Friday, February 21, 2014

Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino




Written by Matt Rosenfeld
The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino is located right in the middle of the world famous Las Vegas Strip, which is perfect for anyone who isn't planning on leaving the Strip during their stay.  We stayed in a "FAB Deluxe" room, that had 2 queen beds (which are on the firm side), in the Habitat Tower.  The room was very clean and had multiple outlets available for re-charging our electronics.

When checking in, we were told we only had an "OK" view, but we definitely got much more than that, as shown in the photo above.  Also, there is the new High Roller Ferris Wheel that is being built behind the hotel, which should be opening soon.

One of the main attractions of the hotel is that it has an actual Flamingo habitat, which is located right by the elevators to the rooms in the Habitat Tower.  There are multiple feedings throughout the day and there is a "keeper" there that gives talks.

Some things to keep in mind when staying here.  There is a $16/night resort fee that is mandatory and the hotel will not negotiate on it, even if you don't use the amenities it is for (swimming pool, wi-fi, fitness center). There is also a $10/person per day charge to use the saunas or hot tubs at the hotel.  Also, the hotel does not provide any toiletries gratis, as most hotels do.  The only exception to this is the shampoo, lotion and hand soap that is provided nightly.

Address: 3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Wifi: Resort Fee
Parking: Free
Restaurant: Yes
Bar/Lounge: Yes
Smoking: Non-smoking & Smoking Rooms
Hidden Fees: $16/night resort fee
Breakfast: No
In-room safe: Yes

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Hampton Inn Plymouth Meeting





Written by Matt Rosenfeld
We needed a quick one-night stay in the Plymouth Meeting area, and found availability at the Hampton Inn here.  The hotel is right off Rt. 476 and across from the Plymouth Meeting Metroplex Shopping Center, which has a Target Store, a Cracker Barrel and more, and a Ruby Tuesdays is next door to the hotel. Conshohocken is an approximate 5 minute drive from this hotel.

We found that the staff we interacted with were very friendly and all staff greeted us whenever we were near.

The rooms were very clean and basic.  The bed was comfortable.  The only complaint we had about the room was the wi-fi was a bit slow, which should not happen anymore these days in hotels.

We also enjoyed a plentiful breakfast in the morning.  There was a "make your own" waffle machine, fresh fruit, french toast sticks, eggs, sausage, cereal, coffee, tea, juice, etc.  Guests are also welcome to take a "to go" bag in the morning if they don't have time to sit and eat, which consists of bottled water, fruit, a muffin & mints.

Address: 2055 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Wifi: Free
Parking: Free
Restaurant: No
Bar/Lounge: No
Smoking: Non-smoking & Smoking Rooms
Hidden Fees: None
Breakfast: Free
In-room safe: No