I am planning a trip to Las Vegas in August with a group of friends. We are either staying at the NY, NY or Excalibur hotel....any suggestions on which is better? Also, any ideas for things to do that are not that expensive, but are different than gambling? Please Help!!!

Of the 2 NY NY is better. Exc is packed with kids. Some rooms at NY have no windows. Why these 2? There are better places and rates in August are usually good. Mirage has a 'Friends and Family' rate of $59 (you have to ask for it, they won't tell you). Other places have deals too. Check around.

Two other hotel choices I would suggest for a group of friends in their mid 20's are the Rio and Hard Rock Hotel. While neither are on the Strip, both cater to a younger crowd and have fun pool areas.

I agree with the Hard Rock..great pool..swimup blackjack..great bars...fun crowds usually averaging in mid 20s.

Agreed..if you have a choice do not go to NYNY or Excalibur. I would look into the Mandalay Bay keeping in mind it is at the end of the strip or perhaps Paris(very nice comfy, quiet rooms) or Mirage.

Hard Rock is for your age group...there are all kinds of free things to do....Pirate fight at the T.I.--volcano at the Mirage--canals of Venice at the VEnetian..eiffel tower at Paris..Aladin has Rain every day at the Shoppes..Ceasers Palace has 2 sets of statues come to life..and a moving sky..and Planet Hollywood..check cheapovegas.com and lvol.com---ilovevegas.com---tell you all kinds of info..Rio is off the strip bt has the Voodoo Lounge and it`sswinging....go to the 24/7 diner in Hard Rock Casino and ask for the $5.99 steak & shrimp special..NO to Excalibur and other than rides NY.NY stinks....kids at both...have fun