For the most part, the "cheap deals" are over. Business has rebounded.

Over, you say? Last year we tried for months to get a room at the Marriott Marquis in NYC for a weekend in the middle of December, but the lowest price we could get was just under $500 (not including taxes). Friends called yesterday and got a room there for the middle weekend of December for $249. We booked rooms at Bellagio over 10 months ago and the lowest Sat. night price we could get was $369. I have called at least twice a month since then to try to get a better rate, but was always told there was nothing better. Last week we cancelled them and rebooked at $229 for Saturday and $199 for Sunday and Monday. Maybe that wouldn't be true today, but that was just a week ago. Incidentally, both of those were done by calling the hotel directly.

We stayed at the Bellagio on Sun., Sept. 30 and had a deluxe room for $116 ($129 discounted rate, plus 10% AAA discount). We booked the room one week before. Their upscale Tuscan restaurant was only open Thurs.-Sun. Tourism was down, but Vegas was still busy. "O" was sold out that night. No discounts on "O."

Depending where you are.... Southwest airlines has some great deals... Portland to Las Vegas, $45 each way... some lowered room prices on Expedia.. nothing super good... MGM $65

I know of no way to get good deals on shows, other than perhaps being a big winner and getting "comp'ed" by the casino. I think the rationale is that if you are already in LV, you'll pay to see the shows. Kind of "we've got you here, now you're going to pay!"

Having said that, there are shows out there that are cheaper. Yes, O and Mystere are fantastic. But they're also expensive. You can see Legends in Concert, which is a very good show that has run for about 20 years, for, I believe, $14.95. Also, there are a few matinee shows now, which are considerably cheaper. Your hotel concierge/tour desk should be able to find you something in your price range.

I forgot to add: there are also a few shows that have coupons that offer you a reduced rate. These will not be the O's or Mystere's or Danny Gans's. But that is one way to get into a show more cheaply. Look at the tour desk or in the brochure rack at your hotel for these bargains.

For the LA Times hotel specials visit http://off2vegas.com
These specials are updated weekly and offer some very interesting deals with the perks that are included.

Hey Patrick, I'll be at the Marriott in NYC the same time as your friends. While they're enjoying their $249 room, tell them to drop by my $95 room that I got on Priceline.