You know when you're in Vegas I just don't think it gets any better than the Orleans. Now don't get me wrong - this is not a hotel at the uber-level of Wynn, Bellagio, or Mandalay Bay. It's not even on the strip. But the value one gets when staying here (assuming you are not the type who gets full room comp at a high end property) is unsurpassed. The rates for this room are often dirt cheap, with 40-ish bucks the normal mid-week discounted rate - I have had rooms here as low as 29 / night (without players club offers - I have had free nights with offers too.) But this isn't a dive. A locals joint, sure, but probably one of the nicest anywhere.
This hotel casino complex is nice and large. It is colorful and has a great vibe. The scary mardi gras heads over the pit are a hoot. This is what Vegas is about! The rooms are pretty nice, kind of basic, though the bathrooms are kind of funny with a weird sliding door. The casino is large, (was at one time the largest in vegas - don't know that that is still true though) and has good restaurants, a large movie theatre, and an entertainment arena.
The pool is respectable - much better than the one over at sister property Gold Coast (which is also a decent similar property, but not as nice or large as the Orleans).
Prices are surprisingly reasonable for goods within the hotel complex (including a small liquor store, full complement, with low prices). You are I should also mention next door (go out the door on the west side) to the finest Irish bar in Vegas (McMullans). But the O comps some good beverages if youre even looking at a machine - who else among the lower rollers comps Newcastle?
Gambling conditions are above-average (but used to be better a couple of years ago). A large and professional poker room in the back serves a notorious shark tank of locals. Serves them unwary newbies I should say.
A car helps (easy in and out with parking here despite it's relatively large size), but if you don't have one it's OK because they run a free shuttle to the strip. Not to the airport (almost no casino hotel does that in Vegas for regular people). The hotel lobby is on the smaller side for Vegas, and is really an area just on the side of the main casino - but check in is almost always quick.
Locals tip: with a car, try heading North and West for some of the best ethnic restaurant choices out there rather than the overpriced albeit fancy strip. Try going north a few blocks then turn left on Spring Mountain or Sahara or Desert Inn.
