Marriott's Grand Chateau

The good parts were the excellent location near casinos and restaurants, working AC, a full kitchen, a grab bar in the tub, and quiet rooms. But we spent a week in a two-suite unit, and I wouldn’t stay here again. I’d choose a casino hotel after confirming it was accessible for someone with limited mobility. The bed was too high, and I nearly fell getting in several times. I had a stroke six years ago. It was also too soft, making it hard to turn over once I was in bed. The tub was the only bathroom option, with sides that were almost too high. There was no dehumidifier, and my throat felt dry within minutes of entering, with outside humidity at 29 percent. There was no room service or vending machine that I could find, and no instructions for how anything worked, so I had to search online. The cafe didn’t have any plain sandwiches.

The room and location are great, but the in-housekeeping phone agent didn’t understand anything. A person wouldn’t pick up, and it took me 10 calls from the room to reach someone. I don’t know why they removed the electric kettle. It’s a basic thing, and would make it easy to have green tea or something.

This is where we stay whenever we’re in Vegas as Marriott Vacation Club owners, though nonowners can stay too. It’s a non-casino hotel where you can get away from the casino madness without being too far from the crowds. It’s one block from the Strip, Aria, and Cosmo, and across Harmon Ave. from Planet Hollywood. A calmer island in a wild sea, with a 9.4 rating from Expedia. The suites are nicely decorated. We usually book a one-bedroom with a fully equipped kitchen, dining table, couch, comfy chairs, and big-screen TV in the living area, plus another big TV and side chair in the bedroom. There’s a large tub and vanity in the bedroom area and a nicely appointed bathroom. If you come with friends, adjoining suites make it easy to spend time together and still have privacy when you need a break. There’s an all-day restaurant and bar in the lobby, plus a marketplace for coffee, sodas, and takeaway food, and a water bottle filling station. The lobby activities desk can book show tickets. Valet parking is available, though once checked in we don’t need a car because everything is within walking or Uber distance. The building also has a very nice fitness center and two good-sized pools and spas, with bars, plenty of lounge chairs, and tables, on the fifth and 38th floors. The 38th-floor bar has a commanding view of the Strip and the mountains beyond. YouTube’s Chef’s Apprentice

We booked a three-bedroom apartment for three adults and four children, and it was spacious and family friendly for all seven of us. It was basically a two-bedroom and a one-bedroom joined by a shared entrance. We left the two apartment doors open to make it feel like one big room. There were two kitchens and two washer dryers, good WiFi, comfortable bedding, and everything essential. The place was well appointed, and we had great views of the Strip from the 30th floor, even from the bathroom. It’s a quiet spot to step away from the bustle, with a short walk to the Strip. Staff we met were friendly and helpful. There’s a market for essentials and a kids’ room full of board games, video consoles, and other things to keep them busy. The pools were nice, though a little cool in winter. The air conditioning had an issue, but I called the front desk and about 10 minutes later Victor knocked and had it fixed and running again. We’d definitely stay again.