Viva-Las-Vegas-Hotel-Map

Our guide to the best and the worst hotel scenes in Sin City.

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Hooters Casino Hotel Close to Crapping Out

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 115 E. Tropicana Avenue [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
March 15, 2007 at 1:27 PM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

We knew we should have listened to our parents and majored in finance in college, then reading this report on the possible sale of the Hooters Casino Hotel would make sense.

It's no secret that Hooters has been suffering as of late. They have been unable to maintain the average occupancy rate for Las Vegas (which is around 95 percent) and they have some casino woes.

Now an investment group, NTH Advisory, is coming to bail out the hotel. The Globe St. report has way too much financial mumbo-jumbo for us to wade through but there didn't seem to be anything about change of hotel brand...yet. For now, Hooters is being placed on Hotel Casino Death Watch.

Related Stories:
· It's Official: Hooters Casino Hotel is Struggling [HotelChatter]
· Deposit Date Changes for Hooters Hotel Sale [Globe Street]

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Morgans to Officially De-Sexualize the Hard Rock Las Vegas

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 4455 Paradise Rd [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
March 12, 2007 at 3:09 PM | by | Comments (2)

We so called it back when we placed the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas on the Breaking Even tier of our Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map: The off-strip party hotel is getting a makeover.

Now that Morgans Hotel Group (of Ian Schrager fame) owns the property, the Hard Rock will add on 950 more guest rooms, including a new all-suite 15-story tower with 35,000 sq.ft. of casino space.

According to the official press release:

As part of the project, the Hard Rock's existing suites and common areas will be renovated to revitalize the property and bring it up to MHG's best-in-class brand standard. The project, which is scheduled to begin this year, is expected to be fully completed by mid-2009.

And yes, the top-to-bottom expansion includes the Hard Rock's infamous pool area, along with new restaurants, a larger "Joint" live entertainment venue, a new spa and health club and some retail space.

All the renovations will start immediately, according to the press release, with most of the work being done in a year.

Keep in mind that Morgans is doing these upgrades not so you can party in a nice place but rather so they can bring in wealthier (ie. older) clientele who will be throwing down large amounts of cash at the casino.

Sorry Rehab! It was fun watching you trash up the pool while it lasted.

[Photo: ChrystalDave]

Related Stories:
· Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to Undergo Major Expansion and Renovation [BizWire]
· Hard Rock Prices to Go Up, Pool Scene to Go Down [HotelChatter]
· Hard Rock Las Vegas coverage [HotelChatter]

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map: Hilton Las Vegas

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3000 Paradise Road [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
March 9, 2007 at 3:44 PM | by | Comments (4)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

We hate to say it but the Las Vegas Hilton is Crapping Out.

There are several reasons for the Hilton's downfall and namely it involves Trekkies and outdated decor. As one reviewer put it:

My first visit to this hotel was in 1980. Back then this was a special place. Even the pool was one of the best back then. Unfortunately, it's still the same! A lot has changed since then, just not at the Hilton. No major hotel has fallen so far behind over the years in Vegas than this one.

Add in the geeky Star Trek Experience and Star Trek restaurant, this hotel needs a lot of improvement that will appeal to all kinds of people. Having Barry Manilow as a regular performer just isn't going to cut it.

Gaudy Attraction:
Star Trek Experience.

When Staying Here Might Seem Like a Good Idea:
It's connected to the convention center if you're there on business and Hilton Rewards Gold and Diamond members get better treatment.

But Why This Place is a Nightmare:
Aside from Trekkies, the decor is worn-down and out of date. You're also staying a loooong block away from the action on the strip.

Now Showing:
Barry Manilow.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling:
Trekkies and Manilow fans of course.

Viva Vegas Category
Crapping Out.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map: Harrah's Hotel and Casino

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3475 Las Vegas Boulevard South [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
March 8, 2007 at 4:36 PM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

Located next to the Imperial Palace--a fellow Crapping Out hotel--Harrah's Hotel and Casino has seen better days.

The reviews on TripAdvisor are pretty mixed, with most people understanding that this is not the Wynn so their expectations were set low. However, Harrah's had a run-in with bed bugs and the casino is always congested and always smokey.

Still, there is hope for this hotel if it could just get a top-to-bottom renovation.

Gaudy Attraction:
Carnival theme.

When Staying Here Might Seem Like a Good Idea:
Reasonable rates, a central location on the strip, plus a monorail stop in back. And apparently, the casino's Players Club has good rewards.

But Why This Place is a Nightmare:
Rumor of Bed Bugs.

Now Showing:
Rita Rudner.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling:
Folks on their way to Toby Keith's I Love This Bar.

Viva Vegas Category
Crapping Out.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map: Imperial Palace

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3535 Las Vegas Boulevard South [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
March 7, 2007 at 9:00 AM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

The Imperial Palace has prime strip location smack dab in the middle of everything but this Asian style hotel casino brings great shame to its inspiration in Japan.

Reviewers only recommend it for a cheap stay in Vegas with a great location, but nothing more. One even called it the "I'm in Peril Hotel."

Gaudy Attraction:
Imitiation Japanese Imperial Palace.

When Staying Here Might Seem Like a Good Idea:
The hotel has a killer location in the middle of the strip across from Caesar's Palace and rates are at around $100 a night. Plus, gearheads will like the rare auto collection on display

But Why This Place is a Nightmare:
The rooms are extremely outdated and in poor condition.

Now Showing:
Legends in Concert.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling:
Anyone trying to do Vegas on the cheap.

Viva Vegas Category
Crapping Out.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map :: Excalibur

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89010
March 6, 2007 at 9:00 AM | by | Comments (0)

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Next up on our Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map--the Crapping Out tier--is the Camelot-themed Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

Excalibur probably seemed like a good idea when it first opened in 1990, as Las Vegas wasn't quite the celeb-loving hotspot that it is today. Back then, it was alright for themed casinos like Excalibur to exist along the strip and at times the medieval knights jousting and feasting spirit was fun. Afterall, this was before the internet revolution.

Yet now, when it stands next to Mandalay Bay or across the street from the MGM Grand, Excalibur looks like a second-rate amusement park. The castle exterior is old and let's be frank, the "multi-colored" spires are quite ugly. Things are not much better on the inside either with guests complaining about the drabness and darkness of the rooms and overall wear and tear.

We have a feeling there's only one thing keeping Excalibur alive--Thunder from Down Under.

Gaudy Attraction:
Medieval castle.

When Staying Here Might Seem Like a Good Idea:
Rates are at around $100 a night, the casino floor is over 100,000 sq. ft. and who knows? Maybe the Tournament of Kings would be fun.

But Why This Place is a Nightmare:
Um...you're staying in an early 1990s version of a medieval castle? Not to mention, there is some construction going on now.

Now Showing:
Hot Aussie men stripping down to their skivvies in the Thunder from Down Under.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling:
Bachelorette parties waiting for Thunder from Down Under to start and families.

Viva Vegas Category
Crapping Out.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map :: Circus Circus

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
March 5, 2007 at 9:00 AM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

Now that we have that minor life change under our belt, we bring you the final tier of our Viva Las Vegas Map: Crapping Out.

But since most of these hotels are on their last legs, we're not going to bother with all of the usual categories such as restaurants (who would want to eat in these places) and hotspots. Instead, we'll be chronicling some of these casino-hotels' infamous moments.

And what better way to kick off this list, than with the notorious Circus Circus?

Gaudy Attraction:
Scary Clowns.

When Staying Here Might Seem Like a Good Idea:
Rates are dirt-cheap, from $80 a night. Plus, the hotel has undergone a small renovation.

But Why This Place is a Nightmare:
Dirty sheets, unsafe bed frames, thin walls and gasp! children.

Now Showing:
Scary clowns.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling:
Parents trying to escape their children and judging from the TripAdvisor reviews, a lot of folks from the UK.

Viva Vegas Category
Crapping Out.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map :: Treasure Island

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3300 Las Vegas Boulevard South [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
January 25, 2007 at 4:53 PM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

Our next Breaking Even addition is Treasure Island. TI seems to be on the upswing as it has updated rooms with comfortable Elite beds and new amenities like flat-screen TVs. It's definitely a little hipper stay than Bally's or Paris and more erotic, starting with the free Sirens of TI show that takes place nightly out in front.

The hotel also just opened Social House, which describes itself as a "tech-savvy" sushi and saki bar that is garnering some repeat celeb guests, which they actually list on the Social web page. Even Tangerine, a cringe-worthy name, is a popular Vegas nightclub.

The location of TI is pretty good too, across from Wynn and Venetian and next to the Mirage. More importantly, the reviews on Treasure Island are pretty solid. We don't know if this place could reach High Roller status but it's definitely more than Breaking Even.

Gaudy Themed Attraction:
The whole sexy pirates, nymphs, wenches and sirens bit.

Now Showing:
The Sirens of TI.

Hotel Hotspot
Tangerine.

Hotel Restaurant:
Social House.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling
Wannabe sexy people, ladies and men who have Pirates and Sirens fetishes.

Viva Vegas Category:
Breaking Even.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map :: New York New York

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
January 25, 2007 at 4:18 PM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

You lucky readers, we got two more additions to the Breaking Even tier of the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map today. First up is the New York New York Hotel Casino. Now, New York is nowhere near crapping out but it certainly lacks the grandeur of say the Venetian or coolness like The Palms. Namely, the biggest complaints are that the rooms are showing signs of wear and tear. In fact, our friends who travel to Vegas on business frequently prefer the rooms at MGM Grand (which we think has seen some better days) than the rooms here.

The more enjoyable parts of the hotel casino are the neighborhoods of NYC that are represented here. Sure it's a bit cheesy and in no way does it capture the real NYC but it's better than strolling amongst faux ancient Egyptian cities.  Ironically, some of the restaurants there are more apt to be found in Southern California than say Greenwich Village, like Chin Chin, Il Fornaio and Gonzalez y Gonzalez.

Still, there's a lot of excitement at the hotel from the famous roller coaster to the dueling piano bar in "Times Square", which is almost always crowded with drunk people who love Billy Joel. Kinda like a night out in Long Island.

Gaudy Themed Attraction:
Fake Manhattan Skyline.

Now Showing:
The sexy Cirque du Soleil show, Zumanity.

Hotel Hotspot:
The Bar at Times Square.

Hotel Restaurant:
Nine Fine Irishmen for "fine" dining. Pizza shops for late-nite, alcohol-absorbing pit stops.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling
The younger crowds and people who have never been to the real New York but think that this should suffice.

Viva Vegas Category:
Breaking Even.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map :: Paris

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
January 18, 2007 at 3:41 PM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

While Bally's teeters on the edge of crapping out, Paris Las Vegas is more than hanging in there.

Paris is actually connected to Bally's since the two are strip neighbors (and Harrah's siblings) but the Paris city theme seems to uphold better than the Bally's non-descript 80s decor.

Of course, no one can miss the Eiffel Tower which has a ride up to the top where you can gaze out at the strip or eat at the Eiffel Tower restaurant. Back down on the ground, the casino is smaller than other big hotels but still eye-pleasing and easy to navigate. And it's made up to look as if you were underneath the Eiffel tower. The restaurant Mon Ami Gabi is also a good place to have lunch outside on the strip when the weather's nice.

As for the rooms, the decor is (dated) French elegant-inspired and again, unlike Bally's, are in good condition. While the hotel is not up to the standards of the Venetian, there is some construction going on now, which will hopefully improve the hotel some more.

Gaudy Themed Attraction
The replica of the Eiffel Tower and other Paris monuments

Now Showing
The Producers musical starring David Hasselhoff is set to open January 31, 2007.

Hotel Hotspot
Risque

Hotel Restaurant
Eiffel Tower Restaurant.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling
Young and hip people and maybe some Parisians who have come to scoff at the decor.

Viva Vegas Category
Breaking Even.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map :: Bally's

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3645 Las Vegas Boulevard South [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 89109
January 18, 2007 at 3:30 PM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

Today, we are adding two additions to the Breaking Even tier of our Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map. First up is Bally's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. There are lots of good things about Bally's---reasonable prices, a good spa, central location on the strip and a nude revue. And there are lots of bad thing.

Sometimes being in Bally's is depressing. The rooms are outdated in both the hotel's North and South Tower, although they did redo some rooms but good luck trying to get them. The casino is spacious but when we went there one March it was practically empty compared to other casinos. There's also a dreadful lack of nightlife and good restaurants unless you like Sbarros. In sum, there's no real reason to go there, unless you want to see the nude revue, Jubilee. Echoing our point is this review from a recent guest:

The wait for a taxi at the hotel, takes forever. Not too many cabs pull up at Ballys.

While not crapping out yet, Bally's is very close. Let's hope Harrah's can rebrand this sucker and renovate it too.

Gaudy Themed Attraction
The entranceway. Also, Bally's had a heyday in the late 80s when it first opened and we don't think it has changed much since.

Now Showing
Don Arden's nude revue, Jubillee.

Hotel Hotspot
Jubilee?

Hotel Restaurant
Bally's Steakhouse

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling:
Old people.

Viva Vegas Category
Breaking Even.

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Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map: The Rio

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 3700 West Flamingo Road [map], Las Vegas, nv, United States, 892103
January 16, 2007 at 4:29 PM | by | Comments (0)

Click here to go straight to the Viva Las Vegas Hotel Map

Our third addition to the Breaking Even tier is the Rio Suite Hotel & Casino. The Rio has pretty decent prices for Vegas and the rooms are huge since they are all suites. Recently, the hotel upped its profile by signing Prince to perform there every Friday and Saturday at the intimate club venue, 3121.

While the Rio doesn't have a laughable or dated amusement-type theme like say Excalibur or the now-demolished Boardwalk Hotel Casino, the dizzying casino floor, built to resemble a Brazilian carnivale can be a bit too much.

And the little touches matter too. TripAdvisor has plenty of reviews about poor condition of rooms and we know firsthand that the poolside cabanas are equipped with rejected dorm room TVs and refrigerators.

Another downside to this hotel is the location off the strip. As frequent visitors to Vegas knows it takes a lot to want to stay at a hotel off the strip and for us that would be the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at The Palms.

If it weren't for Prince and his new show, the Rio might as well have been crapping out in the near future.

Gaudy Themed Attraction:
The Carnivale and Masquerade shows.

Now Showing
Penn & Teller used to be the premiere ticket here. Now Prince's 3121 show has taken over. Oh, and Chippendales.

Hotel Hotspot
Voodoo Lounge.

Hotel Restaurant
Several choices from eating at the Tony & Tina's Wedding buffett to the 3121 Jazz Cuisine.

Who You Are Most Likely To See Gambling
Tony & Tina's Wedding groupies, Prince fans and those who can't afford the Palms.

Viva Vegas Category
Breaking Even.

Related Stories:
· Rio reviews [TripAdvisor]
· The Rio's Poolside Cabanas and Dorm-Room Fridges [HotelChatter]

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