Know Your Surroundings: Monte Carlo

The fourth installment of our "Know Your Surroundings" series is on Monte Carlo. The casino at Monte Carlo is by no means extravagant, but it has long been a favorite of ours because it plays its part. By that, I mean that it doesn't try and be something it is not. It is defined as a more casual casino and therefore typically attracts a less sophisticated crowd.


Monte Carlo's casino is unique in that it's one of the few of the larger casinos that it is nearly impossible to get lost in. (or at least confused as to where you are) It's one giant room centered with gaming tables which are surrounded by many slot machines. It has little to no sports book though, but they do make a mean bloody mary at the bar.

There is a centrally located restroom in the heart of the casino near the cafe. While we cruised back to the Bellagio in the wee hours of the night in March, twice we dined at the MC cafe. It is by no means special, but as a late night snack it's a nice pit stop. I enjoyed a burger one night and an omelet the next.

There are two other restaurants of note at MC. First, the Dragon Noodle, Co. is a pretty tasty Chinese restaurant. I highly recommend it for a lunch, but only if you plan to not wander the city much. The food is almost certain to please you, while at the same time slowing you down drastically. Don't expect to have room for copious amounts of tasty fluids in the hours following your dining experience. Secondly, the Monte Carlo Brew Pub & Brewery is a decent pub and by far MC's best establishment.

This map is a shade dated as the Hypermarket Convenience store is no longer there.
I'll always miss stopping there for a Labattes Blue when departing on the south side. Beers there weren't severely overpriced as is common at nearly all Las Vegas bars.

See the archives here:

Know Your Surroundings: Paris

Know Your Surroundings: Caesars

Know Your Surroundings: Bellagio

Photo Quiz #2: Answer

Pens and papers down! Photo Quiz 2 has been up for over a week now so it's time to reveal the answer.


If you thought Caesar's or Venitian, you're way off. This is actually the fountain at the South side entrance of Monte Carlo. This entrance is under construction now so who knows if this beautiful fountain will remain. Congrats to AD (our biggest fan) for correctly answering it. Stay tuned for Quiz #3.

Requiem for a Tram

On our trip a couple weeks ago, we happened to find ourselves at the Monte Carlo Café around 3 in the morning for consecutive days. After our late-night meal, we faced the tortuous walk all the way back to the Bellagio. Even though the 2 properties are technically next door to each other, there is the little matter of the giant Project CityCenter construction site in between. Which at 3:30 in the morning makes the walk almost unbearable.

2 years ago, however, this wouldn’t have been a problem. There used to be a tram that ran between the two hotels that saved both time and valuable footsteps. I personally must have ridden the tram at least 20 times. Why, oh why, MGM-Mirage, could you not have found a temporary solution? I’m sure CityCenter will be a fantastic property, but think of all of the revelers that have to trudge the seemingly short (optical illusion) distance, not to mention those of us who have walked all the way to the back of the properties only to groan in disbelief to find the tram shut down.

Progress: But at what cost?

MGM states that there will be a people mover system built into Project City Center, but until then, bring your walking shoes…