LAS VEGASREVIEWSTRAVEL

Las Vegas: Monte Carlo has location, location, location

Monte Carlo Las Vegas and Casino — Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International

We have not seen everything or stayed everywhere; we will only offer our opinion on those features we have experienced. We are much more interested in educating our readers on their options.

Like our choices? Hate our choices? Leave your thoughts in the comment field below.

Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Address: 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Phone: 702-730-7777, Web site: www.montecarlo.com, Loyalty program: M Life (click here for more information).

Quick facts

The Monte Carlo, owned by MGM Resorts International, first opened in 1996. It took $344 million to build the resort and currently features nearly 3,000 guest rooms and 224 suites.

Dining

Monte Carlo has several dining selections, including Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge, BRAND Steakhouse & Lounge, Dragon Noodle Co. & Sushi Bar and The Buffet. One of the more well-known restaurants at the resort is Diablo’s Cantina, which passersby can’t help but notice when walking on the Strip. It features Mexican food in a casual dining environment.

Atmosphere

Monte Carlo is one of the more laid-back resorts in Las Vegas. It attracts a varied crowd, and that’s one of the strongest aspects of the property. The younger gamblers can feel at home as well as the more seasoned veterans. The dealers help newcomers, but there’s definitely a sense of competition in the air. It doesn’t scream “family,” though few properties in Las Vegas do. All in all, Monte Carlo is a safe bet.

Location

This is about as good as it gets. Monte Carlo has prime real estate right in the middle of the Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard South. It’s sandwiched in between the new CityCenter and New York-New York. The actual entrance is a little deceiving, but that’s also one of the charms of the resort. Once you enter the front doors, you feel a world away from the Strip, even though you’re only a few feet from the pulsating action of Sin City.

Gambling Options

The casino has more than 100,000 square feet of gaming area, and there’s a nice layout to the variety of options available. The blackjack dealers are kind and helpful. The roulette tables frequently have affordable minimums. It’s not the classiest joint in town, but there’s definitely a good vibe.

Room & Pool Options

Monte Carlo features three outdoor pools, which is fairly standard for properties of this size. There’s a boutique hotel located on the top floor known as Hotel32 (because it’s on the 32nd floor). These swanky digs come with full VIP treatment, including key-card access elevator, dedicated suite assistants, roundtrip airport transportation, an iPod touch for the duration of your stay, complimentary refreshments and cocktails.

In the regular part of the hotel, many rooms have a Strip view and some feature jacuzzi tubs. The Monaco and Diamond Suites offer more space to relax (700-800 square feet).

Shopping, Spas & Salons

In the Street of Dreams area, Monte Carlo features Misura, Marshall Rousso, LICK, Optica, Art of Music, Harley-Davidson of Las Vegas, Luxury for Less and The Cupcakery.

Haircuts, massages and fitness machines are located in the spa & salon area. Most days, it opens at 6 a.m. and closes at either 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.

Attractions

Not much here.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Please note: All of this information is subject to change. This is Las Vegas, after all. Restaurants, lounges, attractions and shows open and close almost every single day. Be sure to check official Web sites and call the resort for details.

Revised

John Soltes

John Soltes is an award-winning journalist. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Earth Island Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, New Jersey Monthly and at Time.com, among other publications. E-mail him at john@hollywoodsoapbox.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *