Virgin or Palms?

Question

For those with dirty minds, please read this first.

Been to Vegas many times. Not into staying on strip anymore, unless it's with friends. This time, just me and my wife.

I received offer for 3 comp nights at Virgin, so I booked 3 nights in mid-February. When I heard they had a culinary strike going on, I booked Palms for same 3 nights on comp offer. Did not want to cross picket line.

I read this morning that strike has been settled. Now I need to cancel one. I have stayed at Virgin before. In the summer. Never stayed at Palms. Virgin has no resort fee. Palms has $50 or so resort fee, even for comp night.

I will have a car. We like to bounce around. So easy to just self park in the off strip properties.

What do you prefer - Virgin or Palms?

Answer

It sounds like you're trying to make the most of your Vegas trip with a solid deal, and both Virgin and Palms offer their own unique experiences. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Virgin Hotels:

Virgin has a more modern, stylish vibe and tends to cater to a younger, trendier crowd, though it’s still very welcoming for anyone. Some of its standout features include:

No Resort Fee: Virgin's major advantage is the lack of a resort fee, which makes it more budget-friendly overall, especially for comp nights.
Great Dining Options: Even with the culinary strike behind them, Virgin offers a great selection of restaurants and bars, though it's a bit more limited compared to some other Vegas properties. Their dining scene is known for being on the hipper side.
Location: Virgin is off the Strip but still close enough to get to the action easily by car (or Uber). It has a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, making it a good option for couples wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip.
Parking: Self-parking is easy and free, which is a huge plus if you’re driving. No resort fee means you won’t be paying extra for parking either.

Palms:

Palms is a classic Vegas property with more of a party vibe. It's larger and offers more entertainment and amenities, but it does come with some extra costs like the resort fee. Here’s what to know about Palms:

Resort Fee: As you mentioned, Palms has a $50 resort fee, even for comp nights. This fee covers things like pool access, gym, and internet, but it can add up if you’re staying for a few nights.
Entertainment: The Palms has a more robust entertainment scene, with live shows, a fun casino, and great nightlife options. If you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere, Palms has a lot to offer.
Location: Similar to Virgin, Palms is off the Strip, but it’s a bit further away. It might take more time to get to the heart of the Strip compared to Virgin. However, it still has easy access to all of Vegas with a car.
Dining & Drinks: Palms has a wider variety of dining options, from upscale to casual, including some great bars. Plus, they have a fantastic rooftop lounge for views of the Strip.

Considerations:

Virgin: If you're after a more relaxed, boutique hotel experience and appreciate not paying a resort fee, Virgin is a great choice. It's modern, sleek, and a bit quieter than other Vegas hotels.
Palms: If you're looking for a larger resort with a bit more action, entertainment, and dining options (and don’t mind the resort fee), Palms might be the better option. The resort fee can be worth it if you plan to take advantage of the amenities like the pool, gym, or shows.

Final Decision: Based on your preferences — a car, bouncing around, and the resort fee consideration — I’d recommend Virgin, especially since it has no resort fee and is a great value for a comp stay. However, if you’re leaning towards a more active experience with a bigger hotel vibe, Palms might be your better bet.

Either way, both properties will give you a nice off-Strip experience with easy access to all Vegas has to offer. Enjoy your trip!

Virgin or Palms?

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