JR Swift
VIP Whale
Got back yesterday afternoon from my usual January trip to Las Vegas. Missed AVN by a week this time so skipped the Hard Rock and spent 4 nights at Planet Hollywood in an Ultra Hip room comped.
Got in around 9 on Tuesday night, took Lyft to the hotel and checkin was quick. Ended up with a room on the 38th floor overlooking the mountains. Was fine and I never complain about the view when the room is free.
Bed was comfortable and generally liked the design of the room. Safe worked fine and so did the fridge. Was nice having a place to store a few beers, a few bottled ice teas and some half/half for my morning coffee. Coffee maker is also a nice touch even though it isn't very good. Nice to get that first cup for free at least.
Bathroom had a tub which was OK but filled very slowly and a nice shower which, unfortunately, seemed to leak all over the floor, despite my best efforts.
Place is also kind of noisy. When the heat clicked on, it was noisy. You just heard odd snaps, crackles and pops. Not that annoying but odd. Elevator was kind of the same way. Not a deal breaker but worth noting.
Overall I was happy with the room and would not hesitate to stay again. Last visit was a Jubilee Tower room at Ballys and, though the room and location was better, I liked everything else about Planet Hollywood more.
Felt comfortable in the casino. Mixed results. Usual bad CET pay tables on VP but still played. Dabbled in slots but no success. Did better at my old favorite, Caveman Keno and played quite a bit here. If you play Video Keno of any kind, be sure to do it on a dedicated machine or it is $10 a tier credit instead of $5. There is a bank of 8 by the escalator next to the buffet and a couple more in the High Limit area (minimum $1 bet) so choose those.
Had better luck at other CET casinos, particularly Harrahs and Paris, but, as usual, ended up donating to their bottom line. I will say drink service was good almost everywhere and never had a problem at any of the bars, even with the new light system. Got several premium beer choices at my favorite, the Tag bar at the Linq.
Used my $100 Diamond Celebration meal at Mesa Grill. Steak was very good and came with very tasty fries. Tried a couple of apps. The blue corn pancake with barbecued duck was exceptional and the chicken quesidilla was just OK. Would repeat though would try some different menu items. (Think I might revisit the blue corn pancake though.)
Tend to have just one large meal a day in Vegas. Otherwise I just live on beer or grab a slice or hot dog somewhere. Went to Pinup Pizza twice and was quite good. A little pricey but one slice is basically a meal. I still like 800 degree pizza better but this one is right there with Secret Pizza for runner up.
Pretty good Steak and Eggs breakfast special at Planet Dailies and very tasty breakfast sandwich at Earl of Sandwich. I just generally liked the availability of reasonably priced good food on site. Couple of Starbucks as well for my afternoon iced coffee fix, even though I am normally a Dunkin Donuts guy.
Walgreens right next to the mall which is good for picking up supplies. That being said, most places are close to them or a CVS.
Was pleasantly surprised at the customer base of the hotel. Quite a bit of eye candy here from 21 to 61. I support such things. Cocktail ladies were mostly cute and quite friendly. Definitely some "pros" out and about but was not bothered. And, for those so inclined, they weren't bad looking.
Did nothing else on this visit that was too exciting. Spent almost nothing on transportation as I just stayed in the Center Strip area. Had a good time as always. Already planning trip #2 for May. As always, thanks for reading.
Got in around 9 on Tuesday night, took Lyft to the hotel and checkin was quick. Ended up with a room on the 38th floor overlooking the mountains. Was fine and I never complain about the view when the room is free.
Bed was comfortable and generally liked the design of the room. Safe worked fine and so did the fridge. Was nice having a place to store a few beers, a few bottled ice teas and some half/half for my morning coffee. Coffee maker is also a nice touch even though it isn't very good. Nice to get that first cup for free at least.
Bathroom had a tub which was OK but filled very slowly and a nice shower which, unfortunately, seemed to leak all over the floor, despite my best efforts.
Place is also kind of noisy. When the heat clicked on, it was noisy. You just heard odd snaps, crackles and pops. Not that annoying but odd. Elevator was kind of the same way. Not a deal breaker but worth noting.
Overall I was happy with the room and would not hesitate to stay again. Last visit was a Jubilee Tower room at Ballys and, though the room and location was better, I liked everything else about Planet Hollywood more.
Felt comfortable in the casino. Mixed results. Usual bad CET pay tables on VP but still played. Dabbled in slots but no success. Did better at my old favorite, Caveman Keno and played quite a bit here. If you play Video Keno of any kind, be sure to do it on a dedicated machine or it is $10 a tier credit instead of $5. There is a bank of 8 by the escalator next to the buffet and a couple more in the High Limit area (minimum $1 bet) so choose those.
Had better luck at other CET casinos, particularly Harrahs and Paris, but, as usual, ended up donating to their bottom line. I will say drink service was good almost everywhere and never had a problem at any of the bars, even with the new light system. Got several premium beer choices at my favorite, the Tag bar at the Linq.
Used my $100 Diamond Celebration meal at Mesa Grill. Steak was very good and came with very tasty fries. Tried a couple of apps. The blue corn pancake with barbecued duck was exceptional and the chicken quesidilla was just OK. Would repeat though would try some different menu items. (Think I might revisit the blue corn pancake though.)
Tend to have just one large meal a day in Vegas. Otherwise I just live on beer or grab a slice or hot dog somewhere. Went to Pinup Pizza twice and was quite good. A little pricey but one slice is basically a meal. I still like 800 degree pizza better but this one is right there with Secret Pizza for runner up.
Pretty good Steak and Eggs breakfast special at Planet Dailies and very tasty breakfast sandwich at Earl of Sandwich. I just generally liked the availability of reasonably priced good food on site. Couple of Starbucks as well for my afternoon iced coffee fix, even though I am normally a Dunkin Donuts guy.
Walgreens right next to the mall which is good for picking up supplies. That being said, most places are close to them or a CVS.
Was pleasantly surprised at the customer base of the hotel. Quite a bit of eye candy here from 21 to 61. I support such things. Cocktail ladies were mostly cute and quite friendly. Definitely some "pros" out and about but was not bothered. And, for those so inclined, they weren't bad looking.
Did nothing else on this visit that was too exciting. Spent almost nothing on transportation as I just stayed in the Center Strip area. Had a good time as always. Already planning trip #2 for May. As always, thanks for reading.
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And the fact that everything you need is at the Miracle Mile Shops makes it very convenient. Will stay there for 5 nights in April. Can't wait!!
