Las Vegas on the Cheap – Cheap Hotels

In these days of credit crunch and high gas prices I thought I would write a few posts showing how to save money in Las Vegas and still have a great trip and am kicking it off withover 40 trips to Vegas some on a large budget and some on very small budgets a post on Cheap hotels.

I have stayed at almost every property from Bellagio, Wynn and Encore to Excalibur, Circus Circus and Sahara. I have eaten at places on every level of the spectrum from Eiffel at Paris LV and Mix at Mandalay Bay to Peppermill and the Circus Circus buffet. I have had best seats at Cirque Shows and front row seats to Vegas “A list” headliners I also been to shows where tickets cost $5. Whilst I would not say that my most enjoyable ones have been the ones where I have been on the tightest budget I have still had great trips without, spending  very much money. I have discovered that the cheapest options do not always save the most money, in this post I hope to give you some pointers from my experience on how to get the most out of a trip to Las Vegas when on a budget. You can make huge savings  on how you book and when you come there is a post all ready on this here.
 

Your room will take up some of your budget but not as much as you think, in Las Vegas there are rooms that will suit every pocket and in most cases you generally get what you pay for. Now the cheapest rooms on the Strip can  be found at Rivera, Circus Circus , Sahara and Stratosphere. The problem that you have with all of these resorts is that the location will mean that you will end up spending money on transportation to get to the parts of the strip that you want to be at, even if you buy monorail or Deuce bus passes the cost of these can be as much as the difference between staying in one of these hotels and staying at a better hotel in a better location.

Excalibur, Tropicana, Bills, and Imperial Palace are the cheap options with good locations Luxor is also worth a mention as some of the offers  that  they have make bring the prices on a par  with these. I have stayed at all of these hotels and unless there is a great offer on at Luxor Excalibur is my budget choice. The rooms are large  and the hotel is clean, not too smoky and it has a great location., with good staff, good cheap eats and also they have some of the best offers around offering not only rates as low as $25 per night but also often include food or entertainment credits. I once stayed at Excalibur on a $40 a night rate for 2 nights this included 2 free buffets, 2 free spa passes, 2 free drinks and some 2 4 1 coupons the value of this  was about $120, more than I paid  for  total for my stay. Wherever you stay if you get any extras included make sure you use them millions of dollars worth of these coupons are thrown away each year.

If you get a very good rate at an expensive hotel you will spend more money than you would if you stay at a cheaper hotel, as everything is more expensive, coffee, breakfast, water or soda in the shop and of course meals and drinks at the bar. Even if you try not to spend money you will spend more if you stay in an expensive resort than if you stay in a cheaper one.

You can of course stay in a cheaper hotel Downtown (Fremont Street) or off Strip, whilst I will on a longer trip have a  couple of nights downtown its not where you want to stay for your Vegas vacation. I have stayed off Strip once and would not do it again as it just does not fell like you are in Vegas and the transportation to where you want to be is inconvenient and can be costly.

To find out how to ensure that you get the cheapest possible rate read the post here

Las Vegas Best Secrets for Summer 2009

Darin Feth is a long term Las Vegas resident and president and CEO of the Award Winning Nite Tours International the world’s largest Club Crawl Company above all of this he is my friend. I asked Darin to give me some of the insiders tips and recommendations as to how to enhance the Vegas experience and this is what he has said.

NightLife, Night Clubs I like are Prive, The Bank, PURE, LAX, XS and Lavo. Best Come Back club I would have to say Studio 54 at MGM Grand great music. Best Bottle Service price is PURE Night club at Caesars or ROK at New York New York Hotel. Best Ultra Lounge Tabu, Caramel, Mist or Blush All GREAT!

Cool places the Mob hung out. Everyone wants to know where the Vegas Mob hung out. So, hit up Capozzoli’s Italian Restaurant, Piero’s Restaurant or the Peppermill. You can still feel the mob atmosphere Dining Experiences.

For class and a view I would pick Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel, or the MIX at The HOTEL Mandalay Bay. Buffet my choice is Bellagio and for Steak Nin9e Steak House in the Palms and Brunch at Simons at the Palms pool.

Pool Parties. This is a toss-up as I love to go topless (if you know what I mean), Bare Pool at Mirage, Wet Republic at MGM or Nite Tours pool bash once a month at Morea Pool

Online Show Tickets. Go to “Vegas on Demand” purchase tickets for all shows, your tickets can go to your cell phone! Or ½ off tickets is great for left over seats that have not sold the day of the show.

Shows I Like. My buddy Louie Anderson at Excalibur, La Reve at Wynn, Phantom of the Opera at Venetian, (my neighbor) Steve Wyrick Magic Planet Hollywood, Penn & Teller.

Best Limousine service. Nite Tours 33 passenger nightclub on wheels or Nite Tours 16 passenger high-end Mercedes limo or Celebrity Coaches, Lou at Earth Buses or Peter Lee at Las Vegas Limousine.

Best hangover cure. Drink LOTS of Water, Gatorade, Rockstar, eat ginger, or just start drinking again! You can always find a drink 24/7 in

Vegas Free Shows on the Strip. Bellagio water show with music, the new Volcano at Mirage, Pirate show at TI, watching the drunks walk the strip is always good entertainment or the Bible thumpers yelling out “You are a Sinner”.

Best deals I have found on hotel rooms., Monte Carlo $49, Mandalay Bayall inclusive deal $99, , Luxor form $50, MGM Grand I like going to “Vegas Uncovered” for the best hotel deals.

Cool place to spend the day.Besides pool parties you should see Red Rock Canyon for hiking or the Grand Canyon. Rent a Ferrari or Lamborghini had and go for a ride!

Great Discounts for Las Vegas Shows In cluding La Reve at Wynn

Goldstar offer great discounts for shows in Las Vegas there are always more dates than first shown and the beauty is that you know what you are paying and can book your tickets before you leave home.  On my last trip we saw Meserised and Steve Wyrick real Magic, I would see Steve Wyrick every trip but would not see mesmerised again even if it was free (and it was via goldstar last time)

Sin City Comedy with Burlesque Group Sin City Dollz and the Country’s Top Comics
V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops (Las Vegas, NV)
Tuesday, Jun. 2 @ 9:00pm
Wednesday, Jun. 3 @ 9:00pm
and 60 more dates.

Full Price: $60.00    Our Price: FREE – $30.00
Rating:

Beautiful girls and famous comedians take the stage when this hilarious show combines sexy burlesque with world-class stand up comedy in a choreographed production of music and fun. Hot ladies of the Sin City Dollz perform seductive dance numbers and two headliner comics keep audiences rolling in the aisles. Learn More

Acrobatic Spectacular Le Rêve at Wynn Las Vegas
Le Reve Theater (Las Vegas, NV)
Thursday, Jun. 4 @ 7:00pm
Thursday, Jun. 4 @ 9:30pm
and 82 more dates.

Full Price: $141.90    Our Price: $82.50
Rating:

Le Rêve (The Dream) offers breathtaking performances in an intimate aqua theater in-the-round. This stunning show was created by Franco Dragone, whose signature brand of visually stunning and innovative entertainment is at the core of the production. Learn More

Steve Wyrick Real Magic: International Magician of the Year in Vegas
Steve Wyrick Theatre (Las Vegas, NV)
Tuesday, Jun. 2 @ 9:00pm
Wednesday, Jun. 3 @ 9:00pm
and 49 more dates.

Full Price: $92.00    Our Price: $50.00
Rating:

Steve Wyrick Real Magic is a Vegas-style magic spectacular, featuring beautiful sets, talented dancers and International Magician of the Year Steve Wyrick performing spectacular large-scale illusions and remarkable close-up magic. Wyrick has recently been seen on The Late Show with David Letterman, VH1, and more. Learn More

Penn & Teller: Famous Magic/Comedy Duo at the Rio
Penn & Teller Theater at The Rio (Las Vegas, NV)
Tuesday, Jun. 2 @ 9:00pm
Wednesday, Jun. 3 @ 9:00pm
and 58 more dates.

Full Price: $85.00    Our Price: $52.80
Rating:

The Rio presents the famous duo of Penn and Teller. Known as the “Bad Boys of Magic”, their irreverent, edgy, and hilarious performances have earned them countless TV appearances, as well as their own show on Showtime. Learn More

Blue Man Group: Las Vegas’ Mega-Hit Show at The Venetian
Blue Man Theatre (Las Vegas, NV)
Tuesday, Jun. 2 @ 7:00pm
Tuesday, Jun. 2 @ 10:00pm
and 42 more dates.

Full Price: $101.85 – $142.00    Our Price: $65.11 – $89.20
Rating:

One of the biggest theatrical hits of the last two decades, Blue Man Group presents their unique and wildly imaginative stage show at The Venetian. Audiences worldwide have experienced and loved their exuberant, blissful combination of hilarious performances, fabulous visual effects, and Grammy-nominated music. Learn More

Discount Codes for MGM Grand, Excalibur, Luxor etc.. Las Vegas

Well Summer is well on the way and Vegas is hotting up. It seems that Las Vegas is seeing things picking up with several hotels hitting over 90% occupancy in the week in May and over 70% midweek as occupancy increases less offers will be issued and rates will start to go up, so it’s more important than ever that if you see a rate that you like book it. Every offer listed on this page is direct with the hotel and unless stated clearly on the booking page that the offer is non refundable you can cancel or change your booking if a better offer comes along later. Luxor has offered an all inclusive rate including all food, show tickets and spa passes and Mandalay Bay’s all inclusive offering includes unlimited free dining and unlimited beer, wine and well drinks – both of these offers  ensure great value and make it easy to budget. Hope this helps somone out.
MGM Grand Summer Splash from $69
* $35 Dining credit
* 2 for 1 Grand Spa passes
* 2 complimentary MGM Grand poolside cocktails
* $25 Free slot play
Promotion Runs April 17, 2009 – October 10, 2009
Offer Expires October 10, 2009

 
MGM Grand NFR Exclusive! from $70
Eat all day pass for 2 at MGM Grand Buffet
2 Free cocktails at any of the 4 main bars
Complimentary NFR program
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – December, 28 2010
Offer Expires December 28, 2010

MGM Grand Maximum Escape from $74
·$35 Activity Credit (per stay)
·2 Line passes to Studio 54 or Tabu
·25% off Spa Services
Promotion Runs April 11, 2009 – May 30, 2010
Offer Expires December 30, 2010

Mandalay bay All Inclusive Package from $99
The Everything under the Sun Package
Rates from $99 plus tax, per person, per night** (minimum double occupancy)
Unlimited drinks at the beach (domestic beer, wine and well)
Unlimited free dining
Promotion Runs June 16, 2009 – July 30, 2009
Offer Expires July 30, 2009

Mandalay Bay Summer Escape $99
Fly Back Free Certificate ($350 value)
$100 Cabana Credit**
$25 Sand Dollars (credit to be used at the beach)
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – September 10, 2009
Offer Expires September 10, 2009

 Mandalay Bay Summer Golf Weekend
Accomodations in a newly remodeled 550DR Deluxe Room
One weekend round of golf at Bali Hai Golf Club**
$25 Callaway X-20 rental clubs (optional)
Complimentary range access
Forecaddie (gratuity not included)
Cart rental included
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – August 30, 2009
Offer Expires August 31, 2009

Mandalay Bay Summer Golf Weekday
Accomodations in a newly remodeled 550DR Deluxe Room
One weekend round of golf at Bali Hai Golf Club**
$25 Callaway X-20 rental clubs (optional)
Complimentary range access
Forecaddie (gratuity not included)
Cart rental included
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – August 30, 2009
Offer Expires August 31, 2009

Mirage Bonus Offer from $85
Enjoy a $50 Cravings Buffet Credit during your stay.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires April 30, 2010

Mirage Website Offer from $77
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy discounted rates on our newly remodeled rooms.
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – April 30, 2010
Offer Expires April 30, 2010

Luxor COLLEGE SUMMER OFFER from $50
Start the fun early and enjoy this spring and summer at Luxor!
$50 OFF Cabana Rental*
VIP Passes to LAX and Cathouse*
Two Minimum night stay required*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 3, 2009
Offer Expires September 3, 2009

Luxor Luxury Getaway from $65
One $30.00 Food Dining Credit for Tender Steak and Seafood Restaurant*
One $20.00 Spa Credit for Nurture Spa services*
One 2 for 1 admission to Nurture Spa at Luxor*
$10.00 in Free Slot Play for New Player Club Members.*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 26, 2010

Luxor All Inclusive Package $210 including weekends !!!!
All You Can Eat, All Day, Every Day at MORE, the Buffet*
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Champagne Brunch included)
Two tickets to CRISS ANGEL Believe™
Two tickets to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition*
Two tickets to Bodies…The Exhibition*
Two Nurture Spa Day Passes*
Two VIP admissions to LAX (Wednesday through Saturday evenings)*
Two VIP admissions to CatHouse (Club closed on Tuesday evenings)*
Room check-in at VIP Lounge
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 31, 2009
Offer Expires December 26, 2009

Luxor Expect the Unexpected from $50
One $25.00 Food and Beverage Credit – valid for Pyramid Café,
MORE the Buffet at Luxor or Tender Steak and Seafood (based on availability)*
One $10.00 Beverage Credit – valid for use in Aurora, Flight, Liquidity or the Playbar*
One $25.00 Nurture Spa Credit towards any spa treatment*
$10.00 in Free Slot Play (for first time Players Club members only)*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 25, 2010

Luxor Buy 2, Get 1 Free from $55
Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free on select dates in November, and December.
Promotion Runs November 22, 2009 – December 28, 2009
Offer Expires December 27, 2009

Luxor Golf Getaway from $50
On select dates enjoy the links and treat yourself to:
• Free Rental of Callaway Golf Clubs* ($50.00-$75.00 value)
• $25.00 off golf rack rate at the following golf courses:
Desert Pines and Royal Links*
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Offer Expires February 28, 2010

Monte Carlo JUMPSTART JUNE from $50
Reserve a Deluxe room or a High Floor Deluxe room you will receive a $25 Food and Beverage Credit .
Reserve a Strip View Deluxe room you will receive a $50 Food and Beverage credit.
This offer is available for a limited time only, so book your reservations today.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – July 2, 2009
Offer Expires June 30, 2009

Monte carlo VEGAS SUMMER ESCAPE from $55
2-for-1 Buffet at Monte Carlo
2-for-1 Il Fornaio Breakfast at NYNY
2-for-1 Drinks at BRAND Steakhouse inside Monte Carlo
2-for-1 ROK Vegas™ Nightclub Admission at NYNY
2-for-1 Roller Coaster passes at NYNY
2-for-1 Spa admission at Monte Carlo
2-for-1 Lance Burton tickets at Monte Carlo
35% off Zumanity™ tickets at NYNY
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 13, 2009
Offer Expires September 13, 2009

MC Locals Only Promo $55.95
You must present a valid Nevada I.D. at check-in to receive this promotion.
REVEL in the excitement of our casino.
INDULGE in dining that redefines taste.
DARE to experience it all at the center of The Strip.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 28, 2009
Offer Expires December 28, 2009

Monte Carlo – Flight and Hotel deals
For Your Convenience, Book Flight and Hotel Together
Conveniently book flight and hotel packages on one reservation
and enhance your stay with show tickets, activities,
round-trip airport/hotel transfers, a rental car or more.

NYNY Summer Escape from $55
Vegas Summer Escape. Two Hot Spots. One Cool Party.
2 for 1 Buffet at Monte Carlo
2 for 1 Breakfast at Il Fornaio at New York New York
2 for 1 Drinks at BRAND Steakhouse at Monte Carlo
2 for 1 ROK Admissions at New York New York
2 for 1 Roller Coaster at New York New York
35% off Zumanity tickets
2 for 1 Spa Admission at Monte Carlo
2 for 1 Lance Burton Tickets at Monte Carlo
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 13, 2009
Offer Expires September 13, 2009

NYNY $100 CITY PASS from $60 per night
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
$25 Retail Credit
2 for 1 Complimentary Il Fornaio Breakfast
2 for 1 Complimentary Spa Admission
2 for 1 Complimentary Roller Coaster
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – August 31, 2009
Offer Expires December 29, 2009

NYNY COUPLES PACKAGE From $60
Las Vegas Evening Tour for 2 for only $61.95 ($120 value)
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
$25 Retail Credit
2 for 1 Complimentary Il Fornaio Breakfast
2 for 1 Complimentary Spa Admission
2 for 1 Complimentary Roller Coaster
Food: Includes a light snack
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 29, 2009
Offer Expires December 29, 2009

NYNY SPA SUITE SPECIAL from $110
Upgrade from Skyline to a Spa Suite for only $50 additional per night.
Upgrade from Park Avenue to a Spa Suite for only $40 additional per night.
Upgrade from a Broadway to a Spa Suite for only $30 additional per night.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – July 22, 2009
Offer Expires July 31, 2009

NYNY PLAYCATION from $60
Park Avenue Strip View Upgrade
2 Complimentary Welcome Cocktails
$25 Retail Credit
2-for-1 Il Fornaio Breakfast
2-for-1 Spa Admission
2-for-1 Roller Coaster
Complimentary ROK Admission
$10 FREEPLAY®
Discount offers from Town Square
2 $10 Game Card Vouchers to ESPNZone
Royal Links Golf Club Offers.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – December 27, 2009
Offer Expires December 30, 2009

EXCalibur OUR BEST RATES! from $36
Book our best rates and you will receive:
TWO-FOR-ONE TICKETS TO THE TOURNAMENT OF KINGS DINNER SHOW.
20% OFF OF ANY SPA TREATMENT
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – December 28, 2009
Offer Expires December 28, 2009

Excalibur Stay and Play from $40
Offer includes:
$25 DINING CREDIT
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Offer Expires March 31, 2010

Excalibur Bachelorette Party!from $81
$50 BEVERAGE CREDIT
2-For-1 TICKETS TO THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER (EXCLUDES VIP TICKETS)
VIP ADMISSION TO LAX NIGHTCLUB AT LUXOR
$50 IN PARTY PIT GAMING CHIPS FOR $40
10% DISCOUNT ON FULL-DAY CABANA RENTAL MON – FRI.
A FREE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER POSTER
EXTRA PERSONS IN THE SAME ROOM STAY FOR FREE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF FOUR
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Offer Expires March 31, 2010

Excalibur Bachelor Party! from $81
$50 BEVERAGE CREDIT
$10 OF TICKETS TO FANTASY AT LUXOR
VIP ADMISSION TO LAX NIGHTCLUB AT LUXOR
$50 IN PARTY PIT GAMING CHIPS FOR $40
10% DISCOUNT OF FULL-DAY CABANA RENTAL MON – FRI.
EXTRA GUESTS IN THE ROOM STAY FOR FREE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF FOUR**
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Offer Expires March 31, 2010

Excalibur Family Package! from $54
2-FOR-1 tickets for Tournament of Kings dinner show
2-FOR-1 tickets to Adventuredome at Circus-Circus
2-FOR-1 tickets to our Magic Motion $-D movie ride
10 Free Play passes at the Fantasy Faire midway
20% Off on Bodies, the Exhibition at Luxor
20% off Titanic, the Exhibition at Luxor
Buy one, get the second admission for 50% to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
Additional guests in the same room stay free up to a maximum of four. **
Promotion Runs June 13, 2009 – March 31, 2010
Offer Expires March 31, 2010

MGM Signature Romance Package
Suites from $149.
half dozen chocolate covered strawberries
a bottle of champagne
omantic rose petal turn down service.
Promotion Runs February 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009
Offer Expires December 31, 2009

MGM Signature Spring Fling 2009
Suites from $129. Package
$50 credit at Walter’s Golf
$50 resort credit toward dining, entertainment, the spa or nightlife.
Promotion Runs June 16, 2009 – June 30, 2009
Offer Expires June 29, 2009

MGM Signature Stay 3 nights! from $129
Stay 3 nights at the Signature and receive $75 resort credit!
Promotion Runs February 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009
Offer Expires December 31, 2009

MGM Signature Stay 5 nights!
Stay 5 nights at the Signature and receive $150 resort credit!
Promotion Runs February 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009
Offer Expires December 31, 2009

MGM Signature Stay 7 nights!
Stay 7 nights at the Signature and receive $300 resort credit!
Promotion Runs February 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009
Offer Expires December 31, 2009

MGM Skylofts Exclusive
Daily Continental In Room Breakfast for 2
Daily complimentary gym access for 2
$100 Spa Credit per stay
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 30, 2009
Offer Expires September 30, 2009

Circus Circus  FAMILY FUN PACKAGE from $42
Book today and receive over $150 in savings
Adventuredome at Circus Circus buy 1 All Day Ride Pass get 1 free (up to 2 free passes) $49.90 value
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay buy 1 get 1 50% off (up to 4 discount passes) $16.96 value
The Roller Coaster at New York New York buy 1 ride get 2nd ride free (up to 1 free ride) $28 value
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at Mirage buy 1 get 1 free (up to 2 free passes) $30 value
Tournament of Kings at Excalibur buy 1 get 1 free (up to 2 free tickets)
Bodies at Luxor 20% off (up to 4 tickets) $24.80
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor 20% off (up to 4 tickets) $$21.60
Book early, this offer is sure to sell out fast.
Quantities are limited.
Promotion Runs June 14, 2009 – September 10, 2009
Offer Expires September 9, 2009

Circus Circus BIGGER BIG TOP PROMO from $27
SKYRISE & CASINO TOWER SPECIAL
Receive up to 15% off our already discounted room rates.
This offer is valid in our Casino and Skyrise Tower buildings.
West Tower and weekend rates are slightly higher if available.
Promotion Runs June 15, 2009 – September 6, 2009
Offer Expires September 6, 2009

 

Britsih Airways to start direct London – Las Vegas service

It seems that Virgin Atlantic is soon to lose its exclusive direct route from the the UK to Las Vegas which it has been enjoying since BMI stopped its direct flights from Manchester in April and since MaxJet went under Xmas 2007.British Airways are about to annouce that they to will be flying daily from London to Las VegasI have to be honest my preferred route is LHR to LAS with United Airlines via either SFO or LAX but lets hope that this competition can do something to shrink the fares and offer us even better value, to match the best value Las Vegas hotel rooms that can be found here.

Officials for the carrier are scheduled to announce a new direct daily service between McCarran International Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport, the busiest international airport in the world. The service, scheduled to begin in October, has been in the works for years and the decision by British Airways to proceed despite the global recession is a major vote of confidence in the future of Las Vegas, which has been hit particularly hard by the economic downturn.

The plan is for daily service to begin Oct. 25, with a flight arriving in Las Vegas at 5:10 p.m. The return trip to London will depart at 7 p.m., Lampl said. The airline will use a Boeing 777 configured with 274 seats, 24 of which will be “world traveler plus,” 36 business-class with seats that recline fully to 180 degrees and 214 economy class. Lampl said the company identified 35 major cities, including Rome; Prague, Czech Republic; Stockholm, Sweden; and Paris, from which travelers could connect to Las Vegas with less than two hours waiting at Heathrow.

If British Airways flies the route at 72 percent load factor, the average load factor for the airline in the most recent reporting period, it would mean about 12,000 arrivals and departures at McCarran a month. The number could be higher if British Airways matches the 92 percent load factor Virgin Atlantic achieves on its route from a smaller airport with less connection potential. Great Britain is the No. 3 provider of foreign tourists to Las Vegas behind Canada and Mexico, according to the LVCVA.

Source http://www.lasvegassun.com

Heavily disounted Las Vegas hotel rooms

How to get the best room rate in Las Vegas

No one likes to pay over the odds and I never pay more for I have to for anything and this includes my room in Vegas. Sure you sometimes I have to pay more for a room that others but it is still important for me to make sure that I still pay the lowest rate possible.

There are two ways to reduce the amount that you pay, “when you stay” and “how you book” to get the very best rate you need to combine the two. Whilst it is not always possible to have control over when you go it is still possible to make huge savings by being smart how you book.

When you stay
We all know that the time of year can change the cost of your room wherever you stay but in Las Vegas this is magnified a room one night can cost $50 and the next night $350 this was the case for us at MGM Grand in September 2007. I do not know of anywhere else in the World where rates can change as much as the do in Las Vegas.

Friday and Saturday nights in Las Vegas are the most expensive of the week, in some cases a Friday or Saturday night can cost the same as the rest if the week combined. If you can avoid staying over the weekend do so, this could mean getting out of town for a weekend (we often go to the Grand canyon for a night) or get a cheaper hotel for the weekend we have stayed downtown and off strip just for the weekend.

Check what is on, although there are over 100,000 rooms in Vegas on a busy conference week they can fill up and this affects the price hugely, check what conferences, events and concerts are on when you plan to visit, if you don’t want to se what is on then it is bet to reschedule if you can.

Holidays, Las Vegas if a holiday town and this is when it is at its busiest as a result this is when room rates really go through the roof so if you can avoid being in Vegas over a holiday you will save money.

Time of year, the two weeks before Xmas are the slowest and cheapest of the year and New Years Eve the most expensive night of the year. In July and August rates drop because of the heat, May June and October can be expensive as this is when the weather is good but not the crazy heat that you have in July and August.

How to book
You can not only save a load of money by the way in which you book you can also get extras free food, drinks, entertainment and even return airfares or free nights.

Book direct with the hotel this is probably the most important thing to do, if you book direct you are usually guaranteed to get the best price, by booking direct unless you book a non refundable rate (this will be clear when you book) if the rate drops after you have booked you contact the hotel and they will drop your rate to match this, of course if the rate goes up you will still only pay the rate that you have booked at. We once paid $45 per room per night for Luxor the same room was being advertised at £110 ($150) per night in a brochure.  By booking direct you only pay the first night as a deposit and this is fully refundable if you cancel or change your booking up to 72 hours before check in.

Use a code to book but check that the link takes you directly to the hotels website, these not only give you great rates but loads of extras see here for the best codes online. Look here for some of the best rates available  http://www.vegasuncovered.com/pages/special_offers.htm

If you see a deal you like and a rate you are happy with book it straight away as rates change regularly and good deals are often pulled with no notice, as long as you don’t book a non refundable deal you can always cancel later on if something better comes along.  Don’t assume that the rate you see this morning will still be there tomorrow or even later today !!

Use the discounts that still allow you book directly with the hotel, if you see a deal that asks you to pay the entire stay up front 9 times out of 10 it is not directly with the hotel (only exclusion  is a non refundable offer) and therefore you don’t get the advantages of booking direct . There are only so many rooms available on each deal and when that number has been hit the deal will be pulled so book when you see a rate you are happy with.

Keep checking the hotel’s website to see if the rate drops if it does get in touch with the
Hotel and get them to drop your rate.

Book early, Unlike most other places you may visit booking late is not the way to get a good deal booking as early as possible is key, as I have explained you can always cancel if your plans change or you see a better deal later or get the hotel to drop your rate.

As long as you have booked direct then you should be able to have any comps deducted off of your room stay. Its easier to get somemoney back this way than you may think, you generically will not get much if anything off for low denomination slot play but table games and poker just ask to be rated. Last time I was at MGM Grand 4 hours of poker on the $1/2 table got me $40 off of my room bill. You need to go to the players club booth say the night before checkout and ask what you are entitled to and they will adjust your bill there and then. One tip if you plan to use some comp against your room its far better if they see action off of you each day, make sure something happens on your card even if you stick it in a slot and just play $10 this will work for you getting comps. If you have not booked direct no Casino can comp any of your room charges. If you book direct also try the $20 trick !!

Hatton knocked out in the 2nd round MGM Grand Las Vegas

Poor old Ricky Hatton I have to say against hope and in my heart fo hearts I did think that Pacquiao would win the fight but not in 2 rounds, I would have I been able to bet against Ricky I would have gone for points win to Pacquiao.  I am thinking how much has Hatton been affected by having a new trainer for the first time ever and maybe trying to learn new things and change the way that he has been fighting for the last 30 years this must have an affect.

I have a feeling that this will not be the last fight for Ricky I would in fact bet that he will have at least one more fight and that it will be in the UK, I would go as far to bet that he will fight Oscar DeLaHoya before he permenantly hangs up his gloves.

I did not feel that I could right a fair or objective report on this fight so I have used the report written by Andrew Walker at East side boxing.

Tonight at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Manny Pacquiao Bukidnon, Philippines 49 (37) – 3 (2) – 2 totally outclassed and destroyed Ricky Hatton Manchester, England 45 (32) – 2 (2) – 0 inside two rounds in their Ring magazine and IBO world light welterweight title clash. Ricky Hatton looked noticeably nervous as he entered the ring which was in stark contrast to Manny Pacquiao who looked cool and calm, even smiling as he made his way to the ring. As the fight got underway Ricky Hatton was never in it from the opening bell and spent the whole two rounds being comprehensively beaten by the pound for pound number one Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton was down twice in the opening round and just hung on to survive to make round two. The second round brought more of the same with Hatton still lunging in and being out speeded, out manoeuvred and more crucially out gunned by the allegedly smaller Pacquiao. In the very last second of the second round Pacquiao caught Hatton with a peach of a left hook and knocked the Hitman out cold leaving those watching stunned. The fight was waved off by the referee Kenny Bayless and surely after such a one sided beating there is no way back for Hatton at this level if at all? Hatton eventually came round and left the ring on his own two feet but gave no interviews as he made his way back to his dressing room.

The future still looks bright for Manny Pacquiao inside the ring with a potential clash with returning former pound for pound champion Floyd Mayweather Jnr who announced his comeback fight today against Juan Manuel Marquez taking place on July 18th. Surely now the biggest fight in the world of boxing has to be Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jnr which as long as neither fighter loses beforehand, could take place towards the end of this year. As for Ricky Hatton surely retirement now beckons after a successful career that has earned him fame and fortune alongside a loyal following. Always a gentleman outside the ring and an entertainer in it, the time is right now for Ricky Hatton to hang up the gloves and concentrate on his promotional business.

No one likes to see a fighter of Ricky Hatton’s calibre destroyed as easily as he was tonight by Manny Pacquiao but I just don’t see a way back for Ricky Hatton inside the ring now after such a crushing defeat. Hopefully he will not let his pride get in the way of making a sensible decision. It would be sad to see the much loved Mancunian fighter have one last fight at a lower level in the hope of going out on a win. He has had a great career and was only ever beaten by the two greatest fighters of the modern era in Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao. Like Oscar De La Hoya has in the United States, Ricky Hatton could well transform himself into a successful promoter back in his native England.

Ralph Lauren factory store Las Vegas 20% discount

 

Spend over $150 and you will get an additional 20% off your final bill at Ralph Lauren Factory stores this includes the store at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. I stock up on al of my clothes when I am in the States as its far cheaper than in the UK RL Oxford shirts in the UK are around £60 ($90) in the factory stores they are around $30 before any special promotions. As well as Ralph Lauren there are manyother great shops at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets including Calvin Kline, Timberland, Nautica, Kenneth Cole, DKNY, Armani Exchange, COACH, Nike, Addidas and Hilfiger to name but a few. I have found the Las Vegas factory stores to be the cheapest in US and with this additional discount even more money can be saved.  To get the discount either click here or click on the Ralph Banner at the top of the page. If you want to increase our value by booking the cheapest hotel deals in Vegas click here

Downtown Vegas to Groove like 1969

Forty years after the Woodstock music festival, downtown Las Vegas is looking for people who want to relive the groovy days of 1969.

The Fremont Street Experience is paying tribute to 1969 all summer with free rock concerts, plenty of tie-dye T-shirts and peace symbols to trigger memories of a year many people say resonates with them to this day.

The bands expected were heavy hitters in the day — Blood, Sweat and Tears, Three Dog Night, the 5th Dimension, Rare Earth, the Grass Roots and Canned Heat.

Organizers have hired John Van Hamersveld — an artist recognizable for his movie artwork for “The Endless Summer” in 1966 and for the cover of the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” album in 1967 — to paint two buses, one to be used as a stage.

Special video shows planned for a giant screen hanging over the street include a rolling-credits style memorial for the 58,000 Americans killed or missing in action from the Vietnam War.

The comprehensive promotion gives tourists an excuse to celebrate hippy sensibilities, the first astronauts walking on the moon and Woodstock.

But the 10 casinos located in the venerable section of Las Vegas are hoping the 108 days of throwback entertainment result in more visitors to help revive the city’s top industry.

“It’s coming at a time when it plays well,” said Jeff Victor, president of the Fremont Street Experience, the management company in charge of promoting the destination.

Victor said he and others felt Fremont Street didn’t do enough events during the summer.

Fremont Street Experience is spending about $1.7 million on the campaign between the Memorial Day and Labor
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Day weekends, $500,000 more than it normally would during the season. Officials want to increase the share of Sin City visitors that go downtown, less than 3 miles north of the end of the Las Vegas Strip.

Victor said each casino is also making plans to tie to the 1969 theme.

“This economy and Las Vegas in particular requires retail opportunities for visitation, and that’s exactly what this promotion provides,” Victor said. “With people in their 50s and 60s, there is an emotional connection (to 1969).”

Forty years later, Las Vegas finds itself scrambling to reach visitors who are coming less often, spending less money on food and entertainment and not gambling as much.

Visitor volume was down 10 percent for all of Las Vegas for the first two months of this year compared with 2008, according to the latest figures available from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Casinos downtown earned $83.9 million in gambling revenue in January and February, down 17 percent from the first two months of 2008, the tourism agency said. Other casinos in the rest of the county experienced similar declines.

But a recent profile study by the tourism authority showed that 46 percent of Las Vegas visitors in 2008 spent some time downtown during their trip. That was down significantly from 57 percent in 2006, but up from 40 percent in 2007.

The 10 casinos on the Fremont Street Experience have a combined 6,600 hotel rooms — 4.7 percent of all the hotel rooms in the city.

Victor said the 1969 campaign could be first of several seasonal themes for Fremont Street — if downtown can pull it off.

“We’ll be checking to see a promotion of this duration is repeatable,” Victor said.

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Wynn, Las Vegas – my review

Wynn

3131 Las Vegas Blvd Sth
Las Vegas
Nevada 89109
www.wynnlasvegas.com

Location Wynn is the last hotel on the North on the main part of the Strip, on the site of the Desert Inn next to Palazzo and opposite the Fashion Show Mall.

Theme It’s what Steve Wynn does best first at Golden Nugget, then at Mirage and Bellagio and now at Wynn, luxury. I guess you could say European luxury, or that is what Mr Wynn would like you to say everything is there to show opulence and to look expensive, now expense spared. If money is not the object then the objects here all cost a stack of money.

Attractions The showpiece is the “ Lake of Dreams ” a 3 acre lake which contains loads of lights to make a full multimedia show. There is a 170ft Mountain and 5 waterfalls, the show uses the water falls as screens, there are loads of bushes and flowers around them but I was not impresses with this show. As with Bellagio there is a Conservatory but smaller but really nice, no rollercoaster’s here instead you have Wynn’s gallery which hits the mark for the more refined and concerning people who are the targets of his marketers. There is also a Ferrari garage that you have to pay $10 to enter!

Pool The pools here are nice rather like Bellagio style and quality are the order of the day rather than wave machines and waterfalls.

Rooms, All of the rooms at Wynn are called suites we stayed in a Panorama suite on the 57^th floor wow what a view ! The bed was very comftable second only to the MGM Grand and all of the furnishings are top quality, the maid service comes twice a day and there is a turndown service. The bathrooms are big with a nice tub and shower as well as a TV in there, I know it is sad to watch TV in Vegas but the selection of channels at Wynn was far better than anywhere else we have stayed on the Strip. The mini bard was well stocked but very expensive and you get charged just for moving stuff !

Shows and Entertainment The Encore Theatre is now home to amazing all rounder and Steve Wynn favourite Danny Gans. Wynn’s other show is La Reve its a Cirque De Soleil type show and like O performed in water !

Dining You would have thought that with a resort this up market that the buffet would not have featured but you would have been wrong and it is rather modestly called The Buffet (B$17.95, L£21.95 D Sun-Thur $33.95 Fri & Sat $37.95 and Weekend Brunch $28.95 and an extra $6 for Champagne to be included. I have not eaten here but despite the price the people I have spoken to who have think its excellent value but the queues can regularly be over 2 hours long. As you would expect there is a selection of other restaurants at Wynn mainly with a European flavour don’t expect a cheap meal but that does not mean that you can’t expect value. Most of the fine dining establishments are run by celebrity chefs. If you eat at the SW make sure you get a table outside and ask to have one with a good view of the show. The coffee shop at eth drugstore has fantastic coffee and great fruit salads but like everything else at Wynn it’s pricey. Zooacrackers is a great Deli with tower sandwiches and the Terrace Point Café which is open 24/7is very good again all heavy on the pocket.

Gaming It’s big and surprisingly there are a load of slots including nickels and pennies with good pay out. There are stacks of tables and the norm minimum is $15 on BJ and other card games but most tables particularly at weekends are much higher. Craps sometimes starts as low as $10! Don’t bother asking to get rated if you are playing less than $25 per hand it’s not worth it. The players card is very good and well worth joining. If you were told you were in the Bellagio you would probably believe it.

Drinks service Steve Wynn knows how to look after his customers even if you are on the penny slots polite waitresses come up regularly and serve you with strong drinks this is one of the best drinks services on the Strip.

Overall The service from all the staff from the check in clerk to the valet parker to maid is the great the best you will get in Vegas. This place oozes luxury, it’s a nice treat but unless you have loads of money (and we don’t) you cant get the most out of it, that said however short lived you do feel like a star whilst you are there.

Good points The attention to detail is amazing everything is quality and the attentiveness of the staff.

Bad points The price everything from sodas in the shop to ice cream its expensive this is a place for rich folk. The location can be a pain it is just that little bit too far down the Strip and makes it feel and effort to go anywhere else.

Top Tip Join the players card and ask if there are any promotions usually if you earn 50 points in your first 24 hours you get two free buffets.