A Bit of New York in the Heart of Vegas and other Las Vegas, NV Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

This is an awesome hotel. It's definitely the best hotel that I've had the pleasure of staying in in Vegas. This, of course, doesn't include the suites that I've stayed in with other (read: rich) relatives.

So far, THE Hotel isn't as well known as other hotels despite being at Mandalay Bay. The bellhop said that they're currently running at around 50% occupancy. And that's in the summer. Try going during the week as the rates are over 50% less than on the weekends.

If you're into being hip, this is your place.

Unique Qualities: The best qualities of this hotel are the amenities inside the suite. There are three plasma TVs including one in the bathroom. I watched ESPN while taking a shower. That's great!

The decor is very hip, swank. You'll feel like a high roller sittin' on the plush couch watching the big-screen plasma TV.

Also, the body lotion smells great!

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: 702.632.7112
Address: 3950 Las Vegas Blvd South
Directions: It's at the Mandalay Bay across from the Luxor pyramid.

My father and step-mother are semi high rollers at the Mirage so they get a lot of comps, including suites. I wish they had had all this when I was younger, but when I do get the chance to go with them nowadays, it's still a lot of fun 'cause you're treated like a king.

Overall, the Mirage is a nice place to go. The staff is courteous. The atmosphere is relaxed. There are more mature people in there, so it's not loud and obnoxious.

Unique Qualities: If you're lucky enough to get into a suite, the world is your oyster. Views are spectacular. Service is great. Heck, the suites are probably bigger than my apartment!

The pool is also a nice spot. It's big. There is a waterfall and a waterslide. There's also a nice restaurant on the premises.

However, if you can swing a cabana, your stay will improve drastically. You can order food and drink in the relative pricacy of your cabana. There's a plasma TV inside and plush furniture... not your typical lounge chairs. Order the Coconut Shrimp and the Empanadas! The Sauce for the Empanadas is to die for.

If you'd like, you can check out the Dolphins. They're cool. But it costs money. The famed White Tigers are encased in a free-to-view area. Poor guys.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

The Luxor is my hotel of choice when I want a nice weekend getaway without having to pay a whole lot.

The Pyramid and the Egyptian theme are great.

The rooms are fine. Staying in the Pyramid is cool. Riding the elevator (they call it something else) is weird 'cause it goes at an angle rather than straight up and down.

I'd recommend this for someone who just wants a cozy room in a nice environment.

It's also connected to Mandalay Bay via a walkway, so it's close to everything.

Unique Qualities: There's nothing too spectacular about the Luxor, other than the obvious Pyramid. But, it's comfortable. Not too rich. Not too ghetto. Just right.

RA, the nightclub, is cool.

The Sports Bar is good.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: 3900 Las Vegas Blvd South, , LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 891
Directions: Can't miss it... it's the Pyramid

TI, as they are trying to change the name to, is a decent hotel. It's changed from the family-oriented hotel it started with and is aiming for a more middle class enviornment. The location is great. It's across from Fashion Show Mall and Wynn Casino and is connected via tram with The Mirage. It's The Mirage's little sister.

Unique Qualities: The pool sucks. Tangerine, the hotel's nightclub, is all right. You get in free as a hotel guest. It's packed, though. The buffet is pretty decent. The rooms are decent size and clean.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 3300 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Vegas is expensive in the summer months and the weekends. Excalibur allows you to stay in a great location for a relatively lower rate. Excalibur is the little sister hotel of Luxor and Mandalay Bay. If Mandalay Bay is the big brother, Luxor is the middle child and Excalibur is the baby. That said, you can get a decent room that's a good size and clean. Better still, all three are connected via air-conditioned walkways. That's vital in the scorching summer heat. You never have to leave the comforts of the indoors while getting to experience all that Luxor and Mandalay have to offer.

Unique Qualities: Location is key. You're getting three hotels for the price of one (as stated above). It's certainly not as plush as the other hotels, but if you're in Vegas all you need is a basic hotel anyway. Excalibur is also pretty good for kids. There is a cool Midway there and a few strolling entertainers.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: 3850 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

The Bellagio sure looks good from the outside. The Dancing Waters show is a great free attraction. The underbelly of this "upscale" hotel, however, is one of wannabes and posers. I just stayed there for New Year's 2007 and was greatly disappointed. If it wasn't for the fact the room was free, I would be super-pissed I stayed there. Rooms were going for $800 a night. That is a sheer rip off. The standard room was small and plain. The A/C did not circulate air at all. Directly underneath the blower was freezing but for some reason two steps away was hot. Basically, the whole room was hot (despite 40-degree weather outside). And, everything costs something. Looking for Internet access? Good luck. Looking for High-def TV with DVD player? Try THE Hotel 'cause it ain't at the Bellagio. Your TV at home is better than the crappy one in this room.

Service at this hotel sucks, too. Room service took 3 hours before getting the worst pizza ever. Cafe Bellagio took about an hour before the food came out. And when it did, it was sub-par. The little Gelato place next to the arcade was awful. It's not gelato. It's ice cream. Anyone who has had gelato in Italy would know. Also, watch out for your kids. The staff enjoys yelling at kids and telling parents to control them. Better yet, don't bring your kids here. They don't like them.

Then there are the patrons. Talk about stuck up wannabes. If you have money, you usually don't try to act so hard to look like you have money. A lot of folks at Bellagio play up to look the part and fail miserably. Get a life.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109