Flamingo -- What can I expect?
 

I am staying at the Flamino for a week in February and I was wondering what I can expect.

How does it compare, for example, to Planet Hollywood (the only other LAS hotel I have stayed at in the past 30 years)?

I have a "Deluxe" (read: "cheapest") room, which is costing me $150 plus tax for the week.

Is the $20 trick (or even a $50 trick) liable to work there? If so, what kind of room would I get?

(Incidentally, when I was chatting with the reservations clerk on the phone, I mentioned that Bugsy Siegel was my grandfather's cousin and the clerk told me, "I am going to note that in your reservation -- you can never tell what it will get you." Does this mean that I have a good chance for a visit from the Mob?) :D

You should "expect" a room that is decorated like a run-down Holiday Inn Express or Fairfield Inn and possibly smells of stale smoke. If you get something better, be very happy!

I don't think Flamingo is well-known for upgrades via the $20 trick (and I definitely wouldn't waste a $50), but they will probably offer you the opportunity for paid upgrade. YMMV. The GO rooms are apparently nicer, but I've never stayed in one since I tend to use the room only for sleeping/showering and don't want pay the extra for a room upgrade.

The best thing about the Flamingo is the location in the center of the strip within easy walking distance of many other nicer establishments! :p

run! if you are NOT going to have a Flamingo GO Room!

I was in a Flamingo GO Room right after the renovations, and they are quite nice. (around 2007, IIRC).

Unfortunately, Harrah's/Caesars is big on 'revenue' upgrades (policy has become rather strict over the past 6-10 months) so it is very unlikely that the $20/$50 trick will work (especially, if you aren't using Diamond Check-in). Though, you 'might' be able to negotiate the rate of a GO Upgrade (I 'think' the usual is $40 to $50 per night extra).

IMO, this is one reason to avoid Flamingo; since the 'older' rooms are horrible. Much safer at Planet Hollywood, or even Harrah's Las Vegas.

You do realize (and I am certain you are aware), that the Flamingo was 'basically' the cause of Bugsy's demise. His cost overruns (possible skimming) etc. is what eventually got him gunned down in his living room in LA. Not certain, what special 'perks' this would get you. :D:p

Agree, but have never had a problem with smoke. Also expect a long trek to your room. Since you are paying something they might give you something better than what they give me. Doesn't hurt to ask for a room closer to the elevators, especially the elevator near check-in.

I probably wouldn't waste a $20. http://www.thetwentydollartrick.com/ does not even mention the Flamingo. Doesn't hurt to ask about the Go rooms or a room with a strip view, you might get one for a decent price.

Flamingo is in a good location. I don't tend to do much gambling there...maybe because of the strong perfume they pump into the casino. I think they have a heated pool. They definitely have one of the best pools in vegas.

Hence my question: "Does this mean that I have a good chance for a visit from the Mob?"

Incidentally, stale smoke odors do not bother me. I am asking for a smoking room as it is.

[QUOTE=Dovster;15642622]Hence my question: "Does this mean that I have a good chance for a visit from the Mob?"
QUOTE]

I'm guessing it's not likely, unless you have some inheritance from your distant relative they may want to claim?!?

Ironically, even if they don't visit you, very soon you'll be able to visit them here (unfortunately not during this your upcoming trip though):

The Mob Museum

Or here (this one is apparently open now at the Tropicana):

Las Vegas Mob Experience

Mr. Siegel is featured prominently on both web sites...

If you don't get a Mob's luxury upgrade, consider milking your comped nights for all they are worth, then moving to Hilton Grand Vacations next door for some extra bonus points.

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Okay, you have scared the crap out of me. I called and they told me they could not give me a GO Room except at full price and I would have to wait until I arrived and ask if there are upgrades available.

Instead, I cancelled and booked into the Paris. It will cost me $390 (plus tax) for the week, but the rooms are a little larger and, I have been told, much nicer.

I also got tickets for the Barry Manilow show on Monday night. I don't even know if the Beautiful Brunette, who is considerably younger than I am, has any idea of who Manilow is but I have been a big fan since the '70s and want to catch his show before either he or I kick the bucket.

Now, to make you totally CRAZY, there are similar concerns with rooms @ Paris Las Vegas. :D

Are you certain, you can't get a room at Planet-Ho instead? ;)

I have stayed at all 3 properties in the past (PH pre Harrahs), I prefer staying at PH (but gambling elsewhere)

I always use a "blast from the past" for certain hotel rooms when it is not really that but when I was staying at the Flamingo a while back, it certainly was a "blast from the past."

Nope, Planet-Ho prices are sky high. I can't figure out why -- in October I got great rates there.

I guess there is no choice. You are going to have to fly to LAS and get me comped in a suite worthy of me.

They're not thaaaat bad :). Definitely better than Flamingo's non-GO rooms.

Very true! And, I meant to go on to say that I 'much-prefer' the (Paris Las Vegas) property.

- nice Cafe
- crepe place
- decent buffet (though, I haven't been in years, since I seldom enter a buffet anymore)
- my favorite diamond lounge
- a nostalgic place for me to play dice (I did hit a '4-fire' in December)
- Mon Ami Gabi is a great dining venue, especially when sitting outside (under the heaters) viewing the Bellagio Fountain Show

I liked Mon Ami Gabi quite a bit when we ate there in November, but it grossed out the Beautiful Brunette when she saw me eating escargot and, later, saw the bill.

Just in case it comes up again Flamingo from time to time run a facebook/twitter promotion -Book a "deluxe" room -get a confirmed upgrade to a Go room. This works on comped rooms as well as paid rooms (at least it did for me) even several months ahead.