I love the lights and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip – but sometimes I don’t want to be in the midst of it all, I just want a nice view of everything while still having a little luxury. Affordability is pricing many visitors to Las Vegas off the Strip, so if you find yourself in that situation, give the Platinum Hotel and Spa a try.
The Platinum Hotel & Spa is a 17-story, 255-unit condo-hotel located two blocks off the Las Vegas Strip. The location has an impressive history, dating back to the mid-1970s, and has been the site of numerous budget motels.
It’s current incarnation as a luxury condo hotel was not without its share of problems. Although beset by lawsuits from condo owners, all have now been resolved and guests will have no hiccups with a stay at the property.
I stayed in a Princess Suite, a 1,150 square foot, fully equipped unit. The rooms have a fully equipped kitchen, washer-dryer, living room with electric fireplace, bedroom with a choice of two queen beds or one king, a huge bathroom with a sunken tub and separate shower, and a walk-out balcony. You could live there! Oh wait, some people actually do.
You could live there! Oh wait, some people actually do.
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The room was uber-comfy, I love having room to spread out, and while I didn’t do any major cooking, I appreciated having a refrigerator and a microwave for easy meals and snacks. There’s nothing like bringing leftovers from dinner back to the room and warming them up for lunch the next day.
Don’t forget your bubble bath and a bottle of wine. The tub is deep enough for soaking, with a pillow at one end of the tub for lounging. A glass of wine, a good book, and I’m ready to settle in for some pampering time.
If you need a little more pampering, check out the WELL Spa + Salon. The winter spa and salon specials were heavily discounted during my visit, making them an affordable splurge. The expected hair, nails, massages, body scrubs, and facials are on offer.
Other hotel amenities include a fitness center, 24-hour room service, an indoor-outdoor pool (too chilly to check out during my visit), and a rooftop terrace.
Just off the lobby and front desk is Stir Lounge. With sexy lighting creating an intimate ambiance, Stir is perfect for a pre-function cocktail or a nightcap. Prices are a fraction of what you’d find on the Strip, and happy hour specials offer half-priced beer, house wine, and well drinks in addition to small plates. Pre-function for the win – this is an affordable option before heading off to a show or club on the Strip.
For breakfast or lunch, try Kil@wat Restaurant, a casual spot that also takes care of the poolside menu. I had leftovers from dinner, but friends gave rave reviews for the chicken Cobb salad. While prices are a fraction of what you’d pay on the Strip ($12 for the Cobb salad), food quality and service are top notch.
The Platinum isn’t for everyone. It’s non-smoking, non-gaming, and there’s no 24-7 action. If that’s what you’re looking for, head to the Strip (Paris and the Palazzo are two of my favorites). But if you’re looking for space to spread out (their smallest suite is three times the size of a standard hotel room on the Strip), a practical decor with simple clean lines, and all the expected hotel amenities – for a fraction of the price – the Platinum does it up right.
I’d recommend the Platinum for a group of friends traveling together, an extended business stay, a convention stay (it’s near the Las Vegas Convention Center), or for families. I like the vibe almost as much as I liked the price.
The Platinum Hotel & Spa is located at 211 E. Flamingo Road, just two blocks of the Las Vegas Strip. Rates start around $139 per night, double occupancy, with special promotions offered regularly. An additional resort fee of $31.75 per night applies (and don’t get me started on how resort fees are a ridiculous add on!). Compare rates and book through Expedia.
