Places to stay in Vegas

[shrader]

The wife and I are planning a trip to Vegas, probably in February. We're probably looking for a middle of the pack place to stay when it comes to prices. I'm sure many of you have plenty of experiences with the area. Are there certain hotels we should definitely check out or avoid? I'd imagine we'll wind up staying on the strip so we're closer to everything. We've never been there before, so we have no experience with those hotels.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Maury Ballstein]

Flamingo is where it's at. Old and cheap but rooms are just fine. Get a room high up and your watching the bellagio fountains from your room for a fraction of the price. Prime location and cheap.

[CowgirlsFan]

Make sure you take in Naked City Pizza on Arville. It has Bills ties. Perhaps you could eat there and take in a Sabres game there.

[Richmond_Bills]

I have been to Vegas 7 times. Here is a summary and recommendation:

 

Bally's - 5 stars (out of 10) - older - very good location - good enough casino - good enough restaurants - ok sports book. I would stay again, but not my top choice.

 

MGM (twice) - 8 stars - great location - good casino - great restaurants - ok sports book. The place is freaking huge and that is a drawback to me (spend too much time walking through casino just to get to elevators). I would stay again, but only if extremely cheap.

 

Monte Carlo (twice) - 7 stars - great location, love the casino, love the sports book (small, but I liked it) - ok restaurants. It is a little on the "older" side, but I love the layout and location on the strip. Plus I really like the casino. Would definitely stay again.

 

Caesars - 8 stars - basically the same as MGM, except I like the Sports Book much better. Enormous and spend a lot of time walking through the casino which is a pain in the a$$. Would stay again for a special occasion because the rooms are nice.

 

This next review is probably going to make me lose credibility with a lot of Vegas snobs:

 

Best Western at the Casino Royale (6 stars). From the outside, the place looks like a dump. The casino is a dump. No sports book. Basically no restaurants. HOWEVER - the location is fantastic. The rooms are brand new, clean, have Wi-fi, have a mini-fridge and CHEAP. One of the best parts is - you walk in the door of the Casino Royale and take 10 steps and you are at the elevator/hotel. To get all of the ameneties of the bigger hotels, you are within a block from Harrah's (literally 20 steps), the Mirage, the Venetian, etc. If going on a guys trip, I would DEFINITELY stay here again. Not sure I could convince the wife to stay here, but I would take my wife there.

 

Based on your post, from where I've stayed, I'd probably recommend the Monte Carlo. Honestly you can't go wrong with MOST of the strip hotels, but I really dislike the HUGE places. Feel free to PM me if you want any more info. Also check out tripadvisor. They are typically pretty accurate.

[eball]

You can get some really good deals at Aria and Cosmopolitan, which are two of the newer hotels and right in the middle of everything.

 

I've stayed at most places up and down the strip and while Wynn is my favorite, I'd have no problem staying at Aria or Cosmopolitan.

[Max Fischer]

I recommend the Wynn. It's on the north end of the strip, but nothing is really that far. Wynn is clean, comfortable and well laid out. Nice sports bet/bar, great restaurants, an adult swim area, etc. Next to shopping plaza, which is cool.

 

I find the other casinos either too dated, dark, touristy, uncomfortable and/or the gimmicks wear-off quick (though no denying that some of the gimmicks are cool - Paris, NY, Bellagio).

[Gordio]

We usually hang at the sports book at Harrahs. Not the nicest sports book on the strip but they are the easiest to get drink tickets. I swear noone must tip at Harrahs because you slip the guy a fin when your putting a round of bets in & he usually gives you 6 or 7 drink tickets. The one time I won $25 round robin in the late games on Saturday for college Bball & I cash the ticket in Super Bowl Sunday morning & I threw the guy $25. He gave me 15 drink tickets for the day. We also stay at Flamingo & walk to Harrah's. We usually get comped a suite there & that is very nice. If your going with the wife though I would probably stay at the Wynne/Venetian/Bellagio/Arias. One of the high end places. Going to cost you more money but may be worth it in the end.

[eball]

There are two distinctly different Vegas trips -- the "guys trip" in which you find the cheapest room and don't give a crap about the amenities, and the "significant other" trip in which you want to really experience Vegas.

 

Since I presume your trip is the latter, my strong recommendation is to go for at least one of the mid-range hotels on the strip. Nicer casinos, shows, restaurants, and rooms.

 

There are deals to be had if you do your research. Don't rely on comps once you're there unless you are a pretty serious gambler (i.e., you plan to spend at least 6 hrs/day at the tables betting $40/50 average hands).

 

One touristy thing I highly recommend -- the new Ferris wheel at the LINQ. Ride it at night, and take the drink car. It's about 45 minutes with a full bar, and the sights are incredible.

[shrader]

Yeah, it's definitely the latter. The wife is having a pretty stressful year and she really needs to get away for a bit. I suggested we do a trip of some sort as our Christmas gifts this year and it has quickly taken on a life of its own (don't worry, she'll still get some actual gifts on Christmas too). Strangely enough, I mentioned it to some friends we haven't seen since we moved away from Boston last summer and now it sounds like they're going to join us.

[plenzmd1]

Yeah, it's definitely the latter. The wife is having a pretty stressful year and she really needs to get away for a bit. I suggested we do a trip of some sort as our Christmas gifts this year and it has quickly taken on a life of its own (don't worry, she'll still get some actual gifts on Christmas too). Strangely enough, I mentioned it to some friends we haven't seen since we moved away from Boston last summer and now it sounds like they're going to join us.

I sent you a PM

[Special K]

I've been to Vegas many times, and I've never had a bad experience at any of the places I stayed.(Bellagio, Caesars, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Flamingo).

 

However, I am going to reccommend you check out the place I stayed the last time I was in Vegas: Vdara.

 

It's located right in-between(walking distance) Bellagio and Aria, the two best resorts on the strip, IMO.

 

Vdara is unique because it does not have a casino. Its a true quiet escape just seconds away from the hustle and bustle of the strip.

 

I had a Vdara Suite,which was by far the nicest room I ever stayed in while in Vegas, but the regular rooms are reasonably priced for what you get.

 

https://www.vdara.com/en.html

 

Like I said before, I think you will have a good time wherever you stay, but for someone going to Vegas for the first time, I would reccommend one of the casinos that is centrally located on the strip, making it easier to get everywhere, because there is a lot to see

Edited December 8, 2015 by Special K

[Chilly]

I've been to Vegas like 15? 16? times. What are your priorities other than mid-level? Do you want a party hotel? A quiet hotel? A hotel that's easy to walk to multiple casinos? One with great restaurants in it?

 

Happy to help you pick one out, just would be good to know some more detailed priorities.

[shrader]

I've been to Vegas like 15? 16? times. What are your priorities other than mid-level? Do you want a party hotel? A quiet hotel? A hotel that's easy to walk to multiple casinos? One with great restaurants in it?

 

Happy to help you pick one out, just would be good to know some more detailed priorities.

I'm not so sure the hotel is going to be too much more than the place we sleep. I'd imagine we will want the good food options and a solid casino attached, but we will probably be all over the place while we are there.

[Chilly]

I'm not so sure the hotel is going to be too much more than the place we sleep. I'd imagine we will want the good food options and a solid casino attached, but we will probably be all over the place while we are there.

 

Cool. So decently nice hotel, in the middle of everything, and mid-range pricing. I've stayed at most of the hotels on the strip, and here are a few options pop into mind that are mid-range:

 

1.) MGM Grand - This is probably my #1 choice for you. Feels very much like the craziness that is Vegas. Absolutely GIGANTIC. It's a reallllllllly long walk from the hotel to the strip. You do have the monorail there, but honestly the monorail is kinda worthless and I never use it (it's super far from hotels). This hotel has everything. Giant casino, tons of restaurants, bars, etc. If you want everything all in your hotel, this is a great choice. Rooms were renovated about 2 years ago and are very nice. NYNY, Luxor, Excalibur, Mandalay Bay (via tram) all close by. PH/Aria/Cosmo not far but a bit of a walk. Little bit on the south side of central. If the MGM hotels interest you, this is a great spot.

 

2.) Bally's - Attached to Paris and old-school Vegas with renovated rooms. A little bit of a walk to the strip but it's a smaller hotel. This hotel was originally the MGM Grand before the new MGM Grand. The renovated Jubilee rooms are nice (the older rooms, conversely, are absolutely terrible, so be careful which you book), and you've got Bally's/Paris attached to each other. The downside here is the options at Bally's isn't great, but you've got Caesars, Bellagio, Aria, PH, Flamingo, Cosmopolitan all close by, and walking distance to the hotels a little north and a little south.

 

I'd avoid the Mirage. MGM has made some massive changes there, including restricting drink service, and other things. Rumors is MGM is cutting costs to sell it, but we'll see. One hotel that looks like it's new rooms are great, but they aren't, is the Linq. This used to be the Imperial Palace, then the Quad (for a few months). Rumor is the upgraded rooms still have that Imperial Palace stench, so I'd avoid this one too; the renovated Casino is pretty sweet though and I dig it.

 

Others I'd avoid: Excalibur, Luxor (fun casino, rooms suck), Monte Carlo, NYNY (unless you don't mind tiny rooms, fun casino though), Mirage, Linq (fun casino tho), Circus Circus, Stratosphere, Harrah's. Flamingo isn't bad but I prefer the upgraded rooms at Bally's at that price point. Bellagio is overpriced at it's price point, as Caesars is generally as well.

 

Others I like (but don't think it's likely a good fit for you):

 

1.) Mandalay Bay - Fantastic hotel, freshly renovated rooms, great food and gambling. Only downside is it's at the very south end of the strip, so hard to explore North from where it is without taking a Taxi or Uber. If that's not an issue for you, it's a great choice. I personally love MB, have stayed there many times and got married there.

 

2.) Planet Hollywood - Central location, easy access to strip. Rooms aren't bad but need a renovation, lots of dinged up furniture, rooms are fairly dark, big standard rooms/bathrooms though. This is a younger crowd, party focused hotel, so the late-night scene at the Casino is hopping and super fun. Some decent food options too. It's also central strip so Caesars, Bellagio, Aria, PH, Flamingo, Cosmopolitan all close by. If a fun late-night scene that you guys can have fun at then stumble up to bed is a priority, PH is a great choice, and one of my favorites. Otherwise, avoid and don't stay there.

 

3.) Cosmopolitan - Highest of the high end, but fantastic property right in the middle with super strip access. Hopping scene.

 

4.) Aria - a little bit of a walk to the strip, but nice rooms, great property, and centrally located. Very high end price point though.

 

5.) Venetian and Wynncore have the same problem as Mandalay Bay - very North end of the strip, hard to get south. Plus, they're very expensive, but great properties. I'd steer away though just cause of location, but they are definitely Vegasy.

 

I don't really have an opinion on TI, never stayed there and don't really like the Casino. Caesars is fun but generally overpriced for what you get, and Tropicana I've never stayed at, rooms I've heard are nice but it doesn't feel like current Vegas so I don't go there.

 

Let me know what other questions you have on Vegas and I'm happy to answer; I've eaten at a ton of the restaurants there, gone to all the Cirque shows + others, etc. Oh, and I visited most of the Wedding Chapels too

I remember we Got a really cheap deal on travelzoo at the MGM. Might check out that website.

 

I second this. Best discounts are at players clubs, second best is here.

Edited December 8, 2015 by BlueFire

[shrader]

How long is a really long walk? Neither of us have issues with walking around, but it's tough to tell exactly where everything is just looking at a map.

[eball]

How long is a really long walk? Neither of us have issues with walking around, but it's tough to tell exactly where everything is just looking at a map.

 

From the Wynn it's about a mile down to the central part of the strip (Caesar's Palace). I enjoy taking those long walks, though -- so many characters out and about, and you can always pop in another casino on the way or grab a beverage.

 

Jesus Christ -- now I want to go back to Vegas. Thanks shrader.

Edited December 8, 2015 by eball

[Wayne Cubed]

Been to Vegas more times than I can count and stayed at a lot of the hotels. I'll keep all the crappy Hotel/Casinos off this list:

 

Vdara: This is a nice hotel. What I enjoyed most about it is it isn't connected to a Casino, it's right behind Cosmo and next to Aria, if you feel like gambling. Little bit of a walk to the strip but nothing too bad.

 

Mandarin: Along the same lines as Vdara, it has no Casino connected to it but is an absolutely nice place to stay. It's in front of Aria, so right no the strip.

 

Palazzo: Got a really good deal here a couple years ago. There are 3 floors that you can stay on that have access to a complimentary drinks and nibbles area, depending on the time of the day. It's nice to go there for a few drinks before you actually head out.

 

MGM: Very nice rooms and absolutely massive hotel. A lot to see and do inside the hotel.

 

Manadalay Bay: Very nice hotel. Only problem is its really the last stop on the strip, so you will walk a lot.

 

I stayed at Mirage plenty of times too and its a decent hotel but as BlueFire has said, there have been lots of changes recently.

 

If you are feeling like you don't want stay on the strip, I've stayed in downtown Vegas a couple times at the Golden Nugget which is the nicest Hotel downtown. I also think they do the best Sunday Brunch.

[Gordio]

Been to Vegas more times than I can count and stayed at a lot of the hotels. I'll keep all the crappy Hotel/Casinos off this list:

 

Vdara: This is a nice hotel. What I enjoyed most about it is it isn't connected to a Casino, it's right behind Cosmo and next to Aria, if you feel like gambling. Little bit of a walk to the strip but nothing too bad.

 

Mandarin: Along the same lines as Vdara, it has no Casino connected to it but is an absolutely nice place to stay. It's in front of Aria, so right no the strip.

 

Palazzo: Got a really good deal here a couple years ago. There are 3 floors that you can stay on that have access to a complimentary drinks and nibbles area, depending on the time of the day. It's nice to go there for a few drinks before you actually head out.

 

MGM: Very nice rooms and absolutely massive hotel. A lot to see and do inside the hotel.

 

Manadalay Bay: Very nice hotel. Only problem is its really the last stop on the strip, so you will walk a lot.

 

I stayed at Mirage plenty of times too and its a decent hotel but as BlueFire has said, there have been lots of changes recently.

 

If you are feeling like you don't want stay on the strip, I've stayed in downtown Vegas a couple times at the Golden Nugget which is the nicest Hotel downtown. I also think they do the best Sunday Brunch.

 

 

I would avoid the downtown area. I haven't been there in years but my boss spent a night there over the summer & said it has turned into a real freak show.

 

 

Sounds from what you are looking at if your just going to use the hotel to sleep in I would look into Flamingo/Harrah's/Ballys. Not the greatest places although they are not bad & you can't beat the location. They will be quite a bit less per night also than your high end places across the street.

[MarkyMannn]

Random thoughts. It's all expensive. We stayed at Luxor and NY NY. Walking? Once we went end of June. 120 out. HOT!!! The new strip all blacktop and buildings held in the heat. Buy water a lot, go in and out of hotels and casino's, take the bus or tram to get you out of the sun. You try to walk the whole strip in summer with that heat you will die, maybe.

 

Screw any tours, especially Grand Canyon. Rent a car at Tropicanna best deal outside of airport. Much cheaper than a tour and way more time to do what you want. The tours spend 4-5 hours picking up and dropping off people before leaving. Rip-off. Actually a car is cheaper than a one way cab ride old to new strip

 

Old strip, friends of mine swear by some hotels there that are re-furb'd. The street party on the old strip is the BEST. Great bands and wild people. I tipped a bartender $20 and he re-filled my souvenir 2' glass all night. I would go just for that LOL.

 

LV HD rents Harley Ultra Limiteds for $200/day. HD's best bike. Great ride in the desert, Valley of Fire

 

Lastly, when playing slot machines, cash out after every spin and get a printed receipt ticket. Use as many tickets as possible. My job in Buffalo is printing those ticket blanks. Ensure my future employment. LOL. We do virtually every casino in LV

Edited December 9, 2015 by MarkyMannn

[Wayne Cubed]

 

 

I would avoid the downtown area. I haven't been there in years but my boss spent a night there over the summer & said it has turned into a real freak show.

 

I've always thought DT Vegas was a bit of a freak show. More old school Vegas than whats on The Strip, it's always been a bit different. It's interesting, I think. If it's only for spending the night it can be much cheaper than the strip and getting a taxi/shuttle/bus to the strip isn't too difficult. Some of the hotels are complete dives but the Golden Nugget really is a gem there.