What happened to the Flamingo?

Just got back from Vegas. Stayed at Flamingo May 2-6.

Let me preface this by saying I was a Vegas regular for the past 10+ years. Was going once, sometimes twice a year. For my past 7-8 stays, we have been staying at Flamingo. Love the location, loved the feel of the casino, and loved their pool. I did not go to Vegas in 2010 or 2011 after being diagnosed with cancer and going through a divorce. Finally, was able to go back just recently

First things first. The check in line. I am sorry--holiday weekend(Cinco De Mayo) and you have 2 people working a check in desk? We waited about 45 minutes to get in while others we were with was over an hour. Unacceptable. Also a $25 early check in fee for my friends? When my friend questioned why....the response was "thats our policy". Well your policy sucks. Our room was on the 6th floor and was average at best. This was supposed to be renovated? Really? You consider fake hard wood floors renovated? We had blood in our shower stall from the previous guests(I am assuming). Realllll nice.

The next morning we wanted to head to the pool. Grabbed some breakfast to go and walked down around 7:45. I thought they opened at 8. Mind you about 10 people were in line at this point. So its past 8 and we come to find out they dont open until 9. Frustrating but whatever. We will stand in line and wait. FORTUNATELY we ate our food in line. As the line was about to open, some crazy pool lady started screaming at everyone their pool rules. One of those being no outside food or beverages allowed inside other than WATER. Now mind you, the line now is probably 100 people deep. Many people are pissed now because they have coffee they just bought and must either finish it or pitch it. To me this was complete crap.

As we get to security, which was like being at the airport---no joke---we are asked for ID!! NOWHERE DOES IT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT ID. I had a friend who was robbed at the Flamingo pool a few years ago so I only bring my key card and a $20. He tells us we cant come in without ID. We just wasted 75 minutes of our time. We have to go all the way back to get our ID's. I was not happy. They would not allow the lady behind me in without ID and she was at least 50-55. So you have been forewarned.........so food, no coffee, and bring your ID and keycard. We got into a discussion with another person about all of this and they said they went to the front desk to complain. She said she told the front desk lady they have been going to Flamingo for 25+ years and didnt understand why food, which was purchased on the property, was not allowed in. And the workers response was: "If you dont like it, there are other hotels to go to"

While I appreciate an upgrade in security, their logic is flawed. The best part is on SATURDAY, no ID's were checked and they were allowing food in. But Thursday and Friday they were over cautious.

To me the Flamingo seems like its TRYING to be something its not. Its trying to become something like the Hard Rock , Palms, etc. But its failing misearbly. The chicks dancing on tables all over...ridiculous. Especially the ones dancing in the Garden Bar....I mean REALLLLLY? It was a weird crowd in there as well. Mostly a 20-30's crowd which I found very odd. LOTS AND LOTS of overly drunk people. I am sure the fight at MGM Grand and Cinco De Mayo had a lot to do with it but it was just a very very weird scene in there all weekend.

I am done with Flamingo. Maybe its because I am getting older but it really soured me. I won alot of $$ too there but if you dont feel comfortable in the hotel in which you are sleeping, then why bother.

 

Sorry to hear about your bad experience and thanks for the info to anyone heading there. I am shocked that they don't allow you in without ID. I've never been there but were you trying to get into an adult-only pool (do they have one?) or just the regular pool? Was it a security thing with the ID or an age thing?

I've recently been considering Flamingo for some future trips so this is all good info to be aware of.

 

I stayed at Ballys last month, I walked over to the Flamingo pool to check it out as me and 4 couples are booked there Labor Day weekend and everyone wanted a report. There was an older lady at the entrance, I explained my situation to her and she invited me in to check it out, gave me a wrist band and told me enjoy. I asked her if I as a guest of Ballys was permitted to enter free of charge, she said yes.

The next day we trek over and meet with a rather large lady who had dark hair and appeared about 30 ( could be hard years though ) she proceeded to accost us about trying to enter the pool as guests of Ballys and not The Flamingo, I told her I had the day before and she got real smart and asked if I was aware Ballys had a pool?

Needless to say we left, I emailed Flamingo management and the response I got said they were shocked, but couldnt do anything as I didnt have a name. I gave them the date, time and a physical description, so that was just a put off, there was only two gals working that day, so it wasnt to hard to figure out. The experience kinda soured me on The Flamingo, but we are already booked and didnt want to make a big deal out of it.

 

That's a bummer about your poor experiences. Heading to Vegas later this week and I spentdalmost all of my time in the Flamingo casino...I love the casino floor. Glad I don't do the pool scene, however.

 

It now is apparently an adult only pool(the main pool). The crazy lady that was yelling rules proceeded to tell us it was up to the discretion of the security guard to check ID's HOWEVER he told us it was their policy. ALL PEOPLE MUST HAVE ID's CHECKED

My guess is its going to depend who you get as to whether they will let you in or not. I know me and my friend look of age(both of us are almost 40). Its just very frustrating because had I known you need ID I could have went back up to get mine while waiting in line. But NOWHERE in their rules by entrance does it state ID is required.

I know alot of people were complaining about it and it wont surprise me if they lose business.

 

Kids can't go to the pool at the hotel they're staying at? That doesn't make any sense. Do they have a kids pool?

Again, sorry if these are stupid questions as I've never done more than put a few dollars in some machines at Flamingo. Just curious.

 

They have a smaller pool up top(which was once the topless pool I believe) for kids. But from what I was told is there isnt much to it and its very shallow.

 

actully off and on for years you had to show ID to get into the pool at the Flamingo, there are a few other resort hotels with the same rules and it does make sense. the rest of what the OP went though is too bad. I think since Harrah's bought the old Hilton properties things have changed and not for the best.

 

I suppose it makes sense if there is a separate kids pool, which is why I asked.

 

We are from Scotland and will be at the Flamingo in September and love some relaxing time at the pool , so I am just hoping that they will accept a photocopy of my passport as ID , because in the UK we do not have any government issued ID, and there is no way I am going to carry my passport to the pool or anywhere else for that matter.

 

My friend had to show her passport. And she was NOT happy about it. Like you said, who wants to take that down to the pool. I was mad enough about taking my ID. What if I lost it or something?

Here is my idea to the Flamingo. When people check in, put something on their keycard which can be scanned as they enter the pool showing they are 21. There has to be a better way. Or issue wristbands that can not come off unless cut. Have a wrist band means you have been properly ID'd when checking in

 

I wouldn't assume the policy of showing ID's before entering the pool to be only at the Flamingo. I also had to show ID and room key prior to entering the pool at Caesars and Red Rock last year. Well, some days I did and some I didn't.

As a visitor to Vegas 5-6x each year for many years, the more the pool's cater to the 20-somethings, the more ID's are required. If it's to keep out underage drinkers, I'm ok with that. Shoot, the gas stations here where I live card me when I buy beer, I'm 50, but it's their policy.

Vegas in general has changed alot in the last 2 years, not always for the better. While some hotels don't charge early checkin fees, they do charge resort fees, or they charge for internet. They are all doing the exact same things as the airlines.

I've found that if you don't want to stand in line for an hour to get a pool chair (and I'm surprised those folks hadn't finished their coffee after waiting in line for an hour), or show ID's, or deal with pool parties then the best option is usually off-strip. The Orleans always has plenty of pool chairs, you don't have to wait in line, they won't check ID, but you will need a room key to enter the pool. They also charge a $5/day resort fee.

So, I don't think the question is really what's happened at the Flamingo, it's what's happened in Vegas.
diane

 

They can only accept passports as ID in Vegas now if you are not American.

They won't even accept driving licences. And they certainly won't accept photocopies!

 

It's not just a Flamingo thing. You can't take outside food or drinks into most strip pools in Vegas. The Flamingo has had that rule for many years now. It says right on their website, pool opens at 9am, must be 21 to enter (ID) and active room key. All the big pool parties check ID's now.
Although I've never been charged an early check in fee at Flamingo (stayed there 22 times, twice in the last year), I hear that the early check-in fee is becoming common place in Vegas now.

 

When did this start as a couple of friends just came back about 6 weeks ago and never had any problem using their drivers licence to sign up for slot clubs.

 

No way. I routinely have brought coffee and/or breakfast (yogurt/fruit) purchased just outside the pool, into the pool area. I have done this at both MGM and Mandalay Bay. As long as you are not bringing in 6 packs, or kegs of beer, I don't see why the hotel has a problem if it is food purchased on the property. I


At both MGM and Mandalay Bay I simply show my room key. f I have a small backpack or bag they sometimes look in it, but that's it. Nothing more. As a matter of fact I don't bring any money or credit cards. Why risk it being stolen. You simply bring your key (which is waterproof by the way) and charge it all to the room. Honestly I wouldn't be happy if it were any other way.

 

At the Flamingo, where do people go if they want to drop the kids off at the pool?

 

Cant say anything about the pool area, but I can say the check-in lines were terrible this past weekend (5/3 ~ 5/6). Fortunately, I was able to bypass that. For me it was as good as any other stay that I've had there.

 

Hi Technolight,

I would book somewhere else, since the UK doesn't have government issued ID's.

My husband and I were going to stay at the Flamingo, but I will choose another hotel now, after reading the horror stories about ID regarding their pool. We will be in Vegas in August.

K-9Treatbaker

 

This is exactly why I refuse to return to Flamingo again. Sorry you had this experience OP. I have posted before on this and tried to warn others, but I'll add my 2 cents again.
The pool situation is a complete joke. The kids can no longer use the water slides because it's in the "adult" pool - how does that make sense? And now all the kids are contained in this miniature backyard size pool? Joke.
When we used to stay there before all this ridiculousness, we stopped for coffee and bfast and brought it to the pool to start our day with no accosting & no questions. We usually went to the adult pool because it was quieter and more relaxed than the main pool and it fit the population of the minority of patrons- I had no problem showing ID at that point but not when I'm walking into a main pool area.
I'm young, like to party and have a good time but Flamingo is waaaay off and have lost my business & my families business. Sad really since we enjoyed our time there.
Just make a stand if you don't agree and don't stay there even if it's a free room. Money TALKS! That's how they get ya!