I was going to Las Vegas to visit my kids. Yeah, I know, it's weird, my grown kids and grandson happen to live in one of the hardest cities in the world to nonrev to.
But anyway, I did not have much time for planning but found some pretty attractive rates via The Nonrev Network hotel booking. I saw a couple of places for a little better rate but it was the Artisan Hotel & Spa that caught my eye. The photos looked pretty cool - definitely something different than the normal vegas casino/hotel. The lobby is dark with candle light and there is artwork everywhere - on the walls and even on the ceiling. The hallways as well as the rooms are the same. The furnishings are also antique and ornate. The small pool has double bed size loungers all the way around and there are 3 cabanas across the back. I think the cabanas were about $100 for the day.
I did read a few reviews on tripadvisor.com but they were really mixed. However, my experience was very good. The front desk personnel were very courteous and helpful. I only ate there once for breakfast. It ended up being around $15 with tip but the food and service were excellent.
My room (520) was great except that it was next to the expressway and very noisy so request the other side of the hotel and you'll probably be ok. The bathroom was done in all black so consequently it was too dark in the shower. The ice maching on my floor did not work and got the hallway carpet wet but they fixed it as soon as I reported it. I did not experience any musty smells as some reported on tripadvisor. It was immaculate everywhere I looked.
The hotel is a 1/2 mile or so from the strip. I could have walked to Circus Circus if it had not been 106 degrees every day! http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif
One draw back was that it was on the road with all the strip joints so it may not be the best area to walk through at night.
I had read that there are more little specialty boutique hotels popping up that are reasonably priced. That's what the Artisan seemed like to me... just something refreshingly different.
My rates were:
Thursday - $39
Friday - $106
Saturday - $106
Sunday - $52
Monday - $52
There is also an overnight parking fee of $11.50 if you have a car and when you leave they bill you a $3.50 a night resort fee. I was lead to believe this was standard in Vegas. Is that right?
Oh, and I've got a couple of good restaurant recommendations if you happen to have a way off of the strip while you're there.
Archi's Thai (2 locations)
Very good authentic Thai food. Try the Mango with sticky rice for dessert. I had never had that before - OH MY GOODNESS! It was delicious and very reasonable.
Sweet Tomatoes
Best big salad bar I've been too.... SO MUCH, SO FRESH! They also have different themes. While we were there it was Southwestern so they had all kinds of soups and foods to go with the theme. They were advertising the next theme - Asian. Really good and economical.
