I’ll say upfront that I’m not as jaded as perhaps this trip report might make me out to be. We spent 3 days at the Wynn (Panoramic room) and 3 days at the Bellagio (Salone Suite). Significant other (so) was attending a fitness/personal trainer convention at the LV Convention Center by the Hilton. Flight left Milwaukee via Midwest Airlines and was supposed to be a direct flight. Ah, wait, board is flashing KC/LV. Had to make a stop in KC to pickup fuel supposedly because of the hot temps. Seemed fishy, so we arrived in LV 1.5 hours later than planned, but not a big deal. I travel quite a bit on Midwest Airlines for work and pleasure, and my experience is that 1 out of every 2 flights has some type of delay to it. The warm choc chip cookies are a nice touch baked inflight, but I’d rather get to where I am going on time. That being said, Midwest has been losing money like a sieve, and they finally reported a quarterly profit last week, so good for them.

This was my 6th trip to LV since last October, so I know my way around pretty well and know about the Wynn/Bellagio debate on this board. I’ve walked thru the Wynn a bunch of times, but this was the first time ever staying there. My impressions of Wynn. Nice hotel, reminds me of a smaller Bellagio. I like the pool at Wynn better than Bellagio, and the chairs are more comfortable at Wynn. Yes, Wynn does have the softest bed I have ever slept in. The casino seems smaller than Bellagio, and I just don’t like the feel as much as I like the feel of the Bellagio. Less traffic at Wynn than Bellagio, which I think is a good thing. Played mostly VP at Wynn, did horrible. Ate at their cafe one day, and that was nice, nothing fancy. Did see Seal and Heide Klumm (sp?) there one day eating lunch at the cafe out by the pool. I was going to ask him to sing for me, but thought better of it. Overall, I think the Wynn is a fine hotel, and I would stay there again. For me, the location is a drawback however. Everything I want to do or want to go is on the South end of the strip. As the North end of the strip continues to develop, I think Wynn will be in a better position. Oh, and my blackberry reception in the Wynn sucked. Bellagio, no problem. That is my umbilical cord to my job on a constant basis, so that was a big deal to me. High speed internet connection in room was fine with my laptop at Wynn, but very spotty and slow at Bellagio. Several times while at the Roulette table at Bellagio I was asked to put my blackberry down. I understand why, but don’t recall ever having this happen in the past. I think it probably depends on the dealer.

Stayed in Salone Suite in Bellagio in the spa tower. Well, not really…..stayed there one night but the banging from the drills putting up the towers next to the Bellagio got to my so. They starting pounding at 5:30 AM and didn’t stop until 1:00AM. It didn’t bother me. She insisted on moving. I was like, whatever, so we moved to a Salone Suite in the original tower on the 14th floor. Dumpy. Old carpeting, stains on carpeting, furniture beat up. Even housekeeping lady told me that Salone Suites in the original tower look long in the tooth. She’s right. To top it off, you could still here the banging….I told my so I told you so, nah nah nah. Overall, I still like Bellagio, you can’t beat the location, but this room has seen better days. My so asked for a discount on the room, and they did give it to her. I don’t know how much it was, it really wasn’t a big deal to me, it just goes on my charge card anyway.

If I had to pick on or the other, it would be a tough choice, Wynn or Bellagio. I still think I would give Bellagio the edge. The spa tower is very nice, and I really like the location. I think there are more working girls at the Bellgio than Wynn, and that always makes for some nice scenery as well.

We saw Love at the Mirage, and all I can say is that if you like the Beatles and artistic expression, you must see it. Excellent. I have seen all the cirque shows in vegas, including Cheval (for those that remember that traveling horsey one at the Bellagio), and I would rate them as follows:
1. Mystere
2. Love
3. Cheval
4. Zumanity
5. LeReve (yes, I know, it’s Wynn, but threw it in there)
6. O
7. KA

Again, just my opinion

As far as food, ate at Mon Ami Gabi, outside with fountains in the foreground, excellent as always. Peppercorn filet was to die for. Ate at Grand Lux, excellent, way too much food. Ate at Isla, new Mexican restaurant at TI, and would highly recommend. Ate at Maggiano’s (sp?, at Fashion Show Mall), would not go back…..blah for me. Ate at Jean Jaques Boulangerie in Paris, and although prices have gone up signficantly, it’s still a good quick lunch. Ate at Cafe Bellagio one day at the counter and it was quick and good. Long line, but said we wanted to eat at the counter, and jumped ahead of everyone else.

Gambling - sucked at the Wynn, I had a couple of wins at TI, and had a couple of really nice wins playing Roulette on the $25 table at Bellagio. All said and done, still down for the trip however. what’s new.

I think that’s about it….back in Sept for 5 days staying at the Bellagio for a work related event, but will make sure I stay in the Spa tower. I love vegas….. the food, the hotels, the girls, the scenery, the shows, everything!