Just back from Vegas

[limin]

I would like to make a few comments about the HGVC Strip property upon returning.

The wife and I own at the Karen property and usually stay there or the Flamingo property during our visits to Las Vegas. This time, however, we could not get into the Flamingo and needed a three bedroom so we opted for the newer Las Vegas Strip property. Although we have been through the tour of the property this was the first time actually staying there.

As usual with HGVC we were very happy with the staff and service. From the door men to the marketplace staff, each was extremely polite and friendly. The one exception would be the two gals at the conceirge. They were not at all helpful. (I will leave it at that)

We had a 3 bedroom plus on the 32 floor overlooking the strip. Room was great as expected. I found every aspect of the property top notch.

The only negative comments are in regards to the number of young children all over Las Vegas. It seems the marketing of Las Vegas as a family destination has worked. I have never seen so many children under the age of ten in Las Vegas. Frankly, I just don't get it. The pools at the property are way too small for the number of guests. There are two pools. Each pool was cram packed with kids during the day. There were soccer balls flying around both pools. At the very least one of the pools should be designated for kids and one for adults. The young life guards on duty did nothing to regulate/police the activities in the pool, so I guess that management doesn't care if the adults have a poor experience. I love children, have raised two, but do not wish to share my pool time with them.

I would also, say that we found riding the Duece pretty inconvenient. Very full and slow. I still prefer the Monorail but it is getting to be quite expensive.

Overall had another great time!

 

[ricoba]

The only negative comments are in regards to the number of young children all over Las Vegas. It seems the marketing of Las Vegas as a family destination has worked. I have never seen so many children under the age of ten in Las Vegas. Frankly, I just don't get it.

They stopped marketing Vegas as a family destination probably a decade ago, but lots of families still go to Vegas, especially us folks from Southern California. My kids when they were smaller always loved the pools, especially the Flamingo pool, and the MGM pool.

Glad you had a good time. We also own on Karen St and have also stayed in three bedroom on the Strip, it is as you note quite nice. I tend to agree as well about the Deuce, while it's just out front and very frequent, it is often full.

 

[Fern Modena]

Dave,
I'll agree with you that The Strip is no place for children (although a lot of families live in the Vegas Valley, and there is plenty for them to do off Strip). But it *is* summertime, when families go on vacation. And as long as your timeshare has three bedroom units, that pretty much guarantees there will be a lot of children there.

Fern

 

[limin]

I think the thing that bothered us the most was the fact that there was no way to escape the kids. At the Flamingo, it seems that most families use the large Flamingo Hotel pool and not the smaller HGVC pool. It would be easy to limit the kids to one of the pools at the Strip. It would also be easy to instruct the life guards to exercise some control on pool activities.

I really do love children and realize the pools are one of the best areas for them. I do not, however, believe that Las Vegas is a place for families to bring children. I have been visiting Las Vegas several times a year for the past 15 years and have seen a steady increase in young children.

One other observation that I forgot to mention in my original post was in regards to the BBQ's. It seemed odd to me that they were located on the side of the pool away from the Marketplace and or bar. Their is room for them close to the marketplace and bar and would be much more convenient.

Again, had a great time and will continue to visit Vegas as it is fun and close to home (Oregon).

 

[PigsDad]

I do not, however, believe that Las Vegas is a place for families to bring children.

Thank goodness it is not up to you to make that decision for other people.

Kurt

 

[Snotick]

I have never been bothered by kids when I am playing poker, or slots, or anywhere else in the casinos. I dont see them going into the nightclubs either. You have to remember that most people buy timeshares to use as their family vacation. Why should Las Vegas be off limits to families? Those people pay their maintenance fees just like everyone else. If you prefer to spend your time poolside without kids around. I would suggest finding a place to stay that has a European or adult pool. This guarantees that there will be no kids.

 

[MattnTricia]

I would agree that there a lot of parts of Las Vegas the I will not let my 6 year old have any part of. However, like many other families we are choosing to do an extended weekend in Vegas at the Flamingo over the Labor Day weekend.This will be my son's third trip to Vegas and he has had a blast every time. Unlike most folks whose primary intention is to gamble we are going to relax and let my son enjoy the pools at the Flamigo.

I would completely agree that the strip is no place to take your kids with all the adult oriented propaganda that is around everywhere. However, we will definitely be venturing out to the fountains at the Bellagio, The Shark Reek at the Mandaley and the Lion exhibit at the MGM.

I am sorry that the author of this thread didn't get everything he wanted out of his vacation. However , to expect that kid's would be limited in Las Vegas at a vacation club driven by families is absolutely crazy.

 

[dougp26364]

Heck, in the summertime it's not just pools at the HGVC LV Strip that are over run by children. You can find that anywhere you go. We were in Branson last month and avoided the pool because it was choked with children doing what children do........playing hard on their vacation. I really don't see Vegas as being any different than any other timeshare vacation destination.

Like you, I would prefer to see the property management enforce a few rules. Things that get thrown (balls, frisbee's, ect....) and floating things to lay on crowd the pool and make it difficult for everyone to enjoy. One of the Marrriott properties forbids pools toys and I've seen them enforce that rule, much to the complaining parents dissmay. But it keeps the pool user friendly for everyone, not just the 5 or 6 kids (and adults) who have made it their own personal playground with all their toys. Sounds like this location could do a much better job of policing the pool area and setting down, and enforcing, a few rules.

The fact that the Flamingo location has a small pool and that the kids prefer the larger pools of the Flamingo would make it an ideal place to stay if you want to have a little seperation from kids screaming and playing around a pool. If we ever travel to Vegas in the summertime again (very doubtful), I'll keep that in mind. Fortunately for us we travel to Vegas in the early spring and, even though it might be spring break, there's really not that many families with kids to contend with.

 

[Talent312]

How to handle families on vacation:
... "Children should neither be seen nor heard..."
... "Go away kid, ya bother me."
... "A man's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another drink."
-- W.C. Fields (actor+comedian)

 

[limin]

I am sorry that the author of this thread didn't get everything he wanted out of his vacation. However , to expect that kid's would be limited in Las Vegas at a vacation club driven by families is absolutely crazy.

Actually I did get everything I wanted out of my vacation. I had an excellent time.

I don't see why asking HGVC to limit the kids to one out of two pools is crazy at all. I am also sorry that I can't express my feelings on this board without being called names.

It seems to me that I pay my maintenance fees just like all the rest of you and have a right to relax at the pool without getting hit in the head by a soccer ball. (yes happened twice) And run into several times by groups playing camels. Yes HGVC's are definitely family based time shares. That's one of the reasons I purchased at HGVC. It has more to do with common courtesy than anything. Why shouldn't HGVC and parents take a little bit of responsibility and ensure that adults AND kids are able to enjoy the pool areas?

If parents want their children exposed to the elements present on Las Vegas Blvd. then that's their business, but it doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

 

[Snotick]

I dont think anyone called you names, the general statement of thinking that a family based resort is going to limit family use, is crazy is not name calling. You also have to remember that when you post on a board, you are giving your opinion. Everyone that responds is also allowed to give their opinion. Often times there are people that dont share your same point of view. That's life.

Your original post may have offended some people, since they take their kids to vegas on a regular basis. This may have been taken as a direct attack by them.

I took my daughter to Vegas when she was 4, the only reason was because she has diabetes and I had no one that felt comfortable with giving her insulin shots. I left my twin sons with grandparents and we took our daughter with us. Our only other choice was to not go.
Since then my daughter uses an insulin pump and we have not taken here back since. Not because I feel its inappropriate for kids, but my wife and I have made Vegas our getaway place.

 

[dougp26364]

I have no problems with kids in Vegas. I've taken kids to Vegas with us when we've gone in the past and had a great time.

But, if your going to travel during the summer months your going to have problems with kids in the pools. I do agree with you that it would be nice if the resorts put limits in about pool toys, running and splashing but, most don't.

It could have been worse. You could have been staying at Marriott's timeshare in Vegas. It has to have one of the smallest pools I've ever seen in a timeshare excluding the "pool" that the Quater House resort in New Orleans.

 

[bogey21]

I found every aspect of the property top notch.



I would also, say that we found riding the Duece pretty inconvenient.

Nothing is perfect but the price is right and it stops right in front of the Resort

GEORGE

 

[benjaminb13]

Having owned timeshares both BC (b4 children) and AC-
I can see both sides-
Its all relative....
Timeshares were developed basically for family vacations. target is the family of 4.
BC-I learned really quickly that - traveling during summer,easter and xmas holiday season- I had better be ready to deal with children. Fortunate.y, most adults without children have flexibility and can really enjoy the comforts of a TS almost anytime.
AC- thank God for timeshares- or our families would be stepping all over each other in a hotels or old musty condo rentals.

 

[benjaminb13]

Another thought,
HGVC really has to build a resort in California

Being a Californian-I found that I get the most use of my HYatts -especially for family vacations, as I can always head for Tahoe or Carmel in a few hours.

HGVC - its vegas- or nothing- (the new Marbrisa has only limited availability)
I use my Vegas points and add them on to my Hawaii.

With my luck, HGVC will probably read this and build another property in Vegas and two in Orlando.

Thats too bad because many Californian families like owers will probably switch over exclusively- once the Hyatt completes construction in Maui.