Las Vegas Freebie: MGM Grand Lion Habitat

I'll admit it: One of the things I love about las Vegas is that there's so much to see, do, and experience for FREE! On my most recent visit I went to visit the Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand Hotel. I had mixed feelings about the lion-fest and here's why:

Lion Habitat Description from MGMGrand.com:

To honor the lion and help safeguard its preservation for future generations, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino has created a one-of-a-kind Lion Habitat as a showcase for public education and appreciation for this majestic creature of nature. The lion has been a part of the MGM heritage for many years, beginning with the legendary Leo, whose roars have welcomed generations of moviegoers to epics of the silver screen.

The lions live in custom accommodations on an 8.5-acre ranch 12 miles from the MGM Grand. They are owned and cared for by noted feline expert Keith Evans, who has been training exotic animals for more than 30 years.

Sounds cool, right? Well the description I had read in one of the little Vegas guides in our hotel room touted "a collection of exotic felines from around the world". You can imagine how disappointed I was to only find two female lions chillin' in the habitat. Had I read the above description, I would have been thoroughly satisfied with my little lion adventure.

I was as close to a lion as I've ever been in my life! There is a tunnel in the habitat with a 1.5 inch thick glass ceiling. Two female lions were on that ceiling being monitored by their caretakers; one lioness was sleeping while the other chewed on a giant rawhide bone. Being that there were only inches between myself and the lounging lionesses, I had the rare opportunity to appreciate their majestic form up close. It gave me a rush to be in such close proximity to two "Queens" of the Jungle.

If you're looking for some free fun in Vegas, I recommend stopping by the lion habitat to appreciate some of the world's most beautiful and revered creatures.

Habitat hours are 11am to 10pm daily

Construction, Traffic and the Monorail in Vegas

"What were they thinking?" said my taxi driver. March is the busiest month in Vegas, convention season I gather. And so my driver wondered what the hell they were thinking doing constuction during the busiest month of the year. I'm thinkin', hey at least they are supporting the economy.
And so it was that 2pm became rush hour. The strip was at a practical standstill.

Our conversation turned to the monorail system. Apparently there was a proposal to make the monorail a subway system under the strip. It was rejected. Instead the monorail system runs behind the casinos on the eastern side of the strip. The usual casino tactic of making you walk thru everything to get to it was enforced. Unfortunately as a result, the monorail doesn't seem to be doing too well.

Finally, the limit of casinos power seems to have been reached. If people have to walk to get them to save on walking... they just want to walk without having to pay for it. Sorry Vegas, you should have built a subway.

Las Vegas: Where Old Stars Go to Die

We've all seen it the aging stars going off to do shows on the Strip. And maybe its just because I'm getting old myself the some of the stars seem too big to be in Vegas to me. I don't think of Elton John as aging even thought the facts must be accepted. And when we asked at the Bette Midler show if she saw people after the show, they laughed and said "No, she is 62 you know." Sixty two... wow, no, actually I didn't know. And so I realize time is rushing on.

While I expect to see Donnie and Marie in Vegas. Not so much with Seinfeld. I guess Vegas is the center of the comedy universe after you've conquered TV. I was still surprised. And I realize Cher is classic Vegas fare. And I still think more of her than that.

But I'm thinking I should come back just to catch the old stars before they go....

The Wynn Resort and Encore, Las Vegas

The Wynn Resort and its accompanying Encore hotel are the lap of luxury in Vegas. Loaded with accolades and awards, the Wynn lives in a rarefied field and shines. An absolute beauty from the fabulous golf course to the beauty of the hotel itself. Wynn is luxury in Vegas.

I call it a mix of Alice in Wonderland meets extravagance with a twist of the Wizard of Oz thrown in. I have yet to actually eat here, just a bit of gambling and an evening at the Encore bar. However, just walking into the Wynn feels like I've come home. The style and beauty and imagination that went into its creation are stunning and I can't wait to say here. Join me?

Desert Rose Resort, Las Vegas

Accomodation Review - Desert Rose Resort, Vegas

Although I don't have one anymore I really enjoyed being a timeshare owner. The best thing about the Desert Rose is that I get all the perks of being a timeshare owner and the best thing about being in a hotel too. I'm in Vegas for a convention and was looking for a lower cost, close to the strip solution for my room.

Since all the places in Vegas that I like to eat aren't cheap, it was really nice to be able to stay in a room with a kitchen. Like all the big timeshare companies, the Desert Rose rooms are more like apartments than hotel rooms. I'm in a one bedroom so I have a fully stocked (as far as dishes, glasses and cookware go) kitchen, dinning area separate living room and a balcony. Like a hotel, the room gets cleaned everyday.

The staff is friendly, the price is right, the room is well appointed (I don't watch TV but for those of you who do its got a big screen) and most importantly to me - the bed is comfy. The couch in the living room has a pull out bed so my traveling companion slept there. She had the only negative experience in that the noise from the hallway is really loud out here in the living room area. I was surprised when she told me since I couldn't hear a thing in the bedroom. The noise from outside the hotel is well blocked with the solid windows so sacrificing the person who sleeps in the living room to the noise gods is the only downside.

I'm a happy camper - Recommended!!!

Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, Caesars Palace, Vegas

Even though its still under construction with renovations, the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis is a great place to just take a breather on your seminar breaks. I know this week it saved me.

There are plenty of lounge chairs upon which to take a few restful moments break. There is also a snack shack...Snackus Maximus, I believe. And an outdoor patio from Rao's. Stop by and experience the beauty.

Augustus Cafe, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

I was having a bad day. I admit it. So this review may be tainted by my mood.

I didn't really want to be in Caesars, I was sick of it. The downside in that sense is that the Augustus Cafe is open to the hotel registration area and so is very clearly still in Caesars. And that probably wouldn't be a bad thing for any one else as it is a beautiful representation of Roman glory.

I was also feeling off. I ordered the Filet in the hopes I would feel better since that's what a good Filet Mignon often does for me. Unfortunately, this wasn't the place. The steak was overcooked, the spinach was excessively salty(which never happens since I love salt - so I know this was out of control) and the service, while friendly, was a bit slow. That being said I was eating with five other people and they all loved what they had.

So feel free to visit Augustus... just don't order the steak.

Mon Ami Gabi, Paris Hotel, Las Vegas

Restaurant Review - Mon Ami Gabi, Paris Hotel, Vegas

Ah, Paris.

I miss it and this was a nice fix. When inside, I could almost imagine I was there. We sat out on the patio overlooking the strip so some of the flavor was lost since it was clear from there what country I was in, however, I loved this restaurant.

Out with a group of seven, we definitely got the European timing so if you're in a rush I would go elsewhere. Everyone was happy with their food and the wine selection. The meal was fabulous and I'm anxious to go back. After fresh crusty french bread, I had the butternut squash soup which was divine. Then I had the crab cake as my main course. Perfectly filling and a lovely light meal.

Mon Ami Gabi - Recommended