u/The_Traveller1

Just putting this for anyone who is curious about renting with Hertz. Highly recommend getting Gold+ for your trip. Im a PC member thanks to AMEX but I didn’t use my PC perks. Shuttle stopped at the gold+ area and I went and looked at my name before seeing where my intermediate elite suv was parked. Got a nice Infiniti QX60 and had a great experience. Don’t read the scathing reviews, Hertz is fine and adequate if you have the app.

Thought I’d share my experience onboard American Airlines if anyone is interested in reading.

Check-In/First Impressions: My flight was leaving out of gate D38 and Terminal D American check-in was easy and fast. I didn’t like that TSA pre was the only security checkpoint option next to the American counters, you need to walk to gate D22 for general. Anyway the terminal is very nice and boarding started on-time and was pretty fast.

Seat: For a 2hr flight, my seat behind the wing was pretty good. The back cushion was stiff but the butt cushion was comfortable and legroom was decent. I had back pain the day prior but this flight didn’t aggravate it which was good. Recline is the perfect amount, not too much but also not too little. Overall, decent seat.

Food: Flight attendants only offered Biscoff onboard this flight which was good as always. They had an extensive choice of beverages which I passed on since it was a morning flight and they ran out of orange juice. Basic selections but at least free.

Entertainment: I had a struggle when trying to connect with the Wi-Fi, phone kept on saying connection failed so couldn’t access it. American has tons of movies to watch but it was unfortunate I could not access any.

Service: The crew onboard this flight were very sweet. They were super informative and very caring, they even did meal service during turbulence! I absolutely love the friendly atmosphere onboard American and love the domestic crews.

Final Thoughts: Overall I had a great experience onboard American‘s 737. My favorite part was the seamless app experience, it made it very easy to print out tickets and board. One big letdown onboard today’s leg was the entertainment which I couldn’t get working as I am an Aadvantage member. Overall, great flight.

**Important to Note that because I’m a Aadvantage member I got group 6 boarding but if you aren’t you will be group 9. Basic economy also requires you to pay to select seats.

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I’ve been having a hard time with try to calm myself from the sinking feeling. I’ve had a bad experience on United one time with a takeoff from Denver, it got very bumpy and was one of the worst experiences.

Hopefully my last time flying into Denver. Though such a nice airport it’s always very bumpy. Ill be flying from DFW —> DEN AA 1523, if you guys can track my flight that will be great.

I'm going out to Denver and renting a car in 2-days, what car will I most likely receive? I don't want the Volvo plug-in hybrid but I'm worried that it might be reading Hertz's Vehicle Guide. Can anyone give me an idea of what car to expect in the H4 class?

No, you can not answer I prefer hotels with walk-in shower and a separate bathtub. Out of these two options I am curious, which one do you prefer? Personally, I am a walk-in shower guy because it feels more roomier than the shower/tub and I like how it looks. I also don't like that the bathtubs get stained a lot more easily. What do you prefer?

Before I start I want to mention I won't be doing Downtown Hotels since the only ones I've stayed at are Golden Nugget and Circa. I also won't be including hotels that are off the vegas strip since I've only stayed at The Rio, Palms, and Westgate and nowhere else. The hotels I haven't been to on the vegas strip are the Casino Royale, Elara, MGM Skylofts and the Circus Circus Manor.

Four Seasons: The Four Seasons is the nicest hotel out of the Mandalay Bay properties. The rooms are a highlight and the bedding is very comfortable, tied with the Aria's new bedding. The bathroom is huge and the entire room is clean, it is a huge upgrade from the older rooms. The dining here is on point, their buffet at Veranda is amazing and it is hands down my favorite buffet on the Las Vegas strip, very underrated. Service here is fine, not as good as other FS properties but good for Vegas. You can also access the Mandalay Bay and W common areas and there are things to do there in case your bored. Overall, very nice property. The problem with this hotel though is it is really far south, though it is better than being really far north like the Strat.

W: The former Delano has now changed to Marriott's W Hotels, originally part of Starwood. Don't quote me on this but I believe there was another W Las Vegas before they closed that one, I might be wrong. Anyway, they didn't really change much when I visited and that was because I stayed when it was still The Delano. The rooms are a big highlight, they are 720sq and the bathrooms are nice. They are a little dusty though. Dining isn't great here but there are good restaurants nearby at Mandalay Bay. It is a very good hotel for the price, and probably the best value 5-star hotel. I prefer The W over Four Seasons in my opinion, but both properties are too far south though they are closer to the airport.

Mandalay Bay: I'd choose the Mandalay Bay last when considering the Mandalay Bay properties. The rooms aren't spacious nor they don't have nice amenities, but they still are comfortable and get the job done. There was a lot of dust in my room but the beds and the bathrooms were clean. The bathroom was huge which I liked. The hotel has a huge waterpark but they don't have a single slide, and they also have an aquarium which isn't too special. I really liked StripSteak here for dining so I'd recommend that. It is a very cheap 5-star hotel and I'd say its great for those not expecting much. Again as I mentioned with FS and W, the Mandalay Bay is too far south.

Luxor: I don't know why people complain about The Luxor, I had a great experience here. The dining might have been rocky but Johnny Rockets at the food court was surprisingly good though very expensive. However there are tons of shows and exhibitions here for entertainment. I like the pyramid feels kind of dark and the rooms here are good value. I think they use some of the Bellagio's old furniture so that is kind of nice. Bathrooms are ok, they have a nice walk-in shower but they feel dated. Do upgrade to the Tower Suites, I stayed here during F1 season and these were amazing for only $10 more.

Excalibur: This is an okay hotel. First off the entire property is lovely, I love the castle theme and the Tournament of Kings show is one of the best in Vegas. It kind of feels like Medieval Times but it is still really worth watching. I like there are good amount of shows and activities, and the overall theme is very nice and well-built. That being said for a hotel this old the ventilation system is terrible and the residential aspect is really old. The rooms here aren't the cleanest and despite getting a renovation they still feel old. The bathrooms here and not clean and the rooms aren't maintained well. It is still a decent budget-friendly option but if your expecting something a little nicer, don't let the huge castle fool you. That said though they have a huge arcade and it is ironic to me that they are trying to make it appealing to families when the ventilation system is terrible from the casino smoke.

New York New York: Personally while everyone says this hotel is really great, I don't like it. First off the hotel's theme is great, some parts of the hotel really feels like I'm walking on the side streets of New York. They got great dining at affordable prices and they have lots of activities like an arcade and the Big Apple Roller Coaster. (I chickened out for the coaster). That said for the price, there are better since the rooms aren't great. The rooms are clean which is a big highlight and I like the wooden floors. That said despite the room being modern I find it a little bright and the design just doesn't apply to me but to each their own. What really threw this off for me was the bathroom, the bathtub was VERY small. I had to bend my knees to fully lie down, and the water pressure sucks. Not very ideal for paying $109 excluding taxes and fees per night. If you don't care about the room as much, this might be a great option for you.

Park MGM: This hotel might not seem very good for some, but I actually like it. First off, I also agree that the room design feels very plain, but the bathroom is very nice. I like the walk-in shower and the lack of furniture makes the room feel more spacious. On top of that, the hotel is the only smoke-free casino on the strip, which is a huge plus and appeals to families. I love the dining, although Eataly isn't a Vegas staple they have amazing bites to eat from affordable to fine dine. I haven't really found much to do here but it is a great hotel and you pay for what you get. Highly recommend for those on a budget.

The Reserve at Park MGM: The Reserve I actually just found out is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection and that being said I probably wouldn't choose it if considering luxury. First off I got upgraded to a suite here which was nice, but the room felt dated. I don't like the design with a bathtub in the middle of the room and water getting everywhere. I don't like the bathroom is separated into like three different areas and it feels very inconvenient though some might find it practical. I like the living room but for a 5-star the design feels kind of wonky and more 1970s. I like the hotel staff, they are very friendly and I like the dark mood in the lobby. There are small details which make the experience feel more premium but it just doesn't satisfy me when I think of Vegas and it feels like something I'd get in like NYC. It is a nice try and it is a nice place but there are way better 5-star options.

Waldorf Astoria: This is Hilton's highest tier hotel and this property use to be the Mandarin Oriental before it was changed. I love the lobby is on the 23rd floor which is a highlight, and the dining is really good though it caters to those looking for formal eats. The rooms here are some of my favorite, the bathroom is really huge, the beds are comfortable, and it is overall spacious for a standard room. That said it is expensive, but I like that it doesn't have a casino meaning it is smoke-free. I can just walk over to Aria or Cosmo if I want to gamble. The city center location is a highlight though I feel like there is less activity here than North of the Bellagio, but it is a nice hotel. I'd recommend for those looking for really nice rooms and a formal, traditional luxury experience. It's not special for Vegas but it is a normal 5-star hotel experience.

The Aria: The Aria knocks it out of the park. First off, the beds are extremely comfortable and the room design is very gorgeous. I was upgraded to a suite here even though I'm not an MGM member. They have amazing restaurants like Catch and Ding Tai Fung and they have a pretty good gambling experience. I like the sleek and chic atmosphere the hotel is going for and I like the comtemporary feel. It is a very nice hotel and I'd recommend for someone looking for a balance of "Vegas" themed hotel and a modern, enjoyable 5-star stay. I have stayed also at Aria Sky Suites but it was 14 years ago so I don't really remember how it was, all I remember were the rooms were nicer.

Vdara: This hotel might be a favorite for some, but I'd say it isn't my favorite. First off, the room is great but it felt very dusty and a little run down. I love the bathroom and the huge bathtub, and I like the kitchen. Dining here is a huge let down and you got to walk to Bellagio, Aria, or Cosmo to get something to eat. That said it is very family-friendly but surprisingly it gets very busy. I've seen rates here cheaper than the Aria though they have bigger rooms. I don't hate this hotel, but when there are options like Waldorf Astoria right next door that caters to the same clientele, it falters. It isn't a bad hotel but the dining and the service really let it down.

Cosmopolitan: A lot of people favor the Cosmopolitan, I don't. First off a big plus is the views of the Bellagio Fountains, I had a beautiful view from my 1 king terrace room. My balcony was spectacular. I also love the barber shop speakeasy here. The hotel caters to a younger crowd and compared to the Aria it feels a lot more "fun." I also love the pools here which is a huge plus and highlight. That being said I don't like the rooms, they haven't really maintained it well. I don't like the bathroom layout as I feel it is unconveniental, though it does suit the Vegas theme. There are chunks of the scratched up headboard on the pillows and the outlets didn't work which was surprising, the bedside outlets were ripped off the wall. Also this property is extremely busy and the staff feel rushed and we didn't really get positive experiences when interacting with them. They were literally yelling trying to get people in line in order for the check-in line to move faster it felt like a fish market. Overall, not a bad hotel but not my favorite due to personal experience.

Bellagio: Many people criticize this hotel and call it overrated, I think not. Personally I do agree that this hotel is often really busy since it is filled with tourists and the low ceilings in the casino don't help. I also have a personal grudge because I lost a lot of money while gambling here. Though I still love staying at this hotel. First off all, it is home to the Bellagio Fountains and Garden Conservatory which even if your not staying here you can access. The conservatory is a great place to get a breath of fresh air. The rooms here were recently renovated and feel fresh. Though the view of the Bellagio Fountains isn't as good as the Cosmo, the bathroom has a huge walk-in shower which I thought was nice and the room had an Italian influence with modern elements. It was very clean and spotless overall. I 100% recommend this hotel if you are considering it though personally it isn't my favorite Italian themed hotel. (SPOILER: V/P if you know what I mean.)

Caesar's: Lot of people like Caesar's but to me I don't. The biggest reason why is because of the room variability, there are so many different towers at Caesar's and you could get a really nice room or you could get a terrible room. Once I got a really nice room with great design and a walk-in shower at the Augustus Tower but at the Octavious Tower I got a terrible room. However, the Forum Shops are amazing to spend your time and I like the mini-attractions that are in it. The dining here is pretty good too, lots of options for affordable and a few fine-dine bites as well. The pools here are scattered and are a big highlight, very clean and the architecture is very lovely. Garage isn't my favorite though as the elevators are very crappy. Do your research on the room your getting before booking is my main advice.

Nobu at Caesar's: Personally if you like Caesar's, I would recommend staying at The Nobu. I don't know why it is negatively reviewed but I love the Japanese theme on the rooms. I like the lowered bedding which is very comfortable and the bedroom design is very nice though no Japanese toilet. The views aren't really my favorite because the window is very dim-lit. I will say though the check-in is a little confusing and the hotel is a very boutique property, but I don't have a problem with that since it is located in Caesar's grounds.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MIRAGE: I know Mirage closed but I just want to say how much I miss it. It is just a lovely hotel from the famous volcano, the aquarium lobby, and the rooms which were amazing for the price, this was seriously the best budget-friendly option in Vegas. You will be missed, Mirage as you were the first Mega-Resort hotel in Vegas.

Treasure Island: I feel like Treasure Island is a good option if you are on a budget and you just need a decent place to stay. The hotel has a really good theme but over the years they have kind of lost it. I've heard that they removed the pirate show to add a CVS, who needs a CVS in a hotel I really don't know. The rooms are well-designed though I don't like the bathroom, I'd prefer a walk-in shower rather than a bathtub/shower combination. They have some mixed dining options, some are pretty good and some I wouldn't bother going to. It feels like it is in a washed up zone as some parts has that theming and others don't. If your looking for something a little more modern for budget-friendly, this is a great option.

Hilton at Resorts World: The Hilton is by far the best hotel at Resorts World in my opinion. People say at Conrad and Crockfords are the "Luxury" properties but the Hilton also feels like the same. The service is great since it isn't as busy as The Conrad. The rooms here are by far my favorite in terms of design, I like the blue and gold. The bathrooms are gorgeous and the rooms are clean but the beds aren't the most comfortable. It is a great hotel if you like modern options but resorts world has been falling off. They aren't as great as they use to be. It is modern but most of the restaurant options aren't as good as Street Eats isn't as good anymore as most of them are closed, and it doesn't really feel 5-star. Gambling here is still solid though since it is quiet.

Conrad at Resorts World: This hotel is the busiest 5-star hotel I've ever seen, the lines are always super busy since the prices are very cheap. The rooms here are pretty nice, the beds are comfy and they are slightly lowered. The bathroom is well and I like the red and gold design. The room was a little bit dirty when I checked in as the carpet wasn't cleaned properly and there was trash under the desk. It isn't my favorite 5-star but it is a good option for those looking for a cheaper 5-star experience.

Crockfords at Resorts World: If your looking for an ultra-luxury experience DO NOT stay here. Crockfords doesn't feel premium at all, they might have the gated entrance and the private lobby but it all feels the same in terms of service. They have a private rooftop lounge but it doesn't really have any staff there. The rooms aren't great, they aren't very clean and I do like the tall ceilings but the design isn't so good. For the price, the Crockfords is not my favorite hotel and there are other properties that I prefer.

Circus Circus: Do not stay here, this is probably the most famous Vegas casino in a bad way. Rooms here are filthy and are old and outdated, I doubt they bother cleaning them. Dining and the breakfast buffet is horrible, food smells rotten. The bathroom is terrible and the elevators keep breaking down. On the plus sides though the Adventure Dome is really nice and I do like the circus acts that this hotel has. Staying at the Circus Circus is horrible, visiting the Circus Circus is not so bad is my take.

The Stratosphere: There is A LOT of hate on the Stratosphere but I feel like it is one of the nicer budget-friendly hotels. Personally I love the new, renovated rooms. The old ones are very bad, won't recommend but the renovated ones are super lovely. I got a corner room elevate 1 king, and it was amazing. It really felt 4-star with a lovely walk-in shower and comfortable beds. Most importantly, it is clean! The parking garage is always vandalized though but there are lots of things to do here like going to the top of the Strat and doing the rides up there. I also like the restaurant Top of The World though some might not like it. The food is fine but the views and the rotating restaurant is amazing. One side you get to see the huge city and on the other the huge mountains of Vegas. Highly recommend this property. The biggest con about this is the location, it is too far north and I don't like that you can't really walk the strip from here since it feels a little sketchy.

The Sahara: This is by far one of my favorite budget-friendly hotels and I highly recommend. The rooms here are gorgeous, they are a little cramped but they are well-appointed for and designed. The bathrooms are very nice with a lovely walk-in shower and it really doesn't feel 4-star at all, more like a 5-star hotel. The lobby is very nice, charming, and bright and it feels very inviting. Bazaar Meats is at The Sahara and though I found it a little experimental, it was pretty good. Dining here is pretty good though I wouldn't recommend Zeffer's Cafe. Overall this is a really good property for those on a budget, I highly recommend.

Fontainebleau: Lot of people don't really like this property but I love it. The room design is amazing, I love the blue and gold and it seriously feels very modern. The hotel is huge and the elevators are high-tech. The dining here is nailed with delicious bites to eat catering to all sorts of different tastes. The casino is by far one of my favorites, the design is very elegant and opulent. The convention center here is great and I love the pools. The staff here are very awesome and sweet and this is 100% one of the underrated 5-star hotels. I find very good deals here and hence I'd recommend this property for value.

Encore: I personally have beef with The Encore, when I recently stayed here there was a meat sandwich in my fridge that stank and the room was dirty. I argued with the manager and I literally walked away from the property with my bags still having 2-nights remaining. I stayed at Encore many other times so I'll tell you my thoughts from that perspective. The Encore rooms feel a little more dated and are in need of a refresh. The rooms are suites and the bathrooms are amazing, but I personally don't like the room design and it is in need of a renovation. For the amount of traffic here The Encore feels a lot more crowded but the smaller casino makes the gambling experience a lot better. Encore is a little bit North for my taste though. This hotel is connected to the Wynn and has tons of nice shops and restaurants though all pricey and high-end.

Wynn: This is a lot nicer than The Encore but it feels very busy. First off all the rooms are very nice here, they are very modern and the bathrooms are gorgeous. The views are amazing and I love the water features, by far the best in Vegas. The huge fountains here are lovely. I like the Asian theme and the gambling experience here is great. However, I don't like the dining here. The Wynn is literally all formal and expensive, the closest thing you will find to casual is The Buffet which is still ridiculously expensive. I prefer a mix of both formal and casual and the Wynn doesn't really have any good restaurants in the casual ballpark. That being said everything I had at Wynn is great and really enjoyable. I'd recommend this when looking for a good luxury place to stay.

Palazzo: I can't recommend The Palazzo enough, it is just a great hotel. The hotel doesn't feel as crowded as the adjacent Venetian, and it still feels very palatial and grand. The check-in lines are rarely ever busy and it is a great place to stay. I stayed here during F1 last year and I had a great time, despite being peak time to visit Vegas it didn't feel very busy. The rooms here are 720sq, meaning they are all suites. I enjoyed my sunken living room and huge bathroom, and the room service is amazing. This hotel has all kinds of bites from casual to formal and everything I had here was good. I also enjoyed Donutique which felt like the Gucci for donuts. This is my favorite vegas hotel and I love the gondola rides here which is a highlight. The gambling experience here is a little bit more limited but more quiet and peaceful. The poker room is here which is also a huge highlight.

Venetian: I don't like The Venetian as much as The Palazzo. The Venetian feels a little more flashy than sophisticated but it still feels very grand. I love the artwork that is on the ceiling, it is a huge plus. Personally I love the new look on the rooms, they still kept it Italian but they made it a lot more modern. Though it is smaller than the Palazzo suites, it is still a spacious 650sq. It is a toss up on what you prefer, if you want more space you choose Palazzo but if you want more modern amenities then Venetian. The Venetian feels more golden and the gambling experience here is much better. Though it is always very crowded which is not my favorite.

(From Harrah's up till Horshoe, excluding Vanderpump, these are slightly outdated takes as the last time I visited these were 2022)

Harrah's: This is personally one of my favorite budget-friendly options on the strip. For starters, the rooms here are modern, clean, and I love the walk-in shower in the bathroom. I like Bobby Flay's burgers which are amazing though heavy, and the whole atmosphere here is nice. It has a nice location but it isn't my favorite casino. This hotel appeals to an older crowd who is looking for a nice, budget-friendly vacation. Overall Harrah's is a nice hotel for the budget traveler and is one they should certainly consider. There is also a Ramsay's Kitchen here which I didn't try though since at the time it was still under construction.

The LINQ: Many people consider this one of the top budget-friendly hotels, I sort of agree. I don't like the design of the rooms, the bathrooms are lovely but the main room itself isn't. There are so many maintenance issues like parts of the wooden headboard cracked and lots of dust, and the water pressure is low here. That said the rest of the property is kind of younger feeling and flashy which is amazing. I love the LINQ promenade which you can also access from The Flamingo I think. The LINQ Ferris Wheel is a must do and if your feeling adventurous the zipline is also fun. I like Gordon Ramsay's Fish and Chips here, must try if you like British Fish and Chips. Overall The LINQ is a very nice property and I'd recommend if you don't mind the maintenance issues in the rooms, it is well-suited for budget travel.

Flamingo: The Flamingo is an okay hotel, I know it is the oldest hotel on the Vegas strip (it was turned into a mega-resort later). Personally I love the flamingo theme that this hotel has with real flamingos and I like the water features here. I like the hotel has nice outdoor spaces and gardens which is nice. The casino here isn't my favorite but has low table minimums. The rooms here are fine, the bathrooms have a walk-in shower but feel old, outdated, and does have some low water pressure. The bedroom area is very nice, clean, and a little devoid of natural light but still fine. It is a nice hotel for budget-travelers but it isn't the best. I'd recommend staying here if you don't have another option or they give you a really good deal. Personally the dining here isn't great also.

Vanderpump Las Vegas: The Vanderpump is a boutique property which has limited rooms. When it was originally The Cromwell I hated the rooms here, but the new rooms at The Vanderpump are lovely and well-appointed. I had a nice walk-in shower and a gorgeous, artsy design. There were a few maintenance quirks since I stayed as soon as the renovation was done such as a few outlets (just one or two) not working. Personally I love the new rooms and the overall "French" vibe feels very nice. Giada is a very nice restaurant and I highly recommend. Personally this is a very nice hotel and I feel like it is the best boutique hotel in Vegas as of now. I'd recommend for those who want a smaller hotel to stay at.

Horshoe: When I stayed here it was still The Bally's and I don't really like this hotel. For starters the room here isn't good, I love the bathroom as it is huge and feels fancy, but the main room area isn't very clean and there are lots of scratches on the wall. I personally don't like the residential area though it is a hot take since there were so many maintenance issues and trash in the room. (Thankfully nothing on the bed though). I didn't really eat here because I had a short 1-night stay, Allegiant put me here when they cancelled. The location is solid right next to Paris and center strip so it was pretty nice. I wouldn't really recommend unless this is your only option for budget-travel, worse than Flamingo but better than Excalibur by a mile.

Paris Las Vegas: I feel like The Paris gets generally positive reviews. I love the restaurants here, I had a delicious crepe which was amazing. The views from the Eiffel Tower for the Bellagio Fountain show was amazing, but it was quite expensive. I personally like the French charm but the Eiffel Tower in the promenade ruin the fake sky. I like the gambling experience here and the dining is on point. The room here isn't my favorite. While it is clean and offers great views, I personally don't like the design. It is comfortable and has a nice walk-in shower but I just find the design not very French feeling. I'd recommend this hotel for those looking for a nice 4.5-star experience and for those looking for a nice "French" themed hotel.

Planet Hollywood: The first time I stayed here I had a terrible experience (2010), the second time I stayed here I had an incredible experience. The rooms here are amazing, I love the huge bathroom which feels premium and the views are great. The rooms here are clean and get the job done. The dining here is fantastic with casual and formal eats, and the casino is very vast and well-themed. I like the shops here and everything felt very modern and extravagant. I'd recommend this hotel if your on a budget, one of the best budget-friendly hotels on the strip.

MGM Grand: This hotel has a lovely pool area and the hotel is very nice. They have tons of lovely shows which is great and a good selection of dining options though it could be improved. When I stayed here in 2022 I hated and despised the rooms, but staying in their new renovated rooms, my experience completely changed. I love the walk-in showers which are great and the room feels very bright and modern. This is 100% a game changer for MGM Grand and this is a great hotel to stay at for those on a budget with the new renovation. I'd 100% recommend these new rooms as they are clean and comfortable.

So what do you think of this least? I'm always looking for feedback whether you agree or disagree since hotels can be subjective. Hopefully this guide for Vegas hotels checks all the right boxes!

Edit: Top 5 in order: 1. Palazzo, 2. Fontainebleau, 3.Wynn, 4. Bellagio 5. Aria

Bottom 5 in order: 1. Circus Circus 2. Excalibur 3. Horshoe 4. Flamingo 5. Treasure Island

Visiting New York City and then driving to Buffalo, last-minute trip. I am going to be renting a car and I don't want to be stuck in New York traffic near downtown. Any good recommendations for luxury properties not in the main area of NYC? Somewhere nice and peaceful sounds lovely.

Stayed here for a 2 night work conference and I kind of was skeptical why they would pick a kids resort, but I was actually surprised with my stay.

Parking: We rented an EV at Austin airport since we’re weren’t going to drive much. Got a Model Y and used valet parking which was $45 per day. For $15 additionally you can charge your electric vehicle but you can only do it if you are valet. Self-parking is free but spots can be far away from the hotel entrance.

Check-In/First Impressions: I liked the self check-in system this hotel had though it couldn’t accommodate requests such as high floor or near elevator requests. The hotel lobby is very nice, I like how they kept it modern with hints of African designs. They have nice seating on the lobby level and there is also a marketplace. Also I liked that they replaced keycards with wristbands which was pretty nice.

Room: The room had some pros and cons. I booked a two queen bed standard room which was on the fifth floor. The room was clean, spacious, and it had a pretty good view of the waterpark. I liked the furniture and I like how the sink was separated from the bathroom. However the bathroom itself was a con, it still felt cramped without the sink and I personally don’t like the small bathtub shower combo they provide. I’d much rather see a walk-in shower but it’s not really common with these mega resort hotels. Overall it’s pretty good though for a short staycation.

Dining: There are tons of restaurants surrounding the hotel and there are tons inside. I couldn’t cover everything in 2 nights but I did enjoy Cocina Ninos. The shrimp tacos were amazing and the guacamole was incredible. The Great Karoo was okay, it was a nice brunch buffet but everything tasted sup bar. The marketplace had really nice grab and go options.

Amenities/Activities: The hotel has a huge waterpark which is really big. Didn’t go but it looked very fun for the kids. There was also a huge arcade and theme park which I also didn’t try, I’ve heard it is really expensive though. The convention center is a huge plus. It was big, water was provided, and it was just easy and very convenient to walk toward. Overall huge plus for Amenities/Activities.

Service: Except for the service at the Mexican restaurant, I didn’t really experience anything special about the service here. Everything was automaTed so didn’t really interact with staff though. Valet team was very sweet, they helped with the bags too and they were really very kind. Person near the self check in was rushing everybody and was a little rude. Overall, ok service.

Final Thoughts: For the price, it is really more than I’d ask for. I paid $199 per night but with taxes and fees for 2-nights the total was $591. Still isn’t a bad price and I had a good time here. Only the downsides of my stay were mild fixes but it was overall really nice. I’d highly recommend, much better than the Gaylord Texan where the standard rooms sometimes are as high as the 2-nights here!

Hands down the top two luxury hotels in Kyoto are The Mitsui and Ritz-Carlton, but which is better? Below you will find my detailed guide.

Location: Mitsui and Ritz-Carlton both feel secluded and quiet, but I prefer the Ritz-Carlton right along the river. The experience just felt a little more quiet though many people preferred Mitsui for being quieter, and I often find it a little more central which is a perfect combination. The views from the property are gorgeous.

Check-In/First Impressions: Immediately as you enter both properties the design feels similar, dark, polished wood with white lighting accents. I love The Mitsui's lobby, for the amount of people it didn't feel too crowded. It wasn't too big or too small, and it still felt luxurious despite being a bigger property compared to The Ritz. The staff at Ritz-Carlton are very sweet, polite, and more professional. They offered a welcome drink upon arrival and personally escorted me to my room. I have also received a welcome drink at Mitsui but I wasn't personally escorted all the way to my room and I didn't receive a demonstration on the room features. Some might say that is a little excessive but I actually felt very good hospitality and care coming from the staff.

Rooms: This is a hands down winner for Ritz-Carlton, I loved the room. Not only did the standard room feel more spacious, it also felt more refined and polished. It had comfortable furniture, polished wood, and a lovely smell as soon as I entered. The room was spotless and it really felt luxurious. The bathroom's design was smart and convenient, though I wish that it was a little bigger. I don't like the setup for the bathtub and shower, I've seen this pattern at lot of Asian hotels. The Mitsui's bathroom set up is very convenient but Ritz-Carlton has a lot more high-end features.

Dining: This is a really hard decision for me, I adorn the pastries at Ritz-Carlton which they gave me as a welcome treat. I personally like the breakfast at Ritz-Carlton a little more, not because it feels fancy but I like that there is a lot more options. The Mitsui though wins for dining because for Lunch and Dinner there are tons of options. Ritz is a lot more western influenced while The Mitsui has more global cuisines like Japanese, Italian, and some western dishes too. Overall I would much rather eat at The Mitsui rather than Ritz, but the desserts at Ritz are to die for.

Service: The Ritz-Carlton runs away with this category, the staff were so attentive and friendly. They always interacted with guests whenever they pass by the lobby and it is a very luxurious touch. The staff at Mitsui are very friendly but really how I'd define them is they would like to get the job done and that is it. They don't really go so above their job limits to make your stay amazing, which is something RC does very well. RC wins hands down.

Amenities/Activities: The Mitsui is a very relaxation focused property, and so is the Ritz. I find The Mitsui a lot better when it comes to Amenities/Activities, the property has a lot more to do on grounds compared to Ritz. For Ritz, there isn't much to do inside directly on the property other than the lovely pool, but the spa at Mitsui is a lot better. Keep in mind I never use the spa at many properties, The Mitsui was really one I'd return to. I'd recommend Mitsui for those who want a more relaxation focused experience with more amenities.

So which one is better? Personally, I'd pick the RC for better rooms and a more personalized experience. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that Mitsui is bad. It wins in some categories such as dining and amenities/activities, which might be important to some. Mitsui is actually really close with Ritz-Carlton when it comes to rooms, though RC feels more refined. RC is very close with dining and amenities/activities too. When it comes to location, both are great for different tastes. I'd personally go Ritz-Carlton but The Mitsui is a great option too.

Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? I'd love to hear your thoughts as this was a hard one to decide on :)!

I've visited 10 National Parks, (Soon 13), and here is my subjective ranking of them from 10th place to 1st place.

10th Place - Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Located in West Texas, Guadalupe Mountains is a lovely national park that is mainly for those looking at hiking and amazing, huge views of gigantic mountains. You can hike to the highest point of Texas which is Guadalupe Peak but it is very difficult, or you can drive around and take in the views. If your not hiking, there isn't much to do in this park other than read the history behind it, so hence it falls in 10th place. If your visiting the park, I'd recommend staying near Carlsbad as you can visit Carlsbad Caverns NP, we couldn't go there since it was closed at the time we went. I'd recommend the Hyatt House Carlsbad, it is very easy, clean, and modern and it is a lovely hotel.

9th Place - Hot Springs National Park: I believe this is the only national park that is located in a city. Hot Springs National Park is located in the midst of a view mountains. While they aren't big mountains, they have lots of greenery which makes it beautiful. There are some nice scenic drives and there are good places where you can touch the hot springs which makes the park famous. There is also a lot of bathhouses and you can explore the charming town of Hot Springs. There is also the Hot Springs Mountain Tower where you can see the whole mountains. That said, it comes in 9th place because it isn't something really special compared to other NPs. If your visiting the park, I'd recommend booking your stay at the Oaklawn Casino as it is the best modern and premium option near the park. The Doubletree by Hilton is good too but it is a little down south of Hot Springs.

8th Place - Biscayne National Park: From above, Biscayne Bay National Park just looks like a normal Miami coastline. It has some great walking trails and nice nature, but that is all normal for Miami. What really makes it special is when you go into the water, whether your out boating or exploring the lovely plant life under the water. It is a very nice national park if you go out on the water and it is very spectacular. While it isn't super special compared to other national parks, it is pretty nice. If your visiting this park, you can practically stay anywhere near Miami. If you want to be VERY close, I'd recommend staying in Dadeland, specifically the Marriott Miami Dadeland. It isn't the nicest but it is clean and gets the job done.

7th Place - Big Bend National Park: Big Bend is considered the Grand Canyon of Texas. It has some huge mountains surrounding it and it has an awesome view of the Rio Grande which makes it very special. Hiking Big Bend is very magical, especially hiking along the Santa Elena Canyon. You can also see Mexico as this National Park is located on the border of Mexico and the United States. It is a very nice, beautiful, and big national park but the reason it falls at 7th is because of how remote the national park is and that it really isn't as special as the upcoming parks on the list. If your staying near Big Bend I'd recommend staying near Fort Stockton, specifically at the new Avid for a clean and modern stay. At the time, the hotel wasn't open so we drove to the Avid in Van Horn instead as it also fit our itinerary better.

6th Place - Everglades National Park: Everglades National Park is a unique experience, something I thought I wasn't going to enjoy until I got there. Everglades swamps are very unique and seeing the amount of wildlife here is amazing, there is a lot of diverse ecosystems and is one of the best NPs for seeing animals. I saw multiple alligators and crocodiles. If your here for a limited time like us, I'd recommend taking the boat tours. We went with Everglades Safari Park and had a very easy airboat tour, and after we got to see some gators. We even got to touch a baby crocodile which was on my shoulder! For staying here, I'd recommend staying in Dadeland since it is pretty close and it is also close to Miami. Like I mentioned before for Biscayne, Marriott Miami Dadeland is a decent choice.

5th Place - White Sands National Park: White Sands is a very breathtaking and magical place, almost it feels like your not on Earth. The White Sand is incredibly beautiful and it is amazing just to sled down it. The National Park is moderately sized but has some amazing places to hike up and sled down. There are a few areas where shrubs ruin the pretty white atmosphere but the areas where there it is just completely white just feels surreal and hard to take in. It is a lovely park and I'd recommend it to everyone. For staying, I don't really love the options in Alamogordo, I think the best there would either be the Fairfield or Home2 but they don't feel very great. Instead, we stayed in Las Cruces at the Courtyard by Marriott and we had a much better experience, highly recommend.

4th Place - Dry Tortugas National Park: Dry Tortugas is a very unique but very tiring experience. This is one of the most remote national parks in the entire system as you need to either take a seaplane or a ferry to get here. We did the ferry which was fine on the way out, but on the way back it was very bumpy and everyone on the boat was screaming. With your boat you also get a Jersey Mike's subs lunch which is nice. Dry Tortugas is an amazing park, it has great water color and beautiful beaches, and it has some really nice history. Not only that, but just exploring the abandoned prison feels very unique and it also feels very dangerous because there isn't railings to protect you. I love this NP and I'd highly recommend. When your visiting, plan a full day just to visit this park. Stay in Key West, I'd recommend the Hyatt Centric or Casa Marina Key West. When we visited we stayed at Doubletree which is good if your on a budget.

3rd Place - Grand Canyon National Park: Grand Canyon National Park really is grand. It is an amazing park, you will be wowed when you visit. I really loved the red rocks that cover the entire national park and this is seriously an experience that I will not ever forget. I just can't really say much about it except how great this is. I'd recommend doing the Skywalk on the West Rim if your looking for something closer to Vegas. I also love the shuttle at the South Rim is makes it very convenient. When staying near the West Rim, I'd recommend just doing a day trip from Vegas and choose a hotel there. (I recommend Palazzo). For South Rim, Flagstaff is the best place to stay and the Hyatt Place there is amazing. Voco is close second. If your looking for something more luxury Sedona is nice but is a little farther. I'd recommend Ambiente or Auberge for luxury or The Wilde for best value. When we visited, we did something a little adventurous and stayed at Hyatt Place Page, which is 2 hours away but Page is beautiful by itself.

2nd Place - Rocky Mountains National Park: Rocky Mountains National Park is a very stunning national park, there are certain view points that make the experience feel breathtaking. I loved the chilly summer weather, the snow on the top of the mountain caps, and low hanging clouds, it was an amazing experience. I loved the lakes in the national park which are very beautiful. This is truly an experience and I'd highly recommend, this is one of the most underrated national parks in the system. I'd recommend staying in Denver, when we visited we stayed at The Westin Westminster which was pretty solid. Hyatt Regency Denver Aurora and Denver Convention Center as well as the Westin Denver Downtown were great too. On the luxury side I'd go Four Seasons.

1st Place - Yosemite National Park: Yosemite is my favorite because I love falls, and Yosemite is filled with them. I love the huge glacier carved valley, and I'm so surprised on El Capitan, how nature made it look like a face! It is crazy! I love watching all the falls from the view points high above, as well as seeing the falls close up. There is a lot of restaurants and nice lodging in the park, and this is 100% my favorite National Park I've been too. I'd recommend this to everyone who is looking for a great NP. The main area to stay here is The Ahwahnee, but we didn't like the rooms here. You can stay in Fresno which is an hour away, we stayed at Doubletree which was great. There is also a casino that I saw along the way which looked nice but I forgot the name.

There you have it, the national parks I visited from worst to best. Do you agree with this ranking and what do you think?

Hey guys! Heading to Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks in order to check it off my national park list. What should we do here? (Visiting in first week of July)

Great Sand Dunes: Flight lands at Denver and we drive here, should reach by around 12:00pm. We will leave before sunset so it’s easier to drive to Alamosa where we will be staying. What should we do here for 5 hours?

Mesa Verde National Park: We don’t want to do the balcony house or any of the tours, we just want to see the ancient architecture, read about it, and maybe see some nice viewpoints. We will start from Alamosa around 9:30am and we should reach by around 1. What should we see here and how long should we spend? We will be driving to Telluride right after.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison: We will be heading out of Tellurked around 9am, stopping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison before driving to Denver. we will only be visiting south rim due to time, what should we do here and how long should we expect? Prefer to be back in Denver before 6pm-7pm before it gets dark, we have to return our rental car at around 7pm and then we stay at Westin before our morning flight.

Thanks for any tips :)!

I was curious about why people are super loyal to Marriott. I am mainly loyal to Marriott but also the Hyatt brand. I stay loyal to Marriott because they are trying to improve the guest experience and they have a lot more properties. Their upscale brand portfolio is on point and has the best collection of luxury hotels compared to any other major brand. (FS, Aman, Rosewood don't count because they don't have multiple brands in their portfolio.)

I stay loyal to Hyatt because they are always clean, reliable, and provide consistency at every area. I know whatever area has a Hyatt I know that it is the most likely one I'm picking unless there is something really nice.

Why are you loyal to Marriott and how do you see Marriott compare with other brands?

I've been seeing a lot of Tokyo questions in this sub for Hyatt so I'll just share my thoughts at properties I've stayed at in Tokyo.

Hyatt Regency Tokyo: I love the rooms at this property, while it isn't over the top luxury it is well decorated and modern. I wish the room was more Japanese themed because the lobby area really fits the Japan vibe. Service and dining here are exceptional, while nothing luxurious service is very friendly and everything I had to eat when dining here was on point. I like the elevators which have a great view and it has a nice location for exploring Tokyo.

Grand Hyatt Tokyo: In my opinion Grand Hyatt Tokyo seemed nice at one point of time. While it still feels modern, there are some maintenance issues like flickering lights in the lobby and broken lights in the room. The bathrooms here are a huge plus, spacious and clean while the room was decent. I like the wooden floors but it felt a little dated, still modern enough though. The beds were pretty uncomfortable to me but the pillows were nice. Dining here is done well and service is nothing to write home about. Overall the GH Tokyo feels more business oriented for those looking for a good location and great convenience. I wouldn't suggest it for leisure travelers but it is nice.

Hotel Toranomon Hills: This potentially has the best views in all of the city, and some of the nicest bathrooms. I find the rooms here to be a bit cramped though and they feel a little plain, it kind of reminds me of Park MGM without the green. It is a very flashy boutique hotel which has some lovely staff which are incredible to interact with. Personally I think this is the best value hotel but when your looking for what hotel is a more premium choice this is not the one.

Andaz Tokyo: The views and the location is pretty much unbeatable here. The service is top notch and the dining is excellent. That said, I don't like the rooms. The rooms here feel dated and while they are clean they lack lighting. There are a couple of maintenance issues with broken light fixtures and low water pressure but this hotel is really nice otherwise. Only choose the Andaz Tokyo if your not going to be spending much time in your room.

Park Hyatt Tokyo: The Park Hyatt is hands down the best hotel in Tokyo. For a business oriented hotel, the service is personalized and the staff are very friendly. They sent a complimentary cake up to the room along with a handwritten note in chocolate. The hotel just finished a renovation and they feel a lot more modern. While they do still feel plain, the beds are comfortable and the room is spotless. The bathroom is incredible too. I like how the lobby is on the top floor which has an incredible view of the city. I love the dining here, all kinds of cuisines and all of the dishes I tried were tasty. My only complaint was it was in the Shinjuku District, and while I enjoyed the views and its quietness it is a little far out of the city. It is a nice hotel but it is just out of place.

Hyatt Centric Ginza: I haven't stayed here but I visited a friend who lives in Tokyo who had a staycation here. When I say this hotel is heavy on the Japanese theme, it really is. The colors and designs are really good but the room isn't really luxurious. Its got great lighting and everything is clean, the bathrooms were not my favorite. Overall it isn't bad but it also isn't good.

I am very, VERY sensitive to turbulence, mostly the dropping parts. I've mainly been affected during takeoffs, sometimes but not always the landings. In-flight turbulence too if it is moderate medium or above. I'm flying to Denver which is one of the bumpiest in the world from DFW, roundtrip tickets on an American 737-800. I booked a morning flight in order to minimize turbulance. (Flight To Denver Lands at 8am and Flight Out of Denver Leaves at 9:00am). Are these seats fine because I've heard being in the center helps.

Flight 1: DFW --> DEN (7am-8:08am)

Flight 2 DEN --> DFW (9:03am-12:07pm)

I was booking through Expedia for hotels in Detroit, found a hotel called “Hotel St. Regis Detroit.” I was in a hurry to book since this trip was literally two days from the trip, it was a business conference. I was originally going to book downtown Marriott but then I was like “St Regis for $150? Thats a no brainer!” The entire lobby spaces and the hotel looked fancy. Rooms look fine but not st Regis level, that should’ve gave it away but I assumed its an older hotel.

After booking a non-refundable room and heading to the hotel, I tried putting the Google Maps for this. I saw this was a 3-star hotel and the google reviews were 3.2. Upon entering checked in and asked if they could add bonvoy status, hotel was incredibly empty.

The receptionist laughed and said this is not that kind of St. Regis, she literally said this poor people St Regis. I was confused and then she explained this was Hotel St. Regis, not St. Regis.

Overall I had a disappointing stay. Restaurants were closed, bathroom was great though, at least the room was clean. There seemed to be renovations but I seriously am stupid for thinking this is St Regis, the highest tier Marriott brand. Location was nice though. There were minor elements of luxury though.

I am actually so stupid, laugh at this all you want. This is my #1 travel woopsie and I will never forget! 🤣