Our local casino: the Red Rock

When we first moved into our too-comfortable two-bedroom condominium on the outskirts of Summerlin, we resolved to visit at least one new casino each weekend. That resolution died out rather quickly, thanks to the Red Rock.

Of all the casinos I've visited -- whether in Europe, South America, Australia or the U.S. -- the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa takes the cake. Opened in 2006 at an estimated total cost of US$930 million, the tastefully laid out complex houses a nightclub, numerous bars and restaurants, a two-acre casino, 16-screen cinema and 72-lane bowling centre that is said to be the most expensive ever built.


The casino is spacious, with wide corridors and a refreshingly uncomplicated floorplan. Furnishings are understated but grand, including US$6 million worth of Swarovski crystal features and chandeliers.

There are $1/2 no limit games to be had at all hours of the day and night, although tables tend to be populated by regulars and locals. Dealers make an effort to address players by their first names, which adds a nice, personal touch to otherwise predatory poker sessions. I soon recognise the faces that I should join, not bother with, and avoid.


After far too many hours spent at the tables, we decide to give up on Red Rock poker completely, since poker on the strip is far more profitable. That doesn't stop us from making weekly, or twice-weekly, trips to Red Rock for dinner and movies, however.

During our many visits to the Red Rock, we dine at Hachi for fusion Japanese cuisine, Cabo for tasty, well-priced Mexican, the upmarket T-bones chophouse and the Grand Cafe, where $9.99 buys a filling three-course meal.

Summer's beginnings at the MGM Grand

When I first glimpse MGM Grand's pool complex, I can hardly believe my eyes. Five good-sized pools are surrounded by rows upon rows of deck chairs that are as meticulously arranged and under-utilised as pews in a church.

It is barely Summer, and already the Las Vegas Sun casts a blanketing warmth on the few who dare venture outdoors. And for those faithful, sunbathing seems almost a ritual for which they wear the same image -- pampered, female, bored, but content.

We stay at the MGM for a four-day-long conference. Upon checking in, I request to stay as close to the conference centre as possible. Still, my twice-daily walk from room to the conference is a 15-minute-long tromp that takes me past part of the casino, some fashion stores, and the pools.

The room itself is pleasant and comfortably furnished, with a wall-to-wall window that overlooks the NY NY. One inconvenient omission is a minibar and coffee maker -- we are forced each morning either to pay an exorbitant room service fee, or to trek down to Starbucks without the aid of caffeine.


Besides one greasy food court, dining at the MGM is pricey. We eat first at the casual Studio Cafe, which offers little choice besides its giant burgers, then at a Mexican restaurant named Diego's, where I accidentally order cerviche.

Finally, I discover the room service kid's menu from which a $6 spaghetti bolognaise and $8 creme brulee make an excellent meal.

On our final day, when all my work is done, we finally have the morning free to spend by the pool. With frappuccinos in hand, we warm up first beside one of the regular pools before heading to the 'river pool', which winds its way around the complex and features waterfalls and even an artificial current.

Our stay at the MGM is as pleasant as it is busy, and as it comes to an end, I am glad to head home. Life on the strip can be taxing!