Best Location/Quality for the Price
Written: Feb 20 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Perfect center strip location Reasonable price - reasonable room
Best breakfast view in Vegas
Cons: Rooms and casino are a bit older.
Hilton Resort Membership solicitors in key walkways
The Bottom Line: The Flamingo is great if things like a plush room, the spa quality and fluffy bathrobes aren't really that important to you. The Flamingo still offers a lot.
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| vrguy's Full Review: Flamingo Las Vegas |
My wife and I (both 40) just returned from four nights/five days (two were business) at the Flamingo and came away very happy. We went into it eyes open having read other reviews on the internet and checking out several Las Vegas area and hotel web sites. I had also visited Vegas four or five years ago on business so I had some idea of where we wanted to be. My wife had never been so I wanted it to be a good experience. We decided well in advance that location was at the top of our list. We wanted to see a lot, like to walk and chose not to rent a car to go out of town (eg. Hoover Dam) given the few days I would be available. Also, we knew we couldn't afford the other central hotels like Bellagio or Caesar's so I looked elsewhere.
I looked at several central area hotels in our price range but found an American Express deal for the Flamingo that really caught our attention. BUT, before we finally decided on the Flamingo we did discuss that the rooms wouldn't be plush; the hotel is older and may not have the 'WOW' factor of other hotels. I won't discount that the rate was good and was a contributing factor in our choice. However, in February there are deals at most hotels in the area.
Really, though, what were we there for? We were going to spend most of the day visiting other hotels, dining out and seeing shows/other. The room was for sleeping so it didn't have to be perfect - we wouldn't be in it long enough to warrant a major increase in room cost.
So, how did it all turn out? Just like we expected and better. The room was older but had been redone probably two years before and was very clean. We were in the older, main tower in a room with king size bed and lots of room to move. The room was the equivalent of a higher end Holiday Inn. There are new towers but these are far from the main lobby, restaurants and the casino. They are, however, closer to the main pool and this may be important in warmer months. By the way, the pool area is AMAZING and we were disappointed we couldn't sit by it given the 60 degree temperatures we had.
We were close to everything. Go right out the front doors and walk to Harrahs and the Venetian (incredible but very reserved/quiet inside) with Treasure Island, the Mirage and Caesar's on the other side of the street. Turn left out the front and walk to Bally's, Paris, the Alladin and MGM with Bellagio (amazing dancing fountains), the Monte Carlo and New York,New York on the other side. Monorails link up several of the hotels - all the way down to the Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay - for easier travel later in the day). Granted, Bally's, Bellagio and Caesar's are all on the same main corner of the stip but the Flamingo was the best price by far.
Restaurants in the Flamingo (those we went to) were quite satisfactory. The breakfast buffet in the Paradise Garden never changed but the food was decent and the price great ($8.95). Sitting by the windows, you get an amazing view of the ponds, waterfalls, penguins, fish and of course, the flamingos. You can't believe you are in the desert. We used one of the coupons we received upon check-in for the Italian restaurant (Alta Villa) and found the food to be quite good and plentiful. We also used the Deli for one lunch to eat in the room for a rest between trips out. Service was good in all instances. Other nights we ate at other hotels (to say we had dinner in Paris..that idea). Check the coupon book you get upon check-in because the Flamingo is one of five Park Place hotels in Vegas (Flamingo, Caesar's, Bally's, Paris, the Hilton) and there are deals for each - not all great but worth reviewing). With Vegas hotels being so open, you can vist all the other hotels at will and get a renewed sense of wonder at each one's themes, architecture and restaurants.
One tip if you do go to the Flamingo (via flying in). Use the hotel registration desk at the airport. Only three people were in line ahead of me. We checked in, got our room key and avoided the 40 people that were in the check-in line at the hotel when we got there - straight to our room. Likewise at the end, consider checking out over the TV or phone. There were always lines at check out - especially at peak periods like just before 11:00 check-out limit. Given the sheer size of most hotels in Vegas, though, line ups are likely at all hotels.
Whatever you chose, have fun.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
vrguy
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 1 member
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