Comparison of Flamingo and Strip Properties
Hello:
I just returned from a trip to Vegas. A group of 8 of us stayed at the Flamingo HGVC in remodeled units. We own at both the Flamingo and Strip properties. The remodeled units are nice, but not as nice as the Strip property. The obvious plus of the Flamingo property is the location (it's great to walk to the Flamingo and out from there). Here are some comparisons I noted:
Flamingo location is much superior to the Strip property. If you are staying at the Strip property, I would recommend renting a car. We got a van for $8.55/day using Dollar.com's "lock low and go rate." When we got to the rental counter and they wanted to offer a PT Cruiser, I slipped the guy a $20 and he was happy to give us the van (there were 8 of us so we really needed one). This was still far cheaper than the $44.80/day we were quoted for a van. If you sign up for Dollar Express (free on their website), you can bypass the counter and go straight to where you pick up your rental (why doesn't everyone do this, I have no idea....). What we have found is that especially for a group of 4, it's just as cheap to rent a car. We like being able to buzz to the store or downtown for a couple of hours. We visited Red Rock Casino on this trip -- if you go there be sure to try the Salt Lick -- they have great barbecue brisket!
Strip property is more luxurious than Flamingo remodeled units. The Flamingo units were "nice" but kind of disappointing compared to the Strip units. The huge round jet tub was a plus at the Flamingo, but the shower is small and opens in. It was awkward getting into the shower with the water running. In addition, the Strip property does have a spa on site if you're in to that. Both properties have nice owners' - the one at the Strip has a pool table, foos ball, etc. The Flamingo has a player baby grand piano.
Flamingo studios are larger than the Strip studios. This was kind of surprising to me. The Flamingo studios are pretty big -- they have an area with a couch with a pullout in the room. The Strip studios feel like a glorified hotel room to me--pretty small with a chair and small table -- I always opt for a 1 bedroom if I'm staying there as the studios feel small to me. Interesting is that the Flamingo 2 bedroom unit is connected by an outer hallway; it's not adjoining like the Strip property. There is an outer double door with a doorbell and then a entry way with a door to the right (1 bedroom) and a door to the left (studio). The entry and bathrooms act as a buffer against the hall, reducing the noise. However, because it's an older property, you can hear what's going on above you (the people above me partied until 3). The strip property is quieter -- I think it's better insulated.
Pool area of Strip property is more of a retreat than Flamingo; but Flamingo pools look like they would be pretty great in spring/summer/fall (just a lot more crowded). The Strip pool is relaxing with plenty of room to lounge at the pool.
IMHO, Flamingo staff are friendlier than the Strip. At the Strip, they are always herding people through for timeshare presentations.
At Flamingo, the monorail station is right there. The parking garage is the Flamingo one. We ended up getting valet parking for $8 a day as it is a walk to the unit and it was kind of creepy late at night. At the Strip, they just built a new parking garage that is pretty close by (I haven't used it).
So, each has its good points. Neither is a bad proposition. For the girls' trip we just had, I would choose Flamingo every time--it's very convenient and about a 2 minute walk from the unit to the Flamingo through the pool area. For my hubby and I, we would probably opt for the Strip 1 bedroom because it's more relaxing and hubby doesn't like to gamble much (I just race around to the casinos in the rental car-LOL).
Hope this helps...Have fun on your vacation!