Ron H.
Yelp
The Jockey Club, Monarch Grand Vacation Cancun Resort, Grandview, and Westgate Flamingo Bay Club:
Las Vegas Decisions
"The Strip" and "downtown" are compact, and even the most superficial-minded visitor cannot help but accrue the necessary information to pursue his/her passion. Everyone who has visited Las Vegas seems to have favorite casinos, restaurants, buffets, theme hotels, and their own unique finds. Besides the Las Vegas visitor's centers have provided both print and digital information:
Las Vegas is so small that it is very easy to "learn" about the aspects of Las Vegas that one has an interest in. For the novice visitor, any good guidebook is recommended. The first-time visitor with or without family will really need to spend a little time navigating the web sites and reading a guidebook. The veteran who requires a specific strip hotel, or who is provided a complimentary room has already made these decisions. I have an annual spring conference in Las Vegas that requires the presentation of a paper, and my accommodations are always a Las Vegas timeshare. Interval International offers 16 properties. Several of these properties are premier and select resorts. During the past decade we have opted for the new Marriott Vacation Villas. However, Las Vegas has numerous time-shares. And Interval International may not be the best trading company to use for Las Vegas. A Las Vegas exchange may better occur through the advice of TimeSharing Today or RedWeek.com.
Our ten-year experience with trades into Las Vegas has resulted in four nice properties: The Jockey Club, Monarch Grand Vacation-Cancun Resort, Grandview, and Westgate Flamingo Bay. There are several other properties that deserve a visit, and perhaps, in the future, we will experience some of these properties. My wife and I do not drink, smoke, gamble, and are not interested in the "sex-shows." But we still find Las Vegas to be an "adult Disneyland." The monorail, trolley, buses, and cabs provide inexpensive transportation; however, I always am more comfortable with a rental car in Las Vegas. I have selected four time-shares to discuss in this article. The Jockey Club or 3700 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109, 702-798-3500 800-634-6649) is obviously defined as a select resort due to a prime strip location. This time-share seems to be in the very center of the strip. The Jockey Club has studio and one- and two-bedroom units although the tourist should count on a one-bedroom unit. The Jockey Club is immediately south of the Bellagio, and an easy walk to the gardens, art, and restaurants of the Bellagio. For several years, my wife and I enjoyed one of the nicest views in Las Vegas of the famous "dancing fountains. The units are utilitarian and provide no aesthetics of their own; ever room seems to be minimal in size and utility. Please take note of the Spartan furniture that is provided on the website. The workout room is miniscule, and often the machinery is in non-working order; the pool is less than a pleasurable experience. The website clearly states the following: "Major construction and renovation are ongoing in and around the resort." This means that there is virtually no parking, and a seemingly endless day of loud construction noise. Any exchange counselor from any company will be certain to guarantee a trade to this property but do ask if construction has been completed. Once the noise has ceased, and parking is restored, the tourist may consider the Jockey Club again. Check in is speedy, and the small on-site grocery store is sometimes necessary in an emergency.
The Monarch Grand Vacation-Cancun Resort at 8335 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89123, 702-614-6200) offers suite, and one- and two-bedroom units. The one-bedroom units provide two bathrooms, and this is a useful feature. This time-share is a premier resort, and the website photos confirm the premier status. However, contrast the 8335 Las Vegas Boulevard South address with the 3700 Las Vegas Boulevard South of the Jockey Club, and the tourist will realize that an automobile is essential in staying at this resort. The following statement is from the website:
The Cancún Resort is located just three miles south of the heart of Las Vegas. Guests will enjoy penthouse, and one- and two-bedroom villas with private balconies, all decorated in contemporary Mayan design. The resort boasts a six-acre center court featuring a Mayan ruin waterfall, swimming pool, waterslides, whirlpool spas, lounge, and poolside restaurant with room delivery. On-site amenities include a fitness center, concierge, game room, ATM, day spa, Internet kiosk, wireless in-room Internet, and gift shop/convenience store.