Have a search for the hotels you're interested in. I'm sure someone will have stayed there. MGM Grand is the only one I've been to, and that was a few years ago.

I'm not a fan of Desert Rose at all. You may see mention of it in my other posts, or in my trip report from last September if you look back at that.

Main problems were the lack of sunloungers, and the behaviour of some of the British guests. They were laying out towels, pushing and shoving at breakfast and just being generally rude. It wasn't all of them. We spoke to some nice people too, but unfortunately there were a few people that were rather annoying and we were glad when we packed up and moved to Trump.

If you want any more info give me a shout.

MGM Grand is a lovely hotel and our favourite.
We haven't stayed at NYNY but have been in the casino and some restaurants in there. I don't particularly like the place (apart from Gallaghers restaurant which is fantastic). I've heard some people say it's not the best place to stay for the money.

TC

I did a quick lunch time reply yesterday so didn't elaborate much.

I agree, MGM is very nice. Much nicer than Desert Rose. Desert Rose does have cooking facilities, and washing machines which MGM doesn't (if this is an issue for you). Not many hotels even have fridges. I like New York New York to walk around. I like Il Fornaio in particular, but also like playing in the casino as we have had some good drinks service there. I also like the Irish pub, name escapes me right now. I hear the rooms aren't great though.

The Tropicana is becoming a contender in that area since a recent refurb which really does look good. I didn't see the rooms though, but photos of them look good. It should be slightly cheaper than NYNY and MGM I would think. If you really want to go on a budget, can I also suggest The Orleans. They have a shuttle to Bill's (centre strip) and it's a good budget option because the bars and eateries are very good value. It's not on the strip though. It's tricky because you can't win really - too many things to weigh up!

We really like the MGM after avoiding it the first few trips. Some people find it too big, but we have got the hang of navigating it now. However it does take 10-15 mins to walk from your room to either the front door or the pool.

There is a huge pool complex with several pools and a lazy river.

If you are going for a standard room I would suggest the Grand Tower rooms over the West Wing rooms as they are much bigger and have a large window. The WW rooms look tiny and only have a small window above the bed. You can get a GT room for $55 a night Sun-Thurs and around double Fri-Sat, depending on dates.

However we really like the Celebrity Spa Suite and the Bungalow suite as they are huge with a large sitting area in addition to the bedroom area and they also have a fridge and a wet bar.

luci

Thanks for replies, appreciate the input, MGM sounds really big! Maybe Desert Rose might be more managable! Hi Lesley, was it mainly the other tourists in the hotel the main put off?
What are the hotels like in the downtown area? It's a BIG challenge to go to Vegas as I've suffered badly with social phobia
Thanks again

I'm pretty sure my mum went here a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. I'll ask her to pop in and give you some further info.

Have a look at the Platinum. No casino and only a short walk to the middle of the strip.

If you want something more manageable, you can do better than the Desert Rose.

What is your budget per night? How long are you going for? Do you want a hotel with a casino or without?

luci

Hi

Yes, it was the other guests. The rooms and facilities were fine. Breakfast was a scramble due to the other guests, who were also stealing food for lunch, leaving no bread for others! I mean they sell bread over there, they just had to go to a shop and pay for it. I think they even sold it in the mini-shop at reception. So it was just stealing for the sake of getting it free really. There weren't enough loungers at the pool, and people were hogging them all day when not using them.

If you don't plan to spend time at the pool, or if you don't mind having to sit on a chair, then maybe it's not a bad option. There are plus points - the kitchen is handy, there are rooms with washer dryers. There's free wine, beer and soft drinks in the evenings. Water is available from the machine all day (with ice) so you can pop in from the pool for some. Until mid morning there is also fresh orange (nice refreshing with some water and ice!). Rooms are nice, and have a balcony. We actually sat out there for a bit.

It's not all bad. It really depends if the pool is an issue. If breakfast is an issue, you could go for a buffet elsewhere anyway. It's reasonably quiet if you don't like lots of people. MGM may intimidate you.

If Platinum is within your budget, it's a very good option. I've stayed there 2 or 3 times, and will definitely return! It's rather peaceful, nice quiet pool, no casino. Bar downstairs we found to be fairly quiet too. It has Ellis Island next door for some takaway pizza. Princess suites have washer driers. I think all rooms have the big double spa baths.

Hi again, to be honest we're not bothered about a casino, and my hubby isn't into pools etc. I've fancied Vegas for ages, mainly because of an image and the wow factor.
I still think Frank Sinatra and his rat pack are there
Lesley, I really can picure the scene at breakfast with people just grabbing food, so I guess we could find a decent diner for brekie?

Direct hols were selling Desert Rose going in early October for £694 for 7 nights, that doesn't sound too bad. Plus it's direct from Manchester, then I think do it independent, would it be possible to get a direct flight for around £450? Then book either direct with an hotel?
There is Venere that you can book with and you don't pay until you arrive at the hotel.

I get in a tizz and to be honest hubby doesn't give me too much input
He say's it's best you make the choices!

Hi
as my daughter says in an earlier post we stayed there 2 yrs ago and had a wonderful time.
We went for a wedding and found the desert rose a little oasis away from the strip If you aren't into gambling like us. Its just a short walk to all the big hotels and thats were we headed each night and they are a fantastic sight.We went to see a few shows which included mama mia and tom jones again much enjoyed.
The shopping is fantastic with some great malls a short bus ride away,our cases were stuffed coming home.
As for breakfast we had no problems and you can just pick up some food and take it back to your apartment which we did if it was very busy.
The pool area does get busy but we only went in for a swim after a busy day shopping and sight seeing.
We also went on a helicopter trip to the grand canyon which was awesome.
If you are not into gambling the desert rose would suit you fine
Jeanie

jeanie, thank you for your reply the hotel has decent feedback on tripadvisor, I like the idea that the rooms are like apartments!

If anyone has stayed here recently would you please post your review here:-

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/united-states/nevada/las-vegas/desert-rose-resort/

Many thanks

It's all open to opinion. I think if you don't care about the pool etc, then it will be fine. If you want to relax at the pool though it will be more of an issue.

It's not that I think it's totally terrible. Had there been tons of loungers, it would have been fine. The breakfast is way below the standard of the other hotels (where you pay for buffets though of course) so it depends what your needs are. There was also a rather annoying person when we were there, and it was really quite wearing. To be honest if a few folks hadn't been there, and if there were more loungers etc, I'd probably have happily returned. As it stands with the pool situation I'm very unlikely to go back as I like to sit at the pool for a couple of hours each day, then venture out afterwards or vice versa. Just wasn't really possible unless you wanted to get up and pounce as soon as the security gate opened unfortunately.

You may like to consider the Carriage House http://www.carriagehouselasvegas.com It's a similar price for the one bedroom suite from the dates I've checked, doesn't have a balcony or breakfast, but is in a better location.

The pool is small, but never gets busy and there are always loungers available. It is only a few minutes walk to centre strip. The Desert Rose is at the far south of the strip and slightly off strip.

luci

Agree with Luci the Carriage House is in a good position have stayed there about 4 times,
you could also try the Jockey Club another non gaming resort with apartments, its on the strip
next to The Bellagio,staying there in May for a change,will let you know what its like
annx

Ok, not sure what dates you are looking at exactly, but here's results of an expedia search for 3-10th October, giving you some of the options which are already mentioned, along with some others...

Flights with US airways (you get one piece of luggage each at 23kg, then you can buy more at $55)
Orleans £739
Trump £863
Desert Rose £785
Platinum £874
Jockey Resort £841
Carriage House £823

It sounds like the Direct Holidays price is quite good in comparison really. Flight prices seem to be high for this year, we can't get a good price for September at all. I can't see it for your price of £694 though, this is what I found for the 5th on Direct Holidays.
Desert Rose Resort Las Vegas, Las VegasOverviewHotel DetailsMap ViewReviewsImages/Videos
Holiday provided by Direct Holidays

7 nights, CB,
departing Wed 05-10-11

Room 1 - Room for 2 to 4 people

Room 1 OptionsRoom for 2 to 4 people - included in current priceHide other room options

Flight DetailsOther DatesChange FlightOutbound Inbound
Manchester Wed 05-10-11 at 09:35 Las Vegas Wed 12-10-11 at 14:20
Las Vegas Wed 05-10-11 at 12:20 Manchester Thu 13-10-11 at 08:15
Average price from £772pp
Total price from £1544

If there's some way to find it cheaper on the website please let me know because at the right price I'd fly with them from Manchester in September.

Thanks for the recommendations of other hotels, it will boil down to the pennies though!
Oh lesley, the date I got up was october 12th for that price.
I know a week or so later it bumps up, I guess due to half term. When you enter hotel address details on the ESTA form, do you just put down hotel name, city and zip code?
I hope to book in the next few weeks! Seems ages off for October, but something to look forward to.