Merribella

This is my numero uno European city. My husband and I adored visiting Paris 15 years ago, despite the unfriendly people. We stayed on the Rive’ Gauche in a modestly priced hotel on St. Germaine with french doors leading to a tiny porch offering spectacular views including the Pantheon. We walked everyhere then caught the Metro when our feet would not carry us further. We preferred smaller museums to the Louve; but to see Venus DeMilo, Diana, Whistler’s Mother, is a must! Food was wonderful and outrageously expensive; served by hauty, unhelpful waiters. Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower and so much more…

Puerto Rico is my favorite island. Someday I would like to retire there. Old San Juan is as charming as any town in europe. I adore the people and find them the most friendly and the MOSTBEAUTIFUL in the world. When you visit, do not forget the western part of the island. Cabo Rojo, Boriquen-where the sun always shines on the Carribean Sea. Ponce, a great little spot, reminiscent of New Orleans, with a sweet little world class Art Museum. What’s not to love?

Took my mother and daughter there in 2000. The accomodations met the needs of my mother who is in a wheel chair. My teen daughter really loved the young peoples entertainment arcade which is the best I’ve ever come across and the Casino was just fine. But the place made us feel, well, as if we WERE in a tomb! The ambiance a bit too correct, perhaps. The place felt kind of…dank, dark, damp. There is a real plus if you are bringing family, though. Location! The Luxor is close by other Hotels that have family friendly offerings, with a convenient monorail to transport you. My daughter and I had previously stayed at the Excalibur, so we didn’t go there there (they do have a Medieval Horse Show and Dinner which is great fun for families with kids. We did spend time at MGM which has an amazing Jungle Habitat for several Lions set-up in the Hotel Lobby. It was truly a fascinating take and FREE! We also took in NY-NY which is another hotel that appealed to my teen daughter. She rode twice on their enormous roller coaster ride which travels outside the building as well as in. And she loved going through shops that cater to young people (and their parents who have more than chump change).

But wait – do not misinterpret – here is my disclaimer. Las Vegas is not a “child friendly” vacation spot in any real way! When you must march your children directly through the Casino in order get to your hotel room, it is hard to rationalize that this is a healthly environment for kids. Smoking, drinking, vulgar people saying vulgar things, is Casino atmosphere. Las Vegas is Adult entertainment. That said, if you’re like I, you don’t feel comfortable leaving the kids at home so you try to compromise with a vacation which will please all – A little for the kids, a little for you and your husband, and a little for you mother or mother-in-law (not both on same trip – egad!) Hope this helps and enjoy.