When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When at Caesars Palace (the one in Las Vegas that is) ride a chariot!

If you’ve visited Caesars Palace in Vegas, you can appreciate that in the time it takes to walk from the Forum Shops to the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, you could easily traverse the entire city of Rome, from the Roman Forum to the Vatican. It’s a sprawling property with winding corridors that entice you to get lost among the myriad of slot machines, gaming tables, restaurants and bars. As such, it should come as no surprise that the thoughtful staff at Caesar’s rent scooters for your convenience. Or as we prefer to say in Rome, your chariot awaits!

Now at first glance you might be skeptical of this chariot. You might think it’s only for the injured, or the elderly, or that guy who seems to be a bit too fond of the full day pass to the buffet. This was my initial assessment as well, but I invite you to take a second look.

During a recent visit to Vegas for a conference we were first introduced to the chariot by a friend of who was nursing a foot injury and trying to lay off the crutches during her long commute back and forth across the expansive Caesars casino. What started out as sympathy for our friend’s injury quickly transformed into envy for her chariot, and her ability to quickly zip across the casino in the comfort of her leather chair. Her chariot was shiny and red, almost like a new car, though obviously not as fast since the scooters top out at about 5 mph (but that’s faster than it sounds, I assure you).

Now when you think of the typical clientele for this type of scooter you’re probably thinking of that lady from the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercial. However, she would be more likely to be seen in the scooter’s cousin, the Power Chair, which is more of a an electric wheel chair, not to be confused with the scooter (aka chariot) which looks more like a riding lawn mower and comes equipped with a handy basket to store your Gucci bags from that visit to the Forum Shops.

You might still be thinking, “No, I couldn’t ride a scooter. I’d look ridiculous.” But I invite you to consider this, if you were staying at a large resort would you feel respectable driving a golf cart? Of course you would. Well just consider your chariot to be a miniature golf cart that is small enough to access the indoor areas of the resort. It’s worth noting that the chariot offers far superior accessibility to a golf cart, because let’s face it you can’t drive a golf cart up to the buffet.

Still not convinced? Consider that the chariot can be dressed up or dressed down. Just last Thursday night a parade of chariots could be seen transporting beautiful women in cocktail dresses and stiletto heels from the lobby at Caesars to the upscale Caramel lounge at Bellagio. At the end of the evening when the feet in stilettos were beginning to tire, the ladies did not stress about the long walk back to their hotel room as they remembered “My chariot awaits.”

On your next visit to Caesars, remember YOUR chariot awaits! Scooter Rental is available through the Bell Desk at Caesar. Prices starting at $40 for 24 hours.

No one had forewarned me about this…and while I don’t have too many skeletons in my closet, I still found myself getting a little nervous as I sat in the V Theater watching The Mentalist, Gerry McCambridge, reveal the secrets of randomly selected audience members while apparently reading their minds.

As he stood on the stage blindfolded, with large coins duct taped to his eyes, he would call out the first and last initials of someone’s name. An audience member would then stand and reply “Yes Gerry, those are my initials,” as they prepared for him to share private information about their lives, details it would be impossible for him to know. Gerry became famous for this ability when his hit primetime special “The Mentalist” which aired on NBC.

Sure there are several explanations for the mindreading, the most obvious being plants in the audience, but even if you’re not convinced by his ability to declare the past, you cannot deny his ability to precisely predict the future. In the live Vegas show for those who are still convinced that all of the alleged audience members are really just in on the act, Gerry dispels your belief by ensuring that everyone in audience has a chance to participate. The show culminated with each audience member (including the nonbelievers!) tossing numbered balls into baskets in a random human lottery – the results of which were of course accurately predicted.

Being your average cynic I was prepared to find all of the smoke and mirrors with my well trained eye for detail and analytical mind. I love a good magic show, but always leave feeling frustrated when I can’t determine the secret behind the magic. Which is why I was thrilled when Gerry shared the secrets to his success during the first few tricks of his act.

In Gerry’s words “A mentalist is someone who can figure out what you’re thinking and also can influence your thoughts.” He explained in detail how he used verbal and nonverbal cues to both predict and influence the response of audience members, but even after his detailed explanation I remained mind-boggled by his apparent ability to both declare the past and predict the future. Gerry will tell you that his Mentalist abilities were honed over a lifetime, thanks in part to the magic kit he received for Christmas at the age of 8, and the skills he learned from his father, an NYC detective and an expert at interrogation. Others might argue that part of his “magic” began when he was born…on Halloween.

To get in on the magic stop by to see The Mentalist Live on your next visit to Sin City. Even if you do have some sins in your past, not to worry Gerry won’t reveal them. The show is rated PG-16. Showtime is at 7:30pm Thursday to Tuesday (Dark Wednesday) at the V Theater in the Comedy Club located in the Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino right on the Las Vegas Strip.

For a bonus visit Houdini’s Magic Shop located just across from the theater and take a little magic home with you.

Such a disappointment… that I didn’t stay at the Bellagio in Las Vegas instead of the Venetian that is!  The Bellagio is a class act, from their professional and courteous staff to their immaculately decorated hotel and casino. The minute you walk into the hotel entrance, you are surrounded by the scents of hyacinths, lilies, and more.  The famous Bellagio Conservatory is a magnificent atrium; probably one of the most amazing garden exhibits I have ever seen.  Who would have expected to find this on the Las Vegas strip?  Changing seasonally, the Conservatory is open to all, and by midday, it’s filled with tourists taking advantage of easy photo ops.   Cute shops nearby include the Giardini Garden Store, where I picked up the happiest Buddha statue I’ve ever seen.  There’s also the Jean Philippe Patisserie, featuring the Guinness record holding “largest chocolate fountain in the world.”  This fountain is quite a show-stopper, but I was even more impressed with the absolutely divine chocolate they make.  I’m actually eating their “chocolate caviar” while writing this post.  Move over Swiss chocolate- Jean Philippe is in a league of their own!

Bellagio Fine Art Gallery

I almost cried when I discovered the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery was closed while I was there.  I’m certain I’ll catch it in the next few months, but in the meantime, I had fun talking with some of the staff.  The current collection is planned to continue through January of 2011 and includes works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas and Fernand Leger.  Admission is $15, which I heard people complaining about, but come on- it’s a once in a lifetime experience!

Bellagio Restaurants

I was told the Bellagio BUFFET was the best on the strip and had to be checked out. Now, I haven’t been to a buffet in years, possibly since I was a kid, but I’d have to say this one was pretty impressive. Less than $25 per person, young child eat free, and so many choices, they’re sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater (points at self.) We also had a great waiter- a busy waiter, but on top of his game considering the crowd he was serving. I would definitely recommend choosing off-peak dining times to avoid a crowd.

Noodles was another restaurant I had a chance to hit. The last time I was here, I met up with my Uncle who insisted we go to his favorite, The Noodle Shop in Mandalay Bay. I’m not sure which I liked better, but I’d say the service was a bit slow in both. Good thing the food more than made up for it!

THE SPA & SALON at the Bellagio.

I’ve saved the best for last…. While I was strolling in awe of the incredible gardens in the Bellagio Conservatory, I noticed a woman coming out of the Bellagio Spa & Salon with perfect hair.  I all but ran inside asking, “who did that woman’s hair?”  A few minutes later, the very nice receptionist had me lined up for a Saturday appointment with Julie, a talented colorist, and Hillary; my new favorite  stylist and colorist of all time.  I was so pleased with the final results of my hair, I made yet another appointment, coming back for a Brazilian Blowout.

I spent around $1,000 on my hair that weekend, but walked out of the Bellagio salon with model hair that didn’t frizz even after returning to my home in extremely humid Puerto Vallarta.  If you have curly hair like I do, you know this is worth every penny.  Great hair, and such professional service, they’re actually shipping my hair products internationally.  I’ve already let Hillary know I’ll be back for my next hair treatment and for another of Micheal’s fabulous lattes!

Las Vegas

First things first, 3 weeks ago, I was in Las Vegas and was shocked when Avis ran a credit check to rent a car to me. A hard credit inquiry; the kind that dings your credit, and they don’t even ask first! Since I’ve gotten in the habit of buying houses these days, I’ve been guarding my credit like a hound, wanting to get those fab interest rates. Who wants to potentially lose 10′s of thousands of dollars paid to interest to rent from Avis car rental? Not I! Plenty of car rental companies in Las Vegas that don’t resort to this shady stuff.

Anyway, back to my experience with Vegas transportation…
After a shocking $1,000+ car rental bill from my Vegas trip 3 weeks ago (those extra fees seriously add up) I opted to take taxis and even try a limo service for this Vegas trip. Smart. Cabs were cheap; around 5-8 dollars for transport around the strip and were available just about everywhere. Even the taxi lines weren’t that bad.

Las Vegas Limos are a bargain, I’ve decided: $15 flat rate for transport anywhere along, or just off the strip. Hourly rates, I was quoted anywhere from $45 to $60 an hour as a start. $25 for airport transportation. Not bad. Not bad at all. If you’re looking for a really great limo service, I have to recommend the company I used; National Transportation Services. I hope you get Ken or Kenny, the limo drivers I had. These guys were great- professional, yet friendly, helpful, and honest. Ken even gave me a hug when he came to pick me up the 2nd time, telling me how grateful he was for the tip I’d given him before. Hey, he deserved that tip- he got me to Coach for a hold pick-up, and back to my Westin spa appointment just in time!

My overall impression and recommendations: Shop here, enjoy the charming gondola rides, marvel at the talented opera singers amidst the Canal Shop Square… then stay elsewhere. I checked out of the hotel nearly a week ago and I’m still spending a few hours a day trying to get out of $5400+ in duplicate charges for my $1600 hotel bill. No, I’m not joking. My billing was not only screwed up multiple times, but Rudy in their billing department has little concern for the matter. Honestly, I’m not bitter. It’s been so ridiculous, I’ve resorted to actually laughing about it! In the meantime, I’m thankful for Chase Bank, and their amazing ability to match the numbers on hotel statements with bank charges, which the Venetian can’t seem to do.

If you do plan on staying at the Venetian, here’s my advice- use only ONE credit card and make sure they offer super spectacular consumer protection. When you check out, opt out of express check out and get a statement you can triple check for duplicate billing (or triplicate billing in my case.) And finally, be sure and check your bank activity over the next few days- I was charged again for another $1,280+ 2 days after checking out of the hotel.

The Venetian Hotel and Casino:
Billing disasters aside, the Venetian was beautiful, with an unbeatable atmosphere starting with an elaborate foyer and grand hallway. I’m a sucker for musicians and beautiful fountains in the entry you know. Be sure and watch your step coming from the front desk, you don’t want to trip over the line of tourists taking photos along the way to their rooms.

The Venetian Hotel Rooms
The Venetian is a true all-suite, luxury Las Vegas hotel. Their rooms are anything but ordinary with sunken living areas, luxury linens, multiple flat screens and huge bathrooms complete with over sized marble tubs. Everything you could possibly need, including a weight-censored minibar to alert staff for quick refills. If you need an extra bed in your room, come early- these are first come, first serve with limited availability. They’re also only available up to the 12th floor- just an fyi for those of you who like to high views of the strip. Humidifiers are available, and just about any toiletry you left behind. Quick note though, bring your own blow dryer; they’ve stocked bottom of the line, frizz-causing conair hair dryers with no cool button. So close to being the perfect accommodations! 2 large flat screens with disappointing channels but plenty of movies to rent (coincidence? I think not! I like movies anyway.) I really appreciated the in room multitask printers; trips to the business center weren’t even necessary. My favorite amenity at this hotel- FREE WIFI – only at the Las Vegas Venetian!

As impressive as your room may be, you won’t want to waste time seeing more of this hotel. A quick stroll brings you to the Canal Shops. Expect to gawk- the Venetian has one of the most incredible shopping areas I’ve ever seen, anywhere. Upscale shops in Venetian style facades around the indoor canals, complete with gondoliers passing by. Gondolier rides are available for $15 per person and it seemed the average appointment was an hour’s wait. Venetian hotel guests are given “buy one, get one half off” gondola ride coupons. If you want a cute keepsake, the gondola rides have photographers on hand and plenty of framing options. I’ll admit, I left with a few 5 x 8′s in a silly Venetian paper frame, a keychain photo, and a few in magnets. Hey, my grandmother loved them! The shopping… oh the shopping… I hit Burberry, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Anne Taylor, Brighten and several others. There’s even a Barneys New York tucked between the Venetian and the Palazzo. If you’re a shopper, go nuts! Just remember almost all of these shops are at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet Mall offering significant discounts.

The Venetian Staff:
Professional doormen, courteous front desk, and helpful concierge staff. The gentlemen working the transportation area always have a smile on their face and are happy to offer advice and directions. The Venetian offers great customer service in their hotel. Their billing department… well, maybe they’re overworked.

Las Vegas

Just 3 weeks ago, I was in Las Vegas and I’m already back. No, I’m not lost. I’d picked up Jerry Seinfeld tickets while waiting to see Cher at Caesar’s Palace, knowing it would be the perfect excuse to pick up where I’d left off exploring Las Vegas.

I had intended to make this a “Las Vegas Family Activities” post, but things didn’t work out that way. Unfortunately, I arrived amidst a nasty wind storm that resulted in taking down a chunk of the Mirage sign, and throwing heavy lounge chairs into the Venetian pool. In fact the storm was so bad, my plane had 3 failed attempts to land at the Las Vegas International Airport before being diverted to Ontario. Las Vegas International was closed for the following 4 hours. Needless to say, I arrived over 5 hours later than expected, had missed dinner and was too tired to do anything other than go to sleep.

I’d flown my mother, sister, and 4 year old niece in from Denver for the trip. They were lucky enough to have arrived before the height of the storm but given the weather, they opted to stay in for the evening.

Note to self: April may not be the best time to visit Las Vegas.

Anyway, back to Vegas…

I’ve been to Las Vegas more times than I can count but I still find myself caught up in the pretty lights of the airport casinos.  I’m not a gambler myself.  In fact, the entire week I was in Vegas, I never so much as hit a slot machine.  I know, I know, what’s the point of going to Vegas if I’m not going there to win, right?  Well lemme tell ya- SHOPPING. RESTAURANTS. SHOWS.  Mandalay Bay even has a faux beach now, complete with a wave pool and lazy river (I have GOT to get one of those for my house by the way!)

I had reserved a car at Avis… which I quickly changed my mind when I was told they would be running a hard inquiry on my credit report.  Seriously? I have to take a ding on my credit to rent a car from Avis?  I literally laughed at the guy behind the counter, who said he didn’t blame me and suggested I try Payless Car Rental.  I did, happily, and was pleased to be offered a great deal on a luxury car.  In fact, I ended up with a Chrysler 300 with a whole 2 miles on it and a new Garmin GPS system… which apparently was defunct because it kept repeating random words of advice like “Turn right on road” over and over- My passengers and I had a roaring time laughing and swearing at this thing while driving around in circles.

I love my Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) points, so of course I booked my usual stay at the Westin Casuarina.  As always, the service here was outstanding.  Special requests were met with a smile.  The room was immaculate, spacious, and decorated with upscale furnishings including their well-known Heavenly Bed… which makes you not want to get up in the morning.   As my readers know, I tend to get excited about the little things… like the fact that the Westin treats their floors with white tea and the fact that they have really great bath and body products stocked in their rooms.  Normally, I pass on hotel supplies, but at the Westin, I’ve found myself asking for an extra bottle of their white tea body lotion.  Shhh don’t tell anyone.

The Westin doesn’t offer airport shuttle service but they do have fast, and last minute limos on call.  They also have a pool which has never been crowded when I’ve been there.  My favorite part of staying at the Westin though, has to be their spa.  Greeted with a smile, the spa staff will offer you plush robes, slippers, and just about anything you could need while you prepare for your massage, or head off to relax in their sauna and steamroom.  This is definitely an opportunity to relax.

After getting my spa fill, my SPG points, and my extra bottle of lotion, I decided to give another hotel a chance.  I moved, not too far, to the end of the strip.  Beautiful inside and out, Mandalay Bay was quite the experience.  The spa was high priced BUT, I did find out it pays to have a Players Club Card even if you’re not a gambler- PCC members may initially join for the points accumulated in the casino but during this trip, I discovered Players Card holders are eligible for a number of benefits, including airport shuttle transportation, dining discounts, shopping redemption, and… discount spa packages.  Players Club Card information can be found here.

The rooms at Mandalay Bay were surprisingly large.  The beds were comfortable- the pillows sucked and seemed to get smaller every day.  I’m not exaggerating- my pillows were actually exchanged for smaller ones somewhere along my stay.  Teenie tiny pillows just don’t measure up to the over-fluffed heavenly pillows of the Westin.  The bathroom was impressive- loved the marble jacuzzi style tub that was separate from the shower.  The flat screen in the bathroom was a nice touch as well, although I have to say the channel selection Mandalay offers leaves much to be desired.  “Would you like to watch CNN or CNN? Or rent a movie for $13?”  Needless to say, I rented a few movies… only to have to call downstairs when I realized I was billed a total of $243 as a fluke.  Not a biggie- they reversed the charges within a few minutes… or so they said- I’m still waiting on the emailed final statement they promised me!

The concierge at Mandalay Bay was helpful, offering plenty of information about the area’s attractions.  Shark Reef was actually in the hotel, but unfortunately it was closed when we went to see it.   Awww no sharks other than the ones in the lobby.  We did catch Cher live at Caesar’s though.  I have to admit, I was going along because Mom wanted to see her so bad and didn’t expect to enjoy the show as much as I did.  I should have guessed she’d be awesome from the moment I saw her past costumes on exhibit.  Any woman who would wear that stuff in public has GOT to be entertaining!  & she was-  my favorite line of the year, was Cher saying, “I don’t like to mix my testicular metaphors.”  I don’t think I’ve ever heard a 64 year old woman with a 20 year old ass say anything like that before.  I laughed until I nearly cried and I’m telling anyone who goes to Vegas to try and catch her show.

My last few days in Vegas were spent doing a little something I call… SPENDING MONEY.  I hit the shops in the Venetian, Caesars, and both outlet malls.  Most women collect shoes, I collect designer handbags and living in Mexico, I’m a bit starved for the likes of Burberry, Kate Spade and Michael Kors.  So starved, you may not be surprised when I tell you I had to buy another suitcase to bring home the new purses.   That alone made Las Vegas a winning trip!

Heading back to Vegas in 2 weeks and looking forward to exploring kid-friendly options for my 4 year old niece, Emma.  We’re booked at the Westin of course, and then the Venetian, planning to grab our gondola tickets just as soon as we get off the plane!