If we stay at a slightly off strip hotel this October, how easy is it to drive to the casinos on the strip? Is there plenty of parking? Do we have to pay to park? Also, currently posted rates in October seem rather high. That's why we're considering off-strip. How soon before the trip could I expect to find special rates?

The times we've been to LV, parking has been extremely easy to find - and I don't think there was a charge in all the garages we parked in. It was very easy to get around. October is, I think, in the middle of convention season - which would explain the high prices....

It depends on where you're staying. Boulder Highway Casinos and Green Valley Ranch are about 20-25 mins away from the strip. Lake Las Vegas is 30-35mins. The Orleans is only about 7 mins away. NW part of town Casinos (Marriott & Suncoast) are about 25 mins. Plenty of parking. Don't have to pay to park. Regarding rates, you may want to check a Las Vegas convention website that lists meetings that may be effecting rates. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com to check dates, also you could get some pretty good rates via Priceline about a week before travel.

AGree with Debi. I love to drive in Vegas. Even though strip traffic is crazy, you can get to most places by using the sidestreets and avoiding all but maybe a half block on the strip itself. Special rates usually start 2 months or so ahead of time but I'm going back in July and hotel rates have been rising pretty quickly as of late. All the local reports claim that occupancy is rising and rates go with it. Book a cancellable "backup" reservation now, and then troll for rates as the time gets closer. If nothing pops up, at least you have something secured. If a better deal comes along, just drop the previous reservation. Most bookings directly with the hotel are 100% refundable as long as you give them a couple days notice.

There aren't any big conventions the weekend we're going (Oct 10th-13th). Maybe rates will drop as the dates get closer, it's only June.

You do have some significant convention activity, Hobby, Interbike and Pack at about 60k+ total plus a few small ones. Many conventions offer rates to members before and after the actual convention so even if it's not on your exact date, occupancy may still be up. I would definitely secure a backup.