Looking for recent opinions on Monte Carlo in Las Vegas
 

Hi Fodorites! We are still researching for our May trip to Las Vegas. Loved our last stay at Bellagio but it's too expensive this time around. Monte Carlo appeals because of it's proximity to Bellagio and Paris, the pool area seems nice, it's a smaller hotel and likely it's not as crowded as most and we can book a spa suite for half what Bellagio would cost. We are not into the theme hotels and loads of kids. Any opinions?

I've found the Monte Carlo to be a nice option if you are looking for a hotel that is a little more low key. It has a nice location and you don't have the problem of walking through crowds while going from the check-in to your room (i.e. Bellagio, Mirage, Venetian.)<BR><BR>I've found the dining options to be a bit limited, but with so many other options around town, that isn't to big of a problem.

I love Monte Carlo; we have been staying there about once a year for about the past 5 years. It's just classy, not overly themed, not teaming with kids, rooms are nice (although I would imagine not up to Bellagio standards). The casino layout is easy to understand (and not get lost in!), and it is bright and not too smokey. And, the tram to Bellagio makes it a very convenient location.<BR><BR>As far as food choices, we love to go exploring other casinos anyway, but the coffee shop at MC is fine, for a coffee shop (we usually do eat breakfast there), and the steakhouse is quite good. Oh, and there is a food court, which is convenient if you just need a cheap, quick snack.

I second the good vibes on MC. And this isn't just because we had our whole wedding weekend centered there either ;) I'll give you our list of pros/cons from our wedding scouting trip. <BR><BR>-Understated elegance<BR>-Lobby is huge..rarely a line for check in/check out<BR>-Not a lot of kids(virtually none)<BR>-Casino isn't a small city<BR>-Hotel is easily navigated (cab to elevators in 1 minute; elevators to Bellagio tram in 3 minutes; elevators to food court in 30 seconds)<BR>-No rollercoasters <BR>-Tram to Bellagio if we want big name eats/shops<BR>-Brewpub is nice for a casual bite and beer<BR><BR>The pool area is nice, although it's relatively small. I wish they would expand it. Our best man stayed in a spa suite..very nice. We got a Diamond Suite in November for the price of a regular Bellagio room.<BR><BR>Best of luck!<BR>Snarla

Thanks so far for the quick replies. It's sounding better and better...

We just got back from a weekend at the Monte Carlo. We chose it because of the price (great) and the central location. We were very pleasantly surprised. It is a beautiful hotel, our room was very nice with a beautiful bathroom, and the hotel was very clean and well-staffed. The tram to the Bellagio is great. We would definitely stay there again.

Thanks Chic. Haven't booked yet. Did you book with the hotel direct or find a better rate at a website? What grade room did you stay in? We wanted a spa suite, but when I called the hotel they were $380 for the weekend we will be there!

The Monte Carlo is fine but for the same amount of $$ Paris is a better option. Much better if you are concerned about the food.

Hey...I just recently found out on a wedding board I visit that the tram is going to be discontinued starting in March. Two reasons:<BR>1. Usage was less than estimated<BR>2. Bellagio is building a new tower and the tram needs to go. Incidentally, this is also going to demolish the beautiful staircase in the conservatory.<BR><BR>Paris does have good eats, but I always enjoy travelling to other hotels to eat anyway, so staying where the food is isn't necessarily important to me. MC has a decent breakfast buffet and I've heard good things about the Market City Caffe.<BR><BR>:)Snarla