Palms Resort Casino
 

How is the Palms Resort Casino in Las Vegas? A group of 40 something guys are going out for their annual golf, gamble, etc. trip. They've been severely depressed since their old haunt, The Desert Inn, closed and have been looking for an alternative ever since. I promised them that my Fodors buddies would help them out. They stayed at the Rio last year, thought it was a little too loud and busy. So what do you think? Will they like the Palms.

I think the Palms' marketing plan is directed to the same clientele as the Rio. How about the recently opened Green Valley Ranch (Henderson) or the former Regent, soon to be a JW Marriott (Summerlin) . Both are very upscale and situated near some excellent golf courses.

There's nothing like the old Desert Inn on the strip at this point.<BR>Steve Wynn has announced plans to build a new place called Le Rive (or similar) nicer than Bellagio (but smaller) on the old Desert Inn site, but it'll be a couple years yet.<BR>If they like a little peace and quiet with their golf amd gaming, they'll have to consider getting away from the strip: Hyatt Lake Las Vegas and The Regent would be their best bets.<BR>The old DI was one of a kind.

Susan, I have some golfing friends who have found the Orleans off the strip fairly good for this kind of annual event. They also have tried the Hyatt that Jack just mentioned. Orleans is smaller and quieter than the Rio, and away from the Strip mayhem. But it is not the Desert Inn or as "old Las Vegas" was either. In staying at the Rio a couple of months ago, the Palms Resort looked nice and not as hyper as the Rio. The in/out valet and/or self-parking looked really good there too.<BR>

I would recommend the Resort at Summerlin, formerly the Regent. This is a small (by Vegas standards) mediterranean style luxury resort that sits on a golf course (The TPC at the Canyons). I'm pretty sure this golf course hosts the PGA every year. It has an Irish Pub inside which is a fun hangout. A car trip to the strip can be made in 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic, and which end of the strip you want to go to.