Las Vegas!

Living near the border, a quick getaway through the Montana Airport to Las Vegas is as easy as ever! I've done about twelve of these trips, both with friends and family, and there is so much to see and do. This month, I took in all that's new at the old Monte Carlo hotel on the strip, now transformed into Park MGM.

This resort hotel is situated beside the newly constructed T-Mobile arena, home to the Las Vegas Knights. I have to view my huge disappointment in this hotel losing its seating area on the strip. This quiet little alcove had become a favorite for myself, children, and friends alike... sigh :( We tried to enjoy the seating area between the Park MGM and the T-Mobile arena but it wasn't the same, very open and not as quiet.

That disappointment aside, Vegas continues to be a place where you can do and see almost anything you would like. The newly remodeled rooms at the Park were spectacular, however we noticed that the standard rooms aren't equipped with mini fridges any longer. The decor is modern and rooms are roomy and clean. The newly remodeled washrooms are also very luxurious!

I would have to recommend Gordon Ramsey's Steak restaurant located at the Paris hotel. This has got to be the most incredibly food I've ever experienced, but you definitely should budget for it! Our meal for three adults, no appetizers, alcohol or dessert came to $327 Canadian dollars. That's right! Crazy expensive so incredibly special for sure. You will need to make reservations as they are lined up with wait times starting at 5 hours. Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance and can be done so on Open Table (app or online).

One thing we noticed was that along side the strip walkways are the newly added steel posts to prevent vehicles from hurting pedestrians. While at first I found this a bit annoying, it quickly became apparent that it is indeed the world in which we live, and I appreciated the expense Las Vegas has incurred to keep those who love this city safe.

If you too live in Southern Alberta, you may question whether to leave from Great Falls or Calgary. Benefits from leaving from the US are that you only pass through customs at the border while crossing. This makes for a quick pass through the airport terminal! Also, flights are generally cheaper domestically through the US. Drawbacks are that packages available through Allegiant are scheduled very oddly - you leave Great Falls a little on the late side, and return in the evening as well. This leaves you checking in at close to midnight, and having to cart your luggage around in Vegas on your departure day or requesting a later check out. Leaving from Canada you can choose your flights a little more carefully to suit you, pay in Canadian dollars with no surprise, and cut that drive home a little bit. Either way, a weekend spent in Vegas is better than a weekend home doing yard work or laundry, and it wont break the bank!