 Really
Obscure Casinos |
First, Some
Good Advice
Before trying to book a hotel room in Las Vegas check the convention schedule
and special events schedule. You can find it at
lasvegas24hrs.com. This
will direct you to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority web site. It
is virtually impossible to get a booking during major events such as COMDEX and
the NATIONAL FINALS RODEO. Unless you want to pay $400 for a room, that is.
The cheapest hotel rooms can be had after the Rodeo and before Christmas, the
two slowest weeks of the year. Remember, a lot of shows and lounge acts will be
in hiatus during that time.
If calls to hotel reservations are fruitless try the following: call one of the
private booking companies. They reserve blocks of rooms in various hotels to
which the hotels themselves have no access. So, even if the hotel tells you
rooms are not available they might in fact be sitting on vacant rooms. |
Las Vegas
Hotels (some more advice)
Read this, you might learn something!
When I started this project I did not want it to be like any other Las Vegas
website, which are merely lists. I want to give you a short commentary about
Las Vegas hotels. After having lived in Las Vegas for almost thirty years I
thought I knew it all. Until I started research for this project. Then
everything changed. The reality is: there are only a few hotels/casinos in Las
Vegas that deserve my green check mark as measured against my bench marks.
Quite a few are built only as overnight warehouses for gambling patrons. I
guess they weren't expected to spend any time in their rooms, but most of their
time in the casino. Look for the red mark for examples of that type of hotel. I
gave the green check mark to those hotels that I thought had the most well
rounded package of gambling/entertainment/food. Click on the link where
provided for more on facilities and amenities, and to make online reservations.
Some friendly advice (for free):
- Avoid using your room telephone. Some hotels charge a dollar for local
calls, even for 800 numbers.
- Should your room get burglarized, call the police. In-house security will
not do anything but take a report. No telling where those are filed. Publicity,
you see.
- Do not change foreign currency at the hotel cashier cash. Use a currency
exchange instead. You will get better rates. Some hotels do not know the
difference between the Euro and the Euro-Dollar. So, watch your step.
- The Wynn beats them all. In room faxes $8, last time I checked. They want
to nickel and dime you.
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 Alexis Park Resort
375 E. Harmon St., Tel: 702-796-3300
Beautiful boutique style non-gambling hotel about three blocks from the strip.
All Mediterranean style construction (I call it California eclectic). Small
gift shop with high prices. I guess their clientele doesn't mind. Food is good,
gourmet style. Conventioneers hang out here for the most part. Expense accounts
I guess.   |
 Arizona Charlie's East
4575 Boulder Highway, Tel: 702-951-9100
Small, non-descript. Bad air, poor gift shop.
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Arizona Charlie's West
740 S. Decatur Bl., Tel: 702- 258-5111
Same comments as above for Arizona Charlie's West. This location is the
original Arizona Charlie's that started as just a bowling alley in the 1980's.
Check their lounge show for classic rock bands. Lousy gift shop, poorly
managed. Constant health dept. problems. |
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 Bally's
3645 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-739-4111
Huge is the watchword here. Is connected by private monorail to the MGM Grand
and has a walkway to the Paris which is next door. Features one of the first
in-hotel shopping malls in Las Vegas. I was a chef in this hotel from 1975-1980
when it burned down. Not that I set the creme brulée on fire. I was at
home at the time. At that time food, working conditions and pay were absolutely
fabulous. Food is still very good. I can't say anything about the other stuff.
Restaurants:
· al Dente - Italian. 967-4696
· Bally's Steakhouse, 967-4661 $25 - $50.
· Chang's - Chinese. 967-4653 $15 - $25.
· Big Kitchen Buffet, 967-4930. Under $15. »»See detailed review
· The Sidewalk Cafe - American. 967-4111. Under $15.
· Stage Deli -Jewish style deli. 967-4111.
· Snack Bar - fast food. 967-4111.
· Terrace Cafe - sandwiches, salads. 967-4111.
· Indigo Room - intimate lounge. 967-7999.
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Bellagio Hotel
3600 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-693-7111
Steve Wynn allegedly spent almost a billion and a half dollars to put this
place up. Fantastic water works, fountains and gardens. Everything here is
upscale, including the pricing. Don't miss the million dollar chandelier in the
lobby. For my taste this place is overdecorated but to each his own. It also
has a nice art gallery and a conservatory loaded with flowers. I would rate
this a must see even if I don't agree with the interior desecrators. If you
want to get rid of your shopping dollars fast this could be the place for you.
I would not miss this place for any money. It is fabulous. For shopping you can
select from the following: Armani, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Moschino, Prada and
Tiffany.
Restaurants: Reservations 693-7223 · »»
· Le Cirque - contemporary French. 693-7223.
· Buffet - 693-7111. »»
· Cafe Bellagio - coffee shop. 693-7111.
· Jasmine - Hong Kong Cantonese. 693-7223.
· Noodles - Hong Kong bbq. 693-7111.
· Olives - Mediterranean. 693-7223.
· Picasso - art and food. 693-7223.
· Prime - Continental. 693-7223.
· Michael Mina - seafood. 693-7223
· Fix - Classic American. 693-7223
· Shintaro - Teppanyaki, kaiseki, sushi. 693-7223
· Sensi - international dining.693-7223
· Petrossian - tea and caviar 6927223
· Pool Cafe - closed in winter. 693-7111.
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Caesars Palace
3570 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-731-7333
As of 02/01/01 the hotel/casino has been renovated. New facade etc. Very
attractive!
A large jumble of casino areas, shopping, bars, restaurants, hotel towers etc.
I don't like it but perhaps you might. I remember in the old days their parking
lot was so large they staged automobile races on it. And the Flamingo wash ran
right through it and periodically swept cars towards Lake Mead. This wash then
runs underneath the Imperial Palace and down the center of the small street
behind that hotel. It drops down a grating just before Koval Lane and comes out
on the other side of it. Boy I have seen some good sized floods going down that
wash. One time a lot of cars got swept down from the Caesars parking lot and
wound up at the Imperial Palace. Cadillacs, Lincolns and what have you. They
have flood control now. Those days are long gone. It still is extremely popular
(Caesars Palace) and pretends to be the class of the strip. Watch out for
parking, it is in the rear. From the strip use the tunnel that runs underneath
the hotel. An easier way would be to use valet parking in the tunnel. You will
be right at the entrance to the Forum shops. If you want to self-park you would
be better off to use Industrial Rd. That is the one behind Circus-Circus. That
way you do not have to fight strip traffic.
Bette Midler now headlines in the showroom, following Celine Dion's successful
run of several years. Elton John fills in several times per year.
Restaurants: Reservations 731-7731.
· 808 - Euro-Pacific.
· Bradley Ogden - seasonal farm fresh
· Cypress Street - interactive (?) casual.
· Empress Court - Cantonese. 731-7888.
· Hyakumi - sushi. 731-7519. »»See detailed review
· La Piazza Food Court - various.731-7846.
· Nero's - steaks, seafood. 731-7560.
· Terrazza - Italian. 731-7568,
· Cafe Lago - coffee shop. 731-9175.
· 8-0-8 - Hawaiian/pacific. 731-7110.
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Circus Circus
2880 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-734-0410
Thousands of rooms, shopping, midway, RV park, wedding chapel, reasonable
prices. You have to be able to put up with all the kids. If you do travel with
your kids you really should consider staying here, if you can get a room. The
prices are right and there is lots to do for them. Stuff that won't cost an arm
and a leg. They also have lots of shopping with interesting items. Check out
their clown display at the gift shop next to the entrance (Exclusively Circus).
I always find this hotel to be a very nice, exciting experience.
Restaurants:
· Blue Iguana - Mexican. 734-0410.
· The Steak house - 734-0410.
· Stivali Italiano - Italian. 743-0410.
· Buffet - 734-0410. »»See detailed review
· Pink Pony - coffee shop. 734-0410.
· Pizzeria - 7340410.
· Barista - coffees. 7340410. |
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Excalibur
3850 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-597-7777
The "castle" is truly a fun building and a fun theme for this resort.
They have a large entertainment area for kids downstairs, shopping and more
show on the second floor. Plenty of restaurant choices in the middle range.
This is one place to stay if you bring your kids, it is more family oriented
than many other hotels.
Restaurants:
· Regale Italian - 597-7777.
· Sherwood Forest Cafe - coffee shop. 597-7777.
· Sir Galahad's - prime rib. 597-7777
· Camelot - steaks. 597-7777.
· Buffet - 597-7777.
· Village Food Court - Krispy Kreme, McDonald's etc. 597-7777.
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Flamingo
3555 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-733-3111
Invented by Bugsy Siegel. He got his'n in California by a shot gun. Now the
place is run by the Hilton people. Pretty good food. Check out the park out
back. Real live penguins! I have one objection: every square inch of that
property has been put to use. Looks pretty bleak. They call it profit
enhancement I guess. There is a sizable shopping mall and a nice pool.
Otherwise mostly slot machines.
Restaurants:
· Ventuno - Italian. 733-3333
· Conrad's - steaks, prime rib. 733-3333.
· Sushi Bar Hamada - Japanese. 733-3333. »»See detailed review
· Pink Ginger - Chinese. 733-3333 ·
· Paradise Garden Buffet - 733-3333
· Lindy's Coffee Shop - 733-3333
· Margaritaville - for Parrotheads.733-3333 »»See detailed review
· Hamada of Japan - japanese 733-3333
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Four Seasons at Mandalay Bay
3960 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-632-5000
A five star hotel, very elegant and quiet. It has a separate entrance from the
Mandalay Bay itself. It is farther south. There is a golf course adjoining. And
a beauty it is. Check my golf pages!!
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Luxor
3900 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-262-4000
The only pyramid shape hotel in the US, so far as I know. Because of its shape
you take inclinators rather than elevators. And if you are at the wrong
entrance you cannot get to the right inclinator to your floor. So, watch it.
Very interesting inside and lots of stuff to see. Arcades and rides for the
youngsters. I like to visit from time to time and look at things. Don't forget
the shops downstairs. Interesting stuff.
Restaurants: All tel: 262-4000.
· Isis - steaks.
· Sacred Sea Room - Five Stars.
· Buffet
· Nile Deli
· Pyramid Cafe - coffee shop.
· Hamada - Japanese.
· La Salsa - Mexican.
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MGM Grand Hotel
3799 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-891-1111
Gigantic is the only word to describe this place. I have heard it is the
largest hotel in the world, 5000 rooms. Lots of everything, bars, restaurants,
shops, gambling. Too big for me, I prefer smaller places. There is a lion
display with live lions. Shopping mall downstairs. Check out the Rainforest
Cafe. Actually I would call it the Rainforest Gift Shop with cafe attached.
Like a jungle.
Restaurants:
· Emeril's New Orleans Fish House - Cajun/Creole. 891-7374
· Grand Wok and Sushi bar
· Nob Hill - San Fran. flavor.
· The Rainforest Cafe - American. 891-8580
· Craftsteak - natural flavors.
· Wolfgang Puck Cafe - eclectic. 895-9653
· Diego - mexican. 891-1111.
· L'Atelier - chef Joel Robuchon, french 891 -7777
· Joel Robuchon at the Mansion - french 891-7777
· Stage Deli. 891-1111.
· Fiamma - modern Italian. 891-1111.
· Pearl - Chinese modern. 891-7777
· Seablue - simple fish.891-7777
· Shibuya - sushi
· Studio Cafe - casual 24hr dining
· Wichcraft - gourmet sandwiches
· MGM Grand Buffet - buffet |
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Mandalay Bay
3950 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-632-7777
I have to admit it. Of all the hotels in Las Vegas I like this one the best.
The pool area is out of this world. A brand new golf course is adjoining. There
is another one up the road a short distance. And check out the bars and
restaurants. Wolfgang Puck has a place in here. There is a Russian place (Red
Square) with a statue of Lenin out front and about 50 kinds of Vodka. Another
restaurant has a wine tower so large it takes a person in a wire harness to
retrieve bottles of wine, all visible from the outside, cool!
Restaurants:
· Aureole - formal, french gourmet. 632-7401 »»See detailed review
· Border Grill - gourmet Mexican (what's that?). 632-7403
See detailed review
· House of Blues - Southern. 632-7777.
· Raffles - coffee shop. 632-7777.
· Rumjungle - flaming skewers. 632-7777. See detailed review
· Shanghai Lilly - Cantonese, Szechwan. 632-7409.
· Trattoria del Lupo - contemporary Italian. 740-5522
· Bay Side - buffet. 632-7402.
· China Grill - Asian inspired (?). 632-7777.
· 3950 - contemporary classic
· Fleur de Lys - Bay Area haute cuisine.
· Red Square - Russian classics (some). 632-7407.
· Turf Club Deli - 632-7777.
-· Mix - night club and dining
· China Grill Cafe and Zen Sum - entertainment and dining. 632-7777.
· Red White and Blue - American and deli See detailed review
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Mirage
3400 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-791-7111
Home of the white tigers, Siegfried and Roy, the Dolphin Encounter, and a
mini-rain forest, the Secret Garden, the superlative aquarium behind the front
desk Siegfried and Roy's hidden garden, and more. A real nice buffet and lots
of nice restaurants. A MUST see for Las Vegas visitors.
Restaurants: reservations 791-7111
· Kokomo's - steak and seafood. no kids under 5.
· Mikado - teppan-yaki. See
detailed review
· Moongate - Szechwan and Cantonese. See detailed review
· Onda - Italian.
· Renoir - contemporary French
· Samba Grill - Brazilian (steaks).
· Buffet
· California Pizza Kitchen
· Roasted Bean - coffee and pastry.
· Caribe Cafe - coffee shop. See detailed review
· Casino Snack Bar.
· Coconuts Ice Cream.
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Paris Las Vegas
3655 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-946-7000
A bit of France in Las Vegas. Complete with a 3/4 scale Eiffel Tower. Next to
Bally's with which it is connected via a walkway. Had one disappointing meal
experience when they first opened, but since then the food has been very good.
And the restaurants are pricey. The tower is open for (paying) visitors. It's
worth a walk through. I rode up to the top of the tower. It starts out harmless
enough but gets scary real fast. Try it anyway, you'll like it.
Restaurants:
· . La Rotisserie des Artistes - upscale rotisserie. 946-7000
. · Le Provencal - Italian (why the name?). 946-7000.
· . Eiffel Tower Restaurant - French. 948-6937.
·. Mon Ami Gabi - coffee shop/French steak house. 946-7000.
·. Ortanique - Caribbean. 946-4346.
·. Jean Jacques Boulangerie - sandwiches, pastries. 946-7000.
.. Le Cafe Ille St. Louis - sandwiches, coffee. 946-7000.
.. Le Village Buffet - 946-7000.
.. Ah Sin - Pacific Rim cuisine. 967-7999
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Planet Hollywood
3667 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-785-5555
This is the former Aladdin which went under (poor
management and poor design). The modern theme is new for Las Vegas, and worth a
walk thru.
It has a large shopping mall as advertised, which isn't earth-shaking, but
interesting , with some nice decor (it is an imitation middle eastern outdoor
market) and some nice restaurants. Some of the restaurants listed below are in
the PH itself, others are in the Desert Passage Mall adjoining the hotel and
accessible from the hotel.
Restaurants:
· · Commanders Palace - Creole and New Orleans. $25-35. 892-8272.
»»See detailed
review
· Spice Market Buffet 736-0111. $15 - $25
»»See detailed
review.
· The London Club - fusion (Asian, Middle Eastern · and ·
European.
· Zanzibar Cafe - coffee shop. 736-0111. $15 - $25. ·See detailed review
·· Lombardi's Romagna Mia - italian.735 1755
· Bonsai - sushu, sashimi, sake.
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Railroad Pass Hotel/Casino
2800 S. Boulder Highway, Tel: 702-294-5000
This is a good spot for truckers coming in off Route 95/93. There is a huge
parking lot and everything is dirt cheap. Part of the Circus-Circus group.
Other than a large parking lot there isn't much else they have to offer. The
gift shop is full of trite trinkets available just about anywhere else in the
universe. For heavens sake let's have some originality.
02/03/06 Gets cited witrh some regularity by the Clark
County Health Dept. In fact one of the restaurants was actually closed by them
recently. |
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Terrible's Hotel/Casino
Corner of Flamingo and Paradise Roads. 4100 Paradise Rd. Tel: 702-733-7000.
This used to be the old, rundown, Continental Hotel. The Herbst people have
done a marvelous job renovating. It is not a full service hotel, it is rather
small, a couple of hundred rooms I think. There is a bingo room, a buffet and a
coffee shop. I tried the coffee shop and found the food rather good and
inexpensive. A comfortable and homey feel, but if you want to spend, spend,
spend and feel luxurious, this is not the place for you . An okay neighborhood
casino.
· Restaurants:
· Bougainvillea Cafe - coffee shop, mesquite grill. 733-7000.
· Terrible's Buffet - theme nights. 733-7000.
·
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Venetian
3355 S. Las Vegas Bl., Tel: 702-414-1000
They bill themselves as the world's largest. Maybe I am missing something here.
I thought the MGM Grand was. Some nice architectural features. There is a canal
inside with boats and singing gondoliers. Kind of laughable though, 1500 ft. of
canal hardly a boat ride makes. But the atmosphere in the restaurants along the
canal is enjable, though pricey. I enjoy the imitation Plaza San Marcos inside.
I think this is the ONLY major hotel in town that does not have a buffet. Very
strange! Or is this a new trend? It has a fast food court instead. Overall well
worth a visit. Lots of shopping and restaurants. The place never seems to be
quite finished. I'll have to go back and check again. Bring some credit cards,
it ain't cheap.
They are building a 1000 room addition. Maybe it will be the worlds largest!
Restaurants:
· Delmonico Steakhouse - 414-3737.
· Lutece - fine dining. 414-1000.
· Piero Selvaggio Valentino - menu changes daily. 414-3000.
· Pinot Brasserie - rotisserie. 735-8888.
· Royal Star - Chinese. 414-1888. »»See detailed review
· Canaletto - Northern Italian. 733-0070.
· Grand Lux Cafe - coffee shop. 414-1000.
· Postrio - menu changes daily. 414-1000. »»See detailed review
· Star Canyon - Texas style. 414-3772.
· Taqueria Canonita - Mexican. 414-3773.
· Zeffirino - ? - 414-1000.
· La Italian -
A WORD OF CAUTION:
Do not go near the Venetian, do not enter their parking garage during one of
their periodic conventions at their adjoining convention center. In contrast to
other hotels on the strip they are short on parking. The situation is
especially bad during the twice yearly ASD show. They also charge for parking
at the adjoining lot. Last time I checked it was $10 with no in and out
privileges. |
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Wynn
3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702 770-7000
The new $2.7 billion hotel/casino on the strip where the Desert Inn once stood,
that you have to see because everyone will ask you about it when you get home.
Feels like the Bellagio except with lots of skylights letting in soft, natural
light (a nice touch). I predict skylights will become the new trend for every
casino built in the next thirty years. Tons of architectural detail inside. The
inferior desecrators (interior decorators) went hogwild in here, hardly a flat
surface anywhere. The corridor to the meeting rooms reminds me of the Palace of
Versailles. But I thought for $2.7 billion it could have been a little
different. And why do people get in line to see the inside of the Ferrari
dealership? No life in my opinion. I spotted a $5000 slot machine and several
$100 slot machines. And fifty feet farther are the nickel and penny machines.
That is quite a contrast.
A quick glance at the restaurant menus had me thinking their prices are about
15% - 20% higher than elsewhere. The buffet charges about $20 for lunch and $30
for dinner. There is no bowling, roller skating or ice skating, but there is
golf.
Had lunch at a French restaurant there. Down the escalator and to your
right,Daniel Boulud. Slooooooow service, hiiiiiigh prices. Had a Crock
Monsieur. That is French for greasy sandwich with ham and cheese and then
fried, with more grease in the form of french fries (freedom fries, ahem).
Twenty bucks. But I also received a cup of soup. Pretty good too! I ordered hot
tea, six bucks for that. My friend was a lot smarter. She ordered iced tea.
Only $4.50. I call that a bargain. The setting is nice though. In front of this
waterfall and pool with a real nice patio. and landscaping. That needs to be
paid for so I didn't think the pricing was excessive. Total tab came to about
$60 for two, tip included. I probably should not have tipped considering the
snail's pace of the service.
4/17/06. I have more to report (nice things) about two more trips there. As
soon as time permits.
Check out Luxury at
Wynn Las Vegas! |
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