Different times... thinking South Point?

Been to Vegas 80 times in my life... strip, and downtown From early 80s to last year. My wife and I like to hang by a nice pool, party a little, eat a lot and do some small stakes gambling. Vegas is a short non-stop flight for us so we go several times a year. Have postponed our May, June, and July trips due to fears of what Covid-Vegas is really like and now contemplating a trip in September. We’ve been reading these trip reports that make clear Vegas is different right now. Rather than going to our standbys... Mirage, Downtown Grand et al and be disappointed that things are different, we are thinking of going to a new resort - during the mid week - we have never been... South Point. Reasons... late/long pool hours, secluded from homeless and scooters etc, less chaotic. So, would this be a good choice during COVID?

 

I stayed there a few weeks ago and it was fine. Only people on scooters are those that really need them. It's a big property so it's already spread out. The room was really nice too, I'd recommend it to anyone

 

IdahoSki
South Point is a very decent,
Less strip trash there & way more chill.

Lots places to eat, good VP,
& other things to do, movies, bowling,
& events special events in the arena.

 

It's kind of our plan this month. Though the lure of wasted DT freeplay will probably draw us out there a (hopefully early) night.

The comps and quality of food we've experienced are edging it near or > DT for us, we just love the ability to walk around to the next spot at DT.

 

We are staying DT at the Cal this weekend but have had long talks about the crowds on Freemont that we might experience. In the event that we are uncomfortable in the evenings DT we are heading to South Point, Red Rick, GVR. I like the way you’re thinking!

 

It was the cleanest I’d ever seen it the first week of August.

 

When we stayed at South Point last year one of the things I really liked about the rooms were the hard floors instead of carpet. And everything was very clean.

 

Haven't stayed there in quite a while , but rooms are nice. Think Orleans or Suncoast. Good food lineup. I've eaten there many times with no complaint. On the floor you'll of course find any game you see elsewhere. Can't speak to VP as I haven't played there in a couple of years. When I did, I found decent VP at the .25 level. One thing I really liked about it was the roomy feel. It's probably more so with today's lower capacities. If you have a car, the M is about three miles south and Silverton is about the same distance north on Blue Diamond. i vote yes.

 

Love South Point.

I'll start with the bad. Double odds on craps and the coffee shop does not do carry out which means you have to eat late night specials in the dining room.

The good? Everything else. The place is great value which is different than cheap. Poker room is fantastic, good VP tables and I'm a sucker for Manhattan Clam Chowder which they have at the oyster bar. Have a blast.

 

Thank you all for you replies! I think we are going to do this knowing that this trip is going to be different. Instead of being bummed that things at our usual places aren’t the same we’re going to purposely shack things up. If we get bored we can always take a midweek day trip to the strip or downtown.

 

We're big South Point fans as well. I stopped keeping track awhile ago, but we've been to Vegas 70 or more times, typically four or so times a year. Like you, we've stayed strip, strip/downtown, and downtown. Covid put a stop to our trips for the time being.

I can't comment on the rooms at South Point. Three years ago we started staying across the street at the Grandview condos (we still stay downtown occasionally, usually at the DTG during the NFR). We're able to get a good deal on a "last minute vacation" through RCI, the timeshare exchange company. Typically under $300 for an entire week in a nice, large one-bedroom condo with full kitchen. Because the Grandview is huge (I think over 2000 units in its seven buildings) there's always something available.

For the past three years I'd say we spent 90% of our gambling time over the course of the week at South Point. We never tire of it. Great VP, low limit tables, many food options, movie theaters, bowling alleys, horse arenas, great sports book, several bars with good VP pay tables, good floor drink service - what's not to like? Also, the employees are generally happy and loyal to the place. Talk with them and you'll hear that the owner (it's one of the few "independent" major casinos left in Vegas) has great loyalty to them and treats them well. And as you mentioned, no homeless wandering the place. My one complaint is that while we're not high rollers, we give them considerable play during our stays and get no offers. Could be that we've had a run of good luck and finished every visit last year up.

Getting anywhere else from South Point is a pain if you don't have a car. Uber and Lyft drivers hang out close by, so you'll have a ride in minutes if you want one. You can use public buses, but it's complicated and time consuming.

 

I can attest to no offers. They really don't send them out much. If you want to stay there you should call and talk to a host. It's pretty easy and usually they will take care of you.

 

Southpoint is probably as close as you will get to a fully opened resort now, all the restaurant's are open including the buffet, movie theater ,bowling alley and spa are also open, the only thing missing are entertainment and clubs but they're not known for that anyway.

 

This comment is spot on! I will add that South Point is very crowded compared to other casinos. The weekend crowds are close to normal. I live a couple of miles from South Point and visit several times a week.

 

Heading there tomorrow, had Cosmo booked for 4 night comp but after reading reports and news articles decided to cancel and stay off the strip for the exact reasons you stated.

 

Thanks again everyone for your comments. And good luck Depdawg227 from gatorville on your stay. I would welcome seeing your posts either here or in the form of a trip report on how things went for you. Most years we get to Vegas 3 or 4 times but this year we haven’t been on a plane since early March.

 

How are the crowds at the race book during Sunday afternoon to Friday mornings? I've cancelled 3 trips so far this year and since I'm a horse player, wouldn't mind a Sunday - Friday trip with the major gambling on the horses. Thanks in advance.

 

Race book gets crowded on the weekends; not so much during the week.

Can't recommend SP highly enough. Lots of excellent dealers who are quick to chat you up, if you desire. Safety measures were very good when I was there at the end of June. Sanitizers and wipes were between each table and they were very quick to wipe down a seat location when a player left the table. Very nice rooms, very nice people and very good restaurants for a lot less than on the Strip. Definitely speak with a host; I can highly recommend Roxanne Kraemer. I've posted this often, I play a few hours of $10-15 bj per day and haven't paid for anything there in 10 years (20+ trips).

 

A bunch of Ghostbusters were walking around early on a Monday morning spraying everything down and one lady was even on a cherry picker cleaning the top of a support arch. I've never seen this amount of cleaning/sanitizing in a casino before in my life.

The Gaughan family is an absolute throwback class act. The El Cortez gets less and less desirable as Jackie's influence fades over time. We need more places run like South Point. It's independent management is such a comforting beacon among a sea of casino hotels that all blend together without any distinction except for their stifling corporate policies.

 

I hate when corporate policies are stifling.