It's a Hilton! (Or is it?)
Written: Aug 30 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: They do it "right."
Cons: Off the beaten path
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| immac's Full Review: LAS VEGAS HILTON |
My wife and I have been visiting the Las Vegas Hilton for 25 years. We've also stayed at a dozen or more other casinos on the strip and elsewhere. Overall, the Hilton has been consistently the best because . . . well, I think it's because it IS a Hilton. There is no other way to explain.
For comparison let's look at our last trip just a couple of weeks ago (August, 2000). On this safari we actually stayed at two different resort casino hotels. Why, you ask? Because they were both comped for a limited number of nights. The first, which we obviously like (or we wouldn't be getting comps), I'll simply call A and use H for Hilton.
After arriving at A, in spite of having been there I've forgotten how many times, I waited in the check-in line forty minutes. At H, under five. Elevator at A, five minute wait, jammed with people. H, no wait, two other passengers.
NOTE: Avoid H's north single outside elevator if you are in a hurry.
Bags to room at A, thirty minutes, H bags arrived moments after we reached the room. Room in A, standard casino, nice but uninspiring. H, inspired with two phones and desk looking out broad window. Electric (oh my god!) powered drapes. Absolutely soundproof. Hilton room and bathroom arrangements are almost always laid out better than the competition's. And the best feature: All free!
A word about earning comps. In spite of what you may think, you do not have to be a high roller. You do have to play and you must use your slot card. You see more people playing without slot cards on the strip than most places, which means they are subsidizing freebies for other players. Don't play without one.
So what about the gambling? Those who complain that Hilton's casino lacks the pizzazz are correct. However, it is no more expensive than other casinos and when you factor in the comps you may even come out ahead (don't tell them, please!). My wife plays video poker while I usually scout the blackjack tables looking for a friendly face at a five dollar table. This time she joined me and we had a blast with friendly players and dealers. Bonus: the players actually understood the game. Not so at A where it seemed the less they knew the more they bet. Unfortunately it appears as though everyone has gone to the shoe, which I think takes something away from the game. Nevertheless, blackjack still provides the best gambling entertainment per buck spent. H has a great sports betting area with banks of new multi task video poker machines that seemed to pay off a lot more than anything we played at A. These machines can be played for a nickel, quarter, or dollar; however, for some unknown technical reason they return only nickels-- even though you may have inserted a twenty dollar bill.
The buffet shrimp is unsurpassed (as were the mashed potatoes); the lounge show (the Scintas) was highly entertaining-- and I've saved the best for last.
I can see why people who don't have their own wheels might be put off by the Hilton because it is really too far to walk to the strip's fantastic attractions, and cabs can be tough to grab. So you should drive your own or rent if you can. And here is that best part: H's parking garage is a dream. Hey, don't laugh. Those of you who drive to casinos know what I mean. Like A's garage, they can be a real nightmare.
Final word: The LSV Hilton, I read, is no longer a Hilton hotel
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
immac
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Member: E. J. McGill
Location: Tucson, AZ
Reviews written: 62
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
Retired Air Force pilot and high school teacher -- presently marketing latest nonfiction book.
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