This is my first trip report so please bear with me.

This was a “girls only” trip as husbands and boyfriends couldn’t get away. There were nine of us. Three stayed at the Mirage (because they’d never stayed there before) and six of us stayed at MGM (same reason Laughing ). We brought along one newbie who has now become a Vegas fanatic!

We flew America West, out of Portland, OR and I think I’ve found my new favorite airline! They were on-time both directions, park at the main terminal so no long walks and tram rides to pick up luggage, and the luggage was there as soon as we walked to the baggage area.

Took cabs to and from MGM with no problems at all with the tab being under $10 each way, before tip.

It was HOT, HOT, HOT. First three days were 117 with lows of 95. We had a great time anyway and spent lots of time at the pool!

HOTELS:

The three who stayed at the Mirage said their experience was just ok. They liked the location. They said the pool was nice except they had to be down there by 7AM to get lounge chairs AND the place was crawling with pre-teen girls, who were in a dance competition, and their families. They weren’t wild about the rooms either (small windows and bathrooms).

The MGM was great! I want to send a HUGE THANK-YOU to Michael Steinberg of Biztrip.com. He was able to arrange 27th floor rooms for us with fantastic strip views, and included a $25 dining credit! Everything was ready for us at check-in and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly. The rooms were very big, beautifully done, large view windows and bathrooms. We learned our way around quickly and the walk to the elevator wasn’t any longer than other Vegas hotels. The pools were wonderful with plenty of chairs for everyone. We spent ALOT of time in the Lazy River and reading (and drinking Wink ) under the palms.

DINING:

Since the guys weren’t with us, we got to try restaurants we haven’t tried before, AND NO BUFFETS…….not that there’s anything wrong with them Rolling Eyes. We had a fantastic Italian dinner at Hole In The Wall. Had a ball and a great meal at Margaritaville. Enjoyed wonderful late night dining at Cheesecake Factory, Rainforest Cafe, and New York Deli.

GAMBLING:

We all did fairly well at Video Poker winning small chunks($40-$50) at Mirage, Harrahs, Caesars & MGM. Can you tell we aren’t big gamblers? I came home up about $75……….impressed?

NIGHTLIFE:

The 20-30 yr. olds really enjoyed the clubs at Palms and Studio 54. We, who are a bit older, shook our bootys at the outdoor club at Harrahs and the lounge in the Mirage where they had the BEST lounge group I’ve ever listened and danced to. Replay is their name and they are GREAT! Two of us went to Mystere and really enjoyed that. I’ve never been a circus person so I opted out, but they said it was a very good show.

IMPRESSIONS:

1) While we really loved MGM, we spent most of our time mid-strip. We all think that’s where the most action is.

2) Hats off, again, to Michael of Biztrip.com who helped make this trip unforgettable…..Thanks, my new friend Very Happy , and hope we will meet someday in Vegas!

3)The tram was invaluable! With the heat we spent alot of time riding. Our only improvement suggestion would have been AC in the waiting areas.

Thanks to everyone on this board who provided me with information. I’ll now go back to lurking for awhile, and answer questions when I can, until our next trip with the guys.

T-300