RateVegas - Las Vegas Reviews and Ratings of Hotels, Casinos, Restaurants and Shows
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Linda B. asked on 11/20/11
We have five days comped. at the Flamingo . When I made the reservations online they asked for my credit card number. My question is we do not go to Vegas until January . What exactly do they need my card number for ? When will they actually charge something to my card ?Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Good question.
Typically, if you are paying for your stay, they would charge a deposit, usually the cost of the first night plus tax. If the total cost of your visit is intended to be comped, I would not expect them to need to charge your card until you arrive, in case you want to have it on file for incidentals in which case they put a hold for a certain amount to cover anything charged on the room during your trip.
If you see any charges or are concerned, I’d feel free to give them a call and ask.
Linda asked on 11/18/11
I just read where the Flamingo are going to do 2100 romms and make them much nicer and call them Fab rooms. Do you know yet if any of those rooms will be facing the strip or the Bellagio fountains ?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hi,
Yes, they will be adding this new room type – similar to how they did this for the ‘Go’ rooms a few years ago.
The rooms will be in all parts of the complex – some will have Strip and Bellagio views.
Goldberg asked on 11/18/11
I have also enjoyed this site because of the great way you answer each question I have a rather strange question I hope you can answer. When I normally go to the hotels website to make a reservation ( I mainly stay at one of the Total Rewards hotels ) it normally only allows me to use one T.R. number but at the same time there is another page that allows me to not only add my T.R. number but I can also add my companions T.R. number and zip code and they will combine them and I can save even more on the room. My question where is the site located that does alow me to add another persons T.R. number ? I hope I ve not stumped you.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
According to the Caesars employee I asked, the feature you’re referencing above, an ad-hoc combination of rewards, is not generally available.
If you have a spouse that is also a TR member, you can associate those two accounts to work toward joint benefits. Both people need to go to a TR booth together to associate the accounts. That’s your best bet for sharing benefits.
Dennis B. asked on 11/17/11
A big thank you for the responce but that leads to a couple more questions. We are both gold members in Total Rewards which is the lowest tier so we do not have a host. Is it easy to get one? If I call Planet Hollywood and ask for a host will one speak to me?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sure, if you don’t already have a host, just call the hotel and ask to talk with one. They will connect you with someone on the host staff.
Dennis B. asked on 11/16/11
We had such a great time last week we are thinking about making early plans for our 45th anniversary next September. We are planning on inviting another couple to fly out with us to help celeberate. Here are my questions. We are members of Total Rewards and they are who made it possible to have five comped. nights at Caesars last week. Now do you know if it is possible to have two comped. rooms at the same hotel the same week ? We were thinking about comping two rooms so our friends could stay in the same hotel for free. We were thinking of staying again at Caesars or maybe try Planet Hollywood for the first time. Is it legal ?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Is it possible? Is it legal?
Sure… It all depends on what the hotel is willing to give you. It’s definitely not unheard of to get more than one room comped. For them, it honestly just comes down to calculation of what you’re ‘worth’ to them – sounds a bit craven but it’s true.
Tell them you want two rooms – see what they say… It might be easier to get it done at Planet Hollywood than Caesars – as CP is the highest end property they have, typically comps there are harder to come by.
Just tell your host what you want and find out what you need to do to get it.
Dennis B. asked on 11/15/11
No questions I just wanted to say this site is a great help for people who really want to know about Las Vegas. We just returned frm a five night stay at Caesars Palace and the questions I asked were answered and that made this trip even more enjoyable
Thanks Again
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
You’re welcome!
Gary asked on 11/03/11
Hello, great site btw.
My wife and I are going to Vegas for Christmas but can’t decide between the Bellagio or the Wynn/Encore. Been to both places but never stayed. I know that both of their guest rooms have been re-done and they both look awesome but we can’t decide on which one. We’re not tourists or nightlifers so location is not really an issue but we’re of the foodie type so restaurants will be a factor we’re looking for. Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Both hotels do a great job of taking care of their guests.
Personally, I prefer Wynn/Encore a bit over Bellagio, mostly because the rooms are newer and I find the service superior. Both have an array of good restaurants to choose from, though no matter where you stay I’d recommend visiting the other for at least one meal.
The location at Bellagio is arguably better but I still give the nod to Wynn. Either way, you should have a blast.
Dennis B. asked on 11/02/11
This site is A+ for Vegas info. I hope this is not a stupid question but hwre goes. Whenever we have visited Las Vegas it was almost always either in the morning or early afternoon when we landed. Well this time it will be evening (about 7:30 p.m. ) and we were wondering if there would be a longer line checking in at Caesars then ? Does night time check in give you a better chance to score a nice upgradethanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It depends on the day of the week – evening arrivals are not uncommon and especially so for the weekend. Check-in volumes are probably about the same.
As far as upgrades, it totally depends on how full the hotel is. Sometimes later arrivals can work against you since more people have checked in.
Vegas Talker asked on 11/01/11
We love your site. Great questions with great answers. My question does Harrah’s own Margaritaville casino ? Is it part of the Flamingo if so do they take Total Rewards cards ?
thanks
vegas talker
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yup, the Margaritavilla casino is part of the Flamingo and is part of Total Rewards.
Eduardo asked on 10/30/11
Hi!!! Harrahas or Flamingo… Which joint is the nicest in terms of rooms?
In Standard rooms ? Harrahas or Flamingo?
In Luxory rooms? H or F?
Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
When it comes to standard rooms, they’re probably about the same. Flamingo does have some upgraded rooms, like the ‘GO’ offering, which would be superior to Harrah’s. The GO rooms are not as expensive as suites but a nicely upgraded experience.
Joe asked on 10/27/11
Great site! Always go to Vegas for a football weekend because I truly enjoy weekends at the sportsbooks, now, we are making arrangements to go during first weekentd of NCAA tournament, but I heard its crazy and hard to get a seat anywhere. Is this true? Would you recommend going that weekend, or maybe a different weekend like conference championship or final four. Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Pretty much the entire NCAA tournament is busy, yes. Final Four will be just as busy if not busier.
That doesn’t mean you can’t get a seat but it does mean you’ll have to ‘fight’ for it and by that I mean probably getting there earlier than you would normally and not leaving.
Dennis B. asked on 10/24/11
Is there a site I can go to get a list of all of all of the cross overs above Las Vegas Blvd. that go from one hotel to another hotel. I hate trying to cross Las Vegas Blvd especially t night.Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
@ The Strip and Tropicana
@ Planet Hollywood <→ Cosmopolitan
@ The Strip and Flamingo
@ Treasure Island <→ The Venetian
@ The Strip and Sands/Spring Mountain
Eileen Laughton asked on 10/24/11
Every year before coming to Las Vegas I look at your site to get myself in the mood!! My friend and I are coming over in November for a week, staying at the Luxor (I know it’s not one of your favourites, but we love it). Could you recommend anywhere on or near the strip that we could go to have a bit of a dance to 70s, 80s or 90s music – can you guess our ages?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hiya,
You might try Studio 54 @ MGM Grand – they’re known for mixing up the music selection a bit and to include stuff other than just modern pop/hip-hop. It’s also pretty close to your hotel.
Have fun!
Marc from UK asked on 10/21/11
Hi Hunter – still loving your work. The last Vegas Gang podcast was possibly the best ever.
My question is about CES in January.
We got a bargain reservation at Plaza about a month ago for 9 – 16 January and I have seen since that CES is in town that week. We’ve previously been to Vegas over Easter in 2010 and in August this year.
Will we see a noticable difference in foot traffic/table mins because of this compared to what we would have seen previously at what would seem to be more peak holiday times, or will the increased CES visitors be negated by an “off-season” January (relative to what we saw in August and Easter).
We plan to split our time between Downtown and The Strip. I’m guessing we should probably hit The Strip early in the week?
Many thanks as always, Marc
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks for the kind words.
CES is large enough that it pretty much takes over the city. That means longer lines for restaurants, a busier casino and sometimes long waits for taxis. You’ll definitely notice an increase in traffic, despite it being January.
CES is typically busiest at the start of the week and begins to taper a bit late Wednesday/Thursday. Given that, you might be better spending time on The Strip towards the end of your trip as those crowds start to disappear.
Have fun!
Dennis B. asked on 10/21/11
Wierd Vegas question I know. I understand that Caesar’s own hotel and I also know that Caesars own the Horseshoe name right ? How is it that Jack Binion can have a fine restaurant in the Horseshoe (owned by Caesars ) and his restaurant in Glitter Gulch ? Can both companys own the name Horseshoe ? Is it true that Imperial Palace will be closing and it will be replaced by the Horsesshoe hotel and casino ?thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, Caesars did buy the Horseshoe name and set of casinos a few years back. When that happened, the original Binion’s Horseshoe on Fremont Street was renamed to Binion’s and they began transitioning everything to use that. Everything you see with the Horseshoe named is either owned or licensed by Caesars.
As far as the Imperial Palace, it will be re-named and re-branded as part of ‘Project Linq’, a new outdoor entertainment area between Flamingo and IP. It’s not yet clear if they’ll use the Horseshoe name or not but it’s certainly a possibility.
Rashad asked on 10/20/11
Hi, Love the site. Myself and a few friends will be coming back to Vegas in March 2012. My first visit I stayed at Luxor and then I stayed at Stratosphere for my second visit. Both were a bit far from the action of the strip (especially Stratosphere) but their prices were decent. For our next visit, we’d like to stay somewhere a bit closer to the action but still not pay an extreme amount of money for a room. What place would you recommend? Whatever place it is HAS to have a great casino. Thanks for your help.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks!
You might want to take a look at the following: Planet Hollywood, Flamingo, Monte Carlo, Bally’s, or Treasure Island. They should all fit the bill, depending on what their cost is for the dates you’re looking for.
Have a blast!
Dennis B asked on 10/14/11
OOPS I forgot to ask. We will be at Caesars Palace starting Monday Nov. 7th. Will their pools still be open ? We would love to sit outside at the pool area and just relax without freezing. I guess Caesars do not have any indoor pools do they ?thanks again
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
No indoor pools, no. Caesars does close down most of their pools for the off-season, typically sometime in November. They haven’t yet published the dates so I can’t give you a more precise answer yet, sorry.
Dennis B. asked on 10/14/11
We will be staying at Caesars Palace starting Monday Nov. 7th for 5 days. We have heard that Ellis Island has low prices but good food. We have never been there so I was wondering if its a long walk from Caesars ? We are both in our early 60’s but in pretty good health.Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Ellis Island is on Koval Lane, behind Bally’s. From Caesars, you’d walk down Flamingo, past Bally’s and then continue to Koval to find Ellis Island. It’s about 1.5 miles.
It’s not a super long walk, though I probably wouldn’t do it at night. It’s not a bad area per se but there’s really nothing around.
Brandon asked on 10/06/11
Heading to Vegas next week and scored good deals for Bally’s and LV Hilton. Which joint is the nicest in terms of rooms, casino pool, etc. ? For this trip, the location doesn’t matter if its on the strip or not.
Curious super geek question: Since Bally’s and LV Hilton was both built by Kerkorian, do they have anything design elements or layouts in common?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Actually, both Bally’s (originally MGM Grand) and the Las Vegas Hilton (originally The International) were designed by the same architect, Martin Stern Jr. Stern was famous for many of the early iconic structures on The Strip – you’ll find a lot of the same design sensibilities across both properties.
As far as your first question, I’m going to give the edge to Bally’s, even though you’re saying you don’t care about the location. With both hotels, the rooms are in need of some love… but the pool at Bally’s is better, the casino is bigger and it’s connected to Paris, which also gives you a lot of options for stuff to do.
I’d pick Bally’s.
Memo asked on 10/04/11
Hi Hunter, great site btw.
My question is : where’s the parking lot for The Cosmopolitan and how do I get there ? Is this a valet-only parking or can I park myself anytime ?
Thanks in advance !
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The main entrance for the valet and self-park are both on Harmon, right off of The Strip – you’ll see arrows directing you toward either one – it’s all underground.
Rhimi asked on 10/03/11
I wanted to know where are the reasonable night clubs and play 80s music and modern music like LaGaga in las vagas and what about the malls. Thank you
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Most clubs play a mix of 80s hits, modern hip-hop and house music. Some nights are specifically setup to hit one specific genre. Try MGM’s Studio 54 or Tryst for some solid 80s action, mixed with more modern stuff.
gervais asked on 10/03/11
is it true you can buy a bracelet to eat all day for 30-40 dollars
where do you buy them and which is best
is downtown included in those buffets
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Caesars Entertainment does sell the ‘Buffet of Buffets’, giving you access to buffets at Paris, Rio, Planet Hollywood, Caesars, Imperial Palace, Harrah’s and elsewhere for about $50, yes. In most cases though, you’re probably best off just buying the meal you actually want – it’s very difficult to visit all of those places in a day within the limits they impose. Of those buffets, I’d say Planet Hollywood is probably best.
No Downtown buffets are included.
You can purchase the pass at any of the participating buffets.
Ackman asked on 10/02/11
How are the safes now in hotel rooms?
Are they bigger than they used to be? Big enough to store a laptop with a 15.6" screen?
How much do they cost a day? Or are they included in the resort fees?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It depends on the hotel – some will hold a 15" laptop and some (many) won’t. For instance, I was recently in a renovated room at Bellagio and while my smaller MacBook Air did fit, a larger 15" laptop would not have fit. The safes at Venetian and Palazzo are quite large but most hotels seems to have smaller safes or, god forbid, wall-mounted safes that don’t fit much of anything.
As for cost, as far as I know, no hotels charge for them.
Amy asked on 09/29/11
I am spending 4 nights next week in Vegas and can’t decided between the Encore and The Four Seasons. I know they are on opposite ends of the strip. We have stayed at the Encore and Wynn 4 to 5 times and really like it but were thinking of staying somewhere different. Unfortunately they weren’t offering any good deals on the hotel at the time we are coming so that has driven us elsewhere. Do you have any suggestions?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The Four Seasons is an average hotel room in an average hotel tower (Mandalay Bay) that comes with great service and a private entrance. If you want to have a room away from the hustle and bustle of the casino action, it’s a great choice. You can totally ignore all of those parts of Mandalay Bay if you want to. That said, the casino it’s attached to is Mandalay Bay, not in the same caliber as Wynn or Encore, in my opinion.
Have you thought about Bellagio? Many people that swear by Wynncore also really enjoy Bellagio, though the rooms themselves are smaller. Great center location, nice restaurants and typically good service.
Dennis B asked on 09/29/11
First off this is a great site and it is very imformative. Next I also have a couple of questions. We will be in Vegas starting Nov. 7th for five days and we are comped at Caesars . We have a standard room Now we will be celeberating our 44th. anniversary and I was wondering if you thought we may get an upgrade to a suite if we did mention that fact to the clerk ? Next in your opinion at what part of the strip would be the best area to video and take pictures of the strip at night ? THANKS
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks for the kind words!
When it comes to upgrades, it never hurts to ask, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion. As to whether you get it, it usually comes down to factors like how full the hotel is. You never really know but ask away – you could get lucky!
When it comes to photo and video of The Strip at night, there are many things that look great: the Fountains at Bellagio, the Mirage volcano, MGM Grand, New York New York, CityCenter, the Venetian and Wynn. Basically anything between Wynn Las Vegas to the north and MGM to the south. Places like Luxor and Mandalay don’t really photograph that well at night.
When taking photos at night, try not to use the flash if you can help it – it will really wash out the background and there’s a lot of light from the hotels so if you can keep your hand steady, you probably won’t need anything extra.
Have fun and good luck!
Ron Walker asked on 09/28/11
I know that the Bellagio and Hotel 32 offer free limo service to and from the airport. Is there any other hotels on the strip that provide this free service?
(limo and not a shuttle service). Thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Mirage used to do this also with any suite reservation but they, like most other hotels, have retreated to providing this just for casino customers, not people booking rooms in the hotel.
Casey asked on 09/20/11
Love your site. A few quick questions for you. Any more on getting the porn card slappers off LV Blvd? Can’t casinos kick them off the property? Who has the best breakfast buffet? and when does pool season end?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Despite the fact that the casinos own most of the sidewalks on Las Vegas Blvd., the courts have typically ruled that due to free speech rights, they are allowed to be on The Strip, handing you free baseball cards, but for porn.
Pool season as it pertains to pool parties and day clubs is typically over in September. Pools at most resorts stay open into November and in some cases beyond, though it gets pretty cold and they’re not much used.
As for breakfast buffets, check out Paris, Planet Hollywood, Bellagio and Wynn.
Chase asked on 09/20/11
A friend of mine is getting married in October at a golf resort. He booked a block of rooms at Royal resort for 49 bucks a night on a weekend. 2 questions….Can you tell me a little about the Royal resort(is it ok to stay at, neighborhood, etc) and would you stay at like excalibur for $118 a night instead?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Royal is on Convention Center Drive. Unfortunately, since the closing of the Stardust and The Sahara, unless there’s a big conference at the Convention Center, it’s a pretty dead area. A dead area is sometimes a less safe one. I don’t know if I would say it’s not safe to stay there but it’s in an area where I would be somewhat wary. For instance, at night I’d take a cab or a car to most locations instead of walking.
For me, I’d rather be on The Strip and if the extra $58 doesn’t break your budget, staying at Excalibur will mean a more real Strip experience. That’d be my play.
Adrian asked on 09/19/11
Going to Vegas Oct. 26 – Nov. 1 and would like to get a sedan or SUV from the airport to Flamingo. Any ideas how much this would cost? And do I need to set it up in advance, or are they available at the airport? I will be arriving at around 7 AM, if that makes any difference. Also, I love the site, read it almost every day. Thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks for the kind words.
They are available at the airport but if you don’t pre-reserve, you may have to wait. My recommendation would be to reserve a car and not have to worry. They’ll track your flight and be there when you arrive, help with your bags, etc… Plus, there are few things cooler than a guy with a sign with your name on it at the airport.
As for cost, a cab from the airport would typically be about $15 – it’s not a great distance. A car service, be it a limo, town car, etc… often charge by the hour. I’d expect to pay about $40 plus tip for a sedan ; more for a limo.
Operators like Las Vegas Limo can help you out and can give you a precise quote.
Ackman asked on 09/18/11
Do any of the eateries at the MGM, or other hotels, have take out instaed of always dining in?
Sometimes it is nice to eat in a smoke free environment. And not to have the loud noises.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Some places, like buffets, do not allow take-out at all.
Many other restaurants do – you can ask the hostess for a menu and they can have a waiter take your order. It’s not common but since they all offer to-go containers, it’s also not really a problem for them to accommodate.
christine asked on 09/17/11
Help, we are coming from uk to stay at Plaza in Las Vegas, heard so many mixed reviews. Does anyone know for sure if the pool will be ready beginning October? If not we going to cancel, as we dont often get the sun here, and would at least try and catch some rays for a few days. Any feedback would be a big help. Thanks guys
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yeah, I had a rough stay, though I was four days before the official opening. Unfortunately, the reports since then have been equally rough. I think best case, it will be a few more months before the place stabilizes. Worst case, it never does.
When it comes to the pool, they have not committed to a specific date for it to re-open. October is only weeks away – if that’s a big deal to you, I’d be pretty wary – I would not at all be surprised to find out it won’t re-open until next year, as the pool season is quickly winding down.
LeAnn asked on 09/16/11
Can you give any “insider” advice for a first timer to Vegas, we are staying At Mandalay Bay, but most of what we are there for is at the MGM Grand. Should we try the $20 trick? How can we get comps or upgrades? What is a Must-See?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Big question!
First off, if you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, I’d recommend getting my app, Vegas Mate. You can find it on the App Store. I say that not because I want your two bucks but because I think it can be a huge help, especially for visitors not super-familiar with The Strip.
Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand aren’t that far away from each other – a short cab ride, a nice walk or you can use the tram to get you to Excalibur and then walk across the street.
When it comes to the $20 trick, I know a lot of people that will say you’ll get just as far by being polite and having good luck… and they might be right. Still, there’s really no harm in seeing what a tip might get you. Think of it as your first wager of the trip.
A must see list could be very long so I’ll just include a few things:
1. Fountains of Bellagio
2. Mirage Volcano
3. Sirens of TI
4. Major casinos: Bellagio, Mirage, Caesars Palace, Wynn Las Vegas, MGM Grand, The Venetian, CityCenter (Aria), Cosmopolitan
5. Fremont Street (Downtown): Golden Nugget, El Cortez, The Plaza, Main Street Station
6. Eiffel Tower @ Paris
7. Conservatory @ Bellagio
8. Lion Habitat @ MGM Grand
9. Forum Shops (Caesars Palace) / Grand Canal Shoppes (Venetian)
10. Penske Wynn Ferrari Dealership
Those are just a few examples. Without a doubt, don’t miss Bellagio’s Fountains. Do. Not. Miss.
Beyond that, I’d say it’s a good idea to pace yourself – things are further apart than they look. Remember to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re going to be drinking during the day.
Have fun and good luck!
Manaswi asked on 09/14/11
I have an extra ticket for “Sip Happens – a night of exotic tastes!” in Vegas. I do not want to sell it. Just want to give it away. Where can I find someone who would like to have that ticket.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Craigslist? In front of the venue?
Bryan asked on 09/13/11
Which Vegas strip hotels let 18 year olds check into the hotel
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I know from personal experience that this used to be doable – I checked into Luxor and NYNY when I was 18, though that was 15+ years ago now.
At this point in 2011, I don’t know of a single hotel on The Strip that allows check-ins for guests under 21. I’ll let my readers correct me if I’m wrong but I think you’ll be looking at off-Strip joints, maybe a Best Western or Motel 6.
Ackman asked on 09/11/11
Is the “Buffet of Buffets” really worth it?
Not been to a LV buffet in a long time.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Probably depends on how much eating you can do. Due to the distance between properties, it’s actually harder to take full advantage of this than it may sound. If you really love buffets and would like to try a few of them, then maybe. For most people though, probably not.
Deborah Damon asked on 09/11/11
Hunter do you know when the last day of when casino hotels close their pools. i am going in October. 12-18 to be exact.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It depends on the hotel but for most, it’s typically later than that (i.e. in the November timeframe). Even then, some hotels keep part of the pool area open.
Catherine asked on 09/11/11
Hi there. I am coming to Vegas next year to get married. We will be staying at Mandalay bay. We would like to hire camaros for the day. Can you recommend a company to contact or would it be best to speak with the concierge when we get there? Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sounds like fun. I have to admit, I don’t have personal experience renting exotic cars in Vegas. There are a a few places that advertise on The Strip. The two I hear the most are ‘Exotic Rentals’ and also ‘Dream Car Rentals’, though it probably wouldn’t hurt to also ask the concierge at the hotel if they have a preferred vendor. Congratulations and have a blast!
Wes asked on 09/07/11
In your opinion what are the best pools on the strip? Also do any of the pools have waterpark like features like lazy river, wave pool, etc.? Just wondering if the pools would be open in mid April? Thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Great question.
Yes, there are certainly some pools that are better than others. As far as special features, the top dog is Mandalay Bay, which a lazy river, sandy bottom beach and pretty much the most amazing pool complex in town.
Monte Carlo, MGM Grand and Flamingo also have impressive pools with some extra features.
The Mirage, Hard Rock, Wynn Las Vegas, Encore, Aria and Bellagio also have very nice pools, though no slides or the like.
As far as April goes, all the pools should be open by then, yes, even if it’s not super hot yet.
Vinny A asked on 09/05/11
I will be staying at the Venetian during the weekend of 9/23-25. Is the remodeling at the Venetian sports book expected to be completed by then?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The main floor sports book will likely still be walled off. Fortunately, the resort’s sister, The Palazzo also has a sports book combined with the Lagasse’s Stadium restaurant – should be easy to access while the V SB is out of commission.
Ackman asked on 09/03/11
Where is the parking for the Signature?
I have heard that it is underground and valet.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yeah, so Signature was designed as a condo joint and as such, the parking is underground. They do have valet and I guess you could also self-park at MGM and walk but I have no idea why anyone would do that. You’re probably best off just doing the valet thing.
Ackman asked on 09/03/11
Hello
I have a Signature Deluxe Suite at the Signature at the MGM Grand.
I will be going in the middle of December.
Is it worth it to get a balcony? I know that it will be winter when I am there.
Is a balcony worth the extra money if there is not much it looks like you can do on it except stand and look around.
I can do that from the window as well.
What do you think?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yeah, so it will probably be somewhat cold and you’ll be overlooking Harmon St / Planet Hollywood / part of CityCenter, etc… I dunno – it really depends on how much you like fresh air. Sounds like you could do without.
Here’s a pretty awesome video shot from a Signature balcony:
http://philipbloom.net/2011/05/07/24hoursofneon/
Deborah Damon asked on 09/01/11
Hunter I am staying at the Luxor. What are your pros and cons about that hotel.Also for the first time i am going to place a sports bet for the Jets vs Dolphins and the Giants vs the buffalo bills (teaser bets) when i go in October, where do you suggest is the best sports book to go to place by bet.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Most Strip sports-books offer about the same odds. If you’re looking for a nice book, check out Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas or Bally’s.
As for Luxor, it’s not one of my personal favorites. The rooms are a bit tired and the service can be spotty. It can often be inexpensive, which is a plus and many great restaurants at Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and beyond are within walking distance.
Ackman asked on 08/31/11
Would a Bungalow King at the MGM Grand be a “better” buy than a Signature Deluxe Suite?
The Signature would be about $130 more for my 5 day trip near Christmas.
Would my luck be better at the Signature than they MGM?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hi,
Of course, better is pretty subjective. MGM Grand is in the middle of a renovation so depending on when you’re coming out, you may or may not end up in a renovated room. The older rooms are… old. Christmastime – a lot of the rooms should be done but it would be a crapshoot.
A lot of people like Signature but it’s a bit of a walk, if that bothers you. It’s of course a lot newer.
stephaine asked on 08/31/11
if i got married in las vegas but didnt register am i married or not?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
A ceremony without a registration is just a party, as far as I know.
Ken R asked on 08/29/11
Love the site and podcast. Went to Vegas for first time last yr and loved it. We stayed at the Monte Carlo and was fine. Going down again next April/May with 2 best friends for our 30th bdays. Looking to stay at a place a little nicer without breaking the bank. Any suggestions on places to check out? Wanna be in the middle of the action and celebrate big. Thanks for all the different Vegas info.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks!
I’d recommend giving the following a look: Mirage, Aria, MGM Grand, and maybe Paris.
Aria is the newest but I just love The Mirage. Prices at all those places fluctuate so you never know what you might find.
Tator44 asked on 08/29/11
If I book a room and request king size bed, will I get charged for two people?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
There shouldn’t ever be a charge for a second person.
Emmy asked on 08/28/11
Hello!
Love the site, thanks for all the great info!
My question concerns the in room safes. How much money would you trust in them? We are coming out next week with a little more cash than normal. What do you think is the amount you should no longer trust in the safe and go the “cage” route?
Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
So technically, the hotel assumes no liability, even if something is in the room safe. Their position is that if it’s really valuable you should leave it in the house safe or deposit it in the cage. That said, the in-room safe is clearly far more secure than sticking it in your suitcase.
For me personally, if it was more than a couple grand, I’d probably deposit it.
Most visitors have zero problems with theft but of course I’ve also heard horror stories from readers, even in some of the nicest hotels.
M asked on 08/23/11
which casinos have the loosest slots?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
There’s no real answer to this question… it varies based on time, machine and even location on the floor.
Generally speaking, the places that need your business more have looser slots (it’s marketing). Downtown will have looser slots than The Strip and off-Strip will be looser than Downtown. Again, that’s a very wide generalization.
RICHARD P WALSH asked on 08/23/11
HOW DO YOU RATE THE LUXOR HOTEL?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
If I was putting all Vegas Strip hotels into thirds, Luxor would be in my bottom third (but probably closer to the top of that bottom third).
deborah damon asked on 08/21/11
hey hunter: i was watching you tube and i saw that they had a cool zip line on fremont street. when did they put that in there and do you know how much it cost to do that i want to try when i go in october.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It’s been there for awhile… about a year or so? Still technically temporary but I believe they’ve applied for it to be permanent. As far as cost, it depends on time of day and day of week but in the $20 and lower range.