A friend and I stayed at the Monte Carlo and loved it. Since you're in Vegas, it's pretty pointless to stay in your room so we didn't. The hotel is right in the middle of everything, especially shopping. Check in was easy, expecially after booking through the now defunct Spirit Airlines. We had the redeye back to Chicago, but were able to store our bags while we continued to shop and party. The only problem was that one of the housekeepers threw away our souveneirs. The hotel staff took care of it immediately. They looked for our belongings in the trash, and before we arrived home, they had left messages of apology on our voice mails and before the week was over, we both received checks for the value of the missing items. I would definitely do it again.

We've been to Vegas several times, business and pleasure, and for the amount that we stay in our room...it is the best. Very clean and nicely decorated. Actually saw Mike Tyson and "girls" in elevator. Casino employees are not snooty and atmosphere very comfortable, no matter what you are wearing or the amount of money you are gambling. We stayed in the Deluxe and the Suite, and besides a couch and extra bathroom, quality the same in both. Not really a place for kids, pool is nice, however nothing else for them to do...I would suggest New York NY with game room, or Circus Circus with huge amuzement park inside. Have fun and be safe.

We have stayed in Vegas 3 times, always before in a time share my parents bought. This time we wanted something nicer. There were lots of bargains for the time we were going to be there, but none as nice for the price we got ($49/nite). I had read many reviews, some glowing and others negative. My sister stayed there in October and was pleased so we booked our room (over the internet).
First, let me say that everyone we had contact with was wonderful. The valet that parked our car was very considerate to my wife. She had left a bag in the car after it was parked and he went with her to retrieve it. Check in was a little slow, not bad, but the clerk was very helpful in getting us an upper floor (29th) with the view we wanted. The bell hops were "Johnnie on the spot" delivering our luggage.
As to the room itself, I was very impressed. Nice carpets, attractive furniture, quiet adjustable heat, spacious bathroom and comfortable beds. I think the shower has plenty of power. As to noise, we had no problems at all. Maybe if someone is shouting, you might hear, but otherwise nothing to complain about.
The hotel itself was layed out nicely so you can bypass the casino to get to the pool area and some restuarants. I didn't get a chance to use the pool as there was a bad storm and cold weather the days we were there (Jan 2-5).
Other staff we met were very helpful as well, the concierge that got us tickets to Mama Mia and the Spa staff my wife met. She was very pleased with the AromaTherapy message she got.
We are not big gamblers, just do some slots, so I can't comment on the dealers. One thing I noticed was the air was fresher in the casino than others we went into.
One of the big pluses of this hotel is it's location. You have 2 monorail systems to use close by. One goes south to the Mandalay Bay. The other goes north to the Riveria. Of course there is lots to do within walking distance.
We didn't eat in any of the nicer restuarants on site as we have our favorites in other locations. The bagel shop and pizza were good.
We used express checkout with the TV in the room. Very convienent and saved standing in line.
All in all, this was a great stay for one heck of a price. I would definitely return (hopefully with better weather).

Just so you know where I am coming from, I am a 35 year old married man that doesn't need to be pampered or desire to much. I stayed at Monte Carlo for New Years and I must say the hotel was awesome. The staff was VERY friendly except for one BJ dealer who must not have gotten her new attitude for Christmas. The location is perfect being right next to NYNY and across from MGM which might explain why the hotel was never crowded. The check in was a breeze but I also arrived there at 12:30a and check out was also a breeze. Beware of the cost of long distance phone calls. YIKES!! Use a cell phone if you have one.

The hotel room was nothing that took my breath away. Kind of like a room at the Holiday Inn. The bed was very comfy and the shower bowed out giving plenty of room. They did provide shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, oatmeal soap, another bar of soap and a shower cap with lots of towels! I was disappointed that the room did not have a safe but did have a hair dryer, iron and board. I was on the 28th floor with a pretty decent veiw. Half the window looked at NYNY, Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay while the other half looked at the mountains. Sunrise was beautiful with the clouds hanging over the mountains. But I digress. There were seperate elevators for the top floors and I NEVER waited long for an elevator. The carpet and walls were clean with no graffiti anywhere.

Now about the noise. I have read many things about the noise and yes, you can hear people in the hall and when you are in the bathroom you can hear the plumbing from the other room but it is FAR from distracting. If you are THAT bothered by some noise than may I suggest Bellagio.

The casino was standard but I liked the lay-out with two big sections of table games and a beautiful poker room. MC also did a great job of filtering the air. Trust me, you'll notice if you're a non smoker!

One thing I did notice is the lobby and elevators were seperate from the casino. I went to the Excalibur, what a mess. People, luggage and KIDS were EVERYWHERE!!! I couldn't wait to get out of there.

My in-laws stayed at the Flamingo. What a dump. They hated it. The curtains were yellowed and the carpet stained. The vent in the bathroom looked like the inside of a vacuum cleaner bag. No wonder people are getting sick!!

I would recommend the Monte Carlo if you want to stay somewhere inexpensive on the strip that is close to other sites and not spend a fortune in transportation. I would absolutely stay there again.