Las Vegas Candlewood Suites: Tropicana's Best-Kept Secret?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sparkling (hopefully clean) world of the Candlewood Suites: Tropicana – or, as I'm going to call it, the vaguely-named "Best-Kept Secret?" in the Vegas desert. Let's see if it actually is a secret worth keeping. Spoiler alert: it's… complicated.
First Impressions & Getting My Bearings (Accessibility)
Okay, first things first: accessibility. This is a HUGE deal for me, and so I'm going to start there. Navigating Vegas can be a nightmare if you're not mobile-ready. The Candlewood Suites generally claims to be accessible… but let's be real. (Deep breath.)
Wheelchair Accessible: Check the boxes. They have ramps, elevators… the basics. But be warned: Vegas is Vegas. You might still encounter some rough patches on the sidewalks leading to the hotel, ya know?
Facilities for Disabled Guests: They say they have accessible rooms. Call ahead, confirm, and then re-confirm. Bring your own damn tape measure to ensure it’s actually usable. Anecdote alert: I once stayed in a supposedly "accessible" hotel room where the door to the bathroom was narrower than my optimism. Not fun.
Elevator: Thankfully, good elevators, because if there were no elevators, then this place should be shut down.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer? Possibly. They offered it, but I'm not sure if the actual bus can accommodate any requirements. Car Park: Yes, free of charge, and that's huge in Vegas!
The Tech Zone: Internet Access & Other Annoyances
Wi-Fi! (Praise the Lord!): Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Amen. That's a massive win. I’m a digital nomad, and I need my internet like a vampire needs blood. I was able to stream my shows, post my "look at me" pics, and even had a video call with my Grandma, so, ya know, points.
Internet (LAN): It mentioned LAN, but like… who uses LAN anymore? I didn't even sniff it out.
Internet Services: Didn't see a dedicated internet "service." It's the 21st century, guys. Internet is a REQUIREMENT.
The Relaxation Station (Or, the "Things to Do" That Aren't Always Thrilling)
So, relaxing in Vegas? Sounds oxymoronic, right? The Candlewood tries, bless its heart.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: This is Vegas. The pool? Absolutely necessary. However, I was there in October and it was definitely closed, which, honestly, I didn't mind.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Uh, a gym. Yeah, because after a day of pounding the strip, I really need to pump iron. I did glance in, and it looked fine. Not a state-of-the-art, gleaming spa, more like a "get-the-job-done" kind of gym. Fine is the word.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-Pandemic Purge
This is the burning question, right? Especially these days.
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Room sanitization opt-out available: They ticked most of the boxes, promising a clean, sanitized environment. Did I see the cleaning crew doing their daily sweep? Not really. But there were signs, hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the whole "individually wrapped" thing was, well, reassuring.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly. I hope it's true.
Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They said it. We’ll see.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Fight (Mostly for my Stomach)
Okay, food. This is where Candlewood Suites… well, it’s a Candlewood Suites. Manage your expectations.
Breakfast service: Okay, the "free" breakfast. Don't expect a gourmet spread. Think continental. Maybe a sad waffle. The free part is the best part.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: They have the basics. Again, don’t expect a barista whispering sweet nothings into your latte.
Snack bar: There's a little "market" area where you can grab snacks, frozen meals, and those overpriced bottles of water that the airport loves.
Poolside bar: None. I'm serious, none. A true Vegas experience lacks a poolside bar!
Restaurants: There were none on-site. Again, you're in Vegas. Walk! Take a cheap Uber! There are so many restaurants, so many food options.
Services and Conveniences: The "We Tried" Department
Air conditioning in public area: Vegas. AC is a given!
Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Probably. I never needed either, so I can't say with certainty.
Concierge, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: It would be great. All of this stuff is present, but nothing screams "luxury" or "above and beyond."
Laundry service: Yes. Always a lifesaver.
Smoking area: Always.
Pets allowed unavailable: Good or bad.
For the Kids: Keeping the Little Monsters Occupied
I don't have kids, so I'm not the best judge. But let’s be real, this is Vegas. Not exactly a children's paradise.
- Family/child friendly, Kids meal: Don't hold your breath. Vegas is for Vegas-ing, not for baby showers.
The Room Itself: My Kingdom… For a Decent Bed
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Because this is where the actual stay happens.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom, Complimentary tea, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Air conditioning: Needed in Vegas!
Blackout curtains: Needed in Vegas. And they worked!
Coffee/tea maker: Yay.
Desk: A definite must-need for a digital nomad.
Extra long bed: Good for tall people!
Refrigerator: Fantastic for storing those questionable leftovers from 2 AM.
Shower: It worked.
Smoke detector: Hopefully worked.
Soundproofing: You're in Vegas. Soundproofing is a must.
The Verdict: Is Candlewood Suites Tropicana a Secret Worth Keeping?
Honestly? It's not a terrible choice. It's practical. It's affordable (well, reasonably affordable for Vegas). The free Wi-Fi is GOLD. It has the basics pretty well covered.
But don't expect the Ritz. Don't expect the Bellagio. Expect a solid, clean, functional place to crash after a long day of Vegas-ing.
And that's okay. Sometimes "okay" is exactly what you need.
Final Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Compelling Offer (Because I Can't Resist!)
Tired of the Tinsel? Discover the Real Vegas… at Candlewood Suites Tropicana!
Escape the over-the-top glitz and stay at the Candlewood Suites Tropicana, your smart basecamp for a Vegas adventure. Yes, it's a "secret" (well, semi-secret).
What you get:
- Seriously Free Wi-Fi: Stop paying for internet!
- Spacious Rooms: Plenty of space to spread out and recharge.
- Clean & Comfortable: Safe and clean, so YOU can focus on your adventure.
- Kitchenettes: Perfect for leftovers, snacks, and saving a few bucks (because Vegas!).
- Free Parking: Because who wants to pay for parking in VEGAS?!
- Prime Location: Easy access to the Strip, but far enough to actually rest.
Book your getaway with us now, and get a free bottle of water!
(Limited Time Offer! Book now before they find out the "secret.")
(Accessibility note: Contact the hotel directly to confirm specific accessibility features and needs.)
Luxury Escapes Await: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Hotel Lowen, Germany
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because my Vegas itinerary… well, it's less "polished travel influencer" and more "slightly-scattered human attempts to have fun while avoiding utter financial ruin." We're talking Candlewood Suites, baby! E Tropicana. Sounds fancy, right? (It's not.)
Day 1: Arrival and Awkward Adjustments
- 10:00 AM - Arrival (and utter chaos): Landed in Vegas. The airport? A vortex of slot machines, cheap perfume, and existential dread. Found my luggage (miracle!). Now, the "free" shuttle from the airport to Candlewood Suites. Let me tell you, waiting for that shuttle felt like waiting for Godot, only with more sunburn and a lingering scent of desperation. Finally arrive at the hotel. First impressions? "Functional." Cleanish. The pool looked inviting, if somewhat suspiciously chlorinated.
- 11:00 AM - Room Reconnaissance: Unpacked. Realized I forgot my toothbrush. Already failing. Room was… adequate. King-sized bed, thank the heavens. Crucial for the inevitable late-night contemplation of life choices (and the regret of that third slice of pizza). Briefly considered leaving to buy a toothbrush. Decided to "borrow" from the hotel. Then immediately chickened out when I was halfway to the front desk.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch (or Attempt Thereof): Found a Denny's. Ate a Grand Slam. Questioned all my life choices. Was it good? Yes. Did I need it? Probably not.
- 2:00 PM - Poolside… Disaster (Mostly): Headed to the pool. Sunblock, check. Enthusiasm, check. Reality? The pool was PACKED. Children screaming, couples canoodling, a rogue inflatable flamingo… it was a sensory overload. Successfully avoided making eye contact with anyone. Waded in, feeling like I was in a lukewarm swamp. Managed to get a tan, though. That counts, right?
- 5:00 PM - Casino (The First Foray): Walked over to the Tropicana casino. Lost $20 on a slot machine in under five minutes. Considered it an investment in "entertainment." Decided to play blackjack. The dealer was nice, the other players less so. Got yelled at for "slow playing" - apparently, I was holding up the game. Ended up losing another $50. Feeling like a true high-roller.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner (and the Slow Descent into Madness): Ate some terrible pizza. Seriously, the pizza from that place… it was the stuff of nightmares. Should have gone back to Denny's.
- 9:00 PM - Room Service?! (The Dream!): Ordered room service. Got a quesadilla. Asked for extra salsa. They forgot it. This is my life now. Finished the quesadilla, watched some terrible TV and crashed, contemplating the meaning of the Universe.. and the lack of good salsa.
Day 2: The Neon Oasis (and Avoiding the Tourist Traps… Mostly)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast and Regret: Ate the free continental breakfast. The phrase "cardboard-esque waffles" comes to mind. Why is breakfast always the most disappointing meal of the day at hotels like this?
- 10:00 AM - Exploring The Strip (Avoidance Strategy Activated!): Decided to hit the strip… or, more accurately, to attempt to hit the strip while dodging the obvious tourist traps. Headed towards the Bellagio, but, like, from a distance. The fountains are pretty… from far away. Did not pay to park.
- 11:00 AM - The LINQ Promenade: Walked through The LINQ. Got a photo with the High Roller Ferris wheel (because, you know, Instagram). Considered going up! Decided that the lines and expense and possibility of motion sickness weren't worth it. Got some ice cream while people-watching. People-watching is a Vegas art form, I swear. Saw a guy with a toupee that looked like a startled squirrel.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch (and Bad Decisions Continue): Got pulled in by an "all-you-can-eat buffet". Let's just say, my stomach is still recovering. I'm pretty sure I saw someone take a whole tray of crab legs. The buffet was like the culinary equivalent of the hotel room: Functional. Not glamorous. The food was, in itself, an adventure. After all, the Vegas experience wasn't just about the winning. It was about the buffet.
- 3:00 PM - Shopping (a Little Bit of Success): Wandered into a jewelry store. Found a necklace that I absolutely loved. Bought it! Yay! I got something lovely. Perhaps my luck was about to change.
- 5:00 PM - Attempt at a Show (Floundering Begins): Wanted to see a show! Realized tickets were expensive and mostly booked solid. Settled for a magic show at some weird little theater. It was…fine. The magician's jokes were older than my grandma. He did make a dove disappear, though. That was kinda cool.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner (The Italian Disaster): Found a "famous" Italian restaurant that was supposed to be fantastic. The waiters were dressed up. The food was… not fantastic. My pasta was undercooked. My date was less than impressed. Everything was way too damn overpriced. I was starting to feel like the universe was actively conspiring against my happiness.
- 9:00 PM - Casino (The Redemption?): Headed back to the casino with a renewed sense of purpose. This time, I was determined to win! I figured that it was my lucky day, so I started playing slots. After getting lucky on my third spin. I had a streak! Won $200. I practically danced out of there. Bought a fancy cocktail to celebrate. I loved Vegas.
- 11:00 PM - Bed: Was that the end of the adventure? I passed out in the bed, counting my coins and enjoying the victory.
Day 3: Farewell, Vegas (And the Aftermath)
- 9:00 AM - Checkout: Packed up my belongings, trying to decide if the stain on the carpet was from me or from the previous owner.
- 10:00 AM - Final Thoughts: Ate the last of the awful waffles. I think I'm actually going to miss them.
- 11:00 AM - Shuttle and Departure: The shuttle came. Made it to the airport. I'm getting out of this city. It's time for my life to get back on track.
- 1:00 PM - Flight Time: The flight attendant offered me a drink. I took two.
- 5:00 PM - Back Home: The day I came home, I needed a vacation.
So there you have it. My Vegas "adventure." A glorious mess of bad decisions, questionable food, and fleeting moments of joy. Would I do it again? Probably. And I'd probably make the same mistakes. Because, hey, that's Vegas! And that's life.
P.S. - If you see a stray toothbrush, let me know. Apparently, I lost mine. Again. Also, I may or may not have left a half-eaten slice of pizza in my room. Apologies to housekeeping.
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Awaits (Romantic 1BR Getaway!)
Candlewood Suites Tropicana: Vegas's Secret Weapon...Or Just a Really Good Deal? (Let's be Honest)
Okay, So...Is Candlewood Suites Tropicana Actually a "Best-Kept Secret" or Is That Just Marketing Hype?
Alright, let's get real. "Best-Kept Secret" sounds a bit… much, doesn't it? But honestly? Maybe. It depends what you're looking for. If you're picturing shimmering fountains and the Bellagio... nope. This ain't it. But if you want clean, decent, and CHEAP, in a *relatively* convenient location? Yeah, the secret probably isn't that well kept anymore. I mean, I've been shouting about this place for YEARS. My wallet thanks me every time; my liver, not so much (but that's entirely my problem!).
I think part of the charm, and maybe the "secret," is that it’s not glamorous. It's *practical*. You’re not paying for chandeliers; you’re paying for a comfy bed, a kitchen (hello, leftover pizza!), and a place to crash after you've blown your wad at the tables. And trust me, Vegas is all about efficient spending. Unless you LIKE feeling ripped off. Then, by all means... go to the Strip. (Just don't say I didn't warn you.)
What's the DEAL with the Kitchenettes? Are They Actually Usable?
Listen, those kitchenettes saved my butt (and my bank account) *multiple* times. I’m not a chef. I'm more of a "microwave-a-frozen-pizza-and-hope-for-the-best" kind of gal. But having a fridge? Game changer. Leftovers? Check. Cheap breakfast groceries from the grocery store down the street? Double check. Stocking it with beer and sodas, pre-gaming in the room before stepping out into the heat? You betcha. No more expensive mini-bar temptations!
The only downside? The lack of real appliances... don't expect to make a gourmet meal here. More of a "heat up leftovers and make some instant coffee" kind of situation. The 'fridge is pretty good though. Big enough to stash some snacks...and your champagne.
Is the Location Actually...Good? Or am I Gonna Be Stuck in the Boonies?
Honestly? It's... *okay*. It's not *on* the Strip, which, trust me, is a blessing sometimes. The hustle and bustle of the strip can be exhausting by the end of a long day. It's a decent walk, but probably better to grab an Uber or a cab. You're close enough to the action without being *in* the thick of it. And the price difference makes the cab fare a total non-issue.
I once, in my infinite wisdom, decided to *walk* from Candlewood to the MGM Grand. It was hot. I was not prepared. I ended up buying a ridiculously overpriced water bottle and regretting every life choice. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES, PEOPLE. Take a cab. Or the bus, if you have unlimited patience and sunscreen.
What's the Deal with the Pool? Is it Fun?
Okay, so the pool... it's not the Bellagio. It's not some glamorous oasis with DJs and bottle service. It's a *pool*. And it's usually pretty quiet. I've always found the pool pretty chill. It's a nice break from from the cacophony of Vegas.
Perfect for cooling off, nursing a hangover, or just zoning out with a trashy novel (I recommend a good thriller). I’ve brought my own snacks and drinks to the pool. They’re very chill about that, you know. No drama. No velvet ropes. Just a pool that’s there to do its job—provide a simple escape.
Okay, So What ACTUALLY Sucks About the Candlewood? Be Honest.
Alright, here’s the raw truth. First: Parking can be a little tricky. It's not a massive lot, and depending on the time of day, you might have to circle a bit. Not the end of the world, but annoying after a long night (or a long… *afternoon*, depending on how the tables treated you).
And, yeah, the décor isn’t exactly winning any design awards. It's basic. Functional. Think… brown. A lot of brown. But hey, you’re not paying for the ambiance. And the rooms *are* clean, which is more important than a fancy chandelier in my book. (See previous comments about my liver.)
Also, be prepared for the occasional... noise. Vegas is a city that never sleeps. And sometimes, neither do your neighbors. Bring earplugs. Really. And maybe a noise-canceling machine, if you're particularly sensitive. I'm just saying.
Is It REALLY a Good Deal? Sum it Up Already!
Look, if you're the kind of person who wants the full Vegas experience, glitz and glamour, and you're not on a budget? This probably isn’t the place for you. Go spend a fortune on a fancy suite. Have fun! But if you're a savvy traveler who values saving money and a clean place to sleep, and you're happy to sacrifice a few bells and whistles? YES. Absolutely. Go. Book it. Right now.
Seriously. Think about it. The money you save on the room? You can spend it on gambling, shows, ridiculously oversized cocktails, that truly outrageous Elvis impersonator... you get the idea. Candlewood Suites: Vegas's not-so-secret secret. And I'm okay with sharing it. Just don't tell *everyone*...
