I don't think OP claimed it was great, just interesting. It is in a kitschy way or as an example of the glass/steel/neon motif; pity some real art deco stuff was demolished to make way for it.

I like the spectacle of Vegas and it certainly has a unique ambience. Just don't take it seriously.

You will hate being a member of the general public in Las Vegas. You would like the VIP treatment that high rollers get. You should go there with a friend who is a high roller.

QL

Or, be willing to pay for the high-roller experience. Wynn Tower Suites, Bellagio villas, Skyloft, MO, Mirage villas, etc. No guarantee you will have fun, but at least you can be miserable in style and comfort.

You might find this column interesting:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-carr

You may want to consider staying out in Lake Las Vegas.

I was at the Loews Resort last weekend and really enjoyed it. Close enough that we could get to the strip for dinner, a little gambling, and watching the parade of over makeuped and underdressed girls, but no problems getting space or service at the pool, or restaurants in either the hotel or the Montelago Village area.

Not to take this OT but how is quality of lodging/service overthere these days?
I haven't been since hyatt/ritz days but now this may become an option if we ever decide to go with kids and babysitter...

Y E P :D

I'd check it out. Lots of stuff to do if you're not into gambling or people watching. Check out the fountains at Bellagio, go to a show, Death Valley, Zion, etc.

One of the purposes of travel is to see "new" sights--I doubt any place in the world has the "glitz" of LAS. You say you've seen AC and Indian casinos--nothing in AC can come close to an MGM or Mandalay Bay in size (from end to end these run nearly a mile)--and most other strip casinos are not too far behind. With the free stuff (Bellagio fountain show, MGM (live) Lions, Mirage Volcano, Caesars sinking of Atlantis), to name a few, should awe even the most jaded traveler. Not too far away is Hoover Dam --worth an excursion. In effect the whole city is a "theme" park. I'd say GO and I'm sure you'll have fun.

I think when you go, you should definitely check out downtown. You might like chill spots like the Griffin. I am not a big night club person but I do enjoy staying at a high end spot and people watching.

It's worth checking out once. Just make it your own experience and don't try to do all the "hot things" that don't interest you. What I love about Vegas is that you can really make it your own journey.

Buying an expensive room doesn't quite get you the high-roller experience, but they sure have some nice rooms for rent these days.

QL

There is at least one FTer that could show him the real "High Roller" experience.

There maybe more, but only one I've seen on television.

I say definitely go, but choose an off weekend. Stay on the strip somewhere nice but not necessarily super-VIP. For example, a nice room at the Four Seasons booked through an FSPP agent, or the Wynn/Encore, or perhaps Bellagio would work. This might run you around $350 per night during a non-peak weekend.

Based on your OP, you and I are similar in many ways, yet I still love Vegas. I don't go to the clubs anymore. I suggest you avoid them, as well. There is plenty more to do. But I think the trip wouldn't be worth it unless you're willing to gamble some, even if poker.

So what did the OP decide? Going, not going, never planned on going?

Was planning on going with my wife and another couple. But that couple bailed. I guess I have decided that I will go when some sort of opportunity arises to go with friends but probably won't make a special trip with only my wife.

Unless I ever get a full week off then I would like to do a trip to Vegas, Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce and Zion. However that trip is probably behind several trips to Europe.