Just a quick question here on what makes your favorite Las Vegas Hotel, your favorite?

I'm not asking for a vote on the best hotel. I'm just curious, what it takes "in the TALKVEGAS'ers eyes" to be a favorite hotel?

Like is it because they have the best soaps, or the nicest beds, or room service that is to die for? Or what combination of all the qualities it takes to be ranked #1 with you?

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee, my priorities are usually as follows...

1. Parking - It must be simple and close. And that's one thing that keeps me out of MGM, Harrahs, Flamingo, Bellagio, LV Hilton, and some others. The only exception is that the parking can be so complicated that everyone parks in the wrong places, leaving the good spots open.

2. Comfortable surroundings/theme. Caesars theme does nothing for me. I don't want to be in a fantasy land or pretend that I am someone other than myself. I want to feel at home. MSS, Binions, Sams Town, Flamingo Hilton, Ballys, and others are toned down enough to make me feel comfortable. Even the Desert Inn is "no-themed" enough for me.

3. Offers in the mail. I don't like the pressure or theory of playing for comps. I'd rather build up my status and ask for help from the casino hosts when I need it. As long as I keep getting room deals in the mail from marketing, I'll probably leave the hosts alone.

4. Room Quality. I want much more than a place to lay my head for 5 hours a day. I want good water pressure in the shower, clean and comfortable room, quiet a/c and heater, and efficient maid service. I strongly desire my parking to be close to the hotel eleveator.

Lesser priorities are quality of gaming, dining options, entertainment options, ease of access, front desk location and efficiency, and local traffic.

Sams Town really score high with me on these priorities. Caesars theme is not desireable, but they have everything else I want, and they have enough extra goodies to overcome that one bad point. I don't like the Rio theme at all, but if I visualize it as a place with attractive cocktail waitresses and lots of bars, I can deal with the other stuff. Orleans scores high on most counts, although parking isn't that great.

I guess Sams Town would be my favorite.

Lee,i'll take t.i.i like the location,the elevators drop you off in the casino,starbucks,from my room i'm 10min.to mirage,15min. to caesars,the food is ehh.and lately the price is cheap, parking is at most a 100yd dash to inside.the rooms are ehh.but clean and good size.all in all it's location,clean,and price that brings me back and your right across the street,sort of.

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D.A.G.SEATTLE
furdoo3@aol.com

Hi,
I've enjoyed the surprise of different rooms at Ceasars, two were great, one was awful.

I like the BIG rooms at Ballys.

We stay at the Stardust a lot because we get great slot club offers. For Dec. we've been offered 4 free nights and $250. in cash.

I like the Mirage because they have some of my favorite resturants and always comp them.

I really liked the decor at Monte Carlo but hate their slot club.

I like Harrah's for their comp yourself program.

I really liked the bathroom at Bellagio.

Gale

Hi everyone. I'm a lurker from PClassic whose posted only a very few times. I just got back from LV last Friday and here's my pick for my favorite hotel. . . Treasure Island. First of all, the hotel property is easy to navigate. The casino is well-laid out, with restaurants pretty much all together. It's easy to get from your room to pretty much anywhere you need to go, ie parking lot, blackjack tables, front desk, etc. The rooms are very nice, and I usually get some type of deal on a suite. Another point is that the food is really good. I've stayed there at least 5 times and I've never had a bad meal. I love the Black Spot Grille for a quick, casual lunch. The pirate theme never grates on me and it is usually not that crowded. The service is good and the location is even better.

Now for a hotel that I really didn't like: Caesars. I stayed there last week with my husband who had a convention there. My number one complaint is that the casino and the rooms are so dark. It is like a dungeon and feels claustrophobic. Also, the food is never very good. I had a pecan roll in the morning that was still frozen in the middle. Other meals were equally dismal.

Well, there's the opinion of a LV goer who reads this Board a lot, but hasn't really posted a lot.

Gale A,
Thanks for posting, I sure wish you'd do more of it! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

I agree on a few of your points and some of the other replys too.
The Black Spot grill is nice, but I must admit, I haven't been back to it in many trips.

I'm holding out my "things I look for in a good hotel" for later. I want to see what others think first.

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com



[This message has been edited by Lee-PA (edited October 06, 1999).]

Joe,
I understand there is a trade off with almost every hotel. While I like the Flamingo, I also see the faults too. I think what it comes down to, is, "what are you willing to give up to get in a hotel what you want.


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Thanks for the welcome, Lee. Now, what about the hotel that you'd most like to try? For me, it's the Venetian. We've received several postcard offers for free nights, but the dates were always inconvenient. This past week, I spent 4 hours at a blackjack table there, so I'm interested to see if the offers get any better.

One more thing, Lee. I wanted to thank you for the recommendation on Mon Ami Gabi at Paris. I had read the TalkVegas board rather quickly the day before we left and saw your review of the place. We ate there last Wednesday night and it was just as you had described. I had a delicious steak with roquefort butter, salad and those fried potatoes and it was great. (A cholesterol feast, but I won't complain). My husband always gets a chuckle out of all the helpful advice I get on this board so he was happy about it too. Thanks again!

Gail A,
Glad I was a help in finding your colestrol fix! LOL
On our most recent trip, we didn't have time to stop in again, but it's on the list for November!
Did you eat outside or dine inside?



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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee,

I like Mandalay Bay for beautiful rooms, easy parking, comfortable casino and great pool. This would be my choice when taking Patti.

Going alone I'd choose the Orleans. The rooms are comfortable, great shower pressure, and I like to play poker there.

Second choice when by myself would be MSS. Esay to get around. Comfortable room, very hot water but the shower heads are kinda low. Nice buffet, bar, and brew pub. Few kids at all 3 of these places.

jm

Lee, we ate inside. There was a bad sewer type smell as we were walking to Paris (gee, maybe that's supposed to be there, sort of like the steam vents at NY NY), so we opted for inside dining.

Gail A,
I never gave the sewer smell a thought. I have smelled that many times and thought it was coming from Caesers?
I guess depending on which way the wind is blowing, outside dining at Paris isn't all what it's cracked up to be.


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

That sewer smell was always where the properties meet at Bellagio and Caesars, but I noticed it left that location and moved to the other side of the street at Paris. How do you figure that happened?

Lee: This is so predictable, but I'd have to say Caesars for valet parking, access to self-parking from Industrial, shopping, decent VP, comps, access to various restaurants both at the hotel and Forum Shops, rooms, bathrooms, pool, cocktail service, but not necessarily in that order.

I feel comfortable there, but then I've stayed there on and off since 1984, try another hotel, and then just keep going back. But then again, there IS Paris to try sometime....

My husband said the sewer smell did come from Caesars. But regardless, it didn't whet my appetite for outdoor dining. What is that smell, anyway? I'm sure we're not the only ones to notice.

Regarding the sewer smell....when we stayed at the Orleans (one of our favorites) we smelled "the smell" while in the parking lot but nowhere else in or around the hotel.


Gail, Lancaster, CA.

I don't have a favorite casino anymore. I'm waiting for the new owners ?? to take over the Showboat on Dec. 1st. I'll let you know if things change there after Dec. 1st.

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

Lee, a while back, I posted a note aobut a co-worker that likes the Luxor because they have MSNBC, and he can keep track of his stock portfolio. I have since convinced him to stay at Caesars. Not only does Caesars have MSNBC, but he also claims that they have two stations which broadcast in Thai language, which his wife can understand.

Joe, Any chance you might be checking out Caesars first hand in Jan? Like Jan 7th to ????
Let me know since I think I will try to get there around that time.
By then the NYE prices will be gone!

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

John, I need a haircut now, and I think I might do a Covette trip in December. As for Jan, I won't know until I bid days off for that year. That bidding will probably be in early Dec. Are you planning on the Rio? I know it's not your favorite place anymore, but the scenery is a priority in this case.

Lee:

Orleans - see JMT and the Senators comments. The RIO used to be before the ridiculous price quotes, and their reservation policy regarding Danny Gans. In all fairness, I have noticed some real decent package quotes in the local newspaper, however I still prefer the Orleans. Best - Wendell

Lee, if this opinion poll is still going, I will cast my vote for Treasure Island. As someone earlier indicated, the convenience factor of getting to and from the casino is
excellent, and I like the Lookout Cafe, their 24-hour coffee shop. Also, in the early morning, they sell coffee and donut and
muffins at the bar for those who don't want to have a full breakfast. The hotel and casino staff are all very helpful as well.

Dick- So. Calif. 10/18/99

Dick,

We too like the coffee and muffuns from the bar for breakfast at Treasure Island. However, our first choice is probably the Monte Carlo due to its location on the strip. It is close to the various shuttles, near to other casinos and within walking distance to attend a concert with the dueling pianos. Sam's Town is a close second because of our success (very little) gambling, the country atmosphere and their shuttle system. If the shuttles ran later at night we would probably stay there all of the time.

[This message has been edited by Fred (edited October 19, 1999).]

Fred >>and there shuttle system<<

I think you've been hanging around Lee too much. His spelling is rubbing off on you <lol>!! Where's Beth??

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

Wendell >>their reservation policy regarding Danny Gans.<<

Wendell, What is their reservation policy re: Danny Gans? I know the price is outrageous.

I remember when I made reservations a long time ago, the reservation girl could not find a table for the 7 of us. She said, "Ma'am, this is a very well-liked show. To be able to get the seats you desire, you MUST call 3 weeks in advance!"

I said, "This IS EXACTLY 3 weeks in advance!" Got us two table next to each other with NO apology. I have no tolerance for dumb-arrogant people. Dumb is okay but the two together, I have no tolerance.

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

Treasure Island. The hotel is clean, the employees are friendly and the location is great. Coffee shop (Lookout Cafe) is excellent, I've never had a bad meal there. Slot club is good, room offers are great. It would be hard to come up with anything negative about this place, in my opinion.

Joe, since Caesars is comping my room and all my meals, I can't see going back to the Rio that comps nothing anymore. I would be glad to visit the Rio and hang out there for a while and enjoy the scenery, but until Caesas stops comping things I don't plan on moving.
It's been a while since you were in Las Vegas. Your hair must be getting pretty long<G>

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Gail,
On our last trip, I checked into Danny Gans tickets for my mother,sister,brother and etc. trip in November. They told me you could make ticket reservations 4 weeks ahead of time if you were a guest at Rio or Harrah's.

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com

My favorite is Sam's Town, But I usually opp for the Imperial Palace for two reasons, I win there and the rooms are comped most of the time.

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larryinmi@home.com

I'm ready to schedule my next trip, and I was trying to decide between my 4 favorites: Reserve, Sam's, Orleans and Caesars. I like the first 3 because they are reasonable, with good food, single deck BJ and good quarter VP play. Caesars has location for more non-gambling things I've been wanting to do....and a jacuzzi<g>.

Daisy, you oughta check out what it would take to get a jacuzzi at Reserve or Sams or Orleans. You might find a bargain.

Joe, I did ask about a suite at the Orleans for someone else......it was over $200 a night, so it definitely ain't my style. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] I've also checked the Reserve, their suites are more reasonable (tack about $40 on to the basic room rate), but they just tack a living room on to their regular rooms.

Does Sam's have jacuzzis? I've pretty much got December narrowed down to either Sam's or Caesars....Sam's would be the better choice for gambling purposes, but I think I'll use the Caesars offer since I didn't get around to my sightseeing on the last trip. $100 is a darn good rate for 3 nights at Caesars!

Daisy,

We have reservations for T.I. in December, but there's a good possibility that we will be splitting our time between Sam's and T.I..
Hope we can connect on some dates.

Beth

Daisy,

We have reservations for 6 nights at T.I. in December, but that may change as we are thinking of splitting our time between Sam's and T.I.. We enjoy gambling at Sam's. T.I. is not very good on the gambling front for us, but we agree with you that it puts us closer to some of the sightseeing and things we'd like to do.

Hope we can connect with a few dates.

Beth

Beth, I don't have reservations anywhere yet ....I've got a little leeway on this vacation, so I'm not sure of my exact dates yet. It will probably be a 3 or 4 night trip, but I've been procrastinating on that decision too<g>.

Gale,

<<I like Harrah's for their comp yourself program.>>

I have been reading back through old posts to learn more about Vegas prior to taking our first trip next spring. What is a "comp yourself" program as you mentioned above?
(from your post of October 6.)

Thanks.

HSMOM,
When playing at Harrah's with a slot club card you earn points for both cash and food/show/room comps.
You go to these computers areas, insert your card and date of birth. It will then tell you how much you have earned. If you want your cash back, you can print a ticket to cash in. If you want food or show credit, type in how much you want(out of your earned credits) then use the printed tickets for $'s off your bill. I was told that if you got the ticket for more than the price of your meal or show that they would credit your account any unused portion.
We use most of our comp credits for Asia(their oriental resturant, which I think is one of the best in Vegas) or for the comedy club.
Hope this answers your question.
Gale

Gale,

Thanks for the info. Sounds like Harrah's tries to make things customer friendly in their slot club department.

I agree, Asia is a wonderful restaurant!

Harrahs slot club is pertty good. We stay there often, and I don't like there table play comps now. You must play $25 per hand or pass line on craps to get any comps at all. I can do much better at several places. They are about to lose a long time coustomer

I'm going to lock up this topic because it is starting to load slowly.

Michael
Hotel/Casino Moderator
michael@talkvegas.com