Senior Citizens- don't gamble
 

I am helping my in-laws (69 & 72 yrs old) plan a vacation to Las Vegas and they do not gamble. They want to stay at a hotel on the strip.Need suggestions on which hotel lobby has the fewest slot machines, tables etc they will need to pass before they get to the front door. Also, is there a hotel which has better security ? Suggestions for the best buffet for the price. Thank you.

I thought this was an admonition based on some horror story. ;~)

<BR>LOL! I did too, I thought it was a warning for all of those who will be old and pitiful from having lost it all on the slots~<BR>Actually, that is pretty prevelant in Atlantic City I think:)

Pardon me, I don't mean to sound rude, but if they have such a great aversion to gambling--to the point of wanting walk by the fewest slot machines and gambling tables as possible just to leave their hotel--why are they going to Las Vegas in the first place? Surely there are destinations more compatible with their interests.

Surely not the answers you're looking for but...that being said, it is a very difficult request. If money's no object, look into the 4 seasons. While technically on the Strip (the farthest south hotel), it is the only hotel on the Strip without a casino. It attached/affiliated with Mandalay Bay but has separate entrance and amenities. I've stayed at Monte Carlo and Paris and the elevators are a short walk 'around the corner' from the main lobby/check-in desk. But these are typically placed at the back of the hotel for easy cab access and if you want to head to the Strip sidewalk, there's no getting around walking through the casino. It's by design.

i am puzzled by their choice of destination as well

At first blush, it does look odd-- kinda like planning to send them to NYC and then saying, &quot;By the way, they REALLY hate big cities, skyscrapers and taxis.&quot;<BR><BR>However, Las Vegas has shows, sights, nice pools, desert heat, etc. So let's give them the benefit of the doubt.<BR><BR>The Four Seasons sounds like their best (well, ONLY) choice. As far as security, guess what? The resorts with the best security are the ones with the most popular casinos! And just out of curiosity: What difference does it make?

As far as security, I would think most of the big hotels on the Strip have great security! Think about the amounts of money people are carrying around, not to mention the jewelry people wear and the casinos themselves! Security is not a problem in Las Vegas. But if someone has a problem with gambling, I would plan a vacation somewhere else, every gas station, 7-11 , and grocery store has slots in them! The airport is full of slot machines!! They would have to go through town with blindfolds on !

There are so many casinos and slot machines, that unless you are interested in gamblin' - you reach the point you really don't &quot;see&quot; them. I, too, was annoyed in years past, and then two of my children moved to Nevada. Now I walk past them when I visit, and perhaps throw in my last quarter! It's part of Las Vegas and I hope your in-laws don't stress out over it. The smoke in the casino is the part that is annoying!

I think each hotel designed so you have to go through the casino to get in/out. Unless you want to get out of the tour bus or taxi exit and go around the building to get to the strip. Are they afraid they can't stand the temptation? Nobody asked me to play when I was just walking through.

Try the Flamingo or Bally's, as both are well located and tend to cater to a more &quot;senior&quot; crowd. Strip casinos with few exceptions, are huge and you will pass many gambling venues - that's what they're in business for..Your in-laws can expect to walk, walk, walk - nothing is favorably convenient. As another respondent noted, security is not a problem most anywhere on the strip. Best buffet for the price? (Geeze, am I really gonna answer this?) Aladdin, then Paris, but MGM is also a good bargain.. <BR>You might think about lodging at the La Quinta, near the NYNY. a non-casino hotel on the strip - no slots, no tables from door to strip sidewalk.

I'd go with the Monte Carlo. For the size of hotel, it's probably the smallest of the casinos, and the elevators are very close to check-in and taxi drop off.<BR><BR>Some people don't like to gamble, but that doesn't mean Vegas isn't for them. It's big, bright, and full of fun things to do.<BR><BR>:)

I'm not sure which side of this post I'm on. Sure there is lots to do for people who don't gamble, but the way this question was asked -- &quot;the fewest slot machines, tables, etc. they will need to pass. . .&quot; makes me suspect they are offended and turned off by gambling. In that case, I too would question why go? Vegas really is about gambling and if it offends you, then you will be offended the whole time you're there. If you hated the sun and sand, would you go to a beach resort for a week?

I haven't been to Vegas in years but a friend who went recently mentioned the massive scale of the hotels that have become so typical. I mention this specifically because she commented on the long distances they had to walk to get to and from their room - if these seniors are not in great shape for walking you may also want to consider this other factor in your search.

There are a couple of timeshare condos on the strip that don't have casinos in their lobby. NO, you do not have to be a t/s owner to stay there. They both have units for rent. Try calling The Jockey club and Polo Towers.<BR>I, too, wonder why they are going to Vegas? We go and use it as base to go see many of the natural attractions with in a day's drive, but we also do a little gambling, and enjoy wandering around the various resorts/casinos. I'd have them go elsewhere.

Try the Embassy Suites on Paradise Road. My senior citizen parents and I stayed there last June. There is no gambling there, and you can park right outside the door. Embassy Suites offers free evening cocktails and free breakfast buffet. Plus, you have a true suite. I felt very safe in the area.

gracie, that's a great suggestion. However, the original request was for &quot;a hotel on the Strip&quot;. The Embassy Suites you're referring to is about 1.5 miles off the Strip. It's a really nice property, and they have a shuttle to the Strip. If they can handle a quick ride there and the walking around (the blocks are quite long), this might be the best option after all.

Try Caesars Palace, I'm pretty sure most of their waitresses are in the same age range. They should feel right @ home. It's an odd question so you're bound to get odd answers. Why are they going there ?

RJW -- you are right about the original poster asking for a hotel on the strip. I thought about that several hours after I posted. That Embassy Suites isn't walking distance to the strip, but as you said, the hotel does provide a shuttle. Because we had our own car, we never used it. We found that drivng those few blocks wasn't a problem, as the major hotels we visited had free parking.

I also think the Monte Carlo is a great choice. It is centrally located, has no 'theme' mall, and lower traffic. It is elegant looking &amp; has a shuttle to the Bellagio. My parents loved it there.