Las vegas +21

Old Jun 5th, 2016, 12:26 PM
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Las vegas +21

Hi, I'm gonna be in Vegas for my 21st bday.
I'm gonna stay there 4 days from July 9 to July 12.
I have a really low budget. I' gonna travel solo.

Any suggestions for activities(4 days are too much)?
Any suggestion for sleeping arrangements?(remember my low budget ��)
How's the public transportation?

How's Vegas at night?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions ��
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 12:40 PM
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What makes you choose Las Vegas? Most people go there to gamble. If you have a tight budget, I assume you don't want to throw your money away. It will be very hot in Las Vegas in July - it is 104 there right now, and the average high temp in July is also 104.

At night, Vegas has lots of shows that are very expensive - also not an activity for someone with a low budget.

Frankly, I'd recommend you choose somewhere else.
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 12:59 PM
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the shows, gambling, girls, etc are very expensive. Walking around gawking is free -- but you'll die in the heat.

Vegas is a great place to celebrate one's 21st birthday . . . but not when one is broke
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 01:14 PM
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How low is low? I've seen rooms 40-60 dollars. Not sure if I'd even go that low (you get what you pay for).

But drinking in Vegas- by anyone's standards is not cheap. It doesn't bother me because I generally go for the expensive cocktails, but people I know who go expecting cheap drink options- well, they're always bitterly disappointed. Gambling, as mentioned- no. Walking around and looking at hotels- maybe, but the whole idea is to get you to gamble or shop. Vegas is cheap (to me) only in the sense that it's cheaper than, say, New York or Boston. And also because I prefer a pool over gambling or drinking.

If you don't mind the heat, I'd go somewhere like DC or Chicago instead, stay in a hostel, drink in a college neighborhood. Cheap booze, big city free events, cheap housing (hostel would be about 30-35). Chicago has got great parks, cheap food- DC has free museums and a zoo that can keep you occupied for days if those are of interest.
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 01:40 PM
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Happy Birthday

Walking the strip with a six pack you bought from a gas station is FREE, and sure beats losing 10k at the Blackjack tables. But if you do gamble, Bellagio Whiskey Sours are the best free drinks on the strip. . imo..Sitting in front of the Bellagio fountains all night is more entertaining than half the shows .
In years past all of the hotels had lots of cheap attractions, now its people watching. Stay center/north strip, Priceline has a $35/nt + resort fee deal, so figure a place like Harrahs. But , hey , its Center Strip
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 03:38 PM
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Thanks guys.. I already booked so that's my only option..
Btw I don't drink and I live in NY so I'm already used to high prices.
By low budget I mean I have enough money to sleep in a hostel but I can't afford a hotel. I have money to go on a tour but I don't know which one is the best, for sure this time I can't go on a helicopter or fancy stuff like this. But I can still have fun.
I don't know what shows there are that's why I'm asking..

But thanks anyway
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 03:50 PM
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Let's see

The hotel that took over the old Imperial Palce still has the car exhibit. Free tix can be found in most of the Vegas flyers. The Venetian has guys that sing on boat rides, to listen is free. The Wynn resorts always have some interesting garden type miracles in the hotels. Caesars Palace is near, Pais too. Circus Circus is ok, Treasure Island afternoon shows in front are fun
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 04:43 PM
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Be aware that you had best be 21 BEFORE you get to Vegas. Until you're 21 they don;t want you anyplace except the pool (if your super cheap hotel has one you want to get in) or the expensive shows. No casinos, no bars, no parties.

If you just want to walk around in desert heat and look at the outsides of hotels - well you're very easily amused.

Agree to go someplace with a lot to do that doesn't require spending a ton of money.
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 05:04 PM
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Nyt is sheltered or jealous of your trip. Vegas has shown to me it doesn't care what age you are. I've seen their police walk right by teens having drinking contests, prostitutes cruising casinos no more than 15, poker players no more than 17
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 05:43 PM
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You are so full of it FrankS.

But . . . seems appropriate a troll getting help from Frank.

(BTW - the casinos and authorities are really strict about ages)
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Old Jun 5th, 2016, 09:00 PM
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You should go on over to the tripadvisor forum for Vegas. It's very active. Basically pick a centrally located hotel, and just wing it. I know there's a hostel in Vegas, or was, but I thought the reviews made it look dodgy. You can get a room at a hotel for hostel prices, but, unfortunately, resort fees will raise it. For instance- a 30 dollar room at the flamingo is actually 60. I'd skip the tour and down a little extra on the hotel. Good luck and have fun
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 04:01 AM
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Janis
I will excuse your unladylike response

btw-The only places in Vegas that are truly strict on age, are the car rental agencies. Ever been to the Cosmo? Its like a High School in there.

Lets face it, Vegas knows people want to be surrounded by young well dressed people. As long as they don't cause trouble, LV doesn't card. 40+ years doing shows there, Ive seen only a handful ever asked for ID.
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 05:55 AM
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You might find some really inexpensive rooms in downtown Vegas, which has the (hourly?) free Fremont Street Experience show. The whole street is covered, and the light/video/music show is above you.

I love downtown, although some people don't. It's actually the more historic area of Las Vegas. Go into Mermaids casino for a different experience, where some of the slots still pay out in coins. The "mermaids" who greet you going in will hand you a raffle ticket for hourly drawings for cash. Like most casinos, if you sit down at a machine and play just a little, you can get free cocktails, but you will need to tip the waitress.

Join the players clubs (all you need is an ID card) in the casinos to get a variety of free things, from slot play to T-shirts, food deals, etc. At Binyons, joining will at least get your photo taken with a million bucks. It's silly fun, but that is what Vegas is all about.
You can definitely do Vegas on the cheap if you do a little research. There are casinos off the main strip that are worth checking out too. Check on rental car rates because they are really cheap in Vegas. That would give you lots of freedom to explore the different areas and casinos, or even take a trip out to Hoover Dam. One of those tours would definitely be worth your time and money.

The main issue, as others have said, will be the heat, but that is one reason you will surely find a great rate on a hotel room. Happy Birthday in advance!
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 07:13 AM
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How is the OP a troll? janisj, seriously, take these enmities to the Lounge.

As for nyt's, um, advice, it's par for the course. Come to Fodor's for advice, get a scolding.
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 09:30 AM
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Scratch my suggestion about rental car due to the under 25 situation.


Here's a good little website that might help: www.cheapovegas.com
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 09:57 AM
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The cheapovegas.com website has been dormant for a few years now. They're no longer updating their resort lists and information. Which is too bad, since they were pretty good for a while as a source of all things free and cheap in Vegas.

The TripAdvisor forums will be your best bet for up-to-date info on Vegas. Hit vegas.com for online coupons, event schedules, etc.

It's been so long since I've been broke in Vegas...! Vegas is no longer a place for cheap thrills, at least if you stay on the Strip. As already noted, Downtown Vegas offers cheaper lodging and Old School fun, but nowadays rooms up there will set you back more than before. And you absolutely MUST investigate resort fees at any property you book. The fees at the MGM Mirage and Caesar's/Harrah's properties cannot be negotiated away, and they can shock you at checkout.

Another problem is that you're going to be checking in on a Saturday. That first night's rate will be the highest of your stay. Unless there's a citywide convention (they happen, even in summer), which can drive up the rate for the entire stay.

Look at off-Strip motels. Even a block or two off Las Vegas Blvd., you'll find better rates. The Ellis Island Super 8 has a well-regarded BBQ & microbrewery attached to it; it's not the Bellagio, but the rooms are clean and might not break the bank. Bring comfortable shoes, since you'll be walking a lot. It sounds like you won't be renting a car, so I don't need to warn you that most MGM Mirage properties will now be charging for parking (but not the Caesar's/Harrah's resorts). Public transportation exists, but I've never used it. My husband and I typically drive or fly in from southern California and use cabs or Uber to get around otherwise.

Wherever you check in, ask for any coupon books (and free guidebooks) they might have. Sign up at every resort's Player's Club. Play the penny slots and load up on the free drinks (well booze, not incredibly strong, but did I mention they're FREE?); bring plenty of singles to tip the servers. You ONLY get the free drinks if you're playing the slots, so bring a little cash and hope your luck doesn't run out.

Drinking on the Strip can get really expensive really quick, so take advantage of Happy Hours and drink specials when you can. If you decide to splurge on a show, plan on hitting a tix4tonight.com kiosk (there's one right on the Strip!); they also offer discount coupons on restaurants. Most resorts have coffee shops and low-cost dining options onsite.

I think the upshot of all this advice is: Since you're now stuck with a trip to Vegas, scratch together as much money as you can manage, but still work on finding off-Strip lodging, depending on dining off-Strip, and focusing on free thrills on the Strip wherever you can find them. Enjoy!
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 10:06 AM
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Oh, and Vegas at night is awesome when you're young. The best clubs are open till 4 AM and you can find world-class DJs and the hottest people dancing the night away.

And the cover charges are generally astronomical. If you want in at a good nightclub, you need to dress well and pony up that entrance fee. And keep the cash flowing inside. On a popular night, you will wait in line. And wait. And wait. Unless you're on a guest list (and that's not a guarantee) or with a VIP group. Or you've got especially hot young women with you (like supermodel gorgeous).

Again, focus on off-Strip bars. You'll find some fun somewhere.
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 10:22 AM
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I took a quick spin through hotels.com, and I'm seeing pretty steep rates center-Strip for your travel dates. There might just be a citywide going on.

However, Hooters Casino Hotel (just off the Strip) is showing $47 a night. Circus Circus (north Strip) is showing $46/night. The Ellis Island Super 8 is at $50/night. Downtown properties are looking OK, with a motel called the Oasis at Gold Spike showing $37/night!

This is before ANY taxes, resort fees, other fees, etc. And these are not the cream of Vegas resorts by any means. But there you go. The few hostels they list look incredibly dodgy, but I wouldn't stay at a hostel if you paid me at this stage of my life.

Time is ticking away, but you could try signing up for offers with the major resort operators in town, specifically MGM Mirage (http://www.mgmresortsvacations.com/resorts.aspx) and Caesar's/Harrah's (https://www.totalrewards.com/hot-deals/). You never know...!
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 11:21 AM
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Try and change your dates to midweek if possible, rates are always higher on Friday and Saturday nights. That hostel does not seem to get very good reviews, if you go midweek you might be able to afford a decent place to stay.
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Old Jun 6th, 2016, 03:05 PM
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One other thing: Anyone who recommends afternoon free shows in front of Treasure Island hasn't been there in a while. The free pirate-themed shows ended in LATE 2013.

Some other free stuff that might still be available on the Strip after dark:

-- Walking around and into and out of the resorts
-- Watching the dancing fountains at Bellagio
-- Waiting for the volcano show at the Mirage
-- Trying to sneak free pictures of fake Elvis's and showgirls on the sidewalks
-- Collecting the cards for escort/massage services that guys are snapping and thrusting in your hands while you walk around
-- Gently turning down the graphic descriptions of services by working girls that aren't covered by those escort/massage service cards

Vegas can be glitzy, it can be sleazy, often simultaneously. Be prepared.
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