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Mid Strip Hotel/Casino for couple in late 70's

Discussion in 'LV Strip Hotels' started by LoveOldLasVegas, Jul 9, 2012.

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  1. LoveOldLasVegas

    LoveOldLasVegas Tourist

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    Hi gang, I am giving a surprise present to my parents. They are in their mid to late 70's. This might be the last vacation they ever take. They are both healthy, but travel is becoming cumbersome. My goal is to put them up at a mid strip resort that has outstanding customer service and is close to tram service. My parents are not big gamblers, in fact they have never been to Vegas. I just want them to have a great time, see some shows, have some nice meals, but above everything else I want them to be treated well. That is the most important thing. Customer service and friendliness is my main goal. If anyone has any ideas/input of where to stay, or even where not to stay, I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks so much in advance.:peace:
     
  2. jugdish76

    jugdish76 Low-Roller

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    Very cool idea, dude. My mom died a year after I graduated from college, so I never got such an opportunity. I would've liked to have done the same.

    Two questions come up: How fit are your parents? The megaresorts are huge and require a lot of walking. If they can walk, Bellagio's the obvious choice. If they can't walk easily, then I have another suggestion. Figure out how you want them entertained. Then make accommodations nearest those venues. I only gamble in most megaresorts, but I like to stay in small places. Bill's Gambling Hall was my place when it was the Barbary Coast. I haven't been back since the name change (I stopped going to Vegas for a while, then started hitting up downtown when I went back). It's not as nice as the megasresorts, but what I liked about it was that I could be about a minute and a half from my hotel room to the Strip. If they have trouble walking, there are small hotel-casino options, though they aren't the same experience as a Bellagio. The Mirage strikes me as very nice and very small (relative to the newer places), so that might be a happy medium. It has a tram to TI, too.

    The other question: How much are you willing to pay? If there are no limits, I stand by Bellagio (or Mirage). If you have a limit, that could change things. My general sense is that your average Vegas hotel has beeter service than your average non-Vegas hotel.
     
  3. Vegas Dave

    Vegas Dave Newbie

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    Jug asked the right questions. I would also like to throw out a suggestion of Bellagio too. I have never stayed there, but that is where the best customer service seems to come from, barring the choice of the Skylofts or something extravagant like that. If they don't gamble, why not Signature Suites or Vdara. Vdara had a great room, no casino atmosphere and the walk outside, but not to the strip, was very small. They have the valet that can get them their car and off they go wherever they want. So many choices, give us a little more info.
     
  4. grapplefu

    grapplefu Tourist

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    If you want them close to the tram, they're going to have to stay on the East side of the strip (MGM, Ballys, Imperial, Harrahs) However, be warned that the walk to the actual monorail stations are a bit far from the rooms.
     
  5. KellyLovesVegas

    KellyLovesVegas Earthling/retired space nerd

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    That is such a nice thing to do for your parents. :nworthy: I agree with those who said Bellagio is a good choice if your parents are mobile.
     
  6. Polemarch28

    Polemarch28 Tourist

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    The idea of proximity to a tram doesn't make a ton of sense to me. The monorail (as others have pointed out) is so enormously far from the rooms in most properties, I don't even want to use it, and I'm 30 and able-bodied.

    On the east side (MGM, Paris etc) I definitely think the monorail is pointless, since it costs money. On the west side, I think the tram between Bellagio, CityCenter, and Monte Carlo has some value, since it's free - but the walk to the tram still almost completely invalidates its benefit. I have used that one a few times before, but more as an adventure (i.e. "let's go take the tram thing for fun") than as a practical means of transportation.

    When I'm in Vegas, I want to have the maximum fun/good time, and spend the minimum hassle/effort to do it. Take cabs. They aren't that expensive.

    (rant over)

    Bellagio is the nicest place in that general area, and considering their age, I think it's probably a solid fit/choice. Stick with what works! :) Good luck, and as others have said, it's nice of you to treat them to a wonderful trip like this. If you choose Bellagio, they can see O, eat the great restaurants on site, and rarely need to leave property at all.
     
  7. queuetee

    queuetee VIP Whale

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    Trams will be of no value to your parents since the walk to the back of the properties to catch the tram is very long.
    I would suggest PARIS---small, not much walking and the side door leads right out to taxi stand or valet. The pool a short walk from the elevators as is the buffet.

    I love the B, but the walk is long to get everywhere from the B Tower. To get from the Spa Tower to the Strip, the walk is beyond belief. To get to the cab line or valet line is a long walk from both towers
     
  8. rdwy29

    rdwy29 Low-Roller

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    I agree with the Paris suggestion. They can get a wonderful view of the fountains and if they would like to go down to the fountains it's just about as long of a walk but likely less crowd to fight through.

    As an aside I would probably avoid anything north of Flamingo on the east side. With all the Linq construction the walkways are constricted and I would believe that this would increase the likelihood that a drunk person would run into them.

    That being said I'm sure your parents will love the trip whether you put them in the Cosmo or the Travelodge :thumbsup:
     
  9. luvvp

    luvvp Tourist

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    I would also suggest Paris. It's very quiet, elevator to room is close to casino.

    Since Paris and Bally's are connected, they won't have to walk outside to go between the two.

    What time of year are you planning this trip? Would you be able to go with them?
     
  10. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Great idea. But, we need more information, especially budget or level of comfort. After all some people would be very happy at Bellagio. Others would feel way out of their element and feel great at Bills.

    Since the OP has been to Vegas 50 times already, he should have a good idea of what would work vs. not.

    As to the tram comment, there are 4 tram/monorails in along the strip. Have you really been to Vegas 50 times?
     
  11. LoveOldLasVegas

    LoveOldLasVegas Tourist

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    Thanks

    My parents are mobile, no scooters or anything. My stepfather is close to 80 and he is mobile, but I don't envision a ton of walking being on his things to do list. lol Anyway, I was thinking during the week in October or November. I will not be joining them, I just want this to be their little get away. Thanks for the scoop, interesting about the tram. As I said before, I just want them to go somewhere where they will be treated nice and respectfully. Not looking for a place that has lots of young people raising hell. Hope Bellagio fits the bill.
     
  12. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Budget is still an issue. Some might be blown away at Bellagio due to cost of everything. Most (not all) people at are 80 are not comfortable paying double what they pay at home for coffee, etc.

    Paris is also a great option. The whole walk towards Ballys is nice with many food options. They can explore across to Bellagio and Cosmo, or the mall at PH.

    Oct/Nov is nicer since the weather breaks. If dates are not important, check the online hotel calendar for a few properties. You will easily find nights at half the cost of other nights. Therefore, a nicer room may be easier.
     
  13. mdee

    mdee VIP Whale

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    Go in Style

    Edited: re-read your other post...

    If you are really looking to give them a trip of a lifetime I would suggest Wynn. Otherwise; Bellagio gets my vote too!
    Some walking involved no matter where they go but it has all the things you asked for. Plus if they are not big gamblers
    they can use the spa, go to shows, dining, buffet, fountains, conservatory gardens etc. More young people have been
    showing up there and it can get crowded especially during special events and weekends so keep that in mind.

    I highly suggest someone who knows Vegas go with them especially if it is their 1st and only chance to go!
     
  14. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Though the Wynn is beautiful, it does sit at the "end" of the strip if they want to get out and about. If there lifestyle is Ritz Carlton, etc than it would be great. If their lifestyle is Comfort Inn or Red Roof, well....

    Hard to say if they would do many shows ($100 plus), or Spa ($100 plus) or fancy dinners.

    As said by somebody else earlier, there are people that love Circus Circus and those that love Wynn. And all those people in between.
     
  15. Bruinfan1

    Bruinfan1 Tourist

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    OP - If you deconstructed the trip for us, it might help with a recommendation. Everyone seems to assume that walking may be an issue - my mid-70's cousin walks to coffee every morning so your "healthy" parents might look forward to their walks to explore Vegas. For example:

    7 AM: Breakfast at cafe - too stubborn to order room service like they should!
    9 AM: Walk down to Mandalay exploring hotels, before it gets too crowded. Cab back.
    5 PM: Nice dinner near their hotel room - want to go back to the room before the show (or, "Buffet every night because of the selection")
    6:30 PM: Grab cab to Cirque show across the street because they don't want to navigate the busy sidewalks in the dark at night.
    9:00 PM: Turn in because of the time difference.

    Not an itinerary, just a sample of how you see them enjoying their stay, giving readers an idea of what's important (hence all of the comments above).

    As for quality customer service, can anyone comment on Mandarin Oriental? My perception is that they'd fawn over your parents using Asian-oriented themes of respect, deference, and absolutely outstanding service. But I've never stayed, so I have no idea.

    Casino and lack thereof doesn't appear to be an issue, subject to mobility constraints. Are you parents pool people? Hot tub? If so, a quiet (?) pool is in order. Did I see Aria suggested for a quiet pool?
     
  16. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Customer service is always an interesting issue.

    If you make use of hotel front desk, concierge, room service, housekeeping, valet, bell service.. then it can make a big difference.

    If you are someone that checks in at the front desk and never talks to another hotel person for 4 days, then paying for "great" customer service can be questionable.
     
  17. MisterJJ

    MisterJJ Low-Roller

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    Not sure about this, but it seems like requesting a handicapped access room would possibly get them better customer service along with some more room to move around. Nobody would question their need at their age. Although they may have a "thing" about getting a handicapped room.
     
  18. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    It has been stated they are mobile and not needing a scooter. Getting a HCP room would probably be a pain and serve no purpose. I would avoid taking one even if they paid me.

    What kind of good "service" would one expect? Other than extra towels to handle the water all over the bathroom floor.
     
  19. K-9treatbaker

    K-9treatbaker VIP Whale

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    Would you consider any of hte downtown properties an option? Like the Golden Nugget or the Plaza? A lot less walking, and smaller casino's. The Nugget is really nice and I hear the Plaza isn't too shabby either. Just a thought....

    K-9treatbaker
     
  20. jugdish76

    jugdish76 Low-Roller

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    Hate to mention personal stuff, but my dad is in his 60s and walks with a limp, looks and acts about 80. His mom, my grandma, is in her 90s, still works full time, and could easily pass for 70, maybe even late 60s.

    People age at different levels, and it was probably wrong for me to suggest walking would be an issue.

    That said, Bellagio is the trip of a lifetime. Even if there are other places now, it's still the one that they can tell their friends about and immediately get the "ooohs" and "ahhhs."

    Their cafe is cheap (relatively speaking) and very nice, too.
     
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