First time in Vegas
Apr 11, 2016 | 5:44 pm
#31
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
Wow. When was the last time you were in Las Vegas? It has not been called the Union Plaza in about 20 years. It is the Plaza. Slots of Fun removed their pit a several years ago and it is now a ghost town. Slots of Fun used to be packed. MGM's bean counters screwed that up. I could see that closing, just like Silver City Casino. Another MGM fail! They made Silver City 100% non-smoking 10 years too early. It is now a Ross Dress for less.
I lived in Las Vegas a bit over 20 years ago but I am there often (usually for work) these days-sometimes for fun.
Jun 20, 2016 | 11:34 am
#32
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada 25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,604
I've stayed at both Aria and Bellagio and both have beautiful rooms and nice pools. Although Bellagio has a better location, Aria is my personal favorite since it is much quieter to sleep at night. For best rates, go to the mlife website and sign up for e-mail offers. They often send really good offers to entice new members. Vdara is between the two and has great rooms but the pool is too small for summer trips.
Jun 20, 2016 | 11:47 am
#33
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada 25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,604
Also consider the Mirage, it's a bit older (remodeled). Has nice pool area and good location too.
Don't know how much you know about Vegas/Strip history, but the Mirage is the pioneer of the mega-hotels on the Strip. Also the Mirage volcano is pretty much a symbol of Vegas and as well known, if not more so, than the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign in the center divide at the south end of the Strip.
Don't know how much you know about Vegas/Strip history, but the Mirage is the pioneer of the mega-hotels on the Strip. Also the Mirage volcano is pretty much a symbol of Vegas and as well known, if not more so, than the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign in the center divide at the south end of the Strip.
Jun 20, 2016 | 1:40 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
A couple of notes:
"Best Location" is subjective but I think the Strip eithet north of Flamingo Road (Mirage et al) or South of Flamingo (Bellagio to MGM) are good. South Strip (Mandalay Bay, Luxor et al) do strike me as isolated.
Vdara is a non-gaming property and is a 100% nonsmoking facility. Limited restaurants but essentially next to Aria, Cosmo and Bellagio.
Bellagio and Aria do offer special promos with food/beverage credits. Definitely sign up for specials via email (you might want to use a gmail account so as not to clutter your primary email account).
MGM properties now charge daily parking fees. Exemptions for certain members of their Rewards program. Caesers Entertainment properties not charging parking as of now.
Largest rooms are at Venetian/Palazzo, standard accomodations are open-plan junior suited at about 650 to 700 square feet.
"Best Location" is subjective but I think the Strip eithet north of Flamingo Road (Mirage et al) or South of Flamingo (Bellagio to MGM) are good. South Strip (Mandalay Bay, Luxor et al) do strike me as isolated.
Vdara is a non-gaming property and is a 100% nonsmoking facility. Limited restaurants but essentially next to Aria, Cosmo and Bellagio.
Bellagio and Aria do offer special promos with food/beverage credits. Definitely sign up for specials via email (you might want to use a gmail account so as not to clutter your primary email account).
MGM properties now charge daily parking fees. Exemptions for certain members of their Rewards program. Caesers Entertainment properties not charging parking as of now.
Largest rooms are at Venetian/Palazzo, standard accomodations are open-plan junior suited at about 650 to 700 square feet.