Observations on the hotel

[SilverStreak]

Thanks for the great weekend. Weather was wonderful until late Saturday. Lots of rain returning to Phoenix.

Anyone else experience water leaks from both windows?

Few observations about the hotel:
1. Missed the ability to make coffee or tea in my room.

2. When two people are sharing a room does that mean they have to share one bath towel? Had to call each day for second bath towel.

3. Had to ask for glasses.

4. Bathrooms and overall room accommodation were better at the AVI.

5. Aquarius was nice to be closer to the action.

6. Didn't know there was an adult only tower .

Keep on truckin

[artsmart]

Originally Posted by SilverStreak

Thanks for the great weekend. Weather was wonderful until late Saturday. Lots of rain returning to Phoenix.

Anyone else experience water leaks from both windows?

Few observations about the hotel:
1. Missed the ability to make coffee or tea in my room.
I agree this was an issue...had to get dressed and go downstairs or call room service. Also, no alarm clock.

2. When two people are sharing a room does that mean they have to share one bath towel? Had to call each day for second bath towel.
No problem here...two bath towels in my room each day.

3. Had to ask for glasses.
Again, no problems.

4. Bathrooms and overall room accommodation were better at the AVI.
Much nicer

5. Aquarius was nice to be closer to the action.


6. Didn't know there was an adult only tower .
whoops, reservationist should have told you.

Keep on truckin

The Aquarius is part of the Stratosphere group that was recently sold to Goldman-Sachs (spelling?)...they expect to be fully renovated before our return visit in 2009. Hopefully, they will take care of some of the issues we observed.

[hdflstf]

Originally Posted by SilverStreak

Thanks for the great weekend. Weather was wonderful until late Saturday. Lots of rain returning to Phoenix.

Anyone else experience water leaks from both windows?

Few observations about the hotel:
1. Missed the ability to make coffee or tea in my room.

2. When two people are sharing a room does that mean they have to share one bath towel? Had to call each day for second bath towel.

3. Had to ask for glasses.

4. Bathrooms and overall room accommodation were better at the AVI.

5. Aquarius was nice to be closer to the action.

6. Didn't know there was an adult only tower .

Keep on truckin

1. Weird, had the capability in my room.
2. I think I had your towels - 2 sets for 1 person
3. Had your glasses - 3 for 1 person.
4. Indeed.
5. Yes.
6. I was in the 'adult' tower

[Thumper]

We had a great room, good view, and great service. A much better room than AVI. Sorry you had a bad experience.

[mcvett2]

We were in the kiddy tower, and our room was worse than a Motel 6. The good thing was it was free we got comped for three nights and only stayed two.

[kart3d]

We can,t complain about anything .Was on 17th floor. Looking forward to next year but durango 1st in august.Denny & Kay

[BlueStreak]

Have not been to the AVI but have stayed a Harrah's and found it to be much better. Coffee in the rooms, at least in the adult tower, and close to the action on the River Walk even though it is at the south end. Non-smoking casino for those of us who care about such things. Still had a good time though, Must be the company.

[RUN ROD RUN]

Originally Posted by artsmart

The Aquarius is part of the Stratosphere group that was recently sold to Goldman-Sachs (spelling?)...they expect to be fully renovated before our return visit in 2009. Hopefully, they will take care of some of the issues we observed.

No problem in my room.

HOWEVER... That elevator at the garage was tooooo slow.

As for the renovation, we saw something on one of those Laughlin fliers that says they'll be spending $20 million redoing each room and should be done by May.

I think we should give them another try next year as the location is just right.

[hdflstf]

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

No problem in my room.

HOWEVER... That elevator at the garage was tooooo slow.

As for the renovation, we saw something on one of those Laughlin fliers that says they'll be spending $20 million redoing each room and should be done by May.

I think we should give them another try next year as the location is just right.

Only if they have internet access.

[smokey]

Harrah's was great! Rooms were wonderful and internet service was available (wireless too). Non-smoking casino was the best part!

Smokey & BlueSSR

[Blue Thunder]

Our experience leads us to recommend returning to the Aquarius over the Avi, hands-down!

[RUN ROD RUN]

Did anybody notices how much nicer the parking garage is at the Golden Nugget?

[crazyrtr53]

Originally Posted by smokey

Harrah's was great! Rooms were wonderful and internet service was available (wireless too). Non-smoking casino was the best part!

Smokey & BlueSSR

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Our experience leads us to recommend returning to the Aquarius over the Avi, hands-down!

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

Did anybody notices how much nicer the parking garage is at the Golden Nugget?

Harrah's better than the Aquarius...yes

Aquarius over Avi...yes

I stay clear away of the Golden Nugget. It might have a great parking garage but has low ceilings in the Casino, you might as well smoke a cig than breath in all the second hand smoke it might be safer....

My vote would be Tropicana Express or Harrah's but the wife has informed me that we will be staying at the Riverside since they allow pets, damn dog...

[Highrider]

I could not make it this year, but you might want to look at The River Palms Casino, they host many car clubs shows, 57 chevy, Triumphs and Corvettes.

[LTs SSR]

You guys pick it... the Fanatics will show up... only thing for me... would have preferred internet access...

[mcvett2]

Originally Posted by smokey

Harrah's was great! Rooms were wonderful and internet service was available (wireless too). Non-smoking casino was the best part!

Smokey & BlueSSR

Harrah's may not be the same next year, do to new owners. Harrah's corp. was sold today for $ 17 B. That's B as in Billon.

[WearyEagle]

Originally Posted by LTs SSR

You guys pick it... the Fanatics will show up... only thing for me... would have preferred internet access...

I'm with Linda on this. All Casinos and Hotels are the same. Internet access makes the difference to me.

[artsmart]

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

I think we should give them another try next year as the location is just right.

Originally Posted by hdflstf

Only if they have internet access.

After much looking and haggling this year the Aquarius came through as no one else would, they did a great job with the dinner, and with the upcoming renovations I think we will stick with them unless the new owners do not accommodate us next year.

We have become very spoiled regarding internet access, expecting everyone to spend the $$ and even if they do some still charge for it...as for me, I'll not be without an air card ever again...won't have to worry about any podunk towns or hotels ever again

[shiftz33]

No internet access was a bummer. The paper thin walls were also a bummer. We could hear every single word/noise made in the adjacent rooms.

[azviking]

I've stayed at both, the rooms in the Trop are much nicer all remodeled with pillow top beds and ashley furniture. But the food at the trop not so good. The good news is the aquarius is upgrading all the rooms and is definately less smokey. Can't say about the AVI. I'll leave it up to the organizers to decide but they can book the KAO camp ground and I'll show up. You fanatics are worth the trip!

Thanks
azvikings - Pete Sand

[WearyEagle]

Originally Posted by artsmart

We have become very spoiled regarding internet access, expecting everyone to spend the $$ and even if they do some still charge for it...as for me, I'll not be without an air card ever again...won't have to worry about any podunk towns or hotels ever again

The cost of installing HIGH SPEED internet access is not even a factor. Gambling joints just plain don't want you in your room on the internet when you would otherwise be in the casino. They don't want to have to deal with THAT COST.

ONLY when other casinos & hotels provide HIGH SPEED internet access and start "stealing" guests and events, will they even consider it seriously. I was told by the reservations dept. at the Aquarius, that they'd have internet access by the time we got there. I'm guessing they knew it was a lie when they uttered it but did so anyway, because they know how important HIGH SPEED access is to many people that have other interests and business that must be conducted in their absence.

I'm with azviking, I can "tough it out" no matter where they hold the event. For me its not the hotel, not the casino, not really the trucks, but the people. Greatest second family anyone can have.

[turnheadz]

Wouldn't know about the AVI, except it's way the hell out there
Our room always had towels.. but the dial up internet access didn't do me any good. Would have been nice to have a coffee machine. Wasn't aware of the adult only tower. As far as gambling, the slots paid out so poorly that I'm happy to never see another one as long as I live I liked the location, we strolled the river walk and went to the mall across the street twice. It was nice to see the security people in the parkade.

[kwhopper89]

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

As for the renovation, we saw something on one of those Laughlin fliers that says they'll be spending $20 million redoing each room and should be done by May.

Are they gonna line EACH room in gold???

If only my work wasn't so darn busy at this time of the year!!! We are actually told we can't 'schedule' leave in January - perhaps I'll get the 72 or 96 hour 'flu' next year!

[UMPIRE13]

THOUGHT'S

This was the first time with the group. My wife and I had a room with no kids, a bed with no dogs, coffee in the room , towels to shower with, and a bunch of nut's just like us. It's all about a funny little truck. looking foward to next year.
You pick it we will come.

[LTs SSR]

Originally Posted by kwhopper89

If only my work wasn't so darn busy at this time of the year!!! We are actually told we can't 'schedule' leave in January - perhaps I'll get the 72 or 96 hour 'flu' next year!

Sounds like you need to plan on that 96 hour flu!!

[OP]

I was in the Arizona Tower and had more than enough towels, coffee/tea maker, fridge (upon request).

WAS MUCH HAPPIER HERE THAN THE AVI. Liked being closer to the action , seemed less smokey than the AVI in the casino. More food choices on site and nearby than the AVI. SSR banquet and bar was nicer here than last year.

Would return for this run again as long as it was located somewhere downtown. Perhaps Harrahs (newer) could be considered.

ALL in ALL, those that organized this event for all of us did a FANTASTIC JOB. Thank you one and all.

[Copacetic Kris]

I agree. Every respectable hotel has wireless access, we NEED to be in touch with the world. I missed my daily jokes
Hope I can see you guys next year. Well I need to go see my laywer now. I'll be back to post an update of my trip back home to ATL when I get back. No fast runners on the way back

Originally Posted by hdflstf

Only if they have internet access.

[artsmart]

Originally Posted by azviking

I've stayed at both, the rooms in the Trop are much nicer all remodeled with pillow top beds and ashley furniture. But the food at the trop not so good. The good news is the aquarius is upgrading all the rooms and is definately less smokey. Can't say about the AVI. I'll leave it up to the organizers to decide but they can book the KAO camp ground and I'll show up. You fanatics are worth the trip!

Thanks
azvikings - Pete Sand

A little birdie told us that someone we worked with before at another venue would be responsible for the food at the Ramada/Tropicana - we beat feet and went looking elsewhere. We do appreciate everyone's ideas and suggestions but ultimately it will be where it will be once we start planning 2009. I expect that once the renovations start at the Aquarius high speed will be included. It is true that we were told initially that high speed would be available when we arrived but I believe the old owners decided to let the new owners absorb the cost.

Glad ya all had a good time and are looking to come back next year, and the year after, and the year after that!

[DOUBLE-D]

our only complaint was the noise. our room was near the parking garage, we could hear every car in the garage. also could hear neighbors in the room next door and in the hall, but we had fun and got to meet some old friends and new ones too. if possible we will see you next year. good job by all who put on this event. thank you!

[Delma Lou]

We had a great time and we are looking forward to next year

I had an outside salesman working for me that did alot of traveling for the company we worked for and he told me something I will never forget.

When the lights go out in the hotel room they all look the same.

Delma Lou