text: Recently went to Vegas with a large group with limited funds.  So we booked the Tropicana.\n\nWe'd read the reviews here, so we knew this wasn't a luxury hotel.\n\nAnd the rate was, of course, very good.  Around $50 a night.\n\nBut we ended up leaving after one night.  We stayed in the Island Tower.\n\nFirst off, they couldn't confirm that the whole group would be kept together.  So if you book a large group make them confirm in writing that the rooms will be together.\n\nSecond, the very hard, ancient mattress was so uncomfortable that we couldn't sleep on it.\n\nThird, the hotel is under construction, and the construction crews start VERY early.  We were awakened at around 5 am by construction right outside our window, several floors down.\n\nOverall, the decor is looking worn and sad.  But that's to be expected.\n\nBut the weirdest thing is the layout.  The rooms are a very long distance from the lobby and casino, down very confusing hallways, so you spend a great deal of time walking, trying to figure out where you are, etc.\n\nThe ceilings are also very low, which I guess was common in construction of the time.  \n\nAlso, they charged a 'not optional'  'resort' amenities charge of around $10, supposedly for use of the gym/spa/pool.   The pool was closed completely - you couldn't even go out into the landscaped gardens at all.  The gym was tiny.   But you are charged this anyway.  I'd have been fine with that if they'd disclosed that, but they charge it separately so they can give you a lower room rate over the phone and on website search engines.  The only option we had was to pay the charge or try to find another hotel, after a long, tiring flight.\n\nTo me, this is a dishonest business practice and should be illegal.  Particularly since their website doesn't list the fact that the pool is totally closed, and their reservations folks don't tell you about the 'resort fee'.\n\nThe rooms were dated but of decent size.  The beds had mirrored ceilings, which I found to be humorous.  \n\nThe bath was adequate, with a large triangular tub.  But there was mold in-between the shower tiles.   So much so that it was disconcerting.  \n\nThe shower head was mounted very low, as was the custom decades ago.  So it's hard for a tall or even normal size person to shower comfortably.\n\nBut overall, other than the shower, the room and the rest of the hotel was clean.\n\nOne other thing - one side of the hotel faces the airport.  Literally the closest large casino to the airport.  And the noise from the planes can be pretty bad in the rooms on that side.   Oddly, they seem to book that side first, even though it would seem to be a lot louder.\n\nIf you do stay here because of the price, do NOT try the buffet.  It's one of the worst I've had.  Food has no flavor, selections are pretty limited, much of it clearly sits out for hours, etc.  We got a 24 hour buffet pass but went elsewhere for meals whenever we could. Go across the street to the MGM or other places for the buffet.  Or, better yet, plan to be a the Wynn (a cab ride required) for the best buffet in town.\n\nOn the positive.....\n\nThe staff was friendly and professional.  Their bartender makes a very good bloody mary.  \n\nWhen we went to check out early they were very friendly.  I suspect they get people leaving early quite often.\n\nI actually felt bad for the staff, as I'm sure they get a lot of people that are mad about the 'resort fee' add-on and the conditions in many of the rooms.   It's not the staff's fault, and I'm sure a lot of people take it out on them.\n\nMy advice to the Tropicana?  Book people into the Paradise Tower away from renovation noise if at all possible, even without them asking for it.  If they call the front desk to complain about noise or the bed, just offer to rebook them right then.  Otherwise many are going to leave.\n\nAnd buy new mattresses or at least very thick mattress protectors/pads, even before the renovation is done.  The ones there now are very hard.