Vegas without the Tiger and Hangover
If you’re riding through the night with your buddy, cash in hand, looking to score big at the tables and soak in the full Vegas experience, maybe you can take a pass on the Marriott Grand Chateau. On the other hand, if you’re in Vegas to see some of the sites outside of town like Lake Mead or the Hoover Dam, but still want to walk the Strip, take advantage a couple of the great restaurants and also try your luck at a few of the tables without bringing the Casino back with you when you’re finally ready to call it a night, the Marriott Grand Chateau offers you the best of both worlds.
LOCATION
Located a short walk from the famous Las Vegas Strip, you’ll be far enough from the noise when you’re looking to relax but close enough to jump into the action when you’re ready for it. How close? It took me 10 minutes to walk to the Cosmopolitan Hotel where I grabbed a morning cold brew at District Donut, which is about the same amount of time it took me to walk back to my room from watching the fountain shows at the famed Bellagio Hotel. Feel like shopping? It’s the same 10 minutes to the Miracle Mile Shops featuring over 150 high and medium-end stores with it’s own selection of dining and entertainment options.
ATMOSPHERE
In a couple of words, comfortable, chill and most importantly clean. I’ve been to Vegas at least a dozen times for business and pleasure and while I always used to stay at one of the big Casino hotels, since I found the Marriott Grand Chateau, I’ve never looked back. Maybe it’s because I’m a little older but I like getting off the elevator in the morning and not feeling like I have to walk through a packed bar on my way to breakfast. Even if you’re a smoker yourself, I’m willing to bet you appreciate not having to contend with the persistent smell of smoke at least while you’re eating or having a drink.
ROOMS
Each room features free wifi, a 55” flat screen TV and black out shades because even through you’re off the strip, the lights Vegas dim for no one. All the rooms are super clean and spacious but my best experience was staying in one of the Multi-Room Villas. Granted, I was in town with some co-workers for a conference but each of us had our own room with ample space to stretch out and work when we needed to but we also had a large central living space to have meetings or just kick back and invite some people back for a late night cocktail party.
AMENITIES
The hotel sports a spectacular 24-Hour Fitness Center with plenty of cardio machines as well as free and machine weights to stay on top of your game, or maybe work off a little of the local nightlife. In addition, the Grand Chateau offers not one, but two outdoor pools plus a whirlpool. Both pools are heated and include a bar area. While the 5th Floor pool is more spacious, my group preferred the Sky Bar on the 38th Floor which seemed to have a slightly older crowd. There’s also a 24-hour marketplace located just off the lobby in case you forgot any personal essentials on your way into town. In my case it was deodorant that saved the day when I realized only after availing myself of a 30 minute workout on the rowing machine that a shower alone wasn’t going to make me presentable enough for my breakfast meeting early that morning.
DINING
We almost always had client dinners at the more expensive and well known local restaurants such as Gordon Ramey’s Hell’s Kitchen, Nobu or the Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris Hotel. However, we did have breakfast and the occasional late night snack at La Diva, the Grand Chateau’s in-house restaurant so you don’t have to leave the premises if you’re looking for a quick bite. The bar also stocks a respectable collection of beers from some of the many local breweries located both in and just out of town. And if you’re coming back and not quite ready to hit the sack, the bartender makes a mean Old Fashion that will help you sleep the night away.
And on the topic of dining, I’d be remiss not to mention one of the real hidden gems of Vegas. Located in the Art District a short Uber ride from town, I cannot recommend Ester’s Kitchen highly enough. Listed as an Italian restaurant, and the spaghetti was absolutely amazing, the variety of options make it hard to really label it any particular style food. And each dish was presented as it was made specifically for you. Dinner was so good, we went back the next day for lunch. Just make a note to call ahead as we were surprised how many people were at the bar in the middle of the afternoon.
DECISION
As I said at the outset, if you’re looking to replicate a scene from Swingers, play Black Jack and forget what time of day…that is awesome! However, you might find yourself a little out of place at the Marriott Grand Chateau. But if you’re somewhere in between a family vacation and a good time, I think you’ll find this hotel all the right vibes.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered travel or consumer advice. Hotel amenities, prices, policies, and availability may change. Readers should verify all details independently and use their own judgment when planning travel.