I've stayed at the LV Hilton three times in two months for a total of eight nights: Two nights in mid-October and six in mid-December.
Yes, there is a good bit of renovation going on, but each time I've been back, it's been less intrusive. As the work is done in each little area, they open it back up. The elevators were throwing some fits because one bank at a time was closed while new marble floors were being installed and the work load on the remaining banks was heavy. However, you can get to any of the banks on every floor so just walk down the hall a ways to get to another set if the ones you're waiting for are slow. I think they'll be finished with the elevators very soon.
Yes, in the casino there is a smoky smell, but much less than I had expected from what I'd read about casinos. I walked through another dozen casinos in LV and the Hilton's was certainly not the worst smoky smell. I ran across no other foul odors in the Hilton.
I've stayed in three different rooms, one in each tower. I found the two queens room in the north tower and the king room in the east tower to be wonderful. The king room was nearly as big as my apartment. All it was missing was a kitchen and balcony. The beds have all been comfortable and clean. The king room in the center tower was not quite as good but still fine. I think maybe they just haven't renovated that tower yet.
Housekeeping was very friendly. One lady went beyond the call of duty helping me find the internet connection which had, for some reason, been hidden behind the TV (probably by the previous occupant). Many of the housekeeping personnel I ran into didn't seem to speak great English; they sounded almost like eastern Europeans. Despite their poor English, they were always friendly and if they didn't understand me, they would find another employee who could speak better English to help me.
Every time I stayed I asked for late checkout because my flights didn't leave until 7:30 pm and I didn't want to have to lug my bag around LV all day. One time they couldn't accomodate me because they were booked solid. The other two times, they let me keep my room until 4:30pm without additional charge which I thought was mighty generous.
I wish the Internet connection was free, but considering I paid only $50/night for the rooms, I can understand why they charge. However, when people are paying $100, $200, and during CES even over $400/night, I really think it should be free. The connection worked great, too. Unfortunately, they put the connection too far from the desk so you've got to work at a little table. Also, bring a power strip because they have used all the power plugs and you've got to unplug the TV or the light if you're going to use your notebook at the table where the Internet connection is. I bought one at the Walgreens on the strip just so I could use my computer with light and TV both on.
I've eaten at both the Paradise Cafe and the Buffet. I'm on a low carb diet so I really like the Buffet as it lets me pick and choose. The food was good, the price was good, the service was good. The cafe was your typical coffee shop fare, but it was fine, too. The waiter we had was a little sullen, but he warmed up to us. He seemed a little thrown when I tried to substitute something for the potato that came with the steak, but eventually he got the point that I was avoiding carbs and he came up with some veggies for me.
The Hilton Theatre has lots of history but doesn't seem to have been updated (at least the part the audience sits in) in a long time. It would be nice if they'd spiff it up a bit and fix it so not everyone had to stream out of the one door when the show is over. It takes forever to get out and if you're coming back for the second show, it doesn't leave much time for bathroom breaks, etc. It's also usually too loud, so bring some earplugs just in case. The Johnny Mathis Christmas concert was just right, but Barry Manilow's shows are sometimes painfully loud, and sometimes okay. Yes, I go a lot.
I did the Star Trek Experience and found it to be a waste of money, and I like Star Trek. If it had cost $10, fine. But for over $30, I expected more.
Of the three stays I've made so far, check-in was trying once. The line was long and I had to go through it twice because they didn't give me the concert coupons they were supposed to. The other two times, it was a snap.
I'm going back on January for two nights, in March for two nights, and in July for five. I'll take pictures and add construction updates, etc., each time if people think it'll help.
