Las Vegas - Fairfield Grand Desert

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

We just booked a 2 BR unit at the Fairfield Grand Desert for the first week in May on an exchange through SFX. We got our confirmation yesterday. We have stayed at the HGVC/Flamingo and Monarch Cancun several times each but never at the Fairfield Grand Desert.

Is there any helpful info that you can pass along regarding the resort? I checked the reviews on TUG and they appear to be mixed. I also checked Trip Advisor and a few other sites and they had better reviews.

I notice that there are several versions of the 2BR units. Are they lock-offs ( separate entrances ) or just 2BR condo units? The unit is not assigned so I imagine that one can make a request for unit location. We have always been able to get what we want from the other 2 resorts in Las Vegas. It seems like most of the folks want building 3. Is that what I should ask for?

In any event, any resort tips or info will be greatly appreciated. We have spent so much time in Las Vegas that it is like our second home. We do not cook any meals nor do any shopping. I am only mentioning that so folks won't waste their time on info that we don't need. I am really only interested in the resort info.

Thank you very much in advance.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

We just stayed there last week and I submitted a reveiw here, and on TUG (but I don't think the one on TUG is up yet). We were pleased and would definitely stay there again. We were in Tower 1, which I think may be the older tower. We had a view of the pool, not towards the Strip, but it was lovely. We were very pleased with the 2-bedroom we got. It was not a lock-off, I don't know if any of the other 2-bedroom units are lock-offs.

[urple2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close urple2]

I have stayed in the one bedroom deluxe(love that word) a few years ago. The resort was very nice. It's about a block and a half( the blocks are long) to the strip, but I thought very walkable ( we always did). They do have a shuttle that runs continuosly and drops off at Harrah's. Another group of Fairfield sales folks are all around there. Just keep saying"resale points". It worked for me.

I thought the decor was a bit formal and thus not as comfy as I would prefer. I'm the fluffy sofa, lazy boy kinda guy...

I thought the pool area was very nice. There were 2 pools there at the time, before the building additions. Lots of room.

I will be there this sat. In a 2 bedroom. An RCI exchange.

If you have anything specific you want me to check out, just ask. I will try to follow-up on.

[Akfoss Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Akfoss]

I am not sure exactly what you are asking. However, I have stayed at GD 2 or 3 times for each of the last two years, since it opened. Tower 1 is supposedly getting a little older and abused, but I have stayed in units each year and never had a problem. The service is good at the desk. They are always in the lobby asking if you want to take the tour, but usually they are so busy with people coming from the strip. You can try to request a unit with a view at check in. My experience is that they always assign units when you check in -- first come first serve, so plan to arrive early to get the best choice. You can see the strip facing north from building 1 or 3, the higher the floor the better.

You can walk to the strip. A taxi will cost about $15 each way to NY NY. Otherwise, there is not much within walking distance. Ask about Ellis Island - a great local place to get steak and eggs for $5 and steak and potato for dinner for $6.

I own points there and absolutely love going. You are away from the strip so you get a break when at the unit. Otherwise, you are close enough to the strip to be near everything.

Allan

[dvcforus Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dvcforus]

We stayed in a 2BR Deluxe last summer and loved it. We were in the separate tower (I think it's the newest?) which I wasn't thrilled about until we actually went to our room. I loved parking right in front of our room, and our room turned out to be at the end of a hall, totally separate from any other rooms so it was dead quiet. Our view stunk, we really looked out onto a fancy roof, but the room itself was beautiful and clean. DH doesn't love Vegas, but we are already planning a possible trip there this summer. We loved being off the strip. Our building also had it's own quiet pool which was nice.

[shaggy Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close shaggy]

I was just there and did a long trip log on Travel Tales. Luanne did one also. I have pics up on snapfish if you want to see them. shaggy

[davesdog Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close davesdog]

I always prefer tower 1 in the summer. It has the indoor, under the building parking for those hot days!!

[Dori Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dori]

You guys are getting me all excited about our trip to FF Grand Desert at the beginning of May! I can't wait!

Dori