Vegas - hotels +
Hi Simmo!
Darlin' I should have read that you'd already picked the Golden Nugget but since I just typed all those hotel reviews I'm just going to leave them in. But, I'm going to add that at the Golden Nugget, there is a restaurant called Lillie Langtry's. Don't let the hokey name fool you.. first class restaurant with outstanding service. And do stroll down to the Golden Gate... major dive.. real hardcore gamblers..home of the 99 cent shrimp cocktail. Whatever you do.. do not venture near the Western. As previous poster said, if you value your lungs stay away from the Gold Spike. If you value your LIFE, stay away from the Western!!!!"
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The Monte Carlo and the Barbary Coast are my personal favorites with Bally's coming in 3rd. Don't seem "too big", rooms nice, not spectacular, dealers have been friendly when I've played at the tables. So, here's my personal reviews, for what their worth.
At the Monte Carlo the rooms are set up in a + with a central elevator in middle. If you happen to get a room at the end of one of the halls, it can be a long, long walk, especially if a little bleary eyed and under-the-influence, if you know what I mean.
I also like the location in that you can get to MGM, NYNY, and others fairly easy. Does have a nice pool and some good restaurants--Dragon Noodle and Blackstones. Brew Pub is good for a sampler of beers and a bar food. Not a buffet person so can't tell you about theirs first-hand. Appears pretty simple. Good value for the price
Barbary Coast is much smaller but it has an atmosphere that is definitely reminiscent of SF in the 1890's. Drai's restaurant excellent! Their 24 hour restaurant suprisingly nice. No buffet. No pool. Last couple of rooms I had there had red and burgundy velvet curtains. I felt like I was in an expensive brothel...kind of cool
Great value for the price.
Bally's has more of an upper-middle class feel to it. Many amenities. Higher limits on tables during the weekend. Enclosed walkway to Paris. Easy to get to Bellagio & Aladdin.
Have stayed at Venetian, Bellagio, Harrah's (had someone try to get into my room there--yikes!), MGM Grand, Flamingo and Mirage. Would stay at the three above over those any time.
With best wishes for your trip!
Your totally biased LV hotel reviewer
dal