Lately I've been pretty negative regarding the Las Vegas Strip. I've publically sworn off any Caesars properties and I've made my dislike of MGM properties well known for a while now. That said, there are resorts on the Strip that I really do enjoy visiting and to try and turn around this negativity (because blogging is FUN dammit) I thought I'd list out the Strip casinos that I like and mention why I like them.
Even as a card carrying old guy, I find the Cosmo to be good fun. Yes I'm tragically unhip and probably 20-25 years older than their target demographic but I just really find the Cosmo to be an overall fun place. Like many, I enjoy the Chandelier Bar but my go to is the Sports Book bar where Atilla and Heather are two of the nicest bartenders around. Block 16 is great eats, as is the Pizza shop, and while pricey, the tacos at China y Pablano are go-to food for Mrs. TPM. the restaurant choices there are without equal, and the rooms are spectacular. Easily my favorite casino resort on the Strip and it's not close. Yes, they are pricey, and the table games are horrid, but for VP they're a notch above Caesars/MGM and that's about the best you can hope for these days (sadly)
Two things I like about TI: Their bartop video poker and their pool. One thing I dislike, their relatively poor dining choices. Although the seafood place is pretty good outside of that things could be much better. They have a very nice casino with many options for slot players, and fair video poker pay tables. Their table games are Strip normal (which means they suck) but their rooms are nice, can frequently be found at decent prices and their cabana rental rates are reasonable for the Strip. Customer service there is friendly, and the cabana attendants that served us were very personable, prompt and pleasant. All in all I really like TI and it's a go to for me when visiting the Strip.
Steve Wynn had his personal demons and, while his legal issues are still in litigation, there's no denying that he has left a lasting legacy on the Las Vegas Strip. "WynnCore" was the beginning of the de-theming movement on the Strip (for better or for worse) and is (honestly) the epitome of customer service. You're going to pay at Wynn properties but you are not going to be disappointed. two of the most luxurious properties on the Strip with great food options, wonderful lounges and bars, and two of the prettiest gaming areas around, there's not a lot to dislike about either place outside of them costing you your first born.
The main gripe you from people regarding these sister properties is that they are (were) owned by Sheldon Adelson. This is yet another case where people are unable to separate their politics from their enjoyment of life and that's too bad. I, for one, enjoyed nothing more than getting the chance to win Sheldon's money and the two resorts themselves are beautiful. Much like WynnCore, the service is outstanding, the decor is beautiful and the Venetian Shoppes are one of the best places in Las Vegas to spend some time not gambling. The rooms are all suites and are fantastic. Now that Sands has bailed on Vegas there's really no reason to not check them out. Again like WynnCore, you're going to pay, and their pay tables are atrocious. They also win the booby prize for introducing into the world the scourge that is 000 Roulette but other than that they're a great place to visit.
5. Aria
I know, I know, I spend ages cracking on MGM and then list one of their resorts as a casino that I like on the Strip. Here's the thing: I like staying and dining there, not so much gambling there. the rooms are spectacular as are the food choices. The paella at Julian Serrano's Tapas is world class. When I do play there it's typically at the tiny Gem Bar, where if you can find Manny there might not be a better bartender on the Strip in terms of friendliness. The pool is incredible, albeit pricey, and the pool staff is warm and nice. Yes, it's MGM so the fees are going to be legion and you will be nickel and dimed almost to death, and there are rough edges around customer service that they need to work out (especially at he front desk, which is awful) but overall the casino is beautiful, the front desk area is a spectacle, and the positives here do outweigh the negatives in my opinion.
Non gambling honorable mention.
The Vdara is certainly not for everyone. They have no casino but they do have all suites, the City Corner Suite is amazing, and they really don't have any dining options. But, you're close to Aria and Cosmo so eating well is just a short walk away. The pool area, especially if you get a Cabana, is spectacular although not a party pool if that is what you are looking for. The Lobby Bar is a beautiful place to pay a lot for a cocktail.
Incomplete:
I have not yet visited this property so it's not going to be on any list. Of course, it's on YouTube everywhere but the Vlogs so far have only mainly focused on the pool and sheer size of the place. At this point it could go on my "likes" or "dislikes" place I just don't know.
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