This was our 4th trip to Vegas from the UK, flying from Manchester
via Chicago. We've tried direct and indirect flights and tend to go
with the best price. We're still undecided if it's better to suffer a
long flight and get there in one go, or stop off for a break (and
meet with customs) on the way. We spent 2 nights at the Gold Coast,
one night at the Grand Canyon and 4 nights at the Imperial Palace.
Low rollers - we enjoy sight seeing and eating!

We left Manchester an hour and a half late, missing the connection at
O'Hare. While we were redirected on America West, our luggage
preferred to stay with United and arrived in Vegas before us -
thankfully it was on the carousel and waiting to go when we arrived!

We asked for a 'quick route' to the Gold Coast and were taken through
the tunnel. It came to $20 including tip. Not sure if this would be
considered good value, but it was a Saturday night and we didn't stop
in traffic.

Gold Coast: Our first stay here and probably not our last. Reasonable
rates and a comfy bed. Yes, the bathroom is tiny and a very gloomy
colour, but open the little window and you have a shower looking over
at the Stratosphere. We were given fun books at check in that gave us
free cocktails, free ice cream, 2 for 1 bowling, and free playing
cards from the souvenir shop. We took the short shuttle ride to the
Barbary Coast - this would be a MUST in the heat - don't be tempted
to walk it! The breakfast buffet was good with all the usual items
and the service was prompt and friendly.

<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/tours/grand-canyon-tours/>Grand
Canyon: We rented a Jeep for 4 days and really made good use of it.
The 5 hour drive to the Canyon seemed daunting but was easy to
follow. Food choices along the way were limited (Mc D's, Pizza etc).
The journey has been described as 'monotonous' but it was fascinating
to us because we had never ventured beyond the Strip area and were
eager to see more of the country. We stayed at Tusayan (in the Best
Western). The hotel was great, with cheap spacious suites. It's just
a mile from the South entrance and quiet at this time of year. The
Canyon was SENSATIONAL. We're so glad we went. Words can't do it
justice. We were able to drive around the
<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/tour/grand-canyon-south-rim/>Grand
Canyon South Rim and found this to be the better option than taking
the shuttle buses. From the end of February you have to take the bus
around the area and would lose a lot of the freedom. (I imagine it
gets so busy that there's no other way to do it.) There was still
snow on the ground which made for wintery pictures. We stopped at the
IMAX at Tusayan and it gave a great view of the Canyon from all
angles ($10 each, or $9 with coupon from the hotel.)<!--more-->

Imperial Palace: We've stayed here before and knew what to expect -
cheap and cheerful! We love the location and feel in the centre of
things there. The Palace has improved over the past few years and has
a good atmosphere, especially with the Dealertainers. We were given a
bizarre route to our room (no. 128) via the second floor to get back
to the first. It took some getting used to. The room was box-like but
clean and fresh and we didn't spend too long there. The rear of the
Palace has changed a lot and looks modern! There's a handy cut
through to Harrah's that avoids Carnival Court (just follow the
Monorail signs). We were staying here in the rain and it sure does
flood in the garage!

Little White
<http://www.las-vegas-weddings.paradisefoundtours.com/>Wedding
Chapel: We renewed our vows without having to leave the car! It was a
bright sunny morning with a shiny jeep, lovely husband, new diamond
ringŠwhat else could a girl wish for (apart from a big win!)? The
ceremony was surprisingly touching, despite the Minister hanging out
of the drive thru window. We were just dying to ask him if he did
fries too. We got the $10 polaroid as proof for the folks back home.

Food: Good food at the Rio Carnival World Buffet (we tried instead of
the Aladdin this time and were not disappointed). Paid at 10.50am,
just in time to pay breakfast prices and be ready for the beginning
of lunch at 11.00am. Cheesecake Factory - we always try to make one
pilgrimage here. Had a 'smaller' meal (soup/sandwich/salad) but still
no room for cheesecake so once again had to leave with a little take
out for later. In and Out burger - after recommendations from this
site we tried this place near Decatur. Certainly better than Mc D's
and the fries were gorgeous - just like real potato! Cyprus Street
(in Caesar's casino) - the place where you swipe a credit card for
food choices and pay at the end. This is a good option if you just
can't face another buffet. The hot turkey sandwiches are piled high
and the bbq chicken with jacket potato is really tasty. The 7 layer
chocolate cake is not to be sniffed at either.

Gambling: As already said, we're just low rollers playing slots here,
there and everywhere when we get that 'winning' feeling.
Unfortunately I get that feeling a lot but it's yet to pay off.
Favourites include Texas Tea and Double Diamond. I used to love Full
of Sheep but we can't find it anywhere anymore. Don't normally bother
with the 1c slots but found they lasted for ages and paid out
regularly. Ever so often I'd sneak guiltily into the higher limits
and put $5 on a single spin but it never worked. You can tell I'll
never be a high roller!

  Other Ramblings:
  - Big Elvis is certainly a lot bigger than when we last saw him. He
still sounds great but couldn't even stand up for long. He's not
looking good.
  - Thanks to a tip on this site, we took our used monorail cards to
the Flamingo and showed the Connection card. This gives $5 free slot
play and I managed to convert mine into $5 real money!
  - Finally managed to see the Fremont Street light show after 3
previous attempts. It was a good show (the patriotic one) but could
have been longer.
  - Wynn Resort looks nowhere near ready. It's a building site out
there. Can't wait to see it finished.

  Highs:
  - Everyone clapping on the plane as the pilot welcomes us to Las
Vegas (yippee!)
  - Desserts for breakfastŠlunchŠdinnerŠ
  - TITO machines for quicker transfer from machine to machine, and
keeping clean without all those coins
  - The Grand Canyon - go and see it!
  - Customs seem to be getting a lot quicker. It only took us 10 mins at O'Hare
  - Walmart! I just love all those bargains

  Lows:
  - Rude and inconsiderate neighbours shouting and slamming doors at
all hours, don't they think anyone may be sleeping in the middle of
the night? I like to get my own back going down for breakfast
  - $5 headphone hire at America West - and you have to give them back!
  - Rain! - we can get that at home anytime
  - The monorail leaks everywhere in the rain and is really slippy
  - Dragging suitcases through the casino at the end of the trip and
trying to stuff a few more dollars in machines as husband checks out.
  - Finally at the airport it's the realisation that I haven't won and
I've got to get back to normality for another YEAR!

Thanks to everyone who has written a trip report. Like others I love
printing them off and reading them at all hours. It's great to relive
the holiday from so many different points of view. Viva Las Vegas!

Paradise Found Tours maintains a website for The
<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/>Grand Canyon at
http://www.paradisefoundtours.com. The site provides information for
Grand Canyon tours, special news, fees and other pertinent
information.

Other valuable resources:
<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/tours/grand-canyon-tours/>Grand
Canyon Tours  |
<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/tours/las-vegas-tours/>Las Vegas
Tours  |
<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/tours/hoover-dam-tours/>Hoover Dam
Tours  |
<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/las-vegas-show-tickets/>Las Vegas
Shows  |
<http://www.paradisefoundtours.com/las-vegas-show-tickets/>Las Vegas
Show Tickets  |
<http://www.las-vegas-weddings.paradisefoundtours.com/>Las Vegas
Weddings