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| - Have decided to write reviews for all the places I've stayed in Vegas, but be warned that my stay here was over a year ago, so things may have changed.
I was apprehensive about coming here because I've heard things about how campy and outdated they are. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, there's an awful fountain of naked muses in the lobby right when you enter, and there are similarly bad imitations of Classical sculpture everywhere in the hotel, but it's Vegas, so that's to be expected! I was there for a conference and my employer had already pre booked everything. The check in staff were very pleasant and offered a tempting upgrade to a better room for a mere $30 a day. I waffled, then agreed to the offer. When I got to my room, I was stunned--what a great bargain! It wasn't the largest room in the world, but it was around 500 sq. ft, VERY ample space. The decor did not make my eyes hurt. The bathroom was huge and had a TV as well as a jacuzzi tub. And it only came for $30 more! I slept very well--it was quiet and the air smelled clear (rare in Vegas).
The conference center was also a pleasant surprise. Very well appointed and large. It was hard to get to from my rooms though. And it was so big I got lost.
The casino was average--seemed a bit empty, but the economy had just tanked when I was there (October 2008). The one restaurant we went to, Rao's was good but pricey. I think they were trying to capitalize on their reputation as one of the hardest restaurants to book in New York. I'm still very much an MGM Grand fan when it comes to restaurants, though. Maybe I am limited, but it just seems easier and more dependable, since they've managed to amass just about every noteworthy chef on the face of the earth over there.
My colleagues were a bit annoyed with the catering staff at this hotel for our business luncheon, and I must say that they were pretty rude to her regarding her gluten allergy. But that aside, I had a very nice experience here, certainly better than the Venetian, which is supposedly a better hotel.
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