I recently began Twittering with Pilar Ellis– the marketing manager at the Trump International Hotel here in Las Vegas. She suggested that I come to take a tour of the resort as she noticed it was not reviewed on our Ladies Love Las Vegas site. Initially, I had not intended to list non-casino properties on the site, but Pilar and her amazing tour of Trump changed my intentions. This is a lovely hotel that offers classic elegance and amenities for vacationers that may not be interested in gaming or smoking. Yes, girls, it’s a non-smoking property without a casino, but let me tell you what it does have: beauty and tranquility with a surprisingly affordable price tag!

Although the entire hotel is fabulous, the most extraordinary feature of the Trump is their guest suites. Pilar, who’s been involved in hotel marketing for over 15 years, explained that since the hotel was initially built as a condominium resort, the rooms that you rent are actually individual luxury condos! Suites are available as a studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, or a three bedroom penthouse. And, my, my for you pet toting ladies: all of these are pet friendly and include treats and toys!!

Pilar was kind enough to show me every available suite configuration. I was blown away by the views, the amenities, and the simple, classic, elegance displayed in every the floor plan. All of the suites have fully stocked kitchens, pristine bed and bedding, luxurious baths with TV’s embedded in the mirrors, and sublime color palettes. The best part, ladies, is the suites start at ONLY $99 per night for a studio suite and $149 for a single bedroom suite! This is one of the greatest room values I’ve seen in Vegas. Most of the folks I’ve talked to say they would have never thought of staying at Trump International fearing it would be too expensive or they thought they were all private residences. Well, now’s your chance to plan that long awaited getaway along with poochie and groceries!

Guess what? There are over 40 images of the resort on our LLLV Flickr page so you can check it out and make your own judgment. These pictures depict the various suites, the pool area, DJT steakhouse, and the gorgeous lobby. I also got a tour of the magnificent spa (locals get a 25% discount, ladies) the large health club/gym, the pool café and cabanas, meeting rooms, business center, and Lobby Bar. Yes, Pilar really went the extra mile to make sure I saw everything the property had to offer.

Some of the other features that make Trump International unique are the proximity to the Fashion Show Mall which is right across the walkway from the lobby. A guest would have access to all of the shopping and the vast array of dining options that the FS offers. Also, if you want to go walk the strip, you can catch the shuttle to the Forum Shoppes at the corner of Flamingo & Las Vegas Blvd. Here’s the really unique feature: 2 private cars are available for any guest at the hotel to use during their stay!

The grand tour is already paying off, Pilar, because many of my acquaintances who would have never thought to stay there are now excited about the prospect after my riveting and intriguing descriptions. Personally, I intend to try the DJT gourmet restaurant in the near future as the menu looks classic, the prices seem reasonable, and I love the room. If any of you have specific questions about a future visit to Trump International, I have included Pilar’s e mail address below. Please get me your feedback if you have visited there—we’ll pass along your reviews.

Trump International Hotel
2000 Fashion Show Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Reservations: 866-939-8786
trumplasvegashotel.com
pellis@trumphotels.com

Frosting

I just used a can of dark chocolate frosting from the store to make things easy, but if you have a favorite recipe, just whip it up and add these spices:
1/2 teasp cinnamon
1/2 teasp cayenne pepper
1/2 teasp sea salt (or regular salt)
4-6 oz chocolate chips

Simply stir together and frost the tops of your cookies.

Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

1 teasp vanilla
1 box moist chocolate cake mix
1 8 oz pack cream cheese
1 egg
1 stick butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With an electric mixer cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the egg and then the vanilla extract. Now beat in the cake mix. Cover and chill for two hours until firm. Roll chilled batter into tablespoon sized balls. Place on cookie sheet 1-2 inches apart. Bake 12 minutes until firm, but the cookies will be soft & gooey. Cool completely and then frost or sprinkle on powdered sugar.

Carry This...

I have discussed purses with many women visiting Las Vegas and am happy to say I have managed to convert some of them to the proper purse usage for wandering around this city. Check our Tips & Tricks Security section for all the skinny on why not to carry a big, fat purse with you here. Another issue, ladies, is what you have inside of that bag. If you’re a frequent visitor to Sin City then you probably have assimilated all of the necessities into your bag by now, but, if you’re new to the strip you might want to re-load that thing before you get here.

The best things to remember about day tripping in Vegas is that for most of the year it’s hot, windy, and dry! Sometimes it’s REALLY hot, windy, and dry!! If you are coming here from a more humid environment you will not be used to the heat and dryness of the desert so pack some items to give you relief from the weather.The good news is: the more you come here the more you will get used to the dryness.  Now, every purse will not be able to support all of these supplies, but with the ability to purchase travel sized items these days most of this stuff should fit in. You will be happy you took a little extra time to reconstitute your purse contents before getting here–trust me! Here they are in order of importance:

1. Lip Balm: I’ve seen many tourists borrowing or buying lip balm here. Until you get used to the dryness in LV your lips may crack and dry out. I like the Burt’s Bees balm the best.

2. Hair Spray and Brush/Comb: These supplies are important because of the constant wind in Vegas. I always carry a travel sized can of SUPER hold spray.

3. Proper ID: If you gamble, you may need to show your social security card when hitting a jackpot. The casinos used to be VERY strict about this but I think they’ve loosened up on this rule over the years. There’s no need to take chances though when it comes to winning money. This item would have been #1 but not everyone gambles.

4. Players Cards: We can’t say it enough ladies–if you’re going to play USE those cards. Even if you’re a penny player you’d be surprised what little perks will come into your mailbox.

Not This...

5. Change: Don’t be the one whose always bumming tip money from your travel companions! There’s cashiers and ATMs all over this town so keep some tip money handy.

6. Hand Sanitizer: Boy, you need it in LV! Just sit down and start playing a sticky, dirty, poker machine and you’re going to wish you had a gallon of it. I know a gal who squirts it on a napkin and wipes down the machine before she starts playing. We like the little bottles at Bath and Body Works.

7. Sunblock: If you are going to be walking outside a lot it would be nice to have a small bottle on you. Sometimes one forgets about sunblock until it’s too late. Face make-up containing an SPF is a great idea as well.

8. Eye Drops: Yes, those get dry out here too–especially at three thirty in the morning!

9. Mints or Gum: I hate to sound redundant but the inside of your mouth will also be dry–especially after too many cocktails.

10. Hand Lotion: Ha, ha, your hands will be dried out too girls!

11. Mist: This is at the bottom of the list as most might not be able to fit a bottle of this in but it’s really refreshing when it’s 110 degrees outside.

12. Just for Fun–Your Good Luck Charm: I see plenty of ladies with these.

Ladies, if you hang in Vegas for a while (or live here) there is no avoiding public restrooms in casinos, restaurants, shopping centers, etc. and for the most part, we are spoiled in this department. Most of the ladies rooms here are spacious and clean—if not downright luxurious! I’ll never forget the first time I traveled away from Vegas and visited the ladies room. I stood with my hands under the faucet waiting for the water to come out automatically before remembering I had to actually push the handle to get it running! Similarly, toilets have been flushing automatically here for decades.

But, now, no matter how meticulous the cleaning staff and how beautiful the facilities there are always a few nasty girls who ruin the bathroom nirvana for all of us—and you know who you are! These dirty girls are pretty sneaky though because, I must admit, I’ve only caught a few of the perpetrators in action. If any of you have actually observed guilty parties leaving a stinking mess in the ladies room, I’d be interested in knowing how you reacted.

In the interest of public health and promoting restroom courteousness I have decided to list my most irritating ladies room pet peeves. Let’s take it for what it is—not too important—but, hopefully, a mildly amusing article that promotes public education! These observations are only aimed at reforming guilty parties!

Brushing Your Teeth: Yuck! No one wants to see or hear you spitting in the sink! Get some Brush-Ups if you just can’t wait until you get home.

Smoking: Geez, you can’t put the smokie treats down even while you’re peeing?

Talking on Your Cell Phone: argue with your boyfriend in private please! You’re ruining my Zen experience!

Stinking Up the Place: Alright, let’s be honest—it’s gross! Flush as you go!

Littering: Throwing tissues, toilet paper, or paper towels on the floor is NOT acceptable! Who does this at home? There’s plenty of receptacles to choose from—don’t be so lazy!

Spraying Copious Amounts of Perfume or Hairspray: We don’t all enjoy your White Diamonds!

Flicking Water All Over the Counter Tops: Don’t do this! That’s what the hand towels or dryers are for. If you do make a mess, take a paper towel and clean it up for the next patron, please.

Leave a Space Between Stalls: We all prefer a little privacy when possible if you please.

Thoroughly Flush: Good God, ladies, check to see that you’re not leaving any debris behind! Those stupid tissues seat covers rarely flush the first time. If you insist on using those make sure they go down the drain.

The Worst Restroom Blunder—Peeing on the Seat: Don’t we all HATE this one! Goodness gracious you are the worst offenders! Be kind to others and take care of your business.

]]> http://www.ladieslovelasvegas.com/ladies-room-crimes/feed/ http://www.ladieslovelasvegas.com/sin-city-sticky-salty-sultry-popcorn/ http://www.ladieslovelasvegas.com/sin-city-sticky-salty-sultry-popcorn/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:55:54 +0000 Donna http://www.ladieslovelasvegas.com/?p=1568 Ladies, this is the easiest and most delicious home made popcorn ever! It’s not too healthy, but remember, it’s Sin City Popcorn! Please enjoy!

Sin City Sticky Salty Sultry Popcorn

Pop either 1/2 cup raw corn or one pouch of microwave popcorn. (I always use the micro version and it comes out perfectly–so make life easy).

In a medium sized pot melt 1 stick of butter and stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar. When this is melted together nicely add about 10-12 large marshmallows or 80 mini marshmallows (or a couple of handfuls is how I do it).

When the marshmallows are melted pour the mixture over your popped corn and sprinkle with a bit of salt. Mix this all together and taste for saltiness.

Sit in front of the tube and watch Cheers reruns!

1/3 Brandy
1/3 Cointreau
1/3 Bacardi Rum
dash lemon juice

Shake well with ice and serve in martini glass.
Garnish with lemon or orange to your liking.

Well, I asked “mama” what she liked the best on the menu and she basically said: “Everything!” Thanks, that really narrows it down for me, but not a bad answer! I ended up ordering the Chicken Marsala (for only $12 on the lunch menu) and it was fantastic! I got 3 generous sized pieces of chicken and a heaping dollop of penne with tomato sauce. The chicken was well dressed with mushrooms and tangy gravy–plus it was tender and juicy! The meal comes with a cute little bag of fresh baked bread sticks and it even includes a soft drink of your choice. I could not finish everything on my plate.  Delanie indulged in some mussels with wine & garlic butter ($8.50 at lunch)  that she claimed were up to her rigorous standards as well.

Ventano has a great menu that probably only Delanie has been able to sample the entire contents. Lunch entrees weigh in at the $10-$12 price range and the majority of the dinner selections go for less than $20. Some of the house specialties include: Grilled Lamb Chops or Shrimp on the Stone ($12 appetizer), Lobster Bisque served in sourdough bread ($10.50), Grilled Hearts of Romaine salad ( $9.50), Rigatoni Portofino ($17.00 at dinner), & Risotto ($14-$22.50 at dinner).

My friend and I sat in the bar area where there was a sweet bartender named Dawn and a raucous neighborhood crowd playing poker and joking around. If you prefer a more subtle experience, the dining room is comfortable and nicely decorated. Best of all, Ventano has a gorgeous patio with a breathtaking view of the entire strip. They also offer catering and feature a private dining room for up to 150 guests.  This place really is one of the jewels of the Las Vegas suburbs.  If you go, be sure to peek into the bar and say HI to Delanie!

Ventano
191 S. Arroyo Grande Blvd.
Henderson, NV. 89012
702-944-4848
www.ventanoitalian.com

The Golden Gate was the first hotel/casino to open in Sin City in 1906.

A marriage license costs $55 in Las Vegas. There is no blood test or waiting period required.

Did you know that 17 of the world’s 20 biggest hotels are located in Las Vegas?

There are 15,000 miles of neon lighting in Las Vegas.

Nevada is the nation’s leader in gold production.

The average length of stay in Vegas is 3.7 nights.

25% of visitors to Vegas come from Southern California.

Did you know that Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state?

The first topless showgirls appeared at the Dunes in 1957.

Saddled horses were banned from casinos in 1938.

Nevada has no state income taxes.

The Cal-Neva hotel/casino in Lake Tahoe is the only casino that you can stand in both Nevada and California.

Vegas has imploded 14 casinos since 1993.

Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel in 1946.

In 1968 Howard Hughes purchased the Desert Inn because he was asked to leave by management.

The tallest observation tower in the United States is the Stratosphere in Las Vegas.

Did you know that 80% of travelers to Las Vegas return for another visit?

The Bellagio Fountains are home to 8 acre Lake Coumo.

The average tourist’s gambling budget per trip is just over $500.

The average age of a visitor to Las Vegas is 49.

85% of Nevada is owned by the federal government.

Did you know that shrimp consumption in Las Vegas exceeds that of the entire US combined?

Nevada is known as the Silver State.

In 1870 camels were still used as pack animals in Nevada.

Las Vegas was 100 years old in 2005.

There is a slot machine for every 8 residents in Las Vegas.

The famous Wyatt Earp used to be a sheriff in Tonopah Nevada.

The Rio Hotel/Casino has a 50,000+ bottle wine cellar.

There are more hotel rooms in Las Vegas than any other place on earth!