Went out to LV for a work conference and was able to play some poker in the evenings and weekend prior. Played in the Ladies event at Ceasars, and was pleased with my play but lost when my pocket Aces got cracked by Kings. Went over to meet a couple of friend in time to play in a Planet Hollywood tourn. (nice staff) There was some weak play and multiple rebuys at my table. I was pretty card dead and should have instead eaten dinner. Played in the Sahara event which was great. I thought structure(along with the rebuy) allowed enough time for some good play. Two things I was suprised about were (1)that players could rebuy/addon during the game and then if they bust out they could go register again. (2) I have never seen so many shown hands before. Almost every other hand at my table was shown. I did not make the money and had every intention of going back to play again -just never made it.
I rented a car because I was familiar with Vegas and had friend with me who has never been. Made the visit to the Dam and Red Rock Canyon. Renting a car was worth it - just make sure you travel on the side streets on the weekend. Hwy 15, or Koval and Valet everywhere.
Stayed at MGM for 2 nights but never made it to their poker room. We went down to Fremont on Sunday and tried the California 6.99 Prime Rib. I did not have high expectations but it was really good. At Binions they were spreading a Omaha 8/B and had a couple hours of fun.(+75) Was just beat and called it a day.
Checked into Mandalay Bay Monday for my conference and in the evening headed to the poker room. I had registerd at the convention rate ($250) and had hope to save a little money with the poker rate. The poker room would not give me a rate even if I had the required hours of play. There was 1 sit-n-go going 2 1/2 tables 1 2/5, and 1 4/8 Limit. I spent the most time here an my last night because I didn't have the energy to get out. The room is fine but I would not make the stop here next visit.
Stopped by the TI and there were 3 of us. My 2 friends played 1/2 and since there wasn't any othe seats avail. I just played 4/8L. The new tables were really nice and it was refreshing to play with new clean chips. I asked the dealer if LVM was there and he just looked at me and said I don't know. Really didn't seem like he cared either. We stayed about an hour but my friends for some reason didn't like their table. The each told me seperatly that they felt like there was something wrong at their table that a couple of guys were working together. I don't know maybe my friends were just playing poorly.
The room I liked the most was the Venetian. I went down there myself and played for 6-7 hours and had a great time. One guy at our table, an older chinese fellow would fall asleep we would let him know when it was his turn. Nice guy-but he always won. I floped a straight and he went all in with his pocket Aces. He hit runner runner 8,A, to fill up and double up. That was pretty much how my week went. The other notable thing was the Greg Raymer decide to stop by and play a little 2/5 NL at the adjacent table. It didn't take long for a little crowd to form aound his table. I didn't talk to him but he just seemed like a really nice guy.
Thanks to everyone on this site for recomendations! I tell all my friends to check out this site - it is great!