Mon Ami Gabi French Bistro at the Paris Las Vegas

Entrance to Mon Ami Gabi is accessed from the Paris Las Vegas casino.

Eggs benedict special with bacon.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

In keeping with the hotel's Parisian theme, Mon Ami Gabi advertises itself as a classic French bistro offering classics such as onion soup au gratin with bubbling baked gruyere; frisee and bacon salad with a soft-poached egg and croutons; roast chicken and frites grand-mere style with mushrooms, bacon and pearl onions; and the trademark steak frites. Completing the menu is a selection of French wines handpicked by Chef Gabino Sotelino.

But this is breakfast I immediately taken with the special of eggs benedict with bacon ($14.95). A glass of fresh squeezed orange juice ($3.95) and coffee ($3.95) completes the meal. Poached eggs perfectly prepared with thick slices of bacon and hashed potatoes on the side set me up for the first full day of my conference or at least until our first break.

Outdoor seating along Las Vegas Boulevard.

Indoor seating captures the feeling of a French bistro.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

 Arriving when the restaurant opens at 7am, I got an outdoor table under an umbrella along Las Vegas Boulevard. The restaurant is on a raised level so diners aren't eye to eye with people passing by. It's a perfect place to soak in the cool of the morning and wonderful view of the Bellagio and Cosmopolitan Hotels across the street.

The service is fast and friendly and my coffee cup or water glass never left empty. Once I finished my meal I requested for my check without any wait. It was relaxed but quick meal. I would look forward if time permits at revisiting Mon Ami Gabi during their lunch or dinner.

Mon Ami Gabi is located in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel along Las Vegas Boulevard. Entrance to the restaurant is form inside the casino. Indoor and outdoor seating available.  Hours: Open from 7am-11pm Sunday to Friday; 7am-12am Saturdays. Visit monamigabi.com for more information. Click HERE to view the various menus. Other locations: Chicago, IL; Oak Brook, IL; Reston, Va; and Bethesda, MD.

Outdoor diners are shielded from the morning sun by umbrellas.

View from the outdoor seating offers views of the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

View from the outdoor seating offers view of the Bellagio.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Review: 'Jersey Boys' at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel

From left: Jeff Leibow (Nick Massi), Graham Fenton (Frankie Valli),
Ro Marnell (Bob Gaudio) and Deven May (Tommy Devito).
(production photos: Joan Marcus)

'Jersey Boys' playing the Paris Las Vegas Hotel continues to be the crowd-pleaser wherever it plays. After seeing the show on Broadway, London and Toronto the overall quality is not lost in its Vegas incarnation. The original sets and costumes are duplicated but it's the energetic and talented young men who play the Four Seasons and their performance of the group's hit songs that do not disappoint.

This Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2006 tells the story behind the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from the streets of Newark to the top of the music charts. All of the groups major hits are featured in the show. Among them include "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't' Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "My Eyes Adored You" and "Walk Like A Man"

Tonight's Frankie Valli is Graham Fenton, who alternates in the role with Travis Cloer (each playing four performances per week due to the vocal demands of the part), is in fine voice as the lead singer of group never sounding strained to duplicate Valli's vocals. Though the character is given some of the most dramatic scenes especially in the second act which he handles ably, character growth is mainly offered up through narration (a fault of the show's book writer). However this device does keep the show moving at a clipped pace.

If there is a standout performance among the four it is Rob Marnell as Bob Gaudio (the songwriter of some of group's biggest hits) who plays the role with boyish charm and mature keenness. Deven May as Tommy DeVito offers the standard tough Jersey attitude (maybe a bit tad too rough) for the character and Jeff Leibow as Nick Massi, as the least developed character of the four musicians, is given a couple of fine moments including a scene of comic relief where he describes DeVito's obsession with towels.

The ensemble make do with the bit background characters they are assigned. As a company some of the most dazzling scenes is when the entire cast is up on stage in fully choreographed numbers especially in the finale. If we only get an outline about the rise of the Four Seasons at least the musical is entertaining from the start to its very last note.

Unlike some other Broadway musicals that were transplanted to Vegas, the show retains the full running time in lieu of being condensed to 90 minutes. But it should be noted that the 15-minute intermission is dispensed with in favor an eight-minute pause. Patrons are encouraged to hot foot it to the restrooms or bar during this short break. But during the pause, those who choose to remain seated are treated to black and white filmed images of America during the era of the Four Seasons.

I have to admit I was shocked at the sky high ticket prices to see this show. Topping at $226.80, I did not have the opportunity to check if discounts tickets were available. So instead I picked up a mid-price orchestra seat for $171.80 which put me in a fifth left orchestra row three seats off the aisle. This evening the house was not full and there was a huge gap of seats between those seated in the front orchestra and those sitting in less expensive mezzanine seats. I'm not sure if the ushers at the Paris Theatre were Nazis about patrons remaining in their paid seats but it was unusual to not notice anyone moving a few rows forward during the break.

The Vegas production originally opened at the Palazzo in 2008 and after over three years closed at that venue and moved to the Paris (according to press reports under more favorable terms) where the musical is playing an open-ended run. With the announced closing of 'Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular,' 'Jersey' will be the only Broadway musical playing the Strip.

The DETAILS

• Website: jerseyboysinfo.com/vegas
• Venue: Paris Theatre (Le Theatre des Arts) click HERE for seating chart
• Location: Paris Las Vegas Hotel
• When: Tue & Sat 6:30 & 9:30pm; Wed-Fri & Sun 7pm
• Running Time: 2 hrs 10 min (with eight minute pause)
• Ticket Prices: $100.30-$226.80
• Opening: Mar 6, 2012
• Closing: Open Ended Run
• Book Online: ticketmaster.com
• Reservations: 702-777-7776
• Cast Recording: 2005 Original Broadway Cast Recording

The Venue: The Paris Theatre at Paris Las Vegas Hotel

'Jersey Boys' advertising amid the hotel's Montgolfier Balloon and
Eiffel Tower.

The 'Jersey Boys' merchandise shop located across the casino.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Paris Theatre now hosting an open-ended run of the hit musical 'Jersey Boys' is only one of two venues currently playing a Broadway musical in Las Vegas (the other being 'Phantom' at the Venetian which I'll be seeing tomorrow night). The theatre was designed to be more of a concert venue than traditional Broadway-type house as evidenced by the extra wide auditorium. Previous productions here include a Vegas version of the musical 'The Producers' starring David Hasselhoff and Tony Danza and more recently Barry Manilow as headliner.

One of the striking things missing within the auditorium itself is the lack of any decor that is associated with the hotel's Parisian theme. It's a black box that could be in any other hotel on the Strip. The theatre is located down the hall next to the registration desk. The theatre entrance itself is also not striking which opens to almost bare room where the showroom's bar is located before guests enter the auditorium. An elevator is available for those unable to walk up to the balcony.

The merchandise shop located next to the Paris Theatre entrance.

Casino gaming tables in a 'Jersey Boys' theme.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

At capacity the theatre seats 1,500 but extreme sides on the orchestra level appear not to be on sale due to the poor sight lines. The box office is located opposite the registration desk. Near the theatre's entrance is a merchandise shop where purchased are made from a window. This shop is only open during showtimes. A larger shop with extended hours is located by the casino.

As is being more common on Broadway, the theatre's bar lists signature cocktails associated with the 'Jersey Boys' musical. The menu lists a Jersey Sour, Hang On, Four "C"-Sons, I've Got You, Walk Like A Man and Boardwalk Breeze among the drinks.

By the way the theatre ushers did not pass out any Playbills. However flyers near the auditorium entrance were available listing the cast members and creative credits.

It should be noted that signs at the Paris Hotel point to the venue as Le Theatre des Arts. However other advertising (including the hotel's website) indicates the showroom as the Paris Theatre. In cross promotion within the casino, games near the theatre is themed for the 'Jersey Boys'.

Click HERE to view the seating chart. Visit parislasvegas.com for info about this venue and other entertainment at the hotel.

One of the signs pointing to the Le Theatre des Arts rather than
Paris Theatre for the name of the venue.

One of the traditions of a Broadway production is the cast list of who is
performing tonight but this one also includes photographs.

One of many signs around the hotel and casino advertising the show.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

ABC Stores Located Next Door at Planet Hollywood

One of two ABC Stores along Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile
shopping arcade.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

I still can't believe the convenience store at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel still overcharges for bottled water. But head next door to Planet Hollywood and visit the ABC Stores (the ubiquitous convenience store of Waikiki in Hawaii) and purchase a one liter Nestle brand of bottled water for only 99 cents. A sign at the store indicates its regularly priced at $1.75 which is still cheaper than what a smaller bottle of water costs at the Paris.

A couple of soft drinks and some snacks and I was set for my few days in Las Vegas. Wanna pick up some reasonably priced souvenirs, the retailer has them as well from pens to shopping bags to shirts.

The ABC Stores chain has nearly 60 stores in across the Hawaiian islands and locations in Guam and Saipan. In Las Vegas, ABC Stores can also be found on Fremont Street, Fashion Show Mall, Tropicana Ave, ShowCase Mall. Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile and the Rivera each have two locations of ABC Stores. Visit abcstores.com for more information.

Paris Las Vegas Hotel: The View From Room 3072P

A view of the Las Vegas Boulevard and the Bellagio in a canyon created
by the Paris Las Vegas and Bally's.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

It may not be a room facing Las Vegas Boulevard but from Room 3072P, I had a narrow view of the Strip and even of the Bellagio lake and fountains. Also one can admire the ornate exterior of the upper floors from this height. The very top of the hotel's Eiffel Tower peaks from behind the wing that obscures my view of the Strip.

Looking through this same window to the right is a view of the Flamingo. The other window of the corner room offers a view of Bally's towers and hotels north of the Paris. In the distance I can make out the Ventian, Palazzo and Wynn. This second window also a dessert view that shows the expanse of Las Vegas beyond the Strip.

The upper floors also affords guests a second view from the elevator bank. The bottom two photos show a grand view of the Planet Hollywood resort, City Center and a Hilton Grand Vacations tower.

View of the Flamingo hotel. Caesar's and the Mirage are in the distance.

One of Bally's hotel towers dominates view with the Venetian,
Palazzo and Wynn hotel towers in the distance.

A desert view of Las Vegas beyond the Strip.

This view from the 30th floor elevator bank offers a view of the
Hilton Grand Vacations tower.

The same elevator bank also offers a view of Planet Hollywood
and City Center.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

In Other Words, Do Not Disturb

(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Though the Paris Las Vegas hotel has attempted to tone down the theme of the hotel from when it first opened, it's still kind of cute that the do not disturb sign is in both French and English.

Paris Las Vegas Hotel: Amenities & Internet

Shower gel, conditioner, shampoo, body lotion and aloe cream
facial bar and bath bar by Gilchrist & Soames.

On the desk is one of two telephones (the second is in the bathroom).
For a fee, the hotels offers wired/wireless internet.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

To answer the big question: internet is not free. For a fee of $14 for 24 hours wired and wireless internet is available. But I learned something during this visit to Las Vegas. I finally discovered LTE service offered by AT&T on my iPad finally works and it feels like using a good wi-fi signal. The downside, I quickly realize I'm using up more data faster than on the carrier's 4G network. I quickly fix this with purchasing a 3GB data plan for $30.

Other amenities include two telephones (one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom), a coffee valet featuring a single-serve coffee maker, toiletries by Gilchrist & Soames (provider of luxury bath goods for fine hotels) including bath salts, room safe, iron and ironing board. There is a refrigerator mini-bar in the armoire but it is empty. A flat-screen television sums up the basics for a property that want you to spend a little time in the room and more time spending money in the casino.

For you picky coffee drinkers, the label of the coffee states it's "a blend of Rainforest Alliance Certified and 100% Arabica Coffee."

In lieu of the coffee pot coffee maker is the a single serve coffee maker.

The coffee service includes both regular and decaf coffee.

The attractive room service menu cover.

On this page that lists entrees prices range from $17 for a four-cheese
pizza to a $32 filet mignon.

In the closet is the room safe, iron and ironing board.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Paris Las Vegas Hotel: Bathroom and Closet Hallway

(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The red theme of the bedroom continues into the closet hallway and the bathroom. The bathroom itself lacks the busy wallpaper that was in Room 415, one of the hotel's older room, but is similar in size. There is both a tub and glass enclosed shower.

The closet hallway is a bonus space of this corner room and includes a small desk, lamp and chair. A wall mirror would have completed this part of the room. Opposite this desk is the room's closet. So far so good and I'm really liking this room.

(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Paris Las Vegas Hotel: The Updated "Red" Bedroom (Non-Smoking)

(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

When Room 3072P is compared to Room 415 the difference is like night and day. This is the key if you want to snag a similar room at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.

Rooms Ending in:

01P, 74P

Oversized, Petite Suites, 1 King Bed, Preferred Las Vegas Strip Views, and Eiffel Tower Views

25P

Oversized, Corner Room, 1 King Bed, Preferred Las Vegas Strip Views, and Eiffel Tower Views

48P, 49P

Oversized, Corner Rooms, 1 King Bed, City or Desert Views

72P, 73P

Oversized, Corner Rooms, 1 King Bed, City or Desert Views

98P

Oversized, Corner Room, 1 King Bed, Preferred Las Vegas Strip Views, and Eiffel Tower Views

24P

Oversized, Corner Room, 1 King Bed, Las Vegas City and Partial Strip Views

Make sure to specify a room number ending in the letter "P" which denotes a corner room or suite. (data from tripkick.com)

(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The room is modern and one of the hotel's updated red rooms. This corner room is very spacious and handsomely furnished. A short corridor between the bedroom and the entry door adds a feeling of extra privacy. The king bed is the focal point accented by the striking red headboard. A couple of sitting areas and spacious desk adds to feeling of a well-appointed room. But it is a corner room and the windows on two sides of the room that is an awesome spectacle. Though the room does not face Las Vegas Boulevard, the views from this room especially one on the 30th floor is worth it.

An armoire with a flat screen television hung from the wall that can be adjusted to face the bed completes the room. There is a mini-bar refrigerator in the armoire but it is empty.

I'm not going to complain. You know you like a hotel room if you just want stay in it as long as possible. And I feel the same about it and more than makes up for time spent in a smoking room the night before.

(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Paris Las Vegas Hotel: From Room 415 to Room 3072P

"No. de Chambres" means "Room No." and non-smoking.

"Everything's sexier in Paris Las Vegas" and Room 3072P fits
the description.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

A non-smoking room for me was indeed ready by 11am and so after roaming around the Paris and Bellagio hotel grounds I head to reception desk and got my new room keys. Then the unusual journey of taking the elevators to the fourth floor to pick up my two bags then heading back down to the ground floor and main bank of elevators. Separate elevator banks are devoted only to certain floors so since I'm switching rooms from the 4th to the 30th floor I could not just head straight up to my new room.

I am still peeved that I had to sleep in a room designated smoking last night so I am hoping this room is much better. But what a world of difference as soon as I got off the elevators on the 30th floor. As on each floor there is a central seating area and then four hallways heading to each wing of the hotel. But there is not a hint of cigarette smoke in the air. As I walk down the hallway, I quickly realize my room is way at the end of this long corridor. To my surprise the room I am re-assigned is excellent.  See the next few posts for information and photos of Room 3072P. The "P" should have been a hint of what was to come.

Most of the mega-resorts built in Las Vegas in the past twenty years have
these unusually long hallways in each wing.

In the center of each floor is the elevator bank and a small sitting area
from where four hallways lead to each wing of the hotel.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)