Tuscany

Introduction

The Tuscany is a medium-sized casino near but not on Las Vegas Blvd./the strip. It caters to locals and long-term and/or value-minded visitors. I checked in for one night on July 8, 2009. The following is my review.

Location

The Tuscany is located on Flamingo Boulevard, a block east of the Strip. It would take about 15 minutes to walk to Bally’s. It is very convenient to the airport and UNLV.

Casino

   

According to the 2009 American Casino Guide, the Tuscany has 54,066 square feet of casino space. By way of comparison, the MGM has almost three times as much at 156,023. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Tuscany has 12 table games, which is also what I counted, and 1,000 slots. By way of comparison, the MGM Grand has 178 table games and 2,470 slots. The table games I found were as follows:

• Blackjack: 8
• Craps: 2
• Roulette: 1
• Super Fun 21: 1
• Live poker: 7

There are always all kinds of promotions going on at the Tuscany. The astute player should keep an eye on them. Since I moved to Las Vegas, they did at least two fantastic promotions that caught my attention. One was paying a $100 bonus when the player received four to a royal flush on the draw in video poker. The other was paying double on any slot jackpot from $1,200 to $2,000. Both of these, especially the latter, resulted in gigantic player advantages. Evidently, no former students of my Gaming Math class at UNLV work in the promotions department. Here are the rules when I was there.

Hotel

Unlike most Las Vegas hotels, where it takes ages to get from your car to your room, the Tuscany is set up motel-style. It covers a huge area, with lots of separate three story-buildings with plenty of parking between the buildings. As a result, you can park near your room. There is also a pool, fitness center, laundry room, and plenty of landscaping. The pool is rather small, but it’s in an attractive meandering shape, and there is plenty of space to lounge around. It is close to a coffee shop for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. When I stayed there on a Wednesday night, my room was $39 plus a 12% Nevada room tax (the tax rate had just gone up). There was no waiting at the hotel reception. I was told that a second night would only cost $22. I forgot to bring my measuring tape, but the rooms are about twice the size of a normal hotel room. My basic room featured a kitchen, table, couch, bed and large bathroom.

   

At only $39, I had my doubts about the cleanliness and appearance of the room, but both were fine. It wasn’t up to Venetian standards, but the furnishings were practical, and it was cleaned well. The mattress was not pillow top, did not have a fitted sheet, and was a bit soft for my taste, but I’ve slept on much worse. The cost for in-room Internet is $13.99 for one day, $11.89 per day for three days, or $11.19 per day for five days. However, you can access the Internet for free via WiFi at the banquet area, the hotel lobby, the Piazza Lounge, and the Beachfront Cafe. This is a favorite trick of my father's to avoid paying Internet fees, at any hotel he can. Sorry, I forgot to note the cost of local/toll-free calls.

Editor's note: As of March 2010, the cost is $1.00 for each local and (normally) toll-free call. The cost of long distance calls is higher and more vague; the exact wording from the in-room guide is as follows: "Long distance calls will be charged a minimum of $7.00 for the first minute. Rates will be charged the AT&T rates plus a surcharge."

     

As is common in Vegas, I received a coupon book upon check in. Unfortunately, I lost them, but here is what I recall. Anything I forgot was probably not that good.

• 30% off at the Tuscany Gardens restaurant
• 2 to 1 drinks at the bar.
• 2 for 1 entrée at Marilyn's Café.
• $2 off the service fee at the "1/2 Price Show Tickets" outlet.

Editor's note: As of March 2010, the coupons given upon check-in are: buy-one-get-one-free pizza; buy-one-get-one-free entree at Marilyn's Cafe or the Cantina; two $5 table game match play coupons; $20 off a bill of $40 or more (or $10 off a bill of $20 or more if eating solo) at Tuscany Gardens; two coupons for a free drink (beer, house wine, or well drink) at any casino bar except Piazza; and $2 off the service charge for show tickets.

Given the location, low rates, convenient parking and large rooms, the Tuscany would be an ideal place to stay for an extended stay, like a week or more. I think lots of construction workers do just that, as I saw tons of them in the morning, looking like they were leaving for work.

Restaurants

Following are the dining options:

• Tuscany Gardens: Italian
• Cantina: Mexican
• Marilyn's Café: Basic café

My only experience is with Marilyn’s. They offer a large variety at reasonable prices. I ordered an omelet, with grits and toast, which was fine and the service was fast. Once, years ago, I ordered something for dinner at the same cafe, I think the meat loaf, and the waitress remarked, "Wow, nobody has ordered that in months."

Entertainment

There is a nightclub with live music and dancing. They also have a "1/2 Price Show Tickets" outlet. I purchased two tickets to Tony & Tina’s Wedding there (which plays at the Planet Hollywood), but I only got about 1/3 off.

Summary

I have said for years that the Tuscany is very underrated and one of the best values in Las Vegas. For the visitor on a budget of about $100-$200 a day, the Tuscany would make an outstanding choice. There was never a wait for anything when I was there, and the service ranged from good to excellent. Here are my few ideas for improvement:

• Bring back some good video poker games, with returns above 99.5%.
• There is no special table with good rules for high-limit blackjack. It would be nice to see a double-deck game, or a shoe game where the dealer stands on soft 17.
• Designate some of the slot space as non-smoking.

Acknowledgement

I'd like to thank Lisa Furman for modeling in the pictures. Lisa invites you to visit her page at ModelMayhem.com

Contact Information

Address: 255 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Phone: 702-893-8933
Web site: tuscanylv.com

Games at Tuscany

Video Poker	Rank	Avg Return	Grade
Video Poker	23	97.37%	B-

Video Keno	Rank	Avg Return	Grade
Video Keno	30	91.27%	B-