Hotwire Hotel: 4* Las Vegas (South Strip) MGM Grand

[Diamond Dog]

3.5* South Strip - $152 per night, 2 adults, 2 children.

Resort

Fitness Centre

Restaurant

High Speed Internet

Tennis

Casino

Pool

Business Centre

Golf Nearby

Spa.

Can I book this with confidence, knowing it isn't the Monte Carlo?

[pterrell]

This really looks like the Monte Carlo. The list of LV Hotwire hotels reports that the Luxor and the Monte Carlo have the same amenities. So the "tell" is the TripAdvisor info: both the Monte Carlo and the Luxur have a 3.5 rating, but the Monte Carlo currently has 1,057 reviews versus the Luxor with 2,325 reviews.

[Diamond Dog]

This really looks like the Monte Carlo. The list of LV Hotwire hotels reports that the Luxor and the Monte Carlo have the same amenities. So the "tell" is the TripAdvisor info: both the Monte Carlo and the Luxur have a 3.5 rating, but the Monte Carlo currently has 1,057 reviews versus the Luxor with 2,325 reviews.

Aah, thanks for that. I'm thinking the good Luxor prices seem to have disappeared. I'm getting a quote of

[thereuare]

I will use your Luxor link, if we decide to stick with that. I see the HOTWIRE price for those five nights is now $169. GULP... your Luxor link is $186 per night.

The issue is that you're seeing 'inflated' prices since you're (i believe) selecting quad occupancy. The MGM owned properties charge a lot (imo) for occupancy over two... if you search for double occupancy (even when choosing a room with 2 queen beds) the rate at the Luxor is $126/nite.

However, i'm not sure why you're writing off the Monte Carlo just yet... keep in mind they do have a Lazy River Pool which i'm sure you're kids would love (and you might too... given the 100+ degree weather you'll be experiencing in July). If you choose this route just call to make sure there is no planned closue of it during your expected stay, which i certainly wouldn't expect there to be in July.

Due to locaton i'm not too much of a fan of the Luxor and i would sooner spend a little more to stay at a different hotel... when searching for double occupancy Treasure Island comes up at $149/nite, but since you'll already have stayed at this part of the strip, i would sooner consider NYNY for $150/nite or the Monte Carlo due to their pool.

[Diamond Dog]

Great info. Are you saying you can book double occupancy, but actually have all four of us sleep there? What would happen if I was offered a King Bed, instead of two queens? Also, excuse me if I'm being a bit stupid here, but why would anyone ever book quad occupancy, if you can get four in a rom for the price of two?

I like the look of the Monte Carlo, but I'm a little concerned about the construction work next door.

Also, sorry to stray, but what is the pool like at Planet Hollywood?

[thereuare]

Are you saying you can book double occupancy, but actually have all four of us sleep there?

I'm not saying that you could/should announce this to the hotel, but it's frequently done, and you just have one person (or one adult/one child) go up to the check-in desk during check-in.

You have to do whatever you (and your family) are comfortable with... for instance i have a 3yr old and a 6month old, and my thought is that i am "ok" booking double occupancy (i may feel differently if booking 4 adults, but that is where i draw my own 'line'). I understand that i could get a room with only one king bed but try to mitigate this from happening by checking early in the day (after check-out time but before official check-in time, and if presented with a room with only one bed, ask if i could wait for a room with two beds (have them hold my bags while i go do something else and return later in the day)). This is easier to do when booking direct, and harder to do with an opaque PRICELINE/HOTWIRE reservation (excpet when booking for triple/quad occupancy on HOTWIRE). We all have our own comfort level (and moral compass) so you have to do what feels right to you. I'll also add that you have to consider the area... in Vegas i'd be fine doing it, in NYC i woudln't simply because i know how small the rooms are and there are often few options should i get a room with only one bed (ie- there may not even be room on the floor to lay down some sheets and pillows or to go buy an inflatable mattress to put down)... before our youngest child was born we went to Paris and i booked direct because i was concerned with the triple occupancy issue knowing how tight European accomodations can be.

I recently returned from Vegas and there was a LOT of contruction taking place next to the Monte Carlo, which i hadn't considered, but not sure where that is in relation to the pool area there.

[Diamond Dog]

Thanks for your honesty. I didn't realise that there aren't any checks by the hotel on occupants in rooms - but, now you mention it, they're highly unlikely to question the individual occupants of 4000+ rooms, are they?

My main concern now is that we don't arrive in Vegas until 10.30 at night - this somewhat restricts the amount of available rooms. I don't think I'd be comfortable running that risk, especially after a (total) flight time of 16+ hours. But thanks very much for the tip. As I've said before, I only wish I'd visited this site before booking my accommodation this year - we could have saved alot of effort, we've already saved alot of money!!

Should I book that Planet Hollywood deal as a 'reserve' ($700 for five nights, quad occupancy) and give myself three months to improve it (and get my refundable deposit back from www.roomsnet.com)?

Thank you very much for your patience.

[thereuare]

You could book that, but make sure that it's fully cancellable... including any booking fee that is imposed by the booking agency (since there is a good chance you'll be cancelling).

Alternatively, if you feel like doing a little 'work' for $70.... book a refundable rate (they have both refundable and non-refundable on their website) directly thru the Sheraton (please use our link).

Then submit a Best Rate Guarantee claim vs. the other rate you found. If successful they'll match the rate and give you an additional 10% off... if unsuccessful (for whatever reason) simply cancel the reservation.

[Diamond Dog]

Very clever.

The problem is that the rate on www.rooms.net are for 2 adults & 2 children. You cannot book a refundable rate on the Starwoods site - you can only book either 4 adults, or a 1king/2queen room, depending on availability.

Do you think they'll accept the sa/2c as comparable? It comes out about $380 cheaper fpr the five nights!

[Diamond Dog]

You guys are absolutely amazing!

Contents of email from Starwood :

Dear Mr. Diamond Dog,

Thank you for your interest in The Starwood Best Rate Guarantee Program. I welcome this opportunity to assist you.

The confirmation number for your reservation will remain the same. You will also receive the same room type and amenities that were offered through roomsnet.com. Please present this e-mail upon arrival at the hotel. Based on the information below, your rate will be adjusted to reflect the lower rate you submitted of $145.64 USD and an additional 10% will be deducted from this rate.

Guest Name: Mr. ??

Arrival Date: July 16, 2008

Departure Date: July 21, 2008

Room Type: Deluxe

Actual rate to be confirmed: $ 131.08 USD inclusive of tax ($145.64 USD less 10%)

Claim reference number: *********

Please be sure to bring a copy of this email to the hotel with you to be presented at the time of check in.

If you have any questions regarding the rate charged, please contact us at bestrate[@]starwoodhotels.com within 15 days of departure. You will need to provide the file number referenced above as well as a copy of your hotel receipt.

Best Regards,

Crystal Thompson

Specialist, E-Communications Department

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

Obviously, I've blanked my name and the confirmation code for security purposes.

Superb - I get a room for 2 adults and 2 kids (I only booked two adults via your Sheraton link) and I get it for $655.40 for 5 nights (including a Friday & Saturday stay)!!!

All in all, if I pay no more for my Palazzo deal through your PRICELINE link, I will have got 5 nights at Planet Hollywood and 2 nights at The Palazzo for a whole $15 more than I paid for 7 nights at The Luxor!!! Unbelievable.

Thanks so very much. This site really is fantastic and, believe me, I am spreading the word because you guys deserve it!!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Glad to hear it all worked out well and that we were able to help.

It's good to know when we help improve somebody's vacation :)

Have a great trip with your family and have fun in Vegas.

[Diamond Dog]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but does anyone have any up-to-date knowledge on the pool situation at The Palazzo and where exactly the (under construction) Planet Hollywood Towers are, in terms of the hotel & pool itself, please?

[thereuare]

I was at the Palazzo 3 weeks ago and the pool was far from completed (i could look down upon it from my room)... but i'm sure you can use the pool at the Venetian until it's completed. I suspect they'll be done by summer... or at least do everything in their power to be done by summer.

Not sure about the Planet Hollywood location, but you can give the hotel a call.

[Diamond Dog]

I may email PH, or just give them a call - but it's not cheap from the UK!!

Wow - you stayed at The Palazzo? What was it like? I know we're only there a couple of days, but my wife & the girls are really excited by it.

[thereuare]

Send me a PM after tomorrow and i'll cal the PH for you... just let me know exactly what you want me to ask.

Palazzo was very nice, rooms exact replica of the Venetian, imo. Unfortunately i had too many other things going on during my stay to really enjoy it, and it ended up being more of "just a room" rather than have me relax and appreciate it.

[Diamond Dog]

Great stuff, thanks. PM sent.

[Diamond Dog]

Okay - we've already got the refundable PH.

Just looked on Hotwire again, same dates, 2 adults, 2 kids, and saw this:

4* South Strip

Casino

Fitness Center

Pool(s)

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-speed Internet Access

Golf Nearby

Tennis Nearby

Spa Services

Rated at 4 out of 5 on Trip Advisor from 1700+ reviews.

It is also a 'best value'.

This is coming out at $99 per night ($544.49 overall for the five nights).

This is The MGM Grand, is it not?

[thereuare]

That would be our best guess too.

I recently stayed at the MGM and while i wasn't favorable on the property before my stay (got a deal i just couldn't pass up), i was more impressed after my stay. The rooms were decent sized and everything and the upkeep of the property was very good.

The one negative of the property is the size, as it could take a long time to get from PointA to Point2 (and i admit i did get lost once :) ), but after that i always just came in the main entrance and it was a short walk to my room.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.

[Diamond Dog]

Just to be sure - it couldn't be the Westin, could it? As much as you are able to be certain, obviously.

[Diamond Dog]

Couldn't wait - details as above. $99 per night - $544.49 total incl taxes & recovery charges- (5 nights) July 16-July 21 (check out), 2 adults, 2 kids. That includes a Friday & Saturday night!

It was the MGM Grand!! :)

Again, my sincerest thanks to you for your efforts here - we've ended with a phenomenal deal at the MGM - the same room on their website is currently $1299 + taxes etc. I don't need to say how much we've saved over our 15 nights in Vegas because of your site, but it's many hundreds of $'s! This is such a fantastic site - thank you.

Needless to say, I used the HOTWIRE link you provided.

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your latest win!

A very nice deal... and the rooms are spacious enough for four people.

Glad to hear your happy with the results and we have helped make your vacation more affordable.

Thank you for sharing your results with the board and for starting your purchase with our HOTWIRE link.

Enjoy your stay.