We're staying for two nights in Vegas on our way to the Grand Canyon and S. Utah. We've got two boys, ages 11 and 14. Our choices (based on meeting another family there) are Circus Circus, Excaliber and Flamingo. We've read lots of comments on this site berating them all, but have found more positive feedback on cheapovegas.com, Fodor's and even Frommer's. Any advice we haven't heard yet?

I once stayed at Circus Circus and enjoyed it. The room was small, but clean and simple, and I had a great time at the casino. I am sure that your sons would enjoy the roller coaster, the circus performers and all the other fun stuff to do!

Circus Circus, yuck. Generally Circus Circus rooms tend to be a bit dirty. It is also located in a more remote section of the Strip. My first choice would be the Flamingo. It has an excellent Center Strip location across from the Bellagio, Mirage, and Treasure Island. Second choice is Excalibur, which is a step above the Circus Circus.

NY NY has a very nice fun zone and rollercoaster (Excalibur is next door). Maybe take the kids there,that way you all can visit the newer end of the strip. There is a trolley for transpo. Other things to do Wet and Wild waterpark,the Sahara rollercoster and Nascar expo. Have fun

I would chose Flamingo first for location, second for a beautiful pool and arboretum.

Have you considered the Luxor? We were impressed with the size and the quality of the rooms in the tower, which ran $69 a night. There are huge Egyptian statues, palm trees, and even talking camels in the hotel that the kids would enjoy. There are 3 large pools, but only 3 1/2' deep, so less drowning and diving concerns around the pool. The Excalibur is right next door, but feels a lot tackier and noisier than the Luxor. We did a similar trip as yours a few weeks ago, and two nights in Vegas is plenty!

Anything but Circus Circus. We were in Vegas last month and went to Circus for the game dome thing, and that place is run down and dirty.

If the boys really enjoying swimming, choose the Flamingo for the pools. Otherwise, boys that age will enjoy the Excalibur the best.

There's also a great GameWorks complex across from NY NY that's fun for everyone. Monte Carlo has a nice food court, too.

Though I have never stayed at Circus Circus, friends that have, have said they were very disappointed with it. I think one of the others would be a better choice, the Flamingo definitely being the best located.