isn't willing to pay $50 or more for one of the bigger names. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 7.5 for good, wholesome afternoon entertainment in Vegas.
Tickets are normally $24.95 and include one drink, but hotel guests generally receive a buy one, get one free voucher OR a free ticket voucher when they check in, so don't be afraid to ask if you're checking in and don't see one included in your packet. In addition, there are also $6.95 and buy one, get one free coupons in most Las Vegas magazines that you can find in your hotel room or in the Las Vegas taxis, so there's another option if you don't want to pay full price for the show. The show is dark on Sunday and Monday.
You can also visit Mac King's website for more information:
http://www.mackingshow.com/home.html
Monday, June 7, 2010
Planet Hollywood's Spice Market Buffet - a review
During my April 2010 trip I finally got the chance to try Planet Hollywood's Spice Market Buffet. I tried it as part of HET's 24-hour "Buffet of Buffet" pass, and I'll have to admit I was more than a bit disappointed in it. I have a feeling, though, that I'll be back to try it again at a future date because a lot of things were not going well that day: I'd been on my feet almost non-stop since early in the morning, I wasn't feeling very well in general, and they were still working out the kinks for the "Buffet of Buffet" passes and how they'd work for their guests. The 24-hour pass had only been in existence for a couple of weeks before I arrived for this trip, and I consider that brand-new.
I came directly from CityCenter - where I'd been lost inside of Crystals shopping area for almost an hour - and I was really already dead on my feet. That's not a good start for reviewing ANY buffet, so I don't know that this will be fair as most people really like this buffet and it's huge selection. My intent was to just sample some unusual items on the buffet so I could say I’d finally tried it. I was pleased that there was no line, and the cashier said I could either get a wristband or just put the buffet info on my HET card and swipe it every time I wanted to use it during the 24-hour period. I chose the card option because I don’t really care for wristbands, and I just had to present my HET card and ID when I went for subsequent meals.
The Spice Market Buffet offers its lunch menu until 3:30 p.m., and I was severely disappointed that most of the dishes were empty at 2:20. Really? The buffet wasn’t crowded, and they still had over an hour to serve people on the lunch menu. I went back and looked at a few of the options again a few minutes later, but the few people who were in the buffet had descended upon the food as soon as it was placed in the warmers and they were empty again. They definitely need to work on replenishing the food selections in a very timely manner given the popularity of some of their exotic seafood dishes; if you know it's going to be a popular selection, make more of it for your guests.
In the end, I tried a delicious shrimp and pasta dish in a thick cream sauce, some buffalo shrimp that was way too vinegar-y and not very good at all, an antipasta salad that was okay but really needed more seasoning, and I ended with a freshly prepared Bananas Foster crepe for dessert that was absolutely awesome. I wish I'd gone back for seconds there!
There were so many other dishes I would've liked to have sampled based on their descriptive labels, but they were never available. I'm definitely beginning to think that popular buffets such as these should start to pre-portion their offerings into smaller dishes so that people can take a SMALL portion instead of grabbing everything on the warming table and not allowing anyone else the opportunity to even get a BITE - there are many other buffets that do this very well. As a rule, I take a small sample size of everything because I know I can always go back and get more, and I prefer to sample, not gobble. I always say "You can always get more, but you can't get less." I wish more people would take this approach to buffets!
I was suddenly glad I wasn’t paying $18.99 for one lunch, to be sure. Harrah’s Flavors Buffet is still the best of the HET buffets I’ve tried, and that's where I'm setting my standard for HET's "Buffet of Buffets" after trying 4 of the 7 available (Harrah's, Flamingo, Planet Hollywood and Imperial Palace being the ones I've tried so far). When compared to Bellagio or Wynn, though, Harrah's is definitely rated a very low third when it comes to my favorite Strip buffets so far. I can't imagine any other buffet on the Strip getting near Bellagio or Wynn when it comes to quality, selection and service.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood at a poorly showing 5 (barely) based on this visit. There was so much to improve on. My waitress was very attentive, though, and I'm hoping that the good personal service I got is indicative of the food service and selection I should've gotten. Next time...
I came directly from CityCenter - where I'd been lost inside of Crystals shopping area for almost an hour - and I was really already dead on my feet. That's not a good start for reviewing ANY buffet, so I don't know that this will be fair as most people really like this buffet and it's huge selection. My intent was to just sample some unusual items on the buffet so I could say I’d finally tried it. I was pleased that there was no line, and the cashier said I could either get a wristband or just put the buffet info on my HET card and swipe it every time I wanted to use it during the 24-hour period. I chose the card option because I don’t really care for wristbands, and I just had to present my HET card and ID when I went for subsequent meals.
The Spice Market Buffet offers its lunch menu until 3:30 p.m., and I was severely disappointed that most of the dishes were empty at 2:20. Really? The buffet wasn’t crowded, and they still had over an hour to serve people on the lunch menu. I went back and looked at a few of the options again a few minutes later, but the few people who were in the buffet had descended upon the food as soon as it was placed in the warmers and they were empty again. They definitely need to work on replenishing the food selections in a very timely manner given the popularity of some of their exotic seafood dishes; if you know it's going to be a popular selection, make more of it for your guests.
In the end, I tried a delicious shrimp and pasta dish in a thick cream sauce, some buffalo shrimp that was way too vinegar-y and not very good at all, an antipasta salad that was okay but really needed more seasoning, and I ended with a freshly prepared Bananas Foster crepe for dessert that was absolutely awesome. I wish I'd gone back for seconds there!
There were so many other dishes I would've liked to have sampled based on their descriptive labels, but they were never available. I'm definitely beginning to think that popular buffets such as these should start to pre-portion their offerings into smaller dishes so that people can take a SMALL portion instead of grabbing everything on the warming table and not allowing anyone else the opportunity to even get a BITE - there are many other buffets that do this very well. As a rule, I take a small sample size of everything because I know I can always go back and get more, and I prefer to sample, not gobble. I always say "You can always get more, but you can't get less." I wish more people would take this approach to buffets!
I was suddenly glad I wasn’t paying $18.99 for one lunch, to be sure. Harrah’s Flavors Buffet is still the best of the HET buffets I’ve tried, and that's where I'm setting my standard for HET's "Buffet of Buffets" after trying 4 of the 7 available (Harrah's, Flamingo, Planet Hollywood and Imperial Palace being the ones I've tried so far). When compared to Bellagio or Wynn, though, Harrah's is definitely rated a very low third when it comes to my favorite Strip buffets so far. I can't imagine any other buffet on the Strip getting near Bellagio or Wynn when it comes to quality, selection and service.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood at a poorly showing 5 (barely) based on this visit. There was so much to improve on. My waitress was very attentive, though, and I'm hoping that the good personal service I got is indicative of the food service and selection I should've gotten. Next time...
Friday, June 4, 2010
Harrah's $34.99 24-hour "Buffet of Buffets" Pass
Harrah's properties recently came up with a pretty nifty little deal for their 7 properties: a 24-hour pass to all their buffets, with no limits or dining restrictions. They are calling this the "Buffet of Buffets", and it is a big hit.
The new 24-hour buffet pass was introduced in late March for a mere $29.99, but was raised to $34.99 shortly after I tried it in April . It's still not a bad deal at all for the price. If you think about it, eating breakfast, lunch and dinner (or any combination of the three) would set you back far more than $30-$35 for the buffet meals at any of Harrah's properties: Harrah's, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, Caesars Palace, Bally's, Rio and Planet Hollywood.
You can purchase your 24-hour buffet pass at any of the buffet locations, or purchase your pass at one of the Total Rewards booths on any of the casino floors. You also have the option to either A) get a wristband marked with the time and date of your initial purchase, or B) just have the buffet info added to your Total Rewards card and present it to the cashier upon entry into the buffet. I don't like wristbands, so I just had mine added to my card.
Once your 24-hour buffet pass is activated, you have 24 hours from that time to partake of as many (or as few) buffet meals as you wish. You can dine at different properties or choose to take your meals at the same property - again, there is no restriction.
Since the "Buffet of Buffets" offer has become EXTREMELY popular, your best bet is to hit the buffet of your choice at an 'off' time (late or early), or look forward to spending part of your time in a very long line. I was lucky enough to hit early meal times for Planet Hollywood and late times for Harrah's, and I missed the crowds both ways.
An added benefit to those holding an HET Platinum or Diamond Card - no waiting in the "regular people" line! You can use the HET Platinum/Diamond entrances, but be aware that even the people who spend a whole lot more money in the casinos than I do are also finding wait times for their meals.
For a review by some crazy people who tried ALL SEVEN of the HET buffets in the 24-hour period (and are probably still recovering from it), you can find their experience here:
http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2010/4/14/152722/563/vegas-travel/The_Best_and_the_Worst_of_the_Buffet_of_Buffets
Keep in mind that everyone has their own opinions of "good" and "bad" buffets, and I personally didn't care for the Planet Hollywood buffet because it was not stocked at 2:00 for lunch. I have separate reviews for the Harrah's buffet and the Flamingo buffet already posted (both of which I liked and continue to like), and I will be posting my review of Planet Hollywood's buffet in full shortly.
Here is a link to Harrah's "Buffet of Buffets" advertisement:
http://www.harrahs.com/buffets/buffet.html
Happy eating!
The new 24-hour buffet pass was introduced in late March for a mere $29.99, but was raised to $34.99 shortly after I tried it in April . It's still not a bad deal at all for the price. If you think about it, eating breakfast, lunch and dinner (or any combination of the three) would set you back far more than $30-$35 for the buffet meals at any of Harrah's properties: Harrah's, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, Caesars Palace, Bally's, Rio and Planet Hollywood.
You can purchase your 24-hour buffet pass at any of the buffet locations, or purchase your pass at one of the Total Rewards booths on any of the casino floors. You also have the option to either A) get a wristband marked with the time and date of your initial purchase, or B) just have the buffet info added to your Total Rewards card and present it to the cashier upon entry into the buffet. I don't like wristbands, so I just had mine added to my card.
Once your 24-hour buffet pass is activated, you have 24 hours from that time to partake of as many (or as few) buffet meals as you wish. You can dine at different properties or choose to take your meals at the same property - again, there is no restriction.
Since the "Buffet of Buffets" offer has become EXTREMELY popular, your best bet is to hit the buffet of your choice at an 'off' time (late or early), or look forward to spending part of your time in a very long line. I was lucky enough to hit early meal times for Planet Hollywood and late times for Harrah's, and I missed the crowds both ways.
An added benefit to those holding an HET Platinum or Diamond Card - no waiting in the "regular people" line! You can use the HET Platinum/Diamond entrances, but be aware that even the people who spend a whole lot more money in the casinos than I do are also finding wait times for their meals.
For a review by some crazy people who tried ALL SEVEN of the HET buffets in the 24-hour period (and are probably still recovering from it), you can find their experience here:
http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2010/4/14/152722/563/vegas-travel/The_Best_and_the_Worst_of_the_Buffet_of_Buffets
Keep in mind that everyone has their own opinions of "good" and "bad" buffets, and I personally didn't care for the Planet Hollywood buffet because it was not stocked at 2:00 for lunch. I have separate reviews for the Harrah's buffet and the Flamingo buffet already posted (both of which I liked and continue to like), and I will be posting my review of Planet Hollywood's buffet in full shortly.
Here is a link to Harrah's "Buffet of Buffets" advertisement:
http://www.harrahs.com/buffets/buffet.html
Happy eating!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
CityCenter - photos and observations
As a big part of my April 2010 Vegas trip, I did quite a bit of walking around on the second day to take some photos with my new camera. During my wanderings and meanderings, I finally made it over to the (somewhat) newly opened CityCenter. I wanted to see if I could truly appreciate the art and the area after the much-hyped and much-anticipated opening early in 2010.
I had been walking through Bellagio taking photographs when I found the signage for the tram to CityCenter located near the back of the Conservatory, so I decided I'd take that route instead of heading back out to the Strip and trying to find my way into CityCenter that way. When I got to the escalator for the tram, I discovered there was also a walkway directly from Bellagio to Vdara (the closest hotel in the CityCenter complex), and I would be able to see more of the area on foot and at my own pace than I would if I took the tram from Bellagio directly over to Aria. The walkway was not very long at all - a couple hundred yards at most, and very non-descript - and I found myself in Vdara shortly thereafter.
I took a couple of photos in the immediate vicinity before I headed out into the sunshine again. I was a bit afraid of getting lost in Vdara and didn’t want to chance it, so I didn't venture too far off the main pathway that led to the bright sunshine. There was a neat bar area near the Vdara exit that I just had to photograph, and I found the strange canoe sculpture everyone has talked about right outside the doors. It wasn’t quite as large as I thought it would be. Maybe it just looks bigger in photographs. Meh.
I followed the walkway to Aria and found that it is, indeed, extremely dark in that casino. It’s far darker than Caesars ever was before they renovated it. I continued my photo tour and marveled at the delicious-looking desserts in the Aria sweet shops, but I decided that all I really wanted to do was head over to Planet Hollywood because I was pretty much dead on my feet after several hours of almost non-stop walking and I had planned on eating there, anyway.
My plan was almost foiled when I got lost in Crystals – I encountered no fewer than five dead ends while I was trying to make my way to the Strip, and I had to re-trace my steps and attempt another route repeatedly. I could see the outside world, dang it! It was so close and yet so far. I finally gave up my attempts to get out via Crystals and headed back to Aria by retracing my steps and following along the outside of the building until I FINALLY reached the Strip. Joy!
I was later informed by my friend Claire that I could've picked up a map of Crystals at the Customer Service desk to help me navigate the shopping area. Not only would it have helped me find my way around and out of the building without getting lost (I'm still not certain of that; it is purely conjecture at this point), it would've also pointed out all the objets d'art that I had missed along the way. Apparently I was more concerned about getting OUT than admiring art.
Will I be back? Maybe I'll be back to Aria to see Viva Elvis, but other than that, I don't know. I really like my "old Vegas" stuff: the bright lights, noisy people, and the glitz and glamour that seem to be slowly disappearing. The beautiful and refined stuff is apparently way over my head, because I either A)just didn't get it, or B)really didn't like it, after all.
Zefferino's Restaurant - Venetian Hotel & Casino: observations (small review)
I had heard quite a bit about Zefferino's bathroom being the "best bathroom in Las Vegas", and, being known as something of a bathroom guru amongst my fellow Vegas-loving friends (read: I love pretty Vegas restrooms, and I love to photograph them even more!), I hoped to get a glimpse of the infamous location during my April trip.
My friend Claire and I had discussed storming the place while maintaining at least some small amount of decorum and discretion before we got to the intended target area. We decided we would have a drink or two before making our way to the famous bathroom at the top of the stairs.
If you’ve never been to Zefferino’s, it’s easy to miss on a casual walk through the Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian. It has an unassuming entrance near the front of the shops and really doesn’t stand out at all. If you're coming from the Strip, head into the Canal Shops and look for the green awning on the left. It's located on a corner, so if you turn and head into St. Mark's Square, you've gone too far.
We met and enjoyed a long chat over a glass of Zin in the downstairs bar area (thanks again for buying, Claire!) before making our way up to the super-secret bathroom located on the second floor in the back of the restaurant. You can reach the bathrooms by stairs or elevator, if needed.
We disregarded the sign stating that no photos were allowed without management approval and took several, because that's what we were there for. I must say that it is a very small bathroom, but I do like the fact that each individual stall has its own sink and mirror, and they even have mouthwash and lotion for their guests. The small size of the individual stalls made it somewhat difficult to take photos, but we did our best.
Overall, I wasn’t that impressed with the “best bathroom in Vegas”, and I think the bathrooms at Palazzo, Wynn, Encore, Bellagio, Caesars and Paris are just as pretty in their own way. Sure, they don’t have sinks in every stall, but they all have their charm and distinct personalities. I don't get exactly what it is that makes this bathroom "the best" - is it the mouthwash? The chandelier? I dunno. Other bathrooms can make the same claims, so I guess it's just a personal preference as to what you think is "pretty" or "special".
I would like to make a trip back for dinner sometime; the restaurant and menu looked very inviting, and it is a smallish establishment that has a certain amount of charm to it. I haven't heard anything in particular about the food, though, so I might wait until I have more information before I make a final commitment to it. I was pleased to see that they offer a prix fixe menu, which seems to be the new thing to do in Vegas. Hey, they get my attention, so why not offer them? Prix fixe menus certainly make some otherwise expensive restaurants somewhat affordable for the regular visitor.
Anyway, I can say, "Been there, photographed that." On to the next!
My friend Claire and I had discussed storming the place while maintaining at least some small amount of decorum and discretion before we got to the intended target area. We decided we would have a drink or two before making our way to the famous bathroom at the top of the stairs.
If you’ve never been to Zefferino’s, it’s easy to miss on a casual walk through the Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian. It has an unassuming entrance near the front of the shops and really doesn’t stand out at all. If you're coming from the Strip, head into the Canal Shops and look for the green awning on the left. It's located on a corner, so if you turn and head into St. Mark's Square, you've gone too far.
We met and enjoyed a long chat over a glass of Zin in the downstairs bar area (thanks again for buying, Claire!) before making our way up to the super-secret bathroom located on the second floor in the back of the restaurant. You can reach the bathrooms by stairs or elevator, if needed.
We disregarded the sign stating that no photos were allowed without management approval and took several, because that's what we were there for. I must say that it is a very small bathroom, but I do like the fact that each individual stall has its own sink and mirror, and they even have mouthwash and lotion for their guests. The small size of the individual stalls made it somewhat difficult to take photos, but we did our best.
Overall, I wasn’t that impressed with the “best bathroom in Vegas”, and I think the bathrooms at Palazzo, Wynn, Encore, Bellagio, Caesars and Paris are just as pretty in their own way. Sure, they don’t have sinks in every stall, but they all have their charm and distinct personalities. I don't get exactly what it is that makes this bathroom "the best" - is it the mouthwash? The chandelier? I dunno. Other bathrooms can make the same claims, so I guess it's just a personal preference as to what you think is "pretty" or "special".
I would like to make a trip back for dinner sometime; the restaurant and menu looked very inviting, and it is a smallish establishment that has a certain amount of charm to it. I haven't heard anything in particular about the food, though, so I might wait until I have more information before I make a final commitment to it. I was pleased to see that they offer a prix fixe menu, which seems to be the new thing to do in Vegas. Hey, they get my attention, so why not offer them? Prix fixe menus certainly make some otherwise expensive restaurants somewhat affordable for the regular visitor.
Anyway, I can say, "Been there, photographed that." On to the next!
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