I thought it would be nice to share opinions on my favorite hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Please feel free to expound on your favorites. This will help others have a better idea on where they may want to stay and play, or what they may have been missing out on.
My favorite casino is the Mirage. The people at Club Mirage are very friendly and most accommodating. The whole atmosphere is breezy and light. The casino is not as big as others and nicely laid out. I can always find Lee Ann when we split up to go to our favorite machines. Although I never placed a bet, the Sports Book is the nicest in town. I love sitting at California Pizza Kitchen for lunch or a late night snack, and watching the people walk by, or taking in the excitement of the machines ringing and clanging as people furiously try to be the next millionaire, or watching the numerous sporting games on the many TVs both in the restaurant and at the nearby Sports Book.
The Laggon Saloon and Baccarat Bar are always bustling with live music and great drinks.
Although we have stayed at only three hotels: Luxor, Mirage and Bellagio, I feel the hotel I like the best would be the Dessert Inn. It seems so elegant and yet so quaint and quiet...aah, relaxing. It's size and resort status (golf course) are pluses. Walking the grounds was pleasurable and the pool seemed very inviting. The Luxor would be low on my list. The Mirage and Bellagio are respectable. Check in areas in both lobbies are very colorful and the staff very polite.

Michael, I have a friend that goes to Vegas about 10 times per year. His favorite place to stay is the Luxor. All becasue he says they have MSNBC and he can follow his stocks while on vacation. It's strange what some peoples priorities are in selecting a hotel.

I love the DI, but it scares me when they talk about selling it, so I'm trying not to get attached.

I guess my favorite is Sams Town, where they have quality gaming, relaxed atmosphere, nice rooms, and friendly employees. I feel more comfortable there. There are fewer tourist, and most of those ususally leave right after the 6 minute wonder is over. There are less people wandering around aimlessly.

For people watching, Mirage, Forum Shops, or Caesars are excellent. My favorite spot is La Salsa in the FS, and I think that's where Randy C. met his last girlfriend. I've done a lot of people watching from there, but I never hit on any of them.<g>

Joe & Michael, I would have to say that my "favorite" stopping grounds are still Showboat and Boulder Station.

For a local, it's pretty easy to get a parking space, easy to get in and out of these casinos, and they are close to home.

Gambling-wise, they are better than the Strip and Downtown casinos especially if you are going to go out a few days a week.

Both places have very friendly employees. Boulder Station is not as quiet as it used to be so I now prefer the Showboat for this reason.

I definitely prefer the Fiesta and Reserve. Most feel that the Reserve is too far out, but we get there in 1/2 hour from our home in Summerlin, which is the extreme opposite side of the vally. I prefer to play VP where I at least have a chance to break even. At least the above casinos have full pay machines in all denominations.

My favorite to stay at is Sam's Town, But I always win at the IP, so I stay more often at the IP. I guess money talks.<s>

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LarryinMich@prodigy.net

My favorite casinos would be a toss-up between the Reserve and Sam's town.
The rooms are about the same, but the Reserve gets the edge there with nice touches such as a coffee pot, hair dryer and mirrored closet doors. The Reserve also gets the edge in the casino ...quarter play is about the same as Sam's, but I like the full pay nickel machines when the luck is out. Sam's has the advantage in the table games; there are good rules in both places, but more tables are open at Sam's.
Both places have a good coffee shop and nice restaurants (and a mediocre buffet); Sam's has the Western Emporium, bowling and more room to wander around .....and Sam's location and shuttles are nice if one wants to wander around sipping adult beverages<g>.
Lastly (and very important); both places will give me casino rate with my moderate quarter play. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Blos: is it just coincidence that we're having brunch at the Fiesta before heading to the Reserve Sunday afternoon?

I can't remember, Daisy...whose idea was it?

Joe, interesting that you said Sams is not that crowded. Every time I've been there it's been packed. Maybe I just hit the wrong times.
I like the Rio for it's atmosphere and employees. But you have to realize that I stayed there for a number of years and was treated well until the last 2 years.
I like Caesars, as long as we are in a petite suite. They have some decent vp if you know what to look for.
The DI was VERY quite the last 2 times I was there. If you want a relaxed atmosphere, the DI is the place.
I like the bartop vp at Main Street Station and the brewpub and the Pullman Grille.

[This message has been edited by John (edited July 14, 1999).]

Good subject. I haven't been real loyal to any one place lately.

In the last couple years I stayed several times at MSS. I liked being downtown with almost no kids. I found the rooms very comfortable. Parking is easy. The bartenders are VERY good. They cut back to one Pai Gow table and didn't even open it till about noon which sort of drove me away.

I stayed at the Orleans several times after that. I enjoy playing poker there. I usually don't get into a poker game till very late in the evening. It's nice not having to drive to a hotel at 4 or 5 in the morning. Their coffee shop's pretty good and the rooms are comfortable. I especially like habing a window in the ashower you can open to let the steam out.

My last stay as well as my next visit are both Mandalay bay. The rooms are VERY nice. A seperate tub and shower are nice. I found the staff very nice. I liked the casino which isn't crowded and there seemed to be very few kids there. I don't like to stay on the strip because of the crowds but it's pretty easy to get around from MB since it's clear at the end of the strip.
I enjoyed the Hard Rock the few times I stayed there but they seemed to be turning into another Rio.

Guess right now my vote would go to Mandalay Bay or the Orleans.
jm

Senator....you make me wonder why I didn't think of the Orleans. Possibly, because they haven't had a good rate for me the last couple of times I tried<g>. I do like the rooms & views there, and Don Miguel's and Vito's are two of my favorite restaurants. Also, I like the mix of entertainment at their showroom and the availability of the movie theatre and bowling alley ....even though those last two items seem to get dropped off my list of priorities every time.

Daisy,
We enjoyed Sam's Town on our first visit to LV....we won. However, on our second visit, the VP machines we wanted to play were crowded and we did not have the same luck.
We have yet to see the Sunset Stampede, although we did walk through the area and into the Western Shop, where we did some shopping.

Jeff,
We like playing at the Orleans. Lee Ann liked playing 5 deck there, but last trip we couldn't find any. If money doesn't last at quarter VP, I don't mind playing a nickel Wild Cheery slot over by the Club Orleans booth. On our trip next week we will play there either before or after the Righteous Bros. show.

Dinner on Sunday at the Talk Vegas Meet, will be our first visit to MSS. I've heard so much positive feedback about the Brew Pub and Pullman Grill. Can't wait to try some brew.
A woman I work with told me to check out the Men's Room for a piece of the Berlin Wall. I wonder how she knew about it.<s>

Gail,
We have never been to the Showboat in LV. I enjoy the one in AC.
What do you like about the Showboat in LV?

Blossom,
Lee Ann also likes the Reserve. She has been getting into playing 5 deck lately and they have a fair number of machines there. As for me, I have not found anything there to give me play time.

Michael, the Showboat is my favorite secret. It would be my casino of choice if I lived near there. It is more of a locals place than a tourist place. The only bad time to go there is when they have big bowling tournaments.

Tourist would not like the place at all. the carpet is not new, the walls are not spiffy. There are no 6 minute wonders. Ther is not a lot of high roller games. The rooms are old. And it might be kinda smokey for the radical non-smokers. It's certainly not a fancy place, although it is very functional as a full service hotel/casino.

The good points are the ones Gail mentioned. Friendly people, great gaming, easy access, and comfortable. I haven't eaten there much, but the food is okay.

I used to stop there every time that I went to the Green Shack.

Michael, Joe said it all <g>. I don't think tourists would like the place. But I mostly like it because it's quiet.

Joe, talking about food at the Showboat, I've found they have a good Porterhouse steak at the coffee shop.

Last Thursday, Joe Jr. and I ate at the buffet and they were serving King Crab legs which were delicious. They always serve the little crab legs but the King Crab Legs were the best!

And talking about quiet, Jerry's Nugget is very relaxing and their piped in music is nice too. Don't know too much about the gambling though.

Thanks Gail, now that the Green Shack is not a choice, I might have a meal or two at the S'boat. I guess you know where I will go for an Italian dinner if I am on that side of town.

I need to check out Jerrys Nugget too. I haven't been there since the overhaul.

The last time I was at the Show Boat there seemed to be a few gangs there.

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LarryinMich@prodigy.net

Jeff, the reason the bartender is so good at MSS is she is from Massillon. We teach them right in this part of the country<G>

Michael, you'll like MSS. If you can get there a bit early on Sunday they have good bartop vp and they serve the microbrews at the bar. I'm speaking about the bar in the casino not the one inside the brewpub. They have full pay vp.
Michelle the bartender is from my hometown. I always stop and have a few and play some vp and talk to her.
The Pullman Grille is one of my favorites. I think the waiter named Hooch is gone now. He was good. If you like scotch, the Pullman has quite a selection of single malts.

Larry, Good point that I forgot about. I haven't seen any gangs there in a long time. But, if you are going to self-park, you must be very careful. The Showboat does have security on bicycles but not enough.

John,

Actually there's a guy at the bar at MSS who takes better care of me than your lady friend. But then I think the ladies always take better care of you than they do me [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img].
jm

Mike, That's a question I can answer in many ways. I like different hotels for different reasons.It also depends on what's happening in town like the Rodeo or other events.During Rodeo you may not want to stay downtown or at certain hotels if you don't like Rodeo folks.

Generally I like to stay on the stip but have stayed downtown and off strip.I always like Sams town and visit evey trip I seem to win there a lot but lately it's mighty crowed and you have to wait for some machines but you can eat while waiting at Papamio's still a great deal or the diner upstairs with the Blue plate specials at good prices.I still like the Rio but they are not giving out those good rates lately?? The food and bars are very good there still.NYNY has great rooms especially the Empire tower but some days it's just too hectic.like MGM.they also have great rooms but too crowded also.Lines for everything.I find myself enjoying the Monte Carlo on my last few trips very few kids open spaces good location but not to busy and the foods not bad.I like the way they treat you there and it's always nice and cool and not full of smoke.


They don't have a real lounge show but if you wear ear plugs the brew pub has "music" If you call it that!! I guess I'll stick to this place till I find a better one.On my Rodeo trip in Dec.I'll try another hotel if the price is right. Probably Mandalay Bay,Paris,Venitian or one of the new ones and if they treat me well I'll be back till they stop treating me well.One thing about Vegas if you don't like the place they have plenty of others! So I guess we all like places for many reasons? I hope more people write here and maybe they can tell us why we should try another place they like.This is what makes this group here great.
Bob NY

Bob, I think you just need to take more trips to Las Vegas.<g>

Jeff, maybe that guy at MSS just "really likes you better than he does me"<G>
Also, I'll let you in on a little secret on how to get the bartenders, male or female, to take better care of you. TRY TIPPING THEM<G>

I almost always stay at the Riviera, often because bridge tournaments and other conventions are held at their convention center. The Riv is best in absolutely zero categories, but I like it for a few reasons, some of them as strange as JMT's MSNBC fanatic:
1. I usually win at Blackjack there (a nice two-deck game).
2. They have 10/7 Double-Down with 400 for a straight flush, and these machines are rarely crowded.
3. It's close walking distance to the Peppermill and a great Starbucks.
4. In and out parking is quick.
5. I can usually get casino rate of $10-25 for minimal play.
6. Rooms are fine/standard, with zero frills. But it is very quiet and the two newest towers have free refrigerators.

I don't gamble much at the south end places because the VP conditions are horrendous. So I've been doing most of my serious gambling at Reserve, Fiesta, Main Street Station. I like the "feel" of these places, especially Reserve and Main Street Station.

I'd much rather spend money on food than a hotel room. I'm just not fussy as long as the AC works well and the bed is comfy.

This is an interesting thread, to say the least.
Here are my feelings about our favorite places.
That's right, The Flamingo Hilton is #1 with us. If you've read a Trip Report from me in the last 3 years, you knew this already. But here are some of the reasons, for it's lofty presence on my "Favorite places" list.
*We are always pre-checked in. So I know the room number before we arrive in LV. I should have to just pick up the key at the front desk (when everything works smooth).
*Our "host" hugs us when we arrive and when we leave. She is a special person, and has offered the Luxor as an alternative if we can't get rooms at the Flamingo. Her daughter works there. <VBG>
*BARTENDERS!!! The Flamingo Hilton has some of the best! Lynn, Tom, Alan, Jimmy, James, Moon, Alex, & Dean, to just name a few. There a fun group to go party with after thier shift is over too.
*The pool is nice, but as a diversion (it keeps the kiddies out of the casino)
*Change booth people that actually smile.
*Cocktail waitresses that understand how the tip thing works!
*While I can't say that the machines (slot & VP) are better then other places close to it. I feel we always get a fair shake from the casino.
*I must admit I don't play tables as much as I did at one time. The Pia Gow Poker Dealers are a fun group.
***Places where the Flamingo needs work***
Valet Parking
Bell Staff
Food Outlets
we self park, we only use the bell staff when it's a must, and we eat at other fine restaurunts in our area.
#2 would have to go to Main Street Station. On the Black Chip Porter beer, alone it deserves to be in the top 5!
The bar is great, I love to play VP, near the waitress station. oink! Change personel are very friendly and helpful. Beer is COLD! quick cocktail service, hosts seem very eagar to please. Brew Pub happy hour specials, Pullman Grill (one of the best), Valet is very good (they remember my name from trip to trip). They have all the machines we like to play.
***Places where MSS needs work***
The hotel rooms
The front desk
No cabs waiting
We only stay if it's free, we check in knowing the staff is a bunch of twits, and don't let them bring us down, we hail a cab after walking over to the Cali,
Lee-PA

Lee,
You are absolutely correct. On our recent trip to LV, we had our meet at MSS, the Black Chip Porter beer is one of the best I have ever tasted. If we hit LV together some time, we definitely have to hoist a few. However, given our meet at Reading, Lee Ann will have to drive me back to our hotel. <VBG>

This is an interesting topic since everyone has thier own opinion. Since I am still a Las Vegas novice it provides valuable information. I stayed at the Flamingo Hilton because it was given a good review by Lee and I was not at all disappointed. Our next trip is in February (Maybe some of us will cross paths then)and although I can get a casino rate at the FH I would like to try some place else. I played some BJ and Craps at the Barbary Coast and enjoyed the casino. Does anyone have any comments on the hotel there?? I really think I want to stay on the strip so other suggestions would be appreciated.
Tom Casey

Tom, Lee suggested that we try the Barbary Coast coffee shop for breakfast. It was a good meal and about $3 less per person than Caesars for the exact same meal. Also, they have two very good restaurants in Michaels and Drais <SP?>
Good luck.

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John
Moderator-Dining Forum
jcrabs@raex.com

Hi one and all! Just got the info from V about this wonderful forum. I've missed chatting w/everyone on *P. I have had good experiences at several hotels but don't seem to be loyal to one at the moment. I have enjoyed my stays at Luxor,MC, and TI the most. I love the Brew Pub at MSS, the forum at Caesar's and the spa at MGM so I like bits and pieces of places. Right now a friend and I are trying to plan a spa weekend in mid August as my life has been too stressful! I hope to try the Mandelay Bay in the near future since the senator recommends it so highly!

Tom: I enjoy the rooms at the Barbary Coast; the bathroom is a little on the small side (you should be used to that at the FH<g> ), but the rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a writing desk, table & 2 chairs and a 25-inch TV but- no sofa sitting area like the Orleans.

Hi Trina. Glad you joined us. You should go to Las Vegas and get the stress out of your life.
Details of the October TalkVegas meet will be posted here soon. Hope you can make it. Keep the weekend of Oct 2&3 open if you can.

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John
Moderator-Dining Forum
jcrabs@raex.com

Hey JC,

I know I need a trip! The stress levels around here have been too extreme! Work has been very busy and everyone is on vacation (Sherry is in Australia or inflight to, BTW). I am spread a little too thin for my own good! To top it off, I'm directing a show and I have been interviewing for a very cool job and am now awaiting the results.

Hopefully, the spa vacation will happen around August 20th as I need pampering in the worst way! The October TV meet sounds like fun as well....hopefully, I will be able to attend. It's marked in the calendar!

Trina

Am I missing something?.....
What does everyone do in the bathroom, that you need so much space?
Lee-PA

Trina, hope you get the job. And I'm sure everything will work out with the productions.
Sherry is in Austraila? WOW! I'd love to go there but I think the plane ride would drive me crazy.
Keep those Oct dates open.

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John
Moderator-Dining Forum

ROTFLMAO, Lee! I did say that I enjoyed the rooms at BC, but I admit I threw that bathroom comment in there because size does seem to be important to some folks. Regardless of the right to personal tastes, I think you have a great question here....just why is a large bathroom important?

I had to go to Las Vegas one more time to do a little more research to be sure of my response to Michael's question.

I'll say my favorite hotel and favorite casino right now is (surprise!) Caesars. The very first time I went to LV was in 1984 and I stayed there. Through the years I've stayed at some other places, but keep coming back to CP, I think mainly because I like the feel of the different casino areas, and I like how the rooms vary in amenities and decor, and feeling comfortable staying there and gambling there. You've heard me say it many times that it seems like we never get the same room twice each stay, and some of the rooms I’ve stayed in have been very interesting, to say the least.

This is the only hotel/casino I can think of where I could be real happy to stay put in and not feel the urge to leave there for the whole trip. But then again, I’ve seen the future, and it may be PARIS!

I can't wait for you to describe you last room at Caesars<G> BTW, how come I didn't get to see it? Was there nowhere to hide the 10 suitcaes you brought?<G>

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John
Moderator-Dining Forum

When it comes to Vegas, we're hotel sluts. We've never felt a certain loyalty or attachment to any hotel. With the exception of a few (Rio and the L.V. Hilton), we almost always try a new place. So many hotels, so little time. Of course our decision on where to stay has a lot to do with the circumstances surrounding our stay. If we're meeting friends, we will most likely stay where they're staying or at least somewhere close by. If it's warm weather, I want a great pool. If we're taking friends or relatives from out of town and want them to be wowed, we'll stay somewhere fancy. If the friends/relatives are youngish, we'll stay somewhere hip. (Hard Rock) If our kids are with us, we can't be too far away from GameWorks. I am however VERY picky about where I stay when I visit other cities, especially when I'm traveling alone on business. My priorities are much different then.

Believe it or not, the fancy restaurant choices don't make a difference to me. In fact, I doubt that they make all that much difference to other visitors. Could it be possible that the hotels/casinos are putting too much emphasis on bringing in these huge mega-star chefs? Could it be a mistake in the same way the "family" themes were? Well, I wouldn't make my hotel decision based on what restaurants they offered. There are cities that I can't wait to visit because of the food (Chicago for the pizza, Nashville for the 'meat 'n three' and Krispy Kremes, San Francisco for the sourdough, New York for EVERYTHING, and of course my own L.A. for the inventive California Cuisine), but in Vegas, the food is not a priority. I do find myself pigging out on shellfish because it's such a great deal there, but I'm happy with just about anything. I actually find myself forgetting to eat, and only remember after a headache starts. In Vegas, and only Vegas, I eat just to sustain my (gambling) endurance!

Thanks much to V for letting me in on this great new place. I hope to once again find the camaraderie and that phenomenal esprit de corps that made the Prodigy board such a fun place to visit.

Debbie

Wow, You take a few days off and things really get busy!

Washington Babe, glad to see you posting. Good luck with the new job, I know you'll do great with your play. Some very good friends are visiting Seattle this week. Hope to see you in October and not just in the airport this time [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img].

Deb, Glad you were let know about this place. FYI, there's a Krispy Kreme in Vegas now. We've got 2 here in Columbus.

jm

Debbie, anyone who eats to sustain her gambling fix is my kind of lady<G>

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John
Moderator-Dining Forum

JM & JC,

Thanks for the good wishes w/the job. I have my fingers crossed - we shall see!

JM - this Washington babe sincerely hopes we'll be able to smoke a cigar in an actual lounge at the same time! I really enjoyed the Macanudo you gave me at the airport. I saved it for the opening of my last show and it was worth it!

Debbie - nice to see you on board here! I liked the term 'hotel slut'! I think I might be one of them as well!

Good to see you here, Debbie. And Trina, too, who I still owe a drink.

I agree with you that the big-deal restaurants' importance have probably been overblown. Perhaps this is an attempt to lure high-rollers to the casino, but I think folks have figured out that you can actually eat somewhere where you don't gamble. I eat at the MGM sometimes, but have never spent a dime on gambling.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reminder about the drink! I had forgotten....

I too agree about the restaurants. I rarely ever gamble at the MGM but dine there frequently. Actually, there are quite a few places I don't gamble at! My luck isn't that good!

Getting slow downloading over 40 notes so will start a new thread, Favorite Hotel and/or Casino #2.