Cobalt

In early March, Tim had to fly from Washington, DC to Las Vegas to work at a technology conference at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, then fly to Los Angeles as part of a week-long trip. I was very disappointed when Tim told me that I couldn't go on this trip because the MGM Grand (a 4-star hotel) did not accept dogs and it was impossible to find a nearby dog-friendly hotel with such short notice.

All I got was the following postcard of Las Vegas...stamped from Washington, D.C.!

Well, after searching on Kayak.com, I have to agree with him that Las Vegas isn't dog-friendly. There are only three 4-star hotels that accept dogs:

• Hampton Inn Las Vegas/Summerlin (3 miles to the MGM Grand)
• Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa (7 miles)
  
• Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa (9 miles)
  

and two 5-star hotels that accept dogs:

• Four Seasons Las Vegas (9 miles)
• Ritz-Carlton (17 miles)
  

While Tim said he missed me, I could tell he really liked staying in the contemporary West Wing accommodations of the MGM Grand. He said the room was very sleek from the luxuriously comfortable king-size bed and the Bose Wave radio alarm to the TV behind the bathroom mirror and the large, frosted glass-enclosed shower with dual shower head. The room was just 350-feet and at the other end of a very long hall. But when you are working in Las Vegas, rather than having fun...modern luxury touches of a boutique hotel trumps having a big room without a luxurious feel.

OK...this sounds like a marketing brochure. Remember, I wasn't there. I got the "marketing spin" from Tim when I asked him to tell me what I missed.

I bet I would have enjoyed visiting Las Vegas if the hotels were more dog-friendly, but don't feel sorry for me. I had a blast while Tim was away. You can read about my vacation "away" from Tim.