Eat. Travel. Eat!

In November we stayed at the St Regis Monarch Beach to compare and contrast it to our experience at Pelican Hill . Unlike Pelican Hill, we had gone to the St Regis in person previously, enjoying brunch at the Motif almost 10 years ago. This visit, not only did we visit Motif again , but also we made sure to tour most of the facility.

A recent trip brought us to the St Regis Monarch Beach, where the room rate included a voucher for breakfast. After a night's rest, we went downstairs to check out the offerings. Reaching Motif requires a stroll down a flight of stairs. During our visit, the staircase, as well as the rest of the property, was adorned with decorations for the holiday seasons. Motif's interior likewise was adorned with the holiday decorations. Like the rest of the hotel, the decorations added a pleasant touch of color. I find the blue glasses a nice touch to the restaurant. Motif, being located in the center of the hotel, offers a great view of the pool, golf course, and ocean. This view is great to begin the day.

After the buffet , we checked out and went to Caesars. Before we did, I snapped a photo of Bellagio for the Bellagio posts, but this was the first shot which would be nice but there would be not enough emphasis for the Bellagio. So here it is. And you can see the new tower at Caesars right nest to the Bellagio's wing. I've been to the Caesars Forum Shops many, many times, but this was the first time we actually parked at Caesars. Like the Bellagio, it was busy with many cars parked in the structure. Inside, I decided to be a tourist to take pictures of something I've been in probably 20+ times already. Another place in the Forum Shops, another set of photos. I thought the first one was so-so and took another one, but the first one is more detailed, with the sculptures being more on target. Soon enough, we left Las Vegas from Caesars. Probably one of the earliest departures from Las Vegas ever, but oh well. The drive was a good one, and fortunately it wasn't...

Breakfast. Who knew at 10A.M. that so many people would be lining up? Snake patterns? Why? Anyway, since I was feeling better, I'd say we should take part in this breakfast frenzy. But where at? Cafe Bellagio was close, but the prices seemed so close to the Buffet price I would rather get the Buffet instead. Besides, a trip to Las Vegas requires a buffet visit, even if I am sick. Off we went. The Buffet was hidden in the casino- far from the lobby, far from the VIP and Executive Club Lounges. But what shocked me was this exterior. My memory from 5 years ago about this place: A pretty, elegant buffet with golden watermelon (WOW!). This looked quite the opposite. But what was hidden from the typical modern look of most buffets was still the actual, good buffet from years past. Unlike last time however, this time we zipped through the line with a line pass which that itself even had NO line at all. People in the regular line probably waited for another 30 minutes. Which is exactly why...