[Ghoulish Delight]

Speaking of Vegas, we didn't have a ton of time to ourselves there since our main purpose was the wedding, but we did get a chance to see a couple of the new-to-us hotels that have gone up since our last visit.

THEbotel This is what they've galled the new tower at Mandalay Bay. It has to be THEstupidest name I've heard...for THEnicest looking place I've been in. The happy couple stayed here, and they rented out a 60th floor suite for a casual after-wedding party. I was impressed from the moment we walked out of the Casino into this new structure. Ultra-modern decor, but super stylish. The architecture of the entry hallway really caught my eye, as well as the choice of art. Were I ever to want to spend the cash on a nicer place to stay in Vegas, this would definitely contend.

The Wynn: Not at all what I expected. I was expecting posh, ultra-elegance, possibly to the point of having a snobby air. It's not at all. It's certainly elegant, but with much more of a sense of fun and whimsy than I had figured. Definitely more inviting than I expected. I was particularly impressed with the whole area around "Parasol Down", the small lounge down stairs near reception. Fun moving art hanging from the ceiling, the breathtaking water-fall feature out the door, and flanked by a pair of curved escalators! Would love to see the mechanics of that, I noticed that each had a particularly expansive runout at the bottom, I imagine it's pretty complex. I also loved the series of arched doorways with wood surrounds sculpted to evoke the look of pulled back curtains.

Vegas may be the capital of garishally over dramatic design, but when they get something right, it's pretty impressive.