So, we've been to Vegas 4 times in the last 5 years staying at the IP, Venetian, TI, and PH on this last trip. Left on Boxing Day from Toronto, unfortunately, the day after the attempted terrorist attack, so delays at the airport. Honestly would rather that than the alternative. West Jet is an awesome airline with the best staff, so we'll always try to fly with them is we can.

Arrived at airport and shuttled over to the car rental place only to discover no cars available. Not impressed since we booked and paid in advance. Seems people weren't bringing back their cars at both Budget and Hertz. After much waiting and complaining finally got a car and we're off to PH.

We were exhausted as it was now in the wee hours and we've been travelling since 10 am the previous day because of all the dalays. Should have been more alert when desk person gave us a room on 6th floor as you can guess it look out onto concrete. Not a happy camper! Room looked a bit dejected, peeling paper, dirty rug, and smelled of smoke. Got a room change the next day, which they kindly forgot to mention it was next to the elevators. We just couldn't win this trip. This is why you stay at a 5 star. Never had any of these issues at the Venetian (love that place) and will have to stop trying new hotels.

As for food we went to our favs Ellis Island (can't beat price and quality is very good), Grand Lux Cafe, and Pink's hot dog's.

Hubby didn't do any gambling (strange I know), but I made up for it. I played at PH and Excalibur. PH was great as the dealers are friendly, crowd was good (no obnoxious players), and drink service good. Downside is the fact that they moved the poker room (if you can still call it a room) to the middle of the casino, so it is very loud and distracting. Not at all as nice a Caesars where I've enjoyed playing. Played probably 20+ hours, no really outstanding hands except quad Kings that I got paid off really well on as other player had a full house K's over A's. Overall for poker I was down $150 for the week and probably another $150 for various other table games and slots. I win pretty consistently at home, so I'm always disappointed that I can't convert a little of this luck and skill in Vegas. I did also play at Excalibur only because I see so many people comment about the game there. Big mistake, sat down with 8 old men with stacks well over $400 for $1-2 NL and defintely felt like an outsider to their little "home" game. Lost $50 pretty quickly when I had AK and flopped a K, I bet all the way and old man stayed in with something like 9-3 and caught two pair with last pair on the river. Hard to play with idiots with money, so cut my losses and left.

We did visit the new City Center and Aria casino and can't say I was impressed with either. Very dark casino that I felt depressed in after just a few minutes, had to get out into the sunshine.

Speaking of sunshine, there was little to be had. I forgot how cold it is in January, will have to remember to book future trips when I can use the pools as well as it makes for a much more enjoyable trip. I live in the North, so to vacation in the winter in cold weather doesn't make much sense?

Anyways it was a good experience to ring in New Year's on the strip, albeit a little dangerous getting back to the hotel afterwards. A bit of mosh-pitting going on. I'll chalk it up to had to do it once. Can't wait to go back, but think we'll hit a few hot spots (resorts or cruises)and give Vegas a rest, so I'll be really itching to get back.

Thanks for reading. I absolutely love reading everyone's posts even if they're long, it makes be feel like I'm almost there!