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Flamingo vs Ballys

Discussion in 'LV Strip Hotels' started by 3rdEye, Jun 24, 2012.

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  1. 3rdEye

    3rdEye Tourist

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    We are looking at going to Vegas in Sept. and have comps at either Flamingo or Ballys. Which would you pick? Flamingo is offering us either the Fab Deluxe or Fab Luxury and Ballys would be South Tower. We have not stayed at either property in the past and are wanting your help with pro's and cons of each property and room.

    Thanks
     
  2. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    I think it comes down to this, do you prefer a 20 something party pool crowd? If so Flamingo. If you do not, then Ballys is the better choice. You will prob get upgraded to north tower at Ballys, most do.

    I really enjoyed my April stay at Ballys, staying at Flamingo in Sept. because I want to party at the pool.
     
  3. AceRothstein80

    AceRothstein80 Low-Roller

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    I would pick Flamingo 10/10 times. I have stayed at Flamingo many times, and Ballys just 1x on my last trip, I also got comped a south tower room.

    Reasons I prefer Flamingo:

    *Better Casino atmosphere, Ballys casino is like a morgue
    *Rooms are nicer at Flamingo(my south tower room was dated badly)
    *Close to better food, such as Margaritaville and Hash House a go/go. Best food near Ballys was Paris Buffet for breakfast.
    *Awesome Pool!
    *Better strip access.
     
  4. sybgal

    sybgal VIP Whale

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    For us, we really don't see much difference in the casino atmosphere between the 2. Yes, the pool at Flam is much nicer but also much more crowded and loud. Bally's is easier to get a lounger, the music is more middle of the road and not out to just please the 20 somethings. Bally's is also connected to Paris and just next door is PH and across the street Bellagio. We prefer the food options nearby Bally's and will also walk down to HHAGG / Margaritaville. We had a friend who stayed in one of the new Fab rooms and other than the faux wood floors...not a lot had been changed. They were upset that room service trays layed outside a room for 3 days - even after they reported it. They are booking their next stay at either Bally's or Paris.
    Everyone has things that are "most important" to them so - stay where the most of your check-list items are covered. Hope you have a great trip!
     
  5. mdm4sfest

    mdm4sfest VIP Whale

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    ^^^^^^ Agree^^^^^^^
     
  6. jrinct1

    jrinct1 VIP Whale

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    I agree.
     
  7. raraavis

    raraavis VIP Whale

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    i really like bally's personally; i like that it's is connected to paris. but we've stayed there twice already and are ready to try out new hotels. we haven't done flamingo yet specifically because of the party atmosphere, just not our thing. but we might try it out if we go when it's not pool season.

    i always hear this on this board, yet i have never been able to get upgraded to the north tower. they always say they're full :rolleyes2:. oh well, south tower suits me just fine.
     
  8. JosieCat

    JosieCat VIP Whale

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    I can't speak for the pool at all. I really like both Flamingo and Bally's. I too, must be one of the only people who didn't get upgraded to the North Tower at Bally's - so it does happen. I really like the GO rooms at the Flamingo. I do prefer the casino at the Flamingo as well. It is a bit more lively. Being an animal lover, I also love the habitat at the Flamingo - it's just a little bit of an escape from the casino. But if I could only get free rooms at Bally's, I would be happy to stay there.
     
  9. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

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    I was faced with the same decision for my September trip and chose Bally's.

    Originally I liked the idea of the Flamingo pool, but now that its a pool party I'm thinking I would find that more annoying that the fancier looking pools are worth.
     
  10. ButterflyMtn

    ButterflyMtn High-Roller

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    I have stayed at Bally's and liked it, we had a huge room in the South tower..not upgraded to north but had a great view. I haven't stayed at the Flamingo...but you might see how the construction for the LINQ is affecting those that stay at Flamingo
     
  11. wennykilson

    wennykilson Tourist

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    Linq

    At Flamingo as we speak. I expected some construction noise during the day, but not 6 in the morning. Had I spent more for a better view or lucked out by being on the other side of the building I bet I might not have noticed the noise. Unforunately, it is enough to stop me from sleeping. Your mileage may vary.

    :cry:
     
  12. jgates8

    jgates8 VIP Whale

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    Request a room change. If they are not full they're should move you with no problem.
     
  13. wennykilson

    wennykilson Tourist

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    Just read this reply, and I did indeed request and receive a room change. Thanks!
     
  14. mdm4sfest

    mdm4sfest VIP Whale

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    Literally the only pro about Bally's is that their N.Tower room(if you get one) is bigger. But although bigger, much less modern them Flamingo. ID go with the Flamingo for the pure fact their rooms are nicer and modernized plus their casino is more lively and more food choices.
     
  15. Candy Apple

    Candy Apple VIP Whale

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    Another board keeps saying that the big plus with Bally's is that it's connected to Paris.
     
  16. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    That is very true. It makes for a whole lot of other options without going outside. I also would cut thru Paris to get to pH or cosmo which was a big plus. I really like ballys and will def stay again. I thought the casino was just fine even though I didn't win there.
     
  17. Candy Apple

    Candy Apple VIP Whale

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    I'll be staying at Bally's in September. Looking forward to trying a different hotel.
     
  18. marksind

    marksind VIP Whale

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    Choice

    I've stayed at both, and find the variability of rooms at the Flamingo greater than Bally's. At Bally's, whether south tower or north, the room will be dated but probably acceptable (north tower rooms seem more modern, a la 1980s!).

    The Flamingo Go rooms are great, but the others can be awful. Also, the Flamingo is huge - the walk from the elevator to your room can seem like miles.

    Both have great access to the strip. As others have noted, being connected to Paris is nice at Bally's, and Bally's pool isn't bad, though not themed like Flamingo's. The Flamingo does seem to have a livelier atmosphere, but if you are into gambling much, none of the strip properties are particularly good. You'll find much better pay tables, slot payouts, and blackjack downtown. If you're there for the party more than to gamble, the strip's the place.
     
  19. Patripman

    Patripman High-Roller

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    Booked for Ballys for 7 night late September/early October. We stayed at Ballys last November and in April and enjoyed both stays. The Ballys pool is one of the biggest reasons. Plenty of loungers and just more of a laid back atmosphere.
    Last year we stayed at Bills and liked the place but the Flamingo pool was the worse experience of the whole stay. **** gate staff, very loud music and if your not there when they open the gates you will be sitting on concrete. The pool area was nice but they want that 20 something crowd and cater to that crowd before anyone else and it shows.

    p
     
  20. jgates8

    jgates8 VIP Whale

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    Wennykilson - I am so glad you got a different room & it turned out better. So many times people will suffer for days in a room instead of simply requesting a change. If there is a valid reason & you are polite in asking you are virtually never turned down - unless they are sold out.

    I asked for a room change at Paris simply because it was at the far end of the hallway & in that 'inset' in the corner by the P rooms - you couldn't see into that inset and I was a single female traveling alone. I felt very uncomfortable returning at 2 in the morning to my room in case someone was in that recessed area (yes - pretty paranoid I know!!). But it did bother me & I asked for a change the next morning. The desk clerk was a single female - understood totally - put me in the first room past the suites & made a notation on my account somehow - as they even commented the last couple of trips that they had me in the room closest to the elevator that they could. And that may be in my entire general profile as I at Flamingo my room has not been more than 3 or 4 rooms from the elevator in the last 3 stays also!

    As far as Flamingo pool I actually went to the family pool last summer vs the regular pool. For surroundings I prefer Flamingos gardens & tress, but for peace & quiet I prefer Ballys pool (or Paris). I can't stand the horrible loud noise. Course when it's 116 out, my pool time is VERY MINIMAL.

    I actually like Ballys casino myself - I go in the smaller area up near Nosh & play the penny machines because it is quieter. If you are back near the Indigo Lounge it is definitely NOT a morgue!!

    And I'm tired & have a tendency to ramble - my apologies!!
     
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