Be glad you're getting it for free...!

The Imperial Palace barely registers as a third-tier property on the Strip. It's got a fantastic location (dead-center Strip, basically) in its favor. And that's about it. The theme is lame, the rooms are clean but really basic, the casino is dark and almost spooky, and it has a really awful bunch of restaurants on-site. Expect to use it as a place to crash and clean up-- but you'll definitely want to go elsewhere to game, party and eat.

I wouldn't stay there if it was free. Honestly. A friend stayed there and found a bucket of urine in the hallway. 12 hours later, same bucket of urine was still there. I went to the casino once...once.

Don't expect much. I stayed there the first time I went to Vegas - when I was young and poor. Back then (about 15 years ago), I thought it was okay. I don't know if it has gotten worse or my tastes have changed (probably a little of both) but on a recent visit I walked over to check out the odds in the sports book and the word that comes to mind is "yuck." It was pretty dingy and had a distinctive and unpleasant odor.

Like Loki, I would rather pay for my room than stay there for free. If you must stay there, I highly suggest that you go elsewhere for your food and fun.

just re-read my last sentence - should be highly recommend or strongly suggest but not highly suggest!

321sister,

I, would NOT stay there even if I had full RFB comps. Dark, dank, dingy, dirty and depressing best describes the hotel, casino and rooms.

No, we didn't have a bucket of urine outside our room (didn't know they were available!) however the hotel certainly smells as if it's seen it's share of bodily fluids.

Just two words of advice: Run away!

Strive

PS curious as to how Loki's friend knew what was in the bucket--did they get close enough to be sure?)

I think the odor was obvious and pungent enough that you didn't have to get too close. There's something about a mysteriously placed bucket that makes it hard to just walk past without checing it out. The question I had is, "where'd the bucket come from?" Might have been a disposable ice bucket, not sure if they have those there...think it was ever disposed of or just recycled?!?!

I stayed there in 1999 and thought it was just fine. OK, the buffet IS bad! Rooms were clean. No bad odors. Great location. Has it really gone THAT far downhill??

Yep, location is PERFECT, rooms are less than perfect and as a previous poster mentioned, probably only want to sleep and shower there. Slots are very loose--so gambling is a +++

I've never stayed at or eaten at the IP, but I game there A LOT. I love their race book! It is one of the biggest race books in Vegas and is in a better location than the Stardust. They also have lower limits on table games than most other strip casinos, and they pay 3:2 on blackjack.

I have to agree with the others who said they would not stay there for free. I'm sorry, but it does not have any appeal whatsoever. I'd rather not go.

I stayed there once....in 1987.
It was funny.
Lime green shag carpeting, mirror-striped wallpaper, heart shaped 4 person tub with mirrors on the ceiling.
What an old Vegas hoot it was.

I've walked through it on occasion during the years since. I'll agree with most of the above comments.
If you can't afford a hotel in LV, free is better than nothing.
But I wouldn't stay there for free at this point in my life because I just wouldn't enjoy it.

If you are simply looking for a place to sleep then you are fine. I stayed there a year ago, and as a twenty-something who was mainly in the room to sleep and shower it was just fine. Great location on the strip, lower limit tables, cheesy lounge entertainment, and awful atmosphere. But our room was clean and we had no issues. If you are there to enjoy Vegas and not the hotel then it won't be an issue. You are in the middle of everything else on the strip so you don't have to spend much time in the hotel anyways.

it is no Bellagio...but the location is great...next door is OSheas(great to gamble and has a Burger King/subway/Dunkin Donuts) and the Flamingo...the rooms are okay and the elevators are a little slow..loved their slots and free band show out in front...their Living Legend show is great and the Car show is too...didn't care for rest'...buffet was Ok...but was free.....for free the place is okay...drinks were free flowing while playing...tip the girls and there are right on top of you...

To Help:

Sounds like I would want to know what the girls are like before I start tipping them....

they are very attractive and have cute little outfits on...and are very quick w/cocktails and beverages.....GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER!!!!!.......and I'm a female and not gay...don.t jag on people trying to HELP......

Thanks to alland I,ll elsewhere