2 Free Las Vegas Buffets per day MGM, Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Aria etc

The MGM Mirage Group yesterday, issued a host of complementary buffet deals, if you book two nights under this offer you receive 2 complimentary buffets per booking per day. You do not have to use these in the buffet of the hotel that you are staying at  you can in fact use it at any of Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, MGM Grand, Aria, Vdara, Monte Carlo, Mirage and Circus Circus. Mirage and Mandalay Bay are my two favourite buffets on the Strip it is great that if you stay at a cheaper hotel you can still eat for free in a far more expensive hotel. These deals are available on most dates until Spetember 8th but must be booked before June 27th

All of these deals are booked directly with the hotel on the links below.  All of these offers are fully refundable up to48 hours before check in, if the rate drops after you book contact the hotel and they will adjust your rate, these deals are available for everyone over 21 and
not just selected players. It is a very good deal.

MGM Grand Las Vegas “Complimentary Buffet Every Day!” From $65 per night *Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffet everyday of your stay(*See site for additional details and restrictions). Promotion Runs: Jun 15 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp6/27/11)

Mirage “Complimentary Buffet Everyday!”* From $69 per night Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffet everyday of your stay (*See site for additional details and restrictions).Promotion Runs: Jun 13 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp 6/27/2011)

Monte Carlo “Complimentary Buffet Every Day!” From $56 per night *Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffet everyday of your stay (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Promotion Runs: Jun 13 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp6/27/11)

New York New York “Complimentary Buffet Every Day!”  From $55 per night *Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffet everyday of your stay (*see site foradditional details and restrictions). Promotion Runs: Jun 13 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11(Expires 6/27/11)

Luxor “Complimentary Buffet Every Day!”* From $36 per night Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffe teveryday of your stay (*See site for additional details and restrictions).Promotion Runs: Jun 13 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp 6/27/11)

Excalibur “Complimentary Buffet Every Day!” From $32 per night *Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffet everyday of your stay (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Promotion Runs: Jun 13, – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp6/27/11)

Mandalay Bay “Complimentary Buffet Every Day!”  From $80 per night *Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffet everyday of your stay (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Promotion Runs: Jun 13 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp6/27/11)
ARIA “Complimentary Buffet Every Day!”* From $129 per night Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffeteveryday of your stay(*see site for additional details and restrictions).Promotion Runs: Jun 8 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp 6/27/11)

Vdara”Complimentary Buffet Every day!”* From $109 per night Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffet every day of your stay(*See site for additional details and restrictions).Promotion Runs: Jun 13 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp 6/27/11)

CircusCircus Las Vegas “Complimentary Buffet Every Day!”  From $27 per night *Book two nights and receive two complimentary meals at any MGM Resorts buffet everyday of your stay (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Promotion Runs: Jun13 – Sep 8, 2011. Promo Code: ZBUFH11 (Exp 6/27/11)

How much money do you need to take to Las Vegas ?

After being asked about how to get a free upgrade the question that I am asked the most is “How much money do I need to take to Las Vegas ?” This is a very difficult to answer as it is the same as someone saying “How much do I need to spend on grocery’s each week ?”

So I will do the best I can to try and show some examples of spends and costs and what I would spend. I am going to assume that your hotel (including resort fees) and flights are paid and that you do not have a rental car and that you will not be doing any shopping. Please bare in mind that I have have great trips in Vegas on $25 per day when I have been hard up and great trips when my budegt has been $1k per day its not the money that makes it better or worse.

The first expense that you will have is getting to your hotel from McCarran you have four options cab $15 – $30(depending on hotel and time of day), shuttle bus $12-$15 (return), public bus $2.50 or Limo approx $60. How to get from the airport to the Strip

When you get to the hotel if you have bags that you will check you should allow $5 per bag for a tip for the bellboy, at the same time it is worth putting a few dollars away for the maid they do a good job and often get forgotten we generally tip the maid $3 per day or $5 if we want extra shampoos etc to take home for Christmas presents How much to Tip in Las Vegas

We generally take in a show every two or three nights when we are in Las Vegas we book one absolute cannot miss show before we leave home so this would not come out of our budget all the others we buy from the half price booths and we have paid as little as $15 for a magic show and about $125 for a Cirque show. I think that if you budget $75 for a show that as long as you are prepared to be flexible you should be able to find something that you like. If you want to book direct with the hotel when you are out there shows vary in price depending on show and seats and day of the week etc from about $40 to several hundred dollars.

Dining in Las Vegas is something where you can get buy on say $15 a day but you can also pay $10 for a coffee so what you spend is really up to you. We tend to either have a very small breakfast just coffee and a danish then coffee shop or deli lunch and proper meal in the evening or large or buffet breakfast a snack at lunchtime and then decent dinner. Excalibur and Luxor have 24 hour buffet deals for $24.99 and then $29.99 respectively and this is probably the cheapest way to stay full in Las Vegas though not the best. We generally allow $10 for coffee and danish, $15 for deli or coffee shop lunch and then the evening can be anything from a $20 buffet to a $200 fine dining meal at Eiffel. Food prices change between hotels we were surprised to find that staying at Wynn we spent a lot more money than say at MGM Grand as everything costs more.

Drinks are free when you are gambling (subject to tipping) but if not the prices vary greatly from one casino to another and how you get them ! Casino Royale has the cheapest beer with Michelob $1 all day every day at their bars generally though expect to pay $8 for a beer and $12 for a shot and mixer in a casino bar. Following the rules in the link below will ensure that you maximise your free drinks at the same time don’t piss off the cocktail waitresses.. FREE DRINKS IN LAS VEGAS

Like everything else in Vegas you and gamble as little or as much as you like there are slots from 1c and tables from $5 up slots at $1k per spin and tables with minimums of $5k per hand. Please  remember that most machines are multi lines and to get any return you need to play multiple lines and you should expect a minimum for 25c per spin on a 1c machine Unless you have a few good wins to start with as a rule of thumb you will spend at least twice what you think that you will on slots. $5 tables now are few and far between in the major resorts but Tropicana and believe it or not Bellagio have $5 BJ tables open 24/7 but generally speaking the more upmarket the hotel the less likely you are to find low limit tables. I have had days when I have stared with $40 and it has lasted me all day and I have even left with a profit and had other days where I have dropped $200 in 20 minutes. You can get comps on your play but never ever play for comps take them as nice bonus but don’t expect or try to play just to get a comp.

So roughly here is what I would allow as spending money for a 3 night trip Las Vegas

Taxi to and from airport $40
Tips for bellboy and maid $20 (plus $20 Upgrade trick)
Show with drink $80
Food* $250
Drinks (above free ones) $80
Gaming $300 – $1000
Misc $75

*Food
1 x Luxor 24 hour buffet deal $35
2 x coffee and danish breakfasts $20
1 x med quality dinner $100
1 x good buffet dinner $40
snacks and sodas $55

Please note this is a very rough idea and you really spend as little or as much as you like in Las Vegas, it is worth clicking here to make sure that wherever you want to stay that you dont pay a penny more than you have to.

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 !!

For the Very best direct Las Vegas hotel rates click here

$20 Upgrade Trick an Update, Las Vegas

Since I first published the $20 ugrade trick on my website I have had a quite a few emails from both people who have thanked me saying the $20 upgrade trick this has worked and others almost blaming me because it has not and they have had to end up staying in the room that they have paid for – how terrible. More recently I have been reading on other sites and blogs people saying that the $20 upgrade trick does not really work and how it’s just a waste of time and you get the same result just for being friendly and polite. Some people have even said that it annoys the check in clerks and if you try it they put you in a basement room with no windows with the Brady bunch in the room next to you.

So I thought it time that I wrote another post on this very popular subject and make it clear what I know either through personal experience or that of friends rather than say what I think (but without trying it) which it seems many people are keen to do on chat rooms and forums. You will see below the hotels in Las Vegas where the $20 upgrade trick has worked.

I have had success at many resorts in actually getting a room above the standard to what I had paid for, even if you don’t get the upgrade by tipping the clerk will generally put in more effort to accommodate your preferences with a room on the same level, lets face it not all rooms are equal. As well as these successes I have had some failures but in each instance the clerk has handed me my tip back. I have a standard room booked for Xmas and you bet that I will be trying this then Its worth noting that staff at MGM Grand, Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay have been told that they face disciplinary action if they are found to be taking “bribes” for room upgrades this does not mean that they will not be happy to take them nor does it mean that they will not get you a nicer room on the same level that you have paid for but it does mean that you are less likely to get an upgrade to higher level of room or suite than you have booked.

I have had personal success upgrading the level of my room at these hotels
Wynn Las Vegas – Standard room Vista Suite
MGM Grand, Las Vegas – Grand room to Bungalow Suite
Luxor – Pyramid Room – Tower Room and Pyramid Room – Spa Suite
Tropicana – Garden Room to one of the Towers
Mirage, Las Vegas – Standard Room – Strip View room
NYNY, Las Vegas – Skyline room – Broadway Deluxe
Friends have had success at;
Caesars
Bellagio
Monte Carlo

I have had success here ensuring that whilst the room has been the same level that the room I have got has been a good room usually with a view.
Excalibur – basic room View room
Luxor – High Floor view
MGM Grand – High floor Strip view
Mirage, Las Vegas – Strip View top floor

Just a reminder on how the $20 trick works.

This Las Vegas trick can work at any hotel and is worth a shot the worst that can happen is you get what you have paid for.

1.Before you leave home make sure you know what the levels of rooms are at the resort so you know what you are being offered and if it is something that you want.

2.Before you get to the check in desk place a folded $20/$50/$100 note between your credit card and your ID and ask the clerk if there are any complimentary upgrades available for the period that you are there.

3.Try to look for a youngish clerk as your odds are usually better with them than an older one and one at the end of the check in desk so that they are not overheard and be discreet. A young and friendly looking will
improve your chance of success.

4.You generally have more chance of success if your room is booked directly with the hotel rather than through a consolidator. You can book directly here for the best price using the best codes on the web

The most important thing is to make sure that you will be happy if the $20 Upgrade trick does not work that you will be happy in the accommodation that you have booked.

Free Suite Upgrade at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

Many of the offers on some of my older posts are out of date so I have decided to replace all of them with in date offers listed below, all of these offers are available for everyone they are booked directly with the hotel’s giving you not only cast iron security but also the best possible rate as the middleman is cut out, unless stated on the booking page all are 100% changeable and refundable with no penalty and you only pay the first night as a deposit upfront. These are all the very best deals that can be found anywhere on the internet. All updated offers are also posted here and this is regually updated

Have fun – Simon

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

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

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, 200

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

Review of Mandalay Bay

Tipping in Las Vegas – how, who and how much to tip in Las Vegas

Las vegas StripBelow is what I tip, I am not saying that this is generous (I am mean) but its what I generally tip and only once has anyone acted in a way where they thought that I had not tipped enough. My tips are based on a mid range casino like MGM, Luxor or Monte Carlo if you are at a top hotel like Wynn, Mirage or Bellagio adjust up slightly and a cheaper property like Excalibur or Circus Circus slightly less.

Bell Boy – I generally tip $2 per bag when it arrives in the room I don’t generally tip the person who gets my stuff out of the trunk as the tips are pooled so they should be covered. I would do the same for the Bell boy who delivers my bags back to my car or taxi when I leave. Sometimes you can wait ages for your bags or for a Bell boy to come to your room I still tip as the Bell Boy is generally doing his best but in busy times there are just not enough of them employed by the hotel.

Check in clerk – I always tip the check in clerk before my room is assigned, if I want an upgrade using the $20 trick, even if its just for a view of the Vegas Strip then I tip at least $20 (see here). If I just want to make sure I don’t have the room by the kitchen extractor fan or with a stunning view of the third level of the parking lot maybe $10.

The Maid – the poor maid often gets forgotten about because you don’t see her, I always leave at least $3 per day for the maid, usually on the pillow or under a spent bottle of toiletries.

Dealers – I am slightly funny about this I rarely tip a dealer directly but if I am doing well I put small side bets for the dealer every now and again, when I leave the table if I am up I will usually tip the dealer about 5% up to about $50. I have had many dealers in Las Vegas who I have found either moody or boring in this case regardless of what I win I will not tip.

Cocktail Waitresses –In Las Vegas all drinks are free whilst you are playing if they are served to you by a cocktail waitress but you need to tip.If I am just passing and don’t expect to stay I tip $1 – $2 per drink if I am going to be there for a while I tip $5 per drink for the first one then usually $1 per drink after that. See here for more detail.

Barman – I tip $2 – $5 per round up to 5 drinks I think that this is probably on the stingy side but that is what I tip. In London you dont usually tip a barman but this is expected in Las Vegas.

Valet Parking – There is no charge for valet parking in Las Vegas (except at the Four Seasons) so tip the guy, but only when you collect your car usually tip $2 if I want it quickly and ask and I get it quickly thi.s can become $5 – $10

Guy that calls the cab, outside most hotels there is a guy who calls the cab and opens the door for you, most people tip him $1 I don’t I am happy an capable of calling a cab myself just not allowed to.

Cab Driver – This depends if it’s a very short trip under say $6 I give the change to $10, this is to compensate the cabbie for the time he has spent waiting and the fact he could have got a better fare. $6-$10 generally the change and a couple of dollars $10 upwards the change + 20%. If the cab driver is moody or if he takes me what I think is a long route he won’t get tipped he wont like it but he wont get tipped. I am on vacation I am paying for a service and part of that service is his attitude.

For the best Las Vegas hotel rates click here

New Excalibur 3 for 2 deal a real good one

MGM Grand, Las Vegas $69 incl Weekends, great extras, Free Upgrade to Spa Suite

Many of these offers haven ow exired click here for the latest deals. If you book to stay at MGM Grand, Las Vegas between now and August 30th and stay between now and September 30th not only do you get a great rate from $79 per night but you can have one of the following extras, free upgrade to Spa suite, free massage at MGM Grand Spa, Free in room breakfast for 2 or a free chasie long at Wet republic Ultra pool. This is an amazing offer and you need to book with a Visa card if not the best it’s certainly one of the best MGM discount codes on the around. Its verty rare to see a free upgarde to a MGM Grand Spa suite you may see them to a Bungalow suite but this is special. Some of the best offers that I can currently find are more here including The Mirage form $72 per night !!

MGM Grand Las Vegas From $79 These links are still working
Free upgrade to Celebrity Spa Suite (based upon availability)
Promotion Runs July 9, 2008 – September 30, 2008
Offer Expires August 31, 2008

25 minute Swedish Massage at MGM Grand Spa
Promotion Runs July 9, 2008 – September 30, 2008
Offer Expires August 31, 2008

In-room breakfast for two
Promotion Runs July 9, 2008 – September 30, 2008
Offer Expires August 31, 2008

Free Chaise Lounge at Wet Republic Ultra pool
Promotion Runs July 9, 2008 – September 30, 2008
Offer Expires August 31, 2008

For more offers click Here and here

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas – My Review

Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay

3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas

NV 89119

+1 (702) 632 7777

Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

Location This is the first or last resort on the Strip depending on how you look at it. It overlooks the airport and out towards the mountains. Its nearest neighbour is the Luxor and that is about a 10 minute walk. Luckily there is a monorail that links you to Luxor and Excalibur; this makes the location of Mandalay Bay the ideal resort for people who want easy access to the action of the Strip without being right in it.

Theme Tropical Island is the theme here, with a swimming pool the size of 9 football pitches complete with lovely palm trees and jungle type foliage. Pseudo bird and animal sounds as you enter the property along with loads of water features and a classy beach resort feel.

Rooms The rooms and suites at Mandalay Bay are lovely the smallest are a whopping 550 sq ft which is as big as suite in other properties. The rooms are all remodeled and are chic and comfortable. The rooms here in terms of quality are up there with Bellagio and that step above MGM Grand. Mandalay Bay has wider choice of room and suite type than most other resorts but whatever level you are in you will be pleased with your choice.

Attractions Shark Reef has been voted the best tourist attraction on the Strip. It is similar to a Sea Life centre with a walkthrough reef containing real sharks. The pool is worth a look, and Mandalay Bay is now up there with Caesars and MGM Grand as far as being a big shot boxing venue. I did not see an amusement arcade, nor do I expect there to be one hiding in a nook or cranny as you get the feeling this is a resort for grown ups.

Pool Amazing truly amazing its hard to believe its man made, if this is not the best pool in Vegas its very close. It has waves a real beach, waterfalls, lagoons you name it this pool has got it.

Shows and Entertainment Mandalay Bay has the hit Abba musical Mamma Mia as its only production show, baring in mind how far up the Strip it is this is quite surprising. However Mandalay Bay also has the Mandalay Bay events center and arena and is host to many huge names as well as sporting events in particular boxing.

Dining The dining options at Mandalay Bay are huge lets start with the Bay Side Buffet (B$15.99, L$19.99, D$26.99 champagne Sunday Brunch $23.99) has a stunning view over the marvellous pool. Better still the food was great including a mountain of smoked salmon that we rapidly mined. This buffet feels up market, the food is probably not as good as Planet Hollywood but the setting is great and so I think this buffet more than justifies its high price tag. There is not only a 24hr Coffee shop here but also a 24hr noodle bar; great for those of us that craves sweet and sour at 6am!! There are another 8 or so more expensive restaurants including Trattoria Del Lupo – a very expensive Wolfgang puck restaurant, several very expensive seafood eateries, a couple of South Asian places to keep eating in line with the theme and Red Square the only Russian restaurant in Las Vegas. In depth information on Mandalay Bay dining here.

Gaming 135,00sq ft including 2400 slots from a nickel upwards and loads of table games Mandalay Bay has a spacey, airy and refreshing casino. Not feeling bustled or cramped is noticed and enjoyed here. Although there are a lot of slots here, there are not loads of nickel machines here, Mandalay Bay is aimed at upper middle Californians and they are not too keen to attract too many low rollers like yours truly.

Drinks service We played on nickel and quater machines here and did not find the drinks service as good as elsewhere. That said the drinks we did get were some of the best in strength – up there with the Las Vegas Hilton.

Overall A great resort it has everything great bars, great places to eat, great clubs, best pool in Vegas and nice spacious feel. This resort gives quality and expects quality back it captures a far number of the young rich beautiful people from LA.

Good points Amazing pool The tropical feel, the theme is done very well without being over the top and does make you feel very fresh and clean. Oh yes and rich!!!

Bad points Location it’s great to get to from the airport or I15 from LA ,as it’s the last casino on the Strip but it’s a pain if you want to visit several casinos in one evening you need to have a car or use cabs.

Top Tip Look around and you will notice that this is the Montecido from the TV show Las Vegas, watch out for Danny and big Ed.

Best offers at Mandalay Bay

Click here for the offers travel agents will not show for Las Vegas Hotels

Las Vegas Hotel Discounts and Codes best rates for July 2008

Beneath are the best rates that can be found on the Internet for Las Vegas Hotels all are direct with the hotel this means no middle man meaning you get the savings, unless stated all rooms can be cancelled up to 48 hours before check with no penalty, only rooms booked directly with the hotel will allow comps to be used against the rooms.

Luxor Ultimate Luxury
• Deluxe Room Accommodations
• Room Rate discounted 15% below the Prevailing Nightly Rate
• $30.00 Food Dining Credit for FUSIA our Asian Inspired Restaurant*
• 2 for 1 Lunch Buffet at MORE*
• 2 for 1 Admission to The SPA at Luxor*
Offer based on double occupancy. This special offer is available for online reservations only and may not be reserved by telephone.

Promotion Runs July 6, 2008 – October 31, 2008
Offer Expires October 31, 2008

Monte Carlo SPLASH PROMOTION
$20 Dining Credit
$20 Spa Credit
Complimentary Golf Club Rental – some restrictions apply
2 Complimentary Spa Admissions
$10 slot FREE PLAY
Food Court Coupons

Promotion Runs July 6, 2008 – September 12, 2008
Offer Expires September 12, 2008

MGM Grand Summer Splash!
* $35 Activity Credit towards dining or entertainment
* Two Free Inner Tube Rentals
* 15% off Spa Treatment

Promotion Runs June 22, 2008 – September 30, 2008
Offer Expires March 1, 2009

MGM Grand Flyback Offer!
$300 Return Trip Airfare Credit Award
* $25 activity credit towards dining or entertainment
* 15% off Spa Services
* 15% off Retail Shoppping at selected retail outlets
* 2 complimentary poolside cocktails
* $30 upgrade per night to a Bungalow Suite
Promotion Runs July 17, 2008 – September 30, 2008
Offer Expires August 31, 2008

Mirage Las Vegas Deluxe Room Offer from $71 !!!
Mirage, Las Vegas,Premium View Offer from $82
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy 15% off, on our luxurious accommodations on select dates.
Promotion Runs:June 25, 2008 – December 30, 2008
Offer Expires:December 30, 2008

Mirage Las Vegas Tower Deluxe Offer
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy 25% off, on our luxurious accommodations on select dates
Promotion RunsJune 25, 2008 – December 30, 2008
Offer Expires December 29, 2008

Mirage Las Vegas Tower Suite Offer from $133
Mirage Las Vegas Penthouse Suite Offer from $196
Join us at The Mirage and enjoy 30% off, on our luxurious accommodations on select dates.
Promotion RunsJune 19, 2008 – October 24, 2008
Offer Expires October 24, 2008

NYNY Las Vegas Free Room Upgrade
The Online Promotion Includes:
-Complimentary Park Avenue Upgrade
Promotion Runs:June 19, 2008 – December 31, 2008
Offer Expires:December 31, 2008

New York New York, Las Vegas Online Offer
Book NOW and receive 20% off each night you stay in any of our gorgeous rooms or suites.
Also included:
-$10 Starbucks Credit
-$10 FREE PLAY
Promotion Runs:June 21, 2008 – August 28, 2008
Offer Expires:July 31, 2008

Excalibur Las Vegas 30-DAY ADVANCE OFFER
Book early and receive $10 off our already low internet rates.
Offer is non-refundable and may not be canceled or changed.
Full amount of your stay, including room and tax, is charged when booking this offer
Promotion Runs: July 20, 2008 – April 30, 2009
Offer Expires:April 30, 2009

TI Direct Advantage Offer
• Exclusive 10% web only discount for advanced bookings with two night minimum stay*
• $10.00 in TI Casino FREE PLAY®
* PLEASE NOTE: This promotion is non-refundable once booked and may not be canceled or changed.
Must be booked 30 days in advance
Promotion Runs: July 18, 2008 – December 30, 2008
Offer Expires:February 28, 2009

Best Ever Mandalay Bay Sumer rate….. Get Down to the Las Vegas Beach !!

Very short post here but I have just got this amazing rate for Manadaly Bay, Las Vegas this is the best Summer rate i have ever seen for this up market resort which boasts the best pool in Vegas. Its fom $99.99 you get al host of extras included.

HOT SPOT CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Enjoy our Beach Season at Mandalay Bay
As one of Mandalay Bay’s valued guests, please enjoy the perks of our Beach Season offer:
Rates from $99.99 a night.
Must book by June 30, 2008
Early booking bonus includes:
$50 off midweek cabana rental (Monday – Thursday)20% off select restaurants: Border Grill, Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse, Fleur de Lys, Mix, Rick Moonen’s Seafood and Shanghai Lilly.

Promotion Runs June 29, 2008 – October 2, 2008

Offer Expires October 2, 2008