However annoying the gym fee may be, oftentimes it also includes access to the hotel's spa, which is something you definitely should do, especially if you are traveling in the winter and don't have access to the hotel's pool/outdoor hottub. Many people don't realize that the standard amenities in the resort spa can provide for a very luxurious experience for only about $20-$40/day. For this price, you won't get a massage or a facial, but you'll often get a plush robe and slippers, a spread of refreshments, and access to hot and cool whirlpool tubs, a Finnish sauna and a eucalyptis steam room. For me, I find hours and hours of bliss in these spas. I'll be posting more about them at a later time, but I'll mention now that a few of my favorites are the spas at Aria and the Wynn and Caesar's Qua Spa. Aria & the Qua are great options if you are honeymooning or enjoying some romantic time, because both have co-ed whirlpools to canoodle in together.
In addition to scoping out the amenities online before you embark on your trip, check out some possible restaurants you might enjoy and even peruse the menus. You will be overwhelmed with choices once you get there, so have some ideas in mind of which restaurants you might want to try, what menu items you might like there, and what you are willing to spend. Also, if you have some ideas of which shows you want to see, make sure that you do some research on what the tickets will cost and whether or not you will buy ahead of time or make use of the half-price ticket booth located in front of MGM Grand. Tix4Tonight sells day-of shows at a bargain, but make sure you know in advance of your trip which night or nights the show you are dying to see is "dark" (not playing that night). If the show you want to see is dark 2 of the 3 days you'll be in town, you may want to consider changing your trip dates or booking way ahead to be certain the day you can go isn't sold out. Don't plan your whole trip around coming to see a particular show, and then find out you can't get tickets once you get there.
Plan (and keep!) a budget: Don't rely on "hitting it big" while you are there in order to pay for your trip. Even in the city of hot bets and loose slots, winning the jackpot probably isn't going to happen to you. (Sorry to kill your dream there, buddy.) So, plan a budget for what you are going to spend between the hotel, meals, drinks, spa fees, internet charges, show tickets, etc. and stick to it.
It's also VERY important that you set a gambling limit per person. When the money's out, it's out, so you might want to stretch it by instituting a "per day" limit so that you can play a little each day if the mood strikes you. Make sure to sign up for the hotel's player card, because it's the only way to get comps that you can use on future trips or even to offset some of your hotel charges this trip if you played enough. Plus, many players' clubs have a promotion for new sign-ups, so make sure you aren't leaving any freebies out there. But ultimately, if Lady Luck isn't on your side this trip, don't worry. There's plenty to do outside the casinos.
Leave the shampoo: When it comes to traveling anywhere via airplane, one of my best secret tips is to just leave all your personal care products behind. You have to check them if they are bigger than a few ounces, which is usually more expensive than the products themselves. And in doing so, you run the risk of having them spill all over your clothes. Instead of paying for checked luggage, have the cab drop you at a Walgreen's when you get in and get some cheap shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and makeup remover there. While you are at it, pick up some drinks and snacks for the room as well. That way, you don't get soaked by the hotel's sundry store, which charges $4 for a coke and $6 for a bag of Doritos. Ouch!
Check-in Time! Ask for what you need: If you bought some drinks as I suggested, you may want to ask the agent for a mini-fridge for the room when you check in. They are often complimentary or provided for a nominal fee. Keep in mind other incidentals you might need and ask for them at check-in, such as a few extra pillows, blankets, tissues (especially if you have a cold), extra t.p., or a rollaway cot. Also, if you want or need a room that's closer to the elevator, don't be shy or embarrased to ask. The check-in agent will always do what they can to best accommodate you, and it may be a great idea to save that extra walking for sight-seeing on the Strip.
Here's a very little known trick that you might want to try... Ask the check-in agent if any complimentary upgrades are available and hand your credit card to the agent wrapped in a $20 bill. Word on the street is that if the agent can do it, they will (and keep the $20 as a tip) but if they cannot, they will simply hand the $20 back with the credit card once they've swiped it. It's worth a try, and I've heard of people who have gotten upgraded to fabulous suites this way. Even if the $20 trick doesn't work (or you don't want to risk the $20 to do it), you should still always mention that it's your birthday/honeymoon/anniversary even if it isn't. Many hotels have a free gift for those occassions and who would be crazy enough to pass up a free bottle of champagne or complimentary chocolates?
Also, do a sweep to see to it that the hotel room has everything you need. Locate the hair dryer (sometimes they hide it in a drawer, so look around) and make sure the shower and toilet work. Even in a city that is 24/7, you aren't going to want to be calling down to the front desk at 3 a.m. when you hair is drenched and you are shaking cold wrapped in a towel to inform the front desk that the hot water isn't working. Check it ahead of time and avoid the embarrassment.
My final tip is a simple one: Wear comfortable shoes! While your sky-high pumps may look great, they aren't going to last long with the amount of walking you'll do. Before you go, invest in some flashy flip flops and/or flats. Your feet will thank you!
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