Las Vegas CSP Trip 2008

April 25th, 2008 · 1 Comment

We just got back from an enjoyable 5 days in Las Vegas, attending the Stewart Enterprises (the company Vicki works for) , annual event recognizing the top sales people.

When we arrived at US Airlines check in counter last Wednesday there were only a few people in line. It was a bit different over at American Airlines, there were hundreds in line (the FAA had demanded that they do extra inspections on their aircraft). After an uneventful flight we arrived in Vegas on time. As we came in for landing we could see how much the"Strip" had changed since we were last in Vegas 10 years ago, major new construction. We were staying at the Paris Hotel on strip, just opposite the Bellagio, we could see the fountains from our room, this was a pleasant surprise as we normally "draw the short straw" and have a wonderful view of the car park and or air conditioning units! In the afternoon we walked over to the Forum shops at Cesar’s Palace. This is still possibly the top shopping venue in Vegas. In the evening we walked down to the Wynn Hotel, perhaps the most upscale hotel in town. The interior is very clean and spacious, without the "just cram everything in" feeling you get a a lot of the hotels. We had a drink in the Parasol Up Bar (slow indifferent service), then went down the escalator to Daniel Boulud, a french style brasserie overlooking the lake of dreams. I decided to splurge and have a Original NY DB burger, this is a 9oz sirloin burger stuffed with braised short ribs, fois gras, black truffle, on a parmesan bun, with fries!! $32! But well worth it. Vicki had Pan-Roasted Loup De Mer (a Mediterranean Sea Bass) and pronounced it excellent. All through dinner Vicki could see the light show on the lake of dreams (my back was towards the lake). Back to the Paris hotel and a quick go on the slot machines.

Thursday: We took a shuttle bus to Primm, about 40 mins out of town to Fashion Outlets Las Vegas, this mall is out of the way but it turned out to have some great shops and deals. When we got back we took in some sun and relaxed by the Paris pool.

Tonight is our big show night we are going to see The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil . We left Paris at about 6:30pm and took the shuttle bus over to the Rio Hotel for dinner at Gaylord Indian Restaurant, Vicki had a creamy shrimp curry, and I had a Tandoori Chicken Combo, the food was good and I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I was expecting it to be better.

When we got to the Mirage for the show we bumped into one of Vicki’s co-workers, Louisa and here boyfriend Bill, who had been to the early performance, they gave a glowing review. We took our seats, about 4 rows from the back with great views of the X shaped stage. Tip: I don’t see any reason to buy the top end tickets with a lower position closer to the stage, our view was great and we could see everything.

The show was fabulous, the Beatles music, and choreography of the Cirque du Soleil performers was incredible, lots of unexpected happenings throughout the show. A great night out and a great value.

Friday: We decided to take it easy today, walked down to the Venetian Hotel to look at their shops and canals, shops were OK, but the Hotel did not have much atmosphere. Relaxed by the pool in the afternoon and Vicki picked up a "swag" bag from her company hospitality desk. In the evening we had dinner at the outdoor cafe at Paris, Mon Ami Gabi, overlooking the strip and the Belaggio fountains. The food was classic French Bistro and very, very good (also reasonably priced by Las Vegas standards). Before we went to bed we stopped in the casino area to play the slot machines, including a $5 play for David one of Vicki’s coworkers………sorry David no luck !

Saturday: Today was pretty much Vicki’s company day, in the morning we attended breakfast and a talk by the VP of Sales and the President of Stewart Enterprises. Another afternoon by the pool.

In the evening we attended the gala event where all the sales people are recognized. Stewart planned this one very well, the trophies were all located at the respective seats of the recipients and every one was recognized by standing up at their seats by sales area. An excellent idea, no more hour upon hour of people going up to the stage to receive their awards. The food and service were very good and we were entertained by some Chinese acrobats/tumblers and the Rat Pack; Frank, Dean and Sammy. A very good show. This was followed by dancing to a very good and energetic band. A great night!