LivMac - You'll be happy with the MGM - the monorail has a stop inside the hotel (look for signs) which will save you lots of time riding up and down the strip. Never take cabs, you'll be stuck in gridlock. Some hotels also have free shuttle buses to other hotels. Rio is off the beaten way, has a free shuttle from Harrah's I think, and they have a great free aerial show - mardi gras style.

Get tix for Cher at Caesar's or Prince at Rio if you like them and their music.

I can recommend Bally's Jubilee show and "O" at the Bellagio (if it's still there). Time will just fly by!

'O' is still in Las Vegas, as is "Mystere" ( my favorite), as well as a new Beatles show called "Love". These are all Cirque du Soleil shows and wonderful!

Much to some friends "disgust" ... ... we went to see Barry Manilow at the Hilton (booked over net and got excellent seats). It was a magnificent show and we sat amongst people from 20 - 90 waving our "glow sticks" to the music.

Funny - many of the crowd were under 30 and they seemed to be more of a fan than the over 30s. One young girl (21 ?) went crazy and apparently had seen him 20 times or more - so her Mum told us.

But, try the cards as I said - a great present - especially if you have someone who plays poker; Hold 'em etc ... I asked at the Ballagio and the guy gave me about 6 packs. I felt quite the "hoarder' as I scuttled away with my "loot" ...

Mike ~ Thanks for the tip about the cards, my son-in-law is a poker nut & would love a pack from Vegas.

Dimpz, if for some reason you can't get them from the table dealers, many hotel gift shops sell the used decks, as well. I think they are pretty inexpensive, or they were when I was there the last time.

Thanks Toots How sad am I? I have already made a note of it in the travel diary & we don't leave until September. I am learning (fast) that I just can't trust the old grey matter to remember.

Dimpz/Toots - Not the dealers - they will generally be too busy. As you walk in look for a guy standing around, seemingly doing "nothing". He will be dressed accordingly, often be black and 10 feet tall, and be near the entrance or just "wandering".

As a female this is easier 4 U - go up, flutter the eyelids, and ask in a helpless voice if he can help ... An Aussie accent will have him like putty in your hands ...

He'll have you over to the Table Boss before you can say "BINGO", and you should have no probs. You can buy them - but you'll find the guys only too willing to help so try this first.

Mike, I had completely forgotten about the guys that wander! You're right. They do stand out in a crowd and see everything. I don't think their expressions ever change. Well, maybe they do when it's necessary.

They're the pit bosses aren't they and their job is to catch someone in the act of stealing or doing something shady, punters and dealers alike--you don't want to mess with them.

quote:

Originally posted by Dimpz:
Thanks Toots How sad am I? I have already made a note of it in the travel diary & we don't leave until September. I am learning (fast) that I just can't trust the old grey matter to remember.

They also retire the dice after so many uses, which will have the name of the hotel on them. Also something to request from the pit boss - who is the law and order guy for the tables.

It is my understanding there is one pit boss per gaming table - they would never be able to monitor more than one table at a time.

quote:

Originally posted by Roxy:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dimpz:
They also retire the dice ...

I like that saying - "retire" the dice ...

......I just like the word 'retire'

Dimpz

Just put these on another comment - but thought they might help you:

http://www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/play/shows/index.jsp
http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Visitor/default.htm
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=58

quote:

I just like the word 'retire'

Retirement is certainly different Dimpz. We love it, but possibly we would love to get the money we used to whilst working. We are going to Burleigh Heads, QLD. again this year but for the whole month of June. We are doing 2 more auction holidays this year, which will make 4 for the year. I can see my grandchildren a bit more often now.

Mike ~ Thanks for taking the trouble mate, I will have a lovely poddle around those websites.

(I note our previous conversation re: aquiring used cards has been snipped )