Hello all,

May have posted twice - sorry

We are going to Las Vegas in June and I am having to pay for two rooms (one for my wife and myself, one for an elderly sister) so budget is slightly important. I have narrowed the options to 4 hotels. Monte Carlo, Mirage, Paris and Rio. When we were in Vegas a few years back we spent an evening at the Rio and really liked it although it is 'off' strip. I would really appreciate opinions of these four hotels. I have spent time looking at TripAdvisor and find it a waste of time. Some say Great, others say Rubbish! I am sure that Fodors give much more realistic views. Thanks in advance.

You might have better luck by putting "Las Vegas-Choice of Hotels" in your title.

However, here's my 2 cents worth. Our son says the Paris is his favorite hotel. I've only walked through it and thought is was really unique. My husband has stayed at the Rio, and as you've noted, it is far away from everything else, so he won't stay there anymore. We've only walked through and snacked at the Mirage and I wasn't impressed. I haven't been in the Monte Carlo.

So, my vote would be for Paris. It' right across the street from the Bellagio and those fabulous "dancing waters". \/

Jewelhawg

Thanks for your prompt comment, most helpful. And yes I shall put 'Las Vegas' in the title - I do know better but I was not thinking.

Thanks again.

I think Paris or the Mirage would be the best choice. The location is the best. There is lots to do on that area of the strip. Both hotels are very nice. You have nearby shopping and plenty of restaurants.

If I were in your position I would not pick the Rio, only because of it's location. Between the three remaining hotels I would choose whichever hotel gives you the best rate. I have stayed at the Monte Carlo and The Mirage and the rooms are equal in quality. I imagine the rooms at the Paris are probably around the same.

Also take a look at what is important to you. If a pool is important then check out all the hotel's pools and pick which on suits you the best. Hope this helps have a great trip!

I've stayed at the Rio, and I found the rooms there a bit dark. I echo a previous poster's suggestion - Paris or Mirage.... Stayed in both, they were nice...

Having stayed at both Paris and Monte Carlo, I would recommend either, normally. Considering the Monte Carlo recently had a fire, you may want to stay at Paris.

http://www.montecarlo.com/temporary_closure.aspx

A pretty good site for info on Vegas hotels is Cheapo Vegas.

http://www.cheapovegas.com/index.php

There are really great deals for the hotels you mentioned.

Try: http://www.smartervegas.com/hotels.aspx

They get the deals direct from the hotels so you also book direct from the official hotel websites. Last time the price dropped after I already booked, so I called the monte carlo and they gave me the lower price although I already booked. If you dont book direct you usually have to pay a fine to change your booking.

Hi.
I've stayed at the Mirage, Paris and the Rio. My personal choice of those would be the Mirage, but I would not rule out the Rio just because of its location. Paris has nothing to offer me.

What is the purpose of your trip? Do you plan on spending time at the pool? Will you have a car?

Since you mention budget being a concern, the Rio immediately shoots to the front of the line since they generally have better rates. The general cost of things at the Rio will be a little lower than that of the Mirage or Paris ($1 or 50 cents here and there does add up over time). Their standard rooms are larger than those of the Mirage and Paris, too. I believe the sizes are 600 square feet for the standard Rio room (technically a suite) and 450 square feet for the rooms at the Mirage and Paris.
A few years ago, I would have ruled out the Rio due to its location, but since they added the free shuttles to Caesars Palace, Harrah's and Bally's, I find it to be a very viable option (and I rarely rent a car).
I love the environment at the Rio. The Bevertainers on the casino floor sing or dance or stages throughout the place a few times every hour. They have the Masquerade Show in the Sky. You have a great view of the Strip from Voodoo Lounge (and perhaps a great view from your room, too). The Carnival World Buffet is worth visiting whether you are staying at the Rio or not. I know there have been some restaurant changes since my last visit but I have never had trouble finding something good to eat (whether it was a quick breakfast, casual lunch or a fancy dinner). Lucky Strikes is a hip bowling alley with an upscale (ultra-lounge-like) bar and good comfort food. On our September trip, our first meal was at Lucky Strikes. It was exactly what we needed (we got in at 11pm after a cross country flight). We had chicken tenders, a burger, beer and martini. It was perfect.
You should also receive a sheet of coupons when you check in that are NOT good at the Rio, but are for other Harrah's owned properties (like Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars Palace and the Flamingo).
If you want even lower budget gambling and dining options, you can always walk across the street to the Gold Coast for low limit gambling and an inexpensive buffet.

The Mirage is one of my favorite places and I only put it second because you mentioned budgetary issues. For two people, a regular room at the Mirage will still have enough space and you will see more attention to detail in the interior design. The Mirage is located where Las Vegas boulevard takes a bit of a curve, so if your room is facing South, you should have a beautiful view of the rest of the Strip.
I like the dining options at the Mirage (STACK is one of my favorites). There are a ton of bar/lounge options. There are 2 pool options (including and adult 'European style' one called Bare).
The Mirage has a good location as a sightseeing base, too, with Caesars Palace, TI, Harrah's, the Venetian and Wynn all within easy walking distance.

I stayed at Paris twice over the past two years. On the second trip, I was only there to rest. I spent all of my waking time away from the place (it does have a good central Strip location). The more I think about it, the more I don't like the place. The rooms are small. The walkway through the dining and retail area is loud and hard on your feet (faux cobblestone). It has minimal bar space and lounge options. I don't like the casino ...
The buffet was good and I have eaten there since. With the exception of the buffet, Paris is a place I avoid even though I can normally get comped rooms there. I think you have to really like the theme of Paris to enjoy the hotel.

I have heard mixed things about the Monte Carlo, but I have not stayed there and haven't even walked through it in a few years.

Take Care,
Mark

Thank you so much for all of your replies - really appreciated, especially 'manduss' (Mark). Budget is not so much of a problem as I may have intimated but Las Vegas follows driving through the Canadian Rockies and then a cruise to Alaska etc. so I will not spoil a fabulous 5 week holiday by not paying a reasonable price at LV. We have visited Rio before and I am tempted to go for it after your comments re: the shuttle bus (this means that I do not have to escort the ladies on shopping trips!)

Again, many, many thanks.