Hotel Ideas for Guy Trip to Vegas
Jun 17th, 2010, 11:51 AM
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Hotel Ideas for Guy Trip to Vegas
Need help finding a good room (at a good $) for my upcoming trip in August. I’ve stayed in Vegas hotels a few times, but always for business trips, didn’t worry so much about prices/quality. Now I’m planning a guy’s trip to Vegas (all late 30s/early 40s), and I volunteered to find the hotel room/suite. And I’m lost in a sea of data. Here’s a rundown:
Number *** There are 3-5 of us (2 guys are still trying to get “permission” from the wives).
Cost *** I’m thinking the max is no more than $100 per night per person ($300-500 total per night, depending on how many go). But with the ugly economy and being "off season" for Vegas, hoping for the best...
Where *** On the Strip would be ideal, but I’ve heard decent things about off Strip stuff (Green Valley, etc).
What *** Don’t need to have top end restaurants and pools on site (but couldn’t hurt).
Type of Room *** We’re too old to cram everyone into a room and sleep on floors and bathtubs. Need at least two beds and a pullout – should we spring for a suite, or is that a waste of $$$? If yes, where and which one?
When *** First weekend in August (8/6 – 8/8)…I know, I know, it will be H-O-T, but it was the only time we could all get away.
How *** How should I book this hotel? Type in “Vegas Hotels” and my computer nearly explodes with results. Hotels.com keeps promising great rates, but I find better elsewhere. Help?
I’ve always gotten some good suggestions from this Fodor’s crowd. Thanks for whatever suggestions you have to give!
Number *** There are 3-5 of us (2 guys are still trying to get “permission” from the wives).
Cost *** I’m thinking the max is no more than $100 per night per person ($300-500 total per night, depending on how many go). But with the ugly economy and being "off season" for Vegas, hoping for the best...
Where *** On the Strip would be ideal, but I’ve heard decent things about off Strip stuff (Green Valley, etc).
What *** Don’t need to have top end restaurants and pools on site (but couldn’t hurt).
Type of Room *** We’re too old to cram everyone into a room and sleep on floors and bathtubs. Need at least two beds and a pullout – should we spring for a suite, or is that a waste of $$$? If yes, where and which one?
When *** First weekend in August (8/6 – 8/8)…I know, I know, it will be H-O-T, but it was the only time we could all get away.
How *** How should I book this hotel? Type in “Vegas Hotels” and my computer nearly explodes with results. Hotels.com keeps promising great rates, but I find better elsewhere. Help?
I’ve always gotten some good suggestions from this Fodor’s crowd. Thanks for whatever suggestions you have to give!
Jun 17th, 2010, 12:24 PM
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You're five guys, the hotel shouldn't matter. The only way it would matter is if you're looking to be someplace that is a scene, especially around the pool.
If so, then consider MGM, Mandalay or Mirage. (I would suggest the Hard Rock but as some of you are married, would not want to cause a divorce.)
http://www.vegas.com/resorts/pools/mgmgrandpool.html
http://www.vegas.com/resorts/pools/mandalaybaypool.html
http://www.vegas.com/resorts/pools/miragepool.html
Look, when I go to Vegas with my wife, I'm staying someone with nice restaurants and a nice environment - the Bellagio.
When I go with my friends, we're looking for someone located on the Strip, with a decent steakhouse and a pool. Numerous places fit that description.
Personally, why go to Vegas with your friends only to stay miles from Vegas? Green Valley, nah.
If so, then consider MGM, Mandalay or Mirage. (I would suggest the Hard Rock but as some of you are married, would not want to cause a divorce.)
http://www.vegas.com/resorts/pools/mgmgrandpool.html
http://www.vegas.com/resorts/pools/mandalaybaypool.html
http://www.vegas.com/resorts/pools/miragepool.html
Look, when I go to Vegas with my wife, I'm staying someone with nice restaurants and a nice environment - the Bellagio.
When I go with my friends, we're looking for someone located on the Strip, with a decent steakhouse and a pool. Numerous places fit that description.
Personally, why go to Vegas with your friends only to stay miles from Vegas? Green Valley, nah.
Jun 17th, 2010, 12:33 PM
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I am partial to Mandalay Bay, Ryan already gave you the Hard Rock & took it away for good reason. I won't get into the little boys that need to get 'permission'. You can get into the same trouble in Vegas, as you can anywhere else.
Jun 17th, 2010, 12:54 PM
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Did you try the Wynn or Encore?
I've gotten rates in August, which is stinking hot for around $100 a night by signing up for their e-mail on the website and it's a great deal for a 5* resort and you gotta love the European pool.
seen the pullout bed for the Wynn and its a really nice one.
Palazoo, MGM, Caesars or Mandalay would be great choices too.
Off the strip, we really enjoy the Palms..great rooms, great casino and overall a good time.
check expedia.com or wynnlasvegas.com
I've gotten rates in August, which is stinking hot for around $100 a night by signing up for their e-mail on the website and it's a great deal for a 5* resort and you gotta love the European pool.
seen the pullout bed for the Wynn and its a really nice one.
Palazoo, MGM, Caesars or Mandalay would be great choices too.
Off the strip, we really enjoy the Palms..great rooms, great casino and overall a good time.
check expedia.com or wynnlasvegas.com
Jun 17th, 2010, 01:32 PM
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* Don't disagree about off-strip. 1 of the 5 stayed there and wanted to return. Agree, should stick to Strip.
* My first choice was M-Bay, but they're booked that first night.
* Second choice was Hard Rock, and they're offering decent prices for their "HRH Tower" suites.
* Will be raising drinks for a 40th bday that weekend (real reason for the trip) and now you too SAnParis. Any excuse to drink...
* Getting the Wynn for $100 would be insane. Signing up for that email right now. (Should prob do the same for all hotels).
Great stuff, all. Thanks, keep it coming!
* My first choice was M-Bay, but they're booked that first night.
* Second choice was Hard Rock, and they're offering decent prices for their "HRH Tower" suites.
* Will be raising drinks for a 40th bday that weekend (real reason for the trip) and now you too SAnParis. Any excuse to drink...
* Getting the Wynn for $100 would be insane. Signing up for that email right now. (Should prob do the same for all hotels).
Great stuff, all. Thanks, keep it coming!
Jun 17th, 2010, 02:05 PM
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Your budget is actually going to get you a lot of good choices. If you can get the Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo, or Bellagio at that rate, then do it. Or an upgraded Augustus room at Caesar's.
The V/P rooms might work well because all their rooms are "suites" and they sleep 3 easily with the separate sitting area. Plus, the V/P will let you book a room with 2 queens rather than 1 king, unlike most hotels that only allow you to "request" 2 queens. The V/P "Bella suite" comes with 2 queens.
Planet Hollywood is a good budget choice that appeals to guys. They have the pit dancers in the casino and a party atmosphere, but it's not too wild and crazy and you won't feel as ancient as you would at the Hard Rock. And it's well located, mid strip. You could probably get the PH well under your budget.
The V/P rooms might work well because all their rooms are "suites" and they sleep 3 easily with the separate sitting area. Plus, the V/P will let you book a room with 2 queens rather than 1 king, unlike most hotels that only allow you to "request" 2 queens. The V/P "Bella suite" comes with 2 queens.
Planet Hollywood is a good budget choice that appeals to guys. They have the pit dancers in the casino and a party atmosphere, but it's not too wild and crazy and you won't feel as ancient as you would at the Hard Rock. And it's well located, mid strip. You could probably get the PH well under your budget.
Jun 17th, 2010, 02:47 PM
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C'mon travel experts... there's only one choice for this group... HOOTERS Hotel and Casino... formerly the San Remo, its conveniently located near the MGM, Tropicana, NYNY and is perfectly safe for your wives concerns... the place is full of other men (no families would take the kids there) and its not likely to host Girl trips... plenty to drink, eat and budget friendly... have fun!
Jun 24th, 2010, 12:15 PM
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Thanks all. Ksucat, you're everywhere (saw you on another thread for my CO trip last year). Signed up for emails from all the key hotels like Wynn, hoping to see good rates to come along (haven't seen any yet). Found good $$ for PH, but only on single rooms (suites were $300+).
Keeping Hooters in my backpocket if the group wants to go that route.
Keeping Hooters in my backpocket if the group wants to go that route.
Jun 24th, 2010, 12:54 PM
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Regarding how to book: book directly with the hotel/casino on their website. You can always cancel up to 48 hours before arrival for a full refund. Generally, the strategy you want to follow is to pick a likely hotel and book it at the best rate you can. Then, monitor other hotels for a while, and jump on better deals and cancel previous ones as they come up.
Just check the terms and conditions to be sure you can cancel without penalty. Some rates require that they be fully prepaid and aren't refundable.
Suites are generally not that cost effective. Two rooms are almost always cheaper.
Just check the terms and conditions to be sure you can cancel without penalty. Some rates require that they be fully prepaid and aren't refundable.
Suites are generally not that cost effective. Two rooms are almost always cheaper.
Jun 24th, 2010, 04:30 PM
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It is near the end, still not a good location.http://www.lvmonorail.com/
Jun 24th, 2010, 04:42 PM
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Don't stay at the Hooters. If you don't want to spend a lot stay at the Monte Carlo. The Hooters property has been a financial mess for at least three years.
If you spend $19.95 you will be getting what you are paying for.
If you spend $19.95 you will be getting what you are paying for.
Jun 25th, 2010, 04:22 AM
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The rooms at Hooters are decent... its a guy trip, each guy could have his own room for 5 nights for $100... I'm betting Vegas money that NONE of the anti-Hooters posters have stayed there... they just want you to stay at their places... travel bullies!
Jun 25th, 2010, 05:57 AM
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I have stayed there, you get what you pay for...I typically stay where I, or one of my friends have comps. We tried Hooters on an over-nighter coming back on business. It was fine for an over-nighter as we have visited Vegas many times. I would not plan an extended stay there, it is just not convenient to other things on the Strip.
