CHOCOLATE_WATER_ICE

Has anyone stayed here recently?

A friend is planning a first time trip to Las Vegas and plans to stay there. I have read some so-so reviews of the place.

I have not been to Vegas for several years and was not impressed with the hotel the last time I was there.

I haven't stayed there. I got some Krispy Kremes and went to the knights on horses show (both of those were fine).

However, the hotel looked dated and I wasn't tempted to add them to my "might stay next time" list.

The downstairs shopping and arcade areas were worn and depressing looking, in my opinion.

Anyone stayed there or been there lately?

I was asked for advice by my friend, so I will feel bad if I don't let them know if it's not nice. I really want my friend to have a great time and not be disappointed.

The other hotel choices are Treasure Island, Monte Carlo and Planet Hollywood.

Looking for a nice, clean hotel and clean rooms.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Katie_H

Hi Chocolate_Water_Ice--- welcome to Fodor's.

You can view our review of the excaliber and the reviews of some of our members here: http://www.fodors.com/world/north%20...ity_32284.html

Is your friend traveling alone or with family?

curiousgeo

Wasn't there a fire at the Monte Carlo the other week? Might want to check if that will affect hotel operations during the period your friend is visiting.

CHOCOLATE_WATER_ICE

Thanks, Katie_H,

I'm not really new, thanks for the welcome anyway. It has been a while since I posted.

I looked at the link. The reviews were mixed like they were at other places I looked.

curiousgeo,

They plan to go in a few months. I think I might call Monte carlo and ask when they will be open.

Any other advice very welcome.

Katie_H

Sorry about that chocolate! Well, welcome back!

lvk

As far as I know, there have been no major renovations to the Excalibur lately, so it is probably as run down as you remember it. This is why it is normally priced way below the other hotels that you mention. Another disadvantage is its location at the far end of the strip. It is also very child-friendly, which may be a plus or minus for your friend.

The Planet Hollywood was formerly the Aladdin and is still in the process of renovating. When I was looking at hotels for our March stay, there were "construction" warnings.

Monte Carlo is booking rooms right now and probably offering deals to get people back there after the fire. (It was only about $100/nt for my March dates). Although it is dated, I actually like the MC -- not quite as "over-the-top" as the others.

Treasure Island is located more in the thick of things, being near the Mirage and not far from Caesar's and the new Wynn.

I guess it all depends on your friend's standards, but of the 4 you mention, I would rate Excalibur dead last.

MBnancy

We stayed there a dozen years ago and I thought it was not so great then, but our sons wanted to stay there and see the dinner show. Never again.

Last summer my hairdresser was taking her family (that castle theme appeals to the young ones) there. I warned her.

She came back, saying I was right, it was cheap and crummy.

maryanntex

We stayed at the Planet Hollywood in October and were very, very pleased with it. No complaints whatsoever.

FainaAgain

Chocolate, I may be wrong, but isn't it better to stay in the center visiting first time? Like Flamingo or Caesar's - depends on how much you want to spend.

Location-wise I'd pick Treasure or Planet off your list (or any place in between those)

ChristieP

www.cheapovegas.com gives funny and very truthful reviews of Vegas hotels.

I've been in Excalibur, and unless you're a Rennie who dreams about staying in a room with a suit of armor for decor, I'd steer WAY clear of this dump...

toncasmo

i agree with the planet hollywood. i just sent my nephew and girlfriend for a birthday/graduation gift and they stayed there and loved it. of course they are 22 and 21 so i think it's more of a young people place. i got a good deal on internet, included breakfast etc- $89

Ryan

The Excalibur is on the low end of the market. In Vegas, you get what you pay for.

If they are looking for a cheap place to stay, it's probably fine. I stayed there once for a bachelor party. It was cheap, though not memorable.

Until last week's fire, I would have said Monte Carlo. It's a nice low key option for Vegas. The one time I stayed (again for a bachelor party) I didn't feel like it was overwhelming in terms of the crowd, as other Vegas hotels can be. They don't have a great pool area, though.

manduss

How old is your friend? TI and Planet Hollywood are both good options for the younger crowd.

While TI isn't centrally located, it is in a great clump of casinos, with the Mirage, Harrah's, Venetian, and Wynn all within easy walking distance.

I have not stayed at Excalibur, but I only consider it to be an option for families with young children OR people who fully buy in to the Excalibur theme.

longhorn55

We stayed at the Excaliber recently and it was a perfect choice for us--two people who just wanted an reasonably priced hotel room on the Vegas Strip for a few hours of sleep each night. If you want golden bells and silver whistles, then you should keep looking. But if you want a good, clean standard room at a good price, then the Excaliber would be an excellent choice.