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Vegas trip report '08

As we spend our last morning in Las Vegas getting ready to head for home, I can't help but feel somewhat disappointed in this years trip.

Oh, I don't know! Maybe I've just become too finicky in my old age, and easily disappointed when things don't meet up to expectations, especially since the Wine Spectator Grand Tour (our main reason for coming to Vegas this year) was great. We got to taste so many top wines you don't often get to taste, including the 2003 Casanova De Neri, Tenuta Nuova Vineyard, Brunello de Montacino, and the 2004 Joseph Phelps Insignia, just to name a few.

Plus we got to see Jersey Boys, which I have been wanting to see for a long while, and by itself may have been worth the trip [IOW, I highly recommend it], so I can't complain too much.

But I remember last years trip to Las Vegas, which incidentally was exactly one year ago this weekend, as being so much more enjoyable, and that was principally due of the choice of hotels.

Since the main reason for coming to Las Vegas this year was to attend Wine Spectator Grand Tour, being held at the Venetian, that is where we decided to stay, instead of the Wynn, where we stayed last year.

But from the moment we arrived at the Venetian, to an entranced mobbed with cars, taxis and limos dropping people off, to the private check in area (I booked the concierge level), which wasn't all that private, to the exorbitantly long walk to get to the room, and then the same exorbitantly long walks back to everything, I just knew I booked the wrong hotel.

Oh I know, you're probably thinking you don't go to Las Vegas to stay in your room. You go for the shows, the gambling and the food, which were good, and even though the Venetian is a very nice hotel, with big and luxurious rooms, it's the overall hotel ambiance that sets the stage for me, and the Venetian just didn't measure up.

Still the trip was worthwhile, I just believe it would have been even more enjoyable, had we stayed at the Wynn.

Oh well, there's always next year.

Comments

Becky said…
So, other than the long walk, you had a good time?
Marc said…
Oh yeah. It was fun, and Jersey Boys definitely made the trip. I just think I would have been happier had I stayed at the Wynn.

Of course some of my disappointment could have had something to do with the fact I didn't win any money. :(
Becky said…
I find it rather ironic that for someone who exercises DAILY you would complain about walking!

You crack me up.
The Venetian tries really hard and certainly is one of the best resorts on the Las Vegas strip. However, I agree: It isn't Wynn.

Wynn Las Vegas is in a class by itself. Not just for Las Vegas, but it holds its own against many of the top resorts in the world. This despite having thousands of rooms (when most top-rated resorts are boutique size).

Steve Wynn knows what he's doing! Couldn't agree with you more.

Ted Newkirk
Managing Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com
Marc said…
Thanks Ted!

It's good to know I'm not the only one who feels that way.

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