{"id":352,"date":"2008-06-19T13:19:58","date_gmt":"2008-06-19T18:19:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2008\/06\/monte-carlo-a-surviving-strip-standard\/"},"modified":"2016-12-17T19:43:20","modified_gmt":"2016-12-18T01:43:20","slug":"monte-carlo-a-surviving-strip-standard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2008\/06\/monte-carlo-a-surviving-strip-standard\/","title":{"rendered":"Monte Carlo: A surviving Strip standard"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Montecarlophoto\"<\/a>
\nBy E.C. Gladstone<\/em><\/p>\n

Bad news has a way of traveling faster than good. When the Monte Carlo<\/a><\/strong> suffered an accidental fire back in January, both travelers and locals heard the Strip resort had to close down for repairs. But the closing only lasted a few weeks, and to paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of its demise had been greatly exaggerated.<\/p>\n

Today, the AAA Four Diamond casino resort is open for business, and in many ways, better than ever. I know, because I just enjoyed a two-night stay there myself. In the spirit of the European resort it’s named after, Monte Carlo is unpretentiously elegant at every turn, while still a bit more manageable than the fanciest Strip resorts<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

My room had clean, classic design, with attention to the details that really mattered, like a pillow-top mattress, soft sheets, a rainfall showerhead and bath amenities including mimosa and vine flower lotion and sweet pea massage bar soap.<\/p>\n

\"Montecarlocasino\"<\/a><\/strong>Off the full-spectrum well-designed casino floor is the showroom of legendary Las Vegas magician Lance Burton<\/a><\/strong>, whose family-friendly show includes illusions from sleight of hand to levitation, with a bit of drama and lot of humor. A different kind of fun can be found at Diablo’s Cantina<\/strong>, with dancing on the rooftop deck, drinking (creative cocktails and a huge tequila selection), and dining (try the carnitas tacos).<\/p>\n

But the Monte Carlo<\/a><\/strong> experience would be incomplete without a visit to the intimate dining room of Andre’s<\/strong> (AAA four diamond), where I had an exquisite gourmet meal including a perfect Dover Sole saut\u00e9ed Veronique, excellent wine pairings, and an unforgettable dessert souffl\u00e9. Afterward, my date and I enjoyed Andre’s cozy cigar and cognac bar.<\/p>\n

Centrally located<\/a><\/strong> on the Strip between Tropicana Avenue and Flamingo Road, the property — which will be excellently positioned come 2009 when the massive City Center<\/strong> project opens just next door — also offers all the expected resort amenities: a fun pool area, wedding chapel, spa, gym, salon and access to the Shadow Creek<\/a><\/strong> golf club. And the hip Brand Steakhouse<\/strong>, which just opened, is sure to draw a sexy Sin City<\/a><\/strong> crowd.<\/p>\n

Insider tip<\/strong>: For all your travel<\/a><\/strong> and convenience needs, there’s a 24-hour CVS\/Pharmacy just adjacent to the Monte Carlo on the Strip.<\/p>\n

Related Orbitz resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n