In a nutshell: My single-night stay was likely atypical for this property. I had one more night in Las Vegas, and this was simply the most convenient option. But the property did impress me enough that I’d certainly consider it for a family stay. The large suite offered a full kitchen, a living area, and an open-air balcony with a view of the pool and the MSG sphere under construction. The property amenities are enough to make for a comfortable and convenient family stay in Las Vegas. Plus, it’s nice and quiet a block off the strip.
Why I Booked the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort
When I first realized I needed to book two nights in Las Vegas, I quickly turned to my IHG certificates. I’ve been sitting on way too many free hotel night certificates this year, and it’s high time I use some. Even if I get “lesser” value, I can still more than make up for my annual fees.
There are two Intercontinental Hotels right on the strip: the Venetian and the Palazzo. These are sometimes available for fewer than 40,000 IHG points, which makes certificates an option. However, they were only available for one of the two nights I needed.
Backup plan: the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Resort. Did I really care what sort of hotel I stay at this trip? Not really. It would be mainly for sleeping. And I don’t mind checking out long-term stays. Plus, the HICV at Desert Club Resort was running over $200 per night. Not bad in terms of value. I booked two nights.
But…I was then convinced by my friend and Vegas local, Shawn Coomer of Miles to Memories, to give the Palazzo a try. Splitting nights on a solo trip is my modus operandi anyway, so I rebooked the first night. One night at the Holiday Inn Resort it is.
The hotel actually isn’t far from the Palazzo, so I walked over midday.
HICV at Desert Resort Property
I’m going to keep the rest of the review brief. Arrival took longer than I expected, as there was only one person working the front desk. I probably waited 15 minutes. The hotel lobby is pretty big, and there were quite a few people around that day and the next morning. It seemed like half the hotel guests were from Iowa State, in town for the Saturday game against UNLV. The hotel also operates an area shuttle with limited departure times. I didn’t use it since everything was walking distance, except the trip to the airport, for which I used Uber. You’re one block off the strip on Koval Lane.
The hotel offers multiple pools, a large fitness center, barbecue stations, and a set of activities for kids. I should have wandered around more. Simply didn’t have time. Hung out by the main pool briefly, while the Vegas weather was pleasant. The clubhouse also contains the restaurant, Gold Mine Bar and Grill, which I didn’t try for breakfast. Instead, I walked down the street to The Village Pub at Ellis Island, known for its deals. The steak breakfast there was excellent.
Standard King Villa
A free night certificate at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort can get you either a studio room or a villa. I opted for the one bedroom villa. These come equipped with a full kitchen, dining area, living room, fireplace (because you need that in Las Vegas), and music station. The kitchen is truly excellent for an extended stay unit. It offers a full-size refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, oven, double sink, and even a dishwasher. All the dishes you need for four people are included.
I’d gladly pick this hotel if here longer term, or with the kids.
The villa bedroom is nice, but small. It does have a very large closet, though. The convenient power outlets next to the bed are likely a newer addition. The room overall isn’t that modern.
You can enjoy the warm desert air from the tiny balcony, plus views of the MSG Sphere under construction. I also liked the location of this particular villa, as you have direct line of sight to the pool in case you want to watch your kids while staying out of the sun.
One downside is that the villa only has one bathroom. The tub is large, though, and the toilet is in a separate room accessible from both the bathroom and the living room.
One last important note: there are no elevators in the buildings! You will potentially have to climb multiple flights of stairs to get to your unit. The lady in front of me wanted a ground floor unit, and these were sold out. Sounds like they are the most popular!
Final Thoughts: Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort
This was a very quick trip, and a cursory review, but I’d gladly consider the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort in the future. The suites are spacious and are great for a long-term stay. You’re only a block off the trip, which is nice. It’s also nice and quiet compared to Las Vegas Boulevard. Finally, you’re almost certainly guaranteed to be able to use your certificates here, as the price appears to cap out at 40,000 IHG points per night, which is a nice deal. And the resort fee is only $15, compared to the $45 of the Venetian towers.
Which building were you in?
The one directly to the south/right of the lobby & restaurant building. It had a partial view of the pool and the MSG sphere in the background.
There’s also a full size washer and dryer in the closet on the balcony.
I didn’t see a door. But then again, I was mainly looking at the view out over the pool toward the sphere.
How was the timeshare harassment? Thats usually what keeps me away from these type of places.
Since this was a normal award stay, there wasn’t any, which was good.
That being said, you can book this property for $249 + resort fees for 4 nights on the standard IHG timeshare “test” deal, I believe, where you’d have to endure the 2 hours of harassment.