I stayed there so you don’t have to.
OK. That might be a bit harsh, but it is how I feel about The LINQ Hotel. I started to write this review months ago, but stopped because of my strong negative feelings about the hotel. Months later I still feel the same way, so here’s the review.
The LINQ Hotel and Casino is the former Imperial Palace, which Harrah’s/Caesars Entertainment bought in 2005. It was named The Quad for a little over a year, too, when Caesars’ license for the Imperial Palace name expired. It had been a low-roller favorite for as long as I can remember. It had a lot of kitsch going for it and was one of the locations for the Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery movie.
The rooms have been remodeled. That is good. They really needed it. But in the process, The LINQ has lost all of the charm the Imperial Palace once had. The Dealertainers are gone. The theming is gone. The small balconies the pool-facing rooms had are gone. The buffet is gone (OK, that’s actually a good thing – the Imperial Palace buffet was awful). The Luv Tub and jacuzzi rooms are gone. Even toiletry bottles are gone. Really. The LINQ uses eco-friendly, in-shower shampoo and body wash dispensers. I know that is good for the environment, but in this case it feels … cheap.
What is left? A very generic 2,640 room hotel that still has the same troublesome elevator problems that were the bane of the Imperial Palace (long waits / not enough elevators working at any given time) and it is even harder to navigate. I stayed at the Imperial Palace many times before finally staying at the LINQ. I was still a bit disconcerted as I tried to get the the front desk and Diamond check-in from the parking garage. The old setup at the IP with the Strip-side valet had its problems, but moving the valet to the middle of the building (accessed from behind the LINQ) doesn’t make it any easier. The self-parking garage access is sketchy, too. A friend who lives in Las Vegas parked in the LINQ parking garage once and will never park there again. Nothing bad happened to him, but the traffic pattern is hazardous enough that he won’t go back. The parking area is also known to flood (as seen in this video).
The spa facilities were a letdown. It is very small, with one whirlpool and one steam room (one per gender that is) and only a few places to sit in the relaxation room. You can get a day-pass for $20, but I wouldn’t suggest it. I think the spa facilities were intended as a waiting area for guests getting massages instead of being their own destination.
The LINQ still has the Imperial Palace’s famous Auto Collection (UPDATE: Auto Collection has closed) and Mat Franco’s magic show (click here for $25 off Mat Franco tickets). You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy those, though. If you were a fan of O’Sheas, you can find its current incarnation as a casino within a casino at The LINQ. And of course, there is the High Roller observation wheel. The Imperial Palace had a lot of bars. The LINQ has kept that aspect and improved upon it. 3535 is a great center bar featuring custom infusions and it seems like the TAG Sport Bar is always busy. The Carnaval Court is also right next door (between The LINQ and Harrah’s).
The LINQ has a lot of dining options. Some, like Hash House A Go Go and Guy Fieri’s are in the LINQ Hotel & Casino, but many others, like Yard House and Chayo Mexican Kitchen are out on the LINQ Promenade.
The LINQ does have a great location. That is the only benefit I see to staying there. Room rates at The LINQ are consistently higher than rates for Harrah’s and the Flamingo. I just don’t get it. I would choose either of those before The LINQ.
The LINQ charges a nightly resort fee of $29 ($32.48 after taxes) which covers in-room Internet access, local calls and fitness center access for 2. The resort fee is waived for Diamond and SevenStar Total Rewards members.
Tips:
Rooms facing the pool are subject to loud music from the pool during the day, but not at night. Rooms facing West (the Strip) are subject to loud music from the Carnaval Court much of the day and night.
Other details:
Check-In: 4:00 PM
Check-Out: 11:00 AM
Location:
3535 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
I stayed at this hotel on August 29 for three nights and it was a horrible experience. Checking in took a lot of time, 2 agents only available for check in.
Going up to the room and trying to rest the bed sheets were full of blood when we called housekeeping they were surprised the saying oh we were not able to see it…..the complete sheets were full of blood !!!!!
Another guest informed us we had complementary coffee and water bottles no one from the hotel took the time in order to explain the amenities of the hotel ..
This hotel is advertised for a four-star hotel it’s more like a one and a half stars!!!!’
On September 1 we were expected to do a check out at 11 AM, 4 o’clock in the morning the fire alarm was put out and housekeeping came to the room 9 o’clock to do a room check. Not able to rest for my trip back home.
Worst hotel I’ve stayed!!!!
I was wondering if the car show was still in existence. Thanks for clearing that up!
I’m glad I could help.