| How long has it been since you've visited Las Vegas? | | | | Always plan in advance of your trip to LV. Do your |
| If it's been more than a blink of your eye, you won't | | | | research, or you'll be overwhelmed and disappointed. |
| recognize it the next time you're there! | | | | All the best shows will be sold out; the restaurants will |
| I've learned to never expect the same LV that I | | | | be accepting no more reservations. You must make |
| remember. It's a constantly evolving city that never | | | | your reservations and show ticket purchases ($30 - |
| sleeps! I know New York claims that distinction... but | | | | $100+) at least 7 - 10 days before your trip. To help |
| c'mon, you won't see such drastic changes in NYC | | | | you, most reservation desks are open 24 hours every |
| that you do in LV. | | | | day! |
| In Las Vegas, it's Hotels down, followed by Hotels up. | | | | If you plan well, you'll be treated to gourmet meals |
| Six hotels have been imploded there in the last 10 | | | | prepared by celebrity chefs. The ubiquitous buffet is |
| years. And the newer hotels can hardly be classified | | | | gone, (although, you'll never find a better one than at |
| as hotels... that term is to be reserved for other cities. | | | | the Aladdin). The 99¢ dinners are gone. But, as |
| So don't expect the great "hotel bargains" and "free | | | | always, there is no time limit to enjoy the tasty treats |
| stuff" of the past. They disappeared with the $.99 | | | | of LV... If it's 3am, you'll find great restaurants are still |
| dinners. | | | | serving! Let me mention two still-great bargains. Not |
| LV developers today, don't build "hotels" anymore. | | | | only because of the low price, but because the steak |
| They install mini-cities, mega-resorts, and the ultimate | | | | dinners are very good at the steakhouses at the |
| destinations! The new developments include: | | | | Imperial Palace, and at Circus, Circus. Try them, you'll |
| World-Class Chefs, Uber Spas, and amenities unheard | | | | be pleasantly surprised at the existence of remnants |
| of, or offered only to the super-rich not so long ago. | | | | of the past meal deals of LV! |
| Now, instead of the tacky diners and buffets, you are | | | | Did I say there's no more freebies? Not so, you can still |
| presented with the finest restaurants in the World, and | | | | be treated to great entertainment for free. You must |
| the highest levels of entertainment. It's a different Las | | | | see the outdoor attractions including the Volcano at |
| Vegas! | | | | the Mirage, Rio's Masquerade Show in the Sky, and |
| However, there are some bargains to be found if you | | | | the Sirens of Treasure Island. For the cost of a drink |
| know where to look. Explore the older places. There, | | | | or two, there are indoor entertainment venues that are |
| you'll still find good deals on food. You can still get a $5 | | | | "free" as well. The lounges in most Casinos have |
| steak dinner at Ellis Island on Koval Lane. | | | | ongoing musical acts with no cover charge. Ask your |
| One key to finding bargains is not where, but when! | | | | Casino Host or the concierge for a recommendation. |
| Don't go at peak times. Visit in Mid-Summer for | | | | Note: There's a section in this book devoted to the |
| instance. You'll need to take advantage of the AC | | | | "Freebies". |
| everywhere, but the prices are lower then. Also, a | | | | When you fly into LV, if you're not fortunate enough to |
| good time to visit LV is during Christmas. It's definitely | | | | be met by your casino host or the hotel limo, you'll |
| an off-peak period. Don't confuse that however with | | | | most likely take a taxi to your hotel. Don't let the driver |
| the following week; "New Years" the prices will be right | | | | take you by way of the Airport Tunnel... it's longer by |
| back up during that period. Also, stay away during the | | | | about $10.00. Tell the driver to go down Paradise Road |
| larger conventions when LV is packed with | | | | instead. |
| participants. During the Consumer Electronics Show in | | | | If you're heading for the south end of the strip (MGM |
| early January each year... the city is standing room | | | | Grand, Tropicana, New York, New York) your taxi |
| only. If you don't have to be there that week - Don't! | | | | charge should be $8 - $9. Mid Strip; $12 - $13, and north |
| You should try to avoid weekends in LV too if you're | | | | end of the strip; $14 - $15). |
| looking for a bargain. Mid-Week rates are also lower. | | | | |