The Cheapest Room at LINQ - Nice? Not really... Good Value? Yep.
Key Points:
- Rooms at LINQ are among the cheapest on the Strip, starting at $56/nt after fees.
- Rooms are "bare-bones" & lacking in frills. That said, they're a steal for the price.
- LINQ's location and proximity to the dining options along the LINQ promenade are an asset.
Have you ever loved something that most people chuckle at, for no real reason other than nostalgia?
That's my relationship with LINQ.
The rooms aren't special. In fact, they're tiny and dinged up.
But my wife and I stayed there several times about a decade ago, had the most fun, and I've loved the place ever since, despite her flaws.
I smile every time I walk through the doors. I imagine most Vegas regulars have a resort or two like that.
In more recent years, I dipped my toe into LINQ's more unique offerings, like their bunk bed room and poolside cabana room.
But this time, I went back to basics.
Room Cost and Check-In
I chose "Room type assigned on arrival" when booking and ended up with a Deluxe Room with 2 doubles, their cheapest room type, which starts at $56/nt after fees.
After fees, my one-night stay cost $55.73.
Now, I love Caesars Entertainment properties (like LINQ), but checking in is almost never smooth.
I swear to God.
On this occasion, the automated kiosk said it "Couldn't find my reservation" 2 attempts in a row.
As I waited for the lone overwhelmed employee milling about to help me, I "rage tried" checking in a 3rd time, slapping my ID down on the scanner... And it worked.
Ok.
Caesars continues to lag behind its chief rival, MGM Resorts, in this department, as MGM lets you check in and collect your room keys on your phone.
No hotel front desk visit required.
Caesars has feebly rolled out digital room keys at a couple of resorts (Harrah's & LINQ so far, that I know of), but guests are still forced to check in with a person or at a kiosk... which negates the value of digital keys altogether.
Humorously, you'll also always be prompted to check in advance via the Caesars Rewards app. I've stayed at every Caesars property, most more than once, and I'm still confused about what checking in early accomplishes.
You still need to visit a kiosk or the front desk, and the process isn't any faster.
My rant has concluded. Let's move on, shall we?
LINQ Deluxe Room Review
For a budget hotel, LINQ's elevator lobbies and hallways are fairly fashionable and in good shape, but the elevators are always packed and seem to take forever.
LINQ's rooms were last renovated in 2015, an eternity ago, and they're still pretty fashionable for a budget hotel, despite being dinged up (we'll dive into that later).
I love the vintage sign-inspired accent wall.
These rooms are among the smallest on the Strip, at 350 SF, hence the 2 full beds instead of queens and minimal furnishings.
Unlike modern resorts, the window is smaller than I'd prefer, and I was terrified it would overlook the rambunctious Carnaval Court live music bar.
Fortunately, I had a view of Harrah's pool.
The TV was crisp and had a guide, despite being kind of puny, and there was a bare-bones work workdesk below it.
Disappointingly, my room didn't have an empty fridge. Some rooms at LINQ have them by default (District 3 rooms, spendier options), but base options don't.
Whether a fridge is included is listed as an amenity when booking direct.
I've logged a few Caesars stays recently, and most properties have added this bedside charging bank (outlets, wireless, USB-A & C), which is a nice touch.
The Bathroom is basic, but I kind of dig the stone finishes and illuminated mirror. Fashionable for a cheap room.
LINQ has one of those annoying glass shower partitions, but to their credit, they've added a shower curtain to keep water in.
What's Not To Like
When I review hotels, I share the whole story, not just the good, so that you can make a more informed booking decision.
As mentioned, these rooms aren't perfect.
The oddest abnormality was a gurgling noise emanating from the shower drain that sounded like someone was gargling water at random times throughout the night.
Visual flaws included a pretty standard assortment of deteriorating grout lines, a calcified shower head, chipped furnishings, and wall scuffs.
The oddest anomaly was this mounting hardware on the wall, with no picture hanging.
From a cleanliness standpoint, the room was perfectly fine. Despite the dings, scuffs, and chips, this is a solid room in a great location for the price.
Snobs will want to look away, but it should be on the list of folks looking to save a few bucks.
Resort Experience
Dining Options
LINQ's location makes it an ideal hotel for folks who want lots of options within steps.
Beyond restaurants like Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and the popular Hash House a Go Go on the property, the adjoining promenade is chock-full of options.
I love the egg scrambles & Twisted flapjacks at Hash House, each landing at around $20 or less.
On the promenade, my brother and I enjoyed a recent meal at Virgil's BBQ.
Not super cheap, but solid.
Other options along the Promenade include Flour & Barley Pizza, Jaburritos, Maxie's (a solid breakfast spot), Gordon Ramsey's Fish & Chips, Chayo Mexican Kitchen, Bojangles, and more. There's a lot.
I always seem to end up at In-N-Out Burger while on the promenade. There is no better burger.
Notable Drinks
On the discount drink front, LINQ's gift shop sells 2 24oz High Lifes for $9.95, which isn't terrible.
O'shea's no longer comps the popular Frozen Bailey's drink for bartop players below Platinum status, but they're so damn good I'll occasionally spend the $20 it takes to procure one.
This is a complimentary one, which is why it's so small.
The Pool
The rooftop pool has a party vibe, with loud music and cool views of Flamingo and the High Roller.
Pretty standard stuff.
Fine, but you won't see it in any "Best Pool" rundowns (like mine).
Casino
LINQ's casino has an unidentifiable energy to it. It feels modern, upbeat, and fun, even though there's nothing special about the games it offers.
When I visited, they were dealing $10 craps, Ultimate Texas Hold 'em, and 6:5 blackjack, plus $15 Free Bet blackjack and $5 3 Card Poker.
It's morphed a few times over the years, but I like the look and vibe of their sportsbook and bar area.
Unique Attractions
The High Roller Observation Wheel and FlyLINQ Zipline are also found along the promenade, and they're pretty cool.
Tip: Check Vegas.com for discounted tickets vs. booking direct. They're often cheaper, and Vegas.com is legit.
The High Roller is a leisurely 30-minute spin, taking you to a height of 550 ft. An adult ticket costs around $30, but I recommend spending an extra $22 for the Happy Half Hour package, which includes unlimited drinks during your ride.
They'll even serve you one to go as you step off.
FlyLINQ is the lesser of the 2 main ziplines in Vegas.
The other, better option is SlotZilla downtown, which offers wayyyy better scenery as you soar over Fremont Street.
Adult rides on FlyLINQ start at $48 and send you flying 1,200+ feet over the LINQ Promenade from a 12-story-tall tower at speeds of 35mph.
It's a chill, non-scary ride.
Is LINQ worth a Stay?
Is LINQ the nicest hotel on the Strip? Hell no, lol.
Is LINQ my preferred hotel on the Strip? Also... No.
But if you don't care about luxury and just want a solid room in a great location for a price that doesn't make you pucker up, then it's a great option.
The casino is lively, the pool has "untz", and there are a ton of food and drink options within walking distance.
The rooms, despite being dinged up, gurgly, and tiny, are fashionable enough and clean.
Perhaps my opinion is tainted by the good times I've had there. On the other hand... maybe that's the whole point.
Related Vegas Hotel Reviews:
Planet Hollywood Patio Room (outdoor cabana space!)
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
