Weekend in Vegas

I took a cab here from LAS, which was super cheap – only about $15. I read a tip somewhere to the cab driver to “avoid the tunnel,” whatever that means, so I said that and about 10 minutes later arrived at my introduction to the most artificial place in the world:  Las Vegas.

I went to Las Vegas for the weekend to hang out with a friend from high school. It had been a couple of years, and a visit was overdue. Also, Ms. Britney Spears announced a residency at Planet Hollywood, so that was reason enough for us. Add to that Shania Twain at Caesar’s Palace, and you have a recipe for the gayest weekend ever.

The reason I chose MLife hotels was because of their relationship with Hyatt. Since I’m Platinum with Hyatt, I was automatically Gold with Mlife, which gave me more points when gambling, priority checkin/checkout, and a few other nifty benefits. But most importantly, it would give me stay credits with Hyatt and also earn me Hyatt Gold Passport points, which I really wanted.

Hyatt is not the only hotel brand to announce partnership in Vegas. Recently, Marriott forged a partnership with Caesar’s. But I think Hyatt’s is the strongest for points earning, and the best all-around.

I had two nights at New York-New York, Thursday and Friday, and Saturday night at Excalibur because the daily rate was MUCH better there. Also, another stay credit with Hyatt. 😉

Checkin was easy enough. I was on the 21st floor in room 217o-something. I didn’t realize it would be a loooong long long (did I mention long) trek down a twisty, turn-y hallway. I actually wondered if I’d ever get to the room once I got off the elevator. Most of the hotels in Vegas are ACRES large. They’re set up for you to enter and never leave. And if you do want to leave, god help you when finding the exit. The signs are (I think, intentionally) hard to find and getting out is a project.

Anyway, the room, once I reached it, was cute.

The room

The room itself was fine. It was clean, quiet, and relatively modern. In Vegas, I wasn’t expecting miracles and I knew I was getting what I paid for.

The hotel is situated at the southern point of “The Strip,” and is connected via a walkway to Excalibur. The bed was comfortable, the room was quieter than I expected it to be, and, for a short weekend trip, I really couldn’t have asked for more.

That’s a lie. I would’ve liked to’ve had bottled water in the room and breakfast service, but: it’s Vegas. EVERYTHING is a la carte, and everything is expensive. The hotels here give you the bare minimum, right down to the bath products. But I knew that. So I guess I got exactly what I expected.

The hotel

What a trip, man. This place is nuts. It has a LOT going on: restaurants, bars, and gambling for days.

Just for fun

Bottom line

I had a great time visiting friends and exploring Vegas. And of course, the shows!

I played $20 in the slot machines just for kicks, even though I’m not much of a gambler. Can’t go to Vegas without playing a slot machine or two, though, right?

New York-New York hotel was just fine for the type of fun weekend I was going for. There are numerous properties on the strip from Best Western to Caesar’s to Four Seasons to Planet Hollywood to… you name it. It all depends on what you’re looking to experience. Be sure to get points though, for wherever you decide to stay!

For a quick, fun getaway weekend where I just needed a room to sleep in the evenings, New York-New York was absolutely fine, and a great way to rack up some Hyatt points and credits.

I’d definitely consider staying here again if ever I pass through Vegas for a show or whatever. It’s certainly very close to the airport. Just remember: in Vegas, you definitely get what you pay for. Oh, and the house always wins. 🙂

* If you liked this post, consider signing up to receive free blog posts in an RSS reader and you’ll never miss an update!