RIO or MGM Grand?
Poll
 | 9 votes (81.81%) | ||
| | 1 vote (9.09%) | ||
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| No votes (0%) |
11 members have voted
My Vegas trips are typically in December, and I nailed down my specific trip dates back in April and proceeded to book a room at both the RIO and MGM GRAND. At the time, the difference in the total price (including all taxes, resort fees, etc.) was less than $100. The Rio was $365 and the MGM was $460. Both are for four nights.
Since reserving the rooms in April, my constant vigil of monitoring the prices has resulted in re-booking the Rio room online a total of six times, with the current total cost sitting at a wallet-pleasing $259.
However, the price on the MGM room hasn’t dropped a single penny since April and is still at the original $460. Plus, with the new parking policies implemented by MGM, the actual total will be $500 when including the $10 (per day) parking fees. We’ll have a rental car so we will need parking.
I have stayed at both hotels and there are things I like about each.
I like the location & energy at the MGM, as well as the easy access to NYNY, Excalibur, etc. I also like that it has a monorail station in the event we wanted to use it.
I like the larger rooms at the Rio (+ mini-fridge), as well as the ease of entry/exit with the rental car since it is not directly on the Strip. It is also walking distance to the Gold Coast where I like to play my bingo.
Even though it’s been five years since I’ve stayed at the MGM, I do feel like it ranks as a nicer property than the Rio. If the price for each was very close, I think I’d choose the MGM. But with a $250 difference, the decision is not as easy. I can do a fair amount of eating, drinking, gambling, etc., with an extra $250!
So anyway, I suppose it probably comes down to personal preference, but question for the poll is:
If it were you, which hotel would you choose (i.e. do you feel that staying at the MGM ($500) is worth double the cost of staying at the Rio ($260)?
But it seems you very much enjoy the "pricing" and financial part of your trips - so I am gonna say stick w/ Rio.
Quote:I like the location & energy at the MGM, as well as the easy access to NYNY, Excalibur, etc.
They are in the process of renovating the pedestrian walkways down at that end of the strip. Last weekend when I was there, the walkway between Tropicana Hotel and Excalibur was completely shutdown.
By the time you get there in December, the walkway between MGM to NYNY may be closed for renovations.
For myself, I enjoy Rio, but it's just to pathetic these days. It's been used and abused and you get harassed by timeshare people. Additionally, I value the strip presence too much.
Quote: ahiromuRio has good dim sum at a reasonable price. Is $250 enough to compensate you for taking the shuttle when you want to do strip things? Only you can answer that.
For myself, I enjoy Rio, but it's just to pathetic these days. It's been used and abused and you get harassed by timeshare people. Additionally, I value the strip presence too much.
He still has a car. He can park at every non-MGM casino on the Strip for free. As long as he doesn't drink and drive of course. Being frugal, I would have to pick Rio. Also, by staying at a CET property, he will get credit by playing at any of them much more equally than MGM. I am also really not a fan of locations south myself. CET has TAG Lounge at least. haha
So free parking, easy strip access, you have a car for flexibility, larger rooms, etc. Tips the balance for me.
Besides, MGM is just too damned big. Jmho.
I definitely wasn't very excited about paying the MGM parking fees. Although it does look like you can use your room key to get "free" parking at the other MGM properties if you have paid the fee as a hotel guest at the property where you are staying. Better than a poke in the eye I suppose (although not much better).
Thanks to everyone for all of the advice/comments!
Quote: DeMangoIt's an easy decision for me. Not staying where I'm paying! Parking that is.
Only a year or so ago, the refrain was not paying resort fees to stay somewhere. That's when they were $15-20 . Now they are pushing $30 and accepted as a given.
That lovely lady is still putting up with you? Dam it! I lost my bet.Quote: SOOPOOI love staying at the Rio. Large room. Easiest parking. Low cost (evil empire gives me nearly free rooms). Like you, I also like playing at Gold Coast (Asia Poker). So now I have been staying at..... The Wynn..... gotta keep GF happy......
You must have a really big....
Personally I like the Rio far better. I would go with that especially since you have a rental car. Don't forget the Palms is just up the street. Park at Tropicana or Hooters if visiting the strip.Quote: blount2000Due to my frugal nature, part of my overall enjoyment of Vegas trips comes from searching for & finding discounts and promotions on the various expenses/activities I plan to partake in. So whenever I plan a trip, I always go ahead and book a room immediately with intentions of keeping an eye on the pricing (and then re-booking at a lower rate if one appears).
My Vegas trips are typically in December, and I nailed down my specific trip dates back in April and proceeded to book a room at both the RIO and MGM GRAND. At the time, the difference in the total price (including all taxes, resort fees, etc.) was less than $100. The Rio was $365 and the MGM was $460. Both are for four nights.
Since reserving the rooms in April, my constant vigil of monitoring the prices has resulted in re-booking the Rio room online a total of six times, with the current total cost sitting at a wallet-pleasing $259.
However, the price on the MGM room hasn’t dropped a single penny since April and is still at the original $460. Plus, with the new parking policies implemented by MGM, the actual total will be $500 when including the $10 (per day) parking fees. We’ll have a rental car so we will need parking.
I have stayed at both hotels and there are things I like about each.
I like the location & energy at the MGM, as well as the easy access to NYNY, Excalibur, etc. I also like that it has a monorail station in the event we wanted to use it.
I like the larger rooms at the Rio (+ mini-fridge), as well as the ease of entry/exit with the rental car since it is not directly on the Strip. It is also walking distance to the Gold Coast where I like to play my bingo.
Even though it’s been five years since I’ve stayed at the MGM, I do feel like it ranks as a nicer property than the Rio. If the price for each was very close, I think I’d choose the MGM. But with a $250 difference, the decision is not as easy. I can do a fair amount of eating, drinking, gambling, etc., with an extra $250!
So anyway, I suppose it probably comes down to personal preference, but question for the poll is:
If it were you, which hotel would you choose (i.e. do you feel that staying at the MGM ($500) is worth double the cost of staying at the Rio ($260)?
Quote: AxelWolfThat lovely lady is still putting up with you? Dam it! I lost my bet.
You can see her next week. We will be in town.
It was summer and it was very far.
Quote: gamerfreaklol first time (only time) I was in vegas I walked from the strip to Rio because it didn't look too far.
It was summer and it was very far.
My first time to Vegas (late September) I walked from the airport to what is now the Linq.
