Not able to do a full TR but just wanted to share this bit.
We were in town during the SEMA show. Relatives have been going for years and we tagged along. My brother decided late to join us. He booked a couple nights with myvegas points but needed a room for Wed to Sat during convention week. Places were sold out. Rates were close to NYE rates (it's a big convention).
He was set on staying on the Strip, spending as little as possible but beyond that he didn't care as long as it was clean and bed was decent. After checking promos, deal sites etc he chose the Travelodge on The Strip in between MGM and PH.
I told him 'That's nuts. There's no hotel there.'
But Google insisted otherwise. So Wednesday night I drove him over. Sure enough there's an unlit sign directing you down an alley between the strip mall tattoo, liquor and souvenir shops there. Two storefronts over the cops were arresting some folks. Very warm welcome.
We pulled in, found a low rise courtyard style motel tucked away back there. It did exist! I found a parking spot opposite a car with a caved in front end and beside a car with a front bumper held on by wire. Wondered if it was all from the same accident and if so did they know each other or just ended up here together by happy coincidence?
Check in was good. Clerk was efficient and seemed relieved after talking to us for a few minutes. She visibly relaxed and became less afraid and commented in a pained voice 'I get lots of characters in here.' By the end I thought she was going to take one of our hands and slip us a note demanding rescue.
On to his room we had our heads down as we crossed the parking so I was not aware of the view. I did see a lady climbing out of a parked car with her skirt above her waist as she pulled up her g string. The man in the car, I'm guessing her husband or a very accommodating public health worker, smiled and drove off. Trip Advisor failed to mention the heady scent of romance as one of this resorts perks.
We skirted the pool and at first thought the room was one of the ones facing into a dead end alley on the side of the property. Very private, dark corner but alas he was in the non VIP hallway to the dark dead end alley.
We open the door and,,, OMG! It was literally the cleanest hotel room I have ever been in. The bathroom was blindingly white. There was no dust to be found anywhere. The furnishings were old but serviceable and clean clean clean. I can't say what any other rooms were like but that room was amazingly clean.
But the best was yet to come. I had one night to spend out with my brother away from my family (we were staying at The Hotel). We had a great time, drank way too much and I crashed on one of the beds in that room. Bed was ok.
Next morning I saw what makes this place awesome. I stepped outside and saw the view I'd missed the night before (and it had nothing to do with the g string lady and a back seat, shame on your dirty mind). The courtyard in thus low rise square is surrounded and dwarfed by City Center immediately to the west, PH north, Marriott's Grand Chateau east and parts of MGM south. It's amazing and surreal. The view from the pool is spectacular. And you can even go deluxe and rent a cabana. Yes, even Travelodge is doing it.
So not a bad place I thought as I drove away. But reality came crashing back as I pulled out of the back exit and there was Woody from Toy Story. Peeing against the wall. Magic.