SIN-sational makeover
Written: Dec 18 '07 (Updated Dec 18 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: HDTV Plasmas, Attractive Crowd and staff, Go-go dancers,Starwood property
Cons: Poor odds and comp system,Nearby Construction,Mediocre restaurants
The Bottom Line: If you aren't staying here, you'll want to be playing here. The good vibrations at PH are what Las Vegas is all about.
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| daperlman's Full Review: Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas |
If you haven't visited this hotel in the last 9 months, you will be shocked at the changes. It is no longer the bland theme-less and dull Aladdin. It is now the Planet Hollywood Hotel/Casino.
What's changed? How about Everything! With the exception of the outside of the building and the Desert Passage mall, it is completely redone. For starters, the Planet Hollywood theme (celebs, partying etc.) is in full effect. This place is not for families or tight-asses. However, if you are into clubs and partying, etc. You have arrived at your destination. For a single guy like me - it is a nice fit.
The Casino Scene
Let me paint you this picture: Imagine a casino level with loud club and cult favorites (a lot of 80's music) with 3 areas that feature scantily clad go-go dancers. There are two playing areas that have the dancers (and scantily clad dealers (dressed in lingerie)), and a central bar (The Heart) with the dancers as well. It is a nice touch for sure. This energetic vibe attracts the types you'd expected to see later at the hot clubs. Don't be surprised to find lots of So-Cal weekend warriors at the PH. There is also a more subdued place to gamble on level 2 (The Mezzanine) with higher limit tables. There are lots of flat screens playing a loop of Extra... even one in the elevator. There is also an Extra lounge on the casino level. PH has become one of the more popular spots - and as such they have adjusted their odds and comp system accordingly. The only fair blackjack odds are normally found at the $25+ games and the craps bets in the middle are pretty bad (like 8 for 1 on hardways that should be 10 for 1 and 3,4,5x on the numbers). Their comp system is similar to the big guys (like MGM). They basically start rating you for $25+ averages hands and the comp must be used that stay...and cannot be applied to incidentals.
The Room
Like the casino, I give them a lot of credit for improving the rooms since the days of the Aladdin. There are a few types of rooms at PH: Deluxe Rooms, Resort Rooms, Resort Vista or Panorama Suites. For a Sheraton, all of the rooms exceeded my expectations. I had a strip view resort room and it had a 42" HD Plasma and big huge floor to ceiling windows, as well as separate bath + shower and his / her sinks. Each room has a movie theme and includes posters and props from a movie (mine was Under Siege 2 - who knew they made a sequel?). The view was great, but unfortunately the PH timeshare property was being built and the construction could be annoying at times. They say each room has wired and wireless internet... but it is an unstable environment (network would sometimes conk out). However, when connected it was lightning fast. Maid service was good and the front desk was above average in their level of attentiveness. Free valet parking is included with most rooms. As a Starwood property, you can use an earn SPG rewards here.
Facilities, stores, clubs and food
Their SPA/ Fitness center is rather underwhelming. Located on the M level (level 2), the fitness center is tiny and sparsely appointed with outdated fitness equipment and several 32 inch TV’s with fuzzy reception. As a point of reference- it is about half the size and quality of MGM's facility... and the same cost :( ($25). The locker rooms / SPA is also teeny and dull. It is a Mandara Spa, which I suppose would be nice in some cities, but it is nothing special in LV. On the same level you will find Strip House (their high end steak place) and Koi (an overpriced Japanese/ Cali place). There are 13 other restaurants that are just as inconsequential IMHO. Their buffet (Spice Market located on the ground level) is supposedly one of the better buffets, but I am not a big fan of buffets in general. Spice market does make crepes (breakfast) and Pizza(lunch) to order on their buffet, which was kind of a nice novelty. Most of the other food and shopping is actually located in the Desert Passage, which is kind of nice as the walk out of the casino really cuts the traffic flowing to them. The stores in the mall are a mix of designer clothing (like FCUK) and kitschy souvenir places. If you have never been to Desert Passage, there is an area inside the mall where they make it rain inside and an extremely lame light show. Going back inside the hotel - there is a Living Room night club (on the M level) which looked pretty cool but I am unsure if it is related to other clubs of the same name and theme - elsewhere.
Location
PH is located on Harmon and LV Blvd. So you are near Paris and Bellagio. The MGM part of the strip is about 5 city blocks. This is a pretty central location (with respect to the most popular strip casinos).
Verdict
Planet Hollywood is a hip and cool atmosphere and the rooms are right on par with the nicer, more expensive casinos. It is currently a hot place and you can stay there for a reasonable price! Just don't expect top notch dining or Spa amenities that you might find at MGM, Caesars or the Wynn.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
daperlman
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Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me:
Mission: Find recipe for Nabisco Space Foodsticks. Foil conspiracy responsible for disappearance of Foodsticks.
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