But no one can explain how a transformer at an intersection on the south end of the strip caught fire last night at 8pm, leaving four hotels without power for 90 minutes. The Luxor, The Excalibur, The Mandalay Bay and The Four Seasons were all affected. There are some reports of guests getting stuck in the elevators, which is personally our biggest fear ever.

The power is thankfully back on today.]]> juliana 2008-03-19T13:37:56-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/3/13/172733/676

Long gone in Sin City are the days when guests desired only a bed for catnaps between bets, a 4-drawer wood dresser for underwear and socks, and a tiny closet to hang the Hawaiian print shirts and rhinestone beaded dress.

Today's hotel guests demand much more from their hotels like flat-screen TVs, WiFi (preferably free), luxurious linens, and a big ole' bathtub.

Fortunately for such demanding guests, the Las Vegas hotels are paying attention. (Or perhaps they saw our Crapping Out mention)

The 4,000-room Excalibur which opened in 1990 boasting a medieval castle theme, with some floors devoted solely to non-gambling entertainment for children and the young at heart, has gotten a new look. ]]> mytwocents 2008-03-14T09:20:01-05:00 36.098874 -115.17659 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/3/4/15425/75397 <![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/images/icon_small_hell.gif" align="right">After last month's scare of deadly toxin <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iKTvbgBD4wAvysJWCK0LFWjV9VwwD8V6GBA00">ricin found at</a> the Extended-Stay America motel, Las Vegas is on high alert for any other potential ricin sightings.<p><a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/Excalibur+Hotel+&amp;+Casino/local/336"><b>The Excalibur Hotel</b></a> was actually investigated as the man found with ricin at the Extended Stay had actually spent some time at the medieval-themed hotel and casino. Thus the near-hysteria today after a man at the Excalibur woke up with white powder on his bed. From the <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hhQf4-XU5nm_PS2buVp3f6qvA28gD8V6Q7T81">AP</a> newswire:<blockquote><p>Authorities are combing a Las Vegas hotel room where a man reported finding an unidentified white powder on his bed.<p> A hazardous materials team at the Excalibur hotel-casino is trying to determine what the power is. The hotel hasn't been evacuated. <p> juliana 2008-03-04T15:46:21-05:00 36.098874 -115.17659 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/1/9/183431/9911 <![CDATA[<p><i>HotelChatter's newest contributing editor <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/tag/user/natalieWW"><b>NatalieWW</b></a> knows a thing or two (or more) about kids and traveling with 'em. Here she lists her fave fam-friendly spots for Sin City.</i><p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/admin/excalibur_family.jpg" class="imgborder"><p><a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotels/city/us/NV/Las%20Vegas"><b>Las Vegas</b></a> may not be the first place that comes to mind for a wholesome family vacation. But between the Shark Encounter at Mandalay Bay and the erupting Mirage volcano, and the ongoing kiddie-fest that is Circus Circus, there are plenty of options for families.<p> Best hotel bet: <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/Excalibur+Hotel+&amp;+Casino/local/336"><b>The Excalibur Hotel &amp; Casino</b></a>. Loosely patterned after the architecture of castles from England, Scotland, and Germany, it's full of family-friendly attraction and dining options.<p>Now, we wouldn't want to <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2007/3/6/03833/18597/hotels/Viva_Las_Vegas_Hotel_Map_Excalibur">condradict ourselves</a> by saying Excalibur is off the Crapping Out NatalieWW 2008-01-11T09:15:01-05:00 36.098874 -115.17659 Search HotelChatter string http://www.hotelchatter.com/search/