Gaming hotels and smoke
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 3
Gaming hotels and smoke
I'm planning a first trip to Vegas and for the sake of convenience I'm considering staying in a gaming hotel, probably Wynn/Encore. I am somewhat sensitive to smoke, so I am also considering combinations like FS/MB so I don't have to leave the property. What can I expect at casino vs. non-casino properties? Also, would I give up comps (assuming I'd get any -- bankroll of high 3/low 4-figures) by booking on an Amex FHR/FHR-like rate?
#2
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP, Hhonors Gold, National Executive, Identity Gold, MLife Gold
Posts: 2,687
I think you'll be fine in a non-smoking room. But you're going to have a hard time walking through any casino
In my experience, I don't generally smell a lot of smoke in the air in the Wynn/Encore casinos. Obviously that varies minute by minute depending on the crowd. You should probably avoid Caesar's Palace & Harrah's.
Comps will be based on your play, not based on the credit card you used for the reservation.
In my experience, I don't generally smell a lot of smoke in the air in the Wynn/Encore casinos. Obviously that varies minute by minute depending on the crowd. You should probably avoid Caesar's Palace & Harrah's.
Comps will be based on your play, not based on the credit card you used for the reservation.
#3
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA GLD, Marriott PLT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,900
Do you actually want to play? If so, avoiding smoke is kinda hard to do.
In general, older properties are worse than newer ones when it comes to smokiness. Wynn/Encore will be good. So would Aria. Of course, it's all for nothing if someone sits down next to you at a table or a slot and starts smoking.
In general, older properties are worse than newer ones when it comes to smokiness. Wynn/Encore will be good. So would Aria. Of course, it's all for nothing if someone sits down next to you at a table or a slot and starts smoking.
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2000
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Vdara is 100% nonsmoking, and allows guests to charge to their room account at Aria (and some other MGM Resorts properties, such as the neighboring Bellagio, as well.
#5
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA GLD, Marriott PLT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,900
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 3
Yes, since it's my first trip I do want to gamble. The casino floor, I could probably deal with it, the rest of the hotel, not so much. I'm also trying to stick to one property (or connected/close properties) for hotel and gambling since I'm staying only two nights.
Was referring to this discussion regarding "travel agent" (FHR) rates and comps. I imagine I'm better off taking the credits/benefits anyway with a low level of play.
Comps will be based on your play, not based on the credit card you used for the reservation.
#7
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,353
Definitely stick to the newer hotels (1990s era and later) with good ventilation systems. I've stayed at the Venetian a couple times on non-smoking floors, and never noticed any hint of smoke; I imagine Wynn/Encore would be the same. Same for restaurants, shopping areas, etc -- completely non-smoking, though bars and clubs I believe allow smoking.
The casino floor is another story. The newer places have the best systems, but someone smoking at the same table or nearby machine will always be noticeable. And real non-smoking gaming areas are rare (many poker rooms seem to be non-smoking, and the occasional table). Not sure how old this link is, but it has a summary of each casino:
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/nonsmoke.cfm
The main reason for a non-gaming hotel would avoid having to go through smoke to get to the room elevators (again, some are better than others, even in the same complex -- Palazzo signs the walkway area as non-smoking and has some clearance, while Venetian it's not as avoidable). But if you're planning to do some gambling anyway, that may not matter.
The casino floor is another story. The newer places have the best systems, but someone smoking at the same table or nearby machine will always be noticeable. And real non-smoking gaming areas are rare (many poker rooms seem to be non-smoking, and the occasional table). Not sure how old this link is, but it has a summary of each casino:
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/nonsmoke.cfm
The main reason for a non-gaming hotel would avoid having to go through smoke to get to the room elevators (again, some are better than others, even in the same complex -- Palazzo signs the walkway area as non-smoking and has some clearance, while Venetian it's not as avoidable). But if you're planning to do some gambling anyway, that may not matter.
#8
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA GLD, Marriott PLT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,900
Aria is very good smoke wise. You won't notice it unless someone is smoking at the same table to near you at a slot. No smoking alowed in restaurants. But the casino bars/lounges are a different story. If it really bothers you, you may want to be careful about where you sit. I'm not 100% if bars/lounges in the restaurants allow smoking.
#9
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 6,932
Smoking in public buildings is illegal in Nevada except for casinos, bars/clubs with no food being served, strip clubs, and brothels. So there won't be any smoke in the rest of the hotel (except smoking rooms) unless people are being naughty. But the older properties are pretty much 100% casino, so there's smoke everywhere. I recommend Encore Tower Suites.
Do not prepay your hotel if you want a chance to get it comped. They can't undo prepaid rates. Using FHR rates should not be a problem as long is it is not prepaid. I'm not sure if you can get a Four Seasons room comped easily.
Do not prepay your hotel if you want a chance to get it comped. They can't undo prepaid rates. Using FHR rates should not be a problem as long is it is not prepaid. I'm not sure if you can get a Four Seasons room comped easily.
#10
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS-GoldMVP,Hilton, Hyatt, Hertz
Posts: 907
I have a difficult time with smoke as well, but if you are staying in the Wynn you shouldn't have any issues. Play at non-smoking tables.
I play at the Wynn, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and Aria mostly because they have a lot of non-smoking tables.
I play at the Wynn, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and Aria mostly because they have a lot of non-smoking tables.
#11
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: IND
Programs: Marriott Platinum, SWA CP
Posts: 577
Was referring to this discussion regarding "travel agent" (FHR) rates and comps. I imagine I'm better off taking the credits/benefits anyway with a low level of play.
I agree with the sentiments stated here - the newer the better for smoke avoidance.
Also, one unsolicited comment... It sounds like you are planning on focusing your time in one place during your trip. To me, the most interesting thing about LV is the variety and volume of properties. Since, as stated earlier, comps (the primary reason for concentrating at one property) are not really in play, why not bounce around a bit and enjoy the different properties? If smoke is a significant concern, there are many places where you'll be "safe" - the Forum Shops, Bellagio fountains and conservatory, Venetian canal, etc. and most of the gaming floors in the higher-end properties are very well ventilated.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: DL DM MM, Hyatt LT Globalist, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,141
I'm pretty sensitive to smoke as well. I've also stayed at about eight different Las Vegas properties in the past two months. Here are my rankings for least to most:
Mandarin Oriental
Four Seasons
Aria
Encore
THEHotel
Wynn
Bellagio (really bad, even in a renovated lakeview room on a non-smoking floor)
I think in general I like Aria best- high ceilings, well ventilated, easy to get outside quickly with minimal exposure to the casino, available gambling floor when you want it.
Mandarin Oriental
Four Seasons
Aria
Encore
THEHotel
Wynn
Bellagio (really bad, even in a renovated lakeview room on a non-smoking floor)
I think in general I like Aria best- high ceilings, well ventilated, easy to get outside quickly with minimal exposure to the casino, available gambling floor when you want it.
#13
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,335
Stayed at Encore when I was speaking at a conference about 9 months ago. I hate smoke. No noticeable smoke smell in my room, but I could smell it in the casino, and it dissuaded me from gambling for very long.
If I had my choice, I'd stay at a complete non-smoking hotel casino in a minute.
If I had my choice, I'd stay at a complete non-smoking hotel casino in a minute.