Manilow at the Paris Hotel--Ooo La La

It's official. Barry is moving to the Paris Hotel. I don't know about you, but I think it's a great move and time for a change. Not just for Barry, but for the fan base. It's time to shake things up a bit and venture out of the cocoon so many call "home" at the Hilton. And while we all rebel against change, it's change that often times brings growth and new adventures.

So...in the spirit of change, I'd like to give my own "review" of the Paris Hotel (since it's one of my favorite Vegas haunts). Yes...I'm one of those that actually leaves the Hilton and ventures out into the big bad world of the strip. It's amazing what you will find beyond those four walls.

If you've ever been to Paris (which I have) this hotel does an amazing job of bringing the feel of Paris to you. From the restaurants, to the Metro signs, to the Eiffel Tower and the french themed shopping. It's conveniently located smack dab in the center of the strip, right across from the beautiful fountains at the Bellagio.

My favorite haunts at the Paris are:

1. Le Creperie-Paris is famous for its crepes. There are sidewalk vendors everywhere making fresh crepes 24 hours a day. You have to try their breakfast crepes and their desert crepes (Nutella is my favorite). You'll find this in the walkway across from the buffet.
2. Le Village Buffet-this buffet puts the one at the Hilton to shame. The pastries are out of the world and freshly made every day. It's one of the most popular buffets in Vegas for a good reason.
3. Mon Ami Gabi-a sidewalk cafe right next to the Eiffel Tower. The food is uniquely Parisian and the ambiance can't be beat. Sit outside during the day and watch the Bellagio fountains while you eat. Their lunch selection is fabulous!
4. The Eiffel Tower-this is a replica of the original one in Paris (1/3 the size). From the top you can see the Vegas skyline. It's breathtaking at night.
5. Napoleon's-There is a high class piano bar located in the walkway between the Paris hotel and Bally's. The music each night is tons of fun and it always draws a crowd.
6. Le Cabaret-This is my favorite place to enjoy a drink, sit and talk, and a great spot for "human theater". It's like sitting outside at a Paris cafe under the trees and the street lights.
7. Shopping-There are a few excellent dress shops and some unique Parisian themed gift shops.
8. The Eiffel Tower restaurant-You have to try this restaurant just once. It's a bit pricey, but the service is impeccable and the food is out of this world.
9. The Paris Theatre-I've seen a few different acts in this theater: Sinbad, Clint Black, and a musical impersonator. It's small and intimate just like the Hilton (minus a balcony). The first few rows are close to the stage and it's a bit wider and more rounded than the Hilton's theater. It should lend itself well to Barry's type of show.

There is plenty to do, plenty of places to eat (even pastry shops and sandwich offerings), great "hang out" spots and a great strip location. If you like to gamble, there are plenty of tables and slots and the players club is available to rack up those comp points.

Personally, I'm looking forward to the new venue and the strip location. It should bring new life to the fans, the show and bring in some new fans who might not have seen him when he was off the beaten path at the Hilton.

Looking forward to Manilow (my favorite musician) in Paris (my favorite city),
Texas Fan