I like Vegas, even love part of it and adore that it exists. Especially because it is the easiest place to entertain your family if you live on the left coast. All your relatives can agree that losing all your child’s tuition at slots is bad which conveniently takes the focus off of you and why you don’t own a home. It is also a very nice place to write a travelogue so you will be “forced” to leave your family as you research your article. And to counter the hectic agenda of my family and the nature of Vegas itself; my travelogue will focus on the quiet, relaxing and charming side of Vegas.

Charming is not a word normally associated with Vegas. Loud. Crass. Tacky. Sure. But charming? The only charm I previously found in Vegas was on the bracelet of a big fat-assed mid-western woman with a light up T-shirt chain smoking at black-jack trying not to use the “N” word. But no. Vegas has changed. Sure tacky is still king but there must be a few places or retreats that’ll teat you like the queen you are. Right?

First thing’s first. Where to stay? In our current crushing economy all hotels are dirt cheap. Even the big ones have ridiculous deals. (Don’t be afraid to call ahead and see what they can do.) I, however, wanted to stay someplace away from the constant ping ping of the slots and screams of the soon to be losers. I heard of The Blue Moon Resort a few years ago and never got around to checking it out. I am so glad I procrastinated. John Hessling opened The Blue Moon 5 years ago on a shoestring budget. It wasn’t what he had in mind when it opened. But with his constant vigilance (and 2 remodels) it’s now a hotel of which he is proud. “I have always been a pleaser at heart…to see that look of pleasure on my guests at check out.”