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TWO RESORTS TO CHOOSE FROM - PLEASE HELP

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TWO RESORTS TO CHOOSE FROM - PLEASE HELP

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Old Jun 11th, 2003, 02:57 AM
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TWO RESORTS TO CHOOSE FROM - PLEASE HELP

My husband and I will be traveling to Las Vegas in February of next year. The conference is at Hyatt Regency in Henderson but just received some info on Green Valley Ranch Resort. Has anyone stayed at either. The hotel room and view are very important to us. It will also be our anniversary. Any info will be really appreciated.
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Old Jun 11th, 2003, 09:05 AM
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Without knowing which type of environment you would most enjoy it's hard to make a recommendation, so I'll just highlight some of the differences in these two properties:

The Hyatt Regency is located at Lake Las Vegas some 20 miles (40 minutes) from the Strip. Green Valley Ranch is located 10 miles (15-20 minutes - all freeway) from the Strip.

The HR will offer views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Las Vegas. GVR will offer views of the Las Vegas Valley, including the strip as it sits on the south side of the valley, somewhat elevated.

The HR and GVR should have similar room quality. GVR advertises feather beds, down comforters, upscale bathrooms, etc. All HR's are predictably upscale.

The HR has limited restaurants. When I visited one day, I only found one, but there may be two. Perhaps someone else can speak to their restaurants. GVR has many dining options on-site like a buffet, steak house, food court, and even an Irish Pub. Also, the Green Valley area has hundreds of restaurants if you are not satisfied by their choices.

The HR has a small, quiet casino that is almost an afterthought. GVR has a massive casino with all game types and machines of every denomination, as well as all the popular table games.

GVR offers different entertainment venues, such as movie theaters on-site. If I'm not mistaken, they have a lively jazz concert weekly at the Whiskey Sky Bar. Not sure what type of entertainment (if any) is offered by HR.

Unless solitude is what you enjoy most, I would recommend the Green Valley Ranch, since it has much more to offer in the way of amenities.

There was a horrible movie with Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta (sp?) Jones, and Julia Roberts called "American Sweethearts", that was filmed almost entirely at the Hyatt. You might want to rent it just to check out the hotel.

Hope this helps.
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Old Jun 11th, 2003, 09:49 AM
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OliveOyl
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I've stayed at Hyatt Lake Las Vegas. It's relatively new, (past few years) and a beautiful Mobil rated 4* resort with golf course, spa, 2 pools and small casino, as vegaslocal said. My husband is a Hyatt GM so we were fortunate to be able to stay in one of the villas, which was *gorgeous*, but because we were in a villa, I have virtually no idea what their normal guest rooms are like.

Can't comment on GVR, but did try to find it in Mobil Guides, the bible for rating systems, and they evidently haven't rated it--which probably means nothing. It may be too new, and some properties decide against being rated for various reasons. Mobil's 4* is an impressive and hard to attain rating though, so it would have been enlightening to be able to compare the two.

As for dining, Hyatt has Japengo, Pacific rim dining, and one of the more memorable meals we've had anywhere (chef was a Zagat award winning Sushi chef), and Cafe Tajine, New American cuisine, plus a market from which you can stock your room refrig. There's a coffee bar as well and poolside grill.

As vegaslocal noted, it's a distance from the strip..but I don't recall it being 40 minutes, by any means...maybe half that? It's 17 miles from the strip and a good chunk of that you can go at a pretty decent clip.

Needless to say, there is no view of the Strip here...it's of the mountains and lake. It suited our needs to a T as the strip isn't something that appeals much to us, but may not be for those who are more interested in that aspect of Vegas. We did go in a couple of times in a 2 day stay, and found it no hassle to make the drive.
 
Old Jun 11th, 2003, 05:39 PM
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Regardless of which hotel you choose, do us a favor loulani! Come back to the board and give us your opinion after your visit!

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Old Jun 11th, 2003, 05:52 PM
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A few additions:

1) I've done the drive from the Hyatt to the Strip several times. It's not 40 minutes unless traffic is really bad or there's an accident. 25-30 is a better estimate.

2) Japengo is a chain restaurant that has actually gone out of business in some cities. It's a nice angle when the operation is well executed, but I've been to a couple mediocre Japengos.

3) Green Valley Ranch is in a bland and uninteresting city location, while the Hyatt is in one of the only picturesque locations in the LV region.
GVR is much more convenient to the strip.

Otherwise, I'd agree with all the above.

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Old Jun 12th, 2003, 03:26 AM
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I really appreciate everyones' response. I didn't realize it was so far from the strip. The Hyatt has a shuttle service to the strip but maybe we should rent a car. What do you think? Even though the convention is at the Hyatt, maybe we should stay on the strip hummmm.
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Old Jun 12th, 2003, 07:00 AM
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You will most definitely, without a doubt want to have a car no matter which of these two properties you choose.

As for my earlier estimate of 40 minutes from the Hyatt to the Strip, I was allowing time for traffic. Since you would be driving to the Hyatt in the morning, and away from the Hyatt in the afternoon, you would be going against traffic, and can surely make the drive in 30 minutes.

However, I work about three blocks from GVR and was on the freeway that runs between I-15 and Green Valley Parkway. Traffic flowing toward the Strip was almost at a dead stop for miles. Traffic moving toward Henderson/Lake Mead was flowing nicely. It just depends on which way you are headed and at what time.

I think as long as you have a car, GVR would be a good choice and is almost mid-way between they Hyatt and the Strip, so that you are reasonably convenient to either.
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Old Jun 12th, 2003, 07:59 AM
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Hi-
I live in LV and recently visited Hyatt Regency. I would definitely choose the Hyatt over GVR- especially since the convention is also being held there. The view is very pretty- you would never know you are in the desert. GVR is a nice property-but not much scenery, etc. Both properties are not close to the "LV Strip" or Fremont Street- so a car rental would be a good idea. In any event- have a great stay in our city. (and maybe take home some of our money, too)
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Old Jul 7th, 2003, 01:21 PM
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Just Returned!
A few pointers:
1. The Hyatt rooms are NOT,I repeat NOT luxurios AT ALL. Whoever [posted above that they are is not familiar with "luxury." The rooms are ordinary, conmfortable rooms and are more motel style- low ceilings, single sink vanieties, same tub and bath. The linens were not deluxe at all.

2. Lake Las Vegas is a LONG DRIVE from the strip. It is a featureless drive at night, which is what probably makes it seem longer.
3. There are NO SHOPS OPEN except for a very upscale jewlery store and a partially equipped Starbucks. Otherwise you must eat at the hotel. There is not a shopping mall to pick stuff up at for 6 miles back in the direction of the strip.

Green Valley
1. Is a very suburban feeling setting. It has a few restaurants and is on the higway MUCH CLOSER to the strip, but FAR LESS natural beauty.

If you can get a room on the strip, I would suggest doing so. If you will be going to the strip then choose Green Valley.

If room comfort in not important to you- in other words, something like Hamptons Inn/Embassy Suites/Hilton/Holiday Inn is fine, then go for the Hyatt and bring a cooler of stuff to eat, otherwise you may feel stranded.

By the way, I am sorry for the CAPS, but I only wish I had read a message like this prior to booking my hoiliday at the Hyatt- it was extremely disappointing.
 
Old Jul 7th, 2003, 01:35 PM
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Hello,

Boy I sure was surprised by your review.

could you please compare this hotel (Hyatt) Overall to one on the strip in terms of luxury of the property. I realize the casino at the Hyatt is rather quiet and small

Thank you

Ruby
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Old Jul 7th, 2003, 02:26 PM
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I'm not sure if hotandsweaty is exaggerating for effect or if he really had that bad an experience. No, the rooms are not huge and it is pretty isolated. However, it has beautiful grounds, really nice pool facilities, a great view and atmosphere and excellent service by all employees. That said, if I hadn't been at a conference that offered dinner parties/casino nights/Lake mead tours I probably would have been bored when my husband was at his meetings. There really isn't much out that way. They did open a good size casino at the Ritz about 2 minutes away that is better than the one at the resort.

I didn't go into the GVR but drove by on my way in and out to the Hyatt. I didn't like the location at all. Not a good area in the least - a couple of freeways converge right there and it's pretty blighted for a few blocks around.
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Old Jul 7th, 2003, 04:35 PM
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No offense to OliveOyl, but I find the rooms at most Hyatts to be very run of the mill and not what I'd classify as luxurious. There are exceptions I'm sure (I'm trying to think of one but can't off hand).
But of the many, many Hyatts I've stayed at over the years, by today's standards I'd consider most of them to rate about 6-7 on a scale of 10 for room and bathroom quality.
Better than Hilton, to be sure.
But not close to Ritz, Peninsula, Four Seasons, etc.
Above all, Hyatts tend to be good business hotels with reliable minimum standards. But they seem less suited for a luxury leisure trip.
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Old Jul 7th, 2003, 06:01 PM
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Comparison to Strip for Above Poster.

I am new to Vegas and can only compare to the much larger 3,000 room Venetian and Mandalay Bay. Despite their size, their rooms were spotless. I prefered the decor at Mandalay Bay for its serene muted shades. Both had tall ceilings, real lamps and real desks (not motel style) and thick fluffy linens and robes and turndown service and a tasteful atmosphere even in their endless halls.

Both bathrooms were large enough for two adults to co exist harmoniously. Two sinks, broad marble vanities, separate toilet room and separate tub and shower.

The Hyatt's was motel style- one at a time.

We were not allowed to use the Hyatt's small beach after 6pm (we arrived at 6:30), even though it was light out and hot as heck. The pool was a giant "camp hyatt" experience (what would you expect 4th of july weekend?)

The Mandalay Bay soaps and lotions were from Gilchrist and Soames, a London company, the Venetian's were also a brand.

When we mentioned our disappointment with the Hyatt as compared to the strip they said "we don't have that kind of money"-- I am not knocking this as a great choice for a family with kids, but as far as sophistication goes or luxury, as the poster above put it, it's never going to come close to the rooms at the Ritz/ Four Seasons/ Fairmont chains.(although I have been in dumpy old ritz rooms and ordinary four seasons rooms when i could afford them). I have learned my lesson and will absolutely spend the extra money for what I want which is this level of comfort- but everybody has different expectations and tastes...one man's trash is another man's treasure, etc.

As this is an anniversary, you may want to enquire at the Ritz. Their pool, their spa, their lagoon, everything about it was above average in my opinion. We had a view of the mountains and the lake when we stayed- it seemed ideal for a special occasion.
 
Old Jul 8th, 2003, 10:43 PM
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hotandsweaty
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i'm just kind of doing a test. i came back to see if anyone had responded to this and it was weirdly buried 5 pages back...and all the messages above it were times about 3-4 minutes apart.

has anyone else experienced censorship on this board when a prominent advertiser is concerned?

I wonder if i will be banned from this board for suggesting such a thing- we'll see tomorrow!
 
Old Jul 9th, 2003, 06:15 AM
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Another choice would be the JW Marriott in Summerlin. Nice rooms, pretty setting, good casino and gorgeous pool.
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Old Jul 10th, 2003, 10:18 AM
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If your meetings are at the Hyatt at Lake Las Vegas, the last poster's suggestion of staying in Summerlin at the Marriott is nothing short of absurd. Summerlin is miles and miles down the freeway and the Marriott is substandard and always having problems. Summerlin is a suburb in the northwest and you couldn't be further away from Lake Las Vegas.
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Old Jul 11th, 2003, 05:45 AM
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I just wanted to add a couple of comments - I can't speak to the Hyatt property itself, but can comment on Green Valley Ranch. It is true that the area surrounding GVR is not scenic like Lake Las Vegas, but the property itself is very nice. We just got back from a long weekend there - the rooms are lovely (I would say as nice as Mandalay Bay), the pool is great, and there are a variety of nice, reasonably priced restaurants to choose from. Dealers are friendly. The spa is a bit of a disappointment - cool building but small.

Lake Las Vegas is really pretty but it is a good distance from the strip and, as mentioned above, there still isn't much out there yet. The casino near the Ritz is nice but quite small.
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Old Jul 11th, 2003, 08:37 AM
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HotandSweaty--Who is the censor burying your posts? And who is the advertiser? Hyatt? LOL This is the first I've seen any of the responses here or I'd have replied to your post earlier.

Were you referring to my post above as being the one calling the rooms luxurious? Here's a cut and paste what I actually said: "we were fortunate to be able to stay in one of the villas, which was *gorgeous*, but because we were in a villa, I have virtually no idea what their normal guest rooms are like".

I can speak to Mobil's 4* rating, however, and despite never having seen them, I'd stake my bottom dollar on the fact that the regular rooms are not motel like. It is extremely difficult to achieve and maintain a 4* rating and it is based on the overall hotel, not the deluxe suites. Hyatt Lake Las Vegas got it. You will not find one motel in the US with the same rating and I simply do NOT believe, despite the fact that we didn't have one of the "regular" rooms, that Hyatt Lake Las Vegas rooms are "motel like". They would not qualify for that level if they were. Now...what Las Vegas hotels managed to attain 4* ratings? Bellagio, 4 Seasons, Venetian, and Hyatt Lake Las Vegas. That's it. No 5*s. Further, Hyatt has never purported to be a Ritz or 4 Seasons--that is a different market niche altogether and one it has no interest in entering.

I'm sorry your experience was negative and am afraid you got off on the wrong foot with them from the get go with the beach being closed when you arrived and wanted to use it. Was there a function? I sincerely do my best to depict a hotel as it is, and in this case, I qualified my room observation by stating what we had. I do know that your comparison of their rooms with what one might find in Hampton Inn or Embassy suites is an exaggeration...at best!

As I've said previously, I don't give a flying flip if people stay in any Hyatt anywhere. I've been known not to recommend some I've been unhappy with and have encourgaged people in other places who seem not to be set on a hotel, to look into any number of good B&B's and will recommend them, including in the city where my husband formerly ran the Hyatt. I simply don't have a stake in any hotel's sales, but I do have one in accurately depicting what people will find at any location and ensuring that my word is good, not exaggerated, and as accurate as I can be. It is from that standpoint that I take exception to your post. To reiterate, you simply are not going to find a hotel earning Mobil's 4* award with motel-like rooms. It's not going to happen, plain and simple.
 
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