Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

Trump International Hotel Las Vegas is set in a 64-story golden glass tower and delivers exactly what one would expect at a Trump property. Interiors walk a fine line between opulent and garish, including details like marble floors, glistening crystal chandeliers, oversized curtains, and gilded accents. And the Trump brand is everywhere you look -- essentially making it a design element. From the T etched on the bottom of the pool, to the Trump-branded bathroom toiletries, to the gift shop that sells sundries as an afterthought to Trump hats, shirts, chocolate bars, and even flasks.

Perhaps also unsurprising, the hotel seems to take every opportunity to squeeze extra dollars from their guests. Unlike most hotels in the area, there’s no public seating in the lobby, forcing guests to either visit the restaurant next door or pool restaurant for a chance to unwind. Upgrade options for pricier rooms or faster internet are also pushed on arriving guests, as we observed during our 2017 visit. It’s worth noting that since the hotel is located a short walk from The Strip, it's missing that exciting energy common at more centrally-located properties (a plus for some). Another downside are the busy train tracks across the street. Light sleepers are likely to be woken by rumbling trains and their horns multiple times a night. The hotel attracts a broad swath of guests, from business travelers to families and couples from around the world.

Trump International is ostensibly located a six-minute walk from The Strip, across the street from the Fashion Show Mall and an adult book store advertising the world's largest erotic art gallery. It’s also across the street from busy train tracks with horn-blaring trains passing by 24 hours a day. However, the more famous sights on The Strip are farther away. The Bellagio’s famed fountains and their musical showcase are a seven-minute drive, as is the Stratosphere Tower Casino, Hotel, and Tower, with its sky-high viewing tower and thrill rides. The landmark "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign takes 10 minutes to reach by car, while the Neon Museum -- which has a collection of old Las Vegas signs -- is a 15-minute drive away. The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are a bit farther away, and take 50 minutes to reach by car. Depending on traffic, McCarran International Airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Trump International Hotel’s air-conditioned rooms are attractive, though fairly generic for a self-proclaimed luxury property. Sure, there's marble and wood in spades, but some of the furniture feels cheap or tired, and details like abstract wall art could be in any Marriott around the world. Expect extensive sets of built-in wood closets, tan wallpapered walls, and glass shelves adorned with art books and stylish knickknacks. Beds are either one king or two queens, and all rooms have sitting areas with velvety arm chairs and sleeper sofas. Kitchenettes are a nice plus and -- while small -- are impressively outfitted with Sub-Zero mini-fridges, two-burner ranges, microwaves, toasters, tea kettles, and Keurig coffeemakers with free coffee pods. Sink even have garbage disposals.

Other room standards include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, irons and ironing boards, shoe horns, lint brushes, safes, and luggage stands. Given the hotel's supposed business-friendly status, it's surprising that tech-friendly options like USB plugs and media stations are missing. Wi-Fi is included in the hotel's mandatory resort fees, but upgrades to higher speeds cost extra. Bathrooms are spacious and covered in marble -- from the floors to the double-sink vanities to the glass-walled stand up showers. Separate jetted tubs also come standard, as do hairdryers, illuminated beauty mirrors, and Trump-branded toiletries. Views from the rooms -- especially from the upper floors -- are breathtaking and overlook the city or The Strip. Keep in mind that nearby train tracks mean noise is an issue for light sleepers.

Most of Trump International Hotel Las Vegas’ amenities are included in its pricey resort fee. The property's most striking feature is its seventh floor, 110-foot long freshwater pool. There are shallow areas with in-pool loungers at both ends, and it's also surrounded by tightly-packed lounge chairs, daybeds, and cabanas. The hotel charges a fee to use the daybeds and cabanas, and there are no real views from the pool. A free water station is situated next to pricey Trump hats, and there's poolside snack bar serving sandwiches and finger foods. DJT is the property’s fine-dining eatery, with an American menu and happy hour food-and-drink specials. Food at both dining outlets gets only mixed reviews from previous guests.

The hotel's 24-hour gym overlooks the pool and is stocked with Technogym treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, medicine balls, dumbbells, and a CrossFit rope. Fitness classes and personal trainers are available for a fee. The Spa at Trump offers standard services like facials, massages, and body treatments. They also have a teen- and child-centered treatments including facials, manicures, pedicures, and makeup services. There’s a small business center and 12,500 square feet of meeting space -- all event rooms have views of The Strip. Valet parking is surprisingly free, as are shoe-shine services and a shuttle to the Caesars Palace and Wynn Las Vegas Hotel. The latter comes in handy as the hotel doesn't have a casino of its own and walks to the livelier end of The Strip are long and hot. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, though upgrades for faster speeds cost extra.