A quiet steal in Vegas
Written: May 28 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Location, Location, Location
Cons: Will soon be Planet Hollywood Casino
The Bottom Line: Visit the Aladdin before it's Planet Hollywood conversion.
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| Filmsey's Full Review: Aladdin Hotel & Casino |
I just recently completed my 2nd stay at the Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas. I find this hotel to be a great bargain because of it's primo location on the strip (across from the luxurious Bellagio and next to the elegant Paris hotel and casino.)
Another big bonus at Aladdin is that the check-in/registration desk is on the bottom level, directly off of the underground entrance which means you don't have to drag your luggage and weary airport body through the casino to find the check-in and then again, to find your room. This is a very nice extra!
The casino area at the Aladdin is not as big as many of the other strip hotels' but it offers something for everyone. They even have a small poker room of their own now which my husband enjoyed a few times during our stay.
I even noticed penny and two-cent slots in the casino which I think is a relatively new addition and appeals to the cash-strapped tourist.
Some other positives about the Aladdin:
The views from your room - if you pay a little extra (about $20 more a night), it guarantees a strip view and most rooms overlook the Bellagio fountains which offers great nightly entertainment. If you want to really upgrade your stay, I would suggest staying in a "vista resort" room which is a small suite with a huge bathroom! The soaking tub even over looks the strip. If you get tired of watching the strip traffic, you can always watch the TV in the corner (a "suite" perk).
Desert Passage - a massive shopping and dining complex that wraps around the casino level. It features everything from the casual (Cheeseburger at the Oasis) to the fancy (famed New Orleans eatery Commanders Palace) and all price ranges of shopping from the Gap to Betsey Johnson. It's nice to just stroll around inside Desert Passage if you need to escape the Nevada heat or want a little snack or souvenir.
Location - Aladdin is pretty much in the heart of the strip. Across from the Bellagio and next to the Paris Hotel and Casino, it's very accessible to the monorail (go through the Paris/Bally station) and is a few blocks away from many other great hotels.
Spa - The Aladdin spa, the American flagship of the famous Elemis Spas, is paradise. It's Moroccan theme and enormous relaxation areas are among the best I've ever experienced. The treatments aren't cheap but come with a lot of amenities including a coffee/tea/juice bar, huge steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and showering areas. Plan to spend an extra hour or more after your treatments to truly enjoy this place.
Pool - the hotel pool is located on the 6th floor. It's a very spacious roofdeck area with lounge chairs, a towel and drinks bar and plenty of great strip views while sunning yourself or taking a dip.
For some reason, Aladdin never feels too crowded despite the small casino - it's sort of like the little jewel on the strip. I guess with Bellagio, Paris and other casinos so close, the primary gamblers here are the hotel guests.
Now, for some negatives:
Although it's not totally a surprise that a hotel here would try to nickel and dime their guests, it's still not appreciated. The rooms here do not offer complimentary coffee machines in the room but they do offer an adequate in-room dining service including coffee. You will notice two large bottles of water in the room - however, they carry a hefty $5 just for opening the bottles. (A side note: visit the ABC store inside the Desert Passage for affordable toiletries, sundries and snacks. This will save you a fortune in the end.)
I've heard the Spice Market Buffet is one of the best buffets on the strip. Unfortunately, there never seems to be a manageable line so we've never been able to experience the buffet here.
The biggest negative seems to be that the Aladdin will soon be changing to the Planet Hollywood casino. No one seems particularly thrilled with the conversion and considering the bankrupt restaurant chain, I hope the casino fares better.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Filmsey
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Reviews written: 75
Trusted by: 8 members
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