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Vegas - Off the strip/Merged

dukebigtom

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Monarch Grand Vacations - Canun, Las Vegas

Please share your thoughts on the Monarch Grand Vacations - Canun Resort in Las Vegas.

We will spend time on the Strip, but also want to see surrounding things like Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon (How far to the Grand Canyon and would you drive or take a tour bus/train?)

We're taking friends who have never timeshared, so we want to be sure to take them to a nice place. Trying to impress them..:D

Thanks,

BigTom
 

dukebigtom

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If we can't get into a place on the strip, what are the nicest places within short distance to the strip? Looking to impress some friends who have never timeshared and might be future fellow timeshare travelers.

Transportation to the strip on regular intervals would be nice and a great pool would be an added plus.

Please share your thoughts!

Thanks,

BigTom
 

DeniseM

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Have you had a chance to look at the TUG reviews for this and other TS's in LV? Click on TUG Resort Database in the red bar at the top of the page, for the reviews.

For lots of info. about the Grand Canyon, use the search function (Search this Forum Button) and search for Grand Canyon. Since the drive is 4-5 hours one way, I would try to make this at least an overnight stay.
 

JoeWilly

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We've stayed there. It's pretty good. It's not a Westin.

The pool was large but I think I remember hearing the kids say the pool was cold. There's only one pool--no separate adult pool.

The timeshare: large bathrooms--wasted space in my opinion.

Kitchen - small. Some cupboards or the dishwasher couldn't open all the way because the door would hit something. I've never seen this before in a timeshare. Nice size dining room - fits 6 comfortably.

bedrooms - size adequate

Living room - small One couch and maybe a chair.

It's quite a ways off the strip. You'll need transportation.

Overall, it was ok. Not great, not too bad. Probably a six or a 7 on a scale of 1-10.
 

ginnylbs

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additional info on Monarch.

We own there and agree with most of the previous posts. Kitchens are smaller than most timeshares and so are the living rooms - - and the living room couches have wood arms which makes them less comfortable. Patio's are decent size, bathrooms are huge, TVs in bedrooms and living room. The huge Pool area has two pools. The one in the back has four large waterslides and it is heated in the winter months. The front pool is the largest, but in the winter - it is closed. The resort has lifeguards on duty around the pools. There are many whirlpool spas scattered around the pool and one is under the waterfall - very pretty. I think the best part of this resort is the pool area. Based on my other timeshares, the villa itself is not as nice.
My older Jockey Club - with the exception of the small bathroom and no patio is laid out nicer and is more cocmfortale.

Monarch does offer Shuttle service to the strip - but I would either try for one of the strip timeshares or rent a car for your friends first visit to Las Vegas.
 

alanraycole

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Why would you want to stay off-strip?

I can't comment on the resorts off the strip. I made the mistake of staying off-strip once, and have since ignored all off-strip resorts. There is so much to do in Vegas and having the rare opportunity on a vacation to walk to all the best the destination offers is a treat too great to pass up.

Even if you want to visit regional attractions and don't want to gamble a penny, staying on the strip has many advantages. You can take short walks to some of the best restaurants in America. There are designer shops in every direction within walking distance. Shows, the good, the bad, and the ugly, are also within walking distance. If you like nightlife, you will find stunning clubs in most of the major casinos.

I just like walking the strip for people watching and admiring the over-the-top architecture. Even though I have done it dozens of times before, I still enjoy walking the strip from Treasure Island to MGM almost every day of every visit to Vegas. It is great exercise and there are always new buildings and, of course, different people to watch every visit, even though I visit Vegas twice a year, primarily for business.

Why would you want to stay off strip and have to pile into a car every time you wanted to enjoy Las Vegas' best? Consider the Hilton Flamingo, the Marriott, or one of the lesser timeshares on the strip.

If you want to impress your guests, stay on the strip. Otherwise, regardless of the quality of the off-strip resort, you may find your guests disappointed when they realize all the best is close, yet so far away!

P.S. For those who may have read my Hawaii posts and find it incomprehensible that you find me reveling in fine dining, shopping, nightlife, etc., understand that I get my fix for such things in Vegas where they are at their best and consider such options in Hawaii not even third rate in comparison… so I figure, why bother. Rather, I go to Hawaii for what Hawaii offers in incomparable quality, her lavish natural beauty.
 

JoeWilly

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I agree with AlanRayCole. I wouldn't stay off strip if I was just with adults. Last time we visited, we had two teenage boys with us. Hanging out at the resort with a nice pool and warm weather was important, that's why we stayed off the strip. However, for an adult only trip, I would much prefer to stay on the strip.
 

dukebigtom

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Thanks everybody. I have an ongoing search going for 2009 on the strip. II just keeps calling me with off strip options and I keep saying no, but thought I'd check to see what people had to say. I have looked at pretty much all the resort ratings on TUG. Never reserve without doing so.

You've all pretty much confirmed my thinking!

Thanks,

BigTom
 

alanraycole

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About the Grand Canyon

If you have never been there, I would drive so that you can satisfy your curiosity better. If have gone before, take a day trip from the strip.

Either way, I strongly suggest a rafting trip... it is a completely different and far superior experience! After taking my rafting trip, I told myself that I would only go back to raft.
 
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