Where to stay.

Question

I just finished a wonderful 5 day stay at Mandalay Bay. I am going again June 1-5 for a friends wedding. Sadly Mandalay Bay is too expensive this time around, The place where I can get all or most days comped are Horseshoe, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Park MGM, Aria. These are the ones I am most seriously considering. Can also get Excalibur, Luxor, New York, New York, Harrahs, Flamingo, And of course Linq. Would really love some input from you fine folks on this board. I am really liking the idea of Aria except that I have read so many bad things about the condition of the room. Also very curious about Paris as I have never stayed there. Thanks in advance for input!

Answer

It sounds like you're looking for a great experience while still keeping the budget in check, so I can understand why you're leaning toward some of the more popular properties like Aria, Paris, and Planet Hollywood. Here’s a breakdown of the options you’ve mentioned, with pros and cons of each:

Aria

Aria is a high-end resort located in the CityCenter complex. It has a sleek, modern design and is well-known for its excellent dining options, upscale amenities, and location on the Strip. However, you've mentioned some concerns about room conditions, and while some guests have had great experiences, others have reported issues with room maintenance (e.g., outdated furniture, cleanliness concerns). It’s important to weigh whether the amenities and luxury outweigh the potential room issues. If you're okay with taking the risk of possible room discrepancies, Aria can be a great choice, especially if you value modern aesthetics and a more refined atmosphere.

Paris Las Vegas

Paris is known for its charming European-themed experience. It's a fun, iconic hotel that offers a romantic vibe, great views from the Eiffel Tower observation deck, and excellent dining options like Mon Ami Gabi. Since you’ve never stayed here, it could be an exciting choice, especially for its location in the heart of the Strip. The rooms tend to be well-maintained, and the hotel often has a slightly more “luxurious” feel compared to others in the same price range. The ambiance is relaxed and a bit more laid-back compared to some of the other casinos. A great middle ground if you're looking for charm and a central location.

Planet Hollywood

Planet Hollywood is a popular and fun resort, especially for a younger, lively crowd. It has a great location (centered on the Strip), lots of entertainment options, and a variety of restaurants and shops. If you're looking for a more casual, vibrant vibe with lots of things to do, it could be a good fit. However, the rooms can sometimes feel a bit dated, and it may not offer the level of luxury you might be seeking. Still, it's a fun option for people who want to be close to everything with a more energetic atmosphere.

Horseshoe

Horseshoe is located in the northern part of the Strip near the LINQ and Flamingo. It's a more affordable property compared to others, and if you're focused on getting a room comped, this could be a solid choice. However, while it has some nice amenities (like a large casino), it is typically seen as a more budget-friendly option compared to the others. The location is good for access to the High Roller and some other Strip attractions, but it's a bit further from the heart of the action compared to hotels like Paris or Aria.

Park MGM

Park MGM is a good choice if you want something modern and not too over-the-top. It’s a non-smoking property, which can be a big plus for some visitors. The hotel’s location is great—it’s connected to the T-Mobile Arena, making it convenient for events. It's also home to the popular Eataly, so if you're a fan of Italian cuisine, it could be a great spot. The rooms are generally well-maintained, and the overall vibe is a bit more relaxed compared to the livelier properties like Planet Hollywood or Flamingo.

Excalibur, Luxor, New York-New York, Harrah’s, Flamingo, and Linq

These options are generally more affordable but also come with a more dated feel. They are still in great locations, especially New York-New York, which has some of the best theming on the Strip. Flamingo has a good central location but has mixed reviews regarding room quality. Harrah’s and Linq are also mid-tier hotels with good amenities but don’t quite match the level of luxury you might be looking for compared to some of the higher-end properties. Excalibur and Luxor, while affordable, are on the older side and might not offer the most modern or luxurious experience.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for luxury and can deal with possible room maintenance issues, Aria is a solid option.
If you want something more romantic, with a central location, Paris could be a great pick, and you might enjoy the charming atmosphere.
If you want something fun and energetic, Planet Hollywood could be the right choice for its location and entertainment options.
For a good balance of modern amenities and more affordable prices, Park MGM is a strong contender.
If you're okay with a more budget-friendly vibe, Horseshoe could offer a good deal with some of the best comped rates.

Ultimately, it comes down to the kind of experience you're looking for. If luxury and modernity are your priorities, Aria or Paris are your best bets. For fun and vibrancy, Planet Hollywood fits the bill. If you want a balance of affordability and convenience, Park MGM might be a great choice. Whatever you decide, it sounds like you're going to have a fantastic time in Vegas!

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