DL Trans-Con JFK-LAS and LAX-JFK (Part 2)

This is a continuation of my first leg of this entire four part report, no flights will be shown in this part of the report only a trip to a desert oasis. To see part one, click on the link below:

DL Trans-Con JFK-LAS And LAX-JFK (Part 1) (Pics!) (by Phileet92 Feb 23 2008 in Trip Reports)

Overview

For schools in the northeast, kids get a break usually in the middle of February so that they can take a break from the cold, or even enjoy it. In my case, I'm flying to the west so I can enjoy some sunshine and heat in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. I will be travelling with my mom, dad, aunt, and grandmother. I know what some of you guys out there might think, kid going to Las Vegas? I'm more excited about the flying part and just getting out of ordinary high school life. Anyways, we would be flying into Las Vegas, driving through the desert and going home through Los Angeles, spending two nights in Las Vegas at the Monte Carlo hotel & casino (which recently caught on fire) and spending another two nights at the Renaissance Montura Hotel at LAX.

DAY 1

The Monte Carlo hotel& casino

We got a fairly good rate for a hotel on the strip from the Monte Carlo website and decided to stay there. Any ways it was only supposed to be a two night stay so nothing fancy would be needed and we would be outside and walking around about three fourths of the day. This is a Triple AAA rated four diamond hotel which is fairly nice but not like the Bellagio or MGM Grand. Driving into the main entrance, our taxi driver showed us where the hotel caught on fire a few weeks ago. For a few weeks, it was a huge improvement form what I saw on CNN. There were still workings finishing up the paint on the sides and sharpening up the mason work. Check in was a breeze and quickly made out way to the elevator and the rooms. I noticed that floors 23-32 were still closed off. I guess the fire did cause some serious damage to the inside of the hotel. It was only when I arrived on the seventh floor where I was staying did I notice how enormous this hotel was. From the center where the elevators were located, the hotel branched off into three directions with rooms as far as the eye can see. My room had a view of the new City Center Hotel, Casino, Apartment Complex, etc. they were building next door. I have to say that it was huge! The entire outer structure was glass and basically covered the area of maybe two Monte Carlos! My room was a standard deluxe room and was pretty comfortable. We reserved two rooms and asked for connecting rooms at the front desk so it was basically a suite. At the time, many restaurants and amenities were still closed off due to the recent reopening.

LAS VEGAS Strip (DAY 1)

It was about time for lunch. Getting a real feel for Vegas and finally catching some fresh desert air, we took a stroll down to the Bellagio. It was only next door to us but was separated by the City Center construction site. You had to be walking right next to the site to realize the size of it. Las Vegas has really changed since the last time I've been here which was probably five years ago. It was a sunny day but we would be expecting some evening showers. Last time I was in Vegas, there was still a hotel named the Aladdin. Sad how it went so quickly. Planet Hollywood now takes control of the hotel.


Then the Aladdin Hotel and Casino....now Planet Hollywood

[b[Bellagio[/b]

Every time I pass this place I am just stunned by the perfection of this building. A large lake in front with shops and restaurants lining the lake and main structure that just wraps around the lake is just a masterpiece itself. The buffet is where my first meal in Vegas will be. I recommend the buffet at the Bellagio strongly. Prices are right and the food tastes great!!! Not to mention the service!!! There is a great seasonal exhibit at the Bellagio's indoor garden with decorations promoting Chinese New Year. The Bellagio unlike all the other casinos was actually really crowded. Exiting through the front door, immediately I hear loud bangs. Walking a few more steps forward, I saw the Fountains shooting into the air in sync with the music. It was truly an amazing sight. A great way to end off lunch and start the afternoon!


The Bellagio


Chinese New Year Exhibit in the Bellagio's indoor garden


Year of the Rat


Bellagio's Glass flower ceiling over the Lobby area


The fountains of Bellagio in front of PARIS as we walk out of the main entrance


Fountains of Bellagio


Grand Finale!!! End of the song/ show

Caesar's Palace

I agree with the name. I'm sure if Caesar was still alive today, this would definitely be his palace. With fountains, gardens, statues, 3,348 rooms in five towers, and even a mall this I wouldn't call this a hotel, I would say a city within a city. I was truly impressed with the Forum Shops, a mall that is connected with the hotel. Its ceiling paintings, stone columns and spiral escalator set this place apart from any old mall. I did mention a spiraling escalator before, YES!!! A spiral escalator, I think this is the first of its kind. It was very interesting to ride on.


Caesar's Palace from the front along with naked beheaded statue


Caesar himself


The Forum Shops (Mall)


Fountain outside of the Forum Shops (Mall)


Main Entrance to the Forum Shops


Spiral Escalators and inside of the mall


Day 2

Mandalay Bay

My first morning in Las Vegas started at Mandalay Bay. Well, my family and I took a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge at New York New York, crossed into Excalibur, walked through the pyramid at Luxor and took the free tram into Mandalay Bay. We had breakfast at the Buffet at Mandalay Bay and this is where we would pick up. The buffet was very nice and included many selections from eggs, to leg of lamb, smoked salmon, country gravy and biscuits, cereal, you name it!!! The ceiling was at cruising altitude!!! Really high ceiling in the dining room and floor to ceiling glass windows really brightened up the room and made breakfast quite enjoyable.
The slots were really favoring my mom that day. To get back to the Monte Carlo so we could rest up for lunch and the afternoon, we went from Mandalay bay back to Luxor, Excalibur, Crossed over to MGM Grand, and finally back to Monte Carlo. My mom stopped at five slot machines on the way there and each one of them spat out about $100. The best part is that it only took a couple minutes each!!! Finally upon leaving MGM Grand, she put in five bucks and drew out another $240. Lady Luck on her side???


Statue of Liberty at New York New York


Excalibur



Down the Strip at night


The Venetian

The Venetian is a themed of course according to its name Venice, Italy. I'd say that Venetian is as much a masterpiece as Bellagio with replicas of the Rialto Bridge, Canal ways inside the hotel, ceiling painted as it was a sky, and gondolas sailing down next to the shops. I had a burger at Johnny Rockets in the food court for dinner along with union rings and a cookies and cream shake. DELICIOUS!!! I'm not sure if all Johnny rockets do this but music came on and the entire staff at Johnny Rockets came out and started to dance to the music. Very well choreographed too! I felt risky and got up to join them!!! Lots of fun but I kinda felt awkward because everyone eating just stopped and looked at us. The manager gave me a Johnny Rockets pin after it was finished. THANKS A LOT GUYS!!!


St. Mark's Square


Gondola outside at night


Ceiling painting


Grand Canal and Gondola lined with shops


Venetian's main tower, Venezia tower, and Rialto Bridge


Fountains at Bellagio and "O"

We finished the meal just in time to walk over to Bellagio, enjoy another fountain show and see "O" the famed Cirque Du Soleil show at the Bellagio. It includes synchronized swimmers, acrobats, clowns, and divers all performing on a stage that raises so that there can be above water acts and sinks so that it reveals a pool.
The fountains were once again an amazing sight to see and we made our way to the "O" Theater. People were already lining up at the entrance. I had a seat in the section 203 located right smack in the center of the theater.
This was my second time seeing the show and I have to say that it was better the second time!!! Music was very touching and even though most of the time you have no idea what they're trying to say, its just a show that really touches you.


Majestic Bellagio at Night


Fountains


More Fountains


Personally, my favorite shot of the fountains


Grand Finale end of song/ show


"O" by Cirque Du Soleil


Bellagio's sign on the Strip

Conclusion

This is the end of my time in Las Vegas. Overall, there should be more attractions fit for kids that do have to come along with their parents, it is AMERICA's PLAYGROUND not AMERICA's ADULT PLAYGROUND. Either way, food was excellent, hotels were stunning, and was once again a great experience. Hopefully the next time I come back, I hope I could place a bet or two. The next morning, I would be leaving Las Vegas and we would be driving through the Mojave Desert to Los Angeles, California for two days!!!

Thanks Again for Reading!!!

Phileet92

Next Trip Report: DL TransCon JFK-LAS and LAX-JFK (Part 3)

[Edited 2008-02-24 14:29:49]