Maggi

We need to make up our mind which of these two hotels to choose. Since we will be there mid-May we want a nice pool area. Monte Carlo appeals because it seems quieter, less kids. On the other hand, no casino which wouldn't be too bad since we only play a few slots. Mirage sounds appealing too, because we love the tropics and it sounds like that is the theme at this hotel. Finally, the package price is very similar for both these hotels, but it looks like the Mirage may be a better value for the money. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

ronnieh

Maggi,

I have stayed at the Monte Carlo twice and the Mirage once. I didn't know what you meant by no casino, however, they both have casinos. Anyway, your correct that the Monte Carlo is more quiet. That's the one thing we really liked is that usually the only people in the hotel are the ones staying there. The Monte Carlo has a really good Micro-Brewery, with great beer and food. Although the pool area is nice at the Monte Carlo, in my opinion, the one at the Mirage is a little nicer. Also, I think the rooms at the Mirage are a little nicer. However, I go back to either one without hesitation.

Maggi

Oops! Must have been mistaken about no casino at the Monte Carlo. Is the atmosphere at Mirage very hectic and crowded? How about lots of kids at pool area at Mirage vs. Monte Carlo?

BarbaraS

I haven't stayed at the Mirage, but when we were at the Monte Carlo, there were lots of kids at the pool.

lkj

I'd stay at the Mirage hands down. It is just a much nicer, more flamboyant hotel. The Monte Carlo is just okay. Kids at both hotels.

Darvy_Kuntz

Maggi - you couldn't have picked a better month to be in Vegas. The weather will be perfect. I'm jealous!

Comparing the Mirage with the Monte Carlo - it's kinda an apples to oranges thing.

First off: Mirage's pool has always been superb. Beautiful lush landscaping. Great bar and cocktail service. Decent cafe. Sure, you think "dolphin habitat nearby, Siegfried and Roy, water slides at the pool, etc must mean lots of kiddies, right? WRONG. For some reason, I think the price scares those families away. And frankly, last I looked, the Monte Carlo pool area was TEAMING with kids. I mean let's face it: You can get a room for CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP at the Monte Carlo. Reason: big rooms, yet BAD rooms. Not so clean. Plumbing is LOUD. Rooms are loud.

Which brings me to your package price thing. I've never found packages to be very good...so I'm willing to gamble that the package for the Monte Carlo is probably over priced. The Mirage is really a first class resort. The Monte Carlo is a hotel with a casino. I'm amazed that the two are similar in price.

Have you tried getting room and airfare rates directly from the hotel/airline? As a frequent Vegas traveler, I've found that to be the best deal around.

-darvy

Maggi

Darvy, I found that to be true. Expedia wanted around 1400 for three nights at Monte Carlo including airfare from Detroit. I checked and booked 300 pp airfare on Northwest. The hotel rates for those nights off their website would bring the price to 1020, 380 cheaper than if I booked the package! I have yet to find a package price cheaper than booking separately. I haven't booked Monte Carlo or Mirage yet. Mirage is sounding better and better to me.

Darvy_Kuntz

Ya - you'll love it. It's really got so many things going for it. Good rooms, good pool, good eating options, nice atmosphere, great bars...you can't lose - except in the casino. Their table rules, more than other casinos, FAVOR the house. Althought that shouldn't be so bad for you guys. They've got plenty of slot machines to spend your dough on.

Have a fab time, lady! Let me know how it turns out!

-darvy

snarla

I can honestly say I did not experience anything close to what Darvy writes about the MC. We really like the hotel..it's actually one of the cleanest we've seen. We love it because you can get from the taxi drop off to the hotel elevator in a minute flat.
I don't like roller coasters, clows, world's largest casinos, and crazy rates for a decent bed and hot water.
Brewery is good, so is Market City Caffe.

ciao!
Snarla

Tansy

I completely agree with darvy. Comparing the Monte Carlo to the Mirage is like comparing a frozen Eggo to a homemade belgian waffle.

Mirage is much cleaner, much classier, has a better location, FANTASTIC pool, recently remodeled rooms, great restaurants . . . it's just a wonderful place to spend your vacation in Vegas.

Some specifics on the pool: The Mirage pool has wonderful landscaping, several waterfalls, jacuzzis, sun and shade, and great cocktail service. The Monte Carlo pool area is not as large as Mirage; it is surrounded by cracked concrete, it has a waterfall and a "lazy river" (read: kids in leaky inner tubes floating around and around and around and around) . . .

No, I have not stayed at MC. I always stay at the Mirage if possible. But I once considered MC, so I went to the pool area to check it out. I breathed a huge sigh of relief that I booked at Mirage instead.

Maggi

Only three more days before we leave! I did end up booking Monte Carlo, since we are still recovering (financially) from our recent trip to Europe. I was able to get a $397 rate for three nights, vs. $687 at Mirage. For some reason, this particular weekend was way more expensive than other weekends at all the hotels. We had no choice since we have Celine Dion tickets for Sunday. Next time, I'll look at the hotel rates before purchasing tickets. It was cheaper booking directly through the hotel instead of with a package. Our flight from Detroit was $260pp, plus taxes. So our flight/hotel for two people will end up costing $1000. I will write again when we get back next week with my impressions of Monte Carlo. Thanks for all the advice!

nancyh

Maggi,
I recently booked rooms at the MC for September. Please let me know what you think. We had a few of our business travelers stay there last year. He said the brewery was great and fun. Also being next to NY NY is good too. I really like that casino and the atmosphere. Please let us know how your trip went. Enjoy Celine. And good luck on the slots.

Maggi

Will do, Nancy. We get back late Monday. I'll post a report soon thereafter. Thanks for the tips.

bogart

We stayed at the Mirage last year and are going back there this Sunday. I did find it to be crowded and hectic...especially around the lobby areas and walkways through the casino, pool and shops...but it's Vegas and I assume it's all pretty much the same. I didn't seem to think there were a lot of little kids at the pool...some families with mostly teenage kids and young adults. We really loved their cabanas! These are extra and you will want to put your name on the list 3 days in advance...they are more out of the way (no kids running around etc) and worth every penny.

enjoy your trip!

clairelong

Stayed at the Mirage.......SMALL ROOMS, AND TO TOUCH ANYTHING IN THE FRIG WOULD BE COSTLY...A/C WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY......MAINTENANCE MAN CAME OUT DIDN'T FIX IT THEN TRANSFERRED US TO ANOTHER ROOM AND NO COMP...TOO CROWDED.....DIDN'T LIKE IT!

readytogo

I stayed at the Monte Carlo 12/23 & 12/24 and was very disappointed with the room. Old and drab. I expected better because the hotel seems more upscale than that.

TedTurner

It's Vegas, readytogo!!
Everything's supposed to look better than it really is.
The one city in which you can never accurately judge a book by its cover is Vegas.
Even a little bit of research ahead of time would have tipped you off about Monte Carlo.

islandmom

They fixed up the Monte Carlo and we enjoyed our stay. Mirage just seems very run down, old and dirty to me. (Almost sleazy) I did go see the animals though.

bogart

the mirage, sleazy? really? I didn't think it was immaculate but very far from sleazy? what parts of it did you actually see?

gplimpton

I don't think she meant sleazy. Maybe she meant scuzzy (though I can't see why someone would choose that descriptor either). There is nothing sleazy about Mirage. It is very mainstream and prior to 1996 was considered Las Vegas' most luxurious and upscale hotel.