The New Frontier

This hotel bills itself as "The Oldest Continually Operating Hotel/Casino On The Strip". I'm not entirely sure what that means, but this is one of the oldest hotels in Vegas, and is a piece of history for certain. I've heard rumors that this hotel is due to be imploded within the next couple of years (although nothing official) so I figured I'd stay here just to get a feel for the place.

I was pleasantly surprised. The outside appears sedate compared to the massive Wynn and Venetian within a short distance, and even compared to the Stardust this place kind of fades into the background. The 1960's era "one armed bandits" (wooden hand-made slot machines) just inside the entrance, however, show the history this hotel has within it's walls.

The price was close, so I stayed in a suite. Dollar for dollar you'll pay less for a suite at this hotel then you will for rooms at newer places, although the suite is smaller then the standard room at The Venetian.

The rooms are clean, but not exactly in good repair The fridge in the suite's bar had clearly been broken for a long time, and even the replacement fridge they had sitting atop it looked to be on its last legs. (I feel like I'm about to tell a Jeff Foxworthy joke: 'If your working fridge sits on top of a non working fridge, you MIGHT be staying at the New Frontier...') I should mention that the previous resident's room service dishes were sitting in the hallway in front of our room when we checked in, but inside the room had obviously been cleaned.

The bed was comfortable enough, and we had a good view of the pool. It doesn't look like most of the hotel would have too great a view of The Strip, but then this place was built when the pool was what you wanted to see.

The clientelle was an interesting mix. Many young college kids living on the cheap, some older folks living on the cheap, and some cowboy types living on the cheap. The western theme of the main bar (Gilley's) attracts the cowpokes, and the low limits attracts everybody else.

The pool is a giant cement pond, but goes up to 12 feet deep and has a real lifeguard on duty. Plenty of sun on the deck, and even some very attractive co-ed's getting tan for their frat-boy boyfriends.

I like to gamble here, the limits are good and the rules are fair (no crappy 6:5 blackjack for example.) Drink service is good, and the dealers have been decently friendly to me. Other players seem to have a good sense of humor, which is important.

Room service wasn't exemplary, but it was edible, and breakfast for myself and my wife came out to under $25 with tip/tax included. At a place like The Venetian you'd have trouble getting ONE person's bill that low.

This isn't the nicest place on the strip, and they certainly don't pamper you like a big Strip joint would, but it's a damn fine hotel in it's own right when you consider the discount prices. I seriously hope this place doesn't get blown up, especially just for the sake of building a lousy Trump Tower. I've lived in NYC, I've seen the real Trump Tower, and Vegas doesn't need one of it's own.

This hotel is a real piece of history, and a good place to stay on the cheap. I'll be back.