Poll : 27 January - 09 February 2010

Analysis

Wow, a humungous turn-out for this one. Thanks to all of you -- this gives us some interesting and powerful data that we can put to all sorts of uses. Thanks, too, to all who took the time to write in with a choice of "Other" or explanations about how and why you voted as you did. Here's some of your feedback:

• "Since I normally don't rent a car during my trips to Vegas, there is really something to be said about staying at the Flamingo, which I consider the perfect mid-strip location. Easy access to the Monorail, and also within walking distance of most Strip properties."
• "Circumstances are often different, which will greatly affect my choice. If my wife is along, for instance, I'm looking for a place with a really good pool. Otherwise, the constant is in finding the best value, which sometimes means spending more for additional comfort or a unique experience, such as my most recent visit when I took advantage of a great rate at Aria. Of late, however, one of my first checks is to be sure any hotel I'm considering doesn't have a STINKING RESORT FEE. Those that do don't get my business anymore."
• "I've stayed at Blue Moon a couple of times. As a gay man, I like to support gay-owned and operated businesses. Even though it's off the beaten path, the rooms are nice, and the owner and staff are friendly."
• "I loved Vegas so much I moved here. I no longer need hotels."
• "We like to stay on the Strip, rent a car, and go all over. We do not stay at lower-grade properties. I look for a bargain and will stay upscale, but I have to get a deal. Stayed at the Wynn last year at $99 per night – about as high as I’ll go. We’re at the Venetian now – 4 free nights We had been staying at TI – good rates, central location, easy to get in and out of the garage, but they have recently added a $20 per night surcharge. Get a clue, Phil Ruffin, TI is mod-level at best.!! I will pay a $15 resort fee on a free room but no way I’m paying even $55 a night and getting hit with a fee like that. Hate the trend to the resort fees. Just hate them. Like airline baggage fees, I’d rather have it included in the price so I feel less ripped off.
• "February will be our 90th monthly visit, staying in our 68th different property -- Encore in January and ARIA this time. We have visited some more than once -- Treasure Island four times and Monte Carlo, Orleans, Golden Nugget, Mirage, South Point, and Stratosphere three times each, plus several others twice. We like the diversity ... properties change over the years with remodeling, new eateries, etc."
• "Over the years my wife and I have stayed at probably half a dozen different hotels in Las Vegas but for the past about 15 years we have stayed in the Fremont. The primary reason is because of the super-friendly staff."
• "I base the decision on where to stay on the VP inventory, followed by quality of the rooms, and then the best room offer."
• "We always go to Las Vegas using a time-share exchange through RCI. Our favorite location would be the Carriage House."
• "Have come to Vegas 30 times in the last 18 years. Have stayed at the Fitz 20 of those times. We first stayed there because it was cheap, but now we stay there because we like it. The rooms have always been clean and the staff good to work with."
• "I own a time share unit at Polo Towers and use that for extended trips. For shorter 2 or 3 day trips I use my comps to stay at Strip hotels."
• "In addition to my checks on where we stay, I would add the reasons: 'Although sleeping isn’t one of the reasons I come to Vegas, being able to "unwind" is. The rooms at the two Wynn properties are the most relaxing of any that I have ever stayed in. Modern, clean, and the beds are wonderful. My wife sleeps about 3 to 4 hours a night, but she always sleeps through the night when we stay at these properties."
• "We stay at one of the three Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare properties.
• "I try to use various deals to get the best combination of room class and price. For example, an emailed deal for $120 a night a Bellagio beats the hell out of $35 a night for Imperial Palace (at least for me)."
• "Downtown is GREAT. Fitzgeralds gives me free rooms for play---but wish Golden Nugget would do so again! Nothing better downtown than the Nugget!"
• "Other: Intentionally try to stay somewhere new each time, so I've run the gamut from the old Vagabond Inn to Encore!"
• "I have steadily climbed up the Harrah's ladder from discounts at Rio to now being comped at Caesars. The fine staff always makes us feel welcome and with the pools, Forum Shops and the Colosseum we hardly leave the property.