Just back from Paris....

Another successful Vegas vacation in the books.

Paris: twenty years on, it's getting to the point where we're due for some renovation. Gotta remember, these rooms get a lot of traffic and use. While I like Paris, and will continue to use it as our base, you can see some fraying about the edges. Granted, I wouldn't compare it to the newest and shiniest on the strip, it's still worth the money. One thing that I've run across here on VMB, is the issue of the plumbing. There were a few instances of an 'aromatic issue' - which we didn't expect, and the in-laws had a water overflow issue in their room (no...not from usage). Just opened the bathroom door, and the floor was drenched. As an act of contrition, Paris waived the resort fees for their room.

We got there early ('bout nine the morning), and had the bell captain just deliver the bags to the room once we checked in. To while away the time we had breakfast at the Ile St. Louis. Great food...in particular the french toast (of course, what else would we have? Well, I had the eggs benedict, but that's beside the point).

My new favorite place to gamble is The Cromwell (I think this used to be Bill's Gambling Hall and Saloon). What I like about this, compared to Bally's or Flamingo - is that it is more sedate. The decor is toned down ... not so festive, more reserved. Not that the winning percentage is anything other than one would expect, but it's just a nice break from the bright-lights-big-city atmosphere of other casinos.

When we checked in at Paris, we received passes to the "High Roller". I think it's a bout a $29 value. Having done the Stratosphere this was a good balance to the other end of the strip. However, the pass had to be used before 17:00, so it was a day thing. Just gonna mention it...just gonna put it out there. The gondola we should have ridden in...well, we had to bypass that as the mop-n-bucket crew had to address an issue. Don't know if we had too many cocktails before boarding or if we are just not cut out for high altitude endeavors, but thanks to the operators for giving us a skip in line.

Truthfully, I don't know that I'd drop $30 on riding a ferris wheel. I mean...it's a nice view, but probably somewhat more spectacular at night. Perhaps having a free ride made it better. I dunno.

We just happened to be out there for St. Patrick's and the tip-off for March Madness. Couldn't have timed it better (unless they found some way to roll Halloween and New Year's Eve into one night). Loads of fun for a grown-up get away.

One thing...and maybe it's just be getting older, but here on the peninsula we have Disney World, Sea World, MGM Studios, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, etc. Which is where I'd be taking the kids for the 'family' vacay. Not sure I'd be taking the kids to LV, as mostly everything there is for the >21 crowd. I thought I saw a kid sitting with mom at one of the tables. Upon closer examination, I discovered that it wasn't a kid...it was her dog. Yep. Four pounds of fur contemplating hit-or-stand.

Bottom Line: a great time and more info into the database for the next trip out that way. Probably not next year, maybe the year after.

 

Thanks for sharing. I have not made it into Cromwell's yet. CI need to give it a try.

 

Enjoyed the read. Thanks for your thoughts on Paris

 

Thanks for posting. Sounds like you had a good time.

 

Thanks for the report. No Village Buffet?! It's one of our favorites.

Regarding Disney vs Vegas, we've taken our kids to Disney a couple times recently, but this summer we've planned trip to Vegas for the whole family. We'll be staying at the Four Seasons, which caters to kids. We'll see how it goes. There is no shortage of things to do in Vegas with kids, but it will def be a different type of Vegas trip for us. Thanks again for your report.
--Joe

 

Love Paris - agree its time for a touch up - wish they would update their sports book with better TV's - you spend any time there?

 

Definitely agree with OP regarding gambling at Cromwell. Nice relaxing atmosphere and when I was in there $5 tables including BJ. Of course I am of that age, not over the hill but definitely looking down it!!

 

Actually, we did hit the Village Buffet. Thing is, although it was a great buffet, we're really not buffet folks. We went because it was comp'd , but had we had to fork over the going rate, I don't think we'd have made the stop. For us, we really don't eat - or at least we try to avoid eating - buffet volume cuisine. There's just something about acres and acres of selection that sends us down the slippery slope of over indulgence. That being said, the Village Buffet did have some phenomenal cuisine...from the prime rib to the crepes. If you like buffet dining, I'm sure this is well worth the time. Now that I think about it, this may be the one buffet we actually DO stop at next time around. 'Could happen.

 

Really enjoy the remodeled Le Central Bar...great people watching spot and friendly servers!

 

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?129306-Paris-remodeled-rooms-really

 

Thanks for your recent thoughts on Paris. It's been my go to CET place for the last few years. Heading back in August, seems so far away.

 

Let us know about if you get a remodeled room.

 

Hmmm. Didn't know they were remodeling rooms. We used to stay at Paris all the time, been going to Planet Hollywood the last few trips, due to our host being based there. We are at Paris again this time, in June, for the pool. The view is the most important thing for me. Gotta have the Eiffel Tower and Fountains.

 

Currently booked into an Red Room Eiffel for August, will let you know if it's updated.

 

I was so disappointed in the condition of the Paris rooms on my December stay.......those red rooms are 9 or 10 years old, but once they renovate, I'd give it another go. I did win $7600 my first night at Paris in December so it took a bit of the sting out of the accommodations but I sure was happy we were only staying two nights and then moving to Cosmo.

 

On my last trip, I stopped in at the Paris for a bit, because a friend of mine always swears by them. I don't like that they toned down the theme quite a bit. That theme has always been a big part of the resort's charm. We also had a real problem with Le Village Buffet. There was a lot of stuff they didn't label and my wife and friend both got sick because they were allergic to some ingredients and had no way to know what was in the food.

Planet Hollywood turned out to be much better for us, especially their buffet, so that's where we are staying on our next trip. PH is a little trendier I guess and serves a slightly younger clientele, but the place seems to embrace its theme a little more and the shopping is much better.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/roadwarriorvoices/2016/03/07/caesars-upgrade-thousands-rooms-vegas/81425170/