Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Our view was wonderful. We looked north up the strip and could see Belaggio, Treasure Island, Mirage, Paris, Aladdin, and the Venetian. We were also right next to a business that offered helicopter rides, so we did have to listen to copters taking off and landing until about 1 am, but it wasn't too bothersome.

We could see the pool from our window. There was nothing special about it, but there were a few people out enjoying the sun. I doubt the pool was heated as the only people we ever saw in it were kids who squealed as they took a quick dip and got out.

None of the eateries in the lobby looked inviting, but we did have fresh Krispy Kreme donuts one morning. My friend had a smoothie and said it was watered down and not very good. My orange juice was fine.

This is an ok place to stay if you're on a budget. The location for the price can't be beat, across the street from the Aladdin and next door to Excalibur!

My wait to check in was 45 minutes, despite the seemingly short line. There were only three or four staff working the desk. Our standard, two Queen room was quite nice. It was plenty large enough for three adults without tripping over each other. The room had a big armoire with TV and drawers, a small table with two side chairs, and a desk with internet access. Double doors led to the spacious bathroom with double sinks, shower, full-size bathtub, and separate toilet area. The decor was quite tame and tasteful using light golden shades and softened reds. We asked for a view of the Paris hotel. We didn't get it, but our view was very pleasing anyway. We overlooked the lovely pool area with jacuzzi and palm trees. We could see 3/4 of the fountains at Bellagio across the street. We didn't use the pool ourselves and never really saw too many people in it. There wasn't much shade surrounding the pool deck and it was in the 90's when we were there.

The first was an overnight stay in August. On last-minute business, we just needed a place to stay, but wanted to be on the Strip. At $120/night, the Flamingo was the least expensive option by far.

Because it was mid-week and we were only staying 1 night, we were upgraded to a suite on the 17th floor. Opening the door to the suite, the first thing that catches the eye is the huge, 52" TV surrounded by comfortable couches and chairs. Looking past the TV through the floor-to-ceiling windows, a stunning view of the strip and Caesar's Palace across the street had us grinning from ear to ear.

A small kitchenette with bar seating, refrigerator, microwave and sink would have made this quite a comfortable stay for a few nights. A large dining room table and a second bedroom and bathroom made this a great suite for families, or for entertaining.

I did notice wear and tear, however. The carpet was stained. The furniture was in need of reupholstering. All in all, for the price we paid, we felt pampered and like we were valued customers.

The second trip, for a convention in January 2004, is a whole other story. Granted, we only paid $95/night, but as part of a large group of conventioneers, we thought we'd be treated a little better.

The room size was adequate; it was the view that made me feel like a second-class citizen. On the fourth floor, we overlooked several hundred feet of roof. A maze of piping and duct-work made the view even less attractive. Is this how they treat conventioneers?

When we arrived, the only amenities in the bathroom were two bars of soap and a shower cap. The next evening, two new bars of soap were left along with some shampoo/conditioner. The next night we received replacements for all of the above PLUS body lotion. I had to wonder if the tip I left every morning for housekeeping had anything to do with the arrival of the amenities.

So, would I recommend the Flamingo? Probably not. Would I stay there again? If the price was right, yes.

I was seated under a large, green market umbrella and given a menu to ponder. I realized steak was a little too heavy for lunch, so I ordered the next best thing. . . my favorite salad of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. While waiting for my meal, I soaked up the sunshine and the nice view of the Monte Carlo Hotel across the street. A small plate of soft pretzel sticks and Dijon mustard butter was brought. Interesting combination, and I enjoyed it! My salad arrived: a beautiful presentation of red, white, and green, drizzled with the dark brown vinegar dressing. Unfortunately, it wasn't very flavorful. In fact, it was quite boring. I've eaten this salad numerous times at restaurants, and make it at home myself. I think there was not quite enough balsamic flavor to lift the out-of-season tomatoes. Oh well. Next time, I go for the steak!

The M&M store on the Strip is 4 floors of M&M collectibles. Free 3-D movie adventure. Fun for the whole family. Next door is the Coke store. Many collectibles there as well.

The Bellagio Hotel's atrium. Beautiful flowers in season are everywhere. Outside the hotel, beginning at 5pm, water fountains dance to music every half hour. There are about 5 different shows. Well worth watching. Free.

The Blue Man Group at the Luxor. Maybe I was too tired for the 10pm show, but it wasn't quite as funny as I thought it would be. It was fun, though, and I recommend it if you don't mind the $85-100 price tag.

The Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel at sunset. The sunset wasn't too inspiring, but the view was. Look down and see and hear the Bellagio's water fountain shows from 500 feet up. Very impressive! Around $10 per person.

At the MGM Grand, lion habitat. Huge glassed-in habitat allows you to watch the lions as they play with the trainers. Often splashing in water and playing ball. All ages. Free.

Fremont Street downtown. Show every hour on the awning over your head. Lights and music, impossible to explain unless you've already seen it. Free.

The Pirate show at Treasure Island is gone. New show, Sirens of TI received a poor review from a friend who watched for a few minutes, then walked away.

The volcano outside the Mirage erupts about every 15 minutes. It's very dramatic and may be scary up close for small children. Free.

Best hotels to wander around in: The Venetian (take a romantic gondola ride, about $10 per person), Desert Passage shops at the Aladdin, Ceasar's Palace Forum shops and free fire and ice show in the rotunda by the Cheesecake Factory. Free below-the-Scenes tour of Ceasar's 50,000 gallon fish tanks has been added. The lobby of Mandalay Bay has a beautiful fish tank. The Rio Suites has a Carnaval show every evening at 5pm for free in the lobby. The Luxor is fun to explore with its Egyptian theme.

If you enjoy wax museums, Madame Tussaud's at The Venetian is great. The figures are lifelike and are not protected by ropes so you can get close enough for a photo! About $10 per person.

The Star Trek Experience at the Hilton is quite fun if you're a fan. The ride itself made me a little queasy, but the atmosphere was cool! Around $20 per person.