Dentistry Show, Las Vegas, August 7-11, 2013

I'm kind of a cheapskate when it comes to staying in hotels. I love a nice hotel, what with the down comforters, soft pillows and billowy beds and all. But I don't like to pay a lot of money when I'm pretty much only going to sleep there. However, when the company pays, and Chieko is going to spend a bunch of time in the room (and fitness center) while I attend conference meetings, I'm all for a nice place. Here's our room at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas.

We'll start with the water tornado in the Crystals shopping center next to and part of the Aria. The shopping center has a bunch of these. They're about four of five feet tall. They add a nice touch to the Donna Karans, Christian Diors, Guccis, Tiffanys and Versaces stores. 

You can drive this McLaren (or one like it) on a race track, for a price. It's on display in the mall. If you have to ask how much...

And here's a peek at Las Vegas Boulevard from the pedestrian bridge that goes from the Crystals to the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile shopping center and casino. 

Here's what breakfast looks like at the Egg Works. 

Here's what dinner looks like at Todai Japanese buffet. 

And in case you're wondering, this is what goes on at a dental user conference. 

This is the Bellagio water show. The show happens every half hour, except in the evenings when it goes off every 15 minutes. It also has much better music and a more spectacular water show at times, but this is the one I videoed. 

Here's the tour of our room in the Sky Suites tower at the Aria. I know, it's not a great video, but this is the best I could do with my little Canon waterproof camera. 

Now, if I were going to Las Vegas and paying for my own room, I would likely have stayed at the Oasis in Mesquite for $30 per night. 

It looks like this is no longer an option.