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Easter Weekend in Sin City

An April 2001 trip to Las Vegas by AndrewShih

The Fountain @ ParisMore Photos

An adventerous weekend in Vegas with a dozen of my friends.

  • 9 reviews
  • 6 photos

Easter Weekend in Sin CityBest of IgoUgo

Overview

The Fountain @ Paris
The brisk winds of the Windy City and the delay that accompanied them were an inauspicious start to a weekend getaway to the bright lights of Las Vegas. After viewing the magnificence of Mystère, the hopeful gambler proceeded to lose hand after hand at the blackjack tables. Three days and many dollars poorer, the tired but happy travelers returned happily to the peaceful confines of home, sweet home.

Quick Tips:

The weary traveler has learned that when flying out of O'Hare, any connection can be a very bad idea. The hopeful gambler has learned that playing blackjack after 3 in the morning can be detrimental to one's wallet.

Best Way To Get Around:

Even though the Strip's casinos look fairly close together, don't let the distance fool you. Be prepared for a lot of walking, even if you're staying on the Strip.

Aladdin Resort and Casino (CLOSED)Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Aladdin"

The newest of the MegaResorts on the Las Vegas Strip, the Aladdin is situated at the heart of the strip between Paris and MGM and across from Bellagio. While this is a beautiful hotel and casino, it does not have the ambience of the Bellagio, Venetian, or Mandalay Bay. The best aspect of the resort is the Spice Market buffet. This is a very good buffet with themed dishes from around the world. The biggest let down was the pool area, which consisted of a large sundeck and two small wading pools.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by AndrewShih on May 6, 2001

Aladdin Resort and Casino (CLOSED)
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

Doubletree Hotel O'Hare Airport - RosemontBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Due to the high winds at O''Hare, we were forced to stay overnight in Chicago. This hotel is approximately 2 miles from the airport and has 24 hour shuttle service. A solid business class hotel at a good price.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by AndrewShih on May 6, 2001

Doubletree Hotel O'Hare Airport - Rosemont
5460 North River Road Chicago, Illinois
(847) 292-9100

Spice Market BuffetBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Spice Market Buffet is another fine example of buffet dining in Las Vegas. Located downstairs from the Aladdin Casino floor, the Spice Market Buffet brings together a truly international offering of well prepared and authentic food.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AndrewShih on May 6, 2001

Spice Market Buffet
3667 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 785-5555

Grand BuffetBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "MGM Grand Buffet"

In striking contrast to the Aladdin's Spice Market Buffet, the MGM Grand Buffet is old and tired. The food is basic and uninspired and the selection is that of your typical buffet. Nothing to write home about. The Spice Market Buffet, Bellagio Buffet, and Paris Buffet are far superior to this mediocre offering.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by AndrewShih on May 6, 2001

Grand Buffet
3799 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
+1 702 891 1111

Bally's Big KitchenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Chang's"

A gorgeous dining room adds to the ambience of this solid Chinese restaurant. While advertised on Bally's website as an "extraordinary adventure in Asian cuisine," I would place this restaurant into the solid but not outstanding category. Compared to the outstanding and authentic Chinese cuisine in Los Angeles or San Francisco, , this restaurant falls a bit flat.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by AndrewShih on May 6, 2001

Bally's Big Kitchen
3645 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 736-4300

RA NightclubBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

RA is situated in the Luxor Casino to the left of the main Casino cage. Lines are long and dress to impress. Inside, you'll find a large dance floor pumping out Techo and Hip-Hop.

Our large group arrived well after midnight to the sounds of Dance and Techno. Beginning around 2, the L.A. based DJs pumped up the crowd with the best Hip-Hop I've heard in a long while.

Drinks are expensive, so come prepared.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AndrewShih on May 6, 2001

RA Nightclub
3900 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
+1 702 262 4400;

Las Vegas StripBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Las Vegas Strip"

Las Vegas Strip 2
There is almost nothing better than a stroll down the Strip at night. From the bright lights and magical sights of the MegaResorts to the hustle and bustle of thousands of vacationers in motion, the Vegas Strip is a unique stretch of asphalt.

Must sees on this walking tour are the Bellagio Fountains which appear every 30 minutes, the erupting Volcano at the Mirage and the Pirate battles that take place at Treasure Island.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AndrewShih on May 6, 2001

Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas, Nevada

MystereBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mystère"

If you have the chance to only see one show while in Vegas, I would highly recommend Cirque du Soleil's Mystère. Mystère is a combination of comedy, mystery, athleticism, and artistry. It will leave you with a sense of awe and inspiration. Be sure to buy your tickets well in advance, as the shows sell out fast.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AndrewShih on May 6, 2001

Mystere
3300 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 796-9999

About the Writer

AndrewShih
AndrewShih
Buffalo Grove, Illinois

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