Hotels

LAKE TAHOE, CA--Jen is correct in extolling the virtue of The Block -- "the world's first snowboarder's hotel." Considering that we had a hard time locating a hotel in Tahoe, we scored big with this locale. But a few pieces of greatness that she didn't point out are how on most nights the sweet smell of kind bud wafts up from various balconies; how the "maids" don't show up to clean your room until early in the afternoon -- no need to wake a partier too early; and how the people who do said cleaning have long hair, ponytails, and tattoos. Oh, and the DVD's you are welcome to borrow ... they've got everything from Monty Python to porn.

Everything a snowboarder might desire.

Also, check out the sign posted in the bathrooms from management:

I love Vegas, and I always want people to have a good time here. Even if—dare I say it—they don't like to gamble. There's a lot to do in Las Vegas no matter what your interests are. Take your pick from shows, celebrity chef restaurants, night clubs, spas, outdoor activities, etc. But lets start with square one…where to stay? I will do a series of posts that talk about some of the more notable places to crash in Sin City.

$100-$200
I've sampled a few rooms around town and my hands down favorite is THEHotel. I think it’s the best room under $200, and while their days of offering $129 deals seem long gone, they're still worth anything under $200 and then some. All of their rooms are modern 750sq ft suites with a separate bedroom and living room. In the living room there is a sofa, 42" plasma TV and a desk for those that need business amenities like high speed internet access and a fax/printer. The bath tubs are equally impressive and you can watch a little plasma from the oversized tub (for two?). Couples will enjoy the fact that THEhotel rooms have two bathrooms. The big one, and a little one in the hallway, sometimes referred to as "the duty chamber". I jest. If you stay at THEhotel you have your own registration, valet, bar & lounge, café, spa and fitness center, along with all the other casino amenities that Mandalay Bay guests have.

I love Vegas, and always want people to have a good time here. Even if—dare I say it—they don't like to gamble. There's a lot to do in Las Vegas no matter what your interests are. Take your pick from shows, celebrity chef restaurants, night clubs, spas, outdoor activities, etc. But lets start with square one…where to stay? I will do a series of posts that talk about some of the more notable places to crash in Sin City.

Under $100
When you use the big travel search engines to find you a good rate, the results often turn up Whiskey Pete's, Gold Strike, Buffalo Bill's, and Wild Wild West for under $25/night. But trust me, that's not what you want to do. Especially if you men are entertaining your lady friends. If you want a decent room on the Strip but don't want to spend a fortune, consider the Monte Carlo. The lobby is grand, but they're not full of themselves. Check out their micro brewery and the lazy river out by the pool.