Need help please with budget trip to Vegas

[Pakey]

Compared to the deals I have been getting, those MGM room prices seem a bit high. Maybe you are going during a peak week with conventions or something. I have recently gotten offers for Mandalay Bay for $39/night and $79/night for Venetian/Palazzo. MGM is one of my favorite moderate resorts and I don't mind that it's located further down the strip.

Definitely don't need a car for the strip (we walk it and I'm not young) but you will want a car if you are going to Hoover Dam or off strip. Do the dam on your own, not a tour. I've done both and on your own is the only way to go. Skip the monorail unless you want to ride it for the novelty (and it's not worth it even for that).

You may be able to get last minute deals for shows. We did that for Ka and Bette Midler last year. We went to the Love show last month and got a deal where we bought one and got the second one for 25% or something like that.

We never do buffets so can't help you there.

We are not gamblers but did play video poker at the bars. We were not required to play the maximum bet in order to get free drinks. And we got the player reward cards for the various casino chains and after I returned, I received an offer for 4 nights free at the Venetian after only gambling about $20

 

[ah1126]

When we went for our Honeymoon we stayed at the MGM and loved it! My suggestion would be to pull up a map of the strip with the casinos listed. This helped up decide where to stay. It has been 5 years since we have been there, but there was a CVS very close to MGM where we picked up bottles of water and snacks for the room.

Have a great trip!

 

[rflorek]

Compared to the deals I have been getting, those MGM room prices seem a bit high. Maybe you are going during a peak week with conventions or something. I have recently gotten offers for Mandalay Bay for $39/night and $79/night for Venetian/Palazzo.

I agree - I've been getting similar email deals and I haven't been to Vegas in 3 years.

 

[brymolmom]

LV is my second love...WDW is my first.

I, too, prefer center strip (Flamingo has deals sometimes) but MGM is a very decent place to stay.

I will put in my opinion AGAINST the monorail. It is way too expensive - if there are 2 of you - you can get a cab down the strip (if you're not wearing walking shoes like going out at night) for about the same most of the time. The bus system there is decent and cheap if you want to sight see downtown (Freemont). So I also personally wouldn't do the car.

Bellagio fountains are my absolute favorite thing there! I could watch them for hours!

My best eating budget advice is to AVOID THE BUFFETS (unless you're big eaters and will make all-you-can-eat worth it). I think that many get sucked in with all the yummy food but when you're not hungry enough - it is a waste AND there can be lines to get into the more popular ones. Plan one or two nicer meals and the rest of the time go cheap. Caesar's has a nice food court in it - not cheap by off-strip standards but you can get some pizza or a salad or a loaded baked potato or soup and salad, etc - lots of selections all in one place and can probably get by for about $10 pp if not a bit less if you're not too hungry. THere is a bagel place and Burger King and ice cream place in the back of O'Shea's. IF you end up center strip - at the back area of the Flamingo pool area (actually in the building of the Hilton Grand Vacation Club building back there) there is a great deli - wraps, sandwiches, melts - VERY REASONABLE prices. For a cheap dinner out my friends and I usually head to Margaritaville (if you get a table in the bar area you don't have to put your name on the list so we usually go over to whoever looks like they'll be done soon and ask them to let us know when they're leaving - always have a table within 5 minutes) - the nachos appetizer is HUGE - you can easily split this and one entree between two of you - and if you don't get alcohol - you'll get by on about $10 - $12 pp.

Bring a cooler with you (hard-sided works best I find) and head to Walgreens to grab some bagels, OJ, munchies, beer, wine for your room. This might save a bunch for you! A decent place for groceries and alcohol is right behind Bills Gamblin Hall - the sign basically says 'We have our lease for 21 more years' - a short walk from the strip and can stock up on stuff for the room.

Even though you don't gamble - you can sit in on a 'learn this game' type lesson - those can be fun. I especially recommend roulette - as this is my FAVORITE table game.

 

[mommapea]

We were in a Grand Tower room, which was just their basic room. Very clean and very comfy beds!!!! I'm learning alot from this thread, and trying to figure out how to get Mandalay rates under $50/night.

If you do rent a car, consider heading out to Red Rock Canyon. It is an area just 20 min west of the strip. It usually is $5 per car to get in, but our fee was waived bc/ it looked like it was going to storm. The weather changed within an hour of arriving, and we were able to hike and explore in perfect weather. Very pretty area.

We pretty much hung out on the strip most evenings. We did see two shows. One of the shows we paid less than half price, due to a last minute purchase. This was from the place next to the MGM, by the M&M World. My hubby also bought tix there for us to go to the wax museum. So much fun!!!!

 

[starann]

I went to LV this past Aug and it was my 1st trip! My mom and I stayed at the MGM and thought it was nice, the room we had was nice (there is NO way I would pay what they were asking a night for it, we had gotten a good deal with airfare for Sun..left NYC at 7am, left LV Fri at 11pm, for about $500 a person with tax and hotel transfer bus).

I had gotten the book call American Casino Guide. It is for all Casinos in the US, but had a large section for LV. It had ton of coupons!!!! A lot for b1g1 and so on for shows and meals and even ice cream (none of the big ticket shows). I think it was 19.95 and B&N had it (so if you go you can look at it before buying) We saw a Cirque show (Mystere.....WONDERFUL!) and I joined the Cirque email club before hand and got a promo that was available while we were there so the tickets were discounted, but wonderful! We also saw Terry Fator which was good, but expensive, again you can find 'deals' if you look in advance. Some shows have 1/2 price ticket sales at 1/2 price ticket booths around the strips, but those are usually for shows that day and there is no gaurntee what will be left.

Have fun!

 

[starann]

I agree with KKB that you do not need a car on the strip. You can walk where you want pretty easily.
Word of Warning: The people on the street are not passing out buffet coupons! I repeat, not coupons!

You mean they aren't baseball cards?!?!?!? My hubby enjoyed them when I brought them home for him....like a little kid with a new pack of baseball cards!

 

[jlima]

Our reservation is in the West Wing.

Many moons ago, there was a property on the Strip called The Marina. It was adjacent to a golf course called the Tropicana Country Club. It opened in 1974 or so. Kirk Kerkorian purchased both the Marina and the Tropicana golf course with the intention of building a new MGM Grand.

When the MGM Grand was built, they did not tear down the Marina; they incorporated the building into the site plan of the MGM Grand. What is now marketed as "The West Wing" are the old Marina rooms. (see here: http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/marina.htm) You will be REALLY far from the front desk, and even farther from the parking garage, but not so far from the Strip. Be ready for a lot of walking.

Yes, rent the car if you are going to Hoover Dam. It will also be a huge convenience if you want to go downtown, shopping, site seeing or doing anything off the strip. Parking is free almost everywhere in Vegas; and if you're downtown, it's usually free with a validation.

Cheap dining - Someone mentioned the steak special at Ellis Island. I'll also suggest the coffee shop at the Hard Rock; they have a steak & shrimp dinner that's not on their menu that's $7.77. Look on the cheapo vegas website for more specials like this. A lot of restaurants are going to the "small plates" menu. One that I can recommend is FireFly at the Plaza downtown. It's their second location in town and they are in the "dome" at the Plaza - great view.

Let me know if I can answer any questions.

 

[Kat77]

You mean they aren't baseball cards?!?!?!? My hubby enjoyed them when I brought them home for him....like a little kid with a new pack of baseball cards!

I brought some home to an old friend who thought I was pulling her leg. I am sure she still has the things to show off to our h.s. friends... "Hey, look what Kat brought me back from Vegas..." I'm sure I collected every card on the strip that trip!
I was seriously expecting casino buffet coupons or free spins so it was a shocking discovery indeed.

 

[kamikazecat]

If you are renting a car, might I suggest you look into staying at The Orleans (www.orleanscasino.com) It is right off the strip and is very cheap. The highest rate I have seen is $60 a night and the rooms are some of the largest in Vegas. It has multiple restaurants, a bowling alley, movie theater, and a very nice pool area. I live in Nevada and visit Vegas multiple times a year and we love staying here and are never disappointed. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

 

[MaumeeMom]

I've been to Vegas 10 times, most recently 2 years ago. I love it and there is so much free stuff to do you can really have an inexpensive trip. I've stayed at a few places but stay at the Imperial Palace most often. It is center strip and very clean. The rooms are old but you aren't in your room much. You can get a deal for $25 per night - center strip. I've always found the staff there friendly and (IMO) the machines are looser than some of the other strip casinos.

You will get lots of email offers if you sign up for the players club on-line, however, if you sign up in person you can get coupons and sometimes freebies (like coffee mugs or key chains). So, don't go crazy signing up for the clubs on-line prior to your trip - only pre-register at the casino in which you plan to stay.

I also use the public transportation when in Vegas. The monorail was great when we stayed at the Hilton but it can be expensive. The Duece was fun and an inexpensive way to get to Fremont Street. I'd try for a one day car rental if you want to go exploring, otherwise you don't really need one.

You've gotten lots of great advice here already - just keep googling Vegas coupons and see what pops up.

Good luck & have a great trip.

 

[KKB]

Cheap dining - Someone mentioned the steak special at Ellis Island. I'll also suggest the coffee shop at the Hard Rock; they have a steak & shrimp dinner that's not on their menu that's $7.77. Look on the cheapo vegas website for more specials like this. A lot of restaurants are going to the "small plates" menu. One that I can recommend is FireFly at the Plaza downtown. It's their second location in town and they are in the "dome" at the Plaza - great view.

Let me know if I can answer any questions.

Recently people have gotten the special at HR and said the quality isn't what it was even a few months ago.

If you take the deuce, be prepared to be PATIENT. Took us 45 min. to get from N strip to MGM...I could have walked it that fast.

 

[mommapea]

If you are renting a car, might I suggest you look into staying at The Orleans (www.orleanscasino.com) It is right off the strip and is very cheap. The highest rate I have seen is $60 a night and the rooms are some of the largest in Vegas. It has multiple restaurants, a bowling alley, movie theater, and a very nice pool area. I live in Nevada and visit Vegas multiple times a year and we love staying here and are never disappointed. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

When we return to Vegas from the Grand Canyon, we were going to stay at the Golden Nugget. I checked out this place, though...and I have changed my mind. I think we're going to spend our last 2 days here. Without codes, on their website, we can stay for $35/night. Not bad. Gets good reviews on trip advisor, too. Thanks for the tip

 

[MaumeeMom]

I just thought of another thing that we have done to save money but still try new places...

Restaurant.com

I've ordered certificates from them when they are 80% off so we can eat cheaply. The restaurants change so keep looking. Right now there are places in Mandalay Bay and the Venetian - just be sure to check that the location is on the strip or close to it (if you have a car). Right now, I'd try Stripburger.

Have a great trip.

 

[umaangel00]

I recently got an email from Planet Hollywood for 65 as night and a free bottle of alcohol each night you stay. Stayed there September and loved it!

 

[lila]

I rented a car for just a day to go out to the dam (which I enjoyed a lot). Make sure you know how much your hotel may charge for parking - that could dictate whether you want a car at your disposal for a week, or just a day or 2.

 

[4Seasons]

Last December when we were in Vegas, we saw the "V" variety show in Planet Hollywood. It was pretty inexpensive (less than $30/pp if I remember correctly) and even though it's not a huge show like some of the others it was pretty fun.
Also if you go into Imperial Palace and sign up for the players card, sometimes they will give you free admission to the car museum located on the 5th floor (they gave us 4 tickets). All we had to do is ask.
Check Restaurant.com for coupons. Most are not on the strip but a few are.
We went to an out of the way Mexican restaurant about 2 blocks off the strip and had a great meal for really cheap.
I would definately rent a car for at least a day or so, especially if you are wanting to go to Hoover Dam. We actually liked Red Rock Canyon better.
You can also go to Bonnie Springs ranch while out that way. The desert landscapes just amazes me, so different than back here in the east!
We found that although driving the strip can be frustrating because of the heavy traffic, if you use Paradise Road, which runs parallel to the strip, you can get around fairly easily. It opens up alot more options for fun when you have a car and we find navigating the area pretty simple.
Oh, and FYI, none of the hotels charge for parking.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I rented a car for just a day to go out to the dam (which I enjoyed a lot). Make sure you know how much your hotel may charge for parking - that could dictate whether you want a car at your disposal for a week, or just a day or 2.

Most hotels don't charge for parking; to the best of my knowledge, none on the Strip do. Some downtown hotels might, but I know with 100% certainty that Main Street Station does not. Even valet parking is generally free; just tip when the car is delivered.

When we return to Vegas from the Grand Canyon, we were going to stay at the Golden Nugget. I checked out this place, though...and I have changed my mind. I think we're going to spend our last 2 days here. Without codes, on their website, we can stay for $35/night. Not bad. Gets good reviews on trip advisor, too. Thanks for the tip

Another vote for the Orleans (only not mentioned before because, generally, first-time visitors tend to stay on the Strip). It's really best to have a car here, but they do provide a shuttle to the Gold Coast and one to the side of Bill's Gambling Hall - just off the center Strip on Flamingo, across from Bally's entrance.

Also if you go into Imperial Palace and sign up for the players card, sometimes they will give you free admission to the car museum located on the 5th floor (they gave us 4 tickets). All we had to do is ask.

Also free with your AAA membership card (if applicable). In fact, ask everywhere.

Tip from my brother : always ask about discounts. Always. I'd wanted to see Penn & Teller for years, but my trip always coincided with their vacation . Finally, a couple of years ago, the show was going to start up again while I was in Las Vegas. I called for tickets, then, remembering the advice, asked. First the woman said "no discounts". Then she said, "Well, wait. If you donate blood at [the local blood bank], you get two free tickets"!. Well, that's all it took . I found out from the Bell Desk where the nearest location was, and off I drove. Turns out they couldn't take my blood - but gave me the vouchers anyway, because I tried.

ALWAYS ask about discounts

 

[jlima]

Tip from my brother : always ask about discounts. Always. I'd wanted to see Penn & Teller for years, but my trip always coincided with their vacation . Finally, a couple of years ago, the show was going to start up again while I was in Las Vegas. I called for tickets, then, remembering the advice, asked. First the woman said "no discounts". Then she said, "Well, wait. If you donate blood at [the local blood bank], you get two free tickets"!. Well, that's all it took . I found out from the Bell Desk where the nearest location was, and off I drove. Turns out they couldn't take my blood - but gave me the vouchers anyway, because I tried.

I just donated last Saturday, and got the voucher for 2 free Penn & Teller tix. The best thing is that they don't expire until December 2010!!! Woot!

 

[KKB]

Several of you mention better deals that you have seen...but deals can vary greatly from week to week depending on events going on in Vegas; additionally the more you play the better deals you are offered.
Looking at the week OP mentioned, her rates beat both what expedia and the MGM site are listing. Flamingo listed comparable rates to OPs on expedia, and I would never recommend Flamingo over MGM for the same price, even tho I am a big fan of center strip. MGM is a far better property. (I won't recommend Flamingo to anyone--we stayed there in July. ick) Ballys is running 5/nt more avg...a much better location, IMO, but MGM is a better property.