Q: positive

A: Randomly stopped in Madison on a cross country trip. I had been to Madison once before to visit a friend in college and I vaguely recall a beer and brat drunken haze. Now beyond our college years, my friend and I decided we wanted to treat ourselves to something nice so we headed for State street and walked around until something peaked our interest. We had been driving for 15 hours and were really hungry and in need of some good beverages. We came across Paul's and couldn't have asked for a better experience. It is a bit on the upscale side and we were pretty ragged looking, but that didn't seem to be a problem. Our waiter James was awesome and he was really funny and helpful with the menu. We had no idea what to expect and ended up ordering a few different plates as well as a couple cocktails. Everything was really good and the prices weren't bad either for the high quality of food you're getting. Would recommend this place to anyone heading towards Madison.

Q: negative

A: So, I got this players club thing going and I was comp'd a room. I chose the Mandalay Bay. First sign we picked the wrong time to come to Vegas. Valet line was over a half and hour long. Everytime we used our car, a half an hour. Should've spent the money on taxi's. We got there the day after Christmas and waited over an hour to check in. Not sure why hotels don't have kiosks to check in when you have all your info like at the airports. But, either way. Got to the counter and was told they didn't have adjoning rooms like I had reserved. My children aged 14 and 12 would be on one floor and we would be on another. Humph! I even silliped the kid helping us a few $20's thinking this would help. You know, let him know I was a friend of Ben and perhaps get a nice room. Yeah. No. Okay. So, another half an hour, forty five minutes and finally rooms are found. They just showed up. They were the handicap rooms so I hope we didn't displace someone who needed the extra space and bars in the shower. The rooms, well, they're rooms alright. Ours wasn't that clean when we checked in. The hallways should've have been a give away. My son quickly reminded me, "Hey mom, what do you expect for $69.00" I agreed he had a point. But, I would've paid more to be moved away from the laundry room where you could smell the scent of hot grey water and laundry soap. Oh, and it's the kick it spot for the housekeepers in the AM. I thought I had set the clock radio to a spainsh channel and I couldn't find the snooze button. Room service...I always say I want to become wealthy and live off room service. But at the Mandaly Bay, I would starve. No matter what time we called or what we ordered the wait was at least an hour and a half. Even to get a pot of coffee. I know, we don't go to Vegas to stay in the room, but I really like to stay some place nice and enjoy being pampered. Just not the feeling I got when I stayed at Mandalay. The smell of cigarettes in the elevator and when you disembark in the lobby is really strong. I was surprised. It kinda reminded me of Circus Circus. I know people smoke in the casino and I expect that. But I haven't been in a large hotel where it is so obvious. I was trying so hard not the be "that guest" that called and complained about everything. I kept telling myself, my room is free, the other room is cheap. Don't complain, just enjoy. And, I had seen a t.v. show about the comments they put in the computer about you when you check in and if you complain. I was afraid I would be scarred for life on the Vegas hotel circut if I made a peep. So I keep my lips sealed. Until now. Thank goodness I can get this off my chest. I just want to say Mandalay clean up your act. Please. Such a fine hotel with a great reputation and such a let down all at the same time. Granted I can't afford the presidential suite or one of your bigger rooms but I still spend my money in your casino's and resturants. And, I deserve to be accomodated and treated like I did. Right? So I have decided next time we will stay some place else. I've never been let down at the MGM or the Bellagio. I know I will pay more, but sometimes it's worth it. Take care and Viva Las Vegas.

Q: positive

A: Chizona's is awesome. The atmosphere is great, the staff was really friendly and helpful the first time we went in, not to mention the pizza is a delicious traditional Chicago style, which is hard to find around here. I have yet to try the chicago beef, but it's next on the list. Fantastic spot.

Q: negative

A:
Too many minor inconveniences add up to me never coming here again. Two things I will point out for now until I am no longer insanely frusterated. The fire alarm is breaking and falling off of the wall, which does not reassure me. The second HDMI port on the TV is fully accessible, but is not available through using the standard TV controls, which means I am unable to use my PS4 to wind down before bed. The staff is fine, but whoever makes decisions for guest rooms should be fired.