I stayed at ZB on the 13th. I have to say that eddie, eduardo, and the rest of the staff were top-notch. Eddie gave me a stogie and we sat and talked a while. He said i'd be treated like family, and I was.
I think the question of whether it is "worth it" or not really depends on what you're looking for. I stayed at three places on this, my first trip. Sportsmens, Castillo, and ZB. I enjoyed all three, for different reasons.
SL has a sort of frat-house feel. You've got everything you need there (food, girls, good cab access). The best part of SL, for me anyway, was that you could just hang out and meet some folks, and then voila, you've got a posse for the evening.
Castillo also has food (really good food, btw), as well as a much smaller bar-girl scene. It's also a bit cheaper. The best part of castillo, IMHO, is it's location. easy walk to ZB, easy walk to SL, easy cab access.
The suites at ZB are really nice. I think they are still working out some kinks, but that would be true of any grow-your-own hotel effort. You aks, and they deliver -- food, cigars, girls, whatever. At the moment, there are only 4 suites, but Eddie tells me they are adding a new wing with smaller, normal-sized rooms. Assuming the price point is about $100, and the same $20-per applies, I think ZB will represent a real bargain overall. Also, once there is more traffic there, the problems with the trannies on the corner and cabs not knowing it's a hotel will probably be resolved. The one thing that would probably complete the package would be an on-site restaurant -- but eddie is on it, I think.
So, at $195 is it worth it? That's kind of a close call. If you know you want to focus on the whole MP scene, rather than hunting retail at the marlin, then I think it IS worth it. I have to admit, there is a bit of pressure involved with a stay at the ZB. I remember myself thinking "Well, if I can just get one more nut off then I'm cost-neutral"... which really isn't the best way to think about things. At $99 a night, with the same deal on sessions, then it's a no-brainer.
-MK
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