escog

Just got back from 4 nights over NYE weekend at the Planet Hollywood. Checked in around 1 a.m. on Friday night, and the valet was an absolute zoo. Waited 20+ minutes just to drop off the car. They were only taking people staying at the hotel. Got checked in after a lengthy wait in the VIP line (not the clerks' fault - there were some particularly clueless guests checking in ahead of me.) For some reason, the system wasn't showing me as a Gold member, but the clerk took my word for it. No upgrade, however. Did get a room with a decent view - room 1781 - but it's near the elevators, and I could hear one wooshing by on occasion.

It's a renovated room, though no Hollywood memorabilia about. On my last trip during Thanksgiving weekend, they had a bunch of Home Alone 2 paraphenalia about in the room they gave me. Nice plasma tv, but didn't have the HD channels active. The last renovated room I had also had plasma and did have the HD channels, which was very nice; so, this was a disappointment.

Otherwise, nice enough stay - I wasn't in the room much. Avoided the valet after the Friday night difficulties. The walk wasn't as far as I feared - definitely needed the exercise. The housekeeping staff was a bit lax in resupplying the bathroom amenities. On arrival, there were 2 bottles of shower gel, one of conditioner, and one of body lotion - no shampoo. Second night, there was 1 bottle of each thing, and third night there was 2 of body lotion, one of shower gel, and of conditioner - again, no shampoo. Surprisingly, they gave me dental floss the first night, which I had never seen before, and haven't seen since.

Ate at Planet Dailies once, and it was fine. Didn't intend to gamble at the Planet Hollywood, but discovered their pleasure pit - Go-Go dancers and attractive blackjack dealers in red bustiers, hot pants, and fishnet stockings - that's just not fair.

Got the first two nights at $79 a night, booked many months ago on a special I found posted on Flyertalk. Was booked into the IP for the next two nights, but then found the Planet Hollywood at around $200 a night for the same nights through Travelocity. So, $560 for 4 nights on the strip for NYE. Can't complain at all.

Oh, and the fireworks show was very nice. From the map I saw on the Las Vegas Review Journal website, most of the hotels that were shooting off fireworks were on the same side of the strip as the Planet Hollywood. So, to see the fireworks, I had to get across the street. Found a great spot at the Bellagio - headed over around 8:30 pm - they were still letting non-guests in the hotel, had dinner, gambled, and then went out to see the fireworks around 15-20 minutes to midnight. Worked out perfectly. Getting back across the street was something of a struggle, but I'm a big guy, and survived the ordeal.

bocastephen

This should have been brought to management's attention - the clerks manning the premium station should have turned these guests away and sent them to the general line. The premium line is ONLY for SPG Elites and the hotel's premium casino members.

PantyWaster

escog said they were clueless - didn't say they were non-elite

bocastephen

True, I stand corrected - although I'm not sure how an Elite can be clueless, or what they were clueless about.

Sorry, my xenoelitofobia kicked in

I agree about the valet parking situation - they are really slow moving the cars into the garage during peak times. When pulling in, you can usually see how bad the line is and divert to self parking and return to valet another time.

KENNECTED

I know some people think what I'm going to say is useless advice, but this is a prime example as to why you should ALWAYS carry your card when travelling along with a print out of your reservation.

trog

I was just wondering if anyone has seen for certain that the 1k, 2k, 3k promo is compatible with the travelzoo offer.

I believe I read earlier that the 1k, 2k, 3k promo is sponsored by the hotel and the double stays, 4 stays 6k, etc. promo is sponsored by SPG so these are for sure compatible.

However when I called the PH number listed on the travelzoo link to change a reservation booked earlier to the travelzoo deal, the PH agent couldn't tell me for sure if the 1k, 2k, 3k promo was compatible with this. She told me I should ask SPG. But I thought the 1k, 2k, 3k was sponsored by the hotel?

The Terms and Conditions link for 1k, 2k, 3k offer on the PH website states that "A qualifying rate is any rate that is eligible to earn Starpoints in the Starwood Preferred Guest program" but then also states that "This offer cannot be combined with other offers."

So do you think it is certain that the 1k, 2k, 3k deal is compatible with the travelzoo rate which includes some casino match play? Or to be sure should one switch back to a AAA or other rate?

craz

I didnt see anything where the TZ rate included a matchplay or 2 for 1 deals or free tkts to Asia Club.

I was originally booked on a PH promo rate of $97 a night that had those bonuses, the rep told me the TZrate wouldnt give me the matchplay of $10 on the slots. I said no problem since the TZrate is $18 less, Im still way ahead.

Hopefully the 1-2-3 k will be given, but even if not with 2-1 on Stay credits its still a great deal at $79,Q1 promo sent to me by SPG. Booked for 2 non-consectutive nights, as the middle night must be elsewhere also for biz

escog

I think they were casino VIPs.

One guy was arguing about the promotional coupons that get printed out when you check in. I don't remember the details - just remember that it was a stupid argument and wondered why he was arguing about this at 1 a.m. I suspect inebriation.

Another couple of guests (women who were quite dressed up, though they were barely dressed at all) also argued about promotional coupons. I think it had to do with free admission to a club or free drinks or something.

A third guest didn't have a print out of his reservation, didn't know who's name the reservation was under, and didn't know how the reservation was paid for (internet prepaid? who's credit card?). I remember thinking, was this the first time the guy had ever checked into a hotel? I suspect he was the guest of a casino VIP, but can't be sure. Only caught snippets of the conversation.

Bear in mind that it was 1 a.m., my flight had been delayed 3 hours, and I had spent 20 minutes trying to drop off my car. My opinion of the other guests may have been influenced by my attitude at this point, though there were guests behind me who were grumbling as well.

chanp

anyone have any pics of the property. besides whats on the website?

thanks

sbtinme

This property's review pages on tripadvisor.com have scads of guest photos showing a vast array .............

CandymanJim

Just changed my reservations here using SPG.com and cash. Next week Wed-Fri got $89/nt. during CES. Not too bad.... Expedia was at $129/nt. and the travelzoo deal was not as good as the cash deal. 6 months ago I reserved this using points as the stay was around $400/nt.

Jim

dbruin

Shhh...Don't tell people about the Pleasure Pit. I don't want to have to wait to find a spot at a table. The waitresses in the sportsbook during football games are incredible too.

I'm going back next weekend. Will be the first time I'll be checking in w/ Gold Status. I'm interested to see what sort of upgrade (if any) I get.

bigguyinpasadena

Sure would get a lot more action from me if there were a "pleasure pit"for those of us that do not fancy women.

itsaboutthejourney

Just wait for Starwood's next Vegas development: Planet West Hollywood Resort & Casino.

bigguyinpasadena

oooo-that was quick!Very Good Nroscoe ^