We stayed at the Excalibur on the nights of July 30 and 31. I chose the Excalibur because it offered a great web discount--$47 for the night for the room, plus free spa admission, $20 restaurant voucher, and match play. You can't beat that deal!

The positives: The check-in was cheerful and quick, the agent good humored. The casino had a fun, carnival environment, and the casino was hopping. They had two very nice pools, one with a water slide, and the view of other hotels was great there. We enjoyed a poolside pina colada that was served by a cheerful and prompt cocktail waitress. The view we had on the 25th floor was fantastic.

The negatives: The casino is showing its age. Tape was placed on the floor in places, most likely because of carpet damage. I was dismayed because there was no bedspread on either bed in our room. It made the room look rather dismal and plain without a bedspead and only white sheets on the beds. I lay down on the bed at night and wondered why my back hurt. To my surprise, I found that bed springs were sticking me in the back. When I completed my online evaluation form for them, I made sure I mentioned the lack of comfort of the bed. I hope they fix that problem. I was on crutches because I had broken my leg. They had motorized carts to use in the casino, but they wanted $40 per day to use one. I told them we easily spent that much in the casino that that we should have been able to have used one for free.

I wouldn't mind staying there again, but I do hope they get new mattresses!

We stayed with our two children aged 16 &11 for two nights last week, during a longer stay in Vegas. We booked online a few months ago, requesting a room with view. This is what we got. A view overlooking the New York New York (including the roller coaster). We cannot fault the hotel at all. Check in was easy and quick. The room excellent, especially the bathroom with exceptionally large shower cubicle. Took our lap top and connected to the internet for $10.99 a day, excellent to keep in touch with friends and family. As we overlooked the roller coaster, we had to do it. Well worth the few minutes of sheer terror!! Reccomend the buffet and krispi kreme donuts!! The pool area was simple not over fussy with waterfalls etc. Towels provided. All in all well worth the money, and not overly priced.

Will go again.

Alan Tracy George & Tomos. Oxford England

At check-in, we were upgraded free to a queen suite with views of Tropicana, MGM, the airport, and Las Vegas Blvd--quite a view! The room was sparking clean; bathroom was huge; mattresses were firm & did NOT sag. Easy parking when using valet--why make work for yourself? Others wrote there is no coffee pot in room--their website confirms--check it before you make reservations! Delicious coffee is available in hotel at Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme, & in-house restaurants. The Sunday buffet is FABULOUS--includes champagne, prime rib, huge chilled shrimp, & anything you can think of for about $15--don't miss it!! Weekday buffets are about $12--and are OK. The castle theme throughout hotel. Only 10 minutes to airport--they provide shuttle service. Walkway to NY/NY, MGM, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. The lowest temp all last week was 101, so be sure to drink lots of water. We bought ours at Walgreen's by the case, to save a few dollars. Casino provided free drinks while gambling--even the fancy whipped cream ones. Great trip here!

We stayed at Excalibur July 15-19 and had another wonderful time. I visit Vegas twice a year and have stayed at Excalibur the last four times and have been very satisfied. The rooms are fairly plain but more than adequate. The bathrooms are large but make note: they are shower-only with no bathtub unless you get a jacuzzi suite. This is more than made up for by the fact that Excalibur is less than half the price of surrounding properties (NYNY, MGM Grand, Luxor, Mandalay Bay). The Tropicana across the street offers comparable room rates but does not have the services (dining, entertainment, casino, tram) that Excalibur boasts. On other visits, I've stayed at the Hilton, Mirage, TI, Flamingo, Riviera, Paris, and the Trop but I keep coming back to Excalibur which I think says something.

For dining, the buffet is better than most and reasonably priced. There are some fast-food joints (Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Quizno's, Krispy Kreme) for the kids, and the The Steakhouse is quite good. If you like Mexican, a trip to the Luxor via the free tram or walkway to La Salsa Cantina is a must. Very tasty margaritas, cheap price and good food. Several restaurants at Mandalay Bay can be reached via the tram and are excellent: Red Square for vodka fans, China Grill for modern asian, and (my favorite) RumJungle. If you're a party of four or more, I highly recommend RumJungle's "buffet" where everything is served table-side on long swords with flair by the attentive staff and you will be bursting at your seams by the time you leave.

For gamblers, a big benefit of Excalibur BEFORE they officially merge with MGM Mirage in winter of 2006 is the comp program (the One Club) which gives you a much better pay-back than most. I am a mere slots player, but haven't paid for a meal or show in Vegas for years. If you're visiting soon, take advantage of this program and cash whatever you've earned out on your trip before you leave or it will be lost. Even without the comps though, Excalibur is a great deal.