Monte Carlo Resort and Casino

I wouldnt go back if they paid me ! They treated people as if they was not welcome ! There was 7 of us and all of us said we would never return to the monte carlo! For the most part the hotel was ok. but the pit bosses was very rude and had no care that people was spending money in there casino! (SO NO COMPS) I was playing apx 50 to 100 hand didnt earn any comps! There was casinos we played at that gave us what ever we wanted! (Smokes an buffets) We all agree never again would we stay and or play at a MGM property!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My stay was from Dec. 2 through 7. Like many others I wasn't sure what to expect after reading some reviews. I almost canceled before I left as I feared the hotel had really gone down hill. But I booked 3 months in advance and could not find as good a deal on the strip. I decided that if it indeed was bad, I would just stay somewhere else. 2 days before I left I checked availability and rates at other hotels just in case. But it wasn't necessary.

I had a very late flight so check in wasn't a problem. Only one person in line in front of me. I was disappointed to find that I was only on the 3rd floor. But it was more important how clean the room was. I was VERY relieved to find the room clean and in order. Bathroom was a little worn, but the hotel is 10 years old. Still, you would think a hotel with a supposed 4 star rating could afford to put a new faucet in rooms where needed. But it worked so it wasn't a problem. The marble in the bathroom was all shiny and clean. I was pleased with the room.

Since I was on the 3rd floor I didn't have a nice view of anything. Overlooked a roof (parking garage?) and could see the back of the New York New York. But it didn't bother me. Yes there was construction noise. But I always travel with ear plugs anyway. Sometimes the other people on the floor are more noisy than construction sounds. So earplugs are a staple when I travel.

I tried both the Cafe and the Buffet at the Monte Carlo. I had the stuffed French toast one morning in the Cafe and it was excellent. I saw previous reviews that said the buffet was awful. People must be very picky eaters or they shouldn't be eating at buffets. Everything was hot and delicious. I was surprised at the number of options available, American, Mexican, Asian. Salad bar was fresh and desserts plentiful.

Overall I was very satisfied with my stay and glad I didn't change it before I left. You can't beat the location. Very close to most major hotels. I enjoy the walk on the strip to the other hotels.

Check in process was slow, the walls were extremely thin the room was filthy and besides that, we had bedbugs in our room, they came home in our luggage and had to hire an exterminator. A big waste of money and a run down, nasty, dirty hotel for way too much money

I was unsure of what to expect after reading some reviews on varying websites but when I got to the Monte Carlo I was more than pleased. I'll try to give you an idea of what to expect in all phases. I hope you find this helpful.

THE ROOM: The room was not overly big but not small by any means. It had a nice little armoire with a non-flat screen 27 inch tv inside. There is a table with two chairs for anyone who wants to sit at a desk on vacation. The beds were VERY comfortable with nice linens but the pillows are TERRIBLE. It's like they forgot to stuff them completely. You will need at least two to be comfortable. The closet is nice with an in-room safe that I found very useful. The bathroom is nice with marble but only one sink and the dreaded shower/bath combo. I find the separate standing shower and soaking tub much nicer. I never noticed hearing people from the rooms next door. The only noise that I ever heard was from water running from the room above. I have read others who say the walls are paper thin but I did not encounter this but I also stayed up pretty late.

Overall Room Grade: B-

THE CASINO: The casino is actually very nice. It's laid out well so you never have a problem figuring out where you are. The limits are also some of the lower that I saw on the strip, even on weekend nights. The room is very well lit with nice chandeliers above. The dealers were also very helpful at explaining games that I had not played before. I cannot speak to slots as I did not play them. The atmosphere was not one of great enthusiasm but it seemed as if most people were enjoying themselves. The sportsbook is disappointing. There is only one big TV that was split up to use for four games. There are also about 10 smaller plasmas/lcd's around the room which helps. There are not individual TV's at any of the seats but I probably wouldn't have used them if there were. The poker room is on the small side but it is very nice. They have a 2-4 game and sometimes a 3-6 with ok players. There is also a 1-2 no limit game going most of the time. They also offer very good rewards for playing in their room for X amount of hours. While I was there, they had a $30,000 free roll for anyone who played 30 hours in the month of September. Not a bad deal at all. Also, if you do play poker, you must inquire about their poker room discounts. Amazing deal!

Casino Grade: B

THE POOL: The pool is quite nice but it is also on the smaller side. The lazy river is awesome. I loved floating along it with a drink in hand. They also have a wave pool (that I did not get in) and a regular pool that is heated. Tip, buy a raft or inner tube from the CVS next door. This will save you $5.00.

Pool Grade: A-

DINING OPTIONS: I ate at their food court numerous times because I am on the cheaper side. It has good options such as Sbarro's, McDonald's, a Chinese and Mexican restaurant, and of course a Starbucks. Since I was on vacation I also popped for dinner at their steakhouse. Blackstone's Steakhouse is very nice. It's right off the casino floor but you wouldn't know it because of how quiet it is on the inside. It is definitely on the pricier side but the steak that I had was one of the better steaks that I have ever eaten.

Dining Grade: A-

THE LOCATION: The location grade depends on your personal preference. If you are a person who prefers the south strip (MGM, NY NY, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay) but also likes the center strip then I would say that you couldn't ask for a better location. Very close proximity to Bellagio and the other casinos listed above. If you're a person who prefers the center strip (Paris, Caesars, Bally's, Mirage, Flamingo) or the north strip (TI, Venetian, Wynn) then I would say this location is probably a little too far south for you. Several times I wanted to go to the Venetian but didn't want to walk and didn't want to take the time of taking the bus there and back. I would probably rather stay closer to the center strip but this location is anything but bad. It's also right on the strip so you can take the Deuce to just about any casino.

Location Grade: B+

THE STAFF: Every member of the staff that I encountered seemed very very pleasant. They answered all of my questions and went above and beyond for any help that they could offer as well as advice.

Staff Grade: A+

THE PRICE: This is one of the better deals on the strip. If you want above average amenities at below average prices I would highly suggest the Monte Carlo.

Price Grade: A

OVERALL: Overall, the Monte Carlo is NOT the Bellagio, but you also do not pay Bellagio prices. The place has a very "homey" feel to it. After a night out I always enjoyed coming back to the MC as it did feel a lot like home. It's this feeling that would make me consider this hotel for future stays.

OVERALL: B+

I hope this review helps you make your decision on where to stay. I have to imagine that my rating of the MC will go up once the City Centre project is complete. It will make the location that much better. I just hope it doesn't drive the prices up as well.

The Monte Carlo offers what I consider to be the baseline Las Vegas experience. The hotel and casino is well located, right on the strip across from the MGM, so it has that going for it. It's a big hotel with an on-site show (Lance Burton and no, I didn't see it), restaurants, pool and a large casino. But everything was just plain average and bland. The casino floor lacked excitement, and the restaurant we visited (Caliente - mexican food) was just acceptable - it had only been open for a few days, however, so perhaps they'll improve.

The new city center (an 8 billion dollar project!) is going up next door, but I didn't have any noise or disruptions because of the construction. My room was large and clean and quiet. My only complaint is that the toilet lid didn't stay up on it's own - minor issue yet, but an annoyance for sure.

I didn't use the pool but it looked nice (though must be noisy with the construction going on around it.) I did use the gym, which was one of the more memorable places in the hotel - it must have been renovated recently. On the other hand, a day pass to the gym set me back $19. Ouch!

Overall, I'd recommend if you're trying to save a few bucks but still want to be on the strip. But if you want to blow it out and have something more memorable, spend a few extra bucks.