Well, everything is booked.

The flights were filling up fast/prices going up for certain times, so I used some OP miles for one of the tickets and paid for the other.

We are leaving the night of 27 January out of IAH and returning on the 31 January 0100hr flight from LAS. We were going to go Thursday morning and come home Sunday morning around 0800, but figured going Wednesday night would be better.

I booked us at The Mirage. After months of flip flopping and soliciting opinions and reading reviews this was the spot I settled on. It came down to The Mirage, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, NYNY and Planet Hollywood.

Thanks to you who pointed out smartervegas.com; I booked via The Mirage website and took their WINTER promo. We have a Strip View Room for 3 nights at $323. All in all a decent deal, I suppose. What say you, Vegas Veterans?

This includes taxes and that stupid resort fee of $50.00 (will I be subject to the additional $15.00 per day too?)

I also signed up for a Players Club card - perhaps I'll rack up enough credits to get a night comp'd.

Anything else I should do prior to getting out there?

Regarding the agreed-upon ridiculous resort fee: Upon checkin, you should immediately discover that the in-room internet is slow and difficult to stay logged into. Report this to the front desk and ask for a rebate on the "resort fee."

Mirage is an overall good choice as a base for a first time Vegas stay. You're very centrally located and it's an easy walk to Bellagio, Paris, TI, Venetian/Palazzo and Wynn/Encore. City Center and Planet Hollywood are also pretty easy walking distance. Have fun!

One good place to check hotel prices is Priceline.com. You don't have to bid, just put in your dates and they will bring up a list of hotels with discounted prices. You can find some great deals.
I recommend center strip also. If your trying to impress your wife, avoid Imperial Palace, Bill's, Bally's, Harrah's or Flamingo. There are much better choices. Particularly Bellagio, Ceasers, or The Venetian. If those are too much, try Paris or Planet Hollywood.
Enjoy.

With our trip being about a week away, I have a few more questions (and will probably have more as the date gets closer).

1. I plan on bringing about $1000 cash with me. This is for gambling, shows, food, whatever else.

The majority of this will be spent gambling and eating/drinking. The only show we plan to see right now is Frank Caliendo.

My girlfriend is bringing $500, since she isn't a gambler.

Is this sufficient enough to have a good time?

We will be there for 4 days (Wednesday Night, Thursday, Friday, Saturday [leave on the 0100 red eye Sunday morning]).

2. I saw a few people recommend a place called Tixs4Tonight or something like that - are they pretty good? Think I can get good deals on the Caliendo tickets or should I ask the concierge to hook me up?

3. As previously mentioned, we will be flying out on Continental's 0100hrs red eye back to IAH early Sunday morning. What's the scene like at LAS at that time? What time should I arrive at the airport to ensure we're on time? I'm thinking getting there at 2300hrs should be ok - is that ok?

4. What's the cost of a beer usually go for in the casino's? I've read that they serve free drinks, but that isn't for everyone, right?

5. Any additional tips you guys can suggest?

Sure, just set a daily budget for gaming and if you have an off day then wait for the next day. (I should learn this myself ).

They have various shows at half-off, not sure if Caliendo is one of them.

Should be fairly quiet at that time. 2300 hours is good.

Drinks are free when playing (don't forget the tip). Think penny slot machines, play one unit...slowly .

Enjoy your trip.

Cool - thanks, king!

I'm pumped. I can't wait to go.

This time tomorrow we'll be en route to IAH to hop the flight out to LAS.

I'm fired up.

We loved Vegas so much from the first trip that we booked another one. We leave tomorrow and will be staying through Sunday and coming home on the red eye Monday morning.

We're staying at The Mirage on the headliners promotion (20% off).

I can't wait to shoot some craps.