Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone has any good advice in terms of accomodation in Las Vegas at the very start of August/end of July? We're looking at "value" accomodation - we'll be staying in hostels most of our time away, so we're not looking for 5 star luxury. Just something clean and in a decent location with a good atmosphere if possible. What sort of price range would we be looking at, and is it worth waiting until we get there due to what I assume is plentiful accomodation in Las Vegas?

Thank you - reading through this forum has been *so* informative,

Joel

I assume your schedule is somewhat flexible, so i would definately plan on being in Vegas NOT on the weekend (Sun-Thur).

Rates for the weekend at "prime" properties (although not "first class" properties, i DID read your post) will still be close to if not slightly more than $100.

Rates during Sun-Thur will likely be in the $50/room area for properties like Harrah's and Flamingo (i would recommend Flamingo).

If $50 is still over your budget, you can try places like the Casino Royal or Barbary Coast, or Imperial Palace. Note, the Barbary Coast does NOT have a pool, which you WILL want in Vegas during July/August.

You could go even cheaper at off-strip properties like AmeriSuites, Extended Stays, Terrible (yes, that's the name of a hotel) but i think you'd be best to stay ON THE STRIP, otherwise you'll be spending money on cabs and/or waiting for shuttles.

Before i'd stay "off strip" i'd stay downtown which is "old style Vegas." Best bet though is to say on the strip and visit downtown at least once. However, if you're REALLY trying to save money, stay downtown and visit the strip during the day, as lodging AND food will be much cheaper downtown. You'll probably find good rates at the Stratoshere, but i would avoid it, as you'll then be in "no mans land" (ie- not safe to wonder too far from the hotel, as well as not being either downtown or on the strip)

I'd book before you go, but check back often, even after you book, as rates change often!

Best place to find deals is in the LA Times, but this site posts the deals each week (note: most are only available Sun-Thur, and you don't need to live in LA to take advantage of the deals, just say you saw it in the LA Times):

http://govegas.about.com/bllatimes.htm?rnk=r1&terms=LA+Times+Las+Vegas

When you do some checking and find something that seems good and within your budget, post back and i'll give you my thoughts (if i have any)

Try Palace Station - it is inexpensive and located off the Strip.

Avoid weekends and especially holidays if you want to keep your costs down. There are several centrally located, decent hotels that you can book for $69 per night OR LESS. Here are a few suggestions: Treasure Island, Harrah's, Imperial Palace, Flamingo Hilton, Bally's.

If you are in for a weekend, like everyone else said, rates will go up. But you can try my old stand by, the Motel 6 Tropicana, or as I affectionately refer to it, the MGM Grand Annex, because it is right across the street from the MGM Grand. Also, it is only a block from the Tropicana and Excalibur and New York New York. Rooms are clean, and the rates are about $60 at their highest. Also there is a pool and convenience store on site. It ain't the Ritz, but leaves you with more money for gambling. Make sure to book the Motel 6 Tropicana because there are other locations around town which are off the strip and would require a car to get around.

I was in Vegas 2 weeks ago and for the second time stayed at the Quality Inn Key Largo Hotel & Casino. Weekday prices average $35.99 and Fri/Sat in the $55 range. (Book ahead and keep checking back for better rates if they quote you higher).

I stayed at Mandalay Bay 3 years ago and off course can say staying in a higher priced hotel on the strip is nice, but on a budget, Key Largo is a great deal.
The rooms are very clean, not super big like you might find at the "resort" types, but not as small as some I've been in. They have a little refrigerator in the room and some have coffee pots, which I'm sure you can request when booking. The location is nice, not seedy. They have a courtyard pool and hot tub with a tropical setting and relaxing music. The hotel provides a shuttle to the airport and Harrah's on the strip, if getting around is a concern, and the property is also on a bus line. It's a mile or so from the airport and I think about the same from the strip. Here are some pictures I took of the property, killing time before my late morning flight:
http://www.geocities.com/digitalphotography2000/key_largo_las_vegas.htm

I will also recommend against staying in the Econo Lodges in town. I stayed 1 night at the location on the south strip when I wound up in Vegas a day early with no reservations. The location is certainly less desirable and I was not pleased with the experience. I was also informed that the other Econo Lodge "downtown" was even worse than mine.

I always hear favorable things about the rooms at the Golden Nugget and on occasion you can find great bargains there. I would advise you to use a place that people recommend if possible since I have had both good and bad experiences with less expensive motels that I booked without seeing the place/area first.

Good luck!

Thanks guys. We're going to be Monday-Friday, so it sounds like we picked a good time. Would definitely rather stay on the strip - will check out places like Treasure Island