We booked through a family member as it was one of their timeshare resorts. Going into this, we knew to expect the cheesy sales approach as well as the limited turn down service - it's just part of going to a timeshare resort.
We stayed during one of the few off weeks Vegas has - no major conventions, no major acts, etc. Overall, it was a pleasant visit to Vegas.
Pro's of Desert Paradise Resort
(-/+) Shuttle Service - check "cons" too.
(+) Remote and quiet
(+) comfortable in atmosphere - did not get a rushed feeling, everyone was very personal.
Con's
(-) Shuttle Service - it is extremely limited - even days where there is no service at all. The shuttle staff is great, but they need to hire more drivers to increase the availability of the shuttle / expand the operating hours.
(-) Shuttle service does not go to the airport... Taxi is the only way unless you want to rent a car for literally two trips (to and from airport; there's no need for a car at this resort - waste of money... if you're wealthy, go nuts and rent. Common sense would mean not renting one.)
(-) Mold - The site is under a renovation. However, we were in a unit that was not renovated. The air conditioner leaked water over the walkway to the bedroom. It seemed to have been doing that for a long time as there was a strong mold smell in the room. Another disadvantage - the thermostats are locked. Either it's 72 degrees air conditioning of turn off the air completely. Way too cold.
(-) Mold part two. The unit we stayed in had a dishwasher that did not drain all of the water out after it had completed its cycle. As a result, when I opened the dishwasher for the first time I was greeted with a wonderful mold smell. I had to run the dishwasher a few times to ease my mold paranoia.
(-) The site is going through a renovation, which is does need - though I did not notice any construction actually taking place. Future buyers beware, their renovation may be a "work in progress" and may not be completed for a while - just a simple observation over our week long stay.
We knew ahead of time that there was at least a 2 mile walk to the strip, but the local transport is easy to use. There is no need to rent a car - just a waste of money and more frustration... Take the 201 bus (1.25 a ride per person). 24/7 operation. Taxi to the strip (Resort to Paris in our example) is 15.00 without tip. To airport (make sure they don't hit the highway or you'll pay an arm and a leg) is 18 without tip. Be wary of the cab drivers though... a lot of them will insist on taking the highway if you catch a cab on the north end of the strip - stratosphere, etc - instruct them to take local only even if the cab driver protests, you'll save a bundle. If you cab driver goes the local route instead of the highway, you know you have a good cabbie - tip him/her well.
Reviews of vegas in general...
Use the safe!!! don't bring a ton of cash with you. There are a lot of shady people going up and down the strip. Ironically enough the police presence is non existent. The casinos have rent a cops, but they can't do much anyways. Stay in groups, avoid questionable areas - north strip by the stratosphere is a great example.
Lastly, if you really want to see all casinos - we did in one week - you will have to then go to Planet Hollywood. I would not recommend making that stop, but it is a requirement if your goal is to hit every casino on your vacation. All casinos have timeshare "lead generators" at the doors... but of them all, Planet Hollywood had at least 3-4 per door and they would not let you pass unless you practically pushed them out of the way. They are extremely aggressive. Beware of their presentation - check ripoffreport.com for more info if you don't believe me. We didn't sit for any presentation, but if we had to choose one to sit through, it would not be Planet Hollywood.
Overall 3 of 5 rating on the facilities of the resort
5 of 5 on the staff - they're great.
4 of 5 on Vegas in general - more crime than the south side of Chicago.