2011 Las Vegas Update, Change is Good

My living room in my suite at the Tropicana

Visiting Las Vegas at least twice a year is important in keeping up with the ever changing hotels, casinos and of course my favorite the new restaurants.  This visit was hosted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau, with little time to relax we inspected 12 hotel properties all of which have gone into the upgrade mode to meet the demands of the new Las Vegas visitor.  I am always impressed when I have a chance to visit hotels, restaurants and Spas instead of the loud music of the casino or casino bars and show rooms.  Las Vegas has made several changes in the direction of satisfying the ever changing needs of the tourist or visitor from catering to the super rich and famous to making the stay of the average person seem over the top, where luxury is now expected with room rates no longer at $39 a night they are closer to $249 a night mid-week and higher on the weekends.  Is the new rates worth the money, I'd say so with full suites offering multiple entertainment, views, spas, saunas, double vanities, walk in showers, heated bathroom floors plus wet bars and 24 hour room service.  You pay $199 for a room in the city or in New York and San Francisco an average room can range closer to $375 a night with little room to turn around in.  In Europe an upscale room will cost you close to $600 +++++ depending on the location and amenities, so the value is in Las Vegas!  It is hard to convince the old timers (like me) that the new rates are a good value until you experience the new room styles, sizes and amenities. 

I will show you some more pictures of my room below:

My bedroom at the Tropicana - all new





Spa Tub in my bedroom at the Tropicana, seats 4

The double sink back to back sinks, vanity at the Tropicana - nice for couples getting ready

View from my living room and bedroom bay windows

I didn't take pictures of the lobby as it is still not finished to the new standards and look of the New Tropicana, however; it looks promising and I'm excited they are bringing this old jewel back to life and not imploding it as they have some many other older properties.

I checked into the Planet Hollywood - formally the new Aladdin and it is very nice in its own rights, not my favorite property but none the less nice.  The key thing that I loved about the Planet Hollywood was the cafe it offered young servers with spirit, energy and knowledge.  In the "old Vegas" it wasn't uncommon for a server to come to your table with a "Vegas Voice" looking worn and torn as if they've been gambling, smoking, drinking for the past 60 years, not that anything was wrong with this type of server, often fun and funny as they've seen it all - but it is nice to see young college age servers working hard and seemingly enjoying it.  Just a different feel and look for the average visitor, with a little more class and energy.  The dancing girls at the Black Jack tables and loud music at the Planet Hollywood was not enjoyable, however; there is always a quiet spot in every casino if you seek it out to relax. 

Here is a picture of my standard room at the Planet Hollywood:  not bad at all!

The rooms are sharp and modern without too much luxury but with all the needs of a nice room at a great rate.  I would stay here again for a casual stay, not a long stay as the "suite life" is a better value in my opinion.

Here are the other properties we reviewed in no order of preference, some are of course my favorite:
PH Towers - part of the Planet Hollywood complex - full kitchens with some amazing amenities!

Monte Carlo - an MGM classic hotel, upgraded rooms, average for the newer Vegas

Aria - what can I say, this place just rocks my world, class, style, comfort, ultra cool amenities

Vdara - condo to hotel complex, limited dining, one bar, no gaming, to cold and small for my tastes
Paris - the newer "Red Rooms" are awesome in decor, I like the Paris, vibrant and fun, good rooms
Ballys - older property, pending an major upgrade and is needed, rooms are good size but dated
Bellagio - top property, three new color schemes, dreamy suites , serenity & class 100% - love it!
Golden Nugget - old time classic, love the pool area, casino, restaurants, spa suites are awesome!

Things that happen in Vegas stays in Vegas, well not when I go for sure - we had some amazing meals sponsored by the hotels and Convention Bureau a proud offering by all and they should be, one night we had a reception at a lounge in the Bellagio with finger foods that top most full service restaurants, including deep fried mac-n-cheese, sliders, lobster tacos and house made hot donuts with melted milk chocolate or / and softened peanut butter.  Our night at the Brazilian Restaurant in the Miracle Mile sponsored by the hotel was another over the top event, food was never ending and as tasty as you can imagine, my mouth is still watering.  You start with a large salad bar and then the servers start bringing the meats, seafood never ending.  Before I forget the dinner sponsored by the Tropicana at the new Beach restaurant was another spectacular meal, offered as a limited menu of a seared steak, sea bass or pasta, starting with a fresh salad and ending with a piece of Chocolate Cake that only can be described as decadent and enough for two at the minimum.  Okay, you get the point as in my previous blogs I can write about foods from Las

One more thing, the Cosmopolitan is something special in the City Center one amenity is the Chandelier Lounge, three floors of bar / lounge wrapped with a crystal chandelier, the picture isn't a good as it should be but you'll get the idea - a way cool factor for sure!

It is cool and much better in person, the drinks rock!

My last note before you fall asleep reading this blog, on the floor above this lounge there is a court area that has a pool table, to the right of the pool table is a hallway with photos all over it, no name over the door or hall - go down it and take a chance and order your choice of what they serve and let me know how good it is, what is it, well that is for you to find out, but it is $6.00 a portion and without a doubt the best I've ever eaten!  Let me know if you are brave enough to find this hideaway.





MS Amsterdam - Holland America, she's still dreamy!

Hitting the high seas has never been better!

Often I write about the cruise lines, how I enjoy the changes and modern amenities that better suit younger, forward thinking and mobile adults.  I'm not saying that the cruise line is abandoning seniors as you all know the groups I travel with are by far the greatest generation to live, the average age of my traveling companions on this trip was 75 plus!  Remember age is only a number and with life being more fulfilling than at any time in the past our friends are living longer with more vitality then the previous generations.  I truly love sharing my life with our seniors, like sailing on an Ocean Liner or as it will a cruise ship this generation is creating a much better life for us all.

MS Amsterdam, christened in 2000 is always changing, upgrading and keeping us coming back for more, she is a wonderful ship and experience on the high seas.

Docked in Victoria, B.C.



On this cruise my cabin staff or stewards were Wayan & Gede, both fine stewards with a kind word each day, without a doubt one of the things I most enjoy about Holland America is the gentle, attentive service by all its staff.  I've traveled on many lines, all have great points that separate them from each other, however; I do believe Holland America is the master at the kinder side of service.  One night as I entered my cabin I noticed a "towel animal" hanging from the ceiling to great me home for the night, just happens my steward had opened my door for me, as I stated the surprise of the hanging gift he stated "for your protection and a safe nights sleep".  I thought that was very nice while keeping with a cruise ship tradition, he didn't need to say anything but it was the appropriate thing to say or so I thought so.  I took the towel animal down and placed him on my bed as not to have the steward have to do it in the morning.  Sometimes it is the little things that make you feel at home with the new cruise line services, I can remember in the early 80's sailing on a ship and having fellow passengers say "who are those invisible people who keep cleaning up our cabins and are never seen"?  This was true, you never saw them, like a ninga in the dark or maybe hiding under my bed?  This system has changed 100% over the years, the stewards are part of your experience and they can make or break your cruise trust me!  I've had this happen with a passenger who was traveling with me with a group and the steward was abrasive to her about a situation, it may or may not of been the fault of the steward but none the less it left a bad feeling for the passenger.  This is so very rare and one must take in all the facts to draw a conclusion and I'm not going to do that, but also wanted you to know I'm realistic and not everything is perfect every day.  Okay, in my world it is, but that might be unrealistic to you.

Here is my cabin protector:

He or she is cute don't you think so?



We had a wonderful trip, hit a storm coming onto the West Coast about 2:30 a.m. and for me this was like rocking chair experience, I loved it and rocked with the ship as she bounced in and out of the water, hearing the waves and wind thrash against the side of the ship.  Not scary at all, I loved it and the next morning much to my surprise some of our traveling companions didn't even feel the storm.

Remember the new "open dining" option now available on most cruise ships, this allows you to dine when you want with whom you wish, not like the old days when you had to eat with the same people every night.  I love this option and makes the experience more like going out to dinner with your family, loved ones and friends.  Their will always be an option to do "traditional dining" as in the old days, some single cruisers like this as not to have to dine alone, but for me, I'd rather have a small table for two and take my book, even if it is an electronic one.  One of the great dining options on Holland America is the Italian option set up in the buffet area, it is call Canaletto's - a coursed traditional Italian meal served with mock Italian Waiters, fun, entertaining and the food is a nice break from the main dining room menus.  They start with an automatic basic of fresh breads to dip in your own plate of Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar and let me tell you it is quality stuff here!  At dessert time the chef prepared a little surprise for everyone in the intimate dining room and prepared Cotton Candy for each table, now that took me back a few years for sure. 

Las Vegas style full productions and that is a real treat for sure. 

We visited several ports below is a picture of our ship in the bay as we tendered to the shore, while visiting the port we enjoyed local artists and an old fashion classic Steam Engine Train to the historic saw mills many, many years ago.

Amsterdam is majestic for sure

A few other ports included some wonderful gardens while in bloom this late in the year is due to the late summer on the West Coast - enjoy the photo. 

Gardens at a local hotel in port

While in port we had the pleasure of seeing another "DAM" ship, as Holland America likes to announce their ships, it is the Oosterdam and is quite a bit larger than our modest Amsterdam with some of the newer options, still with the wonderful services of the Holland America Line.

When I cruise it allows me to escape to a peaceful place on earth, time to reflect, read and do some self discovery.  I spend time sitting on the Promenade Deck watching the ocean as we steam along the open waters or stop by the library for a quick read, puzzle or lounge on the over sized furniture and gaze out the large picture windows.  Of course there is the other side of cruising, the SPA with hot tubs, therapists, gyms massage therapy, hair studio and more.  Imagine sitting on a heated tiled bench full length while you watch the waters pass by creating an amazing sense of self!  This is a very special quiet room that if you're not into meditation this will help you unwind and rejuvenate your mind, soul and body in an inviting sense of tranquility.  The sounds of the water trickling down the center fountain to also help create the unique sense of you.  Don't miss this room even if you only take a few hours one day to try it out, you'll be hooked for sure and it will stay with you long after the cruise has ended making your return to the daily grind seem effortless.

Another unique amenity on the Amsterdam is the retracting roof over the main pool, it is closed during inclement weather creating a tropical feel so everyone can enjoy the pool in any season or location around the world.  The area is even used one night during the cruise for the "dessert" extravaganza, artful pastries, chocolates, cheeses and wines along with amazing Ice Carvings to delight even the hardest to impress.  This is one of my favorite themed events offered during most cruises, not to say that the Brunch during one of the sea days is anything to miss, but this event is held at 11:30 p.m. with special lighting along with great music to make it a real event.  You know along with daily afternoon Tea and all the other dining venues, maybe living on a cruise ship might be a great way to polish off the golden years, who knows?

I hope to see you on a cruise in the near future!

Please remember if you can take your elderly neighbor, friend, relative or even someone in need on a cruise it will not only be rewarding and a life long memory for the invited friend or soon to be your friend it will lift your own spirits and meaning.  I truly believe we each can share in our own way, this is my way and your way is just as important for sure, I just wanted to mention that if you can share, please do; happy sailing!