DrPSB

You don't sound harsh and I agree, based on my experience, that amex plat staying in a penthouse suite doesn't mean much regarding customer service or attitude. I'm sharing this not because I feel particularly upset but so others will know what to expect from this 5 star property. I've stayed at many a hotel room around the world and found that many times there isn't a great correlation between how many stars a hotel has and the quality of customer service. I'd definitely prefer a smaller four star boutique hotel with staff who seem to care than a large uncaring hotel where you are almost viewed as a necessary evil by the staff.

Thanks for the tip re 4 seasons. We stayed at Bellagio mostly because it was near where my parents, celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary, were staying at the Hotel 32. I didn't really want to stay at the Monte Carlo although I found their staff much friendlier at the Hotel 32 than at Bellagio. My parents room there was not so great but they did have a nice lounge to hang out in and the food offerings there were better than that of the vip bellagio lounge. I also should report that liquor is now locked away, other than perhaps a skanky bottle of merlot, in both vip lounges at Bellagio. I was told they'd be glad to get me something such as JW Black but life is too short to drink cheap whiskey. :-)

My wife wants to try Venetian because of the shops and such and I understand their FHR amenities are disappointing but we may give it a try. I actually quite enjoyed staying at Vdara last year except for the early morning construction noise - but that wasn't too much a problem since we were jet lagged and up at 4am anyway.