Travel Tips: The Venetian, Las Vegas

Hello fellow consumers:

Just got back from 4th of July in Vegas. My advice to you - never, ever go to Vegas on the 4th of July unless you are a masochist and enjoy standing in line, fighting crowds and poor service from the 'drink person'. However, we got a great rate at the Venetian and got upgraded to a suite. Woo-hoo! The room was grand, palatial, exquisite and down right roomy. The bathroom had a phone AND a fax...unheard of.

The North (read 'new') Tower of the Venetian is all suites and features a private concierge, private check in and a 'private' pool only for North Tower guests. Needless to say I left behind my birthday suit and opted for au-natural, after all, it's my private pool dammit! The guests were less than amused and I received a 'private' escort back to my room.

Pai Gow!! Pai Gow is the game my friends. A mix of blackjack and poker, you make your best two card and five card hand out of seven cards and hope that the dealer busts. If only one of your hands beat the dealer you push. Lots of pushing in this game which means you play longer (i.e. more free drinks and less losses). I ended up up $175 dollars which meant I ate for free at Delmonico with some left over for more Pai Gow. Next time your in town give it a whirl...

Best Filet Ever: Delmonico in the Venetian. Emeril Lagasse's triumphant steakhouse. Not for the faint of wallet, the Filet was damn near perfect and featured a dry rub that was the tastiest thing ever ($38). I like mine medium and the color was a wild shade of pink, so perfect and tender that I cried after the first slice. mmmm...red meat.

The Hard Rock Rehab party on Sunday was packed. My second time attending. The DJ was good and the crowd was generally wild and out of control. Good times.

Happy 4th!