THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

I have just returned from a long weekend in Las Vegas which as usual has left me entertained and exhausted and needing to go on a diet. Since coming to the US I have been to Las Vegas many times for a quick getaway, as it is the one place which is a real escape from the routine of everyday life - it is always outrageous, funny, entertaining and expensive! I don't gamble, but love shopping, eating, and going to shows and clubs. We stayed at THEhotel and I loved this hotel. This all suite hotel gives you all the amenities of Mandalay Bay, but you have all the luxury and seclusion of a hotel which feels a world apart from the bells and clanging sounds of the casino.

At one time, staying at this end of the strip was a drag because much of the entertainment and the cool shopping centers, such as Caesar's Palace, were difficult to get to, but with the introduction of the monorail which goes right down the strip to the Wynn and Stardust, getting about in Vegas is a breeze. The tram from Mandalay Bay to the Luxor and Excalibur is free, and you cross the bridge to the MGM and pick up the monorail from there (this costs $35 for a 10 trip ticket which you can share).When you enter the hotel you pass through a walkway of modern art, photographs and glass tastefully displayed on dark imposing walls.

Passing by the entrance to Mix, the stylish lounge serving stellar cocktails in a hip environment with its breathtaking views of the strip, you continue down a hallway framed by THEcafe, THEstore and THElounge (everything is "THE" in here) to the reception area and elevators. Check-in seemed to be going slowly when we arrived, however, the staff were exceptionally pleasant and polite and no question seemed too much trouble for them.

There is, of course, too much to do in Las Vegas, and trying to decide what to do and where to eat is always difficult. THEhotel and Mandalay Bay offer a wide array restaurants, entertainment and clubs without even going down the strip. If you feel like staying around Mandalay Bay, why not try one of the many vodkas in Red Square, or one of the 800 rums in Rumjungle to start with, then move on to dinner at Mix, Restaurant RM or StripSteak. But be warned, there is a lot to drink and even more to eat - if you plan to party afterwards, it's a good idea to take it easy on both, otherwise you'll find yourself heading back to your room to sleep instead! Food and booze in Rumjungle and Red Square which sounds like a good idea when the waiter describes it, is especially lethal! On this trip I ate at the Rumjungle Restaurant and had baby back ribs to start (infused in coffee or something, I think) which were delicious, followed by Argentinean strip steak, and accompanied by a great drink, Rumjungle Juice, which contains Stroh 160 rum and is also delicious. An added bonus is that you can stay on for the club free of charge if you eat at the restaurant. We will definitely go back to the RumJungle next time we're in town!