Hi me_and_ed:
Here is the thing about Vegas ... if you know where you look, you can get a nice room for a good price. I spent less than $200 at Planet Hollywood on my last visit to Vegas ... and I got 3 comp nights this time. Nice deal. I called up M RESORT ... and got two free nights, based on my play during my last two free nights. Oh, I got meal and food comps as well.
Rental cars can run as low as $12.95 a day (unlimited mileage) -- and it is a beautiful area. With a car, you could try HOTWIRE.COM -- if you go for 4-stars in the Downtown area, you will always get the GOLDEN NUGGET, for as little as $40 US dollars. Sam's Town is a nice Western-themed locals place that usually costs around $40/night. I like the Eastside Cannery, also on the Boulder Strip.
Have fun all ... if you want to meet up ... I might be able to arrange something. Leave me a PM here. I'll send you my cell phone #. I'll be walking around the show for several hours each day.
/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\