We've stayed at the Orleans and Gold Coast...we now are sure to ask for the remodeled room which is much, much nicer including a flat screen TV.
At the Gold Coast you have the added benefit of walking to the Rio (if you want a change of pace but, I don't play the slots at any Harrahs property anymore) or to the Palms. The Palms is cool with a movie theather, good paybacks and a good Mexican restaurant.
We love the Orleans buffet but, have never had a good meal (at any price) at the Gold Coast. The GC does boast two excellent oriental restaurants with Ping Pang Pong rated as one of the best in the city...it is.
It also has a TGIF's and an underrated seafood resturant (try the chowder). The steak restaurant is also excellent and I would definitely recommend.
For gaming, the GC is my wife's all time fav for hitting royals and she has been very very lucky there. There is also always a wide assortment of BJ and other table games available and I think you can find $5 tables there.
Orleans recently turned their Irish bar and restaurant into a comedy club so we will see how that plays out. BTW...drink service is a little better at the Orleans than the GC. The GC does have a live band most nights that you can hear from many banks of VP machines.
We have never been to the SunCoast. Good luck and have a great trip.
