Vegas, Fun for Big Kids

Hilton Grand Vacations Club (HGVC) on the Las Vegas Strip

Hotel | "HGVC on the Las Vegas Strip"

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My Wife and I stayed for five nights using our Hilton timeshare points. Our friends joined us. We stayed in a 'penthouse' suite in Tower 2 on the 32nd floor. Our friends stayed in a regular suite on the 8th. Penthouse level rooms have upgraded amenities including larger flat screen TVs, Bose 5.1 surround sound, cathedral ceilings, multiple jets in the shower, and Jacuzzi jets in the tub.From our room, we could see the MGM, the Wynn, Palms, Rio, and others. The rooms facing the strip have a limited view of Las Vegas Blvd. because of a high-rise condo tower next door. The higher floors of the next new towers might offer a better view.The hotel is quiet even with construction across ...Read More

My Wife and I stayed for five nights using our Hilton timeshare points. Our friends joined us. We stayed in a 'penthouse' suite in Tower 2 on the 32nd floor. Our friends stayed in a regular suite on the 8th. Penthouse level rooms have upgraded amenities including larger flat screen TVs, Bose 5.1 surround sound, cathedral ceilings, multiple jets in the shower, and Jacuzzi jets in the tub.

From our room, we could see the MGM, the Wynn, Palms, Rio, and others. The rooms facing the strip have a limited view of Las Vegas Blvd. because of a high-rise condo tower next door. The higher floors of the next new towers might offer a better view.

The hotel is quiet even with construction across the street. The rooms are dark when the curtains are closed. The A/C was not noisy. All the kitchen features you expect from any HGVC were available. The hot water is instantly very hot! Water pressure is great.

My only problem was the Bose system would turn itself on at random times. Engineering service arrived within seven minutes of my call. Apparently Bose 5.1 units can interfere with each other if their radio signals overlap. They changed my base system to use a different radio frequency, and the problem was resolved. If you return late at night, you may have to park farther from the doors. A new parking structure is currently being built.

The pool area seemed smaller than other HGVC properties we've stayed at. I'm only guessing if Hilton will build additional pools when the new towers are built. The fitness center is very good; its hours are from 6am to 10pm.

The convenience store was comfortably stocked, and had good prepared deli foods. The line for coffee at the deli gets pretty long in the mornings, even though you get Starbucks coffee packets in the room for the coffeemaker. The ladies didn't use the day spa, but it had nice decor and listed all services you'd expect. Lunch by the pool was very good, and reasonably priced. Standard fare, apps, sandwiches, burgers, salads, mixed drinks, etc.

Security is very noticeable and pleasant at this hotel; it was very comforting. The concierge service is quite capable of helping you book a tour or show. They did provide us with some excellent restaurant tips. They have a special Japanese-speaking desk for Japanese travelers. Free 802.11b Wi-Fi in this hotel. But watch out for Internet and printing fees in the business center. Read the fees and instructions carefully!

They are still selling timeshares at this hotel. They have two offices onsite, one for existing owners, and one for potential buyers. In my opinion, this is the nicest Hilton property in Vegas.

(aka TumbleWyed on the net) Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 14, 2007

Hilton Grand Vacations Club (HGVC) on the Las Vegas Strip
2650 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 765-8300

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Delmonico Steakhouse

Restaurant

Quote:

A $215 dinner for two. Was it worth it?I wanted to treat my wife and myself to a really nice evening out in Vegas. We had a great meal, and a good time. So I suppose it was worth it.We had reservations for the evening of April 3, and were seated immediately upon arrival. The host sized us up for a second, but wasn't obvious about it. We were dressed smart, or business casual, and were seated in a quiet corner of the front room. It wasn't until I went to the restroom that I learned that those dressed down are relegated to a glass enclosed "casual room" tucked away from view.We enjoyed the crab cakes appetizer and a garden salad before the main course. Both were very good. I also...Read More

A $215 dinner for two. Was it worth it?

I wanted to treat my wife and myself to a really nice evening out in Vegas. We had a great meal, and a good time. So I suppose it was worth it.

We had reservations for the evening of April 3, and were seated immediately upon arrival. The host sized us up for a second, but wasn't obvious about it. We were dressed smart, or business casual, and were seated in a quiet corner of the front room. It wasn't until I went to the restroom that I learned that those dressed down are relegated to a glass enclosed "casual room" tucked away from view.

We enjoyed the crab cakes appetizer and a garden salad before the main course. Both were very good. I also had a glass of chianti. While the specials looked very appealing we figured we should sample the house specialty—steak.

My wife had the filet mignon. I ordered the steak tenderloins with scallops. For the sides, we ordered garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. When you read this, you might not think of this selection as true fine dining. But the presentation, preparation, and taste were up to our already high expectations.

The steaks were cooked perfectly. The scallops wonderfully tender. The leftover filet still tasted terrific and melted on the palate for breakfast, the morning after.

My wife was disappointed with the banana creme pie or cake. It didn't taste very lively to me either. But I thoroughly enjoyed my personal-sized pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. The ice cream was obviously homemade (in their kitchen) and was very light and fluffy sweet.

The great food was matched with impeccable, doting service that wasn't haughty. The soft jazz, food presentation, and general atmosphere were what I consider signature Emeril.

I was, however, oddly surprised that for a restaurant that is only 4 years old (opened in 2003), the leather chairs were beat up and tattered.

Chairs aside, dining at Delmonico is an experience on par with other four- and five-star restaurants in big cities like New York, LA, or Chicago.

(aka TumbleWyed on the net) Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 14, 2007

Delmonico Steakhouse
3355 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 414-3737

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Firefly on Paradise

Restaurant | "Firefly on Paradise Rd."

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Tapas-style dining allows you to sample lots of different dishes. You can order as little or as much as you'd like to suit your appetite. Firefly, on Paradise Road, is one of two tapas restaurants in Vegas. I can't speak about Cafe Ba Ba Reeba (at the Fashion Mall), but Firefly's menu is an infusion of Spanish, Asian, and other food flavors.We went with friends, and I recommend you do the same. It's more fun, and you can order more and sample more.Their mojitos (a minty Cuban rum drink) tasted pretty authentic though I'm not a fan. I preferred their sangria; fruity and just as refreshing on a warm evening.I can't describe all the dishes we had that night. After the alcohol, can you...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 15, 2007

Firefly on Paradise
3900 Paradise Rd
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 369-3971

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Shibuya

Restaurant

Quote:

It seems there are sushi joints all over the place these days. Even the local supermarket sells prepared sushi."Authentic" sushi is hard to find. Most sushi restaurants are owned by Chinese or Koreans. If you're lucky enough to find a Japanese sushi chef, the sushi menu is usually Americanized with entries like "M-16" or "Brooklyn" rolls.My buddy and I have traveled extensively throughout Asia, including long stints in Japan. We don't claim to be experts, but we both speak conversational Japanese. Shibuya at the MGM is pretty authentic. This was my second visit in 7 years. The wait staff actually are Japanese. They have a pretty good selection of tempura (agemono or deep-fried items), ...Read More

It seems there are sushi joints all over the place these days. Even the local supermarket sells prepared sushi.

"Authentic" sushi is hard to find. Most sushi restaurants are owned by Chinese or Koreans. If you're lucky enough to find a Japanese sushi chef, the sushi menu is usually Americanized with entries like "M-16" or "Brooklyn" rolls.

My buddy and I have traveled extensively throughout Asia, including long stints in Japan. We don't claim to be experts, but we both speak conversational Japanese. Shibuya at the MGM is pretty authentic. This was my second visit in 7 years. The wait staff actually are Japanese. They have a pretty good selection of tempura (agemono or deep-fried items), hibachi (griddle cooked meats and veggies prepared in front of you), udon (noodles and soups), and of course sushi and sashimi (raw fish).

On my previous visit, we had hibachi dinners. (the cooking performance was quite entertaining). I'll keep this review to the quality of the raw stuff, as the other cooked foods are hard to mess up. Firstly, a restaurant with a respectable sake menu can't be that bad. If you go, try some sake hot or cold! Don't be afraid to ask the waiter for advice.

My buddy and I ordered a range of sushi/sashimi items. We didn't order anything too exotic because the wives aren't into conch, or octopus. You can get different cuts of tuna: Maguro (regular, almost white tuna) or toro (fatty tuna, dark red meat). Toro, of course, is tastier.

With sushi, freshness is king. Shibuya does not disappoint. The tuna, salmon, yellowtail were exquisite. The eel (unagi), like the raw, had no trace of fishiness. The nori-maki (seaweed rolls) were elegant and tasty. In Japan, the chefs put a dab of wasabi on the rice ball before laying a slice of fish on top. Again, Shibuya did the rice balls perfectly.

Traditionally, soy sauce blends are as varied as balsamic vinegar. I was mildly disappointed that Shibuya basically only had regular or Kikkoman lite soy. Hey, you don't have to be a sushi snob or Japanese expert to enjoy a good meal, right?

You can't go wrong (or get sick) at Shibuya. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 15, 2007

Shibuya
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(877) 880-0880

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Seablue

Restaurant

Quote:

I made reservations for our party of four at Seablue because we were going to see KA at the MGM that night.I had read reviews about Seablue prior to our visit—they said to avoid the shellfish, which seemed odd since they claim to fly everything in fresh daily. So the ladies ordered the tuna steaks, my buddy ordered the prawns. I ordered a pork tagine (seasoned baked dish in a Moroccan clay pot). The tuna steaks were good, but not to die for. The pork dish I got was better, but oddly out of place for a seafood restaurant.They had an OK wine selection, but it was pricey. The tiramisu wasn't very memorable.While the food wasn't bad, we felt it wasn't spectacular, and it was ov...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on May 15, 2007

Seablue
3799 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 262-2220

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Cirque Du Soleil-KA

Attraction | "Cirque Du Soleil - KA"

Quote:

I'll keep this short. To date, we've seen two travelling Cirque shows, "O" and Mystere in Vegas, LaNouba in Orlando, and Ka at the MGM Grand. Ka isn't like the traditional Cirque show. There aren't the usual graceful circus performers; no trapeze or Chinese gymnasts. This show is pretty dark, with lots of drums, flashes of pyrotechnics, and pseudo-martial arts epic battles. In my opinion, the story line is the easiest to follow of all the Cirque shows. You might count the stage as part of the essential cast. It tilts, giving you almost a bird's-eye-view of the action (but not as innovative as the water tank in "O"). The sword, spear, arrows, and cannon battles were pretty cool. ...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on May 15, 2007

Cirque Du Soleil-KA
MGM Grand Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada

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White Tiger Habitat

Attraction | "White Tigers/Siegfried/Roy's Secret Garden"

Quote:

The Secret Garden isn't flashy like SeaWorld, and it isn't as informative as some modern zoos. But it's a nice slow break from the hustle and bustle. We've swam with dolphins before in Mexico, and at Discovery Cove (SeaWorld, Orlando). The "trainer experience" is available through the Mirage Hotel. Check the website for current price$e$. The Secret Garden staff don't claim and don't pretend that anything they do is a show. After a brief safety lecture, you're free to walk around and spend as much time as you'd like in the garden. You get to watch some "training" sessions with the high-paying guests. In our opinion, this was pretty amusing, educational, and enter...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 15, 2007

White Tiger Habitat
Mirage Hotel Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 791-7111

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Palace Station Hotel Casino

Attraction | "Palace Station Hotel and Casino"

Quote:

Still looking for a $5 card table in Vegas? The Palace Station is a local favorite. I must say, I don't always feel comfortable at most of the big glitzy casinos. I'm no high rolling card shark, but I'm no cheapskate either. That's why I really like the homey feeling you get at the Palace Station Casino. Five-dollar and up tables let you gamble safely, and let you stretch your entertainment dollars farther and longer. I like straight blackjack, but they've also got pai-gow poker and other card games. Most of Vegas is using a six-deck shoe, but some are going to eight decks to combat graduates of the MIT Card Counting Team. The ladies in our group really ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 15, 2007

Palace Station Hotel Casino
2411 West Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
(800) 634-3101

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Grand Canyon West (Grand Canyon Skywalk)

Attraction | "Grand Canyon Skywalk and Hoover Dam Day Trip"

Quote:

Two-and-a-half hours from Vegas via the Hoover Dam is the new Grand Canyon Skywalk. You can find news reports and general info on the web about it. If you really must see the Grand Canyon, but don't have time to drive to the National Park, the Hualapai Indian Reservation (aka Grand Canyon West) is a pretty good option, albeit pricey.We spent our last day visiting the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. We rented a car for our week stay in Vegas; an SUV would have been better... We left the hotel at 6am, crossed the dam just before 7am. Our plan was to finish the tour of the Indian reservation and be back to the Grand Canyon around 1pm. A bonus is the time zone change, which lets y...Read More

Grand Canyon West (Grand Canyon Skywalk)
Pierce Ferry Road To Diamond Bar Road
Peach Springs, AZ 89146
(928) 769-2219

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IgoUgo

Las Vegas Journals

Vegas, Fun for Big Kids

Hilton Grand Vacations Club (HGVC) on the Las Vegas Strip

Delmonico Steakhouse

Firefly on Paradise

Shibuya

Seablue

Cirque Du Soleil-KA

White Tiger Habitat

Palace Station Hotel Casino

Grand Canyon West (Grand Canyon Skywalk)

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