4.15.2011

Viva Las Vegas!

As it is tradition for this time of year, last Sunday I packed up the kids in the family truckster and headed East. For Las Vegas.

Just call me Ellen Griswold...

We had originally planned to drive up north to visit my parents during the girls spring break, but due to my dad's convention schedule, we decided to take a detour and visit them in Vegas instead.

Great idea, right? Well ... in theory yes. But reality? Who the hell takes their kids to the Vegas strip for 5 days? Someone who clearly doesn't know anything about Vegas.

See it all started when I asked a few people where to stay with kids. I wanted relatively inexpensive. I wanted kid friendly. I wanted a large room and comfortable amenities.

The answer? Well Circus Circus of course!

So I went online. And I booked it. Four nights in a large room with 2 queen size beds. For a whopping $54 / night! Hooray! Except for one teensy tiny thing. As someone who has ONLY been to Las Vegas one other time in their entire life, and stayed at the Bellagio, let's just say that this hotel not only didn't measure up to my expectations ... I OVERPAID!

Anyone who remotely thought that I'd be OK staying at Circus Circus clearly does NOT know me. Or my girls. It was a pit! The overwhelming smell of cigarettes and stale alcohol singed my nose hair from the minute we walked in. The dark dingy carpets, low light, and no Starbucks in sight pretty much set the tone of our stay. And the circus show that had ONLY one act every forty five minutes was anything BUT a "world class act". Our saving grace was that our room was large and scent-free with the only downfall of a leaky shower that dripped all...day...and... all... night. Bygones.

I'm sure for many, Las Vegas is a destination vacation spot. It probably would have been for me too, had I gone sans kids, or if we managed to get off the strip during our stay. But this trip was purely a location of familial convenience. And our convenience was hanging at the local shopping mall on the day where it was too cold to go swimming. And relaxing at the Aria hotel swimming pool where my parent's stayed, when it was warm enough to don a bathing suit.

Of course it was great to see my parents, and the kids and I truly enjoyed our time with them.

But the best part of the entire trip for me? Trying to explain to the girls why there are a never ending amount of billboards of half-dressed ladies ... and why women dance on stage in just their underwear. Nothing else. Since they already have trouble understanding why I wear underwear that doesn't cover my rear ... they really couldn't fathom that women wore thong underwear on a stage. Where others (aside from their husband's or kids) could see their tushies. That, along with the commentary that their bras that didn't quite cover all that they should led to many a giggle in the backseat.

And in the front seat as well.







Please let this be the last time I see this.

Any of this.

11 comments:

Bryn said...

I'm not a fan of Vegas, but when I'm forced to go I never stay on the strip. I had a bad experience at the Sahara with bugs being in my room and dirty sheets that I avoid those hotels like the plague. I paid $30 for that room and I too thought I paid too much. Sorry you had a bad experience!

Anonymous said...

I'm still trying to explain the wonders of the thong to my 64 year-old mother. She just doesn't get it, either. Too funny!

Sadie said...

Someday when the girls are teenagers, you'll be able to witness their 'aha' moments as they put two and two together... Glad you got away, even if it wasn't a the perfect destination.

I can't find my blog said...

Sorry it sucked. I won't take my kids to Vegas for longer than 2 nights. Hell, I won't even go to Vegas for longer than 2 nights.

Camille said...

I'm so sorry - Circus Circus is NASTY. We live in Utah and so we've been to Las Vegas about a million times and every time I wonder why I came back :( For next time (if there is a next time) the Marriott is not even one block off the strip and it was about 90/night. Clean, classy, free valet parking, daytime childcare and kids activities, and best of all - no casino in the lobby. Here's hoping your next getaway is better! :)

Heather Dray said...

Needles may have been a bit better I think. Having been to Needles myself, that is a sad sad thing. Hint hint! Next time google map Starbucks and pick a hotel based on proximity. I used this method to find our condo in L.A. Yes, seriously, I did! I also included Target in that search, but in a pinch, just Starbucks will do!

anymommy said...

I. have. stayed. there. It's disgusting. I'm not a fan of Vegas - but then again, all I'm looking for in a city is fabulous restaurants. Glad you got to see your parents though.

Alex said...

For future reference... I have some friends who stayed in the Excaliber with kids and thought it was decent. Doubt you'll be able to escape the half-naked ladies anywhere though, of course. The thing I hate most about Vegas is all those guys on the streets flipping what look like baseball cards but are really advertisements for strippers or hookers or who knows what. Wish that could be made illegal...

Laural Out Loud said...

I never thought about the naked women! Or how the streets are lined with man ladies, for that matter. I'm glad you were able to have a good time despite the unpleasant surprises!

Mom24 said...

I'm sorry. I'm chuckling. Well, now you've confirmed that that is someplace I NEVER want to go. :)

I thought it was very funny that so many people knew it was Circus Circus before you ever said. Wow. Talk about a reputation.

You'll enjoy DC much more. :)

Lisa said...

Oh Jill...you are one brave woman. I think Vegas is a lot of fun, but with kids it would be a whole different story. And those card flippers & billboards? Too much!

Blog Designed by: NW Designs