I happen to be paralyzed and in a wheelchair, but fly out several times a year I fly out to Vegas and always enjoy checking out the various resorts -- especially the Downtown properties. I recently spent a couple of nights at the Gold Spike (great rates), but doubt I would stay there again unless due to the attitude of the Front Desk.As I require a handicapped-accessible room I always call the hotel a day or two before to ensure I will have a handicapped accessible and provide my arrival time.Since I was already staying a couple of nights at the El Cortez, moving over a couple of blocks down Ogden would be pretty simple one would think.However, when I arrived as planned at 4 p.m., the front desk assigned me to a room that was not handicapped-accessible.After going up to the room and then bringing my stuff back down to the front desk, I was told that none of the handicapped-accessible rooms were available. I reminded them of my confirmed reservation which indicated a handicapped-accessible room, as well as my phone calls to confirm my arrival and the handicapped-accessible room.Finally, after going back and forth on an issue that should not have an issue, they told me to come back in a hour and they would assign me a handicapped-accessible room after housekeeping was finished.So I left and returned at 5 p.m. and was told my room was not made up yet, but that it would be within an hour.I returned at 6 p.m. and was told the room was not ready and I would have to come back.Finally, I returned at 7 p.m. and was allowed to check-in to my handicapped-accessible room before heading back out to enjoy an evening downtown.Now I do not consider myself a light sleeper and can always sleep on a noisy airplane.However, I could not sleep in this room at the Gold Spike as the wall of the room was up against the elevator shaft and everyone someone used the elevator I would hear it EXTREMELY loud in the room. In my many years traveling all around the world, I had never experience anything like this.I could not believe when I brought this to the attention of the Front Desk they were not aware of this and they pleaded ignorance.They did give me a card for free breakfast, bur I would rather have free sleep.It is too bad because I loved the renovated layout of the Gold Spike. It is not to big which makes it easy to get around. The casino has good lighting and a floor surface that is wheelchair friendly.The little coffee shop has EXCELLENT hostess/servers, but unfortunately the food is only average -- outside of the prime rib deal which was far below average. Not sure how they can call this gristly cut of mystery meat "prime" or "rib."Fortunately, there is a delicious "hole-in-the-wall" Thai/Chinese restaurant/take-out just a few steps away as you walk the one block to Fremont Street.With so many hotel options to choose from in Vegas, I have not returned to the Gold Spike to spend any of my money.Hopefully, the management will discover the important of customer service and guest relations -- especially when it comes to their Front Desk staff.Whoever did the layout of the Gold Spike did a great job and this property has potential if they work out some of the kinks.
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