THE PLATINUM HOTEL & SPA
211 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169; 877-211-9211;
Rates: Start at $149 during the week and $199 on weekends for a Princess Suite, which means a king or two queen beds, full kitchen, whirlpool bath big enough for two and parlor area with couch and plasma-screen TV. Complimentary valet parking.
Stay here if you’re: Smart. Really, unless you require super-snazzy digs or absolutely must be on the Strip, this is the way to go. Free Wi-Fi and plenty of counter space for business travelers, great tub for romance, and families will love the extra space and storage for leftovers and ability to make eggs in the morning.
It’s close to: Some semblance of sanity, because it’s one block off the Strip. The Bellagio is a 15-minute walk.
The rooms are: The definition of spacious. Filled with soft fabrics and comfortable furniture. Great beds and pillows, big shower, plenty of room to move about. Be sure to ask for the side with Strip or mountain views.
They put all of the money into: The pool area, which has great giant windows lining one side of the building, plenty of lounge chairs and round hammocks with fat pillows, a whirlpool and heated indoor pool, tons of towels, and none of those battles over space like at the joints on the Strip. Also check out the Well Spa, a lovely day spa that offers body treatments, massages and mani/pedis. Reasonably priced room service was also a surprise treat, with some tasty eggs Benedict and only a $3 delivery fee on top of the 20 percent tip.
The bottom line: This condo-style “boutique” hotel is delightful. The only downside: Getting a cab can be a laborious process, because the off-Strip locale means they get passed by, and sometimes you can hear the bellmen whistling incessantly (as in, for hours) from your room if you leave the balcony door open. Better to wear comfy shoes and hoof it, unless you have a hairstyle to which you are very attached.
Kyle Wagner
