I was really impressed by the TI. Upon first arriving, I got a little nervous about the service. My only complaint about this trip was the start...checking in. There was a long line of check-ins and only three people working the front desk. We waited about 25 minutes to check in. (We did arrive for New Year's Eve and I'm thinking that hiccup was due to the crowds for the holidays).
Other than this, the rest of the trip was flawless. We had just a standard suite, the deluxe room. I'm always wondering what the basic room at a hotel will be like, but we were pleasantly surprised. The suite, although a standard size small suite, was very very clean, had an awesome view of the strip, had modern updated decor, and a nice bathroom that had a tinge of luxury. The bathtub is a large tub/shower combination (not a garden tub and separate shower if that matters to you). The room was cleaned great every day.
The hotel and casino always had a pleasant smell, no smoky smells in our opinion. The lobby is nice. The taxi stand moved very efficiently and fast (even if the line was long).
The casino is great. It's not too big and not too small. We felt the machines were not as tight as some of the others we've stayed at. The TI Poker Room is awesome. I highly recommend playing in one of the tournaments they have. The atmosphere is laid back, you don't feel pressure, and the dealers in the room are great. Very personable and the staff is attentive. If you like poker, I'm sure you'll like their poker room.
There are several good places to eat. The buffet "Dishes" was great. Like all Vegas buffets, it was a little expensive, but worth it. Kahunaville is great for lunch. The food there was awesome. Despite having the look of a bar, there is a sit down dining room that is more laid back that isn't visible from the main entrance to the restaurant so don't be fooled. Every 20 minutes or so there is a small water show where the decorative waterfall turns into a lighted water show. It's a small thing to see, but it's kind of neat while you're eating. The pricing is average. Canter's Deli is a fast fix. It is also great for lunch. Their ruben is to die for and their potato salad is good too. It's affordable. If you like Vietnamese food, there's Pho. I personally didn't care for it. You can tell it's quality food, it just didn't meet my taste buds.
The location of the TI is great. There are several shops within the hotel itself. There is a tram that runs between it and The Mirage that is easy to ride on and is free (not to be confused with the Las Vegas Monorail). There are also escalotors that literally spit you out at the Fashion Show Mall, which is nice. It has all the shopping you could want. The TI is right on the strip, so you are also within walking distance of many other hotels and casinos. We walked to The Bellagio, Wynn hotel, The Mirage, and the Venetian to name a few.
The prices for a hotel room at this hotel are among the best I've seen on the strip and let me tell you...it's worth it. I think this may be one of the best values on the strip.
