Frommer's Review
It's easy for us to overlook this dinosaur -- look, we even called it a dinosaur. Totally unfair. It's one of the last of the dying breed of old Vegas hotels, but unlike many of its peers, it's still offering fine accommodations and even a bit more than that. A good place for adults -- we mean that in a good way -- looking for Vegas fun, all the better with yet another room renovation. The overall vibe is still old-school Vegas -- we mean that in a good way -- with an old-fashioned glitzy casino that is small enough to navigate without a GPS device. Consider it even if you aren't an old-timer, and don't be put off by the distance from the Strip; the monorail stops here, making access easier than ever. When you consider that on nights when you can't touch a room on the Strip for less than $175, the Hilton will put you in a nice room with plenty of marble and clean, well-maintained furnishings for a decent price, it seems silly to not make the Hilton a top choice more often. The clientele is a mix of savvy business travelers who know a good hotel deal when they see it. There are quite a few solidly good restaurants, too. Those very same facilities, however, mean that even a small convention can sometimes drive the prices up at odd times -- then again, since conventions are often booked for weekdays, an atypical drop in price can occur on weekends. Just call or look at the website. The recently renovated, generously sized rooms do look fresh and include very good pillow-top mattresses and excellent amenities. Baths are smallish but do have nifty oval tubs. Upgrading to club level gets some complementary food and beverages served in a grown-up lounge.
The Hilton has a strong showing of restaurants, including TJ's Steakhouse, a Benihana, and a buffet. The Shimmer Cabaret, a first-rate casino lounge/nightclub, has live entertainment and ongoing shows nightly. It's a great place to hang out in the evening, when it features regular sets by local cover bands. One of Elvis's sequined jumpsuits is enshrined in a glass case in the front, near the entrance to the lobby/casino (he played 837 sold-out shows here and Colonel Tom Parker's memorial service was held here in the hotel). There's also a major showroom, featuring resident headliner Barry Manilow and other guest performers.
The third-floor roof comprises a well-landscaped 8-acre recreation deck with a large swimming pool, a 24-seat whirlpool spa, six Har-Tru tennis courts lit for night play, and more. Also on this level is a luxurious 17,000-square-foot state-of-the-art health club offering Nautilus equipment, Lifecycles, treadmills, rowing machines, three whirlpool spas, steam, sauna, massage, and tanning beds. There's a $20-per-day fee to use the facilities, but guests are totally pampered: All toiletries are provided; there are comfortable TV lounges; complimentary bottled waters and juices are served in the canteen; and treatments include facials and oxygen pep-ups. Discounts on health club fees are available for multiple-day use.
Facilities: 8 restaurants; food courts; casino; showrooms; outdoor pool; 6 night-lit tennis courts; health club; spa; video-game arcade; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
