joannie

I am planning my first trip to Las Vegas this spring. I do not want to spend the kind of money being asked for places like the Bellagio or the Venetian, but would like to stay on that area of the strip. I have found prices at under $100 a night at Bally's, Harrahs, the Flamingo and the Barbary Coast. Any suggestions or comparisons? Has anybody stayed at more than one of these?

Jill

Of the 4 you've mentioned I've only stayed at the Flamingo. It has a great pool area if you plan on spending time at the pool. The Barbary Coast doesn't have a pool. Since this is your first trip to Vegas, I doubt you'll spend that much time in the room so you probably can't go wrong whichever one you choose.

Wendy

I have stayed at both Harrah's and the Flamingo. Both are very central, nice, clean and comfortable. I would stay at whichever one gives you the best price. I haven't stayed at Bally's but I gamble there a lot and would think it is in the same catagory as the other 2. I don't like the Barbary coast, to me it seems run down and not as well kept as the others. I won't even gamble there so I wouldn't stay there.

Lenore

We've stayed at Bally's once, Treasure Island and the Imperial Palace twice each and Paris once. Of these, I would definitely pick Paris (however, they are all centrally located and good values for the money). I would not stay at Barbary Coast, and the Flamingo is more for senior citizens. Enjoy!

ginny

OK Lenore,let me ask you a question. You say that you have stayed at the Imperial Palace twice yet would not stay at the Barbary Coast. Is there a reason? Everything that I have read about the Imperial Palace put's it at the bottom of the Vegas hotels (location being it's only redeeming quality), yet have read pretty good thing about the Barbary Coast. Is it the size that bothers you or is the place really that run down?

Jill

These replies show that as another post said there's no definitive answer on Vegas hotels. It's all a matter of personal choice. While I usually stay at the Flamingo (because I go to a slot tournament), I've also stayed at the MGM, Paris, and Tropicana. MGM was a business trip - I would never have thought of staying there - but of I've the places I've stayed the room was the prettiest and had a great bathroom.
Since I'm usually at the Flamingo I always go over to the Barbary Coast to gamble. I like the slots there. It's a very small casino. I think the casino at the Imperial is dingy and never gamble there nor would I ever consider staying there. I take exception to the statement that the Flamingo is for seniors (not being a senior myself). I find there's all age groups and would never classify it as particular to any age group.

Lenore

I have never stayed at Barbary Coast, but the casino is tiny and the hotel check in area is also small. The whole place seems very old and run down to me. While I'm not certain, I don't think BC offers a lot of the same services that Imperial Palace does such as a spa, valet parking, concierge etc. Once I got sick on a trip and the hotel made arrangements to pick up an Rx for me and delivered it to my room. Considering we paid $49 a night and it's center strip....the IP is not bad at all! But like I said originally, Paris is very deluxe for the money and it would be my 1st choice of the ones I've stayed at previously.

ldsant

I've stayed at the MGM Grand twice, New York, New York twice, and the Monte Carlo once. I liked all of them - nice sized rooms, good location, clean. I disliked NYNY casino though, but there are enough others in the city! Room rates were $59 per night. My friend has stayed at Harrah's and liked the hotel just fine. You really won't be in your room that much - especially if this is your first time to Las Vegas. Enjoy yourself!

kathy

joannie, I will top a thread regarding Las Vegas hotels for you called Best Hotel/Casino in Vegas.