Skate America 2021 Returns to Las Vegas

[clairecloutier]

I completely agree with all of @Prancer’s take on the Orleans.

But in the end, the convenience was undeniable; my room was big, clean, and comfortable; and I’d definitely stay there again for a skating event.

If your focus is the overall Vegas experience, though, I’d look elsewhere.

 

[thvu]

I realized on the trip that I don't really like Vegas. I'm glad I went, but I'm not going to go this time.

If Keegan is assigned, I’ll make sure to cheer extra loud for you!
I still think about all the roommate drama from our seat mate.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I don't remember a glass wall exactly, but there was a divider of some kind.

If you have to eat low carb food, breakfast menus full of egg and meat options are your good friends. But the eggs and meat were always really dry and never before have I seen a restaurant slap a slice of American cheese product on a pile of egg and call it a cheese omelet. Blech.

The one thing I really dislike about the Orleans is the surroundings. In most places in Vegas, if you don't like what the casino offers, you can just stroll somewhere else nearby. But there really is nothing around the Orleans unless you are looking for an adult bookstore. That they have. There's also some small chain restaurants in strip malls, a CVS, a CBD store, and a Starbucks in the general vicinity. That's about it.

I also hate Vegas, but the Orleans isn't Vegas-y. More Atlantic City .

ETA: Also, let us never forget that someone stole BYTCH's cane at this joint. I mean, what kind of hellhole are you in if someone steals your freaking CANE?

Well this is definitely a hard sell
For ANL. Especially when you referenced Atlantic City and I did go to skate America in Atlantic City in 2005 and well....... yeah, no......

And someone also mentioned low ceilings in your rooms. Another hard pass. How far is it off the beaten path if there’s only a CVS and a Starbucks and an adult bookstore nearby? however I have no problem with the adult bookstore #JustSayin #tee-hee

 

[Prancer]

And someone also mentioned low ceilings in your rooms. Another hard pass.

I don't remember having an especially low ceiling in my room; if I did, it wasn't low enough to bother me.

The most puzzling thing for me about the room was that I had a window in the shower. That sounds worse than it is--it was small window and it was up in a corner, so I wasn't visible in any way. I kind of stared at it the first morning, thinking "WTF is that?" Then I realized that it was there to be a steam vent. That was a first for me.

My room was right over the pool, but the only time I could hear anything from the pool was....when I was in the shower with the vent open.

But again, I was happy with my room and would stay there again without a qualm. If I go, though, I will be putting some thought into the food situation, as I did find it rather grim. BYTCH rented a refrigerator for the duration of her stay, but she couldn't find any food in the area to buy and store in it.

How far is it off the beaten path if there’s only a CVS and a Starbucks and an adult bookstore nearby? however I have no problem with the adult bookstore #JustSayin #tee-hee

Let's put it this this--there is an enclosed walkway from the casino to the arena. If you go to just the right window in that walkway, you can see the strip off in the distance. I could see it from my room window if I leaned to the left.

The Orleans isn't even in Vegas, technically. I first learned this while sitting by the pool in the sunshine, having umbrella drinks (the place is not completely devoid of charms) and looked at my phone, which informed me that I was in Paradise. I wondered how it knew. Turns out that's the name of the (rather wildly misnamed) city where the Orleans is located.

The adult bookstore is gigantic (as such things go). The Orleans itself is massive. There are warehouses all around one side. Otherwise, think busy suburban area with strip malls and lots of traffic.

BUT if you want to see skaters, there they are--in the lobby. In the elevator. At the coffee shop. In the pool, wearing really tiny swimsuits. Arena access is the best I've ever experienced. The seats are comfortable and you have leg room and every seat has a good view.

If you want the Vegas casino experience, well, this particular casino features a bowling alley, which is probably all you really need to know.

 

[Carolla5501]

Honestly I think most casinos in Vegas are a "bit smoky" Some of them have "non smoking" gambling...located right next to "smoking" so it's basically worthless


The "designated smoking areas" at casinos are not generally "outside where it won't spread" LOL!

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I don't remember having an especially low ceiling in my room; if I did, it wasn't low enough to bother me.

The most puzzling thing for me about the room was that I had a window in the shower. That sounds worse than it is--it was small window and it was up in a corner, so I wasn't visible in any way. I kind of stared at it the first morning, thinking "WTF is that?" Then I realized that it was there to be a steam vent. That was a first for me.

My room was right over the pool, but the only time I could hear anything from the pool was....when I was in the shower with the vent open.

But again, I was happy with my room and would stay there again without a qualm. If I go, though, I will be putting some thought into the food situation, as I did find it rather grim. BYTCH rented a refrigerator for the duration of her stay, but she couldn't find any food in the area to buy and store in it.


Let's put it this this--there is an enclosed walkway from the casino to the arena. If you go to just the right window in that walkway, you can see the strip off in the distance. I could see it from my room window if I leaned to the left.

The Orleans isn't even in Vegas, technically. I first learned this while sitting by the pool in the sunshine, having umbrella drinks (the place is not completely devoid of charms) and looked at my phone, which informed me that I was in Paradise. I wondered how it knew. Turns out that's the name of the (rather wildly misnamed) city where the Orleans is located.

The adult bookstore is gigantic (as such things go). The Orleans itself is massive. There are warehouses all around one side. Otherwise, think busy suburban area with strip malls and lots of traffic.

BUT if you want to see skaters, there they are--in the lobby. In the elevator. At the coffee shop. In the pool, wearing really tiny swimsuits. Arena access is the best I've ever experienced. The seats are comfortable and you have leg room and every seat has a good view.

If you want the Vegas casino experience, well, this particular casino features a bowling alley, which is probably all you really need to know.

Thanks for the info. Well being from LA of course I’ve been to Vegas many times but it’s probably one of my least favorite cities. I thought this hotel and venue was just one block off of the strip? But the way everyone is talking makes it sound like it’s nowhere near the strip?

Yeah the sole reason I usually go to this event is to track down all of my favorite skaters. So I would most likely be at the pool, the lobby, the coffee shop, the elevators, even pretending to be housekeeping! Nothing is beneath me!

Maybe I can hitch a ride with Alexa and Brandon. Lol. They drive it.

And it would be nice to meet some fellow FSU’ers and @SidelineSkater

 

[maatTheViking]

I'm probably going to go, and I'm now not sure between the Orleans and a strip hotel. I don't really like Vegas, but I do like good food and would probably try to find a non-buffet restaurant at least one night, but it depends on the schedule too?

How complicated would it be grabbing a lyft and going to the strip to eat dinner before the competition segments?

and/or does the arena at least server regular arena food (hot dogs etc)?

I'll probably book some cancellable rooms at more than one hotel and see how the prices develop.

 

[Prancer]

Thanks for the info. Well being from LA of course I’ve been to Vegas many times but it’s probably one of my least favorite cities. I thought this hotel and venue was just one block off of the strip? But the way everyone is talking makes it sound like it’s nowhere near the strip?

Roughly two miles, more or less. I believe there is a free shuttle between the Orleans and the Flamingo; takes about 40 minutes to get from one to the other. If you stay somewhere else, don't expect to walk to the arena.

Yeah the sole reason I usually go to this event is to track down all of my favorite skaters. So I would most likely be at the pool, the lobby, the coffee shop, the elevators, even pretending to be housekeeping! Nothing is beneath me!

Then the Orleans it is!

 

[Prancer]

and/or does the arena at least server regular arena food (hot dogs etc)?

Yes; they even have a few unusual things on the menu. But that's where my diet was a real problem, so others can probably provide you with better info there.

You can get Uber and Lyft and regular cabs. Several people went to dinner on the Strip at least once while we were there; I've just been there and done that and had no desire to do it, but I might go on a quest for edible food if I go again.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I'm probably going to go, and I'm now not sure between the Orleans and a strip hotel. I don't really like Vegas, but I do like good food and would probably try to find a non-buffet restaurant at least one night, but it depends on the schedule too?

How complicated would it be grabbing a lyft and going to the strip to eat dinner before the competition segments?

and/or does the arena at least server regular arena food (hot dogs etc)?

I'll probably book some cancellable rooms at more than one hotel and see how the prices develop.

I never ate at the arena since it was convenient to eat at the casino food court/restaurants, but I did see there was a Subway inside the arena.

 

[manhn]

I stayed on the Strip, and it was very easy to catch a cab. I don't do Uber or Lyft (unless I was with an FSUER who uses it), but there was a separate line at each hotel for those services, so I imagine it's just as straightforward.

As Skate Canada is in my hometown, I'm not going. I had a nice time as a one off back in 2019, but I do hope eventually other parts of the US get SA again. I prefer to balance my skating trips with non-skating activity.

 

[AnnM]

Thanks for the info. Well being from LA of course I’ve been to Vegas many times but it’s probably one of my least favorite cities. I thought this hotel and venue was just one block off of the strip? But the way everyone is talking makes it sound like it’s nowhere near the strip?

I stayed at the Park MGM last time, which I would describe as mid-Strip. It was about a 10 minute Lyft ride to/from the arena. The pickup/dropoff point for the arena was near the parking lot at the back entrance, which was convenient and also meant that you didn't have to walk through the smoky parts of the casino. Spotted quite a few skaters and Terry Gannon in the rideshare waiting area.

 

[AnnM]

Not liking the fact I won't see you @manhn, but I'm glad you have SC in your hometown! If SA weren't on the west coast this year, SC was my backup plan.

 

[Spikefan]

From my 2019 trip I saved a lot of restaurants on Yelp that are near the Orleans but not on the Strip (Thai and Asian noodle places with good reviews). I never made it to them due to lack of time or not wanting to take an Uber after I had already paid for an Uber to get to the arena. Due to the pandemic I see they now all offer delivery, so that would be an option.

I stayed off site and loved the smoke free place but it would be nice to just head to my room when I wanted. I also found I was only at my hotel for sleeping, breakfast and short meet ups with others but then we moved over to The Orleans or arena. I plan to wear a mask in the casino so hopefully that will cut down on the smoke smell. I only went to the Strip on Sunday morning as that is all I had time for as I was there for skating. I’m still keeping my options open but the convenience of being right where the action is is appealing.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I stayed at the Park MGM last time, which I would describe as mid-Strip. It was about a 10 minute Lyft ride to/from the arena. The pickup/dropoff point for the arena was near the parking lot at the back entrance, which was convenient and also meant that you didn't have to walk through the smoky parts of the casino. Spotted quite a few skaters and Terry Gannon in the rideshare waiting area.

Last thing I need to do is to run into Terry Gannon. He works out at my gym here in Hollywood.

I’ve stayed at MGM many times in the past. So yes that could be an option

 

[allezfred]

The large adult bookstore sounds like fun.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

The large adult bookstore sounds like fun.

See, that’s what I’m saying... especially since they said it was “ large “

 

[Yuri]

I stayed at the Luxor the only time I went to Vegas about a decade ago, and only because we couldn't stand the Excalibur (plus when I checked into my room, someone was still sleeping in the bed!!!). I see that the Orleans is sort of on its own island, but wondered if it's practical to walk from either the Luxor or Mandalay Bay. I am not looking for a high-end, high-roller Vegas experience on The Strip, so maybe the convenience of the Orleans Hotel with easy access to the competitors, coaches, and fans is the best way to experience Skate America since I really care only about the competition and seeing people, not Vegas (or Paradise!).

 

[MacMadame]

I see that the Orleans is sort of on its own island, but wondered if it's practical to walk from either the Luxor or Mandalay Bay.

It's 2.5 miles. That's a long walk IME.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

There are a few semi-sketchy blocks in between, and the interstate to cross. It wouldn't be a very pleasant walk.

 

[Spikefan]

They are long blocks, no shade and several pay by the hour motels you have to go past. I thought I could walk it during the day based on a map. Once I got there and saw it, there was no way. Plus, it’s cold in the arena so you are walking 2.5 miles carrying a jacket/coat in warm weather.

 

[Lanie]

I'm not in California anymore so it's a longer flight but I hope I can be there! Bummer as if I were still in LA I'd just drive

 

[alchemy void]

The large adult bookstore sounds like fun.

See, that’s what I’m saying... especially since they said it was “ large “

Folks, after winning a fabulous 30 piece tupperware set at the Orleans last week, my friends and I stopped at that adult bookstore. It's...not that great. Definitely not worthy to make it a centerpiece of your Skate America itinerary.

The whole area around the Orleans is run down at best, and like others mentioned, not very walkable: not necessarily the distance, but the neighborhood. I'd recommend either staying on the strip and ubering daily (although they seemed to be in short supply last week) or stay at the Orleans and embrace the low ceilings and stale smoke.

 

[SkateSand]

The last time I stayed at The Orleans for the last Skate America with an audience, there was a free shuttle to the strip. They didn't call it that - they called it a shuttle to the shopping mall. But the shopping mall is at one end of the strip so I simply walked from the shopping center across the street to the hotel I wanted so I could see a Cirque du Soleil show. And then I took the shuttle back, luckily making the last shuttle or I would have had to call a taxi. There was a lot of waiting around, but, hey, free! Also, I must have had good food experiences or maybe it's just that I order meals that are hard to get wrong, but I thought the food at The Orleans was fine. Pricey, but fine.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Folks, after winning a fabulous 30 piece tupperware set at the Orleans last week, my friends and I stopped at that adult bookstore. It's...not that great. Definitely not worthy to make it a centerpiece of your Skate America itinerary.

The whole area around the Orleans is run down at best, and like others mentioned, not very walkable: not necessarily the distance, but the neighborhood. I'd recommend either staying on the strip and ubering daily (although they seemed to be in short supply last week) or stay at the Orleans and embrace the low ceilings and stale smoke.

Really? Why is USFSA putting it there? It must be “on the cheap.”

That’s unfortunate that skaters and fans who travel from overseas come in and that’s what they see.

How am I supposed to wine and dine Ivan and Zachary? And no buffets!!! I want proper service.

My grandparents used to tell me that Vegas was very elegant and sophisticated place to go to back in the day. And that you would really get dressed up for it. That’s hard to believe.

 

[MacMadame]

We used the shuttle. It worked great. The food? Meh. In particular, the buffet was sub-par. But good company!

 

[AJ Skatefan]

I found the Orleans to be quite comfortable and clean. The area where the rooms are don’t smell like smoke and my room didn’t smell bad at all. The pool area is nice. You can go outside to get to the arena and avoid spending much time in the casino.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

Why is USFSA putting it there?

It's a decent hotel/casino attached to a very nice arena that is perfectly sized for SA. The staff is great and they certainly know how to handle a skating event now. I can't think of anywhere else in Vegas that would be as convenient and practical.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

It's a decent hotel/casino attached to a very nice arena that is perfectly sized for SA. The staff is great and they certainly know how to handle a skating event now. I can't think of anywhere else in Vegas that would be as convenient and practical.

Mandalay Bay would work since it has an attached small arena, but I’m sure it costs a heck of a lot more. I went to a Disson show there and it was great.

 

[Prancer]

Really? Why is USFSA putting it there? It must be “on the cheap.”

I'm sure it is. The Orleans used to host a professional hockey team but it left, so what else are they going to do with all that ice equipment? Plus SA, unlike the concerts they have there, is a multi-day event with a good-sized audience and, as everyone has said one way or another, the Orleans is going to be the hotel of choice for most of them.

So yeah, the USFS probably gets a great deal.

That’s unfortunate that skaters and fans who travel from overseas come in and that’s what they see.

Um, I went to Skate America in Reading, PA. If someone wants to see Vegas, it's right there. It's warm, there's a nice pool and everything is really conveniently located. I'd think the international skating crowd would really like it. There are, after all, competitions in places even worse than Reading, PA.