Opinions on these Vegas hotels

[adamgreer]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 1:12pm

We're heading to Vegas for a few nights this summer before our California vacation and we're looking into where to stay. The last time I was in Vegas was 3 years ago on a conference where we stayed at the Rio, which was off the Strip.

This time the trip is purely for pleasure, and we definitely want to be on the Strip. I've been looking around on the usual wholesale sites (expedia, orbitz, hotels.com, etc) and the rates don't vary from site to site.

We've kind of narrowed it down to this list, and are trying to decide where to go. We want a nice hotel (so don't suggest Circus Circus or Excalibur!) but aren't going to spring for the super high end ones like the Bellagio or the Venetian.

These are the rates the hotels in our price range are showing:

Luxor- about $61 a night
Grand Hilton- about $79 a night
Monte Carlo- about $87 a night
Treasure Island- about $90 a night
New York, New York- about $102 a night
MGM Grand- about $105 night

Considering the cost differentials, what would your recommendations be? Is there really a big difference in quality between, say, the Luxor vs. the Monte Carlo?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 1:54pm

The last time I was in Vegas, the second tower of the Wynn, the Encore, just opened and we got a fantastic rate of $119. They have been offering some specials recently and I would highly recommend it if it's within your budget. After staying there, it is the ONLY hotel I really desire for a return visit.

Of your list, I have friends who stay at the Luxor and like it just fine. Like the MGM, the original attractions have long since gone and replaced with generic slots and tables. If you're going to be out and about on the strip a lot, I wouldn't go with the Hilton unless you plan on purchasing monorail passes. The monorail runs late, but is not 24-hours. the monorail has no stops close to Las Vegas Boulevard between the Sahara and Harrah's, but the Hilton is set back a bit from Las Vegas Boulevard.

I've only ever seen the casino for Monte Carlo and there really isn't much to see. But if the rooms are nice, then go for it. The location is optimal. Treasure Island and New York, New York both have reputations of being pretty loud. Especially with the roller coaster that winds around and through the New York, New York hotel.

One that pleasantly surprised me was the Planet Hollywood resort. Excellent location and the casino was more modern and low-key. I was afraid it would be too obnoxious for the MTV set, but I found myself spending quite a bit of time there.

[bobs3]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 2:17pm

Unless they have updated the decor/furnishing TREASURE ISLAND is a dump (I stayed there 10 years ago). The VENETIAN lobby and casino was nice and you can get great rates (especially mid-week) but the room was was in bad shape (worn carpet, uncomfortable bed, and the dried vomit on the wall of the bathroom that the maid failed to clean). We complained and requested another room which they gave us (an upgrade to a suite) and it was much nicer.

I've also stayed at MGM Grand. No complaints about the room and the casino is nice but the hotel is HUGE.

Oh and the monorail, 4 of us took the monorail. It is very expensive and we realized it would have been cheaper to take a cab.



Updated On: 2/12/14 at 02:17 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 2:34pm

Personally I wouldn't stay at any of the hotels you mentioned for different reasons. The Luxor and the MGM are so freaking big and so generic... the rooms are also in need of major upgrades. New York New York is so noisy and they have some construction going on there. The Monte Carlo has paper thin walls and Treasure Island is just bad. The one Hilton I would consider is the Flamingo Hilton. I would request the new tower and the quiet zone. The hotel is right on the strip and I LOVE their pool.

Updated On: 2/12/14 at 02:34 PM

[Addison D.]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 2:52pm

I've only been once--2007. We stayed at the MGM grand. We had an "executive King" room--not sure where that falls on the spectrum of room types. The finishes--lots of teal and brass--were a little tired and struck me as having been pretty pedestrian even when they were new.

The staff was great. Friendly--even flirty--and super accommodating. My BF is the Princess and the Pea when it comes to hotel rooms--too near the elevator, the neighbors are too loud, don't like the view, etc. etc. The hotel staff never stopped smiling and helping out.

My only real objection/warning is that the place is SO HUGE. When you are planning your day, you need to anticipate 20-30 minutes to get from your room to the street. Do NOT just casually walk out the door and realize you need to go back to your room for something--you could spend your entire morning trekking back and forth to your room.

Don't know--maybe all the big Strip hotels have this issue?

[DAME]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 2:57pm

I would also bring my own bedding ( some sheets you wouldn't mind throwing away after you are done). I don't now how it is right now... but not only has Vegas had a huge bed bug issue... but just a few months ago I remember seeing a local new piece regarding sanitation.

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 3:04pm

Stayed at the Paris Hotel and LOVED it. Just a thought.

[bobs3]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 3:19pm

"Don't know--maybe all the big Strip hotels have this issue?"

Oh it is not unusual to walk a quarter of a mile to get from your room to the elevator bank at most hotels on the Strip but just try to think of it as your daily workout. Don't even think about ordering room service food because it will take two hours to get your room. Unless you stay in a new or newly renovated hotel the rooms in most hotels have a lot of wear and tear.

And most especially, if you take a cab from the airport to your hotel, the moment you get into the cab TELL THE DRIVER "DO NOT TAKE THE TUNNEL! TAKE THE SIDE STREETS!" (They are required by law to take you on your requested route.) If you take the tunnel and freeway to the Strip your fare will be an extra $10-$15.




Updated On: 2/12/14 at 03:19 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 3:24pm

Stayed @ the following:

Mirage - Twice
Paris - Twice
Wynn
Mandalay Bay
Caesars
Venetian
Palazzo

Paris has gone downhill IMO Gordon Ramsay's Restaurant is top notch though. You cannot go wrong with any of the others.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 3:25pm

Have stayed at:
Blue Moon Hotel (set back behind Circus Circus and it is not a casino hotel)
Mandalay Bay
New York, New York
Bellagio
Aria

I liked the Blue Moon Hotel for the clothing optional pool but you need a rental car. At the time the hotel staff handed specific taxi business cards because they stated some cabs refused to drive people to the hotel.

I used to love Mandalay Bay specifically because I loved the spa. Over time the spa has cut back and cut back the amenities to the point that it is annoying (eg. you can get a drink of water using a paper cup - no more small bottles of water)

I enjoyed my stay at New York, New York and did NOT have any issues with noise in my room from either outside guests or the roller coaster. The roller coaster does not operate during the night and even during the day I did not hear it. The pool is small but they are "sister properties" with Monte Carlo so you are welcome to go to the big pool and tube river if you are staying at New York, New York.

Aria was ok but even though it is "on" the strip it is a hike back to it. Nice hotel and casino, enjoyed the spa there but thought it was just ok.

Bellagio - went with my parents years ago. They paid the upgrade to have the room facing the strip and the fountains. I enjoyed the convenience of getting to my room from the casino and strip but for the price I wouldn't do it again.

Next trip to Las Vegas - I want to go to the Flamingo. I visited the pool when my friends were staying there and it was GREAT! The location on the strip is central and they are working hard to upgrade the rooms while maintaining the allure of being part of historical old Las Vegas.

Unfortunately - having gone to Las Vegas many many times over the years the biggest thing I can say that I have witnessed is the changes. What you loved this trip is gone, changed and horrible the next trip. That has happened with hotels, buffets, shows, spas - etc

[DAME]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 5:43pm

Blue Moon is for all intents and purposes a gay bathhouse. Very rowdy. Always themed parties on weekends ( usually on the Bear side) . They even sell day and half day passes. Nothing wrong with it. But is what it is.

Updated On: 2/12/14 at 05:43 PM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 6:02pm

We stayed at New Yprk, New York in 2007. The roller coaster zoomed past our window and we never heard a thing.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 7:08pm

Is the Mandalay Bay not an option for you, Adam? I have had four business trips to Vegas over the last several years and always stayed at the Bay. I absolutely adore it.

Back in the 90's I would usually stay at the MGM. But that was in its very first years and haven't been back since. No idea how it's holding up. Loved it when I stayed there, though.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 7:19pm

I've heard good things about Mandalay Bay as well. Personally, I like both the Vdara (no casino is a major plus there, the views can be great, the rooms are extremely nice) and the Aria. I also find the the Hard Rock to be funky fun and it's a good value, thought quite a ways off the strip.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 9:18pm

Do the prices you listed include the daily resort fee? If not, each hotel charges an extra amount that in some cases can be an extra $25 per day. So you need to take that into consideration also. Even though, I never do it, staying central on the strip is a big factor. I always seem to stay at the far end and after a while can be a hassle if you can't catch the bus.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 9:23pm

I stayed at the Luxor over Easter weekend in 2012. I was in one of the tower rooms, which seemed much nicer than the pyramid rooms that the rest of my cast was in.

They do sell a daily pass for the bus that runs up and down the Strip, which I think was cheaper than the monorail.

And there are some of the casinos that don't charge the resort fee, but then make it up by charging for things like internet.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 9:53pm

Thanks, everyone!

Our flights ended up being cheaper then we anticipated (when we come home from Cali it's on the red eye), so we were able to book a deluxe suite at the MGM Grand and still be within our budget!

Let me ask you all another question...we're not gamblers, so our main purpose in this three day jaunt before California is Cirque shows and food. Lol. With regards to Cirque, our only must see is O. We want to see at least one more, but don't care which. A number of friends have told me not to buy Cirque tickets ahead of time because it's cheaper to buy them there. Apparently there's also a Vegas version of TKTS we can go to. Has anyone used it before? Any tips for show tickets?

We're kind of upset Britney is going to be on her summer hiatus while we're there. lol

Updated On: 2/12/14 at 09:53 PM

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 9:54pm

I stayed at the Luxor last summer. Yes, the room was "generic" (as someone said above), but it was clean and quiet and had no bedbugs that I could see or feel.

That said, the elevators in the Pyramid only run in the corners of the structure and take forever. So you might well get to the strip faster from the Rio. A simple thing like running down to Starbucks for your morning coffee may be a 45-minute trip.

Personally, I felt like I was staying at the Mall of America.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 10:21pm

Not a bad choice, Adam. Not a bad choice at all. Congratulations. Hope you and your loved ones enjoy the MGM. Please report back and let us know how it's holding up!

[ArtMan]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 10:31pm

The booths are called tix4tonight. There are more than one. There is a booth at Fashion Mall and in front of Circus Circus, as well as others. If you are in Vegas during a weekday, O maybe up there. But I would not expect it for the weekend. There is a website for them. When you are at the airport, pick up many of the Vegas publications. They will have coupons for shows as well as eating places. Zumanity is fun. It is the adult (nudity) Cirque show. Have you seen the Grand Canyon? You can do a day trip from Vegas. It's all day (12 hours at least by bus, shorter if by plane) but worth it since you are in that part of the country. If not a short trip outside of Vegas is the Valley of Fire, beautiful rock formations. ( Many movies and television shows were filmed there) You can do a tour in four-five hours.

[bobs3]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 10:38pm

"O" is excellent you will enjoy it. If you are a fan of The Beatles "Love" at the Mirage is also a very good Cirque show.

On a trip to Vegas several years ago we got comp tickets from the pit boss to Penn & Teller. Very funny if you are a fan of their humor. I wouldn't have paid to see them but they were comps.

[DAME]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 11:21pm

"Apparently there's also a Vegas version of TKTS we can go to. Has anyone used it before? Any tips for show tickets?
Tix4tonight has their main booth right next to the M&M store across from MGM grand. We have gotten all our tickets for the Cirque shows thru them.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 2/12/14 at 11:42pm

Do not see KA! It was literally the worst show I (and everyone in my family) have ever seen!
O, on the other hand, was incredible.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/13/14 at 12:50am

Forgot we also stayed @Bellagio.It was the OK but the casino always reminded me of a Bordello

Updated On: 2/13/14 at 12:50 AM

[bobs3]

Posted: 2/13/14 at 1:29am

If you want to splurge on dinner try Rao's at Caesar's Palace -- expensive but well worth it. If you like sushi/sashimi they also have a Nobu at Caesar's but the prices are outrageous for a couple of pieces of shrimp or tuna.