[QUOTE=S2kracka,Nov 28 2005, 11:26 AM] What is wrong with Imperial Palace?

 

Just got back from Vegas on turkey day. Me and my wife stayed at Venetian. It's our first trip to Vegas so I have no point of reference. The Venetian's rooms are very nice indeed, marble bathroom with separate tub/shower. It also has a sunken living room. Plus big windows with great views of Wynn and their new golf course behind. If your room is facing the strip then it's even better. We came across their specials on biddingfortravel.com website. It's a site that helps with priceline.com bidding. We paid $99 per night.

The thing with Mandalay Bay is it's all the way at one end of the strip, not sure if it's the south or north end - I think it's south. So it's kind of far away from other hotels/resorts. It's does have a monorail that connects it with Luxor and all the way to Excalibur. But it's something to keep in mind. Caesars is right in the middle of the strip and it's HUGE. And it has the forum shops, another nice attraction.

 

Caesars has the best location but is not very player friendly unless you are a semi-highroller. The table limits are high but that can be a good thing.

Mandalay bay has a lot of Roulette wheels and that's a good thing. Location is not the greatest either.

Mirage has a lot of good slots and is very roomy.

Stratosphere has the European roulette with only 1 green 0 which is your best odds. It's and the far end of the strip and is not in the greatest area. They do offer good comps.

Bottom line....if your going there to see the sites and for the gaming your not going to be spending much time in the room. If you have your own transportation that you will be using and valeting then you can stay anywhere that is affordable. If you are going to be on foot then location is more important.

The monorail is a good way to get around also.

Caesars out of the 3 you picked.

 

It's a room, that's it, IMHO. I'm rarley in the room; and am usually roaming the strip and spending my money at the Bellagio on food.

Caesar's, by it's upcharge (and typically more expensive tables), has less of a riff-raff (namely, people like me) factor.

I've found the Luxor a nice bang for the buck; most folks I go with to Vegas wind up booking me/us there.

Me personally, I just look online and see what airline is giving me the best airfare/room rate.

Of those three, I understand Caeser's service to be a cut above. Plus, you may get a break on Coloseum tix, which depending on the performer, may make it worth your while.

 

Mandalay Bay has the hottest patrons, although I like Caesar's.

If you want to feel important stay at the Bellagio (if you can afford it). So much security there, I don't think a drunk could even curse at patron with them being kicked to the curb.

 

Stayed at Mandalay this summer (my first time in Vegas). I'm not much of a gambler so i'll comment on the other aspects of the hotel.

Recreational Activities: Pools are extremely nice. They also have a pretty nice wavepool and lazy river. I am pretty sure these are unique to Mandalay. Because these aspects are unique they also get very crowded. I paid for the gym/spa for a day; the gym was a complete waste as it's extremely small and does not feature a good variety of weights (free or machine). The spa was very nice but i'm not down with chillin' with retired guys that enjoy walking around free-ballin' .

Shopping: There are the typical upscale shops in an underground portion of the hotel that also serves as a connection to the Luxor. Shops are nice but very expensive (duh).

Rooms: Large, nice amenities, bathroom was very nice, and the window was the size of the wall (which overlooked the strip).

On a side note, because i'm not a gambler I really did not enjoy Vegas. Everything was ridiculously expensive, the obvious special treatment to select (read: deep wallet) individuals was a bit appalling, and the smut that gets pushed is slightly disguisting.

I did enjoy The Blue Man Group (MUST SEE), seeing the lights and watershow at Bellagio, and "window shopping" throughout Vegas (the shops and in the casino). I tell everyone, like I did, go at least once.

 

thanks guys. i did more research and ended up booking 3 nights all at different hotels. this will be my 'exploratory' trip and hotel-hoppin sounds fun..

obviously rates are vastly different depending on timing . this is what i got:
12/25 - Luxor Deluxe Tower room + bunch of coupons=$95
12/26 - Venetian Venezia Tower Suite = $149
12/27 - Strat. Premier Tower room = $55.99

I booked a convertible at thrifty.. it was $$ with all the BS extra charges but oh well.

can't wait for the trip!!

 

The Venetian suites are bomb. Was there a few weeks ago and got treated like a king!!!!!!!!

 

Caesar's b/c its has the best location on the strip with everything being pretty close....HAVE FUN!!!!

 

I believe Mandalay Bay is where they shoot many scenes fro the tv show Las Vegas.

Stratosphere is inexpensive, nothing flash, but you get what you pay for I guess. If you don't plan to spend much time in your room and want to save a bit on accomodation, it probably isn't too bad a choice. I stayed there as part of a bus tour, it was only for a few days, and I wasn't in the room all that much.

The Bellagio is the hotel with the highest hotel rating on the strip - 5 diamond? Also they have a sign in the corridor somewhere, that seemed to indicate they don't allow entry to kids unless they are staying at the hotel.