Aquaria

Hi all,
Forgive me because I know the hotel questions have been asked dozens of times, but I wanted a fresh take on it if that's ok. A few details:
- We're a younger couple leaving the kids with G&G, going in early March
- Hubby will be gambling more than me, probably at the cheaper places (so he doesn't lose his shirt) like downtown or Boardwalk
- I'm pregnant, and will gamble some, but want to avoid the smoke as much as I can. I also can't walk around non-stop all day like we did on prior trips
- I'd like a nice pool area provided the weather is warm enough and/or it's heated
- Close proximity to decent, mid-price range food
- We'd be staying in a deluxe room at all, no suites (unless we can get upgraded), and probably not the Palace Twr at Caesars)

I think that about covers it, but if you need more info let me know. Previously, we've stayed at NYNY - good price, like the casino and theme, room kind of small; and the Aladdin - food pricey, casino tight, room very nice.

Thanks!

hotel

Of the 3 i'd choose Mirage.

I'm not the Caesar's type, and being pregnant it's a trek just to get from the door of their hotel to the street. Also, i heard there is costruction going on there now and i wouldn't want to risk being waken up early while on vacation.

MC is ok i guess too, but i just like the experience at the Mirage... it was the first place i ever stayed in Vegas so i guess that means something to me. MC is just a "basic" hotel, at least at Mirage there are things to do/see, and the pool is GREAT (although early march may be too cold to swim).

Mirage is also closest to downtown. Although MC is close(r) to Boardwalk, Mirage is across the street from Casino Royale which almost always has low limit tables.

KMK

I've always liked Monte Carlo; I've stayed there about 5 times. It is easy to navigate, and I've never found the casino too smokey. Also a good selection of lower limit slots, and usually plenty of $5 blackjack...plus right next door to Boardwalk for even cheaper gambling. The pool area looks nice (I'm not a pool person so I've never used it!); they have a number of different pools and a lazy river ride.

For reasonable food, you have a food court right in MC, plus the Brew Pub and the coffee shop are reasonably priced.

I've never stayed at the Mirage; it always seemed a little more congested and harder to navigate, but it is probably a good choice as well. A lot of people like it, and it is in a good location.

Caesar's just seems too big & sprawling, and I've never enjoyed gambling there. Of the three you mentioned, they are the hardest to find nickle slots or a $5 bj table. They do constantly seem to have construction going as well. Although, having the Forum Shops right there, you can probably find numerous reasonably priced restaurants.

I'd say MC or Mirage fits your criteria best...

ChristieP

We stayed at Monte Carlo last time we were there, and I'd consider us a "younger couple," too. The room was nice and big, and the hotel was relatively quiet. Since MC has no theme, and is not one of the cheaper hotels, there are relatively few kids there.

We did a little gambling in MC's casino and didn't have very good luck. High table limits were our biggest problem. It is a BIG casino, and we were disappointed not to see any non-smoking tables. I didn't like the race book at all. The tote boards were so high up that it made my neck hurt, even sitting as far back as possible. Boardwalk is just next door if you want cheaper tables, and we also loved the Imperial Palace's low limits and non-smoking tables. MGM Grand's Race Book was AWESOME!

MC did have a food court, although we only ate a couple of meals there. Their breakfast buffet was very good.

Leona

Mirage is most centrally located on the strip and it has a beautiful pool, with a very tropical feel. We were there last summer & spent every morning out there. It was gorgeous. But there are a lot of children going through the public areas.

If you're looking for great (cheap) gambling, go out of town to the JW Marriott in Summerlin. Their casino has $1 roulette & extremely friendly & helpful croupiers. Best place we ever gambled.

Try the Cortez Room in the Gold Coast for great prime rib.

Loungin

I've stayed at all three of these hotels. The Monte Carlo is the most laid back of the three. They are all beautiful hotels. It just depends on what you're looking for. Caesars has more to do out of all three being that it has the Forum Shops. You can't go staying at either of them so go with the best deal.

Loungin

Meant to say that you can't go wrong staying at either of them so go with the best deal. Have a safe trip.