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I traveled to Las Vegas during a pandemic. I wore a mask, consistently washed my hands, and used hand sanitizer when I did not have access to soap and water. Because it was hot in Las Vegas in July, I was most concerned about the cleanliness of the pool area. At the end of this post, I included a video demonstrating how the staff cleaned the pool area. Hilton Grand Vacations opened its properties with a great incentive. If I booked before May 31, I would not have to pay the registration fee. I logged into my HGV account while I looked for flights. When the flight aligned with my accommodations, I booked at the Flamingo in Las Vegas.
Because I share points with my son, I usually travel three or four times a year using my timeshare alternating between a studio and one bedroom. However, I had not used any points. I booked the one bedroom. After I checked in and broke the seal on the door, I immediately wiped down high-touch areas: door handles, tv remotes, light switches, and the rods to pull back the curtains. Placing a seal on the door was a nice touch, and I was surprised by the individual packets of hand sanitizer in the bathroom. The staff at HGV cleaned the room thoroughly. When I opened the cabinets, they were empty. Everything was in the dishwasher. I was impressed.
I took a walk on the promenade. Most of the restaurants were open for business. There were plenty of options. I chose Gordon Ramsay. When I walked past, I asked a few customers who were eating outside about the food. They said the fish and chips were good, even though it was a little pricey. I ordered the fish, but I needed dessert. There was a place selling macarons. I stopped by the DVD machine and picked up a movie. There are no pictures of the fish. Trust me, the food was good, but the upgrade to sea salt fries was not worth the extra money. The macarons were great; I purchased a box of six.
I had an appointment for an update. At the end of this presentation, I received 30,000 Hilton Honors points and a $25 gift card for taking an Uber to and from the resort. I did not rent a car. The presentation lasted 60 minutes. I headed back to the Flamingo and hung out by the private pool for HGV. However, I had access to the larger pool at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Guests need to show ID and provide their room number. I passed on the larger pool because there was a line to get in, and social distancing was impossible. Also, not many people were wearing masks.
I did not see Tilted Kilt the first night I walked the area. It had been years since I enjoyed a meal at Tilted Kilt, and I was not disappointed. I ordered Frickles and a Cesar salad with a side of steak. Before I headed to the 8th floor, I stopped by the DVD machine. On my final day, I walked the Las Vegas Strip. It was strange to see the strip empty. I wanted to eat at Oceana Grill, but it was closed. Most restaurants and stores at Miracle Mile Shops were closed, but H&M and Sephora welcomed customers. On my way to the Flamingo, I stopped at Gordon Ramsay again and ordered shrimp and chips with regular fries. I enjoyed this meal with regular fries.
After dinner, I gathered my clothes to wash. Instead of packing for six days, I packed for three because I could wear the same clothes in Las Vegas and Scottsdale. The strategy allowed plenty of room in my suitcase for new merchandise. The trip to Vegas was a quick and inexpensive getaway. I do not gamble, and no matter how often I visit, there is always something new to see. It has been 14 days since I traveled to Vegas. I do not have any coronavirus symptoms. Mr. Las Vegas says, “Please Wear a Mask.”
Safe Travels