Author Topic: Best hotel in Las Vegas?  (Read 8027 times)

JoshRiverson

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Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« on: July 13, 2014, 10:31:14 AM »
Do you have any particular favorites? Within a good price range of course!

Numbers Man

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2014, 10:38:40 AM »
The Palazzo, especially if you go during the slow season because of fantastic suites at such a low price. This hotel is right in the middle of the action so you can walk to just about any attraction that you want to go to.  http://www.palazzo.com/index.html

boarder42

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2014, 10:40:29 AM »
always good groupon getaway deals there.  i like the polo towers. full kitchen one block off strip .... or if you want to go downtown the golden nugget is amazing

SnackDog

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2014, 11:22:20 AM »
You really can't beat The Bellagio in most respects. These days you can get a room under $150, which makes it a no-brainer!

arebelspy

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #4 on: August 11, 2014, 09:45:30 AM »
It really depends on what you're looking for.  Luxury?  Cheap?  Best bang for buck?

You really can't beat The Bellagio in most respects. These days you can get a room under $150, which makes it a no-brainer!

Maybe if you're comparing that to hotels outside of Vegas.  When the cheap rooms go for about $30/night, you can get some nice ones for well under that $150, IMO.  At the very least, I wouldn't consider it a "no-brainer", though it may be the right choice sometimes.  :)
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minimustache1985

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #5 on: August 11, 2014, 10:13:56 AM »
Palazzo if booked in advance is probably the best bang for your buck on a nice suite.

Low cost on the strip I like Excalibur.   They've remodeled all the rooms in the last 5-10 years so they're reasonably nice for how much time you spend in your room, and the location is good- directly across from MGM/Tropicana/NYNY, and has a free mini-monorail between Mandalay-Luxor-Excalibur.

If you travel for work frequently Tropicana is now a Hilton and point redemptions are reasonable for a room, and the rooms are nice.  Cheapest on the strip is Flamingo, I've heard you want to avoid getting the lowest level rooms that haven't been renovated recently but location is great.  The only thing on the strip I'd flat out avoid is the Quad, it is the old Imperial Palace and was not torn down just remodeled, and IP and now the Quad are both known for some of the thinnest walls money can buy.

Off-strip LVH is on the monorail, and the SpringHill Suites Convention Center has free breakfast and shuttle to the Fashion Show Mall across from the Wynn/Treasure Island.  Both are very reasonable if it isn't convention season since that is their primary booking base.

CNM

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #6 on: August 11, 2014, 11:51:34 AM »
The last time I was in Vegas- which was about 4 years ago- we stayed at the MGM suites.  It's a building of suites that is separate and apart from the casino, and all the rooms are like small apartments with kitchens, etc.  It worked well for us because we were a group of 6 with adjoining rooms and we could cook/drink before we went out to save some dough.

DoubleDown

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #7 on: August 11, 2014, 12:04:52 PM »
It really depends on what you're looking for.  Luxury?  Cheap?  Best bang for buck?

Agreed, this is really key. OP, can you shed some light on any particular things you're looking for?

My favorite place remains Caesar's, but that's probably because I always got the best comps from them when I was playing a lot of blackjack. They were really great about giving free or heavily discounted rooms, free meals, etc. And the place is very nice, no doubts about it. I'm no longer welcomed playing blackjack there, though ;-)

I've also liked MGM, Tropicana, Flamingo, and Paris. I didn't care much for Excalibur, mostly because it felt like it had more of a kids/tourist-y vibe -- but it's been ages since I've stayed there, so YMMV. I've never stayed at Bellagio, but the place is beautiful, the casino is great too. Lots of enjoyable and free things to look at, like the fountains.

I've always liked the brunch at the Flamingo -- really good food, and reasonable (at least it was, haven't been for several years). There are undoubtedly some other good ones others could recommend

SF Semi-Mustache

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #8 on: August 11, 2014, 12:24:53 PM »
Vegas can be an affordable vacation in the off-season (summer).  And if you enjoy lying outside by really nice pools -- there's hardly anyplace better that's not on a beach.

My dude and I enjoy the Wynn/Encore, and you can often get great off-season deals from their emails.  Note also that if you bid on Priceline and filter by "5 stars" and "Strip North" (or the like), you will end up either at the Wynn/Encore, Palazzo, or Venetian, all of which are nice options.  One time we ended up with rooms for $70/night, inclusive. 

Other favorite Vegas tips:

- It's funny, but renting a car can save you money.  Car rentals at the airport are cheap, parking on the strip is always free (including valet parking at Wynn/Encore), and you can get off the strip for better meals at a much lower price.  If a taxi both ways is $25, you can often find a several-day rental for just a bit more than that. 

- I'll play penny slots for a bit, at least enough to get a couple of free drinks.  The nicer the hotel, the nicer the drinks.  If I lose $5 but got a couple of fancypants Manhattans (me) or mojitos (my dude), I feel OK about that.  You can order your next drink when you get the last one if you tip (worth it IMHO).

- If you're going to do a buffet (an experience), go while it's still "breakfast" or "brunch" pricing and stay until they switch to the better buffet with crab/lobster/fancy stuff.  And look online for discounts on the buffets.

- I get tired of the overwhelming consumption focus on the strip pretty quickly -- it's more my dude's thing than mine.  But there are excellent hikes just outside of town (bring sunscreen and water!), and Hoover Dam is cool.

- Check Groupon/etc for deals on shows.  We saw a hilarious drag show for $5 (tickets normally $30), thanks to Groupon.

AlanStache

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #9 on: August 11, 2014, 12:25:53 PM »
If off strip is an option I really like Hard Rock, great value (for Vegas)-really nice rooms and great suites.  They have a shuttle to the strip hourly and you often take a cab any way to get around.  On strip-mid price range I would probably go Paris.

Never stayed at the Bellagio but walking around it it is always a bit touristy-lots of dumb asses trying to think they are rich and sophisticated because they booked the Bellagio.

But yes is really all about what you want and what you want to spend.

Since Vegas comes up every few months round here could we set up a MMM wiki on going there?  Break it down from a MMM perspective?

DoubleDown

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #10 on: August 11, 2014, 01:15:58 PM »
Oh, and I'll add my obligatory pitch For the #1 Most Awesome Mustachian Thing Ever Invented For Las Vegas: Card Counting.

Seriously, if you are going to gamble at all in any casino, counting cards in blackjack is the difference between throwing away money and coming back with significant cash in your pocket (or at least breaking even and not losing)*. You can completely pay for your trip and still come back with wads of money by card counting, provided you reliably follow the methods and play long enough. It is also much more fun winning instead of losing and ruing "what I could have done with that $250 if I hadn't lost it gambling."

So sayeth DoubleDown.

* Card counting is a mathematically proven way to win at casino blackjack, and is completely legal (though discouraged by casinos because they know it is a winning strategy). If you play long enough, you will win (see: Weak Law of Large Numbers). Make sure you bring enough capital to ride out the ups and downs, and that you can afford it. Individual results may vary, past returns are not indicative of future performance. Not valid in Tennessee, Atlantic City, or incorporated areas. Not insured by FDIC or SIPC. Consult your physician before starting Lipitor, or engaging in any exciting activities like gambling, or sexual intercourse after winning $5,000 or more.

minimustache1985

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #11 on: August 11, 2014, 01:40:13 PM »
Oh, and I'll add my obligatory pitch For the #1 Most Awesome Mustachian Thing Ever Invented For Las Vegas: Card Counting.

Seriously, if you are going to gamble at all in any casino, counting cards in blackjack is the difference between throwing away money and coming back with significant cash in your pocket (or at least breaking even and not losing)*. You can completely pay for your trip and still come back with wads of money by card counting, provided you reliably follow the methods and play long enough. It is also much more fun winning instead of losing and ruing "what I could have done with that $250 if I hadn't lost it gambling."

So sayeth DoubleDown.

* Card counting is a mathematically proven way to win at casino blackjack, and is completely legal (though discouraged by casinos because they know it is a winning strategy). If you play long enough, you will win (see: Weak Law of Large Numbers). Make sure you bring enough capital to ride out the ups and downs, and that you can afford it. Individual results may vary, past returns are not indicative of future performance. Not valid in Tennessee, Atlantic City, or incorporated areas. Not insured by FDIC or SIPC. Consult your physician before starting Lipitor, or engaging in any exciting activities like gambling, or sexual intercourse after winning $5,000 or more.
Truth, but further disclaimer, you have to be good enough at it for it to be a winning strategy, and it not be obvious that you're counting.  Craps are the best odds in the house, if played correctly (and dealers will help you play the right amounts) it's a 51/49 split, but it's easy to lose a lot fast at both these games since tables have higher minimums than machines.

My recommendation to stretch gambling dollars is video poker.  Since you're engaged in deciding which cards to keep it takes way longer to play through cash than just hitting a button and the screen blinking or not, and the odds are better than most cheap slots assuming you know how to play.

Back to hotels, Excalibur is still pretty themed and has kids, so be aware if you want to play where you stay it may not be the best choice.  When I last stayed there it was the best room on the strip we could get for the money, but we spent very little time in their casino.  A refurbished room at Flamingo would be the better budget choice if you want to spend more time in your hotel's common areas.

iampatriciag

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #12 on: August 11, 2014, 01:53:56 PM »
We loved the MGM Signature (the 3 towers next to the Grand).  You get all the benefits of staying at the Grand with nicer rooms, kid-free pools plus access to all the other MGM pools, and suites with kitchenettes.   When we stayed in June last year, we paid about $125/night.  Would gladly stay again!

MgoSam

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #13 on: August 11, 2014, 02:34:48 PM »
I just got back from Vegas a few days ago, and am there a few times a year for work. At least twice I am there for a week straight, and for the past few times I have stayed at the Mardi Gras hotel. This is a one star place that used to be a Best Western. That said, I absolutely love staying there.

I have been to Vegas too many times to count and have stayed at most of the places on the strip, and so I have gotten somewhat immune to its charm. For me, quietness and a soft bed are all I want when I go there for work. For dinners, there are too many good places off the strip that cost a lot less (Komol for instance) that I don't miss eating at the pricier places on the strip.

If you are looking for awesome experience, Bellagio is my personal favorite. Palazzo is also really nice, both do have great deals from time to time.

Also, your call on gambling, I haven't played at all in quite a few years, but if you are a slot person, the places in downtown are far looser than the strip.

hybrid

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #14 on: August 11, 2014, 02:59:44 PM »
The missus and I stayed at two very different location in Las Vegas when I was there for a conference last year. We spent our first two days at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Las Vegas Desert Clubs Resort (say that three times fast). It is just off the strip near Caesars Palace on Koval. It used to be something else before HI bought it, bottom line is the place is a bunch of timeshare condos (and not a typical hotel) that go for about $110 a night when we were there. The place we stayed in was essentially a one room fully furnished apartment with washer dryer, full kitchen, and a pool a stone's throw away. It was, in a word, awesome. There were regular shuttles to the strip, and we rented a car for the week.

Next we spent four nights at Caesars Palace. The whole time we were at Caesars Palace we missed being at the other location (and Caesars wanted to get into your pocket for damned near everything, even hi-speed Internet). The price was double and it was not nearly as pleasant as being in what felt a lot more like HOME than being in a hotel room. The only plus was the firm was picking up the cost for Caesars, else the $230 a night would have felt totally outrageous.

When we go back in 2015 for the same conference we are going to spend the entire week at the first location instead, rent a car, and it will cost my firm less overall. If you are going to be in Vegas for any amount of time I really recommend it highly.

Eric

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #15 on: August 11, 2014, 03:12:40 PM »
I have no hotel recommendations, but if you're going to gamble, spend some time on this site first:

http://wizardofodds.com/


Quote
About the Wizard

The Wizard of Odds is Michael Shackleford, A.S.A., a professional actuary who has made a career of analyzing casino games. He runs the numbers on new games for casinos and game developers and has helped design many of the popular slot machines on the Internet. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Casino Math at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a former contributing editor to Casino Player magazine, and the author of the book Gambling 102, recently published by Huntington Press. The Wizard's landmark research into the actual returns of slot machines on the Las Vegas strip garnered international attention in 2002, and he has appeared numerous times on national television as a recognized expert on gambling strategy.

CNM

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #16 on: August 11, 2014, 03:15:30 PM »
We loved the MGM Signature (the 3 towers next to the Grand).  You get all the benefits of staying at the Grand with nicer rooms, kid-free pools plus access to all the other MGM pools, and suites with kitchenettes.   When we stayed in June last year, we paid about $125/night.  Would gladly stay again!

Yes!  That's the name of where we stayed- MGM Signature.  (Referencing my post above)

justplucky

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #17 on: August 11, 2014, 07:43:29 PM »
What's your budget? What are your reasons for visiting? Who is going with you? The great thing about Vegas is there's something for everyone, but not everything is for everyone. Some people go to dance their brains out in the clubs, some people go to gamble in marathon sessions, some people go to relax and unwind. What sort of experience are you looking for? The typical, "classic" Vegas experience - touristy sites, a little bit of gambling, maybe a club one night?

One thing to keep in mind is that more expensive hotels tend to have more expensive restaurants. For example, a BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger at Bellagio's basic cafe costs $19, while the one at Bally's basic cafe costs $11.99. Although you can always go to a cheaper hotel to eat, the scale of Vegas properties can make doing so a pain in the butt.


luigi49

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Re: Best hotel in Las Vegas?
« Reply #18 on: August 11, 2014, 08:06:11 PM »
It really depends on what you're looking for.  Luxury?  Cheap?  Best bang for buck?

You really can't beat The Bellagio in most respects. These days you can get a room under $150, which makes it a no-brainer!

Maybe if you're comparing that to hotels outside of Vegas.  When the cheap rooms go for about $30/night, you can get some nice ones for well under that $150, IMO.  At the very least, I wouldn't consider it a "no-brainer", though it may be the right choice sometimes.  :)

I have to agree with this post
« Last Edit: August 11, 2014, 08:07:45 PM by luigi49 »