I didnt try the $20 dollar trick but I was there early last summer. I recently spent several nights in a "Hollywood Hip" room. It had plenty of room for one person, and was very clean. Modern enough, large flat panel TV, plenty of hanger/drawer space. The bathroom was oddly sized (large open space in the middle) in proportion to the rest of the room. Overall, I was very pleased with the room, given some of the other reviews I read beforehand. Weeknight rates were dirt cheap.
The location is right in the middle of everything. Right across from the new Cosmopolitan, City Center, and Bellagio. There is a Deuce Bus stop right in front.
I found the staff to be very helpful and outgoing. No problems there.
I did like how this property seems to attract a younger, energetic crowd, but not overly pretentious. At least by LV standards.
It was great having the Miracle Mile shops attached, for those of us who don't like spending $300 on a pair of pants, etc.
PH doesn't charge a "resort fee" but high speed internet will cost you about $14 per 24-hr period. There is another wireless provider that charges $10/24 hrs, but it was very slow and kept timing out every time I left my computer for more than a few minutes. I'd suggest paying up for PH's internet, which worked great. If you only need to print a boarding pass, etc. the staff in the business center will often let you use the computers without charging if you're only going to take a few minutes.
The casino had a large variety of slots, and there were plenty of open machines, even during peak times. The casino floor didn't seem as smoky as some of the others on the strip. I enjoyed playing at some of the tables in the "Pleasure Pit" where the dealers are barely-dressed attractive young women, and similar women dance on poles. Drink service was timely at both the tables and machines. Table minimums were mostly $10 on weeknights and $15 on weekend nights.
As for the restaurants, I'll review Strip House separately. I had breakfast at Planet Dailies, and while the food was great, it was expensive and I felt the buffet was a better value. Speaking of the buffet, you can pay one price ($40-$45?) and have 24-hour access. There is a Starbucks right off of the casino floor.
The casino layout is a bit confusing, especially if you've had a few. Expect to walk in circles for a while trying to find your way out or the restaurant you are looking for. Then again, casinos don't want you to leave, so I can understand the purpose of the layout.
Here are some pictures below!
I'll be back.
