Well as anyone knows who's already been to Vegas, "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas". We checked into our hotel the Monte Carlo which we were pleased to see is bang in the middle of the strip, next to New York New York and The Bellagio. First stop an all you can eat buffet, good although don't think our bellys did it justice we only had 2 platefuls compared to the average 6 of others. We spent our time in Vegas making our way round all the big hotels, checking out the free shows and the not so free casinos. They are all amazing and differnt. Apologies to all you people that have already been to Vegass, you can probably skip this bit, but for everyone else espcially Craigs mum, here is our own take on all the big hotels (yes they are the sights in Vegas)! Mandalay Bay, the first on the strip,the big golden towers. Very nice hotel with lots of swanky/trendy restaurants. It was also here where Jill discovered the magic of the wheel of fortune slot machines, and got here first big win, $12.50!! Next up The Luxor, the pyramid did not disappoint, especially once you walk inside and see the floors working there way up the edges to the top. Full of egypitian statues and of course a big casino. Next Excalibur, the castle on the strip, looks better on the outside, not much other than the casino we found on the inside. New York New York, a great reminder for us of the big apple, and a great replica of all the NY landmarks as you will see from our photos. On the inside we would get to buy lots of NY merchandise, luckily we had already purchased aload of this already. We went on the rollercoaster that goes all the way round the hotel, with several loops and very high, it turned out to be a bit of a boneshaker, and we both were a little battered/bruised after the ride. MGM Grand, wow, this was all i could get from craig whenever we went near this hotel, he seemed mesmorised by the glowing green hotel at night, nearly as much as he was by the cards been handed out on the street offering stirppers direct to you! Inside the MGM is the lion habitat, a couple of lions who most of the time are laid asleep, but who are woken up for playtime by some brave/stupid guys going into feed them. Paris, complete with eiffel tower and arc de triomphe. We went up the tower one night, and was one of our highlights of Vegas, it gives you great views of the strip, and fabulous view of the Bellagio fountains, jills favourite. Caesars palace which the yanks seemed to think was greek not roman, we were the only people chucking our cent over our shoulder into the replica of the trevi fountain. Loads of fancy shops in the forum, as well as bizarre indoor fountains that change to tell the story of atlantis, also big tropical fish tank and fancy car showroom. This had ferraris, porsche, lambos, and some crazy old yank hotrods. Jill particularly liked the artic blue astin martin, and was hoping for a big win on the slots that night! The venetian is probably the most impressive hotel on the inside, with painted ceilings, and shops that are along the indoor canals, complete with singing gondalas. Which looked rather embarrassing for those who were sat on them. The Mirage has the volcano outside which errupts every night, but it wasn't as big and real like for Craig. It also had a white tiger on the inside. It wass here where Jill also beat Craig twice on a daytona arcade car racing game. (he said obviuosly he let me win to keep me happy!) Treasure Island has pirate ships outside, however gets a thumbs down for only letting guests on the viewing deck for the show which is the path in front of the hotel, so everyone else has to try and climb up to get half a view, or dodge the traffic. It wasn't quite what we expected either, not the childrens show that Jill was expecting. Wynn hotel was very swish, huge gold tower, lots of top designer shops, and a lovely lobby and water feature. We also won again on the slots here this time on Star Wars, our other favourite. The Stratophere at the far end of the strip has the tower to go up to give you views back down the strip, and also a number of scary rides on the top. Craig could only persuade me to go on the rollercoaster, which was bad enough as we spun round the top of the tower. Freemont street ast the top has all the old original casinos and also the big screen show over the walkway. Had our one and only go on the roulette wheel, which took us of 2 mins to lose our money, we definitley prefer the slots, a dollar can last us up to 10 mins on the wheel of fortune. However Jill did try here luck on the biggest slot we could find, unfortunetly no win, even with a crowd cheering her on. Finally the bellagio, Jills favourite, honestly not because its the poshest, its the fountains. We must have seen them 20 times and never failed to be amazed with the water show to music. Honestly they are really good, and Jills top Vegas highlight. Obviuolsy the inside of the Belligio is very nice too, especially the worlds biggest chocolate fountain. Apart from that we did some reatil therapy in the very cheap outlet malls, and spent a day round the pool. On our last night we went for a hellicopter ride over the strip which gave you an amzing view of all the hotels, especially as we were in the front agian with the pilot. We had a great time in Vegas, and like everyone else we know whos been can't wait to go back (especially James).