Vegas baby!

[jenn1381]

I need help! lol.. so I'm planning my first trip to Las Vegas this October for my 30th birthday... I am super excited. I have to book quick as there's a deal for a free night but you have to book before July 29th.

I need advice on hotels. We are thinking of staying at Bally's or Rio. My travelling partners have stayed at Flamingo (and will not go back) and Paris (said it was ok but pricey for what you get). We want something on the strip and somewhat decent but doesn't need to be crazy nice. We also have heard some hotels have resort fee's of upwards of $30 a day (really?!) and want to avoid that as we are already pushing it finacially as it is. Any advice anyone has is greatly appreciated!!!

Woo hooo, Vegas here I come! lol

[LondonDJ]

Hi Jenn,

I actually went to Vegas for the first time for my 30th birthday last year, and went back again this year for my 31st. I think it's gonna be an annual thing from now on

I'd advise against the Rio because it's REALLY far away from the action on the main strip. If you plan to walk up and down the strip and see the sights then it's waaaaay too far. If you plan to hire a car and drive a lot then it would be ok. Good buffet though, and a decent pool.

Bally's is definitely more central but I think it lacks character and doesn't seem to have any special attractions as such. If you're on a bit of a budget then all things considered my recommendation would be the Imperial Palace. It's super central, INCREDIBLY friendly staff, always busy (in a good way) and it just has a fun kind of vibe to it. Avoid the buffet though (lovely staff but so-so food, I'm afraid). The only other downside is that the pool is pretty basic and doesn't get the sun past about 5-6pm. If you're on a budget though, that's the one I'd recommend. The "Dealertainers" are also a HOOT - and they're free. It's a fun, cheap and cheerful kind of place.

If you have a little more to spend then I'd totally recommend Caesar's. GREAT pool, cool place, well kept and a top notch buffet. Definitely more pricey though. The best bit of advice I can give you would be to avoid anywhere too far up or down the strip - Excalibur, the Stratosphere, the Luxor etc. The walking is just too much in the heat.

Wherever you stay, have a GREAT time, and try and scoop the MEGABUCK$!!!

Best of luck

[4 of a kind]

Goggle casinos in Las Vegas, and start clicking on the different casino web sites. They all usually advertise specials in advance. These specials change often and no one unless they were just there could possibly know what's up. The web-sites even show maps of where their located on the strip and elsewhere.

Since this is your first visit, comps are most likely not available, unless you were willing to send money to the cage in advance.

It really doesn't matter where you stay, since most don't spend that much time in the room anyhow. Be certain to read up and take advantage of some world class buffets, restaurants, entertainment, and endless action. If your being careful start spending time searching online. Money goes quick there, and a tough place to be careful.

I go often but always stay in the same hotel, so not really up on costs elsewhere.

Have a great time and good luck.

[luarod]

Hey!

I'm going next month there (and I have to confess that I haven't looked anything up yet... I'm just a disaster for organizing stuff. At least I have the plane booked...) From what I have heard is way cheaper if you go on weekdays instead of weekends. I'm afraid that is all my knowledge: Google will have to be your/my friend.

Have a nice trip!

[shoveply]

I stayed at circus circus, had a great time, rooms are clean, cheap, casino is great, lots of children during the day, food not so good better places to eat. Have a great 30th.

[Darem1]

Gather up all the coupon books and free tourist info at the airport. They used to be out at the baggage claim area so check it out even if you just have a carry on. Lots of freebies, cheap eats, discounts to some of the minor shows, etc. We used to collect them and then go through all of them the first afternoon out at the pool. And do get the players club cards wherever you play so next time you will get plenty of offers for free and discounted rooms, etc.

[lnspin]

I need help! lol.. so I'm planning my first trip to Las Vegas this October for my 30th birthday... I am super excited. I have to book quick as there's a deal for a free night but you have to book before July 29th.

I need advice on hotels. We are thinking of staying at Bally's or Rio. My travelling partners have stayed at Flamingo (and will not go back) and Paris (said it was ok but pricey for what you get). We want something on the strip and somewhat decent but doesn't need to be crazy nice. We also have heard some hotels have resort fee's of upwards of $30 a day (really?!) and want to avoid that as we are already pushing it finacially as it is. Any advice anyone has is greatly appreciated!!!

Woo hooo, Vegas here I come! lol

If the choice is between ballys or rio then stay at ballys as it is on the strip and there are no resort fees. Actually no harrahs properties have resort fees anymore. Rio is off the strip, so cant really walk around outside. Would be about a 12-15 cab ride to the strip. If you can afford a little more for the night stay at Aria or Cosmo.

[the Shamus]

Hi jenn1381:

Ask ten people a good hotel to stay at ... get ten different answers. You really just want a clean room ... because you will just be sleeping there, and perhaps using the pool. From any hotel on the strip, you can go to another hotel. There is a monorail system that can get you from property to property up and down the strip.

The RIO is really nice ... but also off the strip ... there is a shuttle, but it kinda limits you.

You can book through HOTWIRE, but you will not know where you are staying until you pay for the hotel ... however, if you state 4-star, you will get a nice place. I got the Golden Nugget (Freemont Street) for $40 a night not long ago.

My advice, rent a car ... they are cheap. Should be less than $30 a day (if you really look, you should be able to find less than $20 a day - unlimited mileage), and parking is free everywhere ... and you can just use valet parking at all the resorts. Then, you can visit Fremont Street, Red Rock Canyon (and the Casino), and all the worthwhile casinos off the strip.

My best advice ... bring RUNNING SHOES. You can`t imagine the amount of walking between resorts. It looks so close in pictures.

Have fun.

[bpb]

The fact that you're hawking that useless monorail marks the rest of your advice as "highly suspect" at best.

[jod5413]

The fact that you're hawking that useless monorail marks the rest of your advice as "highly suspect" at best.

It's a shame you have managed to put a damper on an otherwise really helpful and interesting thread. Shame on you.

Hey Jenn, I am sure you will do exactly the right thing for you to do. No probs and great fun!!!