Terrible's

Description:

• First of all, this place isn't terrible at all. (The owner is Ed "Terrible" Herbst, who operates a chain of convenience stores and gas stations.) Second, it isn't a bit like the hotel it took over, the rattrap known as the Continental. The Continental is gone, and good riddance. In its place is an unexpected bargain, a hotel frequently offering ridiculously low prices. Try this on for size: $39 a night! Near the Strip! Near a bunch of really good restaurants! Hot diggity! So what do you get?

  Well, don't expect much in the way of memorable rooms; they are as basic as can be (despite some sweet attempts with artwork depicting European idylls), and some have views of a wall (though even those get plenty of natural light). Some, however, are considerably larger than others, so ask. The new hotel tower has both suites and standard rooms with new furnishings and flatscreen TVs, plus high-speed Internet. The pool area is a surprise; it looks like what you might find in a nice apartment complex (which, actually, is what Terrible's resembles on the outside), with plenty of palms and other foliage. There's a small but thoroughly stocked casino (not to mention penny slots, continuing the budget theme), plus a very good 24-hour coffee shop. How could you want for anything more? Did we mention the price and location? Plus a free airport shuttle? Okay, so we wish they had used a bit more imagination with the rooms.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010