This was our third trip to Vegas in 18 months and we thought we would give it a try at Christmas. We flew Virgin from London on 15th December, stayed at Gatwick Sofitel the night before ready for Saturday am flight, everything went to plan and after the usual hour wait at immigration (and smoke) it was off to the Mirage, Third trip and we were taken through the tunnel, husband not happy and let the driver know and didn't give him a tip, who wants to spend extra time and money sat in a taxi after 10.5 hour flight!

We stayed 11 nights this trip so can't remember day to day so I will summarise.

Hotel/Mirage
Not a complaint just an observation/opinion.
On our last trip in April we stayed at Barbary/Bills without any great expectations we thought it was a fabulous hotel, nearly stayed there again this visit but thought we should try somewhere different, great rooms, good atmosphere, no lines for restaurants and coffee etc. but found a different story at the Mirage, thought the rooms could do with a serious update, beds particularly uncomfortable and rooms generally tatty, waiting for coffee at Roast Bean about 30 minutes every morning and loads of people aimlessly wandering around made trip through hotel to room long. We stayed at the MGM on our first trip and though it's even bigger preferred it as it was less busy getting through.

Food
All American at Rio - had a really good meal here, husband had one of the best steaks he's ever had.

Carnegie Deli at Mirage - ate here 3 times every time a really good meal.

Victoria Rooms at Bills - had a few meals here again and as usual very good.

Wynn Buffett - We are not usually buffet eaters at all but thought we would give it a try for dinner one evening and it was very good.

Stack at Mirage - Had an excellent meal here on Christmas Eve and wouldn't hesitate to go again.

Downtown
Third trip to Vegas and we hadn't got around to going downtown so Sunday (22nd) before Chrismas we walked over to Venetian shops and it was so busy husband suggested a trip downtown, I had reservations about this as I had read reports that suggested it was full of down and out's and puking drunks, I can handle down and out and drunks but not the other and we decided we would come straight back if it was like that, well I will say that we got a taxi back at 4am next morning and really enjoyed it and I will take some of the things I read in reports a bit more lightheartedly in future. We went to 4 Queens where we had lunch in Magnolia's, then to Fremont, Binions, Golden Nuggett, Golden Gate, Fitzgerlands, Plaza, Bayou and then found ourselves back in the 4 Queens and hungry again so we had dinner in Magnolia's also and it was excellent. Husband enjoys playing slots and had a really fun day and we will be going again on our next trip, maybe even staying.

Spent a day ay the Las Vegas outlet centre and the Silverton, Every trip to LV has to include a trip to the Bass Pro Shop. On previous trips we have eaten at the Sundance Grill but that was closed for renovations and their new restaurant was shut for a private function so it was back to the strip for food, husband was disappointed as he loves the ribs here. They are obviously doing a lot of work at the Silverton.

Went to the casino's in most hotels, spent quite a bit of time in the Wynn Casino. Went shopping to Fashion Show, Miracle Mile, Canal Shops and Forum Shops at least once, we both enjoy shopping and the good exchange rate adds to that enjoyment.

Observations
Went to the Rio and the Masquerade show was off until the 26th, as was the pirates show at TI. I read that this time of year is quiet but compared to April this year and July last year we thought it appeared pretty busy especially the last few days when there seemed to be an unusual amount of children compared to previous trips.

Husband thought the slots at the Mirage were the tightest he's ever played.

Never had any problems getting drinks anywhere we were playing.

Thought the Bellagio Christmas decorations were very good and there was generally a more Christmasy atmosphere than expected, Christmas music playing and the Christmas lights in the Wynn were very pretty.

All in all we had another great trip, don't know yet when we will go back again, probably when the thought of that endless flight starts to fade and you think well it is worth it!