Planet Hollywood 2008 [Master Thread]
Feb 17, 2008, 11:53 am
#106
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver SPG Lifetime Gold
Posts: 530
Does anyone know if they will be remodeling the pool? I've stayed at PH a few times, and the pool is really sub par compared to the other major resorts.
Feb 25, 2008, 12:35 am
#107
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor Area
Programs: UA Million Miler, BonVoyLifetime Platinum, UA Platinum, President's Club,
Posts: 1,494
Recent review of Planet Hollywood 2008
Just got back from my 1st stay with PH. It was okay- I think the rates were reasonable for a Vegas strip hotel. (I booked a promo deal through the PH website.) I did not like the absence of the bottled water in the room, but I ordered water while playing blackjack and just kept taking it back to the room. I had enough for the 2 days I was there, with an additional bottle purchased at the gift shop. Also- no coffee maker- like most Vegas hotels.
I arrived there at about 4:30pm and immediately saw the SPG line, which was handled by only 2 people. It took me 15 minutes to get to the front, but the lady who waited on me was nice. She said that as a Plat I had been given a standard upgrade (there was also an upgrade in my rate plan, the "Okay magazine" plan) to a room on 21st floor. I asked for a suite upgrade, something I had added to my reservation request, but there were none for at least 2 hours and I had to get ready then and there for Bette Midler's opening night. I was told they would've had a suite for me if I had requested one, but I DID request one- on the phone while making the reservation and in my reservation online.
I took the room, which was okay. I was told it was a "standard room given mostly to "Gold" Elite members and it was, well, standard. No view to speak of, but on a high floor, it was fine to shower and change and leave. Still, I wonder what the Platinum Elites are normally given?
I liked the bathroom with its separate bathtub and shower but disliked the bath ammenities. The purple towels were a nice touch but there were only 2! The tv was a flat screen but it couldn't be moved and was hard to see from the bed. It faced a chair, where I later ate room service and watched tv.
I was in the "Chaplin" room and it had a framed costume from the movie "Chaplin" on the wall, with a movie poster on another. Kind of reminded me of MGM, just a bit less.
I was told to call in the morning and a suite would be found. I did, there was, but it was on 8th floor and the same woman who checked me in the day prior told me that if I waited until after 1pm, a better suite would be available. I did wait and liked the fact that the suite was on the same floor. I only had to move my things around the corner and down.
The suite is called a "Strip Suite" in honor of the amazing view-I sat in the round bath tub and watched the Bellagio water show. Otherwise, I wasn't all that impressed. I mean, the bathroom was nice- that tub would've fit 3 people- and the view was really great, but the fact is, it wasn't REALLY a suite, IMO.
I consider a suite to be 2 separate rooms- a living room and a bedroom. An extra bath is always nice, too. This had 2 tv sets, and a small living room area, but the chairs were uncomfortable. The carpet was pretty threadbare, or worn, and not nice-looking. I did like the marble floors in the bathroom, but only in the suite. The regular room's bathroom was spacious but not as nice, with a mixture of marble floor and a carpet. It did have 2 separate areas with sinks which could be nice for 2 people getting ready at the same time.
In the "suite" there was no door or wall separating the bedroom, so technically it was all one room. It didn't bother me this time as I was alone, but if the hubby had been along, we would've driven each other nuts with dueling tvs at bedtime. We always get suites- it saves on arguments- and if he'd been with me, I would've asked nicely if I could get a bigger suite. But as I was only there 1 more night, it was more than adequete.
It was a weekday and the hotel was not busy, but you'd think it was swarming with people when I tried to call the front desk. The phone had a button for F.Desk so I pushed it, and waited over 20 minutes! Then I was transferred to the concierge, who told me to dial a direct number. I did, and got the front desk manager's voicemail.
Needless to say, I didn't get through and ended up walking down and waiting yet again in the SPG line. Maybe I am too used to the big front desk at MGM or other hotels, but I thought PH had plenty of computers and not enough staff. In fact, the 2nd time I waited in line, the people from the other line got through faster than the SPG line.
The "suite" DID have a few upgrades, like robes and slippers. But they had the same cruddy old phones that the 1st room had. They were SO old that the buttons for direct dialing weren't working. The concierge told me that the phones were old so you had to dial everything direct- fine but they didn't list the numbers anywhere! And the hold system is a pain in the butt. I heard so many voice ads that kept repeating in a loop. When the concierge answered after the 20 minutes were up, I wasn't sure if he was real or Memorex!
Overall, considering I get points when staying there, I am pretty sure I will stay there again sometime, but NOT everytime I go to Las Vegas. It was worth the money, I had a good deal, and that's that. But for my next trip I will stay somewhere a bit...nicer. I like to spoil myself a bit when in Vegas and PH, while okay, was not my kind of Vegas hotel.
I did see 2 swimming pools from my window, though it IS winter and no one was out there. I did not visit the spa this time out and wish I had, but I did go to the casino. They had $10 blackjack tables on the weekdays and nights, but little by little they almost all were moved up to $25, which shocked me considering the hotel isn't exactly highbrow. The casino was smallish to me, but I am used to MGM and Mandalay, so it might just be me. And in my promo they had money towards playing, but it isn't what I thought it was. I got a $25 voucher for table games and thought it would be $25 in chips. Instead it was bet $25 of my own money and they match it. Luckily I won that hand- I'm not used to $25 a hand! I was also supposed to get a bottle of champagne. I don't care for it and you had to order it through room service and then take the charge off at check-out so I didn't get mine. Too much trouble. Funny that they'd give me a bottle of champagne but not a bottle of water. I even asked if I could trade the 1 for the other and was told no.
All in all, not a BAD experience. I think they have a lot of work to do to upgrade the rooms and suites but other than that, it's fine. One bit of advice- when you put out your "Do Not Disturb" sign, check to make sure you slide in the correct side. They're the old-fashioned ones with "make my room up" on the other side. I was awakened my final day by a pounding so loud on the door at 7am that I thought there HAD to be an emergency. Why do they have to POUND? I think many others make the same mistake and are jumping out of bed to rush to the door at 7am. Why would housekeeping come that early anyway? Who needs cleaning that early in the morning? Ouch- just remembering gives me a headache!
I encourage people to go to the P.Hollywood site and not SPG to book this. They will take your SPG number on the phone (I called while making my reservation to be sure they had my number) and my points and stay were credited within 24 hours of checking out. The PH website also has a lot of good promos right now- I got my room for about $150 a night with an upgrade, free champagne and some free play in the casino. There are good restaurant promos, too.
I DID like the location- I actually walked back from Caesar's Palace after the Bette Midler opening. And the price was right. If you're looking for a little luxury, this isn't the Vegas hotel I would recommend. But if you're looking for reasonable prices and a comfortable bed, this is more than fine. How long are you in the room anyway, right?
I arrived there at about 4:30pm and immediately saw the SPG line, which was handled by only 2 people. It took me 15 minutes to get to the front, but the lady who waited on me was nice. She said that as a Plat I had been given a standard upgrade (there was also an upgrade in my rate plan, the "Okay magazine" plan) to a room on 21st floor. I asked for a suite upgrade, something I had added to my reservation request, but there were none for at least 2 hours and I had to get ready then and there for Bette Midler's opening night. I was told they would've had a suite for me if I had requested one, but I DID request one- on the phone while making the reservation and in my reservation online.
I took the room, which was okay. I was told it was a "standard room given mostly to "Gold" Elite members and it was, well, standard. No view to speak of, but on a high floor, it was fine to shower and change and leave. Still, I wonder what the Platinum Elites are normally given?
I liked the bathroom with its separate bathtub and shower but disliked the bath ammenities. The purple towels were a nice touch but there were only 2! The tv was a flat screen but it couldn't be moved and was hard to see from the bed. It faced a chair, where I later ate room service and watched tv.
I was in the "Chaplin" room and it had a framed costume from the movie "Chaplin" on the wall, with a movie poster on another. Kind of reminded me of MGM, just a bit less.
I was told to call in the morning and a suite would be found. I did, there was, but it was on 8th floor and the same woman who checked me in the day prior told me that if I waited until after 1pm, a better suite would be available. I did wait and liked the fact that the suite was on the same floor. I only had to move my things around the corner and down.
The suite is called a "Strip Suite" in honor of the amazing view-I sat in the round bath tub and watched the Bellagio water show. Otherwise, I wasn't all that impressed. I mean, the bathroom was nice- that tub would've fit 3 people- and the view was really great, but the fact is, it wasn't REALLY a suite, IMO.
I consider a suite to be 2 separate rooms- a living room and a bedroom. An extra bath is always nice, too. This had 2 tv sets, and a small living room area, but the chairs were uncomfortable. The carpet was pretty threadbare, or worn, and not nice-looking. I did like the marble floors in the bathroom, but only in the suite. The regular room's bathroom was spacious but not as nice, with a mixture of marble floor and a carpet. It did have 2 separate areas with sinks which could be nice for 2 people getting ready at the same time.
In the "suite" there was no door or wall separating the bedroom, so technically it was all one room. It didn't bother me this time as I was alone, but if the hubby had been along, we would've driven each other nuts with dueling tvs at bedtime. We always get suites- it saves on arguments- and if he'd been with me, I would've asked nicely if I could get a bigger suite. But as I was only there 1 more night, it was more than adequete.
It was a weekday and the hotel was not busy, but you'd think it was swarming with people when I tried to call the front desk. The phone had a button for F.Desk so I pushed it, and waited over 20 minutes! Then I was transferred to the concierge, who told me to dial a direct number. I did, and got the front desk manager's voicemail.
Needless to say, I didn't get through and ended up walking down and waiting yet again in the SPG line. Maybe I am too used to the big front desk at MGM or other hotels, but I thought PH had plenty of computers and not enough staff. In fact, the 2nd time I waited in line, the people from the other line got through faster than the SPG line.
The "suite" DID have a few upgrades, like robes and slippers. But they had the same cruddy old phones that the 1st room had. They were SO old that the buttons for direct dialing weren't working. The concierge told me that the phones were old so you had to dial everything direct- fine but they didn't list the numbers anywhere! And the hold system is a pain in the butt. I heard so many voice ads that kept repeating in a loop. When the concierge answered after the 20 minutes were up, I wasn't sure if he was real or Memorex!
Overall, considering I get points when staying there, I am pretty sure I will stay there again sometime, but NOT everytime I go to Las Vegas. It was worth the money, I had a good deal, and that's that. But for my next trip I will stay somewhere a bit...nicer. I like to spoil myself a bit when in Vegas and PH, while okay, was not my kind of Vegas hotel.
I did see 2 swimming pools from my window, though it IS winter and no one was out there. I did not visit the spa this time out and wish I had, but I did go to the casino. They had $10 blackjack tables on the weekdays and nights, but little by little they almost all were moved up to $25, which shocked me considering the hotel isn't exactly highbrow. The casino was smallish to me, but I am used to MGM and Mandalay, so it might just be me. And in my promo they had money towards playing, but it isn't what I thought it was. I got a $25 voucher for table games and thought it would be $25 in chips. Instead it was bet $25 of my own money and they match it. Luckily I won that hand- I'm not used to $25 a hand! I was also supposed to get a bottle of champagne. I don't care for it and you had to order it through room service and then take the charge off at check-out so I didn't get mine. Too much trouble. Funny that they'd give me a bottle of champagne but not a bottle of water. I even asked if I could trade the 1 for the other and was told no.
All in all, not a BAD experience. I think they have a lot of work to do to upgrade the rooms and suites but other than that, it's fine. One bit of advice- when you put out your "Do Not Disturb" sign, check to make sure you slide in the correct side. They're the old-fashioned ones with "make my room up" on the other side. I was awakened my final day by a pounding so loud on the door at 7am that I thought there HAD to be an emergency. Why do they have to POUND? I think many others make the same mistake and are jumping out of bed to rush to the door at 7am. Why would housekeeping come that early anyway? Who needs cleaning that early in the morning? Ouch- just remembering gives me a headache!
I encourage people to go to the P.Hollywood site and not SPG to book this. They will take your SPG number on the phone (I called while making my reservation to be sure they had my number) and my points and stay were credited within 24 hours of checking out. The PH website also has a lot of good promos right now- I got my room for about $150 a night with an upgrade, free champagne and some free play in the casino. There are good restaurant promos, too.
I DID like the location- I actually walked back from Caesar's Palace after the Bette Midler opening. And the price was right. If you're looking for a little luxury, this isn't the Vegas hotel I would recommend. But if you're looking for reasonable prices and a comfortable bed, this is more than fine. How long are you in the room anyway, right?
Feb 25, 2008, 6:54 am
#109
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Houston
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, UA 1.56MM (fmr UA1K)
Posts: 5,770
Feb 25, 2008, 7:04 am
#110
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lafayette, CO, USA
Programs: SPG Lifetime Plat, AA Gold, UA Gold, DL Silver, HH Gold, Vail Epic
Posts: 9,096
Then click on Special Offers.
See my opinion on these promos in Post #763
Feb 28, 2008, 5:33 pm
#111
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Santa Monica, San Diego
Programs: SPG Plat, HH Diam, MR Plat, AA Plat, CO Elite Plat., Hertz Gold
Posts: 140
PH.. hit and miss
Thalia,
I'm from SoCal and make numerous trips to Vegas. I've stayed at PH probably 20 times in the last 4 months. I definitely agree on many of the issues you posted. After staying there many times, I've learned a few things.
Their "strip suite" is their strandard suite upgrade. Even though it doesn't have 2 separate rooms, it has a great bathroom and they all have the best Bel. fountain view in the hotel. Since this hotel was formerly the Aladdin, as the Westin was the Maxim, they were not built as the typical Starwood properties we are familiar with.
PH has been going through renovations for almost 2 years. There are still a few things that need to be upgraded (some floors, pool and desperately need more valets) The common areas and street frontage look great. As does the shopping area. PH has one of the best locations in Vegas. Almost on the same corner as Bellagio, Caesars, Paris and share the same sidestreet with the Hard Rock. Many of the rooms have been upgraded. Depending on the floor. I would agree with the TV situation. In the upgraded rooms, they have great plasma screens. Unfortunately they are stationary facing a chair and the a/c. A swivel base on these would greatly increase functionality.
Remember this is Vegas. They will be the first to tell you that first, they are a casino, then a hotel. Their primary concern is gambling. Unlike most other properties around the world that cater to guests comfort level, space, etc.. Hotel rooms for them are merely a place for people to stay before and after they visit the casino. Of course, unless you're a high roller. Overall, they have done a pretty good job with the space they have been given.
As a previous dedicated HH member, I've stayed at Paris next door. Although they have great restaurants, the casino there looks like a garage sale in someone's living room.
This property has great rates compared to other strip properties. They have remodeled it to be a "Hard Rock" on the strip. If your major drawback is not having a 2 room suite, I would recommend asking for a Panorama Suite upgrade at $150/nt. for Plats. They are truly nice suites. Approx 1200 sq ft., separate bedroom and great views of the strip.
I'm from SoCal and make numerous trips to Vegas. I've stayed at PH probably 20 times in the last 4 months. I definitely agree on many of the issues you posted. After staying there many times, I've learned a few things.
Their "strip suite" is their strandard suite upgrade. Even though it doesn't have 2 separate rooms, it has a great bathroom and they all have the best Bel. fountain view in the hotel. Since this hotel was formerly the Aladdin, as the Westin was the Maxim, they were not built as the typical Starwood properties we are familiar with.
PH has been going through renovations for almost 2 years. There are still a few things that need to be upgraded (some floors, pool and desperately need more valets) The common areas and street frontage look great. As does the shopping area. PH has one of the best locations in Vegas. Almost on the same corner as Bellagio, Caesars, Paris and share the same sidestreet with the Hard Rock. Many of the rooms have been upgraded. Depending on the floor. I would agree with the TV situation. In the upgraded rooms, they have great plasma screens. Unfortunately they are stationary facing a chair and the a/c. A swivel base on these would greatly increase functionality.
Remember this is Vegas. They will be the first to tell you that first, they are a casino, then a hotel. Their primary concern is gambling. Unlike most other properties around the world that cater to guests comfort level, space, etc.. Hotel rooms for them are merely a place for people to stay before and after they visit the casino. Of course, unless you're a high roller. Overall, they have done a pretty good job with the space they have been given.
As a previous dedicated HH member, I've stayed at Paris next door. Although they have great restaurants, the casino there looks like a garage sale in someone's living room.
This property has great rates compared to other strip properties. They have remodeled it to be a "Hard Rock" on the strip. If your major drawback is not having a 2 room suite, I would recommend asking for a Panorama Suite upgrade at $150/nt. for Plats. They are truly nice suites. Approx 1200 sq ft., separate bedroom and great views of the strip.
Last edited by socalplat; Feb 28, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Feb 28, 2008, 5:54 pm
#112
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
Feb 28, 2008, 6:27 pm
#113
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BLI
Programs: Alaska Million Mile Flyer, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,195
The common areas and street frontage look great. As does the shopping area.
[SNIP]
As a previous dedicated HH member, I've stayed at Paris next door. Although they have great restaurants, the casino there looks like a garage sale in someone's living room.
This property has great rates compared to other strip properties. They have remodeled it to be a "Hard Rock" on the strip. If your major drawback is not having a 2 room suite, I would recommend asking for a Panorama Suite upgrade at $150/nt. for Plats. They are truly nice suites. Approx 1200 sq ft., separate bedroom and great views of the strip.
[SNIP]
As a previous dedicated HH member, I've stayed at Paris next door. Although they have great restaurants, the casino there looks like a garage sale in someone's living room.
This property has great rates compared to other strip properties. They have remodeled it to be a "Hard Rock" on the strip. If your major drawback is not having a 2 room suite, I would recommend asking for a Panorama Suite upgrade at $150/nt. for Plats. They are truly nice suites. Approx 1200 sq ft., separate bedroom and great views of the strip.
On the other hand, the Paris casino is among the best -- and most consistently -- themed casinos in Vegas. Even the painted ceiling maps to the theme.
As to rates, I found comparable rates earlier this month at the Mandalay Bay, a much nicer property.
Feb 28, 2008, 6:55 pm
#114
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Santa Monica, San Diego
Programs: SPG Plat, HH Diam, MR Plat, AA Plat, CO Elite Plat., Hertz Gold
Posts: 140
My post for PH was merely a frequent vegas visitor's help for a Starwood property. If it wasn't for nights/pts at such low rates, I would stay elsewhere.
Feb 29, 2008, 1:55 pm
#115
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8310/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Browser/5.0.3.3)
Has anyone had any luck with a Best Rate Guarantee at the PH? I see that they have a AAA rate of $89 which is about $100 less than the AAA on the SPG site for the same nights.
Has anyone had any luck with a Best Rate Guarantee at the PH? I see that they have a AAA rate of $89 which is about $100 less than the AAA on the SPG site for the same nights.
Feb 29, 2008, 4:22 pm
#116
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: LAS
Programs: AA EXP 0.4MM, SPG PLT
Posts: 28
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8310/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102 UP.Browser/5.0.3.3)
Has anyone had any luck with a Best Rate Guarantee at the PH? I see that they have a AAA rate of $89 which is about $100 less than the AAA on the SPG site for the same nights.
Has anyone had any luck with a Best Rate Guarantee at the PH? I see that they have a AAA rate of $89 which is about $100 less than the AAA on the SPG site for the same nights.
# The Best Rate Guarantee does not apply to unpublished rates. Unpublished rates are rates not available to the general public. Rates not available to the general public include, but are not limited to:
#
* Corporate discount rates
* Group rates
* Meeting rates
* Any rates requiring membership in a club such as AAA rates or AARP rates, affinity program, or other organization where the rates are targeted specifically toward a specific group of individuals and not intended for the general public.
* Direct mail solicitations
* Electronic mail solicitations
#
* Corporate discount rates
* Group rates
* Meeting rates
* Any rates requiring membership in a club such as AAA rates or AARP rates, affinity program, or other organization where the rates are targeted specifically toward a specific group of individuals and not intended for the general public.
* Direct mail solicitations
* Electronic mail solicitations
Feb 29, 2008, 8:28 pm
#117
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver SPG Lifetime Gold
Posts: 530
Does anyone have any recent pics from the hotel, and the rooms? I'm going there in mid March.
Thanks
Thanks
Feb 29, 2008, 9:06 pm
#118
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Santa Monica, San Diego
Programs: SPG Plat, HH Diam, MR Plat, AA Plat, CO Elite Plat., Hertz Gold
Posts: 140
Mar 1, 2008, 12:09 pm
#119
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver SPG Lifetime Gold
Posts: 530
Thanks!
What type of rooms do Plats usually get? Strip Suite?
What type of rooms do Plats usually get? Strip Suite?
Mar 1, 2008, 12:33 pm
#120
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Santa Monica, San Diego
Programs: SPG Plat, HH Diam, MR Plat, AA Plat, CO Elite Plat., Hertz Gold
Posts: 140
Yes, standard upgrade is strip suite. But you have to ask for them, they won't just give them to you. I've been there about 20-25 times in the last 5 months and have had to come back downstairs a few times to get a different room because they gave me standard room.
One more thing, ask for a reno'd room. Some of them are still not reno'd yet.
One more thing, ask for a reno'd room. Some of them are still not reno'd yet.