Luxor Hotel and Casino

For under $100 a night, I thought it was worth it. The room was big, the Strip location was solid, and staying in the pyramid is a memorable novelty. You can also tell, though, that the property is aging and seems to be falling behind newer hotels. The interior concept still impresses me, especially the scale of the lobby, but the rooms aren't well soundproofed. I could hear the people next door, which made it harder to relax. Room service was a hassle because the app they make you use doesn't work properly. I don't get why MGM would roll out something like that without testing it well. The lobby is nearly always crowded, so getting help with an issue means waiting. Staff were generally fine, but the number of people slows things down. Worth considering for the price and the unusual setting, as long as you keep those drawbacks in mind.

For a property as well known as Luxor, I expected basic hospitality. Instead, check-in was all kiosks, confusing, and barely supported by staff. I grew up with technology and self-checkouts, and still found the process frustrating. Whatever happened to actual hospitality? The room felt dated and wasn't especially clean, and there were very few bathroom amenities. There wasn't even a refrigerator, which feels like a way to push guests toward the overpriced drinks downstairs. Getting hold of guest services, housekeeping, or the concierge was nearly impossible. It's strange that such a famous hotel feels so neglected. I could get the same comfort, or more, at a roadside motel, probably with better service too. :)

The building's novelty wore off fast for me. The place was dark, the ceilings low, the kiosk lines long, and most of the few people standing around just pointed guests toward the machines. The wallpaper was peeling, the floors looked dull and unclean, and the whole place needs a serious clean and refresh. Apparently people cost too much, so expect computer kiosks. I was there for a conference. A room with two queen beds cost $400 a night, then I stayed one more day and it was $90 on a Friday. Valet was $40 each night, plus a $59 nightly resort fee and a $150 security deposit. No microwave or refrigerator either. You need a room key for the elevator, unless you wait for someone who has one. Food prices were high too, much like the room. Vegas is still Vegas, but bring a second mortgage because you'll need it. This is the new Vegas, and I'm not doing it again. If a conference I want to attend is in Vegas next time, I'll stay home and wait for it to be somewhere else. They charge this way because they can and people pay, but only once from me. Bye, Vegas. Hello just about anywhere else.

The elevator call button gave us an electric shock every time, which became a running joke. I've stayed here a couple of times, and the pyramid is still fun as a novelty. My room was spacious and clean, with a really comfortable bed, though the hotel is a bit dated. The check-in and checkout machines are useless, so wait for a real person. The casino smells of smoke, like they all do in Vegas, and I resent having to pay the unavoidable resort fees. I never used the pool or spa. A socket by the bed would've helped with charging my phone, but they weren't a thing back in 1993.