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PJTremblay01 asked on 01/22/06
Hi, I read something on vegastodayandtomorrow(s) website. They briefly mention that the name, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas has been changed to “Wynn North”. Is this true? I also heard that construction on Wynn’s second tower was going to begin in Spring 2006? Is this also true? Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
No confirmation on any name changes but as the project is developed I would expect more details regarding the naming to come out. I never considered Encore to be the finished product’s name, just a development distinction. As far as a construction start, they announced Spring of 2006 when they talked about the delays in the design process – looks like that is still a go.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 01/18/06
Hunter, what do you think of the Palms, I have heard mixed things about it. I am planning a trip in June and trying to stay at a new place, or is the new Augustus Tower at Caesar’s nice? Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Hmmmm… I have very mixed feelings on the Palms. From my demographic, I should love the place but to me it has always felt so fake and very ‘Hollywood’ to me. That could be considered good but I don’t really see it that way. The rooms in the original tower are so-so while the standard rooms in the soon-to-open Fantasy Tower are much nicer… Personally, if I was trying something new I would go with Caesars. The Augustus Tower is very nice, along the lines of a room at THEHotel, Venetian or Bellagio.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 01/17/06
Hunter, do you think the Tropicana should be redeveloped as the Tropicana (ala ALADDIN) or should it be redeveloped with a new name and complete theme/design chage?
Also, are the bathrooms at Mirage similar to those of TI?
I would like to try Mirage, but I hear the rooms can get a bit cramped
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Last question first… The bathrooms at The Mirage in the standard rooms are bit cramped, yeah. The guestroom was made larger at the expense of the bathroom. If you want a bigger bathroom, upgrade to a Tower Deluxe room where it is slightly larger and the tub has jets. The bathrooms in the suites are gigantic, no problems there… Ok, on the Tropicana… Personally, I think brands like the Stardust and the Tropicana still have mileage. A casino with a ‘retro Vegas’ theme or partial theme could grab some people, for sure. The Aladdin seems/seemed to be cursed – nothing on that piece of land has worked very well and Planet Hollywood has an uphill battle to get it in shape. We’ll see how they do. The other problem with not picking a new name/brand is that folks may hear Tropicana and assume we’re talking about the same old place, not a totally new resort… It sounds like they might design something to compete in the mid-market instead of going high end… Competing with Luxor, TI, Monte Carlo, Harrah’s, Bally’s, etc…
bull1029 asked on 01/16/06
Great site. I’m planning a honeymoon trip to LV in September. What are some hotels that offer jacuzzi/honeymoon suites at a decent price? Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Your best bet is to check Luxor, Monte Carlo, New York New York and Caesars Palace… Other hotels have oversize bathtubs in the suites: The Mirage, Treasure Island, THEHotel at Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas and others.
shazel asked on 01/16/06
For our honeymoon we are booked at the Bellagio Petite Lakeview suite. I had also been thinking about the Mirage Penthouse suite. Which is better?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
From your description I am not totally sure which Bellagio suite you are referring to (Salone?) but I think I can help you anyway… The answer to your question is: it depends on what you’re looking for. The Mirage Penthouse is very large and located on the top four floors of the hotel. It’s one of the highest end rooms they sell, in a hotel that was designed and built to cater to the luxury crowd. That means the room is very nice, the staff are nice and the service is top notch. If you want the bigger and more luxurious room, The Mirage is the spot. Bellagio does offer some things that The Mirage does not… The biggest thing is probably the lake itself. Watching the fountains from the room, while not as good a view as from the street, is still something you can sit there and do again and again. It’s amazing. So, while the room might not be quite as large, it could be more romantic. Neither hotel will disappoint, it’s just a question of what you’re looking for. For some photos of The Mirage: Mirage.
CanadianYankee asked on 01/15/06
Another question. Will all renovations be complete at The Mirage by June or July?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The majority of the big changes are already completed, such as the nightclub and several restaurants.
By July, the rest of the restaurants should be up and running and the Cirque/Beatles show will either be in previews or actually running for the public.
CanadianYankee asked on 01/15/06
Great site. Making my yearly trip out to Vegas and I was wondering if the Mirage rooms with a pool view also have a view of the strip looking towards Bellagio. Thanks in advance. Also which has the better pool, Mirage or Bellagio?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, the absolutely do. In fact, while called the pool view, I think ‘Strip View’ would be more appropriate. The pool areas are different. Bellagio’s is perhaps a bit more upscale while The Mirage focuses on fun.
mesa asked on 01/13/06
Hunter,what do you think is the best eats at the Wynn?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Gosh, there are a lot of great restaurants. My favorite is probably Bartolotta, an Italian joint. Absolutely stunning food.
jrmc72 asked on 01/12/06
I heard Wynn has an Auto show room, can anyone go and check out the cars?Do you pay or how does this work?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
There is a Ferrari/Maseratti dealership at Wynn Las Vegas, yes. It is open to the public. For a brief time after opening they were charging a $10 fee that included a hat but this has been stopped and it is again free to browse. The ground level dealership has several Ferrari’s (including a million dollar Enzo) and a couple of Maseratti’s on the floor. There is also an underground facility that has ‘used’ Ferrari’s – still very expensive. You have to talk to a salesperson to get taken downstairs.
jrmc72 asked on 01/12/06
Im planning a trip to Vegas for a couple in their early 20’s what hotel would go best with age group? And which hotels have the best pools(again for a couple in their early 20’s)? thank you!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The answer is clear: the Hard Rock, the Palms or Mandalay Bay. For younger people that like to party-party-party and really into a great pool, these are the tops places. Now, if we’re talking about a customer that puts great service as their number one selling point I would say take a closer look at Wynn, The Mirage and Bellagio… But for raw carnage for the youngsters (don’t I sound old? 26 going on 60), those above mentioned are certainly the hot spots.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 01/12/06
Hunter, have you seen the re-designed Kokomo’s yet? I was about to go in December, but the plans were cancelled and I was wondering what Kokomos looked like, now that the refurb is complete.
Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I saw the drawings but wasn’t able to publish them due to MGM MIRAGE asking me not too. I’ll see and photograph the final result next week. Expect it to be much less hidden from the rest of the casino than it was before. Less foliage between it and the lobby for instance.
electricman asked on 01/11/06
Hunter, Hi, whats happening with the construction at the Aladdin? I will be in Vegas in March and have great room prices for the Aladdin. should I pass or give it a go, Great site, youve been a great help over the years.. Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The construction/conversion is being handled in pieces. If you walk through the property you’ll see certain parts blocked off but not an entire section at once… The work will be going on until the end of the year and I would expect some perhaps mild disruptions. Still, great rates can certainly offset these inconveniences, especially when you have so many great places next door and across the street. Based on what I’ve seen I wouldn’t say that people need to stay away until it is all done… They’re taking a gradual approach.
mesa asked on 01/11/06
Out of the resort rooms ,what view or floor would you ask for Hunter ,Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sorry, not sure what resort you’re talking about… Since you said ‘Resort Room’ and Wynn uses the same terms, I’ll assume that’s what you’re talking about? If so, I personally think higher is better so if I can get floor 60, I take it! Also, I like the Strip view more than the golf course but that is personal preference.
CASC29 asked on 01/11/06
Was wondering when The Plams open the new tower? Not the condo part, but the hotel tower. I see on the site they have some fun new suites.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
They haven’t quoted an actual date for the Fantasy Tower other than within the next couple of months. It’s almost totally completed at this point so it won’t be too long. When there is a hard date, we’ll post it on the blog.
carol asked on 01/11/06
Is the show Menopause going to be opening sometime soon in Vegas?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
No one has announced plans to bring this show to Las Vegas. Expect only tried and true Broadway super-hits to make the trek to Las Vegas… Only some shows work in Sin City, as some of these producers will find out.
miwatch asked on 01/10/06
Hunter:
Once again, great site! We are heading out for 4 nights at the Wynn and have dinner reservations at both SW and Okada. It is a large group and thus I was curious as to whether there are any dress requirements for either restaurant. Will jeans with dress shirt and sport coat cover the requirements of most resturants at Wynn? Thanks for your help!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I would dress up more than that for those restaurants, especially SW. While they might not turn you away, jeans are frowned upon for fine dining restaurants. I would recommend swapping the jeans for slacks and you’ll have no problems at all… You might pull it off but why risk it?
carol asked on 01/10/06
What is the average temp in late May?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
You’re looking at mid to high 80s during the day, slightly cooler at night typically.
carol asked on 01/10/06
Is the Mirage pool nice and sunny? Also, is it like the Flamingo where you have to get there at the break of dawn to find a chair? We are going in late May.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The Mirage pool is VERY nice and sunny and thus, like the Flamingo, very popular. If you’re not renting a cabana, then getting down there early is going to be key.
carol asked on 01/10/06
Will be staying at Ballys. Where are the rooms that have been updated most recently?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
All rooms at Bally’s were renovated in the last 4 years.
kmajka asked on 01/09/06
Hi Hunter – I am staying at the LV Hilton with my 1 year old twins. I am anxious to see the Wynn, but I heard no one under the age of 18 is allowed in the hotel, and/or no strollers. Are any of the other hotels like this. I obviously know the casino end of it, but what about walking through the shops, etc.? TIA!!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The ‘No Stroller’ rule is enforced strictly at Wynn and also at Bellagio. You can be under 18 and enter either hotel but they reserve the right to kick you out if you’re not a guest, though this rule is hardly ever enforced… It’s just these joints with the aggressive policies, most others welcome any and all passers-by.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 01/07/06
In a follow-up to my previous question, should this year be another intersting one in announcements of new hotels? It seems like 2005 was the year of the nightclub and the condo. With the fall of Icon, it would seem that the condo is coming to a halt, even before it really gets off the ground. So do you think compaines will start abandoing the condo idea and returning to the hotel-casino idea. Also, I am much more interested in hotels-casinos than condos, but do you think that the city skyline (based on already announced projects) is turning into the Manhattan skyline?
thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I don’t expect a lot of announcements this year… Most likely are probably what will happen at the New Frontier site and also the redevelopment of the Tropicana. Everyone realizes that only a fraction of the announced condo projects will be built. It will be an alteration of the skyline but I can’t see it being anywhere near as dramatic as Manhattan. The fact that the Boyd project doesn’t have a condo element is telling… Not everyone wants to build condos or ‘co-tels’ while hotel-casino complexes are a proven business.
carol asked on 01/07/06
Have stayed at Paris, Bally’s & Flamingo but are considering the Aladdin. Are the rooms & pool as good? We really did not like Paris pool..shade most of the day. Bally’s great but the Flamingo was far too crowded.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The pool at the Aladdin is on the roof on the Strip side of the hotel, just like Paris. The hotel tower DOES give off a lot of shade. The rooms at the Aladdin are very nicely appointed…
carol asked on 01/07/06
Where can I get a list of the conferences being held in the time frame of April/May? When the shows are there the rooms are higher in price or somewhat limited. Also, what is the average temp in April/May.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The Las Vegas Convention Bureau Calendar is here. The average temps are between 60 and 74 degrees F.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 01/07/06
Hunter, I was recently looking at some of the renderings for the Cosmopolitan, what are your opinions on the project. Do you think it will succeed, do you care for its design, I haven’t seen much on it in the blog. Oh, also, are there any other projects on the strip (Encore, Echelon, etc.) that you are looking forward to?
Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I think Cosmo is one of the projects that will make it, yes. The location next to Bellagio and the upcoming City Center is absolutely fantastic… The design is a bit jarring when compared to what is around the area but in terms of amenities and features, it seems well thought out. As far as other projects that I’m keeping a close eye on, Encore for sure, as well as Echelon and the Palazzo. I’m personally more interested in hotel-casino projects than condo projects.
macfrodge asked on 01/04/06
I’ll be staying at Bellagio (end of January) in a Salone Suite. My only other experience at Bellagio was in a standard room, lakeview in the Spa Tower last year shortly after it opened. Loved it – thought it was terrific, despite the v. long walk to the lobby.
However, now I’m finding myself a bit apprehensive after viewing the 360 of the Salone Suite on the Bellagio website – looks more than a bit worn, and not too dissimilar to a Petite Suite at TI, furnishings and color wise. Have also read that the suites haven’t been renovated recently…
Bluntly put: would you prefer a Salone Suite, or a regular room at Bellagio? Many thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It is true that Bellagio’s suites in the main tower are due for some upgrades but the Salone Suites are still nice rooms. Located at the very end of the hallway (hope you don’t mind walking), they have jacuzzi tubs (bathtubs with jets) that have a nice window that lets you gaze at the view as you soak. Personally, I think it is a nice room.
timmy asked on 01/04/06
Wife and I are staying at TI on the 23 & 24th of January for our 25th anniversary. She booked just a standard deluxe room when she booked this as a surprise. I need to call and tell them that we need a Non-smoking room. Should I tell them that it will be our anniversary then or should I wait until check-in and see if they upgrade.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Have them note the anniversary on the reservation when you call. You might get something out of it, you never know.
chapin asked on 01/04/06
Hunter, have you ever heard of anyone successfully accomplishing the $20 trick at Wynn? We are staying there for our anniversary and want to try to get an upper-floor room with a strip view. What kind of odds do you give us? Or, should I just pony up the extra money for the panorama which guarantees us what we want. Your thoughts?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
No one that I know of has pulled this off at WLV. Honestly, they are very accommodating with requests when they can. I’ve gotten what I’ve wanted each time, both in the Resort and Suite Tower rooms. I think your odds are good. Personally, I think the ‘Panorama’ room is a rip but if that is super important for you, you might consider it.
foxxey asked on 12/30/05
Hi, My sister & I will be visiting Vegas about 4 times a year. We are low rollers.
Question-Should be have one slot for each of us or should we combine one card with both names. OR should we just use each others card. Hope this isn’t too confusing. Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Most casinos will only allow joint cards for married couples, not for siblings. You would have to get a single card in one of your names and simply both use it… Combing the comps will surely be more useful. If say a thousands points gets you a buffet for two, you each having a card with 500 points each gets you nothing but a single card would get you a free meal!
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/30/05
Hunter, do you know if Wicked or any other Broadway muscials might be coming to vegas in the next few years (besides Phantom and Spamalot)? Also, would you reccomend the Volcano View room t the Mirage or a regular room at Bellagio? Thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Basically, we don’t know. If the current slate of Broadway shows like ‘Q’, ‘Hairspray’, ‘Phantom’ and ‘Spamalot’ do well, expect more shows to come to Vegas. No one wants to be left behind. Still, I think that entertainment segment has a long way to go before it has proven to be a surefire moneymaker. The Volcano Room at The Mirage is a standard room with a view facing the Venetian and the volcano. The standard rooms at Bellagio are nicer, though you could end up with a freeway view… If the view is very important to you, The Mirage room may have an edge.
musicmansimpson asked on 12/28/05
Phantom?!?! Where is that playing?!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
It opens at The Venetian next year.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/27/05
Would you rather see Ka or Mystere, price isn’t an object and we can’t see O during our stay, because it is dark during our entire stay. Also, do you know when tickets for Phantom of the Opera will go on sale?
Thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I prefer Mystere to Ka by a pretty wide margin. Mystere still blows me away every time. Ka has an immense theater that is pretty cool but I still think Mystere tops it. Tickets for Phantom should be available about 60 days before opening – a date has yet to be announced but it will be next Spring.
PJTremblay01 asked on 12/22/05
Hi, just came back from Las Vegas. I ate at the Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas. Exspensive, but well worth it. Also, any new updates about Encore at Wynn Las Vegas? Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Glad you liked SW, it’s a great place to eat. We publish all updates on Encore on the blog – that’s the place to check for that sort of information. You can even subscribe to the blog and be notified when we post new articles. The blog is located at http://www.ratevegas.com/blog/.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/22/05
Hunter, how wouls I write a trip report for the blog, I have just returned from Wynn and would love to write one, I am also going to Mirage next week and would love to write another, thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Great! We’d love to have it. Just write it up and send it to me at editor@ratevegas.com. I can open pretty much any type of document. As far as structure goes, feel free to write however you feel most comfortable. Once I get the report from you, I’ll gather the other info I need with regard to posting it. Thanks again – hope you had a good time!
willow_kk asked on 12/20/05
Hi there! I’m trying to decide between staying at the Mirage and Paris. I like the tropical theme of the Mirage but I heard they are undergoing rennovations and their pool might be closed (I will be there Jan 1 to the 3rd.) Can anyone please tell me how disruptive these renovations are and how much of the Mirage is under construction/inaccessible? Also, what is their record on opening the pool on time(it is set to open Dec. 30)? Thanks so much for any help you could give!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Yes, The Mirage is being renovated, though most of the work will be done by New Years Eve. You’re seriously thinking about the pool for January? Man… That will be C O L D no matter where you go. Even with heated pools, it is really cold in Vegas in January… But if you’re set on it… The biggest thing being changed was restaurants, with most being replaced. Those new restaurants and a new nightclub are online as of 12/31 with some additional changes spilling into 2006 but most of the heavy work is out of the way. Mirage is doing annual maintenance on the pool, expected to be completed mid-January. They do this every year and typically open in the second week.
neen asked on 12/19/05
Hi Hunter, love the site. I have a question about the Jockey Club. I haven’t been able to find anything about it on this site and I couldn’t find a direct web site for it. Is this a place you would recommend? Do you know if they have a web site or is there a direct phone number ? Thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The Jockey Club is made up of a combination of apartments, time-shares and rooms that are rented as hotel rooms. Although the location, between Bellagio and Monte Carlo, is good, I can’t recommend staying here. The rooms are of differing levels of quality but in general, this facility goes not offer a lot of amenities. The only good reason I could see would be cost and with other properties like the IP, The Flamingo, and Bally’s offering a great value product, why hit up the Jockey Club?
g2 asked on 12/18/05
Hi Hunter,
How busy/crowded would you expect Vegas (Strip Casinos) to be Christmas Week Say Sunday 25 – 29th. Thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Christmas is a popular holiday in Las Vegas but you do see a drop off immediately following, ramping up again for New Years a few days later.
mzmeg asked on 12/16/05
I’ve booked a room at the Mandalay and they’re offering a $25 spa suite upgrade as well. I’m still going to try the $20 trick and see if I can get three nights for $20 as opposed to $75.
I’m concerned about the size complaints on this site. Is it a better bet to stay at a non-spa room at NYNY or Luxor?
Also, we’re not huge gamblers and on a budget. Foodwise, what casino offers good deals for decent eats?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Howdy. Between NYNY and Luxor, MB is certainly the nicest property. Good luck with the $20 trick – getting a suite upgrade like that is pretty rare. As far as food goes, most of the hotels have buffets and coffee shops that can offer cheaper eats. The best buffets are at Bellagio, Paris, the Aladdin, The Mirage and Wynn Las Vegas. Other joints such as the Grand Luxe Cafe at The Venetian has huge portions and lots of choices. Las Vegas offers a ton of options for all price points. Have fun!
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/15/05
In a follow up to my previous question, I too love the high-floor strip view room, but I hear that the two-double bed rooms only face the golf-course. So, I guess I should just make my bg request a high-floor, any suggestions?
Also, when I arrive at the South Tower entrance, will the bellhops ask me if I am staying at the Tower Suites or do I just go into the lobby, thanks
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I was told that the two-bed rooms were only on the golf course side but my Wynn rep said that there were a few rooms with two beds on the Strip side. The Tower Suites are accessed via the Sands Ave. entrance. There is a sign directing you to the Tower Suites where they usually check a printed sheet to ensure you are in the right place. The bellhops have different tags for the South Tower and thus know where everything goes. You’ll walk in the gorgeous South Tower entrance, through the villa atrium (nice ponds!) and then through across the walkway to the casino into the Tower Suites lobby. The desk is straight ahead… The Tower Suites are fantastic – a truly different experience.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/14/05
Hunter, what would be the best room location for me to request, when I check-in to Wynn Las Vegas, i am staying in the tower suites, thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Depends on what you want… Personally, I like Strip view, high floor. The Tower Suites are on the South side of the tower so high vs. low and golf vs. Strip are really your only choices.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/13/05
Hunter, should Stack be open in the next few weeks, and how is Fix. Maybe you could help me, we are trying to figure out a nice-casual dinner that isn’t at Wynn, and trying to figure out where to go, can you reccomend anywhere?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Stack should be open next week… Fix is good. Very hip and loud (open to casino), but I really love the dark wood and the wavy ceiling. Stack will be very similar. Stack (should be) or Fix are good choices… As are Isla (TI – Mexican). Mesa Grill at Caesars can be taken as casual or gourmet and they have some great stuff.
musicmansimpson asked on 12/12/05
Hunter,
do you know if the restaurants are allowed to use real Creme Fraiche in Nevada? It is illegal up here because of the amazingly high amount of bacteria.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Interesting question… I don’t know for sure but my research shows no such restriction. I will see if I can get more information.
craigmanson asked on 12/12/05
Hey there! Great site my friend. I’m thinking of returning to Vegas in 2006 and wondered when the best time to go would be in terms of getting good deals on accomodation. I was think April or May?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Spring is always a great time – good weather and usually good rates. These days you never know though – you can find good (and bad) rates all times of year. The best bet is to pick some times you like and then do some searching online.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/12/05
hunter, will the Gallery at Wynn be open for the next couple of weeks, or is it, as of now, closed? Thanks, oh, also, is the pedestrian bridge between Wynn and Fashion Show open yet, thanks.
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The bridge between TI and FSM is open, the FSM/Wynn bridge is almost open and the Wynn/Palazzo bridge has a ways to go. The Gallery is expected to close before X-Mas but no specific date has been given.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/09/05
Hunter, what ever happened to Mink at the Mirage? I saw on the blog that you had it placed on the property map where the Baccarat Bar was, and now, I heard that the Baccarat Bar area is just slot machines, so are the plans for mink off, or is the idea still on the drawing board?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
My understanding is that is still the plan, they are just putting slots in there until they are ready to work on that area.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/09/05
Hunter, which would you reccomend for a nice lunch at Wynn, Tableau or Terrace Point? Also, what would you say the best public space at Wynn is and why?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Tableau is more upscale that Terrace Pointe and more private. You are in a tucked away space that is much more intimate. Best public space? There are a lot of them that I really like. One in particular is walking through the convention areas – I really love the hallways.
DoubleGW asked on 12/08/05
We were offered a free suite at either Mandalay Bay or The Hotel. Which would you have chosen and why?
By the way, your site is great and very informative…Thanks =)
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
THEHotel hands down. It’s like asking if you want to stay at Harrah’s or Bellagio… THEHotel is much nicer, better rooms (all suites), better decorated, separate check-in, access to all MB facilities, etc… Thanks!
Rob asked on 12/08/05
Hi Hunter – good to see that the site is still the best !
In your view – which types of rooms, in which hotels currently have the most dramatic views of the strip ?
(Interesting to see, from Detroit’s review on the Blog, that the views from Wynn looking south don’t look great due to the Palazzo construction). How does Mandalay Bay looking north compare with Treasure Island looking South or Paris looking West etc?
Many thanks – Rob
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Thanks! The views on LVB have changed more in the last 5 years than in the 5 before it, many new buildings have been built right up on the street, from Caesars to MB. Views from THEHotel and Mandalay’s main tower are still pretty incredible. Wynn Las Vegas views on the highest floors are very good but expect them to be drastically changed when the Palazzo is finished. The view from TI or The Mirage toward MB has been chopped up by the new tower at Caesars – you can’t see the lake at Bellagio anymore (though the views from that tower are pretty good in both directions). The long sweeping views are going away, replaced with more localized views as density increases.
wd119 asked on 12/07/05
Hunter, I heard that some hotels like Harrahs give out free show tickets to their customers. Is that true? Can I do $20 trick for asking free tickets instead of room upgrade? or both? Will visit LV on Dec 19-24. Thanks a lot .
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
Sometimes free tickets are offered as part of a promotion. Other times it is timeshare people that are on property trying to reel you in… None of that stuff is predictable – these things come and go. As far as getting the tickets – the front desk clerk likely has zero power to do this for you – their responsibilities are restricted to dealing with the rooms. So, I doubt that would work, sorry.
PJTremblay01 asked on 12/06/05
Hi, I read an article today in the Las Vegas Sun Newspaper about Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. It mentions some more details about the new tower and it also mentions that construction will start next spring. How true is this information? By the way, I appreciate your quick responses. Your website is the best for LV info. Thanks!
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
The article featured direct quotes from Wynn himself – I think that it is the most current info out there. Of course things can change at any time, depending on financing, market conditions, WLV performance, etc… We posted info on the article on the blog – there are a few additional comments over there.
nsxdrift_89 asked on 12/06/05
hunter, hopefully you knw this, is the mirage ensignia in Steve Wynn’s handwriting, if so, why hasn’t anything ever been said about this?
Vegas Mate @ RateVegas answered:
I don’t know for certain but I’ve never heard that. Perhaps nothing has been said of it because it is not the case? I’ve seen Steve’s handwriting and honestly, it’s a bit messy.