RateVegas - Las Vegas Reviews and Ratings of Hotels, Casinos, Restaurants and Shows
Your Las Vegas Review Site
What is your question about Las Vegas?
Whether it's gambling tips, choosing the right hotel or finding out what's the hottest club, RateVegas is here to answer all of your questions.
Please review these guidelines before submitting your question.
Linda asked on 01/24/12
Hi Hunter
I have two questions. I am pretty sure of what is located downtown from two years back. My first question is is there a complete list some where that has the older downtown sites and another list that has the new things that has been added recently such a the zip line the five story addition that will be aded to the Golden Gate Hotel and I understand that the old Neopolis spaces are now filled. I know they took down the old Hilton name . Has it been replaced with a new name ?
thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The Las Vegas Hilton is now called the ‘LVH’.
As far as Downtown, you mentioned most of the recent developments. You also have the renovation of the Plaza and what’s happening in 2012/2013 with the Lady Luck. Downtown hasn’t had a lot of major changes, though we’ve seen a few projects moving in the past 9 months.
Most of Neonopolis is still empty. There are a few junk shops, the Heart Attack Grill and some other random retail but nothing notable.
Maria asked on 01/24/12
Hi again…another question for you. I’ve noticed that alot of hotel rooms with king size beds have a maximun capacity of 2 people allowed. We are planning a trip to Vefgas and we are bringing our 1 year old. Would we have to book a room with 2 queens or will we be able to book a room with a king bed? How strict are these hotels?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The legal max per bedroom is four persons. Most hotels will charge you extra for anyone over two persons. That said, I’ve never heard of any hotels charging for a toddler… I can’t imagine they would charge you a per-person fee for your chile and if they did, they should be ridiculed.
Mostly these rules are to prevent the Spring-breakers from cramming 10 people in a room.
Maria asked on 01/24/12
Hi…Do taxi’s in Vegas have car seats for infants? Do we need to request a taxi with a car seat or do we need to bring one from home?
Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Most don’t. I’d suggest bringing a car seat or arranging a special taxi or even setting up a car service. Otherwise you may not be able to secure your child.
Dennis B asked on 01/23/12
I must have missed the news about O’Sheas closing. When will it close and do they have a replacement for it yet ? Ioved playing the nickel slots there. I seem to always win at their machines. Anything else closing soon ? We will be there in October and was wondering just what will be gone and what will be added ?
ThanksVegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It’s likely to close in June or July. Project Linq will be taking it’s spot, though eventually there will likely be a casino area that takes the O’Shea’s name, probably part of what the Imperial Palace turns into.
Not a lot of other openings or closings anytime soon beyond Linq – that’s going to be the big project for the next 18 months.
Julie asked on 01/21/12
Harrah Las Vegas. What are the difference in the mini suite vrs the petite suite. Shower and tub seperate? Living area separated from the bedroom? Room size? And which Tower is the newest remodeled? Any pics.. Thank you so much
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The mini is just a big larger than a standard room. The petite is more like what most people think of as a suite with separate living and sleeping areas. In general, the hotel has not been renovated in the past several years – just minor fixes as things have broken.
Harrah’s is not a luxury hotel. The rooms are similar to something like a Holiday Inn.
DON asked on 01/21/12
havent been to vegas in about 5 years . going in feb. would like to know is there any cheap- eats still there. and where.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Some. There’s fast food at several spots on The Strip and a few late night deals. Generally speaking, you’ll get better food value on Fremont than on The Strip. If you’ve got an iPhone, our app, Vegas Mate, has a lot of info on finding cheap restaurants.
Margaret asked on 01/20/12
Hi Hunter, this is our first visit to LV for our 25th wedding annivesary. We are staying in the Vdara, what are you views on it, does it have a concierge who can source us a GC helicopter trip at a reasonable price. Is it possible to walk up the whole strip and do you think we can do most things in 4 days. What are top 10 things to do in your opinion in LV
Thanks for your help and any tips
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Happy anniversary!
Vdara is a non-gaming hotel so there’s no casino on property. If you want to gamble, you’ll need to walk to Aria or Bellagio, both of which are a short walk.
Vdara does have a concierge that can help you book a helicopter trip, yes. They should be able to make all of the arrangements for you.
As far as walking The Strip, if you enjoy walking it’s absolutely possible. It’s a pretty long walk to do in day – maybe consider taking it in segments across a few days. But yeah, walking The Strip is fun!
Four days should give you enough time to get a good flavor of what you can do, though there will still be plenty of stuff to do on your next trip too. There’s a lot to see and do.
As far as stuff not to miss, other than restaurants and casinos in general, here are a few suggestions:
- The Fountains of Bellagio
- The Mirage Volcano
- The Conservatory at Bellagio
- Eiffel Tower @ Paris
- Penske Wynn Ferrari Maserati
- Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas
- Fremont Street Experience (Downtown)
- Dolphin Habitat / Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy (The Mirage)
- The Sirens of TI at Treasure Island
- Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
- Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian
Ken R asked on 01/19/12
Hello,
I am heading down at the end of April for 30th birthday trip with 2 buddies. Stayed at Monte Carlo last time, looking for a more central location this time. Wanted to know what you thought/know of the Paris. Seems to be nice location and has good deals now. Thanks again for all your help.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
First off, happy birthday!
As far as Paris goes, I have a mixed opinion. The rooms have had little renovation in the past few years – some of them are pretty threadbare at this point. Does that bother you? If so, it may not be the best choice.
The location is good, there are some good-but-not-great restaurants, the casino is easy to navigate and typically has friendly dealers. The pool is mostly a concrete hole in the ground that is often shaded by the hotel tower.
If you can get a good rate, I think it’s a fine mid-tier hotel, though it’s status has slipped a bit in the past few years.
Brandon asked on 01/18/12
Staying at the Bellagio in March and requesting a lake view room but there’s a problem: With the new Hyde lounge now open, will I hear the loud music from my room like with Wynn and Tryst?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Excellent question… Unfortunately, I haven’t stayed since Hyde opened so I can’t say for sure. Unfortunately, my guess is yes – at least to some degree. Bellagio was not originally designed to dampen this sound and my guess is it will bleed… the question is to what degree.
Vegas man asked on 01/17/12
Morning I hope this is NOT a dumb question. Do you know what hotels if any on the strip allows fast food deliveries to our room such as pizza’s ? I have always wondered about tht. Now a lot of times I get tired of all the walking and the resturants can get to be expensive so a nice large pizza would fill the bill.Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
No dumb questions.
The problem you run into is that some hotels have security checking room keys that prohibit this. Generally speaking, the nicer the hotel, the more often you run into these guys… Mirage – yes. Flamingo – no. Hopefully that helps you gauge… or offer to meet the delivery guy in the elevator lobby.
Dennis B. asked on 01/17/12
Great spot super info. and Hunter is a BIG help. My questions are about the different eateries on the strip or near the strip . We are Vegas veterans but the way Vegas changes I thoiught I better ask. We are a steak, mashed potatoes, burger type couple not fancy at all. Hunter are there any restaurants on the strip or near the strip that would be something like family style food that would be under twenty five dollars each ? Where would be the nearest fast food places ? Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks. That’s why I’m here…
Depending on what part of The Strip, there are a bunch of fast-food offerings. There’s a McDonald’s near Mandalay Bay, there are food courts at Monte Carlo and The Venetian. There’s a McDonald’s and a Chipotle across from The Mirage between Harrah’s and Casino Royale. There’s a McDonald’s near Circus Circus. Those are a few options.
Not family style but the Circus Steakhouse offers very reasonably priced meats, mostly ala carte. Check it out if you’re looking for a less expensive steak dinner.
There’s also been an explosion of ‘gourmet’ burger places lately. You might consider KGB (Harrah’s), BLT (The Mirage) or Burger Bar (between Mandalay Bay and Luxor in Mandalay Place).
Have fun.
Elischico asked on 01/16/12
Curious about how a couple in mid 40s would find the atmosphere at Cosmopolitan or Aria? We loved Encore and enjoyed Palazzo. We like a pool scene that isn’t full of children but we are definitely not bikini 20-something’s. Thinking of returning to Wynn but also itching to try someplace new like Aria or Cosmo. Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I’d say there’s a good chance.
Cosmo probably trends younger than Aria but if I was picking I’d probably be more interested in Cosmopolitan because I think it’s more fun.
Pool-wise, Cosmo has a few of them with different vibes. They definitely have a ‘club pool’ but also some more normal pools. Aria is similar.
I think either is worth looking at, plus the balconies at Cosmo are amazing.
Harper asked on 01/14/12
Are there any Frank Sinatra old time lounge and dance venues in ’vegas
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Not really. Have a look at the previous answer.
Jules asked on 01/13/12
Have been to Vegas several times but can’t find a romantic dinner and/or dancing place for over 50’s crowd with classic 40’s, jazz, Harry Connick, Michael Buble type music. I have serached the internet and nothing – please help, heading back the end of March – thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yeah, not a lot of great options.
For dinner, you might consider Sinatra at Encore – as you might imagine, they play Sinatra tunes in a gorgeous room with some great food. No dancing though… the lounges for people over ~35 are disappearing very quickly. Another upscale spot for folks looking for something more refined is the Mandarin Bar at Mandarin Oriental in the sky lobby. It’s a gorgeous view and great drinks.
austinguy asked on 01/12/12
We’re spending a birthday weekend in Las Vegas in early March. We like Caesars and the Augustus Tower. Should we choose now Octavius instead?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
If you like the Augustus Tower and can get an Octavius room, you should consider it. Brand new and nicely appointed, along with some cool high-tech stuff. One downside is that there really aren’t good Fountain views like some of the higher up Augustus rooms, plus it’s a bit more of a walk to get to the casino.
Charlie asked on 01/11/12
Hi Hunter,
I love the site, and love Vegas Mate. My wife and I are using it to plan our Vegas trip. We are going to Vegas in February and staying at the Mirage for 5 nights. My question is concerning concierge service. I have never used a concierge and just wonder if it cost money to use the resorts concierge service and is it worthwile to use one? Will this help me with dinner reservations, show discounts or room upgrades for a special occasion?
Thanks,
Charlie
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hi,
Thanks for the kind words.
There’s no charge to use the concierge, though it is customary to tip them if they provide you with service. The concierge at the major hotels do have a lot of contacts and can go over and above when it comes to reservations, tickets, etc… A good concierge can be a lifesaver.
Tige asked on 01/10/12
We are going to be in Vegas durring Super Bowl weekend. Where is the best place to watch the game?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
All of the major sportsbooks will be mobbed. If you want a seat in a regular book, you might be waiting overnight… Seriously – even for regular Sunday games, the seats can be gone by 9am.
If you have a casino host, ask them about reserving a table or getting into the casino party – pretty much every hotel holds a private event to watch the game in a ballroom.
In case you’re not worried about crowds, the best books are Wynn, Mirage, LVH, Bally’s, or maybe Caesars.
Maria asked on 01/10/12
Do any hotels in las vegas provide strollers to rent while visiting with infants or do we have to bring our own?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The hotels don’t but there are local companies that do:
http://lasvegasbabyequipmentrentals.com/
carol asked on 01/08/12
comped for PH hip room but would like Resort room. Does $50 usually get an upgrade as opposed to typical $20 trick
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
If they’re available, you may be able to get the upgrade just by asking… If you’ve got a clerk that is amenable to being bribed, the more the better, typically. In a lot of cases, they can’t take a tip for an upgrade due to policy and a nearby manager.
carol asked on 01/08/12
Are the hip rooms at PH newer then the Resort rooms? I know Resort are bigger by 100’ so why is there a charge to upgrade to Hip room. Is it the location of rooms or just furnishings. Both look great on virtual tour.
Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
They’re a bit of a novelty, often have better views, and there are fewer of them.
malachi asked on 01/08/12
does the 20 dollar trick still work at planet hollywood and is there a room deposit charged for incidentals?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, there is a room deposit, as in most Las Vegas hotels. Typically it’s about $50-$100 per night as a credit card hold, released on check-out. At some places you can opt-out of this, though you are unable to charge anything to your room.
As for the first part of your question, it’s never a sure thing anywhere. Sometimes, just being polite and flashing a big smile will get you the same results.
Dave asked on 01/06/12
Hey guys…love the site, love the app, too!
I’m a fairly frequent LV visitor (normally travel with friends), and taking my GF out there for Valentine’s. I know many of the restaurants in town do special menus around then. Any idea of where I can find a list? I think the R-J had something last year, but can’t find anything for 2012.
Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks!
Typically lists like that aren’t published until right around the date itself. I’d check back as it gets closer.
carol o asked on 01/05/12
Upgraded to Hollywood Hip Room at PH. Bigger, better location to pool area or just furnishings? Also acress to pool on 6th floor. Do we have to walk thru public areas (shops/casino) to get to elevators that acess pool? Third Q. Is there non smoking floors or are rooms on same level just some rooms designated as non smoking? Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Almost all Las Vegas hotels do smoking/non-smoking designation by floor, not by individual room. This may vary for speciality rooms or suites but typically the entire floor is off-limits for smokers.
All of the rooms at Planet Hollywood (the main tower, not the Westgate building) have more or less the same access to the pool. The pool is located above the casino so there’s no need to hit it all if you’re coming from the room.
The Hollywood Hip rooms are actually smaller than the Resort Rooms (450 sq. feet vs 550), though they feature specific movie memorabilia.
Linda asked on 01/03/12
This seems to be a fun site and informaive. My question is I read somewhere that the really old Goden Gate hotel is adding a new five story addition. Do you kinow if it has started yet and if so is there a target date to be opened ? In your opinion how will the new addition compare to what is standing now ? Is this the oldest hotel downtown and how would you dscribe its current shape ?Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The construction has just barely gotten underway. The land is cleared but that’s about it… That said, the building should go up pretty quickly – they want to be done by Summer.
This enhancement includes some suites, a new check-in area, etc… The Golden Gate is so small, any extra space will help. Yes, the Golden Gate is the oldest operating hotel in Las Vegas. It’s a value joint that is kept up okay – but don’t expect luxury.
Elgin H. asked on 01/03/12
Hello Hunter and Co., I have been looking at pictures of the brand new Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace, debuting today to the general public. The lowest level room is about 550 sq. feet. Isn’t this about the same size a Wynn Resort standard room? Given the price and location and newness factor, where would you book—Caesars Octavius deluxe room, renovated Wynn resort suite, Cosmo terrace suite, or Aria corner suite?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, the size is on par with rooms at Wynn or Encore. While the rooms at CP are nice, their prices unless you are booking through Total Rewards are often completely divorced from reality.
If I could get a good price, I’d consider trying one but I’d still rather be at Wynn or Cosmo with the balcony. I’d pick CP Octavius over Aria.
Carol O asked on 01/01/12
Any feedback on the PH show Hitzville?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
You can read some reviews here: http://www.ratevegas.com/reviews/show/hitzville
Dennis B. asked on 12/31/11
HAPPY NEW YEAR Hunter ! Next we were thinking about staying two nights ( Friday & Sat. ) at the Imperial Palace in one of their Luv Tubs rooms . Well I started reading the reviews and they were no where near nice. Is the I.P. really that bad ? Has it had any recent renovations to the inside of it ? I have also heard that Caesar’s were planning to close it and after some real improvements reopen it under the name The Horseshoe hotel and Casino. If thats true do you know when they plan on doing that ? Thanks alot Hunter.Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Howdy,
The IP will be partially shut down and renovated in the second half of 2012. There’s no word yet on what the new name will be but there will be a new name. The Horseshoe is one candidate.
The IP is an older hotel in a good location with very reasonable prices. The rooms are not glamorous and there won’t be much in the way of work done until after the larger stuff is complete. If you book there, have your expectations in line or you may be disappointed.
Kim asked on 12/30/11
So many reviews.. I’m not sure where to stay. Toss up between lux, monty, and NYNY. Staying for 5 nights. Arrival is 1/12/12. I do want a room that has tub and shower. Not looking for expensive room. A nice,clean,cozy room for 2. Would fit us well. =)
Thanx in advance for any help you can give. I’ve been reading and looking for week now. ufff Da!
~Kim
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I’d probably pick Monte Carlo, since it has a better location than the other two and is attached to CityCenter. NYNY’s rooms are too small and Luxor’s are too old. At MC, make sure you tell them you want a tub. Some of the handicapped rooms don’t have them.
shadow asked on 12/23/11
I need the e. mail address of the Flamingo Hiotel in Las Vegas . So far this site has been a hugh plus and that is great. I need the e. mail address of either their concierge or their reservation manager. I was not sure if rate Vegas could locate those addresses but so far Hunter is doing a great job.Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Most resorts do not publish these email addresses. Your best bet is to call the hotel and to ask to speak with whomever you need. That will be far faster than using email.
Dennis asked on 12/22/11
Hunter you are the man and this is the plave for good Vegas info.. We have a chance to stay at the Flamingo in one of their Fab Luxury rooms. They must be new because I have never heard of them before.We have four comped nights there. Do you know how nice these rooms are ? Are the bathrooms nice size ? What are the chances of getting a strip or Bellagio fountain view from one ? Are they very large ?
thanks again
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
They are brand new, yes. That means that all of the furnishings are brand new as well… They are intended to be a step above the ‘Go’ rooms that they introduced a few years ago.
The size of the room is the similar to the other rooms – about average sized with average sized bathrooms.
Some of these rooms do look out over Bellagio so be sure to ask for that – you might get lucky!
cedric asked on 12/18/11
Hi Hunter
Thank you for your last reply
Which magic shows do you suggest ? We’re looking for something with minimal talking as my wife is not fluent in English.
We already saw David Cooperfiled so we’re looking for something new if possible
Thank you so much for your help
Kindly
cedric
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I like Penn and Teller, though there’s a fair amount of talking in that show. Nathan Burton and Mac King both also have shows that people like.
Curtis Miller asked on 12/18/11
Could you give advice on how I can get back the taxes that were withheld from me at the casino for a Jackpot.
I am a Canadian resident and I do believe that I am entitled to receive most, if not all of it back.
Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sorry, I’m not a Canadian tax expert.
Dennis B. asked on 12/17/11
I really hope this is not a stupid question but I have to ask. Since I am a member of Total Rewards I can stay at Planet Hollywood comped in their Hip Room but I noticed that I couls also stay comped in one of their pet stay resort rooms also. The pet stay rooms are larger. I have two questions. First MUST you have a pet to stay in that room and do you know where they would be located ? Any chance of a decent strip view.?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Strange, huh? They’ll ask where your pet is but there are all sorts of stories you can come up with to get around that – they will likely not press you (i.e. the pet is coming with grandma later).
The rooms are all over the place so there’s no one answer. Yes, some have Strip views.
shadow asked on 12/17/11
Super quiock question. What are the real differences between Planet Hollywood and Planet Hollywood Westgate ?Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Planet Hollywood is a casino hotel. The Westgate tower is a time-share hotel connected to the property.
Dennis B. asked on 12/17/11
I just received an e. mail from the Golden Gate hotel at downtown Las Vegas. It said that they are adding a five story tower to their hotel. First question have you heard about this ? Do you think that addition would improve the quality of their rooms and how would that effect their prices ? Just where is the Golden Gate located and is it a safe area to walk at night ? Thanks ! You are really helpful.Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The Golden Gate is on Fremont, right next to The Plaza. It’s a perfectly fine area. The addition is just getting underway and I’d expect the newer rooms to be nicer and larger than the existing ones and along with that, some higher prices.
Archivist asked on 12/14/11
Iw ill be at the PH Westgate in about a week.
I have been told by Harrah’s that the incidental charges per day is $100. But I received an email from PH that states that the charges are only $50 a day.
Whom should I believe? Do they have to honor the lower rate if I bring the email that stated that with me?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hmmmm… I think what I’d say is to plan for the worst case but to hope for the best and to mention it if it comes up.
Conflicting information is always tough. You could also call the desk there and see what they say.
Archivist asked on 12/14/11
Is the Manilow store still at Paris?
My supervisor gave me time off to go to LV if I went there for her. Or has it closed since he is not performing there anymore?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
They’re closing it up…
Benjamin asked on 12/11/11
My wife and I have stayed at Wynn (original tower) twice now, and are totally sold on the place. However, it seems like the only way to get a guaranteed quiet room (i.e. no club noise) is to get a room facing the golf course….I’m worried that, with Climax opening at the rear of the property, there won’t be any quiet rooms left in the building. And with clubs on both sides of Encore, that doesn’t seem like an option either…any advice for someone who wants to keep visiting Wynn without 3am oontzing keeping me awake?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Oh boy… this is a bit of a hot button topic.
At Wynn, you’re right that the golf course side is currently the quiet end. Climax, the new club going into the space that was previously Alex, is opening sometime in 2012 (though it now sounds like late 2012) and may render this moot. The Strip side has to deal with noise from Tryst.
At Encore, you can actually get a north facing room without club noise, though your view is of Circus Circus, the Riviera and Fontainebleu – not ideal. The south facing rooms are subjected to both Surrender/EBC and XS oontzes.
It remains to be seen what happens with Climax. Encore promised us soundproof glass but that’s turned out to mostly be a pipe dream.
Given the fact that one of the most exclusive villas is right above what will become Climax, let’s hope that it’s not going to be a loud music type place.
Archivist asked on 12/10/11
I will be in LV in a week (PH Westgate) and been wondering about the “incidental charges”.
How long will it take for them to give back the unused funds? If I not charge anything to the room, do they do it daily? Or wait, probably, until my stay is over and then refund it?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Typically most resorts will put a hold of $100 per day on your credit card for incidentals, placed when you check-in. It typically expires a day or two after you check-out (it’s not a real charge, it’s just a hold, which expires automatically).
Most hotels will let you opt out of this if you pay the room charges up front, though that means you can’t charge anything to your room.
Wendy asked on 12/08/11
This is my first time going to Vegas. Cleanliness is extremely important to me. Please let me know which hotel you would recommend with the following criteria: center of strip, cleanliness and rating. Thank you!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Typically the nicer the hotel, the cleaner you will find it to be. Based on your criteria, I’d probably suggest Bellagio – center location, clean hotel and very highly rated.
Vegas Talker asked on 12/07/11
Great site great information. We are planning to stay at the Flamingo in the summer of 2012. My wife is a pool lover . What type of pool does Flamingo have ? I mean how would you rate them to say Bally’s Harrah’s or Paris ?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The Flamingo’s pool is typically considered to be one of the better on The Strip. Large with a tropical theme, it’s much more fun than the other hotels you listed.
Dennis B. asked on 12/07/11
Here is an early Merry Christmas to rate Vegas and all of its members. Next someone told me that two Vegas hotels will be closing . They said The Plaza in downtown Vegas and Hooters on the strip. Is that true ? Who or what will replace them ? If I remember was’nt the Plaza used in the movie Back to the Future ? thanksVegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thank you.
The Plaza on Fremont is not closing, it was just refurbished. There was a planned hotel for the Strip with the same name that will not be built. Perhaps that’s what you heard. Hooter’s is having financial troubles but it’s likely that it will be sold, not close.
… and yes, The Plaza was in BTTF2.
Gary Kern asked on 12/01/11
We will be attending the show absinthe at ceasers and was wondering about parking, the self park at ceasers looks like a long walk, would it be shorter to park at bills and cross over the blvd?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Parking at Caesars can be a nightmare. If you don’t mind a little walk, parking at Bill’s or Bellagio might be easier, especially when it comes to the show getting out.
cedric asked on 11/29/11
Hi Hunter
Great web site !
Do you know if the Parlor and Salone Suite at Wynn are all renovated ?
Same question for the Penthouse at Bellagio ?
Also is there a lounge at Wynn or Encore with free drinks for suite guest ?,(not a gambler lounge, something similar to the 2 VIP lounge at Bellagio)
Thank you so much for your help Hunter
Warmly
cedric
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hello,
Yes, all of the suites at Wynn are re-done. At Bellagio, the suites have had updates but not the uber-radical changes we’ve seen at Wynn.
Wynn does not have a non-player lounge like you describe, no.
Have fun!
Allen asked on 11/28/11
We are thinking of staying at TI. What is your opinion of the hotel there compared to the rest of the strip? Is the Petite suite a significant upgrade over the normal rooms?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I generally like TI – for the price category it’s in, it offers rooms that are clean, well kept and comfortable. The Petite suite is a nice little upgrade – not incredibly significant but it is a couple of notches up.
The casino has taken a turn towards commercializing itself – lots more mini-bars and people selling timeshares – and that is unfortunate.
Linda asked on 11/25/11
I know that the Riveria hotel has been there for quite a while. Has it ever been updated at all inside ? What type of rooms do they have ? I w2as just at one of the many hotel sites and I read where you can get a one bedrroom suite for under $90.00 a night. Do they have nice rooms and suites ? thanksVegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, it’s been renovated several times, though not for several years. Generally speaking, the rooms are dated and a bit worn. That said, they are inexpensive. A one-bedroom suite at The Riv won’t compare all that well to suites at other Strip hotels except for perhaps Circus Circus. If you’re looking for something cheap, it can be a workable solution. Imagine a suite in an airpot hotel or Holiday Inn and you’ve got an idea of what they are like. Not swanky…
The casino floor and restaurants have been getting some renovation attention recently with new paint, carpet, etc…
Susan asked on 11/24/11
Thank you for providing such an informative site. I enjoy your humor and your patience. We visit many times throughout the year but will be there the week prior to Christmas which is a first for us. We are wondering if the airport will be extremely busy at that time. We leave Vegas early on Friday the 23rd. Do you think we need to be there more than the 2 1/2 hours before departure? Also, would this be considered a slow time in the casinos? Thank you.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Christmas is a semi-bust time for Las Vegas casinos. Perhaps more people than you’d expect like to celebrate near the slots.
That said, right before Christmas and right after is typically pretty slow. I’m always reluctant to tell people not to get to the airport early but in my experience, you should sail through… One potential issue: people schlepping home gifts sometimes make TSA lines longer than normal.
Elgin Han asked on 11/24/11
I hear some hotels, even Wynncore, will conduct tours to the public of their suites at set times of the day. Is this true? If so, how do you go on such tours? Do you still contact the front desk or concierge, even as a nonguest, to arrange for such a tour ot to find out the times they run them? I figure it would be good advertising for them. I am particularly interested in Wynncore, Aria, Mandarin Oriental, and Caesars new Octavius Tower. I usually cannot afford such accomodations, but I figure I might get a look at some of them while I am in town? The videos of the suites, while helpful, just are not enough for me decide whether to splurge one of these days. Thanks again for a great website!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It’s true – many hotels do this. It’s always based on availability so on a busy weekend, you’ll mostly be stuck. If you’re interested, go ahead and call the concierge. In some cases, there are set times and in other cases, they’ll take you up whenever.
Certain kinds of suites, like villas, are very rarely shown to the public without some sort of special dispensation.
Elgin Han asked on 11/24/11
Does the Golden Nugget’s pool stay open through the winter? I vaguely recall stopping by a few years back and seeing some pasty English guys slide down through the shark tank. Or did I imagine this? If GN does not keep its pool open in the winter, which resorts’ pools, if any, stay open year round? Looking forward to my stay at the Rush Tower regardless! First time staying downtown. Is it safe at night as long as we stay on or very near the well lit Fremont St.! Btw, bought vegas mate, vegas mate, it’s very great!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks!
Many pools do indeed close during the winter, to save costs and also to perform maintenance. Some of the larger resorts will keep one pool open, or sometimes a hot tub. According to the Golden Nugget, one of the pools will be closed 12/11-12/22 for maintenance.
Many Strip resorts have their pools open year-round, though as stated above, maintenance can sometimes trump that.
Fremont Street should be totally safe, though I always recommend that people remain aware of their surroundings and don’t wander off onto the side streets at night, especially alone.
Read asked on 11/24/11
Girlfriend & I are planning a long weekend of “what happens in Vegas…” in December. We are big fans of San Francisco’s Supperclub (supperclub.com), a fine dining experience mixed with risque entertainment full of whips & chains, etc. Is there anything like that in Las Vegas?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Despite it’s marketing, most of the entertainment on the Strip is relatively tame when viewed in real terms. Yes, there are shows like Cirque’s Zumanity and of course there are strip clubs nearby… but as far as something like you’re looking for, nothing is springing to mind immediately. Dinner theater/entertainment has fallen out of favor somewhat, perhaps with the rise of the popularity of nightclubs.
I’ll update this answer if any other readers have suggestions.