I wonder how many people are happy to see the Vegas Big Smoke back at the Ventian in 2007? I have attended every year for four years and I have to say the Venetian was not my favorite. They offered no discounts on rooms and would not allow cigar smoking in some of the lounges until after 11PM.

I can't speak for the rooms, but the venue was one of the best IMO. I've been to all of the Big Smokes out here and was the most impressed with this last one.

I wonder how Nevada's new state smoking ban will affect it. It says smoking is only permitted in casino gaming areas and other areas where minors are prohibited. I don't live in NV and am not a lawyer, but I'm not sure that means ballrooms and meeting rooms are OK to smoke in.

The editors at CA seem to think they're all right, but the voter-approved law was poorly worded (like most similar initatives) and its already led to 1 court case. We'll see.

No smoking in Vegas except in casions? I can see the revised General Surgeions warning now. Caution: Tobacco use can lead to a premature death And a bad gambling habit!

Big Smoke is a private function. It'll be ok.

We stayed at the Orleans off the strip a bit. 5-10 minutes from the Venitian. About a quarter of the room rate and very nice. Besides, how much time do you spend in the room anyway. I was in my room for maybe 7-8 hours a day. I will take the $150 I saved (a nite)and buy cigars, dinner, drinks, gamble, etc.

I have stayed at both the Orleans and the Stratosphere. Very nice.
Well worth 10 minutes....

I am looking for a place to stay for the Big Smoke this year. Not wanting to have to drive around, I'm thinking of trying to find a place that allows cigars, without puting you in a dump, and is within walking distance of the monorail.

Anyone have any suggestions?

If the host hotel is the Venetian again, I'd say stay there. If not, Paris, Bally's, MGM, and the Planet Hollywood are all connected to the monorail.

The Venetian is not accepting reservations. Either too long a lead time, or they are booked. Either way, I'm still looking for a place somewhere else.

Well the Venetain is to high priced, I stayed at Harris (next door), and walked in through the parking lots and was to the Big Smoke in about 5 min, and as said before, my room price was about half.....