Wynn Las Vegas

Just some quick comments on my first visit to the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas. A relatively new hotel with a smaller footprint than many other Las Vegas mega-hotels, the design and layout are pretty much as you would expect. On our trip we didn't see anything that would distinguish this hotel as anything but an above-average place to visit and gamble. Lunch at the casual cafe Terrace Pointe overlooking the pool was also above average, although as with many Las Vegas hotels, the service was on the "relaxed" side.

On the day we visited, early October, the weather for outside dining was perfect and there was a good crowd by the pool. Later we moved to the Cabana Lounge which surrounds the "European style bathing" pool at the Wynn. While we didn't witness any of the aforementioned bathing going on, the pool bar is nicely situated and even has outdoor craps, blackjack and other table games right next to the pool bar. Losing money en plein air might make it more palatable; who knows. One drawback of the European pool, however, is that being surrounded by the towers, the sun disappears by about 2:30 to 3pm, as do the pool guests. So get your tan-line-less sunbathing in before curfew!

Another tip for the time challenged is to arrive and depart at the "south tower" entrance. You'll avoid the taxi lines and there is a town car typically standing by that will take 1 to 6 passengers back to the airport, Signature Flight Support in our case, for only $60. By the way, while the ramp fee at Signature is a hefty $150 even for a smaller plane, they will waive it for a minimum 50 gallon purchase of $6.50/gallon avgas. Even though both FBO's are expensive, you can't beat the service at Las Vegas-McCarran airport.