Travel Archives - ShaneMcDonald.ie

My stay at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

by Shane McDonald | Jun 27, 2024 | Hotel Reviews, Travel

I have been to Las Vegas 3 times now since 2022 and the previous 2 times I stayed at The Luxor but this time, I decided upon the Excalibur as it was working out slightly cheaper for the dates I wanted.

About the Excalibur Hotel and Casino

Excalibur Hotel and Casino is a casino hotel on the Las Vegas Strip operated by MGM Resorts, the same company that owns The Luxor Hotel where I stayed previously. The resort features a medieval castle theme and is named after King Arthur’s mythical Excalibur sword. The Excalibur Property includes a casino, a 28-story hotel with 3,981 rooms, and various restaurants.

The $290 million property was originally developed by Circus Circus Enterprises and construction of the hotel and casino began in October 1988, with the Excalibur resort opening on June 19, 1990 – so I was staying almost exactly 34 years after it’s opening. It was the largest hotel in the world until the opening of the nearby MGM Grand in 1993.

My Stay and Review

I arrived at around 11 pm following a 10 pm landing at the nearby airport. My taxi ride only took about 10 minutes and proximity to the airport is one advantage to this hotel.

The check-in was processed very fast and I was given a small upgrade to a 12th-floor tower room as I extended my stay on arrival.

The room was very nice but quite a long way from the elevators. Now, I actually like being away from the elevators to avoid noise so my location in the hotel was ideal for me. The room may be considered a small bit dated in design however it was clean, comfortable, and welcoming. I did notice that along with the air conditioning, there were aromatherapy diffusers and also a dehumidifier ( I will come back to this later). The shower and bathroom are large and the shower has plenty of hot water and power. The bed was super comfy and I had a very enjoyable 11-hour sleep to recover from my jet lag; so the next day I was unaffected by my 24 hours of travel on the day before. It was just as well really as I was performing at 7 pm and had soundcheck at 3 pm… the quality of sleep allowed me to be perfectly energetic and awake.

So coming back to the dehumidifier in the room; normally my sinuses play up with all the air conditioning in the hotels and public areas, since in Ireland we don’t have this and it seems to really dry me out. However, with the dehumidifier in the room, I was unaffected and this is another reason why I will certainly consider returning to the Excalibur hotel.

There is a very large casino area, and I did try a few thing like roulette and a few slots but I didn’t win much at all – unlike the $258 I won th last time I was in Las Vegas. Dining is available at multiple locations including a food court and also a very good Buffet which starts at around $31 per person for lunch.

Overall I really enjoyed my stay and I will certainly be back to either this great hotel.

If you have been to Vegas, what is your favourite hotel – leave a comment below and I might try your suggestion next !

This castle-themed resort and casino is located central on the Las Vegas Strip. It features 4 seasonal outdoor pools, 14 restaurants, 100,000-square-foot casino and live nightly entertainment are provided.

WiFi (included with the resort fee) is provided throughout rooms at Excalibur. Every room has a cable TV, a large bathroom with a hair dryer.

The Excalibur Hotel and Casino provides a tour desk. Guests can browse the numerous on-site shops.

There are 4 outdoor pools featuring a water slide, poolside cabanas, and an Adult Only Pool. A large gym with modern equipment is also available.

Interstate 15 is 1 mile from the resort offering easy access to area attractions Harry Reid International Airport is 2.8 miles away and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas is 2.5 miles from the hotel.

Discovering the Charms of Somerset: Things to do in Somerset

by Shane McDonald | Apr 11, 2024 | Travel

Somerset, a county nestled in the verdant landscapes of England’s Southwest, beckons travelers with its captivating blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and quintessential English charm. Whether you’re a history aficionado, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Somerset promises a plethora of experiences to indulge in. I have holidayed in Somerset for many years now and I know it like the back of my hand. So, here’s a curated list of things to do in Somerset, some of my must-visit destinations and activities to make the most of your Somerset sojourn:

1. Glastonbury Tor and Abbey

Why Visit: Delve into centuries of myth and legend at Glastonbury Abbey, believed to be the burial site of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. When you are there you should purchase some of the delicious Mead which is made here.

What to Do: Climb the iconic Glastonbury Tor for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, steeped in mystical allure. The views are amazing and you can often see the Tor in footage of the Glastonbury Festival which is broadcast by the BBC each summer.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a delicious meal in the Hundred Monkeys or you can have something more substantial at the George & Pilgrims or the Crown Hotel

You should also venture into the new age shops which dot the town and enjoy perhaps some meditation at the Goddess Temple.

2. Cheddar Gorge

Why Visit: Explore one of Britain’s most stunning natural wonders, carved by ancient glacial meltwaters. If you only have time to do 3 of these things to do in Somerset then this has to be on your list.

What to Do: Take a guided tour of the Cheddar Gorge & Caves in Cheddar and also at Wookey Hole and sample world-famous Cheddar cheese at nearby creameries. Also, climb the famous Cheddar Gorge for great views of the surrounding areas. Avoid the charges by climbing from Lynch Lane (click here for a map of the starting point) – this brings you to the base of Jacobs Ladder and you can start the climb for free from here. You can see Glastonbury Tor from here and also on a clear day, you can even see Wales. Note that parking and traffic in Cheddar Gorge can be busy so getting to Cheddar early, plus downloading the Parking by Phone smartphone app is recommended.

Where to Eat: There is great food to be had, especially the soups, at the Lions Rock Tea Rooms.

3. Exmoor National Park

Why Visit: Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Exmoor’s moorlands, valleys, and coastline. There are some amazing places to visit, and if you are a fan of the Poirot show starring David Suchet, then you should visit Dunster town which starred in one of these episodes. Also, I totally recommend the West Somerset Steam Train which takes you on a great trip to Minehead. This steam train brings you back in time to the age of steam and is a great way to see the countryside. On the way, you will see pheasants, buzzards, and perhaps even a sparrow hawk; as well as the great scenery on the way.

What to Do: Hike scenic trails when you are on the moors, spot wildlife such as red deer and wild ponies, or embark on a stargazing adventure in this designated Dark Sky Reserve.

4. Wells Cathedral and City

Why Visit: Marvel at the stunning architecture of England’s smallest city and its magnificent cathedral, featuring intricate Gothic design. There is also a great farmers market here every Wednesday and Saturday – I recommend the cornbread and the cheeses available here.

What to Do: Explore the historic streets, visit the Wells & Mendip Museum, or attend a concert within the cathedral’s awe-inspiring walls. Wells is also the location for the filming of the movie, Hot Fuzz, so you may see some locations which are familiar – don’t forget to buy a Cornetto.

Where to Eat: The best place which I found in Wells for food is The City Arms in the heart of Wells. I have eaten here a few times and the food has always been 100% Wonderful.

5. Bath

Why Visit: Step back in time in this UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its Roman baths and elegant Georgian architecture.

What to Do: Soak in the natural thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa, wander through the Royal Crescent and Circus, or indulge in retail therapy at independent boutiques. The town has a number of small boutiques and great eateries. On a recent visit, it was obvious to see how much of an impact the closure of Debenhams has had on the central area. But there is a lot to see in this town – if you love architecture, this is a must-visit.

6. Somerset Levels and Moors

Why Visit: Discover the tranquil beauty of England’s largest wetland area, teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

What to Do: Take a boat trip along the scenic waterways, explore historic villages such as Glastonbury and Muchelney, or go birdwatching in RSPB nature reserves. I recommend the Hamm Bird Reserve because you can park here, walk the bird reserve and then walk on further all the way to Glastonbury – so a great day out and a good walk aos.

Other areas of Interest

If you find yourself around the area of Cross, near Axbridge, I totally recommend the White Hart Inn – check their facebook page for details of the food offerings and opening hours, plus music nights which often happen around the weekends.

From mystical landmarks to scenic countryside, Somerset invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, where every turn reveals a new facet of its timeless allure. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare to be enchanted by the treasures awaiting in this charming corner of England.

Map of Locations by Wanderlog

This map was made with Wanderlog, a travel planner on iOS and Android

Cheddar Gorge Traffic; Road Closure to Traffic Once a Month?

by Shane McDonald | Apr 10, 2024 | Travel

Cheddar Gorge is one of the most scenic parts of the UK. Cheddar Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the UK, but did you know that it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Gorge is set within the Mendip Hills area of Somerset and forms part of the newly designated Mendip Hills National Landscape. Cheddar Gorge has public walkways on both sides of the gorge with amazing cliffs and extraordinary underground caves and the area is a mecca for rock-climbers.

Problems with Cheddar Gorge Traffic & Parking

The area around Cheddar Gorge has one huge problem, parking and traffic. On a recent visit there I saw tourists parking illegally below the cliffs and also in residential areas. There is also some anti-social behaviour from time to time with careless driving near pedestrians. Infact, Jim Hardcastle, manager of Mendip Hills National Landscape, mentioned the Cheddar Gorge Traffic and this anti-social driving recently, stating: “We want to create an experience that is fitting for a naturally beautiful and significant visitor attraction like Cheddar George, as we’re aware of concerns about the volume of traffic and anti-social driving… which people feel impacts safety and enjoyment of the area.

Right now, businesses in the area are being consulted about the Cheddar Gorge traffic closure but I think it would be a beneficial move and hopefully more could be done to reduce the traffic issues.

Things to do around Cheddar Gorge

If you are in this area I recommend the following places which you can visit from Cheddar.

Wells: A Beautiful cathedral town with a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, plus the location where Hot Fuzz was filmed. Don’t forget to get a Cornetto.

Glastonbury: The town near the iconic music festival. Check out Glastonbury Abbey and the great new-age shops all around the town. The Hundred Monkeys is great for food.

Mendip Hills: There are lots of hiking trails and walks in this area and there are ordinance survey maps with great walking trails.

There are more travel posts on my Travel Blog section

Travel Solo with a Plan – 5 Things to Keep in Mind

by Shane McDonald | Apr 8, 2024 | Travel

Traveling is always fun, be it with your friends or family.. But, don’t you think the more the people, the more you get bound?

Most people may not find everything amusing as you do. They may not want to see the magical sunsets or hike through the lofty mountains.

Plus, it’s not their fault as well.

Why?

Because unlike you, they may not be as adventurous. For them, it may be a getaway trip, or just a destination to jumpstart their lives, again.

However, people like us rarely enjoy such vacationer’s company. Consciously or unconsciously, they become an obstacle to our enjoyment.

And, who wants to overcome obstacles when you have towering mountains in front of you?

So, why don’t you save yourself from the trouble and embark on a solo trip?

But, as much fun solo trips are, they can be equally gruesome. Only if you don’t plan well, you can find yourself in a real mess.

To master the art of solo trips, pay attention to the following tips. Not only will you enjoy the trip, but you’ll be safe too.

Without further ado, let’s get going.

Stay Connected:

Embarking on a solo trip doesn’t mean ghosting everyone. Well, your intentions may be to give yourself maximum time. But for people at home, you’re still a vital part of their lives.

Apart from this, constant communication with your loved ones holds many benefits. In trouble? Take their advice. Running short on money? Ask them to lend a small favor. Or your vehicle can break down anytime, right? In short, friends and family can be of great help, but only if you’re constantly communicating with them.

Gather the Essentials:

The next important thing to keep a check on is the valuables you’re taking. Most people, unaware of the solo trip basics, clutter their belongings. To an unknown person, it may seem that they’re relocating somewhere else.

And trust me, doing so is like punishing yourself for the crimes you didn’t commit.

Why?

Simply because if you’re taking that many things, you’ll also have to keep them safe. And while safety has your undivided attention, you may miss on a lot. So, make sure you’re taking every necessary, and not a thing more.

Plus, traveling essentials like a medicine box, a car toolkit, or a daypack, don’t forget them at any cost. And make sure your journey is complemented by an internet connection like Xfinity.

Why?

Because in remote areas, the internet may not be available. And when it’s not available, be it communication with your loved ones, navigating your way through Google Maps, or uploading your journey on Instagram, nothing’s possible.

So, to be on the safe side, connect to Xfinity phone number today and explore their pocket-friendly plans..

Define Your Limits:

With no one to poke their nose in your affairs, you’re the boss on a solo trip. However, with you being your own boss, it makes you responsible.

We hope that you’ll be careful about your belongings, but that’s not everything to worry about. On your journey, you’ll meet a lot of strange faces. Some of them may be innocent enough to lure you into their trap; And that is exactly what you should always be aware of.

Traveling solo, you’ll be like a walking feast for scammers. Consider it a con of solo traveling, but believe me, it happens.

As a solo traveler, you must define how deeply you’re going to interact with strangers. The best practice is to stay within the defined limits. And distance yourself from anyone breaching those boundaries.

However, don’t let this restrain you from enjoying your solo trip. Well, let’s see how can you enjoy while staying protected.

Maximize Your Enjoyment:

Well, there are numerous ways to make a solo trip worth remembering. First of all, as you don’t have anyone to consider in your plans, try exploring destinations as soon as they’re open for visitors.

Why?

Simply because getting swarmed in a sea of people is no fun. For me, it takes out the natural charm of a destination. With everything going around, you don’t want to lose sight of the destination. So, be an early riser and reach the destination first.

Secondly, don’t go gaga over food. Do try foods that you can, but don’t try to put everything down your belly. What you must keep in mind is to stay away from anything allergic. It can make things go south in a matter of minutes for you. Other than this, you’re good to go.

Lastly, shop, but don’t make it a shopping spree. Simply because once you get going on shopping, there may not be any stopping. So, shop, and buy some nice souvenirs, but don’t shop so much that it becomes a burden to carry.

Insure your Trip:

No one wants to see their trip going down the drain. Any unforeseen event can cancel your trip midway. Moreover, there’s always a possibility of theft. So, doesn’t it make sense to get your trip insured?

Well, most people don’t opt for this. However, the chances of any error are much higher when you’re on your own. So, be on the safe side and get travel insurance first before embarking on your journey.

Bottom Line:

For hardcore travelers, nothing can match the freedom that solo trips provide. However, they’re equally dangerous, given you’re not fully prepared. To make sure you get the most out of your solo trip, pay heed to our advice. So, when are you starting to plan your solo trip?

A Day in London – Travel Guide

by Shane McDonald | Apr 4, 2024 | Travel

I recently had a full day in London with no plans other than to explore areas of London I had not been to before. London city is a wonderful spot to visit and I have been there about 23/24 times before (not really sure to be honest).

This time I wanted to see parts of London I had not seen so I started with a walk.

What to Do in London

Kensington Gardens

I had been to Hyde Park before but this time I entered from the Queensway side and on this entry you get to see Kensington Gardens. It is a really nicely laid out house and gardens, with cafe and a tour of the house. At times you would hardly believe you are in London or for that matter a capital city as the pas is very much reduced. The gardens with fountains are well worth seeing as they would be in full colour during the summer, even in Mid April they were impressive.

Kensington Gardens is one of the Queen-related places in London. The Kensington Gardens was first opened to the public in 1733, every Sunday night. The chief gardener, Samuel Milward, was appointed at St James’s Palace and Kensington Palace in 1738. At the moment, Kensington Palace houses the offices and residences of the Prince and Princess of Kent, The Duke and Duchess of Kent, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. It is also the London residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

You don’t need an admission ticket to enjoy and explore the Kensington Palace Gardens. There, you can take selfies all you want, which you can post with Instagram hashtags for travel photography. However, if you want to explore the palace, you’ll need to get one so you could walk its royalty footsteps. Walking through the Kensington Gardens is safe at night. You can take the road that goes from the legendary Royal Albert Hall towards Lancaster Gate.

Harrods

A friend told me about the cafe at Harrods, saying that they served Arabic Coffee (something I have only had once but wanted to try again). I entered Harrods and was bombarded by an air of opulence and I could feel the money in my wallet shake with nervous tension. I made my way to the first cafe I could find, on the 5th floor, couldn’t see Arabic Coffee so ordered a cake and a cappuccino. It was only afterwards I found out that there are 5 cafes in Harrods and the one I was looking for was called the Mezzah Lounge … so maybe next time!

What and Where to Eat in London

London has many fine eateries, with thousands of restaurants to choose from. Below are 3 of my favourites which I tried on this trip. (I have new additions for this list which will come in late April 2019 or early May)

Joy King Lau

Located just off Leicester Square this authentic restaurant is normally full of local Chinese families enjoying lunch. The selection of Dim Sum and authentic Chinese dishes is excellent. Note that Dim Sum is only served until 5 pm and after that, there are 2 dim sum platters only available. The service can come across as abrupt but in reality, it is just the level of efficient service required with the level of business they get. If you are going, try the grilled Cheung Fun or the Steamed Pork Buns – delicious.

Eat Tokyo

I discovered this place by accident on the way to a West End show. The menu is very authentic and covers everything from ramen to sushi and sashimi – if you are enjoying a meal here, ask for the recommended plum wine which is all the way from a small town in Japan.

Pho

I last tasted good Vietnamese cuisine in Melbourne and finding Pho was a really enjoyable experience. The dishes are very enjoyable whether in a broth or as a stir-fry. Before you leave you to have to try a Ca-Phe (or Vietnamese coffee) it is a real eye-opener and now my absolute favourite coffee.

Cocochan

This restaurant is located in a really trendy part of town, James Street just off Bond Street. Cocochan serves Asian fusion and has a wide range of Dim Sum and main courses. if you are eating here, try one of the amazing cocktails or cocktails as they really compliment the food. I love the duck spring rolls here.

HomeSlice

Located near seven dials in London, this pizza spot is amazing. Prior booking is probably needed on weekends. Without a booking, you may need to wait for anything from 60-90 minutes at peak times. It is worth the wait. The pizza is very good and you should try half and half.

The Emirates Greenwich Cable Car Experience

The Emirates Greenwich Cable Car is an exciting new attraction in London. The cable car flies between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. The relaxing cable car trip takes just over 10 minutes, however, during peak times it’s a bit faster. The gondolas accommodate ten people but at less busy times you can usually get one for your group. A new gondola arrives about every 30 seconds. You can use your Oyster card (best way to do it) a contactless payment card to pay for the trip. It cost me £7 for the return trip. Note, you must get off and re-queue on the other side when paying by Oyster or contactless Card.

After 7 pm, enjoy extended ‘Night Flights’ are a bit slower and more relaxed. There is a music backtrack as you watch the sunset over London, during the day there is a commentary.

Emirates Air Line Cable car is accessible to wheelchair users and cyclists and is open seven days per week. Don’t forget to arrive early and try the Emirates exhibit on the Greenwich side which does much about the airline industry.

Good London Hotels… Where to Stay in London

Finally, if you are looking for a nice spot to stay for a few days, I recommend the following London hotels;

Mercure Bloomsbury, London – Excellent Service & Staff
Hilton Doubletree London Victoria – Nice Hotel, Excellent Service & excellent Location 3 minutes from Victoria Station
Park Plaza Hotel London, Victoria – Similar location to the Doubletree
Grosvenor Hotel, Victoria – Really plush high-class hotel with good value rates in low season

I find Victoria a great location as I usually arrive into London via Gatwick and the Gatwick Express terminates at Victoria, so I like the convenience.

Map

I have outlined all the places in London which are mentioned above on this interactive map.

Joy King Lau

Joy King Lau

Address: 3 Leicester St, London WC2H 7BL, United Kingdom

Phone:+44 20 7437 1132

Pho, Covent Garden

Pho, 65A Long Acre, London WC2E 9JD, United Kingdom